The Documentary history of the state of New-York; arranged under direction of the Hon. Christopher Morgan, secretary of State. By E. B. O'Callaghan ...

1114 MEMORIAL CONCERNING THE IROQUOIS OR
erful were necessary to counteract inveterate Habits and
Prejudices, they called in Religion to their aid. Accordingly
they availed themselves of the Belief of a Supream Being, which
they found People everywhere possessed of, and made it stbservient to their Purpose. The first Thing they did was to
confirm this Belief; institute a Ceremonial of Religious Worship,
and inculcate the Doctrine of a future Life. This Expedient
had the desired Effect; and accomplished what had been otherwise attempted in vain. To this Purpose we have the Testimony of some of the most judicious Writers of Antiquity, that
the Eleusinian Mysteries (in which were probably taught the
Belief of a Supream Being, a Providence and future Life, with
the Necessity of a Rectitude of Moral Conduct) contributed
more than any other Means to soften the Savage Manners of the
first Inhabitants of Europe.
These Particulars are Pertinent to the Point under Consideration. These shew the Judgment and Practice of the wisest
Men to have been contrary to what is suggested in this Objection; and Experience evinced that they judged right. We may
reasonably conclude, that the same Measures ought to be
persued in similar Circumstances now, as well as formerly, and
that they will be attended with similar effects; consequently,
that we should introduce Religion among the Iroquois in order
to civilise them.
The Iroquois, and other Indian Tribes of North America,
believe in a God, in a Providence and future State of Existence,
and what is very remarkable, even those who have yet had no
Tincture of Christianity, discover the most reverential Awe of
the Supream. Being, and pay uncommon Defference to the
Ministers of Religion. They are hereby prepared in some
Degree for receiving the Truths of Christianity, which will
naturally dispose them to Change their Manners, and admit the
Arts of civil Life; and they would certainly Spurn at any Pro-,
posal for introducing the latter without the former. My opinion
therefore is that our Endeavours to civilise the Iroquois, and
Convert them to Christianity, should be joined together, as is
specified in the preceding Plan. They will mutually promote