He was thus induced willingly, and therefore zealously, and successfully, to apply his powers to the acquisition and practice of European arts, and, while the missionaries maintained their power, and formed a part of the polity which their sagacity and perseverance had established, it gave every token of prosperity and vigor.Their prudence and providence led into efficient action the desire, which every individual felt for the future prosperity of his tribe.The powers of the social and benevolent affections of the mass had free course, and what was wanting in intellectual energy, being supplied by the fathers, the desire of accumulation of the whole body became sufficiently effective and strong, to form a larger stock of instruments.
What, therefore, might, at first sight, strike us as the most difficult part of the project, the establishing a community of goods, and interests, was, in reality, that which rendered it of easy execution.With all the advantages attending such a form of society, the freedom from strife, jealousy, contention, and care, enjoyed by the great majority, it had also the disadvantage of requiring, and therefore exciting, in the multitude, little, or no exertion of the intellectual faculties.The converts had become, or were becoming, mere machines in the hands of the missionaries.the whole stock of instruments Formed by the common labor, was in the possession of the fathers, and the share which the Indians received of the returns, depended on their pleasure.
They were in fact regarded as beings of a superior order, whose actions were of necessity right, and whose slightest wishes were laws.
If we judge from what is known of the state of the American continent at its discovery, it would seem that this form of society, is that which the hunter, changing directly to the agriculturist, naturally assumes.
His devotion to the interests of the tribe, passes there into affection for the person, and blind obedience to the will of the chief.The accounts we have of the condition of the kingdoms that the Spaniards found established in the most fertile regions of the continent, describe the power which the rulers possessed, and the reverence paid them, as excessive.The people seem to have, in general, approached the condition of slaves, and to have had a large share of the defects of that condition, a want of intelligence and energy.
Our own barbarian ancestors, such as they are described by Tacitus, have been often likened to the savage aborigenes of North America.But, though there may be some points of resemblance, the parallel will be found to fail, in several important particulars, which, as they seem to have operated through the influence they have exerted on that principle, the effects of which we are at present considering, may be allowed to claim our attention for a little.
The race, whose occupation of the forests and wildernesses, to the northward of the Roman Empire, made these, in the days of its strength, to be regarded as the regions of mystery and wonder, in those of its weakness, of well-rounded, and increasing anxiety, and dread, were properly shepherd warriors.Though the excitement of the chase frequently gave fit employment to their ardent spirits, and its toils to their hardy frames, and though its products ministered to many of their wants, their cattle were yet their main support, and to provide for the sustenance of these, their great business.But the possession of flocks and herds, implies a considerable degree of care and foresight, both in protecting, and making provision for them, and in avoiding to consume too great a number of them.It also implies the existence of private property to a large amount, and, consequently, of strength in the ties binding families together.The parent, if he desires to see his offspring enjoy plenty, must exert himself to procure it for them.The performance of this duty gives him claims on their gratitude, and draws closer the connexion between them.The sort of life they lead too, demands less of severe exertion, and affords longer intervals of ease.It brings them together in larger bands and societies, of which each member has rights to defend, and interests to provide for, and thus produces the rudiments of law, justice, and the policy of civilized society.
War may be said to be natural to them, as well as to hunters, but it is always open; concealment is out of the question; their greater numbers, and the necessity of having always with them a large train of domestic animals, render it impracticable.They have not therefore to fear being surprised and overcome, before they can have time to defend themselves.
Hence, the members of a numerous and warlike pastoral nation, live in comparative security.They see that chance has less influence, prudence and resolution more.They perceive that they are not altogether the sport of destiny, but that their fate depends, in a great measure, on themselves.Their minds are less shaken, and their judgments less clouded by superstitious fears and imaginings.The greater security they enjoy renders them also less relentlessly cruel.Utterly to exterminate their enemies is not necessary;to break, and drive them off, is sufficient.When, therefore, the fury of the fight is over, mercy has, with them, a place.
All these circumstances pertaining to the condition of pastoral nations tend strongly to excite the social and benevolent affections, and the powers of reason and reflection, and to give scope to their action among them.
