I took no notice of them, and went on with tlie service, only exerted ray voice, which was in some measure drowned by the noise and tumult. The rebels stood thus in the aisle for near fifteen minutes, till, being asked into pews by tlie sexton, they complied. Still, however, the people expected that, when the collects for the king and royal family were read, I should be fired at, as menaces to that purpose had been frequently flung out. Tlie matter, however passed over without any accident. Nothing of this kind happened

Vol. m. 67

1058 STATE OF THE

before or since, which made it more remarkable. I was afterwards assured that something hostile and violent was intended ; but He that stills the raging of the sea, and madness of the people, overruled their purpose, whatever it was.

In the beginning of July, independency was declared ; as this event was what I long expected, I had maturely considered, and was determined, what line of conduct to pursue. General Howe had arrived some time before from Halifax, as did Lord Howe from England. They had taken possession of Staten Island, where the fleet lay in sight of this city, at the distance of nine miles ; and only waited for the arrival of the fleet from England, to make a descent and reduce New York. This circumstance pointed out still more clearly what part I sliould act. However, I thought it was proper to consult such of the vestry as were in town, and others of the congregation, and have their concurrence; and I must do them the justice to say, that they were all unanimous for shutting up the Churches ; and chose rather to submit to that temporary inconvenience, than, by omitting the prayers for the king, gi^ that mark of disaifection to their sovereign.