BEfore we enter upon this Debate,§ I. to prevent all trouble­some Clamors and Objections against it, upon the score of Interest, this Position should first be laid down, and as a Principle fixt and Eternal, and from which a true Christian [...]a not recede, be resolved on, (viz.) That no Interest how great or (otherwise) just soever, may be admitted to stand in Com­petition with Christianity. The Question (else) being the same, as between Christ and Barabbas▪ that is, whether of the two, Re­ligion and the Glory of God, with the good of Souls; or worldly Pelf and filthy Lucre shall be preferred.Were this done they'd quickly find out expedients to save their Inte­rest. And then this Position be­ing first laid down, afterwards to fall to considering of the best Ex­pedients for the carrying of it on, with the least prejudice to that Interest; if any such would happen to interpose. And this would be to act like Christians; and might (besides) in the end prove as little hurtful to any just Interest, as that other Method so much in fashion, of consulting Interest first, and then leaving Christianity to be contented with such favours and kindnesses, as the Devil and Mammon shall at last please to afford her.

And here also in this Consideration, we are especially to avoid Splitting upon this Solecism,[This Part of the verse] is not found in the present Translation, but in some o­ther it is, particularly that of Geneva. both in Policy and Discretion, and against which, Ecclus hath so wise­ly cautioned us, ch. 37. v. 11. [Not to ask Coun­sel for Religion of one that hath no Religion, nor of Jus­tice of him that hath no Justice] nor of a Coward about Matters of War, nor of a Merchant concerning Ex­change, nor of a Buyer concerning selling &c. for such will counsel for themselves, ver. 8. So likewise for a Christian not to be guided or led by Self-ended Men, Enemies to his Profession, in these De­bates and Proposals made for the Advancement of it. Such being [Page 6] only like to raise Obstructions, as hitherto▪ they have always done; and (as lately) to render that for impossible, which has not the least difficulty in it, where a right Method is used for effecting it.

No more are we to proceed herein, by the sole Advice of Per­sons unacquainted with the true State and Condition of the places where this Settlement or Conversion is to be wrought. Such, tho never so discreet and wise as to other matters here at home, be­ing as it were wholly blind and in the dark, as to Affairs there▪ And therefore are almost equally unlikely, even with the former, (unless by accident) to give proper and fit Directions for the happy promoting and carrying on of any good Design, whether in Church or State, for the benefit of those Parts.

These things being agreed on,§ II. we must then fall to consid­er of the People amongst whom we are to take our lot, and thereto to have an especial regard: As, whether they be Slaves, subject to the English, such as most of the Negro's there are; or free People liv­ing of themselves, either amongst, or distant from▪ the English; such as most of the Indians on the Continent (in Virginia, &c.) are. Or lastly▪ whether this is to be performed by way of further Set­ling and Establishment, even amongst the Engl [...]sh themselves, which also is no less necessary. In all which Cases, we are to act only by prudential Rules, and to proceed therein by different Methods and Wayes: That, 'tis possible, being less fit or convenient for the one, which is only proper and necessary for the other; and so also on the contrary▪ Nor in any of these is any thing of Force, or of Com­pulsion to be used▪ but all must be carried on quietly and by de­grees, as God shall please to favour our Endeavours with suitable and prosperous Opportunities.

Now concerning the Negro's, § III. whom I should think fit to be first taken in hand (as being the easiest Task, would theirHow much fuller of Gene­rosity and Zeal for their Reli­gion, the Algier Pirates and (see the Brees) than these▪ no­minal Christians? For those do invite their Slaves and Captives with the assurance of Libertie▪ to embrace their Su­perstition: whilest these to a­void that danger, do indust­riously conceal their Religion from them. Owners be perswaded to consent thereto; & the most absolutely necessary, this neglect being the most scandalous, and withal, the most im­possible to be defended or excused:) The first and great step will be to procure (what I but just mentioned) their Owners conf [...]t, as being to be sup­posed averse▪ thereto: not altogether, as is here be­lieved, out of Interest (it being already secured to them by Laws of their own;) but by reason of the trouble, and the fancied needlessness of the Work; [Page 7] and to prevent all danger from their Slaves being furnisht with knowledge, consequent, they conceive, thereto. However, because they pretend the other (and something there may be in that too,) to take off that pretence, it will be requisite,

1. That aSuch a Law could not, as has been feared, be any Prece­dent for Slavery, where it has before been always practised; and they having already made Laws among themselves for the same purpose. * Till such a Law may be obtained, the Bermudian Caution of In­dentures for ninty-nine Years Service might be used, that is, if they think their own Laws not sufficient. Law be enacted to confirm such Laws of theirs, as are or shall be hereafter made to secure their just Interest in their Slaves; That they may thereby be continued in their present State of Servitude, notwithstanding their being afterward baptised.

