Christenings make not Christians, or A briefe discourse concerning that name heathen, commonly given to the Indians. As also concerning that great point of their conversion. Published according to order.

A Briefe Discourse concerning that name HEATHEN Commonly given to the Indians.

As also concerning that great point of their conversion.

I Shall first be humbly bold to inquire into the name Hea∣then, which the English give them, & the Dutch approve and practise in their name Heydenen, signifying Hea∣then or Nations.

How oft have I heard both the English and Dutch (not onely the civill, but the most ded

bauched and profane) say, These Heathen Dogges, better kill a thousand of them then that we Christians should be indangered or troubled with them; Better they were all cut off, & then we shall be no more troubled with them: They have spilt our Christian bloud, the best way to make riddance of them, cut them all off, and so make way for Christians.

I shall therefore humbly intreat my coun∣try-men of all sorts to consider, that although men have used to apply this word Heathen to the Indians that go naked, and have not heard of that One-God, yet this word Heathen is most improperly, sinfully, and unchristianly so used in this sence. The word Heathen signifi∣eth no more then Nations or Gentiles; so do our Translations from the Hebrew 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and the Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in the old and New Te∣stament promiscuously render these words Gentiles, Nations, Heathens.

Why Nations? Because the Iewes being the onely People and Nation of God, esteem∣ed (and that rightly) all other People, not on∣ly those that went naked, but the famous BA∣BYLONIANS, CALDEANS, MEDES, and PERSIANS, GREEKES and RO∣MANES, their stately Cities and Citizens, inferiour to themselves, and not partakers of

their glorious priviledges, but Ethnicke, Gen∣tiles, Heathen, or the Nations of the world.

Now then we must enquire who are the People of God, his holy nation, since the com∣ming of the Lord Iesus, and the rejection of his first typicall holy Nation the Iewes.

It is confest by all, that the CHRISTIANS the followers of Iesus, are now the onely Peo∣ple of God, his holy nation, &c. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, 1. Pet. 2.9.

Who are then the nations, heathen, or gen∣tiles, in opposition to this People of God? I answer, All People, ci••ilized as well as unci∣vilized, even the most famous States. Cities, and the Kingdomes of the World: For all must come within that distinction 1. Cor. 5. within or without.

Within the People of God, his Church at CO∣RINTH: Without the City of CORINTH worshipping Idols, and so consequently all o∣ther People HEATHENS, or NATIONS, opposed to the People of GOD, the true Iewes: And therefore now the naturall Iewes them∣selves, not being of this People, are Heathens Nations or Gentiles. Yea, this will by many hands be yeelded, but what say you to the Christian world? What say you to Christ en∣dome? I answer, what do you thinke Peter

or Iohn, or Paul, or any of the first Messen∣gers of the Lord Iesus; Yea if the Lord Iesus himselfe were here, (as he will be shortly) and were to make answer, what would they, what would he say to a CHRI∣STIAN WORLD? TO CHRISTEN∣DOME? And otherwise then what He would speak, that is indeed what he hath spoken, and wili shortly speake, must no man speak that names himselfe a Christian.

Herdious in his Map of lus CHRISTIAN WORLD takes in all Asia, Europe, a vaste part of Africa, and a great part also of A∣merica, so far as the Popes Christnings have reached to.

This is the CHRISSION WORLD, or Christendome, in which respect men stand upon their tearmes of high opposition between the CHRISTIAN and the TVRKE, (the Christian shore, and the Turkish shore) be∣tweene the CHRISTIANS of this Chri∣stian WORLD, and the JEVV, and the CHRISTIAN and the HEATHEN, that is the naked American.

But since Without is turned to be Within, the WORLD turned CHRISTIAN, and athe••ttle stocke of JESVS CHRIST hath msorvelllously increased in such wonder∣full

conversions, let me be bold to aske what is Christ? What are the Christians? The Hebrew 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and the Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 will tell us that Christ was and in the Anoin∣ted of God, whom the Prophets and Kings and preists of Israel in their anointings did presigure and type out; whence his follow∣ers are called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 christians, that is A∣nointed also: So that indeed to be a christian implyes two things, first, to be afollower of that anointed one in all his Offices; se∣condly, to pertake of his anointings, for the Anointing of the Lord Jesus (like to the a∣nointings of AARON, to which none might make the like on pain of death) descend to the skirt of his garments.

