Nirto^iEnBlanys JHeinotial. 
 
To t\\e \\\V»Vick. 
 
 The publisher deems it unnecessary to offer any apolog-y to 
 the publick in presenting- a new edition of New England's Me- 
 morial. Our elders of tlie present generation have seen, and 
 read, and hold dear its authentic and precious details; but, it 
 bas been absolutely beyond the reach of the middle-aged and 
 I'ue young, to buy or to borrow this book for perusal. There 
 was even some difficulty in hunting up a copy for the impress- 
 ion, now ready for distribution. The community have felt and 
 expressed uneasiness ; and it is not strange. This is not one of 
 that class of books, one or two copies of which in a circulating 
 library answer the purpose of a village. Every man, old or 
 young, wants it on his shelf. He wants it for himself, and for 
 his children. It is delightful to see with what eagerness the 
 children treasure up its contents. This edition has been pub- 
 lished to answer the publick demand, and the price is low to 
 bring it within the means of all. 
 
 Plymouth, Nov. 1826, 
 
THE 
 
 OR, 
 
 A BRIEF RELATION OF THE MOST MEMORABLE AND REMARKABLE 
 
 PASSAGES OF THE PROVIDENCE OF GoD, MANIFESTED TO THE 
 
 PLANTERS OF NEW-ENGLAND, 
 IN AMERICA : 
 
 WITH 
 SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE FIRST COLONY THEREOF, CALLED 
 
 NEW PLYMOUTH. 
 
 A nomination of divers of the most eminent instruments deceas- 
 ed, both of Church and Commonwealth, improved Iq 
 the first beginning-, and after progress of sundry 
 of the respective jurisdictions in those parts: 
 In reference unto sundry exemplary 
 passages of their lives, and the 
 time CI their death. 
 
 Published/or the use and benejit of present and future generations. 
 
 BY NATHANIEL MORTON, 
 
 Secretary to the Court for the Jurisdiction of New PJymouth. 
 
 Deut. xxxii. 10. He found him in a desert land, in the waste 
 
 howling wilderness he led him about ; he instructed him, he 
 
 kept him as the apple of his eye. 
 Jer. ii. 2,3. I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the 
 
 love of thine espousals, when thou wenlest after me in the 
 
 wilderness, io a land that V7as not sown, &c. 
 
 PLYMOUTE^, Mass. 
 
 REPRINTED BY ALLEN DANFORTH. 
 
 1826. 
 

 /' /^o?j 
 
TO THE READER, 
 
 IT is much to be desired there mig-ht be extant a complete 
 history of tlie united colonies of New Eng'land, that God mn 
 have the praise of his goodness to his people here, and thai t!i 
 present and future generations may have the benefit thereof. 
 This being not attainable for the psesent, nor suddenly to be ex- 
 pected, it is very expedient, that (while sundry of the eldest 
 planters are yet living) records and memorials of remarkable 
 providences be preserved and published, that the true originals 
 of these plantations may not be lost ; that New England, in all 
 ti;nes to come, may remember the day of her smallest things, 
 and that there may be a turaiture of mateiials for a true and 
 full history in after times. 
 
 For these and sucIj like reasons we are willing to recommend 
 unto the reader this present narrative, as a useful piece. The 
 author is an approved godly man, and one of the first planters 
 at Plymouth ; tlie work itself is compiled with modesty of spirit, 
 simplicity of style, and truth of matter, containing tise annals of 
 New-England for the space of 47 years, with special reference 
 lo Plymouth colony, which was the first, and where the auttjor 
 hath had his constant abode : And yet (so far as his intelligence 
 did reach) relating many remarkable passages ia the several 
 colonies : And also making an honourable mention of divers of 
 the most eminent servants of God that have been amongst us in 
 several parts of the country, ai'ter they had finished their course. 
 We hope that the labour of this good man will find a general 
 acceptance amongst the peopie of God, and also be a means to 
 provoke s.)me or other in the rest of the colonies (who have had 
 kaowledge of things from the beginning) to contribute their ob- 
 servations and rneitiorials also ; by vvhicl) means, what is want- 
 ing in this narrative, may be supplied by some others : And so 
 in the issue, from divers memorials, there may be' matter for a 
 just history of New England in the Lord's good time. In the 
 mean time, this may stand for a monument, and be deservedly- 
 acknowledged as an Ebenezer, that hitherto the Lord hath 
 helped us. 
 
 JOHN HIGGINSON, 
 
 March 26, 1669. THOMAS THACHER. 
 
To THE Right Worshipful 
 
 THOMAS PRINCE, ESQ. 
 
 Governor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth. 
 With the Worshipful, the 
 
 MAGISTRATES, HIS ASSISTAlSfTS IN THE SAID GOV- 
 ERNMENT. 
 N. M. wisheth peace and prosperity in this life, and 
 
 eternal happiness in that which is to come. 
 Right Worshipful, 
 
 The consideration of the weight of duty that lies 
 upon us to commemorize to future generations the 
 memorable passages of God's providence to us and 
 our predecessors, in the beginning of this plantation, 
 hath wrought in me a restlessness! of spirit, and ear- 
 nest desire, that something might be achieved in that 
 behalf, more (or at least otherwise) than as yet hath 
 been done. Many discouragements I have met with, 
 both from within and without myself: But reflecting 
 upon the ends I have proposed to myself in setting out 
 in this work, it hath aflfbrded me some support, viz. 
 The glory of God, and the good of present and future 
 generations. Being also induced hereunto, by the con- 
 sideration that yourselves (especially some of you) are 
 fully acquainted with many of the particulars, both 
 concerning persons and things, inserted in the follow- 
 ing narrative, and can on your own knowledge assort 
 them for truth. Were it so that any other had trav- 
 elled in this kind, in such a way as might have con- 
 duced to a brief and satisfactory intelligence in par- 
 ticulars relating to the premises, 1 would have spared 
 this labour, and have satisfied myself in perusal of 
 iheir works, rather than to have set pen to paper 
 
Vm THE EPISTLE DEPICATORY. 
 
 about the same ; but having never seen noV heard of 
 any, especially respecting this our plantation of New 
 Plymouth, which God hath honored to be the first in 
 this land ; 1 have made bold to present your worships 
 with, and to publish to the world, something of the 
 very first beginnings of the great actions of God in 
 New England, begun at New Plymouth : Wherein the 
 greatest part of my intelligence hath been borrowed 
 from my much honoured uncle, Mr. William Brad- 
 ford, and such manuscripts as he left in his study, 
 from the year 1620, unto 1646 ; whom had God con- 
 tinued in this world some longer time, and given him 
 rest from his other more important affairs, we might 
 probably have had these things from an abler pen, 
 and better digested, than now you may expect. Cer^ 
 tain diurnals of the honoured Mr. Edward Winslow, 
 have also afforded me good light and help ; and what 
 from them both, and otherwise I have obtained, that 
 I judged suitable for the following discourse, 1 have 
 with care and faithfulness related ; and have therein 
 more solicitously followed the truth of things, (many 
 of which 1 can also assert on my own knowledge) than 
 1 have studied quaintness in expressions. 
 
 1 should gladly have spoken more particularly of 
 the neighbouring united colonies, whose ends and 
 aims, in their transplanting of themselves and families, 
 were the same with ours, viz. The glory of God, the 
 propagation of the gospel, and the enlargement of his 
 Majesty's dominions ; but for want of intelligence, 
 and that I may not prevent a better pen, I shall only 
 make mention of some of their worthies that we have 
 been most acquainted with. 
 
 I shall not insist upon the clime nor soil of the 
 country, its commodities or discommodities ; nor at 
 large on the natives, or their customs or manners ; 
 all which have been already declared by Capt. Smith, 
 Mr. Iligginson, Mr. Williams, Mr. Wood, and others. 
 "What it is, and what mv aims at God's u,\ory, and my 
 good affection to the place and people of whom 1 trear. 
 
THE EPISTLE DEDICATORY. IX 
 
 may make it, 1 present yonr worships with ; humbly 
 craving your favourable aspect, and good acceptance 
 of my poor endeavours ; and that myself and it may 
 tind protection and shelter under the wings of your 
 pious patronage, to defend us against such critical and 
 censorious eyes and tongues, as may either carp at 
 my expressions, or misconstrue my intentions. The 
 ample experience 1 have had of your undeserved la- 
 vourand respect to me, in my many years' service of 
 the public, and my observation in that time, that you 
 have desired something of this nature might be done, 
 hath encouraged me hereunto : Your good acceptance 
 whereof shall ever oblige me to answerable returning 
 of gratitude, and administer to me further cause of 
 thankfulness, that God hath given me an habitation 
 under your just and prudent administrations ; and 
 wish for a succession of such as may be skilful to lead 
 our Israel in this their peregrination ; and when God 
 shall take you hence, to receive the crown of your 
 labours and travels. So prayeth. 
 
 Your Worships'' humble servant^ 
 
 NATHANIEL xMORTON. 
 
TO THE CHRISTIAN READER. 
 
 Grace and Peace be multiplied; with profit by this 
 following narration. 
 
 Gentle Reader, 
 
 I have for some length of time looked upon it as a 
 duty incumbent, especially on the immediate success- 
 ors of those that have had so large experience 
 of those many memorable and signal demonstrations 
 of God's goodness, viz. The first beginners of this 
 plantation in New England, to commiu to writing his 
 gracious dispensations on that behalf; having so ma- 
 ny inducements thereunto, not only otherwise, but so 
 plentifully in the sacred scriptures : That so, what we 
 have seen, and what our fathers have told us, we may 
 not hide from our children, shewing to the genera- 
 tions to come the praises of the Lord ; Psalm Ixxiv. 
 3, 4. That especially the seed of Abraham, his ser- 
 vant, and the children of Jacob, his chosen, may re» 
 member his marvellous works (Psalm cv. 8, 9,) in the 
 beginning and progress of the planting of New Eng- 
 land, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth: 
 How that God brought a vine into the wilderness ; 
 that he cast out the heathen, and planted it, and 
 he also made room for it, and he caused it 
 to take deep root, and it filled the land ; so that 
 it hath sent forth its boughs to the sea, and its branch- 
 es to the river, Psalm Ixxx. 8, 9. And not only so, 
 but also that He hath guided his people by his strength 
 to his holy habitation, and planted them in the moun- 
 tain of his inheritance, (Exodus XV. 13,) in respect of 
 precious e;ospel-enjoyments. So that we may not on- 
 ly look back to former experiences of God's goodness 
 to our predecessors, (though many years before) and 
 so have our faith strengthened in the mercies of God 
 for our times ; that so the church being one numeri- 
 
TO THE CHRISTIAN READER. Xl 
 
 cal body, might not only even for the time he spake 
 with us in our forefathers, (Hosea xii. 4,) by many- 
 gracious manifestations of his glorious attributes, 
 wisdom, goodness, and truth, improved for their good ; 
 but also rejoice in present enjoyments of both out- 
 ward and spiritual mercies, as Iruits of their prayers, 
 tears, travels and labours : That as especially God 
 may have the glory of all, unto whom it is most due; 
 so also some rays of glory may reach the names of 
 those blessed saints that were the main instruments of 
 the beginning of this happy enterprise. 
 
 So then, gentle reader, thou mayest take notice, 
 that the main end of publishing this small history is, 
 that God may !iave his due praise, his servants, the 
 instruments, have their names embalmed, and the 
 present and future ages may have the fruit and bene- 
 fit of God's great work, in the relation of the first 
 planting of New England. Which ends, if attained, 
 will be great cause of rejoicing to the publisher there- 
 of, if God give him life and opportunity to take notice 
 thereof. 
 
 The method I have observed is, (as I could) to 
 some measure answerable to the ends forenamed, in 
 inserting some acknowledgment of God's goodness, 
 faithfulness, and truth, upon special occasions, with 
 allusion to the scriptures ; and also taking notice of 
 some special instruments, and such main and special 
 particulars as were perspicuously remarkable, in way 
 of commendation in them, so far as my intelligence 
 would reach ; and especially in a faithful commemo- 
 rizing, and declaration of God's wonderful works for, 
 by, and to his people, in preparing a place for them, 
 by driving out the heathen before them ; bringing 
 them through a sea of troubles; preserving and pro- 
 tecting them from, and in those dangers that attend- 
 ed them in their low estate, when they were stran- 
 gers in the land ; and making this howling wilder- 
 ness a chamber of rest, safety, and pleasantness, whilst 
 the stormiS of his displeasure have not only tossed, but 
 
XU TO THE CHRISTIAN READER. 
 
 endangered the overwhelmiag of great states and 
 kingdoms, and hath now made it to us a fruitful land, 
 sowed it with the seed of man and beast; but espec- 
 ially in giving us so long a peace, together with the 
 gospel of peace, and so great a freedom in our civil 
 and religious enjoyments ; and also in giving us hopes 
 that we may be instruments in his hands, not only of 
 enlarging of our Prince's dominions, but to enlarge 
 the kingdom of the Lord Jesus, in the conversion of 
 the poor blind natives. 
 
 And now, courteous reader, that 1 may not hold 
 thee too long in the porch, I only crave of thee to 
 read tliis following discourse with a single eje, and 
 with the same ends as I had in penning it. Let not 
 the smallness of our beginnings, nor weakness of in- 
 struments, make the thing seem little, or the work 
 despicable, but on the contrary, let the greater praise 
 be rendered unto God, who hath effected great things, 
 by small means. Let not the harshness of my style 
 prejudice thy ta«te or appclite to the dish I present 
 thee with. Accept it as freely as I give it. Carp 
 not at what thou dost not approve, but use it as a re- 
 membrance of the Lord's troodnoss, to engage a true 
 thankfulness and obedience; so it may be a help to 
 thee in thy journey through the wilderness of this 
 world, to that eternal rest, which is onl}- to be found 
 m the heavenly Canaan : Which is the earnest de- 
 sire of 
 
 Thy christian friend 
 
 NATHANIEL MORTON. 
 
NEW-ENGLAND'S 
 
 MEMORIAL: 
 
 OR, 
 
 A brief relation of the most remarkable 
 passages of the Providence of God, 
 manifested to the planters of NEW- 
 ENGLAND in AMERICA. And 
 first of the beginning of the first plan- 
 tation in New-England, called 
 
 IT is the usual manner of the dispensation of the 
 Majesty of Heaven, to work wonderfully by weak 
 means for the effectuating of great things, to the in- 
 tent that he may have the more glory to himself: 
 Many instances hereof might be produced, both out 
 of the sacred scriptures, and common experience ; and 
 amongst many others of this kind, the late happy and 
 memorable enterprise of the planting of that part of 
 America called New-England, deserveth to be corn- 
 memorized to future posterity. 
 
