Like many indigenous peoples with territories bordering the British colonies in North America, the Mohawk were converted to Christianity by English missionaries from the seventeenth century. Books such as this were produced to enable communities to practice Christianity in their own language.

The translation was made by Mohawk leader Thayendanegea, also known by his Christian given name, Joseph Brant. In 1775, Thayendanegea travelled to Britain where he met important political figures and had an audience with George III at St James’s Palace. This meeting is illustrated in the frontispiece.