John Eliot Quotes
John Eliot (1604-1690) was a Puritan missionary and preacher who was instrumental in the establishment of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He was a prolific writer and translator, and is best known for his translation of the Bible into the Algonquin language, which was the first Bible to be translated…Read More
John Eliot (1604-1690) was a Puritan missionary and preacher who was instrumental in the establishment of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He was a prolific writer and translator, and is best known for his translation of the Bible into the Algonquin language, which was the first Bible to be translated into a Native American language. He also wrote a number of influential works, including The Christian Commonwealth (1659), The Indian Grammar Begun (1666), and The Indian Primer (1669). Eliot was a strong advocate for Native American rights and was a key figure in the development of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.Read Less
John Eliot (1604-1690) was a Puritan missionary and preacher who was instrumental in the establishment of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He was a prolific writer and translator, and is best known for his translation of the Bible into the Algonquin language, which was the first Bible to be translated into a Native American language. He also wrote a number of influential works, including The Christian Commonwealth (1659), The Indian Grammar Begun (1666), and The Indian Primer (1669). Eliot was a strong advocate for Native American rights and was a key figure in the development of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
John Eliot Career Highlights
- Ordained as a minister in the Church of England in 1625
- Became a Puritan and joined the Massachusetts Bay Company in 1631
- Arrived in Boston, Massachusetts in 1631 and became the pastor of the First Church in Roxbury
- Played a key role in the establishment of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, serving as a mediator between the colonists and the Native Americans
- Helped draft the Massachusetts Body of Liberties, which served as the basis for the colony’s legal system
- Founded the Roxbury Latin School, the first free grammar school in the colonies, in 1645
- Published several influential works, including “The Christian Commonwealth” and “The Harmony of the Gospels”
Key Contributions by John Eliot
- John Eliot is best known for his missionary work among the Native Americans. He learned the Algonquin language and translated the Bible into their language, making it the first Bible printed in North America.
- He established several “praying towns” where Native Americans could live and learn about Christianity. These towns also served as a buffer between the colonists and the Native Americans, helping to prevent conflicts.
- Eliot’s efforts in converting the Native Americans to Christianity were met with resistance from both the colonists and the Native Americans. However, he persevered and was able to convert thousands of Native Americans to Christianity.
- He also played a crucial role in the development of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, helping to establish its legal system and educational institutions.
What Sets John Eliot Apart
- John Eliot’s dedication to his faith and his missionary work set him apart from his contemporaries. He was willing to learn the Algonquin language and immerse himself in the Native American culture in order to spread Christianity.
- He was also a strong advocate for the rights of the Native Americans and worked to protect them from exploitation by the colonists.
- Eliot’s contributions to the development of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, both in terms of its legal system and educational institutions, helped to shape the future of the colony and set it apart from other colonies in the New World.
Takeaways
- John Eliot’s career highlights and key contributions demonstrate his unwavering dedication to his faith and his mission to spread Christianity.
- His efforts in establishing the Massachusetts Bay Colony and converting Native Americans to Christianity had a lasting impact on the development of the New World.
- Eliot’s ability to bridge the gap between the colonists and the Native Americans through his missionary work and establishment of “praying towns” serves as a lesson in cultural understanding and tolerance.
- His legacy continues to be celebrated in Massachusetts, with the Roxbury Latin School still in operation and a statue of him standing in front of the Massachusetts State House.
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