A website from the Massachusetts Historical Society; founded 1791.

Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 3

86
Roger Williams to John Winthrop1
Williams, Roger Wintrhop, John

1632-07

For the right Worshipfull John Wintrop Esqr. Governour of the English in Massachusetts
Plymouth Much honoured and beloved in Christ Jesu,

Your Christian acceptation of our Cup of cold water is a blessed Cup of wine, strong and pleasant to our wearied spirits. Only let me craue a word of Explanation: among other pleas for a young Councellour (which I feare will be too light in the ballance of the holy One) you argue from 25 in a Church Elder: tis a ridle as yet to me whether you meane any Elder in these New English churches, or (which I belieue not) old English, disorderly functions, from whence our Jehovah of armies more and more redeemed his Israell or the Levites who serued from 25 to 50: Numb: 8. 24: or my selfe, but a child in euery thing (though in Christ called and persecuted euen in and out of my fathers howse these 20 yeares) I am no Elder in any church, no more nor so much as your worthy selfe, nor euer shall be if the Lord please to graunt my desires, that I may intend what I long after, the Natiues Soules: and yet if I at present were, I should be in the dayes of my vanitie neerer vpwards of 30 then 25: or whether Timothie or Titus be in thought etc., at your leasure I craue interpretation. Sorry I am since Rationalls so much circumround and trouble you, that bestiale quid (and mine especially) should come neere you: but since the Lord of heaven is Lord of Earth allso, and you follow him as a deare child I thanckfully acknowledge your care and loue about the cattell, and further entreate if you may (as you giue me incouragement) procure the whole of that second, and let me know how and how much payment will be here accepted, or in mony in England. The Lord Jesus be with your spirit and your dearest one (and mine) in their extremities to you both and all the Saints our due remembrances. Yours in all vnfeyned and brotherly affections

Roger Williams Ca. July, 1632

The brethren salute you.

You lately sent musick to our eares when we heard you perswaded (and that effectually and successfully) our beloved Mr. Nowell to surrender vp one sword: and that you were preparing to seeke the Lord further: a dutie not so frequent with Plymmouth as formerly: but Spero meliora.

1.

W. 2. 95; 4 Collections , VI. 184–185. For Williams, see D.A.B. For the occasion of this letter, see Journal, I. 83; also printed in D.J.W. , entries for July 1632 .