 In the year 1 602, divers godly Christians of our En- 
 glish nation, in the North of England, being studious 
 of reformation, and therefore not only witnessing a- 
 gainst human inventions, and additions in the worship 
 
H NEW-£NGLAND's MEMORfAt/* 
 
 of God, but minding most the positive and practical 
 part of divine institutions, tiiey entered into covenant 
 to walic with God, and one with another, in the en- 
 joyment of the ordinances of God, according to the 
 primitive pattern in the word of God. But finding 
 bj experience they could not peaceably enjoy their 
 own liberty in their native country, without offence 
 to others that were differently minded ; they took up 
 thoughts of removing themselves and their families 
 into the Netherlands, which accordingly they endeav- 
 oured to accomplish, but met with great hindrance; 
 yet after some time, the good hand of God removing 
 obstructions, they obtained their desires ; arriving in 
 Holland, they settled themselves in the city of Ley- 
 den, in the year 1610, and there they continued di- 
 yers years in a comfortable condition, enjoying much 
 sweet society and spiritual comfort in the ways of 
 God, living peaceably amongst themselves, and being 
 courteously entertained, and lovingly respected by 
 the Dutch, amongst whom they were strangers, having 
 for their pastor Mr. John Robinson, a man of a learn- 
 ed, polished, and modest spirit, pious and studying of 
 the truth, largely accomplished with suitable gifts and 
 qualifications to be a shepherd over this flock of Christy 
 having also a fellow helper with him in the eldership^ 
 Mr. William Brewster, a man of approved piety, grav- 
 ity, and integrity, very eminently furnished with gifts 
 suitable to such an office. 
 
 But notwithstanding their amiable and comfortable 
 carrying on (as hath been said) although the church 
 of Christ on earth in holy writ, is sometimes called 
 heaven ; yet there is always in their most perfect 
 state, here in this lowei world, very much wanting as 
 to absolute and perfect happiness, which is only re- 
 served for the time and place of the full enjoyment of 
 celestial glory ; for, although this church was at peace 
 and in rest at this time, yet they took up thoughts of 
 removing themselves into America with common con- 
 tent ; the proposition of removing thither being set on 
 
^fiW-ENGLAND^S MEMORIAL, 16 
 
 foot, and prosecuted by tlie elders upon just and 
 woightj grounds; for although they did quietly and 
 sweetly enjoy their church liberties under the States, 
 3'et thej foresaw that Holland would be no place for 
 their church and posterity to continue in comibrtably, 
 at least in that measure that they hoped to find abroad ; 
 and that for these reasons following, which 1 shall re- 
 cite as received fronr) themselves. 
 
 First, Because themselves were of a different lan- 
 guage from the Dutch where they lived, and were set- 
 tled in their way, insomuch that in ten years time, 
 whilst their church sojourned amongst them, they 
 could not bring them to reform the neglect of observa- 
 tion of the Lord's day as a sabbath, or any other thing 
 amiss among them. 
 
 Secondly, Because their countrymen, who came 
 over to join with them, by reason of the hardness of 
 the country, soon spent their estates, and were then 
 forced either to return back to England, or to live 
 very meanly. 
 
 1 hirdly, That many of their children, through the 
 extreme necessity that was upon them, although of 
 the best dispositions, and graciously inclined, and wil- 
 ling to bear part of their parents' burthens, were oft- 
 entimes so oppressed with their heavy labours, that 
 although their spirits were free and willing, yet their 
 bodies bowed under the weight of the same, and be- 
 came decrepid in their early youth, and the vigour of 
 nature consumed in the very bud. And that which 
 was very lamentable, and of all sorrows most heavy to 
 be borne, was, that many by these occasions, and the 
 great licentiousness of youth in that country, and the 
 manifold temptations of the place, were drawn away 
 by evil examples into extravagant and dangerous 
 courses, getting the reins on their necks, and depart- 
 ing from their parents : Some became soldiers, oth- 
 ers took upon them far voyages by sea, and others 
 some worse courses, tending to dissoluteness, and the 
 destruction of their souls, to the great grief of their 
 
16 NEW-ENGtAND's MEMORIAL* 
 
 parents, and the dishonour of God ; and that the place 
 being of great licentiousness and liberty to children, 
 they could not educate them, nor could they give 
 them due correction without reproof or reproach 
 from their neighbours. 
 
 Fourthly, That their posteritj' would in a few gen- 
 erations become Dutch, and so lose their interest in 
 the English nation ; they being desirous rather to en- 
 large his Majesty's dominions, and to live under their 
 natural Prince. 
 
 Fifthly and lastly, and which was not the least, a 
 great hope and inward zeal they had of laying some 
 good foundation, or at least to make some way there- 
 unto, for the propagating and advancement of the gos- 
 pel of the kingdom of Christ in those remote parts of 
 the world, yea, although they should be but as step- 
 ping stones unto others for the performance of so 
 great a work. 
 
 This hath been graciously answered since, by mov- 
 ing the hearts of many of his servants to be very in- 
 strumental in this work, with some good success, and 
 hopes of a further blessing in that respect. 
 
 These and such like were the true reasons of their 
 removal, and not as some of their adversaries did, up- 
 on the rumour thereof, cast out slanders against them ; 
 as if the state were wear}' of them, and had rather 
 driven them out, (as heathen histories have feigned 
 of Moses and the Israelites, when they went out of 
 Egypt) than that it was their own free choice and 
 motion. 
 
 I will therefore mention a particular or two, to 
 evince the contrary. 
 
 And first, although some of them were low in their 
 estates, yet the Dutch observing that they were dili- 
 gent, faithful, and careful of their engagements, had 
 great respect to them, and strove for their customs. 
 
 Again, secondly, The magistrates of the city of Ley- 
 den where they lived, about the time of their coming 
 away, in the public place of justice, gave this com- 
 
new-England's memorial. 17 
 
 urendable testimony of them, in reproof of the Wal- 
 loons who were of the French church in the city : 
 These English (said ihey) have lived now amongst us 
 ten years, and yet we never had any suit or ac- 
 cusation against them, or any of them, but your strifes 
 and quarrels are continual. 
 
 The reasons of their removal above named being 
 debated first in private, and thought weighty, were 
 afterwards propounded in public ; and after solemn 
 days of humiliation observed both in public and in 
 private, it was agreed, that part of the church should 
 go before their brethren into America, to prepare for 
 the rest : And if in case the major part of the church 
 did choose to go over with the first, then the pastor 
 to go along with them^ but if the major part stayed, 
 that he was then to stay with them. 
 
 They having employed sundry agents to treat with 
 several merchants in England, who adventured some 
 considerable sums in a way of valuation to such as 
 went personally on the voyage ; the articles of agree- 
 ment about the premises being fully concluded with 
 the said merchants,and sundry difficulties and obstruc- 
 tions removed, having also obtained letters patent for 
 the northern parts of Virginia, of King James of fa- 
 mous memory : All things were got ready and pr6- 
 vided, a small ship was bought and fitted out in Hol- 
 land, of about sixty tons, called the Speedwell^ as to 
 serve to transport some of them over, so also to stay 
 in the country, and attend upon fishing, and such oth- 
 er aflairs as might be for the good and benefit of the 
 colony when they came thither. Another ship was 
 hired at London, of burthen about nine score, called 
 the May Flower, and all other things got in readiness ; 
 so being prepared to depart, they had a solemn day of 
 humiliation, the pastor teaching a part of the day very 
 profitably, and suitably to the present occasion ; the 
 text of scripture was Ezra viii. 21. The rest of the 
 time was spent in pouring out of prayers unto the 
 Lord, with great fervency, mixed with abundance of 
 2* 
 
J 8 new-england's memorial. 
 
 tears : And the time being come that they must de- 
 part, they were accompanied with the most of their 
 brethren out of the city unto a town called Delfts 
 Haven, where the ship lay ready to receive them, 
 so they left that goodly and pleasant city, which had 
 been their resting place above eleven years ; but they 
 knew that they were pilgrims and strangers here be- 
 low, and looked not much on these things, but lifted 
 up their eyes to heaven, their dearest country, where 
 God hath prepared for them a city, Heb. xi, 16. and 
 therein quieted their spirits. 
 
 When they came to the place, they found the ship 
 and all things ready ; and such of their friends as could 
 not come with them, followed after them, and sundry 
 came from Amsterdam to see them shipped, & to take 
 their leave of them. One night was spent with little 
 sleep with the most, but with friendly entertainment, 
 and Christian discourse, and other real expressions of 
 Christian love. The next day the wind being fair 
 they went on board, and their friends with them, 
 where truly doleful was the sight of that sad and 
 mournful parting, to hear what sighs and sobs, and 
 prayers did sound amongst them ; what tears did gush 
 from every eye, and pithy speeches pierced each oth- 
 ers heart, that sundry of the Dutch strangers, that 
 stood on the Key as spectators, could not refrain from 
 tears : Yet comfortable and sweet it was, to see such 
 lively and true expressions of dear and unfeigned love. 
 But the tide (which stays for no man) calling them a- 
 way, that were thus loth to depart, their reverend pas- 
 tor falling down on his knees, and they all with him, 
 with watery cheeks commended them with most fer- 
 vent prayers unto the Lord and his blessing ; and then 
 with mutual embraces, and many tears, they took 
 their leave one of another, which proved to be the 
 last leave to many of them. Thus hoisting sail with 
 a prosperous gale of wind, they came in a short time 
 to Southampton, where they found the bigger ship 
 come from London, being ready with all the rest of 
 
new-enoland's memorial. 19 
 
 their company, meeting each other with a joyful wel- 
 come and mutual congratulation. This was about the 
 second of July, 1620. 
 
 At their parting, their pastor, Mr. John Robinson, 
 wrote a letter to.the whole company, which 1 thought 
 meet here to insert, being so fruitful in itself, and suit- 
 able to their occasions. 
 
 Loving Chris lian friends^ 
 
 I do heartily, and in the Lord salute you, as being 
 those with whom i am present in my best affections, 
 and most earnest longing after you, though I be con- 
 strained for a while to be bodily absent from you : I 
 say constrained ; God knowing how willingly, and 
 much rather than otherwise, 1 would have borne my 
 part with you in this first brunt, were 1 not by strong 
 necessity held back for the present. Make account 
 of me in the mean time as a man divided in myself, 
 with great pain, (and as natural bonds set aside) hav- 
 ing my better part with you : And although 1 doubt 
 not but in your godly wisdoms you both foresee and 
 resolve upon that which conccrneth your present 
 state and condition, both severally and jointly ; yet 
 have 1 thought it but my duty to add some further 
 spur of provocation unto them who run already, if not 
 because you need it, yet because 1 owe it in love and 
 duty. And first, as we are daily to renew our re- 
 pentance with our God, especially for our sins known, 
 and generally for our unknown trespasses; so doth the 
 Lord call us in a singular manner, upon occasions of 
 such difficulty and danger as lieth upon you, to both 
 a narrow search and careful reformation of your ways 
 in his sight, lest he calling to remembrance our sins 
 forgotten by us, or unrepented of, (ake advantage a- 
 gainst us, and in judgment leave us to be swallowed 
 up in one danger or other : Whereas, on the contra- 
 ry, sin being taken away by earnest repentance, and 
 the pardon thereof from the Lord sealed up to a man's 
 conscience by his spirit, great shall be his security 
 
20 NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL. 
 
 and peace in all dangers, sweet his comforts in all diS' 
 tresses, with happy deliverance rrom all evil, whether 
 in life or death. Now next after this heavenly peace 
 with God and our own consciences, we are carefully to 
 provide for peace with all men, what in us lieth, es- 
 pecially with our associates; and for that watchful- 
 ness must be had, that we neither at all in ourselves 
 do give, no, nor easily take oifence being given by 
 others. Wo be to the world for offences, for although 
 it be necessary, considering the malice of Satan and 
 man's corruption, that offences come, yet wo unto the 
 man, or woman either, by whom the offence cometh, 
 saith Christ, Math, xviii. 7. and if offences in the un- 
 seasonable use of things, in themselves indifferent, be 
 more to be feared than death itself, as the Apostle 
 teacheth, 1 Cor. ix. 15, how much more in things sim- 
 ply evil, in which neither the honour of God, nor love 
 af man is thought worthy to be regarded ^ Neither 
 yet is it sufficient that we keep ourselves by the grace 
 of God from giving of offence, except withal we be 
 armed against the taking of them when they are given 
 by others : For how imperfect and lame is the work 
 of grace in that person %ho wants charity to cover a 
 multitude of offences? As the scripture speaks. Nei- 
 ther are you to be exhorted to this grace, only upon 
 the common grounds of Christianity, which are, that 
 persons ready to take offence, either want charit}' to 
 cover offences, or duly to weigh human frailties ; or 
 lastly, are gross though close hypocrites, as Christ our 
 Lord teacheth, Mat. vii. 1,2, 3, as indeed, in my own 
 experience, (e,w or none have been found which soon- 
 er give offence, than such as easily take it ; neither 
 have they ever proved sound and profitable members 
 in societies, who have nourished this touchy humour. 
 But besides these, there are divers motives provoking 
 you above others to great care and conscience this 
 way 4 as first, there are many of you strangers as to 
 the persons, so to the infirmities one of another, and 
 so stand in need of more watchfulness in this way, lest 
 
21 
 
 when such things fall out in men and women as you 
 Expected not, you be inordinately affected with them, 
 which doth require at your bands much wisdom and 
 charity for the covering and preventing of incident 
 offences that way. And lastly, your intended course 
 of civil community will minister continual occasion of 
 offence, and will be as fuel for that fire, except you 
 diligently quench it with brotherly forbearance : And 
 if taking offence causelessly or easily at men's doings, 
 be so carefully to be avoided ; how much more heed 
 is to be taken that we take not offence at God him- 
 self? Which yet we certainly do, so oft as we do 
 murmur at his providence in our crosses, or bear im- 
 patiently such afflictions wherewith he is pleased to 
 visit us. Store up therefore patience against the evil 
 day ; without which, we take offence at the Lord him- 
 self in his holy and just works. A fourth thing there 
 is carefully to be provided for, viz. That with your 
 common employments, you join common affections 
 truly bent upon the general good, avoiding, as a dead- 
 ly plague of your both common and special comforts, 
 all retiredness of mind for proper advantage ; and all 
 singularly affected every manner of way, let every 
 man repress in himself, and the whole body in each 
 person, as so many rebels against the common good, 
 all private respects of men's selves, not sorting with 
 the general convenience. And as men are careful 
 not to have a new house shaken with any violence, be- 
 fore it be well settled, and the parts firmly knit ; so 
 be you, I beseech 3'ou brethren, much more careful 
 that the house of God (which you are, and are to be) 
 be not shaken with unnecessary novelties, or other 
 oppositions at the first settling thereof. 
 
 Lastly, Whereas you are to become a body politic, 
 using amongst yourselves civil government, and are 
 not furnished with special eminency above the rest, 
 to be chosen by you into office of Government ; let 
 your wisdom and godliness appear not only in choos- 
 ing such persons as do entirely love, and will promote 
 
22 
 
 the common good ; but also in yielding unto them all 
 due honour and obedience in their lawful administra- 
 tions, not beholding in them the ordinariness of their 
 persons, but God's ordinance for your good ; not be- 
 ing like the foolish multituJe, who more honour the 
 ■gay coat, tlian either the virtuous mind of the man, or 
 the glorious ordinance of the Lord : But you know 
 better things, and that the image of the Lord's ppwer 
 and authority wliich the magistrate heareth is honor- 
 able, in how mean persons soever ; and this duty you 
 may the more willingly, and ought tlie moreconscion- 
 ably to perform, because you are (at least for the pres- 
 ent) to have them for your ordinary governors, which 
 yourselves shall make choice of for that work. 
 
