Catalogue description VOLUME VI

MASSACHUSETTS

1751-undated

1-2. Charles Brockwell to Bishop Sherlock, Boston, Feb. 15, 1750/1. He has been reassured by the bishop that his salary will be paid more regularly in the future and that he will not lose the arrears, but nothing has been paid yet.

3-4. Roger Price to Bishop Sherlock, Hopkinton, Apr. 19, 1751. As Price had lost his health through service in Africa and the West Indies, Bishop Gibson gave him the living of Leigh, England. When his health did not return, the bishop approved his going to New England, while retaining his English living. Bishop Sherlock is now demanding that he return or resign that living. If the bishop insists, he will have to return. He is responsible for the support of a wife and six children of his own, besides three Negro children. Hopes for success of Sherlock's efforts to obtain American bishops.

5-6. Timothy Cutler to Bishop Sherlock, Boston, Apr. 14, 1751. Unable to tell the bishop much about functioning of commissary under his predecessor. Commissary in New England started to investigate cases of Theodore Morris in New London and Stephen Roe in Boston, but both terminated proceedings by leaving. Roe was also under charges in South Carolina. Main objection of dissenters to colonial episcopate is that it will strengthen the Church. He thinks it would be especially useful to have bishops in colonies where dissenters control the government.

7-8. Henry Caner to Bishop Sherlock, Boston, May 6, 1751. He is under the impression that the former commissary (Price) never qualified himself properly by exhibiting his commission to the governor and taking the required oaths. If commissarial authority is renewed, he offers some suggestions for strengthening it. Thanks bishop for his efforts for colonial bishops. Dissents from concession that no bishops would be sent to colonies with dissenting governments. Thinks that that is where they would be needed most.

9-10. Charles Brockwell to Bishop Sherlock, Boston, June 8, 1751. Sorry that plan for colonial episcopate has been defeated. Recommends restoring and strengthening of commissarial jurisdiction. Price could not be very strict because he was guilty of irregularities himself, such as deviating from some of the canons regulating the performance of marriages.

11-12. Charles Brockwell to Bishop Sherlock, Boston, Oct. 2, 1751. Asks bishop to help him in collecting his still unpaid first year's stipend and to appoint him as commissary to succeed Price, who is reported returning to England to occupy his living there.

13-14. Timothy Cutler to Bishop Sherlock, Boston, Oct. 16, 1751. Introduces --- Colton, a candidate for orders, and praises the bishop's zeal for the colonial Church.

15-16. Roger Price to Bishop Sherlock, Boston, --- 16, 1751. Apologizes for delay in obeying the bishop's order to return to England. He has had difficulty in selling his effects. Money is scarce.

17-18. Charles Brockwell to Bishop Sherlock, Boston, Jan. 21, 1752. The Church in Newbury has chosen Edward Bass, 'late a dissenting teacher' to be ordained as assistant to Mathias Plant, now largely incapacited by age and infirmity. In spite of opposition by Brockwell and Cutler, Bass has been officiating as lay reader before going to England for orders. Brockwell now begs for a living in England, as he and his wife, who is crippled with rheumatism, both dread facing old age in New England. He has lost two Negroes within twelve months. They cost him £70 sterling.

19-20. Charles Brockwell to Bishop Sherlock, Boston, March 21, 1752. Boston is suffering from a smallpox epidemic, the first in twenty years. Some are fleeing the city, others resorting to the 'profane practice of Inoculation'. Caner, who has not had the disease, is exchanging with McGilchrist of Salem, who has. Brockwell is officiating at Marblehead, vacant since Malcolm moved to Maryland.

21-22. Roger Price to Bishop Sherlock, Boston, May 14, 1752. He has been unable to sail during the spring because he could not obtain a suitable conveyance.

23-24. Timothy Cutler to Bishop Sherlock, Boston, July 1, 1752. Colton (cf. 13-14) died of smallpox on his return voyage.

25-26. Charles Brockwell to Bishop Sherlock, Boston, July 2, 1752. After reflection, he decided that it was his duty to remain at his post instead of going to Marblehead during the epidemic (19-20). Urges appointment of a missionary there.

27-28. Charles Brockwell to Bishop Sherlock, Boston, Sept. 15, 1752. He is giving up pretensions to post of commissary, and again begs for a living in England.

29-30. Charles Brockwell to Bishop Sherlock, Boston, May 3, 1753 (written Apr. 4, but not sent until later date). Work of tearing down the old chapel has begun. Arrangements were made to hold services in Trinity Church, but some person without authority arranged to have the weekday services in a New Light meeting house. Caner consented but Brockwell refused. Now Caner is sick and Brockwell is carrying the full duty.

31-32. Timothy Cutler to Bishop Sherlock, Boston, June 21, 1754. Introduces McSparran, who is visiting England for his health and who has lost the suit referred to in earlier letters (v. 181-2, 186-7, 252-3; viii. 325-7). Cutler, who is just recovering from a serious illness, besides officiating regularly in Christ Church, has held occasional services in Woburn.

33-34. Charles Brockwell to Bishop Sherlock, Boston, Dec. 16, 1754. He is seeking to start a Church in Cambridge and has had some success, but is at present hampered by ill health. Whitefield has again preached in Boston. His services were well attended, but produced no conspicuous effects.

35. Henry Caner to Bishop Sherlock, Boston, Feb. 25, 1755. Encloses a recent act of the assembly which is described somewhat vaguely but apparently affects the corporate status of local churches.

36-37. Wardens and vestry of King's Chapel to Bishop Sherlock, Boston, Aug. 26, 1755. Report death of Brockwell and recommend appointment of John Troutbeck as successor.

38-39. John Troutbeck to Bishop Sherlock, Boston, Aug. 27, 1755. Applying for the post of assistant at King's Chapel. He is an Society for the Propagation of the Gospel missionary, in the country a little more than a year, and, at present settled in a 'woody' part, which is bad for his health.

40-41. Henry Caner to Bishop Sherlock, Boston, Aug. 27, 1740. Brockwell died Aug. 20. Caner seconds application for appointment of Troutbeck, who is missionary at Hopkinton. Asks permission to draw the assistant's salary during the vacancy, as has been customary.

