USA > Delaware > New Castle County > Wilmington > The records of Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church, Wilmington, Del., from 1697 to 1773 > Part 19
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MOST HIGHWORTHY DOCTOR AND BISHOP AND VERY GRACIOUS FATHER:
Highworthy Father and Bishop, we humbly present our thankfulness to you who have always taken upon yourself such fatherly care for our spiritual soul cleans- ing, and not only sent us faithful and praiseworthy teachers who have left no pains unspared to promote the welfare of our souls, but also through God's grace induced the high authority in Sweden to send over to us many Godly and excellent books. May God who is
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the rewarder of all good deeds, be pleased to kindly re- ward you for these services. And as now through God's Divine Providence, through the Highworthy Father and Bishop's instrumentality our faithful soulcarer, the Pro- vost, the honorworthy and highly learned Herr Magis- ter Andreas Hesselius has been called home to minister to another church at home in the Fatherland, and so taken leave of us, not without our heart's great sorrow and regret, we live in humble confidence that it shall please the Highworthy Father and Bishop to fatherly look out for his good, because God the Most High has put the Most Highworthy Father and Bishop in such a position, that the Most Highworthy Father and Bishop can promote his welfare and prosperity. The Herr Provost Hesselius has been to us a faithful shep- herd, who with care sought and fed his sheep, and never left anything back which could help to win a soul. He has neglected nothing that could be for our profit, but held on in season and out of season, corrected, con- strained and admonished with mildness and discretion. And that such efforts might have the more effect he let his light shine before us by a righteous, honorable Christly walk-yea, as a lighted candle that burns of it- self, consumes itself, but shines for the benefit of others, so are we convinced in our consciences that he so con- ducted himself with us. In conclusion we most meekly beg that it may please the most highworthy Herr Father and Bishop in accordance with his customary favor and watchfulness, to have over this church a fatherly eye, and still in the future furnish us with faithful teachers for our souls guidance.
We shall so long as we live beseech God with faithful prayers and sighs for the Most Highworthy Herr Father
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and Bishop's constant health and soundness of body, and to our dying hour remain
The Most Highworthy Herr Father and Bishop's Most Humble Servants.
Church Council of Christian Congregation,
Carl Christopher Springer, Conrad Constantin,
Mâns Gustaf, Jacob Van de Ver,
John Culen, Philip Van de Ver,
Jonas Walraven, Lucas Stedham.
MARRIAGES, 1783.
I. Gustaf Palsson and Sara Thomas, married January 23.
2. Anders Palsson and Elizabeth Berry, married February 21.
3. Richard Garrisson and Jane Carter, Government License, married February â4.
4. Thomas Scott and Catharina Justis, married July 30.
5. Peter Cordreat and Elizabeth Owin, in Appoquinimink with license, married August 4.
6. Anders Hindricksson and Maria Hindricksson, married November 6.
7. Lylof Stedhamn and Anna Garrisson, married Nov. 12.
8. Thomas West and Kerstin Tossawa, married November 20.
9. William Audersson and Rachael Marten in New Castle, married November 21.
10. Michael Hamelin and Margareta Stannings, married No- vember 26.
II. Johan Parker and Maria Rees at New Castle, married No- vember 27.
12. Caleb Hall and Helena Hooker, married November 29.
BURIALS 1723.
I. Adam Stedham, buried January 9th.
2. Peter Mansson in St. Georges, buried January 29th.
3. Israel Petersson's child Hance, buried March 14th.
4. Peter Månsson in Bokton, buried July 14th.
5. Peter Mansson in Bokton, son Bengt, buried July 18th.
6. Johannes Mansson's son Petrus, buried August 17th.
7. Israel Petersson's child Susanna, buried September 13th.
8. Jesper Walraven's wife Maria, buried Nov. 12.
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9. James Seneke's widow Darkish, buried November 13.
10. Margareta Stalcop's illegitemate child Joseph, buried November 21st.
BAPTISMS IN CHRISTINA AND APPOQUINIMINK.
