the Protestant Churches of France, and had that liberty granted him (as he tells me) upon his receiving orders, it is his earnest request, that he might have directions relating thereunto, wherein he might be required not to use otherwise than the Liturgy of our Church in any Congregations where he preacheth, whether English or French. And it would be well that some French Common Prayer Books and Catechisms were sent over for that purpose. The reason of desiring an order of that nature is, that it would put the matter out of dispute. Mr Bondet & I have gone as far as we can in that affair, and it would spend too much time to tell you what tempests we waded through in attempting it, but if directions came from England about it, none I believe would be found to oppose it. The chief cause of its being hindered with so much heat was that the French Congregation at York were apprehensive that it might be a precedent for them, and for that reason fired the most ignorant of Mr Bondet's people, and persuaded them to recant from what they had agreed to. But I must do the most sensible of them the justice, that they hold fast their integrity, and are willing to receive the Church. If this matter goes forward, I expect that the greatest part of the people of New Rochelle will cease their contributions to Mr Bondet. So I must desire the Society to consider him with some allowances in England. And if effectual care could be taken that £30 is paid him, £15 Sterling more, with the small helps he will have from those who will continue steady to the Church, will enable him to maintain himself & family. If care is not already taken therein in the Instructions which are preparing, it will be of absolute necessity that the clergy of this Country be directed to meet twice at least annually, and taking to their assistance the best and most sensible of their parishes to consult of the most effectual ways of settling the Church; and to give an impartial account how the parishes are settled in point of conveniency, and which way it may be better done, not only to make it easy for themselves but so as the bread of life may be fairly and equally divided amongst the people, that proper measures might be taken to have it regulated by act of Assembly. For if something of this nature is not done, one half of the people of the County won't have much benefit by all the cost that is laid out upon them. In the conclusion of your last letter you told me that you had sent some Common Prayers and Catechisms by Mr. Mackenzy but do not understand he has brought any; so beg of you to enquire into that mistake. And in case you send any other books to be disposed, pray let them only be Dr Beveridges (now Bishop of St. Asaph) sermon concerning Common Prayer, a little Book entitled a Christians Way to Heaven, and one of the Lawfulness of the Common Prayer. No books can be more serviceable than they; and I would take care to have them scattered through Connecticut Colony to both Ministers & People, and am apt to believe they would do service. As for the deputation the Society now pleased to send me, I am exceeding sorry I can do them no service therein. For the people of this County having generally land of their own, altough they don't want, few or none of them very much abound. There being, besides a settlement belonging to Col. Morris, and another to Mr Phillips, and mine, not any that belong to particular men of any great value in the County; nor are there ten in the whole County but what have been brought over to the Church since I came into the province, that truly, Sir, if we can persuade them to build and finish their Churches and Schools, help to maintain their Ministers & School Masters, and fit conveniences for them, it is the most that can be expected till things are better settled, and the Church a more firm footing among them. I have not had the happiness to be in company with Colonel Morris since I received the deputation; but shall discourse with him concerning that matter when I see him next. I could offer some few things more to the consideration of the Society, but time won't permit me to enlarge, so I shall reserve it to the next opportunity. So with humble duty to the Society, begging pardon for the trouble I have given herewith, I desire to remain &c. CALEB HEATHCOTE. ADDRESS OF THE PROVINCIAL CLERGY TO GOVR HUNTER. To his Excellency Robert Hunter Esqr Capt General and Governour in Chief of the Province of New York New Jersey & Territories depending thereon in America and Vice Admirall of the same &c. THE HUMBLE ADDRESS OF THE CLERGY. MAY IT, PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY We of the Clergy of this her Majesties Provinces of New York being with your Excellencies approbation assembled to consult of such things as may be fitt to transmit to our Ecclesiastical superiours for promoting the Interest of our holy mother the Church of England, do in the first place beg leave to return your Ex'cy our humble thanks for this opportunity of meeting and your generous offers of concurring with us in what may be thought proper to propose for that end. Its with great pleasure that we observe your Ex1cys zeal against immorality and profaness which has so much overspread this province we hope your Ex'cys proclamation may have the happy influence of putting a stop to its further progress. The Encouragement your Ex'cy has therein given to the labors of the Societys Catechist the pious Mr Elias Neau,' and still continues notwithstanding of the attemps made against him upon account of the late bloody designs of the negroes, deserves our utmost acknowledgements. Your Ex'cys favour to our Worthy Brother the Rd Mr Daniel Bondet and his Congregation of French Refugees at New Rochelle conformed to the Church of England, your generous bounty towards the Erecting of a new Church and granting a patent for securing the same to the Church of England for ever are such pregnant Instances of your Ex'cys zeal for the promoteing of our Religion that we should be wanting in our Duty if we should not remember it with the utmost gratitude, and beg your Ex'cy further to Encourage that good work by using your Endeavours with the Bishop of London and Society to advance the Sallary of our Indigent Brother which is 1 Mr. Neau's license as Catechist in the city of N. York is dated 4 Aug. 1704. Deed Book X. 27. now but £30 ster. pr annum having no allowance from the people for many years. The Reverend Mr Beys has represented that he suffers hardships having no Sallary from the people of New Harlem where he officiates and his establishment from the Society being uncertain thro some aspersions thrown upon him by his adversaries. We heartily recommend him to your Ex'cy to protect and Encourage him according to his services. As it is with the greatest pleasure we hear of the due Encouragement Mr Barclay Minister of Albany meets with in the propagation of the Christian Religion and Knowledge under your Ex'cys wise and pious administration. So it is our earnest and humble request that your Ex'cy will be pleased to promote the building of a church there which is very much wanting. We could heartily wish that there were effectual care taken to promote the Establishment of the Church thro' out the other Counties of this province as well as to secure and corroborate it where it is already settled. This and what else may be for the promotion and encouragement of Religion here or may seem proper to suggest to our patrons in England we humbly submitt to your Ex'cys Judgement and discretion in Confidence of your Ex'cys Zealous application and with all due Respect Esteem and observance subscribe ourselves |