To come nearer to this Christion world, (where the world becomes christian holy, anointed, Gods People &c.) what saith Iohn? What saith the Angel? Yea, What saith Iesus Christ and his Father (from whom the Revelation came Revel 1.1.?) What say they unto the Beast and his Worshippers Revel. 13.

If that beast be not the Turke, northe Roman Emperour (as the grosest interpret∣but either the generall councels, or the ca∣tholike church of Rome, or the Popes or Pa∣cy

(as the most refined interpret) why then all the world, Revel. 13. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 won∣ders after the Beast, worships the Beast, fol∣loweth the Beast, and boasts of the Beast, that there is none like him, and all People, Tongues, and Nations, come underthe pow∣er of this Beast, & no man shall buy nor sell, nor live, who hath not the marke of the Beast in his Fore-head, or in his hand, or the number of his name.

If this world or earth then be not intend∣ed of the whole terrestriall Globe, Europe, Asia, Africa and America, (which sence and experience denyes) but of the Roman earth, or world, and the People, Languages, and Nations, of the Roman Monarchy, transfer∣red from the Roman Emperour to the Ro∣man Popes, and the Popish Kingdomes, bran∣ches of that ROMAN-ROOT, (as all histo∣ry and consent of time make evident.)

Then we know by this time what the Lord Iesus would say of the Christian world and of the Christian: Indeed what he saith Revel. 14. If any man worship the Beast or his picture, he shall drinke &c. even the dread fullest cup that the whole Booke of God e∣ver held forth to sinners.

Grant this, say some of Popish Countries,

that notwithstanding they make up Chris∣tendome, or Christian world, yet submit∣ting to that Beast, they are the earth or world and must drinke of that most dreadfull cup: But now for those nations that have with∣drawn their necks from that boastly yoke, & protesting against him, are not Papists, but Protestants, shall we, may we thinke of them, that they, or any of them may also be called (in true Scripture sence) Heathens, that is Nations or Gentiles, in opposition to the People of God, which is the onely holy Nation.

I answer, that all Nations now called Pro∣testants, were at first part of that whole Earth, or main (ANTICHRISTIAN) Continent, that wondered after, worship∣ped the Beast, &c. This must then with holy feare and trembling (because it con∣cernes the KINGDOME of GOD, and sal∣vation) be attended to, Whether such a de∣parture from the Beast, and coming out from ANTICHRISTIAN abominations, from his markes in a false conversion, and a false constitution, or framing of NATIONALL CHVRCHES in false MINISTERIES, and ministrations of BAPTISME, Supper of the Lord, Admonitions, Excommunications

as amounts to a true perfect Iland, cut off from that Earth which wonderd after and worshipped the Beast: or whether, not be∣ing so cut off, they remaine not Peninsulâ or necks of land, contiguous and joyned still unco his Christendome? If now the bodies of Protestant Nations remaine in an unre-Pentant, unregenerate, naturall estate, and so consequently farre from hearing the ad∣monitions of the Lord Jesus, Math. 18. I say they must sadly consider and know (least their profession of the name of Jesus prove at last but an aggravation of condemnation) that Christ Jesus hath said, they are but as Heathens and Publcanes, vers. 17. How might I therefore humbly beseech my coun∣ry men to consider what deepe cause they have to search their conversions from that Beast and his Pisture? And whether having no more of Christ then the name, (beside the invented wayes of worship, derived from, or drawn after Romes pattern) their hearts and conversations will not evince, them uncon∣verted and unchristian Christians, and not yet, knowing what in is to come by true Regeneration within, to the true spirituall Jew from without amongst the Nations, ••hat is Heathens or Gentiles.

How deeply and eternally this concerns each soule to search intol yea, and much more deeply such is professe to be Guides, Leaders, and Builders of the HOVSE of GOD.

First, as they look to Formes and Frame of Buildings, or Churches.

Secondly, as they attend to Meanes and Instruments, &c.

Thirdly, as they would lay sure Founda∣tions; and lasting Groundsells.

Fourthly, as they account the cost and charge such buildings will amount unto.

