On this occasion the Dutch Governor, Colve, sent certain "articles " to Andros to which he required answers before surrendering, " for the satisfaction of the Dutch Government and for the greater tranquillity, of the good People of this Province." These related mainly to the settlement of debts, the validity of judgments during the Dutch administration, the maintenance of the titles of the owners ot landed property to its possession, and the position of the established church. Andros directed Mathias Nicolls, the former secretary under the English, to confer in person with Colve on these subjects. Nicolls satisfied Colve that Andros would give satisfactory answers as soon as he assumed the government, and this assurance was fully carried out. The article relating to the Church is in these words : -- " that the inhabitants of the Dutch nation may be allowed to retain their customary Church privileges in Divine Service and Church discipline." * This was granted, and with the Province of New Netherland fell forever the " Establishment " of the Dutch Church. But from that day to this, that great and venerable Church has continued in the enjoyment of its creed, privileges, and property, as fully and as freely

1 II Brod., 170.

THE ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF THE MANORS.

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as it did, while having the power of the Province Government at its back to enforce its support and prohibit all doctrines it did not approve. And how strong this i)Ower wiis, its dealings with the Lutherans, and with the Quakers in Governor Stuy vesaut's time, fully attest.