VOLUME V

VOLUME V

1730-1750

MASSACHUSETTS

1-2. Timothy Cutler to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Feb. 4, 1729/30. Fears that the church will suffer from the appointment of Jonathan Belcher as governor. He is a dissenter who has never attended any services of the Church. He refused to let his daughter marry a young Churchman until the youth renounced the Church.

3. Timothy Cutler to Overseers of Harvard College, Boston, June 11, 1730. Since application of Myles and himself to be cited to meetings of the board has been refused, he asks to be allowed such copies of the records as may be necessary for a fair statement of the request.

4. Copy of (3).

5. Minute of meeting of Overseers, June 16, 1730, rejecting this request.

6-7. Summary of the case by Cutler. Undated, but contains copies of (3 and 5). Charter of 1650 includes teaching elders of six adjoining towns on Board of Overseers. This charter was abrogated with the colonial charter, but, after having two succeeding charters vacated, college has resumed the original one, by what authority he knows not. Episcopal ministers in Boston were cited to attend until shortly after his arrival. Harris often did attend. He attributes discontinuance of citation to jealousy of the Church's growth.

8-9. Minute of meeting of Overseers, June 22, 1730. Reconsider Cutler's request (3) and again reject it.

10-12. Timothy Cutler to Bishop Gibson, Boston, June 25, 1730. Reviewing his efforts to get on the Board Overseers.

13-14. Action of General Court, Oct. 2-3, 1730. Rules that act allowing ecclesiastical taxes of Churchmen to be paid to their own minister does not apply to ministers who do not reside in the colony. Attested by J. Belcher, Governor, and J. Willard, Secretary.

15-16. Thomas Harward to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Nov. 17, 1730. He has just arrived in Boston and been well received by governor and clergy. He and Price have agreed about division of salary.

17-18. Timothy Cutler and wardens and vestry of Christ Church to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Nov. 18, 1730. Encouraged by Governor Belcher, they ask bishop to use his influence to obtain a gift of communion plate and other furnishings from the King.

19-20. Copy of (17-18).

21-22. Minutes of action by vestry of King's Chapel, Mar. 30, 1730. They grant Price £100 for extra services to that date. Nov. 25, 1730, they grant him £3 a week from Easter to the coming of Harward on condition of his yielding any claim to money paid by the Crown to Harward. Attested by wardens, William Speakman and Job Lewis, Dec. 14, 1730.

23-24. J. Belcher to the Duke of Grafton, Lord Chamberlain, Boston, Dec. 12, 1730 (copy). Supports the request of Christ Church (17-18).

25-28. J. Belcher to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Dec. 12, 1730. Supports the above request (17-18). Says that though born in New England and bred a dissenter, he has 'a Christian Catholick Charity for the Church of England, and can say amen to the excellent 39 Articles'.

29-30. Thomas Harward to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Dec. 14, 1730. Encloses (21-22) and complains that Price still wants part of his salary.

31-32. Timothy Cutler to Captain John Delapp, Boston, May 13, 1731. On his return to England, acknowledges his faithful attendance at church. Complains of lack of bishops and of persecution of the Church in New England. Present act gives insufficient relief. Episcopal clergy excluded from Harvard Board of Overseers.

33-34. J. Belcher to Bishop Gibson, Boston, May 20, 1731. Introducing his son who, having graduated from Harvard, is going to England to study law in the Temple.

35. Thomas Harward to Bishop Gibson, Boston, May 24, 1731. The legislature refuses to grant Governor Belcher a fixed salary. He is friendly to the Church. Captain Brown of Salem died and left a large estate to his sons, who are favourable to the Church. A Mr. Christian, claiming to be a clergyman, has been in Boston. Price and Cutler invited him to preach, though he had no credentials. Dean Berkeley plans to return to England.

36-37. Henry Newman to Bishop Gibson, Bartlet's Buildings, July 6, 1731. Encloses some documents relating to the dispute over the governor's salary. Says the legislature is prepared to carry the matter before Parliament.

38-39. Meeting of a committee of the Lords in Council, July 7, 1731. Having had the salary dispute referred to them, they recommend that the governor be allowed to sign the provincial bill, which, though not meeting the royal instructions, comes nearer to doing so than any previous bill.

40-43. Thomas Harward to Bishop Gibson, Boston, July 19, 1731. Dean Berkeley preached before the clergy meeting in Newport. Christian (cf. 35), whom he now refers to as Irish, has become friendly with the Checkley faction, whom he denounces. Governor recently attend the chapel accompanied by three Indian sachems. Harward thinks that something should be done for the Indians. If allowed an assistant, and made commissary-general, he would tour the provinces, investigating missionary possibilities. Governor and others recommend building a third church in Boston (cf. 56-59). Library is neglected. A school-master is needed.

