Two years later, however, the conservative clergy made a determined effort
and prepared a bill containing a religious test, which they supported with
a petition praying "that, in the charter for the college, our holy
religion may be secured to us and unto our posterity, by a provision, that
no person shall be chosen president, or fellow, of the college, but such
as declare their adherence unto the principles of reformation, which were
espoused and intended by those who first settled the country ... and have
hitherto been the general profession of New England." [Footnote:
_Idem_, i. 99.] This time they narrowly missed success, for the bill
passed the houses, but was vetoed by Lord Bellomont.
Hitherto Cotton Mather had shown an unfilial lack of interest in his
father's ambition to serve the public; but this summer he also began to
have assurances from God. One cause for his fervor may have been the death
of the Rev. Mr. Morton, who was conceded to stand next in succession to
the presidency, and he therefore supposed himself to be sure of the office
should a vacancy occur. [Footnote: _Idem_, i. 102.]
"1699. 7th d. 4th m. (June.) The General Court has, divers times of late
years, had under consideration the matter of the settlement of the
college, which was like still to issue in a voyage of my father to
England, and the matter is now again considered.
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