The "Instructions" were the Royal directions from the King for the governing of his Province, and could be altered, varied, or revoked at his pleasure. In point of fact they were never changed in the time of each Governor, except to meet some exigency not cOntempleted when they were issued. Upon the appointment of a new Governor, either new " Instructions " were given to him, or, if those of the preceding Governor were satisfactory to the Province and the King, he was simply directed to carry them out as his own.

The Instructions of Charles II. to Sir Richard Nicolls the first English Governor of New York, dated the 28d of April, 16C4, five months prior to the capture of New York from the Dutch, directed him to avoid giving umbrage to the people of Massachusetts, where he was to stop on his way to New York, by being present at their devotions in their churches, but the document thus continues, " though wee doe suppose and thinke it very fit that you carry with you some learned and discreete Chaplaine, orthodox in his judgment and practice, who in your owne

' New York was an e.xception to this, as to all religions, except the Roman Catholic. *IX. Fenua. Mag. Hist., 372-376.

HISTORY OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY.

fainilyes will reade the book of Common Prayer and performe your devotion according to ye forme established in the Church of England, excepting only in wearing the surplesse which haveiug never bin seen in those countryes may conveniently be forborne att this tyme." ^