Diary of John Cotton, Jr., kept from 6 March 1666 - Nov. 1667 and 12 Oct. 1670 - 23 July 1678, together with a Massachuset Indian language vocabulary. The first part of the diary (1666-67) was kept during Cotton's tenure as missionary to the Indians on Martha's Vineyard, during which he learned the Indians' language and kept a journal of their vocabulary. Entries describe sermons delivered, names of converted Indians, interpretations of the scripture, and the concerns and questions raised by the Indians about the nature of Christianity. The second part of the diary (1670-78) was kept during Cotton's tenure as minister of the First Congregational Parish in Plymouth, Mass. The brief entries describe Cotton's ministerial duties, as well as occasional missionary visits to nearby Indian communities.
