USA > Delaware > Sussex County > Some records of Sussex County, Delaware > Part 19
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As for the number of Communicants I have ordinarily above twenty or thirty odd, but never forty in one day. -
For the number baptised by me in other places I know not, but in my own Charge I have young and old baptised 220 or 230, married 22 couple these three years of my residence here, our Justices do many frequently here because the Law allows.
As for my order in preaching I preach sometimes twice a week I have occasionally thrice, but I never fail four times in three weeks, one Sunday in the upper end of the County, another in the Church, the third in the lower end, and then a week days Sermon in some corner and then the following Sunday in the Church &c. I catechise the Children before the sermon all the Summer, cold weather I don't; this is as full a true and just account as I can now give of the place (this accepted) that many well meaning people want Prayer Books
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very much, there being none in the County but what I give them, nor can we have for money, and indeed many have not money to buy with, but of this I'le mind the Trea'r.
As to the order of the Society, to give an account of those of my hearers that have contributed to build churches, in a word, I know not any has given one farthing to any but to our own.
As for their names that subscribe to me, and their sums, I have not the catalogue, I have seen it, but the Church Warden has it, only I tell you that you have all in that address for a minister to Dover Hundred sent to my Ld. of London, which (if I remember) I deliver'd to the Society, and several of the best of those are dead, in whose place I have this year not before got some small Subscriptions; but our Subscriptions in America are larger than our Benefice: but what- ever the Subscriptions be, this I can say upon the word of a Minister that these three years that I have been in this place, I have not had twenty pounds Pensylvania money p. ann; which is but a small Benefice, considering it is payd me not in Silver, but as people are able in corn, &c. T'is true there is more than £50 Pensylvania money subscribed,-but I can not have it, some are backward, many pretend they are not able the years are so badd, and to use the Law for it I never will, for that will frustrate my Mission and the de- signs of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, render my person odious to them, and so my Ministry and Preaching ineffectual, and I be look't upon as an hireling only; severe methods are not to be taken here, to gain converts by, so whatever is subscribed is to no advantage to me while it is not payd, but what I receive you shall have a yearly account.
As for the Society for reformacon of manners I have done and still do encourage it, and indeed at my request it was erected, and first by my Vestry whereof one Capt. Rodeny, Justice of Peace, was my principal assistant, the methods are most partly taken out of the Book of the Society for reformacon of manners wth some few varia- tions, however we punished all that offended, but now our Work is easie; Our Meetings were once monthly, but now are quarterly, & then have little or no business, possibly not one found guilty in that time in all the County.
As for the Negroes I have been at pains, for I sometimes at the Church Porch teach 'em the Principles of religion, tho' many are very dull; and when I am not employed I catechize the children.
As for the Society's Instructions I shall be glad to receive them, none shall be more observant than I, and for writing often tho' I do, I understand my Letters do miscarry; so I hope if my Letters be not so frequent as other Missionaries' I shall be excused because I have not so good opportunities, and withall I have been sick Spring & Fall, not able to go abroad, but yet I understood that some of my Letters misgive, as also Letters from the Society (I fear) to me for I have not had a Letter these two years, but by Mr. Talbot. Nay my At- torneys Letters many of them never came to my hand, as I am in- formed by his last.
I have nothing new to suggest, but that I have nothing to intice me to this place, but the Sobriety of the People, this is all my Com- fort others I have none, for many of the comforts of life are very farr withdrawn from me.
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Sir, I trouble your Patience no more, only I begg your prayers on the Church here, & on me in particular that I may be serviceable therein, and I pray God to bless you and all those good and noble Spirits that are imployed in that Glorious Work of the Propagation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, God himself strengthen you & incourage & bear you up in all difficulties; excuse the length of this from
Honor'd Sir
Your assured fr'd and humb' Serv't in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. THO. CRAWFORD.
1st FEBRUARY, 1706 .- A letter from Mr. Crawford to the Secretary dated Burlington, 7, November, read.
28th MARCH, 1706 .- Also two others [letters] from Mr. Crawford to Mr. Shibo & the Secretary from Burlington, 7 & 8 Novembrlast ;- Agreed to move the Society, that the said Mr. Crawford may be acquainted, that in case he con- tinues to want his health in Dover hundred he shall be allow'd to remove to Hopewell or According to the Prayer of his said Letter. Agreed to.
