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PAPERS RELATING TO THE SIX NATIONS.

281

These Letters effectually stop all future applications for new missions, which must greatly retardthe Growth of the Church in America .

The Lutheran minister you mention and his people would be a considerable aquisition to theChurch , and some method if possible should be fallen upon to send him home for ordination. If heis sensible and of a good character, I make no doubt but, upon being properly recommended, hewould meet with assistance from the Bishops . But this he must not altogether depend upon. Sup-pose (if he and his people continue in the same mind) that you should be so good as to representhis Case to the Society , and though they will not erect new missions, they may either as a publicBody, or as private persons, who ought to promote the Interests of the Church , make him a presentof as much as will defray his Expences : but this assurance should be obtained before he imbarks.I will also write in his favor, and befriend him in every tiling in my power. I would propose asubscription here for Him, but our people are so often called upon for their money, that I shouldbe afraid to attempt it, As to the Difficulty of supplying his people with a minister in his absence Ithink that might in a great measure be obviated, by M r Stewart’s visiting them as often as lie possiblycan. perhaps M 1 ' Andrews may be induced to assist.

Since the Receipt of your last of May the 4 th , I have informed myself as well as I have been ableconcerning the Gentleman you mentioned. His moral character formerly v r as very good; butsince he has commenced Lawyer it is altered. Many dirty things are reported of him, which if true,must greatly hurt him. I have consulted with several of my Brethren on the Subject, some of themknow him; they are unanimous in thinking it will not do for us to recommend him for manyreasons, which we can inform you of, if desired. If the Gentleman is, from a motive of Consciencedesirous of taking the Gov r n, I then would recommend it to him to get recommendations to my LordBaltimore, who can provide for him at a distance from his old Friends the Dissenters, who will bewatching every opportunity to prejudice him, and render abortive any usefulness he may attempt tobe of. I am very certain it wdil never do for him to think of settling in these parts ; neither wouldit do for the Clergy at present to take him by the hand not out of tear or regard for the Dissenters,but for fear of consequences which after a previous inquiry, naturally arise.

Thus Sir I have freely and candidly given you my sentiments on the main Subjects of the two lastLetters you honoured me with ; if they should appear satisfactory to you I shall be greatly pleased.

Before I conclude, I must just observe to you that his Lordship of London & Dr. Burton are bothsilent with regard to an American Bishop ■ and indeed, sucli are the confusions at Home and Religionso little adverted to, that I see no prospect as yet of succeeding ; unless, the late applications ofthe Maryland clergy backed by their Brethren of Virginia, which I have reason to think is nowabout taking place, should demand a little attention, and convince the ministry that the Americanclergy are determined to pursue such steps as Conscience and loyalty suggest, till they succeed inwhat they have as Christians and dutiful Subjects, an undoubted right to petition for. TheBishop of London informs me, that his Grace of Canterbury & himself in a very particular mannerrecommended to my Lord Dunmore “ the protection of the Church and Clergy in the province of NewYork.” You will doubtless conclude that he has taken great notice of the recommendation.

I have the Honor to be (with great respect and sincere regard) Worthy Sir,

Your much Obliged and most ob‘ serv‘

Samuel Auchmuty.

P. S. please to remember me to my little Brother, the Father of the Mohawks . It gives me greatplea r to find that he is much esteemed & likes his present situation.

Sir Wm Johnson.

Vol. IV.

36