Anon. New Englands First Fruits in Respect, First of the Conversion of Some, Conviction of Divers, Preparation of Sundry of the Indians, 2. of the Progresse of Learning in the Colledge at Cambridge in Massacusets Bay: With Divers Other Speciall Matters Concerning the Country. London Printed by R.O. and G. D for Henry Overton, 1643. Print. Early English Books, 1641-1700/242:E. 87 [2].

The writer presents the historical context of the English settlement of New England and the objectives of the settlers. These include observing the scriptural interpretation that requires the conversion of the Indians to Christianity. Additionally, the Indians were to be civilized by having them learn the English language and adopt English customs such as putting away “all their wives save one because it was a sinne” (8).

The stated beliefs of the English,( as seen through the Puritan lens), included the conviction that by establishing settlements/colonies, a larger number of souls would be saved, illiteracy, which was a barrier to Christian education, needed to be addressed, and conversion to Christianity would be part of God’s plan for the second coming, and at the same time, save the Indians from being condemned to hell. The Indians were referred to in condescending terms such as “poore” (1) and “having never been prepared thereunto by any civility at all” (4).

Since the information is presented from the perspective of the English settler, it is difficult for the reader to ascertain the nature of the religious practices of the Indians, the level of acceptance by the Indians of the Puritan doctrine, and what percentage of the Indian population converted to Christianity and testified to it. However, readers can assume that there must have been some misunderstanding between the two groups because of the language barrier, as the writer indicates that the Indians spoke many languages, therefore “the diversity of their owne language to it selfe; every part of that countrey having its own dialed; differing much from the other; all which make their coming into the gospel the more slow.” (4)

The expressed intention of the settlers to establish a college presents a paradox and leaves readers asking many questions. While it might be argued that literacy is critical if a community is to advance in all spheres of life, and the bible could prove to be a useful tool for teaching reading and writing, the learners would also have to accept the biblical interpretations as passed on by the Puritans. This raises the question of who interprets and whether this interpretation of John 17.3 is accurate, or whether this pedagogy might be seen as indoctrination. Nevertheless, the establishment of Harvard as an institution of learning, is an inheritance that has reaped abundant rewards over the years.