Voyage in little time after they were tossed and sore beaten with a contrary winde to the losse of the Ships upper worke with which losse and great peâ—ill they were driven back againe the Lord Christ intending to confirme their Faith in shewing them that although they were brought back as it were into the mouth of their enemies yet hee could hide them from the hand of the Hunter for the space of six moneths longer or thereabout even till the Spring of the yeare following at which time God willing you shall hear of them againe in the meane time the Master and other Sea men made a strange construction of the sore storme they met withall saying their Ship was bewitched and therefore made use of the common Charme ignorant people use nailing two red hot horse-shoos to their maine mast But assuredly it was the Lord Christ who hath command both of Winds and Seas and now would have his people know he hath delivered and will deliver from so great a death CHAP. XXX Of the Ninth Church of Christ gathered at Ipswitch THis year came over a farther supply of Eminent instruments for furthering this admirable Worke of his amongst whom the Reverend and judicious servant of Christ Mr. Nathaniel Ward who tooke up his station at the Towne of Ipswich where the saithfull servants of Christ gathered the Ninth Church of his This Towne is scituated on a faire and delightfull River whose first rise or spring begins about five and twenty Miles farther up in the Countrey issuing forth a very pleasant pond But soone after it betakes its course through a most hideous swamp of large extent even for many Miles being a great Harbour for Beares after its comming forth this place it groweth larger by the income of many small Rivers and issues forth in the Sea due East over against the Island of Sholes a great place of fishing for out English Nation the peopling of this Towne is by men of good ranke and quality many of them having the yearly Revenue of large Lands in England before they came to this Wildernesse but their Estates being imployed for Christ and left in banke as you have formerly heard they are well content till Christ shall be pleased to-restore it againe to them or theirs which in all reason should be out of the Prelates Lands in England Let all those whom it concernes to judge consider it well and do Justice herein This Towne lies in the Saggamooreship or Earldome of Aggawam now by our English Nation called Essex It is a very good Haven Towne yet a little barr'd up at the Mouth of the River some Marchants here are but Boston being the chiefest place of resort of Shipping carries away all the Trade they have very good Land for Husbandry where Rocks hinder not the course of the Plow the Lord hath beene pleased to increase them in Corne and Cattell of late Insomuch that they have many hundred quarters to spare yearly and feed at the latter end of Summer the Towne of Boston with good Beefe a their Houses are many of them very faire built with pleasant Gardens and Orchards consisting of about one hundred and forty Families Their meeting-house is a very good prospect to a great part of the Towne and beautifully built the Church of Christ here consists of about one hundred and sixty soules being exact in their conversation and free from the Epidemicall Disease of all Reforming Churches which under Christ is procured by their pious Learned and Orthodox Ministery as in due place God willing shall be declared in the meane time look on the following Meeters concerning that Souldier of Christ Master Nathaniel Ward THou ancient Sage come Ward among Christs folfe take part in this great worke of his Why do'st thou stand and gaze about so long Do'st war in jest why Christ in earnest is And hath thee arm'd with weapons for that end To Wound and heale his enemies submitting Not carnally then to this Worke attend Thou hast prevail'd the hearts of many hitting Although the Presbytery unpleasant jar And errors daily in their braines new coyne Despayer not Christs truth they shall not mar But with his helpe such drosse from Gold refins What Man do'st meane to lay thy Trumpet downe Because thy son like Warrier is become Hold out or sure lesse bright will be thy crowne Till death Christs servants labour is not done At this time came over the much honoured Mr. Richard Bellingham whose Estate and person did much further the civill Government of this wandering people hee being learned in the Lawes of England and experimentally fitted for the worke of whom I am bold to say as followeth RIchardus now arise must thou Christ seed hath thee to plead His peoples cause with equall Laws in wildernesse them lead Though slow of speech thy counsell reach shall each occation well Sure thy sterne looke it cannot brook those wickedly rebell With labours might thy pen indite doth Lawes for peoples learning That judge with skill and not with will unarbitrate discerning Bellingham thou on valiant now stop not in discontent Eor Christ with crown will thee renown then spend for him be spent As thou hast done thy race still run till death no death shall stay Christs work of might till Scripture light bring Resurection day As also about this time for further incouragement in this work of Christ hee sent over the Reverend servant of his Mr. Lothrop to helpe on with the planting of Plimoth which increased but little all this time although shee be the elder sister of all the united Colonies Some reasons in due place may be rendered This Reverend Minister was soone called to Office by the Church of Christ at Scicuate CHAP XXXI Of the Church of Christ gathered at Newberry IN the latter end of this yeare two sincere servants of Christ inabled by him with gifts to declare his minde unto his people came over this broad Ocean and began to build the Tenth Church of Christ at a Towne called Newberry their names being Mr. James Noise and Mr. Thomas Parker somewhat differing from all the former and after mentioned Churches in the preheminence of their Presbytery and it were to be wished that all persons who have had any hand in those hot contentions which have fallen out since about Presbyterian and Independent Government in Churches would have looked on this Example comparing it with the Word of God and assuredly it would have stayed all the godly at lest of either part from such unworthy expressions as have passed to the grief of many of Gods people And I doubt not but this History will take of that unjust accusation and standerous imputation of the rise of that floud of errors and false Doctrines sprung up of late as flowing from the Independent or rather congregationall Churches But to follow on this Town is scituate about twelve miles from Ipswitch neere upon the wide venting streames of Merrimeck River whose strong current is such
to cast downe many a strong fort erected by the Sectaries but the Lord Christ would not suffer this blow to be given intending all people by way of restitution for their slanderous reports cast upon his New England Churches as being the inlet to Errours shall honour them with this victorious coâ—quest given them by Christ herein yet willing they would their brethren in England might win the prize by out-stripping them more abundantly in length bredth and height which the same God is able to performe that hath been thus abundantly good to us About this time the Churches of Christ began to be diligent in their duty and the civil government in looking after such as were like to disturb the peace of this new erected government some persons being so hot headed for maintaining of these sinfull opinions that they feared breach of peace even among the Members of the superiour Court but the Lord blessing them with agreement to prevent the wofull effects of civill broyles those in place of government caused certain persons to be disarmed in the severall Townes as in the Towne of Boston to the number of 58. in the Towne of Salem 6. in the Towne of Newbery 3. in the Towne of Roxbury 5. in the Towne of Ipswitch 2. and Charles Towne 2. others there were that through the help of the faithfull servants of Christ came to see how they had beene mâ—sled and by the power of Christ in his Word returned againe with an acknowledgement of their sinne but others there were who remained obstinate to the disturbing of the civill power and were banished of whom you shall heare farther hereafter Some of the Churches of Christ being more indulgent waited long ere they fell upon the work and here you must tak notice that the Synod Civil Government and the Churches of Christ kept their proper place each moving in their own sphear and acting by their own light or rather by the revelation of Jesus Christ witnessed by his Word and Spirit yet not refusing the help of eacg other as some would willingly have it some of the Churches prosecuting the Rule of Christ against their hereticall Members were forced to proceed to excommunication of them who when they saw whereto it would come they would have prevented it with lying but the Lord discovered it and so they were justly separated from the Churches of Christ for lying which being done they fell to their old trade againe CHAP. VIII Of the planting the fourth Colonie of New Englands godly Government called New-Haven THe Lord Christ having now in his great mercy taken out of the way these mountains that seemed in the eye of Man to block up his Churches further proceedings they had now leisure to welcome the living stones that the Lord was pleased to adde unto this building and with thankfull acknowledgment to give him of his owne for his mercyes multitude whose was the work in planting not onely more Churches but another Colony also for the honoured Mr Eaton being accompanied with many worthy persons of note whom the Lord had furnished with store of substance for this wildernesse-work although they would willingly have made their abode under the government of the Mattachusets yet could they finde no place upon the Sea-coasts for their settling the Lord intending to enlarge his peoples border caused them after much search to take up a place somewhat more southwardly neare the shalles of Cape-cod where they had very flatt water yet being entred in they found commodious harbour for shipping and a fit place to erect