A39229:29
A late and further manifestation of the progress of the gospel amongst the Indians…
A late and further manifestation of the progress of the gospel amongst the Indians in New-England declaring their constant love and zeal to the truth : with a readiness to give account of their faith and hope, as of their desires in church communion to be partakers of the ordinances of Christ : being a narrative of the examinations of the Indians, about their knowledge in religion, by the elders of the churches / related by Mr. John Eliot.A late and further manifestation of the progress of the gospel amongst the Indians in Nevv-England declaring their constant love and zeal to the truth : with a readiness to give accompt of their faith and hope, as of their desires in church communion to be partakers of the ordinances of Christ : being a narrative of the examinations of the Indians, about their knowledge in religion, by the elders of the churches / related by Mr. John Eliot.
London: printed by M. S., 1655
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.
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.
Besides, there fell a great damping and discouragement upon us, by a jealousie too deeply apprehended, though utterly groundlesse, viz. That even these praying Indians were in a conspiracy with others, and with the Dutch, to doe 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 businesse 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 Beston, from other Colonies as well as our owne, and the Commissioners being there, I thought it necessary to take that opportunity to prepare and open the way in a readinesse against this present year, by making this Proposition unto them; namely, That they having now seen their confessions, if upon further triall of them in point of knowledge, they be found to have a competent measure of understanding in the fundamentall points of Religion; and also, if there be due testimony of their conversation, that they walke 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 blesse the Lord, a generall approbation.