t Liberty, and by being too indifferent in many such
Respects as are here specified, great Inconveniences have arose; and we
may certainly expect far greater Detriment in the Church from hence,
unless timely Lenitives and proper Remedies be applied, in the best
Methods that can possibly be devised; some such Methods (I conceive) as
these here proposed may not be esteemed least proper; and if they be
rejected or despised, yet I am persuaded that they are not so
insignificant as some may imagine, and not altogether so despicable as
to be quite disregarded; and not thought worthy of the serious Perusal
of any concerned in Affairs of this Nature.

The Method used for obtaining a Living in _Virginia_, is for the Party
to notify his Intentions of going Abroad to the Bishop of _London_, to
produce sufficient Testimonials of his good Life and Principles,
together with his Letters of Orders; which being approved of, he has
then a Licence, and Certificate, and Credentials to the Governor, with
an Order upon the Treasury for 20 _l._ for his Passage; and upon his
Arrival makes Application for some vacant Parish either to the Governor,
to the Parishioners, or to both; upon whose Approbation he is admitted
their Minister. But Variety of Disputes have arose from the uncertain
Interpretation of the _Virginia_ Laws relating to Livings; and though
the Opinion of the best Council has been procured, yet as their
Sentiments could not sufficiently settle it, so have they directly
contradicted each other. Several of the People insist that they have the
Right of Presentation; and on the other hand the Governor has as
strenuously contested with them for his Right of Presentation in Behalf
of the King; so that several that the Parishes have nominated or elected
have been refused; and on the other Side, many appointed and sent by the
Governor have been rejected with Disdain, Disappointment, and Ill-Will.
These Elections of the People are often disagreeable to the Governor's
Choice, and the People on the contrary will refuse whom they say the
Governor may impose upon them, though he comes directly recommended from
the Bishop; but in my Opinion their Election might be better given up,
suppose they had a Right to it, since it often creates such Disturbance;
and in Process of Time, who knows but they may elect and insist upon
Persons unfit for the Ministry, either for their Learning, Lives, or
Doctrines, and not licensed by the Bishop; and may obstina