Dispute not over-bold this Judgement deep A Mourning great each Eye distilling Streams Sad Sighs and Sobs in most men's mouthes their Theams And who can blame it for this we well may If Love if Fear if Temple-shakes bear sway The Wife hath lost her Head four hopeful Stems A Father Cambridge too their Crowning Gems Neighbours a useful Light Elders a Brother Whose Head and Mouth made him to most a Father Sad Cambridge when thou lost thy Thomas dear God pitied thee and gave a right Compeer This Jonathan thy Mitchell one in whom Was Much-of-EL a Michael judg'd by some Right strong in School in Desk of brightest shine Artist good Linguist high Orthodox Divine Of Judgement deep of Memory how large Invention quick grave pleasant who can charge Thee in thy Theory or Practick with dark fail Humble Sincere whose Love-cords did avail Much good by him you Cambridge have receiv'd He gone by you his Relicts see reliev'd A Royal Quaere 't was when Jonathan dead And Royal Act Jonathan's Stems to feed E.B. To the Memory of the Learned and Reverend Mr. Jonathan Mitchell late Minister of Cambridge in N. E. Inhumed July 10. 1668. Quicquid agimus quicquid Patimur venit ex Alto. THe Countries Tears be ye my Spring my Hill A general Grave let Groans inspire my Quill With an Heart-rending Sense drawn from the Cries Of Orphan Churches and the Destinies Of a Bereaved House Let Children weep They scarce know why and let the Mother steep Her lifeless Hopes in Brine The Private Friend O'rewhelm'd with grief falter his Comforts end By a warm Sympathie let Feaverish Heat Roam through my Verse unseen and a Cold Sweat Limning Despair attend me Sighs diffuse Convulsions through my language such as use To type a Gasping Fancy Lastly shroud Religions Splendor in a Mourning Cloud Replete with Vengeance for succeeding Times Fertile in Woes more fertile in their Crimes These are my Muses These inspire the Sails Of Fancy with their Sighs in stead of Gales Reader reade Rev'rend Mitchel's Life and then Confess the World a Gordian Knot agen Reade his Tear-delug'd Grave and then decree Our present Woe and future Miserie Stars falling speak a Storm when Samuel dies Saul may expect Philistia's Cruelties So when Jehovah's brighter Glory fled The Temple Israel was Captive led Geneva's Triple Light made one Divine But here that vast Triumvirate combine By a blest Metempsycosis to take One Person for their larger Zodiake In Sacred Censures Farrels dreadfull Scroul Of Words broke from the Pulpit to the Soul Indulgent Parents when they spare they spoyle Old Wounds need Vinegar as well as Oyle Distastful Cates with Miseries do suit The Paschal Lamb was eat with bitter fruit In Balmy Comforts Virets Genius came From th' wrinkled Alps to wooe the Western Dame And Courting Cambridge quickly took from thence Her last Degrees of Rhetorick and Sense Calvin's Laconicks through his Doctrine spred And Children's Children with their Manna fed His Exposition Genesis begun And fatall Exodus Eclips'd his Sun Some say that Souls oft sad Presages give Death-breathing Sermons taught us last to live One sowes another reaps may truely be Our Grave-Instruction and his Elegie His System of Religion half unheard Full double in his Preaching Life appear'd Happy that place where Rulers Deeds appear I' th' Front o' th' Battel and their Words i' th' Rear He 's gone to whom his Country owes a love Worthy the prudent Serpent and the Dove Religion's Panoply the Sinners Terrour Death summon'd hence sure by a Writ of Errour The Quaker trembling at his Thunder fled And with Caligula resum'd his Bed He by the Motions of a Nobler Spirit Clear'd Men and made their Notions Swine inherit The Munster Goblin by his holy flood Exorcis'd like a thin Phantasma stood Brown's Babel shatter'd by his Lightning fell And with Confused Horrour pack'd to hell The Scripture with a Commentary bound Like a lost Calice in his Heart was found When he was Sick the Air a Feaver took And thirsty Phoebus quaft the Silver Brook When Dead the Spheres in Thunder Clouds Rain Groan'd his Elegium Mourn'd and Wept our Pain Let not the Brazen Schismatick aspire Lot's leaving Sodom left them to the Fire 'T is true the Bee 's now dead but yet his Sting Death 's to their Dronish Doctrines yet may bring Epitaphium HEre lyes within this Comprehensive Span The Churches Courts and Countries Jonathan He that speaks Mitchell gives the Schools the Lie Friendship in Him gain'd an Ubiquity Vivet post Funera Virtus F. D. An Epitaph upon the deplored Death of that Supereminent Minister of the Gospel Mr. Jonathan Mitchel HEre lyes the Darling of his time Mitchell Expired in his prime Who four years short of Fourty seven Was found full Ripe and pluck'd for Heaven Was full of prudent Zeal and Love Faith Patience Wisdome from above New-England's Stay next Ages Story The Churches Gemme the Colledge Glory Angels may speak him Ah! not I Whose Worth's above Hyperbole But for our Loss wer 't in my power I 'de weep an Everlasting Shower J. S. A fourth Minister that died this year was Mr. John Eliot Junior born at Roxbury in New-England Eldest Son of the Reverend Mr. John Eliot Teacher of the Church there He was Educated at Cambridge in the Latine School and in the Colledge untill he became Master of Arts and a few years after was called to be Pastor of a Church within the Bounds of Cambridge upon the South-side of Charles River He was a person excellently endowed and accomplished with Gifts of Nature Learning and Grace of comely Proportion ruddy Complexion chearful Countenance of quick Apprehension solid Judgement excellent Prudence Learned both in Tongues and Arts for one of his time and studiously intense in acquiring more knowledge His Abilities and Acceptation in the Ministry did excell His Piety Faith Love Humility Self-deniall and Zeal did eminently shine upon all occasions He had under the conduct of his Father by his diligence industry and zeal for the good of Souls attained to such skill in the Indian Language that he Preached to the Indians sundry years Travelling many miles in a day once a Fortnight to dispense the Gospel to them The Indians have often said that his Preaching to them was precious and desireable and consequently their loss and the obstruction in that Work much to be lamented In a word there was so much of God in him that all the wise and godly who knew him loved and honoured him in the Lord and bewailed his death which sell upon the 13 day of October 1668. and of his Age about 35 years I Shall close up this small History with a word of Advice to the Rising-generation That as now their godly Predecessors have had large Experience of the goodness and faithfulness of God for the space of near Fourty six years some of them and have passed under various Dispensations sometimes under great Afflictions other-while the Sun shining upon
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
what was truely Congregationall A Pillar of our Church and State was he But now No more no more his face we see Who thought more fit of all his Tribe to stand Before our King for favour for our Land Lately but now translated is to Rest This Agent of New-Englands Interest VVhen last he Preach'd he us the Patern gave Of all that Worship Christ in 's Church would have God then him up into the Mount did call To have the Vision Beatificall As Thomas to the Twelve said Come let 's go And die with him I 'd almost said so too I 'le yet awhile in Tears sowe that I may VVith him in joyful Reapings live for ay A Tomb now holds his Souls beloved Shrine Of th' Holy Ghost a Temple most divine And well New-Englands Heart may rent at this VVonder not Reader I so greatly miss Fit words his Worth our loss and grief to fame VVhen as no Epitaph can declare the same T.S. Not long after viz. in the moneth of July followed the death of that Eminent Servant of God Mr. Samuel Stone who was another Star of the first Magnitude in the Firmament of New-England He was a learned solid and judicious Divine equally able for the Confirmation of the Truth and Confutation of Errours His Ministry was with much Conviction and Demonstration and when he set himself to Application very Powerful He was Teacher to the Church of Hartford fourteen years together with Mr. Hooker and sixteen years after him Thirty years in all He died on the 20th of July and was honourably buried at Hartford A Threnodia upon our Churches second dark Eclipse happening July 20. 