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were laid before Vestry, when the Vestry Clerk was instructed
to inform Dr. Fynes (the Rector) of the names of
the Candidates, and to apply to him for the use of the
Pulpit for them to preach the Probationary Sermons.
Friday, Nov. 3, 1820.—A Letter was read from Dr.
F ynes:—
"Probationary Sermons are as I own very improper exhibitions in
my opinion but as I believe Custom has made them usual upon
such occasions, I cannot refuse the application of the Vestry.
* * I could wish to make it a condition with the Lecturer that
he should read the Afternoon Prayers on Sunday as well as preach
the Lecture * * and I would likewise suggest to the Vestry
that since my Incumbency I have been materially injured in
the receipt of Easter Dues by the Lecturer collecting his
emolument before the Incumbent begins his Collection at
Easter. Mr. Stevens' Friends were very zealous in his behalf
in this instance and I believe very successful."
Thursday, Nov. 30, 1820.—A letter from Dr. Fynes
was read:—
"When I answer'd your letter which contained the List of Candidates
for the vacant Lectureship I made no observation upon
the name of Mr. Saunders because at that time I was not
aware of his being the person who officiates at the Broadway
Chapel. * * I could by no means consent to allow the use
of Saint Margaret's Pulpit to Mr. Saunders, and that if notwithstanding
this refusal, he should be elected Lecturer I
would not give my sanction to such an Election, * * After
the sound and orthodox Doctrine delivered to the Parishioners of
Saint Margaret so ably by the late Lecturer, I feel it my duty
to guard them against being deluded and led away by the wild
and visionary effusions of those who arrogate to themselves
the character of Evangelical Preachers, and I trust that the
good sense of the Vestry and the principal Inhabitants will
induce them to co-operate * * in our endeavours to avert such
an evil, and to prevent, if possible, those disgraceful scenes
which have sometimes been exhibited by Competitors upon
similar occasions in other Parishes of the Metropolis. *
A Notice was also laid before the meeting which had
been served upon the Clerk of the Vestry, of which the
following is a copy:—
Cromwell, Nov, 22d, 1820.
I hereby notify to all whom it may concern that I positively
refuse Mr. Isaac Saunders the liberty of preaching, or in any
manner officiating in the Parish Church of Saint Margaret,