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

250 SFRINGFTELD, 1636-1SS6.
latter gentleman saying tliat his evidence could be obtained from the
justices at the town-house.
A curious episode took place before Mistress Brewer's house that
morning. A copy of Breek's confession had lieen secured, and a
young man mounted a white horse and proceeded to read it to a large
crowd, consisting of both friends and foes of the 3^oung minister.
The crowd both applauded and showed signs of disapproval. One
of the dissatisfied who witnessed the demonstration said afterward
"The old liorse stood astonished at Avhat was doing, and if he had
had the tongue of Balaam's ass he would have reproved the madness
of the prophet."
It may be here remarked that Stephen Williams, of Longmeadow,
and Messrs. Hopkins, Reynolds, Bull, and Ashley, with " a person
of distinction from Connecticut," had come to Springfield from
Northampton with the justices a few da3^s before, and that the first
plan had l)een to arrest the council itself, but two of the justices re-
fused to sign such a warrant. It is also known that on Monday, the
fith, Captain Pjnichon, Jr., went to Northampton with the complaint,
and the plan to arrest Breck seems to have ])een decided upon
suddenly after the plan to arrest the council failed.
The closing scenes of this drama are soon told. Mr. Breck was
ordered by the justices to be taken to Connecticut, where he had
preached his heretical sermons, a friend being detailed to accompany
him as a mark of distinction, and many of the sorrowing and indig-
nant congregation following their young hero until Avell out of town.
That was a dark and an exciting night for Springfield. Some
rejoiced, some feared evil results, and some were bowed m anguish.
Tlie next day a public meeting of humiliation and prayer Avas held.
The suspense was not long. The Connecticut judges had no notion
of putting chains upon a Massachusetts congregational council.
Breck was discharged, and he returned at once. It was the ordination
party that now triumphed.
The action of these Hampshire justices was brought up in the
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