44-45. J. Belcher, to Bishop Gibson, Boston, July 24, 1731. Complains that Price has been rude to him because, in his ignorance of the Church year, he proclaimed a day of fasting on the Feast of the Annunciation.

46. Thomas Moore to Bishop Gibson, Middle Temple, July 31, 1731. Petition against taxation of Churchmen in Massachusetts presented to the King and referred to attorney- and solicitor-general, who have done nothing about it since 1729.

47. Roger Price to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Sept. 20, 1731. Christian (cf. 35) left hurriedly when scandalous reports caught up with him.

48-49. Timothy Cutler to ---, Boston, Oct. 25, 1731. Mentions several promising places for new missions. Complains that Society for the Propagation of the Gospel allowances are too readily cut off. Doubts that he can remain at Christ Church unless his allowance is increased.

50-51. Timothy Cutler and wardens and vestry of Christ Church to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Nov. 24, 1731. Thank him for his efforts to obtain plate (cf. 17-18) and ask him to continue.

52-55. Printed journal of House of Representatives of General Court, sessions of Dec. 2-4, 1731. Includes address of Governor Belcher urging granting of legal relief to Quakers and appointment of a committee to draft a bill to ease their position and that of the 'Anabaptists'.

56-59. J. Belcher to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Dec. 4, 1731. Holds that Church of England is as much established as any in Massachusetts, since a majority in any town can vote to call a minister of any church it wants. Again seconds Christ Church's application for plate (17-18). No danger of a precedent, as there is no prospect of a third church's being built in Boston for a long time to come (cf. 40-43).

60. Boston Weekly News-Letter, Dec. 2-9, 1731. Prints governor's address (52-53).

61-62. Memorial of Roger Price, as Commissary, to the governor and General Court, Dec. 9, 1731. In view of the measures proposed for the relief of Quakers (52-53), he asks that the position of the Church be also eased.

Memorial of Massachusetts clergy (Price, Cutler, Harward, and Miller) to governor and General Court, Dec. 15, 1731. In view of the scattered residence of Churchmen and the shortage of Church clergy, they ask exemption from the law restricting ministers and justices of the peace from marrying persons outside their own county.

63-64. Copy of (61-62).

65-66. Certificates of various inhabitants of Rehoboth and Barrington, Bristol County, Massachusetts, Dec. 20-21, 1731, that they are taxed for the support of Independent ministers though they regularly attend services of the Church of England in Providence, R.I., within five miles of their domiciles. Their attendance is certified by Arthur Brown, minister in Providence, and John Usher, minister in Bristol.

67-68. Affadavits of Timothy Cutler, and Thomas Harward, Dec. 23, 1731, that they, with Roger Price, waited on the governor to inform him that the date on which he had proclaimed a fast (44-45) was a festival of the Church and that their failure to observe it would not spring from disrespect. The governor replied that he had acted in ignorance of the fact. Commissary Price replied that it looked like a deliberate affront to the Church and that he or the other Church ministers should have been consulted. (Date of visit, 'about' Mar. 15, 1731.)

69-70. Ebenezer Miller to Bishop Gibson, Braintree, Dec. 27, 1731. Personal affairs may compel him to visit England in the spring, so he asks leave to do so. Josiah Marshall, a former dissenting minister, expelled for immorality, has gone to North Carolina and it is suspected that he may seek to obtain testimonials there by which to secure ordination.

71-72. Roger Price to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Dec. 27, 1731. Disturbed at not having heard from the bishop for some time while Harward circulates rumours that he is in disfavour. Refers to his memorial (61-62) and dispute with governor (44-45, 67-68).

73-74. Application of Samuel Grainger for appointment as Society for the Propagation of the Gospel catechist and schoolmaster in Boston, succeeding Edward Mills, deceased. Undated, but notation says it was presented to the society, Jan. 19, 1732 (probably 1733, cf. 86-87). He has been a schoolmaster for thirty years, thirteen in Boston, and is a communicant of the Church of England.

75-76. Timothy Cutler to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Apr. 28, 1732. Introducing John Beach, formerly 'Independent Teacher' of Newtown, Connecticut, who is seeking orders. Cutler has known him most of his life, having formerly been 'teacher' in town where he was brought up.

77-78. Roger Price to Bishop Gibson, Boston, May 15, 1732. Disturbed by the bishop's continued silence. Refers to some benefice in England which he enjoys by the bishop's favour.

79-80. Thomas Harward to Bishop Gibson, Boston, May 8, 1732. Says that Pigot returned to England in hope of succeeding to a peerage, and they do not know whether to expect him back in America or not. Harward cannot understand how ministers can abandon their cures so lightly. Letter is brought by John Beach, whose character Harward knows only by hearsay.

