doe daily bring Wolves to be came but they cannot breake them of their ravening nature and I would your Royalist would learne of them to know that as your Lord Bishops Deanes Prebends c. be right whelps of the Roman litter so let them be never so well cam'd they will retaine their nature still to Lord it over all kinde of Civill Government But woe and alasse that ever any of our Countrymen should be so blind that after they are delivered from so great a bondage by such Wonder Working Providence of the Lord Christ Ever and anon to indeavour to make a Captaine over them that they may returne againe into Egypt as appeares by the plots which have beene discovered and broken in pieces by the right hand of the most high and yet for all this their's such a hankering after somewhat of the Prelaticall greatnesse by the English Clergy and the Scottish Classis that many of them could afford to raise arother war for it But brethren I beseech you be more wiser lest when you are growne hot in your quarrell the Malignant party come and set you agreed stablish peace in righteousnesse and let the word be your rule heare one another with meekenesse and the Lord will cleare up the whole truth unto you in his due time And now to declare plainly how far the Lord hath beene pleased to make use of any of his people in these Westerne pares about this Worke for to say truth they have done nothing in holes and corners but their workes are obvious to all the World if he sufferings of the Saints be pretious in the eyes of Christ so as to provoke him in displeasure to cut off the occasioners thereof then thus his poore unworthy people here have had a great stroake in the downfall of their adversaries to the present possessed truths of Christ for this wildernesse worke hath not beene carried on without sighthings that have come before him and Groanes that have entred his eares and Teares treasured up in his bottles againe if the ardent and strong affections of the people of God for his glorious comming to advance his Kingdome in the splendor and purity of his Gospell as co cry with the holy Prophet Oh that he would broake the Heavens and come down be regarded of the Lord Christ so as to remove with his mighty power the very Mountaines out of the way and hurle them into the deepe Then hath these weake wormes instrumentally had a share in the great desolation the Lord Christ hath wrought For this History will plainely declare with what zeale and deepe affection and unresistable resolutions these Pilgrim people have endeavoured the gathering together his Saints for the edifying the Body of Christ that he may raign both Lord and King for ever Yet againe if the prayers of the faithfull people of God availe any thing for the accomplishment of his promises in the destruction of Antichrist for the subduing of Armies without striking one stroake Then assuredly these Jacobites have wrestled with the Lord not onely with that good King Jeâ—oshaphat proclaiming one Fast but many Fasts they their Wives and little ones standing before the Lord Oh our God wile thou not judge them for we have no might c. Lastly if the Lord himselfe have roared from Sion as in the dayes of the Prophet Amos so from his Churches in New England by a great and terrible Earth quake which happened much about the time the Lordly Prelates were preparing their injunctions for Scotland taking rise from the West it made its progresse to the Eastward causing the Earth to rise up and downe like the waves of the Sea having the same effect on the Sea also causing the Ships that lay in the Harbor to quake the which at that very time was said to be a signe from the Lord to his Churches that he was purposed to shake the Kingdomes of Europes Earth and now by his providences brought to passe all men may reade as much and more as if he should have said to these his scattered people yet now againe united in Church Covenant the Lord is now gathering together his Armies and that your faith may be strengthened you shall feele and heare the shakings of the Earth by the might of his power yea the Sea also to shew he will ordaine Armies both by Sea and Land to make Babilon desolate Things thus concurring as an immediate answer of the Lord to his peoples prayers and endeavours caused some of this little handfull with resolute courage and boldnesse to returne againe to their native Land that they might the Lord accepting and assisting them in their endeavours be helpfull in advancing the Kingdome of Christ and casting down every strong house of sinne and Satan It matters not indeed who be the instruments if with the eye of faith these that go forth to fight the Lords Battailes can but see and heare the Lord going out before them against their enemies with a sound in the tops of the Mulbery Trees Here are assuredly evident signes that the Lord Christ is gone forth for his peoples deliverance and now Frogs Flies Lice or Dust shall serve to destroy those will yet hold his people in bondage notwithstanding the Lord will honour such as hee hath made strong for himselfe And therefore hee causeth the worthies in Davids time to be recorded and it is the duty of Gods people to incourage one another in the worke of the Lord then let all whose hearts are upright for the Lord ponder well his goings in his Sanctuary that their hands may be strengthened in the work they goe about onely be strong and of a good courage CHAP. VI. Of the gratious goodnesse of the Lord Christ in saving his New-England people from the hand of the barbarous Indians LAstly for the frontispiece of their present distresse namely the Indian war they with much meeknesse and great deliberation wisely contrived how they might best helpe their fellow brethren hereupon they resolved to send a solemne Embassage to old Cannonicus chiefe Sachem of the narrow Ganset Indians who being then well stricken in yeares had caused his Nephew Miantinemo to take the Government upon him who was a very sterne man and of a great stature of a cruell nature causing all his Nobility and such as were his attendance to tremble at his speech the people under his Government were very numerous besides the Niantick Indians whose Prince was of neare aliance unto him They were able to set forth as was then supposed 30000. fighting men the English sought by all meanes to keepe these at least from confederating with the Pequods and understanding by intelligence that the Pequots would send to them for that end endeavoured to prevent them Fit and able men being chosen by the English they hast them to Cannonicus Court which was about fourescore miles from Boston The Indian King hearing of their comming gathered together his chiefe Counsellors and a great number
present possessed mercies yet they addresse themselves to the Sea shore where they courteously welcom the famous servant of Christ grave godly and judicious Hooker and the honoured servant of Christ M John Haynes as also the Reverend and much desired Mr. John Cotton and the Retoricall Mr. Stone with divers others of the sincere servants of Christ comming with their young and with their old and with their whole substance to doe him service in this Desart wildernesse Thus this poore people having now tasted liberally of the salvation of the Lord every way they deeme it high time to take up the Cup of thankfulnesse and pay their vowes to the most high God by whom they were holpen to this purpose of heart and accordingly set apart the 16. day of October which they call the eighth Moneth not out of any pevish humor of singularity as some are ready to censor them with but of purpose to prevent the Heathenish and Popish observation of Dayes Moneths and Yeares that they may be forgotten among the people of the Lord this day was solemnly kept by all the seven Churches rejoycing in the Lord and rendering thanks for all their benefits Here must not be omitted the indeared affections Mr. John Wilson had to the worke in hand exceedingly setting forth in his Sermon this day the Grace of Christ in providing such meet helps for furthering thereof really esteeming them beyond so many Ship-loading of Gold manifesting the great humility Christ had wrought in him not complementing but in very deede prefering the Reverend Mr. John Cotton many hundreds before himselfe whom they within a very little time after called to the Office of a Teaching Elder of the Church of Christ at Boston where hee now remaines of whom at followeth WHen Christ intends his glorious Kingdome shall Exalted be on Earth he Earth doth take Evon sinfull Man to make his worthies all Then praise I Man no Christ this Man doth make Sage sober grave and learned Cotten thou Mighty in Scripture without Booke repeat it Annatomise the sence and shew Man how Great mysteries in sentence short are seated Gods Word with 's word comparing oft unfould The secret truths Johns Revelations hath By thee been open'd as nere was of old Showes cleere and neere ' gainst Romes whore is Gods wrath Then Churches of Christ rejoyce and sing John Cotten hath Gods minde I dare believe Since he from Gods Word doth his witnesse bring Saints cries are heard they shall no longer grieve That song of songs 'twixt Christ and 's Church thou hast Twice taught to all and sweetly shewed the way Christ would his Churches should in truth stand fast And cast off mans inventions even for aye Thy labours great have met with catching cheats Mixing their Brasse with thy bright Gold for why Thy great esteeme must cover their ill feates Some soile thou gett'st by comming them so nie But i'ts wipt off and thou Christs Champion left The Faith to fight for Christ hath arm'd thee well His worthies would not thou shoulds be bereft Of honours here thy Crown shall soon excell These people of God having received these farther helps to instruct and build them up in the holy things of Christ being now greatly incouraged seeing the Lord was pleased to set such a broad Seale to their Commission for the worke in hand not onely by his Word and Spirit moving thereunto but also by his Providence in