1663. by Deaths Interposition between us and that Great Light and Divine Plant Mr. Samuel Stone late of Hartford in New-England LAst Spring this Summer may be Autumn styl'd Sad withering Fall our Beauties which despoyl'd Two choicest Plants our Norton and our Stone Your Justs threw down remov'd away are gone One Year brought Stone and Norton to their Mother In one Year April July them did smother Dame Cambridge Mother to this darling Son Emmanuel Northampt ' that heard this one Essex our Bay Hartford in Sable clad Come bear your parts in this Threnodia sad In losing One Church many lost O then Many for One come be sad singing men May Nature Grace and Art be found in one So high as to be found in few or none In him these Three with full-fraught hand contested With which by each he should be most invested The Largess of the Three it was so great On him the Stone was held a Light compleat A Stone more then the Eben-ezer fam'd Stone splendent Diamond right Orient nam'd A Cordiall Stone that often cheared hearts With pleasant Wit with Gospel rich imparts Whet-Stone that Edgefi'd th' obtusest Minde Load-Stone that drew the Iron Heart unkinde A Ponderous Stone that would the Bottom sound Of Scripture-depths and bring out Arcan's found A Stone for Kingly David's use so fit As would not fail Goliah's Front to hit A Stone an Antidote that brake the course Of Gangrene Errour by Convincing force A Stone Acute fit to divide and square A Squared Stone became Christs Building rare A Peter's Living lively Stone so Reared As ' live was Hartfords life dead death is feared In Hartford old Stone first drew Infant-breath In New effus'd his last O there beneath His Corps are laid near to his darling Brother Mr. Hooker Of whom dead oft he sigh'd Not such another Heaven is the more desireable said he For Hooker Shepard and Haynes Company E. B. 1664. THis Year Mr. Thomas Prince was Chosen Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth were Chosen Assistants to him in Government Mr. William Collier Mr. John Alden Captain Thomas Willet Major J sias Winslow Capt. Tho. Southworth Capt. William Bradford Mr. Thomas Hinkley This year a Blazing-Star or Comet appeared in New-England in the Ninth Tenth Eleventh and the beginning of the Twelfth Moneth Concerning which it hath been observed That such was its motion that in all likelihood it was visible to all the Inhabitants of the Earth and that also in its motion the Blaze of it did turn to all the quarters of the World and that by its turning according to the several Aspects it had to the Sun it was no fiery Meteor caused by Exhalation but that it was sent immediately by God to awake the secure World I willingly close with that which Mr. Samuel Danforth hath Religiously observed as to the Theological Application of this strange and notable Appearance in the Heavens That indeed by the Testimony of the Sacred Scriptures and the common Histories of former Ages Comets do usually precede and portend great Calamities and notable Changes To adde a few more Instances to those the said Author hath well observed When the Emperour Jovian attained to the Empire succeeding the Apostata Julian under whom the Church suffered much Persecution and that under him both Church and Commonwealth were like to have had a flourishing time had he not been taken away by sudden death Socrates lib. 4. Cap. 22. Then also appeared a Comet shewing that further trouble was yet to be expected to the Church Again other Authors make mention of a strange Comet that was seen in the year of Christ 410 being like a Two-edged Sword which portended many Mischiefs and Calamities that happened both in the East and West and such great slaughters of men were about those dayes as no Age ever afforded the like All Europe was in a manner undone no small part of Asia was affrighted and Africa also was not void of those Evils as War Famine Drought and Pestilence all of them strove as it were to trouble the whole World Also in the Years 1400 1401 1402 1403 Comets appeared and great Calamities followed sundry unheard-of Diseases were felt Rivers dried up and Plagues were increased Reade Carion lib. 5. pag 854. Tamerlain King of the Scythians and Parthians with an innumerable Host invaded Asia calling himself The Wrath of God and Desolation of the Earth Also in the Year 1529 appeared four Comets and in the Years 1530 1532 and 1533 were seen in each year one Lanquet saith That there were three within the space of two years upon which these and the like Calamities followed viz. A great Sweating Sickness in England which took away great multitudes of people The Turk in the quarrel of John Vnavoyda who laid Claim to the Crown of Hungaria entred the said Kingdome with Two hundred and fifty thousand fighting Souldiers committing against the Inhabitants thereof most harsh and unspeakable Murthers Rapes Villanies and Cruelties Great Famine and Dearth in Venice and the Countries thereabouts which swept away many The Sweating Sickness in Bâ—abant and in a great part of Germany Great Wars likewise about the Dukedome of Millain between the Emperour Charles the Fifth and Francis the French King About that time also all Lusitania or Portugal was struck with an
the Divine whose Life a Revelation Of Faith and Love and Christ to admiration John the Divine whom Jesus lov'd most dear Sweetned with leaning on his Bosome here This is that John whose Death who doth not moan Hath sure no heart of flesh but one of stone He had the Countries Faith and Love and Zeal Even Grace enough for Church and Common-weal Whereby was propt up all the Fabrick still That else had tumbled down our Sion Hill Of meerly Men deserving glory more You 'll finde nor Martyr nor a Confessor Inspir'd he was with the Prophetick Spirit Of all the Prophets which he did inherit 'Twixt an Apostle and Evangelist His Order standeth in the Heavenly List If Paul himself among us dead had been More tears or sorrow could not have been seen They wept not more for this that they should see His face no more then now we Mourners bee For Heavenly Poems most Angelicall Composing Volumes with delight were all But gathered up in one we should espy Enough to fill an University And were another Psalm-book made by thee Mictam of John their Title it should bee As aged John th'Apostle us'd to bless The People which they judg'd their happiness So we did count it worth our Pilgrimage Vnto him for his Blessing in his Age Yet then no Babe more longing for the Breast Then he to take within the Church his rest To have the sincere Milk of God's good Word Which to his Soul all comfort did afford Not Heat nor Cold nor Rain nor Snow must bar But every where becomes an Auditor Who ever labour'd in the Ministry More given then he to Hospitality To Strangers Widows Fatherless and all To Friends and Foes he was most liberall Of all his Prayers Sermons Travels Pains He is ascended Heaven to reap the gains Oh for a double portion of thy Spirit No richer Treasure would we all inherit Maestus apposuit T. S. 1668. THis Year it pleased God to visit New-England with the manifestation of his displeasure by the death of three Eminent Instruments The first whereof was that worthy Servant of Christ Mr. Samuel Shepard Pastor of the Church of Christ at Rowley in New-England who deceased in the Spring of this year in the midst of his dayes and in the beginning of his Work in the Ministry The second that worthy Man of God Mr. Henry Flint Teacher of the Church of Christ at Braintry in New-England who ended his mortal life the 27 of April in this year a man of known Piety Gravity and Integrity and well accomplished with other Qualifications fit for the Work of the Ministry The third and last but not the least that Super-eminent Minister of the Gospel rightly so called Mr. Jonathan Mitchel Pastor of the Church of Christ at Cambridge in New-England who laid down his Earthly Tabernacle on the Ninth of July in this year Of whose rare Endowments and the great Loss the whole Land sustained by his death take this following brief Account Mr. Jonathan Mitchell was born at Halifax in York-shire in England of pious and wealthy Parents who coming over to New-England brought him over young his Education in Learning