worthy worke begun Art thou back-bore Christ will send more and raise instead thy son His Fathers gon young Richard on here valiantly doth War For Christ his truth to their great Ruth Heathens opposers are To study thou thy mind dost how and daily good promote Saltingstall why then dost thou fly let all Gods people note That thou wilt stand in thy own Land Christ there theÌ„ strengthen thee With grace thee heate that thy retreate may for his glory be At ending day he thee array with Glory will not faile Breaking graves bands with his strong hands and free dust from death's goale Among these Troopes of Christs Souldiers came at this time the godly servant of Christ Mr. Roger Harlackenden a young Gentleman valiant in Faith and appointed by Christ to assist his people in this Desart he was chose to the Office of a Magistrate as also to be a choise Leader of their Military Forces which as yet were but in a strange posture And therefore till the yeare 1644. at which time the Countrey wis really placed in a posture of War to be in a readinesse at all times there shall not be any thing spoken concerning their Military Discipline the continuance of this Souldier of Christ was but short the Lord taking him to rest with himselfe HArlackenden among these men of nose Christ hath thie seated In warlike way Christ thee aray with zeal and love well he ated As generall belov'd of all Christ Souldiers honour thee In thy young yeares courage appeares and kinde benignity Short are thy days speÌ„t to his praise whose Church work thou must aid His work shall bide silver tride but thine by death is staid The number of Ministers that came over this yeare was about eleaven and many other like faithfull servants of Christ among whom arrived those two Reverend and laborious servants of his Mr. Norton and Mr. Shepheard of whose narrow escape you have heard the last yeare Mr. Norton was called to the Office of a Teaching Elder at the Towne of Ipswich to the Church of Christ there where Mr. Warde as yet remained in Office Also the learned labours of this Souldier of Christ are obvious to our Countreymen hee Preaching there the blessing of God hath not onely built up many in the Knowledge of Christ but also been the meanes of converting diverse soules turning them from the power of Satan to Faith in Christ whom the Lord long continue you shall further hear of Christs gratious assisting of him in the first and last Synod holden here at Cambridge and in the meane time let no man be offended that the Author quickens up his own dull effections in telling how largely the Lord hath bestowed his Graces upon these Instruments of his although sinfull dust and ashes THou Noble Norton who art honoured by Thy Christ with learned Arguments doth fill Thy mouth with might new errors to destroy And force deceivers silently to yeild Weake dust waite on thy Christ for further strength Who doth his Davids make as Angels bright To trample down his enemies at length All breake or bow unto his Kingdomes might Illettered Men and Women that doe love Preheminence condemne thy learned skill But Christ hath given his blessing from above Vnto thy workes the World with light to fill Christs faithfull servants met in Synod take Thee for their Pen-men Scriptures light to cleere With Scripture shew what Government Christ gave To 's Churches till himselfe againe appeare Here my indeared Reader I must mind thee of the industrious servant of Christ Mr. John Wilson who this yeare landed the third time upon this American shore from his Native Country where now againe by the Divine Providence of Christ hee narrowly escaped the Hunters hands being cloathed in a Country-mans habit passing from places to place declared to the people of God what great Workes Christ had already done for his people in New England which made many Christian soules long to see these admirable Acts of Christ although it were not to be injoyed but by passing through an Ocean of troubles Voyaging night and day upon the great deep which this zealous servant of Christ had now five times passed over at this time came over the Sage grave reverend and faithfull servant of Christ M. Richard Mather indued by the Lord with many Heavenly gifts of a plaine and upright spirit apt to teach full of gratious expressions and Resolvedly bent to follow the truth as it is in Jesus hee was anon after his comming called to Office in the Church of Christ at the Towne of Dorchester to assist in the Worke of the Lord with Mr. Marareck whose worke not long after was ended by death leaving Mr. Mather alone to continue the same WIth cheerfull face Mather doth toile indure In wildernesse spending the prime of 's age To build Christs Churches and soules health procure In battell thou dost deepe thy selfe ingage Marvell not Man that Mather through an host Of enemies doth breake and fighting stands It 's Christ him keepes of him is all his boast Who power gives to do and then commands With gratious speech thy Masters Message thou Declarest to all and all wouldst have submit That to his Kingdome every knee might bow But those resisthis sword shall surely hit Till age doth crown thy head with hoary hairs Well hast thou warr'd till Mathers young againe Thy son in fight his Fathers strength repairs Father and Son beate down Christs foes amaine CHAP. XXXIII Of the beginning of the Churches of Christ to be planted at Canectico and first of the Church of Christ removall to Hartford 1635. THis yeare the servants of Christ who peopled the Towne of Cambridge were put upon thoughts of removing hearing of a very fertill place upon the River of Canectico low Land and well stored with Meddow which is greatly in esteeme with the people of New England by reason the Winters are very long This people seeing that Tillage went but little on Resolved to remove and breed up store of Cattell which were then at eight and twenty pound a Cow or neare upon but assuredly the Lord intended far greater matters than man purposes but God disposes these men having their hearts gone from the Lord on which they were seated soone tooke dislike at every little matter the Plowable plaines were too dry and sandy for them and the Rocky places although more fruitfull yet to eate their bread with toile of hand and how they deemed it unsupportable And therefore they onely waited now for a people of stronger Faith than themselves were to purchase their Houses and Land which in conceipt they could no longer live upon and accordingly they met with Chapmen a people new come who having â—â—â—ught their possessions they highed them away to their new Pâ—aâ—tâ—tion With whom went the Grave and Reverend servant of Christ Mr. Hooker and Mr. Stone for indeed the whole Church removed as also the much honoured Mr. Haynes divers other men of
advantagious both to you and yours then all that Rocky Wildernesse whither you are going to run the hazard of your life Have you not here your Tables filled with great variety of Foode your Coffers filled with Coyne your Houses beautifully built and filled with all rich Furniture or otherwise have you not such a gainfull Trade as none the like in the Towne where you live Are you not inriched daily Are not your Children very well provided for as they come to years nay may you not here as pithily practise the two chiefe Duties of a Christian if Christ give strength namely Mortification and Sanct fication as in any place of the World What helps can you have there that you must not carry from hence With bold resolvednesse these stout Souldiers of Christ reply as Death the King of terror with all his dreadfull attendance inhumane and barbarous tortures doubled and trebled by all the infernall furies have appeared but light and momentany to the Souldiers of Christ Iesus so also the Pleasure Profits and Honours of this World set forth in their most glorious splend or and magnitude by the alluring Lady of Delight proffering pleasant embraces cannot intice with her Syren Songs such Souldiers of Christ whose aymes are elevated by him many Millions above that brave Warrier Vlysses Now seeing all can be said will but barely set forth the immoveable Resolutions that Christ continued in these men Passe on and attend with teares if thou hast any the following discourse while these Men Women and Children are taking their last farwell of their Native Country Kindred Friends and Acquaintance while the Ships attend them Many make choise of some solitary place to eccho out their bowell-breaking affections in bidding their Friends farwell deare friends sayes one as neare as my owne soule doth thy love lodge in my brest with thought of the heart burning Ravishments that thy Heavenly speeches have wrought my melting soule is poured out at present with these words both of them had their farther speach strangled from the depth of their inward dolor with breast-breaking sobs till leaning their heads each on others shoulders they let fall the salt-dropping dews of vehement affection striving to exceede one another much like the departure of David and Jonathan having a little eased their hearts with the still streames of Teares they recovered speech againe Ah! my much honoured friend hath Christ given thee so great a charge as to be Leader of his People into that far remote and vast Wildernesse I oh and alas thou must die there and never shall I see thy Face in the flesh againe wert thou called to so great a taske as to passe the pretious Ocean and hazard thy person in Battell against thousands of Malignant Enemies there there were hopes of thy return with triumph but now after two three or foure moneths spent with daily expectation of swallowing Waves and cruell Pirates you are to be Landed among barbarous Indians famous for nothing but cruelty where you are like to spend your days in a famishing condition for a long space Scarce had he uttered this but presently hee lockes his friend fast in his armes holding each other thus for some space of time they weepe againe But as Paul to his beloved flock the other replies what doe you weeping and breaking my heart I am now prest for the service of our Lord Christ to re-build the most glorious Edifice of Mount Sion in a Wildernesse and as John Baptist I must cry prepare yee the way of the Lord make his paths strait for behold hee is comming againe hee is comming to destroy Antichrist and give the whore double to drinke the very dregs of his wrath Then my deare friend unfold thy hands for thou and I have much worke to doe I and all Christian Souldiers the World throughout then hand in hand they leade each other to the Sandy-banks of the brinish Ocean when clenching their hands fast they unloose not til inforced to wipe their watery-eyes whose constant streames forced a watery-path upon their Cheekes which to hide from the eyes of others they shun society for a time but being called by occasion whose bauld back-part none can lay hold one They thrust in among the throng now ready to take Ship where they beheld the like affections with their own among divers Relations Husbands and Wives with mutuall consent are now purposed to part for a time 900 Leagues asunder since some providence at present will not suffer them to goe together they resolve their tender affections shall not hinder this worke of Christ the new Married and betrothed man exempt by the Law of God from war now will not claime their priviledge but being constrained by the Love of Christ lock up their naturall affections for a time till the Lord shall be pleased to give them a meeting in this Westerne World sweetly mixing it with spirituall love in the meane time many Fathers now take their yong Samuells and give them to this service of Christ all their Lives Brethren Sisters Unkles Nephewes Neeces together with all Kindred of bloud that binds the bowells of affection in a true Lovers knot can now take their last farewell each of other although naturall affection will still claime her right and manifest her selfe to bee in the body by looking out at the Windowes in a mournefull manner among this company thus disposed doth many Reverend and godly Pastors of Christ present themselves some in a Seamans Habit and their scattered sheepe comming as a poore Convoy loftily take their leave of them as followeth what dolefull dayes are these when the best choise our Orthodox Ministers can make is to take up a perpetuall banishment from their native soile together with their Waves and Children wee their poore sheepe they may not feede but by stoledred should they abide here Lord Christ here they are at thy command they go this is the doore thou hast opened upon our earnest request and we hope it shall never be shut for Englands sake they are going from England to pray without ceasing for England O England thou shalt finde New England prayers prevailing with their God for thee but now woe alas what great hardship must these our indeared Pastors indure for a long season with these words they life up their voyces and wept adding many drops of sale liquor to the ebbing Ocean Then shaking hands they bid adue with much cordiall affection to all their Brethren and Sisters in Christ yet now the Scorne and Derifion of those times and for this their great enterprise counted as so many crackt braines but Christ will make all the Earth know the wisdome he hath indued them with shall over-top all the humane policy in the World as the sequell wee hope will shew Thus much shall suffice in generall to speak of their peoples farewell they tooke from time to time of their Country and Friends CHAP. XIII Of the charges expended by this poore
People to injoy Christ in his purity of his Ordinances ANd now they enter the Ships should they have cast up what it would have cost to people New England before hand the most strongest of Faith among them would certainly have staggered much and very hardly have set saile But behold and wonder at the admirable Acts of Christ here it is cast up to thy hand the passage of the persons that peopled New England cost ninety five thousand pounds the Swine Goates Sheepe Neate and Horse cost to transport twelve thousand pound besides the price they cost getting food for all persons for the time till they could bring the Woods to tillage amounted unto forty five thousand pounds Nayles Glasse and other Iron-worke for their meeting-houses and other dwelling houses before they could raise any meanes in the Country to purchase them Eighteene thousand pounds Armes Powder Bullet and Match together with their great Artillery twenty two thousand pounds the whose sum amounts unto one hundred ninety two thousand pound beside that which the Adventurers laid out in England which was a small pittance compared with this and indeed most of those that cast into this Banke were the chiefe Adventurers Neither let any man thinke the sum above expressed did defray the whole châ—rge of this Army which amounts to above as much more onely this sum lies still in banke and the other they have had the income agains This therefore is chiefly presented to satisfie such as thinke New England men have beene bad husbands in mannaging their Estates assuredly here it lies in banke put out to the greatest advantage that ever any hath beene for many hundred of yeares before and verily although in casting it up some hundreds may be miscounted for the Author would not willingly exceede in any respect but to be sure Christ stands by and beholds every mite that in the obedience of Faith is cast into this Treasury but what doe wee answering men the money is all Christs and certainly hee will take it well that his have so disposed of it to his advantage by this meanes hee hath had a great income in England of late Prayers Teares and Praise and some Reformation Scotland and Ireland have met with much of the profit of this Banke Virginia Bermodas and Barbados have had a taste and France may suddenly meete with the like Therefore repent you not you that have cast in your Coyne but tremble all you that with a penurious haud have not onely cast in such as are taking out to hord it up in your Napkins remember Ananias and Saphirah how darest thou doe it in these dayet when the Lord hath need of it Gentle Reader make use of this memorable Providence of Christ for his New England Churches where had this poore people this great sum of money the mighty Princes of the Earth never opened their Coffers for them and the generality of these men were meane and poore in the things of this life but sure it is the work is done let God have the glory who hath now given them food to the full and some to spare for other Churches CHAP. XIV Of the wonderfull preservation of Christ in carrying his People Men Women Children through the largest Ocean in the World ANd now you have had a short survay of the charges of their New England Vayages see their progresse being safe aboard weighing Anker and hoysting saile they betooke them to the protection of the Lord on the wide Ocean no sooner were they dispersed by reason of the widenesse of the Sea but the Arrabella for so they called the Eagle which the company purchased in honour of the Lady Arrabella Wife to that godly Esquire Izack Johnson espied foure Ships as they supposed in pursuit of them their suspition being the more augmented by reason of a report when they lay in harbor of foure Dunkerk-men of war who were said to lie wating for their comming forth at this sight they make preparation according to their present condition comforting one another in the sweete mercies of Christ the weaker sex betooke them to the Ships hold but the men one Decks waite in a readinesse for the enemies approach At whose courage many of the Seamen wonder not knowing under whose command these their passengers were even he who makes all his Souldiers bold as Lions Yet was he not minded to make triall of his peoples valiantey in fight at this time for the ships comming up with them proved to be their own Countrymen and friends at which they greatly rejoyced seeing the good hand of their God was upon them and are further strengthened in Faith to rely one Christ for the future time against all Leakes Stormes Rockes Sands and all other wants a long Sea-voyage procures sustaining them with a I meeknesse and patience yet sensible of the Lords frownes humbling their soules before him and also rejoyeing in his deliverauces in taking the cup of Salvation and paying the tribute of thankfulnesse to the most high whose provident hand was diversly directed toward them purposely to point out the great hardships they must undergoe in this their Christian warfare and withall to tell them although their difficulties were many and moumfull yet their victories shou'd be much more glorious and joyfull eminently eyed of the whole World but now keeping their course so neere as the winds will suffer them the billowes begin to grow lofty and rageing and suddenly bringing them into the vale of death covering them with the formidable flouds and dashing their bodies from side to side hurling their unfixed goods from place to place at these unwonted workes Many of these people amazed finde such opposition in nature that her principles grow feeble and cannot digest her food loathing all manner of meat so that the vitall parts are hindered from cooperating with the Soule in spirituall duties insomuch that both Men Women and Children are in a helplesse condition for present and now is the time if ever of recounting this service they have and are about to undertake for Christ but he who is very sensible of his peoples infirmities rebukes the winds and Seas for their sakes and then the reverend and godly among them begin to exhort them in the name of the Lord and from the Lord being fitted with such words as much incourrages the worke they are going about many of their horses and other Cattell are cast over-board by the way to the great disheartning of some but Christ knew well how for his peoples hearts would be taken off the maine worke with these things And therefore although he be very tender in providing outward necessaries for his yet rather than this great worke he intends should be hindered their Tables shall be spred but thinly in this wildernesse for a time After the Lord had exercised them thus severall ways he sent Diseases to visit their Ships that the desart Land they were now drawing near unto might not be deserted by them at first
