Puritans - (From Hudibras)

Our brethren of New England use Choice malefactors to excuse, And hang the guiltless in their stead, Of whom the churches have less need; As late it happened in a town Where lived a cobbler, and but one, That out of doctrine could cut use, And mend men's lives as well as shoes. This precious brother having slain In times of peace an Indian, Not out of malice, but mere zeal, Because he was an infidel; The mighty Tottipotimoy Complaining loudly of the breach Of league held forth by brother Patch, Against the articles in force Between both churches, his and ours; For which he craved the saints to render Into his hands, or hang the offender. But they maturely having weighed They had no more but him of the trade, A man that served them in the double Capacity to spare him; yet to do The Indian Hogan Mogan too Impartial justice, in his stead did Hang an old weaver that was bedrid.