Ch.VIIÍ. SOUTH AMERICA. 393 



laws of his colony, a general toleration, by which all 

 who followed the precepts of morality, fiiould enjoy 

 the free exercife of their religion, without moleftation ; 

 which, with other privileges and immunities granted 

 to the fettlers, had fuch good confequences, that in- 

 duftrious pcrfons flocked thither from feveral parts, 

 particularly the French refugees from England. The 

 number of families increafed in a ihort time to fuch a 

 furprizing degree, that the firit territory not being 

 fufficient for them, they fpread themfelves along the 

 neighbouring colonies on the coailj wliere their de- 

 fcendants ftill continue. To thefe are owing the com- 

 mencement and rife of the town of Bolton, which, by 

 the defcription I have from many who have been 

 there, may, for extent, wealth, and handfome build- 

 ings, vie with fome of the moil flouriihing in Evropc: 

 nor is this the only place in fuch happy circumftances. 

 Befides the many towns on the coails, the inland parts, 

 to the diftance of one hundred leagues and more, alfo 

 make a chearful appearance, being diverfified with 

 large towns, villages, ieats, and plantations. Thus, 

 from the exuberant fertility of the country and die 

 induftry of the people, the nation reaps an immenfe 

 benefit. 



The refort of fo many nations, which compofe the 

 inhabitants of New-England and the other provinces, 

 renders them fo populous and wealthy, that a con- 

 fiderable kingdom might be formed of them: for 

 though its extent along the coaft be not very large 

 in comparifon of others in America, this deficiency is 

 compenfated by its inland diftance, and the great 

 number of people it contains. Thefe inhabitants, 

 though fo different as to their native countries, are 

 all lubjedt to the fame laws in refpefl of polity and 

 civil government J and live in a quiet obedience to 

 fhem and harmony with each other. As to religion, 

 the original Toleration lull obtains j and one fees here 

 gU the ic6ts of Old lingUnd, and even thofe of other 



proteftanc 