of the Vessel was slain the main sail shot through and the Barque also the people some of them returned back again for New-England being sore abashed at this providence that befel them that they would never seek to be governed by liberty again to this very day yet others there are were so strongly bent for the heat of liberty that they indured much pinching penury upon an uninhabited Island til at length meeting some others like-minded with themselves they made a voyage to another Island the chiefest part of their Charter of Freedom was this That no man upon pain of death should speak against anothers Religion where they continued till some of them were famished and others even forced to feed on Rats and any other thing they could find to sustain nature till the provident hand of God brought a Ship to the place which took them off the Island and saved their lives But upon this the Winters discourse ceased and projects for a warmer Country were husht and done CHAP. XXI Of the suddain and unexpected falt of Cattel and the great blessing of God in giving plenty of provision FOr this year 1642. Iohn Winthrope Esquire was chosen Governour and John Endicut Esquire Deputy Governor The number of Freemen added were about 1232. This Spring Cowes and Cattle of that kind having continued at an excessive price so long as any came over with estates to purchase them fell of a suddain in one week from 22 l. the Cow to 6.7 or 8. l. the cow at most insomuch that it made all men admire how it came to pass it being the common practise of those that had any store of Cattel to sell every year a Cow or two which cloath'd their backs fil'd their bellies with more varieties then the Country of it self afforded and put gold and silver in their purses beside Here the Reader it desired to take notice of the wonderful providence of the most high God toward these his new-planted Churches such as was never heard of since that Iacobs sons ceased to be a people that in ten or twelve years planting there should be such wonderful alteration a Nation to be born in a day a Commonwealth orderly brought forth from a few Fugitives all the Forraign plantations that are of forty fifty or a hundred years standing cannot really report the like although they have had the greatest incouragements earth could afford Kings to countenance them staple commodities to provoke all manner of Merchants to resort unto them silver gold precious stones or whatever might incice the eye or ear to incline the motion of man toward them his remove rocky barren bushy wild-woody wilderness a receptacle for Lions Wolves Bears Foxes Rockoones Bags Bevers Otters and all kind of wild creatures a place that never afforded the Natives better then the flesh of a few wild creatures and parch't Indian corn incht out with Chesnuts and bitter Acorns now through the mercy of Christ becom a second England for fertilness in so short a space that it is indeed the wonder of the world but bring already forgotten of the very persons that tast of it at present although some there be that keep in memory his mercies multitude and declare it to their childrens children First to begin with the encrease of food you have heard in what extream penury these people were in at first planting for want of food gold silver rayment or whatsoever was precious in their eyes they parted with when ships came in for this their beast that died some would stick before they were cold and sell their poor pined flesh for food at 6.d per pound Indian Beans at 16 s per bushel when Ships came in it grieved some Master to see the urging of them by people of good rank and quality to sell bread unto them But now take notice how the right hand of the most high hath altered all and men of the meaner rank are urging them to buy bread of them and now good white and wheaten bread is no dainty but even ordinary man hath his choice if gay cloathing and a liquerish tooth after sack sugar and plums lick not away his bread too fast all which are but ordinary among those that were not able to bring their owne persons ever at their first coming there are not many Towns in the Country but the poorest person in them hath a house and land of his own and bread of his own growing if not some cattel beside flesh is now no rare food beef pork and mutton being frequent in many houses so that this poor Wilderness hath not onely equalized England in food but goes beyond it in some places for the great plenty of wine and sugar which is ordinarily spent apples pears and quince tarts instead of their former Pumpkin Pies Poultry they have plenty and great rarity and in their feasts have not forgotten the English fashion of stiring up their appetites with variety of cooking their food and notwithstanding all this great and almost miraculous work of the Lord in providing for his people in this barren desart yet are there here as in other places some that use these good creatures of God to excess and others to hoard up in a wretched and miserable manner pinch themselves and their children with food and will not tast of the good creatures God hath given for that end but cut Church and Commonwealth as short also Let not such think to escape the Lords hand with as little a stroke as the like do in other places Secondly For rayment our cloth hath not been cut short as but of late years the traders that way have encreased to such a number that their shops have continued full all the year long all one England besides the Lord hath been pleased to encrease sheep extraordinarily of late hemp and flax here is great plenty hides here are more for the number of persons then in England and for cloth here is and would be materials enough to make it but the Farmers deem it better for their profit to put away their cattel and corn for cloathing then to set upon making of cloth if the Merchants trade be not kept on foot they fear greatly their corne and cattel will lye in their hands assuredly the plenty of cloathing hath caused much excess of late in those persons who have clambered with excess in wages for their work but seeing it will be the theam of our next discourse after the birds are setled it may be here omitted Further the Lord hath been pleased to turn all the wigwams huts and hovels the English dwelt in at their first coming into orderly fair and well-built houses well furnished many of them together with Orehards filled with goodly fruit trees and gardens with variety of flowers There are supposed to be in the Mattachusets Government at this day neer a thousand acres of land planted for Orchards and Gardens besides their fields are filled with garden fruit there being as is
any before thus they report some persons among them discerning a great thing to move toward them upon the Waters wondering what Creature it should be they run with their light cannowes which are a kinde of Beates made of Birch Rindes and sowed together with the rootes of white Cedar-Trees from place to place stiring up all their Countreymen to come forth and behold this monstrous thing at this sudden news the shores for many miles were filled with this naked Nation gazing at this wonder till some of the stoutest among them manned ouâ— these Cannowes being armed with Bow and Arrowes they approached within shot of the Ship being becalmed they let fly their long shâ—fâ—s at her which being headed with bone some stuck fast and others dropped into the water they wondering it did not cry but kept quietly on toward them till all of a sudden the Master caused a piece of Ordnance to be fired which stroke such feare into the poore Indians that they hasted to shore having their wonders exceedingly increased but being gotten among their great multitude they waited to see the sequell with much amazement till the Seamen fiâ—ling up their salies came to an Anchor mannedout their long bote and went on shore at whose approach the Indians sled although now they saw they were men who made signes to stay their flight that they may have Trade with them and to that end they brought certaine Copper-Kettles the Indians by degrees made their approach nearer and nearer till they came to them when beholding their Vessells which they had set forth before them the Indian knocking them were much delighted with the sound and much more astonished to see they would not breake being so thin for attaining those Vessells they brought them much Bever fraughting them richly away according to their desires this was the first working providence of Christ to stir up our English Nation to plant these parts in hope of a rich Trade for Bever-skins and this made some of our Countrymen make their abode in these parts whom this Army of Christ at their comming over found as fit helps to further their designe in planting the Churches of Christ Who by a more admirable act of his Providence not long after prepared for his peoples arrivall as followeth The Summer after the blazing Starre whose motion in the Heavens was from East to West poynting out to the sons of men the progresse of the glorious Gospell of Christ the glorious King of his Churches even about the yeare 1618. a little before the removeall of that Church of Christ from Holland to Plimoth in New England as the ancient Indians report there befell a great mortality among them the greatest that ever the memory of Father to Sonne tooke notice of chiefly desolating those places where the English afterward planted the Country of Poâ—kanoky Agâ—ssawamg it was almost wholy deserted insomuch that the Neighbour Indians did abandon those places for feare of death fleeing more West by South observing the East and by Northern parts were most smitten with this contagion the Abarginny men consisting of Mattachusets Wippanaps and Tarratines were greatly weakned and more especially the three Kingdomes or Saggamore ships of the Mattachusets who were before this mortality most populous having under them seven Dukedomes or petty Saggamores and the Nianticks and Narrowganssits who before this came were but of little note yet were they now not much increased by such as fled thither for feare of death the Pecods who retained the Name of a war-like people till afterwards conquered by the English were also smitten at this time Their Disease being a sore Consumption sweeping away whole Families but chiefly yong Men and Children the very seeds of increase their Powwowes which are their Doctors working partly by Charmes and partly by Medicine were much amazed to see their Wigwams lie full of deaâ— Corpes and that now neither Squantam nor Abbamocho could helpe which are their good and bad God and also their Powwows themselves were oft smitten with deaths stroke howling and much lamentation was heard among the living who being possest with great feare oftimes left their dead unburied their manner being such that they remove their habitations at death of any this great mortality being an un vonted thing feare them the more because naturally the Country is very healthy But by this meanes Christ whose great and glorious workes the Earth throughout are altogether for the benefit of his Churches and chosen not onely made roome for his people to plant but also tamed the hard and cruell hearts of these barbarous Indians insomuch that halfe a handfull of his people landing not long after in Plimoth-Plantation found little resistance of whom the Author purposes not to speake particularly being prevented by the honoured Mr. Winslow who was an eye-witnesse of the worke onely thus much by the way they were sent to keepe possession for their Brethren and fellow Souldiers who arrived eight yeares after them as in processe of this story will God-willing appeare and verily herein they quit themselves like men or rather Christ for and by them maintaining the place notwithstanding the multitude of difficulties they met withall at their first landing being in doubtfull suspence what intertainment these Barbarians would give them having with prayer supplicated the Lord in the Name of Christ their King and guide in this their undertaking they manned out a Boate to discover what store of the Inhabitants were there Now these men whose courage exceeded the number being guided by the provident hand of the most high landed in some severall places and by making fires gave signes of their approach now the Indians whose dwellings are most neer the water side appeared with their Bowes bent and Arrowes one the string let fly their long shifts among this little company whom they might soon have inclosed but the Lord otherwise disposed of it for one Captaine Miles Standish having his fowling-peece in a reddinesse presented full at them his shot being directed by the provident Hand of the most high God strook the stourest Sachem among them one the right Arme it being bent over his shoulder to reach an Arrow forth his Qâ—iver as their manner is to draw them forth in fight at this stroke they all fled with great swiftnesse through the Woods and Thickets then the English who more thirsted after their conversion than destruction returned to their Bote without receiving any damage and soon after arrived where they left their Brethren to whom they declared the good hand of God toward them with thankfull acknowledgement of this great worke of his in preserving them Yet did they all remaine full of incumbred thoughts the Indians of whose multitudes they had now some intelligence together with experience of spirits and also knew well without commerce with them they were not like long to subsist But hee whose worke they went about wrought so rare a Providence for them which cannot but be admired of all
Rebuking one another and to cleave to the Lord with a full purpose of heart according to the blessed Rules of his Word made known unto them and further they seeing by light of Scripture the Lord Christ ascended up on high to give gifts unto men not onely extraordinary as Apostles c. before the Canon of the Scripture was perfected but also ordinary as Pastors and Teachers and that such are to be fitted with gifts according for so mighty a worke as is the Feeding and Ruling the Flock of Christ Wherefore they Elected and Ordained one Mr. Higgingson to be Tracher of this first Church of Christ set up in those parts a man indued with grace apt to teach and mighty in the Scriptures Learned in the Tongues able to convince gain-sayers aptly applying the word to his hearers who departed this life not long after of whom it may be said The Reverend Mr. Higgingson first Pastor of the Church of Christ at Salem in New England WHat Golden gaine made Higginson remove From fertill Soyle to Wildernesse of Rocks 'T was Christs rich Pearle stir'd up thee toile to love For him to feed in Wildernesse his flocks First Teacher he here Sheepe and Lambs together First crownd shall be hee in the Heavens of all Christs Pastors here but yet Christ folke had rather Him here retaine blest he whom Christ hath call'd They also called to the Office of an Exhorting Elder Mr. Scelton a man of a gratious Speech full of Faith and furnished by the Lord with gifts from above to begin this great worke of his that makes the whole Earth to ring againe at this present day The Reverend Mr. Scelton first Pastor of the Church of Christ at Salem in New England 1630. SCelton for Christ did leave his Native soile Christ Grace first wrought for him or he had never A Pastor been in Wildernesse to toile Where Christ his Flock doth into Churches gather For five yeares space to end thy war-faire thou Must meete with wantes what wants can be to him Whose Shepheard's Christ Earths fullnesse hath for you And Heavens rich Crowne for thee with 's conquest win This Church of Christ being thus begun the Lord with the Water spouts of his tender Mercy caused to increase and fructify And now let every Eare listen and every heart admire and inlarge it selfe to the astonishment of the whole man at this wonderous worke of the great Jehovah That in thrice seven yeares after the beginning of this Worke wrought such fearfull Desolations and wonderfull Alterations among our English Nation and also in this dismall Desart wasting the naturall Inhabitant with deaths stroke and that as is former touched the Mattachusets who were a populous Nation consisting of 30000 able men now brought to lesse then 300. and in their roome and place of abode this poore Church of Christ consisting at their beginning but of seven persons increased to forty three Churches in joyne Communion one with the other professing One God One Christ and one Gospell and in those Churches about 7750. Soules in one profession of the Rules of Christ and that which makes the worke more admirable in the Eyes of all beholders mens habitations are cut out of the Woods and Bushes neither can this place be entered by our English Nation but by passing through a dreadfull and terrible Ocean of nine hundred Leagues in length CHAP. XI Of the Glorious beginnings of a thorough Reformation in the Churclses of Clorist FUrther know these are but the beginnings of Christs glorious Reformation and Restauration of his Churches to a more glorious splendor than ever Hee hath therefore caused their dazeling brightnesse of his presence to be contracted in the burning Glasse of these his peoples zeale from whence it begins to be left upon many parts of the World with such hot reflection of that burning fight which hath fired many places already the which shall never be quenched till it hath burnt up Babilon Root and Branch and now let the Reader looke one the 102. Psalme the Prophet Isaia 66. Chapter take this sharpe Sword of Christs Word and all other Scriptures of like nature and follow on yee valiant of the Lord And behold the worthies of Christ as they are boldly leading forth his Troopes into these Westerne Fields marke them well Man by Man as they march terrible as an Army with Banners croud in all yee that long to see this glorious sight see ther 's their glorious King Christ one that white Horse whose hooses like flint cast not only sparkes but flames of fire in his patâ—es Behold his Crown beset with Carbunkles wherein the names of his whole Army are written Can there be ever night in his Presence whose eyes are ten thousand times higher than the Sun Behold his swiftnes all you that have said where is the promise of his comming Listen a while hear what his herauld proclaimes Babylon is sallen is fallen both her Doctrine Lordly rabble of Popes Cardinalls Lordly-Bâ—shops Friers Monks Nuns Seminary-Priests Jesuits Ermites Pilgrims Deans Prebends Arch-Deacons Commissaries Officialls Proctors Somners Singing-men Choristers Organist Bellows-blowers Vergers Porters Sextons Beads-men and Bel-ringers and all others who never had name in the Word of God together with all her false Doctrines although they may seeme otherwise never so contradictory as Arians who deny the God-head of Christ and Gortenists who deny the Humanity of Christ Papists who thinke to merit Heaven by the Workes of the Law Antinomians who deny the Law of God altogether as a rule to walke by in the obedience of Faith and deny good works to be the Frutit of Faith Arminians who attribute Gods Election or Reprobation to the will of Man and Familists who forsake the revealed Will of God and make men depend upon strong Revelations for the knowledge of Gods Electing Love towards them Conformitants oâ— Formalists who bring in a forme of worship of their owne and joyne it with the worship God hath appointed in his Word Seekers that deny all manner of worship or Ordinances of Christ Jesus affirming them to be quite lost and not to be attained till new Apostles come CHAP. XII Of the voluntary banishment chosen by this People of Christ and their last farewell taken of their Country and Friends ANd now behold the severall Regiments of these Souldiers of Christ as they are shipped for his service in the Western World part thereof being come to the Towne and Port of Southamptan in England where they were to be shipped that they might prosecute this designe to the full one Ship called the Eagle they wholy purchase and many more they hire filling them with the seeds of man and beast to sow this yet untilled Wildernesse withall making sale of such Land as they possesse to the great admiration of their Friends and Acquaintance who thus expostulate with them What will not the large income of your yearly revenue content you which in all reason cannot chuse but be more
