the said Weston easily answered That what was done in that behalf was done in his absence and might have befallen any man He left them sufficiently provided and conceived they would have been well governed and for any errour committed he had sufficiently smarted The said Mr. Tho Weston was a man of parts and a Merchant of good account in London Sometime after these passages he went for England and died in the City of Bristol he proved but a staff of Reed to the Plantation of Plimouth Another particular was An abuse done to his father Sir Ferdinando Gorges and to the State The thing was this He used him and others of the Council of New-England to procure him a License for the Transporting of many great Pieces of Ordnance for New-England pretending great Fortification here in the Country for which when he had obtained he sold them beyond Sea for his private profit At which the State was much offended and his Father suffered a shrewd check and he had Order to apprehend him The said Weston excused it as well as he could but could not wholly deny it but after much speech about it by the Mediation of the Governour of Plimouth and some other Friends the said Captain Gorges was inclined to gentleness though he apprehended the abuse of his Father deeply which when the said Weston perceived he grew the more presumptuous and gave such cutting and provoking speeches as made the said Captain rise up in great indignation and distemper vowing That he would either curb him or send him home for England At which the said Weston was daunted and came privately to the Governour of Plimouth to know whether they would suffer him to send him for England It was answered him They could not hinder it and much blamed him that after they had pacified things he should thus break out by his own folly and rashness and bring trouble upon himself and others He confest it was his passion and prayed the Governour aforesaid to intreat for him and procure a pacification for him if he could the which at last he did obtain with much difficulty So he was called again and the said Captain Gorges was content to take his own Bond to be ready to to make further answer when either he or the Lords of the Council should send for him and at last he took onely his own Word and so there was a friendly parting on all hands Soon after this the said Captain Gorges took his leave and went to the Massachusets by land being very thankful for his kinde Entertainment His Ship stayed at Plimouth and fitted for to go to Virginia having some Passengers to deliver there and with her returned sundry of those from Plimouth which came over on their particular account some out of discontent and dislike of the Country and others by reason of Fire that burnt their Houses and all their Provisions This was on the fifth of November 1624. so as they were necessitated thereunto This Fire was by some of the Seamen that were Roystering in an House where it first began making a great Fire the weather being cold which brake out of the Chimney into the Thatch and burnt three Houses and consumed all their Goods and Provisions The House in which it began was right against their Store-house at Plimouth which they had much ado to save in which was the Common Store of the Provisions of the Plantation which had it been lost the same had been overthrown but through Gods mercy it was saved by the diligence of the people and care of the Governour and those about him Some would have had the Goods thrown out but if they had there would have been much lost by the rude Company belonging to the two fore-named Ships which were almost all on shore at this time but a trusty Company were placed within as well as such as were mean-while imployed in quenching the Fire without that if necessity required they might have them all out with speed for they suspected some malicious dealing if not plain Treachery and whether it was onely suspected or no God knows but this is certain that when the Tumult was greatest there was a voice heard but from whence it came is uncertain that bade them look well about them for all were not friends that were then about them A very remarkable Preservation and soon after when the vehemency of the Fire was over smoke was seen to arise within a Shed that was joyned to the end of the aforesaid Store-house which was wattled up with boughs in the withered leaves whereof the fire being kindled which some running to quench found a long Fire-brand of about an Ell long lying under the wall on the inside which could not come thither by casualty but must be laid there by some hand in the judgement of all that saw it But God kept them from this danger whatever might be intended But to return again to speak something of the aforesaid Captain Gorges after he had been at the Eastward and expedited some occasions there he and some that depended upon him returned for England having scarcely saluted the Country in his Government finding the state of things not to answer his quality and condition his people dispersed themselves some went for England others for Virginia some few remained and were helped with supplies from Plimouth amongst the rest the said Captain brought over a Minister with him one Mr. Morrel who returned for England about a year after him he took ship at Plimouth and had a certain power and authority of superintendency over other Churches granted him and instructions for that end but he never shewed it or made any use of it but only spake of it to some of Plimouth at his going away This was in effect the end of the second Plantation in the aforenamed place called Wesagusquaset There were also some scattering beginnings made in other places as at Pascataqua by Mr. David Thompson and at Monhegin and some other places by sundry others 1624. THe time of new Election of Officers being come for this year at Plimouth the number of their people being increased and their troubles and occasions therewith the Governour desired them to change the persons as well as renew the Election and also to adde more Assistants to the Governour for help and counsel and the better carrying on of publick affaires shewing that it was necessary it should so be for if it were any honour or benefit it was fit that others should be made partakers of it if it was a burden as doubtless it was it was but equal that others should help to bear it and that this was the end of yearly Elections The conclusion was that whereas there was before but one Assistant they now chose five giving the Governour a double voice and afterwards they encreased them to seven which course hath continued in that Colony until this day In the month of March in this year Mr. Edward
England After this they fell to great licentiousness of life in all prophaness and the said Morton became Lord of misrule and maintained as it were a school of Atheism and after they had got some goods into their hands and got much by trading with the Indians they spent it as vainly in quaffing and drinking both Wine and strong Liquors in great excess as some have reported Ten pounds worth in a Morning setting up a May-pole drinking and dancing about it and frisking about it like so many Fairies or Furies rather yea and worse practises as if they had anew revived and celebrated the feast of the Romans Goddess Flora or the beastly practises of the mad Bacchanalians The said Morton likewise to shew his Poetry composed sundry Rythmes and Verses some tending to laciviousness and others to the detraction and scandal of some persons names which he affixed to his Idle or Idol May-pole they changed also the name of their place and instead of calling it Mount Wollaston they called it the Merry Mount as if this jollity would have lasted alwayes But this continued not long for shortly after that Worthy Gentleman Mr. John Endicot who brought over a Patent under the Broad Seal of England for the Government of the Massachusets visiting these parts caused that May-pole to be cut down and rebuked them for their prophaness and admonished them to look to it that they walked better so the name was again changed and called Mount Dagon Now to maintain this riotous Prodigality and profuse expence the said Morton thinking himself lawless and hearing what gain the Fishermen made of trading of Pieces Powder and Shot he as head of this consortship began the practice of the same in these parts and first he taught the Indians how to use them to charge and discharge them and what proportion of powder to give the Piece according to the size or bigness of the same and what shot to use for Fowl and what for Deer and having thus instructed them he imployed some of them to Hunt and Fowl for him so as they became somewhat more active in that imployment then any of the English by reason of their swiftness of foot and nimbleness of body being also quick-sighted and by continual exercise well knowing the haunt of all sorts of game so as when they saw the execution that a Piece would do and the benefit that might come by the same they became very eager after them and would not stick to give any price they could attain to for them accounting their Bows and Arrows but bables in comparison of them And here we may take occasion to bewail the mischief which came by this wicked man and others like unto him in that notwithstanding all laws for the restraint of selling Ammunition to the Natives that so far base covetousness prevailed and doth still prevail as that the Salvages become amply furnished with Guns Powder Shot Rapiers Pistols and also well-skilled in repairing of defective Arms yea some have not spared to tell them how Gun-powder is made and all the materials in it and that they are to be had in their own Land and would no doubt in case they could attain to the making of Salt-Peter teach them to make Powder and what mischief may fall out unto the English in these parts thereby let this pestilent fellow Morton aforenamed bear a great part of the blame and guilt of it to future Generations But lest I should hold the Reader too long in the relation of the particulars of his vile actings when as the English that then lived up and down about the Massachusets and in other places perceiving the sad consequences of his trading so as the Indians became furnished with the English Arms Ammunition and expert in the improving of them and fearing they should at one time or another get a blow thereby and also taking notice that if he were let alone in his way they should keep no servants for him because he would entertain any how vile soever Sundry of the chief of the stragling Plantations met together and agreed by mutual consent to send to Plimouth who were then of more strength to joyn with them to suppress this mischief who considering the particulars proposed to them to joyn together to take some course with him and finding them weighty agreed together to take some speedy course to prevent if it might be the evil that was accrewing towards them and resolved first to admonish him of his wickedness respecting the premises laying before him the injury he did to their common safety and that his acting concerning the same was against the Kings Proclamation but he insolently persisted on in his way and said the King was dead and his displeasure with him and threatned them that if they came to molest him they should look to themselves so that they saw there was no way but to take him by force so they resolved to proceed in such a way and obtained of the Governour of Plimouth to send Captain Standish and some other aid with him to take the said Morton by force the which accordingly was done but they found him to stand stifly on his defence having made fast his doors armed his Consorts set Powder and Shot ready upon the Table scoffed and scorned at them and he and his Complices being filled with strong drink were desperate in their way but he himself coming out of doors to make a shot at Captain Standish he stepping to him put by his Piece and took him and so little hurt was done and so he was brought Prisoner to Plimouth and continued in durance until an opportunity of sending him for England which was done at their common charge and Letters also with him to the honourable Council for new-New-England and returned again into the Country in some short time with less punishment then his demerits deserved as was apprehended The Year following he was again apprehended and sent for England where he lay a considerable time in Exeter Goal for besides his miscarriage here in new-New-England he was suspected to have murthered a man that had ventured monies with him when he came first into new-New-England and a warrant was sent over from the Lord Chief Justice to apprehend him by virtue whereof he was by the Governour of the Massachusets sent into England and for other of his misdemeanors amongst them in that Government they demolished his House that it might no longer be a roost for such unclean Birds Notwithstanding he got free in England again and wrote an Infamous and Scurrilous Book against many godly and chief men of the Country full of lies and slanders and full fraught with prophane calumnies against their Names and Persons and the wayes of God But to the intent I may not trouble the Reader any more with mentioning of him in this History In fine sundry years after he came again into the Country and was imprisoned at Boston for the aforesaid Book and other things
