Trading with the Indians of Kenebek p. 61 Capt. Miles Standish goes over to England as an Agent in the behalf of the Plantation of New-Plimouth p. 62 1626. In April Capt. Standish arrives in Plimouth brings sad tidings of Mr. John Robinsons and Mr. Robert Cushmans death p. 63 They receive divers Letters from their friends in Holland p. 64 1627. Mr. Isaac Allerton goes over for England Agent for the Plantation with the Merchant-Adventurers p. 64. The first distribution of Land amongst the Inhabitants of Plimouth p. 65 A ship with many Passengers in her bound for Virginia was cast away at the middle of Mannamoiet Bay but they saved their lives and their goods and were courteously entertained at Plimouth p. 65 c. The Dutch Plantation desire Commerce with Plimouth which they grant them and so they held mutual and profitable correspondency together The Dutch acquaint the English with the trading of Wampam-peag p. 67 1628. Morton for his Atheistical and licentious Practises is apprehended by Capt. Standish sent home to England p. 68 c. Mr. John Endicot arrives bringing with him a Patent under the Broad-Seal of England for the Government of the Massachusets p. 70 1629. Three ships arrive at Salem bringing a great number of Passengers from England Infectious diseases amongst them p. 73 Mr. Higginson Mr. Skelton Mr. Bright Ministers arrive p. 74 Upon Aug. 5. was the first Church in the Massachusets Colony gathered viz. at Salem p. 75 The Book of Common-Prayer pleaded for and practised in Massachusets Colony by two of the Patentees p. 76 But was quickly prohibited by the Authority there p. 77 1630. Mr. Higginson Teacher of Salem Church died p. 78 A Fleet of ten ships arrived in the Massachusets Colony in which came over many worthy Instruments Mr. John Winthrop and Mr. Thomas Dudly Magistrates Mr. Isaac Johnson Esq and Mr. John VVilson Mr. George Philips Mr. Maverick and Mr. VVareham Ministers arrived Mr. Isaac Johnson Magistrate of the Massachusets and his Lady soon after their arrival died p. 83 Churches gathered this year at Boston by Mr. John VVilson VVatertown by Mr. Philips Dorchester by Mr. Maverick and Mr. VVareham p. 84 1631. A Church gathered at Roxbury by Mr. John Eliot and Mr. VVeld p. 85 1632. Sir Christopher Gardiner a strong Papist arrived in N.E. who for some miscarriages left the Country and returned home to England and there proved an open Adversary to the Country p. 85 86 The Lords of the Kings most honourable Privy-Council favour the Plantations of N.E. by their encouraging Order p. 87 88 1633. The number of Magistrates at Plimouth increased to seven p. 89 An infectious Feaver amongst the Inhabitants of Plimouth whereof many died p. 90 Great swarms of strange Flies up and down the Country which was a presage of the following mortality p. 91 Mr. John Cotton Mr. Hooker and Mr. Stone Ministers arrive in N. E. ibid. Mr. William Collier a liberal Benefactor to the Colony of New-Plimouth arrives in N.E. ibid. 1634. Mr. Skelton Pastor to the Church at Salem died p. 78 A great mortality amongst the Indians by the Small Pox p. 92 Capt. Stone turns Pirat at the Dutch Plantation and there seizes on a Plimouth Barque that was there trading p. 93 The cruel Massacre of Capt. Stone and Capt. Norton at Connecticot River by the Pequot Indians p. 92 93 Mr. Roger Williams lamentable Apostacy p. 78 c. He is Banished by the Massachusets Colony ibid. 1635. Mr. Edward Winslow sent over to England as a publick Agent for the Country p. 94 An Hirracane which did great damage both by sea land p. 95 1636. Conecticot Colony planted this year by many worthy Instruments Two shallops loaden with goods were cast away in the mouth of Plimouth Harbour the goods were saved ten men drowned p. 96 Mr. John Oldham murthered in his Barque by the Indians of Block-Island p. 98 1637. The Pequot Wars in which War the English slew and took Prisoners about 700 Indians and slew 13 Sachems to the great terrour of all the Natives p. 99 New-Haven Colony began this year p. 106 Antinomian and Familistical Errours are broach'd in the Country especially at Boston ibid. A Synod is called which condemned these Errours out of the Word of God p. 107 Mrs. Hutchinson and Errours are banished by the Magistrates of the Massachusets Colony ibid. A hideous Monster born at Boston of one Mrs. Mary Dyer p. 108 1638. Three English-men were put to death at Plimouth for robbing and murthering an Indian near Providence p. 111 June 2. a great and fearful Earthquake in the Country ibid. Gorton a pestilent Seducer and blasphemous Atheist is banished Plimouth Colony Whipt and banished from Road-Island banished the Massachusets Colony p. 108 c. 1639. Harvard Colledge founded at Cambridge by Mr. John Harvard of worthy memory p. 112 Articles of Peace renewed with Massasoiâ—t Sachem and his Son Mooanam by the Government of Plimouth p. 112 c. 1642. Thirteen able godly Ministers at this time in Plimouth Jurisdiction shined as bright Stars in the Churches Firmament p. 116 1643. Mr. William Brewster Ruling-Elder in the Church of Plimouth died in the 84 year of his Age p. 117 May 19. was the first Combination of the four United Colonies of N.E. p. 120 1644. Mr. John Atwood an eminent Benefactor to the Colony of Plimouth died p. 121 The Town of Eastham erected by divers considerable persons of Plimouth ibid. 1646. Three men of War arrived in Plimouth Harbour under the command of Capt. Tho Cromwel richly laden A mutiny amongst the Seamen whereby one man is