USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 74
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INGLIS READS THE PRAYER FOR THE KING.
Matters became now critical here in the highest degree. The rebel army amounted to near thirty thousand. All their cannon and military stores were drawn hither, and they boasted that the place was impregnable. The mortifications and alarms which the clergy met with were innumerable. I have frequently heard myself called a Tory, and traitor to my country, as I passed the streets, and epithets joined to each, which decency forbids me to set down. Violent threats were thrown out against us, in case the King were any longer prayed for. One Sunday, when I was officiating, and proceeded some length in the service, a com- pany of about one hundred armed rebels marched into the church, with drums beating and fifes playing, their guns loaded and bayonets fixed, as if going to battle. The congregation was thrown into the utmost terror, and several women fainted, expecting a massacre was intended. I took no notice of them, and went on with the service, only exerted my voice, which was in some measure drowned by the noise and tumult. The rebels stood thus in the aisle for near fifteen minutes, till, being asked into pews by the sexton, they complied. Still, however, the people expected that, when the collects for the King and royal family were read, I should be fired at, as menaces to that purpose had been frequently flung out. The matter, however passed over without any accident. Nothing of this kind happened before or since, which made it more remarkable. I was afterwards assured that something hostile and violent was intended; but He that stills the raging of the sea, and madness of the people, overruled their purpose, whatever. it was.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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THE ARMS OF THE KING TAKEN DOWN IN TRINITY CHURCHI.
In the beginning of July, independency was declared ; as this event was what I long expected, I had maturely considered, and was determined, what line of con- duct to pursue. General Howe had arrived some time before from Halifax, as did Lord Howe from England. They had taken possession of Staten Island, where the fleet lay in sight of this city, at the distance of nine miles; and only waited for the arrival of the fleet from England, to make a descent and reduce New York. This circumstance pointed out still more clearly what part I should act. However, I thought it was proper to consult such of the Vestry as were in town, and others of the congregation, and have their concurrence; and I must do them the justice to say, that they were all unanimous for shutting up the Churches ; and chose rather to submit to that temporary inconvenience, than, by omitting the prayers for the King, give that mark of disaffection to their sovereign. To have prayed for him had been rash to the last degree-the inevitable consequence had been a demolition of the churches, and the destruction of all who frequented them. The whole rebel force was collected here, and the most violent partizans from all parts of the continent. A fine equestrian statue of the King was pulled down, and totally demolished, immediately after independency was declared. All the King's arms, even those on signs of taverns, were destroyed. The committee sent me a message, which I esteemed a favor and indulgence, to have the King's arms taken down in the church, or else the mob would do it, and might deface and injure the churches. I immediately complied. People were not at liberty to speak their sentiments, and even silence was construed as a mark of disaffection.
TRINITY CHURCH CLOSED.
Things being thus situated, I shut up the churches. Even this was declaring, in the strongest manner, our disapprobation of independency, and that under the eye of Washington and his army. The other assistants now went to their respec- tive friends in the country. My family were at such a distance, and in such a part of the country, that I could not with any degree of safety visit them; I there- fore remained in the city, to visit the sick, baptize children, bury the dead, and afford what support I could to the remains of our poor flock, who were much dispirited ; for several, especially of the poorer sort, had it not in their power to leave the city.
CHURCHES DENIED TO THE AMERICAN CHAPLAINS.
After we had ceased to officiate publicly, several, of the rebel officers sent to me for the keys of the churches, that their chaplains might preach in them; with these requisitions I peremptorily refused to comply, and let them know that, "if they would use the churches, they must break the gates and doors to get in." Accordingly, I took possession of all the keys, lest the sextons might be tampered with ; for I could not bear the thought that their seditious and rebellious effusions should be poured out in our churches. When those requisitions were repeated with threats, my answer was, " that I did what I knew to be my duty, and that I would adhere to it, be the consequences what they would." Upon this they desisted, and did not occupy any of the churches.
INGLIS WRITES A PAMPHLET AGAINST THE AMERICAN CAUSE.