42-43. Caner and wardens and vestry of King's Chapel to Bishop Sherlock, Boston, June 22, 1756. Urge the bishop to appoint an assistant without further delay. Doctor Cutler has suffered a paralytic stroke and Christ Church has only the temporary services of an unnamed itinerant.

44-45. Clergy of New England to Bishop Sherlock, Boston, Jan. 26, 1761. Enclosing an address to George III on his accession. It includes a plea for bishops.

46-47. Henry Caner to Bishop Osbaldeston, Boston, Nov. 6, 1762. Congratulates him on his translation, urges appointment of a commissary, and introduces John Wingate Weeks, a candidate for orders, who is applying to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel for the mission at Marblehead, vacated by the death of the incumbent.

48-49. Remarks on an act lately passed in Massachusetts incorporating a New Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge among the Indians. Notation: 'Recd, from the Archbishop of Canterbury, 1763.' The act encroaches on the rights of other American provinces, as the activities of the proposed corporation are not restricted to Massachusetts. It does not make the missionaries subject to the newly appointed Indian agents. An example of the evils that may result is shown in Pennsylvania, where a Friendly Association of Quakers has arrogated to itself the right to represent the Indians in treaty negotiations, though Sir William Johnson refuses to recognize it. The act does not even subject the corporation itself to any supervision by civil authority.

50-51. Henry Caner to Bishop Terrick, Boston, Sept. 1, 1764. Congratulates him on his translation and introduces Samuel Wentworth, a youth educated by Caner 'as my own,' who is going to England to prepare for the university.

52-53. W. Walter to Bishop Terrick, Boston, Sept. 10, 1764. Ordained by Bishop Osbaldeston, he reports his arrival in Boston, where he is assistant in Trinity Church.

54-55. Henry Caner to Bishop Terrick, Boston, Sept. 10, 1765. The clergy of the province, assembled for Doctor Cutler's funeral, agreed, subject to the bishop's approval, to hold annual conventions voluntarily until a bishop or commissary is appointed.

56-57. Henry Caner to Bishop Terrick, Boston, Feb. 3, 1766. Grateful for bishop's approval of the plan for voluntary conventions. In answer to a question from the bishop, he expresses the opinion that the people of Christ Church would support it if the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel aid were withdrawn, but he is not sure that they could provide sufficient support for a minister to attract a man of talent.

58-59. William Agar to Bishop Terrick, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Apr. 20, 1766. A former military chaplain induced to go to America by some family crisis, he is temporarily supplying the mission in Cambridge, but plans to travel further before accepting a permanent appointment. He was kindly received by Governor Bernard. He found New England society more cultured than he expected, but the people are mostly Congregationalist and are stirred to insurrection by their pastors. If a bishop is appointed, he must be content to confine himself to ordination and confirmation.

60-61. Henry Caner to Bishop Terrick, Boston, May 15, 1766. Thanks him for his part in obtaining degree of D.D. from Oxford for Caner and some other American clergy.

62-63. Clergy of Massachusetts and Rhode Island to Bishop Terrick, Boston, June 17, 1767. In their efforts to combat the present disorders and preach obedience to civil authority, they feel greatly handicapped by the want of a bishop. They introduce Willard Wheeler and --- Clarke, candidates for orders. Wheeler is designed for a mission at Georgetown on the Kennebec. Clarke, the son of a dissenting minister, is highly qualified in every way, except that he is deaf. His father, with the same defect, has served his congregation acceptably.

64-65. Henry Caner to Bishop Terrick, Boston, July 28, 1767. Introduces Willard Wheeler and expresses gratitude for the Bishop of Landaff's sermon before the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in support of a colonial episcopate.

66-67. Joseph Harrison to Bishop Terrick, Boston, May 12, 1768. He has been ill a good deal of the time since his arrival as Collector of Customs. Introduces Mather Byles, a former Congregationalist minister, seeking orders. Byles was one of the few dissenting ministers who rebuked the disorders following the Stamp Act.

68-69. Clergy of Massachusetts and Rhode Island to Bishop Terrick, Boston, Sept. 22, 1768. Wheeler has been ordained and is now settled in his mission, They are much concerned by the political disorders. Clerk has been reading prayers in Dedham and Stoughton, and they are now requesting his ordination, having pledged £30 sterling for his salary.

70-71. Clergy of Massachusetts and Rhode Island to Bishop Terrick, Sept. 21, 1769. They recommend Daniel Fogg, who is preparing for orders but is visiting the South before going to England for ordination.

72-73. Henry Barnes to Bishop Terrick, Marlborough, Massachusetts, Sept. 25, 1769, Urges reopening of mission at Hopkinton.

74-75. Mather Byles to Bishop Terrick, Boston, Sept. 24, 1770. Acknowledges conferring of an unspecified degree by Oxford at request of the bishop.

76-77. Henry Caner to Bishop Terrick, Boston, Dec. 3, 1770. Daniel Fogg has been ordained and returned as Caner's assistant. The political situation seems more quiet. Introduces Captain William Martin, an artillery officer.

78-79. Undated memorial of Daniel Mossom and James Orem, seconded by Samuel Myles and Henry Harris, addressed to either Bishop Robinson or Bishop Gibson, complaining of taxation of Churchmen in Marblehead and Bristol.

80-81. List of towns and ministers (Independent and Church of England) in New England. Undated, but places Bridge as assistant in King's Chapel, so it cannot be later than 1706. (Cf. iv. 13-14.)

82-83. Samuel Myles to Bishop Gibson, Boston, undated. Speaks of forwarding the answers to the bishop's queries, which probably places it in 1724. Complains of Harris's opposition. Attributes it to Myles's refusal to join him in opposing the founding of Christ Church. Describes his principal supporter, Robert Auchmuty as of 'indifferent character'. Recommends payment of governor's salary from England.

84. Timothy Cutler to Samuel Myles, undated. Regretfully declines an invitation to officiate from fear of further affront from Harris.

85-86. Undated memorial of ministers, wardens, and vestrymen of Church of England parishes in Massachusetts to Bishop Gibson complaining of various acts unfavourable to the Church. Refers to a memorial presented by Price which is probably (v. 61-62).

87-88. James Sterling to Bishop Gibson, June 15, ---. Having been kindly received when he waited on the bishop with the prospect of being called to Trinity, Boston, he now applies for the post of assistant in King's Chapel, vacated by the death of Harward, of which he has just received word (cf. 165-6, 205-6).

