To the Massachusetts ministers this doctrine seemed like a claim to inspiration, and struck at the whole discipline of the church.

But what disturbed them more than anything else was the report that she had singled out two of the whole order, John Cotton and her brother-in-law John Wheelwright, to praise as walking in "the covenant of grace."[11] The quarrel began first in the bosom of the Boston church.

Wilson, the pastor, resented Mrs.Hutchinson's preference of Mr.Cotton, the teacher, and began to denounce Mrs.Hutchinson's opinions.

The congregation divided into two factions; on the one side was the pastor, supported by John Winthrop and a few others, and on the other were Mrs.Hutchinson, young Harry Vane, then governor, and the large majority of the members.

Mr.Cotton was not identified with either side, but sympathized with the latter.