14th FEBRUARY, 1707 .- Also that having read a Paper from the Inhabitants of Sussex on Delaware River desiring a Minister may be sent 'em, and a Letter from Mr. Crawford the Minister appointed to Dover Hundred, near the above sd place, advising that the said Inhabitants are building a Church & want a Minister, they had Agreed to lay the Matter before the Society. Agreed that the Committee take care of this matter.
Also that having read two other Letters from the said Mr. Crawford (one to Mr. Stubs, t'other to the Secretary) dated April & June 1706, containing an Accot. of the said Mr. Crawford's Good Success in his Ministry, the poverty of the People & want of Com'on Prayer Books; they had Agreed to move ye Society that some numbers of Com'on Prayer Books be sent to the said Gentleman to be distributed amongst his People. Agreed to, & the No. to be ascertain'd by the Com'ittee.
15th APRIL 1709 .- Also that they had read a Letter from the Lord Bishop of London to the Secretary dated 20th. Jan'ry last, containing a copy of a Letter from Mr. Crawford desiring a Pulpit Cloth, Surplice &c. and also an Original Letter from the said Mr. Crawford to the Secretary dated Kent County in Dover hundred Pensylvania 31st Augt. last containing the State of his Church there, the want of Common Prayer Books &c. which Letters they Agreed should be laid
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before the Society: then the said Letters were read ;- Re- solved that for the incouragement of the said Mr. Crawford ten pounds more (to commence from Lady day was twelve months) be added to his allowance so long as he stays in his present cure, and that it be referr'd to the Committee to send him such a number of Common Prayer Books as they think necessary, as also a pulpit Cloth and Surplice, the Charge of the whole not to exceed £10.
21st OCTOBER, 1709 .- A Petition from Mrs. Crawford wife of Mr. Thomas Crawford the Society's Missionary in Pen- sylvania was read, praying that some part of the allowance to the said Mr. Crawford may be paid to her the wife of the sd Crawford for her Subsistance till she can go over to her Husband: Order'd that the said Petition be refer'd to the Committee and that Mr. Lind, Mr. Crawford's Attorny have notice to attend at the same time.
18th NOVEMBER, 1709 .- The Secretary reported from the Committee that they had considered the petition of Mrs. Crawford to them refer'd, and that the said Mrs. Crawford had fully made appear to them that she was the lawfull wife of Mr. Thomas Crawford the Society's Missionary at Dover Hundred in Pensylvania, and that she had not reced more than ten pounds from her Husband since he left England, which was about five years ago: That Mr. Lind, Attorny to the said Mr. Crawford, had also attended them, and being askt why he wou'd allow nothing to Mrs. Crawford to sub- sist and carry her over to her Husband, made answer, that he had no Orders from the Husband, nor any of his Effects in his hands, whereupon the Committee had Agreed to report the whole ffact as it appear'd to them, for the further Direc- tions of the Society in the Matter: Then the Society having taken the above report into their consideration, and the Revd. Mr. Cook attending was call'd in, and gave the Society a farther Accot. of the Circumstances of the said Mrs. Crawford: Ordered that a stop be put to the Allowance from the Society to the said Mr. Crawford, till he give satisfaction to the Society about the Premises; and that the Secr'y do en- deavour to inform himself from Mr. Evans and otherwise of Mr. Crawford's caracter &c.
30th DECEMBER, 1709 .- Also that they had read a Letter from Mr. Thomas Crawford late Missionary at Dover Hun- dred, dated London 26th Decembr. 1709, importing his desire of some money to put him into a Condition for to ap-
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pear before the Society, and had thereupon Agreed to lay the said Letter before this Bord, and had also directed Mr. Middleton to attend on behalf of the Wife of the said Mr. Crawford: This matter being considered and the Society acquainted that Mr. Lind attended without on behalf of Mr. Crawford, and Mr. Middleton on behalf of the wife of the said Mr. Crawford, they were called in and acquainted that their business is refer'd to the Committee.
KENT COUNTY, DOVER HUNDRED IN PENSYLVANIA, 31st Augt. 1708.
SR .- I wou'd begg both your Letters & advice often if it be not too much trouble and none shall be more observant. Mr. Black is sick of the Ague, but his arrival has removed the charge of that place from my shoulders which I undertook willingly for the good of the Church.
Lord Bishop of London to ye Secretary. FULHAM, 20 Jany. 1709.