81. Remonstrance of Price and the wardens and vestry of King's Chapel to the governor, Boston, July 9, 1732. Governor has ordered Harward to accompany him on his visit to the Eastern Indians and Harward has readily obeyed, disregarding his duty to the parish and to the church at Marblehead, which he has been supplying in Pigot's absence.

82-83. Roger Price to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Aug. 2, 1732. Encloses (81). After its presentation, the governor gave up the project. It has been the custom to take a dissenting minister on these trips as chaplain, and the governor maintains that his intention was to honour the Church.

84-85. Timothy Cutler to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Sept. 18, 1732. Acknowledges increase in his Society for the Propagation of the Gospel allowance.

86-87. Thomas Harward to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Oct. 20, 1732. He is highly respected by the governor and most of the people, except for a faction in the chapel. Price is visiting New York and Philadelphia without consent of the vestry. The governor has brought some more Indians to church. Accompanying the eastern expedition would only have taken Harward away for a few weeks.

P.S., Nov. 16, 1732. Price has returned. Mills has died. He urges sending a schoolmaster from England in deacon's orders. (Cf. 73-74, whose date should probably be read 1733.)

88-89. Roger Price to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Nov. 10, 1732. Hard to say what is best way of relieving Churchman from tax burden. Straight exemption would not benefit the Church. Current dispute with his vestry, which wants to dock him for his three weeks' absence, shows unreliability of voluntary support. Mr. Grainger has asked his recommendation as schoolmaster (73-74), but he recommends himself, as he does most of the catechising. Asks permission to return to England.

90-91. J. Belcher to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Nov. 11, 1732. Recommends Grainger as schoolmaster (73-74).

92-93. Roger Price to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Nov. 25, 1732. Introducing (Addison) Davenport, who is seeking orders. The son of a leading Boston family, he has a substantial fortune and further inheritance in prospect. Formerly practiced law. Price grows more dissatisfied with Boston and again asks permission to leave.

94-95. Thomas Moore to Bishop Gibson, Middle Temple, Mar. 31, 1733. Enclosing some documents concerning Church in Salem not now in collection. People there never made any definite subscription for the missionary. Mr. Holbrook left for Virginia because support was insufficient.

96-97. Timothy Cutler to Bishop Gibson, Boston, May 1, 1733. Introducing Pierson and Browne, two candidates for ordination.

98-99. Roger Price to Bishop Gibson, Boston, May 16, 1733. Introducing (Ebenezer) Punderson, a candidate for orders.

100-1. Thomas Harward to Bishop Gibson, Boston, May 28, 1733. Asked by Cutler to recommend Brown and Pierson, he can only repeat that Cutler tells him that they are well recommended by Samuel Johnson and others.

102-3. Timothy Cutler to Bishop Gibson, Boston, June 30, 1733. Expresses regret at some rulling of attorney-general that is unfavourable to Churchmen in Massachusetts.

104-5. Addington Davenport to Bishop Gibson, Boston, July 19, 1733. He has begun preaching at Scituate and will move there as soon as he can find a place for his family.

106-7. Churchmen of Salem to Bishop Gibson, Aug. 1, 1733. Ask his patronage for their newly completed church, and acknowledge occasional services of Pigot.

108-9. George Pigot to Bishop Gibson, Marblehead, Aug. 6, 1733. Recommends --- Tracey of Lincolnshire, a graduate of Guildford School and Wadham College, for appointment as missionary to Salem.

110-11. Timothy Cutler and wardens and vestry of Christ Church to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Oct. 4, 1733. Having received a royal gift of plate, they thank him for his assistance in obtaining it and submit addresses to the King and to the Duke of Grafton (112) to be presented at the bishop's discretion.

112. Address to the Duke of Grafton, Oct. 4, 1733, enclosed with (110-11) (copy).

113-14. J. Belcher to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Oct. 5, 1733. He holds that Churchmen would be sufficiently protected under the present laws, if they would only apply to the provincial government instead of seeking to go over it.

115-16. Timothy Cutler to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Oct. 8, 1733. Adds his personal acknowledgement to the formal one (110-11).

117-18. George Pigot to Bishop Gibson, Marblehead, Oct. 29, 1733. Disappointed by refusal of Society for the Propagation of the Gospel to grant him anything for his work in Salem. Speaks of having suffered for his 'too forward Credulity' (cf. 79-80).

119-20. Roger Price to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Nov. 5, 1733. He is less than enthusiastic about the measures being taken to relieve Churchmen of ecclesiastical taxation, as he feels that they are managed by a faction that seeks only contention. Mr. Cradock has gone to London to join Mr. Sanford in presenting the case. Caution is suggested in accepting his account of the situation.

121-2. Jona. Belcher (Junior) to Bishop Gibson, Middle Temple, Nov. 20, 1733. Encloses a letter from his father and thanks the bishop for supporting his application for a fellowship at Trinity Hall.

