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Copyright © 2013. Pennsylvania State University Press. All rights reserved.

Keener, Hubert James. A Canonical Exegesis of the Eighth Psalm : YHWH's Maintenance of the Created Order Through Divine
 A Canonical Exegesis of
the Eighth Psalm
Copyright © 2013. Pennsylvania State University Press. All rights reserved.

Keener, Hubert James. A Canonical Exegesis of the Eighth Psalm : YHWH's Maintenance of the Created Order Through Divine
 Journal of Theological Interpretation Supplements
Murray Rae
University of Otago, New Zealand
Editor-in-Chief

1. Thomas Holsinger-Friesen, Irenaeus and Genesis: A Study of Competition

in Early Christian Hermeneutics
2. Douglas S. Earl, Reading Joshua as Christian Scripture
3. Joshua N. Moon, Jeremiah’s New Covenant: An Augustinian Reading
4. Csilla Saysell, “According to the Law”: Reading Ezra 9–10 as Christian
Scripture
5. Joshua Marshall Strahan, The Limits of a Text: Luke 23:34a as a Case
Study in Theological Interpretation
6. Seth B. Tarrer, Reading with the Faithful: Interpretation of True and
False Prophecy in the Book of Jeremiah from Ancient Times to Modern
7. Zoltán S. Schwáb, Toward an Interpretation of the Book of Proverbs:
Selfishness and Secularity Reconsidered
8. Steven Joe Koskie Jr., Reading the Way to Heaven: A Wesleyan
Theological Hermeneutic of Scripture
9. Hubert James Keener, A Canonical Exegesis of the Eighth Psalm: YHWH’s
Maintenance of the Created Order through Divine Intervention
Copyright © 2013. Pennsylvania State University Press. All rights reserved.

Keener, Hubert James. A Canonical Exegesis of the Eighth Psalm : YHWH's Maintenance of the Created Order Through Divine
 A Canonical Exegesis of
the Eighth Psalm
YHWH’s Maintenance of the Created Order
through Divine Intervention

Hubert James Keener

Copyright © 2013. Pennsylvania State University Press. All rights reserved.

Winona Lake, Indiana

EISENBRAUNS
2013

Keener, Hubert James. A Canonical Exegesis of the Eighth Psalm : YHWH's Maintenance of the Created Order Through Divine
 Copyright © 2013 Eisenbrauns
All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States of America

www.eisenbrauns.com

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Copyright © 2013. Pennsylvania State University Press. All rights reserved.

Keener, Hubert James.

A canonical exegesis of the eighth Psalm : YHWH’s maintenance of the
created order through divine reversal / by Hubert James Keener.
page cm. — (Journal of theological interpretation supplements ; 9)
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-1-57506-708-7 (pbk. : alk. paper)
1. Bible. Psalms, VIII—Criticism, interpretation, etc. I. Title.
BS14508th .K44 2013
223′.206—dc23
2013040737

The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of the American
National Standard for Information Sciences—Permanence of Paper for Printed Library
Materials, ANSI Z39.48-1984.♾™

Keener, Hubert James. A Canonical Exegesis of the Eighth Psalm : YHWH's Maintenance of the Created Order Through Divine
 DEDICATION

To Jennifer
~yvnb hpyh
To my children Dorea Grace, Jameson Noble, and Cooper Augustine
hwhy tlxn
Copyright © 2013. Pennsylvania State University Press. All rights reserved.

Keener, Hubert James. A Canonical Exegesis of the Eighth Psalm : YHWH's Maintenance of the Created Order Through Divine
Copyright © 2013. Pennsylvania State University Press. All rights reserved.

Keener, Hubert James. A Canonical Exegesis of the Eighth Psalm : YHWH's Maintenance of the Created Order Through Divine
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF FIGURES X

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS XI

I. The Canon-Exegetical Approach 1

1. Introduction 1
2. A Survey of Literature on Canonical Exegesis 3
2.1 Brevard Childs 3
2.2 Barr and the Defense of “Biblical Criticism” 6
2.3 Mark Brett: The Case for a Pluralistic Approach 13
2.4 The Continuation of the Canonical Approach 16
2.4.1 Paul Noble 16
2.4.2 Christopher Seitz 17
2.4.3 On inspiration: Chapman, Vanhoozer, and others 17
2.4.4 Evangelical canonical exegesis 19
2.4.5 Daniel Driver 19
2.4.6 An emerging consensus and open questions 21
3. The Canonical Approach in Dialogue with De Doctrina 23
Christiana
3.1 The Hermeneutic of De Doctrina Christiana 25
3.2 De Doctrina Christiana and Canonical-Exegesis 27
4. Current Scholarship on Psalm 8 35
Copyright © 2013. Pennsylvania State University Press. All rights reserved.

