For the people are not only not of the Church, but have been trained up witli all the care imaginable to be its enemies. Tliat to make an impression, under all these disadvantages is very difficult, though I hope not impossible. And though at first view, the prospect of doing any good upon them is very little, yet no doubt but the most proper measures ought to be taken leaving the event to Almighty God.

Now as to give you ray tlioughts in wliat way this great work

124 STATE OF RELIGION.

may be best endeavored at, so as it may be done with little expense, I believe for the first step, the most proper way would be, that one of the ministers in this county w^ere directed by my Lord of London to inform himself where tliere are any in that government that profess themselves to be of the Chmxh, and to know if they or any of tlieir neighbours have any children to baptize, or desire to partake of the Sacrament ; and that he v/ill come to the towns where they live, and after having given them a Sermon, will perform those holy rites. There need, I think be no more done in this matter at pl-esent. But the Society may, if they please, leave the rest to me, and I w^on't only give him the best advice and directions I can therein, but will, God willing, wait upon him in his progress and persuade some useful friends along with me. And when tliis essay has been made, I shall be much better able to guess at the state of that government, and Vv hat is fitting to be done next. Now the person that I would advise them to pitch upon, by all means for this expedition is M'' Muirson ; he being not only posted next to those parts, and so will look less hke design, but he has a very happy way of delivery, and makes little use of his notes in preaching whicli is extremely taking amongst those people ; and fn* argument, few of his years exceed him.