young. So be it. But they ought in youth
to be separated from their parents; yea, from their whole nation.
For, without this, they would forthwith be as much accustomed as their
parents to the heathenish tricks and deviltries, which are kneaded
naturally in their hearts by themselves through a just judgment of God;
so that having once, by habit, obtained deep root, they would with great
difficulty be emancipated therefrom. But this separation is hard to
effect. For the parents have a strong affection for their children, and
are very loth to part with them; and when they are separated from them,
as we have already had proof, the parents are never contented, but take
them away stealthily, or induce them to run away. Nevertheless, although
it would be attended with some expense, we ought, by means of presents
and promises, to obtain the children, with the gratitude and consent
of the parents, in order to place them under the instruction of some
experienced and godly schoolmaster, where they may be instructed not
only to speak, read, and write in our language, but also especially in
the fundamentals of our Christian religion; and where, besides, they
will see nothing but good examples of virtuous living; but they must
sometimes speak their native tongue among themselves in order not
to forget it, as being evidently a principal means of spreading the
knowledge of religion through the whole nation. In the meantime we
should not forget to beseech the Lord, with ardent and continual
prayers, for His blessing; who can make things which are unseen suddenly
and opportunely to appear; who gives life to the dead; calls that which
is not as though it were; and being rich in mercy has pity on whom He
will; as He has compassionated us to be His people; and has washed us
clean, sanctified us and justified us, when we were covered with all
manner of corruption, calling us to the blessed knowledge of His Son,
and out of the power of darkness to His marvellous light. And this
I regard so much the more necessary, as the wrath and curse of God,
resting upon this miserable people, is found to be the heavier.
Perchance God may at last have mercy upon them, that the fulness of the
heathen may be gradually brought in and the salvation of our God may be
here also seen among these wild savage men. I hope to keep a watchful
eye over these people, and to learn as much as possible of their
language, and to seek better opportunities for their instructi