or weak Parts and
mean Learning, not only expose themselves, but do great Prejudice to the
Propagation of the Gospel there; and by bad Arguments or worse Example,
instead of promoting Religion, become Encouragers of Vice, Profaneness,
and Immorality. Whereas were such confined to the narrow Limits of a
Parish or two in _England_, where their Knowledge and their Name would
scarce extend farther than the Circumference of their own Country; then
neither could their bad Learning nor Example propagate so much Mischief,
as when sent Abroad into the World among bright and observing People.
Neither do they want quarrelsom and litigious Ministers, who would
differ with their Parishioners about insignificant Trifles, who had
better stay at Home and wrangle with their own Parishes, which is not so
great a Novelty here as there. Neither would they have meer Scholars and
Stoicks, or Zealots too rigid in outward Appearance, as they would be
without loose and licentious Profligates; these do Damage to themselves,
to others, and to Religion.

And as in Words and Actions they should be neither too reserved nor too
extravagant; so in Principles should they be neither too high nor too
low: The _Virginians_ being neither Favourers of Popery nor the
Pretender on the one Side, nor of Presbytery nor Anarchy on the other;
but are firm Adherents to the present Constitution in State, the
_Hanover_ Succession and the Episcopal Church of _England_ as by Law
established; consequently then if these are the Inclinations of the
People, their Ministers ought to be of the same Sentiments, equally
averse to papistical and schismatical Doctrines, and equally free from
_Jacobitish_ and _Oliverian_ Tenets. These I confess are my Principles,
and such as the _Virginians_ best relish, and what every good Clergyman
and true _Englishman_ (I hope) will favour; for such will never refuse
to say with me

_God bless the Church, and_ GEORGE _its Defender,
Convert the Fanaticks, and baulk the Pretender_.

For our Sovereign is undoubtedly the Defender and Head of our national
Church of _England_, in which Respect we may pray for the _King and
Church_; but Christ is the Head of the Universal or Catholick Church, in
which Respect we wish Prosperity to the _Church and King_.

Clergymen for _Virginia_ should be of such Parts, Tempers, and Notions
as these. They likewise should be Persons that have read and seen
something more of the World, than what is requis