This week in Christian history: John Knox captured, Parliament acts to evangelize America
Parliament passes an act to evangelize America – July 27, 1649
This week marks the anniversary of when the English House of Commons passed a measure aimed at funding efforts to evangelize the indigenous population of New England.
Titled “An act for the promoting and propagating the gospel of Jesus Christ in New England,” the measure was inspired by the work of John Eliot, a Puritan known for his fairly successful missionary efforts among the local Native American population.
The act created a 16-member corporation aimed at helping oversee funding of such efforts and made an official call upon parishes in England and Wales to provide support for the mission work.
“All which considered, we cannot but in behalf of the Nation, represent, rejoice and give glory to God, for the beginning of so glorious a propagation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ amongst those poor heathen, which cannot be prosecuted with that expedition and further success as is desired, unless fit instruments be encouraged and maintained to pursue it,” stated the Act.
