Springfield 1636-1886, History of Town and City, by Mason A. Green ...

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SPRINGFIELD, 1636-1SS6. 247
moderator was compelled to protect Mr. Clap against interruptions.
The latter had spoken for a long time, and there was evidence of
commotion in the street below. At one time a minister attempted to
enter the chamber, but he was refused, as it was contrary to the
stipulations under which the dissatisfied were submitting their evi-
dence. At another time a messenger rode up to Mrs. Brewer's in hot
haste. He called for Mr. Clap, and the latter suspended his speech
long enough to hold a private conversation. Then the messenger
"rode away with convenient speed." In a few moments Mr. Clap's
speech was once more interrupted b}^ the entrance of a civil officer,
sword at his belt, bearing a Avarrant for Mr. Breck's arrest. The
cloud had burst. The mysterious movements of strangers and judges
and ministers and 3'eomen were explained. The civil law had been
invoked to prevent a congregational church ordination, and his
Majesty's justices were asked to pass on the theology of a ministerial
candidate. Great was the astonishment of the council when they
were left with no minister to ordain, but greater the consternation of
the people Avho ran through the streets as Breck was carried a prisoner
to the town-house, where Justices Stoddard, Pomeroy, and Dwight
sat in waiting. This was the hour of Mr. Clap's triumph. His face
is said to have l)een radiant with satisfaction. The dissatisfied were
there in great numbers, as well as the indignant members of the
church and the precinct friends of Breck. Indeed, there was danger
of an outbreak, but wiser and more dignified counsels prevailed.
The petition upon which the warrant was issued had been hastily
drawn up and signed that morning, and was as follows —
:
To the Hoii'''^ JoHX Stoddakd, E, Eur PriMROv and Tijiothy Dwight Esqrs,
his Majesties Justices of y^ County of llaw.jjslv.
Tlie complaint of us tlie Subscribers some whereof are of the First Church
and others of the First Pre