 Sundry other things of importance J could put you 
 in mind of, and of those before mentioned in more 
 words ; but 1 will not so far wrong your godly minds, 
 as to think you heedless of these things, there being 
 also divers amongst you so well able both to admonish 
 tliemselves and others of what concerneth them. 
 These few things therefore, and the same in a few 
 words, I do earnestly commend to your care and con- 
 science, joining therein with my daily incessant pray- 
 ers unto the Lord, that he who has made the heavens 
 and' the earth and sea, and all rivers of waters, and 
 whose providence is over all his works, especially 
 over all his dear children for good, would so guide 
 and guard you in your ways, as inwardly by his spirit, 
 so outwardly by the hand of his power, as that both 
 you, and we also for and with you may have after-mat- 
 ter of praising his name all the days of your and our 
 lives. Fare you well in him whom you trust, and in 
 whom I rest. 
 
 An unfeigned well wisher to your happy success in 
 thishopefulvoyage. JOHiN ROBINSON. 
 
 Upon the leceipt of this letter, the company were 
 called together : And it was publicly read amongst 
 them, which had good acceptance with all, and after- 
 fruit with many. 
 
new-england's memorial. 2^ 
 
 Of the troubles that hefel the first planters vpon the coast 
 of England, and in their voyage in coming over into 
 New-England, and their arrival at Cape Cod, alias 
 Cape James* 
 
 All things being got ready, and every business des- 
 patched, they ordered and distributed their companj 
 for either ship (as they conceived for the best) and 
 chose a governor, and two or three assistants for each 
 ship, to order the people by the way, and to see to the 
 disposing of the provision, and such like affairs ; all 
 "which was not only with the liking of the masters of 
 the ships, but according to their desires ; which being 
 done, they set sail from Southampton the fifth of Au- 
 gust, 1620. But alas, the best enterprises meet often- 
 times with many discouragements ; for they had not 
 sailed far, before Mr. Reynolds, the master of the less- 
 er ship, complained that he found his ship so leaky, 
 he durst not put further to sea : On which they were 
 forced to put in at Dartmouth, Mr. Jones the master 
 of the biggest ship likewise putting in there with him, 
 and the said lesser ship was searched, and mended, 
 and judged sufficient for the voyage by the workmen 
 that mended her : On which, both the said ships put 
 to sea the second time, but they had not sailed above 
 an hundred leagues, ere the said Reynolds again conn- 
 plained of his ship being so leaky, as that he feared 
 he should founder in the sea, if he held on ; and then 
 both ships bore up again^ and went in at Plj^mouth : 
 But being there searched again, no great matter ap- 
 peared, but it was judged to be the general weakness 
 of the ship. But the true reason of the retarding and 
 delaying of matters was not as yet discerned : The 
 one of them respecting the ship (as afterwards was 
 found) was, that she was over-masted, which when 
 she came to her trim, in that respect she did well ; 
 and made divers profitable and successful voyages. 
 But secondly, and more especially, by the deceit of 
 the master and his company, who were hired to stay 
 
24 
 
 a whole year in the country ; but now fancying dis- 
 like, and fearing want of victuals, they plotted this 
 stratagenn to free themselves, as afterwards was known, 
 and by some of them confessed ; for they apprehended 
 that the greater ship being of force, and in whom 
 most provisions were bestowed, that she would retain 
 enough for herself, whatsoever became of them and 
 the passengers : But so strong was self love and de- 
 ceit in this man, as he forgot all duty and former 
 kindness, and dealt thus falsely with them. These 
 things thus falling out, it was resolved by the whole 
 company to dismiss the lesser ship, and pnrt of the 
 company with her, and that the other part of the 
 company should proceed in the bigger ship ; which 
 when they had ordered matters thereunto, the}' made 
 another sad parting, the one ship, viz. the lessesr go- 
 ing back for London, and the other, viz. the May- 
 Flower, Mr. Jones being master proceeding on the in- 
 tended voyage. 
 
 These troubles being blown over, and now all being 
 compact together in one ship, they put to sea again 
 with a prosperous wind ; but after they had enjoyed 
 fair winds for a season, they met with many contrary 
 ■winds and fierce storms, with which their ship was 
 shrewdly shaken and her upper works made very 
 leaky, and one of the main beams of the mid-ships was 
 bowed and cracked, which put them to some fear that 
 she would not be able to perform the voyage ; on 
 which the principal of the seamen and passengers had 
 serious consultation what to do, whether to return or 
 hold on : But the ship proving strong under water, 
 by a screw, the said beam was brought into his place 
 again ; which being done, and well secured by the 
 carpenter, they resolved to hold on their voyage, and 
 so after many boisterous storms in which they could 
 bear no sail, but were forced to lie at hull many days 
 together ; after long beating at sea, they fell in with 
 the land called Cape Cod. Cape Cod, so called at 
 fir&t by Captain Gosnold and his company, Anno. 
 
!iE^^— ENGLAND^S MEMORIAL. 25 
 
 1602, because they took much of that fish there ; and 
 afterward called Cape James by Capt. Smith. The 
 point of the Cape is called Point Care, and Pucker's 
 Terror ; and by /the French and Dutch, Mallacar, by 
 reason of the perilous shoals. Which being made and 
 certainly known to be it, they were not a little joyful. 
 After some little deliberation had amongst themselves 
 with the master of the ship, they tacked about to 
 stand to the southward, to find some place about Hud- 
 son's river, (according to their first intentions) for their 
 habitations : But they had not sailed that course 
 above half a day, before they fell amongst perilous 
 shoals and breakers, and they were so far entangled 
 therewith, as they conceived themselves in great dan- 
 ger ; and the wind shrinking upon them withal, they 
 resolved to bear up again for the Cape aforesaid ; the 
 next day, by God's providence, they got into the Cape 
 harbour. Thus they arrived at Cape Cod, alias Cape 
 James, in November, 1620, and being brought safe to 
 land, they fell upon their knees, and blessed the God 
 of heaven, who had brought them over the vast and 
 furious ocean, and delivered them from many perils 
 and miseries. 
 
 Nevertheless, it is to be observed, that their putting 
 into this place was partly by reason of a storm by 
 which they were forced in, but more especially by 
 the fraudulency and contrivance of the aforesaid Mr. 
 Jones, the master of the ship ; for their intention, as 
 before noted, and his engagement, was to Hudson's 
 river; but some of the Dutch having notice of their 
 intentions, and having thoughts about the same time 
 of erecting a plantation there likewise, they fraudu- 
 lently hired the said Jones, by delays, while they 
 were in England, and now under pretence of the 
 shoals, &c. to disappoint them in their going thither: 
 Of this plot betwixt the Dutch and Mr. Jones, 1 have 
 had late and certain intelligence. But God out-shoots 
 Satan oftentimes in his own bow ; for had they gone to 
 Hudson's river, as before expressed, it had oroved 
 3 
 
-o NEW-ENGLAND S MfiMORfAt^ 
 
 very dangerous to them ; for although it is a place far 
 more commodious, and the soil more fertile, yet then 
 abounding with a multitude of pernicious savages, 
 whereby they would have been in great peril of their 
 lives, and so the work of transplanting the gospel into 
 these parts much endangered to have been hindered 
 and retarded ; but God so disposed, that the place 
 where they afterv/ards settled was much depopulated 
 by a great mortality amongst the natives, which fell 
 out about two years before their arrival, whereby he 
 made way for the carrying on of his good purpose in 
 promul|iating of his gospel as aforesaid. 
 
 But before we pass on, let the reader, with me, 
 make a pause, and seriously consider this poor peo- 
 ple's present condition, the more to be raised up to 
 admiration of God's goodness towards them in their 
 preservation: For being now passed the vast ocean, 
 and a sea of troubles before in their preparation, 
 they had now no friends to welcome them, no inns 
 to entertain or refresh them,^ no houses, much less 
 towns, to repair unto to seek for succour: The barba- 
 rians that Paul the apostle fell amongst in his ship- 
 wreck, at the isle of Melita, shewed him no small kind- 
 fiess^ Acts, xxviii. but these savage barbarians, when 
 they met with them (as after will appear) were readi- 
 er to fill their sides full of arrows, than otherwise ; 
 and, lor the season it was winter, and they that know 
 the winters of the countr}^, know them to be sharp 
 and violent, subject to cruel and fierce storms, dan- 
 gerous to travel to known places, much more to 
 search unknown coasts. Besides, what could they 
 see but a hideous and desolate wilderness,, full of wild 
 beasts and wild men? And what multitudes of them 
 there were, they then knew not ; neither could they, 
 as it were, go up to the top of Pisgah, to view from 
 this wilderness a more goodly countrj^ to feed their 
 hopes ; for which way soever they turned their eyes 
 (save upward to heaven) they could have little solace 
 ©r content in respect of any outward object, for sum- 
 
27 
 
 mer being ended, all things stand in appearance with 
 a weather-beaten face, and the whole country iuil of 
 woods and thickets, represented a wild and savage 
 hue; if they looked behind thenfi, there was the 
 mighty ocean w))ich they had passed, and was m w 
 as a main bar and gulf to separate them from all tie 
 civil parts of the world. The master of the ship and 
 his company pressing with speed to look out for a 
 settlement at some near distance, for the season v^as 
 such that he would not stir from thence until a safe 
 harbour was discovered by them with their boat ;yea, 
 it was sometimes threatened, that if they would not 
 get a place in time, that they and their goods should 
 be turned on shore, and that the ship would leave 
 them ; the master expressing himself, that provisioni 
 spent apace, and that he would keep sufficient for 
 himself and his company for their return. It is true 
 indeed, that the love and affections of their brethren 
 they left behind them in Holland were cordial and 
 entire towards them, but they had little power to 
 help them, or themselves; wliat could now sustain 
 them but the spirit of God and his grace ? Ought not, 
 and may not the children of these fathers rightly say, 
 our fathers were Englishmen, which came over this 
 great ocean, and were ready to perish in this wilder- 
 ness; but they cried unto the Lord, and he heard 
 their voice, and looked on their adversity : Let them 
 therefore praise the Lord, because he is good, and 
 his mercy endureth forever; yea, let them who have 
 been the redeemed of the Lord, shew how he hath 
 delivered them from the hand of the oppressor, when 
 they wandered in the desert wilderness out of the 
 way, and found no city to dwell in ; both hungry 
 and thirsty, their soul was overwhelmed in them : 
 Let them therefore confess before the Lord his lov- 
 ing kindness, and his wonderful works before the 
 /:hildren of men. Psal. cvii. 1, 2, 4, 5, 8. 
 
28 
 
 Of the first planters^ their combination, by entering into 
 a body politic together ; with their proceedings in dis- 
 covery of a place for their settlement and habitation* 
 
 Being thus fraudulently dealt with (as you have 
 heard) and brought so far to the northward, the sea- 
 son being sharp, and no hopes of their obtaining their 
 intended port ; and thereby their patent being made 
 void and useless, as to another place : Being at Cape 
 Cod upon the eleventh day of November, 1620, it 
 was thought meet for their more orderly carrying on 
 of their affairs, and accordingly by tnutual consent 
 thej entered into a solemn combination, as a body 
 politic, to submit to such government and governors, 
 laws and ordinances, as should by a general consent, 
 from time to time, be made choice of, and assented 
 unto. The contents whereof followeth. [This was 
 the first foundation of the government of Mew Plymouth,^ 
 
 In the name of God, amen. We whose names are 
 under written, the loyal subjects of our dread sove- 
 reign Lord, King James, by the grace of God, of Great 
 Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the 
 faith, &c. Having undertaken for the glory of God, 
 and advancement of the Christian faith, and the hon- 
 our of our King and country, a voyage to plant the 
 first colony in tiie northern parts of Virginia; do by 
 these presents solemnly and mutually, in the presence 
 of God and one another, covenant and combine our- 
 selves together into a civil body politic, for our bet- 
 tor ordering and preservation, and furtherance of the 
 ends aforesaid : And by virtue hereof, to enact, con- 
 stitute and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, 
 acts, constitutions and officers, from time to time, as 
 shall be thought most meet and convenient for the 
 general good of the colony; unto which we promise 
 all due submission and obedience. In witness where- 
 of, we have hereunto subscribed our names, at Cape 
 
Cod, the eleventh of November, in the reign of our 
 sovereign Lord King James, of England, France and 
 Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty 
 fourth, Anno Dom. 1620. 
 
 John Carver, Samuel Fuller, Edzvard Tilly, 
 
 William Bradford, Christopher Martin John Tilly, 
 
 Edward Winslow, William Mullins, Francis Cook, 
 
 WilUam Brewster, William White, Thomas Rogers, 
 
 Isaac AUerton, Richard Warren, Thomas Tinker, 
 
 Miles Standish, John Rowland, John Ridgdalc, 
 
 John Alden, Stephen Hopkins, Edward Fuller, 
 
 John Turner, T^igery Priest, Richard Clark, 
 
 Francis Eator^ Thomas Williams, Rich, Gardiner, 
 
 James Chi Iff m, Gilbert Wlnslozv, John AUerton, 
 
 JohnCraxton, Edmund Morgeson, Thomas English, 
 
 John Billington, Peter Brown, Edward Doten, 
 
 Joses Fletcher, Richard Biiteridge, Edzvard Liester, 
 
 John Goodman, George Soule, 
 
 After this they chose Mr. John Carver, a man godly 
 and well approved amongst them, to be tiieir gover- 
 nour for that year. 
 
 Necessity now calling them to look out a place for 
 habitation, as well as the master and mariners impor- 
 tunity urging them thereunto ; while their carpenter 
 was trimming up of their boat, sixteen of their men 
 tendered themselves to go by land and discover those 
 nearest places, which was accepted ; and they being 
 well armed, were sent forth on the sixteenth of No- 
 vember, 1620, and having marched about a mile by 
 the sea side, they espied five Indians, who ran away 
 fi-om them, and they followed them all that day sun- 
 dry miles, but could not come to speak with them ; so 
 night coming on, they betook themselves to their 
 rendezvous, and set out their sentinels, and rested in 
 quiet that night; and the next morning they followed 
 the Indian tracks, but could not find them nor their 
 d^vellings, but at length lighted on a good quantity of 
 €ilea.r ground near to a pond of fresh water, where 
 3* 
 
so new-england's memorial. 
 
 formedy the Indians bad planted Indian corn, at 
 which place they saw sundry of their graves; and 
 proceeding further they found new stubble, where 
 Indian corn had been planted the sanne year ; also 
 they found where lately an house had been, where 
 some planks and a little kettle were remaining, and 
 heaps of sand newly paddled with their hands, which 
 they digged up, and ibund in them divers fair Indian 
 baskets Blled with corn, some whereof was in ears, 
 fair and good, of divers colours, which seemed to them 
 a very goodly sight, having seen none before. Of 
 which rarities they took some to carry to their friends 
 on shipboard, like as the Israelites' spies brought from 
 Eshcol some of the good fruits of the land; but find- 
 ing little that might make for their encouragement 
 as to situation, they returned, being gladly received 
 by the rest of their company. 
 
