Eliot had vainly endeavored to convert to the Christian faith.

"It must have been a great anguish to the apostle," continued Grandfather,
"to hear of mutual slaughter and outrage between his own countrymen, and
those for whom he felt the affection of a father. A few of the praying
Indians joined the followers of King Philip. A greater number fought on
the side of the English. In the course of the war, the little community of
red people whom Mr. Eliot had begun to civilize, was scattered, and
probably never was restored to a flourishing condition. But his zeal did
not grow cold; and only about five years before his death he took great
pains in preparing a new edition of the Indian Bible."

"I do wish Grandfather," cried Charley, "you would tell us all about the
battles in King Philip’s war."

"O, no!" exclaimed Clara. "Who wants to hear about tomahawks and scalping
knives!"

"No, Charley," replied Grandfather, "I have no time to spare in talking
about battles. You must be content with knowing that it was the bloodiest
war that the Indians had ever waged against the white men; and that, at
its close, the English set King Philip’s head upon a pole."

"Who was the captain of the English?" asked Charley.

"Their most noted captain was Benjamin Church,—a very famous warrior,"
said Grandfather. "But I assure you, Charley, that neither Captain Church,
nor any of the officers and soldiers who fought in King Philip’s war, did
any thing a thousandth part so glorious, as Mr. Eliot did, when he
translated the Bible for the Indians."