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. To have prayed for him, had been rash to the last degree -- the inevitable consequence had been a demohtion of the churches, and the destruction of all who frequented them. The whole rebel force was collected here, and the most violent partizans from all parts of the continent. A fine equestrian statue of the king was pulled down, and totally demolished, immediately after independency was declared. All the king's arms, even those on signs of taverns, were destroyed. The committee sent me a message, which I esteemed a favour and indulgence, to have the king's arms taken down in the church, or else the mob would do it, and might deface and injure the churches. I immediately comphed. People were not at liberty to speak their sentiments, and even silence was construed as a mark of disaffiection.

Things being thus situated, I shut up the churches. Even this was attended with great hazard; for it was declaring, in the strongest manner, our disapprobation of independency, and that under the eye of Washington and his army. The other assistants now went to their respective friends in the country. My family were at such a distance, and in such a part of the country,