Fifthly, so they may not forget the true spirituall matter and mateaials, of which a true House, Citty, Kingdome, or Nation of of God, now in the new Testament are to be composed or gathered.

Now Secondly, for the hopes of CON∣VERSION, and turning the People of A∣merica unto God: There is no respect of Persons with him, for we are all the worke of his hands; from the rising of the Sunne to the going downe thereof, his name shall be great among the nations from the East & and from the West &c. If we respect their fins, they are far short of European sinners: They neither abuse such corporall mercies

for they have them not; nor sin they against the Gospell light, (which shines not a∣mongst them) as the men of Europe do: And yet if they were greater sinners then they are, or greater sinners then the Euro∣peans, they are not the further from the great Ocean of mercy in that respect.

Lastly, they are intelligent, many very ingenuous, plaine-hearted, inquisitive, and (as I said before) prepared with many con∣victions &c.

Now secondly, for the Catholicks con∣version, although I believe I may safely hope that God hath his in Rome, in Spaine, yet if Antichrist be their false head (as most true it is) the body, faith, baptisme, hope (opposite to the true, Ephes. 4.) are all false also; yea consequently their preachings, conversions, salvations (leaving secret things to God) must all be of the same false nature like wise.

If the reports (yea some of their owne Historians) be true, what monstrous and most inhumane conversions have they made; baptizing thousinds, yea ten thou∣sands of the poore Natives, sometimes by wiles and subtle devices, sometimes by force compelling them to submit to that

which they understood not, neither before nor after such their monstrous Christning of them. Thirdly, for our New-england parts, I can speake it uprightly and confidently, I know it to have been easie for my selfe, long ere this, to have brought many thousands of these Natives, yea the whole country, to a far greater Antichristian conversion then ever was yet heard of in America. I have reported something in the Chapter of their Religion, how readily I could have brought the whole Country to have observed one day in seven; I adde to have received a Bap∣tisme (or washing) though it were in Rivers (as the first Christians and the Lord Iesus himselfe did) to have come to a stated Church meeting, maintained priests and formes of prayer, and a whole forme of Antichristian worship in life and death. Let none won∣der at this, for plansible perswations in the mouths of those whom naturall men esteem and love: for the power of prevailing forces and armies hath done this in all the Nations (as men speake) of Christendome. Yea what lamentable experience have we of the Tur∣nings and Turnings of the body of this Land in point of Religion in few yeares?

When England was all Popish under Henry

the seventh, how easie is conversion wrought to halfe Papist halfe-Protestant under Henry the eighth?

From halfe-Protestanisme halfe-Popery under Henry the eight, to absolute Protest∣anisme under Edward the sixth: from abso∣luer Protestation under Edward the sixt to absalute popery under Quegne Mary, and from absolute Popery under Queene Mary, (just like the Weather-cocke, with the breath of every Prince) to absolute Pro∣testanisme under Queene Elizabeth &c.

For all this, yet some may aske, why hath there been such a price in my hand not improved? why have I not brought them to such a conversion as I speake of? I answer, woe be to me, if I call light dark∣nesse, or darknesse light; sweet bitter, or bitter sweer; woe be to me if I call that conversion unto God, which is indeed sub∣version of the soules of Millions in Christen∣dome, from one false worship to another, and the prophanation of the holy name of God, his holy Son and blessed Ordinances America (as Europe and all nations) lyes dead i•• sin and trespasses: It is not a suite of crimson Satten will make a dead man live, take off and change his crimson into white

he is dead still, off with that, and shift him into cloth of gold, end from that to cloth of diamonds, he is but a dead man still: For it is not a forme, nor the change of one forme into another, a finer, and a siner, and yet more fine, that makes a man a convert I meane such a convert as is acceptable to God in Jesus Christ, according to the visi∣ble Rule of his last will and Testament. I speake not of Hypocrites, (which may but glister, and be no solid gold as Simon Ma∣gus, Judas &c.) But of a true externall conversion; I say then, woe be to me if in∣tending to catch men (as the Lord Jesus said to Peter) I should pretend conversion) and the bringing of men as misticall fish, into a Church-estate, that is a converted e∣state, and so build them up with Ordinances as a converted Christian People, and yet af∣terward still pretend to catch them by an after conversion. I question not but that it hath pleased God in his infinit pitty and pa∣tience, to suffer this among us, yea and to codvert thousands, whom all men, yea and the persons (in their personall estates con∣verted) have esteemed themselves good con∣verts before.

