On the other hand, some of Mrs.Hutchinson's friends scornfully referred to the orthodox party as legalists and antichrists, "who walked in a covenant of works." Harsh words are only one step removed from harsh measures.

The legalists were in a majority in the general court, and they resolved to retaliate for the treatment Mr.Wilson had received at the hands of his congregation.[12] At the general court which convened March 9, 1637, Wilson's sermon was approved and Wheelwright was summoned to answer for alleged "seditious and treasonable words" that were used by him in a sermon preached in Boston on a recent fast day.

This action brought forth a petition from the church of Boston in Wheelwright's behalf, which the court declared "presumptious" and rejected.
Wheelwright himself was pronounced guilty, and thereupon a protest was offered by Vane, and a second petition came from Boston, which, like the first, went unheeded, and only served at a later day to involve those who signed it.
Amid great excitement the legalists carried a resolution to hold the May election at Newtown (Cambridge) instead of Boston, a partisan move, for Newtown was more subject to their influence than Boston.

At this court in May the turbulence was so great that the parties came near to blows.

Threats resounded on all sides, and Wilson was so carried away with excitement that he climbed a tree to harangue the multitude.