At this distance of time it is quite impossible to
see how causes so trivial in themselves could have
agitated and disturbed a whole community. Ban-
croft says : '* The dispute infused its spirit into
everything ; it interfered with the levy of troops
for the Pequot war ; it influenced the respect shown
to the magistrates, the distribution of town lots,
the assessment of rates ; and at last the continued
existence of the two opposing parties was consid-
ered inconsistent with the public peace."

One evening, when Vane was visiting at the
Cornhill cottage, where he often went to pass a
pleasant hour, Mrs. Hutchinson came in to spend a
little season with Beatrice, with whom she became
acquainted when she first arrived in Boston, and of
whom she was very fond. Finding the two gentle-
men there, a lively discussion sprang up.
" Governor Vane, why am I the object of this
miserable persecution ? '* asked Mrs. Hutchinson,
with much feeling and asperity.
"Can you not discover ? '* asked the governor
blandly.
" No, sir ; the clergy should be my friends ; why
are they my enemies ? "

" Because they are intolerant, and do not under-
stand their Master.'*

*' But my opinions, if embraced, will harm no-
body, will they ? "

**No, but the clergy are fearful of their influ-
ence.'*



223

" But my doctrines are not seditious. They do
not tend to evil."

*' No, no one can say that."

'* Nor subversive of good morals, 1 hope," added
the lady.
