A further account of the progress of the Gospel amongst the Indians in New…
A further account of the progress of the Gospel amongst the Indians in New England: being a relation of the confessions made by several Indians (in the presence of the elders and members of several churches) in order to their admission into church-fellowship. Sent over to the corporation for propagating the Gospel of Jesus Christ amongst the Indians in New England at London, by Mr John Elliot one of the labourers in the word amongst them.
A further account of the progress of the Gospel amongst the Indians in New England: being a relation of the confessions made by several Indians (in the presence of the elders and members of several churches) in order to their admission into church-fellowship. Sent over to the corporation for propagating the Gospel of Jesus Christ amongst the Indians in New England at London, by Mr John Elliot one of the laborers in the word amonsgt them.
John Eliot 1604–1690London: printed by John Macock, 1660
[8], 76, [2] p. · 24k words · Wing E511 · ESTC R214794
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
First, Mr. Peirson said, so far as I discern, I doubt not of the truth of what Mr. Eliot hath delivered, and for that which he hath now uttered, though some things the Indian hath added more then he spake in private, and some things left out, and some things otherwise placed, yet for the substance of his present Confession, it is the same with that which he delivered in private, where we did carefully try all things, that we might be sure that we understood him right. Then Bro. Fouldyer was desired to speak; who saith, That he did not expect to have understood so much of his speech, and so plainly as he did, and his Interpreter did perfectly understand all; and to his best understanding, that which Mr. Eliot had delivered, was the very same which he spake.
FIrst, Mr. Peirson said, so far as I discern, I doubt not of the truth of what Mr. Eliot hath delivered, and for that which he hath now uttered, though some things the Indian hath added more then he spake in private, and some things left out, and some things otherwise placed, yet for the substance of his present Confession, it is the same with that which he delivered in private, where we did carefully try all things, that we might be sure that we understood him right. Then Bro. Fouldyer was desired to speak; who saith, That he did not expect to have understood so much of his speech, and so plainly as he did, and his Interpreter did perfectly understand all; and to his best understanding, that which Mr. Eliot had delivered, was the very same which he spake.
I said unto the Assembly, In that he spake so plain to his understanding, it is because I had advised him, and so all the rest, to express themselves in the most plain and familiar words and expressions they could, for my more easy and perfect understanding. Again, ⟨p. 46⟩for that my Bro. Peirson observed, that they left out something, and added other, and varied in sundry expressions: It is true, I observed the same, and it may well be so, for they have not any writing, or like helps, only their memory, and the help of Gods Spirit, to read in their own hearts, what they utter.
I said unto the Assembly, In that he spake so plain to his understanding, it is because I had advised him, and so all the rest, to express themselves in the most plain and familiar words and expressions they could, for my more easie and perfect understanding. Again, ⟨p. 46⟩for that my Bro. Peirson observed, that they left out something, and added other, and varied in sundry expressions: It is true, I observed the same, and it may well be so, for they have not any writing, or like helps, only their memory, and the help of Gods Spirit, to read in their own hearts, what they utter.
Then the two Sons of Thom. Stanton were called, to testify the Scholar spoke first, and said, that he did understand perfectly all that the Indian said, and he did not observe any difference in what Mr. Eliot had delivered, but it was the same which the Indian spake.
Then the two Sons of Thom. Stanton were called, to testifie the Schollar spoke first, and said, that he did understand perfectly all that the Indian said, and he did not observe any difference in what Mr. Eliot had delivered, but it was the same which the Indian spake.
The other spake, and said, he did not perfectly understand all that the Indian said, but so far as he did understand, Mr. Eliot had delivered the truth.
My Son was called to speak, who said, I did, for the most part, well understand the Indian, and to my best understanding, my Father hath given a true interpretation thereof.
I Confess my sins before the Lord, and all these people and godly men, for ye throughly know that we are great sinners, not only before God, but before man also.