your selves as being as much our Subject and living under the same obedience under us as if you continued in your natural Country And so We bid you farewell Given at Our Court at Whitehall April 23. 1664. in the Sixteenth Year of Our Reign By His Majesties special Command HENRY BENET After the said His Majesties Commissioners had visited several of the Jurisdictions of New-England and were courteously entertained in every of them the said honourable Colonel Richard Nicolls is setled at New-York for the present being Governour there as is before-noted George Cartwright Esq went for England in the latter end of the year with Mr. Benjamin Gillam The said Sir Robert Carre since that went for England in the year 67. He arrived at Bristol and died there June 1. the next day after he came ashore About that time it was thought by such as were judicious That through the Instigation of the said Maverick whose spirit was full of Malignity against the Country our both Civil and Religions Liberties were much endangered and the rather for that probably there would have been a Concurrence of divers Ill-affected in the Land had not the Lord prevented and was taken by the Dutch and afterwards with some difficulty arrived in England Sir Robert Carre is at the present at Delaware and Mr. Samuel Maverick at Boston 1665. THis year Mr. Thomas Prince was Elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth were Chosen Assistants to him in Government Mr. William Collier Mr. John Alden Major Josias Winslow Capt. Thomas Southworth Capt. VVilliam Bradford Mr. Thomas Hinkley Mr. James Brown In the Spring of this Year that honourable Gentleman Mr. John Endicot Governour of the Jurisdiction of the Massachusets changed this life for a better He was a very virtuous Gentleman and was greatly honoured and loved of the most as he well deserved He arrived at Salem in the year 1628 and had the chief Command of those that at the first there seated and bare a deep share of the Difficulties of those first beginnings which were great by reason especially of the great Sickness and Mortality that was then amongst them as hath been before-noted There he continued untill the Jurisdiction of the Massachusets saw reason to desire his removal to Boston for the more convenient Administration of Justice as Governour of the said Jurisdiction to which he was frequently Elected for many years together with little intermission and in which honourable Service he served God and the Country untill old Age and the Infirmities thereof coming upon him he fell asleep in the Lord and was with great honour and solemnity Interred at Boston This year it pleased God to cause a sad dispensation of his hand to pass before us in reference to the sudden death of Captain Davenport who in the Moneth of July was slain as he lay on his Bed with a blow of Thunder and Lightning He was a man of some Eminency being betrusted with the Command of the Castle in the Massachusets at which said Castle he was slain as aforesaid The more ought this so sad stroke of God to be considered and laid to heart and improved for our humiliation and the amendment of our lives before the great and terrible God who so aloud spake unto us in this so sad and awing a Providence This year it pleased the Lord again to strike the Wheat of this Country in a more general way then the last year with Blasting and Mildew whereby the greatest part of it was spoiled and the Plowmans hopes in that respect very much frustrated Howbeit the Lord still mixed with this affliction very much mercy in sparing the other Grain whereby the Country was in some good measure supplied 1666. THis Year Mr. Thomas Prince was Chosen Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth were chosen to be his Assistants in Government Mr. John Alden Major Josias Winslow Capt. Thomas Southworth Capt. William Bradford Mr. Thomas Hinckley Mr. James Brown Lieut. John Freeman This year it pleased God to go on in a manifestation of his displeasure against New-England in a very remarkable manner by striking dead in a moment by a blow of Thunder three persons in the Town of Marshfield in the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth in the moneth of June viz. one named William Shirtliff and a Woman and a Youth which sad Dispensation of Gods hand being considered with some Circumstances gave cause to the beholders to be much astonished the said Shirtliff having his Wife by the hand and sitting by her to chear her in respect that the said storm was so fierce he was slain and she preserved though in some measure scorched with the Lightning yea he had one of his Children in his arms and himself slain and the Childe preserved We have likewise received intelligence of four more that about that time were slain by Thunder and Lightning about Pascataqua and divers more hurt At the time of this storm of Thunder and Lightning in the which those of Marshfield died there arose likewise a very great Whirlwind that where it came it tore up Trees by the Roots though through mercy it did little other hurt It was a great while and many years spent since the English came into these parts before any very considerable hurt was done by Thunder and Lightning to either man or beast appertaining to them although sometimes very fierce storms of that kinde as frequently as in these times but now how doth the Lord go on gradually in this as in other Judgements here in new-New-England first by striking Cattel and then one person at a time and this year divers to the number of seven besides some Cattel also Thus God thundereth marvellously with his voice Job 37.5 38.35 40.8 he worketh great things which we know not He can send the Lightnings that they may walk and say Lo here we are Hath any an arm like God or can any thunder with a voice like him Psal 29 5 7. By this his terrible Voice he breaketh the Cedars and divideth the flames of fire which he commissionates to do his pleasure sometimes not onely striking Cedars but great Oaks in a wonderful manner sometimes Beasts sometimes Men and Women If Gods Judgements have thus been abroad in the Earth Isaiah 26.9 how ought the Inhabitants of New-England to learn righteousness How easily can the Lord stain the pride of our glory with a stroke of his hand Let not the familiarness or frequency of such Providences cause them to be neglected by us to improve them as God would have us to fear before him Eccles 8.13 and to turn from such iniquities especially as are most displeasing unto him and to hold our lives in our hands and to be in a readiness for his pleasure lest knowing not our time Eccles 9.12 as the fishes that are taken in an evil net and as the birds that are caught in the snare so we shall be snared in an evil time when
NEW-ENGLANDS MEMORIALL OR A brief Relation of the most Memorable and Remarkable Passages of the Providence of God manifested to the PLANTERS OF New-England in America With special Reference to the first Colony thereof Called NEW-PLIMOUTH As also a Nomination of divers of the most Eminent Instruments deceased both of Church and Common-wealth improved in the first beginning and after-progress of sundry of the respective Jurisdictions in those Parts in reference unto sundry Exemplary Passages of their LIVES and the time of their DEATH Published for the Use and Benefit of present and future Generations By NATHANIEL MORTON Secretary to the Court for the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth Deut. 32.10 He found him in a desert Land in the waste howling wilderness he led him about he instructed him he kept him as the Apple of his Eye Jerem. 2.2 3. I remember thee the kindness of thy youth the love of thine Espousals when thou wentest after me in the wilderness in a Land that was not sown c. Deut. 8.2 16. And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee this FORTY YEARS in the Wilderness c. CAMBRIDGE Printed by S.G. and M. J. for John Vsher of Boston 1669. To the Reader IT is much to be desired there might be extant A Compleat History of the Vnited Colonies of New-England that God may have the praise of his goodness to his People here and that the present and future Generations may have the benefit thereof This being not attainable for the present nor suddenly to be expected it is very expedient that while sundry of the Eldest Planters are yet living Records and Memorials of Remarkable Providences be preserved and published that the true Originals of these Plantations may not be lost that new-New-England in all time to come may remember the day of her smallest things and that there may be a furniture of Materials for a true and full History in after-times For these and such-like Reasons we are willing to Recommend unto the Reader this present Narrative as a Useful Piece The Author is an approved godly man and one of the first Planters at Plimouth The Work it self is Compiled with Modesty of Spirit Simplicity of Style and Truth of Matter containing the Annals of New-England for the space of 47 years with special reference to Plimouth Colony which was the first and where the Author hath had his constant abode And yet so farre as his Intelligence did reach relating many Remarkable Passages in the several Colonies and also making an honourable mention of divers of the most Eminent Servants of God that have been amongst us in several parts of the Country after they had finished their course We hope that the Labor of this good man will finde a general Acceptance amongst the People of God and also be a means to provoke some or other in the rest of the Colonies who have had the knowledge of things from the beginning to Contribute their Observations and Memorials also by which means what is wanting in this Narrative may be supplied by some others and so in the issue from divers Memorials there may be matter for a just History of new-New-England in the Lords good time In the mean time this may stand for a Monument and be deservedly acknowledged as an Eben-Ezer that Hitherto the Lord hath helped us March 26. 1669. John Higginson Thomas Thacher To the Right Worshipful THOMAS PRINCE Esq Governour of the Jurisdiction of New Plimouth With the Worshipfull the MAGISTRATES His Assistants in the said Government N. M. wisheth Peace and Prosperity in this Life and Eternall Happiness in that which is to come Right Worshipfull THe consideration of the weight of Duty that lieth upon us to Commemorize to future Generations the memorable passages of Gods Providence to us and our Predecessors in the beginning of this Plantation hath wrought in me a restlesness of spirit and earnest desire that something might be atchieved in that behalf more or at least otherwise then as yet hath been done Many discouragements I have met with both from within and without my self but reflecting upon the Ends I have proposed to my self in setting out in this Work it hath afforded me some support viz. The glory of God and the good of present and future Generations Being also induced hereunto by the consideration that your selves especially some of you are fully acquainted with many of the particulars both concerning Persons and Things inserted in the following Narrative and can on your own knowledge assert them for Truth Were it so that any other had travelled in this kinde in such a way as might have conduced to a brief and satisfactory intelligence in particulars relating to the premises I would have spared this labour and have satisfied my self in perusal of their Works rather then to have set pen to paper about the same but having neither seen nor heard of any especially respecting this our Plantation of New-Plimouth which God hath honoured to be the first in this Land I have made bold to present your Worships with and to publish to the world something of the very first Beginnings of the great Actings of God in new-New-England begun at New-Plimouth wherein the greatest part of my intelligence hath been borrowed from my much honoured Uncle Mr. William Bradford and such Manuscripts as he left in his Study from the year 1620 unto 1646 whom had God continued in this world some longer time and given him rest from his other more important Affairs we might probably have had these things from an abler Pen and better digested then now you may expect Certain Diurnals of the honoured Mr. Edward Winslow have also afforded me good light and help and what from them both and otherwise I have obtained that I judged suitable for the following Discourse I have with care and faithfulness related and have therein more sollicitously followed the truth of things many of which I can also assert on my own knowledge then I have studied quaintness in expressions I should gladly have spoken more particularly of the Neighbouring United Colonies whose ends and aims in their Transplanting of themselves and Families were the same with ours viz. The glory of God the propagation of the Gospel and enlargement of His Majesties Dominions but for want of intelligence and that I may not prevent a better Pen I shall onely make mention of some of their Worthies that we have been most acquainted with I shall not insist upon the Clime nor Soyle of the Country its Commodities or Discommodities nor at large on the Natives or their Customes and Manners all which have been already declared by Captain Smith Mr. Higginson Mr. Williams Mr. Wood and others What it is and what my aims at Gods glory and my good affections to the place and people of whom I treat may make it I present your Worships with Humbly craving your favourable aspect and good acceptance of my poor Endeavours and that my self and it