killed p. 123 Mr. Edw Winslow goes over into England Agent for the Massachusets Colony to answer the complaints of sundry discontented persons but returned no more to N. E. p. 124 1647. Mr. Thomas Hooker Pastor of the Church at Hartford rested from his labours p. 125 1649. March 26. Mr. John Winthrop Governour of the Massachusets deceased p. 130 An innumerable company of Caterpillers in some parts of the Country destroyed the Fruits of the Earth p. 131 August 25. Mr. Thomas Shepard Pastor of Cambridge Church died ibid. An Act of Parliament passed in England for promoting and propagating the Gospel amongst the Indians in N.E. In reference to which an Indian Corporation was there established Able Instruments encouraged to preach the Gospel to the Indians in N.E. the Bible was translated into the Indian Language by Mr. John Eliot and in 1664. was printed at Cambridge p. 131 1650. A great mortality amongst Children this year p. 133 1651. Mr. Wil Thomas Magistrate of Plimouth Colony died p. 134 1652. Mr. John Cotton Teacher of Boston Church died A Comet was seen at the time of his sickness hanging over N. E. which went out soon after his death p. 135 c. 1653. July 31. Mr. Thomas Dudly Governour of the Massachusets died about the 77 year of his Age p. 139 1655. Plimouth hears sad news of the death of Mr. Edward Winslow who had sometimes been their Governour p. 142 1656. Capt. Miles Standish Magistrate of Plimouth died p. 143 1657. May 3. Mr. William Bradford Governor of Plimouth died p. 144 The Quakers that cursed Sect arrive at Plimouth p. 151 Mr. Theoph Eaton Governor of Newhaven Colony died p. 152 Mr. Garret cast away in his Voyage from Boston to England which was a great loss to the Country p. 152 1658. A great Earthquake was heard in N. E. p. 153 Mr. Ralph Partridge Minister at Duxbury deceased ibid. John Philips of Marshfield slain by Thunder Lightning p. 155 Mr. William Paddy Deacon of Plimouth Church died ibid. 1659. The damnable Opinions of the Quakers are vented up and down the Country p. 157 Mr. Henry Dunster first President of Harvard Colledge deceased p. 158 1660. James Pierce slain by Lightning at Plimouth p. 159 1662. In January several Earthquakes were heard in N. E. p. 161 Philip Sachem of Pokanaket renews the Articles of Peace made betwixt the Government of Plimouth and his Father Brother p. 160 Mr. John Brown Magistrate of Plimouth Colony ended this life p. 163 164 1663. Mr. Samuel Newman Teacher of Rehoboth died p. 164 Mr. John Norton Teacher of Boston died suddenly p. 165 Mr. Samuel Stone Teacher of Hartford deceased p. 168 1664. A great and dreadful Comet appeared in New-England for the space of three moneths which was accompanied with many sad Effects p. 170 Great mildew and blasting in the Country p. 172 The Kings Commissioners arrived at Boston in N. E. p. 173 Manado's surrendred up to His Majesty and called New-York p. 173 Colonel Cartwright on his Voyage to England was taken by the Dutch Sir Robert Carre died the next day after his arrival in Bristol p. 176 1665. Mr. John Endicot Governour of the Massachusets died p. 176 Capt. Davenport killed with Lightning as he lay on his Bed at the Castle p. 177 Wheat exceedingly blasted and mildewed ibid. 1666. Three killed in a moment by a blow of Thunder at Marshfield and four at Piscataqua and divers hurt A great Whirlwind at the same time p. 178 The Small Pox at Boston p. 179 The mildew and blasting of the Corn still continued ibid. A remarkable manifestation of Gods goodness to some poor Salvages in the Jurisdiction of Plimouth p. 180 The death of Mr. William Thompson Minister at Braintry 181 1667. Several Vollies of shot heard discharged in the Air at Nantasket In March there appeared a Sign in the Heavens in the form of a Spear pointing directly to the West p. 182 Mr. John Wilson who had been Pastor of Boston Church 37 years rested from his labours in the 79 year of his Age p. 183 1668. Mr. Samuel Shepard Pastor of Rowley Church died p. 190 April 27. Mr. Henry Flint Teacher at Braintry died ibid. July 9. Mr. Jonathan Mitchel Pastor of the Church at Cambridge deceased p. 190 c. October 13. Mr. John Eliot junior Pastor of a Church within the Bounds of Cambridge departed this life p. 196 197 The Conclusion of the History with Advice to the Rising generation p. 197 198 FINIS
time of his imprisonment his wife fell sick of which sickness she died He procured liberty of the Bishop to visit his Wife before her death and commended her to God by Prayer who soon after gave up the ghost at his return to Prison his poor Children being many repaired to the Bishop to Lambeth and made known unto him their miserable condition by reason of their good Father his being continued in close durance who commiserated their condition so far as to grant him his liberty who soon after came over into New-England and setled for some time at the Town of Scituate and was chosen Pastour of their Church and faithfully dispensed the Word of God amongst them and afterwards the said Church dividing a part whereof removing to Barnstable he removed with them and there remained until his death He was a man of an humble and broken heart and spirit lively in dispensation of the Word of God studious of peace furnished with godly contentment willing to spend and to be spent for the Cause and Church of Christ He fell asleep in the Lord Nov. 8. 1653. 