a Towne which they built in very little time with very faire houses and compleat streets but in a little time they overstockt it with Chattell although many of them did follow merchandizing and Maritime affairs but their remotenesse from the Mattachusets Bay where the chiefe traffique lay hindred them much Here did these godly and sincere servants of Christ according to the rule of the Word gather into Church Estate and called to the office of a Pastor the reverend judicious and godly Mr John Davenport of whom the Author is bold to say as followeth WHen Men and Devils 'gainst Christs flock conspire For them prepar'd a deadly trapping net Then Christ to make all men his work admire Davenport he doth thee from thy Country fet To sit in Synod and his folk assist The filthy vomit of Hels Dragon deepe In earths womb drawn blest they this poyson mist And blest the meanes doth us from error keep Thy grave advice and arguments of strength Did much prevaile the Erronist confound Well hast thou warr'd Christ drawes thy dayes in length That thou in learn'd experience maist abound What though thou leave a city stor'd with pleasure Spend thy prime dayes in heathen desart land Thy joy 's in Christ and not in earthly treasure Davenport rejoice Christs Kngdome is at hand Didst ever deem to see such glorious dayes Though thou decrease with age and earths content Thou live'st in Christ needs then must thy joy raise His Kingdome 's thine and that can ne'r be spent This Church and Town soon procur'd some Sisters to take part with her and among them they erected a godly and peaceable Government and called their frontier towne New haven of which the Government is denominated being inhabited by many men eminent in gifts for the populating thereof and managing of affaires both by Sea and Land they have had some shipping built there but by the sad losse of Mr. Lambertons ship and goods also they were much disheartned but the much honoured Mr. Eaton remaines with them to this very day THou noble thus Theophilus before great Kings to stand More noble far for Christ his war thou leav'st thy native land With thy rich store thou cam'st on shore Christs Churches to assist What if it wast thou purchast hast that Pearl that most have mist Nay rather he hath purchast thee and whatsoever thou hast With graces store to govern o're his people he thee plac't Our State affaires thy will repaires assistant thou hast bin Firm league to make for Gospels sake four Colonyes within With Sweads French Dutch and Indians much Gods peoples peace this bred Then Eaton aye remember may the Child that 's yet unfed This government of New-haven although the younger Sister of the foure yet was she as beautifull as any of this broode of travellers most minding the end of her coming hither to keep close to the rule of Christ both in Doctrine and Discipline and it were to be wished her elder Sister would follow her example to nurture up all her children accordingly here is not to be forgotten the honoured Mr Hopkins who came over about this time a man of zeale and courage for the truths of Christ assisting this blessed work both in person and estate for the which the Author cannot forget him being oft in commission for the good of all the united Colonyes HOpkins thou must although weak dust for this great work
good and ill provent But God both time and means hath at 's command Dunster in time to his N. E. hath sent VVhen England 'gan to keep at home their guides N. E. began to pay their borrowed back Jndustrious Dunster providence provides Our friends supply and yet our selves no lack VVith restless labour thou dost delve and dung Surculus set in garden duly tended That in Christs Orchard they with fruit full hung May bless the Lord thy toil gone them expended Thy constant course proves retrograde in this From West to East thy toil returns again Thy husbandry by Christ so honored is That all the world partaketh of thy pains CHAP. XX. Of the planting of the one and twentieth Church of Christ at a Town called Glocester and of the Church and Town of Dover and of the hardships that befel a certain people who thirsted aftor large liberty in a warm Country FOr the Government of this little Commonwealth this year was chosen for Governour Richard Belingham Esquire and John Endiout Esquire for Governors the number of Freemen added this year were about 503. There was another Town and Church of Christ erected in the Mattachuset Government upon the Northern-Cape of the Bay called Cape Ann a place of fishing being peopled with Fishermen till the reverend Mr. Richard Blindman came from a place in Plimouth Patten called Green-Harbor with some few people of his acquaintance and setled down with them named the Town Glocester and gathered into a Church being but a small number about fifty persons they called to office this godly reverend man whose gifts and abilities to handle the word is not inferiour to many others labouring much against the errors of the times of a sweet humble heavenly carriage This Town lying out toward the point of the Capâ— the access thereunto by Land becomes uneasie which was the chief cause it was no more populated Their fishing â—â—â—de would be very beneficial had they men of estates to mannage it yet are they not without other means of maintenance having good timber for shipping and a very sufficient builder but that these times of combustion the Seas throughout hath hindered much that work yet have there â—â—en Vessels built here at this Town of late Their reverend Elder is here remembred THou hast â—ky prime and middle age here spent The best is not too good for him that gave it When thou did'st first this Wilderness frequent For Sious sake it was that Christ might save it Blinman be blith in him who thee hath taken To feed his Flock a few poor scattered sheep Why should they be of thee at all forsaken Thy honor 's high that any thou may'st keep Wait patiently thy Masters coming thou Hast hitherto his peoples portions dealt It matters not for high preferment now Thy crown 's to come with joyes immortal felt About this time the people inhabiting the Town of Dover although they lay out of any of these Colonies mentioned yet hearing and seeing with what sweet harmony both in Churches and civil Government the Mattachusets peopled patten was carried on prosperonsly desired greatly to submit unto the same by putting themselves under their protection and for that end they petitioned their General Cort to admit of them and administer Justice as occasion served by the hands of their godly Magistrates which accordingly was granted and they have been partakers of the benefit hitherto having also the benefit of some one Minister to preach unto them till it pleased God to fit stones by the continual hewing of his word for his Temple-work and they gather a Church according to the rule of the word and called to office of a Pastor one M. Maude both godly both godly and diligent in the work This Town is scituate upon Puscataque river lying to the Northeast of Boston which river although it be not nigh so broad as Merrinaeck river yet iâ— it navigable being very deep and her banks in many place fil'd with stately timber which hath caused one or two Saw Mills to be continued there they have a good quantity oâ— Meddow Land and good ground for India corn To end thâ— year 1641. the Lord was pleased to send a very sharp Winteâ— in so much that the Harbor where Ships ordinarily Anchor waâ— frozen over of such a thickness that it became passeable bot for horse carts and oxen for the space of five weeks An here the Reader must be minded of the wonder-working providence of Christ for his poor Churches in altering the veâ—â— season for their comfort to the wonder of English and Indâ—ans the Winter and Summer proving more moderate both for heat and cold unmasking many by this means it being a frequent thing with some that after the novelties of a new laâ—d began to be stale with them and the sweet nourishment of the soul by the presence of Christ in the preaching of his Word began to dry up through the hot heady conceit of some new conceived opinion Then they wanted a warmer country and every Northwest wind that blew they crept into some odd chimney-corner or other to discourse of the diversity of Climates in the Southerne parts but chiefly of a thing very sweet to the pallate of the flesh called liberty which they supposed might be very easily attain'd could they but once come into a place where all men were chosen to the office of a Magistrate and all were preachers of the Word and no hearers then it would be all Summer and no Winter This consultation was to be put in practise speedily as all headstrong motions are but the issue proved very sad both to these and others also for thus it befell when the time of the year was come that a sea-voyage might be undertaken they having made sale of a better accommodation then any they could afterward attain unto prepare for the voyage with their wifes and children intending to land them in one of the Summer Islands called the Isle of Providence and having wind and seas favouring them as they supposed or to speak more proper the provident hand of the most high God directing it they were brought so neer the shore for convenient landing that they might have heaved a Bisket cake on land their Pilate wondring he could not see the English colours on the Fort he began to mistrust the Island was taken and more especially because they saw not the people appear upon the shores as they usually did when any Vessel was a coming in but now and then they saw some people a far off wasting to them to come in till they were even come to an Anchor and then by the hoising up and down the heads of those on shore they were fully confirmed in it that the Island was taken as indeed it was by the Spaniards who as soone as they tackt about to be gone made shot at them and being in great fear they made all the fail they could but before they could get out of shot the Master