was perfected at Harvard Colledge in Cambridge where he attained to such a degree in knowledge that he was soon called to be a Fellow of the Colledge and within few years after his lustre did so shine that the Church at Hartford upon Conecticot River made application to him in order to supply the place of that Eminent Servant of Christ Mr. Thomas Hooker a little before deceased but the Church at Cambridge by the Advice of their Pastor Mr. Thomas Shepard then living not willing to part with so great a Treasure became Competitor with Hartford and gave him a Call to them This loving Strife between the two Churches of Hartford and Cambridge about him was in a short time decided by the awfull hand of God in the death of that Eminent and Glorious Star Mr. Thomas Shepard Pastor at Cambridge which place being wholly destitute and Hartford being supplied with a Teacher namely that Worthy of the Lord Mr. Samuel Stone the Ballance was cast for Cambridge and in the year 1650 he was Called and Ordained their Pastor It was an eminent favour of God to that Church to have their great Breach thus made up with a man so much of the Spirit and Principles of their former Pastor and so excellently qualified with respect to the Colledge for Reason and Prudence requireth that the Minister of that place be more then ordinarily endowed with Learning Gravity Wisdome Orthodoxness Ability sweet and excellent Gifts in Preaching that so the Scholars which are devoted and set apart in order to be Preachers of the Gospel might be seasoned with the Spirit of such an Elijah In which regard this holy Man of God was eminently furnished and his Labours wonderfully blessed for very many of the Scholars bred up in his time as is observed do favour of his Spirit for grace and manner of Preaching which was most attractive He lived Pastor of the Church about Eighteen years and was most intense and faithful in declaring much of the Counsel of God He went through a great part of the Body of Divinity made a very excellent Exposition of the Book of Genesis and part of Exodus and delivered many fruitful and profitable Sermons on the four first Chapters of John and in his Monethly Lectures which were abundantly frequented he Preached of Mans Misery by Sin and Recovery by Christ Jesus and died in the third part of it viz. concerning Mans Obedience in Christ besides many other excellent Truths by him taught upon divers occasions In all his Labours God was wonderfully present with him He was a person that held very near Communion with God Eminent in Wisdome Piety Humility Love Self-denial and of a compassionate and tender heart surpassing in Publick-spiritedness a mighty man in Prayer and Eminent at standing in the Gap he was zealous for Order and faithful in asserting the Truth against all Oppugners of it In a word he was a man whom God had richly furnished and eminently fitted for his Work lived desired and died lamented by all good Christians that knew him It pleased God upon the Ninth of July 1668. in a hot and burning season but much more hot in the Heat of Gods Anger to New-England to take him to Rest and Glory about the 43 year of his Age. His Race was but short but the Work he did was very much The Elegies following may give the Reader a further account of what esteem he was Upon the Death of that truely Godly Reverend and Faithful Servant of Christ Mr. Jonathan Mitchell Pastor of the Church at Cambridge who deceased July 9. 1668. VVHat shall we say Of sad Effects what fear Four Splendent Stars extinguish'd in one year Two Old one Young and this of Middle Age A brightest Light most eyes who did ingage The Lord in 's Temple is Earth silence keep
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
is reaping the fruit of his labour with the Lord. His Wife who was also a gracious woman lived not six weeks after him shee being overcome with excessive grief for the loss of so gracious an Husband likewise died In some short distance of time after this Mr. William Bradford was chosen Governour of Plimouth in his stead being not as yet well recovered of his weakness having bin at the point of death and Mr. Isaac Allerton likewise was chosen to be his Assistant The second of July in this year they sent Mr. Edward Winslow and Mr. Steven Hopkins unto the great Sachem Massasoiet aforesaid with a gratuitie to congratulate with him and to view his Country and likewise to take notice of what strength of men he had c. having Squanto for their guide who found his place to be about forty Miles from New-Plimouth his People few in comparison of what they had been by reason of the mortality amongst the Indians forementioned These brought word upon their return of the Narrhagansets a People that lived on the otherside of that great Bay which are a People strong and many in number living compact together and had not at all been touched with the wasting Plague before specified They also brought a full intelligence in reference unto the particulars they were sent about and so returned in safety Thus their peace being well established with the Natives about them which was much furthered by an Indian named Hobamak who came to live amongst the English he being a proper lusty young man and one that was in account amongst the Indians in those parts for his valour continued faithful and constant to the English until his death He with the said Squanto being sent amongst the Indians about business for the English were surprized by an Indian Sachem named Corbitant who was no friend to the English he met with them at Namassaket and began to quarrel with them and offered to stab Hobamak who being a strong man soon cleared himself of him and with speed came and gave intelligence to the Governour of Plimouth saying he feared that Squanto was slain for they were both threatned and for no other cause but that they were friends to the English and serviceable to them On which it was thought meet to vindicate their Messengers and not to suffer them to be thus wronged and it was concluded to send some men to Namassaket well armed and to fall upon them whereupon fourteen men being well prepared were sent under the conduct of Captain Miles Standish who when they came thither beset the house and the said Captain entred into the same to look for the said Corbitant but he was fled and so they missed of him but understood that Squanto was alive so they withheld and did no hurt save three of the Natives pressing out of the house when it was beset were sorely wounded which they brought home to their Town with them and were dressed by their Chirurgion and cured After this they had many Congratulations from divers Sachems and much firmer peace yea those of the Isle of Capewak sent to make friendship with them and this Corbitant himself used the mediation of Massasoiet to make his peace but was shie to come near them a long time after After this on the eighteenth of September they sent out their Boat to the Massachusets with ten men and Squanto for their Interpreter to discover and view that Bay and to trade with the Natives and found kinde entertainment with them who expressed themselves to be much afraid of the Tarateens a people in the Eastern part of New-England which used to come in Harvest time and take away their corn and many times kill some of their people who after they had accomplished their business returned in safety and made report of the place wishing they had been there seated But the Lord who assigns to all men the bounds of their habitations had appointed it for another end and use And thus they found the Lord to be with them in all their wayes and to bless their out-goings and in-comings for which let his holy Name have the praise for ever Being now well recovered in respect of health as hath been said they began to fit up their buildings against winter and received in their first harvest and had great plenty of fowl and fish to their great refreshing About the ninth of November came in a small ship to them unexpected in which came Mr. Robert Cushman This ship was called the Fortune in which came no Provisions which was one cause of a great famine that befell the Plantation of New Plimouth soon after who was both a godly man and an active and faithful agent and useful instrument in the common interest of this first design and there came with him