He was chosen a member of the venerable propagation Society in 1700, and took a very active part in promoting its interest. As early as September 14th, 1700, at a meeting of that body, held in London, a memorial was received from him, in which he speaks of the several townships of East Jersey, " as distracted by almost every variety of dissent, but with little appearance of real religion among them." He also suggests some measures which may conduce to the bringing over to the Church the people in those countries : --
" J^irsf. That no man be sent a Governor in to any of these Plantations, but a firm Churchman, «S:c. If possible, none but Churchmen to be in his council and in the magistracy."
'' SecoHiUy. That Churchmen may have some peculiar privileges above others. This (if practicable) must be done by Act of Parliament."
'• ihirdly. That there may be some measures fallen upon, to get ministers to preach gratis in America, for some time, 'til there be sufficient numbers of converts to bear the charge ; and I ])resume that may be accomplished this way : let the King, the Archbisliop, the Bishops
a See I.en-i.-? Ninrris's Letters to the Lords of Tra'te ia 1733, N. Y., Col. MSS. London Doc. Xiiv. pp. yrii-'Jj.i.
b Z^. V. iu the OidcuTimo, by Y. Baruitz Uacoa, S-j.ndaii Times.
478 HISTORY OF THE COUXTV OF WESTCHESTER.
and great men, admit no man for so many years to any great benefice, \na such as shall oblige themselves to preach three years gratis in America : with part of the living let him maintain a curate, and the other part k; him apply to his own use. By this means we shall have the greatest and best men; and in all human probability, such men must in a sh(jrt time, have made a wonderful progress in the conversio!i of these coun- . tries, especially when it is perceived the good of souls is the only motive to this undertaking.' <*