BƲT to return from this, I hope not unpleasant digression, having seriously considered the advantages which may be rationally conjectured, to redound from the right managment of a concern in America. I resolved to lay my self out wholly for the promoting such a design in this Countrey, as what I was convinced, would in the end not only tend to the Honour and Advantage of Our Nation in General, but to the Particular Interest of such as would resolve to be therein effectually concerned; tho I am aboundantly sensible; there are not a few who take upon them to censure this undertaking, who have not the capacity to pry unto the advantages, which may rationally be proposed in prosecuting thereof: the strong [...]st argument they are able to bring against it, being taken from the practise of our Ancestors, altogether innocent of any such design, tho reputed aboundantly wise in their generation; that therefore in their Children it can be no less then folly, to introduce such a novelty, the same appearing to thuart the verity of some of our old Scottish Proverbs, that ill Bairns are best heard at home. Fools are fain of flitting; And a Bird in hand is better then two in the [Page 18] bush; esteemed no less by them, then sometimes were the Oracles of Apollo, at Delphos. Yes sir, I have heard some whose pretensions, to wit, were so great that they were upon the borders of Commensing Vertuosi, snarling at this intention, who having been ingaged in the debate bewrayed their ignorance so far in the affair, as to inquire, whether the places treated anent, as the proper seats for a Collonie, from thence were Islands, or on the continent, if such so little-versant in America, be competent Judges of a matter of this import? I leave it to your determination, and therefore judging them altogether unworthie of being otherwayes noticed, then to pity their ignorance, not envying them; the satisfaction of their own Opinions. I proceed more at length to acquaint you with the grounds I walk upon, in resolving to be so effectually concerned in promotting this design, as to hazard my self, Family, and Fortune, in Prosecuting thereof, submitting very chearfully the consideration thereof to your narrowest and most exact scrutiny; whether the motives prompting me hereto be founded upon solid Reason or not?
I find the most brutish of Mankind proposeth some end to himself, whereby he is actuated, [Page 19] the Voluptuous seeks after his ple [...]sure, the Ambitious his preferment, the Covetous his treasure: whence it is apparent, that all the intentions of man, how unrational soever, are actuated by one of these three great engins of Jucundum Honestum, and Utile; In the effectual promotting this design I judge a man may rationaly have a prospect to all these three.
I must confess, there is in the generality of Mankind a natural inclination to love the Land of their own Nativity, beyond other places, tho upon several Considerations, every way preferable, according to that of the Poet,
Nescio quo natale solum dulcidine cunctos.
Tangit & immemores non sinit esse sui.
Yet we see, it hath been frequently so ordered in providence, that severals upon different motives, have been brought to quit th [...]i [...] Native Soyl, and inclined to make choise of strange and remot Countries, for their habitation: and it is clearly seen, that this the [...]r removal hath tended both to their honour an [...] outward more plentiful accommodation, hen [...] the Northern Climats, tho barren as [...] their Soyl have been observed to produce bodies of Men, in greater aboundance, [Page 20] more stronge, and vivid than the more Southern and fertile places of the World, whence great multitudes of people pinched with the straits of their own Countrey, have ishewed forth to more agreeable and fertile places. Thus the Goths, Vandals, and Hunns overspead the Roman Empire, seating themselves in Italy and Spain, and a great part of Africa; hence the eruption of the Franks from the Rhine, upon the more pleasant Vallies of the Loire S [...]in, and giving thus rise to most flowrishing Kingdoms.
I grant that upon the first view, it may appear somewhat of a Novelty, and that upon this consideration, the Ʋndertakers may be lyable to the censure of such, as prye not further into the Affair; Yet I am ready to believe that the more s [...]rious and Judicious will have other sentiments of this Design, when they consider, that not only is this practise warranted by the Scripture, but that the effectual prosecuting thereof, will be made clearly to appear, to be contributive as well to the honor of the Ʋndert [...]kers as to their particular Interest, and l [...]kewise to the general advantage of the Nation.
The placing of a People in this or that Countrey, is from the appointment of GOD, the Apostle speaks of it as grounded in Nature, Acts 17.26. GOD hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of our habitation, Deut. 2.8.5. and 9. GOD would not have the Israelites meddle with the Edomites or the Moabits, because he had given them the land for a possession.
I do not find any taking upon them to define what particular summons the first Ʋndertakers of planting Collonies had, whether from the mouth of GOD immediately, (as Abraham first and the Children of Israel thereafter,) or from the advice and Counsel of Men; Yet that the Wisdom of GOD directed them in this course is evident from Moses, his testimonie, affirming, that he separated the Sons of Adam, and set the bounds of their habitation, Deut. 32.8. So that whoever set on the work, GOD acknowledgeth it as his own; we read also in the 16 of the Acts, verse 12. Of a Collony, (which is a company of People agreeing to remove out of their Countrey, and settle a City or Commonwealth elsewhere) which GOD blessed and prospered exceedingly, and made it a glorious Church.