is reaping the fruit of his labour with the Lord. His Wife who was also a gracious woman lived not six weeks after him shee being overcome with excessive grief for the loss of so gracious an Husband likewise died In some short distance of time after this Mr. William Bradford was chosen Governour of Plimouth in his stead being not as yet well recovered of his weakness having bin at the point of death and Mr. Isaac Allerton likewise was chosen to be his Assistant The second of July in this year they sent Mr. Edward Winslow and Mr. Steven Hopkins unto the great Sachem Massasoiet aforesaid with a gratuitie to congratulate with him and to view his Country and likewise to take notice of what strength of men he had c. having Squanto for their guide who found his place to be about forty Miles from New-Plimouth his People few in comparison of what they had been by reason of the mortality amongst the Indians forementioned These brought word upon their return of the Narrhagansets a People that lived on the otherside of that great Bay which are a People strong and many in number living compact together and had not at all been touched with the wasting Plague before specified They also brought a full intelligence in reference unto the particulars they were sent about and so returned in safety Thus their peace being well established with the Natives about them which was much furthered by an Indian named Hobamak who came to live amongst the English he being a proper lusty young man and one that was in account amongst the Indians in those parts for his valour continued faithful and constant to the English until his death He with the said Squanto being sent amongst the Indians about business for the English were surprized by an Indian Sachem named Corbitant who was no friend to the English he met with them at Namassaket and began to quarrel with them and offered to stab Hobamak who being a strong man soon cleared himself of him and with speed came and gave intelligence to the Governour of Plimouth saying he feared that Squanto was slain for they were both threatned and for no other cause but that they were friends to the English and serviceable to them On which it was thought meet to vindicate their Messengers and not to suffer them to be thus wronged and it was concluded to send some men to Namassaket well armed and to fall upon them whereupon fourteen men being well prepared were sent under the conduct of Captain Miles Standish who when they came thither beset the house and the said Captain entred into the same to look for the said Corbitant but he was fled and so they missed of him but understood that Squanto was alive so they withheld and did no hurt save three of the Natives pressing out of the house when it was beset were sorely wounded which they brought home to their Town with them and were dressed by their Chirurgion and cured After this they had many Congratulations from divers Sachems and much firmer peace yea those of the Isle of Capewak sent to make friendship with them and this Corbitant himself used the mediation of Massasoiet to make his peace but was shie to come near them a long time after After this on the eighteenth of September they sent out their Boat to the Massachusets with ten men and Squanto for their Interpreter to discover and view that Bay and to trade with the Natives and found kinde entertainment with them who expressed themselves to be much afraid of the Tarateens a people in the Eastern part of new-New-England which used to come in Harvest time and take away their corn and many times kill some of their people who after they had accomplished their business returned in safety and made report of the place wishing they had been there seated But the Lord who assigns to all men the bounds of their habitations had appointed it for another end and use And thus they found the Lord to be with them in all their wayes and to bless their out-goings and in-comings for which let his holy Name have the praise for ever Being now well recovered in respect of health as hath been said they began to fit up their buildings against winter and received in their first harvest and had great plenty of fowl and fish to their great refreshing About the ninth of November came in a small ship to them unexpected in which came Mr. Robert Cushman This ship was called the Fortune in which came no Provisions which was one cause of a great famine that befell the Plantation of New Plimouth soon after who was both a godly man and an active and faithful agent and useful instrument in the common interest of this first design and there came with him in that ship thirty five persons to remain and live in the Plantation which did not a little rejoyce the first planters And these when they came on shore and found all well and saw plenty of provisions beyond their expectation were also satisfied and no less glad for coming in at Cape Cod before they came to Plimouth and seeing nothing there but a barren place they then began to think what should become of them if the People were dead or cut off by the Indians and began to consult upon some passages which some of the Seamen had cast out to take the Sails from the Yard lest the ship should get away and leave them but the Master hearing thereof gave them good words and told them If any thing but well should have befallen the People at Plimouth he hoped he had provisions enough to carry them to Virginia and whiles he had any they should have their part which gave them good satisfaction This ship stayed at Plimouth not above fourteen dayes and returned and soon after her departure the People called the Narrhagansets aforesaid sent a messenger unto the Plantation with a bundle of Arrows tyed together with a Snakes skin which their Interpreter Squanto told them was a threatning and a challenge upon which the Governour of Plimouth sent them a rough answer viz. That if they loved war rather then peace they might begin when they would they had done them no wrong neither did they fear them or should they finde them unprovided and by another Messenger sent the Snakes skin back again with Bullets in it but they would not receive it but sent it back again It is probable the reason of this their Message to the English was their own ambition who since the death of so many Indians thought to domineer and lord it over the rest and conceived the English would be a barre in their way and saw that Massasoiet took shelter already under their wings but this made the English more carefully to look to themselves so as they agreed to close their Dwellings with a good strong Pale and made Flankers in convenient places with Gates to shut which were every
night locked and a Watch kept and when need required there was also Warding in the day time and the Company was by the Governour and Captains advice divided into four Squadrons and every one had their quarter appointed them unto which they were to repair and if there should be any cry of Fire a Company was appointed for a Guard with Muskets whiles others quenched the Fire the same to prevent Indian Treachery And herewith I shall end the Passages of this Year 1622. AT the Spring of this Year the English having certified the Indians of the Massachusets that they would come again unto them they accordingly prepared to go thither but upon some rumours which they heard from Hobamak their friend fore-named who feared that the Massachusets were joyned with the Narrhagansets and might betray them if they were not careful and intimated also his jealousies of Squanto by what he gathered from some private whisperings between him and other Indians that he was not really cordial to the English in what he pretended made them cautelous Notwithstanding they sent out their Boat with ten of their principal men about the beginning of April and both Squanto and Hobamak with them in regard of the jealousie between them but they had not been gone long ere that an Indian belonging to Squanto's family came running seeming to be in great fear and told them that many of the Narrhagansets with Corbitant and he thought Massasoiet was coming against them At which they betook them to their Arms and supposing that the Boat was not as yet out of call they caused a Piece of Ordnance to be discharged to call them in again But this proved otherwise for no Indians came After this they went to the Massachusets and had good Trade and returned in safety God be praised But by the former passages and things of like nature they began to see that Squanto sought his own ends and played his own game by putting the Indians in fear and drawing gifts from them to inrich himself making them believe he could stir up war against them when he would and make peace for them when he would yea he made them believe that the English kept the Plague buried in the ground This was said to be a barrel of Gun-powder buried in the ground and could send it amongst whom they would which did much terrifie the Indians and made them more depend on him and seek more to him then to their great Sachem Massasoiet which procured him envy and had like to have cost him his life for after the discovery of these practises the said Massasoiet sought it both privately and openly which caused him to stick close to the English and never after durst go from them until his death They also made good use of the emulation that grew between Hobamak and him which made them both carry more squarely and the Governour seemed to countenance the one and their Captain the other by which they had the better intelligence and it made them both the more diligent About the latter end of May they espied a vessel at sea which at the first they thought to be a French-man but it proved one that belonged to Mr. Thomas Weston a Merchant which came from a ship which he and another had sent out on fishing to a place called Damarels Cove in the Eastern parts of N. E. this boat brought seven men and some letters but no provisions to them of which they were in continual expectation from England which expectations were frustrated in that behalf for they never had any supply to any purpose after this time but what the Lord helped them to raise by their industry amongst themselves for all that came afterwards was too short for the passengers that came with it After this the same year the above-named Mr. Thomas Weston who had formerly been one of the Merchant-adventurers to the Plantation of New-Plimouth but had now broken off and deserted the general concerns thereof sent over two ships on his own particular interest The one named the Sparrow the other the Charity in the one of them came sixty lusty men who were to be put on shore at Plimouth for the ship was to go with other passengers to Virginia these were courteously entertained with the seven men fore-named belonging to the said Weston at Plimouth aforesaid until the ship returned from Virginia which was the most part of that Summer many of them being sick and all of them destitute of habitation and unacquainted with this new beginning at the ships return from Virginia by the direction of the said Mr. Weston their Master or such as he had set over them they removed into the Massachusets Bay he having got a Pattent for some part there yet they left all their sick folk at Plimouth until they were setled and fitted for housing to receive them These were an unruly company and had no good government over them and by disorder fell into many wants as afterwards will appear But before I pass on I may not omit the mentioning of a courteous Letter that came in the vessel above-named in which the above-said seven men came being directed to the Governour of Plimouth with respect unto the whole Plantation from a Captain of a ship at the Eastward who came thither on a fishing voyage the which for the ingenuity of the man and his courtesie therein expressed may not unfitly be here inserted being inscribed as followeth To all his good Friends at Plimouth FRiends Country-men and Neighbours I salute you and wish you all health and happiness in the Lord I make hold with these few lines to trouble you because unless I were 〈…〉 I can do no less Bad news doth spread it self too far yet I will so far inform that my self with many good friends in the South Colony of Virginia have received such a blow that four hundred persons large will not make good our losses Therefore I do 〈◊〉 you although not knowing you that the old rule which I learned when I went to school may be sufficient that is happy is he who other mens harms doth make to beware and now again and again wishing all those that willingly would serve the Lord all health and happiness in this World and everlasting peace in the World to come I rest yours JOHN HVDSTON In the same Vessel the Governour returned a thankful Answer as was meet and sent a Boat of their own with them Although this was not much amongst them all yet it was a very seasonable blessing and supply the being now in a low condition for want of food which was piloted by them in which Mr. Edward Winslow was sent to procure what Provisions he could of the Ship who was kindly received by the aforesaid Gentleman who not onely spared what he could but wrote to others to do the like by which means the Plantation had a good quantity of Provisions This Summer they built a Fort with good
Adventurers got him to assign over the grand-Patent to the Company which he had taken in his own Name and made quite void their former Patent About the latter end of June This was the ship called the Paragon aforesaid came in a ship at Plimouth with Captain Francis West who had a Commission to be Admiral of New-England to restrain Interlopers and such fishing ships as came to fish and trade without licence from the Council of New-England for which they should pay a great sum of money but he could do no good of them for they were too strong for him and he found the fishermen to be refractory and their owners upon complaint made to the Parliament procured an order that fishing should be free He told the Governour of Plimouth that they spake with a ship at sea and were on board her that was coming to the said Plantation of Plimouth in which were sundry passengers and they marvelled she was not arrived fearing some miscarriage for they lost her in a storm that fell shortly after they had been on board which relation filled them full of fears yet mixed with hope The Master of this ship had two Hogsheads of Pease to sell but seeing their wants held them at Nine pounds sterling an Hogshead and under Eight he would not take and yet would have Beaver at an under-rate but they told him they had lived so long without and would do still rather then give so unreasonably so the said Ship went from Plimouth to Virginia About fourteen dayes after came in the Ship called The Ann whereof Mr. William Pierce was Master two of the principal Passengers that came in this Ship were Mr. Timothy Hatherly and Mr. George Morton the former viz. Mr. Timothy Hatherly soon after his arrival met with some cross Providences by the burning of his House whereby he was much impoverished and much discouraged and returned the Winter following for England and afterwards the Lord was pleased to renew his Estate and he came again into New-England and proved a very profitable and beneficial Instrument both in Church and Common-wealth being one of the first beginners and a good Instrument to uphold the Church and Town of Situate and also served God and the Jurisdiction of Plimouth in the place of Magistracy and retained his Integrity in the Profession of the wayes of Christ unto old Age still surviving at the penning hereof The latter of the two fore-named viz. Mr. George Morton was a pious gracious Servant of God and very faithful in whatsoever publick Imployment he was betrusted withall and an unfeigned well-willer according to his Sphere and Condition a sutable Promoter of the Common Good and Growth of the Plantation of New-Plimouth labouring to still the Discontents that sometimes