The speech was met, mostly, with approval. Nevertheless, a few objectors led by Jarret Ormsby were seen huddled outside at the end of the meeting. Their primary complaint was that, in their perception, the reverend had displayed “antinomian” sentiment.
Mr. Bleasdell returned home the day after the meeting of the selectmen. It was not long before the rumors began to blow in his direction as Jarret Ormsby cornered him in town one day. “Mr. Bleasdell, I fear that Reverend Nicolas Worcester may be of the same faction as one Anne Hutchinson, as he is surely teaching antinomianism, which, as you know, is frowned on by the Colony.”
“What evidence is there on which to base your accusations?” asked Mr. Bleasdell angrily.
“Well, ah . . . er, well, if you had been there to listen to his speech, you too would have been convinced,” asserted Jarret.
“I have not the time for this, Jarret,” grimaced Mr. Bleasdell. “What is more, it is not your usual practice to concern yourself with such matters. What is the reason for your sudden interest in what Reverend Worcester is teaching?”
Jarret mumbled on about it being his duty to bring this to the attention of the town. However, after coming to the realization that Mr. Bleasdell took no interest in the conversation, he excused himself and hurried off.
A little while later, Mr. Bleasdell, as he was on his way to call on George Carr, met up with Morris Foster.
“Good day to you, Mr. Bleasdell, and did you have a successful trip?” inquired Mr. Foster.
“It was fine until such time as I returned home only to be bombarded by someone with complaints regarding what took place in the meeting last night!” exclaimed Mr. Bleasdell.
“Yes, I am aware that there was some dissention over the meeting. Some people have nothing better to do than to stir up trouble,” grimaced Mr. Foster.
“You are right about that, but I am a little concerned that this person might try to make a mountain out of this particular molehill,” replied Mr. Bleasdell.
“If you truly desire to have a voice in such matters, it is essential that you take your ‘oath’ as soon as possible. Once you have done so, it will be acceptable for you to become a selectman. We are in need of sensible people like you at the meetings. What has been the reason for your delay?” asked Mr. Foster.
“Time has not allowed for it as yet,” replied Mr. Bleasdell. “But it is my desire to do so very soon. Mr. Foster, I must speak with Mr. Carr so I shall take my leave.”
“All right Mr. Bleasdell. When last I saw him he was over at the church.”
“Thank you, Mr. Foster.”
Upon his arrival, Mr. Bleasdell was pleased to find Mr. Carr in the back of the church conversing with Reverend Worcester.
“Good afternoon, Reverend Worcester and Mr. Carr. It shall not be long now, Reverend, before we will hear the new church bell calling all to come to worship. You must be very eager to hold service in the new building rather than the little meeting house,” said Mr. Bleasdell.
“Yes, I am so looking forward to it,” answered Reverend Worcester.
“I am sorry to interrupt the two of you, but I am in need of a brief consult with Mr. Carr. However, if this is an inopportune time, I shall speak with him later,” said Mr. Bleasdell.
“No, no, now is fine. We were just finishing up with our business,” answered Reverend Worcester. “I shall take my leave. Good day, Mr. Bleasdell, Mr. Carr.”
Mr. Bleasdell and Mr. Carr had been friendly acquaintances ever since their first meeting. Mr. Bleasdell began by explaining to Mr. Carr many things pertaining to Christopher’s life and experiences. He expressed a hope that he might have use for him in the ferry service. He concluded the conversation by telling him, “He is an exceptionally honest and industrious young man.”
“Mr. Bleasdell, it appears that I would do well to become acquainted with this Christopher Osgood. Furthermore, I may, indeed, have use for him on the island,” replied Mr. Carr, fully confident in Mr. Bleasdell’s recommendation.
“There is another matter I should like to discuss with you regarding the Freeman’s Oath. Will you consider fulfilling this obligation during the next quarterly court session? Once completed, any barriers for me in recommending you for the board of selectmen shall be removed. I have long held the opinion that it would be a good thing for the town if you were to hold a seat on the board,” expressed Mr. Carr.
“I am honored by your wish to recommend me,” maintained Mr. Bleasdell. “I had intended to take it long before now. Thus, I shall attend the next quarterly session at Ipswich to fulfill my obligation.”
“Perhaps I shall accompany you to Ipswich for the purpose of meeting with Christopher Osgood,” suggested Mr. Carr.
“That is an excellent proposal, but I have kept you too long,” replied Mr. Bleasdell. “We shall soon confirm our plans to travel to Ipswich.”
“Agreed, and thank you for recommending Christopher to me,” replied Mr. Carr.
Mr. Bleasdell was met by Mr. Foster, once again, as he was returning home. “Mr. Foster, I believe there is a conspiracy between you and Mr. Carr to get me on the board of selectmen,” he said with a chuckle.
“Who me?” laughed Morris. “I shall own to it. I suggested you as a candidate for selectmen. I believe that this town deserves a good start with dependable men leading it. You, Mr. Bleasdell, are one of those very men of whom I speak. Though I have held only a short acquaintance with you, I am convinced that you are also a man of excellent character. What is more, my wife and I are visited regularly by a little songbird who is always singing the praises of Mr. Ralph Bleasdell and his good wife, Elizabeth.”
