Since it is Columbus Day

One American colonial stood alone, upholding Indigenous right(s) over European presumption. In his book A Key into the Language of America (1643), Roger Williams (1603-1683), Puritan minister/theologian and Rhode Island fellow founder, observably wrote...

"The natives are very exact and punctual in the bounds of their lands, belonging to this or that prince or people, even to a river, brook, &c. And I have known them make bargain and sale amongst themselves for a small piece or quantity of ground; notwithstanding a sinful opinion amongst many, that Christians have right to heathen's lands."

Elsewhere in the same book, he wrote this stanza of a longer poem (what appears as misspelled are in fact original text)...

"Boast not proud English, of thy birth & blood,
Thy brother Indian is by birth as Good.
Of one blood God made Him, and Thee & All,
As wise, as faire, as strong, as personall..."

Because of Roger Williams and fellow colony founders, they established Rhode Island unique above other such North American establishments per two principles paramount; the recognition of Indigenous ownership ethically necessitating negotiation oppose to confiscation, and universal freedom of conscience whether religious, political or otherwise. However, it is he who is most ignored by colonial historians, professors, teachers, lecturers and buffs, in favor of other founders oft inclined towards the sword.

Come let us Reason (Is 1:18). Peace is always a Choice (Mt 5:9).

Study, Ponder, Labor, till last Breath (2 Tm 2:15 / Cl 3:23).