would arise amongst some spirits by occasion of the Difficulties of these new beginnings but it pleased God to put a period to his dayes soon after his arrival in New-England not surviving a full year after his coming ashore With much comfort and peace he fell asleep in the Lord in the Month of June Anno 1624. About ten dayes after the arrival of the Ship called The Ann above-named there came in another small Ship of about forty four Tun named the James Mr. Bridges being Master thereof which said Ship the Ann had lost at Sea by reason of foul Weather she was a fine new Vessel built to stay in the Country One of the principal Passengers that came in her was Mr. John Jenny who was a godly though otherwise a plain man yet singular for publickness of spirit setting himself to seek and promote the Common Good of the Plantation of New-Plimouth who spent not onely his part of this Ship being part Owner thereof in the general Concernment of the Plantation but also afterwards was alwayes a Leading-man in promoting the general Interest of this Colony He lived many years in New-England and fell asleep in the Lord Anno 1644. In the two Ships last named came over many other persons besides those before recited who proved of good use in their places These Passengers seeing the low and poor condition of those that were here before them were much daunted and dismayed and according to their diverse humours were diversly affected Some wished themselves in England again others fell on weeping fancying their own misery in what they saw in others other-some pitying the distress they saw their Friends had been long in and still were under In a word all were full of sadness onely some of their old Friends rejoyced to see them and that it was no worse with them for they could not expect it should be better and now hoped they should enjoy better dayes together And truely it was no marvel they should be thus affected for they were in a very low condition both in respect of Food and Clothing at that time To consider seriously how sadly the Scripture speaks of the Famine in Jacobs time when he said to his Sons Go buy us food that we may live and not die and that the Famine was great and heavy in the Land and yet they had great Herds and store of Cattel of sundry kindes which besides their flesh must needs produce other useful benefits for food and yet it was accounted a sore affliction But the misery of the Planters at Plimouth at the first beginning must needs be very great therefore who not onely wanted the staff of Bread but all the benefits of Cattel and had no Egypt to go to but God fed them out of the Sea for the most part so wonderful is his powerful Providence over his in all Ages for his Mercy endureth for ever About the middle of September arrived Captain Robert Gorges in the Bay of the Massachusets with sundry Passengers and Families intended there to begin a Plantation and pitched upon that place which Mr. Weston fore-named had forsaken He had a Commission from the Council of new-New-England to be General Governour of the Country and they appointed for his Council and Assistants Captain Francis West the aforesaid Admiral Christopher Levet Esq and the Governour of Plimouth for the time being Also they gave him Authority to Choose such other as he should finde fit Also they gave by their Commission full Power to him and his Assistants or any three of them whereof himself was alwayes to be one To do and execute what to them should seem good in all Cases Capital Criminal and Civil with divers other Instructions Of which and his Commission it pleased him to suffer the Governour of Plimouth to take a Copy He meeting with the aforesaid Mr. Weston at Plimouth called him before him and some other of the Assistants with the Governour of Plimouth aforesaid and charged him with the ill carriage of his Men at the Massachusets by which means the peace of the Country was disturbed and himself and the people which he had brought over to plant in that Bay thereby much prejudiced To which
such things as they were guilty of respecting the premises but they were stiff and stood resolutely upon the denial of most things and required proof they first alledged what was writ compared with their practises here that it was evident they joyned in plotting against them and disturbed their peace in their Civil and Church-state which was most injurious for both they and all the world knew they came hither to enjoy the liberty of their Consciences in the free use of Gods Ordinances and for that end had ventured their lives and passed through so much hardship hitherto and they and their friends had born the charge of these beginnings which was not small and that he viz. Lyford for his part was sent over on this charge and both he and his great family was maintained on the same and for him to plot against them and seek their ruine was most unjust and perfideous But Lyford denied and made strange of sundry things laid to his charge Then his Letters were produced at which he was struck mute Oldham began to be furious and to rage because they had intercepted their Letters provoked the people to Mutiny in such words as these My Masters where are your hearts now shew your courage you have often complained to me so and so now is the time if you will do any thing I will stand by you c. thinking that every one knowing his humour that had fooled or flattered him or otherwise or that in their Discontent uttered any thing unto him would now side with him in open Rebellion But he was deceived for not a man opened his mouth all were silent Then the Governour took pains in Convicting Lyford of his Hypocrisie and Treachery in abusing his friends in taking Copies of their Letters in an under-hand way and sending them abroad to their disgrace c. and produced them and his own Letters under his own Hand which he could not deny and caused them to be read before all the people at which all his Confedrates were blank and had not a word to say But after awhile he began to say That sundry had made some Complaints unto him and informed him of divers things which being there present and the particulars named to them they denied Then they dealt with him about his Dissembling in the Church and that he professed to concur with them in all things and what a large Confession he had made at his admittance and that he held not himself a Minister till he had a new Calling c. and yet now he contested against them and drew a Company apart and sequestred himself and would go about to administer the Sacraments by his former Calling without ever acquainting them with it In conclusion he was fully convicted and burst out into tears and confest be feared he was a Reprobate his sins were so great that he doubted that God would not pardon them he was unsavoury salt c. and that he had so wronged them as he could never make them amends confessing all he had written against them was false and naught both for matter and manner And all this he did with as much fulness as words and tears could express After their Trial and Conviction the Court sentenced them to be expelled the Plantation John Oldham presently to depart though his Wife and Family had liberty to stay all Winter or longer untill he could make provision to remove them comfortably Lyford had liberty to stay six Months it was with some eye to his release if he carried himself well in the mean time and that his Repentance proved sound Lyford acknowledged his Censure was farre less then he deserved and afterwards he confessed his sin publickly in the Church with tears more largely then before I shall here relate it as I finde it penned by some who took it from his own mouth as himself uttered it Acknowledging That he had done very evil and slanderously abused them and thinking most of the people would take part with him he thought to have carried all by violence and strong hand against them and that God might justly lay innocent blood to his charge for he knew not what hurt might have come by these his Writings and blessed God that they were stayed and that he spared not to take knowledge from any of any evil that was spoken but shut his eyes and ears against all the good and that if God should make him a Vagabond in the earth as was Cain it was but just and he confessed three things to be the causes of this his doings Pride Vain-glory and Self-love amplifying these Heads with many other expressions in the particulars of them so as they began to conceive good thoughts of him upon his Repentance and admitted him to teach amongst them as before yea sundry tender-hearted persons amongst them were so taken with his signs of Sorrow and Repentance as they professed they would fall upon their knees to have his Censure remitted and released But that which made them all stand amazed in the end and may do all others that shall come to hear the same for a rarer president can scarcely be named was that after two Months time all his former Confessions Convictions and publick Acknowledgements both in the presence of God and his Church and the whole Company with so many Tears and sad censures of himself he should go again to justifie what he had done for secretly he wrote a second Letter to the Adventurers in England in which he justified all his former Writings The Copy of this Letter is extant but too large to be here inserted save in some things which tended to their damage 1625. AT the time of their Election Court John Oldham came again amongst them and though it was a part of his Censure for his former Mutiny Not to return without leave first obtained yet he presumed without leave at all to come being set on and hardened by the ill counsel of others and not onely so but suffered his unruly passion to run beyond the bounds and limits of all Reason and Modesty insomuch that some strangers that were with him were ashamed of his outrage and rebuked him but all Reproofs were but as Oyl to the fire and made the flame of his choller the greater He called them all to naught in his fury an hundred Rebels and Traytors but in conclusion they Committed him untill he was tamer and then appointed a Guard of Musketeers which he was to pass thorow and every one was ordered to give him a blow on his Hinder-parts with the Butt-end of his Musket and then he was conveyed to the Water-side where a Boat was ready to carry him away with this Farewell Go and mend your Manners After the removal of his Family he fell into some straights and about a year after intended a Voyage to Virginia and so it pleased God that himself and sundry passengers being in the Barque they were in great danger so as they despaired
to the whole Court aforesaid That he nor they shall nor will needlesly or unjustly raise any quarrels or do any wrong to other Natives to provoke them to War against him and That he nor they shall not Give Sell or Convey any of his or their Lands Territories or Possessions whatsoever to any person or persons whomsoever without the privity and consent of the Government of Plimouth aforesaid other then to such as the said Government shall send or appoint All which Conditions the said Woosamequen and Mooanam his Son for themselves and their Successors did then faithfully promise to observe and keep And the whole Court in the Name of the whole Government for each Town respectively did then likewise Ratifie and Confirm the aforesaid ancient League and Confederacy and did also further promise to the said Woosamequen and Mooanam his Son and their Successors That they shall and will from time to time defend the said Woosamequen Of this see pag. 24. and Mooanam his Son and their Successors when need and occasion shall require against all such as shall unjustly rise up against them to wrong or oppress them unjustly 1640. MR. William Bradford was Elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of Plimouth were Elected Assistants Mr. Thomas Prince Mr. William Collier Mr. John Brown Captain Miles Standish Mr. Timothy Hatherly and Mr. Edmond Freeman 1641. THis Year Mr. William Bradford was Elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth were Chosen Assistants to him in Government Mr. Edward Winslow Mr. Thomas Prince Mr. William Collier Captain Miles Standish Mr. Timothy Hatherly Mr. John Brown and Mr. Edmond Freeman 1642. THis Year Mr. William Bradford was Elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth were Elected Assistants to him in Government Mr. Edward Winslow Mr. Thomas Prince Mr. William Collier Mr. Timothy Hatherly Mr. John Brown Mr. William Thomas and Mr. Edmond Freeman In reference unto the three years last specified although I have no special Providence to take notice of particularly to assign to each of them save the continuance of Gods mercy and goodness in the Annual Election of godly and able Magistrates in the Jurisdiction of Plimouth as is before-noted yet notwithstanding we are to take notice of the continued Peace and Plenty with which not onely these three years restrictively considered but also for many years together both before and after them new-New-England was so marvellously gratiated But that which is more that about these times the Lord was pleased of his great goodness richly to accomplish and adorn the Colony of Plimouth as well as other Colonies in New-England with a considerable number of godly and able Gospel-Preachers who then being dispersed and disposed of to the several Churches and Congregations thereof gave Light in a glorious and resplendent manner as burning and shining Lights Which mercy and transcendent favour had not Sin and Satans envy interposed might have rendred them greatly happy and prosperous it being observed That where Gospel-dispensation flourisheth there Prosperity in other respects may usually be expected In reference unto the honour of God and due respects unto such worthy Instruments I thought meet to nominate some of the speciallest of them viz. Mr. Charles Chauncy Mr. William Hook Mr. Nicholas Street Mr. John Laythrop Mr. John Mayo Mr. John Reyner Mr. Ralph Partridge Mr. Samuel Newman Mr. William Leverich Mr. Richard Blinman Mr. Edward Bulkly Mr. John Miller Mr. Marmaduke Matthews With some others that might be named These some of them stayed not long ere they removed some into the Neighbour-Colonies some into old-Old-England and others to their Eternal Rest