THE early religious history of Manhattan presents many interesting reminiscences, which for want of space we cannot minutely present. Intolerance and persecution we are, however, sorry to say, existed, in those good old days of "simplicity and sunshine. " The troublesome doctrine of uniformity long retarded the genuine religious development of the people. The first Quaker preacher landed in 1656, but finding it unsafe for one of his faith and habits, departed unceremoniously. In 1707 a Presbyterian clergyman was arrested and compelled to pay the cost of an expensive suit, for preaching in a private house, and baptizing a child. In 1709, a Baptist minister was imprisoned three months for presuming to preach in the city without permission from the authorities. The Jews were long denied the privilege of worship, and a law was passed, though never enforced, for hanging every Catholic priest who should voluntarily enter the city. These prejudices, however, early passed away.