Ck,VII!. south AMERICA. 393 



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

 who followed the precepts of morality, fhould enjoy 

 the free exercife of their religion, without moleftation 5 

 which, with other privileges and immunities granted 

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

 duftrious perfons 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 fird territory not being 

 fufficient for them, they fpread themfelves along the 

 neighbouring colonies on the coaft ; where their de- 

 fcendants ftilt continue. To theie are owing the com- 

 mencement and rife of the town of Bofton, 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 moft flourifliing in Europe : 

 nor is this the only place in fuch happy circumftances; 

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

 to the diilance(^pf one hundred leagues and more, alfo 

 make a chearful appearance, being diverlified with 

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

 from the exuberant fertilky of the country and the 

 induftry of the people, the nation reaps an immenfe 

 benefit. 



The refort of fo many nadons, which compofe the 

 inhabitants of Nev>^- 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 

 compcnfated by its inland diftance, and the great 

 number of people it contains. Thefe inhabitants, 

 though fo different as to their native countries, are 

 all fubjeQ: to the fame lav/s in refpe6t of polity and 

 civil government ; and live in a quiet obedience to 

 them and harmony with each other. As to religion, 

 the original toleration ftill obtains and one fees here 

 all the feds of Old England, and even thofe of other 



proteftans 