I. The Provost Magister Andreas Hessellius and wife Sara's child Maria, born January Ist, baptized January 6th.
2. Garret Garrisson and wife Esther's child Elizabeth, 12 year old, baptized January 13th.
3. George Hugel's negress Alki's daughter Anna. a mulatto, 20 years old, baptized February 3d.
4. Peter Pâlsson and wife Catharina's child Andreas, born Jan- uary 2Ist, baptized February 3d.
5. Mârten Mårtensson and wife Kerstin's child Andreas, born March 1Ith, baptized March 15th.
6. William Cock and wife Emy's child Margareta, born Janu- ary 20th, 1722, baptized March 14th, 1723.
7. Johan Clayton and wife Rosamunda's child Joseph, in Appo- udimink, 2 months old, baptized March 24th.
8. Johan Sap and wife Martha's child Johan, in Apoquinimink 4 months old, baptized March 24th.
9. The pastor Herr Samuel Hessellius and wife Brita's child Anna Maria, born April 8th, baptized April 12th.
10. Israel Stalcop and wife Susanna's child Maria, born April 20th, baptized April 28th.
II. Gustaf Gustafsson and wife Kerstin's child Christina, born May 8th, baptized May 12th.
12. Hans Smith and wife Elizabeth's child Catharina, born May 28th, baptized June 2d.
13. Peter Mânsson and wife Annika's child Maria, born June 3d, baptized June 5th.
14. Jonas Skagen and Elizabeth Kent's illegitimate child Wil- liam about 2 years old, baptized June roth.
15. Jonathan Kirk and wife Mary's child Elizabeth, born January IIth, baptized January 26th.
16. Edward Jones and wife Mary's child Elizabeth, in Appo- quinimink, born May 8th, baptized June 23rd.
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17. Timotheus Stedham and wife Elizabeth's child Lylof, born July 2nd, baptized July 7th.
18. Mârten Gustafsson and wife Brita's child Andreas, born July 9th, baptized July 12th.
19. Israel Petersson and wife Margareta's child Susanna, born July 10th, baptized July 14th.
20. Peter Holsten and wife Sara's child Maria, 2 months old, baptized July 2Ist at Appoquinimink.
21. William Hacket and wife Sara's daughter Prudence, born in Sussex County, 16 years old, baptized July 27th, at Appo- quinimink.
22. Carl Springer, Jr., and wife Margareta's child Maria, born July 25th, baptized July 28th.
23. Benjamin Allmond and wife Rachel's child Susanna, 5 1% years old, baptized at Appoquinimink, August 4th. "
24. Gabriel Clemens and wife Sara's child Joseph, in Elk River, born April 12th, baptized August 11th.
25. Johan Stalcop and wife Maria's child Ericus, born August 15th, baptized August 18th. Sponsors, The Provost in Fahlun, Herr Eric Biork, in whose place stood the Provost Magister Andreas Hessellius.
26 and 27. Samuel Griffin and wife Margareta's sons at Dock Creek, William 18 years old, James 15 years old, baptized at Appoquinimink Church, September ist. =
28. George Von Culen and wife Margareta's child Helena, born September 7th, baptized September 13th.
29. Anders Loinan and wife Annika's child Johan, born September IIth, baptized September 15th.
30. Jonas Skaggin and wife Annika's child Johan, born September 11th, baptized September 15th.
31. Olle Pâlsson and wife Elizabeth's child Jacob, born Sep- tember roth. baptized September 22nd.
32. William Clenny and wife Maria's child Jane, born Sep- tember 23rd, baptized September 29th.
34. Jesper Walraven and wife Maria's child Jesper, born October 17th, baptized October 20th.
35. Johan Culen and wife Kerstin's child Christina, born October 20th, baptized October 27th.
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36. Israel Robbesson and wife Elizabeth's child Anna, born November 20th, baptized November 27th.