 After this, their shallop being ready, they set out 
 the second time for a more full discovery of this 
 place, especially a place that seemed to be an open- 
 ing as they went into the said harbour some two or 
 tiiree leagues off, which the master judged to be a riv- 
 er ; about thirty of them went out on this second dis- 
 covery, the master of the ship going with them; but 
 upon the more exact discovery thereof, they found it 
 to be no harbour for ships, but only for boats. There 
 they also found two of their houses covered with 
 mats, and sundry other implements in them ; but the 
 people ran away, and could not be seen. Also there 
 they found more of their corn and beans of various 
 colours ; the corn and beans they brought away, pur- 
 posing to give them full satisfaction when they should 
 meet with any of them. \_About six months afler^ they 
 ^ave them full satisfaction to their content,"] And here 
 is to be noted, a special and a great mercy to this peo- 
 ple, that here they got them seed to plant them corn 
 the next year, or otherwise they might have starved, 
 for they had none, nor any likelihood to get any, un- 
 til the season had been past, (as the sequel did mani- 
 
NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL. 31 
 
 fest) neither is it likely that they had had this, if the 
 first discovery had not been made, for the ground was 
 all covered with snow, and hard frozen; but the Lord 
 is never wanting unto those that are his in their 
 greatest need. Let his holy name have all the praise. 
 
 Having thus discovered this place, it was contro- 
 verted amongst them what to do, touching their abode 
 and settling there. Some thought it best for many 
 reasons to abide there. 
 
 1st. Because of the convenience of the harbour for 
 boats, though not for ships. 
 
 ^d. There was good corn ground ready to their 
 hands, as was seen by experience in the goodly corn 
 it yielded, which again would agree with the ground, 
 and be natural seed for the same. / 
 
 3d. Cape Cod was likely to be a place for good 
 iishing, for they daily saw great whales of the best 
 kind for oil. 
 
 4th. The place was likely to be healthful, secure 
 and defensible. 
 
 5th, and lastly. The especial reason was, that now 
 the heart of the winter and unseasonable weather was 
 come upon them, so as they could not go upon coast- 
 ing and discovery, without danger of losing both men 
 and boat, upon which would follow the overthrow of 
 all, especially considering what variable winds and 
 sudden storms do there arise ; also cold and wet lodg- 
 ing had so tainted their people, as scarce any of them 
 were free from vehement coughs, as if they should 
 continue long, it would endanger the lives of many, 
 and breed diseases and infection amongst them. A- 
 gain, that as yet they had some provisions, but they 
 would quickly be spent, and then they should have 
 nothing to comfort them in their labour and toil that 
 they were like to undergo. At the first it was also 
 conceived, whilst they had competent victuals, that 
 the ship w^ould stay, but when that grew low, they 
 would be gone, and let them shift for themselves. 
 
32 
 
 Others again urged to go to Agimam^ alias Angawanh) 
 a place about twenty leagues off to the northward, 
 which they had heard to be an excellent harbour for 
 ships, belter ground and better fishing. 
 
 Secondly, for any thing they knew there 
 might be hard by us, a better seat, and it would be a 
 great hindrance to seat where they should remove 
 again. 
 
 But to omit many reasons and replies concerning 
 this matter, it was in the end concluded to make some 
 discovery within the bay, but in no case so far as An- 
 gawam. Besides, Robert Coppin, their pilot, made 
 relation of a great navigable river and good harbour 
 in the other headland of the bay, almost right over 
 against Cape Cod, being in a right line not much a- 
 bove eighteen leagues distant, in which he had once 
 been, and bej^ond that place they that were to go on 
 discovery, were enjoined not to go. About this time 
 Mrs. Susan White was delivered of a son, who was 
 named Peregrine^, he was the first of the English that 
 was born in New-England, and still surviveth, and is 
 the Lieutenant of the military company of Marshfield. 
 
 The month of November being spent on these af- 
 fairs, and having much foul weather, on the 6lh of 
 December they concluded to send out their shallop 
 again on a third discovery. The names of those that 
 went on this discovery, were Mr. John Carver, Mr. 
 "William Bradford, Mr. Edward W^inslow, Captain 
 Miles Standish, Mr. John Howland, Mr. Richard 
 Warren, Mr. Stephen Hopkins, Mr. Edward Tilly, 
 Mr. John Tilly, Mr. Clark, Mr. Coppin, John Aller- 
 ton, Thomas English, Edward Doten, with the master 
 gunner of the ship, and three of the common seamen ; 
 these set sail on Wednesday, the sixth of December, 
 1620, intending to circulate the deep bay of Cape 
 Cod, the weather being very cold, so as the spray of 
 the sea lighting on (heir coats, they were as if they 
 bad been glazed, notwithstanding, that night they got 
 down into the bottom of the bay, and as they drew 
 
new-england's memorial. 33 
 
 near the shore they saw some ten or twelve Indians, 
 and landed about a league off them, (but with some 
 difficulty, by reason of the shoals in that place) where 
 they tarried that night. 
 
 In the morning they divided their company to coast 
 along, some on shore and some in the boat, where 
 they saw the Indians had been the da}" before cutting 
 up a fish like a grampus ; and so they ranged up and 
 down all that day, but found no people, nor any place 
 they liked, as fit for their settlement ; and that night, 
 they on shore met with their boat at a certain creek, 
 where they made them a barricado of boughs and 
 logs, for their lodging that night, and being weary 
 betook themselves to rest. This is thought to be a 
 place called Namskeket. The next morning, about 
 five o'clock, seeking guidance and protection from 
 God by prayer, and refreshing themselves, in way of 
 preparation, to persist on their intended expedition, 
 some of them carried their arms down to the boat, 
 having laid them up in their coats from the moisture 
 of the weather; but others said they would not carry 
 theirs until they went themselves : But presently all 
 on a sudden, about the dawning of the day, they heard 
 a great and strange cry, and one of their company 
 being on board, came hastily in, and cried, Indians! 
 Indians ! and, withal, their arrows came flying a- 
 mongst them ; on which all their men ran with speed 
 to recover their arms ; as by God's good providence 
 they did. In the mean time some of those that were 
 ready discharged two muskets at them, and two more 
 stood ready at the entrance of their rendezvous, but 
 were commanded not to shoot until they could take 
 full aim at them ; and the other two charged again 
 with all speed, for there were only four that had arms 
 there, and defended the barricado which was first as- 
 saulted. The cry of the Indians was dreadful,especial- 
 ly when they saw their men run out of their rendez- 
 vous towards the shallop to recover their arms; the In- 
 dians wheeling upon them; but some running out with 
 
34 NEW-ENGLA?fD's MEMORIAL. 
 
 coats of mail, and cuttle axes in their bands, they soon 
 recovered their arms, and discharged amongst them, 
 and soon stayed their violence. Notwithstanding, 
 there was a lusty man, and no less valiant, stood be- 
 hind a tree within half a musket shot, and let his ar- 
 rows fly amongst them ; he was seen to shoot three 
 arrows, which were all avoided, and stood three shot 
 of musket, until one taking full aim at him, made 
 the bark or splinters of the tree fly about his ears; 
 after which he gave an extraordinary shriek, and a- 
 way they went all of them ; and so leaving some to 
 keep the shallop, they followed them about a quarter 
 ofa mile, that they might conceive that they were 
 not afraid of them, or any way discouraged. This 
 place, on this occasion, was called the first encounter. 
 
 Thus it pleased God to vanquish their enemies, and 
 "to give them deliverance, and by his special provi- 
 dence so to dispose, that not any one of them was ei- 
 ther hurt or hit, though their arrows came close by 
 them; and sundry of their coats, which hung up in 
 the barricado, were shot through and through : For 
 which salvation and deliverance they rendered solemn 
 thanksgiving unto the Lord. 
 
 From hence they departed, and coasted all along, 
 but discerned no place likely for harbour, and there- 
 fore hasted to the place the pilot (as aforesaid) told 
 them of, who assured them that there was a good har- 
 bour, and they might fetch it before night ; of which 
 they were glad, for it began to be foul weather. 
 
 After some hours sailing, it began to snow and rain, 
 and about the middle of the afternoon the wind in- 
 creased, and the sea became very rough, and they 
 broke their rudder, and it was as much as two men 
 could do to steer the boat with a couple of oars ; but 
 the pilot bid them be of good cheer, for he saw the 
 harbour ; but the storm increasing and night drawing 
 on, they bore what sail they could to get in while 
 they could see ; but herewith they brake their mast 
 itJ three pieces, and their sail fell overboard in a very 
 
MEMORIAL. • 35 
 
 grown sea, so as they had like to have been cast 
 away ; yet by God's mercy they recovered them- 
 selves, and having the flood with them, struck into 
 the harbour. But v^hen it came to, the pilot was de- 
 ceived, and said, Lord he merciful to us^ my eyes never 
 saw this place before: And he and the master's mate 
 would have run the boat ashore in a cove full of break- 
 ers before the wind, but a lusty seaman, who steered, 
 bid them that rowed, if they were men^ about with her, 
 else they were all cast azvay^ the which they did wiih all 
 speed ; so he bid them be of good cheer, and row 
 hard, for there was a fair sound before them, and he 
 doubted not but they should find one place or other 
 they might ride in safety. And although it was very- 
 dark, and rained sore, yet in the end they got under 
 the lee of a small island, and remained there all night 
 in safety. But they knew not this to be an island 
 until the next morning, but were much divided in 
 their minds, some would keep the boat, doubting they 
 might be amongst the Indians, others were so wet 
 and cold that they could not endure, but got on shore 
 and with much difficulty got fire, and so the whole 
 were refreshed, and rested in safetj^ that night. The 
 next day rendering thanks to God for his great deliv- 
 erance of them, and his continued merciful good prov- 
 idence towards them; and finding this to be an island, 
 it being the last day of the week, they resolved to 
 keep the sabbath. This was between the place call- 
 ed the GurneCs Nose^ and Sagaquaby by the mouth of 
 Plymouth harbour. This was afterwards called 
 Clark's island, because Mr, Clark, the master's mate^ 
 first stepped ashore thereon. 
 
 On the second day of the week following they 
 sounded the harbour, and found it fit for shipping, 
 and marched into the land, and found divers corn 
 fields, and little running brooks, a place (as they sup- 
 posed) fit for situation, at least it was the best that 
 they could find, and the season and their present ne- 
 cessity made them glad to accept of it. So they re- 
 
36 new-ekgland's memorial. 
 
 turned to their ship with this news to the rest of their 
 people, which did much comfort their hearts. 
 
 On the fifteenth of December they weighed anchor 
 to go to the place thej'^ had discovered, and arrived 
 the sixteenth day in the harbour they had formerly 
 discovered, and afterwards took better view of the 
 place, and resolved where to pitch their dwellings ; 
 and on the five and twentieth day of December began 
 to erect the first house for common use, to receive 
 them and their goods : And after they had provided 
 a place for their goods and common store (which was 
 long in unlading for want of boats, and by reason of 
 foulness of the winter weather, and sickness of di- 
 vers) they began to build some small cottages for hab- 
 itation, as time would admit ; and also consulted of 
 laws and orders both for their civil and military gov- 
 ernment, as the necessity of their present condition 
 did require. But that which was sad and lamentable, 
 in two or three months' time half of their company 
 died, especially in January and February, being the 
 depth of winter, wanting houses and other comforts, 
 being infected with the scurvy and other diseases, 
 which this long voyage & their incommodate condition 
 had brought upon them, so as there died, sometimes 
 two, sometimes three, on a day, in the aforesaid time, 
 that of one hundred and odd persons, scarce fifty re- 
 mained. Amongst others in the time forenamed, died, 
 Mr. William Mullins, a man pious and well deserving, 
 endowed also with a considerable outward estate; and 
 had it been the will of God that he had survived^ 
 might have proved an useful instrument in his place, 
 with several others who deceased in this great and 
 common affliction, whom 1 might take notice of to 
 the like efiect. Of those that did survive in this time 
 of distress and calamity that was upon them, there 
 was sometimes but six or seven sound persons, who 
 (to their great commendation be it spoken) spared no 
 pains night nor day to be helpful to the rest, not 
 shunning to do very mean services to help the weak 
 
and impotent. In which sickness the seamen shared 
 also deeply, and many died, to about the one half of 
 them bpfore they went away. Thus being but (e\v, 
 and very weak, this was an opportunity for the sav- 
 ages to have made a prey of them, who were wont to 
 be most cruel and treaclierous people in all these 
 parts, even like lions ; but to them they were as 
 lambs, God striking a dread in their hearts so that 
 they received no harm from them. The Lord also 
 so disposed, as aforesaid, much to waste them by a 
 great mortality, together with which were their own 
 civil dissensions, and bloody wars, so as the twentieth 
 person was scarce left alive when these people arrived, 
 there remaining sad spectacles of that mortality in 
 the place where they seated, by many bones and 
 sculls of the dead lying above ground; whereby it 
 appeared that the living were not able to burj^ them. 
 Some of the ancient Indians, that are surviving at the 
 writing hereof, do affirm, that about some tvvo or three 
 years before the first English arrived here, they saw 
 a blazing star, or comet, which was a fore-runner of 
 this sad mortality, for soon after it came upon them 
 in extremity. Thus God made way for his people, 
 by removing the heathen, and planting them in the 
 land ; yet we hope in mercy to some of the posterity 
 of these blind savages, by being a means, at least step- 
 ping-stones, for others to come and preach the gospel 
 among them ; of which afterwards in its proper place. 
 This seemelh to be the same star that was seen about 
 that time in Europe. But to return. 
 
 The Indians, after their arrival, would show them- 
 selves afar off, but when they endeavoured to come 
 near them they would run away. But about the six- 
 teenth of March, 1621, a certain Indian called Samoset, 
 came boldly among them, and spoke to them in brok- 
 en English, which they could well understand ; at 
 which they marvelled; but at length they understood 
 that he belonged to the Eastern parts of the country, 
 and had acquaintance with sundry of the English fish- 
 4 
 
38 NEW-ENGLAND^S MEMORIAL* 
 
 ermen, and could name sundry of them, from whom 
 he learned his language. He became very profitable 
 to them, in acquainting them with many things con- 
 cerning the state of the country in the eastern parts, 
 as also of the people here ; of their names, number 
 and strength, of their situation and distance from this 
 place, and who was chief amongst them. He told 
 them also of another Indian called Squanio, alias Tis- 
 quanfam, one of this place, who had been in England, 
 and could speak better English than himself: And af- 
 ter courteous entertainment of him, he was dismissed : 
 Afterwards he came again with some other natives, 
 and told them of the coming of the great Sachem, 
 named Massasoiet^ who (about four or five days after) 
 came with the chief of his friends and other attend- 
 ants, with the aforesaid Sqiianto, with whom (after 
 friendly entertainment and some gifts given him) they 
 made a league of peace with him, which continued 
 with him and his successors to the time of the writ- 
 ing hereof. The terms and conditions of the said 
 league is as followeth : 
 
 I. That neither he, nor any of his, should injure 
 or do hurt to any of their people. 
 
 II. That if any of his did any hurt to any of thei rs, 
 he should send the offender that they might punish 
 him. 
 
 HI. That if any thing were taken away from any 
 of theirs, he should cause it to be restored ; and they 
 should do the like to his. 
 
