134 CONNECTICUT’S INFLUENCE 
tempered by the fine tact and moderation of Winthrop 
and Cotton. Winthrop’s view of such matters was 
interesting and suggestive. In substance it was as 
follows: Here we are in the wilderness, a band of 
exiles who have given up all the comforts of our old 
homes, all the tender associations of the land we love 
best, in order to found a state according to a precon- 
ceived ideal in which most of us agree. We believe 
it to be important that the members of a Christian 
commonwealth should all hold the same opinions re- 
garding essentials, and of course it is for us to deter- 
mine what are essentials. If people who have come 
here with us hold different views, they have made a 
great mistake and had better go back to England. 
But if, holding different views, they still wish to remain 
in America, let them leave us in peace, and going 
elsewhere, found communities according to their con- 
ceptions of what is best. We do not wish to quarrel 
with them, but we will tell them plainly that they can- 
not stay here. Is there not, in this vast wilderness, 
enough elbow-room for many God-fearing communities? 
It was in accordance with this policy that when 
the first Congregational church was organized at 
Salem, two gentlemen who disapproved of the pro- 
ceedings were sent on board ship and carried back to 
England. And again, when profound offence had 
been taken at certain things said by Roger Williams . 
and there was some talk of sending him to England, 
he was privately notified by Winthrop that if he would 
retire to some place beyond the Company’s jurisdic- 
tion, such as Narragansett Bay, he need not fear 
molestation. This was virtually banishment, though 
not so sharp and harsh as that which was visited upon 
