Trading with the Indians of Kenebek p. 61 Capt. Miles Standish goes over to England as an Agent in the behalf of the Plantation of New-Plimouth p. 62 1626. In April Capt. Standish arrives in Plimouth brings sad tidings of Mr. John Robinsons and Mr. Robert Cushmans death p. 63 They receive divers Letters from their friends in Holland p. 64 1627. Mr. Isaac Allerton goes over for England Agent for the Plantation with the Merchant-Adventurers p. 64. The first distribution of Land amongst the Inhabitants of Plimouth p. 65 A ship with many Passengers in her bound for Virginia was cast away at the middle of Mannamoiet Bay but they saved their lives and their goods and were courteously entertained at Plimouth p. 65 c. The Dutch Plantation desire Commerce with Plimouth which they grant them and so they held mutual and profitable correspondency together The Dutch acquaint the English with the trading of Wampam-peag p. 67 1628. Morton for his Atheistical and licentious Practises is apprehended by Capt. Standish sent home to England p. 68 c. Mr. John Endicot arrives bringing with him a Patent under the Broad-Seal of England for the Government of the Massachusets p. 70 1629. Three ships arrive at Salem bringing a great number of Passengers from England Infectious diseases amongst them p. 73 Mr. Higginson Mr. Skelton Mr. Bright Ministers arrive p. 74 Upon Aug. 5. was the first Church in the Massachusets Colony gathered viz. at Salem p. 75 The Book of Common-Prayer pleaded for and practised in Massachusets Colony by two of the Patentees p. 76 But was quickly prohibited by the Authority there p. 77 1630. Mr. Higginson Teacher of Salem Church died p. 78 A Fleet of ten ships arrived in the Massachusets Colony in which came over many worthy Instruments Mr. John Winthrop and Mr. Thomas Dudly Magistrates Mr. Isaac Johnson Esq and Mr. John VVilson Mr. George Philips Mr. Maverick and Mr. VVareham Ministers arrived Mr. Isaac Johnson Magistrate of the Massachusets and his Lady soon after their arrival died p. 83 Churches gathered this year at Boston by Mr. John VVilson VVatertown by Mr. Philips Dorchester by Mr. Maverick and Mr. VVareham p. 84 1631. A Church gathered at Roxbury by Mr. John Eliot and Mr. VVeld p. 85 1632. Sir Christopher Gardiner a strong Papist arrived in N.E. who for some miscarriages left the Country and returned home to England and there proved an open Adversary to the Country p. 85 86 The Lords of the Kings most honourable Privy-Council favour the Plantations of N.E. by their encouraging Order p. 87 88 1633. The number of Magistrates at Plimouth increased to seven p. 89 An infectious Feaver amongst the Inhabitants of Plimouth whereof many died p. 90 Great swarms of strange Flies up and down the Country which was a presage of the following mortality p. 91 Mr. John Cotton Mr. Hooker and Mr. Stone Ministers arrive in N. E. ibid. Mr. William Collier a liberal Benefactor to the Colony of New-Plimouth arrives in N.E. ibid. 1634. Mr. Skelton Pastor to the Church at Salem died p. 78 A great mortality amongst the Indians by the Small Pox p. 92 Capt. Stone turns Pirat at the Dutch Plantation and there seizes on a Plimouth Barque that was there trading p. 93 The cruel Massacre of Capt. Stone and Capt. Norton at Connecticot River by the Pequot Indians p. 92 93 Mr. Roger Williams lamentable Apostacy p. 78 c. He is Banished by the Massachusets Colony ibid. 1635. Mr. Edward Winslow sent over to England as a publick Agent for the Country p. 94 An Hirracane which did great damage both by sea land p. 95 1636. Conecticot Colony planted this year by many worthy Instruments Two shallops loaden with goods were cast away in the mouth of Plimouth Harbour the goods were saved ten men drowned p. 96 Mr. John Oldham murthered in his Barque by the Indians of Block-Island p. 98 1637. The Pequot Wars in which War the English slew and took Prisoners about 700 Indians and slew 13 Sachems to the great terrour of all the Natives p. 99 New-Haven Colony began this year p. 106 Antinomian and Familistical Errours are broach'd in the Country especially at Boston ibid. A Synod is called which condemned these Errours out of the Word of God p. 107 Mrs. Hutchinson and Errours are banished by the Magistrates of the Massachusets Colony ibid. A hideous Monster born at Boston of one Mrs. Mary Dyer p. 108 1638. Three English-men were put to death at Plimouth for robbing and murthering an Indian near Providence p. 111 June 2. a great and fearful Earthquake in the Country ibid. Gorton a pestilent Seducer and blasphemous Atheist is banished Plimouth Colony Whipt and banished from Road-Island banished the Massachusets Colony p. 108 c. 1639. Harvard Colledge founded at Cambridge by Mr. John Harvard of worthy memory p. 112 Articles of Peace renewed with Massasoiâ—t Sachem and his Son Mooanam by the Government of Plimouth p. 112 c. 1642. Thirteen able godly Ministers at this time in Plimouth Jurisdiction shined as bright Stars in the Churches Firmament p. 116 1643. Mr. William Brewster Ruling-Elder in the Church of Plimouth died in the 84 year of his Age p. 117 May 19. was the first Combination of the four United Colonies of N.E. p. 120 1644. Mr. John Atwood an eminent Benefactor to the Colony of Plimouth died p. 121 The Town of Eastham erected by divers considerable persons of Plimouth ibid. 1646. Three men of War arrived in Plimouth Harbour under the command of Capt. Tho Cromwel richly laden A mutiny amongst the Seamen whereby one man is killed p. 123 Mr. Edw Winslow goes over into England Agent for the Massachusets Colony to answer the complaints of sundry discontented persons but returned no more to N. E. p. 124 1647. Mr. Thomas Hooker Pastor of the Church at Hartford rested from his labours p. 125 1649. March 26. Mr. John Winthrop Governour of the Massachusets deceased p. 130 An innumerable company of Caterpillers in some parts of the Country destroyed the Fruits of the Earth p. 131 August 25. Mr. Thomas Shepard Pastor of Cambridge Church died ibid. An Act of Parliament passed in England for promoting and propagating the Gospel amongst the Indians in N.E. In reference to which an Indian Corporation was there established Able Instruments encouraged to preach the Gospel to the Indians in N.E. the Bible was translated into the Indian Language by Mr. John Eliot and in 1664. was printed at Cambridge p. 131 1650. A great mortality amongst Children this year p. 133 1651. Mr. Wil Thomas Magistrate of Plimouth Colony died p. 134 1652. Mr. John Cotton Teacher of Boston Church died A Comet was seen at the time of his sickness hanging over N. E. which went out soon after his death p. 135 c. 1653. July 31. Mr. Thomas Dudly Governour of the Massachusets died about the 77 year of his Age p. 139 1655. Plimouth hears sad news of the death of Mr. Edward Winslow who had sometimes been their Governour p. 142 1656. Capt. Miles Standish Magistrate of Plimouth died p. 143 1657. May 3. Mr. William Bradford Governor of Plimouth died p. 144 The Quakers that cursed Sect arrive at Plimouth p. 151 Mr. Theoph Eaton Governor of Newhaven Colony died p. 152 Mr. Garret cast away in his Voyage from Boston to England which was a great loss to the Country p. 152 1658. A great Earthquake was heard in N. E. p. 153 Mr. Ralph Partridge Minister at Duxbury deceased ibid. John Philips of Marshfield slain by Thunder Lightning p. 155 Mr. William Paddy Deacon of Plimouth Church died ibid. 1659. The damnable Opinions of the Quakers are vented up and down the Country p. 157 Mr. Henry Dunster first President of Harvard Colledge deceased p. 158 1660. James Pierce slain by Lightning at Plimouth p. 159 1662. In January several Earthquakes were heard in N. E. p. 161 Philip Sachem of Pokanaket renews the Articles of Peace made betwixt the Government of Plimouth and his Father Brother p. 160 Mr. John Brown Magistrate of Plimouth Colony ended this life p. 163 164 1663. Mr. Samuel Newman Teacher of Rehoboth died p. 164 Mr. John Norton Teacher of Boston died suddenly p. 165 Mr. Samuel Stone Teacher