123-4. Henry Newman to Bishop Gibson, Bartlet's Building, Dec. 22, 1733. Encloses an unspecified receipt and says that Governor Belcher has succeeded in persuading the legislature to rebuild the fort at Pemaquid.

125-6. J. Belcher to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Feb. 4, 1733/4. Thanks the bishop for supporting his son for fellowship at Cambridge.

127-8. J. Belcher to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Feb. 25, 1733/4. Recommends Thomas Grainger as successor to his father, Samuel, deceased, as Society for the Propagation of the Gospel schoolmaster.

129-30. Minute of meeting of Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, Mar. 15, 1733 (4). Thomas Grainger appointed schoolmaster in Boston.

131-2. Timothy Cutler to Bishop Gibson, Boston, May 6, 1734. Introduces Ebenezer Punderson, a candidate for orders, formerly an Independent minister. Christ Church is in a static condition. Heresy and infidelity increasing.

133-4. Thomas Harward to Bishop Gibson, Boston, May 6, 1734. Unacquainted with Punderson, so cannot recommend him. Removal of W. Fairfax, Collector of Customs, to Virginia has deprived the Church in Salem of its only dependable supporter. It is wasteful for Society for the Propagation of the Gospel to maintain a missionary there. Price told the congregation he would return to England, but refused to put it in writing.

135-6. Addington Davenport to Bishop Gibson, Scituate, May 7, 1734. Though it had a small beginning, his congregation is growing. Recommends Punderson.

137. Associated ministers of the County of Hampshire (Massachusetts) to Bishop Gibson, Hatfield, Sept. 10, 1734. Signed by William Williams, Moderator and Jonathan Edwards, Scribe. Hold that sending missionaries to New England is contrary to purpose of Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, as it is a Christian country, has a regular ministry, set apart by the congregation and ordained by the presbytery, and accepts the basic Christian faith as set forth in the Thirty-nine Articles. Missionaries uncharitable in denying validity of non-episcopal ministry and lax in standards of admission to communion.

138. Benjamin Colman to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Sept. 13, 1734. Enclosing (137) and endorsing its views.

139-42. J. Belcher to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Dec. 9, 1734. Price started to sail for England, but decided to remain after ship ran aground in the harbour. If he does leave, Belcher recommends Cutler as commissary. King's chapel is not so officially, but just in name. Young Belcher has been admitted to the bar and received M.A. from Cambridge. He would like one from Oxford, if it can be had 'without much charge or trouble'.

143-4. Timothy Cutler to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Mar. 31, 1735. Encloses a sermon (not in present collection).

145-6. Thomas Harward to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Oct. 28, 1735. Concerning prospects of the Church in various towns. In Dedham, some have declared for the Church as a result of a dispute over the excommunication of a woman for criticizing the Congregational minister. Harward has recently preached in Salem. The Congregational Church there is split as a result of the ousting of the minister. Harward thinks that, with a prudent minister, the Church might thrive there. (Cf. 133-4.) Kittery and Piscataqua also have possibilities. As his voice is growing weak, Harward would prefer one of these missions to his post at Boston. He would also consider South Carolina. Commissary Garden recently visited Boston for his health. Fuller, the minister at Charleston, has died. Price has recently married a girl of sixteen.

147-8. Timothy Cutler to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Oct. 31, 1735. Introduces Jonathan Arnold, formerly Congregational minister at New Haven. Cutler, who has known him for twenty-five years, recommends that he be ordained and made a missionary at New Haven.

149-50. Price, Cutler, Harward, McSparran, and Pigot to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Nov. 12, 1735. Recommend appointment of a missionary in Salem.

151-2. Roger Price to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Nov. 14, 1735. Recommends Arnold, but thinks that some other places should have priority over New Haven for missionary aid.

153-4. J. Belcher to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Dec. 8, 1735. Mentions Price's marriage.

155-6. W. Sharpe to Bishop Gibson, Council Office, Jan. 10, 1735(6). The 'Quakers Act from New England' has not yet been considered by the committee. He will let the bishop know when it is to come up.

157-8. Andrew Hone to Bishop Gibson, Whitehall, Jan. 10, 1735/6. At the bishop's request, he has looked up action concerning New England synod in 1725 (cf. iv. 155-6). On advice of the attorney-general, the Lords Justices instructed the lieutenant-governor to forbid it.

159-60. Thomas Harward to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Jan. 12, 1735/6. Finding the chapel too much for him, he offers himself as an itinerant. Promoters of a new church in Boston are proposing to call Arthur Brown from Piscataqua, but he does not see how they can pay him.

161-2. Addington Davenport to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Apr. 16, 1736. His father has recently died and left him the bulk of his estate, which is mostly in Boston, land. His mother is anxious that he should move to Boston, and the death of Harward offers an opportunity, if the bishop approves.

