1775 May 23 (Tuesday). I attended the Church-Meeting. See Church Records. N.B. Neither of the Papers which had been presented at the former meetings, but a new one of to Day, and never brought me before, but delivered me in the Time of the Meeting, containing 3 Articles — all which were exceptionable, but as the present Torrent of Liberty is irresistable, I was obliged to condescend, [and] for Peace Sake, and to avoid a Rupture among us, Should be acted upon. The First, was phrased so as I thought could do no harm, and therefore with Remark upon it, it was suffered to pass. The Second, I Shewed my Sense of, and how Churches and particularly Members ought to proceed — but it passed as the Framers of it pleased. The Third I shewed was against Platform and the Generality of the Writings of the Fathers of the Congregational way etc. and therefore I dissented — pleading the unreasonableness of binding Ministers to do what was not [only?] against their Consciences — that they may be assured I would not be obliged thereto. But it passed as they would have it. N.B. Brother Tainter made a motion to have the Votes recorded and read to the Church before they broke up — which Motion I opposed and Resented. Several of the Church vindicated me, and resisted the Motion as groundless and injurious: neither could Mr. Tainter make any Defence. The Meeting was dissolved. May God forgive what has been displeasing in His Sight! and Commend Peace to this dear Flock — through the Merits of Jesus Christ!