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“Colonists were grateful for the perceived blessing of massive depopulation of indigenous people by infectious disease. A 1643 publication titled New England First Fruits conveys that message clearly, numbering smallpox first among a long list of divine gifts. In their minds, God cleared a path for their progress, and the chosen implement was contagion.” — Adam Ratner MD MPH
Colonists were grateful for the perceived blessing of massive depopulation of indigenous people by infectious disease. A 1643 publication titled New England First Fruits conveys that message clearly, numbering smallpox first among a long list of divine gifts. In their minds, God cleared a path for their progress, and the chosen implement was contagion.