We have equally perceived therefrom the trouble taken by your Rev. & by the Hon""'* Lords Majores to prevent the injuries which threaten this community by the encroachments of the heretical spirits ; and likewise your Rev. desire to be made acquainted with the Condition of the Churches in tliis country.

In tlie harvest of the year 1656 we answered and wrote to you more fully on this subject, but having received no acknowledgment of that letter we doubt if it reached your hands, wherefore tills will serve the same purpose.

Last year the Lutherans gave out here that they had the consent of the Lords Majors or Directors to call a Lutheran Parson from Holland. They therefore petitioned the Hon''ie Director and Council for permission to hold in the meantime their conventicles thus to prepare the w^ay for their expected and coming minister. Though they began to urge on so stoutly Ave, nevertheless, (being animated and clieered by your letters) lioped for the best though dreading the worst whicli even now has ai-ri ved ; For though we could not anticipate that the Noble Lords Majors could have given any consent, yet it notwit!] standing came to pass that a Lutlieran Preacher, named Joannes Ernestus Gqetwatp-y

104 STATE OF RELIGION, '

arrived in tlie SI dp the Mill, to the great joy of the Luther i iS aiid especial discontent and disappointment of the congregation of this place j yea of the whole land even of the Enghsh. We, therefore, went to the Honi^ie Director General & the Burgomasters & Sc lepens of this city and presented the accompanying petition. WJ'.ereupon it followed that they cited the Lutheran Parson before their Honors ; demanded of him with what intention he was come here, and what he had as a commission and credentials.