II. Reading Psalm Eight as a Discrete Unit 39

1. Reading the Eighth Psalm 39
1.1 Translation 39
1.2 Some Text-Critical and Translational Concerns 41
1.3 Date and Setting 45
1.4 Themes and Motifs 46
1.5 A Close Reading of Psalm 8 47
1.5.1 An initial skeletal framework: Analyzing the 47
topical presentation
1.5.2 Babies and sucklings/enemy and avenger 52
1.5.3 Tying it all together 57
1.5.4 Encountering the res and engendering caritas 59
2. Tracing Trajectories for Canonical Exegesis 60
2.1 YHWH’s majestic name 61
2.2 The created order 62
2.3 The role of humanity 62

Keener, Hubert James. A Canonical Exegesis of the Eighth Psalm : YHWH's Maintenance of the Created Order Through Divine
 viii Contents

2.4 The reversal motif 64

3. Selecting Passages for Canonical Exegesis 64
III. Psalm 8 in the Context of the Psalter 66
1. Psalm 8 in the Context of Psalms 7-9/10 67
2. Psalm 8 in the Context of Psalms 1-14 73
3. Psalm 8 in the Context of Book One of the Psalter 76
4. Psalm 8 in the Context of the Entire Psalter 81
4.1 An Overview of the Shape of the Psalter 81
4.2 Psalm 8 and the Shape of the Psalter 82
5. Summary 89
6. Encountering the res and engendering caritas 90
IV. Psalm 8 in the Context of the Old Testament 92
1. The First Creation Account and Psalm 8 94
1.1 Reading Genesis 1:1-2:3 “In Itself” 94
1.2 Genesis 1 and Psalm 8 98
1.2.1 Literary dependence 99
1.2.2 Reading Psalm 8 in light of Genesis 1 101
2. Reading Psalm 8 in Light of Job 7 110
2.1 Job 7:17-18 111
2.1.1 Reading Job 7:17-18 “in itself” 111
2.1.2 The Broader Literary Contexts (Job 4-7 and the 111
Book of Job )
2.1.3 The Nearer Literary Contexts (Job 6-7 and Job 114
7:17-21)
2.2 Job 7:17-18 and Psalm 8 115
2.2.1 Literary dependence 115
2.2.2 Reading Psalm 8 in light of Job 7:17-18 and the 117
book of Job
3. Reading Psalm 8 in Light of Psalm 144 120
3.1 Reading Psalm 144:3-4 “in itself” 120
Copyright © 2013. Pennsylvania State University Press. All rights reserved.

3.2 Psalm 144:3-4 and Psalm 8 122

3.2.1 Literary dependence 122
3.2.2 Reading Psalm 8 in Light of Psalm 144 126
4. Reversing the Dialectic: Reading the Old Testament in Light 127
of Psalm 8; Encountering the res and engendering caritas
V. Psalm 8 and the New Testament 132
1. Matthew 21:14-17 and Psalm 8 133
1.1 Reading Matthew 21:14-17 “In Itself” 133
1.1.1 The broader context: The Gospel of Matthew 133
1.1.2 The nearer context: Matt 21:1-17 135
1.1.3 The use of Psalm 8:3 in Matthew 21:16 139
1.2 Reading Psalm 8 in Light of Matthew 21:1-17 142
2. 1 Corinthians 15:25-28 and Psalm 8 145
2.1 Reading 1 Corinthians 15:25-28 “In Itself” 145
2.1.1 The broader context: 1 Corinthians 145

Keener, Hubert James. A Canonical Exegesis of the Eighth Psalm : YHWH's Maintenance of the Created Order Through Divine
 Contents ix
2.1.2 The nearer context: 1 Corinthians 15 and 146
1 Corinthians 15:20-28
2.1.3 The use of Psalm 8:7 in 1 Corinthians 15:27 151
2.2 Reading Psalm 8 in Light of 1 Corinthians 15:27 154
3. Ephesians 1:15-22 and Psalm 8 158
3.1 Reading Ephesians 1:15-22 “In Itself” 158
3.1.1 The broader context: the Epistle to the Ephesians 158
3.1.2 The nearer context: Ephesians 1 and Ephesians 161
1:19-23
3.1.3 The use of Psalm 8:7 in Ephesians 1:22 165
3.2 Reading Psalm 8 in Light of Ephesians 1:19-23 168
4. Hebrews 2:5-9 and Psalm 8 169
4.1 Reading Hebrews 2:5-9 “In Itself” 169
4.1.1 The broader context: the Epistle to the Hebrews 169
4.1.2 The nearer context: Hebrews 1:5-2:18 and 173
Hebrews 2:5-9
4.1.3 The use of Psalm 8:5-7 in Hebrews 2:5-9 176
4.2 Reading Psalm 8 in Light of Hebrews 2:5-18 180
5. Psalm 8 in Dialogue with the New Testament: Encountering 183
the res and engendering caritas
VI. Summary and Conclusions 185

Bibliography 191

Index of Biblical Citations 209

Index of Authors and Subjects 215

Copyright © 2013. Pennsylvania State University Press. All rights reserved.

Keener, Hubert James. A Canonical Exegesis of the Eighth Psalm : YHWH's Maintenance of the Created Order Through Divine
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: The structure of Genesis 1:1-2:3 98

Figure 2: The structure of 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 149

Figure 3: Internal movement within Hebrews 1:5-10:18 176

Copyright © 2013. Pennsylvania State University Press. All rights reserved.

Keener, Hubert James. A Canonical Exegesis of the Eighth Psalm : YHWH's Maintenance of the Created Order Through Divine
 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This book is a revised version of my dissertation, written under the

direction of William H. Bellinger at Baylor University. All of the members of
my dissertation committee deserve special thanks. Dr. Bellinger was a fantastic
advisor, not only as an insightful and wise scholar, but also as a patient guide.
Lidija Novakovic’s careful and insightful input has strengthened the work
tremendously. Phillip Donnelly went well above and beyond the duties
associated with a third dissertation reader and exemplified Augustinian caritas
for me in his daily life. James Nogalski and Ralph Wood, who rounded out my
examination committee, also deserve special thanks. Dan Williams also
deserves my gratitude; his role in helping me to think through the nature and
relevance of the hermeneutic of de Doctrina Christiana was essential to the
study presented here.
The very first iteration of what was to germinate and, perhaps, eventu-
ally mutate into this book-length study was written at Pittsburgh Seminary in a
course on the book of Psalms under Jerome Creach, whose encouragement and
guidance through the years have been invaluable. My first academic foray into
the book of Psalms came many years ago as an undergraduate student at Moody
Bible Institute under then doctoral candidate Andrew Schmutzer, and our paths
have crossed again more recently as my work has appeared in connection with
conference sessions chaired by Dr. Schmutzer twice now. Kevin Vanhoozer has
also graciously examined my manuscript at several stages in the process,
suggesting revisions that have made their way into the final form. All three of
these esteemed and value colleagues deserve special thanks.
Copyright © 2013. Pennsylvania State University Press. All rights reserved.