But I question whether this hath been so

frequent in these late yeares, when the times of ignorance (which God pleaseth to passe by) are over, and now a greater light con∣cerning the Church, Ministery, and con∣version, is arisen. I question whether if such rare talents, which God hath betrusted ma∣ny of his precious Worthies with, were laid out (as they shall be in the Lords most holy season) according to the first pattern; I say, I question whether or no, where there hath been one (in his personall estate converted) there have not been, and I hope in the Lords time shall be, thousands truly con∣verted from Antichristian Idols (both in per∣son and worship) to serve the living and true God.

And lastly, it is out of question to me, that I may not pretend a false conversion, and false state of worship, to the true Lord Iesus.

If any noble Berean shall make inquiry what is that true conversion I intend; I an∣swer first negatively.

First, it is not a conversion of a People from one false worship to another, as Ne∣buchadnezzer compeld all Nations under his Monarchy.

Secondly, it is not to a mixture of the manner or worship of the true God, the

God of Israel, with false gods & their wor∣ships, as the People were converted by the King of Assyria, 2, Kin. 17. in which worship for many Generations did these Sa∣maritans continue, having a forme of many wholsome truths amongst them, concern∣ing God, and the Messtah, Ioh. 4.

Thirdly, it is not from the true to a false, as IEREBOAM turned the ten Tribes to then ruine and dispersion unto this day, 1. Kin. 12.

Fourthly, it must not be a conversion to some externall submission to Gods Ordi∣nances upon earthly respects, as IACOBS sons converted the Sichemites, Gen. 34.

Fiftly it must not be, (it is not possible it should be in truth) a conversion of People to the worship of the Lord Iesus, by force of Armes and swords of steele: So indeed did Nebuchadnezzer deale with all the world, Dan. 3. so doth his Antitype and suc∣cessor the Beast deal with all the earth, Rev. 13. &c.

But so did never the Lord Iesus bring a∣ny unto his most pure worship, for he ab∣horres (as all men, yea the very Indians doe) an unwilling Spouse, and to enter into a for∣ced bed: The will in worship, if true, is

like a free Vote, nec cogit, nec cognitur: IV∣SVS CHRIST compells by the mighty perswasions of his M••ssengers to come in, but other wise with earthly weapons he ne∣ver did compell nor can be compelled.

The not discerning of this truth hath let out the bloud of thousands in civill com∣bustions in all ages; and made the whore drunke, & the Earth drunk with the bloud of the Sam••s, and witnesses of Iesus.

And it is yet like to be the destruction & and diss••lution of (that which is called) the Christian world, unlesse the God of peace and p••••y lo••ke downe upon it, and satisfy the soules o•• men, that he hath not so requi∣red. I should be far yet from unsecuring the peace of a City, of a Land, (which I confesse ought to be maintained by civill weapons, & which I have so much cause to be earnest with God for;) Nor would I leave a gap o∣pen to any mutinous hand or tongue, nor wish a weapon left in the hand of any known to be mutinous and peace-breakers.

I know (lastly) the consciences of many are otherwise perswaded, both from Israels state of old, and other Allegations; yet I shall be humbly bold to say, I am able to pre∣sent such considerations to the eyes of all

who love the P••••ce of truth and Peace, that shall discover the weak••ness•• of all such al∣lega••ions, and answer all objections, that have been, or can be made in this point. So much negatively.

Secondly, affirmatively: I answer inge∣nera••••, A true Conversion (w•••••• ••r of A∣mericans, or Europeans) must be such as those Conversions were of the first patt••rn, either of the Iewes or the Heathens, That Role is the golden Mece-wand in the hand of the Angell or M••ssenger, rev. 11.1. beside which all other are leaden and crooked

In particular: First, it must b•• by the free proclaiming or preaching of R••penance & forgiveness of sins, Luk. 24. by such M••ssen∣gers ••s can prove their lawfull sending and Commission from the Lord Iesus, to make Disciples o•••• of all nations: and so to b••p∣tize or w••sh them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 into the name or profession of the oly Trinity, Mat, 28.19 Rom. 10.14 15.