adding such able instruments for furthering this great worke of Reformation and advancing the Kingdome of Christ for which they spent this day of rejoycing and sure the Lord would have all that hear of it know their joy lay not in the increase of Corne or Wine or Oyle for of all these they had but very little at this time yet did they not spare to lend such aâ— they had unto the poore who could not provide and verily the joy ended not with the day for these active instruments of Christ Preaching with all instancy the glad Tidings of the Gospell of Iesus Christ rejoyced the Heart of this People much CHAP. XX VIII Of the Eighth Church of Christ gathered at Cambridge 1633. AT this time those who were in place of civill Government having some addition Pillars to under-prop the building begun to thinke of a place of more safety in the eyes of Man then the two frontire Towns of Charles Towne and Boston were for the habitation of such as the Lord had prepared to Governe this Pilgrim People Wherefore they rather made choice to enter farther among the Indians then hazard the fury of malignant adversaries who in a rage might pursue them and therefore chose a place scituate on Charles River betweene Charles Towne and Water-Towne where they erected a Towne called New-Towne now named Cambridge being in forme like a list cut off from the Broad-cloath of the two fore-named Towns where this wandering Race of Jacobits gathered the eighth Church of Christ This Town is compact closely within it selfe till of late yeares some few stragling houses have been built the Liberties of this Town have been inlarged of late in length reaching from the most Northerly part of Charles River to the most Southerly part of Merrimeck River it hath well ordered streets and comly pompleated with the faire building of Harver Colledge their first Pastor was the faithfull and laborious Mr. Hooker whose Bookes are of great request among the faithfull people of Christ Yee shall not misse of a few lines in remembrance of him COme Hooker come forth of thy native soile Christ I will run sayes Hooker thou hast set My feet at large here spend thy last dayes toile Thy Rhetorick shall peoples affections whet Thy Golden Tongue and Pen Christ caus'd to be The blazing of his golden truths profound Thou sorry worme its Christ wrought this in thee What Christ hath wrought must needs be very sound Then looke one Hookers workes they follow him To Grave this worthy resteth there a while Die shall he not that hath Christs warrier bin Much lesse Christs Truth cleer'd by his peoples toile Thou Angell bright by Christ for light now made Throughout the World as seasoning salt to be Although in dust thy body mouldering fade Thy Head 's in Heaven and hath a crown for thee The people of this Church and Towne have hitherto had the chiefest share in spitituall blessings the Ministry of the Word by more then ordinary instruments as in due time and place God willing you shall farther heare yet are they at this day in â— thriving condition in outward things also both Corne and Cattell Nâ—ate and Sheepe of which they have a good flocke which the Lord hath caused to thrive much in these latter dayes then formerly This Towne was appointed to be the seate of Government but it continued not long this yeare a small gleane of Rye was brought to the Court as the first fruits of English graine at which this poore people greatly rejoyced to see the Land
live and as for her part shee had attained it already a company of legall Professors quoth she lie poring on the Law which Christ hath abolished and when you breake it then you breake your joy and now no way will serve your turne but a deepe sorrow These and divers other expressions intimate unto men that here I shall finde little increase in the Graces of Christ through the hearing of his word Preached and other of his blessed Ordinances Oh cunning Devill the Lord Christ rebuke thee that under pretence of a free and ample Gospell shuts out the Soule from partaking with the Divine Nature of Christ in that mysticall Union of his Blessed Spirit creating and continuing his Graces in the Soule my deare Christ it was thy worke that moved me hither to come hoping to finde thy powerfull presence in the Preaching of the Word although administred by sorry men subject to like infirmities with others of Gods people and also by the glasse of the Law to have my sinfull corrupt nature discovered daily more and more and my utter inabillity of any thing that is good magnifying hereby the free grace of Christ who of his good will and pleasure worketh in us to will and to doe working all our works in us and for us But here they tell me of a naked Christ what is the whole life of a Christian upon this Earth But through the power of Christ to die to sinne and live to holinesse and righteousnesse and for that end to be diligent in the use of meanes at the uttering of this word he starts up from the greene bed of his complaint with resolution to hear some one of these able Ministers Preach whom report had so valued before his will should make choyce of any one principle though of crossing the broade Seas back againe then turning his face to the Sun he steered his course toward the next Town and after some small travel â—â—ee came to a large plaine no sooner was hee entred thereon but hearing the found of a Drum he was directed toward it by a broade bâ—aten way following this rode he demands of the next man he met what the signall of the Drum ment the reply was made they had as yet no Bell to call men to meeting and therefore made use of a Drum who is it quoth hee Lectures at this Towne The other replies I see you are a stranger new come over seeing you know not the man it is one Mr. Shepheard verily quoth the other you hit the right I am new come over indeed and have been told since I came most of your Ministers are legall Preachers onely if I mistake not they told me this man Preached a finer covenant of workes then the other but however I shall make what hast I can to heare him Fare you well then hasting thither hee croudeth through the thickest where having stayed while the glasse was turned up twice the man was metamorphosed and was faine to hang down the head often least his watry eyes should blab abroad the secret conjunction of his affections his heart crying loud to the Lords ecchoing answer to his blessed spirit that caused the Speech of a poore weake pale complectioned man to take such impression in his soule at present by applying the word so aptly as if hee had beene his Privy Counseller cleering Christs worke of grace in the soule from all those false Doctrines which the erronious party had afrighted him withall and now he resolves the Lord willing to live and die with the Ministers of New England whom hee now saw the Lord had not onely made zealous to stand for the truth of his Discipline but also of the Doctrine and not to give ground one inch CHAP. XLIIII The Congregationall Churches of Christ are neither favourers of sinfull opinions nor the Lords over any or many Churches or mens Consciences ANd here Christian Reader the Author according to his former practice must minde thee of the admirable providence of Christ toward his New England Churches in preserving them from these erronious spirits that have hitherto in all places dog'd the sincere servants of Christ when ever they have set upon a through Reformation as stories doe abundantly testify which thing the reverend Calvine and divers others have declared But seeing the boasting Prelates in these times are ready to say their Lordly power kept these errours under its plaine otherwise for Satan saw while people were under their yoake of humane inventions they were far enough from exalting the Kingdome of Christ And therefore he reserved these errours for his last shifts and further you shall see in the following story that the Lord Christ reserved this honour for those whose love hee had inlarged to follow him in a dezart wildernesse even with the sharpe sword of the Word timely to cut off the heads of this Hidra but yet there are two sorts of persons in our Native Country whom the Elders and Brethren here do highly honour in Christ and prefer before themselves namely the godly Prebyterian party and the Congregationall sincere servants of Christ both which the Author could wish that with bowells of compassion sweet simpathising affection of Brethren knit together in that transcendent love of Christ which couples all his distanced flockes together they would seriously ponder this History which through the Authors weakenesse wants much of measure but nothing of the truth of things so far as a shallow capacity can reach Of the first sort named I could wish the Reverend Mr. Ruterford Mr. Bayle Mr. Rathbone Mr. Paget Mr. Ball c. would but informe themselves further by the truth of this History supposing they cannot chuse but in a good measure be satisfied already with the pacificatory and meeke answers of as many Reverend and godly Elders of ours Now that I would they should take notice of is that the Churches of Christ in New England and their Officers have hitherto been so far from imbracing the erronious Doctrines of these times that through the powers of Christ they have valiantly defended the truth and cut down all deceiveable Doctrine the like hath not been done for many ages heretofore Reverend and beloved in Christ could your eyes but behold the efficacy of loving counsell in the Communion of congregationall Churches and the reverend respect honour and love given to all Teaching Elders charity commands me to thinke you would never stand for Classicall injunctions any more neither Diocesan nor Provinciall authority can possible reach so far as this royall Law of love in communion of Churches verily its more universall then the Papall power and assuredly the dayes are at hand wherein both Jew and Gentile Churches shall exercise this old Modell of Church Government and send their Church salutations and admonitions from one end of the World unto another when the Kingdomes of the Earth are become our Lord Christs Then shall the exhortation of one Church to another prevaile more to Reformation then
