Aaron Fraley

1/21/17
W 7:00
Document Analysis #1

Fasting and Repentance

The French and Indian War, or Seven Years War, proved to be a decisive

period for both sides of the conflict. During the mid 1700s, France and Great

Britain were seeking to expand their empires beyond what they already held

in the old world and acquire some of the much-coveted land and holdings in

the new.

Britain, after many years of struggle, would finally gain pivotal

momentum in other parts of the world, defeating the French in several key

territories and colonies. That momentum would be directed toward the

Americas and allow the British to come out victorious, following a French

resignation, with the Treaty of Paris. Although Great Britain acquired

enormous amounts of land and territories, the cost of the war and significant

changes of government and policy, would result in a very unhappy Anglo-

American people.

Now, before the tide of the war changed, the British suffered defeat

after defeat and it wasnt until around 175657, that things started to

change for the British. This document, Fasting and Repentance, comes

from the governor of Rhode Island, at the time of these early defeats and

setbacks with the territorial conflicts of the area. This document shares

insightful information on how tides were turned, battles won, and maybe

even how this country was founded. From the beginning, the early colonists
felt a sense of manifest destiny and that same belief that they were

directed by God or some all-powerful being, stayed with them throughout the

remaining years of colonization and foundation of this nation. Its important

to note, that it [this country] was most definitely founded upon principles of

humility and prayer.

Governor Stephen Hopkins, issued a proclamation calling for a

day of fasting and repentance (Digital History). He started off by

proclaiming, to those who are religious (which pertained to much of the

population), that there are of course consequences to sin. He spoke to the

people as if there was a collective agreeance that God played a huge role in

their lives and I absolutely believe thats how it was. I feel the early colonists,

as a whole, were more religious back then and spoke more reverently of

spiritual or godly things. They were a God-fearing people and thats how they

directed their lives.

As I read this passage, I could sense panic amongst the governor and

the people of Rhode Island, but I could also detect a sense of restitution.

They knew, specifically the governor, that they (as a colony) had wronged

their God, they knew they were losing the war consequently, and knew they

needed to repair that relationship through repentance and fasting, in order to

be successful.

This is something that hits home for me. I believe in those same

principles. I trust that God took care of the early colonists because of their

faith in Him. The governor thought so too.

 Not only did governor Hopkins call for immediate repentance among

the people of New England, he also called for a day of fasting. A day in the

week was specifically set a part for the colonists to fast with a cause. They

were to go without labor and take some time to go the place of congregation

and supplicate to their Master for help.

I just want to note, that although I am very religious, I do however

believe in separation of church and state, to some extent. At the time, I could

almost guarantee everyone was religious in their own way in some shape or

form. Therefore, it wouldnt have been an issue and I dont find reason to

make an issue of it. I know that religious played a very important part in how

this country was constructed and I dont think anyone should detract from

that.