of Hartford deceased p. 168 1664. A great and dreadful Comet appeared in new-New-England for the space of three moneths which was accompanied with many sad Effects p. 170 Great mildew and blasting in the Country p. 172 The Kings Commissioners arrived at Boston in N. E. p. 173 Manado's surrendred up to His Majesty and called New-York p. 173 Colonel Cartwright on his Voyage to England was taken by the Dutch Sir Robert Carre died the next day after his arrival in Bristol p. 176 1665. Mr. John Endicot Governour of the Massachusets died p. 176 Capt. Davenport killed with Lightning as he lay on his Bed at the Castle p. 177 Wheat exceedingly blasted and mildewed ibid. 1666. Three killed in a moment by a blow of Thunder at Marshfield and four at Piscataqua and divers hurt A great Whirlwind at the same time p. 178 The Small Pox at Boston p. 179 The mildew and blasting of the Corn still continued ibid. A remarkable manifestation of Gods goodness to some poor Salvages in the Jurisdiction of Plimouth p. 180 The death of Mr. William Thompson Minister at Braintry 181 1667. Several Vollies of shot heard discharged in the Air at Nantasket In March there appeared a Sign in the Heavens in the form of a Spear pointing directly to the West p. 182 Mr. John Wilson who had been Pastor of Boston Church 37 years rested from his labours in the 79 year of his Age p. 183 1668. Mr. Samuel Shepard Pastor of Rowley Church died p. 190 April 27. Mr. Henry Flint Teacher at Braintry died ibid. July 9. Mr. Jonathan Mitchel Pastor of the Church at Cambridge deceased p. 190 c. October 13. Mr. John Eliot junior Pastor of a Church within the Bounds of Cambridge departed this life p. 196 197 The Conclusion of the History with Advice to the Rising generation p. 197 198 FINIS
them that sickness would follow and so it did very hot in the Months of June July and August of that Summer This year there arrived in New-England those three worthy Instruments Mr. John Cotton Mr. Thomas Hooker Mr. Cotton Mr. Hooker Mr. Samuel Stones arrival in N.E. and Mr. Samuel Stone who were Gospel-Preachers of excellent worth and use in their places untill God took them out of the world unto himself This year likewise Mr. William Collier arrived with his Family in New-England Mr. Colliers arrival in N.E. who as he had been a good Benefactor to the Colony of New-Plimouth before he came over having been an Adventurer unto it at its first beginning so also he approved himself a very useful Instrument in that Jurisdiction after he arrived being frequently Chosen and for divers years serving God and the Country in the place of Magistracy and lived a godly and holy life untill old Age which to him is a Crown of Glory being found in the way of Righteousness 1634. THis Year Mr. Thomas Prince was Chosen Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth His Assistants in Government were Mr. William Bradford Mr. Edward Winslow Captain Miles Standish Mr. William Collier Mr. John Alden Mr. John Howland and Mr. Stephen Hopkins A great sickness amongst the Indians In the Spring of this Year there fell a very great sickness of the Small Pox amongst the Indians so as they died most miserably of it for a sorer Disease cannot come amongst them and they dread it more then the Plague it self for usually those of them which have this Disease have them in abundance and for want of Bedding and Linen and other Necessaries they fall into a lamentable condition for as they lye on their hard Mats the Pox breaking and running one into another their skin cleaving by reason thereof to the Mats they lye on when they turn them much of their skin will flay off at once and they will be all on a gore blood most sad and grievous to behold and then being very sore what with cold and other distempers they die like rotten sheep This Year one Captain Stone who had sometimes lived at Christophers in the West-India's came into these parts of whom I have nothing to speak in way of commendation but rather the contrary After he had been to and fro in the Country he returned towards Virginia with one Captain Norton and so it was that as they returned they went in at Conecticot River where the Indians killed the said Stone as he lay in his Cabbin and threw a Covering over him they likewise killed all the rest of his Company but the said Captain Norton he defending himself a long time in the Cook-room of the Barque untill by accident the Gunpowder took fire which for readiness he had set in an open thing before him which did so burn and scald him and blinde his eyes as he could make no longer resistance but was slain also by them and they made a prey of his goods It is to be observed That the said Stone being at the Dutch Plantation in the fore-part of this year a certain Barque of Plimouth being there likewise on Trading he kept company with the Dutch Governour and made him drunk and got leave of him in his drunkenness to take the said Barque without any occasion or cause given him and so taking his time when the Merchant and some of the chief of the men were on shore with some of his own men made the rest of them weigh Anchor and set sail to carry her away to Virginia but some of the Dutch Seamen who had been at Plimouth and received kindness seeing this horrible abuse got a Vessel or two and pursued them and brought them back After this he came into the Massachusets Bay where they commenced Suit against him but by the mediation of some it was taken up and afterwards in the company of some Gentlemen he came to Plimouth and was kindly entertained but Revenge boiling in his breast as some conceived he watched a season to have stabbed the Governour and put his hand to his Dagger for that end but by Gods Providence ordering the vigilance of some that were about him he was prevented but God met with him for these and other wickednesses as hath been before related 1635. THis year Mr. William Bradford was chosen Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth And Were Chosen to be his Assistants in Government Mr. Edward Winslow Mr. Thomas Prince Mr. William Collier Captain Standish Mr. John Alden Mr. John Howland and Mr. Stephen Hopkins This Year Mr. Edward Winslow took a Voyage for England on publick occasions and it came to pass that he had occasion to answer some Complaints made against the Country at the Council Board more chiefly concerning the Massachusets Jurisdiction which he did to good effect and further prosecuted such things as might tend to the good of the whole in particular he preferred a Petition to the Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners for the Plantations in America in reference unto some injuries done by the French and Dutch unto the Country which Petition found good acceptance and was in a way to a satisfactory Answer but sundry Adversaries interposed whose ends were the subversion and overthrow of the Churches at least to disturb their peace and hinder their growth but by Gods providence it so fell out in the end that although those Adversaries crossed the Petition for taking any further effect in the end principally intended in it yet by this as a means the whole plot was discovered and those Adversaries came to nothing the particulars whereof are too long here to be inserted This Year on Saturday the fifteenth day of August was such a mighty storm of Wind and Rain as none now living in these parts either English or Indian had seen the like being like unto those Hirracanes or Tuâ—â—ins that writers mention to be sometimes in the Indies The great storm or Hirracane It began in the morning a little before day and grew not by degrees but came with great violence in the beginning to the great amazement of many It blew down sundry houses and uncovered divers others divers Vessels were lost at Sea in it and many more in extream danger It caused the Sea to swell in some places to the southward of Plimouth as that it arose to twenty foot right up and down and made many of the Indians to climb into Trees for their safety It threw down all the Corn to the ground which never rose more the which through the mercy of God it being near harvest time was not lost though much the worse and had the wind continued without shifting in likelihood it would have drowned some part of the Country It blew down many hundred thousands of Trees turning up the stronger by the roots and breaking the high Pine Trees and such like in the midst and the tall young Oaks and Walnut Trees
