Chapter III

Truth and falsehood. Toleration not the word. The most 51-60
calumniated person in the world. “Blessed are ye when men
shall persecute and revile you.” John Rogers and his
followers would seem entitled to this blessing.
Inexcusable misstatements made by Mr. McEwen. Cause of the
divorce of John Rogers and Elizabeth Griswold as stated by
their son, John Rogers, 2d. A shining exception to the
erroneous statements of historians in general, on this
subject, shown in a quotation from Saulisbury Family
Histories. Singularly absurd statement by Rev. Mr.
Saltonstall quoted by Mr. McEwen. Similar statement by
Peter Pratt. Reply of John Rogers, 2d, to the same, giving
some account of his father’s sufferings on account of his
religion. Quotations from Trumbull indicating some of the
fines imposed upon the Rogerenes on account of their
religious persuasion. Mr. Saltonstall “a great man”
according to Bible text as well as by statements of
historians

CHAPTER IV.

Quotation from Peter Pratt’s calumnious work and quotations 61-72
from Reply of John Rogers, 2d, to same, giving account of
the forced separation of John Rogers from his first wife,
his marriage to Mary Ransford and his forced separation
from her. Verses by Peter Pratt. Verses by John Rogers,
2d, in reply to the same. Tribute of Peter Pratt to the
character of his half brother, John Rogers, 2d. Tribute to
same by Miss Caulkins

CHAPTER V.

“Nine and twenty knives.” Rev. Gurdon Saltonstall, author of 73-80
a plot for the purpose of incarcerating John Rogers for
life. John Roger’s account of this plot and the barbarous
punishments inflicted upon him in consequence. The purpose
to send him to Hartford prison as a lunatic. His escape to
Long Island. Copy of “Hue and Cry” sent after him. Crime
of charging sane persons with insanity for malign purpose

CHAPTER VI.

Strictures on a Discourse delivered by Rev. Thomas P. Field 81-97
of “The First Church of Christ” of New London, 1870.
Quotations from the work of John Bolles, entitled “True
Liberty of Conscience is in Bondage to no Flesh.” Account
of John Bolles by his biographer. The unceasing efforts of
the Rogerenes, from first to last, in the cause of
religious liberty must, of necessity, have aided that
cause in Connecticut. Deacon John Bolles, of Hartford,
grandson of John Bolles and brother of Rev. David Bolles.
Tribute to Deacon John Bolles by Dr. Turnbull, in 1856.
Judge David Bolles, son of Rev. David Bolles and author of
“The Baptist Petition.” The Bolleses Bonapartes in the
contest for religious liberty. Frederick D. Bolles, first
editor of the _Hartford Times_, established in 1817. The
subject of religious freedom its main topic. Quotations
concerning this paper, its editor Frederick D. Bolles, and
the associate editor, John M. Niles

CHAPTER VII.

Further comments on the Half-Century Sermon of Rev. Mr. 98-120
McEwen. Posterity of the Rogerenes. Mention of prominent
citizens of New London of Rogerene descent. Lawyers,
ministers, and physicians of this descent. Non-employment
of physicians by the Rogerenes. Anecdote concerning Joshua
Bolles of Bolles Hill. Mention of professors, wealthy
merchants, brokers, artists, editors, authors, and
teachers of Rogerene descent. Tribute to the memory of the
author’s sister, Delight Rogers Bolles. The “First Church
of Christ” removed to a new location called at the time
“Bolles Hill.” The Petrified Fern.—An obituary notice of
John Rogers Bolles, author of “A Vindication of the
Rogerenes”

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PART II.

THE GREAT LEADERSHIP.

1637-1721.

CHAPTER I. (1637-1675.)

James Rogers the Connecticut planter. Soldier in the Pequot 121-137
war, from Saybrook. At Stratford, at Milford, at New
London. Is the principal business man of New London. His
children; their marriages. Conversion of his son John and
connection with Seventh-Day Baptist Church of Newport.
Consternation and opposition of Matthew Griswold and
family. Wife of John Rogers persuaded by her relatives to
return to Blackhall. John and his brothers are baptized by
immersion and join the Newport church. John Rogers founds
a church in New London, under that at Newport. Griswold
Petition for divorce. Arrest of John Rogers on accusation
by the Griswolds. His examination and acquittal at
Hartford

CHAPTER II. (1675-1683.)

James Rogers and his wife and daughter are baptized by 138-155
immersion and become members of the church of which John
Rogers is pastor. General Court grants the petition for
divorce. Authorities deal with the Rogerses for
non-attendance upon the services of the Congregational
Church and for “servile labor” on the first day of the
week. John Rogers baptizes his brother’s wife by
immersion, in the Cove near the Main Street. He is
imprisoned for the same. The Rogerene church shows
independence of that at Newport. Severe persecution of the
Rogerenes. Their first countermove. James Rogers and his
sons and daughter are imprisoned

CHAPTER III. (1684-1691.)

John Rogers, Jr., continued in custody of the Griswolds, on 156-169
account of the “hettridoxy” of his father. Rogerenes fined
and imprisoned for “servile labor” on the first day of the
week. To be punished “at discretion of the judges.” Second
Rogerene countermove. Rogerenes imprisoned and whipped.
John Rogers and James, Jr., fined for baptizing by
immersion. Rogerenes “declined to Quakerism.” Return of
the daughter of John Rogers to her father. Death of James
Rogers, Sr. His will. Error of Miss Caulkins regarding
“contention” among the children. Widow executes deed of
trust. Marriage of daughter of John Rogers at her father’s
house; John Rogers, Jr., a wedding guest. Rev. Gurdon
Saltonstall succeeds Rev. Simon Bradstreet. Samuel Rogers.
Religious status of Rogers family in 1690. John Rogers
sends a wig to the Congregational contribution for Mr.
Saltonstall. His apology for the same

CHAPTER IV. (1691-1694.)

Impaired condition of the widow of James Rogers, and 170-182
difficulties arising from this cause. John Rogers
imprisoned for entertaining Quakers at his house. John
Rogers continues to secure converts from the
Congregational Church and to attract the attention of
certain prominent citizens. The sole case of disagreement
on the part of any child of James Rogers regarding
division of the estate; Joseph finds that boundaries,
drawn by the men appointed by the court to make division
of the estate, give a house and lands which have been
considered his own to his brother Jonathan. Plot of Gurdon
Saltonstall to secure John Rogers in prison at a distance
from New London. Unexpected countermove by John Rogers.
His sister Bathsheba in the stocks. His imprisonment in
New London jail. He hangs a Proclamation out at his prison
window. Sent to Hartford jail, pending trial for
“blasphemy”