“Brothers, this village is divided into three or four districts, in each of which there are persons appointed to endeavour to have your advices put in practice. When they see any disorders, they are to treat with their brothers in order to reclaim them.”
They were then informed, that as the day was far spent, Friends would retire a few minutes to consult together, and return them an answer. In about half an hour, Friends returned again to the council house, and after informing them that (although they were divided in some things,) they were glad they were of one mind about the education of their children; and as soon as they got their house in readiness, they might inform Friends of it, and they would endeavour to furnish them with a teacher.
They were then presented with the following observations in writing, as the best advice that Friends could give them in their present divided and critical situation.
“Brothers, when your friends the Quakers came among you, their design was to improve your condition—to teach you to build more comfortable houses, to cultivate your land, to raise more grain, so as to enable you to raise and support more cattle—to educate your children, and to advance in all the useful habits of civilized life.
“Brothers, we believe that men ought to live, so as to seek for the assistance of the Good Spirit, to enable them to love and worship him—and although it is our practice to meet together to worship him, yet we do not wish to force upon you any of our performances in religion. We think it right that every man should follow the teachings of the Good Spirit, in his own heart, which, if attended to, would always lead him in the right path.
“Brothers, we beseech you not to let any thing divide you into parties, and make you feel enmity one against another. It would put you back in your improvements, it will make you weak—it is contrary to all right religion, and displeasing to the Great Spirit.”
| Signed, | Samuel Bettle. |
| William Newbold. | |
| Halliday Jackson. |