Those of Gravesend are reported Mennonists ; yea, they, for the most part, reject Infant Baptism, the Sabbatli, the office of Preacher, and the Teachers of God's word, saying that tlirough these have come all sorts of contention into the world. Wlienever they meet together the one or tlie otlier reads sometliing for them. At Flushing tiiey heretofore had a Presbyterian Preacher who conformed to our church, but many of tliem became endowed witli divers opinions and it was with them quot homines tot sententia. They absented themselves from preaching, nor would they pay the Preaclier his promised stipend. The said preaciier was obliged to leave the place and to repair to the English Virginias. Now they have been some years without a minister. Last year a fomentor of error came there. He was a cobbler from Rhode Island in New England & stated that he was commissioned by Christ. He began to preach at Flushing and then went with tlie people into the river and dipped tliem. This becoming known here, the Fiscaal proceeded tliither and brought him along. He was banished the province.

STATE OF RELIGION. 107

At Middleburgh, called alias, Newtown tliey aj-e mostly Independants, and have a man of tlie same persuasion t'.iere named Johannes Moor, who preaches there well, but administers no sacraments, because (as lie says) he was permitted in New England to preach but not authorized to administer sacraments, and he has thus continued now for many years. In this village are also many other Inhabitants, presbyterians, but they are not able to maintain a Presbyterian Preacher, whilst we know not that any of this sect are to be found among the Englisli in NEngi'J, among whom there are preachers.