Virginia House of Burgesses (December 1, 1656) ordinances of Jamestown:
<Whereas many congregations in this colony are destitute of ministers whereby religion and devotion cannot but suffer much impairment and decay, which want of the destitute congregations ought to be supplied by all means possible to be used, As also to invite and encourage ministers to repair hither and merchants to bring them in,
Be it therefore hereby enacted for the reasons aforesaid, that what person or persons soever shall at his or their proper cost and charge transport a sufficient minister into this colony without agreement made with him shall receive for satisfaction of his or their said charges of him the said minister or that they shall entertain him for their minister, twenty pound sterling by bill of exchange or two thousand pounds of tobacco, and also for what money shall be disbursed for them besides their transportation to be allowed for.> 1656VA001
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American Quotations by William J. Federer, 2024, All Rights Reserved, Permission granted to use with acknowledgement.
Endnotes:
1656VA001. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Virginia Ordinances, December 1, 1656, of House of Burgesses, Jamestown.