“Madeline is a great friend and rather like a daughter to us, but at times, a little too generous with her compliments,” he replied. “I can only hope to live up to such a reputation.”
Chapter 7
The “Oath”/Accusations Refuted
* * *
The Ipswich County Court was holding its quarterly session as Mr. Bleasdell and Mr. Carr were arriving. It was not long before Mr. Bleasdell had taken his “Oath of a Freeman,” and they were making their way out of the court. The other business that they had in mind to attend to was for Mr. Carr and Christopher Osgood to become acquainted.
Christopher was uninformed of their arrival in town and was taken quite by surprise upon seeing Mr. Bleasdell standing at his door. “Mr. Bleasdell, what are you doing here?” asked Christopher, with great excitement while grasping Mr. Bleasdell’s shoulders and shaking him half out of his boots.
“Christopher, I have good news!” he exclaimed as he shuffled Mr. Carr up to shake hands. “This is Mr. George Carr of Carr’s Island.”
“I am pleased to finally make your acquaintance. This gentleman has nothing but the highest praise for you,” said Mr. Carr as he motioned to Mr. Bleasdell. “I am developing a ferry service between Newbury, Carr’s Island, and Colechester, and I am still in need of additional men to assist me in this vast undertaking. We have also begun building vessels to convey the town’s staves to the West Indies. Have you any interest in coming to Colechester to work?”
“Indeed I do!” exclaimed Christopher, with excitement. “I have been in prayer about it from the time when Mr. Bleasdell had occasion on his last visit to share with me the possibility of working for you. I should like for you and Mr. Bleasdell to lodge here tonight. Perhaps we can discuss it further. Come in and make yourself at home.”
***
As the three men were saying their goodbyes the following morning, Mr. Carr said, “Come as soon as you have everything settled. I have accommodations for you upon your arrival to the island.”
“Very well. I am much obliged,” replied Christopher, assuring Mr. Carr that he would see him within a fortnight.
With that, Mr. Bleasdell and Mr. Carr set off for home. They traveled by way of the ocean around Plum Island on in to Colechester.
Once there, Mr. Carr remarked, “Mr. Bleasdell, as soon as I can get the ferry up and running, there wil
l be a more direct route to travel between Ipswich and Colechester.”
Mr. Bleasdell smiled and nodded in agreement.
***
Elizabeth and Mr. Bleasdell embraced each other the moment he arrived while Henry stood between them bellowing, “What about me!” to which his father and mother gave a loud chuckle.
Mr. Bleasdell scooped him up, squeezed him tight, and asked, “Did you miss me, little man? I have not been gone very long. I am sure that you and Madeline have been far too busy with your own adventures to think of me.”
Madeline, not wanting to appear too anxious, waited a while before inquiring, “Did you call on Christopher while you were in Ipswich?”
Mr. Bleasdell, desiring to use discretion, gave a halfhearted response, “Certainly. I would not visit Ipswich without stopping in to see Christopher.”
Hoping for more information, Madeline ventured another question. “And was he in good health?”
Mr. Bleasdell answered, “Oh, just fine, just fine.”
It was at this point in the conversation that Elizabeth sensed Madeline’s frustration at the lack of information she gleaned from Mr. Bleasdell. “Mr. Bleasdell,” said Elizabeth, in a stern voice but playful expression on her face, “tell Madeline all that you have learned regarding Christopher.”
Madeline, though happy she might finally learn more, was a little embarrassed that she had been so obvious.
Desiring a way out of answering any more questions, Mr. Bleasdell decided he would do well to excuse himself and go out of doors before he divulged too much. “Well, that is about all I know, dear,” he stated as he got up to leave.
***
A few days had passed when Mr. Foster came by to inform Mr. Bleasdell of his confirmation, by general consent, to the board of selectmen.
“This is an awesome responsibility. May God grant me the wisdom to know His will as I exercise my duties. I am obliged to you for coming by to inform me of the decision.”
“Well, I have other news, the nature of which is serious,” said Mr. Foster, with a grim look on his face. “I dislike having to inform you of this so soon after your confirmation, but it cannot be avoided. Just as you feared, Jarret Ormsby and a few others have brought accusations against Reverend Worcester. They are charging him with embracing antinomian beliefs and are requesting that we discharge him from his duties.”
“Heaven help us!” exclaimed Mr. Bleasdell as he sat down on a log. “I was afraid of this.”
“I must say that you displayed great insight regarding this situation. I am aware that this is extremely short notice, but the meeting regarding this situation is tonight,” said Mr. Foster.
“I shall be in attendance,” assured Mr. Bleasdell.
The meeting was about to begin when Jarret demanded that he be allowed to speak. After the moderator, Mr. Carr, acknowledged him, he commenced with his accusations:
We are all aware of the banishment and excommunication of one Anne Hutchinson for her antinomian views. I am of the opinion that Reverend Worcester shares her beliefs. Are we going to allow such heretical notions to permeate our town just as the General Court has granted us incorporated status? To do so would jeopardize our standing in the Colony. If anyone has any doubt that what I have said is true, we need no further proof than that of his own words put forth in his speech at the last meeting of the selectmen. As you may recall, he spoke of doing away with the works by which we adhere to the moral law.