year The Town of Readding had her foundation stone laid about this time this and the Town of Wooburn were like the twins in the womb of Tamar Readding thrusting forth the hand first but Wooburn came first to the birth this Town is well watered and scituate about a great pond besides it hath two mills the one a Saw-mill the other a 〈◊〉 mill which stand on two several streams it hath not been â—o fruitful for children as her Sister hath her habitation is fallen in the very center of the country they are well stocked with cattel for the number of people they have they gathered into a church and ordained a Pastor from among themselves at the same time a young man of good abilities to preach the Word and of a very humble behaviour named Mr. Green he having finished his course departed this life not long after whose labours are with the Lord after him succeeded in the place one Mr. Hoph a young man one of the first fruits of N. E. a man studious to promote the truths of Christ they are both remembred in this following verse ON earths bed thou at noon hast laid thy head You that for Christ as Green here toy I have taken When nature fails then rest it in earths dead Till Christ by 's word with glory thee awaken Young Hoph thou must be second to this man In field incounter with Christ's foes shalt thou Stand up and take his bright sword in thy hand Error cut down and make stout stomacks bow Green 's gone before thy warfare's now begun And last it may to see Romes Babel fall Byweakest means Christ mighty works hath done Keep footing fast till Christ thee hence do call The next Town and church of Christ planted in this colony was between Salem and Ipswitch Salem the eldest of all the Sisters was very helpful to this her little Sister nourishing her up in her own bosom till she came of age being beneficial to her besides in giving her a good portion of Land this Town is called Wenham and is very well watered as most in land Towns are the people live altogether upon husbandry New England having train'd up great store to this occupation they are encreased in cattel and most of them live very well yet are they no great company they were some good space of time there before they gathered into a Church-body the godly and reverend Mr. John Fisk went thither with them at first setting down as a planter among them yet withal he became helpful in preaching the Word unto them when they were but a few in number they afterward call'd him to the office of a Pastor with whom he now remains labouring in the Word and Doctrine with great industry of whom it may be thus said TO wade through toyl of Wilderness thou hast Dâ—ubled thy work thy wages troble are Christ hath thee call'd and in his vineyard plac't He 'l bear thee up above all saiâ—ting far Sions strong Mount must now again be built Thy faith oh Fisk the Lord hath holpen much With dreadful sighâ— the Pâ—â—lars power hath spilt All pride he 'l stain by his almighty touch His truths unstain'd by liberty keep thou To please the most authority must fall What Christ hath given if safely keep with you Till he to thee for thine accompt do call CHAP. XXVI Of the military affairs the forts of Bostoa and Charles the Castle erected anew by the six neerest Towns with the manner of putting the Country in a posture of war to be ready upon all occasions THese souldiers of Christ Jesus having made a fair retreat from their Native country hither and now being come to a convenient station resolved to stand it out the Lord assisting against all such as should come to rob them of their priviledges which the Lord Christ had purchased for them at a very high rate and now out of the riches of his grace was minded to give them yet would he have them follow him into this Wilderness for it although the chiefest work of these select bands of Christ was to mind their spiritual warfare yet they knew right well the Temple was surrounded with walls and bulworks and the people of God in re-edifying the same did prepare to resist their enemies with weapons of war even while they continued building This people no less diligent to make use of such means as the Lord afforded them ordered and decreed That all the souldiers belonging to the 26. bands in the Mattachusets Government should be exercised and drill'd eight daies in a yeare and whosoever should absent himself except it were upon unavoidable occasion should pay 5. s. for every daies neglect there are none exempt unless it be a few timerous persons that are apt to plead infirmity if the Church chuse them not for Deacous or they cannot get to serve some Magistrate or Minister but assuredly the generalicy of this people are very forward for feats of war and many have spent their time and estates to further this work the Town of Boston hath afforded many active Charles Town hath not been inferiour unless it be in number This year the Court appointed certain persons to spend their skill in putting the people possessing this desolate desart in a ready posture of drawing their forces together upon any suddain accident that might befall them to mannage guide order and direct all things as may be best for the good of the whole they being a poor and mean people laboured to avoid high titles yet order they knew was necessary therefore ordained they only one General Officer in time of war under the name of Major General the Governor and Magistrates for the time being are the standing Councel for peace or war and either they or the General Court may appoint any to the office of a General the first Major-General was the much honored Tho. Dudly Esquire whose faithfulness and great zeal and love to the truths of Christ caused the people to chuse him to this office although he were far stricken in years the Government is divided into four Counties which to shew they would their posterity should mind whence they came they have named Suffolk Middlesex Essex and Northfolk each containing a Regiment over whom the chief Commander is only a Serjeant-Major the first chosen to this office over the Regiment of Suffolk was Major Edw. Gibbons who hath now the office of Major-General also he is a man of a resolute spirit bord as a Lion being wholly tutor'd up in N.E. Discipline very generous and forward to promote all military matters his Forts are well contrived and batteries strong and in good repair his great Artillery well mounted and cleanly kept half Canon Culverins and Sakers as also field-pieces of brass very ready for service his own company led by Capt. Lievtenant Sarag are very compleat in their arms and many of them disciplin'd in the military garden beside their ordinary trainings the Captains under him are Caps
work as for Tanners and Shomakers it being naturalized into these occupations to have a higher reach in mannaging their manifactures then other men in N. E. are having not chang'd their nature in this between them both they have kept men to their stander hitherto almost doubling the price of their commodities according to the rate they were sold for in England and yet the plenty of Leather is beyond what they had their counting the number of the people but the transportation of Boots and Shoes into forraign parts hath vented all however as for Tailors they vave not come behind the former their advantage being in the nurture of new-fashions all one with England Carpenters Joyners Glaziers Painters follow their trades only Gun-smiths Lock-smiths Black-smiths Naylers Cutlers have left the husbandmen to follow the Plow and Cart and they their trades Weavers Brewers Bakers Costermongers Feltmakers Braziers Pewterers and Finkers Ropemakers Masons Lime Brick and Tilemakers Cardmakers to work and not to play Turners Pumpmakers and Wheelers Glovers Fellmungers and Furriers are orderly turn'd to their trades besides divers sorts of Shopkeepers and some who have a mystery beyond others as have the Vintners Thus hath the Lord been pleased to turn one of the most hideous boundless and unknown Wildernesses in the world in an instant as 't were in comparison of other work to a well-ordered Commonwealth and all to serve his Churches of which the Author intends to speak of three more which came to be gathered in the compass of these years CHAP. VII Of the three last Churches that were gathered in the compass of these years namely Haverhil Malâ—en and another Church gathered in the Town of Boston THis year 1648. John Winthrope Esquire was chosen Governor and Thomas Dudly Esquire Deputy Governor and John Endicut Esquire Major General all three as they were the former year the number of freemen added were about 94. about this time there was a Town founded about one or two mile distant from the place where the goodly river of Merrimeck receives her branches into her own body hard upon the river of Shawshin which is one of her three chief heads the honored Mr. Simon Broad street taking up his last setling there hath been a grrat means to further the work it being a place well fitted for the husbandmans hand were it not that the remoteness of the place from Towns of trade bringeth some inconveniencies upon the planteas who are inforced to carry their corn far to market this Town is called Andover and hath good store of land improved for the bigness of it they soon gathered into a Church having the reverend Mr. Whodbridg to instruct them in the wayes of Christ till he returned to England and since have called to office the reverend Mr. Deynes for whose further incouragement the promises of the Lord for protecting providing increaseing and continuing even the very least of his Churches going on according to his precepts are abundantly manifested in his Word THon Sister young Christ is to thee a wall Of flaming fire to hurt thee none may come In stipp'ry paths and dark wayes shall they fall His Angels might shall chase theiâ— countless sum Thy Shepheard with full cups and table spread Before thy foes in Wilderness thee feeds Increasing thy young lambs in bosom bred Of Churches by his wonder-working deeds To countless number must Christ's Churches reach The day 's at hand both Jew and Gentle shall Come crowding in his Churches Christ to preach And last for aye none can cause them to fall About this time the Town of Malden had his first foundation stones laid by certain persons who issued out of Charles-Town and indeed had her whole structure within the bounds of this more elder Town being severed by the broad ipreading river of Mistick the one from the other whose troublesome passage caused the people on the North