whereby the said Jurisdiction was wanting in a great measure for some time of such a Blessing Howbeit the Lord hath since graciously raised up a supply to divers of the said Congregations and more may be expected according to his Promises 1643. THis Year Mr. William Bradford was elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth And were chosen his Assistants in Government Mr. Edward Winslow Mr. Thomas Prince Mr. William Collier Mr. Timothy Hatherly Mr. John Brown Mr. Edmond Freeman And Mr. William Thomas This Year about the eighteenth day of April died Mr. William Brewster the Ruling Elder of the Church of Christ at Plimouth concerning whom I could say much of mine own knowledge but I shall content my self only to insert the honourable Testimony that Mr. William Bradford deceased hath left written with his own hand concerning him Saith he My dear Friend Mr. William Brewster was a man that had done and suffered much for the Lord Jesus and the Gospels sake and hath born his part in weal and woe with this poor persecuted Church above thirty six years in England Holland and in this Wilderness and done the Lord and them faithful service in his place and calling and notwithstanding the many troubles and sorrows he passed through the Lord upheld him to a great age he was four score and four years of age when he died The dea h of Mr. William Brewster he had this blessing added by the Lord to all the rest to dye in his bed in peace amongst the midst of his friends who mourned and wept over him and ministred what help and comfort they could unto him and he again recompensed them whiles he could his sickness was not long and until the last day thereof he did not wholly keep his bed his speech continued until somewhat more then half a day before his death and then failed him and about nine or ten of the clock that evening he died without any pangs at all a few hours before he drew his breath short and some few minutes before his last he drew his breath long as a man fallen into a sound sleep without any pangs or gasping and so sweetly departed this life unto a better I would now demand of any What he was the worse for former sufferings what do I say worse no he was the better and they now added to his honor 2 Thess 1.5 6 7. It is a manifest token saith the Apostle of the righteous Judgement of God that we may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God for which we also suffer seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompence tribulation to them that trouble you and to you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from Heaven with his mighty Angels 1 Pet. 4.14 and if you be reproached saith the Apostle Peter for the Name of Christ happy are ye for the Spirit of God and of Glory shall rest upon you what though he wanted the riches and pleasures of the World in this life and Pompous monuments of his Funeral yet the memorial of the Just shall be blessed Prov. 10.17 when the name of the wicked shall rot with their Marble Monuments He was well educated in learning as at inferiour Schools so also at the Vniversity and from thence went to the Court and there served Mr. Davison a
the name of Eastham 1645. THis year Mr. William Bradford was Elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth And Were Elected his Assistants in Government Mr. Edward Winslow Mr. Thomas Prince Mr. William Collier Capt. Myles Standish Mr. Timothy Hatherly Mr. John Brown Mr. Edmond Freeman The Commissioners of the United Colonies of new-New-England were called together this Year before their ordinary time of meeting This meeting was held the 28 of Iuly 1145. partly in regard of some differences between the French and the Government of the Massachusets about their aiding of Monseir Latore against Monseir de Aulney and partly about the Indians who had broken their former agreements about the peace concluded the year before as concerning such conclusions and determinations which passed in this meeting in reference to the premises I shall refer the Reader unto the Acts of the said Commissioners for that Year as they are recorded at large 1646. THis Year Mr. William Bradford was Chosen Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth were Elected his Assistants in Government Mr. Edward Winslow Mr. Thomas Prince Mr. William Collier Captain Miles Standish Mr. Timothy Hatherly And Mr. Edmond Freeman About the middle of May this Year there came three Men of War into Plimouth Harbour under the command of Captain Thomas Cromwel who had taken several Prizes from the Spaniards by Commission from the Earl of VVarwick they were full of monies silks and other rich goods some of which they left behinde them They were a company of lusty stout men but very unruly and hard to govern notwithstanding the care and vigilance both of such as were in Authority of Plimouth and also of their own Commanders who could hardly restrain them especially from inordinate drinking and quarrelling It proved fatal to one of them who being quarrelling with one of their own company and being commanded by their Captain to forbear he giving very provoking Language and also attempting to draw upon his Captain he took his Rapier from him and struck him on the head with the Hilt of which wound three or four dayes after he died the Captain was tried by a Council of War and acquitted by the largeness of his Commission This Year Mr. Edward VVinslow went for England upon occasion that some discontented persons under the Government of the Massachusets sought to trouble their peace and disturb if not innovate their Government by laying many scandals upon them and intended to prosecute against them in England by Petitioning and Complaining to the Parliament Also Samuel Gorton and his company made complaint against them so as they made choice of Mr. VVinslow to be their Agent to make their defence and gave him Commission and Instructions for that end in which he so carried himself as did well answer their ends and cleared them from any blame and dishonour to the shame of their Adversaries After this he fell upon other imployments in England which detained him there so as he returned not again to New-England any more whose absence hath been much to the weakening of the Government of New-Plimouth who had large experience of his help and usefulness amongst them in Government c. of whom I have more to insert in honour of so worthy a Gentleman in its more proper place 1647. MR. William Bradford was Elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth were Elected his Assistants in Government Mr. Edward Winslow Mr. Thomas Prince Mr. William Collier Mr. Timothy Hatherly Captain Miles Standish Mr. John Brown And Mr. William Thomas This Year the whole Land but more especially the Church and Town of Hartford on Conecticot sustained a great and more then ordinary Loss The Death of Mr. Hooker by the Death of that most eminent Servant of Jesus Christ Mr. Thomas Hooker who in the Month of July in this year changed this Life for a better Concerning whose Piety Learning and singular dexterity in Preaching the Gospel with answerable success the many Souls wrought upon by his Ministry in both Old-England and New do give forth a large Testimony and withall as an addition to the former those Learned and Profitable Works penned by him for the Refutation of Errour and guiding and confirming of the Saints in the Wayes of Christ In which respects with others his Name will live and is Embalmed and doth remain and will be as a precious Oyntment in the Churches and amongst the Saints in present and future Ages This special Servant of Christ as he served his Master with great Zeal Love Wisdome and Sincerity so he ended his Life with much Comfort and Serenity so as it is rare that was said of him That the peace which he had in believing thirty years before his death was firm and not touched by the Adversary untill the period of his life And with much joy and peace in believing he fell asleep in the Lord and was honourably buried at Hartford on Conecticot In whose Memorial I shall here insert the Funeral Elegies of two eminent Divines written upon his Death On my Reverend and dear Brother Mr. Thomas Hooker Late Pastor of the Church at Hartford on Conecticot TO see three things was holy Austins wish Rome in her Flower Christ Jesus in the Flesh And Paul i' th Pulpit Lately men might see Two first and more in Hookers Ministry Zion in Beauty is a fairer sight Then Rome in Flower with all her glory dight Yet Zions Beauty did most clearly shine In Hookers Rule and Doctrine both Divine Christ in the Spirit is more then Christ in Flesh Our Souls to quicken and our States to bless Yet Christ in Spirit brake forth mightily In faithful Hookers searching Ministry Paul in the Pulpit Hooker could not reach Yet did He Christ in Spirit so lively preach That living Hearers thought He did inherit A double Portion of Pauls lively spirit Prudent in Rule in Argument quick full Fervent in Prayer in Preaching powerfull That well did learned Ames record bear The like to Him he never wont to hear 'T was of Geneva's Worthies said with wonder Those Worthies Three Farell was went to Thunder Viret like Rain on tender grass to shower But Calvin lively Oracles to pour All these in Hookers spirit did remain A Son of Thunder and a Shower of Rain A pourer forth of Lively Oracles In saving Souls the sum of Miracles Now blessed Hooker thou art set on high Above the thankless world and cloudy skie Do thou of all thy labour reap the Crown Whilst we here reap the seed which thou hast sown J. C. A Lamentation for the Death of that Precious and Worthy Minister of Jesus Christ Mr. Thomas Hooker who died July 7. 1647. as the Sun was Setting the same hour of the day died blessed Calvin that glorious Light COme sighs come sorrows let 's lament this Rod Which hath bereav'd us of this Man of God A Man of God which came from God to men And now from them is gone to God agen Bid
soul to God-ward the benefit thereof those can best experience who are most conversant in the improving of them and have Gods blessing on them therein to their souls good His body was honourably buried at Cambridge in New-England Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord for their works follow them Rev. 13.13 This Year there passed an Act of Parliament in England for the promoting and propagating the Gospel of Jesus Christ amongst the Indians in New-England in reference unto the furtherance and advancement of so good a work a Corporation of sixteen Select men were appointed consisting of a President Treasurer and Assistants called by the name of the President and Society for the propagation of the Gospel in new-New-England to receive such sums of money as from time to time was or should be collected and raised by the liberal contributions of such as whose hearts God was pleased to stir up to so glorious a work and it was by the same Parliament Enacted that the Commissioners for the United Colonies of new-New-England for the time being by themselves or such as they shall appoint shall have Power and Authority to receive and dispose of the said monies brought in paid to the said Treasurer for the time being or any other Monies Goods or Commodities acquired and delivered by the care of the said Corporation at any time whose receipt or receipts of such Person or Persons so Authorized by them shall be a sufficient discharge to the said Corporation and Treasurer The particulars of such Orders and Instructions with which the said Act is invested the Reader may be more amply satisfied in by the perusal thereof as it is extant bearing date July 27. 1649. Moreover let the Reader take notice of the special favour of Almighty God in moving the heart of the Kings Majesty since his Restitution to his Crown and Regal Dignity particularly of his Royal Favour to countenance this work and to secure what hath been and what may be given toward this work by a legal settlement which before was wanting so as the said glorious design hath been vigorously carried on both in Old England and in New by such active and faithful Instruments as God hath raised up and improved therein with some considerable success The work coming on to such perfection as that the Holy Bible is Translated and Printed in the Indian Language whereby the glad tidings of the Gospel is and may be communicated to them with the greater facility some souls also of them being gained as may be hoped to believe on the Lord Jesus for life everlasting and daily hopes of further and greater success in that behalf for which unspeakable riches of his grace let his Holy Name have all the praise throughout all ages The Principal Instruments improved in Preaching the Gospel of Christ unto the Indians are Mr. John Eliot Senior Mr. John Eliot Junior Mr. Thomas Mayhew Mr. Pierson Mr. Brown Mr. James Mr. Cotton Besides divers of their own Nation whose Names and number I know not 1650. THis Year Mr. William Bradford was Elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth Chosen Assistants to him in Government Mr. Edward Winslow Mr. Thomas Prince Mr. William Collier Captain Miles Standish Mr. Timothy Hatherly Mr. John Brown and Mr. William Thomas This Year there was more then ordinary mortality in the Country especially about Boston and mostly amongst their Children since which time New diseases the fruits of new sins several diseases have been in the Country more frequently then formerly as namely gripings in the bowels with violent Vomiting and Purging which hath taken away many as also a disease in the Mouth or Throat which hath proved mortal to some in a very short time as also great distempers of Colds c. which ought to be awakening dispensations together with others to cause us to consider and examine whether we have not provoked the Lord with some general and unwonted sins inasmuch as he is pleased to exercise the Country oft-times with unwonted afflictions and punishments 1651. THis Year Mr. William Bradford was Elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth were Chosen his Assistants in Government Mr. Thomas Prince Mr. William Collier Captain Miles Standish Mr. Timothy Hatherly Mr. John Brown Mr. John Alden Captain Thomas Willet This Year Mr. William Thomas expired his natural life in much peace and comfort he served in the place of Magistracy