enterance which sure it would have been by many had not the Lord prevented by a troublesom passage At forty dayes end or thereabout they cast to sound the Seas depth and find them sixty fadom by which they deem the bankes of New sound Land are near where they being provided with Cod-line and Hooke hale up some store of fish to their no small refreshing and within some space of time after they approach the Cost of New England where they are againe provided with Mackarell and that which was their greater rejoycing they discover Land at sight thereof they blessed the Lord. But before the Author proceed any further in this Discourse take here a short survay of all the Voyages by Sea in the transportation of these Armies of the great Jehova for fifteene years space to the year 1643. about which time England began to indeavour after Reformation and the Souldiers of Christ were set at liberty to bide his battells at home for whose assistance some of the chiefe worthies of Christ returned back the number of Ships that transported passengers in this space of time as is supposed is 298. Men Women and Children passing over this wide Ocean as near as at present can be gathered is also supposed to be 21200. or thereabout CHAP. XV. An Exhortation to all People Nations and Languages to indeavour the advancing of the Kingdome of Christ in the purity of his Ordinances seeing he hath done such admirable Acts for these poore shrubs ANd now all you whose affections are taken with wonderfull matters Attend and you that thinke Christ hath forgotten his poore despised people Behold and all you that hopefully long for Christs appearing to confound Antichrist Consider and rejoyce all yee his Churches the World throughout for the Lambe is preparing his Bride and oh â— yee the antient Beloved of Christ whom he of old led by the hand from Egypt to Canaan through that great and terrible Wildernesse looke here behold him whom you have peirced preparing to peirce your hearts with his Wonder-working Providence and to provoke you by this little handfull of his people to looke on him and mourne Yet let no man think these few weake Wormes would restraine the wnoderfull Workes of Christ as onely to themselves but the quite contrary these but the Porch of his glorious building in hand and if hee have shewed such admirable acts of his providence toward these what will he doe when the whole Nation of English shall set upon like Reformation according to the direct Rule of his Word Assured confidence there is also for all Nations from the undoubted promise of Christ himselfe The Winter is past the Raine is changed and gone come out of the holes of the secret places feare not because your number is but small gather into Churches and let Christ be your King yee Presbytery Lord it not over them or any Churches but feed every one that one flock over which Christ hath made you over-seers and yee people of Christ give your Presbytery double honours that they with you may keepe the watch of the Lord over his Churches Yee Dutch come out of your hods-podge the great mingle mangle of Religion among you hath caused the Churches of Christ to increase so little with you standing at â— stay like Corne among Weeds Oh yee French feare not the great swarmes of Locusts nor the croking Frogs in your Land Christ is reaching out the hand to you look what hee hath done for these English and sure hee is no Respecter of Persons c. yee Germanes that have had such a bloudy bickering Christ is now comming to your aide then cast off your loose and carelesse kinde of Reformation gather into Churches and keepe them pure that Christ may delight to dwell among you oh Italy The Seat and Center of the Beast Christ will now pick out a People from among you for himselfe see here what wonders hee workes in little time Oh! yee Spaniards and Portugalls Christ will shew you the abominarions of that beastly Whore who hath made your Nations drunke with the Wine of her Fornication Dread not that cruell murtherous Inquisition for Christ is now making Inquisicion for them and behold here how hee hath rewarded them who deale cruelly with these his people Finally oh all yee Nations of the World behold great is the worke the glorious King of Heaven and Earth hath in hand beware of neglecting the call of Christ and you the Seed of Israel both lesse and more the ratling of your dead bones together iâ— at hand Sinewes Flesh and Life at the Word of Christ it comes Counsellers and Judges you shall have as at the begining to fight for you as Gidion Bareck Jeptha Samson c. then sure your deliverance shall be sudden and wonderfull if Christ have done such great things for these low Shrubs what will his most Admirable Excellent and wonderfull Worke for you be but as the Resurrection from the dead when all the miraculous acts of his wonderfull power shewed upon Pharoah for your fore-Fathers deliverance shall be swallowed up with those far greater workes that Christ shall shew for your deliverance upon the whole World by Fiers and Bloud destroying both Pope and Turke when you shall see great smoake and flames ascending up on high of that great Whore Revel 14 11. verse and the 17. 16. verse and the 18. the 8. and 18. vers Then oh you People of Israel gather together as one Man and grow together as one Tree Ezek. 37. 23. For Christ the great King of all the Earth is now going forth in his great Wrath and terrible Indignation to avenge the bloud of his Saints Ezek 38 19. vers and now for the great and bloudy Battell of Gog and Magog Rivers of bloud and up to the Horse-bridles even the bloud of those have drunke bloud so long oh I dreadfull day when the patience and long-suffering of Christ that hath lasted so many hundreds of yeares shall end what wonderous workes are now suddenly to be wrought for the accomplishment of these things Then judge all you whom the Lord Christ hath given a discerning spirit whether these poore New England People be not the fore runners of Christs Army and the marvelous providences which you shall now heare be not the very Finger of God and whether the Lord hath not sent this people to Preach in this Wildernesse and to proclaime to all Nations the neere approach of the most wonderfull workes that ever the Sonnes of men saw Will not you believe that a Nation can be borne in a day here is a worke come very neare it but if you will believe you shall see far greater things than these and that in very little time and in the meane time looke on the following Discourse CHAP. XVI Of the admirable Acts of Christs Providence in delivering this his people in their Voyages by Sea from many foule dangers YOu have heard of
Government was at Dorchester a frontire Town scituated very pleasantly both for facing the Sea and also its large extent into the main Land well watered with two small Rivers neere about this Towne inhabited some few ancient Traders who were not of this select band but came for other ends as Morton of Merry-mount who would faine have resisted this worke but the provident hand of Christ prevented The forme of this Towne is almost like a Serpent turning her head to the North ward over against Tompsons Island and the Castle her body and wings being chiefly built on are filled somewhat thick of Houses onely that one of her Wings is clipt her Tayle being of such a large extent that shee can hardly draw it after her Her Houses for dwelling are about one hundred and forty Orchards and Gardens full of Fruit-trees plenty of Corne-Land although much of it hath been long in tillage yet hath it ordinarily good corps the number or Trees are neare upon 1500. Cowes and other Cattell of that kinde about 450. Thus hath the Lord been pleased to increase his poore dispersed people whose number in this Flock are neare about 150. their first Pastor called to feede them was the Reverend and godly Mr. Maveruck MAveruck thou must put period to thy dayes In Wildernesse thy Kindred thee provoke To come but Christ doth thee for high ends Raise Amongst his worthies to strike many a stroke Thy godly Life and Doctrine speake though thou In dust art laid yet Christ by thee did feede His scattered Lambes they gathered are by you Christ calls thee home but flock he leaves to seede CAHP. XX. Of the Fourth Church of Christ gathered at Bosten 1631. AFter some little space of time the Church of Christ at Charles Town having their Sabbath assemblies oftenest oâ— the South side of the River agreed to leave the people on that side to themselves and to provide another Pastor for Charles Towne which accordingly they did So that the fourth Church of Christ issued out of Charles Towne and was seated at Boston being the Center Towne and Metropolis of this Wildernesse worke but you must not imagine it to be a Metropolitan Church invironed it is with the Brinish flouds saving one small Istmos which gives free accesse to the Neighbour Townes by Land on the South side on the North-west and North East two constant Faires are kept for daily traffique thereunto the forme of this Towne is like a heart naturally scituated for Fortifications having two Hills on the frontice part thereof next the Sea the one well fortified on the superfices thereof with store of great Artillery well mounted the other hath a very strong battery built of whole Timber and filled with Earth at the descent of the Hill in the extreme poynt therof betwixt these two strong armes lies a large Gave or Bay on which the chiefest part of this Town is built over-topped with a third Hill all three like over-topping Towers keepe a constant watch to fore-see the approach of forrein dangers being furnished with a Beacon and lowd babling Guns to give notice by their redoubled eccho to all their Sister townes the chiefe Edifice of this City-like Towne iâ— crowded on the Sea-bâ—â—kes and wharfed out with great industry and cost the buildings beautifull and large some fairely see forth with Brick Tile Stone and Slate and orderly placed with comly streets whose continuall inlargement presages some sumpâ—uous City The wonder of this moderne Age that a few yeares should bring forth such great matters by so means a handfull and they so far from being inriched by the spoiles of other Nations that the states of many of them have beene spoiled by the Lordly Prelacy whose Lands must assuredly make Restitutions But now behold the admirable Acts of Christ at this his peoples landing the hideous Thickets in this place were such that Wolfes and Beares nurst up their young from the eyes of all beholders in those very places where the streets are full of Girles and Boys sporting up and downe with a continued concourse of people Good store of Shipping is here yearly built and some very faire ones both Taâ— and Mastes the Countrey affords from its own soile also store of Victuall both for their owne and Forreinersships who resort hither for that end this Town is the very Mart of the Land French Portugalls and Dutch come hither for Traffique CHAP. XXI Of the Fift Church of Christ gathered at Roxbury 1631. THe fift Church of Christ was gathered at Roxbury scituated between Boston and Dorchester being well watered with coole and pleasant Springs issuing forth the Rocky-hills and with small Freshets watering the Vallies of this fertill Towne whose forme is somewhat like a wedge double pointed entring betweene the two foure-named Townes filled with a very laborious people whose labours the Lord hath so blest that in the roome of dismall Swampes and tearing Bushes they have very goodly Fruit-trees fruitfull Fields and Gardens their Heard of Cowes Oxen and other young Cattell of that kind about 350. and dwelling-houses neere upon 120. Their streetes are large and some fayre Houses yet have they built their House for Church-assembly destitute and unbeautified with other buildings The Church of Christ here is increased to about 120. persons their first Teaching Elder called to Office is Mr. Eliot a yong man at his comming thither of a cheerfull spirie walking unblameable of a godly conversation apt to teach as by his indefatigable paines both with his own flock and the poore Indians doth appeare whose Language he learned purposely to helpe them to the knowledge of God in Christ frequently Preaching in their Wigwams and Catechizing their Children Mr. Eliot Pastor of the Church of Christ at Roxbury in New England much honoured for his labours in the Lord. GReat is thy worke in Wildernesse Oh man Young Eliot neere twenty yeares thou bast In Westerne world with miccle toile thy span Spent well-neere out and now thy gray hayrs gracest Are by thy Land-Lord Christ who makes use of thee To feede his flock and heathen people teach In their own Language God and Christ to see A Saviour their blind hearts could not reach Poore naked Children come to learne Gods Mind Before thy face with reverend regard Blesse God for thee may these poore heathen blind That from thy mouth Christs Gospell sweete have heard Eliot thy Name is through the wild woods spread In Indians mouths frequent's thy fame for why In sundry shapes the Devills made them dread And now the Lord makes them their Wigwams fly Rejoyce in this nay rather joy that thou Amongst Christs Souldiers bast thy name sure set Although small gaine on Earth accrew to you Yet Christ to Crowne will thee to Heaven soone fet CHAP. XXII Of the Sixth Church of Christ gathered at Linn 1631. THe Sixth Church of Christ was gathered at Linn betweene Salem and Charles Towne her scitnation is neere to a River whose strong fresheâ—
praise of all his glorious Acts. About this time did the valiant in faith and Reverend Pastor Mr. John Wilson returne to England and surely the power of Christ hath notably appeared in this weake sorry man You must needs see the Author will flatter no man yet will he not be wanting to tell the noble Acts of Christ Jesus in making men strong for himselfe here is one borne up in the armes of his mercy often through the perillous Seas night and dayes yea weeks and months upon the great deepe and now having with his owne eyes beheld the manifold troubles these poore were in yet at this very time hies him back to his Native soile where his indeared Wife did yet remaine purposely to perswade her to east her cares upon the Lord as he himself had already done and then assuredly the wants of a Wildernesse would never hurt her at the departure of this holy Man of God many of his peoples hearts waxed very sad and having looked long for his returne Their eyes now began to faile in missing of their expectation they according to their common course in time of great straites set and appointed a day wholy to be spent in seeking the pleasing Face of God in Christ purposing the Lord assisting to afflict their soules and give him the honour of his All-seeingness by a downe right acknowledgement of their sinnes but the Lord whose Grace is alwayes undeserved heard them before they cried and the afternoone before the day appointed brought him whom they so much desired in safety to shore with divers other faithfull servants of Christ ready armed for the Battell the day was turned to a day of rejoycing and blessing the Lord even the mighty God of Iacob the God of Armies is for us a refuge high Shela The yeare 1633. the honoured John Winthrope Esquire was chosen Governour againe and Thomas Dudly Esq Deputy Governour the number of Freemen added or Souldiers listed was 46. the Winters Frost being extracted forth the Earth they fall to tearing up the Roots and Bushes with their Howes even such men as scarce ever set hand to labour before men of good birth and breeding but comming through the strength of Christ to war their warfare readily rush through all difficulties cutting down of the Woods they inclose Corne fields the Lord having mitigated their labours by the Indians frequent fiering of the woods that they may not be hindered in hunting Venson and Beares in the Winter season which makes them thin of Timber in many places like our Parkes in England the chiefest Corne they planted before they had Plowes was Indian Graine whose increase is very much beyond all other to the great refreshing of the poore servants of Christ in their low beginings all kinde of Gardens Fruits grew very well and let no man make a jâ—st at Pumpkins for with this fruit the Lord was pleased to feed his people to their good content till Corne and Cattell were increased And here the Lords mercy appeared much in that those who had beene formerly brought up tender could now contentedly feed on bare and meane Diet amongst whom the Honoured and upright hearted in this worke of Christ Mr. Increase Nowell shall not be forgotten having a diligent hand therein from the first beginning INcrease shalt thou with honour now in this thy undertaking Thou hast remain'd as yet unstained all errors foule forsaking To poore and rich thy Justice much hath manifested bin Like Samuel Nathanaell Christ hath thee fram'd within Thy faithfulnesse people expresse and Secretary they Chose thee each year by which appeare their love with thee doth stay Now Nowell see Christ call'd hath thee and work thou must for him In beating down the triple Crown and all that his foes ben Thus doest thou stand by Christ fraile man to tell his might can make Dust do his will with graces fill till dust to him he take CHAP. XXVII Of the gratious goodnesse of God in hearing his peoples prayers in times of need and of the Ship-loades of goods the Lord sent them in HEre againe the admirable Providence of the Lord is to be noted That whereas the Country is naturally subject to drought even to the withering of their summers Fruits the Lord was pleased during these yeares of scarcity to blesse that small quantity of Land they planted with seasonable showers and that many times to the great admiration of the Heathen for thus it befell the extreame parching heare of the Sun by reason of a more constant clearnesse of the Aire then usually is in England began to scorch the Herbs and Fruits which was the chiefest meanes of their livelyhood they beholding the Hand of the Lord stretched out against them like tender hearted Children they fell down on their knees begging mercy of the Lord for their Saviours sake urging this as a chiefe argument that the malignant adversary would rejoyce in their destruction and blaspheme the pure Ordinances of CHRIST trampling down his Kingly Commands with their owne inventions and in uttering these words their eyes dropped down many teares their affections prevailing so strong that they could not refraine in the Church-Assembly Here admire and be strong in the Grace of Christ all you that hopefully belong unto him for as they powred out water before the Lord so at that very instant the Lord showred down water on their Gardens and Fields which with great industry they had planted and now had not the Lord caused it to raine speedily their hope of food had beene lost but at this these poore wormes were so exceedingly taken that the Lord should shew himselfe so neere unto their Prayers that as the drops from Heaven fell thicker and faster so the teares from their eyes by reason of the sudden mixture of joy and sorrow and verily they were exceedingly stirred in their affections being unable to resolve themselves which mercy was greatest to have a humble begging heart given them of God or to have their request so suddenly answered The Indians hearing hereof and seeing the sweet raine that fell were much taken with Englishmens God but the Lord seeing his poore peoples hearts were to narrow to beg his bounties exceeds toward them at this time as indeed hee ever hitherto hath done for this Wildernesse-People not onely giving the full of their requests but beyond all their thoughts as witnesse his great worke in England of late in which the prayers of Gods people in New England have had a great stroke These people now rising from their knees to receive the rich mercies of Christ in the refreshed fruits of the Earth Behold the Sea also bringing in whole Ship-loades of mercies more being filled with fresh forces for furthering this wonderfull worke of Christ and indeed this yeare came in many pretious ones whom Christ in his grace hath made much use of in these his Churches and Common-wealth insomuch that these people were even almost over-ballanced with the great income of their