I cannot reflect on my situation at that time, without the warmest emotions of gratitude to Divine Providence for preserving me. I was watched with a jealous. suspicious eye. Besides the imputation of being notoriously disaffected-an im- putation which had flung others in jail without any other crime,-I was known and pointed at as the author of several pieces against the proceedings of the congress. In February last, I wrote an answer to a pamphlet entitled " Common Sense," which earnestly recommended and justified independency. It was one of
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the most virulent, artful, and pernicious pamphlets I ever met with, and perhaps the wit of man could not devise one better calculated to do mischief. It seduced thousands. At the risk, not only of my liberty, but also of my life, I drew up an answer, and had it printed here; but the answer was no sooner advertised, than the whole impression was seized by the sons of liberty, and burnt. I then sent a copy to Philadelphia, where it was printed, and soon went through the second edition. This answer was laid to my charge, and swelled the catalogue of my political transgressions. In short, I was in the utmost danger, and it is to the overruling hand of Providence that I attribute my deliverance and safety. With difficulty I stood my ground till about the middle of August, when almost all who were suspected of disaffection were taken up and sent prisoners to New England : I therefore found it necessary to return to Flushing on Long Island; but I had no sooner left that place, than the committee met, and entered into a debate about seizing me. This obliged me to shift my quarters, and keep as private as possible, till the 27th of that month, when General Howe defeated the rebels om Long Island, which set me and many others at liberty.
THE ENGLISH TAKE NEW YORK.
On Sunday, the 15th of September, General Howe, with the King's forces, landed on New York Island four miles above the city; upon which the rebels abandoned the city, and retired towards King's Bridge, which joins this Island to the continent. Early on Monday morning, the 16th, I returned to the city, which exhibited a most melancholy appearance, being deserted and pillaged. My house was plundered of everything by the rebels. My loss amounts to near 200 1. this currency, or upwards of 100 1. sterling. The rebels carried off all the bells in the city, partly to convert them into cannon, partly to prevent notice being given speedily of the destruction they meditated against the city by fire, when it began. On Wednesday, I opened one of the churches, and solemnized Divine service, when all the inhabi- tants gladly attended, and joy was lighted up in every countenance on the restora- tion of our public worship; for very few remained but such as were members of our Church. Each congratulated himself and others on the prospect of returning peace and security ; but alas ! the enemies of peace were secretly working among us.
ATTEMPT TO BURN THE CITY.
Several rebels secreted themselves in the houses, to execute the diabolical purpose of destroying the city. On the Saturday following an opportunity presented itself ; for the weather being very dry, and the wind blowing fresh, they set fire to the city in several places at the same time, between twelve and one o'clock in the morning. The fire raged with the utmost fury, and, in its destructive progress, consumed about one thousand houses, or a fourth part of the whole city. To the vigorous efforts of the officers of the army and navy, and of the soldiers and seamen it is owing, under Providence, that the whole city was not destroyed. We had three churches, of which Trinity Church was the oldest and largest. It was a venerable edifice, had an excellent organ which cost 850 I. sterling, and was otherwise ornamented. This Church, with the rector's house and the charity school,-the two latter, large expensive buildings,-were burned. St. Paul's Church and King's College had shared the same fate, being directly on the line of fire, had I not been providentially on the spot, and sent a number of people with water on the roof of each. Our houses are all covered with cedar shingles, which makes fire very dangerous. The church corporation had suffered prodigiously, as was
evidently intended. Besides the buildings already mentioned, about two hundred houses, which stood on the church ground, were consumed; so that the loss cannot be estimated at less than 25,000 1. sterling. This melancholy accident, and the principal scene of war being here, will occasion the clergy of this city to be the greatest sufferers of any on the continent by the present rebellion.