side of the river to plead for Town-priviledges within themselves which accordingly was granted them the soyl is very firtile but they are much straitned in their bounds yet their neerness to the â—hief Market Towns makes it the more comfortable for habitation the people gathered into a Church some distance of â—ime before they could attain to any Church-Officer to admiâ—ister the Seals unto them yet in the mean time at their Sabâ—th assemblies they had a godly Christian named M. Sarjant who did preach the Word unto them and afterwards they â—ere supplied at times with some young Students from the â—olledg till the year 16â—0 one Mr. Marmaduke Mathews â—oming out of Plimouth Patten was for some space of time â—ith a people at the Town of Hull which is a small Portâ—own peopled by fishermen and lies at the entrance of the â—ays mouth where this Mr. Mathews continued preaching â—he lost the approbation of some able understanding men â—ong both Magistrates and Ministers by weak and unsafe â—pressions in his teaching yet notwithstanding he was calâ— to the office of a Pastor by the brethren of this Church of â—rist at Maldon although some Neighbour-churches were satisfied therewith for it is the manner of all the Churches Christ here hitherto to have the approbation of their Siâ—-churches and the civil Government also in the proceedings of this nature by the which means Communion of Churches is continued peace preserved and the truths of Christ sincerely acknowledged yet the Author will not miss to mind him in the following Meeter MAthews thou must build gold and silver on That precious stone Christ cannot trash indure Unstable straw and stubble must be gone When Christ by fire doth purge his building pure In seemly and in modest terms do thou Christs precious truths unto thy folk unfold And mix not error with the truth lest thou Soon leave out sense to make the truth to hold Compleating of Christs Churches is at hand Mathews stand up and blow a crrtain sound Warriours are wanting Babel to withstand Christs truths maintain 't will bring thee honors crown'd The last Church that compleated the number of 30. was gathered at Boston by reason of the popularity thereof beinâ— too many to meet in one assembly the North-east part of thâ— Town being separated from the other with a narrow streaâ— cut through a neck of land by industry whereby that part iâ— become an Island it was thought meet that the people in habiting the same should gather into a Church-body anâ— build a Meeting-house for their assembly the which they havâ— already done but not as yet called any one to office for sinâ—â— the people of Christ in some other places both in Englanâ— and elswhere have through the goodness of God obtaine like liberty with our selves the Ministers of Christ have haâ— their labours taken up in other places as well as herâ— which hath caused this Church as yet to be destituâ— the beginning of this year was sad to the people of N. â—â— by reason of the death of their honoured Governoâ—â— John Winthrope Esquire whose
AMERICA Painted to the Life A True History of the originall undertakings of the advancement of Plantations into those parts with a perfect relation of our ENGLISH Discoveries shewing their beginning progress and continuance from the year 1628. to 1658. declaring the forms of their Government Policies Religions Manners Customes Military Discipline Warres with the INDIANS the Commodities of their Countries a Description of their Townes and Havens the increase of their trading with the names of their Governours and Magistrates More Especially an absolute Narrative of the North parts of AMERICA and of the discoveries and plantations of our English in NEW-ENGLAND Written by Sir FERDINANDO GORGES Knight and Governour of the Fort and Island of Plimouth in DEVONSHIRE one of the first and cheifest promoters of those Plantations Publisht since his decease by his Grand-child Ferdinando Gorges Esquire who hath much enlarged it and added severall accurate Descriptions of his owne A work now at last exposed for the publick good to stir up the heroick and active spirits of these times to benefit their Country and Eternize their names by such honourable attempts For the Readers clearer understanding of the Country's they are lively described in a compleat and exquisite Map Vivit post funera virtus LONDON Printed by E. Brudenell for Nathaniel Brook dwelling at the Angel in Corn-hill 1658. To the READER I Thought it a part of my duty in this my briefe Narration of our Plantations to remember the Originall Vndertaking of those designes in the parts of America by such Noble Spirits of our Nation that first attempted it as well for the justification of the right thereof properly belonging to Kings of our Nation before any other Prince or State as also the better to cleare the claime made thereunto by the Embassadour of France in the behalfe of his Master in the yeare 1624. whereto I was required to make answer as more at large it appeares in the discourse it selfe withall to leave to posterity the particular wayes by which it hath beene brought to the height it is come unte wherein the providence of our Great GOD is especially to be observed who by the least and weakest meanes oftentimes effecteth great and wonderfull things all which I have endeavoured to contract in as short a compasse as the length of the â—ime and the variety of the accidents would give leave as for the truth thereof I pâ—esume it is so publiquely known as malice iâ— selfe dares not onely question it though I know none I thank my God to whom I have given any just cause maliâ—iously to attempt it uâ—lesse it be for the desire I had to do good to all without wronging of any as by the course of my life to this present it may appear If in the conclusion of my undertaking and expence of my fortunes to advance the honour and happinesse of my Nation I have setled a portion thereof to those that in nature must succeed me you may be pleased to remember that the Labourer is worthy of his hire That I have not exceeded others not better deserving that I go hand in hand with the meanest in this great worke to whom the charge thereof was commited by royall Authority That I have opened the way to greater imployments and shal be as a hand set up in a crosse way in a desert Country to point all travellers in such like kind how they may come safe to finish their journeys â—nd leaving an example to others best affected to designes of such like nature to prosecute their intents for further in largement of those began Plantations without trenching or intruding upon the rights and labours of others already possessed of what is justly granted them Especially of such who in some sort may be termed Benefactours aâ— Secondaâ—y donors of what by Gods favour is had or to be had from those springs they first found and left to posterity to bath themselves in but if there be any otherwise affected as better delighted to reap what they have not sown or to possess the fruit another hath laboured for let such be assured so great injustice will never want a wofull attendance to follow close at the heeles if not stayed behind to bring after a more terrible revenge But my trust is such impiety will not be suddenly harboured where the whole work is I hope still continued for the enlargement of the Christian faith the supportation of justice and love of peace in assurance whereof I will conclude and tell you as I have lived long so I have done what I could let those that come after me doe for their parts what they may and I doubt not but the God that governes all will reward their labours that continue in his service to whom be Glory for ever Amen FERDINANDO GORGES VVonder-working PROVIDENCE OF SIONS SAVIOVR Being a Relation of the first planting in New England in the Yeare 1628. CHAP. I. The sad Condition of England when this People removed WHen England began to decline in Religion like luke-warme Laodicea and instead of purging out Popery a farther compliance was sought not onely in vaine Idolatrous Ceremonies but also in prophaning the Sabbath and by Proclamation throughout their Parish churches exasperating lewd and prophane persons to celebrate a Sâ—bbath like the Heathen to Venus Baccus and Ceres in so much that the multitude of irreligious lascivious and popâ—sh affected persons spred the whole land like Grashoppers in this very time Christ the glorious King of his Churches raises an Army out of our English Nation for freeing his people from their long servitude under usurpâ—ng Prelacy and bâ—cause every corner of England was filled with the fury of malignant adversaries Christ creates a New England to muster up the first of his Forces in Whose 〈◊〉 condition little number and remotenesse of place made these adversaries triumph despising this day of small things but in this hight of their pride the Lord Christ brought sudden and unexpected destruction upon them Thus have you a touch of the time when this worke began Christ Jesus intending to manifest his Kingly Office toward his Churches more fully then ever yet the Sons of men saw even to the uniting of Jew and Gentile Churches in one Faith begins with our English Nation whose former Reformation being vere imperfect doth now resolve to cast down their false foundation of Prelacy even in the hight of their domineering dignity And therefore in the yeare 1628. he stirres up his servants as the Heralds of a King to make this Proclamation for Voluntiers as followeth Oh yes oh yes oh yes All you the people of Christ that are here Oppressed Imprisoned and scurrilously derided gather your selves together your Wifes and little ones and answer to your severall Names as you shall be shipped for his service in the Westereâ— World and more especially for planting the united Collonies of new England Where you are to attend the service of the King of Kings upon the