During the final stages of manuscript preparation, many people here at

Wheaton College have been helpful and encouraging. Two of these deserve
special mention. Jon Sumulong, my TA, has provided assistance with the
development of my Scripture index, and Matthew Patton has taken the initiative
in sharing his Elementary Hebrew course materials with me, freeing up valuable
time for me that I have been able to spend formatting the book, rather than
producing Hebrew course materials whole-cloth on my own.
Of course, my patient and supportive family deserves more than mere
words of gratitude. My wife, Jennifer, and three children, to whom this book is
dedicated, have all shown patience and love beyond measure. They give my life
meaning. My mother, Joan Noble Keener, father, Hubert Lee Keener, mother-
in-law, Virginia Lee Cooper, and cousins Carole and Lowell Nafziger all
deserve much gratitude; their hospitality and support have meant much. Finally,
I would like to acknowledge my deceased grandfather, John Noble, the gas
company meter reader who was known to quote Augustine frequently and
owned a theological library that would put some pastors to shame. He is the one

Keener, Hubert James. A Canonical Exegesis of the Eighth Psalm : YHWH's Maintenance of the Created Order Through Divine
 Acknowledgments xii
who inspired me to take advantage of the educational opportunities that were not
available to him. I pray that I have made him proud.
These individuals and others too numerous to mention have had some
hand in shaping this book. Any errors that remain are, of course, my own and
have persisted in spite of, and not because of, their influence.
Copyright © 2013. Pennsylvania State University Press. All rights reserved.

Keener, Hubert James. A Canonical Exegesis of the Eighth Psalm : YHWH's Maintenance of the Created Order Through Divine
 1

THE CANON-EXEGETICAL APPROACH

1. Introduction

Since Brevard S. Childs first introduced it as a “fresh approach” in the late

1960’s,1 canonical exegesis has grown into a widely discussed and developed
program as Childs has fleshed out his own thought in greater detail2 and many
scholars have continued to carry his work forward.3 Now after Childs’s passing

1
Childs began developing his exegetical program in articles (“Interpretation in Faith: The
Theological Responsibility of an Old Testament Commentary,” Interpretation 18 [1964]:
432-49; “Psalm 8 in the Context of the Christian Canon,” Interpretation 23 [1969], 20-
31; “Karl Barth as Interpreter of Scripture,” in Karl Barth and the Future of Theology: A
Memorial Colloquium Held at Yale Divinity School January 28, 1969 [ed. D. L.
Dickerman; New Haven: Yale Divinity School Association, 1969], 30-39). Earlier works,
such as Myth and Reality in the Old Testament (SBT 27; London: SCM, 1960), a revision
of Childs’s Th.D. dissertation at Basel, contained hints of the early struggle to “recover
the Old Testament for the Christian church” that would germinate into the canonical
approach. Nevertheless, the canonical approach does not really begin to emerge until the
late 1960s. See Daniel R. Driver, Brevard Childs, Biblical Theologian: For the Church’s
One Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2012), 14-20.
2
Some important works among Childs’s impressive corpus include Biblical Theology in
Copyright © 2013. Pennsylvania State University Press. All rights reserved.

Crisis (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1974), Introduction to the Old Testament as Scripture

(Philadelphia: Fortress, 1979), The New Testament as Canon: An Introduction
(Philadelphia: Fortress, 1984); Old Testament Theology in a Canonical Context
(Philadelphia: Fortress, 1985); Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments:
Theological Reflection on the Christian Bible (Minneapolis: Fortress, 1993); The
Canonical Shape of the Pauline Corpus: The Church’s Guide for Reading Paul (Grand
Rapids: Eerdmans, 2008). He also put his approach into practice in commentaries (The
Book of Exodus: A Critical, Theological Commentary [OTL; Philadelphia: Westminster,
1974]; Isaiah: A Commentary [OTL; Philadelphia: Westminster, 2001]).
3
Works responding positively to Childs include Driver, Brevard Childs; Mark G. Brett,
Biblical Criticism in Crisis? The Impact of the Canonical Approach on Old Testament
Studies (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1991); Paul R. Noble, The Canonical
Approach: A Critical Reconstruction of the Hermeneutics of Brevard S. Childs (BIS 16;
New York: E. J. Brill, 1995); Craig G. Bartholomew, Scott Hahn, Robin Parry,
Christopher Seitz, and Al Wolters, editors, Canon and Biblical Interpretation (SHS 7;
Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2006); Charles J. Scalise, Hermeneutics as Theological
Prolegomena: A Canonical Approach, (SiABH 8; Macon, Georgia: Mercer University
Press, 1994); and G. Michael O’Neal, Interpreting Habakkuk as Scripture (SiBL 9; New

