It should in some measure be the Result of their own Choice, as being apparently expedient, not of any Violence ; which will not fail to rivet them firmly to their Customs, and shut their Minds against Reason and Conviction. The Indian Country is evidently the properest Place to fix a Seminary for this Purpose, where the Parents can frequently see their Children ; by which all Uneasiness would be removed from both, and those other Inconveniences avoided. It would also be pleasing to the Indians in general. They would look upon it as

VoL. Iv. 70

1106 MEMORIAL CONCERNING THE IROQUOIS OR

a Mark of our Regard, and Confidence in them. This would serve to reconcile them to the Instructions and Discipline of a College ; and induce them to encourage the Institution, even from a Principle of Gratitude. But I shall not enlarge on this Head, as this Seminary is not immediately necessary. It must be the Work of Time; after the other Parts of the preceding Plan are carried into Execution, and a considerable Progress is made in each.

After much Reflection on the State and Disposition of the Indians, and receiving the best Information from those who had . an intimate intercourse with them for many years, I am persuaded that this Plan is well adapted to their Cireumstances, and would, if duly executed, produce the desired Effect in converting them to Christianity. If that can once be Accomplished, their firm Attachment to us will naturally follow, and their Reduction to a civilised State will be gradually and insensibly promoted at the same Time. Too much should not be attempted at first ; especially in civilising them. It would probably alarm them, and thereby defeat the whole: Design. The more westerly Tribes have yet received few Impressions of Christianity, and are least civilised.