would beare it but now the Lords blessing that way hath exceeded all peoples expectation cloathing the Earth with plenty of all kinde of graine Here minde I must the Reader of the admirable acts of Christs Providence toward this people that although they were in such great straites for foode that many of them eate their Bread by waight and had little hopes of the Earths fruitfullnesse yet the Lord Christ was pleased to refresh their spirits with such quickning grace and lively affections to this Temple-worke that they did not desert the place and that which was more remarkable when they had scarce houses to shelter themselves and no doores to hinder the Indians accesse to all they had in them yet did the Lord so awe their hearts that although they frequented the Englishmens places of aboade where their whole substance weake Wives and little ones lay open to their plunder during their absence being whole dayes at Sabbath Assemblies yet had they none of their food or stuffe diminished neither Children nor Wives hurt in the least measure although the Indians came commonly to them at those times much hungry belly as they use to say and were then in number and strength beyond the English by far Yet further see the great and noble Acts of Christ toward this his wandering people feeling againe the scarcity of foode and being constrained to come to a small pittance daily the Lord to provide for them causeth the Deputy of Ireland to set forth a great Ship unknowne to this people and indeed small reason in his own apprehensions why he should so do but Christ will have it so This Ship ariving being filled with food the godly Governors did so order it that each Town sent two men aboard of her who tooke up their Townes allowance it being appointed before hand what their portion should be to this end that some might not by all and others be left destitute of food In the vernall of the yeare 1634. This people being increased and having among them many pretious esteemed instruments for furthering this wonderous worke of Christ they began to thinke of fortifying a small Island about two miles distant from Boston to Sea-ward to which all the Vessells come in usually and passe To this end the honoured Mr. John Winthrope with some 8. or 10. persons of noâ—e tooke boate and arrived on the said Island in a warme Sun shineday just at the breaking up of Winter as they deemed but being they were sulden surprised with a cold North-west storme which is the sharpest winde in this Country freezing very vehemently for a day and a night that they could not get off the Island but were forced to lodge there and lie in a heape one upon another on the ground to keepe themselves from freezing This yeare 1634. the much honoured Thomas Dudly Esquire was chosen Governor and Mr. Roger Ludlow Deputy Governor the Freemen added to this little Common-wealth this year were about two hundred and foure about this time a sincere servant of Christ Mr. Stone was added to the Chureh of Christ at New-towne as a meet helpe to instruct the People of Christ there with the above named Mr. Hooker and as he hath hetherto bin through the blessing of God an able instrument in his hands to further the worke So let him be incourraged with the Word of the Lord in the spirit of his might to go on THou well smoth'd Stone Christs Work-manship to be In 's Church new laid his weake ones to support With 's word of might his foes are foild by thee Thou daily dost to godlinesse exhort The Lordly Prelates people do deny Christs Kingly power Hosanna to proclaime Mens mouths are stopt but Stone poore dust doth try Throughout his Churches none but Christ must raignt Mourne not Oh Man thy youth and learning 's spent In desart Land my Muse is bold to say For glorious workes Christ his hath hither sent Like that great worke of Resurrection day CHAP. XX IX Of the Lords remarkable providence toward his indeared servants M. Norton and Mr. Shepherd NOw my loving Reader let mee lead thee by the hand to our Native Land although it was not intended to speake in particulars of any of these peoples departure from thence purposing a generall relation should serve the turne yet come with mee and behold the wonderous worke of Christ in preserving two of his most valiant Sou'diers namely Mr. John Norton and that soule ravishing Minister Mr. Thomas Shepheard who came this yeare to Yarmouth to ship themselves for New England where the people of God resorted privately unto them to hear them Preach during the time of their aboade the Enemies of Christs Kingdome were not wanting to use all meanes possible to intrap them in which perilous condition they remained about two months waiting for the Ships readinesse in which time some persons eagerly hunting for Mr. Thomas Shepheard began to plot for apprehending of him with a Boy of sixteene or seventeene yeares of Age who lived in the House where hee Lodged to open the doore for them at a certaine houre in the night But the Lord Christ who is the Shepheard of Israel kept a most sure watch over his indeared servants for thus it befell the sweet words of grace falling from the of lips of this Reverend and godly Mr. Thomas Shepheard in the hearing of the Boy the Lords working withall hee was perswaded this was an holy man of God and therefore with many troubled thoughts began to relate his former practise although hee had a great some of money promised him onely to let them in at the houre and time appointed but the Boy the more neere the time came grew more pensive and sad insomuch that his Master taking notice thereof began to question him about the cause of his heavinesse who being unwilling to reveale the matter held of from confessing a long time till by urgent and insinuating search of his godly Master with teares hee tells that on such a night hee had agreed to let in Men to apprehend the godly Preacher The good Man of the house forthwith gave notice thereof unto them who with the helpe of some well-affected persons was convay'd away by boate through a back Lane the men at the time appointed came to the house where finding not the doore open when they lifted up the Latch as they expected they thrust their staves under it to lift it from the hookes but being followed by some persons whom the good man of the house had appointed for that end yet were they boulstred out in this their wicked act by those who set them one worke Notwithstanding they were greatly ashamed when they mist of their end But the Lord Christ intending to make his New England Souldiers the very wounder of this Age brought them into greater straites that this Wonder Working Providence might the more appeare in their deliverance for comming a shipboard and hoiseing saile to accomplish their
opinions upheld by the civill government must be sure to make choise of the most Atheisticall persons they can finde to governe such as are right Gallios for N. E. hath found by experience that every man will most favour his own way of Profession and labor tooth naile to maintaine it and if any have complied with other that have been of a contrary sinfull opinion to their own it hath been because they would have their own scape scot free but assuredly the Lord Christ will allow of no such wayes for the favouring the professors of his truths nor may any Magistrate doe evill that good may come of it in favouring dangerous and deceiveable doctrines that others may favour the true servants of Christ neither is there any such need for it is their honours if the will of God be so to suffer nor can the people of N. England I meane the better part be perswaded to set up any other to governe but such as are zealous for the maintainance of the truths of Christ yet of late there is a buzzing noise as if it were injury to the Churches for civill power to medle in matters of Religion but to be sure there are many that strive for a Toleration yet the people of Christ who are the naturall Mothers of this Government resolve never to see their living child so divided looking at such a government to be no better to them a living child divided in twaine and therefore desires their loving Countrymen to beare with them in this point and if any notwithstanding shall force it to be so we shall shew our natural affection and leave all to them chusing rather to dwell on the backside of this Desert a place as yet unaccessible knowing assuredly our God will appeare for our deliverance Yet let them also know the Souldiers of Christ in N E. are not of such a pusillanimous spirit but resolve as that valiant Jeptha did to keep in possession the Towns his God had given them so we are resolved the Lord willing to keepe the government our God hath given us and for witnesse hee hath so done let this History manifest for we chose not the place for the Land but for the government that our Lord Christ might raigne over us both in Churches and Common-wealth and although the Lord have been pleased by an extraordinary blessing upon his peoples industry to make the place fruitfull as at this day indeed it is yet all may know the land in it selfe is very sterrill but the upholding of the truths of Christ is chiefe cause why many have hitherto come and further if the servants of Christ be not much mistaken the downfall of Antichrist is at hand and then the Kingdome of the Earth shall become the Kingdome of our Lord Christ in a more peculiar manner then now they are and surely godly civill government shall have a great share in that worke for they are exhorted to fill her double of the Cup shee hath given to them and also know our Magistrates being conscious of ruling for Christ dare not admit of any bastardly brood to be nurst up upon their tender knees neither will any Christian of a sound judgement vote for any but such as earnesty contend for the Faith although the increase of Trade and traffique may be a great inducement to some VVonder-working PROVIDENCE OF SIONS SAVIOVR IN NEVV ENGLAND CHAP. I. The beginning of the relation of the Pequot war and the great straites these wandering Jacobites were in THe great Jehovah minding to manifest the multitude of his Mercies to the wendering Jacobites and make an introduction to his following wonders causeth the darke clouds of calamities to gather about them presâ—ging some terrible tempest to follow with eyes full of anguish they face to the right upon the damnable Doctrines as so many dreadfull Engines set by Satan to intrap their poore soules Then casting forth a left hand looke the labour and wants accompaning a Desert and terrible Wildernesse affright them their memories minding them of their former plenty It much aggravated the present misery when with thoughts of retreating they turne their backs about the experienced incumbrances and deepe distresses of a dangerous Ocean hinders their thoughts of flight besides the sterne looke of the Lordly Prelates which would give them a welcome home in a famishing prison Then purposing to put on more stronger resolution facing to the Front behold a Messenger with sorrowfull tidings from their fellow brethren that inhabited the bankes of the River Canectico who having audience informes them of the great insolency and cruell murthers committed by a barbarous and bloudy people called Peaquods upon the bodies of their indeared friends these savage Indians lying to the South-west of the Mattacusets were more warlike then their Neighbouring Nations the Narrowganzet or Niantick Indians although they exceeded them in number also Mawhiggins who were the best friends of the English and a chiefe instrumentall meanes of their sitting down there stood much in feare of these Peaquods which were big swollen with pride at this time facing the English Fort built on the mouth of the River in their large Cannowes with their Bowes and long Shafts the English being then but weake in number and provision were unable to manage the war against so numerous a company being above thirty to one yet their desires being beyond their meanes they made some shot at them forcing them to hast away faster then they willingly would These Indians trusting in their great Troopes having feasted their corps in a ravening manner and leaving their fragments for their Sqawes they sound an alarum with a sull mouth and lumbring voyce and soone gather together without presse or pay their quarrell being as antient as Adams time propagated from that old enmity betweene the Seede of the Woman and the Seed of the Serpent who was the grand signor of this war in hand and would very gladly have given them a large Commission had not his owne power beene limited neither could he animate them so much as to take off the gastly looke of that King of terror yet however at his command they arme themselves casting their quâ—ver at their backs with Bowes ready bent they troope up some of them being extraordinarily armed with Guns which they purchast from the Dutch who had assuredly paid deare for this their courteous humour not long since had not some English Volunteers rescued them from the Indians hands the most of them were armed also with a small Hatchet on a long handle they had a small number of Mawhawkes Hammers which are made of stone having a long pike on the one side and a hole in the handle which they tie about their wrists they neede not provisions follow their Camp because they are continually at home but for their mats to shelter them from Ruine or Snow the Woods are as wellcome to them as their Wigwams sire they can make in all places by chafing
two sticks together Their food is ready drest at all times parching Indian Come in their fire they pound it to meale and with foure or five spoonfull of it cast into their mouths and a sup or two of water which they take up with a leafe of a Tree this is their common repast and indeed their chiefe viaticum Thus furnisht for the war they troope away without any goodly equâ—page to effect as they suppose some great designe but within some few Miles of the Towne of Hartford they were discovered by one of the English who having with him a good Horse hastens away to give intelligence of their approach and by the way meeting with foure or five persons hee advises them to haste away with all speed for the Peaquods were at hand the weaker Seâ— among them being at this time not so credulous as they should have been began to dispute the case with him demanding what Peaquods they were and questioning how they should come there The horseman deeming it now no time for words when the battell followed him so hard at the heeles rod on his way and soone after the sudden approach of the Indians forced them with feare to Seale to the truth of this evill tidings and some of them with their dearest bloud three Woemen-kinde they caught and carried away but one of them being more fearfull of their cruell usage afterward then of the losse of heâ— life at present being borne away to the thickest of the company resisted so stoutly with scratching and biting that the Indian exasperated therewith cast her downe on the Earth and beate out her braines with his Hatchet the other two maids they led away and returned their Commission reaching no farther at present having taken these two prisoners they did not offer to abuse their persons as was verily deemed they would questioned them with such broken English as some of them could speak to know whether they could make Gunpowder Which when they understood they could not doe their prize proved nothing so pretious a Pearle in their eyes as before for seeing they exceeded not their own Squawes in Art their owne thoughts informed them they would fall abundantly short in industry and as for beauty they esteeme black beyond any colour Wherefore their Sqawes use that sinfull art of painting their Faces in the hollow of their Eyes and Nose with a shining black out of which their tip of their Nose appeares very deformed and their cheeke bone being of a lighter swart black on which they have a blew crosse died very deepe This is the beauty esteemed by them but yet their pride was much increased by this hostile Act of theirs and the English were more and more contemned of them notwithstanding the Dutch who traded with these Indians procured the Maides liberty againe CHAP. II. Of the couragious resolutions the Lord indued these his People withall being invironed with many deepe distresses AFter this Message delivered these brood of Travilers being almost Non-plus't in their grave and sollid Counsells deem it now high time to follow their old way of making their complaint to the supreame judge of all the World by way of Petition who they knew right well stood not as an idle spectator beholding his peoples Ruth and their Enemies rage But as an Actor in all actions to bring to naught the desires of the wicked but period to their power divert their stroaks from his to their own heads bring glory to his Name and good to his people from their most wicked malignity having also the ordering of every weapon in its first produce guiding every shaft that flies leading each bullet to his place of setling and Weapon to the wound it makes yet he most righteous and holy in all his actions to this great Lord Peramount had these poore afflicted people accesse through the intercession of their Lord Christ whose worke though very weake to performe they were now about wherefore casting themselves down at his feet in the sense of their owne unworthinesse that desire him to doe his owne worke in them and for them that the Mountaines in the way of Zerubbabil may become a plaine and then laying open the great straites they were in to him who knew them far better then themselves they had this answer returned them which if men dare deny the Lord from Heaven hath and shall further witnesse it But before it be declared let all men lay downe their interest they suppose they may have in procuring it both English and others that the glory of our Lord Christ may appeare in its splendor to the danting of every proud heare and for the perpetuall incouragement of all the Souldiers of Christ even the meanest in his Armies for the day of his high Power is come yea his appointed time to have mercy upon Sion is at hand all you whose eyes of pity so see her in the dust streame down with pear like drops of compassion a little mixture of the unconceiveâ—ble joy for the glorious worke of Christ Now now I now in hand for the exalting of his glorious Kingdome in preparing his Churches for himselfe and with his own blessed hands wiping away the teares that trickel downe her cheekes drying her dankish eyes and hushing her sorrowfull sobs in his sweete bosome This rightly believed and meeting in the soule of any poore Christian will make the narrow affâ—ctions of his body too little to containe the present apprehensions of the Soule And therefore wanting a vacuum to containe the strength of this new Wine wonder not if it vent if it selfe with swift thrilling teares from the most tender part of the vessell And here the Author must needs intreate the charitable Reader to enlarge in the Closset of his own heart for his folly hee confesses in medling so meanly with such waighty matters being blinded by eager affection hee lost the fight of his great inability to the worke When hee first set Pen to Paper as the Lord surrounded his chosen Israel with dangers deepe to make his miraculous deliverance famous throughout and to the end of the World so here behold the Lord Christ having egged a small handfull of his people forth in a forlorne Wildernesse stripping them naked from all humane helps plunging them in a gulph of miseries that they may swim for their lives through the Ocean of his Mercies and land themselves safe in the armes of his compassion CHAP. III. Of the Lords great deliverance of his New England People from the flouds of Errors that were bursting in among them AS for the great Mountaine of proud erronious judgement on your right hand the prayer of Faith shall remove them and cast them into the depth of the Sea and for the strengthning of your faith herein because the Lord will have you depend on him in the use of his meanes not miracle hee hath purposely pitcht out for this very worke some of his most orthodox servants and chiefe Champions of his