1654. THis Year Mr. William Bradford was Elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth were Chosen Assistants to him in Government Mr. Thomas Prince Captain Miles Standish Mr. William Collier Mr. Timothy Hatherly Mr. John Brown Mr. John Alden and Capt. Thomas Willet 1655. THis Year Mr. William Bradford was Elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth were Chosen Assistants to him in Government Mr. Thomas Prince Captain Miles Standish Mr. William Collier Mr. Timothy Hatherly Mr. John Brown Mr. John Alden and Captain Thomas Willet The death of Mr. Winslow This year that Worthy and Honourable Gentleman Mr. Edward Winslow deceased of whom I have had occasion to make honourable mention formerly in this Discourse He was the Son of Edward VVinslow Esq of the Town of Draughtwich in the County of Worcester He travelling into the Low-Countreys in his Journeys fell into acquaintance with the Church of Leyden in Holland unto whom he joyned and with whom he continued until they parted to come into New-England he coming with that part that came first over and became a very worthy and useful Instrument amongst them both in the place of Government and otherwise until his last Voyage for England being sent on special Imployment for the Government of the Massachusets as is forementioned in this Book and afterwards was imployed as one of the grand Commissioners in that unhappy Design against Domingo in Hispaniola who taking grief for the ill success of that Enterprize on which together with some other Infirmities that were upon him he fell sick at Sea betwixt Domingo and Jamaica and died the eighth day of May which was about the Sixty first year of his life and his Body was honourably committed to the Sea with the usual Solemnity of the Discharge of Fourty two Piece of Ordnance One of the Company who was imployed in taking notice of the Particulars of that Tragedy gave such Testimony of the said Mr. VVinslow as followeth in this Poem The Eighth of May west from ' Spaniola shore God took from us our Grand Commissioner Winslow by Name a man in Chiefest Trust VVhose Life was sweet and Conversation just VVhose Parts and wisdome most men did excell An honour to his Place as all can tell 1656. THis Year Mr. William Bradford was Chosen Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth were chosen to be his Assistants in Government Mr. Thomas Prince Mr. William Collier Mr. Timothy Hatherly Captain Miles Standish Mr. John Alden Capt. Thomas Willet Capt. James Cudworth This Year Captain Miles Standish expired his mortal life He was a Gentleman born in Lancashire The death of Capt. Standish and was Heir-Apparent unto a great Estate of Lands and Livings surreptitiously detained from him his great Grandfather being a Second or Younger Brother from the House of Standish In his younger time he went over into the Low-Countreys and was a Souldier there and came acquainted with the Church of Leyden and came over into New-England with such of them as at the first set out for the Planting of the Plantation of New-Plimouth and bare a deep share of their first Difficulties and was alwayes very faithful to their Interest He growing ancient became sick of the Stone or Strangullion whereof after his suffering of much dolorous pain he fell asleep in the Lord and was honourably buried at Duxbury 1657. THis year Mr. Thomas Prince was Chosen Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth Were Chosen his Assistants in Government This Election was on the fifth of June 1657. M William Bradford died the 9th of May in this year before this Election Mr. VVilliam Collier Mr. Timothy Hatherly Mr. John Alden Captain Thomas VVillet Capt. James Cudworth Capt. Josias VVinslow Lieut. Tho Southworth This Year it pleased God to put a period to the life of his precious Servant Mr. VVilliam Bradford who was the second Governour of the Jurisdiction of Plimouth and continued in the same place for the most part of his time with little intermission Concerning whom the following Poems made the one by himself and the other by such as were well acquainted with his Worth and Excellency will give a large Testimony thereof Certain Verses left by the Honoured VVilliam Bradford Esq Governour of the Jurisdiction of Plimouth penned by his own hand declaring the gracious dispensation of Gods Providence towards him in the time of his Life and his preparation and fittedness for Death FRom my years young in dayes of Youth God did make known to me his Truth And call'd me from my Native place For to enjoy the Means of Grace In Wilderness he did me guide And in strange Lands for me provide In Fears and Wants through Weal and Woe As Pilgrim past I to and fro Oft left of them whom I did trust How vain it is to rest on Dust A man of Sorrows I have been And many Changes I have seen Wars Wants Peace Plenty have I known And some advanc'd others thrown down The humble poor cheerful and glad Rich discontent sower and sad VVhen Fears with Sorrows have been mixt Consolations came betwixt Faint not poor Soul in God still trust Fear not the things thou suffer must For whom he loves he doth chastise And then all Tears wipes from their eyes Farewell dear Children whom I love Your better Father is above VVhen I am gone he can supply To him I leave you when I dye Fear him in Truth walk in his Wayes And he will bless you all your dayes My dayes are spent Old Age is come My Strength it fails my Glass near run Now I will wait when work is done Vntill my happy Change shall come VVhen from my labours I shall rest VVith Christ above for to be blest By the honoured Major Josias Winstow on the the said Mr. William Bradford as followeth WILLIAM BRADFORD Anagr. I made Law for Bridl ' For