That Collonies as other States in Humane Societie, have their Warrand from GODS direction and Command, is apparent to all. No sooner was Man created, then he was commanded to replenish the Earth, and subdue it, Gen. 1.26. by these words, and the repetition of them to Noah, Gen. 9. verse 1. We see a promise exprest (as the title of a Benediction, and thereto prefixed) So it may also be perc [...]ived, that they include a direction or command. Calvine say [...]s upon these words, Jubet cos crescere & simul benedictionem suam destinat; And Junius, pro ut vim intus indiderat sic palam mandatum, dedit curandae propagationis & dominationis exercenda [...]. And Paraeus, Jubet igitur replere terram, non solum generatione & habitatione, sed cum primis potestate cultu & usu, etsi vero nonullae orbis partes manent inhabitales, habemus nihilominus totius dominium, Jure Divino licet non habeamus totius orbis usum culpa & defectu nostro.
If it be alledged, that tho it must he granted, that the words have the force of a Precept, yet it was but to continue during the Worlds infancy and no longer; upon dew consideration [Page 23] it will be found, that there is no ground here for such a Limitation; For tho some Commandments founded upon, and respecting some present State and Condition of Men, received end and alteration, when the condition was ended; yet Precepts given to the body of Mankind, as these to Adam and Noah, receive neither alteration in the substantials, nor determination, while Men and any void places of the Earth continue; so that allowing this Commandment to bind Adam, it must bind his Posterity; and consequently our selves in this Age, and our Issue after us, as long as the Earth yeelds empty places to be replenished.
Where there is an empty vacant place, there appears hence to be Liberty for the Sons of Adam, or Noah, to come and inhabit; Abraham and Isaac sojourned among the Philistins. Yea, I do not see that either they bought or asked leave of the Inhabitants; By sojourning, is meant a constant residence there, as in a possession of their own; although it be so termed, as if they had been Strangers, because they neither pretended to the Soveraign Government of the whole Countrey, neither did incorporate themselves unto the Common-Wealth of the Natives, [Page 24] to submit themselves to their Government; they did not buy that land to feed their Catttle, because they said, there is room enough, intimating, that the Natives were no wayes injured by their Neighbourhead; and so did Jacob pitch his tents by, Schem, Gen. 34. verse 21. Hamor said, there is room enough, therefore let them sit down among us, yea we see that in case the people who were former Inhabitants, did disturbe them in their possessions, they complained to the King, as of injury done to them, as Abraham did, because they took away his well, Gen. 21.25. for his right thereto, he pleaded not his immediat call from GOD, for that would have seemed frivolous among the Heathen, but his own industry and culture in digg [...]ng thereof, yea, we see the King does not reject his Plea, with what had he to do to dig wells in their Soil? but admitteth it as a principle of Nature, that in a vacant soyl he who taketh possession thereof, and bestoweth Culture and Husbandry thereupon his right it is; the ground hereof being from the Grand Charter given to Adam and his posterity in Paradise, Gen. 1.28. Multiply and replenish the Earth, and [Page 25] subdue it, which Charter was renewed to Noah, Gen. 9.1. fill the Earth and multiply. In the next place, the gift of the Earth, is to the sons of Men, Psalm 115.16. this necessarly enforceth their duty to people it. Were it not an injury done to the most High, to think, He does ought in vain? or that He tenders a gift to Mankind, which He never meant should be enjoyed; And what way can Men make benefit of the Earth but by habitation and culture? Neither do I judge it a rational answer to this, that GODS intention is satisfied, if some part of the Earth be replenished and used; tho the rest he wast, because we are still urged with the same difficulty, that the rest of which we receive no fruit, was never intended for us, because it was never GODS Mind, we should possess it. If it be then granted, that it hath been the mind of GOD, that Man should possess all the parts of the Earth; it must be acknowledged that we neglect our duty, and cross His Will, if we do it not when we have Occasion and Opportunity, and do little less than undervalue His blessing.
Does not also that Order which GOD annexeth to Marriage, in His first institution, viz. That married Persons should leave Father [Page 26] and Mother, and cleave to other, warrant this practise; seeing frequently there is a necessity that young married People should remove out of their Fathers Families, to live apart by th [...]mselves; whereby new Families are erected. Now what are new Families, but pettie Colloni [...]s? and so at last removing further and further, they overspread the whole Earth; so long therefore as there shall be use of Marriage, there will be a warrant for deducing of Collonies from one place to another.