in that ship thirty five persons to remain and live in the Plantation which did not a little rejoyce the first planters And these when they came on shore and found all well and saw plenty of provisions beyond their expectation were also satisfied and no less glad for coming in at Cape Cod before they came to Plimouth and seeing nothing there but a barren place they then began to think what should become of them if the People were dead or cut off by the Indians and began to consult upon some passages which some of the Seamen had cast out to take the Sails from the Yard lest the ship should get away and leave them but the Master hearing thereof gave them good words and told them If any thing but well should have befallen the People at Plimouth he hoped he had provisions enough to carry them to Virginia and whiles he had any they should have their part which gave them good satisfaction This ship stayed at Plimouth not above fourteen dayes and returned and soon after her departure the People called the Narrhagansets aforesaid sent a messenger unto the Plantation with a bundle of Arrows tyed together with a Snakes skin which their Interpreter Squanto told them was a threatning and a challenge upon which the Governour of Plimouth sent them a rough answer viz. That if they loved war rather then peace they might begin when they would they had done them no wrong neither did they fear them or should they finde them unprovided and by another Messenger sent the Snakes skin back again with Bullets in it but they would not receive it but sent it back again It is probable the reason of this their Message to the English was their own ambition who since the death of so many Indians thought to domineer and lord it over the rest and conceived the English would be a barre in their way and saw that Massasoiet took shelter already under their wings but this made the English more carefully to look to themselves so as they agreed to close their Dwellings with a good strong Pale and made Flankers in convenient places with Gates to shut which were every
in the City of London yet he accomplished his business so as he left things in a fair way for future Composition betwixt the said Merchant-Adventurers and the Plantation and he spake also with some of the Honourable Council afore-named who promised all helpfulness to the Plantation that lay in them About this time it pleased the Lord likewise to give them peace health and good success on their endeavours his holy Name be praised 1626. ABout the beginning of April they heard of Captain Standish his arrival and sent a boat to fetch him home welcome he was but the news he brought was sad in many regards not only in regard of the forementioned losses which their friends had suffered and some of them dead of the Plague but also that Mr. John Robinson their Pastor was dead Mr. John Robinson's death which struck them with much sorrow and sadness as they had great cause his and their adversaries had been long and continually plotting how they might hinder his coming into New-England but now the Lord had appointed him to go a greater journey at less charge to a better place But before I pass things concerning this Worthy Servant of Christ Mr. John Robinson I shall here insert the honourable testimony that Mr. William Bradford senior hath left behinde him concerning him being greatly acquainted with his worth and excellency Saith he such was the mutual love and reciprocal respect that this worthy man had to his flock and his flock to him that it might be said of them as it was once of that famous Emperour Marcus Aurelius and the people of Rome That it was hard to judge whether he delighted more in having such a People or they in having such a Pastor But to return Captain Standish likewise brought the sad news of the death of Mr. Robert Cushman their ancient friend The death of Mr. Robert Cushman whom the Lord took away also this year about the same time who was as their right hand with their friends the Adventurers and for divers years had done and agitated all their business with them to their great advantage of whom occasionally there hath been honourable mention formerly 〈◊〉 in this Book About this time they received divers Letters from their friends at Leyden in Holland full of sad lamentation for their heavy loss by the death of their Pastor Mr. Robinson above-named and although their wills were good to come over to their brethren in New-England yet they saw no probability of means how it might be effected but concluded as it were that all their hopes was cut off and many being aged began to drop away by death All which things before related being well weighed and laid together it could not but strike them with great perplexity and to look humanely on the state of things as they presented themselves at this time it is a marvel it did not wholly discourage and sink them but they gathered up their spirits and the Lord so helped them whose work they had in hand as now when they were very low they began to rise again and being stripped in a manner of all humane helps and hopes he brought things about otherwise in his divine Providence so as they were not only upheld and sustained but their proceedings both honoured and imitated by others as by the sequel will appear 1627. THis Year they sent Mr. Isaac Allerton for England and gave him order to make a Composition with the Adventurers in reference unto some particulars betwixt the Plantation and them which Captain Standish had begun as is before hinted and at the ordinary season of the year for the expectation of ships he returned with some success in the business he was imployed in Likewise this Year they began to make some distribution of Lands having had hitherto but to every person one Acre allowed him as to propriety besides their Home-steads or Garden-plots the reason was that they might keep together both for more safety and defence and the better Improvement of the general Imployments which condition of theirs brings to minde that which may be read in Pliny of the Romans first beginnings in Romulus time Pliny lib. 18. Chap. 2. how every man contented himself with two Acres of Land and had no more assigned them and Chap. 3. It was thought a great Reward to receive at the hands of the People of Rome a Pinte of Corn and long after the greatest Present given to a Captain that had got a Victory over their Enemies was as much ground as he could Till in one day and he was not accounted a good but a dangerous man that would not content himself with seven Acres of Land as also how they did pound their Corn in Mortars as these people were forced to do many years before they could get a Mill. Notwithstanding as abovesaid so small a portion of Land served them at the first yet afterwards for divers Reasons moving thereunto they were necessitated to lay out some larger Proportions to each person yet resolving to keep such a mean in distribution of Lands as should not hinder their growth by others coming to them and therefore accordingly allotted to every one in each Family Twenty Acres to be laid out five Acres in breadth by the Water-side and four Acres in length I may not omit the inserting of a particular that fell out this year in reference unto a Ship with many Passengers in her and some considerable goods which was bound for Virginia who had lost themselves at Sea either by the insufficiency of the Master or his illness for he was sick and lame of the Scurvy so as he could but lye in the Cabbin-door and give direction and it should seem was badly assisted either with Mate or Marriners or else the fear of and the unruliness of the Passengers was such as they made them steer a Course between the Southwest and Northwest that they might fall with some Land whatever it was they cared not for they had been six weeks at Sea and had no Beer nor Water nor Wood left but had burnt up all their empty Cask onely one of the Company had a Hogshead of Wine or two which was also almost spent so as they feared they should be starved at Sea or consumed with Diseases which made them run this desperate Course But it pleased God that although they came so near the Sholes of Cape Cod or else ran stumbling over them in the night they knew not how they came before a small Harbour that lieth about the middle of Mannamoiet Bay to the Southward of Cape Cod and with a small gale of wind and about a high water touched upon a Barre of Sand that lieth before it but had no hurt the Sea being smooth so they laid out an Anchor but towards Evening the wind sprang up at Sea and was so rough as brake their Cable and beat them over the Barre into the Harbour where they saved their Lives and Goods
