The Testimonies for William Edmiston - Page 4 - Transcript
George Chalmers Esqr – Sworn
Says he knew Mr Edmiston to be Rector of St Thomas’s
Parish Remembers his inculcating from the Pulpit
the necessity of their Adhering to their Oaths of Allegiance
to the King – and thinks he did go so far as to refuse –
administering the Sacrament to Some Persons who had
been particularly Active. Mr Chalmers employed
Mr Edmiston to distribute Pamphlets in favour of
Government. The consequence of this conduct was
that he became exceedingly Obnoxious and was –
Summoned before the Committee of Safety – abt Jany
1775, and knows that Mr Edmiston was subjected to
great Personal Danger from the Active Part he had –
taken, and could not remain in the Country
with Safety on account of his Loyalty. –
Preferment
Says he thinks the whole value of his living was
nearly 300ls Sterling p annum including Surplice Fees. –
Says he knows generally that the Claimt had
lands but does not know the Particulars of it. –
Says that the Church of England was established
in Maryland by an act of Assembly passed in –
1701-2, the validity of which Act was questioned –
and in 1773 another act of Assembly was passed –
establishing the Church of England for 12 years –
but with an Express Clause that it should not be –
construed
[Transcribed by Thomas Benner]