truth able through his mercy to weld that bright Weapon of his Word prepared by the spirit for this purpose to bring to the block these Traytours to his truths one by one and behead them before your eyes and for this very end they are to gather together as one Man in a Synodicall way with a decisive power to undoe all the cunning twisted knots of Satans Malignity to the truths of Christ opening the Scriptures by the power of his spirit cleering Scripture by Scripture that nothing but the pure Word of God may take place and that you may assuredly believe the Lord hath purposely called his Servants and Souldiers to this place by his Providence to cut off this cursed spirit of Errours and Heresies which hath but at first dog'd all Reformed Churches of Christ There are for your further aid herein many more of these sincere Souldiers floating upon the great Ocean toward you who will be with you before this Synod is set that you may declare it in the Eares of all posterity to be the very Finger of God in catching the proud in their owne craftinesse who had hatch't their devices thus to cast all the Ministers of Christ except some one or two under this censure of being prejudiced against their persons and for the little remnant to labour with flattery to blinde their eyes that at least they might not be against them Seeing they could not procure them to take their part to be sure when the grossenesse of their Errors were made known they would not by this meanes having their hopes exalted in their owne apprehensions at least to gaine the most of the people on their side The Lord casts them downe from the proud Pinacle of their Machiavilian Plot by bringing in more men of courage uninterested yea unknown to most of their persons but for their errors as strong to confute them as any and more fit to wipe off the fiâ—me from the eyes of some of their brethren which these Erronists by their Syccophancy had clouded The time for the meeting of this Synod was to be in the seventh month following commonly called September the civill government well approving of their desires herein were very willing to further them all they could and in the 〈◊〉 time it was the worke of these valiant of the Lord to search out not for men and Womens persons but their errors which they gathered up from all parts willing all that would or could defend them to use their best meanes like as John when he was to execute the judgements of the Lord upon Ahabs bloudy household would have had his servants defend their Masters Children if they could onely you must understand there was but 70. Sons and here was 80. Errors of which you shall further hear when the time comes CHAP. IV. Of the abundant mercies of Christ in providing liberall supply for his New England People in regard of their outward man Food Rayment and all other necessaries and conveniencies NOw for the hardships on the left hand they had as good an answer as in the former their Christ had not saved their lives from the raging Seas to slay them in the Wildernesse with Famine your life is much more pretious in the eyes of the Lord then food and your bodies then rayment yea the Lord of Heaven who hath honoured you so far as to imploy you in this glorious worke of his knowes you must have these things and it was not you deare hearts that chose this place but the Lord as seeing it most fit to doe his worke in knowing that had you met with a Rich Land filled with all plenty your heart would have beene taken off this worke which he must have done But to strengthen your Faith in this point also you shall see hee who commanded the Fruits to spring out of the Earth when none were can much more cause this corner of the Earth to be fruitfull to you and this you shall attaine by meanes although hee have caused the Foules of the Aire and Grasse of the Field to depend upon him in a more immediate manner yet you hath he taught to Sow Reape carry into Barnes and Spin and indeed herein the Lord hath answered his people abundantly to the woâ—der of all that see or hear of it And that whereas at their 〈◊〉 comming it was a rare matter for a man to have foure or five Acres of Corne now many have four or five score to prevent men from Sacrificing to their Nets the Lord hath taught them to labour with more ease to great admiration also inlarg'd it for it was with sore labour that on man could Plane and tend foure Acres of Indians Graine and now with two Oxen hee can Plant and tend 30. B sides the Lord hath of late altered the very course of the Heavens in the season of the weather that all kinde of graine growes much better then heretofore Insomuch that Marchandizing being stopped at present they begin question what to do with their Corne. CHAP. V. Of the wonderfull deliverance wrought by the Lord Christ for his poore New England Churches in freing them from the fear of their Malignant adversaries who forc't them to this Wildernesse ANd now to the third and great distresse which lay behind them by reason of their back friends the Lording Bishops and other Malignant adversaries being daily exasperated against them and in especiall at this time by one Merton who named himselfe the Host of Merrimount who wanted not malice could he possible have attained meanes to effect it But the Lord Christ prevented both him and his Masters whom with slattery he sought to please with scurrillous deriding the servants of Christ to bring them into contempt yet the Lord prevented all and delivered this wretched fellow into his peoples hands againe after all this who dealt as favourably with him as David did with Shimmei Besides this the evill usage that many of the beloved servants of Christ had from the hands of those in office at their departure declared plainely that there were some who would willingly have pursued them to bring them under bondage againe herein their answer was that they should stand still and see the salvation of the Lord who was now resolved to fight for them against his and their implacable enemies although more mighty than they and indeed all meanes of resistance in the hand of man being so small that it could not possible bee discerned by any morcall eye yet will the Lord worke by means and not by miracle when the Lord called forth Joshua to fight with Amaleck his Moses must be in the Mount at Prayers seeing this answer deeply concernes the dearly beloved of our Lord Christ remaining in England let them listen to the answer Also how came it to passe that the Lord put it into your hearts to set upon a Reformation was it not by prayer attained You are not excluded although the Churches of Christ here are for
the present in the Mount and you in the Vally fighting yet surely they had neede of helpe to hold up their hands whereas the nerenesse of the danger to you in the enemies overcoming is a great motive to keepe up yours stedy yet may you say rightly to the Churches of Christ here as Mordachy to Hester the Queene if you hold your peace deliverance shall come another way and thinke not to escape because you are in New England Assuredly the Lord is doing great things and waites for the prayers of his people that he may be gratious unto them and veâ—ily the poore Churches of Christ heere cannot but take notice of the great workes the Lord hath done for you of late which are famous throughout the whole World And should they not take them as an answer of these weake prayers they feare they should neglect to magnify his mercy toward you and them the noble acts of the Lord Christ for the freedome of his people from that into lerable Prelaticall bondage are almost miraculously committed to memory by the able servants of Christ whom hee hath stirred up for that very end yet must you not shut out the valiant souldiers of Christ disciplin'd in this unwonted Wildernesse from having share with you in the worke yet no farther but that Christ may be all in all who hath caused the Midianites to fight against Midian till the true Israelites had gathered themselves together hee it is that hath brought the counsells of the wicked to naught hee it is that hath discovered the secret ploâ—tings of the King of Assyria even in his Bed-chamber Hee it is that hath declared himself to be with your mighty men of valour and assuredly all you valiant Souldiers of Christ both in one England and the other the Lord hath shewed you as great signes and wonders for the strengthening of your faith as was the wetting and drying of the flâ—ece to Gedeon onely beware of setting up an Ephod in the latter end Let the Churches of Christ be set up according to his first institution or you will make double worke for all may see by what is done already there is nothing too hard for him hee will downe with all againe and againe till his Kingdom alone be exalted for the which all the Israel of God fight wrastle pray and here you may see the servants of Christ fighting at 900 leagues distant Oh you proud Bishops that would have all the World stoope to your Lordly power the heathen Romans your predecessors after they had banished John to the Isle of Pathmos suffered him quietly to injoy the Revelation of Jesus Christ there here is a people that have betaken themselves to a newfound World distanced from you with the widest Ocean the World affords and yet you grudge them the purity of Christs Ordinances there No wonder then nay wonder all the World at the sudden and unexpected downfall of these domineering Lords who had Princes to protect them armes to defend them and almost three whole Kingdomes at their command and no enemy of theirs in sight onely there appeares a little cloud about the bignesse of a mans hand out of the Westerne Ocean I but the Lord Christ is in it out of Sion the perfection of beauty hath God shined Our God shall come and shall not keepe silence a Fire shall devour afore him mighty tempests shall be moved round about him Now gather together you King-like Bishops and make use of all the Kingly power you can for the cloud is suddenly come up he rode upon Cherub and did flie And now let the Children of Sion rejoyce in their King for the Lord hath pleasure in his people hee will make the meeke glorious by deliverance And that the whole Earth may know it is the Lords owne worke the Arch-prelate and his complices must begin to war with the Scots and that implacably the Prelates desire a Parliament thinking to establish iniquity by a Law but the iniquity of the Ammorites is already full and all your cunning counsells shall but contrive your owne destruction They remonstrant against all Acts of Parliament that passe without their Vote and by this means wind out themselves for ever voting more they devise how they may have such persons committed to prison at favour not their proceeding But the Lord turned their mischiefe they had conceived upon their own pates and they themselves were sent to prison by halfe a score at a time And such was the unsavourynesse of this seeming salt that it was good for nothing but to Lord it over others their tyranny being taken out of their hands they could not indure to be commanded by any And therefore unfit for the war which they stirred up to recover the people againe under their bondage yet such was the madnesse of some that they loved their servitude so well as to fight for it but surely such had never rightly knowne the service of the Lord Christ which is perfect freedome from all such tyrannous yoâ—ks and verily just it is with the Lord to cause such to be servants unto Shishak that they may know the service of the Lord and the service of the Kingdomes of the Country But however an Army is raised to defend their Lordly dignity Let the Saints be joyfull with glory let the high Acts of God be in their mouths and a two edged Sword in their hands to bind their Kings in chaines and their Nobles in setters of Iron the Charets of the Lord are twenty thousand thousands of Angells the Lord is among them as in Sinai Kings of Armies did flee apace and now you that have borne such a wicked spirit of malignity against the people of Christ can your hearts indure and your hands wax strong in the day that he shall have to doe with you Oh you proud Prelates that boast so much of your taking the Kings part miserable partakers are you in stead of obeying him you have caused him to obey you it s writ in such great capitall letters that a child may read it what was the cause of the first raising war against the Scots which occasioned the Parliament when you saw they would not further the war as you would have them they were soone traytors in your account and prosecuted against with Army after army and was not all this to make the Scots receive your Injunctions a very fayer bottom to build a bloudy war upon that the Prelatticall power might Lord it in Scotland as they of a long time had done in England it was your Pithagorian Phylosophy that caused the King to loose his Life by perswading him his Kingly power lived in your Lordly dignity as a thing subordinate unto it and he so deeply taken with this conceit that it cost the lives of many thousands more then ever hee or his Father would doe for saving or recovering the Paâ—latine Country Experience hath taught the savage Indians among whom we live that they may and
doe daily bring Wolves to be came but they cannot breake them of their ravening nature and I would your Royalist would learne of them to know that as your Lord Bishops Deanes Prebends c. be right whelps of the Roman litter so let them be never so well cam'd they will retaine their nature still to Lord it over all kinde of Civill Government But woe and alasse that ever any of our Countrymen should be so blind that after they are delivered from so great a bondage by such Wonder Working Providence of the Lord Christ Ever and anon to indeavour to make a Captaine over them that they may returne againe into Egypt as appeares by the plots which have beene discovered and broken in pieces by the right hand of the most high and yet for all this their's such a hankering after somewhat of the Prelaticall greatnesse by the English Clergy and the Scottish Classis that many of them could afford to raise arother war for it But brethren I beseech you be more wiser lest when you are growne hot in your quarrell the Malignant party come and set you agreed stablish peace in righteousnesse and let the word be your rule heare one another with meekenesse and the Lord will cleare up the whole truth unto you in his due time And now to declare plainly how far the Lord hath beene pleased to make use of any of his people in these Westerne pares about this Worke for to say truth they have done nothing in holes and corners but their workes are obvious to all the World if he sufferings of the Saints be pretious in the eyes of Christ so as to provoke him in displeasure to cut off the occasioners thereof then thus his poore unworthy people here have had a great stroake in the downfall of their adversaries to the present possessed truths of Christ for this wildernesse worke hath not beene carried on without sighthings that have come before him and Groanes that have entred his eares and Teares treasured up in his bottles againe if the ardent and strong affections of the people of God for his glorious comming to advance his Kingdome in the splendor and purity of his Gospell as co cry with the holy Prophet Oh that he would broake the Heavens and come down be regarded of the Lord Christ so as to remove with his mighty power the very Mountaines out of the way and hurle them into the deepe Then hath these weake wormes instrumentally had a share in the great desolation the Lord Christ hath wrought For this History will plainely declare with what zeale and deepe affection and unresistable resolutions these Pilgrim people have endeavoured the gathering together his Saints for the edifying the Body of Christ that he may raign both Lord and King for ever Yet againe if the prayers of the faithfull people of God availe any thing for the accomplishment of his promises in the destruction of Antichrist for the subduing of Armies without striking one stroake Then assuredly these Jacobites have wrestled with the Lord not onely with that good King Jeâ—oshaphat proclaiming one Fast but many Fasts they their Wives and little ones standing before the Lord Oh our God wile thou not judge them for we have no might c. Lastly if the Lord himselfe have roared from Sion as in the dayes of the Prophet Amos so from his Churches in New England by a great and terrible Earth quake which happened much about the time the Lordly Prelates were preparing their injunctions for Scotland taking rise from the West it made its progresse to the Eastward causing the Earth to rise up and downe like the waves of the Sea having the same effect on the Sea also causing the Ships that lay in the Harbor to quake the which at that very time was said to be a signe from the Lord to his Churches that he was purposed to shake the Kingdomes of Europes Earth and now by his providences brought to passe all men may reade as much and more as if he should have said to these his scattered people yet now againe united in Church Covenant the Lord is now gathering together his Armies and that your faith may be strengthened you shall feele and heare the shakings of the Earth by the might of his power yea the Sea also to shew he will ordaine Armies both by Sea and Land to make Babilon desolate Things thus concurring as an immediate answer of the Lord to his peoples prayers and endeavours caused some of this little handfull with resolute courage and boldnesse to returne againe to their native Land that they might the Lord accepting and assisting them in their endeavours be helpfull in advancing the Kingdome of Christ and casting down every strong house of sinne and Satan It matters not indeed who be the instruments if with the eye of faith these that go forth to fight the Lords Battailes can but see and heare the Lord going out before them against their enemies with a sound in the tops of the Mulbery Trees Here are assuredly evident signes that the Lord Christ is gone forth for his peoples deliverance and now Frogs Flies Lice or Dust shall serve to destroy those will yet hold his people in bondage notwithstanding the Lord will honour such as hee hath made strong for himselfe And therefore hee causeth the worthies in Davids time to be recorded and it is the duty of Gods people to incourage one another in the worke of the Lord then let all whose hearts are upright for the Lord ponder well his goings in his Sanctuary that their hands may be strengthened in the work they goe about onely be strong and of a good courage CHAP. VI. Of the gratious goodnesse of the Lord Christ in saving his new-New-England people from the hand of the barbarous Indians LAstly for the frontispiece of their present distresse namely the Indian war they with much meeknesse and great deliberation wisely contrived how they might best helpe their fellow brethren hereupon they resolved to send a solemne Embassage to old Cannonicus chiefe Sachem of the narrow Ganset Indians who being then well stricken in yeares had caused his Nephew Miantinemo to take the Government upon him who was a very sterne man and of a great stature of a cruell nature causing all his Nobility and such as were his attendance to tremble at his speech the people under his Government were very numerous besides the Niantick Indians whose Prince was of neare aliance unto him They were able to set forth as was then supposed 30000. fighting men the English sought by all meanes to keepe these at least from confederating with the Pequods and understanding by intelligence that the Pequots would send to them for that end endeavoured to prevent them Fit and able men being chosen by the English they hast them to Cannonicus Court which was about fourescore miles from Boston The Indian King hearing of their comming gathered together his chiefe Counsellors and a great number
of his Subjects to give them entertainment resolving as then that the young King should receive their message yet in his hearing they arriving were entertain'd royally with respect to the Indian manner Boil'd Chesnuts is their White-bread which are very sweet as if they were mixt with Sugar and because they would be extraordinary in their feasting they strive for variety after the English manner boyling Puddings made of beaten corne putting therein great store of black berryes somewhat like Currants They having thus nobly feasted them afterward give them Audience in a State-house round about fifty foot wide made of long poles stuck in the ground like your Summer-houses in England and covered round about and on the top with Mats save a small place in the middle of the Roofe to give light and let out the smoke In this place sate their Sachim with very great attendance the English comming to deliver their Message to manifest the greater state the Indian Sachim lay along upon the ground on a Mat and his Nobility sate on the ground with their legs doubled up their knees touching their chin with much sober gravity they attend the Interpreters speech It was matter of much wonderment to the English to see how solidly and wisely these savage people did consider of the weighty undertaking of a War especially old Canonicus who was very discreet in his answers The young Sachem was indeed of a more lofty spirit which wrought his ruine as you may heare after the decease of the old King But at this time his answer was that he did willingly embrace peace with the English considering right well that although their number was but small in comparison of his people and that they were but strangers to the Woods Swamps and advantagious places of this Wildernesse yet withall he knew the English were advantaged by their weapons of War and especially their Guns which were of great terror to his people and also he had heard they came of a more populous Nation by far than all the Indians were could they be joyn'd together Also on the other hand with mature deliberation he was well advised of the Peaquods cruell disposition and aptnesse to make War as also their neere neighbourhood to his people who though they were more numerous yet were they withall more effeminate and lesse able to defend themselves from the sudden incursions of the Peaquods should they fall out with them Hereupon hee demes it most conducing to his owne and his peoples safety to direct his course in a middle way holding amity with both The English returne home having gained the old Kings favour so farre as rather to favour them then the Pequods who perceiving their Neighbouring English had sent forth aid to the Mattacusets government thought it high time to seeke the winning all the Indians they could on their side and among others they make their addresse to old Cannonicus who insteed of taking part with them labours all he can to hush the War in hand laying before them the sad effects of War sometimes proving sad and mournfull to the very Victors themselves but alwayes to the vanquished and withall tells them what potent enemies they had to contend with whose very weapons and Armor were matter of terror setting their persons a side as also that English man was no much hoggery yet and therefore they might soone appease them by delivering into their hands those persons that had beene the death of any of them which were much better than that the whole Nation should perish For the present the Pequods seemed to be inclinable to the old Sachims counsell but being returned home againe among their rude multitude the chief place of cowardly boasting they soon change their minde yet the old Sachim sends the English word he had wrought with them and in very deed the English had rather make choice of Peace then Warre provided it may stand with Truth and Righteousnesse and therefore send forth a band of Souldiers who arriving in the Peaquod Country address themselves to have a Treaty with them about delivering up the murtherers they making shew of willingness so to doe bade them abide awhile and they would bring them and in the mean time they were conversant among the Souldiers and viewing their Armie pointed to divers places where they could hit them with their Arrowes for all their Corslets But their greatest number lying the while at the other side of a great hill and anon appearing on the top of the hill in sight of the English those Indians that were among the English withdrawing toward them no sooner were they come to their Companions but all of a suddaine they gave a great shout and shewed the English a fair pair of heeles who seeing it would not availe any thing to follow them they being farre swifter of foot than the English made their returne home againe This bootlesse voyage incouraged the Indians very much who insulted over them at the fort boasting of this their deluding them and withall they blasphemed the Lord saying English-mans God was all one Flye and that English man was all one Sqawe and themselves all one Moor-hawks Thus by their horrible pride they fitted themselves for destruction The English hearing this report were now full assured that the Lord would deliver them into their hands to execute his righteous judgement upon these blasphemous murtherers and therefore raised fresh Souldiers for the warre to the number of fourscore or thereabout out of the severall towns in the Matachusets and although they were but in their beginnings yet the Lord who fore-intended their work provided for all their wants and indeed it was much that they had any bisket to carry with them in these times of scarcity or any vessels to transport their men and ammunition yet all was provided by the gracious hand of the most high and the Souldiers many of them not onely armed with outward weapons and armour of defence but filled with a spirit of courage and magnanimity to resist not onely men but Devils for surely he was more then ordinaryly present with this Indian army as the sequell will shew as also for their further incouragement the reverend and zealously affected servant of Christ Mr. John Wilson went with the army who had treasured up heaps of the experimentall goodnesse of God towards his people Having formerly passed through perils by Sea perils by Land perils among false brethren c. he followed the warre purposely to sound an alarum before the Lord with his silver trumpet that his people might be remembred before him the Souldiers ariving in safety at the towne of Hartford where they were encouraged by the reverend Ministers there with some such speech as followes Fellow-Souldiers Country-men and Companions in this wildernesse-worke who are gathered together this day by the inevitable providence of the great Jehovah not in a tumultuous manner hurried on by the floating fancy of every high hot headed braine whose actions
