Ecclesiastical History. 17 



endeavors to promote their views ; and probably in some instances 

 might not have expressed that respect for the constituted authori- 

 ties to which their character entitled them. The most superficial 

 reader, however, may discover in the conduct of the deputy gov- 

 ernor something of the spirit of bigotry which was, unfortunately, 

 too often allowed to affect the judgments of the wisest and best 

 of men at that time, and which operated very much to the injury 

 of those who entertained more liberal opinions in politics and 

 religion. The deputies, although conscious of the disorder which 

 such principles might cause in the community, did not feel so 

 strong a disregard of the motives of the people of Hiugham, 

 which impelled them to the course which they pursued, as to in- 

 duce them to consent to impose on them heavy fines, without 

 great reluctance. 



The deputy governor appears to have been very sensitive on 

 the subject of innovations upon the authority of government, and 

 strongly bent, not only upon punishing, but desirous of publicly 

 disgracing the " profane " people of Hingham. He seems to have 

 " engulphed Bible, Testament, and all, into the common law," as 

 authority for the severe measures which were taken to mortify 

 their feelings and to check the spread of principles so democratic 

 in their tendency, and so dangerous to the interests of the com- 

 monwealth. Accordingly, we find that the magistrates sent to 

 Mr. Hobart to forbear delivering a discourse on the occasion of 

 the marriage of one of his church, at Boston, among other rea- 

 sons, " because he was a bold man, and would speak his mind." 



The effect of this controversy does not appear to have been 

 ultimately injurious to the most conspicuous individuals engaged 

 in it. Mr. Hobart, the pastor of Hingham, enjoyed the esteem 

 of his people, and as has been before remarked, was relieved 

 from the severe penalties which he incurred, by the liberality of 

 the people of the town. His brother Joshua was afterwards 

 frequently a deputy, and in 1674 he was honored by an election 

 to the office of Speaker to the House of Deputies. 



It is to be admitted that the excitement necessarily caused by 

 the agitation of this business served to retard the growth and 

 prosperity of the town ; and while the effects of the displeasure 

 of the government were operating to its injury, many of the in- 

 habitants removed to other places. 



The affairs of the church were apparently in a peaceable and 

 prosperous condition after the conclusion of this troublesome af- 

 fair. Nothing of importance occurred until the declining strength 

 of the venerable pastor necessitated the settlement of a succes- 

 sor in the person of Mr. John Norton, in 1678. Mr. Hobart was 

 now in his seventy-fifth year, and he had served this people faith- 

 fully and with marked ability for over forty-three years. 



VOL. I. — 2* 