opinions upheld by the civill government must be sure to make choise of the most Atheisticall persons they can finde to governe such as are right Gallios for N. E. hath found by experience that every man will most favour his own way of Profession and labor tooth naile to maintaine it and if any have complied with other that have been of a contrary sinfull opinion to their own it hath been because they would have their own scape scot free but assuredly the Lord Christ will allow of no such wayes for the favouring the professors of his truths nor may any Magistrate doe evill that good may come of it in favouring dangerous and deceiveable doctrines that others may favour the true servants of Christ neither is there any such need for it is their honours if the will of God be so to suffer nor can the people of N. England I meane the better part be perswaded to set up any other to governe but such as are zealous for the maintainance of the truths of Christ yet of late there is a buzzing noise as if it were injury to the Churches for civill power to medle in matters of Religion but to be sure there are many that strive for a Toleration yet the people of Christ who are the naturall Mothers of this Government resolve never to see their living child so divided looking at such a government to be no better to them a living child divided in twaine and therefore desires their loving Countrymen to beare with them in this point and if any notwithstanding shall force it to be so we shall shew our natural affection and leave all to them chusing rather to dwell on the backside of this Desert a place as yet unaccessible knowing assuredly our God will appeare for our deliverance Yet let them also know the Souldiers of Christ in N E. are not of such a pusillanimous spirit but resolve as that valiant Jeptha did to keep in possession the Towns his God had given them so we are resolved the Lord willing to keepe the government our God hath given us and for witnesse hee hath so done let this History manifest for we chose not the place for the Land but for the government that our Lord Christ might raigne over us both in Churches and Common-wealth and although the Lord have been pleased by an extraordinary blessing upon his peoples industry to make the place fruitfull as at this day indeed it is yet all may know the land in it selfe is very sterrill but the upholding of the truths of Christ is chiefe cause why many have hitherto come and further if the servants of Christ be not much mistaken the downfall of Antichrist is at hand and then the Kingdome of the Earth shall become the Kingdome of our Lord Christ in a more peculiar manner then now they are and surely godly civill government shall have a great share in that worke for they are exhorted to fill her double of the Cup shee hath given to them and also know our Magistrates being conscious of ruling for Christ dare not admit of any bastardly brood to be nurst up upon their tender knees neither will any Christian of a sound judgement vote for any but such as earnesty contend for the Faith although the increase of Trade and traffique may be a great inducement to some VVonder-working PROVIDENCE OF SIONS SAVIOVR IN NEVV ENGLAND CHAP. I. The beginning of the relation of the Pequot war and the great straites these wandering Jacobites were in THe great Jehovah minding to manifest the multitude of his Mercies to the wendering Jacobites and make an introduction to his following wonders causeth the darke clouds of calamities to gather about them presâ—ging some terrible tempest to follow with eyes full of anguish they face to the right upon the damnable Doctrines as so many dreadfull Engines set by Satan to intrap their poore soules Then casting forth a left hand looke the labour and wants accompaning a Desert and terrible Wildernesse affright them their memories minding them of their former plenty It much aggravated the present misery when with thoughts of retreating they turne their backs about the experienced incumbrances and deepe distresses of a dangerous Ocean hinders their thoughts of flight besides the sterne looke of the Lordly Prelates which would give them a welcome home in a famishing prison Then purposing to put on more stronger resolution facing to the Front behold a Messenger with sorrowfull tidings from their fellow brethren that inhabited the bankes of the River Canectico who having audience informes them of the great insolency and cruell murthers committed by a barbarous and bloudy people called Peaquods upon the bodies of their indeared friends these savage Indians lying to the South-west of the Mattacusets were more warlike then their Neighbouring Nations the Narrowganzet or Niantick Indians although they exceeded them in number also Mawhiggins who were the best friends of the English and a chiefe instrumentall meanes of their sitting down there stood much in feare of these Peaquods which were big swollen with pride at this time facing the English Fort built on the mouth of the River in their large Cannowes with their Bowes and long Shafts the English being then but weake in number and provision were unable to manage the war against so numerous a company being above thirty to one yet their desires being beyond their meanes they made some shot at them forcing them to hast away faster then they willingly would These Indians trusting in their great Troopes having feasted their corps in a ravening manner and leaving their fragments for their Sqawes they sound an alarum with a sull mouth and lumbring voyce and soone gather together without presse or pay their quarrell being as antient as Adams time propagated from that old enmity betweene the Seede of the Woman and the Seed of the Serpent who was the grand signor of this war in hand and would very gladly have given them a large Commission had not his owne power beene limited neither could he animate them so much as to take off the gastly looke of that King of terror yet however at his command they arme themselves casting their quâ—ver at their backs with Bowes ready bent they troope up some of them being extraordinarily armed with Guns which they purchast from the Dutch who had assuredly paid deare for this their courteous humour not long since had not some English Volunteers rescued them from the Indians hands the most of them were armed also with a small Hatchet on a long handle they had a small number of Mawhawkes Hammers which are made of stone having a long pike on the one side and a hole in the handle which they tie about their wrists they neede not provisions follow their Camp because they are continually at home but for their mats to shelter them from Ruine or Snow the Woods are as wellcome to them as their Wigwams sire they can make in all places by chafing
the present in the Mount and you in the Vally fighting yet surely they had neede of helpe to hold up their hands whereas the nerenesse of the danger to you in the enemies overcoming is a great motive to keepe up yours stedy yet may you say rightly to the Churches of Christ here as Mordachy to Hester the Queene if you hold your peace deliverance shall come another way and thinke not to escape because you are in New England Assuredly the Lord is doing great things and waites for the prayers of his people that he may be gratious unto them and veâ—ily the poore Churches of Christ heere cannot but take notice of the great workes the Lord hath done for you of late which are famous throughout the whole World And should they not take them as an answer of these weake prayers they feare they should neglect to magnify his mercy toward you and them the noble acts of the Lord Christ for the freedome of his people from that into lerable Prelaticall bondage are almost miraculously committed to memory by the able servants of Christ whom hee hath stirred up for that very end yet must you not shut out the valiant souldiers of Christ disciplin'd in this unwonted Wildernesse from having share with you in the worke yet no farther but that Christ may be all in all who hath caused the Midianites to fight against Midian till the true Israelites had gathered themselves together hee it is that hath brought the counsells of the wicked to naught hee it is that hath discovered the secret ploâ—tings of the King of Assyria even in his Bed-chamber Hee it is that hath declared himself to be with your mighty men of valour and assuredly all you valiant Souldiers of Christ both in one England and the other the Lord hath shewed you as great signes and wonders for the strengthening of your faith as was the wetting and drying of the flâ—ece to Gedeon onely beware of setting up an Ephod in the latter end Let the Churches of Christ be set up according to his first institution or you will make double worke for all may see by what is done already there is nothing too hard for him hee will downe with all againe and againe till his Kingdom alone be exalted for the which all the Israel of God fight wrastle pray and here you may see the servants of Christ fighting at 900 leagues distant Oh you proud Bishops that would have all the World stoope to your Lordly power the heathen Romans your predecessors after they had banished John to the Isle of Pathmos suffered him quietly to injoy the Revelation of Jesus Christ there here is a people that have betaken themselves to a newfound World distanced from you with the widest Ocean the World affords and yet you grudge them the purity of Christs Ordinances there No wonder then nay wonder all the World at the sudden and unexpected downfall of these domineering Lords who had Princes to protect them armes to defend them and almost three whole Kingdomes at their command and no enemy of theirs in sight onely there appeares a little cloud about the bignesse of a mans hand out of the Westerne Ocean I but the Lord Christ is in it out of Sion the perfection of beauty hath God shined Our God shall come