163-4. Copy of (161-2).

165-6. Roger Price to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Apr. 16, 1736. Reports death of Harward and urges that next assistant be made dependent on him. Otherwise, he would like to change his rectorship for a mission. Some members of his congregation have erected what they call a church but their plans for governing it make it seem more like a conventicle.

167-8. John Gibbins to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Apr. 17, 1736. Notifies him of Harward's death. Says he only does so, because Price is deliberately delaying reporting the matter, so that he can enjoy Harward's salary.

169-70. Timothy Cutler to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Apr. 28, 1736. If any local missionary is appointed to succeed Harward, Cutler would like to have the mission reserved for his son, who is preparing for ordination, though he will be only 23 in June.

171-2. Price and the wardens and vestry of King's Chapel to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Apr. 30, 1736. Ask him to name a successor to Harward.

173-4. Some of the parishioners of King's Chapel to ---, Boston, May 1, 1736. Ask him to use his influence to have Arthur Brown named as assistant.

175-6. Roger Price to Bishop Gibson, Boston, May 1, 1736. Understanding that there are 'private cabals' seeking the appointment of a particular person as assistant without consulting him, he asks the bishop to disregard them. Thinks he should have some of the assistant's salary while he is performing the full duty.

177-8. Ebenezer Miller to Bishop Gibson, Braintree, May 10, 1736. Recommends young Cutler for a missionary appointment.

179-80. Price, Cutler, Pigot, and Miller to Bishop Gibson, Boston, June 1, 1736. Ask charitable aid for Harward's widow, who has been left with three children and not enough money to pay her husband's debts.

180. Memorial of David Shaw, one of the constables of the town of Brimfield, to Governor Belcher and the General Court, Boston, June 22, 1736 (copy). As the former constable, Richard Sprague, has been required to answer an appeal to England for imprisoning Mathew Ellis, a Churchman, for refusing to pay taxes to support the local minister, Shaw asks instruction in regard to his action towards other Churchmen who refuse to pay.

181-2. Clergy of New England to Bishop Gibson, Marblehead, June 23, 1736. Commending McSparran, who is going home to prosecute some legal action on behalf of his parish (cf. 186-7).

182-3. Jonathan Arnold to Bishop Gibson, Boston, June 24, 1736. On inquiry, at the request of Bishop Gibson, he finds that, though Massachusetts officials are not very careful about collecting taxes due to Church ministers under the five-mile act, they do pay over what they collect.

186-7. Roger Price to Bishop Gibson, Boston, July 3, 1736. Some Churchmen have bought farms about thirty miles from Boston, to provide a refuge for Churchmen persecuted under the five-mile act. There is already a church built there. Price recommends that it be made a mission. Commends McSparran, who is suing to recover some lands belonging to his church.

188. Deed of gift of Christopher Jacob Lawton of Leicester, Worcester Co., Mass, Aug. 20, 1736 (copy). Gives a farm to be held in trust by Roger Price and his brother for use of a minister, if one is appointed for that town by Society for the Propagation of the Gospel.

189-90. Ebenezer Miller to Bishop Gibson, Braintree, Oct. 5, 1736. Introducing --- Cutler and --- Bridge, candidates for orders.

191-2. Timothy Cutler to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Oct. 8, 1736. Thanks to offers of help from friends in England, his son now plans to spend sometime in study there (cf. 169-70). Introduces another candidate for orders, --- Bridge, son of a former missionary.

193-4. Arthur Browne to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Oct. 12, 1736. Introducing Cutler and Bridge.

195-6. Addington Davenport to Bishop Gibson, Scituate, Oct. 12, 1736. Introducing John Cutler and Christopher Bridge, Junior.

197-8. John Usher to Bishop Gibson, Bristol, Oct. 12, 1736. Introducing Cutler.

199-200. Roger Price to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Oct. 16, 1736. Commenting on the new act relating to ecclesiastical taxes, he maintains that it is contrary to the charter for them to claim to have any religious establishment or to make any laws binding the Church of England. He fears that the present measure will be temporary and the old law will go back in force. Urges appointment of a missionary at Hopkinton, where he has procured the gift of a farm for his use (cf. 188). Thinks schoolmasters' salaries might better be spent on missionaries. Recommends the appointment of an itinerant. Would like to have an Englishman appointed as his assistant, for he finds the New England ministers overbearing.

201-2. Copy of instructions given by Bishop Compton to Henry Harris as assistant at King's Chapel (iv. 22-23). Signed by the wardens and dated Nov. 17, 1736.

203-4. Roger Price to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Nov. 20, 1736. Urges that assistant be required to perform half of all duties in the parish. Under former arrangement he refused to visit the sick or bury the dead. If assistant is sent on the old terms, he would like to resign rectorship and become assistant. Vestry claim the right of withholding his salary when they choose to. One of them, Auchmuty, is trying to get a relative named assistant.