to the whole Court aforesaid That he nor they shall nor will needlesly or unjustly raise any quarrels or do any wrong to other Natives to provoke them to War against him and That he nor they shall not Give Sell or Convey any of his or their Lands Territories or Possessions whatsoever to any person or persons whomsoever without the privity and consent of the Government of Plimouth aforesaid other then to such as the said Government shall send or appoint All which Conditions the said Woosamequen and Mooanam his Son for themselves and their Successors did then faithfully promise to observe and keep And the whole Court in the Name of the whole Government for each Town respectively did then likewise Ratifie and Confirm the aforesaid ancient League and Confederacy and did also further promise to the said Woosamequen and Mooanam his Son and their Successors That they shall and will from time to time defend the said Woosamequen Of this see pag. 24. and Mooanam his Son and their Successors when need and occasion shall require against all such as shall unjustly rise up against them to wrong or oppress them unjustly 1640. MR. William Bradford was Elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of Plimouth were Elected Assistants Mr. Thomas Prince Mr. William Collier Mr. John Brown Captain Miles Standish Mr. Timothy Hatherly and Mr. Edmond Freeman 1641. THis Year Mr. William Bradford was Elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth were Chosen Assistants to him in Government Mr. Edward Winslow Mr. Thomas Prince Mr. William Collier Captain Miles Standish Mr. Timothy Hatherly Mr. John Brown and Mr. Edmond Freeman 1642. THis Year Mr. William Bradford was Elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth were Elected Assistants to him in Government Mr. Edward Winslow Mr. Thomas Prince Mr. William Collier Mr. Timothy Hatherly Mr. John Brown Mr. William Thomas and Mr. Edmond Freeman In reference unto the three years last specified although I have no special Providence to take notice of particularly to assign to each of them save the continuance of Gods mercy and goodness in the Annual Election of godly and able Magistrates in the Jurisdiction of Plimouth as is before-noted yet notwithstanding we are to take notice of the continued Peace and Plenty with which not onely these three years restrictively considered but also for many years together both before and after them New-England was so marvellously gratiated But that which is more that about these times the Lord was pleased of his great goodness richly to accomplish and adorn the Colony of Plimouth as well as other Colonies in New-England with a considerable number of godly and able Gospel-Preachers who then being dispersed and disposed of to the several Churches and Congregations thereof gave Light in a glorious and resplendent manner as burning and shining Lights Which mercy and transcendent favour had not Sin and Satans envy interposed might have rendred them greatly happy and prosperous it being observed That where Gospel-dispensation flourisheth there Prosperity in other respects may usually be expected In reference unto the honour of God and due respects unto such worthy Instruments I thought meet to nominate some of the speciallest of them viz. Mr. Charles Chauncy Mr. William Hook Mr. Nicholas Street Mr. John Laythrop Mr. John Mayo Mr. John Reyner Mr. Ralph Partridge Mr. Samuel Newman Mr. William Leverich Mr. Richard Blinman Mr. Edward Bulkly Mr. John Miller Mr. Marmaduke Matthews With some others that might be named These some of them stayed not long ere they removed some into the Neighbour-Colonies some into Old-England and others to their Eternal Rest whereby the said Jurisdiction was wanting in a great measure for some time of such a Blessing Howbeit the Lord hath since graciously raised up a supply to divers of the said Congregations and more may be expected according to his Promises 1643. THis Year Mr. William Bradford was elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth And were chosen his Assistants in Government Mr. Edward Winslow Mr. Thomas Prince Mr. William Collier Mr. Timothy Hatherly Mr. John Brown Mr. Edmond Freeman And Mr. William Thomas This Year about the eighteenth day of April died Mr. William Brewster the Ruling Elder of the Church of Christ at Plimouth concerning whom I could say much of mine own knowledge but I shall content my self only to insert the honourable Testimony that Mr. William Bradford deceased hath left written with his own hand concerning him Saith he My dear Friend Mr. William Brewster was a man that had done and suffered much for the Lord Jesus and the Gospels sake and hath born his part in weal and woe with this poor persecuted Church above thirty six years in England Holland and in this Wilderness and done the Lord and them faithful service in his place and calling and notwithstanding the many troubles and sorrows he passed through the Lord upheld him to a great age he was four score and four years of age when he died The dea h of Mr. William Brewster he had this blessing added by the Lord to all the rest to dye in his bed in peace amongst the midst of his friends who mourned and wept over him and ministred what help and comfort they could unto him and he again recompensed them whiles he could his sickness was not long and until the last day thereof he