to flight see then you stand upon your watch continually in the strength of Christ for assuredly instead of casting downe the enemies of Christ thissin will cast down you utterly disinable you for striking one stroke in the cause of Christ and whereas he hath purposely pickt ouâ— this People for a patterne of purity and soundnesse of Doctrine as well as Discipline that all such may finde a refuge among you and let not any Merchants Inkeepers Taverners and men of Trade in hope of gaine fling open the gates so wide as that by letting in all sorts you mar the worke of Christ intended neither shall such labourers as hee hath pickt out to be Pyoneers in this Campe of his drinke up like Spunges such meanes as hee hath sent to maintaine both Officers and private Souldiers Lastly let not such as fight set foote on Land to compose Townes for Habitations take up large accommodations for sale to inrich themselves with others goods who are to follow them but freely as you have received so give out to others for so soone as you shall seeke to ingrosse the Lords wast into your hands he will ease you of your burden by making stay of any farther resort unto you and then be sure you shall have wast Land enough To this Commission was added a strong motive to this work as followeth Namely the great enmity betweene that onâ— truth as it is in Jesus and all other unsound and undeceiveable Doctrines together with the persons that hold them insomuch that they cannot stand in one Common-wealth long together as sixteene hundred yeares experience will testifie the which Moses layes down as one maine reason why he might not admit of a toleration to worship God in Egypt And therefore all you that believe the Scripture which so plainly prophecy the destruction of Antichrist and all Antichristian Doctrines Pray pray pray pray continually with that valiant worthy Joshua that the Sun may stand still in Gibeon and the Moone in the vally of Aijalon for assuredly although some small battailes may be fought against the enemies of Christ yet the great day of their finall overthrow shall not come till the bright Sonne of that one cleare truth of Christ stand still in the Gentile Churches that those who fight the Lords Battells may plainly discerne his enemies in all places where they finde them as also such as will continue fighting must have the World kept low in their eyes as the Moon in the valley of Aijalon CHAP. VII Of the goodnesse of God in helping his People to a large liberty in Spirituall things under the hopes of gaine in Earthly things THis Proclamation being audibly published through the I le of Great Brittaine by sundry Herraulds which Christ had prepared for that end the rumour ran through Cities Townes and Villages when those that were opposites heard it some cried one thing and some another much like the â—umult in the Town hall at Ephesus some said let them goe others cryed sweare them first others said let no Subsidy men passe others would have strict search made for non-conformants and that none of the late silenced Ministers might passe into the Ships Amidst this great hurry the sincere servants of Christ humbly seeke the Lords assistance in days of Humiliation taking up some serious cogitations how to begin this worthy worke upon which it was thought meete a patterne should be procured comprised after the manner of a Corporation-company or Brotherhood with as large liberty for government of this Association as could be got under the Broad Seale of England which accordingly was done by advise of one Mr. White an honest Counsellor at Law as also furthered by the honoured Mr. Richard Belinham and under the name of many worthy personages as Governour Dep. Gov. Assistant and Freemen c. Granted Ingrossed and Sealed as holding of the manner of East Greenwitch yeelding by way of homage the sixth part of all such Ore of Gold or Silver as might for after time be found within the Limits of the said Grant bounded on the North with the most Northerly part of the pleasant River of Merimech one mile beyond and on the South with the most Southern part of that oft frequented River commonly called Charles one mile beyond with power to rule and govern in all those parts both by Sea and Land To â—lect and set up all sorts of Officers as well Superior as Inâ—erior to point out their power and places to defend and maintaine the said Land and Inhabitants thereof with all their lawfull liberties against all such as at any time should Invade Molest or Disturbe the same as well by offensive as defensive War as also to constitute and ordaine Lawes c. Thus these Souldiers of Jesus Christ prepared to advance his Kingly Government much like Samuel when he went to annoynt David took up another errant withall that the Malignant spirit of Saul might not hinder the worke so those Worthies of Christ joyning themselves with Merchants and others who had an eye at a profitable Plantation who had not herein been deceived would they have stayed their time but surely such mist not their marke whose ayme was at the durable interest unlesse the fault were their owne neither let any man thinke Christ will not recompence those one way or other who have been any way helpfull to his people in this his work amongst whom the Author will not misse that good Gentleman Matthew Craddock by the way of thankfullnesse to him Mr. Goff and others this Verse is tendred For richest Jems and gainfull things most Merchants wisely venter Deride not then New England men this Corporation â—nter Christ calls for Trade shall never fade come Craddock factors send Let Mayâ—ew go and other more spare not thy coyne to spend Suck Trades advance did never chance in all thy Trading yet Though some deride thy losse abide her 's gaine beyond mans wit CHAP. VIII Of the wonderfull Preparation the Lord Christ by his Providence wrought for his peoples abode in this Western world NOw let all men know the admirable Acts of Christ for his Churches and chosen are universally over the whole Earth at one and the same time but sorry man cannot so discourse of them And therefore let us leave our English Nation in way of preparation for this Voyage intended and tell of the marvelous doings of Christ preparing for his peoples arrivall in the Western World whereas the Indians report they beheld to their great wonderment that perspicuous bright blâ—zing Comet which was so famously noted in Europe anon after Sun set it appeared as they say in the South-west about three houres continuing in their Horizon for the space of thirty sleepes for so they reckon their dayes after which uncouth sight they expected some strange things to follow and the rather because not long before the whole Nation of the Mattachusets were so affrighted with a Ship that arrived in their Bay having never seene
any before thus they report some persons among them discerning a great thing to move toward them upon the Waters wondering what Creature it should be they run with their light cannowes which are a kinde of Beates made of Birch Rindes and sowed together with the rootes of white Cedar-Trees from place to place stiring up all their Countreymen to come forth and behold this monstrous thing at this sudden news the shores for many miles were filled with this naked Nation gazing at this wonder till some of the stoutest among them manned ouâ— these Cannowes being armed with Bow and Arrowes they approached within shot of the Ship being becalmed they let fly their long shâ—fâ—s at her which being headed with bone some stuck fast and others dropped into the water they wondering it did not cry but kept quietly on toward them till all of a sudden the Master caused a piece of Ordnance to be fired which stroke such feare into the poore Indians that they hasted to shore having their wonders exceedingly increased but being gotten among their great multitude they waited to see the sequell with much amazement till the Seamen fiâ—ling up their salies came to an Anchor mannedout their long bote and went on shore at whose approach the Indians sled although now they saw they were men who made signes to stay their flight that they may have Trade with them and to that end they brought certaine Copper-Kettles the Indians by degrees made their approach nearer and nearer till they came to them when beholding their Vessells which they had set forth before them the Indian knocking them were much delighted with the sound and much more astonished to see they would not breake being so thin for attaining those Vessells they brought them much Bever fraughting them richly away according to their desires this was the first working providence of Christ to stir up our English Nation to plant these parts in hope of a rich Trade for Bever-skins and this made some of our Countrymen make their abode in these parts whom this Army of Christ at their comming over found as fit helps to further their designe in planting the Churches of Christ Who by a more admirable act of his Providence not long after prepared for his peoples arrivall as followeth The Summer after the blazing Starre whose motion in the Heavens was from East to West poynting out to the sons of men the progresse of the glorious Gospell of Christ the glorious King of his Churches even about the yeare 1618. a little before the removeall of that Church of Christ from Holland to Plimoth in New England as the ancient Indians report there befell a great mortality among them the greatest that ever the memory of Father to Sonne tooke notice of chiefly desolating those places where the English afterward planted the Country of Poâ—kanoky Agâ—ssawamg it was almost wholy deserted insomuch that the Neighbour Indians did abandon those places for feare of death fleeing more West by South observing the East and by Northern parts were most smitten with this contagion the Abarginny men consisting of Mattachusets Wippanaps and Tarratines were greatly weakned and more especially the three Kingdomes or Saggamore ships of the Mattachusets who were before this mortality most populous having under them seven Dukedomes or petty Saggamores and the Nianticks and Narrowganssits who before this came were but of little note yet were they now not much increased by such as fled thither for feare of death the Pecods who retained the Name of a war-like people till afterwards conquered by the English were also smitten at this time Their Disease being a sore Consumption sweeping away whole Families but chiefly yong Men and Children the very seeds of increase their Powwowes which are their Doctors working partly by Charmes and partly by Medicine were much amazed to see their Wigwams lie full