Abstract
The Verins emigrated to Massachusetts Bay in 1636. When Jane Verin disobeyed her husband by attending prayer services, he beat her severely. The residents of Providence subsequently disenfranchised him for having violated her liberty of conscience. This case study of one family reveals that, like other Non-Conformists who challenged the established Church of England before emigrating, they continued to face important personal dilemmas brought on by the dictates of their conscience even after their arrival in New England. Families split over issues of conscience, governance of the commonwealth, and maintaining order in the family household.
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