We find that GODS directions have a double scope, Mans good, and His own Honour, that this Commandment of GOD is directed to Mans good, Temporal or Spiritual is more apparent; for it is most certain, that the life of Man is made comfortable, affording a more plentiful supply in a large scope of ground, which moves them to be so unsatiable in th [...]ir desi [...]s, to joyn house to house, and land to land, till there be no more place. Exce [...]ding I grant therein the measure and bounds of Justice, and yet building upon a principle suggested b [...] Nature, that a large place best secures sufficiency, as we see by Nature, Trees flowrish fair, prosper well, and wax fruitful in a large Orchard, [Page 27] which would otherwayes decay, if they were straitned in a little Nursery; These that are stronger Plants and better rooted, would increase, overtop, and at last starve the weaker sort. Do we not see it thus fall out in our Civil State, where a few Men flowrish best, furnished with Abilities, or best fitted with Opportunities, and the rest wax weak, and languish, as wanting room and means to nurish them. Now that the Spirits and Hearts of Men are kept in better Temper by spreading wide, will be evident to any Man who considers, That the Husbanding of unmanured ground, and shifting unto emptie lands, enforceth Men to Frugality, and quickneth invention; and the setling of new Estates requireth Justice, and affection to the Common Good; and the taking in of large Countries, presents a natural remedy against covetousness, fraud and violence, when every man may enjoy enough without wrong or injury to his Neighbour. Whence it was that the First Age, by these helps were renowned for golden Times, wherein Men being newly entered into their Possessions, were enforced thereby to Labour, Frugality, Simplicity and Justice having neither leasure nor [Page 28] occasion to decline to Idleness, Ryots, Wantonness, Fraud, or Violence; the ordinar fruits of well Peopled Countries, and of the abundance and superfluities of long setled Estates.
But that which should most stay our hearts, is the respect unto GODS Honour, which is much advanced by this work of replenishing the Earth, whereby the largeness of his bounty is tasted hy setling of men in all parts of the World, whereby the extent of His munificence to the sons of Men is discovered; the Psalmist tells us, that GOD is much magnified by this, that the whole Earth is full of His Riches; yea, and the Red sea too, Psalm 104.24. And GOD when he would have Abraham know what he had bestowed on him, when he gave him Canaan, wills him, to walk through it, in the length of it, and the breadth of it, Gen. 13.17. GODS Honour is hereby advanced, when together with Mens Persons, Religion is conveyed to several parts of the World, and all the quarters of the Earth, sound with His Praise, and CHRIST JESUS takes in the Nations for his inheritance, and the ends of the Earth for His Possession; according to GODS Decree and Promise, Psal. 28.
Seeing then it must be acknowledged, that even those Collonies which have been undertaken upon the desire either of disburthening full states of unnecessary multitudes, or of replenishing wast and void Countries, have a clear and sufficient Warrand from the Mouth of GOD as immediately concurring with a special end that GOD aimed at in the first institution thereof, when GODS Honour and Glory, and next Mans Salvation is his own proper scope in this and all his wayes; it must be more necessarly acknowledged, that the desire and respect unto the publishing his Name where it is not known, and reducing men who live without GOD in this present world, unto a form of Piety and Godliness, by how much the more immediately it suits with the mind of GOD, and is further carried from private respects, by so much the more it advanceth this work of planting Coll [...]ies above all Civil and Humane ends, and deserves Honour and Approbation above the most glorious conqueasts or most succesful interprises, which ever were undertaken by the most renowned men which the Sun hath seen, and that by how much the subduing of Satan is a more glorious Act, than a Victory over Man; and the inlargements of CHRISTS Kingdom, [Page 30] than the adding unto Mens dominions; and the saving of Mens Souls, than the provision for their Lives and Bodies.