2. That all unjust Interests, and ungodly Advan­tages arising from their Slaves Sunday-labour and Polygamie (neither of them sufferable among Christians) be upon severest Penalties prohibited; and this as well to the unbaptised, as to the rest. Nor will this (but much less the other) be grievous to the Slave, as is pretended; There being some of them that live single; Others that content themselves only with one Wife; And the rest taking the Libertie of more, only out of a Licentious and rambling humor, and by their Master's Connivance and Toleration; Who esteeming them but as Cattle, and desirous of their Encrease, are apter to encourage, than to restrain them from it. But having such an absolute Autho­rity and Command over them, might with a bare check, or but a frown, break them of it. And this may be inferred from the Virginia Negro's; who, tho imported from the same places, are not (so far as I could learn) addicted to Polygamie; but rather of themselves choosing to follow the Custom of the English, to whom they are Slaves there.

These pretences being thus fairly removed,§ IV. if any Aversion still remains, (as 'tis to be feared there will, and that for the truest Rea­sons (viz.) Of the trouble, and of the supposed needlesness of this Work, &c. above mentioned,) they must afterwards be invited thereto by good Sermons & Books, Preacht and Writ upon this Subject, and by discoursing with them in private. As also by the Example of the Ministers themselves in their Families. And lasty, (and which will do more then all the rest) by Encouragments from the Government. Likewise, it might be remembred, what I have heard affirmed, that there is a certain Clause, always inserted in their Charters and Patents, forWhether this be so or not, I am sure, 'tis the chief reason Assigned by most of our Writers and Historians for God's goodness to us in these Discoveries. the Propagation of [Page 8] Christianity there; never hitherto (except by the New-England Men) in the least complyed with; but rather with their utmost care and vigilancie obstructed by them.

Another way,§ V. and which 'tis possible might prove most effectu­al, would be to get this impiety decryed here in England, where our Planters have an extraordinary Ambition to be thought well of, and thereby to shame them into better Principles. Now this is to be done; First, by sending some grave and discreet Men, (Persons of Esteem and Repute with the more eminent Merchants here, who trade into those parts,) to perswade and convince them of the Duty and Necessity thereof,This they would do of their own ac­cord, were but that neces­sity of Christia­nity § 1. once resol­ved on. and to invite them to endeavour the procuring of such a Law, as I have before mentioned. Also by Sermons at Court, and in the City, especially this ensuing Lent; this being as much (per­chance a great deal more) needing to be repented of, because as likely to provoke God's Wrath, as other sins. And lastly by the Ministers frequent inveighing against this impietie, in other of the chief Cities and Sea-port Towns, to which the Traders from those places do most resort. But above all a General Fast to implore the divine Benediction upon this Work, would give the World such no­tice, and so inflame the publick Zeal at the news of this strange Irreligion, that nothing can be supposed more conducive to the de­stroying of it. For hereby each good Christians Mouth must upon every occasion be opened against them, and so in a short time would force them to yield. And when in the Plantations it should come to be understood that their impiety was so decryed and odious here, it would go near to fall even of it self. Besides the Quakers (who with the New-England and Men, ☜ are the only Witnesses of this Truth in those Parts; and whose Meetings the Negro's are therefore strictly pro­hibited) might be something instrumental hereto, and would be good enough to help to dispute them out of their brutish Gentilism.

Now for the Ministers in the Plantations,§ VI. it will be requisite that they be obliged each first Sunday (at least) of every Moneth, to preach to their Charges upon this Subject, and earnestly to press it upon their Consciences, But more especially to be exemplary therein in their own Families; both Catechising and Baptising their Slaves, (where they have any) as soon as they shall be found fit, and that openly in the Church, for the Ex [...]mple of others.

