1670--Enquiries to the Governor of Virginia from the Lords Commissioners of Foreign Plantations; Answered by Sir William Berkeley in 1671

[The "lords commissioners of foreign plantations " sent a set of questions to the governor of Virginia, Sir William Berkeley, in 1670. He sent his answers to England the following year. In one of the more famous passages from this document, Berkeley reveals his distaste for education and printing, but also complains of the religious instruction being provided in the colony.]

23. What course is taken about the instructing the people, within your government in the christian religion; and what provision is there made for the paying of your ministry?

Answer. The same course that is taken in England out of towns; every man according to his ability instructing his children (bold added). We have fforty eight parishes, and our ministers are well paid, and by my consent should be better if they would pray oftener and preach less. ... But, I thank God, there are no free schools nor printing, and I hope we shall not have these hundred years; for learning has brought disobedience, and heresy, and sects into the world, and printing has divulged them, and libels against the best government. God keep us from both! (bold added)

Original Source: Hening, W. W. (ed.). The Statutes at Large, II: 48.

Comment: I wonder if Sir Berkeley would join enthusiastic educators today who include Tablet PCs and other mobile PCs in schools today?


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