their Tabernacles in wayes of peace and prosperity and yet notwithstanding through the grace of Christ the most of them have held their integrity in his Wayes That so such as succeed them would follow their Examples so farre as they have followed Christ that it might not be said of them as it is to be feared it may be by what yet appears amongst many of them That indeed God did once plant a Noble vine in New-England Jerem. 2 21. but it is degenerated into the plant of a strange vine It were well that it might be said that the Rising-generation did serve the Lord all the dayes of such as in this our Israel are as Joshua's amongst us Josh 24.31 and the Elders that over lived him which have known all the works of the Lord which he hath done for their Fathers But if yet notwithstanding afterwards such shall forget and not regard those his great Works here presented before them besides many more that I hope by some others may come to their view be they assured He will destroy them and not build them up Psal 28.5 Oh therefore let the truely godly in this Land be incited by the example of Moses as the mouth of the Church to pray earnestly and incessantly unto the Lord That his work may yet appear to his servants Psal 90.16 Isai 44.3 4. and his glory unto their children and that he would pour out his Spirit upon his Church and people in New-England and his blessing upon their offspring that they may spring up as among the grass and as the willows by the water courses That so great occasion there may be thereby of taking notice thereof in succeeding generations to the praise and glory of GOD. So be it FINIS A Brief Chronological Table Of the principall PASSAGES contained in New Englands Memoriall In the Year of Christ 1610. SUndry godly Christians of the English Nation remove out of the North of England into the Netherlands and gathered a Church at Leyden where they continued untill the year 1620. Page 1 2 1620. For several Reasons the English conclude on a removal from thence into America pag. 2 3 4 Letters-Patents were obtained from King James of Famous Memory for the Northern parts of Virginia p. 5 July 2. sundry of the English set Sail from Holland for South-hampton At their departure Mr. John Robinson Pastor of the English Church at Leyden writes them a parting Letter p. 6 c. August 5. they set Sail from Southampton for America Many discouragements hapned on the Voyage p. 10 11 November 11. they Arrived at Cape Cod p. 12 And there they entred into a Body-Politick p. 14 And Chose Mr. John Carver their Governour for the present year p. 16 Discovery is made for a fit place for Habitation ibid. In the Discovery the English are assaulted by the Barbarous Natives p. 19 A place discovered and there they setled which was called New-Plimouth p. 21 22 In January and February was a Mortality amongst the English which swept away about half the Company p. 22 Several Articles of Peace were drawn up betwixt the English and the great Indian Sachem Massasoiet willingly submitting himself and his People to become the Loyal Subjects of the Kings of England p. 24 A certain Indian named Squanto who had formerly been in England became the Indian Interpreter for the English and proved an Instrument of much good to the first Planters p. 25 1621. Several Indian Sachems willingly submitted themselves to the Government of New-Plimouth and voluntarily acknowledged themselves and their People to be the Loyal Subjects of the Kings of England p. 29 Indian Grain planted and English Grain sowed by the English this year but with little success In April Mr. John Carver Governour of Plimouth died his Wife not succeeding him above six weeks p. 30 31 Mr. William Bradford was Chosen Governour in his stead Mr. Edward Winslow and Mr. Stephen Hopkins give the great Sachem Massasoiet a Visit p. 31 The English view the Massachusets Bay being courteously entertained by the Indians the Natives thereof p. 32 In November one Mr. Robert Cushman arrived at New-Plimouth who brought over 35 Passengers p. 33 The Narrhaganset Indians send the English a Challenge which the English answer with another but they would not accept of it ibid. 1622. The English hold Correspondency with the Indians of the Massachusets Bay by trading with them p. 34 By reason of daily rumours of the Indians Insurrection the English build them a strong Fort in which were several great Pieces of Ordnance mounted p. 37 A great Drought hapned this summer from May 3. until the middle of July there was no Rain so that the Corn began to wither away but the Lord remarkably answered the Prayers of his people even to admiration p. 37 38 A remarkable Providence of God tending to the relief of the first Planters being in great extremity p. 39 Here arrived three Ships from one Mr. Thomas Weston Merchant with 67 lusty men who seated themselves in in a part of the Massachusets Bay now called Weymouth p. 35 36 Westons unruly Company fall into great wants p. 40 1623. The Indians by reason of Westons disorderly Company stealing away their Corn c. carry it very insultingly over them and enter into a Conspiracy to cut off the English which Conspiracy being occasionally discover'd by the Sachem Massasoiet was prevented by the English p. 41 c. Westons Plantation wholly ruinated p. 43 Mr. John Pierce in his Voyage to new-New-England was by reason of leaks and great storms twice driven back to England in whose ship was 109 persons p. 45 46 In June one Capt. Francis West who had Commission to be Admiral of N.E. arrived at Plimouth but by reason of discouragements he quickly left the Country p. 47 Two ships the Anne and James arrive in Plimouth p. 47 48 Capt. Robert Gorges arrives in Plimouth begins a second Plantation of the Massachusets Bay which quickly brake in pieces Capt. Robert Gorges had Commission from the Council of N.E. to be the General Governour of the Country he brought over with him a Minister on Mr. Morrel that had a Superintendent Authority over other Churches granted him but they both being discouraged quickly returned home to England p. 49 to 52 A Fire which did considerable damage at Plimouth Several of the Inhabitants through discontent and casualties remove into Virginia p. 51 1624. The Number of Magistrates increased to 5 at Plimouth p. 53 The first Neat Cattel brought into the Country ibid. Lyford and Oldham for their treacherous undermining the Government of Plimouth and setting up a Schismatical Church are both Banished that Jurisdiction p. 53 c. 1625. Remarkable Judgements of God upon those two Machavilians Lyford and Oldham p. 59 c. Many of the Merchant-Adventurers prove open Adversaries to the Plantation of Plimouth p. 61 A remarkable Providence of God on the Merchant-Adventurers p. 62 Successful