to cast downe many a strong fort erected by the Sectaries but the Lord Christ would not suffer this blow to be given intending all people by way of restitution for their slanderous reports cast upon his New England Churches as being the inlet to Errours shall honour them with this victorious coâ—quest given them by Christ herein yet willing they would their brethren in England might win the prize by out-stripping them more abundantly in length bredth and height which the same God is able to performe that hath been thus abundantly good to us About this time the Churches of Christ began to be diligent in their duty and the civil government in looking after such as were like to disturb the peace of this new erected government some persons being so hot headed for maintaining of these sinfull opinions that they feared breach of peace even among the Members of the superiour Court but the Lord blessing them with agreement to prevent the wofull effects of civill broyles those in place of government caused certain persons to be disarmed in the severall Townes as in the Towne of Boston to the number of 58. in the Towne of Salem 6. in the Towne of Newbery 3. in the Towne of Roxbury 5. in the Towne of Ipswitch 2. and Charles Towne 2. others there were that through the help of the faithfull servants of Christ came to see how they had beene mâ—sled and by the power of Christ in his Word returned againe with an acknowledgement of their sinne but others there were who remained obstinate to the disturbing of the civill power and were banished of whom you shall heare farther hereafter Some of the Churches of Christ being more indulgent waited long ere they fell upon the work and here you must tak notice that the Synod Civil Government and the Churches of Christ kept their proper place each moving in their own sphear and acting by their own light or rather by the revelation of Jesus Christ witnessed by his Word and Spirit yet not refusing the help of eacg other as some would willingly have it some of the Churches prosecuting the Rule of Christ against their hereticall Members were forced to proceed to excommunication of them who when they saw whereto it would come they would have prevented it with lying but the Lord discovered it and so they were justly separated from the Churches of Christ for lying which being done they fell to their old trade againe CHAP. VIII Of the planting the fourth Colonie of New Englands godly Government called New-Haven THe Lord Christ having now in his great mercy taken out of the way these mountains that seemed in the eye of Man to block up his Churches further proceedings they had now leisure to welcome the living stones that the Lord was pleased to adde unto this building and with thankfull acknowledgment to give him of his owne for his mercyes multitude whose was the work in planting not onely more Churches but another Colony also for the honoured Mr Eaton being accompanied with many worthy persons of note whom the Lord had furnished with store of substance for this wildernesse-work although they would willingly have made their abode under the government of the Mattachusets yet could they finde no place upon the Sea-coasts for their settling the Lord intending to enlarge his peoples border caused them after much search to take up a place somewhat more southwardly neare the shalles of Cape-cod where they had very flatt water yet being entred in they found commodious harbour for shipping and a fit place to erect a Towne which they built in very little time with very faire houses and compleat streets but in a little time they overstockt it with Chattell although many of them did follow merchandizing and Maritime affairs but their remotenesse from the Mattachusets Bay where the chiefe traffique lay hindred them much Here did these godly and sincere servants of Christ according to the rule of the Word gather into Church Estate and called to the office of a Pastor the reverend judicious and godly Mr John Davenport of whom the Author is bold to say as followeth WHen Men and Devils 'gainst Christs flock conspire For them prepar'd a deadly trapping net Then Christ to make all men his work admire Davenport he doth thee from thy Country fet To sit in Synod and his folk assist The filthy vomit of Hels Dragon deepe In earths womb drawn blest they this poyson mist And blest the meanes doth us from error keep Thy grave advice and arguments of strength Did much prevaile the Erronist confound Well hast thou warr'd Christ drawes thy dayes in length That thou in learn'd experience maist abound What though thou leave a city stor'd with pleasure Spend thy prime dayes in heathen desart land Thy joy 's in Christ and not in earthly treasure Davenport rejoice Christs Kngdome is at hand Didst ever deem to see such glorious dayes Though thou decrease with age and earths content Thou live'st in Christ needs then must thy joy raise His Kingdome 's thine and that can ne'r be spent This Church and Town soon procur'd some Sisters to take part with her and among them they erected a godly and peaceable Government and called their frontier towne New haven of which the Government is denominated being inhabited by many men eminent in gifts for the populating thereof and managing of affaires both by Sea and Land they have had some shipping built there but by the sad losse of Mr. Lambertons ship and goods also they were much disheartned but the much honoured Mr. Eaton remaines with them to this very day THou noble thus Theophilus before great Kings to stand More noble far for Christ his war thou leav'st thy native land With thy rich store thou cam'st on shore Christs Churches to assist What if it wast thou purchast hast that Pearl that most have mist Nay rather he hath purchast thee and whatsoever thou hast With graces store to govern o're his people he thee plac't Our State affaires thy will repaires assistant thou hast bin Firm league to make for Gospels sake four Colonyes within With Sweads French Dutch and Indians much Gods peoples peace this bred Then Eaton aye remember may the Child that 's yet unfed This government of New-haven although the younger Sister of the foure yet was she as beautifull as any of this broode of travellers most minding the end of her coming hither to keep close to the rule of Christ both in Doctrine and Discipline and it were to be wished her elder Sister would follow her example to nurture up all her children accordingly here is not to be forgotten the honoured Mr Hopkins who came over about this time a man of zeale and courage for the truths of Christ assisting this blessed work both in person and estate for the which the Author cannot forget him being oft in commission for the good of all the united Colonyes HOpkins thou must although weak dust for this great work
of Christ were much edified in their holy faith by their indefatigable pains of their Ministers in their weekly Lectures extraordinary as well as by their Sabboth-Assemblies and continuall visiting of their people from house to house endeavouring to heale the hurts these false deceivers had made with double diligence showring downe the sweet dews of the blessed Gospel of Jesus Christ to the converting of many a poor soul and indeed now were the glorious days of New England the Churches of Christ increase dayly and his eminent Embassadours resort unto them from our native Country which as then lay under the tyranny of the Monarchall Arch-prelates which caused the servants of Christ to wander from their home This yeare the reverend and judicious M. Jos Glover undertook this long voyage being able both in person and estate for the work he provided for further compleating the Colonies in Church and Common-wealth-work a Printer which hath been very usefull in many respects the Lord seeing it meet that this reverend and holy servant of his should fall short of the shores of New England but yet at this time he brought over the zealous affâ—cted and judicious servant of his Master Ezekiel Rogers who with a holy and humble people made his progress to the North-Eastward and erected a Towne about 6. miles from Ipswich called Rowly wanting room they purehased some addition of the Town of Newbery yet had they a large length of land onely for the neere conveniency to the Towne of Ipswich by the which meanes they partake of the continued Lectures of either Towne these people being very industrious every way soone built many houses to the number of about threescore families and were the first people that set upon making of Cloth in this Western World for which end they built a sulling-mill and caused their little-ones to be very diligent in spinning cotten wooll many of them having been clothiers in England till their zeale to promote the Gospel of Christ caused them to wander and therefore they were no lesse industrious in gathering into Church-society there being scrace a man among them but such as were meet to be living stones in this building according to the judgement of man they called to the office of a Pastor this holy man of God Mr. Ezekiel Rogers oâ— whom this may be said Christ for this work Rogers doth riches give Rich graces fit his people for to feed Wealth to supply his wants whilst here he live Free thou receiv'st to serve his peoples need England may mourne they thee no longer keep English rejoice Christ doth such worthyes raise His Gospel preach unfold his mysteries deep Weak dust made strong sets forth his makers praise With fervent zeale and courage thou hast fought ' Gainst that transformed Dragon and his bands Snatcht forth the burning thou poore soules hast caught And freed thy flock from wolves devouring hands Ezekiel mourn not thou art severed farre From thy deare Country to a desart land Christ call'd hath thee unto this worthy warre By him o'rcome he holds thy Crowne in 's hand For the further assisting of this tender flock of Chrst the reverend Mr. John Miller did abide among them for some space of time preaching the Word of God unto them also till it pleased the Lord to call him to be Pastor of the Church of Christ at Yarmouth in Plimoth patten where he remaineth at this very day With courage bold Miller through Seas doth venter To toyl it out in this great Western wast Thy stature low one object high doth center Higher then Heaven thy faith on Christ is plac't Allarum thou with silver trumpet sound And tâ—ll the World Christs Armyes are at hand With Scripture truths thou Errors dost confound And overthrow all Antichristian bands It matters not for th'worlds high reputation The World must fall and Christ alone must stand Thy Crown 's prepar'd in him then keep thy station Joy that Christs Kingdome is so neare at hand CHAP. XII Of the great Earthquake in New England and of the wofull end of some erronious persons with the first foundation of Harverd Colledge THis yeare the first day of the Fourth Month about two of the clock in the after-noone the Lord caus'd a great and terrible Earth quake which was generall throughout all the English Plantations the motion of the Earth was such that it caused divers men that had never knowne an Earth quake before being at worke in the Fields to cast downe their working-tooles and run with gastly terrified lookes to the next company they could meet withall it came from the Westerne and uninhabited parts of this Wildernesse and went the direct course this brood of Travellers came the Ministers of Christ many of them could say at that very time not from any other Revelation but what the word holds forth that if the Churches of New England were Gods house then suddenly there would follow great alterations in the Kingdomes of Europe This yeare the civill government proceeded to censure the residue of thofe sinfull erroneous persons who raised much commotion in this little Common-wealth who being banished resorted to a place more Southward some of them sitting down at a place called Providence others betooke them to an Island about 16. miles distant from the former called Rode Island where having Elbow roome enough none of the Ministers of Christ nor any other to interrupt their false and deceivable Doctrines they hamper'd themselves fouly with their owne line and soone shewed the depthlesse ditches that blinde guides lead into many among them being much to be pittyed who were drawne from the truth by the bewitching tongues of some of them being very ignorant and easily perverted and although the people were not many in all yet were they very diverse in their opinions and glad where they could gaine most Disciples to heare them some were for every day to be a Sabbath and therefore kept not any Sabbath-day at all others were some for one thing some for another and therefore had their severall meetings making many a goodly piece of Preachment among whom there were some of the female sexe who deeming the Apostle Paul to be too strict in not permitting a roome to preach in the publique Congregation taught notwithstanding they having their call to this office from an ardent desire of being famous especially the grand Mistresse of them all who ordinarily prated every Sabbath day till others who thirsted after honour in the same way with her selfe drew away her Auditors and then she withdrew her self her husband and her family also to a more remote place and assuredly although the Lord be secret in all the dispensation of his providences whether in judgement or mercy yet much may be learn'd from all as sometimes pointing with the finger to the lesson as here these persons withdrawing from the Churches of Christ wherein he walketh and is to be found in his blessed Ordinances to a first and second place where they
by him prepared fit To help it on among our English Nation CHAP. XV. Of further supply for the Church of Christ at Waterton And a sad acceidnt fell out in Boston Towne THe Lord intending to strengthen his poore Churches here and after the overthrow of these damnable Errors to trample Satan under their feet he manifesteth his mindefulness of them in sending over fresh suplpyes againe and againe although weak and sory men in themselves yet strong in the Lord and the power of his might the last that this yeare is to be named is the reverend judicious and godly-affected Mr John Knowles who was desired of the Church of Christ at Waterton to be a two-fold cord unto them in the office of a teaching Elder with the reverend Mr. Phillips of whom you have heard in the former Book WIth courage bold and arguments of strength Knowles doth apply Gods word his stock unto Christ furnisht hath to shew his bountyes length Thee with rich gifts that thou his work mayst do New England is too scant for thy desire Inkindled is Christs truths abroad to spread Virginia may his grace to them admire That thee through Seas for their instruction led Thy labours Knowles are great far greater hee Not onely thee but all his valiant made Forth sinfull dust his Saints and Warriers be He thee upheld thy strength shall never fade John come thou forth behold what Christ hath wrought In these thy dayes great works are yet behinde Then toyle it out till all to passe be brought Christ crowne will thee thou then his glory minde To end this yeare 1639. the Lord was pleased to a send a very sharp winter and more especially in strong storms of weekly snows with very bitter blasts And here the Reader may take notice of the sad hand of the Lord against two persons who were taken in a storme of snow as they were passing from Boston to Roxbury it being much about a mile distant and a very plaine way One of Roxbury sending to Boston his servant maid for a Barber Chirurgion to draw his tooth they lost their way in their passage between and were not found till many dayes after and then the maid was fonnd in one place and the man in another both of them frozen to death in which sad accident this was taken into consideration by divers people that this Barber was more then ordinary laborious to draw men to those sinfull Errors that were formerly so frequent and now newly overthrowne by the blessing of the Lord upon the endeavour of his faithfull servants with the word of truth he having a fit opportunity by reason of his trade so soone as any were set downe in his chaire he would commonly be cutting of their haire and the truth together notwithstanding some report better of the man the example is for the living the dead is judged of the Lord alone CHAP. XVI The great supply of godly Ministers for the good of his People in New England FOr to govern and rule this little Common wealth was this year chosen the valiant Champion for the advance of Christs truh Thomas Dudly Esq and Richard Bellingham Esq Deputy Governour the freemen added to the former were about 192. this yeare the reverend Mr. Burr a holy heavenly-minded man and able gifted to preach the Word of God was exercised therein for some space of time in the Church of Christ at Dorchester where they were about calling him to the office of a teaching Elder but in a very littie time after his coming over he departed this life yet minde him you may in the following Meetre WEll didst thou minde thy Work Which caus'd thee vonter Through Ocean large thy Christ in 's Word to preach Exhorting all their faith on him to center Soules ravisht are by him in thy sweet speech Thy speech bewrayes thy heart for heaven doth look Christ to enjoy Burr from the earth is taken Thy words remaine though thou hast us forsook In dust sleep sound till Christ thy body waken There are divers others of the faithfull Ministers of Christ that came over for to further this his work somewhat before this time as the godly and reverend Mr. Rayner who was called to office in the Church of Christ at Plimoth and there remaines preaching the Word instantly with great paines and care over that flock as also the reverend and faithfull servant of Christ Jesus Mr. William Hook who was for some space of time at the Church in Taunton but now remaines called to office in the Church of Christ at Newhaven a man who hath received of Christ many gracious gifts fit for so high a calling with very amiable and gracious speech labouring in the Lord and here also the Reader may minde how the Lord was pleased to reach out his large hand of bounty toward his N. England people in supplying them abundantly with Teachers able and powerfull to break the bread of life unto them so long as their desires continued hot and zealous but after here grew a fulnesse in some even to slight if not loath the honey comb many returned for England and the Lord was pleased to take away others by death although very few considering the number but let N. England beware of an after-clap provoke the Lord no longer But seeing this yeare proved the last of the yeares of transportation of Gods people only for enjoyment of exercising the Ordinances of Christ and enlargement of his Kingdome there being hopes of great good opportunity that way at home it will be expediene onely to name some others in the Southwest parts among the lesser Colonyes and so passe on to the story And first not to forget the reverend Mr. Eaton a man of love and peace and yet godly zealous he came over with those who planted the Colony of Newhaven spending his labours in the Lord with them in Plimoth Plantation also here is to be minded the reverend Mr. Chancie a very able Preacher both learned and judicious as also the reverend able and pious M. Huet who came over this year or rather as I suppose the yeare before who did spend his time and labour with a people that came over with him at length the greatest part of them they settled downe in the Government of Canecticoe where they planted the Towne of Windsor and Church of Christ there where this gracious servant of Christ continued in his labours till the Lord laid him in his bed of rest somewhat before this time came over the reverend Mr. Smith being another of that name beside the former he laboured in the Word and Doctrine with a people at Withersfield in those parts also Mr. Henry Whitefield another Minister of the Gospel of Christ of reverend respect who being returned for England the latter of his labours the Lord assisting will sufficiently testifie his sincerity for the truth and labours of love in the Lord here may also be named the reverend Mr. Peck Mr. Saxton