As Jarret concluded his discourse, the moderator inquired, “Is there anyone who would speak in defense of Reverend Nicolas Worcester?”
Mr. Morris Foster stood up to speak; after which, the moderator instructed him to come to the podium. He argued:
Jarret would have us believe that upon hearing Reverend Worcester’s speech, one may only come away with a single conclusion. Let me say that I emphatically disagree with Jarret Ormsby’s analysis of the aforementioned speech. In as much as Reverend Worcester made no mention of a moral law, he could not have been aligning himself with the view that we are not required by God to observe a moral law. More accurately, it should be concluded that he was simply putting forth the biblical view of salvation and that it is not acquired by good works. It was his desire that we understand that good works should be a testament to our salvation, not a means by which it may be achieved. Furthermore, it is my opinion that Jarret Ormsby may have had a vindictive motive for bringing this charge. I happened upon a confrontation between Jarret and Reverend Worcester, quite by accident, in which Jarret was receiving a verbal chastisement for displaying improper behavior toward the ladies of our town. After which, Jarret has chosen to be absent from our Sunday services. I do not make a practice of making such a thing public, but the character of our beloved reverend is being called in to question. For this reason, I believe that all matters pertinent to the situation should be divulged at this time.
A strange silence fell over the room as Mr. Foster concluded with his assessment of the situation.
“Thank you, Mr. Foster. Is there anyone else who would speak?” asked the moderator.
The meeting continued for another hour with both sides of the argument having representation. Mr. Carr, at last, called the meeting to a vote. After which, the tally came out in favor of Reverend Nicolas Worcester.
Upon hearing the results of the vote, Jarret stomped out of the meetinghouse in disgrace, as his secret chastisement had been exposed, and he had failed at his attempt to be rid of Reverend Worcester.
Mr. Bleasdell, Mr. Foster, and Mr. Carr remained a while as the others exited the meeting.
“Mr. Foster, I am obliged to you for speaking up. I believe that what you expressed turned the tide in the reverend’s favor,” said Mr. Carr.
“I simply communicated what I know to be true. However, I regret having to expose Jarret in such a public way,” he replied, in an apologetic tone.
“Having been absent from the meeting in question, I could make no defense so I quietly entreated the Lord on Reverend Worcester’s behalf,” informed Mr. Bleasdell.
“As moderator, it is my duty to deliver the good news to Reverend Worcester. I would welcome the company if either of you should desire to come along,” said Mr. Carr.
“I thank you but I must decline, as I am expected at home,” replied Mr. Bleasdell, with Mr. Foster nodding in agreement.
“Very well,” replied Mr. Carr. “However, there is another matter I wish to discuss with you regarding a trip to Salem, but I shall wait for a more convenient time.”
***
Early the next morning, Jarret spied Madeline proceeding toward Emma’s house. Desiring not to draw attention to himself, he waited around the side of his house for her departure from the Foster’s home.
While he waited, he thought, I need to make known to her that she has become the object of my affections before she is made aware of what was disclosed in last night’s meeting regarding my chastisement. If at a later point in time it becomes known to her, I will simply claim it to be a vicious rumor.
By and by, he observed Madeline strolling past his home; thus, he quickly made his way in her direction. “Good day to you, Miss Maddie, and how are you this fine day?”
She answered, “I am fine, Jarret Ormsby, but I cannot speak with you now as I have long been expected at home.”
“As you wish. I shall wait until tomorrow to come calling,” replied Jarret.
“Well, ah . . . I have to work with Henry on his studies tomorrow. It would not be a good day to call,” Madeline called over her shoulder as she made a hasty escape.
Furious that he had been evaded, Jarret thought, I shall not continue to be put off.
Chapter 8
Adventures on Carr’s Island/An Unexpected Meeting/The Misunderstanding
* * *
Mrs. Bridget Dudly and Madeline met early one morning for a day of adventure and exploring on Carr’s Island. “Madeline, are you ready to be off?” inquired Bridget excitedly as she entered the door to the Ble
asdell’s home.
“Elizabeth, are you sure that you can do without me today?” asked Madeline, with a twinge of guilt in her voice.
“Madeline, you and Bridget go and have a good time. You deserve a day to yourselves,” said Elizabeth, with an encouraging smile.
“Very well,” replied Madeline as she and Bridget departed.
“Be careful,” called Elizabeth after her.
Bridget, scarcely able to contain her excitement, explained to Madeline that her husband, John, had arranged for them to take a canoe across to the island. “His friend, Charles Banister, negotiated a good trade with an Indian in which he acquired a canoe. Mr. Carr is regularly carried out by Charles to and from the island. Are you aware that Mr. Carr is going to start a ferry service for the residents of Colechester and the surrounding towns?”
“No, I have not heard of it until now,” replied Madeline joyfully. “But that will be wonderful. It will be much easier to travel across the river and then over land to Ipswich.”
Lost Love and Shipwrecked: Madeline Pike Finds Hope in the New Land Page 4