And that no Awe nor Fear may remain upon their Spirits, it will be requisite that a sufficient Maintainance be settled upon them for life, without dependence upon the Arbitrary favour of Vestries. [Page 9] The several Governours also should be obliged to protect them therein against abuses. But to put the sharper edge upon their Zeal, some certainty of Preferment should be proposed to them up­on their return for England, after some 5 or 7 Years continuance in this service there. The want whereof (at least in the Perfor­mance) both will, and has been, the great occasion of this sad neglect hitherto, and the very bane of all Religion in those parts. It being apt to be lookt upon as want of Discretion, for Men to draw upon themselves nothing but ill usage there, to be certainly entertained with worse here; and as one saith, to adventure the getting of broken Heads in the Churches service, afterwards at their re­turn to be rewarded with that which shall break their Hearts too. Be­sides, there should some regard be had of their Degrees in the Ʋni­versities; as also for enlarging the Terme for Lapse of livings, (or provision for Admission by Proxie;) The Terme at present prescribed and limited by Law, being much too short and narrow to make a Patron's kindness useful to a Minister abroad upon this Service. And it being but an an ill Encouragoment, and no way becoming Christian Government for Men (running such Hazards, upon so important a Work), thereby to be placed under greater disadvantages, than they could, had they remained idle at home.

Now for the Planter's late Objections against this Work,§ VII. as I have heard them represented (and I believe they are the best they had), tho I have before taken notice of them (which their being both as­serted and credited here, doth very much Justify) yet I shall a­gain repeat and briefly answer them,Even to the Bru­tality of their Ne­gr [...]s. such as they are, being indeed either false, or frivolous, or both: and such as will suffice to satis­fie us, that they who can openly affirm and maintain such things here, may not be unapt to believe and practise worse there. But they are these;

1. They object their Negro's want of English; Whereas 'tis cer­tain that there are some thousands of them, who understand En­glish, no worse than our own People. Let them begin with those.

2. That it would make them less governable; As [...]. Ch. W. late Go­vernour of M [...]s, & St. Christ­ophers, & who has been a­mongst them, will [...]. the contrary to which is experimentally known amongst their Neighbours, both French & Spaniards in those parts. Now 'twould be too great a ble­mish to the Reformation, to suppose that Popery only makes its Con­verts better, but Protestancy worse; as this Allegation being admit­ted, it must be granted. And to prevent any fond conceit in them of Libertie, (an especial Branch of the same Article,) if there be any such danger, let two or three of each great Family be first bap­tised; [Page 10] whereby the rest seeing them continued as they were, that Opinion would soon vanish: As may be concluded from the like Experiment upon another like foolish perswasion, (viz.) of their returning into their own Country upon their Death; confuted by fixing Negro's Head upon a Pole. Besides, there cannot be the least ground for this fear, unless all, whether fit or not, should at once be bapti­sed, which were a madness to suppose. Nor is it to be imagined that they should only be baptised, the bare outward Rite being little available, without understanding it; Which would take them off from harbouring such idle Hopes and vain Imaginations, if before em­braced by them.

3. As for their pretended Aversion to Christianity, the contrary thereto is known of most of them. And tho it is to be confessed that some are more careless and indifferent (having bin taught by the English to be needless for them) yet for the general they are ob­served to be rather ambitious of it. Nor, I dare affirm, can any single Instance of such aversion in any one of them, be produced.

4. As to their (alike pretended) Stupidity, there is as little truth therein: divers of them being known and confessed by their Owners, to be extraordinary Ingenious, and even to exceed many of the English. And for the rest, they are much the same with o­ther People, destitute of the means of knowledge, and wanting Education.

5. One thing more there remains to be added, of which, tho they may be most afraid, yet they carefully keep it to themselves, and that is the possibility of their Slaves Expectation, not of Free­dom, See Negro's Advocate, p. 40. 41, 11. &c. but of more merciful Ʋsage from them. (which is but rea­son they should have, whether made Christians or not;) As, That their frequent Emasculatings, Amputations of Leggs, cropping off of Ears (and of Heads too), scant Allowance▪ for Food and Cloaths, and (often) no less working, than starving them to Death, and their unmerciful Correction of them; will not be so commendably practised upon them, when (nor now by) Christians, as they are thought safe and allowable in their present State of Brutality and Gentilism. And this is the true meaning of their second Objection, wherein they pretend it will make them less Governable.

And thus I suppose it is evident enough,§ VIII. how thin and slender their Fig-leafe Reasons and Objections against our Negro's Christia­nity, are: Yet have been thought sufficient hitherto, (and, may they be suffered, are still like) to be made the pious Pretences for the hindering thereof; And at the same time, for allowing a free [Page 11] Course to Gentilism, and that under a Christian Go­vernment; Which had it not at first been permitted to these, per­haps that other had never happened. together with the permission of in­numerable other the grossest Impieties. Which rather than they should be any longer continued, and God be thereby dishonoured, it were pre­ferrable that the places themselves were all under water. But however, in the mean time, a more accursed Tiranny over the Souls of those miserable Wretches, (I speak only the Language of the late Breef) has thereby been exercised, then that never sufficiently to be bewailed, (to the Honour of Church and Nation be it spoken,) practised upon their Cap­tives, by the less inhumane Who do endeavour to save their Souls, (would their way do it) while they detain in bondage their bodies. Algerines.