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
Joy depart bid Merriment be gone Bid Friends stand by sit sorrowful alone But ah what sorrow can be to suffice Though Heaven and Earth were filled with our cries The Clouds were turned into drops of tears The Mourning for to last an Age of Years 'T were all too little to lament his death Whose life so precious was for Heaven and Earth Job wish'd his day might quite forgotten me Which brought him forth this world's light first to see O let not the day numbred be i' th Year That took this Light out of our Hemisphere A fatal day a day of sad presage To us survivers of this present Age The hour of thy decease when Sun went down When light turn'd dark when heavens began to frown 'T is ominous to us who saw his light That Grace provok'd should turn our day to night And Gospels light which shineth from on high Should clouded be and darkned in our skie O happy dayes when such Lights shine on Earth O bitter dayes when they are hid beneath This is our grief He which late shin'd on high Is hid in grave and now beneath doth lye Let Hartford sigh and say I 've lost a Treasure Let all New-England mourn at Gods Displeasure In taking from us one more gracious Then is the Gold of Ophir precious Sweet was the savour which his grace did give It season'd all the place where he did live His Name did as an Ointment give it's smell And all bare witness that it savour'd well Wisdome Love Meekness Friendly Courtesie Each Moral Virtue with rare Pietie Pure Zeal yet mixt with mildest Clemency Did all conspire in this one Breast to lye Deep was his Knowledge Judgement was acute His Doctrine solid which none could confute To Minde he gave light of intelligence And search'd the corners of the Conscience To Sinners stout which no Law could bring under To them he was a Son of dreadful Thunder When all strong Oaks of Bashan us'd to quake And fear did Lebanus his Cedars shake The stoutest Hearts he filled full of fears He clave the Rocks they melted into tears Yet to sad Souls with sense of Sin cast down He was a Son of Consolation Sweet peace he gave to such as were centrite Their darkness sad he turn'd to joyous light Of Preaching he had learn'd the rightest Art To every one dividing his own part Each Ear that heard him said He spake to me So piercing was his holy Ministrie His Life did shine Times Changes stain'd it not Envy it self could not there finde a spot Had he surviv'd to finish Works begun 'T had been a Blessing to all Christendome Then should the world have known what God had show'd him And what themselves for all his Works had ow'd him But this unthankfull Age is now cut short Of that rich Treasure ' cause they car'd not for 't O that his love may turn us yet to prize The blessings yet enjoy'd herein be wise Lest that which he not long ago foretold Be now in us fulfil'd as 't was of old That wantonness of Churches would bereave Them of their Ministers without their leave God plaguing this his messengers contempt With this soul-stroying Plague and Punishment But whatsoever wrath doth us abide Whatever plague for sin doth us betide Yet thou O blessed Saint art now at rest I' th bosom of thy Christ which is the best Bathing in rivers of divine pleasure Which is at Gods right hand most sweet and pure Tasting the fruit of all thy labours spent To honour God which was thy whole intent From God thou camest forth who sent thee hither And now hath call'd thee back to live together Him didst thou serve while life and breath did last With him now blest while life and breath is past Sense of our loss would call thee back again But out of love we bid thee there remain Till we yet left behinde our course fulfil To meet thee on the top of Zion hill When thou and we shall both rejoyce together So fast united as no death shall sever Both to sing praises to our heavenly King Who hath us saved from deaths poisonous sting And will restore our bodies from the grave Which them to dust of death consumed have Making them shine like brightness of the Sun With Glory ne'r to end when once begun Let Heaven and Earth Angels and Men him praise Sounding his Glory past all length of dayes P. B. 1648. THis Year Mr. William Bradford was elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth And were chosen his Assistants in Government Mr. Thomas Prince Mr. William Collier Captain Miles Standish Mr. Timothy Hatherly Mr. John Brown Mr. William Thomas 1649. 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 And Mr. William Thomas This Year Mr. John Winthrop Governour of the Jurisdiction of the Massachusets deceased the twenty sixth day of March about ten of the clock The death of Mr. Winthrop He was singular for Piety Wisdom and of a publick spirit he brought over a great estate into the Country and partly by his liberality partly by the unfaithfulness of his Baily spent the most part of it so as when he died he was but low in that respect and yet notwithstanding very much honoured and beloved of the most and continued in the place of Governour for the most part until his death which was much lamented by many He was a man of unbyassed Justice patient in respect of personal wrongs and injuries a great lover of the Saints especially able Ministers of the Gospel very sober in desiring and temperate in improving earthly contentments very humble courteous and studious of general good His body was with great solemnity and honour buried at Boston in New-England the third of April 1649. This year some parts of the Country was much troubled with numerable hosts of Caterpillers An innumerable company of catterpillers in some parts of the Country which destroyed the fruits of the earth in divers places and did eat off the leaves of the trees so as they looked as bare as if it had been winter and in some places did eat the leaves from off the Pease straw and did not eat the Pease It pleased God to give them a check and a rebuke so as they hurt but in some places and of his goodness in short time removed them This Year August 25. that faithful and eminent servant of Christ Mr. Thomas Shepard died who was a soul-searching Minister of the Gospel and Pastor of the Church of Christ at Cambridge By his death not only that Church and people but also all New-England sustained a very great loss he not only preached the Gospel profitably and very successively but also hath left behinde him divers worthy works of special use in reference unto the clearing up the state of the
Teacher of the Church of Christ at Boston in New-England ANd after Winthrop's Hooker's Shepard's Hâ—rse Doth Cotton's death call for a mourning Verse Thy will be done yet Lord who dealest thus Make this great death expedient for us Luther pull'd down the Pope Calvin the Prelate slue Of Calvin's Lapse chief cure to Cotton's due Cotton whose Learning Temper Godliness The German Phoenix lively did express Melancthon's all may Luthers word but pass Melancthons all in our great Cotton was Then him in flesh scarce dwelt a better one So great 's our loss when such a Spirit 's gone Whil'st He was here Life was more Life to me Now He is not Death hence less Death shall be That Comets great Mens deaths do oft forego This present Comet doth too sadly show This Prophet dead yet must in 's Doctrine speak This Comet saith else must New-England break VVhat ere it be the Heavens avert it far That Meteors should succeed our greatest Star In Bostons Orb Winthrop and Cotton were These Lights extinct dark is our Hemisphere In Boston once how much shin'd of our glory We now lament Posterity will story Let Boston live who had and saw their worth And did them Honour both in life and death To him New-England trust in this distress Who will not leave his exiles comfortless J. N. Upon the TOMB of the most Reverend Mr. John Cotton late Teacher of the Church of Boston in New-England HEre lies magnanimous Humility Majesty Meckness Christian Apathy On soft Affections Liberty in thrall A Noble Spirit