the people in the several Colonies to make a yearly contribution toward it which by some is observed but by the most very much neglected the Government hath endeavoured to grant them all the priviledges fit for a Colledg and accordingly the Governour and Magistrates together with the President of the Colledg for the time being have a continual care of ordering all matters for the good of the whole This Colledg hath brought forth and nurst up very hopeful plants to the supplying some Churches here as the grrcious and godly Mr. Wilson son to the grave and zealous servant of Christ Mr. John Wilson this young man is Pastor to the Church of Christ at Dorchester as also Mr. Buckly son to the reverend M. Buckly of Concord 〈◊〉 also a second son of his whom our Native Country hath now at present help in the Ministery and the other is over a people of Christ in one of these Colonies and if I mistake not England hath I hope not only this young man of N. E. nurâ—â—ng up in learning but many more as M. Sam. and Nathaâ—â—â—l Mathers Mr. Wells Mr. Downing Mr. Bâ—rnard Mr. Alâ—â—â— Mr. Bruster Mr. VVilliam Ames Mr. Iones Another of the first fruits of this Colledg is imployed in these Western parts at Mâ—vis one of the summer Islands beside these named â—â—me help hath been had from hence in the study of Physick 〈◊〉 also the godly Mr. Sam. Danforth who hath not only stuâ—ed Divinity but also Astronomy he put forth many Almaâ—â—ks and is now called to the office of a teaching Elder in the Church of Christ at Roxbury who was one of the fellows of this Colledg the number of Students is much encreased of late so that the present year 1651. on the twelfth of the sixth moneth ten of them took the degree of Batchelors of Art among whom the Sea-born son of Mr. Iohn Cotton was one some Gentlemen have sent their sons hither from England who are to be commended for their care of them as the judicious and godly Doctor Ames and divers others This hath been a place certainly more free from temptations to lewdness then ordinarily England hath been yet if men shall presume upon this to send their most exorbitant children intending them more especially for Gods service the Justice of God doth sometimes meet with them and the means doth more harden them in their way for of late the godly Governors of this Colledg have been forced to expell some for fear of corrupting the Fountain wherefore the Author would ye should mind this following verse You that have seen these wondrous works by Sions Savier don Expect not miracle left means thereby you over-run The noble Acts Jehovah wrought his Israel to redeem Surely this second work of his shall far more glorious seem Not only Egypt but all Lands where Antichrist doth raign Shall from Jehovahs heavy hand ten times ten plagues sustainâ— Bright shining shall this Gospel come Oh glorious King of Saints Thy blessed breath confounds thy foes all mortal power faints The ratling bones together run with self-same breath that blows Of Israels sons long dead and dry each joynt there sinew grows Fair flesh doth cover them veins lifes feuntain takes there platâ— Smooth seamless coats doth cloath their flesh and all their structure grace The breath of Life is added they no Antinomians are But loving him who gives them life more zealous are by far To keep his Law then formerly when righteousnesse they sought In keeping that they could not keep which then their dowufâ— brought Their ceremonies vanisht are on Christ's all their desires Their zeal all Nations doth provoke inkindled are loves fires VVith hast on horseback bringing hometheir sons daughters they Rejoyce to see this glorious sight like Resurrections day Vp and be doing you young plants Christ calls his work unto Polluted lips touch'd with heav'ns fire about this work shall go Prostrate in prayer parents and you young ones on Christ call Suppose of you he will make use whereby that boast shall fall So be it Lord thy servants say who are at thy disposing VVith outward word work inward grace by heavenly truths disclosing Awake stand up from death to life in Christ your studies enter The Scriptures search bright light bring forth upon this hardship venter Sound doctrine shall your lips preach out all errors to confound And rid Christ's Temple from this smoke his glory shall abound Precipitant doth Dâ—gon fall his triple head off out The Beast that all the world admires by you to death is put Put hand to mouth with vehement blast your silver Trumpets sound Christ calls to mind his peoples wrongs their foes hee 'l now confoâ—nd Bestrong in God and his great might his wondrous works do tell You raised are unwonted ways observe his workings well As Jordans streams congeal'd in heaps and Jerico's high walls With Rams horns blast and Midians Host with pitcher breaking falls Like works your faith for to confirm in these great works to come That nothing now too hard may seem Jehovah would have don The rage of Seas and hunger sharp wants of a desart Land Your noble hearts have overcom what shall this work withstand Not persecutors pride and rage strong multitudes do fall By little handfuls of least dust your Christ confounds them all Not Sâ—tan and his subtil train with seeming shew reforming Another Gospel to bring forth brings damned errors swarming Your selves have seen his paint waesht off his hidden poysons found Christ you provides with Antidotes to keep his people sound There 's nought remains but conquist now through Christ's continued power His hardest works have honors most attend them every hour VVhat greater honor then on earth Christ's Legat for to bo Attended with his glorious Saints in Church fraternity Christ to behold adorning now his Bride in bright array And you his friends him to attend upon his Nuptial day VVith crowned heads as Conquerors triumphant by his side In 's presence is your lasting joy and pleasures ever bide Mr. Henry Dunstar is now President of this Colledg fitted from the Lord for the work and by those that have skill that way reported to be an able Proficient in both Hebrew Greek and Latine languages an Orthodox Preacher of the truths of Christ very powerful through his blessing to move the affection and besides he having a good inspection into the well-ordering of things for the Students maintenance whose commons hath been very short hitherto by his frugal providence hath continued them longer at their Studies then otherwise they could have done and verily it 's great pity such ripe heads as many of them be should want means to further them in learning But seeing the Lord hath been pleased to raise up so worthy an instrument for their good he shall not want for incouragement to go on with the work so far as a rustical rime will reach COuld man presage prodigious works at hand Provide he would for 's
year The Town of Readding had her foundation stone laid about this time this and the Town of Wooburn were like the twins in the womb of Tamar Readding thrusting forth the hand first but Wooburn came first to the birth this Town is well watered and scituate about a great pond besides it hath two mills the one a Saw-mill the other a 〈◊〉 mill which stand on two several streams it hath not been â—o fruitful for children as her Sister hath her habitation is fallen in the very center of the country they are well stocked with cattel for the number of people they have they gathered into a church and ordained a Pastor from among themselves at the same time a young man of good abilities to preach the Word and of a very humble behaviour named Mr. Green he having finished his course departed this life not long after whose labours are with the Lord after him succeeded in the place one Mr. Hoph a young man one of the first fruits of N. E. a man studious to promote the truths of Christ they are both remembred in this following verse ON earths bed thou at noon hast laid thy head You that for Christ as Green here toy I have taken When nature fails then rest it in earths dead Till Christ by 's word with glory thee awaken Young Hoph thou must be second to this man In field incounter with Christ's foes shalt thou Stand up and take his bright sword in thy hand Error cut down and make stout stomacks bow Green 's gone before thy warfare's now begun And last it may to see Romes Babel fall Byweakest means Christ mighty works hath done Keep footing fast till Christ thee hence do call The next Town and church of Christ planted in this colony was between Salem and Ipswitch Salem the eldest of all the Sisters was very helpful to this her little Sister nourishing her up in her own bosom till she came of age being beneficial to her besides in giving her a good portion of Land this Town is called Wenham and is very well watered as most in land Towns are the people live altogether upon husbandry New England having train'd up great store to this occupation they are encreased in cattel and most of them live very well yet are they no great company they were some good space of time there before they gathered into a Church-body the godly and reverend Mr. John Fisk went thither with them at first setting down as a planter among them yet withal he became helpful in preaching the Word unto them when they were but a few in number they afterward call'd him to the office of a Pastor with whom he now remains labouring in the Word and Doctrine with great industry of whom it may be thus said TO wade through toyl of Wilderness thou hast Dâ—ubled thy work thy wages troble are Christ hath thee call'd and in his vineyard plac't He 'l bear thee up above all saiâ—ting far Sions strong Mount must now again be built Thy faith oh Fisk the Lord hath holpen much With dreadful sighâ— the Pâ—â—lars power hath spilt All pride he 'l stain by his almighty touch His truths unstain'd by liberty keep thou To please the most authority must fall What Christ hath given if safely keep with you Till he to thee for thine accompt do call CHAP. XXVI Of the military affairs the forts of Bostoa and Charles the Castle erected anew by the six neerest Towns with the manner of putting the Country in a posture of war to be ready upon all occasions THese souldiers of Christ Jesus having made a fair retreat from their Native country hither and now being come to a convenient station resolved to stand it out the Lord assisting against all such as should come to rob them of their priviledges which the Lord Christ had purchased for them at a very high rate and now out of the riches of his grace was minded to give them yet would he have them follow him into this Wilderness for it although the chiefest work of these select bands of Christ was to mind their spiritual warfare yet they knew right well the Temple was surrounded with walls and bulworks and the people of God in re-edifying the same did prepare to resist their enemies with weapons of war even while they continued building This people no less diligent to make use of such means as the Lord afforded them ordered and decreed That all the souldiers belonging to the 26. bands in the Mattachusets Government should be exercised and drill'd eight daies in a yeare and whosoever should absent himself except it were upon unavoidable occasion should pay 5. s. for every daies neglect there are none exempt unless it be a few timerous persons that are apt to plead infirmity if the Church chuse them not for Deacous or they cannot get to serve some Magistrate or Minister but assuredly the generalicy of this people are very forward for feats of war and many have spent their time and estates to further this work the Town of Boston hath afforded many active Charles Town hath not been inferiour unless it be in number This year the Court appointed certain persons to spend their skill in putting the people possessing this desolate desart in a ready posture of drawing their forces together upon any suddain accident that might befall them to mannage guide order and direct all things as may be best for the good of the whole they being a poor and mean people laboured to avoid high titles yet order they knew was necessary therefore ordained they only one General Officer in time of war under the name of Major General the Governor and Magistrates for the time being are the standing Councel for peace or war and either they or the General Court may appoint any to the office of a General the first Major-General was the much honored Tho. Dudly Esquire whose faithfulness and great zeal and love to the truths of Christ caused the people to chuse him to this office although he were far stricken in years the Government is divided into four Counties which to shew they would their posterity should mind whence they came they have named Suffolk Middlesex Essex and Northfolk each containing a Regiment over whom the chief Commander is only a Serjeant-Major the first chosen to this office over the Regiment of Suffolk was Major Edw. Gibbons who hath now the office of Major-General also he is a man of a resolute spirit bord as a Lion being wholly tutor'd up in N.E. Discipline very generous and forward to promote all military matters his Forts are well contrived and batteries strong and in good repair his great Artillery well mounted and cleanly kept half Canon Culverins and Sakers as also field-pieces of brass very ready for service his own company led by Capt. Lievtenant Sarag are very compleat in their arms and many of them disciplin'd in the military garden beside their ordinary trainings the Captains under him are Caps
out and for the Lords assisting them against their witchery yet have they as is supposed bewitched not a few persons among whom two of the reverend Elders children These people inhabiting this Town having gathered into a Church-body called to the office of a Pastor the reverend M. Moxon who remaineth with them at this very day of whom as followeth AS thou with strong and able parts art made Thy person stout with toyl and labour shall With help of Christ through difficulties wade Then spend for him spare not thy self at all When errors crowd close to thy self and friends Take up truths sword trifle not time for why Christ call'd his people hither for these ends To tell the world that Babels fall is nigh And that his Churches through the world shall spread Maugre the might of wicked men and devils Then Moxon thou need'st not at all to dread But be aveng'd on Satan for his evils Thy Lord Christ will under thy feet him tread This year the great troubles in our native country encreaseing and that hearing prophane Esau had mustered up all the Bands he could make to come against his brother Iacob these wandering race of Jacobites deemed it now high time to implore the Lord for his especial aid in this time of their deepest distress and the rather being incouraged hereunto from former deliverances and wonderful mercies received the which they now presented before the Lord with the several branches and inlarged bounties thereof to refresh their frozen affections and move a melting heart in their barren brests that began to dry up with a lazy lethargy and therefore thrusting themselves on to the work by the loving invitation of that godly Government the Lord in his mercy had peaceably placed among them each Church in their own proper place meeting together in daies of solemn seeking of the Lords pleasing countenance in Christ the Lord in his mercy helping them after a serious acknowledgment of their own unworthiness by reason of their sinful provocations of the Lord to anger against them aggravated in that they were committed immediately upon the receipt of a multitude of marvellous mercies they acknowledg unto the Lord in the audience of the great Congregation the manner of his wonderful providence extended toward them that as Iacob professes I came over this Jordan with my staff and now have I gotten two Bands so they came over this boysterous billow-boyling Ocean a few poor scattered stones newly raked out of the heaps of rubbish and thou Lord Christ hast now so far exalted them as to lay them sure in thy Sion a building to be the wonder of the world orderly are they placed in five and forty several Churches and that in a Wilderness where civility scarce ever took place much less any Religion and now to the Lord earnestly they cry to be delivered from the cruel hands of those that would destroy both young and old the bird and her young together and as Iacobs fear was the seed of Christs Church in the posterity of Israel should be cut off and therefore pleaded the promise of the Lord in the multiplying of his seed so these people at this very time pleaded not only the Lords promise to Israel but to his only Son Christ Jesus Lord hast thou not said Ask of me and I will give thee the Heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost ends of the earth for thy possession and now Lord are not these the Churches of Christ which thou hast planced for his possession and that as Rachel and Leah built the house of Israel so now shall these and the like Sister-churches spread the whole earth the Lord Christ raigning as King and Lord for ever over them Then why do the Heathen rage and the people imagin a vain thing seeing the rime of the Lords arising to have mercy upon Sion is come â—ea his appointed time is at hand and he who walks in the midst of his golden Candlesticks whose eys are as a flaming fire will not suffer his Churches to be trodden under feet of that Antichristian Lordly prelacy any longer nor yet defiled with any transformed Saint-seeming Angels of light with their painted doctrines Thus did this poor people plead with the Lord not only for themselves but for their dearly beloved brethren in England I and all that are Christs chosen people the world throughout and although they were not unmindful from day to day of them yet this year 1645. the Lord was pleased to stir up their affections in more then an ordinary manner what success their prayers have had let all that love and long to behold the beauty of Christ shining on and in his beloved Bride declare the loving kindness of the Lord toward his Churches and let all the Churches of Christ though never so â—â— more the one from the other yet joyned together in one â—hith and one Christ be frequent in prayer one for another â—ongregate together at the Throne of the Lord be present in â—pirit though absent in body these Mew-England Churches â—â—â— neer one hundred miles distant one from another and yet communicate counsel care love joy grieve with and for â—ne another dismiss some and commend others as occasiâ—n serves to the Christian care and watchfulness from one Church to another and why may not this be practised the world throughout even from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum CHAP. III. Of the opposition the Government of the Mattachusets Colony met withal by certain persons under the name of Petitioners IN place of Governor was chosen for this year Iohn Winthrop Esquire and for Deputy Governor Thomas Dudly Esquire the number of freemen were about 72. At the Court of Election there was a Petition drawn and presented to the Court by a Doctor of Physick with seven hands to it the persons were of a Linfiwolsie disposition some for Prefacy some for Presbytery and some for Plâ—bsbytery but all joyned together in the thing they would which was to stir up the people to dislike of the present Government one while envving against the constitution of the Government as not popular enough another while against the Laws or orders of this little Common-wealth as two strict and then to provoke at least the pâ—â—â—â—â—ous they tell them of great expence of the publike Treasury and intolerable taxations the matter they petitioned for was a bottom to build their quarrel upon under the name of a Presbyterian Government and this they supposed would suit well with their Bill of complaint which they intended for England not that they cared for a Presbyterian Church for had they so done they might have found out one in the country before they petitioned but because they supposed that the Parliament in England would establish that way only and therefore bore themselves bold upon it that although their seditious and scandalous words and practises should incur a penalty as none could deem any other unless it be such as are all for
