The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1833-08-07


ties full and patient hearing.
"Concerning William Harris his book
aud speeches upon IL, we find therein
delivered, rs for doctrine. having much
bowed the scriptures to maintain. "that
he that can say it rs his conscience.
ought not TO yield subjec,ion to any hu-
man or der amongst men," Whereas
the said Harris hath been charged for
the said book and words, with high
treason and inasmuch as we being SO
remote from England, cannot he so well
nc quainted in the Laws thereof in that
behalf provided-as the State nov
stands-,hough we cannot but conclude
his beha,i Jour therein to be both contemp-
tuous aud seditious-we thought best
therefore to send over his writing with
the charge. and his reply, to Mr.. John
Clarke-desiring him to commend the
matter, in our, and the Commonwealth
behalf. for further judgement. as he shall
see the cause require-and in the mean
time to bind the said Harris in good
bonds to tho good behaviour until their
sentence DO known"
GTThose were the days Of inexperi-
ence however, and if Harris was repre-
hensible for promulsating dangerous
principles and opinions, Mr.. Williams
was also wrong in his proposed remedy |!
that OF prefering an indictment against
him for high treason. Mr.. Harris had
a right to his own opinions. and ought
not to have been made legally accounta-
bio for them, us such. If Mr.. Harris
had put his theory in practice, by resist
ing or defeating the law-th then-and not
till then, would his offence have been
proper subject Of judicial punishment.
This year the Colony Of Plymouth
laid claim to the Island of Hog Island
in the Township Of fPorttmouth as part
ofPlymouth Colony. The Government
of this Colony resisted the claim, and a
joint commission or reference was insti-
tu.ed to issue the matter.
~But said Mr.. Williams, "That ever 1
should speak or write tittlo that tends to
such an Infinite liberty Of consci ience is mis-
take, and which have ever disclaimed and
abhored. To prevent such mistakes at
present shall only propose this case.-There
goes many ships to sea, with many hundred
souls in one ship, whose ,weal and woe is
common and is true picture Of common.
wealth or human combination or Society.
IL hath fallen out sometimes that both Pap.
lists and Protesta nts, Jews end Turks, may
be embarked in one ship, upon which su2po.
sal, affirm that all the liberty Of consc nee
that ever pleaded for, turns upon these two
hinges.
That none Of the Paptists Protestants
Jews or Turks be forced to come to the
ships prayers or worship nor compelled
from their our particular prayers or wor.
ships If they practice any further add
that never denied that Notwithstanding
this liberty, the commander of the ship
ough, to command the ships course. yea
and also command that justice peace g.
sobrlety 10 be kept, and practiced, both
among the seamen and all the passen-
gers, ifaDy ofths scamen refuse to per-
form their service, or passengers to pay
their freight if any refuse to help in
person or purse towards the common
charges or defence, if any refuse to obey
the common laws and orders of the shin
concerning their common pence or pre-
servation, ifany shall meeting and rise
up against their comm anders and officers
IT any should preach or write that there
ought to be no commanders or officers
because all are equal in Christ, therefore
no musters nor officers no laws or orders
no correction nor punishment. / say
never denied but in such cases whatever
10 pretended, the commander or com.
manders may judge, resist, compel and
punish such transgressors. according to
their deserts and merits. This il seri-
ously nnd honestly minded may ifit so
pleassthe Father Of lights let some light
to such as willingly shut not their eyes.
l remain studious of your common peace
and liberty. ROGER WILLIAMS.