I confess that in my Mothers Womb I was conceived ⟨p. 47⟩in sin, and that I was born in iniquity; my Father and Mother were sinners, and lived in fin, they prayed to many Gods, the Sun, Heavens, Beasts, Trees, and every thing in the world, they made them their Gods, and throughly we followed these sins: When I was born, I was in the Image of Satan, I knew not that God made all this world, I was only wise to sin, and I did all those things which I liked to do, even all lusts, from my youth up; and now I confess my sins before God, and all men, for God and men do know them: I did all my delights. When I was a youth the English came, but I regarded them not: Afterward I heard that the Indians prayed, but my heart-said, I will not pray so long as I live, for they be vain words to pray unto God, my Parents taught me to pray unto many Gods: Sometime I came to English Towns on the Sabbath day, and I played, for I did not regard that sin; I thought it vain to keep one day, yet I feared that the English should see me play, least they should be angry, but not because I offended God. Afterwards I heard that my Brothers prayed, and therefore I disliked them, and I thought I will forsake my Brothers, because they do a vain work, and I did run away into the Country, but they soon found me, and asked me to pray, and they pitied me, and loved me, and therefore I returned, not because I loved God, but because I loved my brothers: My brother said, Go dwell with the English, and learn their manners; I yielded, because I loved my brother: I dwelt here at Roxbury, and came to this meeting house, but in vain, I prayed not one word, and my heart did misbelieve; I heard the Minister ⟨p. 48⟩preach that there is one God, and he made the World, and all things in it, but my heart thought it was a vain word; I thought my Father made me, and not God. Again, I returned from this Town, but yet I did not pray; I heard the Commandments, Thou shalt not murder; Thou shalt not commit adultery; Thou shalt not steal; Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour; Thou shalt not covet, &c. and other sins and punishments I heard of, and I feared to sin because of man, and because of punishment, but not for fear of God; therefore vain were all my ways. When I came back to Noonantam, I did the same sins again, especially I loved lust;
I confess that in my Mothers Womb I was conceived ⟨p. 47⟩
yea, after my praying and being among them, I loved it more then before: When the Minister came and taught, I went to the meeting, but in vain; I learned nothing, but I still loved all our sins and lusts: Afterward hearing the Catechism, Who made you? God. Who redeemed you? Jesus Christ, &c. my heart misbelieved, and said, I will not believe, I will go away into the Country. Again, I heard that God made all the world, and then a little I believed, and thought I will pray to God, but weak it was. Again; I heard Mat. 7. Ask, and ye shall have, seek, and ye shall find, knock, and it shall be opened to you: Then I prayed a little, and then I thought there was a God who made the whole world, I thought man could not make the world, but only God; and therefore I did pray unto him. Afterward my Brothers were sick, and others also, I remembered that word, Ask, and ye shall have; then I prayed, to try if that word was true, but they dyed; then I thought that was a vain word, and that God heareth not our prayers, and that God is ⟨p. 49⟩not; therefore I thought I will cast off praying, and run away. I did not believe in God; my heart said, I shall die, whether I pray, or not pray, all is one: Then I heard that praying was the way to Everlasting Life, but yet I regarded not praying, I thought of running away, and yet I thought, whether I go or stay I shall die, and therefore I was troubled, but I did not pray: Afterward I was at work▪ and my head was broken in the Saw-pit, and then I knew God was angry with me, because I prayed not; and then I did much know my sins, I thought surely God is angry; I remembered that I had heard that Word preached, Watch, for ye know not the hour that the Son of Man cometh; this I remembered when my head was broken, I heard that God made all the world, and Adam, and set Adam in Paradise, and bid him eat of all the Trees, saving of the Tree in the midst of the Garden, if he eat thereof he should die; but Adam did eat thereof, and died; then my heart believed, surely God is, and he made the world, and man, and me. I heard Gen. 1. God said, Let us make man in our own Image, and let him have dominion over all the creatures: Then my heart believed, sure God is good to man, and man is a sinner against God; and therefore God is angry with me for my sins. I heard that God formed man of the dust of the earth, and breathed into him the breath of Life;
