If you were innocent a just God would not allow you to be overcome in this manner." "I know that there is a just God, and I know that I am entirely innocent" replied the noble old seaman in a firm voice.

"But it is not for an uninspired man like me, to attempt to reconcile the mysteries of His providence.

Far better men than I am, even prophets and apostles, have been brought before magistrates and judges, and their good names lied away, and they condemned to the prison and the scaffold and the cross.

Why then, should I expect to fare better than they did?
All I can do, like Job of old, is to maintain my integrity--even though Satan and all his imps be let loose for a time against me." Here the Reverend Master Noyes rose excitedly, and said that the decisions of heathen courts and judges were one thing; and the decisions of godly magistrates, who were all members of the church of the true God, and therefore inspired by his spirit, was a very different thing.
He said it was simply but another proof of the guilt of the accused, that he should compare himself with the apostles and the martyrs; and these worshipful Christian magistrates with heathen magistrates and judges.

Hearing him talk in this ribald way, he could no longer doubt the accusation brought against him; for there was no surer proof of a man or woman having dealings with Satan, than to defame and calumniate God's chosen people.
As Mr.Noyes took his seat, the magistrates said they had heard sufficient, and ordered the committal of the accused to Boston prison to await trial.
"I will give bail for Captain Alden's appearance, to the whole amount of my estate," said Joseph Putnam coming forward.