1773 September 17 (Friday). Mr. Gordon informs me that Mr. Ely of Sommers is very much rejected by the ministers, and that it is not likely the Council will meet, or if they do, will accept of Him. He heard so much of it among the Ministers at Commencement (and especially mentioned President Doggett) that he believes there will not be ordination. They go on their Journey home. Mr. Bass here a.m. Discourse of the late Pamphlets published about Church Government[1] and Seems not to like the proceedings at Bolton. Joseph Belknap was here and was examined in order to joining with the Church. Finish a Letter to Mr. Bowman of Oxford (at his Request) concerning Mr. Ely’s Ordination at Somers.
[1]Bass may have been referring to John Wise (1652-1725), The Churches Quarrel Espoused: Or, a Reply in Satyre to Certain Proposals Made, in Answer to This Question, What Further Steops Are to Be Taken That the Councils May Have Due Constitution and Efficacy in Supporting, Preserving and Well-Ordering the Interest of the Churches in the Country (2d ed.; Boston, 1715). Evans 1795. This was reprinted as part of Wise, A Vindication of the Government of New-England Churches… (Boston, 1772).