and then my heart said, surely God made the world, and man, and me, and all things, and my heart believed: And now I know God is angry with me; now I will pray to God as long as I live, and no more return to sin, but I will do Gods Word all my days. Again, I heard that God made Adam sleep, ⟨p. 50⟩and took out of him a rib, made it a woman, and brought her to man; then I thought, sure God made us, and the world, and these great works show, that there is a God. Again, I heard that God called her the Mother of all living, and by that means we have life, and then I believed that God made us; and therefore I will pray to God as long as I live, and no more cast it off. Again, I heard Gen. 6. that God saw the sin of man, that it was great, and that all the thoughts and imaginations of his heart are only evil continually; and therefore God was angry, and repented that he had made man, and therefore drowned the world, and every living creature; he caused it to rain forty days on the earth; then my heart said, sure there is a God, and he will perform all his threatenings, he is God, and therefore he will do it. Again, I heard that God found Noah righteous, and he found favour in his sight; he believed in God, and did obey his Word, and God saved him: Then my heart desired to believe that God is, and to pray unto him. Again, I heard Gen. 19. that the Angels of God came to Lot in Sodom, and delivered just Lot, but did burn up with the wicked Sodomites with fire from heaven, who had cast off praying to God, and did commit great sins against God; therefore I saw that I had deserved to be burnt, because I had done their sins: And when God sent his Angels, and did deliver just Lot, and then the rest were burnt, then I saw in my heart, sure God is merciful to them that love him; and therefore my heart said, I will no more return to sin, but I will follow God; but yet, sometimes I doubted, but I believed the mercy of God, according to that I heard, Mat. 1. ⟨p. 51⟩she called his Name Jesus, for he saveth his people from their sins: Then my heart thought, surely it is true, that Christ is the Son of God, and was made man, and is merciful; but yet I still did doubt whether Christ was the Son of God. Again, I heard
My heart said, I desire to repent, and to make ready my heart for God, that I may have mercy and pardon in Christ Jesus. Again, the word saith, The Tree that brings not forth good fruit, is cut down, and cast into the fire: My heart said; sure so is my heart, and I have deserved to be cast into the fire; I have brought forth such fruits as may justly cut me down. Again, I heard the word of Christ, He that heareth the Word, and doeth it, shall be blessed: Then my heart said, I have deserved not to be pardoned, but I beg for mercy. Again, the word saith, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: My heart said, sure God is merciful to send his own Son, and Christ is merciful that he came and died for us. Again, I heard that the Tempter came to Christ, and said, If thou be the Son of God, make these stones bread: But Christ said, man liveth not by bread only, but by every word which cometh out of the mouth of God: Then I believed that Christ was the Son of God, and that my Soul liveth not by bread, but by the Word of God. Again, Mat. 8. the Leper came to Christ, and said, Lord if thou wilt, thou canst make me whole, and Jesus touched him, and he was healed: Then my heart said, surely Christ is the Son of God, and he only can heal my sins. Again, I heard in Mat. 6. If ye forgive one another, ⟨p. 52⟩God forgiveth you: Then my heart said, I desire to do this, else God will be angry with me. Again, I heard Mat. 9. all diseased came to Christ, the blind, halt, &c and he healed them; therefore I believed that he was the Son of God, and I begged of Christ to pardon my sins, and save me, because sure he is Christ the Son of God. Again, the word says, Not every one that saith Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom, but he that doth the will of my Father: Then my heart said, I do fear, because I do very weakly obey the Word of God; and therefore Christ saith, Depart ye workers of iniquity: My heart said, such an one am I but now I cry to, and trust to Christ, to pardon all my sins. Again, I heard Mat. 11. that Christ said Capernaum was lifted up to heaven by the Gospel, but should be cast down to hell, for refusing it: I thought I did now pray, i• I now fall off I shall perish. And again, Christ saith, It shall be easier for Tyre and Sidon in that day: Then my heart said, I have deserved the worst of Gods wrath, for I believed not the great works of God;