37. Andreas Stalcop, Sr. and wife Anna Barbrie's child Maria Christina, born November 29th, baptized December Ist.
38. Johan Wilder and wife Margareta's child Richard, born December 12th, baptized December 15th.
39. Anders Pâlsson and wife Elizabeth's child Tobias, born December 9th, baptized December 15th.
1723, Oct. 8 .- A letter from the Highworthy Bishop to the Swedish Priests in Pennsylvania, was received and read as follows:
Honorworthy Priest-men in the Swedish Churches in America:
I have not for a year and a day received any letters from you, nor have I yet had any conversation with my son Jesper Swedberg since his return home, because of my attendance at the present session of the Diet in Stockholm. I hope that all is going on well. I wrote the last year that one of you at least should in the Lord's name return home, and there is now a good opportunity for him to get a good appointment. Is he minded to come home or is he on his journey? if so, he may have stopped in London, England, to serve the Swedish con- gregation there, while Magister Norberg journeys home to bury his deceased father in Borahs. Let me know your present state and also the condition of the churches. I formerly requested the Herr Provost Magister Andreas Hessellius that he would after a time, describe America with the inhabitants, both heathen and christians, their religious worship, politics, housekeeping, etc., etc. Such a history would be an interesting and desira- ble book.
I give you here a part of what his Royal Majesty has been pleased to resolve.
His Royal Majesty's resolution upon Bishop Dr. Swed-
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berg's respectful memorial concerning the following business and errands, given at Stockholın, April Ist, 172I.
No. 3. As regards the requested Magister title for the Provost in Fahlun, Eric Biork and the Provost in Hedemora, Anders Sandall, and that they may be ex- cused from the presiding in the Priest meeting.
So will his Royal Majesty for the sake of the causes alleged in the memorial graciously assent thereto, and in like manner bestow the title of Magister on the preachers Abraham Lidenins and Samuel Hessellius, who now for a time have charge of the Sweedish churches in America.
His Royal Majesty, when a proper opportunity shall occur later for preferment here at home in the kingdom will graciously remember them.
No. 5. The eight pieces of Jubilee Medals which are asked for, for two here and four in America, preaching with also two for the two Swedish schoolmasters, His Royal Majesty has left to the disposition of the Bishop.
FREDRICK. (L. S.)
This must be written down in your church book as you have been reminded of heretofore. I cannot think of anything more in my hurry, except that at the first opportunity I will send you some pslam and other books. I am also at work to get more bibles for you, God strengthen you and the churches in all good, and deliver from all evil, so wishes with all his heart.
Stockholm, May 14, 1723, P. S .- The congregation is earnestly greeted.
Your Honorworthiness, Ready for service and dutiful servant. JESPERUS SWEDBERG.
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HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
October 1723. Some members of the congregation were at the parsonage and took an affectionate farewell of the Provost Hesselius their faithful teacher, and heartily wished him and his family a safe and prosper- ous journey home, which was this day undertaken. The Provost ordered on his departure that the cook iron which he had left at the parsonage should remain as an inventariumn.
October 20th .- John Hanson Stellman has recently been at Mr. Carl Springer's and claimed that Christina congregation owed him 220 pounds, which is a great untruth. The same debt was long ago paid in the time of Herr Eric Biork's ministry which his church book planly shows. Therefore Mr. Springer with three of the Church Council, viz; Jonas Walraven, Jacob Van de Ver and Philip Van de Ver, went and examined all the receipts given by John Hanson Stellman, as inany as could be found, which receipts had heretofore been in the care of Mr. Springer, and it was found that the debt had been justly and entirely paid, and that he has no claim on the congregation, but is endeavoring to do them a great wrong, Mr. Springer then gave all the receipts into the hands of the pastor Samuel Hesselius to be taken care of.
October 22nd .- Some members of the congregation came to the parsonage at the request of Mr. Hesselius, and built a hen and goose house close to the garden, and repainted the roof of the barn and made sundry other slight repairs on the property, and also cut wood for the household.
December 25th .- The Church Council and Church- wardens were requested to meet after the close of Divine service at the parsonage, and it was resolved,
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Ist. That the Churchwardens should collect what was unpaid on the pews, and that all those who would not pay for their pew room before the 15th of March, should forfeit them entirely.