It appears, this end in Plantation hath been specially reserved for this latter dayes of the World, seing before CHRIST, the Decree of GOD that suffered all Nations to walk in their own wayes, Acts 14.16. Shut up the Church in the narrow bounds of the promised land, and so excluded men from the propagation of Religion to other Countries. And in the Apostles times, GOD afforded an easier and speedier course of converting Men to the Truth by the gifts of the Tongues, seconded by the power of Miracles, to win the greater credit to their Doctrine, which most especially and first prevailed upon Countries civilized, as the History of the Acts of the Apostles makes manifest; As for the rest it is not questioned, but GOD used the same way to other barbarous Nations, which he held with these whom he first civilized by the Roman Conquests and mixture of their Collonies, with them that Religion, might be afterwards brought in, seeing it cannot be imagined that Religion should prevail upon these who are not subdued to the rule of Nature and Reason. It may be [Page 31] rationally conjuctured that GOD did especially direct this Work of Erecting Colonies, unto the planting and propogating of Religion in the West-Indies, and that for diverse reasons, which ought to be taken unto serious consideration, as affoording the strongest motives which can be proposed to draw on the hearts & affections of men to their work: There are men of Note, both for Place and Learning in the Church, that conceive the course held by GOD from the beginning, in the propagation of Religion, falls in the last age, upon the Western Parts of the World. It is most certain that from the first Planting of Religion among Men, it hath alwayes held a constant way from East to West, and hath in that Line proceeded so far, that it hath extended to the uttermost Western bounds of the formerly known World, so that if it make up any further passage upon that point of the Compass, it must necessarly light upon the West-Indies, And it is conceived with all, that our Saviors Prophesie, Matth. 24.27. points out such a progress of the Gospel, its true that the comparison there used, taken from the lightning, aims at the sudden dispersing of the knowledge of CHRIST by the Apostles Ministery but [Page 32] whereas it is known, that the Ligthning shins from diverse places of the Heaven, shewing it self indifferently, sometimes in the West, sometimes in the North or South; Its judged probable that our Saviour does in this similitude, choice to name the lightning that comes out of the East unto the West, to express not only the shining out of the Gospel, but withall the way and passage by which it proceeds from one end of the World to an other, that is from East to West.
But passing by that onely as a probable argument, the following seems to carry greater weight, the knowledge of CHRIST must certainly be manifested to all quarters of the World, according to diverse predictions of Prophets ratified and renewed by Christ and his Apostles; but that the knowledge of Christ hath been never as yet fully discovered to these Western Nations is clearly demonstrated, seing till the time that the first Planters went over from England, not many years since, no Historie for 500. years before Christ, ever mentioned any such Inhabitants upon earth; much less l [...]ft any record of passage to them or commerce with them; so that unless we should conceive a miraculous worth of conceiving knowledge without means, it cannot be imagined, [Page 33] how these Nations should have once heard of the Name of CHRIST?
But further▪ what shall we think of that almost miraculous opening the passage unto, and discovery of these formerly unknown Nations, which must needs have proven impossible to former Ages, for want of the Knowledge of the use of the Load-stone, as wounderfully found out as these unknown Countreys by it. It were little less then impiety to conceive, that GOD, whose Will concurrs with the lighting of a Sparrow upon the ground, had no designe in directing one of the most difficult and observable works of this Age, and as great folly to imagine, that He who made all things, and consequently, Orders and Directs them to his own Glory, had no other scope, but the satisfying of Mens greedy appetites, who thirsted after the riches of that new World; And to tender to the bloody and cruel Spainard the objects of such barbarous cruelties, as the World never heard of. We have then ground to conceive, that GOD in that great Discovery, aimed at this, that after he had punished the Atheism and Idolatry of these Heathens, and brutish Nations by the Conquerours [Page 34] cruelty; and acquainted them by mixture with some other peoples civility, he might at length cause the Glorious Gospel of JESUS CHRIST shine out to them as it did to other Nations, after the sharp times of the bitter dissolations thereof betwixt the Romans and them. That this Nation is able and fit to send out Collonies unto forraign parts will evidently appear to any who considers our overflowing multituds, this being admitted for a received principle, that Countries superabound in people, when they have mo then they can well imploy, seeing we know men are not ordained to live only, but withall and specially to serve one another, throw love in some profitable and useful calling; and tho it be granted, that this Land by GODS ordinary blessing yeelds sufficiencie of Corn and Cattle, for moe then the present inhabitants; yet that we have moe people, then we do or can profitably imploy, will appear to any man of understanding, willing to acknowledge the truth, and to consider that many among us live without imployment either wholly or in the greatest part.
We have as much opportunity as any Nation to transport our men, and necessar provisi [...]ns b [...] Sea unto these countries, witho [...]t which advantage they cannot be peopled fro [...] [...]a [...] part of the World; from this Christian part at least, and how useful a Nighbour the Sea is to the furthering such a work, th [...] xample of the Graecians and Phenicians, who filled all the bordering coasts with [...]ol [...]o [...]es, doe sufficiently prove unto all the wo [...]ld [...]ither is it to be doubted, but the first [...], wanting this conveniencie, as Abraham [...]n his removing to Charan first, [...] to Canaan afterwards; must needs h [...]ve sp [...] much time, and indured much trouble in [...]ssing their companies and provisions by land, [...]ver Rivers, and throw Woods, and Thick t [...] h unbeaten paths.
