Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. III

At Jamaica open infidelity has not made so great a progress, a general remissness in attending divine Service however prevails, tho' I know not from what particular cause.

I beg leave to assure the Society that my best endeavours shall not be wanting to answer their truly pious intention the advancement -of pure religion & virtue -- Especially in striving earnestly to correct tlie present erroneous sentiments concerning religion that prevail in the Paiish. I am k^ &c

Samuel Seabury.

YoL. in. 21

322 PAPSmS RELATING TO CHURCHES IN QUEENS COITKTT.

*=THE SAME TO THE SAME.

Jamaica March 28. 17Q) REvd Sir

I heartily wish my success in this Mission was such as would justify my giving the honored Society an account thereof in some me^^ure equal to their expence and care of it. But such is the effect of the Deism & infidelity (for the spreading of wliich Quakerism has paved the way) which have here been propagated with the greatest zeal & the most astonisliing success that a general indifference towards all religion has taken place & the too common opinion seems to be that they shall be saved without the mediation of Christ as well as with; and even among those who profess themselves members of the Church of England a very great backwardness in attending her service prevails ; and particularly with regard to the holy Sacrament of the Lord's Supper so great is their aversion to it or neglect of it that I fear the number of Communicants at present scarce exceeds twenty.