at disappointment which awaited the first
emigrants to Massachusetts Bay. But there was a divine mercy in it; they
came to seek peace, but a sword awaited them. I refer to the famous Anne
Wheelright controversy, which rent the infant settlement of Boston for
more than ten years. The excitement extended through the entire colony,
affording many a bitter and vindictive argument. The pulpit belabored it
in sermons of two hours' length, after which the deacons in their
official seats occasionally expatiated to audiences whose patience on
this theme was inexhaustible. As the controversy waxed hot, it got into
the hands of the civil authorities, and some of its disputants were
thrust into jail as heretical. Anna Wheelright was a woman of great
mental vigor, and could hold her own in a debate with her reverend
disputants. Unfortunate as this controversy may appear, it proved a
benefit, by sharpening the public mind to a prodigious degree. Indeed,
the very children of Boston could define the terms of the covenant of
grace. Weary of a controversy bordering on persecution, Anne Wheelright
sought a new home in the wilderness, and was subsequently murdered by
the Indians. But the force of mental exercise which she had put in
motion still continued. It is worthy of remark that almost the only
intellectual peculiarity to which Franklin refers, in speaking of his
father, is 'a turn for polemics.' The great features of New England
character were, at that day, opinion and faith. It was these, as boldly
and defiantly expressed, which excited the fears and jealousy of Charles
the Second, and instigated the deprival of the colonial charters.

The studious and prayerful habits of the clergy continued from
generation to generation, and their piety was most tender and touching
in their ministrations. We might dwell, had we time, on the Cottons, the
Mitchells, and the Sheppards, but, revered above all others, comes
before us the venerable form of John Elliott, the missionary, clad in
homespun apparel, his face shining with inward peace, while his silver
locks overhang his shoulders. He was the Nestor of divines, and the
character of his labors might be judged from his motto--' Prayers and
pains with faith in Christ Jesus can accomplish anything.' His efforts
and successes amongst the Indians were remarkable, and it was commonly
reported that he possessed the gift of prophecy. But he was not the only
man of that day who dwelt so close to the con