God but minding most the positive and practical part of Divine Institutions they entred into Covenant To walk with God and one with another in the enjoyment of the Ordinances of God according to the Primitive Patern in the Word of God But finding by experience they could not peaceably enjoy their own liberty in their Native Country without offence to others that were differently minded they took up thoughts of removing themselves and their Families into the Netherlands which accordingly they endeavoured to accomplish but met with great hinderance yet after some time the good hand of God removing obstructions they obtained their desires arriving in Holland they setled themselves in the City of Leyden in the year 1610 and there they continued divers years in a comfortable condition enjoying much sweet society and spiritual comfort in the wayes of God living peaceably among themselves and being courteously entertained and lovingly respected by the Dutch amongst whom they were strangers having for their Pastor Mr. John Robinson a man of a learned polished and modest spirit pious and studious of the Truth largely accomplished with sutable Gifts and Qualifications to be a Shepherd over this Flock of Christ having also a fellow-helper with him in the Eldership Mr. William Brewster a man of approved Piety Gravity and Integrity very eminently furnished with gifts sutable to such an Office But notwithstanding their amiable and comfortable carrying on as hath been said although the Church of Christ on Earth in holy Writ is sometimes called Heaven yet there is alwayes in their most perfect state here in this lower world very much wanting as to absolute and perfect happiness which is onely reserved for the time and place of the full enjoyment of Celestial Glory for although this Church was at peace and in rest at this time yet they took up thoughts of removing themselves into America with common consent the Proposition of removing thither being set on foot and prosecuted by the Elders upon just and weighty grounds for although they did quietly and sweetly enjoy their Church-liberties under the States yet they foresaw that Holland would be no place for their Church and Posterity to continue in comfortably at least in that measure that they hoped to finde abroad and that for these Reason following which I shall recite as received from themselves First Because themselves were of a different Language from the Dutch where they lived and were setled in their way insomuch that in ten years time whiles their Church sojourned amongst them they could not bring them to reform the neglect of Observation of the Lords-day as a Sabbath or any other thing amiss amongst them Secondly Because their Countrymen who came over to joyn with them by reason of the hardness of the Country soon spent their Estates and were then forced either to return back to England or to live very meanly Thirdly That many of their Children through the extreme necessity that was upon them although of the best dispositions and graciously inclined and willing to bear part of their Parents burthens were oftentimes so oppressed with their heavy labours that although their Spirits were free and willing yet their Bodies bowed under the weight of the same and became decrepid in their early youth and the vigour of Nature consumed in the very bud And that which was very lamentable and of all sorrows most heavy to be born was that many by these occasions and the great licentiousness of Youth in that Country and the manifold temptations of the place were drawn away by evil examples into extravagant and dangerous courses getting the reins on their necks and departing from their Parents Some became Souldiers others took upon them farre Voyages by Sea and other-some worse courses tending to dissoluteness and the destruction of their Souls to the great grief of their Parents and the dishonour of God and that the place being a place of great licentiousness and liberty to Children they could not educate them nor could they give them due correction without reproof or reproach from their Neighbours Fourthly That their Posterity would in few generations become Dutch and so lose their interest in the English Nation they being desirous rather to enlarge His Majesties Dominions and to live under their Naturall PRINCE This hath been graciously answered since by moving the hearts of many of his Servants to be very instrumental in this work with some good success hopes of a further blessing in that respect Fifthly and lastly and which was not the least a great hope and inward Zeal they had of laying some good Foundation or at least to make some way thereunto for the propagating and advancement of the Gospel of the Kingdome of Christ in those remote parts of the World yea although they should be but as stepping-stones unto others for the performance of so great a Work These and such like were the true Reasons of their removal and not as some of their Adversaries did upon the rumour thereof cast out slanders against them as if the State was weary of them and had rather driven them out as Heathen Histories have feigned of Moses and the Israelites when they went out of Egypt then that it was their own free choice and motion I will therefore mention a particular or two to evince the contrary And first Although some of them were low in their Estates yet the Dutch observing that they were diligent faithful and careful of their engagements had great respect to them and strove for their custome Again secondly the Magistrates of the City of Leyden where they lived about the time of their coming away in the publick place of Justice gave this commendable Testimony of them in reproof of the Walloons who were of the French Church in the City These English said they have lived now amongst us Ten years and yet we never had any Suit or Accusation against them or any of them but your Strifes and Quarrels are continuall The Reasons of their Removal above-named being debated first in private and thought weighty were afterwards propounded in publick and after solemn dayes of Humiliation observed both in publick and in private it was agreed That part of the Church should go before their Brethren into America to prepare for the rest and if in case the major part of the Church did chuse to go over with the first then the Pastor to go along with them but if the major part stayed that he was then to stay with them They having imployed sundry Agents to treat with several Merchants in England who adventured some considerable Sums in a way of valuation to such as went personally on in the Voyage the Articles of Agreement about the premises being fully concluded with the said Merchants and sundry Difficulties and Obstructions removed having also obtained Letters Patents for the Northern parts of Virginia of King James of Famous Memory All things were got ready and provided a small Ship was bought and fitted
these parts and never left watching and dogging them untill they got advantage and kill'd them all but three or four which they kept and sent from one Sachem to another to make sport with them and used them worse then Slaves and they conceived this Ship was now come to revenge it Two of the said French so used were redeemed by the aforesaid Mr. Dermer the other died amongst the Indians and as the Indians have reported one of them lived amongst them untill he was able to discourse with them and told them That God was angry with them for their wickedness and would destroy them and give their Country to another people that should not live like beasts as they did but should be clothed c. But they derided him and said That they were so many that God could not kill them His answer was That though they were never so many God had many wayes to destroy them that they knew not A memorable passage of Gods punishing of the Heathen for their notorious Blasphemy and other sins Shortly after his death came the Plague a Disease they never heard of before and mightily swept them away and left them as dung upon the earth as you have heard Not long after came the English to New-Plimouth and then several of the Indians began to minde the French-mans words thinking him to be more then an ordinary man And as the first part of his speech had proved true they began to be apprehensive of the latter viz. The less of their Country This Relation the first Planters at Plimouth after they came to be acquainted with them several of them heard from divers of their ancient and gravest Indians and have often seen the place where the French were surprised and taken which place beareth the Name of Frenchmans Point with many to this day This Relation for the verity thereof being also very observeable was thought meet to be here inserted And let me adde a word hereunto Several instances of the Mortality of the Indians occasionally taken notice of That it is very observable likewise That