By their own Growth and Foreign Accessions they at this Day form a considerable Congregation cLiiefly consisting of industrious Mechanics & Labourers. And within a few" Years particularly their Number is much augmented ; and it is no more than Justice to this People to say, that they have always demeaned themselves quietly and irreproachably ; and tliat their Chui-ch is of Publick Utility as it afibrds the Means of Worsliip to multitudes of Foreigners, who are constantly settling among us, and who understanding only the German Language, would otherwise be deprived of tliat Benefit

In 1759 the Congregation presented a Petition to be Incorporated, which being referred to a Committee of the Councel, was favourably Keported. But for some Reasons the then Lieutenant Governor did not chuse to Seal the Charter, till his Majesty's Pleasure should be known. For this purpose their Petition with several from the Dissenting Congregations for the like

494 PAPERS RELATING TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK.

Pri\ Hedge, were sent to the Ministry ; and it was not till lately Lieutenant Governor Golden received Instructions not to Grant these Charters, as his Majesty saw no Reason which rendered it necessary.

•Whatever may have been the Case with other Congregations, it is suljinitted to his Excellency, whether from the peculiar Circumstances of the Lutherans they do not stand in great need of the Indulgence they ask, upon these Accounts.

1st Many years since a Member of their Church gave them two Houses and Lots in this City, which tho' of no great Value, are the Cliief Support of the Minister. The Deed is so inartificiaUy drawn that had not that Statute of Mortmain which annulls all Gifts and Grants in favour of Churches, been in the way, it would not nevertheless have Vested the Pee in the Congregation ; for it Conve}S the Estate to the Elders and Deacons by name, and their Successors; and they for want of Incorporation, have no legal Succession, and cannot Inherit.