1312. CLERGY, Support of.—
In the ancient
feudal times of our good old forefathers,
when the seigneur married his daughter, or
knighted his son, it was the usage for his
vassals to give him a year's rent extra in the
name of an aid. I think it as reasonable
when our pastor builds a house, that each of
his flock should give him an aid of a year's
contribution. I enclose mine as a tribute of
justice, which of itself indeed is nothing, but
as an example, if followed, may become something.
In any event, be pleased to accept it
as an offering of duty.—
To The Rev. Mr. Hatch.
Ford ed., x, 197.
(M.
1821)
See Church, Church and State, Ministers, Religion.