and shall not keepe silence a Fire shall devour afore him mighty tempests shall be moved round about him Now gather together you King-like Bishops and make use of all the Kingly power you can for the cloud is suddenly come up he rode upon Cherub and did flie And now let the Children of Sion rejoyce in their King for the Lord hath pleasure in his people hee will make the meeke glorious by deliverance And that the whole Earth may know it is the Lords owne worke the Arch-prelate and his complices must begin to war with the Scots and that implacably the Prelates desire a Parliament thinking to establish iniquity by a Law but the iniquity of the Ammorites is already full and all your cunning counsells shall but contrive your owne destruction They remonstrant against all Acts of Parliament that passe without their Vote and by this means wind out themselves for ever voting more they devise how they may have such persons committed to prison at favour not their proceeding But the Lord turned their mischiefe they had conceived upon their own pates and they themselves were sent to prison by halfe a score at a time And such was the unsavourynesse of this seeming salt that it was good for nothing but to Lord it over others their tyranny being taken out of their hands they could not indure to be commanded by any And therefore unfit for the war which they stirred up to recover the people againe under their bondage yet such was the madnesse of some that they loved their servitude so well as to fight for it but surely such had never rightly knowne the service of the Lord Christ which is perfect freedome from all such tyrannous yoâ—ks and verily just it is with the Lord to cause such to be servants unto Shishak that they may know the service of the Lord and the service of the Kingdomes of the Country But however an Army is raised to defend their Lordly dignity Let the Saints be joyfull with glory let the high Acts of God be in their mouths and a two edged Sword in their hands to bind their Kings in chaines and their Nobles in setters of Iron the Charets of the Lord are twenty thousand thousands of Angells the Lord is among them as in Sinai Kings of Armies did flee apace and now you that have borne such a wicked spirit of malignity against the people of Christ can your hearts indure and your hands wax strong in the day that he shall have to doe with you Oh you proud Prelates that boast so much of your taking the Kings part miserable partakers are you in stead of obeying him you have caused him to obey you it s writ in such great capitall letters that a child may read it what was the cause of the first raising war against the Scots which occasioned the Parliament when you saw they would not further the war as you would have them they were soone traytors in your account and prosecuted against with Army after army and was not all this to make the Scots receive your Injunctions a very fayer bottom to build a bloudy war upon that the Prelatticall power might Lord it in Scotland as they of a long time had done in England it was your Pithagorian Phylosophy that caused the King to loose his Life by perswading him his Kingly power lived in your Lordly dignity as a thing subordinate unto it and he so deeply taken with this conceit that it cost the lives of many thousands more then ever hee or his Father would doe for saving or recovering the Paâ—latine Country Experience hath taught the savage Indians among whom we live that they may and
of Christ were much edified in their holy faith by their indefatigable pains of their Ministers in their weekly Lectures extraordinary as well as by their Sabboth-Assemblies and continuall visiting of their people from house to house endeavouring to heale the hurts these false deceivers had made with double diligence showring downe the sweet dews of the blessed Gospel of Jesus Christ to the converting of many a poor soul and indeed now were the glorious days of New England the Churches of Christ increase dayly and his eminent Embassadours resort unto them from our native Country which as then lay under the tyranny of the Monarchall Arch-prelates which caused the servants of Christ to wander from their home This yeare the reverend and judicious M. Jos Glover undertook this long voyage being able both in person and estate for the work he provided for further compleating the Colonies in Church and Common-wealth-work a Printer which hath been very usefull in many respects the Lord seeing it meet that this reverend and holy servant of his should fall short of the shores of New England but yet at this time he brought over the zealous affâ—cted and judicious servant of his Master Ezekiel Rogers who with a holy and humble people made his progress to the North-Eastward and erected a Towne about 6. miles from Ipswich called Rowly wanting room they purehased some addition of the Town of Newbery yet had they a large length of land onely for the neere conveniency to the Towne of Ipswich by the which meanes they partake of the continued Lectures of either Towne these people being very industrious every way soone built many houses to the number of about threescore families and were the first people that set upon making of Cloth in this Western World for which end they built a sulling-mill and caused their little-ones to be very diligent in spinning cotten wooll many of them having been clothiers in England till their zeale to promote the Gospel of Christ caused them to wander and therefore they were no lesse industrious in gathering into Church-society there being scrace a man among them but such as were meet to be living stones in this building according to the judgement of man they called to the office of a Pastor this holy man of God Mr. Ezekiel Rogers oâ— whom this may be said Christ for this work Rogers doth riches give Rich graces fit his people for to feed Wealth to supply his wants whilst here he live Free thou receiv'st to serve his peoples need England may mourne they thee no longer keep English rejoice Christ doth such worthyes raise His Gospel preach unfold his mysteries deep Weak dust made strong sets forth his makers praise With fervent zeale and courage thou hast fought ' Gainst that transformed Dragon and his bands Snatcht forth the burning thou poore soules hast caught And freed thy flock from wolves devouring hands Ezekiel mourn not thou art severed farre From thy deare Country to a desart land Christ call'd hath thee unto this worthy warre By him o'rcome he holds thy Crowne in 's hand For the further assisting of this tender flock of Chrst the reverend Mr. John Miller did abide among them for some space of time preaching the Word of God unto them also till it pleased the Lord to call him to be Pastor of the Church of Christ at Yarmouth in Plimoth patten where he remaineth at this very day With courage bold Miller through Seas doth venter To toyl it out in this great Western wast Thy stature low one object high doth center Higher then Heaven thy faith on Christ is plac't Allarum thou with silver trumpet sound And tâ—ll the World Christs Armyes are at hand With Scripture truths thou Errors dost confound And overthrow all Antichristian bands It matters not for th'worlds high reputation The World must fall and Christ alone must stand Thy Crown 's prepar'd in him then keep thy station Joy that Christs Kingdome is so neare at hand CHAP. XII Of the great Earthquake in New England and of the wofull end of some erronious persons with the first foundation of Harverd Colledge THis yeare the first day of the Fourth Month about two of the clock in the after-noone the Lord caus'd a great and terrible Earth quake which was generall throughout all the English Plantations the motion of the Earth was such that it caused divers men that had never knowne an Earth quake before being at worke in the Fields to cast downe their working-tooles and run with gastly terrified lookes to the next company they could meet withall it came from the Westerne and uninhabited parts of this Wildernesse and went the direct course this brood of Travellers came the Ministers of Christ many of them could say at that very time not from any other Revelation but what the word holds forth that if the Churches of New England were Gods house then suddenly there would follow great alterations in the Kingdomes of Europe This yeare the civill government proceeded to censure the residue of thofe sinfull erroneous persons who raised much commotion in this little Common-wealth who being banished resorted to a place more Southward some of them sitting down at a place called Providence others betooke them to an Island about 16. miles distant from the former called Rode Island where having Elbow roome enough none of the Ministers of Christ nor any other to interrupt their false and deceivable Doctrines they hamper'd themselves fouly with their owne line and soone shewed the depthlesse ditches that blinde guides lead into many among them being much to be pittyed who were drawne from the truth by the bewitching tongues of some of them being very ignorant and easily perverted and although the people were not many in all yet were they very diverse in their opinions and glad where they could gaine most Disciples to heare them some were for every day to be a Sabbath and therefore kept not any Sabbath-day at all others were some for one thing some for another and therefore had their severall meetings making many a goodly piece of Preachment among whom there were some of the female sexe who deeming the Apostle Paul to be too strict in not permitting a roome to preach in the publique Congregation taught notwithstanding they having their call to this office from an ardent desire of being famous especially the grand Mistresse of them all who ordinarily prated every Sabbath day till others who thirsted after honour in the same way with her selfe drew away her Auditors and then she withdrew her self her husband and her family also to a more remote place and assuredly although the Lord be secret in all the dispensation of his providences whether in judgement or mercy yet much may be learn'd from all as sometimes pointing with the finger to the lesson as here these persons withdrawing from the Churches of Christ wherein he walketh and is to be found in his blessed Ordinances to a first and second place where they
