After we liad ceased to officiate publicly, several, of the rebel oflicers sent to me for the keys of the chui-ches, that their chaplains might preach in them ; with these requisitions I peremptorily refused to comply, and let them know that, "if they would use the chm-ches, they must break the gates and doors to get in." Accordingly, I took possession of all the keys, lest the sextons might be tampered with; for I could not bear the thought that their seditious and rebellious effusions sliould be poured out in our churches. When those requisitions were repeated with threats, my answer was, " that I did wliat I knew to be my duty, and that I would adiiere to it, be the consequences what they would." Upon this they desisted, and did not occupy any of tlie churches.

I cannot reflect on my situation at that time, without the Avarmest emotions of gratitude to Divine Providence for preserving me. I was watched with a jealous, suspicious eye. Besides the imputation of being notoriously disaffected -- an imputation which had flung others in jail without any other crime, -- I was known and pointed at as tlie autlior of several pieces against the proceedings of the congress. In February last, I wrote an answer to a pamphlet entitled " Common Sense," which earnestly recommended and justified independency. It was one of the most virulent, artful, and pernicious pamphlets I ever met with, and perhaps the wit of man could not devise one better calculated to do mischief. It seduced thousands. At the risk, not only of my liberty, but also of my live, I drew up an answer, and had it printed here; but the answer was no sooner advertised, than tlie whole impression was seized by the sons of liberty, and burnt.