§ IX. Yet now after this, if difficulties shall still be urged, (as no doubt but there will) and this Work upon that stale pretence must be further neglected and deferred; I shall in opposition thereto, be bold to make some few demands: As, what those difficulties should be, which are so much greater, it seems, than those our Ancestors encountered with, even in Pagan Regions, and happily overcame? Whether we ever tryed how difficult the Work was, thereby to satisfie our selves, whether (indeed) it be such as it is apprehended (or, at least, pretended?) And whether such a trial would not justify us more, than thus, without trying, to conclude it Impossible? But if it be impossible, why do we pray for it, since all such Pray­ers must be vain & superfluous and therefore unlawful; and why then are they not razed out of our Liturgy? But is it impossible for us to endeavour the securing of our Peopl's Interest, Or for the Ministers there, to preach to them, and to press the necessity of this Duty to their People; Which they have before Vowed to do, sealing the same with the blessed Sacrament, at their Ordinations; Or to begin at home, with those of their own Families? Or suppose they should be still backward, are there no ways to stir them up, and to provoke their Industry, as well to this, as to other (less necessary) Works; Or cannot they be minded thereof by Letters and Precepts (Valeant quantum va­lere possunt) armed with suitable Motives and Arguments to excite their Zeal, never omitted in any case else, where the design has been thought worth the pains and trouble of attempting? And why should the promoting of Christianity (under a Christian Government, and even in Christian Fami­lies,) be now so much harder, than heretofore it was amongst Heathens & Persecutors? or for Protestants, than for Papists? and for Ʋs, than for the New-England Men? Or, that having formerly been able to reduce the wildest Out-laws, it should prevail nothing upon better People, pretended­ly (at least) its Friends, and (outwardly) Professors of it; And who (es­pecially after sufficient means used for their Conviction, and the Necessity [Page 12] thereof made out to them) must have far less pretence of Reason for op­posing it, than the old Gentiles had?

Now if these things be Impossible, or Difficult, I must then confess, that we still may, with as little Conscience and Christianity as we have done hitherto, let this Work sleep and rest till another Age, when the Times shall prove more auspicious, and the Powers more favourable, and those obstruct­ing Difficulties and Impossibilities shall be all removed; That is, till the Evil be grown master ess, and the Curse of God, now in the pursuit, has over­taken us, and fully revenged the Cause of his Name, and of the numberless Souls▪ who already have, and are hereby still in danger to perish through this most unchristian and scandalous Neglect; and which till it ceases, and thisSee the Coll. for the late Fast, Decemb. 22. 1680. and the Aig: Brief. accursed thing be removed from among us, and (to use the Phi­listine Sages expression, 1 Sam. 6. 5.) We do give Glory to the God of Israel, In vain shall we expect, that he will lighten His hand from off us, and from off our Gods; (our Princes and Rulers,) and from off our Land.

In short, there is nothing upon Earth more fecible than this Design, were it but heartily undertaken, and, as I have said, a right Method used for the ef­fecting of it. But if we shall suffer our selves to be baffled and frightned out of our Understand­ings and Reason by bold Affirmers, As if St. Paul should have asked Elymas the Sorcerer leave (Act 13.) to preach to the Deputie. Enemies to Pietie and to all Religion, and who make Mam­mon their God; and shall quietly and contented­ly sit down satisfied with their idle and false pre­tences, Victi uno verbo, quam cito? without the inquiring into the Merit and Truth of them; As it is a most infallible Sign of our little Affection thereto▪ So it is as sad an Omen of the less hopes, or even possibility, of its being ever effected, but by other hands; which it will not be Honourable, Happy nor Safe for us to expect; or see.

And so much shall suffice for this first-part, touching the promoting of Christianity amongst our Negro-Slaves in the Plantations: Concerning the free Tributary Indians and the English (each of them a Task of the like dif­ficulty with the former, I shall hereafter speak▪ as what I have now said shall find Approbation.

Phil. 1. 28. In nothing terrified by your Adversaries, which is to them an evi­dent taken of Perdition, but to you of Salvation.

Magna est-veritas [Christiana]▪ & praevalebit.