I k [...]ow it will be asked, what call or warrand a m [...]n hath to remove, when he is w [...]ll where he is? Or, what warrand particular men have to engadge their Persons, and Estates, in this imployment of planting Collonies.
As for he first of these, we find we may remove for the gaining of knowledge, our Saviour commends it in the Queen of the South, that she came from the [Page 36] uttermost ends of the Earth, to hear the wisdom of Solomon, Matth. 12.24. And surely with him she might have continued for the same end, if her Personal Calling had not recalled her home. We find it also allowable to remove, and travel for Merchandise, and Gain-sake; Daily Bread may be sought from a farr, Prov. 31.14: Yea, our Saviour approveth travel for Merchants, Matth. 13.45. when He compareth a Christian to a Merchant man seeking Pearls; for he never fetcheth a Comparison from any unlawful thing, to illustrate a thing Lawful; the comparison from the unjust Steward, and from the Thief in the night, not being taken from the unjustice of the one, or the Theft of the other, but from the Wisdom of the one, and the suddenness of the other, which in themselves are not unlawful.
We find from Scripture, its lawful to remove to plant a Collonie, that is, a Company agreeing together to remove out of their own Countrey, and settle a City or Common Wealth elsewhere; of such a Collony (as is already mentioned) we read in Acts 16.12. which GOD blessed and prospered exceedingly, and made of it a glorious Church. Nature teacheth Bees to [Page 37] do so, when as the Hyve is too full, they seek abroad for new dwellings; so when the Hyve of a Kingdom is so full, that Tradesmen cannot live one by another, but eat up one another, in this case its lawful to remove.
But further, GOD alloweth a Man to remove, when he may imploy his Talents and Gifts better elsewhere, especially when he is not bound by any particular ingadgement to the place where he is; thus GOD sent Joseph before to preserve the Church, Josephs Wisdom and Spirit was not fit for a Shepherd, but for a Counsellour of State, and therefore GOD sent him to Egypt.
Where people find themselves straitned in point of their opinion, no reasonable man will question their call to go, whereby Law they are allowed that Freedom, in this point which they themselves would desire; this is one great incouragement to any so circumstantial, to remove to any of the new Plantations; the interest of which oblidgeth to lay this as a fundamentall, that no man shall be any way imposed upon in matters of principls, but have their own freedom without the least hazard.
It will certainly be allowed by all that in the present circumstances of the Protestants in [Page 38] France, where the free exercise of their Religion is denyed to them, it is very allowable for them to remove where without hazard they may live in the free exercise of their own principles, being upon that accompt obnoxious to no hazard as guilty of the breach of the Law.
I believe some may object, that no man undertakes this task without an extraordinary warrand, such as Abraham had from GOD, to call him out of Mesopotamia to Canaan; their opinion appears to be founded upon this argument, that the planting of Collonies is an extraordinary work; and therefore these who undertake it, must have an extraordinary call. In answer to this, I think it cannot be granted, that the planting of Collonies is an extraordinary work this argument lying strongly against it.
That duty which is commanded by a perpetual law, cannot be accompted extraordinary.
But the sending out of Collonies is commanded by a perpetual Law.
Therefore it is no extraordinary duty.
Now that the commandment is perpetual, [Page 39] hath been proved, first, because it was given to Mankind. 2. Because it hath a ground which is perpetual, to wit, the emptiness of the earth, which either is so, or may be so, while the World endures, for even these places which are full, may be emptied by Wars, or sickness, and then an argument passeth as strongly the contrary way, the undertaking of an ordinar duty needs no other then an ordinary warrant, but such is planting of a Collonie as being undertaken by Vertue of a perpetual Law, therefore the undertaking to plant a collonie needs no extraordinary warrant.
I must grant Abrahams undertaking was in many things extraordinar, and therefore needed an immediat direction from GOD, he was to go alone with his Family and Brethren, to such a certain place far distant, possest already by the Canaanits who were to be expelled, that land was to be wholly appropriat to himself and his Issue, he was not to plant it at present, but only to Sojourn in it, and walk thorow it for a time; Now none of these circumstances fit our ordinary collonies; & consequently Abrahams example is nothing to this [Page 40] purpose, because the case is different, tho in some other things alike.
