
In this persuasive address, a New‑England pastor urges the colonies to reconsider their relationship with the Indigenous peoples who share their frontiers. He argues that kindness, justice, and earnest missionary effort are not merely moral duties but practical necessities for the safety and prosperity of the settlements. By highlighting the vital role of native trade and the strategic advantage of securing Native allies, he warns that neglect could invite costly conflict, especially with rival European powers encouraging hostilities.
The speaker outlines concrete steps for fostering goodwill, from fair treatment in daily dealings to dedicated efforts at spreading Christianity among the tribes. He calls on educated and influential colonists to take up the cause, suggesting that a humane, cooperative approach will bring lasting peace and mutual benefit. The address blends theological conviction with pragmatic politics, offering a thoughtful blueprint for building a more stable and compassionate frontier society.
Full title
An Address to the People of New-England Representing the very great importance of attaching the Indians to their interest, not only by treating them justly and kindly, but by using proper endeavours to settle Christianity among them
Language
en
Duration
~47 minutes (45K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Sonya Schermann, Craig Kirkwood, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2021-09-06
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1693–1755
A colonial New England minister, Yale graduate, and early writer on maple sugar, he is remembered both for his long pastorate in West Springfield and for helping introduce a native sweetener to a wider public.
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