Home / O'Callaghan, E.B., ed. The Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. III. Albany: Weed, Parsons and Co., 1850. / Passage

Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. III

O'Callaghan, E.B., ed. The Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. III. Albany: Weed, Parsons and Co., 1850. 337 words

After some other passionate and indiscreet behaviour shewed towards us by this unhappy Gentleman we proceeded to the choice, which (some few^ persons excepted) fell on the meanest sort, for My Lord, it seems the common people haveing seen four of their number chosen in a lawless opposition to four of the best rank in the late private election, were resolved to give this publick demonstration that they thought it high time, and this a fit opportunity to bring more of themselves into a share of power.

My Lord, we must not omit to acquaint your Lordship of the danger that may be apprehended from this choice, for if such mean persons are elected into the Vestry as can be bound eithei by art or interest, we have a great deal to fear from their weakness, the Dutcli and French congregations being both very numerous compared with our very small one in this place, and if ever we should be so unhappy as to see the Church (which

PAPERS RELATING TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 441

God forbid) under a Guardian less affectionate to lier tlian Her present Miijesty, we fear she might be in daiiger here from the unskillfulness or insincerity of those under whose direction her aflairs may tlien happen to be, for though these foreign congregations live very quietly and cliaritably witli us at present, yet we dare not trust too far to foreigners, having no instance of any favour from our own dissenters.

My Lord, wee also beg leave farther to tell your L''ship that this expression of M'' Vesey at the Altar lias a farther design in it as wee leare, and that in places of publick conversation lie frequently takes occasion to separate us the Subscribers from himself and some others by revileing us witli tlie name of Schismaticks, which liow unreasonable in its self, unjust to us, and pernicious it is to the peace and union of the Churcli we most humbly submit to your L^^ship on the fbHowiiig relation.