is apt to forget himself in things that concern his own good both him and the like gracious M. Flint is here remembred WIth twofold cord doth Flint and Tompson draw In Christ's yoke his fallow ground to break Wounding mens hearts with his most righteous Law Cordials apply to weary souls and weak Tompson thou hast Christ's folk incouraged To war their warfare putting them in mind That Christ their King will make his sons the drond The day 's at hand when they shall mastery find Flint be a second to this Champion stout In Christ's your strength while you for him do war When first doth faint a second helps him out Till Christ renew with greater strength by far From East to West your labours lasted have The more you toil the more your strength encreaseth Your works will bide when you are laid in grave His truth advance whose Kingdom never coaseth CHAP. XIX Of the first promation of learning in New-England and the extraordinary providences that the Lord was pleased to send for furthering of the same TOward the latter end of this Summer came over the learned reverend and judicious Mr. Henry Dunster before whose coming the Lord was pleased to provide a Patron for erecting a Colledg as you have formerly heard his provident hand being now no less powerful in pointing out with his unerring finger a president abundantly fitted this his servant and sent him over for to mannage the work and as in all the other passages of this history the Wonder-working Providence of Sâ—â—ns Saviour hath appeared so more especially in this work the Fountains of learning being in a greaâ— measure stopped in our Native Country at this time so thaâ— the sweet waters of Shilo's streams must ordinarily pass into the Churches through the stinking channel of prelatical pride beside all the filth that the fountains themselves were daily incumbred withall insomuch that the Lord turned aside often from them and refused the breathings of his blessed Spirit among them which caused Satan in these latter daies of his transformation into an Angel of light to make it a means to perswade people from the use of learning altogether that so in the next generation they might be destitute of such helps as the Lord hath been pleased hitherto to make use of as chief means for the conversion of his people and building them up in the holy faith as also for breaking downe the Kingdom of Antichrist and verily had not the Lord been pleased to furnish N. E. with means for the attainment of learning the work would have been carried on very heavily and the hearts of godly parents would have vanish'd away with heaviness for their poor children whom they must have left in a desolare wilderness destitute of the meanes of grace It being a work in the apprehension of all whose capacity could reach to the great sums of money the edifice of a mean â—olledg would cost past the reach of a poor Pilgrim people who had expended the greatest part of their estates on a long voyage travelling into Forraign Countryes being unprofitable to any that have undertaken it although it were but with their necessary attendance whereas this people were forced to travel with wifes children and servants besides they considered the troble charge of building in this new populated desart in regard of al kind of workmanship knowing likewise that young Students could make but a poor progress in learning by looking on the bare walls of their chambers and that Diogenes would have the better of them by far in making use of a Tun to lodg in not being ignorant also that many people in this age are out of conceit with learning and that although they were not among a people who counted ignorance the mother of devotion yet were the greater part of the people wholly devoted to the Plow but to speak uprightly hunger is sharp and the head will retain little learning if the heart be not refreshed in some competent measure with food although the gross vapors of a glutted stomack are the bane of a bright understanding and brings barrenness to the brain but how to have both go on together as yet they know not amidst all these difficulties it was thought meet learning should plead for it self and as many other men of good rank and quality in this barren desart plod out a way to live Hereupon all those who had tasted the sweet wine of Wisdoms drawing and fed on the dainties of knowledg began to set their wits a work and verily as the whole progress of this work had a farther dependency then on the present eyed means so at this time chiefly the end being firmly fixed on a sure foundation namely the glory of God and good of all his elect people the world throughout in vindicating the truths of Christ and promoting his glorious Kingdom who is now taking the heathen for his inheritance and the utmost ends of the earth for his possession means they know there are many thousands uneyed of mortal man which every daies Providence brings forth upon these resolutions to work they go and with thankful acknowledgment readily take up all lawful means as they come to hand for place they fix their eye upon New-Town which to tell their Posterity whence they came is now named Cambridg and withal to make the whole world understand that spiritual learning was the thing they chiefly desired to sanctifie the other and make the whole lump holy and that learning being set upon its right object might not contend for error instead of truth they chose this place being then under the Orthodox and soul-flourishing Ministery of Mr. Thomas Shepheard of whom it may be said without any wrong to others the Lord by his Ministery hath saved many a hundred soul The scituation of this Colledg is very pleasant at the end of a spacious plain more like a bowling green then a Wilderness neer a fair navigable river environed with many Neighbouring Towns of note being so neer that their houses joyn with her Suburbs the building thought by some to be too gorgeous for a Wilderness and yet too mean in others apprehensions for a Colledg it is at present in larging by purchase of the neighbour houses it hath the conveniencies of a fair Hall comfortable Studies and a good Library given by the liberal hand of some Magistrates and Ministers with others The chief gift towards the founding of this Colledg was by Mr. John Harnes a reverend Minister the Country being very weak in their publike Treasury expended about 500. l. towards it and for the maintenance thereof gave the yearly revenue of a Ferry passage between Boston and Charles Town the which amounts to about 40. or 50. l. per annum The Commissioners of the four united Colonies also taking into consideration of what common concernment this work would be not only to the whole plantations in general but also to all our English Nation they endeavoured to stir up all
appointed to leave their posterity an able Minister as also to stir them up to prepare for the great work of the Lord Jesus in the overthrow of Antichrist and calling of the Jews which in all likelyhood is very suddainly to be performed as also in stirring up all the young ones that remain to consider for what â—nd the Lord hath spared their lives when he cut off others by death namely to prosecute the work that he hath given them to do in the power of his might with the greater zeal and courage THis year the honored and much desired servant of Christ John Endicut Esquire was chosen to be Governour of the English inhabiting the Colony of the Mattachusets and the antient honored and long continued Champion for the truth as it is in Jesus Tho. Dudly Esquire was chosen Deputy Governour by the major Vote of these wandering Jacobites with heart and good will the honored Major-General Edward Gibbous continued in place this year the Government shewed their desire to be assisting to the State of England in making orders for establishing their Edict for these Western parts of the world among out N. E. people the Lord in his infinite wisdom saw meet to continue his correcting hand among his N. E. Churches somewhat more then ordinary in a sore disease of which many in comparison of what used to do and yet not so many as ordinarily use to do in other plantations of this Western world and whereas the former year young children died most this year those of grown years died also and although so small a sickness might not be taken notice of in other places yet the rareness of it in so healthy a country as is this cannot but speak loud in the ears of Gods people who desire to hear the rod and who hath appointed it and perceive plainly many of them that the Lord will have us to know that if his own people tread in the same steps of riot and excess in the plenty he hath given them with the men of this world he will lay the same sicknesses and diseases upon them and further they perceive according to the ordinary dispensation of his providences toward them he hath some further great work to do with his N. E. people that he is beginning again to a waken rouze up and quicken them with the rod of his power For thus they begin to reason with themselves when the Lord was pleased to expose them their wifes and little ones to the troubles of a tempestuous Sea in so long a voyage and the wants of a barren Wilderness in great penury of food he brought forth by his mighty power and stretched-our arm the glorious fabrick of his New-E Churches and therefore now again they look for some further extraordinary great work of his if he shall once again be pleased to refine them in this furnace of his and would the Lord Christ would confirm our brethren in England in like faith by our example yea and far beyond many degrees as the Wonder-working providence of Sions Saviour toward them hath more abundantly exceeded and that as this in three seven years is comprised though