did not wholly keep his bed his speech continued until somewhat more then half a day before his death and then failed him and about nine or ten of the clock that evening he died without any pangs at all a few hours before he drew his breath short and some few minutes before his last he drew his breath long as a man fallen into a sound sleep without any pangs or gasping and so sweetly departed this life unto a better I would now demand of any What he was the worse for former sufferings what do I say worse no he was the better and they now added to his honor 2 Thess 1.5 6 7. It is a manifest token saith the Apostle of the righteous Judgement of God that we may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God for which we also suffer seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompence tribulation to them that trouble you and to you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from Heaven with his mighty Angels 1 Pet. 4.14 and if you be reproached saith the Apostle Peter for the Name of Christ happy are ye for the Spirit of God and of Glory shall rest upon you what though he wanted the riches and pleasures of the World in this life and Pompous monuments of his Funeral yet the memorial of the Just shall be blessed Prov. 10.17 when the name of the wicked shall rot with their Marble Monuments He was well educated in learning as at inferiour Schools so also at the Vniversity and from thence went to the Court and there served Mr. Davison a
soul to God-ward the benefit thereof those can best experience who are most conversant in the improving of them and have Gods blessing on them therein to their souls good His body was honourably buried at Cambridge in New-England Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord for their works follow them Rev. 13.13 This Year there passed an Act of Parliament in England for the promoting and propagating the Gospel of Jesus Christ amongst the Indians in New-England in reference unto the furtherance and advancement of so good a work a Corporation of sixteen Select men were appointed consisting of a President Treasurer and Assistants called by the name of the President and Society for the propagation of the Gospel in New-England to receive such sums of money as from time to time was or should be collected and raised by the liberal contributions of such as whose hearts God was pleased to stir up to so glorious a work and it was by the same Parliament Enacted that the Commissioners for the United Colonies of New-England for the time being by themselves or such as they shall appoint shall have Power and Authority to receive and dispose of the said monies brought in paid to the said Treasurer for the time being or any other Monies Goods or Commodities acquired and delivered by the care of the said Corporation at any time whose receipt or receipts of such Person or Persons so Authorized by them shall be a sufficient discharge to the said Corporation and Treasurer The particulars of such Orders and Instructions with which the said Act is invested the Reader may be more amply satisfied in by the perusal thereof as it is extant bearing date July 27. 1649. Moreover let the Reader take notice of the special favour of Almighty God in moving the heart of the Kings Majesty since his Restitution to his Crown and Regal Dignity particularly of his Royal Favour to countenance this work and to secure what hath been and what may be given toward this work by a legal settlement which before was wanting so as the said glorious design hath been vigorously carried on both in Old England and in New by such active and faithful Instruments as God hath raised up and improved therein with some considerable success The work coming on to such perfection as that the Holy Bible is Translated and Printed in the Indian Language whereby the glad tidings of the Gospel is and may be communicated to them with the greater facility some souls also of them being gained as may be hoped to believe on the Lord Jesus for life everlasting and daily hopes of further and greater success in that behalf for which unspeakable riches of his grace let his Holy Name have all the praise throughout all ages The Principal Instruments improved in Preaching the Gospel of Christ unto the Indians are Mr. John Eliot Senior Mr. John Eliot Junior Mr. Thomas Mayhew Mr. Pierson Mr. Brown Mr. James Mr. Cotton Besides divers of their own Nation whose Names and number I know not 1650. THis Year Mr. William Bradford was Elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth Chosen Assistants to him in Government Mr. Edward Winslow Mr. Thomas Prince Mr. William Collier Captain Miles Standish Mr. Timothy Hatherly Mr. John Brown and Mr. William Thomas This Year there was more then ordinary mortality in the Country especially about Boston and mostly amongst their Children since which time New diseases the fruits of new sins several diseases have been in the Country more frequently then formerly as namely gripings in the bowels with violent Vomiting and Purging which hath taken away many as also a disease in the Mouth or Throat which hath proved mortal to some in a very short time as also great distempers of Colds c. which ought to be awakening dispensations together with others to cause us to consider and examine whether we have not provoked the Lord with some general and unwonted sins inasmuch as he is pleased to exercise the Country oft-times with unwonted afflictions and punishments 1651. THis Year