noon-Lord Cornbury, the governor, interferes-Death of the missionary-His successor, and some account of what he did for the Church-Primitive specimens of architecture- Six months cold and six months hot weather-Condition of New Rochelle-The Rev. Daniel Bondet-His history in a few words-The first French Church and minister in New Ro- chelle-Mr. Bondet becomes a missionary of the Society- Gradual transformation of his congregation-Their final adoption of the English Prayer-book-New church built- Mr. Pelham's gift-Death of the missionary-The Rev. Mr. Stouppe-His troubles as recited by himself The Rev. Michael Houdin-A romantic history-Guide for General An omission which would be unpardonable-Devoted laymen- Colonel Heathcote-Curious cause of emigration-Becomes a prominent man in the province of New York-Various honor- able offices which he held-Services rendered to the Church- The stately manor-house-Reverenced by the poor-Sudden death-Last will and testament-Some account of his de- scendants-Colonel Lewis Morris-His character and habits- Influence in the political world-Devotion to the Church- Missions among the Indians of New York-Memorial of the Earl of Bellamont-The Rev. Thoroughgood Moor-Is there any virtue in a name?-The Mohawks' castle-Indian deceit -The mission fails-Lord Cornbury's outrageous acts-Im- prisonment of Mr. Moor-Lost at sea-Four chiefs go to England-New mission to the Indians-The Rev. William Andrews-First view of the Indian country-Customs of the tribes-Hopes of doing good-Repeated discouragements- Religious instruction of the blacks-A school opened for them in New York in 1704-Elias Neau-His sacrifices and laborsReliance in God's promises-Prayers of the Church-Two hours' teaching-Public catechizing-Unmerited reproach to be borne-Negro plot for burning New York city-Loud and angry clamor against the teacher-Who were guilty?-Jealousies and suspicions-Action of the Common Council-Governor Hunter quiets the alarmists-Neau's death-His work carried on by others. CHAPTER XVI. 120 The personal history of Bishop Provoost resumed-Letters of friendly congratulation-The Rev. Uzal Ogden, and his present of Newark cider--Long before the days of Church newspapers Gleanings from the past-The first Ordination held by the Bishop-Columbia College sends a good representation to Church on that day--Non-Episcopal Clergymen invited to attend-Mr. Wright's strong Church sermon, and the sensation which it produced-The dry question which Dr. Rodgers asked-The first Confirmation in New YorkMrs. Owen's Reminiscences-Old and young confessing Christ -Colored servants, and the part they took-The Clergy who were present-Letter from Bishop White-Crowds attending Ordinations. CHAPTER XVII. 128 Statistics not accurately kept-The first Confirmations in the Diocese-An old soiled paper, and its contents--Old families well represented-No union of Church and State-Great national pageants in which the Episcopal Church has borne a conspicuous part-Inauguration of President WashingtonThe procession and the speeches-Services in St. Paul's Chapel-Bishop Provoost officiates-Mr. Boardman's recollections of Washington-Waiting to see the President enter the church-His dress and bearing-Diligent in the use of his Prayer-book-The two pews with canopies, in St. Paul's Chapel-Pictures with antique frames... CHAPTER XVIII. 137 The first Ordination ever held in New Jersey-Bishop_and Rector-An anonymous letter-Stabbing in the dark-Com plaints about the preaching in Trinity-General Convention of 1789-Adoption of the Constitution of the Church-Letter from Albany-An introduction to the Rev. Thomas Ellison"A portly gentleman in black"-Kind reception given to a stranger, and the consequence thereof-A journey of a hundred and twelve miles, and what missionary work was done -Prejudices. 147 CHAPTER XIX. The first published list of the Clergy of New York-An important point which is established by a reference to these fifteen names-Noble gift to the church at Duanesburgh— General Convention of 1792-Bishop Provoost presides-A Bishop consecrated for Maryland-Three other General Conventions briefly noticed-Death of Washington-Some interesting things in a note-Funeral services in St. Paul's Chapel -The grand procession-Funeral urn-Gouverneur Morris's oration-The Bishop's prayer.... CHAPTER XX. 156 What natural inclination would have led Bishop Provoost to do-The effects of bereavement upon his troubled mindKind letter of condolence-Dr. Stanford and his son-Bishop Provoost retires to private life-Election of his successor-A most important act somewhat unfolded at large-Chosen to one office, and consecrated to another-Years pass away before the evils of the legislation were felt-The new Bishop enters upon his work CHAPTER XXI. 165 Bishop Provoost in retirement-Bishop Moore's illness-An assistant chosen-Hindrances in the way of his Consecration -All difficulties arranged-An immense assembly held in suspense-"He's come!" "Thank God!"-Something about wigs-Bitter opposition to Bishop Hobart's election-Bishop Provoost persuaded to do a very inconsistent thing-Difficulties in Maryland-Firm and resolute once more-Sudden death-Funeral-Extract from Bishop Hobart's Convention address-Traits of character-A trying case-Conclusion. 173 LIFE OF BISHOP PROVOOST. CHAPTER FIRST. Dr. Francis' historical discourse-Some items about Bishop Provoost-What our readers may expect-Birth and parentage -The Huguenots and their sufferings-New Amsterdam and the Dutch-Bowling Green and the fort, and cabbage-gardens -The English and Dutch engaged in war-New Amsterdam is called by another name-More wars and bloodshed-Lake St. Sacrement. HE venerable Dr. Francis, in his discourse before the New York Historical Society in 1857, remarks concerning Bishop Provoost, that "his learning, his liberality, and his patri otism have been too much overlooked. He had the bearing of a well-stalled Bishop, was of pleasing address, and of refined manners. He imbibed his first classical taste at King's College, and was graduated at Peter House, Cambridge. He became skilled in the Hebrew, Greek, Latin, French, German, and Italian languages, and we have been assured he made an English poetical version of Tasso. He was quite a proficient in botanical knowledge, and was among the earliest in England who studied the Linnæan classification."* From this little sketch of the first Bishop of New York, we are prepared to find many things in his history which will repay us for the trouble of collecting and arranging them in due order. Our readers, however, must not be disappointed if the subject of this memoir does not prove to have been as full of missionary zeal as some with whose lives we are familiar; but they will have no cause to regret that they have made the acquaintance of Bishop Provoost. The times in which he lived will lead us to speak of many interesting and important matters. SAMUEL PROVOOST was the son of John and Eve (Rutgers) Provoost, and was born in the city of New York, on the 26th of February (O. S.), 1742. It is curious to observe, as an instance of the superstitions of the times, that his father was not only very particular to record in the large family Bible the exact hour and minute when his children were born, but he also set down the appearance of the heavens. *"Old New York," p. 52. |