very weakly in this little book there 's in one seven year would require volumes and as this is wonderful there is almost miraculous and wonderful to the whole world as if the Lord Christ did intend to make his power known more abundantly then ever the sons of men saw Kings and Kingdoms strengthened with affinity and consanguinity the valiant of the world men skil'd in feats of war as Goliah from a child fierce and pampered horses whose necks are covered with strong neighing and cunning Engeniers men skilful to destroy with all the terrible engins of war together with swarms of souldiers flocking together to swallow up the poor remnant of Gods people all these hath the Lord caused to fall before your eyes and our ears have heard the noyse of this great fall and beloved countrymen and our dear brethren in Christ step into the closet of your own hearts with us and see if there will not be some things in this following verse that may suit your condition as well as ours that having sown in tears we may reap with joy the glorious harvest of our Lord Christ which is hard at hand for assuredly the Lord is tyed neither to us nor you but may if it please him cast off both and raise up new instruments for his following work but if he be pleased to give us melting hearts for our former miscarriages and renew us with a more zealous courage and earnest contending for the faith it is very like he hath more glorious works by far for us yet to do CHAP. IX Of the wonder-working providences of Christ wrought for his people among our English Nation both in our Native country and also in N. E. which should stir us up to mourn for all our miscarriages much the more FRom silent night true Register of moans From saddest soul consum'd in deepest sin From heart quite rent with sighs and heavy groans My wailing muse her woful work begins And to the world brings tunes of sad lament Sounding nought els but sorrows sad relent Sorry to see my sorrows cause augmented And yet less sorrowful were my sorrows more Grief that with grief is nor with grief prevented Yet grief it is must ease my grieved sore So grief and sorrow care but how to grieve For grief and sorrow must my cares relieve The wound fresh bleeding must be stauch'd with tears Tears cannot come unless some grief proceed Grief comes but slack which doth increase my fears Fear left for want of help I still shall bleed Do what I can to lengthen my lifes breath If Christ be wanting I shall bleed to death Thou deepest searcher of each secret thought Infuse in me thy all-affecting grace So shall my work to good effect be brought While I peruse my ugly sins a space Whose staining filth so spotted hath my soul That nought can wash but tears of inward dole How soon my soul hast thou the Lord forgot Who thee and thine through troublous Seas hath lead On earth thy parts should praise him suddain rot Why dost neglect his glorious Kingdom spread Thy eyes have seen the Mountains mov'd with 's hand And sunk in Seas to make his Sion stand No wonder then thy works with Eastern wind On Seas are broke and thy best Seamen slain Sith thou thy gain and not Christs work dost mind Lord stay thy hand I see my works are vain Our ships they shall thy Gospel forth convey And not bring home strange errors here to stay Instead of home-oppression they shall now Thy Saints abroad relieve by Sea them send No riot shall our Merchantmen allow Time in exchange walks not in Taverns spend Godly grief and good purpose comes from thee Lord Christ command and then to work go we Oh thou my soul how weak's thy faith
become With scatter'd seed of man and beast thou hast Seen thy great God increase thy little sum Towns close compact in desart land hath plac't In Wilderness thy table richly spread Thy poor therein hath satisfi'd with bread While firtil lands with hunger have been pined Thy harvest hath with heaps on heaps come in Oh mourn that thou no more thy God should'st mind His gentle rod to teach thee doth begin Then wonder not that swarms of Locust fly And that earths fruits for want of moysture die A countless crew of Caterpillers craul To rob the earth of her green mantle quite Wolves only wont on lesser beasts to fall On great ones prey by day and eke by night Thy houses are consum'd with much good store By fearful fires which blustering winds blow o're Lord stay thy hand and stop my earthly mind Thy Word not world shall be our sole delight Not Medow ground but Christs rich pearl wee 'l find Thy Saints imbrace and not large lands down plight Murmure no more will we at yearly pay To help uphold our Government each way Not strive who least but who the most shall give Rejoyce will we our hearts inlarged are Those wait on th' Altar shall on Altar live Nor shall our riches their good doctrine mar Oâ—r pride of parts in thought of clear discerning No longer shall disgrace their godly learning Our meaner sort that metamorphos'd are With womens hair in gold and garments gay Whose wages large our Commonwealths work mar Their pride they shall with moderation lay Cast off their cloaths that men may know their rank Axd women that with outward deckings prank The worlds imbrace our longing lust for gain No longer shall us into corners draw Nor our large herds us from Gods house detain From fellowship of Saints who learn thy Law Thy righteous Judgments Lord do make me tremble Nor word nor rod but deep in this dissemble Two Masters Lord we will professed serve How can we Christ united be to thee When from thy Law learn'd we so greatly swarve With watry tears unclued we will be From creature-comforts Christ thou art our stay Work will and deed in us we humbly pray Oh thou my soul and every part in me Lament the Lord his worthies from the earth Takes to himself and makes our earth to be E A mourning place left destituke of mirth Are these the daies wherein that Beast shall fall Lord leave us means though thou be all in all What courage was in Winthrope it was thine Shopheards sweet Sermons from thy blessing came Our heavenly Hooker thy grace did refine And godly Burr receiv'd from thee his frame Philips didst thou indue with Scripture light And Huet had his arguings strong and right Grave Higginson his heavenly truths from thee Maveruck was made an able help to thine What Harver had thou gavest for 's people free Follow Green full of grace to work thou didst assign Godly Glover his rich gifts thou gavest Thus thou by means thy flocks from spoiling savest But Lord why dost by death withdraw thy hand From us these men and means are sever'd quite Stretch forth thy might Lord Christ do thou command Their doubled spirit on those left to light Forth of their graves call ten times ten again That thy dear flocks no damage may sustain Can I forget these means that thou hast used To quicken up my drowsie drooping soul Lord I forget and have the same abused Which makes me now with grief their deaths condole And kiss thy rod laid on with bowels tender By death of mine makes me their death remember Lord stay thy hand thy Jacobs number 's small Powre out thy wrath on Antichrists proud Thrones Here thy poor flocks that on thee daily call Bottle their tears and pity their sad groans Where shall we go Lord Christ we turn to thee Heal our back slidings forward press shall we Not we but all thy Saints the world throughout Shall on thee wait thy wonders to behold Thou King of Saints the Lord in battel stont Increase thy armies many thousand fold Oh Nations all his anger seek to stay That doth create him armies every day CHAP. X. Of the endeavours of this people of Christ to inlarge his Kingdom the world throughout and first of their preaching Christ to the Indians among whom they live THese brood of Travellers having thus through the good hand of their God upon them thus setled these Churches according to the institution of Christ and not by the will of man they now endeavour to be assisting to others The reverend Mr. Hugh Peters and his fellow-helper in Christ Mr. Wells steered their course for England so soon as they heard of the chaining up of those biting beasts who went under the name of spiritual Lords what assistance the Gospel of Christ found there by their preaching is since clearly manifested for the Lord Christ having removed that usurping power of Lordly Prelates hath now inlarged his Kingdom there and that not onely by the means of these men but by divers others both godly and eminent servants of his who never saw New-England and by divers other godly Ministers of Christ who have since gone from hence both young Students and others to the number of twenty or thereabout in the whole besides some who were eminent in the civil Government here both gracious and godly servants of Christ and some who have been Magistrates here to the number of five or six the Lord Christ grant they may all endeavour the advancement of his truths both in Churches and civil Government But before the Author cease to speak of England he is bold to say that the Lord Christ will overturn overturn overturn till he hath caused such a Government to be set up as shall become nursing fathers to his new-planted Churches The Indian people in these parts at the English first coming were very barbarous and uncivilized going for the most part naked although the country be extreme cold cold in the winter-season they are onely clothed with a Deers skin and a little bit of cloth to cover their privy part The Women for the most part are very modest although they go as naked as the Men they are generally very laborious at their planting time and the Men extraordinary idle making their squawes to carry their Children and the luggage beside so that many times they travell eight or ten mile with a burden on their backs more fitter for a horse to carry then a woman The men follow no kind of labour but hunting fishing and fowling in all which they make use of their Bowe and Arrowes to shoot the wilde creatures of the Trees as Squirrells gray and black Rockoones as for Deer they ordinarily catch them in traps with a pole bent down and a Cord at the end which flyes up and stayes their hasty course Bever Otter and Moose they catch with Traps also they are
