has expreffed a commendable Zeal in this Point, by those many Miffionaries fhe has from Time to Time sent Abroad and employed in Converting the Heathen World to the Cross of Chrift and that before ever there appeared the least Inclination that Way in any of the Reformed Churches. But tho' fhe was certainly right in the Defign, and may very juftly reproach those, who too long neglected imitating her Example in general, yet it is much to be doubted, whether Christianity has really gained any confiderable Ground in the World by all her Endeavours to fpread and propagate it. And that because it is not in her Power, thro' the many Errors fhe is guilty of both in Doctrine and Practice, to set it in a true Light before the Eyes of those whom she designs to make Profelytes to it; any more than it is agreeable to common Sense and Reafon, that the Barbarities fhe has fometimes used in making Converts to it, fhould be a likely Method of convincing the Understanding, engaging the Affe &tions, ང ctions, or conquering the Prejudices of the poor Indians; who, under a very great Degeneracy of humane Nature, have yet so much of Primitive Reason and Judgment left, as to despise in their Hearts, what they are fometimes forced, by Extremity of Torture, to confess with their Mouths. But if the Church of Rome has fo much Zeal, and is fome-times at fuch vaft Expences for propagating a corrupt, and in many Particulars, a ridiculous Scheme of Christianity; how fhall we be able to excufe our felves, who think, and not without Reason, that we enjoy it in its Purity and Perfection, both of Doctrine and Manners, if we fhew no Zeal, no generous Inclination to communicate the Light of it where it is ftill wanting: if we fuffer fo great a Part of Mankind ftill to fit in Darkness, and under the Shadow of Death, when it is fo much in our Power to enlighten their Minds, and lead their Feet into the Ways of Peace. Moved therefore undoubtedly by Reflections of this Kind, have our Supreme Go Governours now for three Succeffions, encouraged by Charter, and other Ways, that good Spirit which began some Years ago to fhew it felf in this Nation, for propagating the Gospel of Chrift among the poor Indians in America. For good Princes ever did, and ever will think it their Duty, to promote Godlineß as well as Honesty, Religion and Piety as well as Peace and Happineß, and that not only at Home, but as far as ever their Influence can fairly reach, Abroad And as we may well hope, that they who are now in another World, are receiving the Reward of fo great a Service done to their Bleffed Redeemer, as well as to their Brethren by Nature; fo have we abundant Rea fon to promise our selves, that whatever Affistance can be given from the Throne will be given (as fome has been already) by him, who now so justly poffeffes it, and adorns it too. too. One very material Thing indeed is ftill wanting, and which can only come from the Throne, and that is, the Set tling Spiritual Governours of the highest Order in thofe Countries where the Gospel is to be propagated; and which is a thing of fo great Importance, upon many Accounts, that I will beg leave to fay, it can hardly be neglected any longer, without infinite Prejudice to the whole Defign. And therefore it is to be hoped, that they who have the Honour of Standing continually in the Presence of so great a King, and fo ready to grant Favours almoft before they are asked, will lay this Matter fo feriously to their own Hearts, that his may be effectually moved to give a quick Dispatch to fuch a necessary Work as this is. But as an Undertaking of this Nature cannot be long carried on, at leaft in the ordinary Methods of Proceeding, without a continued Fund of charitable Contributions, and a perfevering Zeal in those who are truly Friends to it, there is ftill every Day more and more Occafion for all the Help that can be given it; for our following cheerfully the good Example our A A our Superiours have fet us; and abounding in the Riches of our Libérality towards it; and in our Zeal for still going on, whatever Oppofition or Difcouragement we may meet with. Many, no doubt, are and will be the Enemies of a Work of this Nature; some by Mistaking the true Defign of it, as if not Christianity its felf, but the Faith and Practice of one Community only of Chriftians was to be propagated among the Heathens. Now if that Faith and Practice be what is required and allowed of by the Gofpel, I cannot fee where the Fault would be, if this were intended, in a fincere Subordination to the more general Defign of Propagating the Gospel its felf. But as no fuch particular Defign is mentioned in our Charter, which is given us for the Propagation of the Gospel in General in Foreign Parts, this is the End we ought principally to propose to our felves, and is, I hope, fincerely pursued by all who are concerned in this great Truft, for the Good of Mankind. Some again there are, |