March 2, 1676 In the Year of Our Lord

I have of late had occasion to reflect on the circumstances I've been in. I kept coming to the idea of God's sovereignty and His prevailing plan in all of life. I could not come to a good answer as to why this captivity has come to me and why I must endure all this suffering. One of the things that I came upon after thinking this through for quite a while, is that maybe I am to be a light to these Indians. Perhaps my example of perseverance, through the strength of God, will cause them to question what drives me thus. I look at these Indians as they cut trees for timber, as they construct makeshift shelters, and as they prepare what food they've gather, I realize that they are depraved because they are without a savior. If I might introduce them to this God, they might learn of the English ingenuity, industry, and husbandry that we wish for. I might show them, as our Puritan beliefs hold, that they are corrupt and impotent because of their all to familiar morality. Convincing them thus, they will recognize the problem; that they cannot earn their salvation. Then I would show them that they can only rely on the divine gift of faith in Christ for salvation.

All this is too bold for me I fear. To approach my captors with confidence and tell them they need to change their ways would earn me a beating I'm sure. Perhaps God will intervene somehow and cast light on these heathens, guiding them to His truth, for "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." (Rom. 3:23)