History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

176 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON. [1T48.
was sent back to Connecticut for trial, where his heretical
sentiments had been promulgated. The Justices held that
Mr. Breck had violated the law against atheism and blasphemy.
The Connecticut courts refused to interfere, and
he came back to Springfield and was installed. In 173C,
the matter was brought before the Legislature, and the
Justices cited to ap]:)ear. The General Court decided in
favor of the legality of the council, and mildly censured
the Judges.
man in Massacliusetts Bay j^ossessed
Opinion of Rev. Jon- '
' No
athan Edwards. the Same Weight of character during the
last twenty years of his life ;" and it may
be said, almost literally, that "after him men spake not
again.'' ^ Rev. Jonathan Edwards preached his funeral
sermon, more correctly named funeral eulogy. It charac-
terises him as one of the most remarkable men of his day.
Something must be conceded to the relationship existing
between the two men (Mr. Edwards' mother being sister to
Col. Stoddard), but even then there remains little to discount
from the verdict of the eminent divine. Honest and
faithful himself. Col. Stoddard abhorred meanness or duplicity
in others. President Edwards says of him, "But
though he was exalted above others in greatness and abilities
of mind, and feared not the faces of men ; yet he
feared God. In private life he was a most faithful friend,
counsellor and assistant."
Characteristics. A persou of excellcut natural abilities, matured
in the stirring and unsettled times
that followed the French and Indian War of Queen Anne's
reign, he became at once a man of action and resources.
Called in early life to important duties, he acquired grave
and studious habits, by which he ])rofited in many ways.
Thrown much in company of the leading men of the colony,
the principles of sound government were deeply impressed
upon his mind, and he was steadfast and immovable
in his political sentiments when satisfied that right and
justice pointed out the way.
1 Dwii;ht's Travels, vol. 1, p. *32.