 IV. That if any did unjustly war against him, 
 they would aid him ; and if any did war against them, 
 he should aid them. 
 
 V. That he should send to his neighbour confede- 
 rates to inform them of this, that they might not 
 ■wrong them, but might be likewise comprised in these 
 conditions of peace. 
 
 VI. That when his men came to them upon any 
 occasion, they should leave their arms (which were 
 then bows and arrows) behind them. 
 
i*EW-EN6LAND's MEMORIAL. 39 
 
 VIL Lastly. That so doing, their sovereign Lord 
 king James would esteem him as his friend and ally 
 
 All which he liked well, and withal at the same 
 time acknowledged himself content to become the 
 subject of our sovereign Lord the King aforesaid, his 
 heirs and successors ; and gave unto them all the 
 lands adjacent, to them and their heirs forever. 
 
 After these things he returned to his place called 
 Sowams, about forty miles distant from Plymouth, 
 but Sqnanto continued with them, and was their in- 
 terpreter, and proved a special instrument sent of 
 God for their good, beyond expectation ; he directed 
 them in planting their corn, where to take their fish, 
 and to procure their commodities ; and also was their 
 pilot to bring them to unknown places for their prof- 
 it, and never left them until his death. He was a 
 native of this place where Plymouth is, and scarce 
 any left besides himself. He was carried away (with 
 divers others) by one named Hunt, a master of a 
 ship, who thought to sell them for slaves in Spain, but 
 he got away for England, and was entertained by a 
 merchant in London, and employed to Newfoundland 
 and other parts , and at last brought hither into these 
 parts by one Dermer, a gentleman employed by Sir 
 Ferdinando Gorges and others, for discovery, and oth- 
 er designs in these parts ; of whom I shall say some- 
 thing, because it is mentioned in a book set forth 
 Anno, 1622, by the president and council for New- 
 England, That he made the peace between the sava- 
 ges of those parts and the English, of which this plan- 
 tation (as it is intimated) had the benefit : And what 
 a peace it was may appear by what befel him and his 
 men. 
 
 This Mr. Dermer was here the same year that these 
 people came, as appears by a relation written by him, 
 bearing date June 30th, anno 1620, and they arrived 
 in the country in the month of November following, 
 so that there was but four months difference. In 
 which relation to his honoured friend, he hath these 
 
40 new-england's memorial. 
 
 passages of this very place where New-Plymouth is ; 
 I will first begin (saith he) with that place from 
 whence Squanto, or Tisquantam was taken away, 
 which in Capt. Smith's map is called * Plymouth, arid 
 1 would that Plymouth had the like commodities. I 
 would that the first plantation might here be seated, 
 if there come to the number of fifty persons, or up- 
 wards ; otherwise at Charlton, because there the sav- 
 ages are less to be feared. The Pocanakets, which 
 live to the west of Plymouth, bear an inveterate ma- 
 lignity to the English, and are of more strength than 
 all the savages from thence to Panobskut : Their de- 
 sire of revenge was occasioned by an Enj^lishman, who 
 having many of them on board, made greater slaugh- 
 ter of them with their murderers and small shot, when 
 (as they say) they oflfered no injury on their parts. 
 Whether they were English or no, it may be doubted ; 
 yet they believe they were, for the French have bo 
 possessed them : For which cause Squanto cannot 
 deny but they would have killed me when I was at 
 JNamassaket, had he not entreated hard for me. The 
 soil of the borders of this great bay may be compared 
 to most of the plantations which I have seen in Vir- 
 ginia. The land is of divers sorts ; for Patukset is 
 an heavy but strong soil, Nauset and Satuket are for 
 the most part a blackish and deep mould, much like 
 that where groweth the best tobacco in Virginia. In 
 the bottom of the bay is great store of cod, bass or 
 mullet, &c. And above all, he commends Pacanna- 
 ket for the richest soil, and much open ground, likely 
 and fit for English grain. Massachusetts is about nine 
 leagues from Plymouth, and situate in the midst : 
 Between both is many islands and peninsulas, very 
 fertile for the most part. With sundry such relations, 
 
 * This name of Plymouth was so called not only for the rea- 
 son here named, but also because Plymouth in 0. E. was the 
 last town they left in tlieir native country ; and for that they 
 received many kindnesses from some Christians there. 
 
NEW-ENGtAND's MEMORIAL. 4! 
 
 which I forbear to transcribe, being now better known 
 than they were to him. 
 
 This gentleman was taken prisoner by the Indians 
 at IVJannamoset, (a place not far trom Plymouth, now 
 well known) he gave them what he demanded for his 
 liberty ; but when they had got what they desired, 
 they kept him still, and endeavoured to kill some of 
 his men, but he was freed by seizing on some of them^^ 
 and kept them bound till they gave him a canoe load 
 of corn : Of which see Purch. lib. 9, fol. 1 778. But 
 this was anno, 1619. 
 
 After the writing of the former relation, he came 
 to the isle Capewak, * which lieth south from this 
 place in the way to Virginia, and the aforesaid Squan- 
 to with him ; where he going on shore amongst the 
 Indians to trade, as he used to do, was assaulted and 
 betrayed by them, and all his men slain, but one that 
 kept the boat ; but himself got on board very sore 
 wounded, and they had cut off his head upon the cud- 
 dy of the boat, had not his man rescued him with a 
 sword, and so they got him away, and made shift to 
 get into Virginia, where he died, whether of his 
 wounds, or the diseases of the country, or both, is un- 
 certain. By all which it may appear how far this 
 people were from peace, and with what danger this 
 plantation was begun, save as the powerful hand of 
 the Lord did protect them. 
 
 These things were partly the reasons why the Ind- 
 ians kept aloof, as aforesaid, and that it was so long 
 ere they could come to speak with any of them : A- 
 nother reason (as afterwards themselves made known) 
 was, how that about three years before these first 
 planters arrived, a certain French ship was cast away 
 at Cape Cod, but the men got on shore, and saved 
 their lives, a?id much of their victuals and other 
 goods ; but afterwards the Indians heard of it, and 
 gathered together from these parts, and never left 
 
 "* Now called Martha's Vineyard. 
 4* 
 
42 new-England's memorial. 
 
 watching and dogging Ihem, until they got advantage, 
 and killed them all but three or four, which they 
 kept and sent fion» one Sachem to another to make 
 sport with, and used them worse than slaves ; and 
 tfiey conceived this ship was now come to revenge 
 it. Two of the said French so used were redeemed 
 by the aforesaid Mr. Dermer, the other died amongst 
 the Indians ; and as the Indians have reported, one of 
 them lived amongst them until he was able to dis- 
 course with them, and told them, That Cod was an- 
 gry with them for their wickedness, and would de- 
 stroy them, and give their country to another people, 
 that should not live like beasts as they did, but should 
 be clothed, &c. But they derided him and said, 
 That they were so many that God could not kill 
 them. His answer w^as. That though they were nev- 
 er so many, God had many ways to destro}^ them, that 
 they knew^ not. (A memorable passage of God's pun- 
 ishing of the heathen for their notorious blasphemy, 
 and other sins.) Shortly after his death came the 
 plague, a disease they never heard of before, and 
 mightily swept away, and left them as dung upon the 
 eartli (as you have heard.) Not long after came the 
 English to New Plymouth, and then several of the 
 Indians began to mind the Frenchman's words, think- 
 ing him to be more than an ordinary man. And as 
 the first part of his speech had proved true, they be- 
 gan to be apprehensive of the latter, viz. the loss of 
 their country. This relation the first planters at 
 Plymouth, after they came to be acquainted with 
 them, several of them, heard from divers of their an- 
 cient anfl gravest Indians, and have often seen the 
 place where the French were surprised and taken ; 
 which place beareth the name of Frenchman's Point 
 with many to this day. This relation, for the verity 
 thereof, being also very observable, was thought meet 
 to be here inserted : And let me add a word hereun- 
 to : (Several instances of the mortality of the Indians 
 occasionally taken notice of.) That it is xery ob- 
 
new-England's memorial. 43 
 
 servable likewise, that God hath very evidently made 
 way for the English, by sweeping away the natives 
 by some great mortalities; as first, by tlie plague here 
 in Plymouth jurisdiction , secondly, by Vne small pox 
 in the jurisdiction ofihe iViassachusetts, a very con- 
 siderable people a little before the English came into 
 the country ; as also at Connectit ut, very full of Ind- 
 ians a little before ihe i^nalish went into those parts; 
 and then the Pequots by the sword of the English (as 
 will appear in its place) and the country now posfsess- 
 ed by the English, 1 might also mention several pla- 
 ces in the jurisdiction of New Plymouth, peopled with 
 considerable cojnpanies of proper able men, since the 
 first planters thereof came over, even in our sight, 
 before they were in a capacity to improve any of 
 their land, that have by the same hand of providence 
 been cut otf, and so their land even cleared for them, 
 and now so replenished with their posterity, that pla- 
 ces are too strait for tliem. By little and little (saith 
 God of old to his people) will 1 drive them out from 
 before thee, till thou be increased, and inherit the 
 land, Exod. xxiii. 28, 29, 30. 
 
 But before 1 pass on let the reader take notice of a 
 very remarkable particular, which was made known 
 to the planters at Plymouth, some short space after 
 their arrival, that the Indians, before they came to the 
 English to make friendship with them, they got all 
 the powaws in the country, who, for three days to- 
 gether, in a horrid and devlish manner did curse and 
 execrate them with their conjurations; which assem- 
 bly and service they held in a dark and dismal swamp. 
 Behold how Satdn laboured to hinder the gospel from 
 coming into New-England. But to return. 
 
 Tlie spring being now come, it pleased God that the 
 mortality which had taken away so many of the first 
 planters at Plymouth, ceased and the sick and lame 
 recovered apace, which was as it were a new life put 
 into them ; they having borne this affliction with much 
 patience, being upheld hy the i^ord. And thus we 
 are come unto the twenty-fifth of March, 1621. 
 
44 kew-england's memorial. 
 
 1621. 
 
 This year several of the Indian Sachenns (besides 
 Massasoiet, before named) came unto the government 
 oi New Plymouth, and acknowledged themselves to 
 be loyal subjects of our sovereign Lord King James, 
 and subscribed unto a writing to that purpose with 
 their own hands ; the tenor of which said writing 
 followeth, vvith their names annexed thereunto. It 
 being conceived, by some that are judicious, that it 
 may be of use in succeeding times, I thought meet 
 here to insert it. 
 
 September 13, Anno Dom, 1621, 
 
 Know all men by these presents, That we, whose 
 names are under written, do acknowledge ourselves 
 to be the loyal subjects of King James, King of Great 
 Britain, France and Ireland, defender of the faith, &c. 
 In Witness whereof, and as a testimonial of tlie same, 
 we have subscribed our names or marks, as followeth : 
 Ohqunmehud, Natlawahunt^ Qvadaquma^ 
 Cawnacnme, Caunbaiant^ Huttamoiden^ 
 
 Ohbalinnua^ Chilckatabak, Apannow. 
 
 J>tow followeth several passages of the providence of God 
 to^ and the further progress of. the first planters at 
 Plymouth^ appertaining to the year 1621. 
 
 They now began to hasten the ship away, which 
 tarried so long by reason of the necessity and danger 
 that lay on them, because so many died both of them- 
 selves and the siiip's company likewise; by which 
 they became so few, as the master durst not put out 
 to sea until those that lived recovered of their sick- 
 ness, and winter over, 
 
 ( The spring of this year they planted their first 
 corn in New England, being instructed in the manner 
 
NEW-ENGf land's MEMORIAL. 45 
 
 thereof by the forenamed Squanto ; they likewise 
 sowed some English grain witii little success, by 
 reason partly of the badness ot the seed, and lateness 
 of the season, or some other defect not then discern- 
 
 edw 
 -in 
 
 the month of April, in this year, their governor, 
 Mr. John Carver, (eil sick, and within a few days af- 
 ter died, whose deatli was much lamented, and caused 
 great heaviness amongst them, and there was indeed 
 great cause. He was buried in the best maisner they 
 could, with as much solemnity as they were in a ca- 
 pacity to perform, with a discharge of some volleys 
 of shot of all that bear arms. This worthy gentle- 
 man was one of singular piet}^ and rare for humility, 
 as appeared b3' his great condescendency, when as 
 this poor people were in great sickness and vyeakness, 
 he shunned not to do very mean services for them: 
 He bare a share likewise of their labour in his own 
 person, accordingly as their extreme necessity re- 
 quired ; who, being one also of a considerable estate, 
 spent the main part of it in this enterprize, and from 
 first to last approved himself not only as their agent 
 in the first transacting of things, but also all along to 
 the period of his life, to be a pious, faithful, and very 
 beneficial instrument, and now is reaping the fruit of 
 his labour with the Lord. 
 
 His wife, who was also a gracious woman, lived not 
 six weeks after him : she being overcome with exces- 
 sive grief for the loss of so gracious an husband, like- 
 wise died. 
 
 In some short distance of time after this, Mr. Wil- 
 liam Bradford was chosen Governor of Plymouth in 
 his stead, being not as yet well recovered of his weak- 
 ness, having been at the point of death, and Mr. Isaac 
 Allerton likewise was chosen to be his assistant. 
 
 The second of July in this year they sent Mr, Ed- 
 ward Winslow and Mr. Stephen Hopkins, unto the 
 great Sachem Massasoiet aforesaid, with a gratuity to 
 congratulate with him, and to view his country, and 
 
46 new-england's memorial. 
 
 likewise to take notice of what strength of men he 
 had, &c. having Squanto for their guide, who found 
 his place to he about fr»rtj n)iles from New-Plymouth, 
 his people few in comparison of what they had been, 
 by reason of the mortality amongst the Indians fore- 
 mentioned. These brought word, upon their return, 
 of the Narragansets, a people that lived on the other 
 side of that great bay, which are a people strong and 
 many in number, living compact together, and had 
 not at all been touched with the wasting plague before 
 specified. They also brought a full intelligence in 
 reference unto the particulars they were sent about, 
 and so returned in safety. 
 
 Thus their peace being established with the natives 
 about them, which was much furthered by an Indian 
 named Hobamak, who came to live arriongst the En- 
 glish, he being a proper lusty young man, and one 
 that was in account amongst the Indians in those parts 
 for his valour, continued faithful and constant to the 
 English until his death. He, with the said Squanto, 
 being sent amongst the Indians about business for the 
 English, were surprized by an Indian sachem named 
 Corbitant, who was no friend to the English ; he met 
 with him at Namassaket, and began to quarrel with 
 him, and offered to stab Hobamak, who being a strong 
 man, soon cleared himself of him; and with speed 
 came and gave intelligence to the governor of Plym- 
 outh, saying, he feared that Squanto was slain, for 
 they were both threatened, and for no other cause, 
 but that they were friends to the English, and ser- 
 viceable to them. On which it was thought meet to 
 vindicate their messengers, and not to suffer them to 
 be thus wronged, and it was concluded to send some 
 men to Namassaket well armed, and to fall upon 
 them; whereupon fourteen men being well prepared 
 were sent, under the conduct of Capt. Miles Standish, 
 who when they came thither beset the house, and the 
 said Captain entered into the same to look for the 
 said Corbitant, but he was fled, and so they missed 
 
new-england's memorial. 47 
 
 of him; but understood that Squanto was alive; so 
 they withheld, and did no hurt, save three of the na- 
 tives, pressing out of the house when it was beset, 
 were sorely wounded; which they brought home to 
 iheir town with them, and were dressed by their 
 chyrurgeon, and cured. 
 