205-6. Roger Price to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Nov. 20, 1736. Some of his parishioners are seeking to have --- Sterling appointed assistant. Sterling was considered for the proposed new church, but did not suit the promoters. He is reputed to be the author of a play, The Rival Generals, and to have married an actress.

207-8. Wardens and vestry of King's Chapel to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Nov. 22, 1736. Ask that assistant be sent on the same basis as formerly, which they interpret to mean that they have equal status and an equal division of duties, but that the fees belong to the rector. (Their terms: 'Our minister' for rector and 'King's chaplain' for assistant.)

209-10. Roger Price to Bishop Gibson, Boston, June 30, 1737. He and Davenport agree to accept the bishop's instructions concerning their relationship. Clergy recently held a convention, but deferred applications to Society for the Propagation of the Gospel for more missionaries because of its straitened circumstances.

211. George Pigot to Bishop Gibson, Marblehead, Nov. 30, 1737. Asking his support for an application to Society for the Propagation of the Gospel of which no details are given.

212-15. J. Belcher to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Dec. 9, 1737. His last letter has been unanswered for two years. He again asks help for his son in obtaining an Oxford M.A. 'with little charge'. Defends himself against supposed attack by Lieutenant-Governor Dunbar of New Hampshire by relating an anecdote of Sir Rowland Givin, a member of the Commons in King William's time.

216-17. Roger Price to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Dec. 19, 1737. Davenport has been offered rectorship of new church. Price would like to resign his position in favour of a healthy cure in England or the mission at Hopkinton, if the salary were £70.

218-19. Charles Brockwell to Bishop Gibson, Scituate, Dec. 27, 1737. Asks to be appointed to the assistantship vacated by Davenport.

220-1. Anonymous letter to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Dec. 27, 1737. Urges that Davenport be allowed to accept new appointment and recommends Stephen Roe of South Carolina for assistant at King's Chapel.

222-3. Charles Brockwell to Bishop Gibson, Scituate, Feb. 25, 1737/8. Though Davenport reported a congregation of 80, he rarely has more than 6 or 7, in spite of efforts at catechizing and personal evangelism. He thinks that those who do come are only trying to evade taxes. Asks to be given a cure in England, or transferred to Salem, where prospects seem more promising.

224-5. Henry Newman to Bishop Gibson, Bartlet's Buildings, Mar. 10, 1737/8. Defends Governor Belcher against attacks by Colonel Dunbar. Though New Hampshire House of Representatives has accused Governor Belcher of partiality to Massachusetts in boundary dispute, legislature of Massachusetts has accused him of favouring New Hampshire. Refers to expressed intent of the bishop to withdraw his 'patronage' (jurisdiction?) from some of the missionaries.

226-7. J. Watts to Bishop Gibson, Newington, Oct. 11, 1738. Quotes a letter from (Benjamin) Colman asserting genuineness of the conversions in Northampton under Jonathan Edwards.

228-9. Roger Price to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Dec, 21, 1738. A convention of clergy approved Brockwell's removal to Salem (cf. 222-3) pending decision of Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. Price has applied to Society for the Propagation of the Gospel for mission at Hopkinton, but would prefer a cure in England.

230-1. Timothy Cutler to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Dec. 21, 1738. Urges increase in salary for Jonathan Arnold, itinerant in Connecticut.

232-3. Wardens of St. Andrew's, Scituate, to Bishop Gibson, Scituate, Dec. --, 1738. Ask for a successor to Brockwell.

234-5. J. Belcher to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Mar. 1, 1738/9. Has received a letter from the bishop referring to some lessening of his responsibilities in the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel.

236-7. Timothy Cutler to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Mar. 2, 1738/9. At the bishop's request, he will inquire into the revival at Northampton, but, as it is an inland town, and his former acquaintance among the dissenters has been cut off, he is not sure how much authentic information he can obtain.

238-9. Addington Davenport to (Roger Price), Boston, May 9, 1739. He has determined to accept the call to Trinity (the new church) unless the bishop forbids it.

240-1. Duplicate of (238-9).

242-3. Henry Newman to Bishop Gibson, Bartlet's Buildings, May 14, 1739. Encloses some letters, not otherwise identified, which he says bear upon the conduct of the commissary.

244-5. Roger Price to Bishop Gibson, Boston, May 27, 1739. Reporting the resignation of Davenport. If his application for the mission at Hopkinton fails, Price would rather be appointed to the 'lectureship' than continue as rector. His salary, never too secure, is made more precarious by the withdrawal of the Trinity congregation.

246-7. Wardens and vestry of King's Chapel to Bishop Gibson, Boston, June 20, 1739. Report Davenport's resignation and ask bishop to name a successor.