Keener, Hubert James. A Canonical Exegesis of the Eighth Psalm : YHWH's Maintenance of the Created Order Through Divine
 2 A Canonical Exegesis of Psalm Eight

it is appropriate to speak of a canon exegetical school that emphasizes the role of

the canon as the central context for interpretation of the Christian Scriptures.
Nevertheless, the canonical approach has not been without its critics,4 and
practitioners of the canon-exegetical approach still grapple with the methodo-
logical questions that, to quote Paul Noble, “are unlikely to develop fruitfully
unless they are conducted in the context of concrete . . . exegetical work.”5 This
book will contribute to the ongoing efforts to construct a workable canon-
exegetical approach by presenting a canonical exegesis of Psalm 8. The aim
will be two-fold: 1) to demonstrate that a canonical exegesis is tenable if one can
approach the task with clarity regarding the theological foundation of the
approach, and 2) to utilize the approach in order to address the often difficult
questions related to the interpretation of Psalm 8 as Scripture.
Psalm 8 is well suited to serve as a test case for a canonical exegesis, and
the canonical approach is well suited to address the issues involved in the
theological interpretation of Psalm 8. Childs’s early article on Psalm 8 repre-
sents his first attempt to demonstrate a canonical approach to exegesis.6 Thus,
Psalm 8 provides a basis for assessing his early thought and demonstrating how
more recent advances in scholarship enable an expansion and clarification of the
canonical approach. Furthermore, Psalm 8, in light of its many intertextual
connections with the rest of the Bible and debates concerning its pre-canonical
form, offers a helpful vantage point for considering some of the thornier issues
involved in the practice of canonical exegesis. Conversely, a thoroughgoing
canonical approach can help to clarify many open questions concerning Psalm 8,
including questions about Psalm 8’s structure and meaning and its use by New
Testament authors.
Chapter one will address the literature on canonical exegesis in order to
clarify some outstanding questions facing attempts to employ the canonical
approach. This chapter will consider the literature addressing the canonical
approach, beginning with a brief survey of Childs’s articulation of the approach;
there I will a) argue that the canonical approach is the best candidate available
Copyright © 2013. Pennsylvania State University Press. All rights reserved.

for theological ecclesiastical exegesis, and b) highlight some of the salient

theoretical and theological assumptions that the present work must tend to if it is
to make a substantive contribution to canonical exegesis. Next, I will attempt to
clarify the theological underpinnings of the approach as it is taken in the present
work through an engagement with the theological hermeneutic that is articulated

York: Peter Lang, 2007). See also Paul R. House, Old Testament Theology (Downers
Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1998) and John H. Sailhamer, Introduction to Old Testament
Theology: A Canonical Approach (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995).
4
Childs’s most prominent critic is James Barr, who attacked Childs’s approach at length
in Holy Scripture: Canon, Authority, Criticism (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1983).
5
Noble, The Canonical Approach, 370.
6
Brevard S. Childs, “Psalm 8,” 20-31.

Keener, Hubert James. A Canonical Exegesis of the Eighth Psalm : YHWH's Maintenance of the Created Order Through Divine
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 MEMOIR

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 MEMOIR
OF

ROGER WILLIAMS,
THE

FOUNDER OF THE STATE

OF

RHODE-ISLAND.

BY JAMES D. KNOWLES,
PROFESSOR OF PASTORAL DUTIES IN THE NEWTON THEOLOGICAL
INSTITUTION.

“Roger Williams justly claims the honor of having been the first
legislator in the world, in its latter ages, that fully and effectually
provided for and established a full, free and absolute liberty of
conscience.”
Governor Hopkins.

BOSTON:
LINCOLN, EDMANDS AND CO.
1834.
 Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1833,
BY JAMES D. KNOWLES,
In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of Massachusetts.

Lewis & Penniman, Printers.

Bromfield-street.

TO THE

Citizens of Rhode-Island,

THIS VOLUME

IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED BY
THE AUTHOR.
 PREFACE.

