How to Survive in the Roanoke Colony

220: Missionary (2) 220: Missionary (2) Trying to think that way, I put down the tablet.

Croatoan was still peaceful as May passed and winter came to an end.

The grapes in my farm, being grown in greenhouses, grew well without much damage from the cold.

Now, top-grade Shine Muscat that only European royalty could eat was being grown in my smart farm.

And there were no reported cases of people suffering significant damage from the cold wave.

Having prepared countermeasures against the cold for several months in advance, there were no deaths, and injuries could be counted on one hand.

It was thanks to Eleanor’s efforts.

Having overcome a major crisis, all that remained was to enjoy some leisure while receiving routine reports.

I heard stories about new English villages being built in various places, about new natives coming down from the north to join our community, and then about how Oitotan’s new products seemed to be selling quite well in the north…

“…Nemo!” …What is it?

Why do I hear such an urgent cry the moment I think things are peaceful?

When I opened the door and stepped out, Hewett was panting, looking at me from between the vegetable garden and the flower garden in front.

What was Hewett’s area of responsibility again?

Records, administration, management of the English, and…

“The m-missionary who went north…!” Religious affairs.

Especially ordination of priests and dispatch of missionaries.

After hearing the general situation, I felt my mouth going dry and asked Hewett: “…Could you explain in more detail?” “First of all, things started when a missionary was sent to the Haudenosaunee Confederation, which you called the ‘Iroquois Confederation.’ It seems they were also considering joining our community, so they allowed the missionary to ‘enter the country.’ So our missionary, the Scotsman Richard, entered the territory of the Mohawk tribe along with merchants.

…And then what happened next.” == “Everyone.” Missionary Richard gathered people and climbed onto a high rock.

And he spoke to the people.

“You are truly born with great fortune.

Because God has woven fate so that we would meet each other.” He had already learned the basic trade language before being dispatched as a missionary.

Being naturally intelligent, he was able to acquire it quickly.

“You are now surrounded by treasures that no wealthy or fortunate person on earth has ever obtained, with only the path to eternal happiness remaining.

How moving is this?

You will be able to live forever, wearing things more splendid than mere shell bead necklaces, coral, and all kinds of fancy ornaments our merchants have brought.

That’s not all!” And, he understood people’s hearts well.

“If you walk this path with me…

your hunting will be successful.

Your families will be healthy.

Your souls will become strong.” Wealth, health, and eternal life.

Who would refuse these things?

Within days, people were whispering and gathering at Richard’s words.

People initially came to see him out of curiosity about his strange and awkward accent and unfamiliar appearance, but soon they gathered regularly before him to hear about the “way to live well” he spoke of.

“Can we really…

live well just by thinking about Him with our eyes closed like this?

Just by gathering like this?” “Of course.

Of course…” “Then, what about us, what about us!” “Naturally, all of you gathered here have received grace and can enjoy a happy eternal life.” They listened to stories that sounded like legends from a foreign land they were hearing for the first time.

Honestly, they didn’t understand well, but fascinating stories flowed from the missionary’s mouth.

Stories of a king who ruled tens of thousands of people, stories of a rich man who had gold and silver treasures but lost them all, and stories of a prince who moved his people to a blessed land…

Stories about eternal life…

They were intoxicated by these.

“But…

for those who do not walk the same path as us, eternal hellfire awaits!

Forever!

The jealous and wrathful Lord has prepared eternal punishment for those who do not believe!” Conversely, they were also startled by the “eternal punishment” the missionary Richard spoke of.

“We are all sinners!

If we don’t repent as soon as possible, we will all enter the path of death!

Hurry and gather to receive baptism.

Declare before God that you will resolutely sever ties with your previous ignorant life!” Richard brandished two large swords in both hands triumphantly.

Eternal life and eternal punishment became his pet phrases.

When he wielded the sword of eternal life, dozens of people applauded in ecstasy.

When he wielded the sword of eternal punishment again, hundreds of people received baptism in fear.

‘Indeed…

scaring everyone by saying they’re sinners is better for expanding the church.’ In an instant, dozens of people received baptism and became Christians.

He thrilled with that much satisfaction and achievement.

I…

lead hundreds of the faithful.

At this rate, it would not be impossible to gather thousands or tens of thousands of believers.

If that happens, it would be good to build a huge chapel here and settle.

Ah, how wonderful it would be if that happened.

If that happened, “He” would come here personally to look around the huge chapel Richard had built.

He would be satisfied seeing His own church grown so large and would highly commend Richard.

How surprised would He be to know that all this was achieved by a pastor who had not been part of the community for long?

“Fear hell.

Do not seek the momentary, but pursue eternity!

‘But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal!’ (Matthew 6:20)” With this thought, Richard proceeded with his missionary work more enthusiastically.

He even built a simple chapel and led numerous believers in front of it.

And…

“All of you, realize that He has atoned for the sins of your ancestors!

If these wretched sinners want to find a way to live, there is no way but the Lord!

Enter through the narrow gate!

For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it!

But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it!

(Matthew 7:13-14)” “Aaaaah!” “Thus, if you sinners do not pray and devote yourselves, destruction will eventually come to you…” “…Excuse me?” “…Who interrupts during the sermon?” “It, it’s me.

Actually…” “Speak quickly.

The next story is urgent.” “Our grandfather was respected by people all his life as an excellent person.

But he passed away recently…

Where did he go between heaven and hell…” “Too late.” “What do you mean too late…” “He went to hell as a sinner.” “Th-then our ancestors who never met you…” “What more is there to say?

They are all suffering.” “…” “…” “So everyone must rescue those around them from death and raise them up before it’s too late!

So…” “…” “…” “…” “…Why is there no response from everyone?” “…” “…” “…” “…What’s wrong with all of you?” Hundreds of cold stares pierce Richard like arrows.