But to prevent this, as likewise many disorders that are among us, I know of no better way than that the honorable Society would be pleased to recommend to our Governor, my Lord Cornbury, or if he is called home, to his Successor, to make Some Acts of Assembly against the many vices and immoralities tliat are too common in most places of this Government, or to take care that the wholesome laws of our realm be put in execution against the olfenders, Swearing and drinking and Sal3]3ath breaking, are chiefly predominant, which are all owing to the evil example and great neglect of our magistrates ; and

938 PAPERS RELATING TO WESTCHESTER COUNTY

that, again, is owing to the neglect and inclilferency of ,nir Superiom- Officers, who mind but little whetlier onr justices discharge tlieir duty iu that affair or not.

Tliese things put a great Stop to the growtli of piety and godliness among us, and it is an objection that I frecjuently met with from Several dissenters, both in this and intiie neigliboui'ing Colon}', that many of the members of tlie Church of England are irregular in their lives, and therefore they ouglit nv>t and will not join. The consequence is unjust and groundless being the unworthiness of one or more communicants, is not charged a Sin upon him who receives it in a tit and becoming manner. "Yet, however, among ignorant and unthinking people, and even Sometimes among the more knowing too, it is a great hindrance and Stumbhng-block, and is partly the reason that Some of your missionaries have So few communicants.