It may be further objected, that tho Men may adventure upon the Work, upon an ordinary Warrant, yet none can give that but the State; therefore it may be judged that a Command from the Highest Authority unto such as ingadge themselves in this Affair is necessary; That the State hath power over all her Members to command and dispose of them within the bounds of Justice; is more evident then can be denyed; but this power is diversly executed, sometimes by Command, sometimes by Permission, as in preparations to Warr; sometimes Men are compelled to serve, sometimes they are permitted to go Volunteers; sometimes the Supream Power takes care of the whole business; sometimes as in Musters commits it to Delegats. If the Government then proclaim Liberty to such as will go about such a design, and commit the care to themselves, to associat whom they think fit. It cannot be denyed, but the State hath given a sufficient Warrand, as will appear by your perusal of the Advertisement published thereanent, adjoyned to the close hereof.
Neither does it appear that any State did more; the Romans use was to proclaim, That they intended to plant a Collonie of such a number in such a place, and as many as would give in their names, should receive so many Acres of ground, and enjoy such other priviledges as they thought fit to grant them; which they then expressed, these who gave in their names were enrolled till the number was full: and then they had certain Commissioners appointed; to see all things ordered accordingly, and every Man put in possession of his Inheritance; Neither did the State interpose their Authority, in assigning and choising out the Men, but left it free and voluntar to every Man to take or leave, seing nothing can bear out the Hazards and inconveniencies of such undertakings, but a willing mind; Men can disjeast any thing which themselves do choice or desire, but a Commandment makes a pleasant thing harsh; how much more harsh things intollerable!
By what is above written, I apprehend you will find it sufficiently cleared, that the prosecuting this Design is warranted from the Word of GOD; it remains for your further satisfaction, as to the reasonableness thereof, to be made no less apparent, that the [Page 42] effectual carrying on thereof will contribute to the advantage of the Nation in general, and to the honour and particular interest of these who are active Undertakers [...]herein; and I am much in a mistake, if I make not that appear as clearly as the other, but before I begin to condescend upon particulars, I judge you will not find it improper in the first place, to offer to your consideration, a general Survey of the present cireumstances of the Nation, whe [...]eb [...] you will the more easily be satisfied of some particulars properly to be noticed, for your more clear conviction of the truth of this assertion.
Tho there be some particular parcels of Our Countrey here and there to be found, which both for the nature of the Soil, and other pleasant and agreeable accommodations are in themselves sufficiently desirable, yet where I have the general prospect thereof in my view, I find my self oblidged to acknowledge, it is not among the most fertile places of the world, to say no worse, but tho we cannot compate with Our Neighbour Nation, as to the fertility of the Soil in general, or the flourishing of trade; in some things it will be acknowledged we are comparativly nothing inferiour to them, this kingdom hath plenty of Inhabitants, [Page 43] whereof yearly it may cast a Fleece, without the least prejudice of the general interest of the Nation, as actually it hath done since the year 1618. that the warrs began in Germany; it is suffici [...]ntly known what multitudes of People have gone hence yearly since that time, the truth of this well appear to these who consider, that in the Swedish Army at one time there were 27. Scottish Collonies and that Douglas Regim [...]nt in France hath since His Majesties Restauration, taken hence upwards of thirty thousand men, besides what number have during all that time gone to Flanders, and Holland, where there have been three Regiments of Scots Men, of standing Forces constantly till this day kept in pay; and are at present yet standing; whereby is occasioned the transport of a considerable number of men yearly for their recruits.
Sir, you may easily consider, what an interest Scotland might have had in America, had all these who have gone from their native Countrey in queast of Honor and Fortunes, to these places, steered their course to this Airth; there is hardly any noble family in Scotland, or Gentlemen of any note, but ere this time [Page 44] should have had some interest in America; If these had all settled in one place, it should have been a very considerable Collony ere this time; Women also of our own Nation would not have been wanting to these Men, by which the foundation of a very flowrishing Collonie should have been laid; You know as well as I, that Our Countrey People want not their Sagacity in Countrey Affairs, they know abundantly well how to manage their own Business, according to their Capacities, they are painful and laborious, inured to hardship; these who know how to make a Lively-hood in this Countrey, will certainly know much better how to live in a more Fertile Soil, where their Pains and Industry would be more plentifuly rewarded, than can be expected from the natural barrenness of our Native Soyl, when compared with the Fertility of these places in America.
It is on the other hand sufficiently known to all, who are in the least acquainted with Our Scottish Histories, That, Our Gentry who have ordinarly the advantage of Education, whereof our Commonality are deprived, are in nothing inferior to any Gentry in Europe; by this I mean not only [Page 45] Our Nobility and Gentry, and the Eldest Sons, their Representatives, but the younger of both, to whom it is observed; Nature gives no less Vivacity of Spirit than to the Elder, (if not more.) Though by Our Law they are deprived of being proportionably sharers in their Fortune; Whence it is, that these of them who have any Spirit, sensible of this disadvantage, choice rather to go abroad upon their own Purchase, than to be oblidged to a slavish dependance upon the elder Brother for a Livly-hood, which by the custom of the Countrey, these of no Spirit are frequently ingadged to, how insignificant so ever he may be.