and therefore I desire pardon of all my sins, and to forsake all my sins, and to pray to Christ as long as I live. Again, I heard Mat. 5. That Heaven and Earth shall pass away, but not one jot or tittle of the Word of God, but all shall be fulfilled: Therefore my heart did desire, that I may both hear and do the Word of God, which will never perish. Again, I heard Mat. 16 Christ saith, Who say ye that I am? Peter said, Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God; Christ said, Blessed art thou Peter, flesh and blood hath not revealed this to thee, but my Father, and on this Rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it: Therefore my ⟨p. 53⟩heart believed that God helped me to receive Christ, and I desire to take that promise to Peter, and my heart joyed more and more in Christ, and in the Word of God. Again, I heard Mat. 26. Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it, and said, Take eat, this is my body which is broken for you, and likewise the Cup, &c. saying, This is my blood in the New Testament, which was shed for remission of sins, &c. My heart said, sure Christ is full of love, and hath given us great mercy, and I desire to partake of it. Again, the wicked did kill Christ, but he rose again, and ascended to heaven; then my heart believed Christ. Again, I heard John 14. No man cometh to the Father, but by me: My heart said, so be it Lord; I desire to come to God by Christ; and I said, Why did the wicked kill Christ? My heart said. I believe that Christ died for my sin; and therefore I desire to believe in Christ: Then my heart did joy in Christ, and to heartle Word of God; but yet to this day I have doubts in my heart, my heart is weak to this day: And now I know that in six days God made the world, and before that God I desire to confess my sins, and forsake them, and no more to do them. Sometimes my heart is in an ill frame, and loveth sin, and my heart hateth good; therefore I desire the free Mercy of Christ to hold and keep my Soul.
and therefore I desire pardon of all my sins, and to forsake all my sins, and to pray to Christ as long as I live. Again, I heard
When he had finished, and I had read before the assembly this confession of his, we called upon the witnesses to co-attest. Who did in the same order as before express themselves to the like purpose. Only when we called for Tho: Stanton his sons, they were not present, nor did they any more appear in the Congregation, to attest the Indians confessions all the day.
When he had finished, and I had read before the assembly this confession of his, we called upon the witnesses to co-attest. Who did in the same order as before express themseves to the like purpose. Only when we called for Tho: Stanton his sonnes, they were not present, nor did they any more appeare in the Congregation, to attest the Indians confessions all the day.
in sin, and that I was born in iniquity; my Father and Mother were sinners, and lived in fin, they prayed to many Gods, the Sun, Heavens, Beasts, Trees, and every thing in the world, they made them their Gods, and throughly we followed these sins: When I was born, I was in the Image of Satan, I knew not that God made all this world, I was only wise to sin, and I did all those things which I liked to do, even all lusts, from my youth up; and now I confess my sins before God, and all men, for God and men do know them: I did all my delights. When I was a youth the English came, but I regarded them not: Afterward I heard that the Indians prayed, but my heart-said, I will not pray so long as I live, for they be vain words to pray unto God, my Parents taught me to pray unto many Gods: Sometime I came to English Towns on the Sabbath day, and I played, for I did not regard that sin; I thought it vain to keep one day, yet I feared that the English should see me play, least they should be angry, but not because I offended God. Afterwards I heard that my Brothers prayed, and therefore I disliked them, and I thought I will forsake my Brothers, because they do a vain work, and I did run away into the Country, but they soon found me, and asked me to pray, and they pitied me, and loved me, and therefore I returned, not because I loved God, but because I loved my brothers: My brother said, Go dwell with the English, and learn their manners; I yeilded, because I loved my brother: I dwelt here at Roxbury, and came to this meeting house, but in vain, I prayed not one word, and my heart did misbelieve; I heard the Minister
⟨p. 48⟩
preach that there is one God, and he made the World, and all things in it, but my heart thought it was a vain word; I thought my Father made me, and not God. Again, I returned from this Town, but yet I did not pray; I heard the Commandements, Thou shalt not murder; Thou shalt not commit adultery; Thou shalt not steal; Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour; Thou shalt not covet, &c. and other sins and punishments I heard of, and I feared to sin because of man, and because of punishment, but not for fear of God; therefore vain were all my wayes. When I came back to Noonantam, I did the same sins again, especially I loved lust;
