of reason to object (what will possibly be
objected by some) that this scheme hath been already tried to no
purpose, several Indians having returned to their savage manners after
they had been taught to write and read, and instructed in the Christian
religion; a clear proof that their natural stupidity is not to be
overcome by education.

In answer to this, I say, that the scheme now proposed hath never been
tried, forasmuch as a thorough education in religion and morality, in
divine and humane learning, doth not appear to have been ever given to
any savage American; that much is to be hoped from a man ripe in years,
and well grounded in religion and useful knowledge, while little or
nothing can be expected from a youth but slightly instructed in the
elements of either: that from the miscarriage or gross stupidity of
some, a general incapacity of all Americans cannot be fairly inferred:
that they shew as much natural sense as other uncultivated nations:
that the empires of Mexico and Peru were evident proofs of their
capacity, in which there appeared a reach of politics, and a degree of
art and politeness, which no European people were ever known to have
arrived at without the use of letters or of iron, and which some
perhaps have fallen short of with both those advantages.

To what hath been said, it may not be improper to add, that young
Americans, educated in an island at some distance from their own
country, will more easily be kept under discipline till they have
attained a compleat education, than on the continent; where they might
find opportunities of running away to their countrymen, and returning
to their brutal customs, before they were thoroughly imbued with good
principles and habits.

It must nevertheless be acknowledged a difficult attempt, to plant
religion among the Americans, so long as they continue their wild and
roving life. He who is obliged to hunt for his daily food, will have
little curiosity or leisure to receive instruction. It would seem
therefore the right way, to introduce religion and civil life at the
same time into that part of the world: either attempt will assist and
promote the other. Those therefore of the young savages, who upon trial
are found less likely to improve by academical studies, may be taught
agriculture, or the most necessary trades. And when husband-men,
weavers, carpenters, and the like, have planted those useful arts among
their savage country-men, and taught them