of deaâ— Corpes and that now neither Squantam nor Abbamocho could helpe which are their good and bad God and also their Powwows themselves were oft smitten with deaths stroke howling and much lamentation was heard among the living who being possest with great feare oftimes left their dead unburied their manner being such that they remove their habitations at death of any this great mortality being an un vonted thing feare them the more because naturally the Country is very healthy But by this meanes Christ whose great and glorious workes the Earth throughout are altogether for the benefit of his Churches and chosen not onely made roome for his people to plant but also tamed the hard and cruell hearts of these barbarous Indians insomuch that halfe a handfull of his people landing not long after in Plimoth-Plantation found little resistance of whom the Author purposes not to speake particularly being prevented by the honoured Mr. Winslow who was an eye-witnesse of the worke onely thus much by the way they were sent to keepe possession for their Brethren and fellow Souldiers who arrived eight yeares after them as in processe of this story will God-willing appeare and verily herein they quit themselves like men or rather Christ for and by them maintaining the place notwithstanding the multitude of difficulties they met withall at their first landing being in doubtfull suspence what intertainment these Barbarians would give them having with prayer supplicated the Lord in the Name of Christ their King and guide in this their undertaking they manned out a Boate to discover what store of the Inhabitants were there Now these men whose courage exceeded the number being guided by the provident hand of the most high landed in some severall places and by making fires gave signes of their approach now the Indians whose dwellings are most neer the water side appeared with their Bowes bent and Arrowes one the string let fly their long shifts among this little company whom they might soon have inclosed but the Lord otherwise disposed of it for one Captaine Miles Standish having his fowling-peece in a reddinesse presented full at them his shot being directed by the provident Hand of the most high God strook the stourest Sachem among them one the right Arme it being bent over his shoulder to reach an Arrow forth his Qâ—iver as their manner is to draw them forth in fight at this stroke they all fled with great swiftnesse through the Woods and Thickets then the English who more thirsted after their conversion than destruction returned to their Bote without receiving any damage and soon after arrived where they left their Brethren to whom they declared the good hand of God toward them with thankfull acknowledgement of this great worke of his in preserving them Yet did they all remaine full of incumbred thoughts the Indians of whose multitudes they had now some intelligence together with experience of spirits and also knew well without commerce with them they were not like long to subsist But hee whose worke they went about wrought so rare a Providence for them which cannot but be admired of all
Rebuking one another and to cleave to the Lord with a full purpose of heart according to the blessed Rules of his Word made known unto them and further they seeing by light of Scripture the Lord Christ ascended up on high to give gifts unto men not onely extraordinary as Apostles c. before the Canon of the Scripture was perfected but also ordinary as Pastors and Teachers and that such are to be fitted with gifts according for so mighty a worke as is the Feeding and Ruling the Flock of Christ Wherefore they Elected and Ordained one Mr. Higgingson to be Tracher of this first Church of Christ set up in those parts a man indued with grace apt to teach and mighty in the Scriptures Learned in the Tongues able to convince gain-sayers aptly applying the word to his hearers who departed this life not long after of whom it may be said The Reverend Mr. Higgingson first Pastor of the Church of Christ at Salem in New England WHat Golden gaine made Higginson remove From fertill Soyle to Wildernesse of Rocks 'T was Christs rich Pearle stir'd up thee toile to love For him to feed in Wildernesse his flocks First Teacher he here Sheepe and Lambs together First crownd shall be hee in the Heavens of all Christs Pastors here but yet Christ folke had rather Him here retaine blest he whom Christ hath call'd They also called to the Office of an Exhorting Elder Mr. Scelton a man of a gratious Speech full of Faith and furnished by the Lord with gifts from above to begin this great worke of his that makes the whole Earth to ring againe at this present day The Reverend Mr. Scelton first Pastor of the Church of Christ at Salem in New England 1630. SCelton for Christ did leave his Native soile Christ Grace first wrought for him or he had never A Pastor been in Wildernesse to toile Where Christ his Flock doth into Churches gather For five yeares space to end thy war-faire thou Must meete with wantes what wants can be to him Whose Shepheard's Christ Earths fullnesse hath for you And Heavens rich Crowne for thee with 's conquest win This Church of Christ being thus begun the Lord with the Water spouts of his tender Mercy caused to increase and fructify And now let every Eare listen and every heart admire and inlarge it selfe to the astonishment of the whole man at this wonderous worke of the great Jehovah That in thrice seven yeares after the beginning of this Worke wrought such fearfull Desolations and wonderfull Alterations among our English Nation and also in this dismall Desart wasting the naturall Inhabitant with deaths stroke and that as is former touched the Mattachusets who were a populous Nation consisting of 30000 able men now brought to lesse then 300. and in their roome and place of abode this poore Church of Christ consisting at their beginning but of seven persons increased to forty three Churches in joyne Communion one with the other professing One God One Christ and one Gospell and in those Churches about 7750. Soules in one profession of the Rules of Christ and that which makes the worke more admirable in the Eyes of all beholders mens habitations are cut out of the Woods and Bushes neither can this place be entered by our English Nation but by passing through a dreadfull and terrible Ocean of nine hundred Leagues in length CHAP. XI Of the Glorious beginnings of a thorough Reformation in the Churclses of Clorist FUrther know these are but the beginnings of Christs glorious Reformation and Restauration of his Churches to a more glorious splendor than ever Hee hath therefore caused their dazeling brightnesse of his presence to be contracted in the burning Glasse of these his peoples zeale from whence it begins to be left upon many parts of the World with such hot reflection of that burning fight which hath fired many places already the which shall never be quenched till it hath burnt up Babilon Root and Branch and now let the Reader looke one the 102. Psalme the Prophet Isaia 66. Chapter take this sharpe Sword of Christs Word and all other Scriptures of like nature and follow on yee valiant of the Lord And behold the worthies of Christ as they are boldly leading forth his Troopes into these Westerne Fields marke them well Man by Man as they march terrible as an Army with Banners croud in all yee that long to see this glorious sight see ther 's their glorious King Christ one that white Horse whose hooses like flint cast not only sparkes but flames of fire in his patâ—es Behold his Crown beset with Carbunkles wherein the names of his whole Army are written Can there be ever night in his Presence whose eyes are ten thousand times higher than the Sun Behold his swiftnes all you that have said where is the promise of his comming Listen a while hear what his herauld proclaimes Babylon is sallen is fallen both her Doctrine Lordly rabble of Popes Cardinalls Lordly-Bâ—shops Friers Monks Nuns Seminary-Priests Jesuits Ermites Pilgrims Deans Prebends Arch-Deacons Commissaries Officialls Proctors Somners Singing-men Choristers Organist Bellows-blowers Vergers Porters Sextons Beads-men and Bel-ringers and all others who never had name in the Word of God together with all her false Doctrines although they may seeme otherwise never so contradictory as Arians who deny the God-head of Christ and Gortenists who deny the Humanity of Christ Papists who thinke to merit Heaven by the Workes of the Law Antinomians who deny the Law of God altogether as a rule to walke by in the obedience of Faith and deny good works to be the Frutit of Faith Arminians who attribute Gods Election or Reprobation to the will of Man and Familists who forsake the revealed Will of God and make men depend upon strong Revelations for the knowledge of Gods Electing Love towards them Conformitants oâ— Formalists who bring in a forme of worship of their owne and joyne it with the worship God hath appointed in his Word Seekers that deny all manner of worship or Ordinances of Christ Jesus affirming them to be quite lost and not to be attained till new Apostles come CHAP. XII Of the voluntary banishment chosen by this People of Christ and their last farewell taken of their Country and Friends ANd now behold the severall Regiments of these Souldiers of Christ as they are shipped for his service in the Western World part thereof being come to the Towne and Port of Southamptan in England where they were to be shipped that they might prosecute this designe to the full one Ship called the Eagle they wholy purchase and many more they hire filling them with the seeds of man and beast to sow this yet untilled Wildernesse withall making sale of such Land as they possesse to the great admiration of their Friends and Acquaintance who thus expostulate with them What will not the large income of your yearly revenue content you which in all reason cannot chuse but be more