The citizens of the United States, have sometimes been ridiculed,

for an alleged propensity to please their imaginations with romantic
visions concerning the future glory of their country. They boast, it is
said, not of what the nation has been, nor of what it is, but of what
it will be. The American faculty, it is affirmed, is anticipation, not
memory.
If the truth of this charge were admitted, it might be replied, that
the ‘proper motion’ of the youthful imagination—in states as well as
in individuals—is towards the future. It springs forward, with
buoyant wing, forgetting the past, and disregarding the present, in
the eagerness of its desire to reach fairer scenes. It is the instinct of
our nature, the irrepressible longing of the immortal soul for
something higher and better. It is never extinguished, though
frequent disappointments abate its ardor, and long experience
confirms the testimony of revelation, that perfect happiness is
sought in vain on earth. In mature age, therefore, reason has
corrected the errors of the imagination, and the old man looks
backward to his early years, as the happiest period of his life, and
praises the men and the scenes of his youthful days, as far
surpassing those which he now sees around him.[1]
Most nations are impelled, by the same principle, to recur to some
past epoch in their history, as the period of their greatest glory.
There is little in the prospect of the future to excite their hopes. The
adherents to old institutions dread the progress of that spirit of
innovation, which has already overthrown many of them, and which
threatens speedy ruin to the rest. And the patriot, who is striving to
raise his country to the enjoyment of liberty and happiness, foresees
too many obstacles, too much fierce strife, suffering and bloodshed,
to permit him to contemplate the future without anxiety.
It is the happiness of America, that almost every thing in her
condition invites her to look forward with hope. Her perfect freedom,
[2]
her rapid progress, the elastic energy of her national character,
the boundless extent of her territory, her situation, far from the
contentions of European nations, and safe from the dangers both of
their friendship and of their hostility, all awaken and justify the
confident hope, that she is destined to reach a height of prosperity
and power, which no other nation, of ancient or modern times, has
attained.
But if Americans were so prone to look forward, that they forgot
the past, it would certainly be a fault, which would deserve rebuke.
Bright as the future may be, the past can present scenes, on which
the American may gaze with pleasure, and from which he should
draw lessons of wisdom and incitements to patriotism. Passing by
the prosperous course of our history, since the adoption of the
Constitution; not pausing to contemplate the formation of that
Constitution, though it was one of the most glorious achievements of
wisdom and national virtue; looking beyond the unparalleled
revolution itself; the character and actions of the men who laid the
foundations of this country deserve the careful study, and must
attract the admiration, of every true-hearted American. The motives,
the policy, the personal qualities of the founders; their fervent piety,
their courage and patience, their unwavering constancy, their calm
wisdom, their love of learning, and their thirst for liberty, entitle
those venerable men to the affection and gratitude of every
succeeding generation. Their faults we may now see more clearly
than their contemporaries; but those faults were, for the most part,
the excesses of their virtues, the errors of wise heads and pure
hearts, whose piety sometimes became austere, and whose
conscientious love of truth occasionally betrayed them into
intolerance. There is no stain upon their personal character; and the
American may point, with grateful pleasure, to the bright names of
Winslow, Winthrop, Hooker, Penn, Baltimore, Oglethorpe, and their
associates, as among the choicest treasures of his country.
Among these names, that sense of justice, which eventually
triumphs over temporary prejudice and wrong, has already placed
that of Roger Williams. Long misunderstood and misrepresented, he
was excluded from his appropriate place among the chief founders
and benefactors of New-England. The early historians, Morton,
Mather, Hubbard, and even Winthrop, spoke harshly of his character.
His principles, both political and religious, were offensive to the first
generations; and it is not strange, that he was viewed and treated as
a fanatical heresiarch in religion, and a factious disturber of the
state.
Later writers have treated his memory with more respect; and we
might quote many honorable testimonies to his principles and his
character. But no extended memoir of his life has ever before been
published. It would not be difficult to assign reasons for this neglect.
The want of materials, and the contradictory accounts of various
writers, were sufficient to deter his friends from the undertaking,
and a lingering prejudice against him prevented others. The
attention of some able writers has, nevertheless, been drawn to the
subject. Dr. Belknap designed to give to the life of Roger Williams a
place in his American Biography, and he made application to several
persons in Rhode-Island for materials, but without success. It was
announced, a few years since, that Robert Southey, Esq. intended to
write the life of Mr. Williams. He probably relinquished the plan, for
the same reason. The Rev. Mr. Greenwood, of Boston, formed the
design of preparing a memoir, at the suggestion, I believe, of Mr.
Southey. Mr. Greenwood collected many valuable materials, but the
failure of his health, and other causes, induced him to abandon the
undertaking.[3]
My attention was directed to the subject, in 1829, by hearing the
Rev. Dr. Sharp, of Boston, pronounce, with his usual eloquence and
true love of freedom, a eulogium on the character of Roger Williams.
I soon afterwards suggested to him, that the life of Mr. Williams
ought to be better known. He urged me to undertake the office of
biographer, and many other friends concurred in the request. I
consented, having learned—that Mr. Greenwood had resolved to
relinquish the design. I made an application to him, however, to be
informed of his real purposes. With the most generous politeness, he
placed at my disposal all the materials which he had collected.
Among them were between twenty and thirty unpublished letters,
copied from the originals, which were kindly lent to him by the Hon.
Thomas L. Winthrop. These letters form a valuable part of this
volume.
In my further search for information, I soon discovered, that many
persons, well acquainted with our early history, knew very little of
Roger Williams. In the books, I found almost every important fact,
concerning him, stated differently. I was obliged to gather hints from
disconnected documents, and to reconcile contradictory assertions;
and in fine, my labor often resembled that of the miner, who sifts
large masses of sand, to obtain a few particles of gold. I have
spared neither toil nor expense to obtain materials. I have
endeavored to make the book as complete and accurate as possible.
It has cost me much time, and a degree of labor, which no one can
estimate, who has not been engaged in similar investigations.
I have, however, received much aid from several individuals.
Besides Mr. Greenwood, my thanks are especially due to the
venerable Nestor of Providence, Moses Brown, and to John Howland,
Esq. Other gentlemen are entitled to my gratitude, whom it would
give me pleasure to name. I have, too, derived great assistance from
several books. Among these I ought to mention Mr. Backus’ History,
from which I have copied a number of valuable documents, and
gathered important information. Mr. Savage’s admirable edition of
Winthrop’s Journal has been my chief guide, in narrating the early
events of Mr. Williams’ history, after his arrival in this country. From
the valuable Annals of Dr. Holmes, and from the Library and the
Collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society, I have derived
important aid.
I have strongly felt the want of a history of Rhode-Island. I have
been obliged to relate many historical facts, which I have collected,
in various ways, at the hazard of mistake and deficiency. It has been
somewhat mortifying to me, as a native of Rhode-Island, to be
obliged to rely on the writers of Massachusetts and Plymouth, for
facts concerning the history of Rhode-Island, which could not,
otherwise, be ascertained. While all the other New-England States,