 After this they had many congratulations from di- 
 vers sachems, and much firmer peace, yea those of the 
 isle of Capewak sent to make friendship with them, 
 and this Corbitant himself used the meditation of 
 Massasoiet to make his peace, but vyas shy to come 
 near them a long time after. 
 
 After this, on the eighteenth of September, they 
 sent out their boat to the Massachusetts with ten 
 men, and Squanto for their interpreter, to discover 
 and view that bay, and to trade with the natives ; and 
 found kind entertainment with them, who expressed 
 themselves to be much afraid of the Tarateens, a peo- 
 ple in the eastern part of New England, which used 
 to come in harvest time and take awaj^ their corn, 
 and many times kill some of their people ; who after 
 they had accomplished their business, returned in 
 safety, and made report of the place, wishing they 
 had been there seated. But the Lord, who assigns 
 to all men the bounds of their habitations, had ap- 
 pointed it to another end and use. 
 
 And thus they found the Lord to be with them in 
 all their ways, and to bless their out-goings and in- 
 comings : For which let his holy name have the 
 praise forever. 
 
 Being now w^ell recovered in respect of health (as 
 hath been said) they began to fit up their buildings a- 
 gainst winter, and received in their harvest, and had 
 great plenty of fowl and fish, to their great refreshing. 
 
 About the ninth of November came in a small ship 
 to them, unexpected, in which came Mr. Robert Cush- 
 man, who was both a godly man, and an active and 
 faithful agent, and useful instrument in the common 
 interest of this first design ; and there came with him 
 
48 new-england's memorial. 
 
 in that ship, thirty-five persons, to remain and live in 
 the plantation : Which did not a little rejoice the 
 first planters. And these when they came on shore, 
 and found all well, and saw plenty of provisions be- 
 yond their expectation, were also satisfied and no less 
 glad ; for coming in at Cape Cod before they came to 
 Plymouth, and seeing nothing there but a barren 
 place, they then began to think what should become 
 of them, if the people were cut off by the Indians; and 
 began to consult upon some passages, which some of 
 the seamen had cast out, to take the sails from the 
 yards, lest the ship should get away and leave them ; 
 but the master hearing thereof, gave them good words, 
 and told them. If any thing but well should have befal- 
 len the people at Plymouth, he hoped he had provisi- 
 ons enough to carry tUem to Virginia, and whilst he 
 had any, they should have their part ; which gave 
 them good satisfaction. 
 
 This ship stayed at Plymouth not above fourteen 
 days, and returned : and soon after her departure, the 
 people called the Narragansets, aforesaid, sent messen- 
 gers unto the plantation, with a bundle of arrows, tied 
 together with a snake's sin, which their interpreter 
 Squanto told them was a threatening and a challenge ; 
 upon which the Governor of Plj^mouth sent them a 
 rough answer, viz. That if they loved war rather than 
 peace, they migiit begin when they would, they had 
 done them no wrong, neither did they fear them, nor 
 should they find them unprovided : And by another 
 messenger sent the snake's skin back with bullets in it, 
 but they would not receive it, but sent it back again. 
 It is probable the reason of this their message to the 
 English was their own ambition, who since the death 
 of so many Indians, thought to domineer and lord it 
 over the rest, and conceived the English would be a 
 bar in the way, and saw that Massasoiet took shelter 
 already under their wings : But this made the English 
 more carefully to look to themselves, so they agreed 
 to close their dwellings with a good strong pale, and 
 
new-england's memorial. 49 
 
 made flankers in convenient places with gates to shut, 
 which were every night locked, and a watch kept, 
 and when need required there was also warding in 
 the day time ; and the company was by the governor 
 and captain's advice, divided into four squadrons, and 
 every one had their quarter appointed them, unto 
 which they were to repair ; and if there should be any 
 cry of fire, a company was appointed for a guard with 
 muskets, whilst others quenched the fire ; the same 
 to prevent Indian treachery. And herewith 1 shall 
 end the passages of this year. 
 
 1622, 
 
 At the spring of this year (the English having cer- 
 tified the Indians of the Massachusetts, that they would 
 come again unto them) they accordingly prepared to 
 go thither ; but upon some rumours which they heard 
 from Hobamak their friend fore-named, who feared 
 that the Massachusetts were joined with the Narra- 
 gansets, and might betray them if they were not care- 
 ful ; and intimated also his jealousies of Squanto, by 
 what he gathered from some private whisperings be- 
 tween him and other Indians, that he was not leally 
 cordial to the English in what he pretended, made 
 them cautious. Notwithstanding, they sent out their 
 boat with ten of their principal men about the begin- 
 ning of April, and both Squanto and Hobamak with 
 them, in regard of the jealousy between them ; but 
 they had not been gone long, ere that an Indian be- 
 longing to Squanto's family came running, seeming 
 to be in great fear, and told them that many of the 
 Narragansets, with Corbitant, (and he thought Massa- 
 soiel) was coming against them i At which they be- 
 took themselves to their arms, and supposing that the 
 boat was not yet out of call, they caused a piece of 
 ordnan< e to be discharged, to call them in again ; but 
 this proved otherwise, for no Indians came. After 
 this they went to the Massachusetts, and had good 
 trade, and returned in safety, God be praised. 
 5 
 
60 neW'-england's memorial* 
 
 But by the former passages and things of like Da- 
 ture, they began to see that Squanto sought his own 
 ends, and played his own ganrie, by putting the Ind- 
 ians in fear, and drawing gifts from them to enrich 
 himself ; making them believe he could stir up war 
 against them when he would, and make peace for 
 them when he would ; yea, he made them believe, 
 that the English kept the plague buried in the 
 ground;* & could send it amongst whom they would, 
 which did much terrify the Indians; and made them 
 more depend on him and feel more to him than to 
 their great Sachem Massasoiet ; which procured him 
 envj^, and had like to have cost him his life; for after 
 the discovery of these practices, the said Massasoiet 
 sought it both privately and openly ; which caused 
 him to stick close to the English, and never durst go 
 from them until his death. They also made good use 
 of the emulation that grew between Hobamak and 
 him, which made them both carry more squarely ; 
 and the governor seemed to countenance the one, 
 nnd their captain the other ; by which they had the 
 better intelligence, and made them both the more dil- 
 igent. 
 
 About the latter end of May they espied a vessel 
 at sea, which at the first they thought to be a French- 
 man, but it proved one that belonged to Mr. Thomas 
 Weston, a merchant ; which came from a ship which 
 he and another had sent out on fishing to a place 
 called Damarels Cove, in the Eastern parts of N. E. 
 This boat brought seven men and some letters, but 
 no provisions to them, of which they were in contin- 
 ual expectation from England, which expectations 
 "were frustrated in that behalf; for they never had 
 any supply to any purpose after this time, but what 
 the Lord helped them to raise by their industry a- 
 mongst themselves : For all that came afterwards was 
 too short for the passengers that came with.it. 
 
 * This was said to be a barrel of gunpowder buried in the 
 ground. 
 
ICEW- England's memoriai/. 51 
 
 After this the same year, the above named Mr. 
 Thomas Weston, who had formerly been one of the 
 merchant adventurers to the plantation of New Plym- 
 outh (but had now broken off and deserted the gene- 
 ral concerns thereof) sent over two ships, the one 
 named the Sparrow, the other the Charity, on his 
 own particular interest ; in the one of them came six- 
 ty lusty men, who were to be put on shore at Plym- 
 outh, for the ship was to go with other passengers to 
 Virginia ; these were courteously entertained (with 
 the seven men fore named, belonging to the said Wes-- 
 ton, at Plymouth aforesaid) until the ship returned 
 from Virginia, which was the most part of that sum- 
 mer ; many of them being sick, and all of them desti- 
 tute of habitation, and unacquainted with this new be- 
 ginning ; at the ship's return from Vir^^inia, by the 
 direction of the said Mr. Weston their Master, or 
 such as he had set over them, they removed into Mas- 
 sachusetts Bay, he having got a patent for some part 
 there, yet they left all their sick folks at Plymouth, 
 until they were settled and fitted for housing to re- 
 ceive them. These were an unruly company, and 
 no good government over them, and by disorder fell 
 into many wants, as afterwards will appear. 
 
 But before 1 pass on, 1 may not omit the mention- 
 ing of a courteous letter that came in the vessel above 
 named, in which the above said seven men came, be- 
 ing directed to the Governour of Plymouth, with re- 
 spect unto the whole plantation, from a Captain of a 
 ship at the eastward, who came thither on a fishing 
 voyage ; the which for the ingenuity of the man, and 
 bis courtesy therein expressed, may not unfitly be 
 here inserted, being inscribed as followeth : 
 
 To all his good friends in Plymouth, 
 
 Friends, countrymen, and neighbours, T salute you, 
 and wish you all health and happiness in the Lord : 
 I make bold with these few lines to trouble you, be- 
 cause unless 1 were inhuman, i can do no less. Bad 
 
52 new-england's memorial. 
 
 news doth spread itself too far, yet I will so far in- 
 form, that mjself with many good friends in the south 
 colony of Virginia have received such a blow, that 
 four hundred persons large will not make good our 
 losses. Therefore 1 do entreat you, although not 
 knowing you, that the old rule, which I learned when 
 I went to school, may be sufficient, that is, Happy is 
 he who other men's harms do make to beware : And 
 now again and again, wishing all those that willingly 
 would serve the Lord, all health and happiness in this 
 world, and everlasting peace in the world to come. 
 / rest yours^ 
 
 JOHN HUDSTON. 
 
 Tn the same vessel the governor returned a thank- 
 ful answer, as was meet, and sent a boat of their own 
 with them, which was piloted by them ; in which 
 Mr. Edward Winslow was sent to procure what pro- 
 visions he could of the ship, who was kindly received 
 by the aforesaid gentleman, who not only spared 
 what he could, but wrote to others to do the like ; by 
 which means the plantation had a good quantity of 
 provisions. [Although this was not much amongst them 
 all^ yet it was a very seasonable blessing and supply^ they 
 being now in a low condition for want of food,'] 
 
 This summer they built a fort with good timber, 
 both strong and comely, which was of good defence, 
 made with a flat roof, and battlements ; on which fort 
 their ordnance was mounted, and where they kept 
 constant watch especially in time of danger : It serv- 
 ed them also for a meeting-house, and was fitted ac- 
 cordingly for that use. It was a great work for them 
 to do in their weakness, and times of want ; but the 
 danger of the time required it, there being continual 
 rumours of the Indians, and fears of their rising 
 against them, especially the Narragansets ; and also 
 the hearing of that great and sad massacre in Virginia 
 above named. 
 
 It may not here be omitted, that notwithstanding 
 
new-england's memorial. 53 
 
 all their great pains and industry, and the great hopes 
 they had of a large crop, the Lord seemed to threaten 
 them with njore and sorer famine by a great drought 
 which continued from the third week in May, until 
 the middle of July, without any rain, and with great 
 heat of weather for the most part, insomuch that their 
 corn began to wither away, although it was planted 
 with fish, according to their usual manner in those 
 times; yet at length it began to languish sore, and 
 some of the drier grounds was parched like withered 
 hay, part whereof was never recovered. Upon which 
 they set apart a solemn day of humiliation, to seek 
 the Lord by humble and fervent prayer in this great 
 distress : And he was pleased to give them a gracious 
 and speedy answer, both to their own and the Indians 
 admiration that lived amongst them ; for all that morn- 
 ing, and the greatest part of the day, it was clear 
 weather, and very hot, and not a cloud nor any sign 
 of rain to be seen, yet towards evening it began to be 
 overcast, and shortly after to rain, with such sweet 
 and gentle showers, as gave them cause of rejoicing 
 and blessing God : Jt came without either wind or 
 thunder, or any violence, and by degrees in that a- 
 bundance, as that the earth was thoroughly wet and 
 soaked therewith, which did so apparently revive and 
 quicken the decayed corn and other fruits, as was 
 wonderful, and made the Indians astonished to behold. 
 A little before the Lord sent this rain of liberalities 
 upon his people, one of them having occasion to go to 
 the house of the aforenamed Hobamak, the Indian, he 
 the said Hobamak said unto him, I am much troubled 
 for the English, for I am afraid they will lose all their 
 corn by the drought, and so they will be all starved ; 
 as for the Indians, they can shift better than the En- 
 glish, for they can get fish to help themselves. But 
 afterwards the same man having occasion to go again 
 to his house, he said to him, Now I see Englishman's 
 God is a good God, for he hath heard 3'ou, and sent 
 you rain, and that without storms and tempests, and 
 5* 
 
54 new-england's memorial, 
 
 thunder, which usually we have with our rain, which 
 breaks ilown our corn, but yours stands whole and 
 good still : surely your God is a good God : Or with 
 words to the like effect. [The person that made this 
 relation is still surviving, and a principal man in the 
 jurisdiction of JNew Plymouth.] 
 
 And after this gracious return of prayers in this so 
 seasonable a blessing of the rain, the Lord sent them 
 such seasonable showers, with interchange of warm 
 weather, as (through his blessing) caused in its time a 
 fruitful and liberal harvest, to their great comfort and 
 rejoicing ; for which mercy, in time convenient, they 
 also solemnized a day of thanksgiving unto the Lord. 
 
 Now the welcome harvest approached, in the 
 which all had some refreshment, but it arose but 
 to a little in comparison of a whole year's supply ; 
 partly by reason they were not yet well acquainted 
 with the manner of the husbandry of the Indian corn 
 (having no other) and also their many other employ- 
 ments ; but chiefly their weakness for want of food, 
 so as to appearance famine was like to ensue, if not 
 some way prevented : Markets there was none to go 
 unto, but only the Indians ; but they had no trading 
 stuff. But behold now another providence of God ; 
 a ship came into the harbour, one Capt. Jones being 
 chief in her, sent out by some merchants to discover 
 all the harbours between Cape Cod and Virginia, and 
 to trade along the coast. This ship had store of En- 
 glish beads, (which were then good trade) and some 
 knives, but would sell none but at dear rates, and also 
 a good quantity together ; yet they were glad of the 
 occasion, or fain to buy at any rate : They were fain 
 to give after the rate of cent, per cent, if not more, 
 and yet pay away coat beaver at three shillings per 
 pound. By this means they were fitted again to trade 
 for beaver and other things, and so procured what 
 corn they could. 
 
