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SECT. II. plan of church government might be drawn up. 1636, according to scripture.

Until this time, the First Church had enjoyed a series of unequalled prosperity. But, towards the close of the year 1636, the congregation was distracted by one of the most extraordinary theological controversies, that ever was agitated. A married woman, by the name of Anne Hutchinson, had long been infected with antinomian principles. The opinions, which she first privately and afterwards openly avowed, were such, as these, viz. That the person of the Holy Ghost dwells in a justified person. That no degrees of sanctification furnished any evidence of justification; and that consequently all the genuine sanctification in a true believer consisted in a personal union with the Holy Ghost. So strenuously did she hold and propagate these and similar notions, that she bitterly opposed those of the clergy and laity, who were for cooling the ebullitions of her enthusiastick zeal. She said, that none of the ministers, Mr. Cotton excepted, preached the covenant of grace; that they preached the covenant of works; they could not preach the covenant of grace, because they had not the seal of the spirit ; and that they knew no more of the grace of Christ, than the apostles knew before their master's resurrection.

Mr. Wheelwright, a brother in law of Mrs. Hutchinson, and formerly an episcopal clergyman in England, openly favoured the doctrine of his sister. Others in the church espoused her

cause; nor was Mr. Cotton himself free from SECT. II. suspicion, if he was from blame.

These opinions were soon noised among the neighbouring churches, and arrested the particular attention of all the ministers. Whilst the general court was sitting, they took an opportunity of visiting Boston, for the express purpose of inquiring into the controversy, and consulting with individuals of the legislature, what was to be done. For so intimately connected, in that day, were the civil and sacred concerns of the state, that, if the church was in danger, the magistrates interfered, or, if the state was threatened, the ministers of religion durst not be silent.

Mr. Cotton and Wheelwright joined the conference, and, by explaining their notions of sanctification, gave tolerable satisfaction.

Mr. Wheelwright being the friend and supporter of Mrs. H. her partisans in the church were desirous of having him associated with Messrs. Wilson and Cotton. The proposition was opposed. It was said, that the church was already furnished with able ministers, who were known to the brethren, and whose labours had been wonderfully blessed, and that it was wrong to hazard the peace of the congregation, by introducing a stranger, whose sentiments and conduct had already begun to kindle the flames of contention. Governour Vane questioned the ground of opposition, since Mr. Cotton had approved the doctrine of the candidate. Mr. Cotton replied, that he acknowledged a similarity of opinion, on some

1636.

1636.

SECT. II. of the points in dispute with Mr. W. but since he was apt to raise questions of doubtful utility, he thought it safest not to have the church proceed in his election. Mr. W. was accordingly permitted to take charge of the church at Mount Wollaston.

The feelings of the brethren had become highly irritable. The opposition to Mr. Wheelwright had awakened a spirit of animosity. Points of doctrine, which had been calmly discussed in the pulpit heretofore, could not now be touched, without wounding the feelings of some of the brethren, The affair was warmly, though with christian forbearance, contested between Mr. Cotton and governour Winthrop. The latter appeared to great advantage. He seemed equally cautious of imbibing erroneous doctrine himself, and of rashly censuring the errours of others. He dealt with his teacher faithfully, yet affectionately; and concluded the interview by requesting Mr. C. not to talk of the personality of the Holy Ghost, and terms of that nature, which were never used in the purest churches, during the three first centuries, but to confine himself to matters, which were better suited to promote the edification of individuals and the peace of the brotherhood.

Sir Henry Vane, the governour, who had arrived this year from England, and who had a high reputation for seriousness, was rather favourably inclined to the Hutchinsonian superstition. He asserted the indwelling of the Holy Ghost in every believer, and such a personal union, as trinitari

1636.

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ans suppose between the Logos and the man SECT. II. Christ Jesus. But Mr. Wilson, the pastor, Mr. Winthrop, and all the more rational part of the congregation desired, that, as the person of the Holy Ghost could not be found in scripture, but was a term of human invention, it might be disused.

Though the dispute ought to have been confined to the church, yet the court, from motives of curiosity, love of power, and religious zeal, insisted upon entering into its merits. Mr. Vane was even jealous of the right, which the churches and ministers thought, they possessed, of terminating the controversy independently of the magistrates. But Mr. Peters, a minister of Salem, sharply rebuked the governour and plainly insinuated, that, if governours would concern themselves only with the things of Cæsar, the things of God would be more quiet and prosperous.

The zeal of Mr. Wilson, on this occasion, manifested itself in a lamentation over the dark and distracted condition of the churches, and imputed to the newly broached opinions the divisions, they lamented. Mr. W's speech originated questions on the doctrine of sanctification. Mr. Cotton had, that day, taught, that evident sanctification was evidence of justification; that, in cases of especial desertion, desires of sanctification were actual sanctification, and that the lowest degree of gracious sincerity afforded matter of comfort. Mr. Cotton and the governour however main

SECT. II. tained, that nothing could compensate the want of a concurrent sight of justification.

1636.

Mr. Cotton and others were offended at Mr. Wilson's speech; and they accordingly went to admonish him. But the pastor and his friends were unable to perceive, that any rule had been violated. On the same terms with the rest of the elders, he had been called to the court, where it was desired and expected, that every one would express his mind with the utmost freedom, both for discovering existing danger, and for remedying the evil. Mr. Wilson explained; but explanation was unavailing. It was insisted on by his accusers, that he should answer publickly for his indiscretion; and the governour was forward among those, who with bitterness and reproaches were arraigning the conduct of this benevolent Governour Winthrop remarks, "It was strange to see, how the common people were led by example to condemn him in that, which, it was very probable, divers of them did not understand, nor the rule, which he was supposed to have broken, and that such, as had known him so long, and what good he had done for that church, should fall upon him with such bitterness, for justifying himself in a good cause. For he was a very holy upright man; and for faith and love inferiour to none in the country, and most dear to all men." The teacher also betrayed the weakness of human nature, and too easily joined in the censure of his mild associate. But the meekness and moderation of the pastor triumph

man.

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