and indeed most of the States of the Union, have histories, it is
hoped that Rhode-Island will not much longer be content to bear the
reproach, of being indebted to other States for her knowledge of her
own history. I am glad to learn, that the papers of the late Theodore
Foster, Esq. are now in the possession of the Rhode-Island Historical
Society. I hope that the Society will immediately appoint some
competent person to prepare a history of the State. The Legislature
ought to aid in procuring the requisite documents from England, and
in defraying other necessary expenses. The State has no reason to
be ashamed of her history. She owes it to herself to record it truly.
The want of such a history has induced me to insert in this volume
several documents which cannot readily be found. I am not aware of
any Rhode-Island publication, except a file of newspapers, in which
a copy of the first charter is contained. The second charter is not
easily to be procured. Very few, probably, of the citizens possess a
copy.
It may, indeed, be objected to this book, that it is encumbered
with documents. But I have desired to furnish the reader with the
means of forming an acquaintance with Mr. Williams, by a perusal of
his own letters, and other writings. These are never common-place.
They are all marked with the impress of his character. The numerous
authorities have been added, in order that if I have committed
mistakes, the reader might have the means of correcting them. It
would be strange, if, amid so much contradiction and confusion, I
have fallen into no errors. I can only say, that I have anxiously
labored to learn the truth; and I shall be thankful for any
suggestions, which may tend to make the book more accurate and
useful.
A few of the notes are marked “G.” They were appended by Mr.
Greenwood to the documents which he loaned to me, and I have
taken the liberty to copy them, as valuable illustrations.
Roger Williams lived in an eventful period, and a memoir of him
must contain many references to contemporary personages and
events. I have endeavored, to speak of these with candor and
kindness. The character and actions of the Pilgrim fathers have
necessarily come under review. I have been obliged, occasionally, to
censure; but it has been a source of pleasure, that the more I
investigated their actions, the more deep and sincere was my
veneration for those excellent men. It is due to them to point out
those errors in their conduct, which they, were they now living,
would lament and condemn.
The position in which this country is placed, as the great exemplar
of civil and religious liberty, makes it inexpressibly important, that
the true principles on which this liberty rests, should be thoroughly
understood. A responsibility lies on the citizens of this country, which
no other nation ever sustained. Here it is to be demonstrated, that
man can govern himself, and that religion can walk abroad in her
own dignity and unsullied loveliness, as the messenger of God,
armed with his authority, and wielding his omnipotence; that she can
speak to the hearts of men with a voice of power, which owes no
part of its emphasis to the force of human laws; that she, instead of
leaning on the arm of the magistrate for support, can enter the halls
of legislation, the cabinets of rulers, and the courts of justice, to
spread out her laws, and proclaim her eternal sanctions. If civil
liberty fail here, or if religion be overwhelmed with error or
worldliness, the great cause of human happiness will suffer a
disastrous check. It is believed, that a better knowledge of the
principles of Roger Williams will have a salutary tendency, and that
the publication of a memoir of his life is opportune, at this crisis,
when, both in America and in Europe, the public mind is strongly
agitated by questions which affect both the civil and the religious
rights of men. If this book shall contribute, in the slightest degree,
to the promotion of truth and freedom, I shall rejoice, and praise
Him, who has restored my health, and given me leisure to finish the
work.
 A word or two of explanation, on certain points, may be
necessary. In the quotations from old documents, I have altered the
orthography conformably to present usage. One reason for this
course was, that scarcely any writer was consistent with himself,
especially in relation to proper names. There is, too, nothing in
orthography to mark the style of a particular writer, and it may,
consequently, be altered, without affecting the idiomatic peculiarities
of his composition, while the book is freed from the uncouth forms
of words spelled according to antiquated fashions.
The Indian names have been reduced to a uniform orthography,
agreeably to what was believed to be the best form. They are
spelled, in a most perplexing variety of ways, by different authors.
Roger Williams himself sometimes spelled the same name differently
in the same document.
I have endeavored to arrange the dates according to the old style.
Many mistakes have been committed, by various authors, from a
neglect of this point. Before 1752, the year was computed to
commence on the 25th of March, which was, accordingly, reckoned
as the first month, and January and February were the eleventh, and
twelfth. Dates between the 1st of January and the 25th of March,
are usually, in this book, marked with both years. Thus the time of
Mr. Williams’ arrival in America was the 5th of February, 1630–1.
No portrait of Roger Williams, it is believed, is in existence. As the
best substitute, a fac-simile of his hand writing has been engraved,
and prefixed to this volume. It was copied from a document, kindly
furnished by Moses Brown.
Ill health, and various other causes, have delayed the work.
Further search might, perhaps, detect additional materials; but my
official duties, and other reasons, forbid a longer delay. It is now
respectfully commended to the favor of the public; and above all, to
the blessing of Him, without whose smile human approbation would
be vain. I cannot, and, indeed, ought not to, be without some
solicitude respecting the reception of a work, on which I have
expended so much time and labor, cheered by the hope, that it
would serve the cause of human happiness. I am well aware, that it
is defective in several points; but it has not been in my power to
make it more complete. I can easily anticipate objections, which will
arise in some minds. One of these, it is probable, will be, that I have
spoken too freely of the faults of Christians and ministers; that I
have unveiled scenes of intolerance and persecution, which the
enemies of religion may view with malicious joy. But my reply is, that
I have not alluded to such topics, except where my main theme
compelled me to speak of them. I trust, that what I have said is
true, and uttered in a respectful and kind spirit. We must not, in
order to promote or defend religion, attempt to conceal events
which history has already recorded, and much less to palliate
conduct, which we cannot justify. Let us, rather, confess, with
frankness and humility, our own faults, and those of our fathers;
learn wisdom from past errors; and bring ourselves and others, as
speedily as possible, to the adoption of those pure principles, by
which alone Christianity can be sustained and diffused. The book of
God records, among its salutary lessons, the mistakes and sins of
good men. I have believed, that the wrong and mischievous
tendency of intolerance could not be more forcibly exhibited, than in
the conduct of our fathers. All men concede to them sincere piety,
pure lives and conscientious uprightness of purpose. How pernicious,
then, must be a principle, which could so bias the minds of such
men, as to impel them to oppress, banish or put to death their
fellow Christians! How dangerous the principle, if, in such hands, its
operation was so terrible! We need not wonder that, under the
direction of bigotry, ambition, cupidity and despotism, it produced
the horrors of St. Bartholomew’s, and the atrocities of Smithfield.
The experience of New-England has proved, that the best men
cannot be trusted with power over the conscience; and that this
power must be wrested from the hands of all men, and committed
to Him who alone is competent to wield it. This volume is dedicated
to the defence of religious liberty, both by an exposition of the
principles of Roger Williams, and by a display of the evils of
intolerance. If it shall thus aid in hastening the universal triumph of
pure and undefiled religion; my strongest desire will be
accomplished.
Newton, December 12, 1833.
CONTENTS.
 CHAPTER I.

