My last letter to the Honb^e Society bore date Oct"" 4. 1763 wherein I acknowledged receipt of the Prayer books & pious tracts they were pleased to order for this Mission, most of which I have now carefully dispersed in such manner as I thought would best promote the pious end proposed by them.

From an acquaintance of more than Six years with tlie people of this Parish, I find tliat their backwardness to attend the Public Worship & and to comply with the Christiim Sacraments, is not entirely the consequence of want of thouglit and carelessness which I at first apprehended to be tlie case, but am

PAPEKS RELATING TO CHURCHES IN QUEEJVS COVKTY. 327

oonvinoed is owing .chiefly to the Influence of InSdelitj and Quakerism which have spread their corrupt Principles to a surprising degree, The cause of Jnfidehty in this Couniry seems to have had some early & zealous advocates & the conduct of the Quakers has very much favoured its increase -- They trusting only to their Light witliin and neglecting to give their children any religious education expose them unguarded to the allurements of Vice & Sensual pleasure & they of course embrace the Principles that lay them under the least restraint, hence it comes to pass 4;hat in those villages where the Quakers wm-e formerly most numerous, tnere is- now the least appearance of any Rehgion at all.

From ti'ijs view of things I am sometimes almost discouraged & fear it will not be in my power to do them any effectual service : It is with great difficulty that many are brought to attend divine Service, with still greater to submit to Baptism, because they think they can be as goo<:l without it, & as profitably employed at home, as at Church -- And if one is prevailed upon to receive the holy Communion once or twice it is much if he comes again.