Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. III
That the said Congregation is since become still more numerous, and that they are very desirous to secure their said Church and the Cemetry thereunto adjoining and acquire a further Estate for the better support of the Gospel, and to enlarge their Cemetry for the more decent Interment of their Dead, and to enjoy such other Powers and Privileges as may be necessary for the better maintenance of the Worship of Almighty God among them, according to the Westminster Confession of Faith, Catechisms, and Directory.
That your Majesty's Subjects of the Province of New York, Dutch and English, of the Presbyterian Perswasion, are a great Majority of the whole number of its Inhabitants, and boast the most undissembled Loyalty and attachment to your Majesty's Person Family and Government, and most sincerely and ardently pray for the Succession of the Crown in Your Royal House.
That there is no general Establishment of Rates for tlie Building and repairing of Churches, and the support of the Ministers of the Gospel in tliis Colony; and' the whole Charge of support-
• 500 PAPERS RELATING TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK.
ing the Worship of God is therefore defrayed by and depends upon voluntary Contributions: and tho' a Freedom from compulsory Laws among Protestants of such various Denominations will render any attempts to force a Uniformity detrimental to the Publick Peace, and obstruct the settlement and Growth of tlie Country: yet since every Congregation stands in need of some Estate for pious Uses, and the suspicious confidence in private Trustees inevitably expose them to numberless Inconveniencies and Discouragements the Governors of this and the neighbouring Province of New Jersey have wisely thought fit to grant Charters of Incorporations to sundry Churches both of tlie Episcopal and Presbyterian Denominations, incorporating them and enabling them to receive Benefactions, maintain a Succession, and make Bye-Laws for the Government of their Members; and by this Means a sufficient Encouragement of religious Worship has been given without the legislative aid.