Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 2
1629-11-10
After my returne home from yow, I fell into disquiett with my selfe; thinkinge that I came short, in giueinge yow satisfacion concerninge that poynt, propounded by yow of so maine importance, (vizt) whether I had absolutelie resolued to master my desires, and conuersacion, and to liue vnder the Hierarchie of your church and ciuill gouerment, purposed and concluded among your selues. Which consideracion hath principallie vrged these troblesome lines; to giue, vnder my owne hand, a testimonie of my selfe; That from the verie first birth of my resolucion, to serve in this busines, I firmelie and vnmoueablie determined, and still and euer, (the grace of god assistinge me) shall determine, to giue vp all my faculties, and powers both of soule, and bodie, instruments, weapons and ministers to serue yow in that vnitie bond, and waie of pietie, and deuocion, which your selues shall imbrace, and insue: And so farr I besiche yow let me be, from beinge suspected of obstinacie or non conformitie, that yow would be pleased to vnderstand, that I much comfort my selfe, in the grace of him, that is master and giuer of all grace and power, that I shall be an example, and true light to continue manie refractaries in flexibilitie, and obedience, oh, if I obtaine the happines, to laye but one stone in the foundacion of this new Syon, I shalbe rauished with high content. And for the sinceritie of my heart, in these conclucions, I appeale, not onlie to earth, but to him that made both heauen and earth. Sir we haue been much startled with 167the vncertaine report of the restraint, of diuers most honorable personages, the cause not know