in the Jurisdiction of Plimouth divers Years Mr. William Thomas his death he was a well approved and a well grounded Christian well read in the Holy Scriptures and other approved Authors and a good lover and approver of Godly Ministers and good Christians and one that had a sincere desire to promote the common good both of Church and State He died of a Consumption and was honourably buried at Marshfield in the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth 1652. THis year Mr. William Bradford was Elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth And Were Chosen his Assistants in Government Mr. Thomas Prince Capt. Myles Standish Mr. Timothy Hatherly Mr. John Brown Mr. John Alden Captain Thomas Willet Lieut. Thomas Southworth This Year that blessed Servant of God Mr. John Cotton died Of Mr. Cottons Life Mr. Norton hath Penned a Book whereunto I refer the Reader for more full relation of the same he was sometimes Preacher of Gods Word at Boston in Lincolnshire and from thence came over into New-England in the Year 1633 and was chosen Teacher of the first Church of Christ at Boston for which Function and Office he was greatly enriched with gifts abilities being an able expounder and faithful applier of the Word of God furnished also with wisdom and prudence to go before the Church in the ordering of the affairs thereof endowed also with meekness of spirit whereby he was fitted to compose such differences as did at any time arise amongst them he was very patient also in respect unto personal wrongs or injuries done unto himself yea towards his sharpest Antagonists An influence of good not only flowed from him unto the Church over whom he was set but also into all the Churches in new-New-England as necessity required A Comet seen at the time of Mr. Cottons sickness and went out soon after his death About the time of his sickness there appeared in the Heavens over new-New-England a Comet giving a dim light and so waxed dimmer and dimmer until it became quite extinct and went out which time of its being extinct was soon after the time of the period of his life it being a very signal testimony that God had then removed a bright Star a burning and shining light out of the heaven of his Church here unto Coelestial glory above He was buried at Boston in New-England with great Honour and Lamentation in the Year above written Upon whose never enough deplored death were made these Verses following A Funeral Elegie upon the death of the truely Reverend Mr. John Cotton late
Teacher of the Church of Christ at Boston in New-England ANd after Winthrop's Hooker's Shepard's Hâ—rse Doth Cotton's death call for a mourning Verse Thy will be done yet Lord who dealest thus Make this great death expedient for us Luther pull'd down the Pope Calvin the Prelate slue Of Calvin's Lapse chief cure to Cotton's due Cotton whose Learning Temper Godliness The German Phoenix lively did express Melancthon's all may Luthers word but pass Melancthons all in our great Cotton was Then him in flesh scarce dwelt a better one So great 's our loss when such a Spirit 's gone Whil'st He was here Life was more Life to me Now He is not Death hence less Death shall be That Comets great Mens deaths do oft forego This present Comet doth too sadly show This Prophet dead yet must in 's Doctrine speak This Comet saith else must New-England break VVhat ere it be the Heavens avert it far That Meteors should succeed our greatest Star In Bostons Orb Winthrop and Cotton were These Lights extinct dark is our Hemisphere In Boston once how much shin'd of our glory We now lament Posterity will story Let Boston live who had and saw their worth And did them Honour both in life and death To him New-England trust in this distress Who will not leave his exiles comfortless J. N. Upon the TOMB of the most Reverend Mr. John Cotton late Teacher of the Church of Boston in New-England HEre lies magnanimous Humility Majesty Meckness Christian Apathy On soft Affections Liberty in thrall A Noble Spirit Servant unto all Learnings great Master-piece who yet would sit As a Disciple at his Schollars feet A simple Serpent or Serpentine Dove Made up of Wisdome Innocence and Love Neatness Embroider'd with it self alone And Civils Canonized in a Gown Embracing old and young and low and high Ethicks imbodyed in Divinity Ambitious to be lowest and to raise His Brethrens Honour on his own Decayes Thus doth the Sun retire into his bed That being gone the Stars may shew their head Could wound at Argument without Division Cut to the quick and yet make no Incision Ready to Sacrifice Domestick Notions To Churches Peace and Ministers Devotions Himself indeed and singular in that Whom all admired he admired not Liv'd like an Angel of a Mortal Birth Convers'd in Heaven while he was on Earth Though not as Moses radiant with Light Whose Glory dazell'd the beholders sight Yet so divinely beautifi'd youl 'd count He had been born and bred upon the Mount A living breathing Bible Tables where Both Covenants at large engraven were Gospel and Law in 's Heart had each its Colume His Head an Index to the Sacred Volume His very Name a Title Page and next His Life a Commentary on the Text. O what a Monument of glorious worth When in a New Edition he comes forth Without Errata's may we think hee 'll be In Leaves and Covers of Eternitie A man of Might at heavenly Eloquence To fix the Ear and charm the Conscience As if Apollos were reviv'd in him Or he had learned of a Seraphim Spake many Tongues in one one Voice and Sense Wrought Joy and Sorrow Fear and Confidence Rocks rent before him Blinde receiv d their sight Souls levell'd to the dunghil stood upright Infernal Furies burst with rage to see Their Pris'ners captiv'd into Libertie A Star that in our Eastern England rose Thence hurry'd by the Blast of stupid foes Whose foggy Darkness and benummed Senses Brook'd not his daz'ling fervent Influences Thus did he move on Earth from East to West There he went down and up to Heaven for Rest Nor from himself whilest living doth he vary His Death hath made him an Ubiquitary Where is his Sepulchre is hard to tell Who in a thousand Sepulchres doth dwell Their Hearts I mean whom he hath left behind In them his Sacred Relique's now Enshrin'd But let his Mourning Flock be comforted Though Moses be yet Joshua is not dead I mean Renowned NORTON worthy hee Successor to our MOSES is to bee O happy Israel in AMERICA In such a MOSES such a JOSHUA B. W. 1653. MR. William Bradford was Elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth were Chosen his Assistants in Government Mr. Thomas Prince Captain Miles Standish Mr. Timothy Hatherly Mr. John Brown Mr. John Alden Captain Thomas Willet Lieut. Thomas Southworth Mr. Thomas Dudley who was a principal Founder and Pillar of the Colony of the Massachusets in new-New-England and sundry times Governour and Deputy Governour of that Jurisdiction died at his house in Roxbury July 31. in the seventy seventh Year of his age he was a person of quick understanding and solid Judgement in the fear of the Lord he was a lover of 1 Justice 2 Order 3 the People 4 Christian Religion the supream virtues of a good Magistrate 1. His love to Justice appeared at all times and in special upon the Judgement seat without respect of persons in Judgement and in his own particular transactions with all men he was exact and exemplary 2. His zeal to Order appeared in contriving good Laws and faithfully executing them upon criminal offenders Hereticks and Underminers of true Religion He had a piercing Judgement to discover the Wolf though cloathed with a sheep-skin 3. His love to the People was evident in serving them in a publick capacity many Years at his own cost and that as a nursing Father to the Churches of Christ 4. He loved the true Christian Religion and the pure Worship of God and cherished as in his bosom all godly Ministers and Christians he was exact in the practice of Piety in his person and family all his life in a word he lived desired and died lamented by all good men The Verses following were found in his Pocket after his death which may further illustrate his Character and give a taste of his poetical fancy wherein it is said he did excel DIm Eyes deaf Ears cold stomack shew My dissolution is in view Eleven times seven near liv'd have I And now God calls I willing die My Shuttle's shot my race is run My Sun is set my Deed is done My Span is measur'd Tale is told My Flower is faded and grown old My Dream is vanish'd Shadow 's fled My Soul with Christ my Body dead Farewel dear Wife Children and Friends Hate Heresie make blessed ends Bear Poverty live with good men So shall we meet with joy agen Let men of God in Courts and Churches watch O're such as do a Toleration hatch Lest that ill Egg bring forth a Cockatrice To poyson all with Heresie and Vice If men be left and otherwise combine My Epitaph's I dy'd no Libertine This Year Mr. John Laythrop did put off his Earthly Tabernacle He was sometimes Preacher of Gods Word in Egerton in Kent from whence he went to London and was chosen Pastor of a Church of Christ there he was greatly troubled imprisoned for witnessing against the errours of the times during the
time of his imprisonment his wife fell sick of which sickness she died He procured liberty of the Bishop to visit his Wife before her death and commended her to God by Prayer who soon after gave up the ghost at his return to Prison his poor Children being many repaired to the Bishop to Lambeth and made known unto him their miserable condition by reason of their good Father his being continued in close durance who commiserated their condition so far as to grant him his liberty who soon after came over into new-New-England and setled for some time at the Town of Scituate and was chosen Pastour of their Church and faithfully dispensed the Word of God amongst them and afterwards the said Church dividing a part whereof removing to Barnstable he removed with them and there remained until his death He was a man of an humble and broken heart and spirit lively in dispensation of the Word of God studious of peace furnished with godly contentment willing to spend and to be spent for the Cause and Church of Christ He fell asleep in the Lord Nov. 8. 1653. 1654. THis Year Mr. William Bradford was Elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth were Chosen Assistants to him in Government Mr. Thomas Prince Captain Miles Standish Mr. William Collier Mr. Timothy Hatherly Mr. John Brown Mr. John Alden and Capt. Thomas Willet 1655. THis Year Mr. William Bradford was Elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth were Chosen Assistants to him in Government Mr. Thomas Prince Captain Miles Standish Mr. William Collier Mr. Timothy Hatherly Mr. John Brown Mr. John Alden and Captain Thomas Willet The death of Mr. Winslow This year that Worthy and Honourable Gentleman Mr. Edward Winslow deceased of whom I have had occasion to make honourable mention formerly in this Discourse He was the Son of Edward VVinslow Esq of the Town of Draughtwich in the County of Worcester He travelling into the Low-Countreys in his Journeys fell into acquaintance with the Church of Leyden in Holland unto whom he joyned and with whom he continued until they parted to come into New-England he coming with that part that came first over and became a very worthy and useful Instrument amongst them both in the place of Government and otherwise until his last Voyage for England being sent on special Imployment for the Government of the Massachusets as is forementioned in this Book and afterwards was imployed as one of the grand Commissioners in that unhappy Design against Domingo in Hispaniola who taking grief for the ill success of that Enterprize on which together with some other Infirmities that were upon him he fell sick at Sea betwixt Domingo and Jamaica and died the eighth day of May which was about the Sixty first year of his life and his Body was honourably committed to the Sea with the usual Solemnity of the Discharge of Fourty two Piece of Ordnance One of the Company who was imployed in taking notice of the Particulars of that Tragedy gave such Testimony of the said Mr. VVinslow as followeth in this Poem The Eighth of May west from ' Spaniola shore God took from us our Grand Commissioner Winslow by Name a man in Chiefest Trust VVhose Life was sweet and Conversation just VVhose Parts and wisdome most men did excell An honour to his Place as all can tell 1656. THis Year Mr. William Bradford was Chosen Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth were chosen to be his Assistants in Government Mr. Thomas Prince Mr. William Collier Mr. Timothy Hatherly Captain Miles Standish Mr. John Alden Capt. Thomas Willet Capt. James Cudworth This Year Captain Miles Standish expired his mortal life He was a Gentleman born in Lancashire The death of Capt. Standish and was Heir-Apparent unto a great Estate of Lands and Livings surreptitiously detained from him his great Grandfather being a Second or Younger Brother from the House of Standish In his younger time he went over into the Low-Countreys and was a Souldier there and came acquainted with the Church of Leyden and came over into New-England with such of them as at the first set out for the Planting of the Plantation of New-Plimouth and bare a deep share of their first Difficulties and was alwayes very faithful to their Interest He growing ancient became sick of the Stone or Strangullion whereof after his suffering of much dolorous pain he fell asleep in the Lord and was honourably buried at Duxbury 1657. THis year Mr. Thomas Prince was Chosen Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth Were Chosen his Assistants in Government This Election was on the fifth of June 1657. M William Bradford died the 9th of May in this year before this Election Mr. VVilliam Collier Mr. Timothy Hatherly Mr. John Alden Captain Thomas VVillet Capt. James Cudworth Capt. Josias VVinslow Lieut. Tho Southworth This Year it pleased God to put a period to the life of his precious Servant Mr. VVilliam Bradford who was the second Governour of the Jurisdiction of Plimouth and continued in the same place for the most part of his time with little intermission Concerning whom the following Poems made the one by himself and the other by such as were well acquainted with his Worth and Excellency will give a large Testimony thereof Certain Verses left by the Honoured VVilliam Bradford Esq Governour of the Jurisdiction of Plimouth penned by his own hand declaring the gracious dispensation of Gods Providence towards him in the time of his Life and his preparation and fittedness for Death FRom my years young in dayes of Youth God did make known to me his Truth And call'd me from my Native place For to enjoy the Means of Grace In Wilderness he did me guide And in strange Lands for me provide In Fears and Wants through Weal and Woe As Pilgrim past I to and fro Oft left of them whom I did trust How vain it is to rest on Dust A man of Sorrows I have been And many Changes I have seen Wars Wants Peace Plenty have I known And some advanc'd others thrown down The humble poor cheerful and glad Rich discontent sower and sad VVhen Fears with Sorrows have been mixt Consolations came betwixt Faint not poor Soul in God still trust Fear not the things thou suffer must For whom he loves he doth chastise And then all Tears wipes from their eyes Farewell dear Children whom I love Your better Father is above VVhen I am gone he can supply To him I leave you when I dye Fear him in Truth walk in his Wayes And he will bless you all your dayes My dayes are spent Old Age is come My Strength it fails my Glass near run Now I will wait when work is done Vntill my happy Change shall come VVhen from my labours I shall rest VVith Christ above for to be blest By the honoured Major Josias Winstow on the the said Mr. William Bradford as followeth WILLIAM BRADFORD Anagr. I made Law for Bridl ' For