that it hath forced its passage through the mighty Rocks which causeth some sudden falls and hinders Shipping from having any accesse far into the Land her bankes are in many places stored with Oken Timber of all sorts of which that which they commonly call'd white Oke is not inferiouâ— to our English Timber in this River lie some few Islands of fertill Land this Towne is stored with Meddow and upland which hath caused some Gentlemen who brought over good Estates and finding then no better way to improve thâ—m to see upon husbandry amongst whom that Religious and sincere hearted servant of Christ Mr. Richard Dummer sometime a Magistrate in this little Common-wealth hathholpen on this Town their houses are built very scattering which hath caused some contending about removall of their place for Sabbath-Assemblies their Cattell are about foure hundred head with store of Corne-land in tillage it consists of about seventy Families the sou'es in Church fellowship are about an hundred the teaching Elders of this Congregation have carried it very lovingly toward their people permitting of them to assist in admitting of persons into Church-society and in Church censures so long as they Act regularly but in case of their male-administration they assume the power wholly to themselves their godly life and conversation hath hitherto been very amiable and their paines and care over their flock not inferiour to many others and being bound together in a more stricter band of love then ordinary with promise to spend their dayes together if the Lord please and therefore shall not be disuaited in the following Verse LOe here Loves twinnes by Christ are sent to Preach In wildernesse his little flock among Though Christs Church-way you fully cannot reach So far hold fast as you in 's word are strong Parker thy paines with Pen and Preaching hath Roomes buildings left in Prelacy cast downe Though ' gainst her thou defer Gods finall wrath Keepe warring still and sure thou shalt have crowne Thy Brother thou oh Noise hast holpe to guide Christ tender Lambs within his fold to gather From East to West thou dost Christs Warrier bide Faint not at last increase thy fighting rather CAHP. XXXII Of good supply and seasonable helpes the Lord Christ was pleased to send to further his Wildernesse worke and particular for his Churches of Charles Towne and Ipswich and Dorchester YEt farther for the incouragement of the people of Christ in these their weak beginnings he daily brings them in fresh supplies adding this yeare also the reverend and painfull Minister of his Gospell Mr. Zachary Simmes who was invited soone after his comming over to assist in planting of another Church of Christ but the place being remote from the pretious servants of Christ already setled be chose rather to joyne with some Church among them and in a short space after hee was called to the Office of a Teaching Elder in the Church of Christ at Charles Towne together with Mr. James who was then their Pastor as you have formerly heard Among all the godly Women that came through the perilous Seas to war their warfare the wife of this zealous Teacher Mrs. Sarah Simmes shall not be omitted nor any other but to avoid tediousnesse the vertuous Woman indued by Christ with graces fit for a Wildernesse condition her courage exceeding her stature with much cheerfulnesse did undergoe all the difficulties of these times of straites her God through Faith in Christ supplying all her wants with great industry nurturing up her young Children in the feare of the Lord their number being ten both Sons and Daughters a certaine signe of the Lords intent to people this vast Wildernesse God grant they may be valiant in Faith against Sin Satan and all the enemies of Christs Kingdome following the example of their Father and Grandfather who have both suffered for the same in remembrance of whom these following lines are placed COme Zachary thou must reedâ—fie Christ Churches in this Desart Land of his With Moses zeale stampt unto dust defie All crooked wayes that Christ true worship misse With spirits sword and armor girt about Thou lay'st on load proud Prelats crowne to crack And wilt not suffer Wolfes thy flock to rout Though close they creepe with sheepe skins on their back Thy Fathers spirit doubled is upon Thee Simmes then war thy Father fighting died In prayer then prove thou like Champion Hold ouâ— till death and Christ will crown provide After these poore people had welcomed with great joy their newcome Guests all of a sudden they spy two tall Ships whose colours shewed them to be some forrein Nation at which time this little handfull of people began to be much troubled deeming them to be Rovers they gathered together such forces as their present condition would afford very ill fitted as then to rescue an enemy but their Lord and Master Christ Jesus would not suffer any such to come and instead of enemies brought in friends even Dutchmen to furnish them with farther necessary Provision For the yeare 1635 the honoured Mr. Iohn Haines was chosen Governour and the honoured Mr. Richard Bellingham Deputy Governour the number of Free-men added to this little Common wealth were about one hundred forty and five The time now approaching wherein the Lord Christ would have his people come from the Flaile to the Fan threshing out much this yeare increasing the number of his Troopes and valiant Leaders the Ships came thicker and faster filled with many worthy parsonages Insomuch that the former people began to forget their Poverty and verily Cold Purity Peace and Plenty run all in one channell Gods people here should sure have met with none other but the still waters of Peace and Plenty for back and belly soone contract much mudde as you shall he are God willing in the following History this yeare came in the honoured Sir Henry Vaine who aboad not long in this worthy worke yet mind him I will in the following Lines Sir Henry Vaine once Governour of the English People in New England THy Parents Vaine of worthy fame in Christ and thou for him Through Ocean wide in new World trid a while his warrier bin With small defeat thou didst retreat to Brittaine ground againe There stand thou stout for Christ hold out Christs Champion aâ— remainâ— Also at this time Christ sent over the much honoured and upright hearted servant of his Richard Saltingstall Esquire Son to the before-named Sir Richard Saltingstall who being weary of this Wildernesse worke returned home againe not long before and now his Son being chose to the Office of a Magistrate continued for some good space of time helping on the affaires of this little Common wealth to the honour of Christ who hath called him both Father and Son are here remembred THou worthy Knight Saltingstall hight her 's gaine doth gold exceed Then trifle not it s to be got if thou can'st see thy neede Why wilt thhu back and leave as wreck this
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
the people in the several Colonies to make a yearly contribution toward it which by some is observed but by the most very much neglected the Government hath endeavoured to grant them all the priviledges fit for a Colledg and accordingly the Governour and Magistrates together with the President of the Colledg for the time being have a continual care of ordering all matters for the good of the whole This Colledg hath brought forth and nurst up very hopeful plants to the supplying some Churches here as the grrcious and godly Mr. Wilson son to the grave and zealous servant of Christ Mr. John Wilson this young man is Pastor to the Church of Christ at Dorchester as also Mr. Buckly son to the reverend M. Buckly of Concord 〈◊〉 also a second son of his whom our Native Country hath now at present help in the Ministery and the other is over a people of Christ in one of these Colonies and if I mistake not England hath I hope not only this young man of N. E. nurâ—â—ng up in learning but many more as M. Sam. and Nathaâ—â—â—l Mathers Mr. Wells Mr. Downing Mr. Bâ—rnard Mr. Alâ—â—â— Mr. Bruster Mr. VVilliam Ames Mr. Iones Another of the first fruits of this Colledg is imployed in these Western parts at Mâ—vis one of the summer Islands beside these named â—â—me help hath been had from hence in the study of Physick 〈◊〉 also the godly Mr. Sam. Danforth who hath not only stuâ—ed Divinity but also Astronomy he put forth many Almaâ—â—ks and is now called to the office of a teaching Elder in the Church of Christ at Roxbury who was one of the fellows of this Colledg the number of Students is much encreased of late so that the present year 1651. on the twelfth of the sixth moneth ten of them took the degree of Batchelors of Art among whom the Sea-born son of Mr. Iohn Cotton was one some Gentlemen have sent their sons hither from England who are to be commended for their care of them as the judicious and godly Doctor Ames and divers others This hath been a place certainly more free from temptations to lewdness then ordinarily England hath been yet if men shall presume upon this to send their most exorbitant children intending them more especially for Gods service the Justice of God doth sometimes meet with them and the means doth more harden them in their way for of late the godly Governors of this Colledg have been forced to expell some for fear of corrupting the Fountain wherefore the Author would ye should mind this following verse You that have seen these wondrous works by Sions Savier don Expect not miracle left means thereby you over-run The noble Acts Jehovah wrought his Israel to redeem Surely this second work of his shall far more glorious seem Not only Egypt but all Lands where Antichrist doth raign Shall from Jehovahs heavy hand ten times ten plagues sustainâ— Bright shining shall this Gospel come Oh glorious King of Saints Thy blessed breath confounds thy foes all mortal power faints The ratling bones together run with self-same breath that blows Of Israels sons long dead and dry each joynt there sinew grows Fair flesh doth cover them veins lifes feuntain takes there platâ— Smooth seamless coats doth cloath their flesh and all their structure grace The breath of Life is added they no Antinomians are But loving him who gives them life more zealous are by far To keep his Law then formerly when righteousnesse they sought In keeping that they could not keep which then their dowufâ— brought Their ceremonies vanisht are on Christ's all their desires Their zeal all Nations doth provoke inkindled are loves fires VVith hast on horseback bringing hometheir sons daughters they Rejoyce to see this