Servant unto all Learnings great Master-piece who yet would sit As a Disciple at his Schollars feet A simple Serpent or Serpentine Dove Made up of Wisdome Innocence and Love Neatness Embroider'd with it self alone And Civils Canonized in a Gown Embracing old and young and low and high Ethicks imbodyed in Divinity Ambitious to be lowest and to raise His Brethrens Honour on his own Decayes Thus doth the Sun retire into his bed That being gone the Stars may shew their head Could wound at Argument without Division Cut to the quick and yet make no Incision Ready to Sacrifice Domestick Notions To Churches Peace and Ministers Devotions Himself indeed and singular in that Whom all admired he admired not Liv'd like an Angel of a Mortal Birth Convers'd in Heaven while he was on Earth Though not as Moses radiant with Light Whose Glory dazell'd the beholders sight Yet so divinely beautifi'd youl 'd count He had been born and bred upon the Mount A living breathing Bible Tables where Both Covenants at large engraven were Gospel and Law in 's Heart had each its Colume His Head an Index to the Sacred Volume His very Name a Title Page and next His Life a Commentary on the Text. O what a Monument of glorious worth When in a New Edition he comes forth Without Errata's may we think hee 'll be In Leaves and Covers of Eternitie A man of Might at heavenly Eloquence To fix the Ear and charm the Conscience As if Apollos were reviv'd in him Or he had learned of a Seraphim Spake many Tongues in one one Voice and Sense Wrought Joy and Sorrow Fear and Confidence Rocks rent before him Blinde receiv d their sight Souls levell'd to the dunghil stood upright Infernal Furies burst with rage to see Their Pris'ners captiv'd into Libertie A Star that in our Eastern England rose Thence hurry'd by the Blast of stupid foes Whose foggy Darkness and benummed Senses Brook'd not his daz'ling fervent Influences Thus did he move on Earth from East to West There he went down and up to Heaven for Rest Nor from himself whilest living doth he vary His Death hath made him an Ubiquitary Where is his Sepulchre is hard to tell Who in a thousand Sepulchres doth dwell Their Hearts I mean whom he hath left behind In them his Sacred Relique's now Enshrin'd But let his Mourning Flock be comforted Though Moses be yet Joshua is not dead I mean Renowned NORTON worthy hee Successor to our MOSES is to bee O happy Israel in AMERICA In such a MOSES such a JOSHUA B. W. 1653. MR. William Bradford was Elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth were Chosen his Assistants in Government Mr. Thomas Prince Captain Miles Standish Mr. Timothy Hatherly Mr. John Brown Mr. John Alden Captain Thomas Willet Lieut. Thomas Southworth Mr. Thomas Dudley who was a principal Founder and Pillar of the Colony of the Massachusets in New-England and sundry times Governour and Deputy Governour of that Jurisdiction died at his house in Roxbury July 31. in the seventy seventh Year of his age he was a person of quick understanding and solid Judgement in the fear of the Lord he was a lover of 1 Justice 2 Order 3 the People 4 Christian Religion the supream virtues of a good Magistrate 1. His love to Justice appeared at all times and in special upon the Judgement seat without respect of persons in Judgement and in his own particular transactions with all men he was exact and exemplary 2. His zeal to Order appeared in contriving good Laws and faithfully executing them upon criminal offenders Hereticks and Underminers of true Religion He had a piercing Judgement to discover the Wolf though cloathed with a sheep-skin 3. His love to the People was evident in serving them in a publick capacity many Years at his own cost and that as a nursing Father to the Churches of Christ 4. He loved the true Christian Religion and the pure Worship of God and cherished as in his bosom all godly Ministers and Christians he was exact in the practice of Piety in his person and family all his life in a word he lived desired and died lamented by all good men The Verses following were found in his Pocket after his death which may further illustrate his Character and give a taste of his poetical fancy wherein it is said he did excel DIm Eyes deaf Ears cold stomack shew My dissolution is in view Eleven times seven near liv'd have I And now God calls I willing die My Shuttle's shot my race is run My Sun is set my Deed is done My Span is measur'd Tale is told My Flower is faded and grown old My Dream is vanish'd Shadow 's fled My Soul with Christ my Body dead Farewel dear Wife Children and Friends Hate Heresie make blessed ends Bear Poverty live with good men So shall we meet with joy agen Let men of God in Courts and Churches watch O're such as do a Toleration hatch Lest that ill Egg bring forth a Cockatrice To poyson all with Heresie and Vice If men be left and otherwise combine My Epitaph's I dy'd no Libertine This Year Mr. John Laythrop did put off his Earthly Tabernacle He was sometimes Preacher of Gods Word in Egerton in Kent from whence he went to London and was chosen Pastor of a Church of Christ there he was greatly troubled imprisoned for witnessing against the errours of the times during the
Law I made Bridl ' SEe how God honoured hath this Worthy's Name To make it spell his Virtue and proclame His rare Endowments us'd for God and Us Now such as honour God hee 'll honour thus Both Just and Gentle Merciful and Just And yet a Man and yet compos'd of Dust Yes God within these slender walls can finde A Noble Virtuous Studious Active Minde God was the Guider of his Childhood Youth God did preserve him ever in the Truth And gave him grace to own Him when but yong Whom afterward he made a Champion strong For to defend his People and his Cause By Wisdome Justice Prudence and by Laws And most of all by his own good Example A Patern fit to imitate most ample If we should trace him from the first we finde He flies his Country leaves his Friends behinde To follow God and to profess his Wayes And here encounters Hardships many dayes He is content with Moses if God please Renouncing Honour Profit Pleasure Ease To suffer Tossings and Unsettlements And if their Rage doth rise to Banishments He weighs it not so he may still preserve His Conscience clear and with Gods People serve Him freely ' cording to his minde and will If not in one place hee 'll go forward still If God have Work for him i' th' Ends of th' Earth Safe Danger Hunger Colds nor any Dearth A howling Wilderness nor Salvage men Discourage him hee 'll follow God agen And how God hath made him an Instrument To us of quiet Peace and Settlement I need not speak the eldest youngest know God honour'd him with greater Work then so To sum up all in this still he went hence This man was wholly God's His Recompence Remains beyond expression and he is Gone to possess it in Eternall Bliss Hee 's happy happy thrice unhappy we That still remain more Changes here to see Let 's not lament that God hath taken him From Troubles hence in Seas of Joyes to swim Let 's not lament his gracious Life is ended And he to Life of Glory is attended Nor let us grieve that now Gods Work is done In making him a happy blessed one But let 's bewail that we have so neglected Duty to God or men have disrespected With earnest Lamentations let 's lament And whiles we may let 's seriously Repent That we have not improved as we might For God and for our selves this worthy wight And now that God hath Moses ta'ne away Let 's pray that he would give us Joshua To go before the Camp and to subdue God's and his People's foes whatever Crew Oppose our Journeys to that Land of Rest Which till obtain'd we 're never truely blest And for our better progress in this course Let now our great Necessity enforce Each man to study Peace and to improve His greatest strength to re-unite in Love The Hearts and the Affections of us all Lest by our fault Gods Work to th'ground should fall W hy mourns the People thus for me since I I n Heavens dwell shall to Eternity L et not so many Tears fall from my Friends L ive holy happy God will recompense I nto your bosomes all your love again A nd your affections whiles I did remain M ongst you but now you must refrain B Ear up your hearts dear hearts when thoughts of me R un in your mindes with this The time will be A nd every hower brings it on