New England Company

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NEW ENGLAND COMPANY

NEW ENGLAND COMPANY. Known officially as the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in New England, the New England Company was initially an unincorporated joint stock venture, founded in 1649 for the purpose of converting New England Indians. The members were Puritans and principally prosperous London merchants; together they collected and invested funds, the interest from which paid missionaries' salaries. In 1660 the Society sought a royal charter to protect its assets and ensure its continued existence. According to the Charter's preamble, the corporation would draw New England's Indians away from "the power of darknesse and the kingdome of Sathan, to the Knowledge of the true and only God."

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kellaway, William. The New England Company, 1649–1776: Missionary Society to the American Indians. New York: Barnes and Noble, 1962.

Leslie J.Lindenauer

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