God hath very evidently made way for the English by sweeping away the Natives by some great Mortalities as first by the Plague here in Plimouth Jurisdiction secondly by the Small Pox in the Jurisdiction of the Massachusets a very considerable people a little before the English came into the Country as also at Conecticot very full of Indians a little before the English went into those parts and then the Pequots by the Sword of the English as will appear in its place and the Country now mostly possessed by the English I might also mention several places in the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth peopled with considerable companies of proper able men since the first Planters thereof came over even in our sight before they were in a capacity to improve any of their land that have by the same hand of Providence been cut off and so their Land even cleared for them and now so replenished with their Posterity Exod. 23.28 29.30 that places are too straight for them By little and little saith God of old to his people will I drive them out from before thee till thou be increased and inherit the Land But before I pass on let the Reader take notice of a very remarkable particular which was made known to the said Planters at Plimouth some short space after their arrival That the Indians before they came to the English to make Friendship with them Behold how Satan laboured to hinder the Gospel from coming into N. E. they got all the Powaws in the Country who for three dayes together in a horrid and devillish manner did Curse and Execrate them with their Conjurations which Assembly and Service they held in a dark and dismall Swamp But to return The Spring being now come it pleased God that the Mortality which had taken away so many of the first Planters at Plimouth ceased and the Sick and Lame recovered apace which was as it were a new life put into them they having born this Affliction with much patience being upheld by the Lord. And thus we are come unto the Twenty fifth of March 1621. 1621. THis Year several of the Indian Sachems besides Massasoiet before-named came unto the Government of New-Plimouth and acknowledged themselves to be the Loyal Subjects of our Soveraign Lord King James and subscribed unto a Writing to that purpose with their own hands the tenour of which said Writing followeth with their Names annexed thereunto It being conceived by some that are judicious that it may be of use in succeeding times I thought meet here to insert it September 13. Anno Dom. 1621. KNOW all men by these Presents That we whose Names are under-written do acknowledge our selves to be the Loyal Subjects of King James King of Great Britain France and Ireland Defender of the Faith c. In Witness whereof and as a Testimonial of the same we have Subscribed our Names or Marks as followeth Ohquamehud Cawnacome Obbatinnua Nattawahunt Caunbatant Chikkatabak Quadaquina Huttamoiden Apannow Now followeth several Passages of the Providence of God to and the further progress of the first Planters at Plimouth appertaining to the Year 1621. THey now began to hasten the Ship away which tartied so long by reason of the necessity and danger that lay on them because so many died both of themselves and the Ships Company likewise by which they became so few as the Master durst not put out to Sea untill those that lived recovered of their Sickness and the Winter over The Spring of this year they Planted their first Corn in New-England being instructed in the manner thereof by the fore-named Squanto they likewise sowed some English Grain with little success by reason partly of the badness of the Seed and lateness of the season or some other defect not then discerned In the Month of April in this year their Governour Mr. John Carver fell sick and within a few dayes after died whose death was much lamented and caused great heaviness amongst them and there was indeed great cause He was buried in the best manner they could with as much Solemnity as they were in a capacity to perform with the Discharge of some Volleys of shot of all that bare Arms. This worthy Gentleman was one of singular Piety and rare for Humility as appeared by his great condescendency when as this poor miserable people were in great sickness and weakness he shunned not to do very mean services for them yea the meanest of them He bare a share likewise of their labour in his own person accordingly as their extreme necessity required who being one also of a considerable Estate spent the main part of it in this Enterprize and from first to last approved himself not onely as their Agent in the first transacting of things but also all along to the period of his life to be a pious faithful and very beneficial Instrument and now
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
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-New-England to procure him a License for the Transporting of many great Pieces of Ordnance for new-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
for although with much beating they had sprung a butt-end of a Plank yet they soon got over and ran upon a dry Flatt within the Harbour close to a Beach and at a low water got out their Goods and were not a little glad that they had saved their Lives But when they had refreshed themselves not knowing where they were nor what to do were much troubled but soon after saw some Indians come towards them in Canooes which made them stand upon their guard but when they heard some of them speak English they were not a little revived especially when they heard them ask whether they were not the Governour of Plimouths Men or Friends and that they would bring them to the English houses or carry their Letters and when they had feasted these Indians and given them many gifts they sent two men and a Letter with them to the Governour of Plimouth by which he had intelligence of their condition and took order for their supply they hoping by mending of their Ship to recover her to go to Sea again and accordingly did mend her but afterwards having but bad Moring was put on shore again and suffered so much shipwrack as she never got off more but all the Company were forced to repair to Plimouth where they continued the best part of a year being courteously entertained and so were dispersed The greatest part of them went to Virginia and some remained in the Country The chief amongst them were Mr. Fells Mr. Sibsey and the Masters Name was Johnston a Scotsman This Year the Plantation of Plimouth received Messages from the Dutch Plantation The Dutch had trading in these Southern parts divers years before the English came but they began no Plantation until after the English came and were here seated sent unto them from the Governour there written both in Dutch and French The sum of the Letters forementioned were To Congratulate the English here taking notice of much that might engage them to a friendly Correspondency and good Neighbourhood as The propinquity of their Native Country Their long continued Friendship c. and desired to fall into a way of some Commerce and Trade with them To which the Governour and Council of Plimouth returned answerable courteous acceptance of their loving Propositions respecting their good Neighbourhood in general and particularly for Commerce And accordingly the Dutch not long after sent their Secretary Mr. Isaac de Rosier with Letters and goods who laid the foundation of a Trade that continued between them many years after to their mutual benefit They also brought the English acquainted with the trading of Wampampeag untill then little known to us nor esteemed by us but was after of good valuation and profitable Although for the space of 20 years it was of great esteem amongst the Natives in divers parts of the Country so as it made the Indians in these parts Rich Proud and Powerful yet untill they had store of it they could not attain English Ammunition but were fain to improve their own Artillery of Bowes and Arrows But when as they learned to make store of Wampam