248-9. Duplicate of (246-7).

250-1. Charles Brockwell to Bishop Gibson, Salem, June 25, 1739. He would like the assistantship if the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel refuses to confirm him in the Salem mission, but he would prefer to stay there, as he finds the work very promising.

252-3. Timothy Cutler to Bishop Gibson, Boston, July 6, 1739. Asks his aid for McSparran, who is appealing his case to England. Complains that Harvard students are discouraged from attending services of the Church.

254. Roger Price to Bishop Gibson, Boston, July 9, 1739. Again asks appointment to assistantship. Salary as rector very irregular. Urges retaining Brockwell at Salem.

255-6. Philip Bearcroft to Bishop Gibson, Eleham near Folkstone, Oct. 6, 1739. Society for the Propagation of the Gospel has informed the people of Hopkinton that it is not in position to start a new mission at present. Brockwell has been fixed in Salem.

257-8. Roger Price to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Nov. 20, 1739. Dissenting ministers, led, he thinks, by Colman, have falsely accused him of misrepresenting the situation in Hopkinton to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. As the Trinity congregation were disappointed in their expectation of Society for the Propagation of the Gospel aid, they have deferred providing for Davenport until spring. Price would now like to hold both the rectorship and the assistantship in King's Chapel.

259. Roger Price to Bishop Gibson, Boston, May 9, 1740. Asks instructions for treatment of Whitefield, who is expected in Boston next fall. Repeats request to combine rectorship and assistantship. Churchmen were pleased by a report that Shirley had been appointed governor, but are now discouraged by a report that the Quaker interest will keep Belcher in the office.

260. Addington Davenport to (Roger Price), Boston, May 9, 1740. Resigning his assistantship. Copy attested by wardens.

261. Duplicate of (260).

262-3. Roger Price to Bishop Gibson, Boston, May 12, 1740. Reports Davenport's resignation. Davenport's agreement with Trinity deprives him of all power in the government of the Church. If the bishop is unwilling to appoint Price to the assistantship, he hopes that he will at least let him take advantage of the vacancy to get his own salary on a more satisfactory basis. Repeats remarks of (259) on appointment of governor.

264-5. Addington Davenport to Bishop Gibson, Boston, May 15, 1740. One reason for accepting the call to Trinity was that his salary from home was two years in arrears, and he was being dunned by creditors.

266. Price and wardens and vestry of King's Chapel to Bishop Gibson, Boston, May 24, 1740. Notify him of Davenport's resignation and recommend appointment of Stephen Rowe as successor.

267. Duplicate of (266).

268. Roger Price to Bishop Gibson, Boston, May 27, 1740. Having received a letter from the bishop indicating willingness to appoint him to the lectureship but warning him that the salary was in abeyance, he suggests combining the lectureship with the mission at Hopkinton.

269-70. Timothy Cutler to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Dec. 5, 1740. Whitefield has been in Boston after landing in Rhode Island. He was entertained by the Church clergy in Boston, but not invited into their pulpits. Boston responded ardently to his preaching, but he met with less success at Northampton, where everybody was already converted, and in Connecticut.

271-2. Roger Price to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Dec. 7, 1740. In view of the fact that the salary of the lectureship is in arrears, he declines it. Vestry has promised to pay his present salary more regularly in the future.

273-4. Price and wardens and vestry of King's Chapel to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Dec. 8, 1740. Renew request for appointment of Stephen Rowe as assistant.

275-6. Roger Price to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Mar. 2, 1740/1. Promise to pay him regularly (271-2) has not been kept.

277-8. Addington Davenport to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Oct. 6, 1741. Introducing Jonathan Simpson, a vestryman of Trinity, a convert from Congregationalism, and a successful business man, who desires confirmation.

279-80. Extract from a letter of a 'Gentleman in York' to a gentleman in Boston, Oct. 15, 1741. Describes sensational results of Whitefield's preaching.

281-2. Extract from instructions to Governor William Shirley, ---, 1741. Directs him to respect jurisdiction of the Bishop of London.

283-4. Timothy Cutler to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Jan. 14, 1741/2. Encloses an account of Whitefield's preaching which, he says, 'is handed about among us'. Adds some information supplementing it. Confusion is even worse in Connecticut.

285-6. Roger Price to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Jan. 19, 1741/2. Encloses an account of Whitefield's preaching, possibly (279-80).

287-8. W. Powles to Bishop Gibson, Jan. 26, 1742. Concerning payment of some bills drawn by Price on the fund for support of assistant at King's Chapel. Funds received from the Exchequer are not yet sufficient to meet the arrears due to Davenport.

289. Stephen Roe to Bishop Gibson, Charles-Town, Feb. 25, 1741/2. Acknowledging appointment as assistant at King's Chapel.

