Chapter 16: Don’t Look at Me, I’m a Public Figure

In this chapter John Winthrop defends himself against accusations of fixing the election for governor. He was exonerated and some of the accusers were fined. Winthrop argues that the magistrates the people “take [magistrates] from among [themselves]” meaning that they are humans too. He furthers this by saying that the magistrates cannot be accused of something that the voters might be guilty of themselves (minor things) but he tempers this by saying that if the magistrate fails “in faithfulness, which by oath he is bound unto, that he must answer for it.” Through all of the back and forth, Winthrop seems to be saying that although magistrates are sometimes held to a higher standard because they are leaders, the people do not have a right to nitpick at each of their personal actions.
This is sort of a unique case in the Puritan mindset in that it gives people express permission to challenge the piety of others. Much Puritan doctrine focuses on the individual focusing on their own journey towards God and discovering their own Grace. However, here, Winthrop gives limited permission for official judgment of others. The spiritual leaders (pastors, etc.) in the Puritan world do not open themselves up for judgment by their congregations. Instead they focus on leading their congregations under the assumption that they are secure in their relationship with God.
Overall, I feel like Winthrop is just trying to cover his bases. Part of being a public figure, I feel, is opening yourself up for a little more public scrutiny than people who remain in the private sector. However, Winthrop kind of insists that people should not be invested in their magistrates’ private lives.