Dear Friend
Sam. Parsons

we have visited the Natives at Stockbridge

and
tho Mary Peters was not not at home, we Conversed with Eleizabeth
and some others, and upon Consideration of the subject it apeared
to me a Difficulty might arise from placing to much property
in the hands of a few & for them to Dispose of and divide among the
others, all that kind of property (of small articles) which is pleasing to
them being placed in their hands, to be devided as above: the temptation
may be to strong for their week minds, and they reserving to themselves
more then they give to others--this might produce enmity and
Divitions among themselvs--it now springs in my mind, that a Dinner
of hearbs with Contentment is better then Stalled oxen and Contention therwith
the more I consider the subject the more important it apears to me
the Concern of Friends I reverantly belieave to spring from that
love which breaths peace and good will to all men. Some of us only
hearing of this it may have prodused in us pitifull Desires and a
willingness to do them good and while we endeavour to premote their
hapiness we may make them more Miserable. I think I know by
experience that by viseting them in their destitute situation (compareable
to white people) it has produced in me a willingness to do that for them
which I have since seen would have ben to their disadvantage at present & to society
I find it requires the wisdom of the Serpant to learn their dispositions
and know what they can bare, and the harmlessness of the Dove to
make a right application. I feel the need of more strength and wisdom
to direct me when I go among them therefore I desire Friends may
not depend much upon me, great care is Meidfull (it seems to me) Least
things are crouded upon them faster then they can bare, and by doing
much for them they depend on it, and so not help themselves