Mr. William Bradford was Elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth were Chosen his Assistants in Government Mr. Thomas Prince Mr. William Collier Captain Miles Standish Mr. Timothy Hatherly Mr. John Brown Mr. John Alden Captain Thomas Willet This Year Mr. William Thomas expired his natural life in much peace and comfort he served in the place of Magistracy in the Jurisdiction of Plimouth divers Years Mr. William Thomas his death he was a well approved and a well grounded Christian well read in the Holy Scriptures and other approved Authors and a good lover and approver of Godly Ministers and good Christians and one that had a sincere desire to promote the common good both of Church and State He died of a Consumption and was honourably buried at Marshfield in the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth 1652. THis year Mr. William Bradford was Elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth And Were Chosen his Assistants in Government Mr. Thomas Prince Capt. Myles Standish Mr. Timothy Hatherly Mr. John Brown Mr. John Alden Captain Thomas Willet Lieut. Thomas Southworth This Year that blessed Servant of God Mr. John Cotton died Of Mr. Cottons Life Mr. Norton hath Penned a Book whereunto I refer the Reader for more full relation of the same he was sometimes Preacher of Gods Word at Boston in Lincolnshire and from thence came over into New-England in the Year 1633 and was chosen Teacher of the first Church of Christ at Boston for which Function and Office he was greatly enriched with gifts abilities being an able expounder and faithful applier of the Word of God furnished also with wisdom and prudence to go before the Church in the ordering of the affairs thereof endowed also with meekness of spirit whereby he was fitted to compose such differences as did at any time arise amongst them he was very patient also in respect unto personal wrongs or injuries done unto himself yea towards his sharpest Antagonists An influence of good not only flowed from him unto the Church over whom he was set but also into all the Churches in New-England as necessity required A Comet seen at the time of Mr. Cottons sickness and went out soon after his death About the time of his sickness there appeared in the Heavens over New-England a Comet giving a dim light and so waxed dimmer and dimmer until it became quite extinct and went out which time of its being extinct was soon after the time of the period of his life it being a very signal testimony that God had then removed a bright Star a burning and shining light out of the heaven of his Church here unto Coelestial glory above He was buried at Boston in New-England with great Honour and Lamentation in the Year above written Upon whose never enough deplored death were made these Verses following A Funeral Elegie upon the death of the truely Reverend Mr. John Cotton late
godly Gentleman and Secretary of State to Queen Elizabeth and attended him on his Embassage into Holland and was imployed by him in matters of greatest trust as in keeping of the Keys of the Cautionary Towns delivered up to him for her Majesty and things of the like nature his Master would alwayes in private confer with him as a friend or equal he afterwards lived in good esteem in his own Country and did much good until the troubles of those times enforced his remove into Holland and so into New-England and was in both places of singular use and benefit to the Church and People of Plimouth whereof he was being eminently qualified for such work as the Lord had appointed him unto of which should I speak particularly as I might I should prove tedious I shall content my self therefore only to have made honorable mention in general of so worthy a man And here I might take occasion to mention with admiration the marvellous providence of God that notwithstanding the many changes and hardships that this people viz. the first Planters at New-Plimouth went through and the many Enemies they had and difficulties they met withal that so many of them should live until very old age It was not only this Reverend mans condition but many more of them did the like some dying before and about this time and some living who attained to sixty years of age and to sixty five divers to seventy and some to more then eighty as he did It must needs be more then ordinary and above natural reason that so it should be for it is found in experience that changing of Air Famine and unwholsome Food much drinking of Water Sorrows and Troubles c. all of them are enemies to health causes of much diseases consumers of natural vigor and the bodies of men and shortners of life and yet of all these things they had a large and long part and suffered deeply in the same they went from England to Holland where they found both worse Air Diet then that they came from from thence enduring a long imprisonment in the ships at Sea into New-England how it hath been with them here hath already been shewn what crosses troubles fears wants and sorrows they have been liable unto is easily to be discerned so as in some sort they may say with the Apostle they were in Journeys often 1 Cor. 11.26.27 in perils of Waters in perils of Robbers in perils of their own Nation in perils amongst the Heathen in perils in the Wilderness in perils in the Sea in perils amongst false Brethren in weariness in painfulness in watching often in hunger thirst in fasting often in cold and nakedness What was it then that upheld them It was Gods visitation that preserved their spirits Job 10.12 he that upheld the Apostle upheld them They were persecuted but not forsaken 2 Cor. 4 9. 