Based on the excerpt, how did trade between the European colonizers and indigenous peoples support the European goal of religious conversion?
First, if it be unlawful: it must be so, either in respect of the
law of God, or in regard to the laws of man. If in respect of
Gods law, (considering our primary end is to plant religion,
our secondary and subalternate ends are for the honor and
profit of our nation) I demand a resolution of this plain
question: whether it be not a determined truth, that the
Gospel should be preached, to all the world ... [in] one of
these three ways. ...
The third belongs to us, who by way of merchandizing and
trade, do buy of them the pearls of the earth, and sell to
them the pearls of heaven, which action, if it be unlawful, it
must proceed from one of these three grounds, either
because we come to them, or trade with them, or tarry and
dwell and possess part of their country against them.
- Virginia Company, "A True Declaration of the Estate in
Virginia," 1610