I desire to know, if a more easie or honourable way could be proposed? Or a more probable mean to expect a comfortable Livly-hood, than with what small Fortune will be allowed by their Parents, (from the elder Brothers Estate) to be setled in such a place of America, as shall be judged a proper seat for these who go upon such a Design from this Nation? Their Parents can alwayes with ease provide them with a convenient number of the Commonality, as Servants who in this Countrey can never be wanting to Gentlemen. Our Common [Page 46] People will quickly come to understand their particular interest in this affair, se [...]ing after their four years service, they may rationaly propose to live more plentifully & more at ease▪ after a very l [...]ttle moderat pains and labour, then they can do at home, when they have spent their whole time, aft [...]r the ordinary m [...]thod of this countrey, according to their accustome [...] slavish toyl they are used to.
I am ready upon very good ground to believe that within a few years, the elder brothers left at home intan [...]led in the ordinary debts of the Family; and so in a mann [...]r what by that, and what by the other publick burthens, ingadged in a most slavish life, when he is every morning in the reverence of hie Creditors; will quickly come to envy the happiness of the [...]unger brothers in America, when th [...]y come to be informed [...]n what plenty they live, recreating themselves with no less pleasant, then harmless divertisements that Coun [...]rey in great plenty affoords, and divertising primative recreations, where every one shall have such a competent suff [...]cien [...] or [...]mself, as h [...] shall not have the least occasion of envying his Neighbor upon accompt of his or [...]ne; [Page 47] each having for himself what in reason can be judged a comfortable accommodation.
But however, weighty this consideration may be, I leave the further prosecuting thereof to offer to your serious thoughts, a point of no less moment, as being in my weak judgment more ma [...]erial, and of greater weight in thir times, then the other, are not the distractions of this Kingdom, anent matters of Opinion, in reference to Church Government, come to that hight that the sad and fatal consequences thereof, are astonishing to all sober persons; many who upon some scruple, cannot comply with the present Model of Government, are yet confounded and ashamed, to consider the unwarrantable practises of some, who give themselves out, as owning their principles, while their inhuman and barbarous practises are a scandal not only to the Protestant Religion, but inconsistant with Christianity. Yea, Humanity it self! what the further result of these differences shall be, I will not take upon me to determine, [Page 48] onely the consequencies are like to be not a little prejudicial to the Protestant Religion; each of the Parties endeavour to blame the other, without any design of Accommodation, or yeelding one to another. There is nothing impossible to the Omnipotent Power; But a reconsiliation of the differences among our Church-men appears improbable in the highest degree; So fixed both Parties do seem to be in their own Principles. If Mackquare and Broun vent publicklie the justification of their Tenets, for the further incouragem [...]nt of their own Party, in opposition to the other.
The Bishop of St. Asaph will not be behind with them, seeing rather as not to have the occasion of reaching them a blow, he choiceth affrontedly in the face of the World, to cut off from his Native Prince, Fourty of his Royal Ancestors. I desire not to reflect upon any of his Lo: Character, but I may be allowed without giving offence, to say, whatever demonstration his Lo: hath given in that piece, of reading, he hath evidenced smal sence of his gratitude to so bountiful a Prince, to whom he owed so much, to have so treated him; as his malice against our Nation, is thereby made sufficiently [Page 49] apparent, so you now see his gross ignorance in that particular laid open to the world, by a very ingenious Pen, (Sir G. McK.) which probably may have that effect upon his Lo. as to oblidge him for the future to treat in matters wherein he is more versant, and which are more becoming a Gownman, then so publickly to endeavour to affront a Nation, by injuring their King, and his own.
But to return from this digression, you see so it is now judged the interest of the Government altogether to suppress the Presbiterian Principles; and that in order thereto, the whole force and bensill of the Law of this Kingdom, are levelled at the effectual bearing them down, that the rigorous putting these Laws in execution, hath in a great part ruined many of these, who notwithstanding thereof find themselves in conscience oblidged to retain these principles; while in the other hand Episcopacy is by the same Laws supported, and protected; I would gladly know what other rational medium can be proposed in thir circumstances then either to comply with the Government, by going what length is required by Law, in conforming, or to retear; where by Law a Toleration is by His Majestie allowed; such a [Page 50] retreat doth at present offer it self in America; and is no where else to be found in His Majesties Dominions. I would be informed if such as cannot comply with the present Laws would not act more rationally, to bestow what is yet left them in making an interest in that place, transporting themselves thither where they are by Law allowed, the free exercise of their principles, beside what other accommodations they may upon just grounds propose to themselves, rather then by still living where they are resolved not to comply with the Government, expose themselves wholly to ruine, which appears absolutely inevitable, otherwayes then by a full compliance, with the Laws, whereby may be obviated the penalty; such will otherwayes be lyable to the exacting, whereof will certainly tend to their ruine in the close.