290. Stephen Roe to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Mar. 12, 1741/2. Announcing his arrival.

291-2. George Cradock to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Oct. 3, 1743. Speaks of having met the bishop when he was in England in 1734 with --- Sandford. Introduces Doctor Gardner, a member of King's Chapel, and commends Governor Shirley for his support of the Church.

293-4. Charles Brockwell to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Oct. 25, 1746. Opposes ordination of --- Hooper, a dissenting minister elected by Trinity Church to be their minister. Holds his principles unsound, but does not indicate what they are.

295-6. Roger Price to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Nov. 22, 1746. Also opposes ordination of Hooper.

297-8. Charles Brockwell to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Apr. 28, 1747. Complains that vestry of King's Chapel forced Price to resign and chose Caner their rector, and have now insulted Brockwell (the assistant or lecturer) by requiring him to preach in the morning, so as to leave the more popular afternoon service to Caner.

299-300. Charles Brockwell to Bishop Gibson, Boston, June 2, 1747. Further opposing the ordination of William Hooper. The objection seems to be that his conversion came rather suddenly when the call to Trinity was in prospect.

301-2. Wardens and vestry of King's Chapel to Bishop Gibson, Boston, June 5, 1747. Attest to Hooper's good repute.

303-4. Wardens and vestry of Trinity Church to Bishop Gibson, Boston, June 8, 1747. A second petition for Hooper's ordination. (The first does not appear to be in the present collection.) Criticize Price for his opposition.

305-6. Alexander Malcolm to Bishop Gibson, Marblehead, July 6, 1747. On the basis of a personal acquaintance of seven years he testifies to Hooper's good character and sound principles. He excited some antagonism by his opposition to Whitefield, but otherwise has always been held in high repute.

307-8. John Thomlinson to Bishop Gibson, London, Aug. 3, 1747. Thanking him for ordaining Hooper and enclosing some unidentified letters.

308-9. Henry Caner to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Dec. 3, 1747. From part of a letter shown him by Brockwell he understands that he is in disfavour because of the controversy over preaching times. He says that the time of day when he performs his duty is indifferent to him, and that his only part in the dispute was an effort to keep the peace. (Cf. 297-8.)

310-14. Extracts from the minutes of meetings of the vestry of King's Chapel from Apr. 20, 1747, to Dec. 10, 1747, relating to the dispute over preaching time (297-8 and 308-9).

315-17. Wardens and vestry of King's Chapel to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Jan. 11, 1747 (8). Enclosing (310-14) and defending their action. Copy attested by James Gordon, warden.

318-19. Caner and wardens and vestry of King's Chapel to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Jan. 29, 1747/8. Damage in a recent storm has made it necessary to rebuild the chapel. £1,600 currency has been raised by subscription, but they doubt their power to complete the work. They ask the bishop's advice on the advisibility of an application to the King.

320-1. Charles Brockwell to Bishop Gibson, Boston, Oct. 5, 1748. Written in answer to a letter from him and in evident ignorance of his death. Concerned with complications that have arisen in the payment of Brockwell's salary.

322-3. Petition of James Maynard to Bishop Sherlock, Westborough. Undated, but accompanied by a certificate of payment of taxes by Roger Price and wardens of Hopkinton dated, Mar. 11, 1749. Contains copy of act of 1735 providing that taxes of Church of England members should be paid to Church ministers, if the payers regularly attended their services. Petition complains that, in spite of this, Churchmen are often prosecuted for non-payment of taxes.

324-5. Henry Caner and the building committee of King's Chapel to Bishop Sherlock, Boston, Oct. 25, 1749. With the aid and advice of the bishop and Henry Frankland they prepared a memorial to the King for aid in rebuilding the chapel, but it has not been presented by the minister to whom it was entrusted (Pelham). With the support of the governor, they are seeking to revive it, and ask the bishop's support.

326-7. Timothy Cutler to Bishop Sherlock, Boston, Dec. 12, 1749. Acknowledges a letter from the bishop and expresses gratitude for his concern for the colonial Church.

328-9. Charles Brockwell to Bishop Sherlock, Boston, Jan. 18, 1749/50. Concerning some of the difficulties he has in collecting his salary.

330-1. Henry Caner to Bishop Sherlock, Boston, Jan. 31, 1750. Acknowledges letter from the bishop and expresses gratitude for his effort to promote colonial episcopate.

332-3. Charles Brockwell to Bishop Sherlock, Boston, Apr. 13, 1750. Encloses a pamphlet (not in present collection) which he says is an attack on all the English bishops and on Laud in particular. It was occasioned by a sermon of his on the centennial of Laud's execution. He thinks it should be prosecuted.

334-5. Charles Brockwell to Bishop Sherlock, Boston, June 23, 1750. More about his salary difficulties. Identifies the author of the offending pamphlet (332-3) as Captain Philips.

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