The church corporation have some thoughts of applying to his Majesty for a brief to collect money in England, or for leave to open a subscription to repair their loss in some measure, which, I fear, will involve them in inextricable diffi-
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
culties, as they are already burdened with a debt of more than 20,000 1. this currency. But this step will probably be deferred till the city and county are restored to his Majesty's peace and protection, which I hope will be soon, as a petition for this purpose, signed by near a thousand inhabitants, has been presented to the King's Commissioners, I had the honor of drawing up this petition ; and from the amiable and excellent character of the Commissioners, Lord Howe and General Howe, from whom everything brave, generous, and humane, or tending to the interest of Great Britain, and the colonies, may be justly expected, I flatter myself that the prayers of our Petition will be soon granted. perhaps I should apologize for this detail, in which I myself was so much concerned; but, in truth, no better method occurred to me of conveying to you information of what I thought you were desirous to know; and I claim no merit in doing what I always conceived to be my duty. Any of my brethren in my situation would have done the same that I did-many of them, probably, much better.
EPISCOPAL MISSIONARIES IN GENERAL SUFFER.
All the Missionaries in the colonies first mentioned are resident on their respective Missions, although their churches are shut, except those that are now in England, and Mr. Walter of Boston, who is here; also Mr. Cooke, who is chaplain to the Guards, and cannot get to his Mission, as that part of the country is still in the hands of the rebels. I fear many of the Missionaries are distressed for want of an opportunity to draw for their salaries, and I apprehend that they have not yet received any benefit from the generous collection that was made for them in England, Dr. Chandler some time since sent me a list of those Mission- aries in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, that were to receive those bene- factions, and the sum allotted to each; desiring that I should give them notice and inform them how to draw for the money. But I have not yet been able to give intelligence of this to any except Messrs. Seabury, Bloomer and Cutting all communication by letter with the rest being entirely cut off. Dr. Chandler also kindly informed me, that the Society transmitted a large sum to Boston, to pay the Missionaries in Massachusetts and New Hampshire; but I imagine General Howe left Boston before the money could get there; and I have not been able to learn who the person was to whom the money was delivered, nor what is become of it. The Missions of New Windsor (or Newburgh, as it was latterly called) and of Albany are still vacant. Mr. Stuart continues at Fort Hunter, and occasionally officiates at Johnstown. He has been of much service in that place. The Indians under his care remain firm in their attachment to the King, except one or two that were bribed into a kind of neutrality, with rum and some other presents by the rebels, but will, I doubt not be as active as any for the King's service, now that General Burgoyne has crossed the lakes from Canada with his army, and is got into this province. Upon the whole, the Church of England has lost none of its members by the rebellion as yet-none, I mean, whose departure from it can be deemed a loss; on the contrary, its own members are more firmly attached to it than ever. And even the sober and more rational among dissenters-for they are not all equally violent and frantic-look with reverence and esteem on the part which Church people here have acted. I have not a doubt but, with the blessing of Providence, his Majesty's arms will be successful, and finally crush this unnatural rebellion. In that case, if the steps are taken which reason, prudence, and common sense dictate, the Church will indubitably increase, and these confusions will terminate in a large accession to its members. Then will be the time to make that provision for the American Church, which is necessary, and place it on at least an equal footing with other denominations by granting it an episcopate, thereby allowing it a full toleration. If this opportunity is let slip, I think there is a moral certainty that such another never will again offer ; and I must conclude, in that case, that Government is equally infatuated with the Americans at present. If fifty years elapse without any episcopate here, there will be no occasion for one afterwards; and to fix one then will be as imprac- ticable as it would be useless. And I may appeal to all judicious persons, whether it is not as contrary to sound policy, as it certainly is to right reason and justice, that the King's loyal subjects here, members of the national Church, should be
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denied a privilege the want of which will discourage and diminish their numbers, and that merely to gratify the clamours of dissenters, who have now discovered such enmity to the constitution, and who will ever clamour against anything that will tend to benefit or increase the Church here. The time indeed, is not yet fully come to move in this affair; but I apprehend it is not very distant, and, therefore, it should be thought of. Government will have it in its power very soon to settle this and other matters as may be judged expedient. The Clergy here will not be wanting in anything that is in their power towards the accomplishment of so desirable an object; and, in the meantime would be very glad to have the Society's advice and directions how to proceed. I may add, that the Society, taught by late experience, will be desirous of seeing the Church placed on a more respectable footing, and so far as I can judge, will join in such prudent measures as may be thought necessary, on their part, for the attainment of it.