they furnished themselves with Guns Powder and Shot which no Laws can restrain by reason of the baseness of sundry unworthy persons both English Dutch and French which may turn to the ruine of many for hitherto the Indians of these parts had no Pieces nor other Arms but their Bowes and Arrows and Clubs nor of many years after neither durst they scarce handle a Gun though out of kelter it was a terrour to them but those Indians to the Eastern parts which had Commerce with the French got Pieces of them and they in the end made a common Trade of it and in time our English Fishermen led with the like Covetousness followed their example for their own gain but upon Complaint against them it pleased the Kings Majesty to prohibit the same by a strict Proclamation Commanding that no sort of Arms or Ammunition should by any of His Subjects be Traded with them 1628. THis Year died Mr. Richard Warren who hath been mentioned before in this Book and was an useful Instrument and during his life bare a deep share in the Difficulties and Troubles of the first Settlement of the Plantation of New-Plimouth This Gentlemans name is here occasionally used although he came over in year 1625. yet these passages in reference to Morton fell out about this year and therefore referred to this place Whereas about three years before this time there came over one Captain Wollaston a man of considerable parts and with him three or four more of some Eminency who brought with them a great many Servants with Provisions and other Requisites for to begin a Plantation and pitched themselves in a place within the Massachusets Bay which they called afterwards by their Captains Name Mount Wollaston which place is since called by the Name of Braintry And amongst others that came with him there was one Mr. Thomas Morton who it should seem had some small Adventure of his own or other mens amongst them but had little respect and was slighted by the meanest Servants they kept They having continued some time in New-England and not finding things to answer their Expectation nor Profit to arise as they looked for the said Captain Wollaston takes a great part of the Servants and transports them to Virginia and disposed of them there and writes back to one Mr. Rasdale one of his chief partners accounted their Merchant to bring another part of them to Virginia likewise intending to put them off there as he had done the rest and he with the consent of the said Rasdale appointed one whose Name was Filcher to be his Lieutenant and to govern the remainder of the Plantation untill he or Rasdale should take further order thereabout But the aforesaid Morton having more craft then honesty having been a Petty-fogger at Furnivals Inne he in the others absence watches an opportunity Commons being but hard among them and got some strong drink and other junkets and made them a feast and after they were merry he began to tell them he would give them good Counsel you see saith he that many of your fellows are carried to Virginia and if you stay still until Rasdales return you will also be carried away and sold for slaves with the rest therefore I would advise you to thrust out this Lieutenant Filcher and I having a part in the Plantation will receive you as my partners and consociates so may you be free from service and we will Converse Plant Trade and live together as equals or to the like effect This counsel was easily followed so they took opportunity See the sad Effects of the want of good Government and thrust Lieutenant Filcher out of doors and would not suffer him to come any more amongst them but forced him to seek bread to eat and other necessaries amongst his neighbours till he could get passage for
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-England he was suspected to have murthered a man that had ventured monies with him when he came first into 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
but denied sundry things therein affirming his Book was adulterated And soon after being grown old in wickedness at last ended his life at Pascataqua But I fear I have held the Reader too long about so unworthy a person but hope it may be useful to take notice how wickedness was beginning and would have further proceeded had it not been prevented timely 1629. THis Year sundry Ships came out of England and arrived at Neumkeak Now called Salem where Mr. John Endicot had chief Command and by Infection that grew amongst the Passengers at Sea it spread also among them on shore of which many died some of the Scurvy and other of infectious Feavers Mr. Endicot understanding that there was one at Plimouth that had skill in such Diseases sent thither for him at whose Request he was sent unto them And afterwards acquaintance and Christian love and Correspondency came on betwixt the said Governour and the said Mr. Endicot which was furthered by Congratulatory Letters that passed betwixt each other one whereof because it shews the beginning of their Christian fellowship I shall here insert The Copy of a Letter from Mr. Endicot to Mr. Bradford as followeth Right Worshipfull Sir IT is a thing not usuall that Servants to one Master A Letter from Mr. Endicot to Mr. Bradford and of the same Houshold should be strangers I assure you I desire it not nay to speak more plainly I cannot be so to you Gods People are all marked with one and the same mark and have for the main one and the same heart guided by one and the same Spirit of Truth and where this is there can be no discord nay here must needs be a sweet harmony and the same request with you I make unto the Lord that we as Christian Brethren be united by an heavenly and unfeigned love bending all our hearts and forces in furthering a Work beyond our strength with reverence and fear fastning our eyes alwayes on him that is onely able to direct and prosper all our wayes I acknowledge my self much bound to you for your kinde love and care in sending Mr. Fuller amongst us and rejoyce much that I am by him satisfied touching your judgement of the Outward Form of Gods Worship It is as farre as I can gather no other then is warranted by the Evidence of Truth and the same which I have professed and maintained ever since the Lord in mercy revealed himself unto me being farre from the common Report that hath been spread of you touching that particular but Gods children must not look for less here below and it is a great mercy of God that he strengthneth them to go through it I shall not need at this time to enlarge unto you for God willing I purpose to see your face shortly in the mean time I humbly take my leave of you committing you to the Lords blessing and protection and rest Neumkeak May 11. 1629. Your assured loving Friend JOHN ENDICOT In the three Ships that came over this year to Salem in the Month of June besides many godly Christians there came over three Ministers two of them Mr. Skelton and Mr. Higginson were Non-conformists who having suffered much in their Native Land upon that account they came over with a professed intention of practising Church-Reformation the third Minister Mr. Bright was a Conformist who not agreeing in judgement with the other two he removed to Charlstown where also not agreeing with those godly Christians there that were for Reformation after one years stay in the Country he returned for England But Mr. Higginson and Mr. Skelton in pursuance of the ends of their coming over into this Wilderness acquainted the Governour Mr. Endicot and the rest of the godly People whom they found Inhabitants of the place and the chief of the Passengers that came over with them with their professed intentions and consulted with them about setling a Reformed Congregation from whom they found a general and hearty Concurrence so that after some Conference together about this matter they pitched upon the 6th of August for their entring into a solemn Covenant with God and one another and also for the Ordaining of their Ministers of which they gave notice to the Church of Plimouth that being the