Page
Early life of Mr. Williams—state of religious affairs in England—Mr.
Williams embarks for America, 21

CHAPTER II.

Historical sketch—view of the condition of the country, at the time of

Mr. Williams’ arrival, 33

CHAPTER III.

Mr. Williams refuses to unite with the Boston church—is invited to

Salem—interference of the General Court—removes to Plymouth—
the Indians—difficulties at Plymouth—birth of Mr. Williams’ eldest
child, 45

CHAPTER IV.

Returns to Salem—ministers’ meetings—Court again interferes—the

rights of the Indians—his book against the patent—wearing of veils—
controversy about the cross in the colors, 55

CHAPTER V.

Proceedings which led to his banishment—freeman’s oath—various

charges against him—sentence—birth of his second child—leaves
Salem for Narraganset Bay—review of the causes of his banishment, 64

CHAPTER VI.
Numbers, condition, language, rights, &c. of the Indians in New
England, 82

CHAPTER VII.

Mr. Williams proceeds to Seekonk—crosses the river, and founds the

town of Providence, 100

CHAPTER VIII.

Purchase of lands from the Indians—division of the lands among the

settlers, 106

CHAPTER IX.

Settlement of the town of Providence—Whatcheer—islands of

Prudence, Patience, and Hope, 118

CHAPTER X.

Mr. Williams prevents the Indian league—war with the Pequods—their

defeat and ruin, 125

CHAPTER XI.

Settlement on Rhode-Island commenced—Mrs. Hutchinson—settlement

at Pawtuxet, 138

CHAPTER XII.
Condition of Providence—execution of three murderers of an Indian—
birth of Mr. Williams’ eldest son, 148

CHAPTER XIII.

Baptism of Mr. Williams—establishment of the first Baptist church in

Providence—Mr. Williams soon leaves the church, 162

CHAPTER XIV.

Affairs of the Indians—birth of Mr. Williams’ fourth child—disputes at

Providence about boundaries—Committee of Arbitration—account of
Samuel Gorton, 179

CHAPTER XV.

Birth of Mr. Williams’ second son—league of the colonies—war between

the Narragansets and Mohegans—capture and death of Miantinomo
—Mr. Williams embarks for England, 190

CHAPTER XVI.

Mr. Williams’ first visit to England—Key to the Indian languages—

charter—birth of Mr. Williams’ youngest child—Bloody Tenet—he
returns to America—reception at Boston and Providence—again aids
in preventing an Indian war, 196

CHAPTER XVII.

Letters to John Winthrop—organization of the government—vote of

money to Mr. Williams—agreement of several inhabitants of
Providence—dissensions—Indian troubles, 206
 CHAPTER XVIII.

Mr. Coddington—letters to John Winthrop—execution of Charles I., 227

CHAPTER XIX.

Warwick—Mr. Williams’ compensation—imprisonment of John Clarke

and Obadiah Holmes—Mr. Coddington’s separate charter—Mr.
Williams and Mr. Clarke prepare to go to England, 238

CHAPTER XX.

Mr. Williams and Mr. Clarke sail—Mr. Coddington’s charter vacated—

troubles in Rhode-Island—Mr. Williams returns—Sir Henry Vane—
Milton—Mr. Williams endeavors to re-establish order—Indians—letter
on religious and civil liberty, 252

CHAPTER XXI.

Troubles in Rhode-Island—William Harris—Quakers—severe laws

against them in other colonies—conduct of Rhode-Island—Mr.
Williams and Mr. Harris—Mr. Williams not re-elected as President, 281

CHAPTER XXII.

Death of Cromwell—his character—Richard Cromwell succeeds—

restoration of Charles II.—Act of Uniformity, and ejection of the Non-
conformists—affairs in Rhode-Island—Indian deed—letters to Mr.
Winthrop, 300
 CHAPTER XXIII.

Infant baptism—half-way covenant—laws to support religion—charter

from Charles II.—first meeting of Assembly—Mr. Clarke—difficulties
about boundaries—charges against Rhode-Island, concerning
Catholics and Quakers, 315

CHAPTER XXIV.

