America and West Indies: February 1642 | British History Online

Page 323

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 1, 1574-1660. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1860.

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Citation:

February 1642



Feb. 8. Brooke House.	Minutes of a Court for Providence Island. Concerning Mr. Churchman's tobacco, and the debts of the Company. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., p. 393.]
Feb. 28. Somers Islands.	94. Richard Norwood to the Governor and Company of Adventurers to the Somers Islands. Detailed account of disagreements between himself and other ministers of the church, because he conceives that "the manner of catechising all sorts of men and women, especially believers, that have by their lives given good testimony of their faith," is neither fit nor lawful. Argues upon this doctrine at considerable length. Acknowledges with thankfulness the favours he has received from the Company. When he went over four years ago, the times were dangerous in England, by reason of the many innovations of the bishops in religion; "the Lord be blessed for that happy reformation, which we hear and hope of;" and he was then in danger of being called in question, which caused him to solicit his present employment. Has generally about 24 scholars; begs that his stipend may be continued. The ministers, especially Nathaniel White, have had main sway in the government the past year, Capt. Wil. Sayle, the Governor, being wholly guided by them, "whereby we have seen an experiment here of that which very few, I suppose, in England have seen, namely, of the superiority or government of ministers, or an assembly of ministers, esteeming the government to be theirs who have the most sway in it." Supposes they will hear many complaints of arbitrary proceedings, though many are gone with Captain Chaddock to Trinidad. The ministers have gone to such lengths as to "make a man quite out of love with the government of the clergy, as they are called." From Sept. 1640, till Dec. 1641, no news had reached them of English affairs. Has set down true copies of letters, and all other passages of moment laid to his charge. [Twenty-three pages.]