apace D ear friends when we for ever shall imbrace F arewell but for a season then farewell O ur next Embraces shall the rest excell R est happy Children Friends and Tender Wife D eath but begins the godly's happy Life A few Verses more added by one that was well acquainted with the Worth of the said Mr. William Bradford THe Ninth of May about Nine of the Clock A precious one God out of Plimouth took Governour Bradford then expir'd his breath Was call'd away by force of cruel Death A man approv'd in Town in Church in Court Who so behav'd himself in godly sort For the full space of Thirty seven years As he was means of turning many fears Away from thee poor Plimouth where he spent The better part of time that God him lent Well skill'd he was in Regulating Laws So as by Law he could defend the Cause Of poor distressed Plaintiff when he brought His Case before him and for help besought Above all other men he loved those Who Gospel-truths most faithfully unclose Who were with Grace and Learning fully fraught Such as laboriously the Gospel taught Willing also to own in his due place The meanest Saint expressing gifts of grace Sweet Brewster he is gone some time before Wise Winslow whose death we lament so sore And faithful Standish freed from horrid pain To be with Christ in truth the greatest gain Now blessed holy Bradford a Successor Of blessed holy Bradford the Confessor Is gone to place of Rest with many more Of precious ones whom I might name great store And Commendation of each one have given But what needs that their Names are writ in Heaven And now dear Lord let us our time improve To be with thee in Prayer much above Oh save thy People help in time of need When all means fails be thou in room and stead Of other helps who fail when needed most When greatest need they then give up the ghost And let thy Servants their time still imploy That in the end they may attain such joy As may a fruit of true Believing bee That we with Christ may reign Eternallie This Worthy Gentleman was interred with the greatest solemnities that the Jurisdiction to which he belonged was in a capacity to perform many deep sighs as well as loud volleys of shot declaring that the People were no less sensible of their own loss who were surviving then mindful of the worth and honour of him that was deceased you might now easily discern a heavy heart in the mournful countenance of every sober minded and considerate man for as you have heard in the three or four Years last past God was pleased greatly to weaken this poor tottering Colony of Plimouth by taking away several of the most usefull Props thereof both in Church and Civil State some others who had been of singular use now stooping under the infirmities of old age could not be so serviceable as in times past and others removed so far from the center of the Government that they could not without great difficulties attend their publick concerns nor could possibly so constantly as our necessities required which did greatly aggravate our troubles we were become weak when we had need of greatest strength had lost many of our Chieftains when we stood in need of the best conduct and guidance for besides the troubles and changes that then attended our Native Country and might call for great circumspection in our walking in relation unto them we had also at this very time some amongst us that growing weary of
the long peace and concord that we had enjoyed and hoping to fish better in troubled waters when their bait might be taken in and the hook not easily discerned would willingly have been ringing the Changes in this Jurisdiction also pretending a great zeal for liberty of Conscience but endeavouring to introduce such a liberty of Will as would have proved prejudicial if not destructive to Civil and Church societies and at the same time there arrived in the said Colony many of that pernicious sect called Quakers whose Opinion are a composition of many errors and whose practices tend greatly to the disturbance both of Church and State many unstable people amongst us were leavened with their errors and proved very troublesome to this as well as other Colonies in New-England But the Lord many times delighteth to appear in the Mount of his Peoples miseries distresses and troubles that his power and wisdom may appear when they are weakest and that they may know that their salvation is from him At such a time when the condition of this Colony was such as hath been declared God was pleased to minde it even in its low estate and when he had taken to himself not only our Moses but many of the Elders and Worthies of our Israel he hath not hitherto left us without a Joshua to lead us in the remaining part of our pilgrimage When the usual time for the renewing of our Election of such as should govern us came Mr. Thomas Prince was by unanimous vote chosen Governour and although mens spirits were so distempered as I have related and it might have been expected that they would have been much divided in their choice yet God who disposeth the lot that is cast into the lap so disposed that all their votes centered there a good demonstration that he was chosen of God for us and by his blessing made an Instrument of much peace and settlement in this place and to this people in these times of trouble and confusion The Lord also directing the Freemen of this Jurisdiction at the same time in their Election to the choice of a discreet and able Council to be assistant unto our said honoured Governor in this so weighty Work divers of them being descended of several of the honour'd Magistrates deceased not only bearing their Names but having a large measure of their Spirit bestowed on them befitting them for such Work so as through the goodness of God those storms that seem'd to threaten the subversion of our All and did at first prevaile to the disturbing and shaking of many Towns and Churches and to the great discouragement of the Ministers in divers places do seem to be pretty well blown over such uncomfortable jarrs as have been sometimes thought uncureable seem to be throughly reconciled and healed our Towns for the most part supplied with godly and able Ministers and we sit under our Vines and Figtrees in peace enjoying both Civil and Religious Liberties For which goodness of the Lord let his holy Name be praised and may he grant us so to improve our present opportunities as he may have some suitable returns and we may have cause to hope in his grace for the continuance of such favours This Year that much honoured and worthy Gentleman Mr. Theophilus Eaton Governour of New-Haven deceased who was very Eminent both on a Religious and Civil account His death proved a great blow to that Jurisdiction and was seconded not long after with the loss of another precious man amongst them viz. Mr. Francis Newman In this year 1657 in the moneth of November Mr. Garret set sail on a Voyage for England from Boston in whose Ship amongst many considerable Passengers there went Mr. Thomas Mayhew junior The loss of Mr. Garrets Ship of Martins-Vineyard who was a very precious man he was well skill'd and had attained to a great proficiency in the Indian Language and had a great propensity upon his Spirit to promote Gods glory in their Conversion whose Labours God blessed for the doing of much good amongst them in which respect he was very much missed amongst them and bewailed by them as also in reference unto the Preaching of Gods Word amongst the English there The loss of him was very great Many other sad losses befell sundry others in the Country by the loss of that Ship both in their Estates and dear Relations to the great grief and sadning of the hearts of many 1658. THis year Mr. Thomas Prince was Elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth Were Elected his Assistants in Government Mr. VVilliam Collier Mr. John Alden Captain Thomas VVillet Capt. Josias VVinslow Lieut. Tho Southworth Mr. William Bradford Mr. Thomas Hinkley This Year there was a very great Earthquake in New-England Also Mr. Ralph Partridge died in a good old Age having for the space of fourty years dispensed the Word of God with very little impediment by sickness His pious and blameless life became very advantagious to his Doctrine he was much honoured and loved by all that conversed with him He was of a sound and