2nd. It was resolved that the Church land off in the woods should be sold at the first opportunity and not longer ly useless to the church: The Council decid- ing that it would be better to sell the land, and put out the money at interest, or buy a negro for service.
3rd. That none should remain in the Council over one year, and that the Churchwardens should not be so worn out and dilatory with the duties of their office, but be more efficient and diligent in their wardenship.
1724.
A. D. 1724, January 1Ith .- Mr. Jonas Walraven pre- sented an ewe as an inventarium for the priest land.
January 15th. - The Church Council met, and it was resolved that the church land up in the woods should be sold for 40 £, and Lucas Stedham, Jr., said that he would buy it at that price, and he was given fourteen days time to make up his mind.
Feb. 10. Because Lucas Stedham was unstable and would not stand to his bargain, the church land was sold to Seeds for 40g, payment to be made February 10th, 1725.
April 6th. Timotheus Lylofsson Stedham resigned as sexton in favor of Anders Loinan, who was chosen.
July 15th. Israel Petersson Sen., presented as a free gift to the church a pair of brass cadlesticks.
July 27th. Timotheus Lylofsson Stedham was chosen Churchwarden in the place of Erasmus Stedham, and Peter Classon in place of Christiern Brynberg.
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HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
October 26th. William Cleany gave 500 shingles for covering the roof of the barn at the parsonage, and Churchwardens Timotheus Stedham and Peter Classon brought them to the place.
November 4th. A negress named Peggy was bought for the parsonage with the money received for the priest land which was sold, and as the cost of her was 45£ and there was but 40{ from the sale of the land, pastor Hessellius added 5{ of his own money.
As the pastor finds it very necessary and important that a horse and cow stable should be built at the par- sonage, and the old barn newly covered with shingles, he requested the members of the congregation to begin the work at once, which they considering just, fixed on a convenient time to do it, and the work was finished the 5th of December, The pastor at his own expense fur- nished food and drink for the laborers and gave besides twelve days work.
The following persons after a short time paid for their pew room : Peter Classon for his wife's pew room paid 2£, Jonas Stedham for his wife's 25, Philip Van de Ver paid for his pew room by work on the church roof, which amounted to 16, 10 shillings, Israel Petersson pewroom for himself and wife 56, Garret Garrisson for his pew room If 10 shil. N. B .- Timotheus Lylofsson Sted- ham's wife sits in the last pew on the main aisle, which pew has been paid for by Timotheus Stedham's father, as can be proved by witnesses.
BAPTISMS 1724.
I. Olle Mânsson and wife Annika's child Cartharina, born January 2, baptized January 5.
2. Cornelius La Quett and wife Maria's child Johannes, born December 26 1723, baptized January 12.
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3. Elizabeth Ibard's illegitimate child Emmy, mulatto Igirl born November 12, 1723 baptized January 19.
4. Hendrick Stedham and wife Catharina's child Maria, born January 21, baptized January 23.
5. Lucas Stedham Jr. and wife Ingeborg's child Jonas, born Feb- ruary{24, baptized March I.
6. Jan Seeds and wife Brita's child Maria, born February 25, baptized March I.
7. Robin Bird and wife Maria's child Susanna, born March 2, baptized March 8.
8. William Allen and wife Margaret's child Johan, born Feb- ruary 23, baptized March 15.
9. Johan Woodland and Gen Garden's illegitimate child Johan, born April 25, 1723, baptized March 15.
10, Jonas Stalcop and wife Helena's child Elizabeth, 6 weeks old, baptized March 29.
II. Lylof Stedham and wife Anna's child, born March 23, baptized March 29.
12. William Verdeman and wife Margareta's child Maria, born Apr. I, baptized March 5.
13. George Anderson and wife Margareta's child (from Elk- river) Catharina, 10 weeks old, baptized Aprll 5.
14. Jacob Heine and wife Kerstin's child, Jacob born April 20, baptized April 26.
15, Peter La Quett and wife Marta's child Marta, born January 16, baptized May 10.