89. Undated fragment, signed by Philip Bearcroft, saying that Society for the Propagation of the Gospel voted to send Brockwell a folio Bible and Common Prayer Book for the Church in Salem.

90. Undated statement of losses suffered by William Walter when he was driven from Boston by the Revolution.

91-93. Fragmentary notes, evidently made by one of the bishops or his secretary to form the basis for letters relating to Massachusetts.

(For additional Massachusetts documents, cf. xxxvi. 272-4.)

NEW HAMPSHIRE

94. J. Bridges to Archbishop Tenison, Piscataqua, Feb. 2, 1711/2. Asks his protection for infant church there. He has secured a law for the erection of a meeting house which he hopes to convert to the use of the Church.

95. Committee of Churchmen to Bishop Gibson, Portsmouth, Dec. 26, 1734. Their church building, though not fully completed, is fit for use. They ask that Arthur Browne be transferred from Providence as their missionary.

96-97. David Dunbar to Bishop Gibson, Portsmouth, Dec. 28, 1734. Supports application for transfer of Browne. Plant has sometimes supplied the church in Portsmouth. Governor Belcher has authorized reprinting the Cambridge Platform, which contains an attack on episcopacy. Dunbar has sent some anti-Belcher documents to Captain Thomlinson.

98-99. David Dunbar to Bishop Gibson, Portsmouth, Dec. 2, 1735. The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel having declined to send a missionary to Portsmouth, he asks that decision be reconsidered. New Hampshire is 'a Kings Province surrounded by the Charter Governmt of Massachusetts Bay'.

100-1. Arthur Browne to Bishop Gibson, Portsmouth, Oct. 15, 1736. Thanks the bishop for obtaining his transfer to Portsmouth. Recommends that Checkley be ordained to succeed him at Providence.

102-3. David Dunbar to Bishop Gibson, Portsmouth, Oct. 15, 1736. Thanks him for securing the transfer of Browne and supports recommendation of Checkley for Providence.

104-5. Wardens and vestry of Portsmouth to Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, Apr. 6, 1737. Express gratitude for sending of Browne and ask that he be relieved of officiating at Kittery, except on week days. When he is away on Sunday, some of the Church members attend the Congregational meeting.

106-7. Extract of a letter from Governor Wentworth to Joseph Harrison, Wentworth House, Sept. 24, 1769. Outlines a plan to promote Church in the colony by appointment of a chaplain to the governor who will become the centre of a system of itinerants. Province at present is ill-supplied with ministers of any sort and rent by many controversies.

108-9. Declaration of Eleazer Wheelock and other trustees of Dartmouth College, Dec. 4, 1769. Express approval of plan to add Bishop Terrick to the board. Copy attested by Governor Wentworth with notes showing positions held by the various trustees.

110-11. Duplicate of (108-9) without notes.

112-13. Governor John Wentworth to the English trustees, Portsmouth, Apr. 28, 1770. Encloses (108-11) and expresses convinction that college will help to promote civilization of the Indians.

114-19. Governor John Wentworth to Bishop Terrick, Portsmouth, Apr. 28, 1770. Gives an account of the growth of Wheelock's work, of which he heartily approves, though it has been opposed by some of the Congregationalist clergy, including Doctor Chauncey. As the colony is growing rapidly, he believes that it can be won for the Church if the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel will promptly supply missionaries to the new settlements. He proposes a plan by which the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel contributions will be gradually decreased as the settlements grow in strength.

120-1. Extract of a letter from the English trustees to Doctor Wheelock, Apr. 25, 1771. As the money which they raised was contributed expressely for the conversion and education of Indian youths, they object to the fact that the college charter authorizes the education of English youths as well.

122-3. English trustees to Governor Wentworth, London, July 1, 1771 (copy). Repeat the above objection (120-1).

(For another New Hampshire document, cf. xxxvi. 275.)

NEW JERSEY

124-5. Lewis Morris to (Archbishop Tenison?), Trenton, July 12, 1703. Keith's ministry in East Jersey fruitful. A mission in Monmouth County would probably be successful, as there are many people there with no religious affiliation. Introduces Phillip French, a recent convert who has aided the Church in New York by inducing the corporation to give a burial ground to Trinity and the assembly to vote Vesey £60 per annum for life.

126-7. Lewis Morris to Mr. Chamberlain, June, 1704. He has been told that he is authorized to raise funds for the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, but has not received the official commission. Honeyman will do good work in Jamaica, if he can counter the charges against his character which Morris believes are unfounded. Recommends missionaries for Burlington, Amboy, and Monmouth County. Innes, a non-juror, has started a church in that county. Quakers and Baptists are also active. A missionary who could speak Dutch might bring many of the Dutch in New York and New Jersey into the Church. Recommends giving the Queen's Farm to Trinity.

128-9. John Talbot to Bishop Robinson, Burlington, Oct. 21, 1715. The governor reluctantly acceded to the bishop's order to give Talbot, rather than Francis Philips, control of Christ Church, Philadelphia, pending the return of Evan Evans. Jenney has gone to New York. Vesey has returned with an order from the King for the payment of his salary, which the mayor of New York was trying to withold. Talbot defends himself against charges of sedition. Says that he was a 'Williamite' from the beginning and took all the required oaths.

130-1. John Talbot to Bishop Gibson, Burlington, July 2 (1725). He has been dismissed by Society for the Propagation of the Gospel on a charge of exercising jurisdiction over his brethren, which he denies. He holds the bishop to blame.

132-3. Warden's and vestry of Burlington to Governor William Burnet, Nov. 4, 1725. Since he has forbidden Talbot to officiate, they ask him to find them another minister.

134-5. Nathaniel Horwood to William Vesey, Burlington, Oct. 10, 1729. He would have written to Holbrook, but he understands from Cummins that he has gone to Virginia. Asks Vesey to prod the governor about Horwood's request that licences to marry be issued to ministers instead of to justices of the peace. Local subscription is poor and there are few other perquisites.

136-7. Copies of letters exchanged among the wardens and vestrymen of Burlington, William Vesey (as commissary), Nathaniel Horwood, and Robert Wayman, Dec. 3, 1729, to Mar. 20, 1730. Faced with formal charge of habitual drunkenness by his vestry and under pressure from Vesey, Horwood applies to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel for permission to return home, though he attributes the charges to the malice of Rowland Ellis, the schoolmaster, and Joseph White. Wayman applies to be transferred to Burlington, at the request of the vestry.