I shall not trespass further on your time and patience, by adding to this letter, which is swelled to an extraordinary length, for which the interesting occasion and subject must be my apology, than to assure you, that I am, with the most perfect esteem and regard to yourself and the Venerable Society.
Reverend Sir, Your affectionate and humble servant,
Charles Inglis. .
The Rev. Dr. Hind.
P. S .- Since the above was written, Dr. Auchmuty is come to town, having, with great difficulty, escaped from the rebels at Brunswick.
-Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii. pp. 637-646.
FINAL REPEAL OF THE MINISTRY ACT OF 1693 AND ALL ITS
AMENDMENTS. FREEDOM OF RELIGION ESTABLISHED.
Constitution of the State of New York; passed April 20, 1777 .* Art. XXXV. " such parts of the common law of England and of the statute law of England and Great Britain and of the Acts of the Legislature of the Colony of New York, as did, together, form the law of said Colony on the nineteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord 1775, shall be and continue the law of the state.".
" That all such parts of the said common law, and all such of the said Statute, and Acts aforesaid, or parts thereof, as may be construed to establish or maintain any particular denominations of Christians or their Ministers are hereby abrogated and rejected.
Article xxxviii. " And Whereas we are required by the benevolent principles of national liberty, not only to expel civil tyranny, but also to guard against that spiritual oppression and intolerance, wherewith the bigotry and ambition of weak and wicked priests and princes have scourged mankind : This Convention doth further, and in the name and by the authority of the good people of this State,
* LAST REVISION OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, AS ADOPTED, NOVEMBER, 1894.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY.
Art. I. § 3. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed in this State to all man- kind; and no person shall be rendered incompetent to be a witness on account of his opinions on matters of religious belief; but the liberty of conscience hereby secured shall not be so construed as to excuse acts of licentiousness, or justify practices incon- sistent with the peace or safety of this State.
SECTARIAN APPROPRIATIONS.
Art. ix. § 4. Neither the State nor any subdivision thereof, shall use its property or credit or any public money, or authorize or permit either to be used, directly or indirectly, in aid or maintenance, other than for examination or inspection, of any school or institution of learning wholly or in part under the control or direction of any religious denomination, or in which any denominational tenet or doctrine is taught.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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ORDAIN, DETERMINE and DECLARE, that the free exercise and enjoyment of 1778 religious profession and worship without discrimination or preference, shall for- ever hereafter be allowed within this State to all mankind. Provided that the liberty of conscience hereby granted, shall not be so construed, as to excuse acts of licentiousness, or justify practices inconsistent with the peace or safety of this State".
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY.
1777, July 21st. Synodalia. Art. 45. The information from the Committee ad res Exteras is, that no tidings have come to us from those churches. xv. 97.
SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, JULY-AUG. 1777. ARTICLE 44 .- NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY.
No report has come in from that land. Therefore the Classes leaves the matter to the Classis of Amsterdam.
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1
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
1778, July 20th. Synodalia. Art. 43. No allusion to New York and New Jersey. xv. 126.
SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, JULY-AUG. 1778. ARTICLE 43 .-- NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY.
No report has been sent over. The Classes leave the matter to the Classis of Amsterdam, in case a report does come in.
GENERAL MEETING OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS OF THE CHURCH OF NEW YORK, OCTOBER 6-8, 1778. EXTRACTS RECORDED IN MINTS. SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, JULY, 1780, ART. 52.
Extracts.
CORRESPONDENCE.