16. Elizabeth Calliert's illegitimate child Rebecca (a mulato) born November 13, 1723, baptized May 5.
17. Mâns Gustafsson and wife Catharina's child Rebecca, born May 17, baptized May 24.
IS. Thomas Scott and wife Catharina's child Maria, born May 23, baptized May 25.
19. Johannas Mansson and wife Ingeborg's child Catharina born June 3, baptized June 7.
20. Johan Dawson and Sara's child, (from St. Georges), 7 months old, baptized June 21.
21. Michael Mayer and wife Annika's child Susanna, born July IO, baptized July 12.
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HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
22. Samuel Petersson and wife Kerstin's child Anna, born August I, baptized August 16.
23. Christiern Brynberg and wife Maria's child Susanna, born August 15, baptized August 23.
24. Jonas Jespersson Walraven and wife Catharina's child Catharina, born August 22, baptized August 23.
26. Ebenezer Empsson and wife Susannas's child Susanna, several weeks old, baptized September 2.
26. Jacob Van de Ver and wife Maria's child Elizabeth, born September 10, baptized September 20.
27. Cornelius Walraven and wife Walborg's child Elizabeth (of St. George's) half year old, necessary baptism .*
28. Jean Toiles and wife Anna's child Elizabeth, born August
. 3Ist, baptized October 7th.
29. Christopher Stedham and wife Johanna's child Margareta, .born September 7th, baptized October 11th.
30. Anders Hindricksson and wife Maria's child Susanna, born October 20th, baptized October 25th.
31. Jean Griffis and wife Margareta's child Sara, born Novem- ber 3d, baptized November 8th.
32. Anders Cock and wife Sara's children Carolus and Abigail, born November Sth, baptized November IIth.
33. Peter Classon and wife Walborg's child Maria, born No- vember 12th, baptized November 15th.
34. Christopher Springer and wife Catharina's child Johan, born December, baptized December 20th.
RECORD OF BURIALS, 1724.
1. Johan Wilder's child Richard, buried January 2d.
2. Anders Stalcop, Sen.'s child Maria Christina, buried January 6th.
3. Olle Pâlsson's child Jacob, buried January IIth.
4. Johan Gioding's widow Annika, buried March 7th.
5. Jean Benjaminsson Pâlsson, buried March 7th.
6. Johanny Mâusson's child Maria, buried March 25th.
7. Lucas Stedham, Jr.'s child Maria, buried April 28th.
8. Erasmus Stedham's wife Helena, buried May 4th.
9. Jonas Stalcop's child Carl, buried May 21st.
#Previously baptized by some lay person for fear of death.
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10. The miller, Foster Pew, buried June 22d.
II. Widow Brita Gustafsson, buried August 22d.
12. Jonas Walraven, Sr., buried August 31st.
MARRIAGES, 1724.
I. Gustaf Paulsson and Margaret Simpson, married March 8th.
2. William White and Miss Maria Ericsson, married April 30th.
3. Mâns Andersson and Miss Margaret Morrisson, married May 28th.
4. Timotheus Bengtsson Stedham and Miss Catharina Morse, married June 23d.
5. Jesper Walraven and widow Anna Garritsson, married August 6th.
6. David White and Miss Gierkie Cornelius, married September 17th.
7. William Evans and Anna Philips, married October 31st.
8. Anton Jaquett and Miss Catharina Gioding, married Novem- ber 19th.
9. Garret Garretsson and Miss Elizabeth Ericsson, married December 3d.
10. Peter Petersson Canpany and Miss Magdalena Stedham, married December 3d.
II. Samuel Fowdrey and Anna Van de Ver, married Decem- ber 8th.
12. Morgan Jones and Elinor Evans, married December 17th.
13. Lewis German and Margareta Jury, married December 31st.
1725 .- January Ist. A general parish meeting was held, when a large number of the congregation bound themselves to pay the sexton the amount of their subscription for his salary, which writing the sexton has in his possession.
January 2nd. Jonas Stalcop was elected to the Church Council in the place of Jonas Walraven, deceased.