138. Wardens and vestry of Burlington to Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, Mar. 12, 1730. Ask appointment of Wayman to succeed Horwood.

139-40. William Vesey to Bishop Gibson, New York, Mar. 26, 1730. Summarizing the above case (136-7). He thinks the vestry were too severe against Horwood, who has many good qualities, but he has undoubtedly been guilty of gross intemperance on occasion. Vesey hopes that return to his family in England will restore him to better habits.

141-2. Edward Vaughan to Bishop Gibson, Elizabeth Town, Feb. 20, 1732/3. Recommends --- Preston for ordination. He brings excellent credentials from Connecticut. There are only three missionaries in New Jersey whose nine counties are torn by the conflicting claims of 'Quakers, Anabaptists, Sabbatarians, Miggletonians, Antinomians and Arrians' in addition to some avowed infidel propaganda.

143-4. Edward Vaughan to Bishop Gibson, Feb. 26, 1732/3. Giving some more information about Preston. He was born in Newark of Presbyterian parentage and graduated from Yale.

145-6. Edward Vaughan to Bishop Gibson, Feb. 29, 1732/3. Recommends that Preston be assigned to Monmouth County.

147-8. Benjamin Price to Bishop Gibson, New Brunswick, Nov. 25, 1736. Asks the bishop to make an exception to his rule that candidates for ordination from the colonies must have testimonials from commissary and neighbouring clergy. He is prepared to produce a great many testimonials from distinguished persons in New York and New Jersey, but is apparently not well known to the clergy.

149. Testimonial of William Skinner, Edward Vaughan, and William Harrison, missionaries at Amboy, Elizabeth, and on Staten Island, to Nathaniel Whitaker, a schoolmaster in the area who is seeking orders, June 6, 1738.

150-1. Josiah Hardy to Bishop Osbaldeston, Perth Amboy, July 30, 1762. On arriving in this town as governor of New Jersey, he was surprised to learn that, though the seat of government, it had been without a Church minister for many years. He at once wrote the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, urging the appointment of a missionary, but now believes that Doctor Bearcroft was probably dead before the letter arrived, so he appeals to the bishop.

152-3. Richard Peters to Bishop Terrick, Liverpool, Nov. 30, 1764. Asked for advice on a petition of the clergy of New Jersey seeking an instruction to the governor to issue marriage licences only to Protestant clergy, he thinks that this is required by the provincial law, but sees no objection to an instruction. As Mr. Penn and he have had to review all the laws of New Jersey, he thinks it would be wise for the bishop to confer with them before acting, and will arrange such a conference when he returns to London.

154-5. Anonymous letter to Bishop Terrick, New Jersey, Dec. 10, 1764, complaining that too many of the clergy practice medicine.

156-7. Clergy of New Jersey and New York to Bishop Terrick, Perth Amboy, Oct. 2, 1765. They petition him, as they have the King and the archbishops, for the appointment of colonial bishops. They are willing to accept a plan which deprives the bishops of any civil jurisdiction, though they think that this is less than might be reasonably expected in a Christian country.

158-9. Clergy of New York and New Jersey to Bishop Terrick, Perth Amboy, Oct. 4, 1765. Since framing the above address (156-7), they have received the bishop's acknowledgement of an earlier address congratulating him on his translation. They warn him of two ex-dissenting ministers, named Potter and Murray, who have left the area under grave suspicion of immorality and may seek ordination with false testimonials.

160-1. Nathaniel Evans to Bishop Terrick, Haddonfield, Feb. 24, 1766. Reports safe arrival at his station, where he is the first Church of England clergyman. Prospects seem favourable. One church building has been completed and another is under construction.

162-3. Thomas Bradbury Chandler to Bishop Terrick, Elizabeth, July 10, 1766. Thanks the bishop for his part in obtaining an Oxford D.D. for him. Regrets to learn from the bishop's reply to the clergy that the authorities at home believe that the political disturbances in America make it inexpedient to press for colonial bishops at this time.

164-7. Thomas Bradbury Chandler to Bishop Terrick, Elizabeth, Oct. 21, 1767. Is sending a copy of his pamphlet in support of the colonial episcopate. Having recently spent a fortnight on the Eastern Shore in Maryland, he reports that he found the laity remarkably sober and religious, but that the clergy there are, with some exceptions, men of poor character. P.S., Dec. 3, 1767. Letter was delayed for want of conveyance. It is now being carried by --- Kempt, attorney-general of New York.

168-73. Thomas Bradbury Chandler and Myles Cooper to Bishop Terrick, Elizabeth, Dec. 5, 1767. They have been made a committee by the convention to defend and explain a former address. The bishop's reply showed that he felt that the address reflected on his zeal for the colonial church and that he feared that the regular voluntary conventions might assume jurisdictional functions that would give them a presbyteral character. They seek to reassure him on both points. (NOTE: This address, probably drawn up after receiving the bishop's reply to their earlier address (cf. 162-3) does not appear in the present papers. For some further reference to it, cf. viii. 25-29.)

NEW YORK

174-5. Anonymous memorial, undated but referring to a petition for the erection of salt ponds in New York, 1686, and evidently occasioned by Sir Edmond Andros's opposition to that petition. Accuses him of disloyalty and of aiding the French.

176-7. Goodfrey Delius to the Secretary, Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, Bergen op Zoom, Oct. 11, Nova Scotia (Gregorian calendar), 1703. Concerned with the efforts of the society to get him to return to Albany to resume the work that he had begun among the Indians before he was expelled by an English governor. As he has a church in the Netherlands and prospect of obtaining a better one, he is unwilling to return for less than he formerly received and the payment of arrears.

178-9. Johan Friderich Haeger to John Chamberlayne, Secretary, Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, Kingsberry, Apr. 2, 1718 (in German). A German minister, serving German settlers and some English, he asks appointment as an Society for the Propagation of the Gospel missionary. Willing to accept English ordination if necessary.

180. Christopher Bridge to ---, Rye, Dec. 30, 1718. Passing through Stratford, he did what he could to get the wardens to comply with the Bishop of London's order to return the church plate to Narragansett (cf. i. 205-6.)