And to conuclude you will find no smal ground of further incouragement to such as are resolved effectually to bestirr themselves in carrying on this design, from the consideration of the great success of the only undertaking of this Nature this Kingdom was ever concerned in, whereby [...]s made clearly evident that we want not people for managing such design, it was but about the latter end of King James the sixth, [Page 51] his dayes, that we began to be concerned in sending some people to Ireland, and yet the small beginning that design had, from the undertaking of a very few Gentlemen, hath come this length that I am informed by Creditable Authors, that Kingdom this day could bring to the fields an hundred thousand of our countrey men; Yea, I had an accompt thence lately from an acquaintance of mine, who was serious in advancing this design, That the Province of Ulster, where most of our Nation are seated, could spare Fourty thousand Men and Women, to an America Plantation, and be sufficiently Peopled it self. The Gentleman who gave me this Information, is since setled in Mary-land, the accompt he sends of that Countrey is so encouraging, that I hear a great many of his Acquaintances are making for that Voyage; one thing is considerable in this to be observed, That the difficulties of such an undertaking were far more terrifying at that time, then now to our Countrey Men, seing a Voyage from the West of Scotland to Ireland, not 16. hours sailing, was then more formidable generally to People, who otherwise would have undertaken willingly the Voyage, [Page 52] then now from Lieth to America, whether several Ships have gone without the least discouraging accident.
But now to come to the Answer of your most material Question, to wit, What I judge the most proper place in America, for a seat to these who would resolve to go hence upon such a Design For your satisfaction in this, I shall very freely, tell you my own Opinion, that having for some time made it my work to consider all the Coast of America, from the River of Canada, Northerly, to the River of May, Southerly, in that part of Flonda now called Caralina; having in my search had the opportunity of informing my self of the different nature of the Soils, the temperature of the Climats, the healthfulness of the places, the Constitutions of the several Governments, the conveniences of Access, the advice given to Phaeton, appears very apposite, medio tutissimus ibis, and so East-Jersey, upon the River of Hudson, is the place I find my self oblidge to preferr to any other of the English Plantations upon that coast, upon some or other if not most of the above named considerations.
That you may be convinced of the truth of this, I here send you what discription I have [Page 53] of that place, as it is narrated in a Treatise thereanent, emitted lately by the Scots Proprieters; I send you also the doubles of several letters from thence all agreeing in one, to the advantage of that place, confirming all spoken in the said Treatise, after your perusal of what does follow, you will see whether I have ground or not to make this choise.
It is time now to show how some of our Countrey-men, in order to so advantagious a Project, have already purchased an considerable Interest in a Plantation, which is justly esteemed not Inferiour, if not beyond any place, upon the whole continent of America, belonging to the English Dominions, called East-New-Jersey. The deduction of the right of it is thus;
The KING by Patent to the Duke of York granted a great tract of Land lying betwixt Virginia and New-England, It was formerly in the hand of the Dutch, and considerably improved by them, and called New-Netherlands, And by treaty after the first Dutch Wars, Surrendered to the King that part of it, lying betwixt Delaware and Hudsons River, called New-Cesaria, or New-Jersey; which is betwixt the 39. and 41. Degree of Northern Latitude: was by the [Page 54] Duke of York, granted to John Lord Barkley, and Sir George Cartwright. That part, which belonged to the Lord Barkley, being assigned to Edward Billings. Afterwards by a deed of Partition betwixt the said Edward Billings and Sir George Cartwright, The West Part lying upon Delaware River, was allotted to Edward Billings for his share; and the East part lying upon Hudsons River, nearest to the Province of New York, was appointed to Sir George Cartwright for his share. Which part, now called East-New-Jersey, is from Sir George Cartwright conveyed to twelve Persons in and about London, who have since conveyed an half to other twelve, so that as well the Right of Government as the Soyl, standeth now in 24. Proprietors, in favours of some of whom the Duke of York has been latey pleased to make a new Grant of Confirmation, both of Soyl and Government to the twenty four Proprietors, with the same Power and Priviledges, he has in his Patent from the King, which are as large as any other Plantation hath, for the Words of the Dukes Patent are as followeth;