in being a
compleat Gentleman, a polite Scholar, a good Governor, or a true
Churchman.

I speak in Behalf of the Right of Presentations belonging to the Crown;
because my Reason tells me that it is most equitable and most convenient
for the Peace and good Government, and for the Security of the Doctrine
and Discipline of the established Church of _England_.

Many Arguments I know are brought against it, both from apparent Reason
and Interest; but all these might easily be confuted by this following
Remark.

When Churches were built and endowed, as these in _Virginia_, by the
Laity, with the Leave of the Bishop or Ordinary in antient Times, the
Presentations to such Ecclesiastical Benefices were often granted away
to the Families that founded such Donations, as Rewards and
Encouragements of such pious Liberalities; whereas all other Preferments
were invested in the Church: This I take to be the Origin of
Lay-Presentations, when Gentlemen reserved this for the Benefit of some
of their Posterity or Family, who might receive a Maintenance from their
Bounty; which they in Reason ought to do preferable to any others who
contributed nothing towards it.

But though the _Virginians_ built and endowed their Churches, yet I
never could find that they had made any such Reserve; so that the Right
of Presentation must belong to the King their chief Ordinary, who never
granted away to them the Title of Donation, but kept it for himself and
Heirs; so though he gives them Leave to make Parishes and establish
Salaries, yet he still imply'd an Obligation in them to give those
Livings to whom he pleases.

This I take to be the Case, and hope I may be excused for delivering my
Opinion by any that may entertain different Sentiments.

Be the Right invested in which it will, either in the Crown or in the
Country, I am certain that it ought to be determined one way or other;
and if it belongs to the People, yet should there be such Regulations
made as might make the Livings certain, and the Lives of the Clergy as
peaceable as may be.

Were the Establishment for the Clergy in _Virginia_ a little more plain
and regular, even without any additional Augmentation of their Salaries,
I am sure it would be for the Good of the Clergy there, and for the
Encouragement of good and ingenious Men to go over and settle there.

Some Parishes are long vacant upon Account of the badness of the
Tobacco, which gives Room for Dissenters, especially Quake