A website from the Massachusetts Historical Society; founded 1791.

Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 3

Robert Stansby to John Wilson1
Stansby, Robert Wilson, John

1637-04-17

To the Reuerent, my very loueing and much respected freinde Mr, Wilsone pastour of the congregation at Booston these deliver in new England
Reuerent and welbeloved brother in the Lord,

I wrott lately to you by my kinsman who came with Mr. Andrews of Ipswich, but now haueing so fytt an opportunity by many who come with Mr. Cutting shipp as I will not lett yt slipp ouer, in token of my loue and desyre to heare of you, and the rather I am willing to putt penn to paper in regard of some thing that haue lately fallen out amongst vs.

Mr. Morgan is now dead and I hope at rest with the Lord, our ministers who haue yet ther liberty are in great danger of losing yt all over the lands Of them I haue lately hard much and so much as I cannot but grieue for yt (yf yt be true not without cause) especially these 3 particulars.

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1. That ther is great diuision of Iudgement in matter of religion amongst good ministers and people which moued Mr. Hooker to remoue now we see that yt is Christ speeche, a kingdome diuided, etc.

2. That many of the ministers are much sleighted with you, insomuch as although you want ministers (as some wright) yet some amongst you worke with ther hands being not called to any place, as Mr. Burdett of Yarmouth etc.

Others laye downe ther ministery and become priuate members, as Mr. Bacheler, Mr. Jenner, and Mr. Nathan. Ward etc. that which grieue me most your selfe much sleighted of whose faythfullnesse, gifts and diligence I and many others haue had so much experience.

3. That you are so strict in admission of members to your church, that more then one halfe are out of your church in all your congregations, and that Mr. Hooker before he went away preached against yt (as one report who hard hym) (and he saith) now although I knowe all must not be admytted yet this may do much hurt, yf one come amongst you of another minde, and they should ioyne with hym.

Good Sir I pray giue a true, playne and longe answere, for I assure you ther is now so much talke of yt, and such certeyne truth of yt, as I know many of worth, for outward estate and abilty for wisdome and grace are much danted from comeing. I wish you well, and much longe for your priuiledges. what the Lord haue determined I know not. I desyre to wayte vpon hym for his direction. My wife and I do hartily salute you and Mrs. Wilson and your familyes and so for this tyme I commytt you to the Lord and rest Your loueing true frend

R. Stansby Aprill 17, 1637

Old Mr. Hall is yet liueing but silenced, a letter from Mr. Cotton to hym would chere hym vp in his old dayes, but howsoever I pray remember my respect to hym.

I being putt from my parsonage do not well know wher I shall liue: but I pray direct your letter to Mr. Gurdon of Assington.

1.

W. 3. 4; 4 Collections , VII. 10–11.