alous and able missionary from England must find
himself but ill qualified for converting the American Heathen, if we
consider the difference of language, their wild way of living, and
above all, the great jealousy and prejudice which savage nations have
towards foreigners, or innovations introduced by them.

These considerations make it evident, that a college or seminary in
those parts is very much wanted; and therefore the providing such a
seminary, is earnestly proposed and recommended to all those, who have
it in their power, to contribute to so good a work. By this, two ends
would be obtained.

First, the youth of our English plantations might be themselves fitted
for the ministry; and men of merit would be then glad to fill the
churches of their native country, which are now a drain for the very
dregs and refuse of ours.

At present, there are, I am told, many churches vacant in our
plantations, and many very ill supplied; nor can all the vigilance and
wisdom of that great prelate, whose peculiar care it is, prevent this,
so long as the aforesaid churches are supplied from England.

And supplied they must be, with such as can be pick'd up in England or
Ireland, till a nursery of learning for the education of the natives is
founded. This indeed might provide a constant succession of learned and
exemplary pastors; and what effect this must be supposed to have on
their flocks, I need not say.

Secondly, the children of savage Americans, brought up in such a
seminary, and well instructed in religion and learning, might make the
ablest and properest missionaries for spreading the gospel among their
countrymen; who would be less apt to suspect, and readier to embrace a
doctrine recommended by neighbours or relations, men of their own blood
and language, than if it were proposed by foreigners, who would not
improbably be thought to have designs on the liberty or property of
their converts.

The young Americans necessary for this purpose, may, in the beginning
be procured, either by peaceable methods from those savage nations,
which border on our colonies, and are in friendship with us, or by
taking captive the children of our enemies.

It is proposed to admit into the aforesaid college only such savages as
are under ten years of age, before evil habits have taken a deep root;
and yet not so early as to prevent retaining their mother tongue, which
should be preserved by intercourse among themselves.

It is furt