emerged out of this brutal State. It was by very slow steps, by repeated Efforts of wise and great Men, that they rose to that Eminence which afterwards so much distinguished them. » About the Commencement of the Christian Era, the Germans and Britons were as barbarous as the Indians of this Continent, whom they greatly resembled in many Particulars. Yet experience hath evinced that those Nations were as capable of Improvement as any upon Earth.

As to the American Indians, it is certain that the Mexican, a Nation of North America, were civilized in a high Degree; when first discovered by the Europeans. This was also the Case with the Peruvians; and altho the latter were Inhabitants of South America, yet the near resemblance between all the Natives of this vast Continent, affords the strongest Presumption that they are equally capable of being civilised. That the superior Attainments of one Nation above others, in Knowledge, Arts and Policy, were owing here, as well as in other Parts of the World, to local circumstances, and other Accidents, not to any inherent Difference in the People, appears from the following Instance. The Indians of Paraguay, for several years after the arrival of the Spaniards, were among the most Savage of the Inhabitants of South America, yet by the Endeavours and Labours of the Jesuits, they are now reduced to civil Life, are regular, industrious Members of Society, and zealous Professors of Popery.

These Reflections might be carried much further. But I shall only observe, that the Iroquois resemble other barbaro Nations, seem to have much the same Vices, and are equally attached to their own Manners. They also possess the same - Faculties, with as great a share of Reason and understanding, ag others of the human Species in general. Experience hath demonstrated that the most ignorant and barbarous People may be civilised ; and why not here as well as elsewhere?