Francis
Higginson, in writing back to the mother country that one sup of New
England's air was better than a whole draught of Old England's ale, gave
convincing proof that he had tasted both beverages. But, after all, the
very relaxations of the Puritan minister were more spiritual than
spirituous, and to send forth a good Nineteenthly from his own lips was
more relishing than to have the best Double X go in.
In spite of the dignity of this influential class, they were called only
Elders for a long time. Titles were carefully adjusted in those days.
The commonalty bore the appellations of Goodman and Goodwife, and one of
Roger William's offences was his wishing to limit these terms to those
who gave some signs of deserving them. The name "Mr." was allowed to
those who had taken the degree of Master of Arts at College, and also to
professional men, eminent merchants, military officers, and mates of
vessels, and their wives and daughters monopolized the epithet "Mrs."
Mr. Josiah Plastow, when he had stolen four baskets of corn from the
Indians, was degraded into plain Josiah.
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