Lucius R. Paige, History of Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1630-1877, with a genealogical register

The Deputyes haveing read a paper of scurilous verses presented & subscribed by Benanel Bower, now in Cambridge prison, wherein the honord Mr. Danforth by name & others are defamed, they judge it no less than duty to call the sd Bower to give an account thereof, & to that end that a warrant be issued out from this Court to the Marshall Genll to bring or cause to be brought the sd Bower before this Court on the morrow by four of the clock, & not to fayle, & desire or honord Magists consent thereto.

The magistrates on further consideration doe judge meet that Benanull Bowers be severely whipt wth twenty stripes, or pay the fine of five pounds mony. The Magists have past this wth reference to their brethren the Deputies hereto consenting. 7 of June 1677.

I, John Danforth,¹ aged about 16 years, testify that on the 24th of June last past, being Sabbath day, after the pronunciation of the blessing in conclusion of that day's exercise, Benanuel Bowers, standing forth upon one of the benches in public view of the assembly, began to speak unto them. Then the Reverend Mr. Oakes interrupted him and told him that if he had any exception to make against what himself had delivered he should give him liberty so to do, provided he did it on a week day and not on the Sabbath, alleging that it was not the custom of the church. This notwithstanding, the said Benanuel proceeded in his speech. Whereupon the constables were required to carry him the said Bowers out of the Assembly by the worshipful Major Gookin, and he the said Bowers commanded silence. Nevertheless he proceeded in his speech, saying that he was very grievously oppressed and slandered by Magistrate Danforth, and desired the church to take notice thereof and single out such of themselves as might take cognizance of his great affliction, using that for a motive, that he that did him the wrong was a member