the long peace and concord that we had enjoyed and hoping to fish better in troubled waters when their bait might be taken in and the hook not easily discerned would willingly have been ringing the Changes in this Jurisdiction also pretending a great zeal for liberty of Conscience but endeavouring to introduce such a liberty of Will as would have proved prejudicial if not destructive to Civil and Church societies and at the same time there arrived in the said Colony many of that pernicious sect called Quakers whose Opinion are a composition of many errors and whose practices tend greatly to the disturbance both of Church and State many unstable people amongst us were leavened with their errors and proved very troublesome to this as well as other Colonies in new-New-England But the Lord many times delighteth to appear in the Mount of his Peoples miseries distresses and troubles that his power and wisdom may appear when they are weakest and that they may know that their salvation is from him At such a time when the condition of this Colony was such as hath been declared God was pleased to minde it even in its low estate and when he had taken to himself not only our Moses but many of the Elders and Worthies of our Israel he hath not hitherto left us without a Joshua to lead us in the remaining part of our pilgrimage When the usual time for the renewing of our Election of such as should govern us came Mr. Thomas Prince was by unanimous vote chosen Governour and although mens spirits were so distempered as I have related and it might have been expected that they would have been much divided in their choice yet God who disposeth the lot that is cast into the lap so disposed that all their votes centered there a good demonstration that he was chosen of God for us and by his blessing made an Instrument of much peace and settlement in this place and to this people in these times of trouble and confusion The Lord also directing the Freemen of this Jurisdiction at the same time in their Election to the choice of a discreet and able Council to be assistant unto our said honoured Governor in this so weighty Work divers of them being descended of several of the honour'd Magistrates deceased not only bearing their Names but having a large measure of their Spirit bestowed on them befitting them for such Work so as through the goodness of God those storms that seem'd to threaten the subversion of our All and did at first prevaile to the disturbing and shaking of many Towns and Churches and to the great discouragement of the Ministers in divers places do seem to be pretty well blown over such uncomfortable jarrs as have been sometimes thought uncureable seem to be throughly reconciled and healed our Towns for the most part supplied with godly and able Ministers and we sit under our Vines and Figtrees in peace enjoying both Civil and Religious Liberties For which goodness of the Lord let his holy Name be praised and may he grant us so to improve our present opportunities as he may have some suitable returns and we may have cause to hope in his grace for the continuance of such favours This Year that much honoured and worthy Gentleman Mr. Theophilus Eaton Governour of New-Haven deceased who was very Eminent both on a Religious and Civil account His death proved a great blow to that Jurisdiction and was seconded not long after with the loss of another precious man amongst them viz. Mr. Francis Newman In this year 1657 in the moneth of November Mr. Garret set sail on a Voyage for England from Boston in whose Ship amongst many considerable Passengers there went Mr. Thomas Mayhew junior The loss of Mr. Garrets Ship of Martins-Vineyard who was a very precious man he was well skill'd and had attained to a great proficiency in the Indian Language and had a great propensity upon his Spirit to promote Gods glory in their Conversion whose Labours God blessed for the doing of much good amongst them in which respect he was very much missed amongst them and bewailed by them as also in reference unto the Preaching of Gods Word amongst the English there The loss of him was very great Many other sad losses befell sundry others in the Country by the loss of that Ship both in their Estates and dear Relations to the great grief and sadning of the hearts of many 1658. THis year Mr. Thomas Prince was Elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth Were Elected his Assistants in Government Mr. VVilliam Collier Mr. John Alden Captain Thomas VVillet Capt. Josias VVinslow Lieut. Tho Southworth Mr. William Bradford Mr. Thomas Hinkley This Year there was a very great Earthquake in New-England Also Mr. Ralph Partridge died in a good old Age having for the space of fourty years dispensed the Word of God with very little impediment by sickness His pious and blameless life became very advantagious to his Doctrine he was much honoured and loved by all that conversed with him He was of a sound and solid judgement in the main Truths of Jesus Christ and very able in Disputation to defend them he was very singular in this That notwithstanding the pausity and poverty of his Flock he continued in his Work amongst them to the end of his life He went to his grave in peace as a shock of Corn fully ripe and was honourably buried at Duxbury In whose Remembrance one who was a true Admirer of his worth presented these at his Funerall NOt Rage but Age not Age but Gods Decree Did call me hence my Saviour Christ to see And to embrace and from his hand receive My Crown of Glory Oh who would not leave A flattering World nay Friends or what 's most dear The Saints Communion that 's enjoyed here At once to have God Christ Saints Angels all To make compleat and sum our Joyes totall Now I behold Gods Glory face to face Now I sit down with Christ who 've run my Race Now I sing praise to God and to the Lamb Now I Companion to the Angels am Now I behold with greatest joy my Sons And Daughters all I mean Converted ones Which I was instrumentall in my place To bring to God but all of his Free-grace How am I Changed that of late was weak Above the force of Satan now to break How am I Changed Son of sorrow late But now triumphing in my heavenly state How was I vex'd with pains with griefs molested How in a moment am I now Invested With Royal Robes with Crowns with Diadems With Gods Eternall Loves Such precious Gems He hath in store for them his Saints that are For such indeed he counts his Jewels rare Oh Brethren Sisters Neighbours Country Friends I 'me now above you Hark to them God sends As yet surviving in their worthy Charge Whose work it is Gods Vineyard to enlarge God and my Conscience your experience knows Whiles I was
year James Pierce a young man that belonged to Boston coming on Fishing and upon occasion putting into Plimouth Harbour it pleased God that a storm of Thunder and Lightning arose and by a blow thereof he was slain of a sudden being much scorched and burnt thereby although his Clothes were made fast and close about him so strange was this great work to the wonderment of all that beheld it 1661. THis Year Mr. Thomas Prince was Chosen Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth Chosen Assistants to him in Government Mr. William Collier Mr. John Alden Captain Thomas VVillet Major Josias VVinslow Capt. Thomas Southworth Capt. VVilliam Bradford Mr. Thomas Hinkley 1662. MR. Thomas Prince was Chosen Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth were Chosen his Assistants in Government Mr. William Collier Mr. John Alden Captain Thomas Willet Major Josias Winslow Capt. Thomas Southworth Capt. VVilliam Bradford Mr. Thomas Hinkley This Year upon occasion of some suspition of some plot intended by the Indians against the English Philip the Sachem of Pocanaket otherwise called Metacom made his appearance at the Court held at Plimouth August 6. did earnestly desire the continuance of that amity and friendship that hath formerly been between the Governour of Plimouth and his deceased Father and Brother and to that end the said Philip doth for himself and his successors desire that they might for ever remain subject to the King of England his heirs and successors and doth faithfully promise and engage that he and his will truely and exactly observe and keep inviolable such conditions as formerly have been by his Predecessors made and particularly that he will not at any time needlesly or unjustly provoke or raise War with any of the Natives nor at any time give sell or any way dispose of any Lands to him or them appertaining to any strangers or to any without our privity or appointment but will in all things endeavour to carry peaceably and inoffensively towards the English And the said Court did then also express their willingness to continue with him and his the abovesaid friendship and do on their part promise that they will afford them such friendly assistance by Advice and otherwise as they justly may And we will require our English at all times to carry friendly towards them In witness whereof the said Philip the Sachem hath set to his Hand as also his Uncle and Witnessed unto by sundry other of his chief men Witness John Sausamen The mark of Francis the Sachem of Nauset The mark of Philip aliàs Metacom This year on the 26 of January at the shutting in of the Evening there was a very great Earthquake in new-New-England and the same night another although something less then the former And again on the 28 of the same moneth there was another about Nine of the clock in the morning Forasmuch as I have had special occasion several times in this History to mention divers Earthquakes that have been in New-England they being great and terrible works of God and are usually ominous to some strokes and visitations of his hand unto places and peoples where they are and sometimes the Lord in the very acting of his power in them hath declared his severity to the children of men to their great overthrow and confusion I thought it necessary before I pass on a little to point at some few particulars to work and induce us to a profitable remembrance of them it being very considerable that is said by a useful Author in taking notice of the Wisdome of God in preparing the Earth to be a fit Habitation for man to dwell in addeth withall That as if man were not alwayes worthy to tread upon so solid a foundation we see it oft-times quake and shake and rock and rend it self as if it shewed that he which made it threatned by this trembling the Impiety of the world and the ruine of those that dwell on the Earth In order unto that which I have nominated in this behalf and more principally intend let us take notice That Writers have rendred the cause of Earthquakes to be That when it happeneth that Air and windy Spirits and Exhalations are shut up in the Caverns of the Earth or have such passage as is too narrow for them they then striving to break their prisons shake the Earth and make it tremble They speak likewise of the several kindes of them as First When the whole force of the Wind driveth to one place there being no contrary motion to let or hinder it many Hills and Buildings have been rushed down by this kinde of Earthquake especially when the Wind causing it was strong for if it be a feeble Wind it onely looseneth or unfasteneth Foundations if less feeble then without further harm the Earth onely shakes like one sick of an Ague Secondly The second kinde is a swelling of the Earth the which when the Wind is broken out of its prison the Earth returns to its place again Thirdly A third kinde is A gaping rending or cleaving of the Earth one part from another so that sometimes whole Towns Cities Rocks Hills Rivers and some parts of the Sea hath been swallowed up and never seen more Fourthly A fourth kinde is Shaking that causeth sinking and is farre different from the former Thus was the Atlantick Ocean caused to be a Sea as Plato affirmeth who lived 366 years before Christ was born for now the Earth splitteth not but sinketh this being in such places where though the surface of the ground be solid yet it hath but a salt foundation which being moistened by water driven through it by the force of the shaking Exhalation is turned into water also Fifthly A fifth kinde of Earthquake is contrary to the former for as before the ground sinks down so now it is cast up like as in the second kinde already mentioned onely this is the difference that now it returneth not to its place again but remains a great Mountain And note that if such a Rising be in the Sea it not onely causeth overflowings but produceth likewise many Islands such as were never seen before These particulars are treated of at large by approved Authors and here onely hinted to the intent that we may take notice of the special Providence of God to New-England in this behalf that we have not as yet felt the misery of the worst of the kindes of Earthquakes forenamed nor swallowed up in them but those we have been sensible of have been rather gentle Warnings unto us to shake us out of our earthly-mindedness spiritual security and other sins lest the Lord do come against us with Judgements of this kinde in the sorest and worst sort of them or otherwise by removing the present blessing of godly Government from us Notwithstanding that which hath been said the Efficient Cause is Supernatural as either principally God or instrumentally the Angels although naturally the Wind shut up within the Pores and Bowels of