solid judgement in the main Truths of Jesus Christ and very able in Disputation to defend them he was very singular in this That notwithstanding the pausity and poverty of his Flock he continued in his Work amongst them to the end of his life He went to his grave in peace as a shock of Corn fully ripe and was honourably buried at Duxbury In whose Remembrance one who was a true Admirer of his worth presented these at his Funerall NOt Rage but Age not Age but Gods Decree Did call me hence my Saviour Christ to see And to embrace and from his hand receive My Crown of Glory Oh who would not leave A flattering World nay Friends or what 's most dear The Saints Communion that 's enjoyed here At once to have God Christ Saints Angels all To make compleat and sum our Joyes totall Now I behold Gods Glory face to face Now I sit down with Christ who 've run my Race Now I sing praise to God and to the Lamb Now I Companion to the Angels am Now I behold with greatest joy my Sons And Daughters all I mean Converted ones Which I was instrumentall in my place To bring to God but all of his Free-grace How am I Changed that of late was weak Above the force of Satan now to break How am I Changed Son of sorrow late But now triumphing in my heavenly state How was I vex'd with pains with griefs molested How in a moment am I now Invested With Royal Robes with Crowns with Diadems With Gods Eternall Loves Such precious Gems He hath in store for them his Saints that are For such indeed he counts his Jewels rare Oh Brethren Sisters Neighbours Country Friends I 'me now above you Hark to them God sends As yet surviving in their worthy Charge Whose work it is Gods Vineyard to enlarge God and my Conscience your experience knows Whiles I was
Age when the Lord took him to himself He was Interred with much Honour and Lamentation In the time of his languishing Sickness he was visited by the Elders round about especially on the Sixteenth of May the day after the Court of Election when there being a general meeting of all the Elders of the Churches at his house they requested Mr. Wilson because they knew not whether ever they should have the like opportunity to hear him speak again and having been from the first a Pillar amongst them and of much Experience in his observation of the state of things That he would solemnly declare to them what he conceived to be those sins amongst us which provoked the displeasure of God against the Country He then told them That he had divers times and long feared these sins following as chief among others which God was greatly provoked with viz. 1. Separation 2. Anabaptism 3. Corahism This latter he did explain thus viz. when people rise up as Corah against their Ministers or Elders as if they took too much upon them when indeed they do but Rule for Christ and according to Christ yet saith he it is nothing for a Brother to stand up and oppose without Scripture or Reason the Doctrine and word of the Elder saying I am not satisfied c. And hence if he do not like the Administration be it Baptism or the like he will then turn his back upon God and his Ordinances and go away c. And saith he for our neglect of baptizing the Children of the Church those that some call Grandchildren I think God is provoked by it 4. Another sin I take to be The making light of and not subjecting to the Authority of Synods without which the Churches cannot long subsist And so for the Magistrates being Gallio like either not caring for these things or else not using their Power and Authority for the maintenance of the Truth and Gospel and Ordinances of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and for the bearing thorough witness against the contrary Should the Lord leave THEM hereunto how miserable a people should we be At night the Assembly being dismissed with Prayer Mr. Wilson did being desired by them so to do in a solemn manner bless the Elders making a short Prayer saying I am not like long to be with you the Lord pardon us and heal us and make us more Heavenly and take us off from the world and make us burning and shining Lights by our heavenly Doctrine and Example And I beseech the Lord with all my heart to bless you and to bless his Churches and to bless all his People and to bless all your Families and to bless your Wives and to bless all your Children and your Childrens Children and make us all more and more meet for our Inheritance and bring us all to it in his good time c. These words with some few other he spake with great affection and with tears and all the Ministers wept with him and they took their leave of him even as Children of their Father who having blessed them was about to die Upon the Death of that Reverend Aged Ever-honoured and gracious Servant of Christ Mr. John Wilson Pastor of a Church in Boston Interred August 8. 1667. AH now there 's none who does not know That this day in our Israel Is fall'n a great and good man too A Prince I might have said as well A man of Princely Power with God For Faith and Love of Princely spirit Our Israels Chariots Horsemen good By Faith and Prayer though not by Merit Renown'd for Practick Piety In Englands both from Youth to Age In Cambridge Inns-Court Sudbury And each place of his Pilgrimage As humble as a little Childe When yet in reall worth high-grown Himself a Nothing still he styl'd When God so much had for him done In Love a None-such as the Sand With largest heart God did him fill A bounteous Minde an open Hand Affection sweet all sweetning still Love was his Life he dy'd in Love Love doth embalm his Memory Love is his Bliss and Joy above With God now who is Love for ay A comprehending Charity To all where ought appear'd of good And yet in Zeal was none more high Against th'apparent Serpents Brood To Truth he ever constant was In Judgement wondrous Orthodox In Truth 's Cause never fearing face As if he were another Knox. The Prelates and their Impositions Did never him Conformist make But to avoid those Superstitions Great Worldly Hopes did he forsake When in New-England Errours winde From sundry other Quarters blew No one could him Conforming finde Nought from the Line of Truth him drew Firm stood he ' gainst the Familist And Antinomian spirit strong He never lov'd the Separ'tist Nor yet the Anabaptists throng Neither the Tolerator's strain Nor Quakers Spirit could he brook Nor bow'd to the Morellian Train Nor Childrens Right did over-look Nor did he slight Our Liberties In Civil and in Church-concerns But precious were they in his eyes Who stood among their fixed friends Grave Saint in England twice did give This farewell word to him While you Shall in that place New-England live No hurt shall happen thereunto Strange word and strangely verify'd He this day goes to 's Grave in peace What Changes sad shall us betide Now he is gone we cannot guess What Evil are we hastening to Lord spare thy People but awaken When such away do from us go That yet we may not be forsaken He a first Corner-stone was laid In poor New-England's Boston's Wall Death pulls this out the breach is wide Oh let it not now tumble all Hee 's now at Rest and reigns in Bliss In Conflicts we are left behinde In Fears and Straits How shall we miss His Faith Prayer Zeal and peaceful Minde Lord pour a double portion Of his sweet gracious pious Spirit On poor Survivers let each one Somewhat thereof at least inherit Gaius our host ah now gone Can we e're look for such another But yet there is a Mansion Where we may all turn-in together No moving Inne but Resting-place Where his blest Soul is gathered Where good men going are apace Into the Bosome of their Head Ay thither let us haste away Sure Heaven will the sweeter bee If there we ever come to stay For him and other such as hee J. M. Upon the Death of that most Reverend Man of God Mr. John Wilson Pastor of the first Church in Boston in New-England whose decease was Aug. 7. 1667. JOHN Wilson Anagr. John WILSON Oh change it not no sweeter Name or Thing Throughout the World within our ears shall ring VVHo so of Abr'am Moses Samuel reads Or of Elijah or Elisha's deeds Would surely say their Spirit and Power was his And think there were a Metempsychosis Yea like John Baptist in the Wilderness So was our John in Patmos here no less John the Divine resembling therefore rather And of New-Englands Prophets was the Father John