yea, after my praying and being among them, I loved it more then before: When the Minister came and taught, I went to the meeting, but in vain; I learned nothing, but I still loved all our sins and lusts: Afterward hearing the Catechism, Who made you? God. Who redeemed you? Jesus Christ, &c. my heart misbelieved, and said, I will not believe, I will go away into the Country. Again, I heard that God made all the world, and then a little I believed, and thought I will pray to God, but weak it was. Again; I heard Mat. 7. Ask, and ye shall have, seek, and ye shall find, knock, and it shall be opened to you: Then I prayed a little, and then I thought there was a God who made the whole world, I thought man could not make the world, but only God; and therefore I did pray unto him. Afterward my Brothers were sick, and others also, I remembred that word, Ask, and ye shall have; then I prayed, to try if that word was true, but they dyed; then I thought that was a vain word, and that God heareth not our prayers, and that God is ⟨p. 49⟩not; therefore I thought I will cast off praying, and run away. I did not believe in God; my heart said, I shall die, whether I pray, or not pray, all is one: Then I heard that praying was the way to Everlasting Life, but yet I regarded not praying, I thought of running away, and yet I thought, whether I go or stay I shall die, and therefore I was troubled, but I did not pray: Afterward I was at work▪ and my head was broken in the Saw-pit, and then I knew God was angry with me, because I prayed not; and then I did much know my sins, I thought surely God is angry; I remembred that I had heard that Word preached, Watch, for ye know not the hour that the Son of Man cometh; this I remembred when my head was broken, I heard that God made all the world, and Adam, and set Adam in Paradise, and bid him eat of all the Trees, saving of the Tree in the midst of the Garden, if he eat thereof he should die; but Adam did eat thereof, and died; then my heart believed, surely God is, and he made the world, and man, and me. I heard Gen. 1. God said, Let us make man in our own Image, and let him have dominion over all the creatures: Then my heart believed, sure God is good to man, and man is a sinner against God; and therefore God is angry with me for my sins. I heard that God formed man of the dust of the earth, and breathed into him the breath of Life;
. Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. And again, The voice of one crying in the Wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight:
and then my heart said, surely God made the world, and man, and me, and all things, and my heart believed: And now I know God is angry with me; now I will pray to God as long as I live, and no more return to sin, but I will do Gods Word all my daies. Again, I heard that God made Adam sleep, ⟨p. 50⟩and took out of him a rib, made it a woman, and brought her to man; then I thought, sure God made us, and the world, and these great works shew, that there is a God. Again, I heard that God called her the Mother of all living, and by that means we have life, and then I believed that God made us; and therefore I will pray to God as long as I live, and no more cast it off. Again, I heard Gen. 6. that God saw the sin of man, that it was great, and that all the thoughts and imaginations of his heart are only evil continually; and therefore God was angry, and repented that he had made man, and therefore drowned the world, and every living creature; he caused it to rain fourty dayes on the earth; then my heart said, sure there is a God, and he will perform all his threatnings, he is God, and therefore he will do it. Again, I heard that God found Noah righteous, and he found favour in his sight; he believed in God, and did obey his Word, and God saved him: Then my heart desired to believe that God is, and to pray unto him. Again, I heard Gen. 19. that the Angels of God came to Lot in Sodom, and delivered just Lot, but did burn up with the wicked Sodomites with fire from heaven, who had cast off praying to God, and did commit great sins against God; therefore I saw that I had deserved to be burnt, because I had done their sins: And when God sent his Angels, and did deliver just Lot, and then the rest were burnt, then I saw in my heart, sure God is merciful to them that love him; and therefore my heart said, I will no more return to sin, but I will follow God; but yet, sometimes I doubted, but I believed the mercy of God, according to that I heard, Mat. 1. ⟨p. 51⟩she called his Name Jesus, for he saveth his people from their sins: Then my heart thought, surely it is true, that Christ is the Son of God, and was made man, and is merciful; but yet I still did doubt whether Christ was the Son of God. Again, I heard Mat. 3. Repent, for the Kingdome of Heaven is at hand. And again, The voice of one crying in the Wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight:
