NYYM_scrapbook_030

Dear Friend Sam. Parsons we have visited the Natives at Stockbridge and tho Mary Peters was not not at home, we Conversed with Eleizabeth and some others, and upon Consideration of the subject it apeared to me a Difficulty might arise from placing to much property in the hands of a few &; for them to Dispose of and divide among the others, all that kind of property (of small articles) which is pleasing to them being placed in their hands, to be devided as above: the temptation may be to strong for their week minds, and they reserving to themselves more then they give to others--this might produce enmity and Divitions among themselvs--it now springs in my mind, that a Dinner of hearbs with Contentment is better then Stalled oxen and Contention therwith the more I consider the subject the more important it apears to me the Concern of Friends I reverantly belieave to spring from that love which breaths peace and good will to all men. Some of us only hearing of this it may have prodused in us pitifull Desires and a willingness to do them good and while we endeavour to premote their hapiness we may make them more Miserable. I think I know by experience that by viseting them in their destitute situation (compareable to white people) it has produced in me a willingness to do that for them which I have since seen would have ben to their disadvantage at present &; to society I find it requires the wisdom of the Serpant to learn their dispositions and know what they can bare, and the harmlessness of the Dove to make a right application. I feel the need of more strength and wisdom to direct me when I go among them therefore I desire Friends may not depend much upon me, great care is Meidfull (it seems to me) Least things are crouded upon them faster then they can bare, and by doing much for them they depend on it, and so not help themselves