2 Cor. 9 6. cast down but perished not as unknown and yet known as dying and behold we live as chastened and yet not killed God it seems would have all men behold such works of his Providence as these are towards his people that they in like cases might be incouraged to depend upon him in their trials and also bless his Name when they see his goodness towards others Man lives not by bread only Deut. 8.3 It is not by dainty fare peace rest and hearts ease in enjoying contentments and good things of this World only that preserves health and prolongs life God in such examples would have the World take notice that he can do it without them and if the World will shut their eyes and take no notice thereof yet he would have his people to see and consider it Daniel could be in better liking with â—ulse then with the Kings dainties Jacob though he went from one Nation to another People and passed through Famine Fears and many afflictions yet he lived until old age and died sweetly and rested in the Lord as many others of Gods servants have done and still do through Gods goodness notwithstanding all the malice of their enemies Job 15.32 Psal 55.23 When the branch of the wicked shall be cut off before his day and the bloody and deceitful man shall not live out half his dayes By reason of the plotting of the Narrhagansets ever since the Pequot War the Indians were drawn into a general conspiracy against the English in all parts as was in part discovered the year before and now made more plain and evident by many discoveries and free confessions of sundry Indians upon several occasions from divers places concurring in one with such other concurring circumstances as gave the English sufficiently to understand the truth thereof and to think of means how to prevent the same In which respect together with divers other and more weighty reasons the four Colonies viz. the Massachusets Plimouth Conecticot and New-Haven entred into a more near Union and Confederation the nineteenth day of May 1643. and the Articles of the said confederation were signed by the Commissioners of the said Jurisdictions respectively by which were Authorized thereunto viz. John Winthrop Governour of the Massachusets Thomas Dudley Edward Winslow William Collier Edward Hopkins Thomas Grigson Theophilus Eaton George Fenwick The said Articles at large with sundry other particulars appertaining thereunto together with the particulars concerning the plotting contrivements menacings and insolencies of the Narrhagansets against the English together with the provision and preparation made by the English for an expedition against them See Acts of the Commissioners for the United Colonies of N.E. Aâ— 1644. and 1645. with the yieldings and compliance of the said Narrhagansets to the English and the Composition and Articles of agreement made with them c. these are all to be seen as they are at large extant in the Records of the Commissioners for the United Colonies of New-England whereunto I refer the Reader 1644. THis Year Mr. Edward Winslow was Elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth were Elected his Assistants in Government Mr. William Bradford Mr. Thomas Prince Mr. William Collier Mr. Timothy Hatherly Mr. John Brown Mr. William Thomas Mr. Edmond Freeman This Year Mr. John Atwood died he was a godly man singularly endowed with the grace of Patience and having a large estate became a useful benefactor to the Colonie of New-Plimouth he departed this life expressing great Faith in Christ and a cheerful expectation of the restoration of his body at the general Resurrection in Glory This Year many of the Town of Plimouth by reason of some straights that were upon them took up thoughts of removing to some other place for their better accommodation and for that end made a more exact and particular discovery of a place called by the Indians Namset which place being purchased by them of the Indians divers of the considerablest of the Church and Town removed thither and erected a Town which is now called by
the name of Eastham 1645. THis year Mr. William Bradford was Elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth And Were Elected his Assistants in Government Mr. Edward Winslow Mr. Thomas Prince Mr. William Collier Capt. Myles Standish Mr. Timothy Hatherly Mr. John Brown Mr. Edmond Freeman The Commissioners of the United Colonies of New-England were called together this Year before their ordinary time of meeting This meeting was held the 28 of Iuly 1145. partly in regard of some differences between the French and the Government of the Massachusets about their aiding of Monseir Latore against Monseir de Aulney and partly about the Indians who had broken their former agreements about the peace concluded the year before as concerning such conclusions and determinations which passed in this meeting in reference to the premises I shall refer the Reader unto the Acts of the said Commissioners for that Year as they are recorded at large 1646. THis Year Mr. William Bradford was Chosen Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth were Elected his Assistants in Government Mr. Edward Winslow Mr. Thomas Prince Mr. William Collier Captain Miles Standish Mr. Timothy Hatherly And Mr. Edmond Freeman About the middle of May this Year there came three Men of War into Plimouth Harbour