My heart said, I desire to repent, and to make ready my heart for God, that I may have mercy and pardon in Christ Jesus. Again, the word saith, The Tree that brings not forth good fruit, is cut down, and cast into the fire: My heart said; sure so is my heart, and I have deserved to be cast into the fire; I have brought forth such fruits as may justly cut me down. Again, I heard the word of Christ, He that heareth the Word, and doeth it, shall be blessed: Then my heart said, I have deserved not to be pardoned, but I beg for mercy. Again, the word saith, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: My heart said, sure God is merciful to send his own Son, and Christ is merciful that he came and died for us. Again, I heard that the Tempter came to Christ, and said, If thou be the Son of God, make these stones bread: But Christ said, man liveth not by bread only, but by every word which cometh out of the mouth of God: Then I believed that Christ was the Son of God, and that my Soul liveth not by bread, but by the Word of God. Again, Mat. 8. the Leper came to Christ, and said, Lord if thou wilt, thou canst make me whole, and Iesus touched him, and he was healed: Then my heart said, surely Christ is the Son of God, and he only can heal my sins. Again, I heard in Mat. 6. If ye forgive one another, ⟨p. 52⟩God forgiveth you: Then my heart said, I desire to do this, else God will be angry with me. Again, I heard Mat. 9. all diseased came to Christ, the blind, halt, &c and he healed them; therefore I believed that he was the Son of God, and I begged of Christ to pardon my sins, and save me, because sure he is Christ the Son of God. Again, the word saies, Not every one that saith Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdome, but he that doth the will of my Father: Then my heart said, I do fear, because I do very weakly obey the Word of God; and therefore Christ saith, Depart ye workers of iniquity: My heart said, such an one am I but now I cry to, and trust to Christ, to pardon all my sins. Again, I heard Mat. 11. that Christ said Capernaum was lifted up to heaven by the Gospel, but should be cast down to hell, for refusing it: I thought I did now pray, i• I now fall off I shall perish. And again, Christ saith, It shall be easier for Tyre and Sidon in that day: Then my heart said, I have deserved the worst of Gods wrath, for I believed not the great works of God;
. That Heaven and Earth shall pass away, but not one jot or tittle of the Word of God, but all shall be fulfilled: Therefore my heart did desire, that I may both hear and do the Word of God, which will never perish. Again, I heard
Christ saith, Who say ye that I am? Peter said, Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God; Christ said, Blessed art thou Peter, flesh and blood hath not revealed this to thee, but my Father, and on this Rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it: Therefore my
⟨p. 53⟩
heart believed that God helped me to receive Christ, and I desire to take that promise to Peter, and my heart joyed more and more in Christ, and in the Word of God. Again, I heard Mat. 26. Iesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it, and said, Take eat, this is my body which is broken for you, and likewise the Cup, &c. saying, This is my blood in the New Testament, which was shed for remission of sins, &c. My heart said, sure Christ is full of love, and hath given us great mercy, and I desire to partake of it. Again, the wicked did kill Christ, but he rose again, and ascended to heaven; then my heart believed Christ. Again, I heard Iohn 14. No man cometh to the Father, but by me: My heart said, so be it Lord; I desire to come to God by Christ; and I said, Why did the wicked kill Christ? My heart said. I believe that Christ died for my sin; and therefore I desire to believe in Christ: Then my heart did joy in Christ, and to heartle Word of God; but yet to this day I have doubts in my heart, my heart is weak to this day: And now I know that in six daies God made the world, and before that God I desire to confess my sins, and forsake them, and no more to do them. Sometimes my heart is in an ill frame, and loveth sin, and my heart hateth good; therefore I desire the free Mercy of Christ to hold and keep my Soul.