181-2. Elias Neau to Bishop Robinson, New York, Feb. 28, 1718/9 (in French). Neau, a Huguenot refugee employed by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel as catechist to the Negroes in New York, explains his difficulties in getting pupils, because of lukewarm support of local clergy, and the difficulties encountered by his converts in trying to live Christian lives under the conditions of slavery.

183. Peter Stoupe to the Secretary of Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, New Rochelle, May 12, 1725 (copy). Stoupe, Society for the Propagation of the Gospel missionary in new Rochelle, complains that some of the French there are deterred from conforming to the Church of England through the influence of --- Moulinars, one of the French ministers in New York. Moulinars and his faction have undertaken to depose the other French minister in New York, --- Rou, who is favourable to the Church.

184-5. Governor W. Burnet to Bishop Gibson, New York, Oct. 18, 1726. He has decided a chancery action brought by Rou against Moulinars in Rou's favour. As a result, Moulinars has left the French Church in New York and is serving his New Rochelle congregation exclusively. Burnet has advised Stoup that 'neglect and calmness' are the best methods of dealing with Moulinars, but if his use of invective leads to anything actionable the governor will proceed against him. Burnet favours the application of Colgan and Whitmore (Wetmore) to change places. The people of Rye like Wetmore because he is from New England and they speak the same 'dialect'. The people of New York like Colgan, who is more polite.

186-7. Governor W. Burnet to Bishop Gibson, New York, Dec. 4, 1726. If the exchange between Colgan and Wetmore is permitted, he recommends that Standard be transferred from Suffolk, the poorest of the stations, to Westchester. Burnet believes that missionaries should have a prospect of promotion.

188. Certificate, dated London, Sept. 5, 1727, that Archibald Campbell behaved himself while studying at Edinburgh University, from which he received an M.A.

189. Certificate of L. Duncomb, Vicar, and other Church officials of Chertsey, Surrey, Mar. 25, 1728, that Archibald Campbell has sustained a good character while serving as assistant in a boarding-school there. (NOTE: These two items (188-9) have been left with the New York documents, where they were found, because nothing clearly links them with any other colony. It seems probable that they were originally placed in this group on the assumption that they bore some relation to the case of Alexander Campbell (cf. iii. 110-11.; vii. 134-41). Such a connexion is rendered unlikely by the difference in first names and by the wording of this certificate, which makes it appear that Archibald was in Chertsey at the time that Alexander was getting into trouble in America.)

190-1. James Wetmore to Bishop Gibson, Rye, Nov. 1, 1728. He would like to have all acts of Parliament favouring the Church extended to the colonies. Provincial assembly is controlled by Dutch, Independents, and Quakers. Presbyterians have won suit for church building in Jamaica and are talking of suing for one in Eastchester. When they attempted to have a minister ordained according to their principles he circulated a (printed?) letter among them. He encloses a copy, but it is not in present collection. He has tried to carry out the injunctions of the bishop's printed letter concerning the instruction of Negroes, but finds the masters unco-operative. There are more whites than Negroes unbaptized. He recently baptized three adults in Greenwich, Connecticut People neglect attendance at daily services.

192-3. William Vesey and James Wetmore to Bishop Gibson, New York, Nov. 2, 1729. Recommend appointment of Flint Dwight, a graduate of Harvard and recent convert to the Church, as schoolmaster and catechist in North Castle, a newly settled community near Rye.

194. John Miln to Bishop Gibson (London?), June 19, 1736. About to embark on return voyage to the colonies, he asks to be appointed as successor to Thomas Harward in Boston (cf. v. 165-6). The climate at Albany, his present station, is too cold, the society is crude, the work is discouraging, and his salary irregularly paid.

195-6. William Harrison to Bishop Gibson, Staten Island, June 14, 1738. Having been in Staten Island seventeen years, he would like to come home, to inform the bishop about the state of the colonial church and to preach on a brief in London to obtain funds to beautify his church.

197-8. William Vesey to Bishop Gibson, New York, Nov. 10, 1738. He has passed along to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel missionaries the bishop's instruction that applications from them should be sent to the Archbishop, as president, or to the board of the society. Thanks bishop for sustaining him in performance of his commissarial duties in spite of attacks. Is glad that English authorities recognize the issuing of marriage licences to justices of the peace as an abuse, and hopes it can be corrected by an instruction. Expresses wish that the bishop might be made an archbishop for the colonies, with power to appoint bishops.

199. James Wetmore to Bishop Gibson, Rye, July 21, 1739. Recommends Nathaniel Whitaker for orders. A graduate of Harvard, he has been teaching school in New Jersey and on Staten Island until old enough to be ordained.

200-1. William Vesey to Bishop Gibson, New York, Oct. 17, 1739. Notifies him of the sudden death of Harrison and urges promptness in appointing a successor for Staten Island.

202. Isaac Browne to Bishop Gibson, Brook Haven, July 15, 1740. Denies statement of McSparran that he said that Ferdinando John Paris was unfriendly to the Church. Paris was employed as counsel by the clergy of New York and New Jersey in an action relative to marriage licences and by McSparran in his suit.

203-4. James Wetmore to Bishop Sherlock, Rye, Aug. 17, 1752. In a pamphlet controversy started by Noah Hobart between the Churchmen and Independents in New England, the Churchmen, on arguing that the establishment of the Church of England ought legally to extend to the colonies, were met with a declaration from the Lords Justices to Governor Dummer in 1725 that there was no religious establishment in New England and a letter from Bishop Gibson to Benjamin Coleman, holding that all Protestants should have equal freedom in New England. Wetmore tries to show that these do not apply to present argument.

205. B.A. diploma of Samuel Provost from King's College, New York, 1761 (in Latin).

(For additional New York documents, cf. xxxvi. 276-87.)

NORTH CAROLINA

206-7. Abstracts of acts for the support of ministers passed in the fourth and fifth years of William and Mary and the first year of Anne.

208. John Urmiston to Bishop Compton, North Carolina, Jan. 21, 1711/12. Complains of hardships and discouragements. Urges the bishop to assert his power of issuing marriage licences and appoint a deputy to exercise it. Abuse of the power by civil authority leads to many cases of bigamy.