January 3rd. Mr. Springer and Johan Von Culen promised to make over the church land to Johan Seed
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HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
at the next court in February, when Johan Seed is to pay £40 for the land, which money has to be paid for the negress Peggy.
January 30th. Jonas Stalcop was dismissed from the Church Council because he was deemed unfit for that office.
February 22nd. Johan Seed paid £40 for the land which he bought, which money Peter Classon immedi- ately sent to Mr. Newton in New Castle, to be paid for the negress Pegge.
February 23rd. In these days a false rumor has been in circulation in Christina congregation among several of the members, about one of the members of the con- gregation and Church Council, Mr. Charles Springer, to the effect that he is indebted to the congregation eighty bushels of wheat, and that he had given a written obligation for the wheat to be paid to the congregation - for its use, which obligation Mr. Carl Springer had taken from a closet in Mr. Biork's house without per- mission, while Mr. Biork was absent and thus wronged the congregation. Pastor Hessellius and some of the Council examined into the matter, and found it altogether different, viz: Aron Johansson in his lifetime rented his ground to Andrew Gustafsson, and they could not agree very well, and the last year which Aron Johansson lived, Mr. Carl Springer bought Andrew Gustafsson's lease and was to turn over to Aron the share that belonged to him of the crop standing on the ground. But Aron Johansson died before the crop was harvested, and Mr. Springer gave to the widow her part when he threshed the grain, but the grain fell short so that Mr. Springer was short on his part three or four bushels.
19
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RECORDS OF .
From these facts the Pastor Hessellius and the inein- bers of the Church Council find that the congregation. have not the least claim for any of the aforesaid grain, and consequently there was no written agreement for any grain belonging to the church and the whole rumor is groundless. At the request of Mr. Springer the pas- tor has written this down in the church book.
Because some wrong minded members of the congre- gation claimed that the pastor ought not to be paid any- thing for burials, Pastor Hessellius consulted the whole Church Council about the matter, it having been for a long time customary and is yet throughout Christendom to receive remuneration for services on such occasions, and he enquired whether he should receive his dues as formerly or if they should be discontinued. The Coun- cil were decided in their answer that the same charges should be continued as have heretofore been paid, viz. : 9 shillings for an adult, and four shillings 6 pence for a child, and that nobody may flatter himself that the Priest shall be obliged to bury without payment or do for such. a stubborn member such a service. Peter Classon re- signed as Church-warden on mid-summer day, and Wal- raven Walraven was elected in his place and Hans Smith in place of Timotheus Stedham.
A. D. 1725, March 21, which was Palm Sunday .- The Pastor Herr Abraham Lidenius preached his vale- dictory sermon in Holy Trinity Church.
May 16th .- A letter arrived here composed by the pastor at Wicacoe, Magister Jonas Lidman, in the name of all the Swedish churches in Pennsylvania and Jarsey, as an expression of thanks to the King of Sweden, and to be sent over to him by the pastor Magister Abraham Lidenius, and reads as follows:
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HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
MOST MIGHTY ALL GRACIOUS KING:
The High Royal care which His Royal Majesty from the very beginning of his highly praised reign has so graciously bestowed upon us here in America far dis- tant from Sweden, makes us obligated to tender to His Royal Majesty our most humble thanks and gratitude and we shall daily and momently with our faithful pray- ers and sighs plead with God Most High that He shall be pleased such royal favor and graciousness richly to . reward.
And as now in accordance with the gracious pleasure of His Royal Majesty, our faithful teacher the pastor in Raccoon and Penn's Neck Churches Magister Abraham Lidenius journeys home to Sweden to serve some church at home in the Fatherland, we can now humbly testify before his Royal Majesty with good conscience that he lias been for us during the whole time of his residence here a most excellent and praiseworthy preacher, who with diligence has cared for the souls of his hearers, and has by his teaching and living gained very great love and respect, not only with the Swedes, but also with the English Churches, and likewise, with our adversaries a good name. We therefore now humbly petition His Royal Majesty that it may please his Royal Majesty to receive Pastor Magister Lidenius with his High Royal favor and promote his best good.
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