"I know not why I should deny the truth," answered Joy.

"Remand the prisoner, and clear the court-room," cried the President;
and Joy was accordingly led out, followed by the spectators.

As soon as the members of the Court were left to themselves, Winthrop
began to collect the opinions of the Assistants, commencing with the
youngest, who were placed most remote from him. At first, a
considerable diversity of sentiment prevailed, several seeming
disposed to discredit Timpson, and to acquit Joy. They pronounced
their opinions shortly and pithily, giving their reasons in a few
words, until it came to Spikeman's turn, who spoke more at length.

"The vice," he said, "of backbiting godly ministers, and maligning
magistrates, had risen, in consequence of the mistaken leniency of the
Court, to an alarming height, so as to threaten the very foundations
of their government. There was not a Satan-instigated railing
Rabsheka, who did not now have his daily fling at the servants of the
Lord, engaged in much tribulation in planting his vineyard, and there
were many saints who were already calling out, O Lord, how long! They
had themselves just been witnesses of the audacity, wherewith, in the
very presence of the right worshipful Governor, and the worshipful
Assistants, the prisoner had assumed to sit in judgment upon a member
of the congregation, and to foul him with abuse. Never had he dared to
exhibit such topping insolence, had he not supposed himself supported
by a mutinous spirit from without. It was a dangerous spirit which, if
inflamed by indulgence, would become a deadly boil to poison the whole
body politic. Prick therefore the imposthume at once, and, like wise
surgeons, let out the offensive matter. He was not surprised at the
indignation of the worthy Deputy. It was a zeal unto godliness, and