onely Church that was in the Country before them the people made choice of Mr. Skelton for their Pastor and Mr. Higginson for their Teacher And accordingly it was desired of Mr. Higginson to draw up a Confession of Faith and Covenant in Scripture-language which being done was agreed upon And because they foresaw that this Wilderness might be looked upon as a place of Liberty and therefore might in time be troubled with erroneous spirits therefore they did put in one Article into the Confession of Faith on purpose about the Duty and Power of the Magistrate in Matters of Religion Thirty Copies of the foresaid Confession of Faith and Covenant being written out for the use of thirty persons who were to begin the Work When the sixth of August came it was kept as a day of Fasting and Prayer in which after the Sermons and Prayers of the two Ministers in the end of the day the foresaid Confession of Faith and Covenant being solemnly read the forenamed persons did solemnly profess their Consent thereunto and then proceeded to the Ordaining of Mr. Skelton Pastor and Mr. Higginson Teacher of the Church there Mr. Bradford the Governour of Plimouth and some others with him coming by Sea were hindred by cross winds that they could not be there at the beginning of the day but they came into the Assembly afterward and gave them the right hand of fellowship wishing all prosperity and a blessed success unto such good beginnings After which at several times many others joyned to the Church in the same way The Confession of Faith and Covenant forementioned was acknowledged onely as a Direction pointing unto that Faith and Covenant contained in the holy Scripture and therefore no man was confined unto that form of words but onely to the Substance End and Scope of the matter contained therein And for the Circumstantial manner of joyning to the Church it was ordered according to the wisdome and faithfulness of the Elders together with the liberty and ability of any person Hence it was that some were admitted by expressing their Consent to that written Confession of Faith and Covenant others did answer to questions about the Principles of Religion that were publickly propounded to them some did present their Confession in writing which was read for them and some that were able and willing did make their Confession in their own words and way A due respect was also had unto the Conversations of men viz. that they were without Scandal But some of the Passengers that came over at the same time observing that the Ministers did not at all use the Book of Common-Prayer and that they did administer Baptism and the Lords Supper without the Ceremonies and that
Joy depart bid Merriment be gone Bid Friends stand by sit sorrowful alone But ah what sorrow can be to suffice Though Heaven and Earth were filled with our cries The Clouds were turned into drops of tears The Mourning for to last an Age of Years 'T were all too little to lament his death Whose life so precious was for Heaven and Earth Job wish'd his day might quite forgotten me Which brought him forth this world's light first to see O let not the day numbred be i' th Year That took this Light out of our Hemisphere A fatal day a day of sad presage To us survivers of this present Age The hour of thy decease when Sun went down When light turn'd dark when heavens began to frown 'T is ominous to us who saw his light That Grace provok'd should turn our day to night And Gospels light which shineth from on high Should clouded be and darkned in our skie O happy dayes when such Lights shine on Earth O bitter dayes when they are hid beneath This is our grief He which late shin'd on high Is hid in grave and now beneath doth lye Let Hartford sigh and say I 've lost a Treasure Let all New-England mourn at Gods Displeasure In taking from us one more gracious Then is the Gold of Ophir precious Sweet was the savour which his grace did give It season'd all the place where he did live His Name did as an Ointment give it's smell And all bare witness that it savour'd well Wisdome Love Meekness Friendly Courtesie Each Moral Virtue with rare Pietie Pure Zeal yet mixt with mildest Clemency Did all conspire in this one Breast to lye Deep was his Knowledge Judgement was acute His Doctrine solid which none could confute To Minde he gave light of intelligence And search'd the corners of the Conscience To Sinners stout which no Law could bring under To them he was a Son of dreadful Thunder When all strong Oaks of Bashan us'd to quake And fear did Lebanus his Cedars shake The stoutest Hearts he filled full of fears He clave the Rocks they melted into tears Yet to sad Souls with sense of Sin cast down He was a Son of Consolation Sweet peace he gave to such as were centrite Their darkness sad he turn'd to joyous light Of Preaching he had learn'd the rightest Art To every one dividing his own part Each Ear that heard him said He spake to me So piercing was his holy Ministrie His Life did shine Times Changes stain'd it not Envy it self could not there finde a spot Had he surviv'd to finish Works begun 'T had been a Blessing to all Christendome Then should the world have known what God had show'd him And what themselves for all his Works had ow'd him But this unthankfull Age is now cut short Of that rich Treasure ' cause they car'd not for 't O that his love may turn us yet to prize The blessings yet enjoy'd herein be wise Lest that which he not long ago foretold Be now in us fulfil'd as 't was of old That wantonness of Churches would bereave Them of their Ministers without their leave God plaguing this his messengers contempt With this soul-stroying Plague and Punishment But whatsoever wrath doth us abide Whatever plague for sin doth us betide Yet thou O blessed Saint art now at rest I' th bosom of thy Christ which is the best Bathing in rivers of divine pleasure Which is at Gods right hand most sweet and pure Tasting the fruit of all thy labours spent To honour God which was thy whole intent From God thou camest forth who sent thee hither And now hath call'd thee back to live together Him didst thou serve while life and breath did last With him now blest while life and breath is past Sense of our loss would call thee back again But out of love we bid thee there remain Till we yet left behinde our course fulfil To meet thee on the top of Zion hill When thou and we shall both rejoyce together So fast united as no death shall sever Both to sing praises to our heavenly King Who hath us saved from deaths poisonous sting And will restore our bodies from the grave Which them to dust of death consumed have Making them shine like brightness of the Sun With Glory ne'r to end when once begun Let Heaven and Earth Angels and Men him praise Sounding his Glory past all length of dayes P. B. 1648. THis Year Mr. William Bradford was elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth And were chosen his Assistants in Government Mr. Thomas Prince Mr. William Collier Captain Miles Standish Mr. Timothy Hatherly Mr. John Brown Mr. William Thomas 1649. THis Year Mr. William Bradford was Elected Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth were Chosen his Assistants in Government Mr. Thomas Prince Mr. William Collier Captain Miles Standish Mr. Timothy Hatherly Mr. John Brown And Mr. William Thomas This Year Mr. John Winthrop Governour of the Jurisdiction of the Massachusets deceased the twenty sixth day of March about ten of the clock The death of Mr. Winthrop He was singular for Piety Wisdom and of a publick spirit he brought over a great estate into the Country and partly by his liberality partly by the unfaithfulness of his Baily spent the most part of it so as when he died he was but low in that respect and yet notwithstanding very much honoured and beloved of the most and continued in the place of Governour for the most part until his death which was much lamented by many He was a man of unbyassed Justice patient in respect of personal wrongs and injuries a great lover of the Saints especially able