 But here let me take liberty to make a little digress- 
 ion : There was in the ship sent by Mr. Weston fore 
 
NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL. 55 
 
 named (in which his men came) a gentleman named 
 Mr. John Porey, he had been secretary in Virginia, 
 and was now going home passenger in this ship. Af- 
 ter his departure he wrote a letter to the governor of 
 Plymouth, in the postcript whereof he hath these 
 expressions following : 
 
 To yourself and Mr. Brewster I must humbly ac- 
 knowledge myself many ways indebted, whose books 
 J would have you think verj' well bestowed, who es- 
 teems them such jewels. My haste would not suffer 
 me to remember, much less to beg Mr. A ins worth's 
 elaborate work on the five books of Moses; both his 
 and Mr. Robinson's do highly commend the authors, 
 as being most conversant in the scriptures of all oth- 
 ers ; and what good who knows it may please God to 
 work by them through my hands, though most un- 
 worthy, who find such content in them. God have 
 you all in his keeping. 
 
 Your unfeigned and firm friend^ 
 
 August 28, 1622. JOHN POREY. 
 
 These things 1 here insert, partly for the honor's 
 sake of the author's memory, which this gentleman 
 doth so ingeniously acknowledge, and also the credit 
 and good that he procured unto the plantation of Plym- 
 outh after his return, and that amongst those of no 
 mean rank. But to return. 
 
 Mr. Weston's people fore-named, who were now 
 seated in the bay of the Massachusetts, at a place call- 
 ed by the Indians Wesagusquaset, (now by the En- 
 glish called Weymouth) and by disorder (as it seem- 
 ed) had made havock of their provision ; they began 
 now to conceive that want would come upon them ; 
 and hearing that their neighbours at Plymouth had 
 bought trading stuff, as aforesaid, and intended to 
 trade for corn, they wrote to the Governour, and de- 
 sired that they might join with them, and they would 
 employ their small ship in this service ; and also re- 
 quested to lend or sell them so much of their trading 
 
56 new-england's memorial. 
 
 stuff as their part might come to : Which was agreed 
 unto on equal terms ; so they went out in the expe- 
 dition, with an intention to go about Cape Cod to the 
 south ward,but meeting with cross winds, & other cross- 
 es, went in at MannamofJc, where the aforesaid Squan- 
 to, being their guide and interpreter, fell sick, and 
 within a few days died. A little before his death, he 
 desired the Governor of Plymouth (who then was 
 there to pray for him, that he might go to the Kn- 
 gli.'hman's God in heaven ; and bequeathed divers 
 of his things to sundry of his friends, as remembran- 
 ces of his love ; of whom they had a great loss. 
 
 Here they got a considerable quantity of corn, and 
 so returned. After these things John Sanders, who 
 was left chief over Mr. Weston's men at VVesagusqua- 
 set in the month of February, sent a messenger, shew- 
 ing the great wants they were fallen into, and would 
 have borrowed corn of the Indians, but they would 
 lend him none ; and desired advice whether he might 
 take it from them by force to succour his men, until 
 return from the eastward, whither he was now going. 
 But the Governor and the rest dissuaded him by all 
 means from it, for it might so exasperate the Indians, 
 as mi^rht endanofer their safety, and all of them might 
 smart for it; for they had already heard how they 
 had wronged the Indians, by stealing their corn, &c. 
 so as the natives were much incensed against them ; 
 yea, so base were some of their own companj'", as 
 they went and told the Indians, that their Governor 
 was purposed to come and take their corn by force, 
 which with other things made them enter into a con- 
 spiracy against the English. And herewith I end the 
 relation of the most remarkable passages of God's 
 providence towards the first planters, which fell out 
 in this year. 
 
 1623. 
 
 Mr. Weston's people fore named, notwithstanding 
 all helps they could procure for supply of prox i^^ions, 
 fell into great extremity, which was occasioned by 
 
NEW-ENGLANd's TVIEBIORIAL. 57 
 
 their excessive extravagance while they had it, or 
 could get it ; and after they came into want, many 
 sold away their clothes and bed coverings ; others 
 were so base as they became servants to the Indians, 
 and would cut them wood, and fetch them water for 
 a cap full ofcorn 5 others fell to stealing both night 
 and day from the Indians, of which they grieviously 
 complained. In the end they came to that miser)', 
 that some starved and died with hunger ; and one in 
 gathering of shell fish was so weak, as he stuck fast 
 in the mud, and was found dead in the place; and 
 most of them left their dwellings, and were scattered 
 up and down in the woods by the water side, where 
 they could find ground nuts and clams, here six and 
 there ten, by which their carriages they became con- 
 temned and scorned of the Indians, insomuch, as they 
 began greatly to insult over them in a most insolent 
 manner, so as if tliey had set on such victuals as they 
 had gotten to dress it, when it was ready, the Indians 
 would come and tat it up ; and when night came, 
 when as possibly some of them had a sorry blanket, 
 or such like, to lap themselves in, the Indians would 
 take it, and let the other lie all night in the cold, so 
 as their condition was very lamentable ; and in the 
 end they were fain to hang one of their company, 
 whom they could not reclaim from stealing, to give 
 the Indians content. 
 
 Whilst things went on in this manner with them, 
 the Governour and people of Plymouth had notice 
 that the Sachem Massasoiet, their friend, was sick, 
 and near unto death, and they sent to visit him, and 
 sent some comfortable things, which gave him con- 
 tent, and was a means of his recovery : Upon which 
 occasion he divscovered the conspiracy of these Ind- 
 ians, how they were resolved to cut off Mr. Weston's 
 company, for the continual injuries they had done 
 them, and would now take opportunity of their weak- 
 ness, and do it ; and for that end had conspired with 
 other Indians their neighbours thereabouts ; And 
 
i)0 NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL. 
 
 thinking the people here would revenge their death, 
 they therefore to prevent it, and that speedily, by 
 taking some of the chief of them before it was too late, 
 for he assured them of the truth thereof. 
 
 This did much trouble them, and they took it into 
 serious consideration, and lound upon examination, 
 and other evidences to give light thereinto, that the 
 matter was really so as the said Sachem had told them. 
 In the mean time came an Englishman* from the 
 Massachusetts, from the said company in miserj^, as 
 hath been above related, with a pack at his back-, and 
 although he knew not a foot of the way, yet he got 
 safe hither, but lost his way, which was well for him, 
 for he was pursued by two Indians, who by God's 
 providence, missed of him by that means ; and he re- 
 lated how all things stood with him there, and that 
 he durst stay there no longer, for he apprehended by 
 what he observed that they would be all slain ere 
 long. This made them make the more haste, and 
 they dispatched a boat away with some men under 
 the conduct of Capt. Standish, who found them in a 
 miserable condition ; out of which he rescued them, 
 and helped them to some relief, cut oil' some of the 
 chief conspirators against them, and according to his 
 order offered to bring them all to Plymouth, to be 
 there until Mr. Weston came, or some other way 
 should be presented for their help : They thanked 
 him and the rest, but they rather desired that he 
 would help them with some corn, and they would go 
 with their small ship to the eastward, to look out a 
 way for themselves, either to have relief bj nieeting 
 with Mr. Weston, or if not to work with the fisher- 
 men for their supply, and their passage for England ; 
 «o they shipped what they had of any worth, and he 
 helped them with as much corn as he could, and saw 
 
 * This man's name was Phinehas Pratt, who has peoned the 
 particulars of his perilous journey, and some other things re- 
 lating to this tragedy. 
 
new-england's memorial. 59 
 
 them out of the bay under sail, and so canne home, 
 not taking the worth of a penny of any of them. 
 
 This was the end of these that sometimes boasted 
 of tlieir strength, being all able lusty men, and what 
 they would do and bring to pass, in comparison of 
 the people of Plymouth, who had many women and 
 children, and weak ones; and said at their first arriv- 
 al, when they saw the wants at Plymouth, that they 
 would take another course and not fall into such a 
 condition as this simple people were come to : But a 
 man's way is not in his own power, God can make 
 the weak stand : Let him that thinketh he standeth 
 (in such respect as well as other) take heed lest he 
 fall.* 
 
 Shortly after, Mr. Weston came over with some of 
 the fishermen, where he heard of the ruin of hia 
 plantation, and got a boat, and with a man or two 
 came to see how things were; but by the way (for 
 want of skill) in a storm he cast away his boat in the 
 bottom of the bay, between Merrimack and Piscata- 
 qua, and hardly escaped with life ; and afterwards 
 fell into the hands of Indians, who pillaged him of all 
 that he had saved from the sea, and stripped him of 
 all tds clothes to his shirt. At last begot to Piscataqua, 
 and borrowed a suit of clothes, and got means and 
 came to Plymouth. A strange alteration there was 
 in him, to such as had seen and known him in his 
 former flourishing condition; so uncertain are all 
 things of this uncertain world. 
 
 . But to return to the state and condition of the 
 planters at Plymouth, all this while no supply heard 
 of, so they began to think how they might raise as 
 much corn as they could, so as they might not lan- 
 guish in misery as formerly they had done, and at the 
 present they di.i, and it was thoufj;ht the best way, 
 and accordingly given way unto, that every one 
 should plant corn for his own particular, and in that 
 
 *Here see the effects of pride and vaio glory. 
 
60 new-england's memorial. 
 
 regard provide for themselves, and in other respects 
 continue the general course and way as before: And 
 so they ranged all their youth under some family, 
 and set upon such a course, which had good success, 
 for it made all hands very industrious, so as much 
 corn was planted. 
 
 This course being settled, by that time all their 
 corn was planted, all their victuals was spent, and they 
 were only to rest on God's providence; many times 
 at night not knowing where to have any thing to sus- 
 tain nature the next day, & so (as one well observed) 
 had need to pray, that God would give them their 
 daily bread, above all people in the world ; yet they 
 bare those wants with great patience and alacriiy of 
 spirit, and that for so long a time as the most part of 
 two years. 
 
 Which brings to mind what *Peter Martin writes 
 in his magnifying of the Spaniards : They (said he) 
 led a miserable life for five days together, with parch- 
 ed grain of maize only, and that not to satiety; and 
 then concludes, that such pains, such labours, he 
 thought none living, who Is not a Spaniard, could have 
 endured. 
 
 But alas! Those men when they had maize (that is 
 Indian corn) they thought it as good as a feast, and 
 wanted not only for live daj^s together, but sometimes 
 for two or three months together, and neither had 
 bread or any kind of corn. 
 
 Indeed in another place in his second Decade?, page 
 94, he mentions how others of them were worse put 
 to it, where they were fain to eat dogs, toads, and dead 
 men, and so almost all of them died. From these ex- 
 tremities the Lord in his goodness preserved both 
 their lives and healths, let his holy name have the 
 praise : Yet let me here make use of this conclusion; 
 that with their miseries they opened a way to those 
 new lands; and after storms, with ease, other raea 
 
 "^Iq his first, Decade, page 208. 
 
61 
 
 came to inhabit in them, in respect of the calamities 
 these men suffered; so as they seem to go to a bride 
 feast, where all things are provided for them. 
 
 They having one boat left, and she none of the 
 best, with a net which they bought, improved them 
 for the taking of bass, which proved a good help to 
 them, and when those failed they were fain all hands 
 to go dig shell fish out of tho sands for their living, in 
 the winter season ground-nuts and fowl were the 
 principal of their refreshing, until God sent more set- 
 tled and suitable supplies, by his blessing upon their 
 industry. 
 
 At length they received some letters from the ad- 
 venturers, which gave them intelligence of a ship set 
 out to come hither unto Plymouth, named the Para- 
 gon : This ship was bought by Mr. John Pierce, and 
 set out on his own charge, upon hopes of great mat- 
 ters ; the passengers and goods, the company sent in 
 her, he tooii in for freight, for which they agreed with 
 him to be delivered here; this was he in whose name 
 their first patent was taken, for this place where Ply- 
 mouth is, by reason of acquaintance, and some alli- 
 ance that some of their friends had with him, but his 
 name was only used in trust ; but when he saw they 
 were here hopefullv seated, and by the success God 
 gave them, had obtained favour of the council of 
 New-England, he goes and sues to the said council for 
 another patent of much larger extent in their names, 
 which was easily obtained, but he meant to keep it 
 to himself, and to allow them what they pleased to 
 hold of him as tenants, and sue to his courts as chief 
 Lord : But the Lord marvellously crossed him in his 
 proceedings; for when his ship above-named set out 
 from the Thames, she sprang aleak by that time she 
 got to the Downs, and also by reason of a chop that 
 accidentally befell one of their cables, it broke in a 
 stress of wind while she there rode, and was in danger 
 to have been driven on the sands, and theieupon was 
 constrained to return back to London, and there ar- 
 6 
 
62 NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMOUIALr 
 
 rived in fourteen days after, and was hauled up mfa 
 the dock, and an hundred pounds more bestowed on 
 lier to mend her leaks and bruises, which she received 
 in the aforesaid storm ; and when she was again fitted 
 for the voyage, he pestered his ship, and takes in 
 more passengers, and those some of them not very 
 good, to help to bear his losses, and sets out the sec- 
 ond time; and when he was halfway, or thereabouts, 
 to New-England, was forced back again by an extreme 
 tempest, wherein the goodness and merey of God ap- 
 peared in their preservation, being one hundred and 
 ninety souls. This ship suffered the greatest extrem- 
 ity at sea, at her second setting forth, as is seldom the 
 like heard of: It was about the middle of February, 
 that the storm began, and it continued for the most 
 part of fourteen days, but for two or three days and 
 nights together, in most violent extremity. At the 
 beginning of the storm, their boat being above-decks, 
 was thrown overboard ; they spent their mainmast, 
 their round house was beaten off with the storm, and 
 all the upper works of their ship ; he that stood to 
 give direction for the gjiiding of her before the sea, 
 was made fast, to prevent his washing overboard, and 
 the seas did so overtake them as that many times 
 those upon the deck knew not whether they were 
 within board or without ; and by her extreme leak- 
 ing, being a very rotten ship, and the storm increas- 
 ing, she wa& once very near foundering in the sea, so 
 as they thought she would never rise again : Not- 
 withstanding the Lord was pleased of his great mercy 
 to preserve them ; and after great weather-beaten 
 and extraordinary danger, they arrived safe at Ports- 
 mouth in Hampshire, to the wonderment of all that 
 beheld in what condition they were, and heard what 
 they had endured. This relation was made by Mr. 
 William Pierce, the master of the said ship, and some 
 passengers of good credit. 
 
 Upon the return of the said Mr. John Pierce for 
 England ; (he being personally in this his ship in the 
 
63 
 
 S'b -sad storm) the other merchant adventurers got him 
 to assign over the grand patent to the compaiy, 
 which he had taken in his own name, and made quite 
 void their former patent. 
 
