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

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.

I remain &«

Samuel Seabury.

^^HE SAME TO THE SAME.

Jamaica Octr 6, 1760

Rev^ Sir

With respect to the state of my own ^lission things are considerably mended especially at Flushing which has ever been the seat of Quakerism & infidelity -- Many young people of both sexes have steadily attended divine Service the past Summer whose Parents are eitlicr Quakers or Deists and behaved with great decency -- They are now finisliing the Church which before was only enclosed so as to keep out the weather & I hope in my next letter to acquaint the Society of its being completed.

At Newtown also they are repairing the Church & havt rebuilt the Steeple from the ground at a considerable expence

PAPERS RELATING TO CHXJM'KES IN QUEENS COUNTY. 323