209-10. Giles Rainsford to Bishop Compton, Chowan, July 25, 1712. His services are well attended, though many of the people show themselves unfamiliar with the Prayer Book. He has baptized many children, frequently past the age at which they would normally be presented. He has baptized some Negroes, though the masters are reluctant to consent. Indian war makes it impossible for people to pay what they are supposed to for his support. Commends --- Mashburn, a schoolmaster near the Virginia border. Some of the Chowan Indians would send their children to Mashburn if the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel would pay for their tuition.

211-12. John Urmiston to Bishop Compton, Sept. 29, 1712. Reports death of Governor Hyde and urges appointment of Colonel Pollock, President of the Council, as his successor.

213-14. Notations concerning various North Carolina acts for the support of the Church up to 1715 and an extract from a letter from John Baptist Ashe to (William Tredwell) Bull, Apr. 6, 1723, saying that there is only one settled minister, John Newman, in North Carolina.

215-16. Affidavit of George Burrington, supported by Arthur Goffe, James Winright, and Jerome Armor, Dec. 3, 1725. They testify that Reverend Thomas Bayley was subjected to abusive language at a hearing before Governor Sir Richard Everard and Chief Justice Christopher Gale on Monday, Nov. 22, relating to his having held service the day before.

217-18. Richard Everard to Bishop Gibson, Edenton, Jan. 25, 1725(6). Says that Bayley was driven out of Philadelphia and Virginia for drunkenness (cf. ii. 250-1; xii. 124-5). When the governor refused him permission to officiate in the court house because of his drunkeness, he broke into it, instigated by Burrington. Commends --- Blacknall, the clergyman Everard brought with him. Likens Bayley to Nathaniel Gentry, against whom the bishop recently proceeded.

219. Affadavit of John Blacknall, Jan. 27, 1725(6). Testifies that, planning a journey to the Indian town, he gave Bayley permission to preach for him, only on condition of his having the governor's permission.

220-1. Thomas Bayley to Bishop Gibson, Bath, May 12, 1726. Makes no reference to the foregoing incident (215-19). Reports baptizing over 400 children and adults, including three Indians and many Negroes. Urges better provision for the support of the Church and asks an Society for the Propagation of the Gospel stipend for himself. Says he removed from his former station because of his wife's health.

222-3. Wardens, vestry, and parishioners of St. Thomas's Church, Bath, to Bishop Gibson, May 25, 1726. Ask payment of Society for the Propagation of the Gospel stipend to Bayley, who has been with them for three years.

224-5. Undated copy of statement by Thomas Bayley concerning the Edenton incident (215-19). Attributes it to his refusal to agree with Everard's denunciations of Burrington. Refers to the building involved as a church (not court house) and says that the door was broken open while he was pleading with Everard for the key.

226-7. Richard Everard to Bishop Gibson, Apr. 14, 1729. Says that church building (at Edenton?) is not likely to be completed, though money has been appropriated, because of obstructive tactics by his political opponents.

228-9. Richard Everard to Bishop Gibson, Edenton, Oct. 12, 1729. Attributes growth of Quakers and Baptists in the colony to lack of Church ministers. There is none in the colony at present though --- Jones of Nansemond, Virginia, serves some people in the 'new country' along the Virginia line. Paul Palmer, a Baptist teacher, has lately won many converts. Provincial Secretary, John Lovick, formerly a footboy to Governor Hyde, scoffs at all religion.

230-1. George Burrington to Bishop Gibson, Mar. 15, 1731/2. Unable to prevail upon last assembly to make proper provision for the Church, but has hopes for the future. Only two Church of England clergymen in province, Richard Marsden and Beville Granville, a nephew of Lord Lansdown. One Presbyterian minister and four Quaker meetings. Introduces John Boyd, a graduate of the University of Glasgow, seeking ordination. He has practised medicine in Virginia for seven years.

232-3. Christopher Gale to Bishop Gibson, Edenton, Apr. 6, 1732. Granville was on his way to a parish in Maryland, but the governor has persuaded him to stop in North Carolina. Gale hopes that he will be made a missionary of Society for the Propagation of the Gospel Postscript denies charges brought by Chief Justice Smith against the governor.

234-5. Bevill Granville to Bishop Gibson, Edenton, May 6, 1732. He is willing to stay in North Carolina because the need for clergy is so great, as shown by the fact that he has baptized nearly a thousand persons in a short time.

236-7. George Burrington to Bishop Gibson, May 10, 1732. Fears that Granville will leave at end of year, if he is not made missionary by Society for the Propagation of the Gospel --- La Pierre, a French clergyman, officiates at Cape Fear. Burrington is preparing an answer to the charges brought against him by William Smith.

238-9. Certificate of William Hay, Sept. 25, 1732, that Boyd read prayers and preached very well.

240-1. John Lapierre to Bishop Gibson, Cape Fear, Nov. 19, 1732. His people refuse to pay their subscriptions because Marsden, who supports himself by trade, offered to officiate among them for nothing, though the governor has now promised him (Marsden) the new parish of Core Sound and New River. Governor Burrington has told Lapierre's people that they cannot become a mission of Society for the Propagation of the Gospel unless they are organized as a parish and have a parsonage and glebe.

242-3. Richard Marsden to Bishop Gibson, Brunswick, June 20, 1733. Refers to complaints made to the bishop against him in Jamaica. He has acquired a plantation through his own industry and the generosity of his chief creditor. He was on Lapierre's vestry and supported him until they quarrelled. He now officiates in a different part of Cape Fear, though it is inconvenient to his plantation.

244-5. John Lapierre to Bishop Gibson, Brunswick, Oct. 9, 1733. He formerly served a French-English parish in South Carolina, to which he was appointed by Governor Nathaniel Johnston, but came to Cape Fear, with Commissary Garden's consent, because of the need. His salary was never fully paid, and he has now resigned the field to Marsden. He says he is going to another parish in the province, but does not name it.

246-7. John Lapierre to Bishop Gibson, New Hanover, Apr. 23, 1734. He has been unemployed since resigning his parish, but may go to the settlement called New River, promoted by John Williams under the protection of Governor Burrington. Marsden has been rector in Charleston, chaplain in Jamaica, rector of a Virginia parish, and engaged in trade with Lisbon.

248-9. Petition of wardens, vestry and some parishioners of St. Thomas' Parish, Pamlico River, to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, Oct. 10, 1734. Ask to have John Garzia, formerly a minister in Virginia, who is serving as their rector, appointed a missionary.

