The principal difficultys in the way of Christianizing the Indians does not depend on them, but remain with ourselves, First, The Want hitherto of a thorough knowledge of their Genius and _ Disposition, or of the proper means to be pursued, Secondly, _ the want of zeal and Perseverance, Sufficient for such an arduous

undertaking which has often rendered many attempts abortive,

and that where these Qualities have been found united (as. amt some of the Dissenters) The possessors are not only deficient, in _ knowledge and Capacity, but of a Gloomy Severity of manners totally disqualifying them from such a Task. Thirdly, The Want of a Suitable fund that may enable the few otherwise fitting for the purpose to attempt it.

That some may be found equal to the business I have no doubt, and from the Effects which the Religion of our Church produces on the Dispositions of its Members, It is most reasonable to think that such would be found amongst us, who would insinuate the principles of Christianity in a manner that would

454 PAPERS RELATING TO

be more pleasing to the Indians and most likely To succeed, but this last is a remark entre nous, as possibly it would be furiously attacked--Tho' Indeed you must Expect that any thing you can Write which will tend, to obstruct their Schemes, or to throw this important business into other hands, will meet with strong, oppostion, and he bitterly answered.

You propose, (and I think it will Illustrate your design) That one of your heads shall be a short Historical and Topographical account &c¢ as most pieces that have appeared on this Subject are very deffective, and as none of them could when Written or from the then State of Information be Correct, It will greatly add to the merit of your Work to place these points in their true Light, but as this is a Work of difficulty, which Will require a very particular Information I should think it the safest to give a General Brief Sketch of it, which will sufficiently answer the design--The Conversion of the Indians would greatly Contribute to secure them to our Interest, and prove a means of Counteracting the future designs of the French who certainly are very busy In sowing the seeds of discontent amongst the Inds and will Continue to do Whilst they have any Intercourse with any part of the Continent.--Under the Circumstances which promise success to such an attempt at this time I am of opinion that our possessions of Canada does in some measure secure us from the Practices of popish Missionaries but not Effectually, which I think ought to be a Spurr to our Industry, For their being at present a Romish Bishop, and many Clergymen of that Church there, who take uncommon pains to preserve the Indians in the faith they were taught, and to gain proselytes, The Inds who have any Intercourse therewith being like the rest naturally Captivated with pomp & Ceremony will allways be in danger till we have some Establishments that may Counterpoise the advantage they possess, and the assiduity of their endeavors The Capacity of the Indians for receiving knowledge, & Comprehending Divine Truth is certainly not to be doubted, and as they have an Excellent Genius for Imitation, after they have received due Instruction in Christianity, they may be easily & insensibly Led to become Enamoured of the Arts of peace.