" More contentment, with the allotments of Divine Providence ; more cheerfulness in narrow circumstances ; more confidence in God, as respected himself and family; more meekness in his intercourse with men; more resignation in sickness, sightlessness, adversity, bereavement and the last conflict, I have not witnessed. I might specify incidents known to several present. To one only I will advert: -- "He had a son intended for Holy Orders, much care was bestowed and expense (involving serious self-denial) incurred on his education. It was finished with credit at one of our chief colleges. The youth was now competent to provide for himself, and was just about to become a candidate for the ministry; but he (at that time the only son) died. It was a trial, met by his aged father in the temper of faithful Abraham, and with the resignation of holy Job. On the Feast of St. Thomas the Holy Communion was administered to our friend, and on the Sunday after Christmas he departed, as we trust, to be ever with the Lord, aged ninety years and seven months."

The Rev. Samuel Haskell succeeded Mr. Fowler, and continued minister of the parish until 1 798. For two or three years the parish was again vacant. During this period another attempt appears to have been made to Obtain possession of the church by a Mr. Palmer and others; for at a vestry meeting held on the 6th of November, 1801, it was ordered: -- "That the doors of the churches (St. Peter's and St. Philip's) be shut against Mr. Palmer for the future." In the year 1803, Mr. James Mandeville paid the wardens and vestrymen for " one year's rent of the parsonage farm, ending 15th of April, ^35; and to one year's rent of the church land, situated round the church at Peekskill £i."a The latter must refer to the cemetery which was confirmed to the church by the royal charter of 1770.