CHAPTER XII. ELIOT'S PREACHING.-UNION OF THE NEW ENGLAND COLONIES. X 156. A DESIRE to convert the Indians to Christianity attracted many good men to America during the seventeenth century. Among those who engaged most zealously in the work was John Eliot. He was born in England in 1604, and, emigrating to Massachusetts at the age of twenty-seven, became warmly interested in the natives. After some efforts to enlighten them, he collected as many as he could at Na'tick [see Map, p. 84], and there established an Indian school. Becoming acquainted with their language, he wrote an Algonquin grammar and translated the Scriptures into that tongue. This translation was printed at Cambridge in 1663, and was the first Bible ever published in America. When he spoke to the Red Men of God, he found that they already believed in a Supreme Being; his other doctrines they were not so ready to receive. They asked a thousand perplexing questions; but, though his teachings were not always understood or believed, yet his simplicity and kindness won their hearts. In the children he found his most attentive listeners. One Indian youth, we are told, having seen the ceremony of baptism performed by the missionary, persuaded his parents to unite with the church, and then joined it himself, declaring that he was ready to die. Shortly after he was attacked by consumption, and died the death of a Christian. Money was raised in England, to aid Eliot in his benevolent scheme. He was of service to the Indians in various ways, not only instructing them in their religious duties, but teaching the men to dig and the women to spin. His heart 156. What led many to America in the seventeenth century? Who engaged zealously In this work? Give some account of his early efforts. When and where was the first Bible printed in America? In what language? [See Map, p. 84.-Where is Natick? In what direction from Boston?] How did the Indians receive Eliot's teachings? Who were his most attentive listeners? What story is told of an Indian boy? What besides 1634 ARCHBISHOP LAUD'S COMMISSION. 103 overflowed with kindness; he would never see his fellowcreatures suffer when he had the means of relieving them. On one occasion carrying home part of his salary, tied up in his handkerchief, he called by the way on a destitute family. Moved by their distress, he tried to untie his handkerchief, that he might give them some money; but the knot resisted his efforts, and he handed the whole to the mother of the family, saying, "Take it, for I believe the Lord designs it all for you". Eliot wrote several books, in one of which he expressed sentiments so liberal that he was censured by the Boston court and required to take them back. He died at a good old age, loved by all who knew him. Others besides Eliot took up the good work, and many of the Indians learned to read and write. One of their number even took a college degree. But these advances towards civilization were confined to the tribes on the eastern coast of Massachusetts. The Narragansetts, as well as the more distant nations, refused all instruction and proudly adhered to the faith of their fathers. 157. Charles I., whose tyrannical conduct was at last the cause of his dethronement and execution, strove to oppress the New England colonies equally with the Puritans at home. In 1634, he empowered a commission, consisting of Archbishop Laud and others, to revoke charters, inflict penalties, and establish a new government in the American plantations. This news soon reached Boston, and with it the rumor that a governor appointed by the crown was on his way to Massachusetts. A council was called, and it was resolved that the colony should resist as far as it was able. In 1635, the Plymouth company surrendered. their patent to the king; and soon afterwards the Massa religious truths did Eliot teach the Indians? What instance of his generosity is related? What kind of sentiments did Eliot express in one of his works? Under Eliot and his companions, what did many of the Indians learn to do? To whom were these advances confined? How was it with the Narragansetts? 157. How did Charles I. treat the New England Puritans? What power did he give to Laud? What rumor soon reached Boston? On what course did the colonists determine? In 1635, what did the Plymouth company do? What soon after happened to the Massachusetts Bay com chusetts Bay company was deprived of its privileges by process of law. The entire control of both the Massachusetts colonies thus rested with the crown; and measures were promptly taken to suppress freedom of thought and action. Puritans were forbidden to emigrate to America; and it is said that thus the king, unfortunately for himself, prevented Cromwell, Hampden, and other friends of liberty from leaving England. The colonists would no doubt have been cruelly persecuted, had not difficulties soon arisen at home which engrossed the king's attention. 158. The New England colonies, having the same origin, views, and interests, began about this time to feel the necessity of union. In 1643, they were threatened by the Indians on one side, and the Dutch and French on the other; and accordingly Plymouth, Massachusetts Bay, Connecticut, and New Haven, formed a league offensive and defensive, under the name of "the United Colonies of New England". At this time, they contained a population of about 20,000, scattered through 50 villages. Each colony retained the control of its own territory; but questions of war and peace, and all matters of common interest, were decided by a council of two commissioners from each. In case of war, the colonies were to furnish men and money in proportion to their population. This confederacy was the germ of the American Union. It was of great advantage to the colonies, and lasted more than forty years, till the New England charters were revoked by James II. 159. The people of Massachusetts had early provided for the education of the young. A sum of money was appropriated by the General Court for the establishment of a school. at Cambridge; and the Rev. John Harvard having left it nearly $4,000 and his library, it was made a university and called by his name. Such was the origin of Harvard Uni pany? What measures were now taken by the king? What prevented him from cruelly persecuting the colonists? 158. What did the New England colonies begin to feel necessary? When was the union effected, and what led to it? What was the population of New England at this time? What were the terms of the union? Of what was it the germ? How long did it last? 159. For what had the people of Massa 1647] DOMESTIC LIFE OF THE PURITANS. 105 versity, the oldest college in the United States. Every township of fifty householders was required by law to erect a school-house and hire a teacher. CHAPTER XIII DOMESTIC LIFE, CHARACTER, AND LAWS OF THE PURITANS. 160. LET us glance at the state of society among the Pu ritans. Their condition, of course, was like that of the English people at this time. Many improvements connected with domestic life were yet unknown, while others had just been introduced. The use of chimneys was becoming common, though opposed by some, who said that smoke improved their health and hardened the timbers of their houses. Wooden dishes and spoons were giving way to pewter ones. Houses of brick and stone were not unfrequent in the old country; but in America boards and unhewn logs were mostly used in building. A poor man in England received but half what he now gets for a day's la bor. Rye, barley, and oats, were the common food; and thousands of families hardly knew the taste of meat. The condition of the people in Massachusetts was considerably better than this. After the first few years of scarcity, ordinary industry supplied their wants; and they lived more comfortably and independently than the same class in the old world. 161. The Puritans of New England had naturally imbibed a strong aversion to the manners and practices of those who had persecuted them. They were opposed to veils, wigs, and long hair, condemned silken hoods and scarfs, required women to restrict the size of their sleeves, and discountenanced all frivolous fashions in dress. They disliked the chusetts early made provision? What was the origin of Harvard University? What was the law relating to school-houses? 160. Give an account of the condition of the New England Puritans. How did it compare with that of their brethren in England? 161. To what were the Puritans opposed? cross in the British flag, and for- A PURITAN. 162. The laws of the Puritans condemned all war that was not defensive, and provided penalties for gambling, intemperance, and other immoralities. They forbade the taking of interest on loaned money, and punished blasphemy and idolatry with death. Persecuted Christians, of their own faith, who sought refuge among them, were supported for a time at the public expense; but priests and Jesuits were forbidden to set foot within their limits. 163. Quakers shared with Roman Catholics the hatred of the Puritans. They were first known as a religious body in To whom did they compare themselves? In what respects did they imitate the chosen people? What is said of their manners? What, of their attention to religious duties? 162. What did the laws of the Puritans condemn and forbid? What provision was made for persecuted Puritans who sought refuge among them? How was it with priests and Jesuits? 163. To what other sect were the Puritans opposed? When were |