These records are about disciplinary cases in Medway during this period. During the colonial period, the local church often functioned as the legal authority in matters of morality. Punishment in such cases usually consisted of censure — a temporary restriction from attending services and participating in church business — until the guilty party made a formal confession or request for forgiveness. Of particular notes is the case of David Pond of Wrentham who struck a pitch, created a disturbance was excommunicated from his church, and requested admission to First Church in Medway.