under the command of Captain Thomas Cromwel who had taken several Prizes from the Spaniards by Commission from the Earl of VVarwick they were full of monies silks and other rich goods some of which they left behinde them They were a company of lusty stout men but very unruly and hard to govern notwithstanding the care and vigilance both of such as were in Authority of Plimouth and also of their own Commanders who could hardly restrain them especially from inordinate drinking and quarrelling It proved fatal to one of them who being quarrelling with one of their own company and being commanded by their Captain to forbear he giving very provoking Language and also attempting to draw upon his Captain he took his Rapier from him and struck him on the head with the Hilt of which wound three or four dayes after he died the Captain was tried by a Council of War and acquitted by the largeness of his Commission This Year Mr. Edward VVinslow went for England upon occasion that some discontented persons under the Government of the Massachusets sought to trouble their peace and disturb if not innovate their Government by laying many scandals upon them and intended to prosecute against them in England by Petitioning and Complaining to the Parliament Also Samuel Gorton and his company made complaint against them so as they made choice of Mr. VVinslow to be their Agent to make their defence and gave him Commission and Instructions for that end in which he so carried himself as did well answer their ends and cleared them from any blame and dishonour to the shame of their Adversaries After this he fell upon other imployments in England which detained him there so as he returned not again to New-England any more whose absence hath been much to the weakening of the Government of New-Plimouth who had large experience of his help and usefulness amongst them in Government c. of whom I have more to insert in honour of so worthy a Gentleman in its more proper place 1647. MR. William Bradford was Elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth were Elected his Assistants in Government Mr. Edward Winslow Mr. Thomas Prince Mr. William Collier Mr. Timothy Hatherly Captain Miles Standish Mr. John Brown And Mr. William Thomas This Year the whole Land but more especially the Church and Town of Hartford on Conecticot sustained a great and more then ordinary Loss The Death of Mr. Hooker by the Death of that most eminent Servant of Jesus Christ Mr. Thomas Hooker who in the Month of July in this year changed this Life for a better Concerning whose Piety Learning and singular dexterity in Preaching the Gospel with answerable success the many Souls wrought upon by his Ministry in both Old-England and New do give forth a large Testimony and withall as an addition to the former those Learned and Profitable Works penned by him for the Refutation of Errour and guiding and confirming of the Saints in the Wayes of Christ In which respects with others his Name will live and is Embalmed and doth remain and will be as a precious Oyntment in the Churches and amongst the Saints in present and future Ages This special Servant of Christ as he served his Master with great Zeal Love Wisdome and Sincerity so he ended his Life with much Comfort and Serenity so as it is rare that was said of him That the peace which he had in believing thirty years before his death was firm and not touched by the Adversary untill the period of his life And with much joy and peace in believing he fell asleep in the Lord and was honourably buried at Hartford on Conecticot In whose Memorial I shall here insert the Funeral Elegies of two eminent Divines written upon his Death On my Reverend and dear Brother Mr. Thomas Hooker Late Pastor of the Church at Hartford on Conecticot TO see three things was holy Austins wish Rome in her Flower Christ Jesus in the Flesh And Paul i' th Pulpit Lately men might see Two first and more in Hookers Ministry Zion in Beauty is a fairer sight Then Rome in Flower with all her glory dight Yet Zions Beauty did most clearly shine In Hookers Rule and Doctrine both Divine Christ in the Spirit is more then Christ in Flesh Our Souls to quicken and our States to bless Yet Christ in Spirit brake forth mightily In faithful Hookers searching Ministry Paul in the Pulpit Hooker could not reach Yet did He Christ in Spirit so lively preach That living Hearers thought He did inherit A double Portion of Pauls lively spirit Prudent in Rule in Argument quick full Fervent in Prayer in Preaching powerfull That well did learned Ames record bear The like to Him he never wont to hear 'T was of Geneva's Worthies said with wonder Those Worthies Three Farell was went to Thunder Viret like Rain on tender grass to shower But Calvin lively Oracles to pour All these in Hookers spirit did remain A Son of Thunder and a Shower of Rain A pourer forth of Lively Oracles In saving Souls the sum of Miracles Now blessed Hooker thou art set on high Above the thankless world and cloudy skie Do thou of all thy labour reap the Crown Whilst we here reap the seed which thou hast sown J. C. A Lamentation for the Death of that Precious and Worthy Minister of Jesus Christ Mr. Thomas Hooker who died July 7. 1647. as the Sun was Setting the same hour of the day died blessed Calvin that glorious Light COme sighs come sorrows let 's lament this Rod Which hath bereav'd us of this Man of God A Man of God which came from God to men And now from them is gone to God agen Bid