Since, through the present sad circumstances of country and Church, the cor- respondence of this Rev. Body with the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam has already for three years been necessarily suspended ; and since also, now, by said circum- stances, various members are prevented from attending the meeting of this Rev. Body, whereby the Rev. Body is placed in a situation which incapacitates it to
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communicate, according to its desire, a particular and accurate account of the train of events since the beginning of the War; this Rev. Body have, notwithstand- ing, regarded it their duty again to renew said correspondence, in case a way of accomplishing the object presented itself; and besides transmitting the Acts of this Rev. Body, to give a general narrative, by means of a missive, of the cause of its interruption, to the present time, hoping that, through the Lord's good provi- dence, we shall soon be in a condition to give a full account of the state of the Church in this country to the Rev. Classis, and through them, to the Rev. Synod, N. H. ;* at least, when accurate information on this point shall be presented by the respective minor Ecclesiastical Assemblies.
STATE OF THE COUNTRY.
SETTING APART A DAY OF FASTING AND PRAYER.
The Rev. Body with sorrowful hearts contemplate the pitiful condition of land and Church : some of our cities being desolated, our villages and boroughs sub- verted, many of our houses of worship and their furniture burned, desecrated, plundered, and cast to the ground ; many dear pledges of the loving Jesus, together with the faithful ambassadors of His Cross, driven from their peaceful homes and compelled to roam through the land, so that, with respect to those once flourishing congregations, we may, even weeping, take up the lamentation of the Church of old, and say : "The ways of Zion do mourn because none come to the solemn feasts; all her gates are desolate; her priests sigh, her virgins are afflicted, and she is in bitterness." And what increases our grief is, that although the Lord smites, we yet seem so little affected ; for our youth, upon the brink of ruin, indulge in vices heretofore unknown ; the professors of the precious doctrines of the Cross are, in general, inconsiderate in discourse and careless in their walk; and (which grieves the Rev. Body in their inmost soul) even the followers of the crucified Lamb, as well ministers as members, have abated in their zeal, lost their wonted tenderness, having in many cases left their first love and made themselves charge- able with many iniquities. For all which reasons, therefore, (notwithstanding the wonderful instances of Divine help experienced by our land and Church,) the Rev. Body regard themselves in conscience and before God, solemnly bound to set apart a day for our humiliation before the Lord, and for the confession as well of those sins and departures from God which have been enumerated, as those which have not been mentioned ; that with fasting and mourning we may humbly beseech Him graciously to blot out the transgressions of the land, and in sovereign love heal our backslidings and recover us from our wanderings, by pouring out his Spirit and commanding his blessing upon all classes in our land, both civil and military, rulers and subjects ; especially, that the great King of Zion will graciously have compassion upon us, causing our cities, villages, and towns to be rebuilt ; but, above all, that he will again gather together and restore our now desolated and dispersed congregations, break in pieces the kingdom of darkness, and renew and confirm among us the kingdom of the King of Kings, and so effect the desired turning to the Lord, that we, remembering our first love, may also do our first works ; that our schools and seminaries may truly be nurseries of the Lord's dear vineyard ; and that he will renew his favor and kindness to us as in days of old : Thursday, the 12th November, approaching, being appointed for that purpose.
The Clerk of this Rev. Body is directed to prepare and send a copy of this article to the respective Particular Bodies, or at least to one of the members of the same, with the accompanying request, that he communicate it to the respective ministers and congregations pertaining to them; as also to such of the Rev. Brethren as have to this time not yet come in.
*North Holland.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
THE GENERAL MEETING OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY, PER REV. JOHN LEYDT AND REV. REYNIER VAN NEST, TO THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM, OCT. 8, 1778 .- VOL. 33, PAGE 617. No. 559.
(Revolutionary War.)
Very Rev. Sirs and Brethren :-
The present condition of the country and of the Church here, which has now for three years closed the way to correspondence with your Revs. as also the fre- quent incursions of the enemies in different parts of this land, are, to our sorrow, the unavoidable causes of our not having held a General Meeting since the year 1775. The city of New York being occupied by the enemy, the (ministerial) breth- ren of the city, forsaken by their church members who were for the most part scattered hither and thither, were obliged to seek safety in the interior of this state. Of those on Long Island, two (of the ministers) are hemmed in by the enemy on every side. So it has been impossible for the Particular Meeting (or Classis) of New York to convene since that time.
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