Ministers of the Gospel very sober in desiring and temperate in improving earthly contentments very humble courteous and studious of general good His body was with great solemnity and honour buried at Boston in new-New-England the third of April 1649. This year some parts of the Country was much troubled with numerable hosts of Caterpillers An innumerable company of catterpillers in some parts of the Country which destroyed the fruits of the earth in divers places and did eat off the leaves of the trees so as they looked as bare as if it had been winter and in some places did eat the leaves from off the Pease straw and did not eat the Pease It pleased God to give them a check and a rebuke so as they hurt but in some places and of his goodness in short time removed them This Year August 25. that faithful and eminent servant of Christ Mr. Thomas Shepard died who was a soul-searching Minister of the Gospel and Pastor of the Church of Christ at Cambridge By his death not only that Church and people but also all New-England sustained a very great loss he not only preached the Gospel profitably and very successively but also hath left behinde him divers worthy works of special use in reference unto the clearing up the state of the
the Earth as is before-noted If the Effects of them usually are such Exod. 19.18 Psal 29 6. 104.32 Matth. 28.2 Psal 18.15 Zech. 14.4 Rev. 6.12 14. Mat 27 51. Acts 16.25 as by them is sometimes a discovery of the Channels of Water and Foundations of the World the Removing of Mountains from one place to another the Cleaving of Rocks and opening of Graves and of Gates yea the throwing down of many famous Buildings and Cities and some swallowed up and many thousands of people destroyed thereby the turning of plain Land into Mountains the throwing down of Mountains and raising up of Islands in the Sea the breaking out of Rivers where there were none before the discovery of burning Mountains where there were none seen before Famine and Pestilence of which particulars divers instances might be produced out of the Sacred Scriptures and several other Authors Ought we not then to fear and tremble before so great a God who as one saith by his Handmaid Nature doth so terribly shake the Earth as no Land can be sure no place so strong that can defend us Nay the more strong the more dangerous for the higher the greater the fall Let us therefore say with the Wise-man Eccles 3 14. I know that whatsoever God doth shall stand for ever nothing can be put to it nor any thing taken from it and God doth it that men should fear before him This Year Mr. John Brown ended this life in his younger Years travelling into the low Countries he came acquainted with and took good liking to the Reverend Pastor of the Church of Christ at Leyden as also to sundry of the Brethren of that Church which ancient amity induced him upon his coming over to New England to seat himself in the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth in which he was chosen a Magistrate in which place he served God and the Country several Years he was well accomplished with abilities to both civil and religious concernments and attained through Gods grace unto a comfortable perswasion of the love and favour of God to him he falling sick of a Feaver with much serenity and spiritual comfort fell asleep in the Lord and was honourably buried at Wannamoiset near Rehoboth in the spring of the Year abovesaid 1663. THis Year Mr. Thomas Prince was Chosen Governour of the Jurisdiction of New-Plimouth were chosen to be his Assistants in Government Mr. William Collier Mr. John Alden Capt. Thomas Willet Major Josias Winslow Capt. Thomas Southworth Capt. VVilliam Bradford Mr. Thomas Hinckley This year Mr. Samuel Newman Teacher of the Church of Christ at Rehoboth changed this life for a better He was sometimes Preacher of Gods Word at Weymouth in the Jurisdiction of the Massachusets and from thence removed to Rehoboth where he continued in the Work of the Ministry untill the end of his dayes He was a lively dispenser of the Word of God and of a pious life very hospitable and at the close of his life very full of joy and comfort and with chearfulness of spirit resigned himself up to the Lord and his Spirit into arms of his blessed Redeemer desiring that the holy Angels might do their office in transporting his Soul into everlasting bliss and happiness He fell asleep in the Lord on the the fifth of July 1663. This year also it pleased God to put a speedy period to the life of Mr John Norton who was a burning and a shining Light and although the Church of Boston in a more special manner felt the smart of this sudden blow yet it reflected upon the whole Land He was singularly endowed with the Tongue of the Learned inabled to speak a word in due season not onely to the wearied Soul but also a word of Counsel to a people in necessity thereof being not onely a wise Steward of the things of Jesus Christ but also a wise Statesman so that the whole Land sustained a great loss of him At his first coming over into New-England he arrived at Plimouth where he abode the best part of one Winter and Preached the Gospel of the Kingdome unto them and ever after to his dying day retained a good affection unto them From thence he went to Boston and from thence to Ipswich in New-England where he was chosen the Teacher of their Church and after the death of worthy Mr. Cotton he was sollicited and at length obtained to return to Boston and there served in that Office untill his death He was chosen by the Jurisdiction of the Massachusets together with the much honoured Mr. Simon Bradstreet to go over into England as Agents in the behalf of that Jurisdiction unto His Majesty and the Privy-Council upon Business of greatest Trust and Concernment and soon after his Return it pleased God suddenly and unexpectedly to take him away by death on the fifth day of April 1663. His Body was honourably buried at Boston On whose much lamented death take this following Elegie An Elegie on the Death of that Eminent Minister of the Gospel Mr. John Norton the Reverend Teacher of the Church of Christ at Boston who exchanged this life for a better April 5. 1663. ASk not the reason why Tears are our meat And none but Mourners seen in ev'ry street Our Crown alas is faln from our head We finde it off Woe to us NORTON's dead Our breach is like the Sea no healing's known To comfort Sions daughter is there none Oh teach your daughters Wailing every one Their Neighbours deepest Lamentation Oh that mine eyes a Fountain were of Tears I 'd day and night in Mourning spend my years My Father Father Israels Chariots thou And Horsemen wer 't Sons of the Prophets now Weep since your Master from your head is taken This Father of the Muses hath forsaken His Study here not liking our dark Roome Doth chuse those Mansions in his Fathers Home The Schoolmen's Doctors whomsoe're they call Subtile Seraphick or Angelicall Dull Souls their Tapers burnt exceeding dim They might to School again to learn of him Lombard must out of date we now profess Norton the Master of the Sentences Scotus a Dunce to him Should we compare Aquinas here none to be named axe Of a more heavenly strain his Notions were More pure sublime Scholastical and cleare More like the Apostles Paul and John I wist Was this our Orthodox Evangelist And though an Exile from his Native Land As John in Patmos was yet here the hand Of Christ leads forth more clearly to espy The New-Jerusalem in her bravery Who more Acute in Judgement was then he More famous too for Heavenly Policie He was a wise and faithful Counsellor One of a thousand an Interpreter Mighty in Word and Prayer who could have Whate're almost from Heaven he did crave On him with things without which I 'le not name The care of all the Churches daily came He car'd thus naturally Oh hear that Rod Which us bereav'd of such a Man of God! Zealous for Order very Criticall For
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-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