be guilty of uncleanness, drunkenness, and other abominations; how must
their minds become prejudiced and their hearts hardened against that
pure and holy religion which we profess? Oh beware of laying
stumbling-blocks in the way of these blind people [Lev. xix. 14.], lest
the blood of their souls be one day required at your hands.

And yet I fear, yea, I well know, that they have already heard and seen
too much of such language, and such practices amongst us. Already some
of them have been taught to speak such language as they
continually hear, and though they do not yet understand the meaning of
the words they use, they can utter oaths and blasphemies almost as
readily as their CHRISTIAN instructors. By-standers divert themselves
with their attempts in this way, and think it is fine sport. But, my
friends, the scripture declares they are fools who make a mock at
sin.[Prov. xiv. 9.] But these things cause much sorrow to those who have
any reverence for God, or pity for their fellow creatures. I readily
profess my own deep concern for these proceedings, and my utter abhorrence
of them. And I most earnestly intreat you, if you cannot instruct them in
what is better, to have no communication at all with them. For if you make
them partakers of your sins, you must answer for it at the great day of
judgment; if they then rise up against you, for misleading them, it
will be much more tolerable for them than for you.

But consider, on the other hand, what may be the happy effects,
were the natives to see, hear, and observe in you, and in all the
Europeans here; in ministers and people, high and low, a conduct
answerable to the doctrine and precepts of the gospel. This might, by
the blessing of God, be one of the most effectual means, to bring them
to reflection, and to engage them to seek an interest in the
blessings of the gospel for themselves.