SIR .- This is a copy of Mr. Crawford's Letter which I begg of you to lay before the Society, which seems to claim some charitable con- sideration from them. For my new Guest, as you call him, is so old an acquaintance, that I can't expect his departure so soon, as your good wishes wou'd have it. I am
Sir, Your most humble Servt. H. LONDON.
Mr. Crawford to the Bishop of London.
MY LORD-After my dutyfull and most humble respects to yous Lo'p I presume to tell your Lo'p, that my health still continuer very uncertain, I am constantly sick Spring and Fall, and if it was not for my charge and office sake I wou'd by your Liberty leave the place, but my people, (tho' poor) have a particular respect for me as I have for them; and I thank God, they are as moral & Civil as any people I know in America, which I think is increas'd by a Society for a Reformation of Manners I have got erected here, so that now I believe one may live with us half a year and not hear one swear prophanely, or be catched drunk in the whole county: all I have to complain of is, that the people are not able to do much for me; I get but very little from them, and I have to preach sometimes twice and sometimes thrice in a week, the county is so large, and I think the congregation as numerous as any in America (Philadelphia ex- cepted). Our Church is near finished, it is all Glazed and almost full of pews; only we want a Pulpit Cloth and Surplice and are not able to buy them. I pray God to bless your Lo'p, and long preserve you for an happy Instrument in his hand for good to his Church and our Encourager in Forreign parts. I rest
My Lord Your Lo'ps Son and Most humble Servant
THOMAS CRAWFORD.
KENT COUNTY ON DELAWARE IN PENSYLVANIA, 30th Augt. 1708.
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Mr. Crawford to the Secretary.
LONDON, 26th Decr. 1709.
HONOR'D SIR .- After my humble service unto &c. by this know that I am once more return'd to London, I wou'd have waited on you but cannot be seen by any till I get cloaths, for I am all out of Order, wth my long absence and fatigue of my Voyage: wherefore I desire that my money that is due to me may be paid to my Attorny that I may get some mony to cloath me with, I have allowed none a Liberty to receive it but him, and since my return I have not recalled his power. I hope the Society will consider my condicon, that here I both want cloaths and money that what is due to me may be readily paid; that I may again appear before you and give you an account of my service abroad as also of the place and places adjacent thereto, and till then I for your satisfacon have sent the true copy of certifi- cate from the Justices, that has the County Seal to it ; I have more from the Wardens; as also from the Society for Reformation of Manners, with the County Seal to them that I could not now coppy but the Originals shall be presented when you have paid my money to put me in any Order of appearing before you; this I hope you will communicate to the Committee and you will very much serve. Honord Sir Your most humble Servt.
THOMAS CRAWFORD.
Mr. Crawford to the Secretary.
7th Jan'y. 1709.
SIR .- I presume yet to trouble you once more, to signify I am in strait for money, I cannot but admire that my money shou'd be denyed, seeing I am in want, and it justly due: as for Certificates of my diligence abroad and success in my office, I think I have been short of none that ever was sent by the Society (as what my Certifi- cates will shew) one copy I have sent to you, and two other Originals I have order'd to be sent to my Lord of London; I have not only done as they certify but more in baptising several Negroes and Men & Women, some 60 years and downwards of all ages, I have opposed Schism,-preached publickly in Quakers meetings, disputed pub- lickly, concerning which every one in the county can tell how well I acquit myself, silencing their Vagrant preachers; I supplyed Sussex in it, and at home frequently preaching thrice a week as opportunity and occasion offer'd, visiting the sick, burying the dead and all gratis, nay I have not only bought and bestowed Books on many, but also I have bestowed on the Church a Fine Pulpit Cloath and Cushion with a deep Silver Fringe, and none dare say but all my walk was suit- able to my profession, and I think the glory of God and Good of Souls was my only design; tho' I labour'd under abundance of straits and troubles in that place: and now at my return I surely must say I meet with very hard measure for all my Labour; it is so great that I am forced out of Town for want of bread I being already indebted to Mr. Lind above £50 he will advance me no more: I know no reason why it shou'd be denyed or my Bills protested as he has done, since it is justly due by the Society; I am sure it will not redound much to your honor abroad: I can defy the World to tax me with an ill thing in my life time, but what has lately befallen me ignor-
