Matters verged to a crisis when the Hutchinsonians announced their intention of electing Mr.
Wheelwright, who had not long since arrived, as a second teacher in the church.
The election was to take place on Sunday, October 30, 1636; but October 25 the general court met and the ministers from other parts of the colony came to Boston and held a conference at which Cotton, Wheelwright, and Wilson were present, and there was a general discussion of all points in controversy.

They agreed that "sanctification" (_i.e._, a holy deportment) did help to evidence "justification" (salvation); but there was more or less difference on the question of the "indwelling of the Holy Ghost." Mr.Wheelwright argued in its favor, but held that the indwelling referred to did not amount to "a personal union with God," as Mrs.Hutchinson and Governor Vane contended.
The conference instead of quieting aggravated the difficulty.

Five days later, when Mr.Wheelwright's name was voted upon, Winthrop rose and hotly objected to him on the ground that he held unorthodox opinions respecting the indwelling of the Holy Ghost and was apt to raise "doubtful disputations." As a consequence the church would not elect Wheelwright in the face of an objection from so prominent a member as Winthrop.

Next day Winthrop continued his attack, insisting that Wheelwright must necessarily believe in a "personal union." At this juncture Governor Harry Vane unfortunately gave to the existing difficulties a political aspect.

Vane was the son of one of the secretaries of state of England.