Mr. Williams’ public services—religious habits—efforts as a minister—

Indians—private affairs—letter to John Whipple, 326

CHAPTER XXV.

Controversy with the Quakers—Philip’s war—letters—Mr. Williams’

death, 336

CHAPTER XXVI.

Mr. Williams’ writings—Key—Bloody Tenet—liberty of conscience—Mr.

Cotton’s Reply—Mr. Williams’ Rejoinder, 356

CHAPTER XXVII.

Hireling Ministry none of Christ’s—the ministry—controversy with

George Fox—other writings—character as a writer—his general
character, 376

Appendix, 391
MEMOIR.
 CHAPTER I.

Early life of Mr. Williams—State of religious affairs in England—Mr.

Williams embarks for America.

The obvious analogy between human life and a river has supplied
the poet with similes, and the moralist with arguments. The
resemblance of the two objects is, in this point, at least, worthy of
notice, that their origin awakens the curiosity of every reflective
mind. This feeling has impelled many travellers to a perilous search
for the sources of the Niger and the Nile; and it made Lewis and his
associates look, with triumphant joy, on the little rill, at the summit
of the Rocky Mountains, which flows on, and expands into the
mighty Missouri.
We feel a similar desire, when we survey the actions of a
distinguished individual, to learn the incidents of his youth. The mind
is perplexed and dissatisfied, if such a personage has suddenly
appeared, like Manco Capac to the Peruvians, as if he had indeed
alighted on the earth from the sun, or risen, like the fabled Venus,
from the ocean.
This curiosity has valuable uses. The instruction which is gathered
from the lives of men is drawn, in great part, from a view of the
steps, by which they advanced to their subsequent elevation in
virtue and usefulness, or to a bad eminence in crime. The character
of most men is formed early, and we can scarcely pronounce a fair
judgment respecting any individual, unless we take into the account
the circumstances, which shed a propitious or malignant influence
on those early years, when his habits were fixed, and his principles
imbibed.
It is a subject of regret, that of the early life of Roger Williams so
little is known. A few facts only have been preserved, and these do
not rest on very certain evidence. It is remarkable, that in his
numerous writings, there are no allusions to his parents, to the place
of his birth and education, and to other points relating to his early
years. There are, in his letters and books, but two or three incidental
references to events anterior to his arrival in this country; though his
allusions to early occurrences after his emigration are very frequent.
He was about 32 years of age when he reached our shores; a
period of life, when the energy of youth remains without its
rashness, and the mind has acquired steadiness, without the timid
caution and fixed pertinacity of old age. It is a period, however,
when the character of most men is already formed. Though new
situations and difficult exigencies may develope unexpected powers,
and give prominence to certain traits of character, yet the mind
commonly remains unchanged in its essential qualities. It was long
since said by Horace, that those who cross the ocean pass under a
new sky, but do not acquire a new disposition.[4] This was probably
true of Mr. Williams; and if we could trace his early history, we
should undoubtedly see an exhibition of the same principles and
temper which distinguished his subsequent career.
It may, however, be said of most of the prominent men among the
first settlers of New England, that their history begins at the period
of their arrival here. Our accounts of their early lives are very brief.
They were too busy to record their own early fortunes, and too pious
to feel any pride in displaying their descent, their virtues, or their
sufferings. The present and the future filled their minds; and they
seem to have felt, that the wide ocean which separated them from
the land of their fathers had effected a similar disjunction of their
history. Of Roger Williams less is known than of some others,
because no efforts were made by early biographers to collect facts
concerning him. His opponents were more disposed to obliterate his
name, than to record his life. His contemporary friends were sharers
in his sufferings, and were not at leisure to relate his story or their
own. Even the records of the church which he founded at Providence
contain no notice of him, written earlier than 1775, when the Rev.
John Stanford, a venerable minister, still living in New-York, collected
the fugitive traditions concerning the origin of the church.
These traditions state that Mr. Williams was born in Wales, in
1599.[5] The place of his birth, and the character of his parents, are
not known. We may easily believe that he was a native of Wales. He
possessed the Welch temperament—excitable and ardent feelings,
generosity, courage, and firmness, which sometimes, perhaps, had a
touch of obstinacy. It has been supposed, that he was a relative of
Oliver Cromwell, one of whose ancestors was named Williams.[6] This
conjecture has not a very solid basis. Roger Williams does not claim,
in his writings, any kindred to the formidable Protector, though he
repeatedly alludes to his intimacy with him, and once speaks of a
“close conference with Oliver,” on the subject of Popery, which they
both abhorred and feared. It appears, from a remark in one of his
books, that he became pious in early life. “The truth is, from my
childhood, now above threescore years, the Father of lights and
mercies touched my soul with a love to himself, to his only begotten,
the true Lord Jesus, to his holy Scriptures,” &c.[7]
That his parents were in humble life, and that his disposition was
pious and thoughtful, may be inferred from an incident which is
related concerning him, and which, if true, had a great share in
determining his future course. It is said, that the famous lawyer, Sir
Edward Coke, observed him, one day, during public worship, taking
notes of the discourse. His curiosity was excited, and he requested
the boy to show him his notes. Sir Edward was so favorably
impressed by the evidences of talent which these exhibited, that he
requested the parents of young Williams to intrust their son to his
care. He placed him, as the tradition runs, at the University of
Oxford,[8] where he drank deeply at the fountains of learning. His
writings testify, that his education was liberal, according to the taste
of those times, when logic and the classics formed the chief objects
of study at the universities.
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