History of the State of New York, Vol. I (1609-1691)
In our opinion this country will never flourish under the Hon"* Company's government on the contrary 'twill waste and decay in itself, unless the ;
Company be, in consequence, reformed. It would, therefore, be better and more advantageous for the country and themselves were they rid of it and the remnant of their property transported hence. To speak specifically: care ought to be taken of the public property, both ecclesiastical which in the beginning can illy be spared or dispensed and civil,
with. It is Worship must be entirely intermitted in doubtful but Divine consequence of the Clergyman's departure, and the Company's inability. There ought to be also a Public school provided with at least two good teachers, so that the youth, in so wild a country, where there are so many dissolute people, may, first of all, be well instructed and indoctrinated not only in reading and writing, but also in the knowledge and fear of the Lord. Now, the school is kept very irregularly, by this one or that, according to his fancy, as long as he thinks proper. There ought to be, likewise, Asylums for aged men, for orphans, and similar institutions. The clergyman who now returns home, could give fuller information on the subject. The country must also be provided with moral, honorable and intelligent rules who are not very indigent nor yet very covetous. A covetous ruler makes poor subjects, and the mode in which the country is now governed, is a great affliction and not to be tolerated for no one is ;