Earthquake insomuch that at Vlisippo or Lisbon above a Thousand Houses were thrown down and Sixty more so shaken that they were ready to fall with many other Evils that befell those parts about that time And to observe what hath fallen out since this last Comet appeared will not be unuseful either in Europe or in America Since the writing hereof there have been sad engagements betwixt the two Nations and much Blood spilt In Europe the great Contest between our own Nation and the Dutch which hath threatned bloody War and what will be in the conclusion is known onely to God Besides other Contests between the Dutch and some other of their Neighbours as also the Pestilence very hot both in England and Holland In America the late and sad blow that our Countrymen at the Isle Christophers received from the French And as to our selves in New-England although through the mercy of our good God there is no breaking in nor going out into Captivity nor complaining in our streers yet we have been threatned with Invasion by Forreign Force and sometimes in expectation thereof as also we are not to slight the hand of God in his late sore Strokes in taking away so many by Thunder and Lightning to the great amazement and terrour of many as also Gods continued strokes in Drought Blasting and Mildew with which much of the Fruits of the Earth have been destroyed All which considered ought to induce us to search and try our wayes and to enter into a strict and serious examination of our hearts and lives and having found out what those sins are that are most provoking to the Majesty of Heaven we may reform them whether in Church in State in Family or in Persons that so he may not stir up all his wrath Psal 78 38. but yet may delight over us to do us good from the beginning of the year to the end thereof This year it pleased God to smite the Fruits of the Earth viz. the Wheat in special with Blasting and Mildew whereby much of it was utterly spoiled and became profitable for nothing and much of it worth little being light and empty This was looked at by the judicious and conscientious of the Land as a speaking Providence against the Vnthankfulness of many for so great a mercy and their Murmuring expressed in their words by slighting and undervaluing terms of it as also against Voluptuousness and abuse of the good Creatures of God by Licentiousness in Drinking and Fashions in Apparel for the obtaining whereof a great part of this principal Grain was oftentimes unnecessarily expended This so sad a Dispensation with other particulars occasioned the observation of some dayes in a way of Humiliation before the Lord somewhat more frequently then ordinary Let it also be observed That yet in judgement he remembred mercy by affording a plentiful Harvest of other sorts of Grain so as the Country suffered not in respect of the want of Bread this year but had plenty thereof This year also His Majesties Commissioners viz. Colonel Richard Nicolls Sir Robert Carre Knight George Cartwright Esq and Samuel Maverick Esq Arrived at Boston in new-New-England in the moneth of July The tenour of whose Commission was in special To reduce the Dutch at the Manhato's to His Majesties Obedience which in some short time was accomplished and the Place and Jurisdiction thereof surrendred up unto His Majesties said Commissioners who styled it by the Name of New-York and placed a Government over it of His Majesties Subjects the aforesaid honourable Colonel Richard Nicolls being Governour in chief there And whereas they were likewise Commissionated To hear and determine such Differences as might be amongst the Colonies in respect unto the Bounds of their Jurisdictions Some such Differences were by them heard and in special betwixt Plimouth and Road-Island and such Settlement therein concluded as they were capacitated unto As also sundry Propositions were by them made to several of the respective Jurisdictions which together with the Agitations concerning them and the Answers unto them are elsewhere extant They likewise presented the honoured Governour of the Jurisdiction of Plimouth as to that Colony with a gracious Letter from His Majesty The Contents whereof are as followeth To Our Trusty and Well beloved Our Governour and Council of New-Plimouth greet CHARLES REX TRusty and well-beloved We greet you well We need not inlarge upon Our Care of and Affection to that Our Plantation of New-Plimouth when We give you such a Testimony Manifestation of it in the sending of those Gentlemen persons well known unto Us and deserving from us Our trusty and well-beloved Colonel Richard Nicolls Sir Robert Carre Knight George Cartwright Esq and Samuel Maverick Esq our Commissioners to visit you and other our Plantations in those parts of New-England and to give us a full and particular Information and account of your present state and condition and how the same may be advanced and improved by any further Acts of Grace and Favour from us towards you and that both you and all the world may know and take notice That we take you into our immediate protection and will no more suffer you to be oppressed or injured by any foreign Power or â—ll Neighbours then we would suffer our other Subjects that live upon the same Continent with us to be so injured and oppressed And as our Care and Protection will we doubt not be sufficient with Gods blessing to defend you from foreign force so our Care and Circumspection is no less that you may live in peace amongst your selves and with those our other Subjects who have planted themselves in your neighbour Colonies with that Justice Affection and brotherly Love which becomes Subjects born under the same Prince and in the same Country and of the same Faith and Hope in the Mercies of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ And to the end there may be no Contentions and Differences between you in respect of the bounds and Jurisdiction of your several Colonies the hearing and determining whereof we have referred to our Commissioners as the Right appears by clear Evidence and Testimony before them or that they can settle it by your mutual Consent and Agreement otherwise in cases of difficulty they shall present the same to us who will determine according to our own Wisdome and Justice The Address you formerly made to us gave us so good satisfaction of your Duty Loyalty and Affection to us that we have not the least doubt that you will receive those Commissioners in such manner as becomes you and as may manifest your respect and affection towards us from whom they are sent They will let you know the resolution we have to preserve all your Liberties and Priviledges both Ecclesiastical and Civil without the least violation which we presume will dispose you to manifest by all wayes in your power Loyalty and Affection to us that all the world may know that you do look upon
it falleth suddenly upon us This year the Lord threatned the Country with that infectious and contagious Disease of the Small Pox which began at Boston whereof some few died but through his great mercy it is stayed and none of late have died thereof This year the Lord likewise threatned and in some measure executed his displeasure upon the Country by Drought but through his mercy hath of late sent plenty of Rain for the recovering of the fruits of the earth Although it is to be observed That soon after a day of Humiliation was observed by some Congregations for the blessing of Rain in the Drought above-mentioned that sad stroke by the Thunder and Lightning at Marshfield fell out so that we may say with the Psalmist unto the Lord By terrible things in Righteousness thou hast answered us O God of our Salvation Also this year there hath been some ground of fear of Invasion by Forreign Enemies but hitherto the Lord hath kept us This year much of the Wheat is destroyed with Blasting and Mildew as also some other Grain by Worms and the Drought aforementioned but the Lord hath sent much Rain for the recovery of the remainder through his great mercy This year about the middle of July Mr. Thomas Prince Governour of the Jurisdiction of Plimouth Captain Thomas Southworth Mr. John Eliot senior Mr. John Eliot junior Mr. Samuel Arnold Mr. John Holmes Mr. William Brinsmead and Mr. Thomas Cushman gave meeting to Mr. Richard Bourn of Sandwich in reference to the taking notice of what proficiency the Indians under the Instruction of the said Mr. Bourn have attained unto A special Manifestation of Gods goodness towards some poor Salvages in the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth in the knowledge of God in Christ and their interest in him by Faith and to make such Professions or Confessions as they should openly make thereof to the glory of God and the satisfaction of the Saints in order unto their joyning into Church-fellowship And the Lord was pleased to come in unto some of them so as they gave good satisfaction unto the said honoured and judicious persons forenamed then assembled in reference to the premises So that it was concluded by them That what had passed from the Indians in that behalf should be drawn up in writing and Copies thereof exhibited to the Churches of the Jurisdiction of Plimouth such of them as are neighbouring near unto them and if nothing should be then objected that then in due and convenient time they should be permitted and encouraged to enter into Church-fellowship as aforesaid Now although I doubt not but the Passages of these things will be in due time published by a better Pen yet I have made bold here to insert so much as I have been informed of them in regard that they are the first-fruits of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth that have come on to so good perfection in this kinde This year in the moneth of December it pleased God to take unto himself by death that worthy Servant of Christ Mr. William Thompson who was a lively dispenser of the Word of God and very affectionate in the delivery thereof It pleased God to bless his Labours to the Conversion of many Souls He was sometimes together with Mr. Knowles sent unto Virginia by the Elders of the Churches of the Massachusets being requested by a Message sent by some of Virginia for some help in Preaching Gods Word amongst them The fruit and benefit of whose Labours therein still remaineth upon the Souls of some eminent in this Land He was Elected and Ordained to be Pastor of the Church of Christ at Braintry in new-New-England in which Office he served Christ many years untill old Age coming upon him and the prevailing of his Melancholly distemper did in a manner wholly disable him from that Service and Satan taking advantage thereby he was under sad desertions and trouble of Spirit At which time the Reverend Elders and others of the aforesaid Jurisdiction of the Massachusets were very officious for his Recovery and in sense of his sad condition offered up many Prayers to God for him and in Gods good time they received a gracious answer so as in his weakness and sickness it pleased God to come in unto his Soul and to remove the Cloud of darkness that was upon his Spirit so that with much peace and comfort he fell asleep in the Lord and his Body was honourably buried at Braintry Mark the upright man and behold the just for the end of that man is peace 1667. MR. Thomas Prince was Chosen Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth Chosen Assistants to him in Government Mr. John Alden Major Josias VVinslow Capt. Thomas Southworth Capt. VVilliam Bradford Mr. Thomas Hinkley Mr. John Freeman Mr. Nathaniel Bacon This year on the last day of November being the last day of the next week there was heard several loud Noises or Reports as if it had been Guns discharged in the Air first one distinctly and in a short time as it had been a Volley of Shot discharged It was especially heard and observed at Nantasket and related by sundry of them of good Credit In the Spring following in the beginning of March there appeared a Sign in the Heavens in the form of a Spear something thicker in the middest then at either end of a whitish bright colour it was seen several nights together in the West about an hour within the night it stood stooping and the one end pointing to the setting of the Sun and so setled downward by little and little untill it quite vanished and descended beneath our Horizon God awaken us that we be not heedless spectators of his wonderful Works This year on the seventh of August it pleased the Lord to call home to himself the Reverend Ancient and godly Pastor of the Church of Boston Mr. John Wilson He was a truely Reverend and holy Man of God he came to New-England in the year 1630. He was instrumental in the first beginnings of the Church of Boston having been the Pastor of it three years before Mr. Cotton Twenty years with him Ten years with Mr. Norton and Four years after him Thirty seven in all And in all the Changes of Times that passed over him he was full of Faith and Prayer and eminent for Sincerity and Humility being ever low in his own eyes and for the grace of Love he had largeness of heart as the sand of the Sea to do good to all He was very charitable where there was any signs and hopes of good and yet withall very zealous against known and manifest evils He was Orthodox in his Judgement and very holy in his Conversation Very few that ever went out of the world so generally beloved and reverenced as this good man He was a good man indeed and full of the holy Ghost He lived to a good old age and was full of dayes and full of honour being in the Seventy ninth year of his