allay their spirits of malignity toward his people they gathered in a Church in presence of the very governour himself and called to office one Mr. Harrison who could not long continue among them by reason of their fresh renewed malignity who had formerly an evill eye toward them and could no better refraine from oppressing them then Pharoah after he had rest from the plagues under which he was After the departure of Mr. Harrison one Mr. Duren became an help unto them but he and his people also were forced to remove many hundred miles up into the country where they now remain but assuredly the Lord hath more scourges in store for such as force the people to such sufferings and therefore let this Church of Christ continue in the way of his truth according to the rules of his Gospel and without doubt the Lord will preserve and continue them let the adversaries of his Truth be never so potent As also about this time the Lord was pleased to gather a people together in the Isle of Bermoodas whose hearts being guided by the rule of the word they gathered into a Church of Christ according to the rules of the Gospel being provided with able persons indued with gifts from the Lord to administer unto them the holy things of God and after they began to be opposed their reverend elder Mr. Goulding came into these parts and from hence he went to England but this little flock of Christ not long after being banished from thence went to one of the Southern Islands where they endured much hardship and which the Churches of Christ in these parts understanding about six or eight of them contributing toward their want gathered about 800 l. to supply their necessity the which they shipped in a small vessell hired for that end and sent by the hands of two brethren both corne and other necessaries they arriving in safety by the blessing of God upon their labours were well welcomed by their brethren who abundantly blessed the Lord for them and with godly and gratious expression returned a thankfull acknowledgement of the present good hand of the Lord Christ in providing for them so that as this book began with the wonderworking providence of Sions Saviour in providing so wonderfull gratiously for his Churches the World throughout so it here endeth with the same and it were to be desired that the Churches of Christ in Europe would gather up the wonderfull providences of the Lord toward them also and more especially those in our native Country for assuredly it would make much for the magnifying of his glorious works in this day of his power and although the malignant and antichristian party may say they can shew the like wonders as Jannes and Jambres that with-stood Moses yet were the worke of Christ for his poor Churches within these few yeers gathered together by some able instrument whom the Lord might be pleased to stir up for that end and laid open the view of all they would be forced to confess this is the very finger of God and no doubt but they would be a great strengthening to the faith of those who are appointed of the Lord for the overthrow of Antichrist the Lord helping for assuredly the time of his having mercy upon Sion is come CHAP. XII Of the time of the fall of Antichrist and the increase of the Gentile Churches even to the prevoking of the twelve Tribes to submit to the kingdom of Christ IT hath been the longing expectation of many to see that notable and wonderfull worke of the Lord Christ in casting down that man of sin who hath held the whole world of those that profess any Christ under his Lordly power while the true professors of Christ have hardly had any appearance to the eye of the world first take notice the Lord hath an assured seâ— time for the accomplishment of this work which is set down in his word although more darkly to be under stood wherefore the reverend Ministers of Christ for these many yeers have studied and laboured for the finding it out and that holy man of God Mr. John Cotton among many other hath diligently searched for the Lords mind herein and hath declared some sudden blow to be given to this blood-thirsty monster but the Lord Christ hath unseparably joyned the time meanes and manner of this work together and therefore all men that expect the day must attend the means for such hath been and is the absurdity of many that they make semblance of a very zealous affection to see the glorious work of our Lord Christ herein and yet themselves uphold or at least side with those that uphold some part of Antichrists kingdome and therefore the lordly Prelacy may pray for his fall till their lungs are spent and their throats grow dry But while they have a seeming shew and hardly that to oppose his doctrines they themselves in the mean time make use of his power to advance themselves to honour aâ— also in these dayes there are divers desperate blasphemous and erronious persons whose consciences and their own self-will are unseparable companions these are very hot in their own apprehensions to prosecute the work but in the mean time they not only batter down the truths of Christ and his own Ordinances and Institutions but also set up that part of Antichrists kingdom which hath formerly had a great blow already even his deceiveable and damnable doctrines for as one badg of the beast is to be sull of blasphemies so are they and these take unto themselves seven spirits worse then the former making the latter and worse then the beginning as this story may testifie and some stories in our native country much more But to come to the time of Antichrists fall and all that expect it may depend upon the certainty of it yea it may be boldly said that the time is come and all may see the dawning of the day you that long so much for it come forth and fight who can expect a victory without a battel the lordly Prelates that boasted so much of these great atcheivements in this work are fled into holes and corners Familists Seekers Antinomians and Anabaptists they are so ill armed that they think it best sleeping in a whole skin fearing that if the day of battell once go on they shall fall among Antichrists Armies and therefore cry out like cowards If you will let me alone and I will let you alone but assuredly the Lord Christ hath said He that is not with us is against us there is no room in his Army for toleratorists But some will say We will never believe the day iâ— come till our eyes behold Babylon begirt with Souldiers I pray be not too hasty hath not the Lord said Come out of her my people c. surely there is a little space left for this and now is the time seeing the Lord hath set up his standerd of resort now Come forth
came to a very sad end for thus it came to passe in the latter place The Indians in those parts forwarned them of making their abode there yet this could be no warning to them but still they continued being amongst a multitude of Indians boasted they were become all one Indian and indeed this woman who had the chiefe rule of all the roast being very bold in her strange Revelations and mis-applications tells them though all nations and people were cut off round about them yet should not they till on a day certaine Indians coming to her house discoursing with them they wished to tye up her doggs for they much bit the man not mistrusting the Indians guile did so the which no sooner done but they cruelly murthered her taking one of their daughters away with them another of them seeking to escape is caught as she was getting over a hadge and they drew her back againe by the haire of the head to the stump of a tree and there cut off her head with a hatchet the other that dwelt by them betook them to boat and fled to tell this sad newes the rest of their companions who were rather hardened in their sinfull way and blasphemous opinions than brought to any sight of their damnable Errours as you shall after hear yet was not this the first loud speaking hand of God against them but before this the Lord had poynted directly to their sinne by a very fearfull Monster that another of these women brought forth they striving to bury it in oblivion but the Lord brought it to light setting forth the view of their monstrous Errors in this prodigious birth This yeare although the estates of these pilgrim people were much wasted yet seeing the benefit that would accrew to the Churches of Christ and Civil Government by the Lords blessing upon learning they began to erect a Colledge the Lord by his provident hand giving his approbation to the work in sending over a faithfull and godly servant of his the reverend Mr John Harverd who joyning with the people of Christ at Charles Towne suddainly after departed this life and gave near a thousand pound toward this work wherefore the Government thought it meet to call it Harverd Colledge in remembrance of him Ip Harverd had with riches here been taken He need not then through troublous Seas have past But Christs bright glory hath thine eyes so waken Nought can content thy soule of him must tast Ohtast and tell how sweet his Saints among Christ ravisht hath thy heart with heavenly joyes To preach and pray with teares affection strong From hearts delight in him who thee imployes Scarce hast thou had Christs Churches here in eye But thou art call'd to eye him face to face Earths scant contents death drawes thee from for why Full joy thou wouldst that 's onely in heavens place CHAP. XIII Of the coming over of the honoured Mr. Pelham and the planting of the seaventeenth Church of Christ at the Towne of Hampton THis yeare 1639. John Winthrope Esq was chosen Governour and Thomas Dudly Esq Deputy Governour the number of freemen added were about 83. This yeare came over the much honoured Mr. Herbert Pelham a man of a courteous behaviour humble and heavenly minded HArbertus hye on valiant Why lingerst thou so long Christs work hath need of hasty speed his enemies are strong In wildernesse Christ doth thee blesse with vertues wife and seed