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antly, by the Hellish Contrivance of Elizabeth Watson and her base Mates and Associates she entertained: Mr. Middleton has had his own hand in it; he has been known to be no good man from his youth, nay for his uncleanness was turn'd out of the School of Edin- burgh and not thought worthy to be Usher there, having appear'd in the Church in Pennance, among the ffornicators and unclean; whatever credit he has now wth you: worse than this I can say, and know this is matter of fact: and this Gentleman sent me word in a Letter which I have to produce, that Elizabeth Watson was not to be heard of; and by the mouth of Mr. Black she was dead, but wou'd not write the worst least he shou'd discourage me: as many in Dover hundred know and heard him say so and another Letter by another hand, as the Justices in the place know that she was dead, it was signed with her Brother's Name and hand; I taxed him upon it, he denyed it, but said he once believed she was dead; but his wife and he believed it was done by a fellow that was in the house with her whom all say she admitted to her embraces; But what I have to say of her uncleanness, that on oath I can get proved, and other villany to obtain her lust, & gratify her unclean desires as also a certificate of her former husbands death whom she trapann'd and sent to Sea, and then removed under the name of a Maid to a strange place, and things worse than these that I shall not mention: they lye not before you, nor are you Judges in such cases & therefore shall not trouble you with them: only I desire you not to pay my money to her but to Mr. Lind to whom I am indebted having received above £50 of him more than he has received; I have no way else to pay him, and it is a pitty he shou'd suffer on my account that has encourag'd so many missionaries; with all the last money I sent Elizabeth Watson, she laid it out to pay the Boarding of a Gentleman's Children, to whom she had been valet de chambre many a night till all the world took notice of her base carriage with him, and then when she had lost her fame she came after me: with all she does not want for money, she told me nine days ago she had a great deal at Interest in Scotland.
Sr. not troubling you farther since I cannot wait on the Society for want of money pray pay my money to Mr Lind and none else and in so doing you will oblige.
Sir, Your humb' Servant THOMAS CRAWFORD.
I design yet after this to see you all, till then let my misfortune be pityed and not enveyed against.
MR. WM. BLACK.
The Rev. William Black was the first Missionary in charge of Lewes and Sussex County. The following records are most interesting.
19th JULY, 1706 .- The Secretary also reported from ye Committee that one Mr. Wm. Black a Layman recomended by the Lord Bishop of London had attended them and like- wise offered his service for the Mission, and that he had
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produced a Letter from the Lord Bishop of Carlile to the Lord Bishop of London, together with a certificate under the hand and Seal of the late Bishop of Edinburgh, & another under the hands of the Lords of the College of Glasgow and ye comon Seal of the said College & all giving a very good character of the said Mr. Black, but the comittee had not yet come to any Resolution about ye said Person because he has not procured Testimonials according to Form.
16th AUGUST, 1706 .- The Secretary acquainting the Bord that Mr. Black attended at the door .- Ordered that the Secretary do wait on the Lord A-Bishop & inform him that the Society does desire his Grace to direct what he thinks fit, in the case of the said Mr. Black.
20th SEPTEMBER, 1706 .- Also that upon this occasion they had Agreed to move the Society that an application be made to the Lord Bishop of London that Mr. Wm. Black (who was some time ago recommended by the Lord Bishop of Carlile to the Society) may succeed Mr. Bridge as Assistant to the abovementioned Mr. Myles. The Secretary also reported that he had waited on the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury according to Order, & acquainted him with the case of Mr. Black, to whom his Grace had been pleased to give two Guineas for his p'sent support, & approved of his being sent to Boston. Agreed that the Secretary do wait on the Lord Bishop of London with the desire of the Society that Mr. Black may succeed Mr. Bridge.
18th OCTOBER, 1706 .- The Secretary reported that he had waited on ye Lord Bishop of London with the Request of the Society at the last General Meeting that his Lordp would appoint Mr. Black to succeed Mr. Bridge at Boston, but that his Lordship was pleased to answer that Sr. Charles Hobby & some other N. England Gentlemen objected agt. the said Mr. Black as being too young; and that his Lord- ship did upon that occasion Recomend to ye Society the sending that Gentleman to Naraganset where a Minister is wanted. Ordered that the case of Mr. Black be Recom- itted to ye Standing Committee.
15th NOVEMBER, 1706 .- Also that the Committee had taken into their considerason ye case of Mr. Black, that the said Mr. Black had p.duced to them a Testimonial under the hand & seal of John Sharp of Hoddom one of the Justices of Peace in the Shire of Dumfries in Scotland & a Represent- ative in Parliament there rectifying the said Mr. Black's
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conformity to all ye Qualificasons of the Society's Mis- sionarys. That the Comittee had appointed the said Mr. Black to read prayers & preach, wch he pformed to the satisfaction of the Comittee. The said Report is Approved of & ye said Mr. Black was appointed to Naraganset with a Salary of £50 p. ann. for 3 years, comencing from Michas day last with the usual allowance of £10, & £5 for Books.
