me NATURAL AND GIVIL 



civilized nations, it is also in a great measure 

 free, from many of their most dangerous vices* 



In such respects, the savage state seems to 

 have had advantages peculiar to itself ; and to 

 have produced effects, which are not to be ex^ 

 pected among civilized nations. But before we 

 decide on its operation and tendency, it will be 

 necessary to examine the disadvantages y to which 

 It is subject ; with their influence, and effect oii 

 liociety. 



The Savage state unfavorable to 

 ALL Intellectual Improvements. A& 

 one disadvantage of the savage state, it has con- 

 stantly proved unfavourable to all intellectual 

 improvements and exertions. Occupied solely 

 ^vith hunting and war, the savage had no idea 

 or wish for any intellectual attainment, which 

 was not immediately connected with his favour- 

 ite professions. Neither his reason, nor his in- 

 vention, appeal" to have been much exercisetj 

 upon any object, not suggested by his necessi- 

 ties. Taking the game, and subduing his ene- 

 my, did not depend on the knowledge of letters. 

 The transactions of his ancestors, were not of 

 much importance to him : He had no code of 

 laws, no evidences of property, or any public 

 transactions to be recorded. With these arts, 

 of so much importance to civilized nations, but 

 of little consequence to the Indians, they were 

 wholly unacquainted ; and had not made any 

 advance towards the discovery of letters. The 

 only thing which they appeared anxious to re* 

 cord, was the exploits of their warriors. When 

 a party of these had met w^ith uncommon sue- 

 cess, it was often the case that they made some 



