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PROPOSALS for the Propagation of the Christian Religion in the several Provinces, on the Continent of North-America.
WHEREAS it has pleased God of late to stir up the Hearts of many People in the American Plantations, who seem'd formerly to have forgot Religion, now to be very solicitous, and earnest for Instruction, so as of themselves to call for those Helps, which in Duty they ought to have teen prevented in, by us, from the beginning: And whereas, to our shame, we must own, that no Nation has been so guilty of this neglect as ours: The Papists, of all Countries, having been most careful to support their Superstitions wherever they have planted: The Dutch with great Care allowing an Honourable Maintenance, with all other Encouragements, for Ministers in their Factories and Plantations: The Swedes, the Danes, and other small Colonies, being seldom or never deficient in this particular; and we of the English Nation only being wanting in this Point: And lastly, Whereas, though it be true, that some of our most considerable Plantations have set out Parishes, and Allowances for Ministers, yet it is not so in all; and where some Provision is made, it is as yet far short of being sufficient to maintain a Minister: And there is a total Neglect of informing the poor Natives. Out of all these Considerations, we do not think a more Charitable Work can be carried on, than as much as in us lyes, to contribute towards the Redress of these great Failures: And therefore do subcribe, to that purpose, the several Summs to our Names annex'd.