18th APRIL, 1707 .- Also that having considered of a Letter from ye Lord Bp. of London dated 29. March, together with an Address from the Inhitants of Sussex on Delaware River to his said Lop. bearing date 6. March, 1705/6 desiring a Minister for the said country the people of wch promise to do what they are able towards the maintenance of him; they had agreed to move the Society that Mr. Black who was appointed to Naraganset at the General Meeting of the Society 15. Nov. last, may be sent to Sussex as above, it being the desire of the Lord Bishop of London because Naraganset is already supply'd by Mr. Bridge; his Lop. having also in the said Letter, desir'd that Mr. Black may have some more advanc'd money upon the Acct. of his long stay here, they had agreed to move ye Society for their Directions in that matter. Ordered that Mr. Black be ap- pointed to Sussex as above, and that the Treasurer do ad- vance him his second half years allowance, on condition that he take the first opportunity of a Passage.
19th SEPTEMBER, 1707 .- Also that upon reading several Letters from Mr. Black & Mr. Jenkyns dated from Spit- head on bord ye Ruby, 30. Aug. wherein they prayed the Advice & Assistance of the Comittee by reason of the said ship being appointed to Portugal, & complaining that they were reduced to great distress for want of money. The Comittee Agreed as their opinion that ye Secretary should write to the said Gentlemen & acquaint them that they should endeavour to pcure themselves a Passage in some other Ship bound to Virginia or Maryland forthwith, but if no such Opportunity offered that then they should return to London with their Effects. That the said Mr. Black & Mr. Jenkyns returned to London & attended the Comittee giving them Acct of their circumstances & Whereupon the Comittee Agreed to Report that ye Case of the said Mr. Black & Mr. Jenkyns is very compassionable, & Agreed to move the Society for their direction therein. This Report having been considered, and a Letter from Mr. Cordiner
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to the Secretary dated from Spithead 15. Sept. 1707, read. Agreed that the Treasurer be empowered to advance ye sum of Fifteen pounds to each of the abovemensoned Gentle- men out of their growing Salaries, to defray their respective Passages in the first Ships that are ready.
16th JANUARY, 1708 .- A letter was read from Mr. Black to the Secretary dated 3. January, 1707, from Plymouth signifying his great Wants by being so long Wind-bound at the said Port & others, &c. Order'd that the Secretary do write to the said Mr. Black, and acquaint him that he may draw upon the Treasurer for Ten pounds to be ad- vanced on the Credit of his growing Salary.
11th FEBRUARY, 1709 .- Also that they had read two letters from Mr. Black dated 19. June & 19 July last, giving an Accot of his & Mr. Jenkyns Voyage, arrival &c. Ordered that the Secretary do write to the said Mr. Black, & desire him to give an Accot of the Behavior of Mr. Nicols, Ross, & Jenkyns, in relation to the leaving their respective Churches.
30th DECEMBER, 1709 .- Also two Letters from Mr. Black to the Lord Bishop of London, & to the Secretary dated Annapolis 7th June, 1709 importing that he and his people had been plunder'd & driven away by the ffrench; that he has received nothing from them, nor dos expect it now, and therefore prays he may be Lycensed for Maryland, & his Salary from the Society continued; Whereupon they had Agreed to report as their opinion that the said Mr. Black shou'd be appointed to Appoquiminink vacant by the death of Mr. Jenkins: Agreed to.
15th DECEMBER, 1710 .- Also that they had read two Let- ters from Mr. Black to the Lord Bishop of London and the Secry. dated Accomake on the Eastern Shore of Virginia 8th & 9th March 1709 importing his removal from Sussex County, and the occasion thereof as mention'd in his former: that being invited by the Vestry of Accomake, he was to be Inducted the 14th of ye said month, and desires his Lo'p to confirm the same: That at Lewes Town in Sussex County there is no security for a Minister, it lying open to any Enemy and the people so divided they will not allow him any maintenance: that he offer'd to leave his Library, upon their giving Bond to be accountable to the Society for the same; but none of them willing so to do, he took it with him, and is ready to deliver it to the Society's Order: The Comee thereupon Agreed to lay these Letters before the
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