250-1. Duplicate of (248-9).

252-3. John Boyd to Bishop Gibson, Northwest Parish, Apr. 12, 1735. He has learned that previous letters to the bishop have miscarried. Parish agreed to pay him £400 currency, but so far he has only received £50. He has baptized about 1,000 infants and 30 adults. No church building, but subscriptions have been raised to build four chapels. No competing sects in this parish, but many Quakers and Baptists in the lower country. Two other ministers: Garzia and Marsden.

254. John Garzia to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, May 8, 1735. Asks them to pay him an allowance promised for instructing Negroes in Virginia in pursuance of directions from Thomas Bray.

255. John Garzia to Bishop Gibson, May 8, 1735. Asks him to secure gift of Bibles and church furnishings for St. Thomas.

256-7. John Garzia to Bishop Gibson, Bath, May 8, 1755. Asks his support for application to Society for the Propagation of the Gospel for stipend. His salary from the parish is only £24 or £25 sterling.

258-9. Richard Marsden to Bishop Gibson, Cape Fear, July 7, 1735. Having been told by Governor Gab. Johnston that the bishop, in a recent letter, spoke of receiving unfavourable reports concerning Marsden, he defends himself at some length, without giving much specific information. He has deferred sending an application for an Society for the Propagation of the Gospel stipend until he can get the governor to recommend him to the bishop.

260-1. John Garzia to Bishop Gibson, Bath, Mar. 19, 1735(6). Not having received any answer to his applications (248-51, 254-7), he restates his need. His salary of £200 currency only equals £20 sterling. Governor Johnston has tried to obtain better provision for the Church, but the majority of the assembly are opposed.

262-3. Richard Marsden to Bishop Gibson, Cape Fear, Aug. 16, 1736. Not having heard from the bishop and fearing that he is still in disfavour, he further defends himself. The law provides a tax of up to 10 shillings per poll for the support of the clergy, but it is so unpopular that he thinks it better not to require strict enforcement. Asks for a donation of Bibles and Prayer Books.

264-5. Richard Marsden to Bishop Gibson, Brunswick, Nov. 8, 1736. He has learned that his previous letter was delayed (262-3), but he has also been told that the bishop now regards him with more favour and will support his application to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel

266-7. Richard Marsden to Bishop Gibson, Mar. 13, 1737. He has learned that he is again in disfavour.

268-9. Minute of meeting of Society for the Propagation of the Gospel at St. Martin's Library, May 18, 1739, signed by Philip Bearcroft, Secretary. On recommendation of Bishop Gibson and Governor Gabriel Johnston, they appoint Garzia missionary in North Carolina, succeeding Boyd, deceased. Acknowledge a gift of £25 from the bishop.

270-5. Bishop Sherlock to the Lords of Trade, Feb. 13, 1759. Asked to comment on a recent ecclesiastical act of North Carolina with reference to its effect on his jurisdiction and the Crown's right of patronage, he says that it certainly infringes the latter, since the vestries have the right of presentation. It also denies the principle of episcopal government by making the clergy subject to direction and trial by their vestries. Whether it infringes his jurisdiction depends on whether or not he has any. When he came to the see (1748) he waited on the King and presented the need for colonial bishops. He was graciously received and referred to the ministers, but could not get an interview with them. He had another audience and asked permission to say that it was His Majesty's will that they should consider the matter. This was granted, and he had a conference with the ministers, but nothing came of it. He then obtained permission to present the case to the King in Council, but nothing came of that, either. Had the colonial jurisdiction come to him on a traditional basis, he would have accepted it, but Bishop Gibson's application for a royal commission led to comments by the attorney-general which indicated that issues of prerogative were involved.

276-81. Duplicate of (270-5).

282-3. Copy of article in instructions to Governor Arthur Dobbs, 1761. He is not to prefer any clergyman without a licence from the Bishop of London and is to use 'the proper and usual means' to remove any clergymen who live scandalously.

284-5. John Pownall, Secretary to the Lords Commissioners of Trade and Plantations to Bishop Hayter, Whitehall, Nov. 27, 1761. Asks him to comment on latest North Carolina vestry acts.

286-7. John Pownall to Bishop Hayter, Plantation Office, Dec. 3, 1761. Encloses Bishop Sherlock's comment on previous act (276-81).

288-9. John Pownall to Bishop Osbaldeston, Whitehall, Mar. 22, 1762. Refers the same acts to him, as Bishop Hayter died before he could comment on them.

290-3. Bishop Osbaldeston to the Lords of Trade, Frith Street, May 3, 1762. Commenting on the two acts, one for establishing vestries and one for maintaining orthodox ministers, he objects that the vestrymen are merely required, in addition to subscribing to the test and taking the oath of abjuration, to say that they will not oppose the Church of England. He thinks that they should at least be required to pledge conformity to the liturgy. The second act provides salaries of £100 currency and requires provision of glebes and rectories, but makes no provision for its own enforcement, or for the collection of fees. It subjects the clergy to trial by civil courts for ecclesiastical offences.

294-5. Meeting of the King in Council, June 3, 1762. Both acts disallowed.

296-7. Governor Arthur Dobbs to Bishop Osbaldeston, Brunswick, Aug. 9, 1762. Congratulates him on his translation and introduces an unnamed candidate for orders.

298-9. Extract from a letter of Governor Arthur Dobbs to the Board of Trade, Mar. 1764. There are over 24,000 white taxables (males over sixteen). He holds that these represent 100,000 white persons and 10,000 Negroes. Only six orthodox clergymen, four of whom are faithful and two 'very indifferent and of suspicious morals'. Salaries are £100 per annum plus £20 until a glebe is provided and vestries have power to enforce collection of 10s. tax.

300-1. Extract from a letter of Governor Arthur Dobbs to the Lords Commissioners of Trade and Plantations, Mar. 29, 1764. Notes that he was able to get the new ecclesiastical laws passed because of the absence of the northern members of the assembly. Act also provides for a schoolmaster in each parish. Makes the rector a member of the vestry. Because of lack of clergy, 'we abound with Sectaries, and turn Profligates and Deists'.

302-3. Extract from a letter from --- Reed, Newbern, July 10, 1765. New act does not raise stipends, but removes some difficulties. Presentation is restored to the Crown and collection of salary is made easier. Salary is £133. 6s. 8d. currency, with glebe house and land, or £20 pounds more in lieu thereof, but the whole is only worth about £76. 13s. sterling.

