The clear sun-shine of the gospel breaking forth upon the Indians in New-England. Or,…The clear sun-shine of the gospel breaking forth upon the Indians in Nevv-England. Or,…

Secondly, we observed much opposition against him, and hearing of him at the day appointed, especially by one of the chiefest ⟨p. 9⟩Sachems in those parts, a man of a fierce, strong and furious spirit whom the English therefore call by the name John: who although before the day appointed for preaching, promised very fair that he would come and bring his men with him; yet that very morning when they were to be present, he sends out almost all his men to Sea, pretending fishing, and therefore although at last he came late himself to the Sermon, yet his men were absent, and when he came himself, would not seem to understand any thing, although he did understand as some of the Indians themselves then told us, when Mr. Eliot by himself and by them inquired of him if he understood what was spoken: yet he continued hearing what was said with a dogged look and a discontented countenance.

Secondly, wee observed much opposition against him, and hearing of him at the day appointed, especially by one of the chiefest ⟨p. 9⟩Sacbims in those parts, a man of a fierce, strong and surious spirit whom the English therefore call by the name John: who although before the day appointed for preaching, promised very faire that he would come and bring his men with him; yet that very morning when they were to bee present, he sends out almost all his men to Sea, pretending fishing, and therefore although at last he came late himselfe to the Sermon, yet his men were absent, and when he came himself, would not seem to understand any thing, although hee did understand as some of the Indians themselves then told us, when Mr. Eliot by himself and by them inquired of him if he understood what was spoken: yet he continued hearing what was said with a dogged looke and a discontented countenance.

Thirdly, not withstanding this opposition we found another Sachem then present willing to learn, and divers of his men attentive and knowing what was said: and in the time which is usually set apart for propounding questions, an aged Indian told us openly, That these very things which Mr. Eliot had taught: them as the Commandments of God, and concerning God, and the making of the world by one God, that they had heard some old men who were now dead, to say the same things, since whose death there hath been no remembrance or knowledge of them among the Indians until now they hear of them again. Which when I heard solemnly spoken, I could not tell how those old Indians should attain to such knowledge, unless perhaps by means of the French Preacher cast upon those coasts many years since, by whose ministry they might possibly reap and retain some knowledge of those things; this also I hear by a godly and able Christian who hath much converse with them; that many of them have this apprehension now stirring among them, viz. That their forefathers did know God, but that after this, they sell into a great sleep, and when they did awaken they quite forgot him, (for under such metaphorical language they usually express what eminent things they mean:) so that it may seem to be the day of the Lords gracious visitation of these poor Natives, which is just as it is with all other people, when they are most low, the wheel then turns, and the Lord remembers to have mercy.