For forty years after the death of Governor Saltonstall, nothing regarding the Rogerenes appears on the records of either of the three courts. Yet there is abundant evidence that these people are steadfastly continuing in the faith and practices of their sect, holding their own meetings, in New London, Groton and elsewhere, preaching their purely scriptural doctrines, and publishing books in defense of their principles. Although not presented before the County Court in this period, they are (as shown by the writings of John Rogers, 2d, and John Bolles) frequently disturbed by the town magistrates, who deal with them “at their own discretion.” That entrance into the meeting-house was a last resort is shown by its extreme infrequency as compared with the more or less constant and severe aggravations to which they are subjected. The only evidence of virulent measures in this period is the pitiless scourging inflicted by Norwich authorities (1725) upon the Sunday party on their way to Lebanon. (See Part I., Chapter I.) The officers and others concerned in this proceeding appear to have been members of the Norwich church, from which, as has been seen, were wont to issue pursuers of the Rogerenes.[143]
This may account for the traditions credited by Miss Caulkins of some sort of entrance into that church. (“History of Norwich.”) It is possible that attacks from this church were only to be held in check by some significant warning; but that there was any disturbance of meeting seems disproven by absence of any court record to that effect. The law regarding disturbance of meeting is very explicit, calling for presentation before the County Court.
If any person shall come to any church or congregation, either established or allowed by the laws of this colony, and disquiet and disturb the same, such person or persons upon proof thereof before any assistant or justice of the peace, by two sufficient witnesses, shall be bound in £50 for appearance at next County Court, and in default of same to be committed to prison to remain until sitting of said court, and upon conviction of said offence shall suffer the penalty of £20.
The following from the “Hempstead Diary” shows an imprisonment of one or more Rogerenes at this period, and, in consequence, a Rogerene attendance in Congregational church. The speaking appears to have been so timid as not to disturb the services.