304-5. Governor William Tryon to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, Brunswick, July 31, 1765 (copy). Every Protestant sect abounds in North Carolina, but he thinks that the Presbyterians and New Lights are most numerous. The Presbyterians are in the western counties. The New Lights are in the maritime counties. They are not followers of Whitefield, but 'superior Lights from New England'. Only five Church of England ministers, four of whom, Reed, Stewart, Earl, and Moir, are Society for the Propagation of the Gospel missionaries. He does not name the fifth. Moir is employed as an itinerant, but it would be better if he were fixed in a parish, as it is reported that he seldom preaches anywhere. Latest vestry act will create thirty-two parishes. Asks donation of Bibles and Prayer Books. Whitefield preached a sermon in Wilmington last March which would have done him credit in St. James.

306-7. Extract from letter of Governor William Tryon to Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, Aug. 12, 1765. He recommends confirmation of vestry act, though he would have preferred payment of the ministers' salaries from the general treasury.

308-11. Printed copy of the act, and some other laws, extracted from the Laws of North-Carolina, 1765. Fixes salary at £133. 6s. 8d. per annum, provides for collection and payment, and regulates fees. Immoral clergy to be suspended by governor and council pending decision by the Bishop of London. Glebes and parsonages to be provided.

312-13. John Barnett to --- Waring, Castle Tryon, Feb. 1, 1766. His vestry have promised to pay him the legal salary, but he has only their word for it, as no legal contract can be drawn without a stamp. Widespread public disturbances. Governor Tryon has sent a contribution to Society for the Propagation of the Gospel and wants to become a member. --- Stevens, a Presbyterian minister, is coming home for orders. He has offended the governor and council and is alleged to have boasted that he could obtain episcopal orders for the price of a good beaver hat.

314-19. Bishop Terrick to the Lords of Trade, Mar. 1, 1766. Commenting on the above act, he favours accepting it, in spite of some defects. As no mention is made of the right of presentation, it automatically rests in the Crown and, therefore, in the governor. This makes the absence of any requirement that the clergy be licensed by the Bishop of London less serious, since it can be covered by an instruction. He recommends issuing a fresh instruction to that effect. Because of the importance of removing immoral clergy, he is willing to accept the governor and council's having the right of suspension pending action by the bishop. He takes occasion to point out how defective his colonial jurisdiction is, and to urge the need of colonial bishops.

320-1. Governor William Tryon to Bishop Terrick, Brunswick, Oct. 6, 1766. He is told that Stevens (cf. 312-13) presented the bishop with a document purporting to be a promise of appointment from the vestry of Wilmington. Tryon thinks this must be a forgery, as the vestry do not have the right of presentation and no one will admit signing the document. --- Cosgreve, though denied the the governor's recommendation, because of insufficient testimonials, has come back ordained. Tryon has appointed him to a parish in Pitt County, on three months probation, which he thinks is a good plan with all newcomers. He has sent --- Micklejohn to the back settlements for the time being, but has not fixed him definitely yet.

322-3. Governor Tryon to Bishop Terrick, Brunswick, Apr. 30, 1767. Concerning the placement of several clergymen.

324-5. List of counties and parishes, 1767, with estimate of taxables and some comments. Names incumbents when there are any. Notes predominance of Presbyterians in several parishes.

326-7. Certificate of sundary inhabitants of New Hanover County, June 6, 1768. Signers, mostly identified as justices of the peace or members of the council, attest to good character of their minister, John Wills, and recommend him to Society for the Propagation of the Gospel for a stipend.

328-9. Governor William Tryon to Bishop Terrick, Brunswick, June 10, 1768. Wills, who arrived without the bishop's licence, and who is in poor health, is returning to England, but as agreed to come back if he receives an appointment from the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel.

330-1. Governor William Tryon to Bishop Terrick, Brunswick, March 20, 1769. --- Cramp, just arrived, is officiating in Brunswick temporarily, Barnett having been transferred to Northampton County. Cosgrove has gone south, and Tryon hopes that he does not return, as his character is bad. It is rumoured that Stephens (cf. 312-13) has been ordained and is a naval chaplain. Governor encloses a sermon of Micklejohn's and an address from the Presbyterian clergy, both in favour of the government.

332-3. Theodorus Swaine Drage to Bishop Terrick, Newbern, Nov, 23, 1769. He has been presented by Governor Tryon to a parish in Rowan County. By a construction of the law now under litigation, the vestries claim the right to approve the governor's presentation. Poor health may force the governor to retire.

334-5. Governor William Tryon to Bishop Terrick, New Bern, July 22, 1770. Refers to difficulties of Wills and Drage with their parishes which have been reported more fully to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel.

336-7. Extract from a report of the Board of Trade, on an act passed in North Carolina in 1771 authorizing Presbyterian ministers to marry without paying a fee to the orthodox clergyman. They hold that it deprives the orthodox clergyman of his legal perquisites.

338-9. Governor Jo. Martin to Bishop Terrick, New Bern, June 20, 1772. Trustees of the school in New Bern have dismissed the schoolmaster, Thomas Thomlinson. The governor thinks the dismissal unjust, but has no legal power to intervene. He thinks that the bishop should secure the disallowance of the act governing the school, and hints that Society for the Propagation of the Gospel aid by withdrawn.

340-3. Petition of Theodorus Swaine Drage to Governor Josiah Martin, Jan. 10, 1773. Though presented to St. Luke's Parish, Rowan County, by Governor Tryon in 1770, he has never received any salary, because there has never been a qualified vestry to collect it. In one year the election was postponed. In the other years, vestries were elected but refused to qualify. Petition referred to assembly by the governor. Assembly replied that existing laws provided a sufficient remedy for the grievance of which the petitioner complained.

344-57. Vestry Act of ---. Undated, but signed by Governor Arthur Dobbs. From its content, it appears to belong between the act criticized by Bishop Osbaldeston (290-3) and that described by Reed (302-3). It incorporates the bishop's suggestion that vestrymen be required to swear conformity to the liturgy, but leaves the right of presentation in the vestry.

258-9. An act to amend the Act concerning Mariages. Undated. Permits Presbyterian ministers, on licence, to perform marriages, but provides that the fee shall go to the Church of England minister.