"It fell out in this wise," said Mr.Ward.

"When the arch-heretic and fanatic Gorton and his crew were in prison in Boston, my father and Mr.Cotton went to the jail window to see them; and after some little discourse with them, he told Gorton that if he had done or said anything which he could with a clear conscience renounce, he would do well to recant the same, and the Court, he doubted not, would be merciful; adding, that it would be no disparagement for him to do so, as the best of men were liable to err: as, for instance, his brother Cotton here generally did preach that one year which he publicly repented of before his congregation the next year." Mr.Saltonstall told another story of old Mr.Ward, which made us all merry.

There was a noted Antinomian, of Boston, who used to go much about the country disputing with all who would listen to him, who, coming to Ipswich one night, with another of his sort with him, would fain have tarried with Mr.Ward; but he told them that he had scarce hay and grain enough in his barn for the use of his own cattle, and that they would do well to take their horses to the ordinary, where they would be better cared for.

But the fellow, not wishing to be so put off, bade him consider what the Scripture said touching the keeping of strangers, as some had thereby entertained angels unawares.

"True, my friend," said Mr.Ward, "but we don't read that the angels came a-horseback!" The evening passed away in a very pleasant and agreeable manner.