Secondly, such a conversion (so farre as mans Iudgement can reach which is fallible, (as was the judgement of the first Messen∣gers, as in Sim•••• Magus, &c.) as is a turn∣ing of the whole man from the power of Sa∣than unto God, act. 26. Such a change, as if an old man become a new Babe

Ioh. 3. vea, as amounts to Gods new creati∣on in the soule, Ephes. 2.10.

Thirdly, Visibly it is a turning from Idols not only of conversation but of worship, (whe∣ther P••g••••, Turkish, Jewish, or ANTI∣CHRISTIAN) to the Living and true God in the waies of his holy worship, appointed by his Son, 1. Thes. 1.9.

I know Objections use to be made against this, but the g••d••n Rule, if well attended to, will discover all crooked swervings and ab∣errations.

If any now say unto me, Why then if this b•• C••nversion, and you have such a Key of Language, and such a dore of opportunity, in the knowledge of the Couotry and the inhabitants, why proceed you not to produce in America some patternes of such conversi∣ons as you speake of?

I answer, first, it must be a great deale of practise, and mighty paines and hardship un∣dergone by my selfe, or any that would pro∣ceed to such a further degree of the Lan∣guage, as to be able in propriety of speech to open matters of salvation to them.

In matters of Earth men will helpe to spell out each other, but in matters of Hea∣ven (to which the soule is naturally so averse)

how far are the Eares of men hedged up from listening to an improper Language?

Secondly my desires and endeavours are constant (by the helpe of God) to attaine a propriety of Language.

Thirdly, I confesse to the honour of my worthy Countrymen in the Bay of Massa∣chuset, and elsewhere, that I received not long since expressions of their holy desires and proffers of assistance in the worke, by the hand of my worthy friend Colonell Humphreys, during 〈◊〉〈◊〉 abode there.

Yet fourthly, I answer, if a man were as affectionate and zealous as David to build an house for God, and as wise and holy to ad∣vise and incourage as Nathan, attempt this worke with u•• a Word, a Warrant and Comi∣mission, for matter, and manner, from GOD himselfe, they must afterwards heare a voice (though accepting good desires, yet repro∣ving want of Commission) Did I ever speak a word saith the Lord? &c. 2. Sam. 7.7.

The truth is, having not been without (through the mercy of God) abundant and constant thoughts about a true Commission for such an Embassie and Ministery. I must ingenuously confesse the restlesse unsatisfied∣nesse of my soule in divers main partionlars:

As first, ☞ whether (since the Law must go forth from Zion, and the word of the Lord from Ierusalem) I say whether Gods great businesse between Christ Iesus the ho∣ly Son of God and Antichrist the man of sin and Sonne of perdition, must not be first o∣ver, and Zion and Ierusalem be re-built and re-established, before the Law and word of life be sent forth to the rest of the Nations of the World, who have not heard of Christ: The Prophets are deep concerning this.

Secondly, since there can be no preach∣ing (according to the last Will and Testa∣ment of Christ Iesus) without a true sending Rom. 14.15 ☞ Where the power and au∣thority of sending and giving that Commissi∣on Math. 28. &c. I say where that power now lyes?

It is here unseasonable to number up all that lay claime to this Power, with their grounds for their pretences, either those of the Romish sort, or those of the Reforming or Re-building sort, and the mighty contro∣versies which are this day in all parts about it: in due place (haply) I may present such sad Queries to consideration, that may occa∣sion some to cry with DANIEL (concer- IERVSALEMS desolation Dan. 9.) Vnder

the whole Heaven hath not been done, as hath been done to IERVSALEM: and with IE∣REMY in the same respect, Lam. 2.12. Have you no respect all you that passe by, behold and see if there were ever sorrow like to my sorrow, wherewith the Lord hath afflicted me in the day of his fierce wrath.

That may make us ashamed for all that wee have done, Ezek. 43. and loath our selves, for that (in whorish worships) wee have broken him with our whorish hearts Ezek. 9. To fall dead at the feet of IESVS, Rev. 1. as IOHN did, and to weepe much as hee Rev. 5. that so the LAMB may please to open unto us that WONDERFVLL BOOK and the seven SEALED MYSTERIES thereof.

Your unworthy Country-man ROGER WILLIAMS.

FINIS.