glorious sight like Resurrections day Vp and be doing you young plants Christ calls his work unto Polluted lips touch'd with heav'ns fire about this work shall go Prostrate in prayer parents and you young ones on Christ call Suppose of you he will make use whereby that boast shall fall So be it Lord thy servants say who are at thy disposing VVith outward word work inward grace by heavenly truths disclosing Awake stand up from death to life in Christ your studies enter The Scriptures search bright light bring forth upon this hardship venter Sound doctrine shall your lips preach out all errors to confound And rid Christ's Temple from this smoke his glory shall abound Precipitant doth Dâ—gon fall his triple head off out The Beast that all the world admires by you to death is put Put hand to mouth with vehement blast your silver Trumpets sound Christ calls to mind his peoples wrongs their foes hee 'l now confoâ—nd Bestrong in God and his great might his wondrous works do tell You raised are unwonted ways observe his workings well As Jordans streams congeal'd in heaps and Jerico's high walls With Rams horns blast and Midians Host with pitcher breaking falls Like works your faith for to confirm in these great works to come That nothing now too hard may seem Jehovah would have don The rage of Seas and hunger sharp wants of a desart Land Your noble hearts have overcom what shall this work withstand Not persecutors pride and rage strong multitudes do fall By little handfuls of least dust your Christ confounds them all Not Sâ—tan and his subtil train with seeming shew reforming Another Gospel to bring forth brings damned errors swarming Your selves have seen his paint waesht off his hidden poysons found Christ you provides with Antidotes to keep his people sound There 's nought remains but conquist now through Christ's continued power His hardest works have honors most attend them every hour VVhat greater honor then on earth Christ's Legat for to bo Attended with his glorious Saints in Church fraternity Christ to behold adorning now his Bride in bright array And you his friends him to attend upon his Nuptial day VVith crowned heads as Conquerors triumphant by his side In 's presence is your lasting joy and pleasures ever bide Mr. Henry Dunstar is now President of this Colledg fitted from the Lord for the work and by those that have skill that way reported to be an able Proficient in both Hebrew Greek and Latine languages an Orthodox Preacher of the truths of Christ very powerful through his blessing to move the affection and besides he having a good inspection into the well-ordering of things for the Students maintenance whose commons hath been very short hitherto by his frugal providence hath continued them longer at their Studies then otherwise they could have done and verily it 's great pity such ripe heads as many of them be should want means to further them in learning But seeing the Lord hath been pleased to raise up so worthy an instrument for their good he shall not want for incouragement to go on with the work so far as a rustical rime will reach COuld man presage prodigious works at hand Provide he would for 's
manifested not only to our own shipping but strangers as the Mary Rose blown up in Charles River and sunk in a moment with about thirteen men slain therein As also one Capt. Chadwicks Pinnace and about four men slain therein beside what hath been formerly said touching our own shipping B The Rod of God toward us in our Maritine affairs manifested not only to our own shipping but strangers as the Mary Rose blown up in Charles River and sunk in a moment with about thirteen men slain therein As also one Capt. Chadwicks Pinnace and about four men slain therein beside what hath been formerly said touching our own shipping C Of the Lords hand against our Land affairs as is heretofore expressed and also in the suddain taking away many mens estates by fire and chiefly by a most terrible fire which happened in Charles-Town in the depth of Winter 1650. by a violent wind blown from one house to another to the consuming of the fairest houses in the Town Vnder the preâ—ance of being unequally rated many men murmure exceedingly and withdraw their shoulders from the support of Government to the great discouragement of those that govern 1651. Pride and excess in apparrel iâ— frequent in these daies when the Lord calls his people to humiliation and humble acknowledgment of his great deliverances and that which is far worse spiritual pride to shew our selves to be somebody often step â—ut of our ranks and delight in new fangled doctrines C Of the Lords hand against our Land affairs as is heretofore expressed and also in the suddain taking away many mens estates by fire and chiefly by a most terrible fire which happened in Charles-Town in the depth of Winter 1650. by a violent wind blown from one house to another to the consuming of the fairest houses in the Town Vnder the preâ—ance of being unequally rated many men murmure exceedingly and withdraw their shoulders from the support of Government to the great discouragement of those that govern 1651. Pride and excess in apparrel iâ— frequent in these daies when the Lord calls his people to humiliation and humble acknowledgment of his great deliverances and that which is far worse spiritual pride to shew our selves to be somebody often step â—ut of our ranks and delight in new fangled doctrines C Of the Lords hand against our Land affairs as is heretofore expressed and also in the suddain taking away many mens estates by fire and chiefly by a most terrible fire which happened in Charles-Town in the depth of Winter 1650. by a violent wind blown from one house to another to the consuming of the fairest houses in the Town Vnder the preâ—ance of being unequally rated many men murmure exceedingly and withdraw their shoulders from the support of Government to the great discouragement of those that govern 1651. Pride and excess in apparrel iâ— frequent in these daies when the Lord calls his people to humiliation and humble acknowledgment of his great deliverances and that which is far worse spiritual pride to shew our selves to be somebody often step â—ut of our ranks and delight in new fangled doctrines C Of the Lords hand against our Land affairs as is heretofore expressed and also in the suddain taking away many mens estates by fire and chiefly by a most terrible fire which happened in Charles-Town in the depth of Winter 1650. by a violent wind blown from one house to another to the consuming of the fairest houses in the Town Vnder the preâ—ance of being unequally rated many men murmure exceedingly and withdraw their shoulders from the support of Government to the great discouragement of those that govern 1651. Pride and excess in apparrel iâ— frequent in these daies when the Lord calls his people to humiliation and humble acknowledgment of his great deliverances and that which is far worse spiritual pride to shew our selves to be somebody often step â—ut of our ranks and delight in new fangled doctrines C Of the Lords hand against our Land affairs as is heretofore expressed and also in the suddain taking away many mens estates by fire and chiefly by a most terrible fire which happened in Charles-Town in the depth of Winter 1650. by a violent wind blown from one house to another to the consuming of the fairest houses in the Town Vnder the preâ—ance of being unequally rated many men murmure exceedingly and withdraw their shoulders from the support of Government to the great discouragement of those that govern 1651. Pride and excess in apparrel iâ— frequent in these daies when the Lord calls his people to humiliation and humble acknowledgment of his great deliverances and that which is far worse spiritual pride to shew our selves to be somebody often step â—ut of our ranks and delight in new fangled doctrines C Of the Lords hand against our Land affairs as is heretofore expressed and also in the suddain taking away many mens estates by fire and chiefly by a most terrible fire which happened in Charles-Town in the depth of Winter 1650. by a violent wind blown from one house to another to the consuming of the fairest houses in the Town Vnder the preâ—ance of being unequally rated many men murmure exceedingly and withdraw their shoulders from the support of Government to the great discouragement of those that govern 1651. Pride and excess in apparrel iâ— frequent in these daies when the Lord calls his people to humiliation and humble acknowledgment of his great deliverances and that which is far worse spiritual pride to shew our selves to be somebody often step â—ut of our ranks and delight in new fangled doctrines D An over-eager desire after the world hath so seized on the spirits of many that the chief end of our coming hither is forgotten and notwithstanding all the powerful means used we stand at a stay as if the Lord had no farther work for his people to do but every bird to feather his own nest D An over-eager desire after the world hath so seized on the spirits of many that the chief end of our coming hither is forgotten and notwithstanding all the powerful means used we stand at a stay as if the Lord had no farther work for his people to do but every bird to feather his own nest E The Lords taking away by death many of his most eminent servants from us shewes that either the Lord will raise up another people to himself to do his work or raise us up by his Rod to a more eager pursuit of his work even the planting of his Churches the world throughout The Lord converts and calls forth of their graves men to fight his battels against the enemies of his truth E The Lords taking away by death many of his most eminent servants from us shewes that either the Lord will raise up another people to himself to do his work or raise us up by his Rod to a more eager pursuit of his work even the planting of his Churches the world throughout The Lord converts and calls forth of their graves men to fight his battels against the enemies of his truth Aso Mr. William Leveriry Pastor of Sandwich Church is very serious therein and with good success Mr. Nathaneel White Mr. Patrick Copeland Mr. William Golding Rev. 17.14 * Yea every Officer hath his own proper Regiment