In order to civilise the' Iroquois, it is necessary to begin with instructing them, especially in the principles of Religion. Christianity is well adapted to this purpose. Whilst it has a more immediate and important end in view, which equally concerns all ; it insensibly forms moral habits, corrects irregularities, and dieates the mind to submit to the restraints of government and Jaws ; without giving any alarm to the Savages, who are extremely jealous of their liberty, and wedded to their present mode of life.
I shall not consider this subject in a religious view, nor adduce
1094 MEMORIAL CONCERNING THE IROQUOIS OR
theological arguments for undertaking the Cenversion of the Savages. I shall confine myself to such as are merely political ; and only mention their conversion as being subservient to the purpose of civilising them, and riveting them more firmly to our interest. It may not, however, be improper to observe here, that if we believe there is a God, and a future state of rewards and punishments, if our future happiness or misery depends on our conduct here, if christianity gives the justest notions of the Deity, teaches that worship which is most worthy of Him, as well as the purest morals, and promotes the happiness of States and Individuals--if, I say, we believe all this, certainly humanity should induce us to diffuse the light of Christianity among those poor Savages who have been so faithful and serviceable to us.
The conversion of the Iroquois is evidently one of the first steps that should be taken to attach them firmly to our interest, and civilise them. Some progress has been already made in this by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, and they still support a missionary and two schoolmasters among the Mohawks.