To govern thou at length didst bow to serve Christs peoples need To thine own soyle thou back dost toyle then cease not lab ring there But still advance Christs Ordinance and shrink no where for fear Much about this time began the Town of Hampton in the Country of Northfolk to have her foundation stone laid scituate neare the Sea-coast not farre from the famous River of Merimeck the great store of salt marsh did intice this people to set downe their habitations there for as yet Cowes and Cattell of that kinde were not come to the great downfall in their price of which they have about 450. head and for the form of this Towne it is like a Flower-de-luce two streets of houses wheeling off from the maine body thereof the land is fertile but filled with swamps and some store of rocks the people are about 60. Families being gathered together into Church covenant they called to office the reverend grave and gracious Mr. Doulton having also for some little space of time the more ancient Mr. Batchelor of whom you have heard in the former Book to preach unto them also here take a short remembrance of the other DOulton doth teach perspicuously and sound With Wholsome truths of Christ thy flock dost feed Thy honour with thy labour doth abound Age crownes thy head in righteousnesse proceed To batter downe root up and quite destroy All Heresies and Errors that draw back Vnto perdition and Christs folk annoy To warre for him thou weapons dost not lack Long dayes to see that long'd for day to come Of Babels fall and Israels quiet peace Thou yet maist live of dayes so great a sum To see this work let not thy warfare cease CHAP. XIV Of the planting the eighteenth Church of Christ at the Towne of Salsbury FOr further perfecting this Wildernesse-work not far from the Towne of Hampton was erected another Towne called Salsbury being brought forth as Twins sometime contending for eldership This being seated upon the broade swift torrent of Merrimeck a very goodly River to behold were it not blockâ— up with some suddaine falls through the rocks over against this Towne lyeth the Towne of Newberry on the Southern side of the River a constant Ferry being kept between for although the River be about half a mile broad yet by reason of an Island that lies in the midst thereof it is the better passed in troublesom weather the people of this Towns have of late placed their dwellings so much distanced the one from the other that they are like to divide into two Churches the scituation of this Towne is very pleasant were the Rivers Navigable farre up the branches thereof abound in faire and goodly medowes with good store of stately Timber upon the uplands in many places this Towne is full as fruitfull in her Land Chattell and Inhabitants as her Sister Hampton the people joyned in Church relation or brotherhood nere about the time the other did and have desired and obtained the reverend and graciously godly M. Thomas Woster to be their Pastor WIth mickle labour and distressed wants Woster thou hast in desart's depth remain'd Thy chiefest dayes Christs Gospel there to plant And water well such toyle shall yeild great gaine Oh happy day may Woster say that I Was singled out for this great work in hand Christ by distresse doth Gold for 's Temple try Thrice blest are they may in his Presence stand But more thou art by him reserved yet To see on earth Christ's Kingdom 's exaltation More yet thou art
by him prepared fit To help it on among our English Nation CHAP. XV. Of further supply for the Church of Christ at Waterton And a sad acceidnt fell out in Boston Towne THe Lord intending to strengthen his poore Churches here and after the overthrow of these damnable Errors to trample Satan under their feet he manifesteth his mindefulness of them in sending over fresh suplpyes againe and againe although weak and sory men in themselves yet strong in the Lord and the power of his might the last that this yeare is to be named is the reverend judicious and godly-affected Mr John Knowles who was desired of the Church of Christ at Waterton to be a two-fold cord unto them in the office of a teaching Elder with the reverend Mr. Phillips of whom you have heard in the former Book WIth courage bold and arguments of strength Knowles doth apply Gods word his stock unto Christ furnisht hath to shew his bountyes length Thee with rich gifts that thou his work mayst do New England is too scant for thy desire Inkindled is Christs truths abroad to spread Virginia may his grace to them admire That thee through Seas for their instruction led Thy labours Knowles are great far greater hee Not onely thee but all his valiant made Forth sinfull dust his Saints and Warriers be He thee upheld thy strength shall never fade John come thou forth behold what Christ hath wrought In these thy dayes great works are yet behinde Then toyle it out till all to passe be brought Christ crowne will thee thou then his glory minde To end this yeare 1639. the Lord was pleased to a send a very sharp winter and more especially in strong storms of weekly snows with very bitter blasts And here the Reader may take notice of the sad hand of the Lord against two persons who were taken in a storme of snow as they were passing from Boston to Roxbury it being much about a mile distant and a very plaine way One of Roxbury sending to Boston his servant maid for a Barber Chirurgion to draw his tooth they lost their way in their passage between and were not found till many dayes after and then the maid was fonnd in one place and the man in another both of them frozen to death in which sad accident this was taken into consideration by divers people that this Barber was more then ordinary laborious to draw men to those sinfull Errors that were formerly so frequent and now newly overthrowne by the blessing of the Lord upon the endeavour of his faithfull servants with the word of truth he having a fit opportunity by reason of his trade so soone as any were set downe in his chaire he would commonly be cutting of their haire and the truth together notwithstanding some report better of the man the example is for the living the dead is judged of the Lord alone CHAP. XVI The great supply of godly Ministers for the good of his People in New England FOr to govern and rule this little Common wealth was this year chosen the valiant Champion for the advance of Christs truh Thomas Dudly Esq and Richard Bellingham Esq Deputy Governour the freemen added to the former were about 192. this yeare the reverend Mr. Burr a holy heavenly-minded man and able gifted to preach the Word of God was exercised therein for some space of time in the Church of Christ at Dorchester where they were about calling him to the office of a teaching Elder but in a very littie time after his coming over he departed this life yet minde him you may in the following Meetre WEll didst thou minde thy Work Which caus'd thee vonter Through Ocean large thy Christ in 's Word to preach Exhorting all their faith on him to center Soules ravisht are by him in thy sweet speech Thy speech bewrayes thy heart for heaven doth look Christ to enjoy Burr from the earth is taken Thy words remaine though thou hast us forsook In dust sleep sound till Christ thy body waken There are divers others of the faithfull Ministers of Christ that came over for to further this his work somewhat before this time as the godly and reverend Mr. Rayner who was called to office in the Church of Christ at Plimoth and there remaines preaching the Word instantly with great paines and care over that flock as also the reverend and faithfull servant of Christ Jesus Mr. William Hook who was for some space of time at the Church in Taunton but now remaines called to office in the Church of Christ at Newhaven a man who hath received of Christ many gracious gifts fit for so high a calling with very amiable and gracious speech labouring in the Lord and here also the Reader may minde how the Lord was pleased to reach out his large hand of bounty toward his N. England people in supplying them abundantly with Teachers able and powerfull to break the bread of life unto them so long as their desires continued hot and zealous but after here grew a fulnesse in some even to slight if not loath the honey comb many returned for England and the Lord was pleased to take away others by death although very few considering the number but let N. England beware of an after-clap provoke the Lord no longer But seeing this yeare proved the last of the yeares of transportation of Gods people only for enjoyment of exercising the Ordinances of Christ and enlargement of his Kingdome there being hopes of great good opportunity that way at home it will be expediene onely to name some others in the Southwest parts among the lesser Colonyes and so passe on to the story And first not to forget the reverend Mr. Eaton a man of love and peace and yet godly zealous he came over with those who planted the Colony of Newhaven spending his labours in the Lord with them in Plimoth Plantation also here is to be minded the reverend Mr. Chancie a very able Preacher both learned and judicious as also the reverend able and pious M. Huet who came over this year or rather as I suppose the yeare before who did spend his time and labour with a people that came over with him at length the greatest part of them they settled downe in the Government of Canecticoe where they planted the Towne of Windsor and Church of Christ there where this gracious servant of Christ continued in his labours till the Lord laid him in his bed of rest somewhat before this time came over the reverend Mr. Smith being another of that name beside the former he laboured in the Word and Doctrine with a people at Withersfield in those parts also Mr. Henry Whitefield another Minister of the Gospel of Christ of reverend respect who being returned for England the latter of his labours the Lord assisting will sufficiently testifie his sincerity for the truth and labours of love in the Lord here may also be named the reverend Mr. Peck Mr. Saxton