will cut off from the city of the Lord the wicked doers and if any man can shew wherein any of them derogate from the Word of God very willingly will they accept thereof and amend their imperfections the Lord assisting but let not any ill affected persons find fault with them because they suit not with their own humour or because they meddle with matters of Religion for it is no wrong to any man that a people who have spent their estates many of them and ventured their lives for to keep faith and a pure conscience to use all means that the Word of God allows for maintenance and continuance of the same especially they having taken up a desolate Wilderness to be their habitation and not deluded any by keeping their profession in huggermug but print and proclaim to all the way and course they intend God willing to walk in if any will yet notwithstanding seek to justle them out of their own right let them not wonder if they meet with all the opposition a people put to their greatest straits can make as in all their undertaking their chiefest aim hath been to promote the Ordinances of Christ so also in contriving their Laws Liberties and Priviledges they have not been wanting which hath caused many to maligne their civil Government and more especially for punishing any by a Law that walk conrrary to the rule of the Gospel which they profess but to them it seems unreasonable and savours too much of hypocrisie that any people should pray unto the Lord for the speedy accomplishment of his Word in the overthrow of Antichrist and in the mean time become a Patron to sinful opinions and damnable errors that oppose the truths of Christ admit it be but in the bare permission of them CHAP. VI. Of the Lords wonder-working Providence in fitting this people with all kind of Manufactures and the bringing of them into the order of a Commonwealth ON the day of Election for Governor and Magistrates which are new chosen every year the honored John Winthrope Esquire was chosen Governor and the like honored Thomas Dudly Esquire Deputy Governor John Endicut Esquire was chosen Major-General which is an Officer the Freemen make a yearly choice of all other Military Officers stand for 〈◊〉 of life unless any be put out for misdemeanour the member of freemen added this year were about 85. the Land affording very good â—â—on stone divers persons of good â—ack and quality in England were stirred up by the provident hand of the Lord to venture their estatee upon an hon work which they began at Braintree and profited the owners little but rather wasted their stock which caused some of them to tell away the Kmainder the chief reason being the high price of labour which ordinarily was as much more as in England and in many things treble the way of going on with such a work here was not suddâ—inly to be disterned although the Steward had a very able eye yet experience nath out-stript learning here and the most quick-sighted in the Theory of things have been forced to pay prety mundly to Lady Experience for filling their heads with a sittle of her active after-wit much hope there is now that the owners may pick up their crums again if they be but made partakers of the gain in putting off England commodities at N. E. price it will take off one third of the great price they gave for labour and the price of their iron it is supposed another third is taken of the abundance of wood had for little will surely take off the residue besides land at easie rates and common land free for their use it were to be desired that those Gentlemen who have undertaken the work would consider the place where their works are namely in N. E. where the Lord Christ hath chosen to plant his Churches in to hide his people under the covert of his wings till the tyranny of Antichrist be over-passed and any that have disbursed pence for the furthering of his work shall be repayed with thousands Besides the Gentlemen that govern this Colony are very desirous to be helpful in what they may and had rather take any burthens upon themselves and the Inhabitants that in justice they ought then that those Gentlemen should be any wayes damnified The Lord is pleased also to compleat this Commonwealth abundantly beyond all expectation in all sorts of needful occupations it being for a loâ—g time the great fear of many and those that were endued with grace from above also that this would be no place of continued habitation for want of a staple-commodity but the Lord whose promises are large to his Sion hath blest his peoples provision and satisfied her poor with bread in a very little space every thing in the country proved a staple-commodity wheat rye oats peas barley beef pork fish butter cheese timber mast tar sope plank-board frames of housâ—s clabboard and pipestaves iron and lead is like to be also and those who were formerly forced to fetch most of the bread they eat and beer they drink a hundred leagues by Sea are through the blessing of the Lord so encreased that they have not only fed their Elder Sisters Virginia Barbados and many of the Summer Islands that were prefer'd before her for fruitfulness but also the Grandmother of us all even the firtil Isle of Great Britain beside Portugal hath had many a mouthful of bread and fish from us in exchange of their Madeara liquor and also Spain nor could it be imagined that this Wilderness should turn a mart for Merchants in so short a space Holland France Spain and Portugal coming hither for trade shipping going on gallantly till the Seas became so troublesome and England restrain'd our trade forbidding it with Barbados c. and Portugal stopt and took our ships many a fair ship had her framing and finishing here besides lesser vessels barques and ketches many a Master beside commoa Seamen had their first learning in this Colony Boston Charles-Town Salem and Ipswitch our Maritan Towns began to encrease roundly especially Boston the which of a poor country village in twice seven years is become like unto a small City and is in election to be Mayor Town suddainly chiefly increased by trade by Sea yet of late the Lord hath given a check to our traffique but the reason may be rendred hereafter nor hath this Colony alone been actors in this trade of venturing by Sea but New-haven also who were many of them well experienced in traffique and had good estates to mannage it Canectiso did not linger behind but put forth to Sea with the other all other trades have here fallen into their ranks and places to their great advantage especially Coopers and Shomakers who had either of them a Corporation granted inriching themselves by their trades very much Coopers having their plenty of stuff at a cheap rate and by reason of trade with forraign parts abandance of
of her and he not partakers of her sins now is the time when the Lord hath assembled his Saints together now the Lord will come and not tarry As it was necessary that there should be a Moses and Aaron before the Lord would deliver his people and destroy Pharaoh lest they should be wildred indeed in the Wilderness so now it was needfull that the Churches of Christ should first obtain their purity and the civill government its power to defend them before Antichrist come to his finall ruine and because you shall be sure the day is come indeed behold the Lord Christ marshalling of his invincible Army to the battell some suppose this onely to be mysticall and not literall at all assuredly the spirituall fight is chiefly to be attended and the other not neglected having a neer dependancy one upon the other especially at this time the Ministers of Christ who have cast off all lording power over one another are created field-Officers whose Office is extravagant in this Army chiefly to encourage the fighting Souldiers and to lead them on upon the enemy in the most advantagious places and bring on fresh supplies in all places of danger to put the sword of the spirit in their Souldiers hands but Christ who is their general must onely enable them to use it aright to give every Souldier in charge that they watch over one another to see that none meddle with the execrable things of Antichrist and this to be performed in every Regiment throughout the Army and not one to exercise dominion over the other by way of superiority for Christ hath appointed a parity in all his Regiments c. let them beware that none go apart with rebellious Korah And further behold Kings Rulers or Generals of Earths Armies doth Christ make use of in this day of battell the which he hath brought into the field already also who are appointed to defend uphold and maintain the whole body of his Armies against the insolent beastly and bloody cruelty of their insatiable enemies and to keep order that none do his fellow-Souldier any wrong nor that any should raise a mutiny in the hosts Notwithstanding all this if any shall say they will not believe the day is come till they see them ingage battell with Antichrist Verily if the Lord be pleased to open your eyes you may see the beginning of the fight and what success the Armies of our Lord Christ have hitherto had the Forlorne hopes of Antichrists Army were the proud Prelates of England the Forlorne of Christs Armies were these N. E. people who are the subject of this History which encountring each other for some space of time ours being overpowered with multitude were forced to retreat to a place of greater safety where they waited for a fresh opportunity to ingage with the main battell of Antichrist so soon as the Lord shall be pleased to give a word of Command Immediately upon this success the Lord Christ was pleased to command the right Wing of his Army to advance against the left Wing of Antichrist where in his former forlorn hopes of proud Prelates lay these by our right Wing had their first pay for that they had done to our forlorne before being quite overthrown and cut in peices by the valiant of the Lord in our right Wing who still remain fighting Thus far of the battell of Antichrist and the various success what the issue will be is assuredly known in the generall already Babylon is fallen the God of truth hath said it then who would not be a Souldier on Christs side where is such a certainty of victory nay I can tell you a farther word of encouragement every true-hearted Souldier that falls by the sword in this fight shall not lye dead long but stand upon his feet again and be made partaker of the triumph of this Victory and none can be overcome but by turning his back in fight And for a word of terrour to the enemy let them know Christ will never give over the raising of fresh Forces till they are overthrown root and branch And now you antient people of Israel look out of your Prison grates let these Armies of the Lord Christ Jesus provoke you to acknowledge he is certainly come I and speedily he doth come to put life into your dry bones here is a people not onely praying but fighting for you that the great block may be removed out of the way which hath hindered hitherto that they with you may enjoy that glorious resurrection-day the glorious nuptials of the Lamb when not only the Bridegroom shall appear to his Churches both of Jews and Gentiles which are his spouse in a more brighter aray then ever heretofore but also his Bride shall be clothed by him in the richest garments that ever the Sons of men put on even the glorious graces of Christ Jesus in such a glorious splendor to the eyes of man that they shall see and glorifie the Father of both Bridegroom and Bride OH King of Saints how great 's thy work say we Done and to do poor Captives to redeem Mountaines of mercy makes this work to be Glorious that grace by which thy works are seen Oh Jesu thou a Saviour unto thine Not works but grace makes us this mercy find Of sinners cheife no better men they be Thou by thy work hast made thy work to do Thy Captaines strength weak dust appears in thee While thou art brought such wondrous works unto Then Christ doth all I all is done for his Redeemed ones his onely work it is Doth Christ build Churches who can them deface He purchast them none can his right deny Not all the world ten thousand worlds his grace Caus'd him once them at greater price to buy Nor marvell then if Kings and Kingdomes he Destroy'd when they do cause his folke to flee Christ is come down possession for to take Of his deer purchase who can hinder him Not all the Armies earthly men can make Millions of spirits although Divels grim Can Pope or Turke with all their mortall power Stay Christ from his inheritance one hour All Nations band your selves together now You shall fall down as dust from bellows blown How easie can our King your power bow Though higher you in mens accompt were grown As drop in bucket shall those waters be Whereon that Whore doth sit in high degree Christs wrath is kindled who can stand before His anger that so long hath been provoked In moment perish shall all him before Who touch'd Mount Sinai and it soundly smoaked New-England Churches you are Christs you say So sure are all that walk in Christs way No such need fear fury of men or Divels Why Christ among you takes his dayly walk He made you gold you keeps from rusting evils And hid you here from strife of tongues proud talke Amongst his he for their defence doth bide They need no more that have Christ on their side Man be not
likely to live or die by N. Culpeper 13. Catastrophe Magnatum or the downfall of Monarchy by N. Culpeper 14. Ephemerides for the year 1652. being a year of wonders by N. Culpeper 15. Lux veritatis or Christian Judiciall Astrology vindicated and Daemonology confuted in answer to Nath. Holmes Dr. D. by W. Ramsey Gent. 16. The History of the Golden Ass 17. The Painting of the Antients the beginning progress and consummating of that noble Art and how those antient Artificers attained to their still so much admired excellency sraels redemption or the propheticall History of our Saviours Kingdome on earth by Robert Matton of Exon Colledgo in Olcon 8. 18. An Introduction to the Teutonick Philosophy being a determination of the Originall of the Soul at a Dispute held in the School at Cambridg at the Commencement March 3. 1646. by Charles Hotham Fellow of Peter-house 12. 19. Teratologia or a discovery of Gods wonders manifested in the former and moderne times by bloody rain and waters by I.S. 20. Foos Lachry marum or a fountain of Tears from whence doth flow Englands complaint Jeremiahs Lamentations with an Elegy upon that Son of Valour Sir Charles Lucas by John Quarles 8. 21. Oedipus or a resolver being a Clew that leads to the chiefe Secrets and true resolution of amorous naturall morall and politicall Problems by G. M. 22. The celestiall Lamp enlightning every distressed soul from the depth of everlasting Darkness to the height of eternall Light by Tho. Fettisplace 23. Nocturnall Lucubrations or Meditations divine and morall with Epigrams and Epitaphs by Robert Chamberlain 24. The unfortunate Mother a Tragedy by Tho. Nabs 25. The Rebellion a Comedy by T. R. 26. The Tragedy of Messalina by Nat. Richards 8. 27. The remedy of Discontentment or a Treatise of contentation in whatsoever condition fit for these sad and troublesome times by Joseph Hall late B. of Exon and Norwich 12. 18. The Grand Sacriledge of the Church of Rome in taking away the sacred Cup from the Laity at the Lords Table by the late reverend Daniel Featly D. D. 4. 29. The cause and cure of Ignorance Error Enmity Atheism and Prophaness or a most hopefull way to Grace and Salvation by R. Young 8. 30. A bridle for the Times tending to still the Murmuring to settle the Wavering to stay the Wandring to strengthen the Fainting by John Brinsley Minister of Gods Word at Yarmouth 31. Comforts against the fear of Death wherein are severall evidences of the work of Grace by John Collins of Norwich 32. Jacobs seed or the excellency of seeking God by prayer by Jeremiah Burroughs Minister of the Gospel to the two greatest Congregations about London Stepney and Cripplegate 33. The Zealous Magistrate a Sermon by Tho Threscot 34. Britannia Rediviva or a Soverain Remedy to cure a sick Common-wealth preached in the Minster at Yorke before the Judges August 9. 1649. by J. Shaw Minister of Hull 35. The Princess Royall preached in the Minster in Yorke before the Judges March 24. 1650. by John Shaw Minister of Hull 36. Anatomy of Mortality divided into eight Heads 1. The Certainty of Death 2. Meditations of Death 3. Preparations for Death 4. The right behaviour in Death 5. The Comfort in our own Death 6. The comfort against the Death of Friends 7. The Cases wherein it 's lawfull or unlawfull to desire Death 8. The glorious Estate of Gods Children after Death by George Stronde 37. New Jerusalem in a Sermon for the Society of Astrologers August 1651. 38. Mirrour of Complements fitted for Ladies Gentlewomen Scholars and Strangers with formes of speaking and writing of Letters most in fashion with witty Poems and a Table expounding hard English words 39. Cabinet of Jewels discovering the nature vertue value of pretious Stones with infallible Rules to escape the deceit of all such as are adulterate or counterfeit by Tho. Nicholls 40. Quakers Cause at second hearing being a full answer to their Tenets 41. Divinity no Enemy to Astrology a sermon intended for the Society of Astrologers for the year 1653. by Dr. Tho. Swadlin 42. Historicall Relation of the first planting of the English in New England in the year 1628. to the year 1653. and all the materiall passages happening there Exactly performed The Church of Christ at Plimoth was planted in New England 8. Yeares before any others Doctor Wilson gave 1000 l. to New England with which they stored them with great Guns Mr. Wareham and other of their Teaching Elders you shall reade of when the Canâ—â—kâ—â—â—o is planted 1634. Concord the 12. Church 1. Dividing betweene the Word and the Word 2. Christ and his Graces 3. The Word and the spirit 4. Christ and his Ordinances Foure score Errors derived from these four heads and spread abroad in N. England M. Allen a great help against the Errors of the time A The consideration of the wonderful providence of Christ in planting his N. E. Churches and with the right hand of his power preserving protecting favouring and feeding them upon his tender knees Together with the ill requital of his all-infinite and undeserved mercies bestowed upon us bath caused many a soul to lament for the dishonor done to his Name and sear of his casting of this little handful of his and the insulting of the enemy whose forrow is set forth in these four first staffs of verses A The consideration of the wonderful providence of Christ in planting his N. E. Churches and with the right hand of his power preserving protecting favouring and feeding them upon his tender knees Together with the ill requital of his all-infinite and undeserved mercies bestowed upon us bath caused many a soul to lament for the dishonor done to his Name and sear of his casting of this little handful of his and the insulting of the enemy whose forrow is set forth in these four first staffs of verses A The consideration of the wonderful providence of Christ in planting his N. E. Churches and with the right hand of his power preserving protecting favouring and feeding them upon his tender knees Together with the ill requital of his all-infinite and undeserved mercies bestowed upon us bath caused many a soul to lament for the dishonor done to his Name and sear of his casting of this little handful of his and the insulting of the enemy whose forrow is set forth in these four first staffs of verses A The consideration of the wonderful providence of Christ in planting his N. E. Churches and with the right hand of his power preserving protecting favouring and feeding them upon his tender knees Together with the ill requital of his all-infinite and undeserved mercies bestowed upon us bath caused many a soul to lament for the dishonor done to his Name and sear of his casting of this little handful of his and the insulting of the enemy whose forrow is set forth in these four first staffs of verses B The Rod of God toward us in our Maritine affairs