A late and further manifestation of the progress of the gospel amongst the Indians…

I having sent their Confessions to be published in England, I did much desire to hear what acceptance the Lord gave unto them, in the hearts of his people there, who daily labour at the Throne of grace, and by other expressions of their loves, for an holy birth of this work of the Lord, to the praise of Christ, and ⟨p. 4⟩the enlargement of his Kingdom. As also my desire was, that by such Books as might be sent hither, the knowledge of their Confessions might be spread here, unto the better and fuller satisfaction of many, then the transacting thereof in the presence of some could do. These Books came by the latter Ships (as I remember) that were bound for New-England, and were but newly out when they set sail, and therefore I had not that answer that year, which my soul desired, though something I had which gave encouragement, and was a taste of what I have more fully heard from several this year, praised be the Lord.

I having sent their Confessions to be published in England, I did much desire to hear what acceptance the Lord gave unto them, in the hearts of his people there, who daily labour at the Throne of grace, and by other expressions of their loves, for an holy birth of this work of the Lord, to the praise of Christ, and ⟨p. 4⟩the inlargement of his Kingdome. As also my desire was, that by such Books as might be sent hither, the knowledge of their Confessions might be spread here, unto the better and fuller satisfaction of many, then the transacting thereof in the presence of some could doe. These Books came by the latter Ships (as I remember) that were bound for New-England, and were but newly out when they set saile, and therefore I had not that answer that year, which my soule desired, though something I had which gave encouragement, and was a tast of what I have more fully heard from severall this year, praised be the Lord.

Besides, there fell a great damping and discouragement upon us, by a jealousy too deeply apprehended, though utterly groundless, viz. That even these praying Indians were in a conspiracy with others, and with the Dutch, to do mischief to the English, In which matter, though the ruling part of the People looked otherwise upon them, yet it was no season for me to stir or move in this matter, when the waters were so troubled. This business needeth a calmer season, and I shall account it a savour of God when ever he shall please to cause his face to shine upon us in it. Yet this I did the last year, after the Books had been come a season, there being a great meeting at Boston, from other Colonies as well as our own, and the Commissioners being there, I thought it necessary to take that opportunity to prepare and open the way in a readiness against this present year, by making this Proposition unto them; namely, That they having now seen their confessions, if upon further trial of them in point of knowledge, they be found to have a competent measure of understanding in the fundamental points of Religion; and also, if there be due testimony of their conversation, that they walk in a Christian manner according to their light, so that Religion is to be seen in their lives; whether then it be according to God, and acceptable to his people, that they be called up unto Church-estate? Unto which I had I bless the Lord, a general approbation.