A84357:138
Tears of repentance
Tears of repentance: or, A further narrative of the progress of the Gospel amongst the Indians in New-England: setting forth, not only their present state and condition, but sundry confessions of sin by diverse of the said Indians, wrought upon by the saving power of the Gospel; together with the manifestation of their faith and hope in Jesus Christ, and the work of grace upon their hearts. Related by Mr. Eliot and Mr. Mayhew, two faithful labourers in that work of the Lord. Published by the corporation for propagating the Gospel there, for the satisfaction and comfort of such as wish well thereunto.Tears of repentance: or, A further narrative of the progress of the Gospel amongst the Indians in New-England: setting forth, not only their present state and condition, but sundry confessions of sin by diverse of the said Indians, wrought upon by the saving power of the Gospel; together with the manifestation of their faith and hope in Jesus Christ, and the work of grace upon their hearts. Related by Mr. Eliot and Mr. Mayhew, two faithful laborers in that work of the Lord. Published by the corporation for propagating the Gospel there, for the satisfaction and comfort of such as wish well thereunto.
London: printed by Peter Cole, 1653
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.
Another who made His Confession is named Owussumag; which is as followeth:
When I first heard that Waban prayed to God, and after that many more prayed. I first feared praying ⟨p. 44⟩to God, and instruction, and I hated instruction by the Word of God, and always I laughed at them who prayed to God; and I always thought I will yet more commit sin: and I went into the Country, and there I acted much lust, adultery, and the like, and all my Neighbours, we did together seek after wickedness, and every day I was proud, and of high or open eyes. When some of my neighbours began to pray, I went away into the Country, but I could find no place where I was beloved. Then I heard, That when believers die, they go to Heaven, when sinners die they go to Hell; and my heart considered, What good will it be if my soul go to Heaven? But two years ago, I began to think, I had sinned against God; and then sometimes I feared, yet again sinned; but my fear was of man, not of God: Then ever my heart said I should be better, if I would pray to God, and sometimes I believed that which I was taught, yet again, last year, I sought to go away afar off, but I could think of no place, but I should be in danger to be killed. Then again I much remembered my sins: and again I thought, What will become of me, if I die in my sins? and then I thought it was good for me to pray unto God so long as I live; and then my heart turned to praying unto God, and I did pray, and my heart feared when I heard the word read and taught, and I was glad to hear the Word of God; and then I purposed to pray as long as I live. Sometime I did daily see my sins, and fear, for I cannot get pardon, only in Jesus Christ. Then I heard that word, I thank thee oh Heavenly father, that thou hast revealed these things to babes; and that word, that we must forgive each other: then I saw that I believed not one word from Christ, not any word of God; and daily my heart wept, that Christ might pardon all my sins against God and Christ: and now unto this day my heart saith▪ I desire the good ways of praying to God, but I cannot know them of my self, but Jesus Christ must teach me them. When I heard, That only Christ must teach me them. When I heard, That only Christ must pardon our sins, and that for Christ God will pardon our sins, this day I rejoice to hear that word of God, and all that Christ hath taught me: and now I purpose, That while I live, I will pray unto God, and