 About the latter end of June, came in a ship* at 
 Plymouth with Capt. Francis West, who had a com- 
 mission to be Admiral of" New England, to restrain 
 interlopers, and such fishing ships as came to fish 
 and trade without license from the council of New 
 England, for which they should pay a great sum of 
 money; but he could do no good of them, for they 
 were too strong for him, and he found the fishermen 
 to be refractory, and their ownersv upon complaint 
 made to the Parliament, procured an order that fish- 
 ing should be free. He told the Governor of Plym- 
 outh that they spoke with a ship at sea, and were on 
 board her, that was coming to the said plantation of 
 Plymouth, in which were sundry passengers, and 
 they marvelled she was not arrived, fearing some 
 miscarriage; for tiie^'' lost her in a storm that fell 
 shortly after they had been on board : Which rela- 
 tion filled them full of fears, yet mixed with hope. 
 The master of the ship had two hogsheads of pease to 
 sell, but seeing their wants, held them at nine pounds 
 sterling an hogshead, and under eight he would not 
 take, and yet would have beaver at an under rate ; 
 but they told him they had lived so long without, and 
 would do still, rather than give so unreasonably; so 
 the said ship went from Plymouth to Virginia. 
 
 About fourteen daj's after came in the ship, called 
 the Ann, whereof Mr. William Pierce was master : 
 Two of the principal passengers that came in this 
 ship were Mr. Timothy Hatherly and Mr. George 
 Morton ; the former, viz. Mr. Timothy Hatherly, 
 soon after his arrival met with some cross providences 
 by burning of his house, whereby he was much im- 
 »^'"' --bed, and much discouraged, and returned the 
 )r following for England ; and afterwards the 
 Tliis was the ship called Paragon aforesaid. 
 
6 4 NEW-ENGLAND*S MEMORIAL* 
 
 Lord was pleased to reneiv his estate, and he came 
 again into New England, and proved a very profitable 
 and beneficial instrument both in church and common- 
 wealth, being one of the first beginners, and a good 
 instrument to uphold the church and town of Scitu- 
 ate; and also served God and the jurisdiction of Ply- 
 mouth in the place of magistracy, and retained his 
 integrity in the profession of the ways of Christ unto 
 old age; still surviving at the penning hereof. 
 
 The latter of the two forenamed, viv. Mr. George 
 Morton, was a pious, gracious servant of God, and ve- 
 ry faithful in whatsoever public employment he was 
 betrusted withal, and an unfeigned well-wilier, and 
 according to his sphere and condition a suitable pro- 
 moter of the common good and growth of the planta- 
 tion of New-Plymouth; labouring to still the discon- 
 tents that sometimes would arise amongst some spirits, 
 by occasion of the dilBculties of these new begin- 
 nings ; but it pleased God to put a period to his days 
 soon after his arrival in New-England, not surviving 
 a full year after his coming ashore. With much com- 
 fort and peace he fell asleep in the Lord, in the month 
 of June, anno 1624. 
 
 About ten days after the arrival of the ship called 
 the Ann, above-named, there came in another small 
 ship of about forty-four tons, named the James, Mr. 
 Bridges being master thereof; which said ship the 
 Ann had lost at sea by reason of foul weather ; she was 
 a fine new vessel, built to stay^ in the country. One 
 of the principal passengers that came in her was Mr. 
 John Jenny, who was a godly, though otherwise a 
 plain man, yet singular for publicness of spirit, setting 
 himself to seek and promote the common good of the 
 plantation of New-Ph^mouth ; who spent not only his 
 part of his ship (being part owner thereof) in the 
 general concernment of the plantation, but also after- 
 wards was always a leading man in promoting the 
 general interest of this colony : He lived many 
 years in New-England, and fell asleep in the Lord, 
 
NEW-iENGLAND S MEMORIAL. 6a 
 
 anno 1644. In the two ships last nanr^ed, came over 
 manj other persons besides those before recited, who 
 proved of good use in their places. 
 
 These ^passengers seeing tlie low and poor condi- 
 tion of those that were here before thenn, were much 
 daunted and dismayed, and according to their divers 
 humours, were diversly affected. Some wished 
 themselves in England again ; others fell on weeping 
 fancying their own misery in what they saw in otii- 
 ers ; other some pitying the distress they saw their 
 friends had been long in, and still were under. In a 
 word, all were full of sadness ; only some of their old 
 friends rejoiced to see them, and that it was no worse 
 with them, for they could not expect it should be bet- 
 ter, and now hoped they should enjoy better days 
 together. And truly it was no marvel they should 
 be thus affected, for they were in a very low condi- 
 tion, both in respect of food and clothing at thai time. 
 
 To consider seriously how sadly the scripture 
 speaks of the famine in Jacob's time, when he said to 
 his sons, go, bu}^ us food, that we may live and not 
 die ; and that the famine was great and heavy in the 
 land, and yet thev had great herds and store of cattle 
 of sundry kinds, which, besides their flesli, must needs 
 produce other useful benefits for food, and yet it was 
 accounted a sore affliction. But the misery of the 
 planters at Plymouth, at the first beginning, must 
 needs be very great therefore, who net only wanted 
 the stai* of bread, but all the benefits of cattle, and had 
 no Egypt to go to, but God fed them out of the sea 
 for the most part ; so wonderful is his powerful prov- 
 idence over his in all ages ; for his mercy endureth 
 forever. 
 
 About the middle of September arrived Capt. Rob- 
 ert Gorges, in the bay of the Massachusetts, with sun- 
 dry passengers and families, intended there to begin 
 a plantation, and pitched upon that place, which Mr. 
 Weston forenamed had forsaken. He had a commis- 
 sion from the council of New-England to be general 
 6* 
 
0*6 new-england's memorial. 
 
 governor of the country ; and they appointed, for h\& 
 council and assistants, Capt. Francis West, the afore- 
 said admiral, Christopher Levet, Esq. and the gov- 
 ernor of Plymouth for the time being : Also they 
 gave him authority to choose such others as he should 
 lind fit. Also they gave by their commission full 
 power to him and his assistants, or any three of them, 
 (whereof himself was always to be one) to do and ex- 
 ecute what to them should seem good, in all cases, 
 capital, criminal and civil ; with divers other instruc- 
 tions : Of which, and his commission, it pleased him 
 to suffer the Governor of Plymouth to take a copy. 
 
 He meeting with the aforesaid Mr. Weston at 
 Plymouth, called him before him and some other of 
 the assistants, with the Governor of Plymouth afore- 
 said, and charged him with the ill carriage of his men 
 at the Massachusetts, by which means the peace of the 
 country was disturbed, and himself and the people 
 which he had brought over to plant in that bay, there- 
 by much prejudiced. To which the said Weston ea- 
 sily answered, that what was done in that behalf, was 
 done in his absence, and might have befallen any 
 man : He left them sufficiently provided, and con- 
 ceived they would have been well governed ; and for 
 any error committed he had sufficiently smarted. 
 
 Another particular was, an abuse done to his father, 
 Sir Ferdinando Gorges, and to the state. The thing 
 was this ; he used him and others of the council of 
 New England, to procure him a license for the trans- 
 porting of many great pieces of ordnance for New- 
 England, pretending great fortification here in the 
 country ; for which when he had obtained, he sold 
 them beyond sea for his profit. At which the state 
 was much offended, and his father suffered a shrewd 
 check, and he had order to apprehend him. (The 
 said Mr. Thomas Weston was a man of parts, and a 
 merchant of good account in London. Some time af- 
 ter these passages, he went for England, and died in 
 the city of Bristol, he proved but a staff of reed to the 
 plantation of Plymouth.) 
 
NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL. 67 
 
 The said Weston excused it as well as he could, but 
 could not wholly deny it : But after much speech 
 about it, by the mediation of the Governor of Plym- 
 outh, and some other friends, the said Capt. Gorges 
 was inclined to gentleness, (though he apprehended 
 the abuse of his father deeply) which when the said 
 Weston perceived, he grew the more presumptuous, 
 and gave such cutting and provoking speeches, as 
 made the said Captain to rise up in great indignation 
 and distemper, vowing, that he would either rurb him 
 or send him home for England. At which the said 
 Weston was daunted, and came privately to the Gov- 
 ernor of Plymouth, to know whether they would suf- 
 fer him to send him for England? it was answered 
 him, they could not hinder it; and much bianiedhim, 
 that after they had pacified things, he should thus 
 break out by his own folly and rashness, and bring 
 trouble upon himself and others. 
 
 He confessed it was his passion, and prayed the 
 Governor aforesaid to entreat for him, and procure a 
 pacification for him if he could: The which at last he 
 did obtain with much difficulty. So he was called 
 again, and the said Capt. Gorges was content to take 
 his own bond to be ready to make further answer, 
 when either he or the lords of tiie council should send 
 for him; and at last he took only his own word, and 
 so there was a friendly parting on all hands. 
 
 Soon after this, the said Captain Gorges took his 
 leave, and went to the Massachusetts by land, being 
 very thankful for his kind entertainment. His ship 
 stayed at Plymouth, and fitted for to go to Virginia, 
 having some passengers to deliver there ; and with 
 lier returned sundry of those from Plymouth, which 
 came over on their particular account ; some out of 
 discontent and dislike of the country, and others by 
 reason of fire that burnt their houses and all their 
 provisions, so as they were necessitated thereunto. 
 
 *This fire was by some of the seamen that were 
 roystering in an house where it first began, making a 
 *This was on the fifth of November, 1624. 
 
68 NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL. 
 
 great fire, the weather beins: cold, which broke out of 
 the chimnev into the thatch, and burnt three houses 
 and consumed all their goods. The house in which 
 it began, was right against the store house at Ply- 
 mouth, which they had much ado to save; in wliich 
 was the common store of the. provisions of the pianta* 
 tion, which had it beeii lost, the same had been over- 
 tiirown ; but through God's mercy it was saved by 
 the diligence of the people, and care of the Governor 
 Sz tho«e about him. Some would have had the goods 
 thrown out, but if it had, there would have been much 
 lost by the rude company belonging to the two fore* 
 named ships, which were almost all on shore at this 
 time ; but a trusty company were placed within, as 
 well as such as were mean while employed in quench* 
 ing the fire without, that if necessity required they 
 might have them all out with speed ,• for they sus- 
 pected some malicious dealing, if not plain treachery ; 
 and whether it was only suspected or not, God knows; 
 but this is certain, that when the tumult was greatest, 
 there was a voice heard (hut from whence it came is 
 uncertain) that bade them look out well about them, 
 for ail were not friends that were then about them : 
 
 *And soon after, when the vehemency of the fire 
 was over, smoke was seen to arise within a shed that 
 was joined to the end of the store-house, which was 
 wattled up with boughs, in the withered leaves there- 
 of the fire beingr kindled, which some running to 
 quench, found a Ion-: fie brand of about an ell long, 
 lying under the wall on the inside, which could not 
 come thither by casualty, but must be laid there by 
 some hand, in the judi^ment of all that saw it. But 
 God kept them from this danger, whatever might be 
 intended. 
 
 But to return again, to speak something of the afore- 
 said Capt. Gorges, after he had \)e(in ai the Eastward 
 & expedited some occasions there, he (^ some that de- 
 pended upon him returned for England, having scarce- 
 « *A very remarkable preservation. 
 
new-england's memorial. 69 
 
 ]y saluted the country in his government, finding the 
 state of things not to answer his quality and condition; 
 his people dispersed themselves, some for England, 
 others for Virginia, some few remained, and were 
 helped with supplies from Plymouth: Amongst the 
 rest the said Captain brought over a minister with 
 him, one Mr. Morrel, who returned for England about 
 a year after him, he took ship at Plymouth, and had 
 a certain power and authority of superintendency 
 over other churches granted him, and instructions for 
 that end ,• but he never shewed it, or made any use of 
 it, but only spoke of it to some of Plymouth, at his 
 going away. This v.as in effect the end of the second 
 plantation, in the aforenamed place called Wesagus- 
 quaset. 
 
 There were also some scattering beginnings made 
 in other places, as at Piscataqua, by Mr. David 
 Thompson, and at Monhegiu, and some other places, 
 by sundry others. 
 
 1624. 
 
 The time of new election of officers being come for 
 this year at Plymouth, the number of their people be- 
 ing increased, and their troubles and occasions there- 
 with ; the Governour desired them to change the 
 persons, as well as renew the election, and also to add 
 more assistants to the Governor for help and counsel, 
 and the better carrying on of public affairs, shewing 
 that it was necessary it should so be ; for if it were an 
 honour or benefit, it was fit that others should be 
 made partakers of it ; if it was a burden (as doubtless 
 it was) it was but equal that others should help to 
 bear it, and that this was the end of yearly elections. 
 
 The conclusion was, that whereas there was before 
 but one assistant, they now chose five, giving the Gov- 
 ernor a double voice ; and afterwards they increased 
 them to seven, which course hath continued in that 
 colony until this day. 
 
 In the month of March, in this year, Mr. Edward 
 Winslow arrived at Plymouth in New Englandj having 
 
70 
 
 been employed as agent for that plantation, on sundry 
 occasions, with tlie merchant adventurers in England, 
 who brought a considerable supply with him, the 
 ship being bound on a fishing voyage; and with him 
 came Mr. John Lyford, a minister, which was sent 
 over by some of the adventurers. 
 
 There came over likewise in this ship three heif- 
 ers and a bull, which were the first neat cattle that 
 came into New England. 
 
 The aforesaid John Lyford, when he came first on 
 shore, saluted them of the plantation of Plymouth 
 with that reverence and humility, as is seldom to be 
 seen ; and indeed made them ashamed, he so bowed 
 and cringed unto them, and would have kissed their 
 hands if they would have suffered him; yea, he wept 
 and shed many tears, blessing God that he had 
 brought iiim to see their faces; and admiring the 
 things they had done in their wants, as if he had been 
 made all of love, and the humblest person in the 
 world ; but in the end proved more like those men- 
 tioned by the Psalmist, Ps. x. 10, that crouched and 
 bowed, that heaps of the poor may fall by them ; or 
 like unto dissembling Ishmael, who when he had slain 
 Gedaliah, went out weeping, Jer. xli. 6, and met those 
 that were coming to offer incense in the house of the 
 Lord, saying, come to Gedaliah, when he meant to 
 slay them. They gave him the best entertainment 
 they could, in all simplicity, and as their Governor 
 had used in all weighty affairs, to consult with their 
 elder, Mr. Brewster, together with his assistants: so 
 now he called Mr. Lyford also on such like occa- 
 sions, after some short time, he desired to join himself 
 a member to their church, and was accordingly re- 
 ceived ; he made a large confession of his faith, and 
 an acknowledgment of his former disorderly walking, 
 and his being entangled with many corruptions, which 
 had been a burden tt) his conscience, and blessed God 
 for this opportunity of freedom and liberty, with many 
 more such like expressions; in some short time he. 
 
kew-exgland's memorial. 71 
 
 fell into acquaintance with Mr. John Oldham, who 
 was a copartner with him in his alter courses ; not 
 long after, both Oldham and he grew very perverse, 
 and shewed a spirit of great malignity, drawing as 
 many into a faction as they could : were they never 
 so vile and profane, ihej did nourish and abet them 
 in all their doings, so they would but cleave to them, 
 and speak against the church : So as there was nothing 
 but private meetings and whisperings amongst them, 
 they feeding themselves and others with what they 
 should bring to pass in England, by the faction of their 
 friends * there ; w hich brought others as well as them- 
 selves into a fool's paradise, yet they could not carry 
 so closely, but both much of their doings and sayings 
 were discovered, although outwardly thej' set a fair 
 face on things. 
 
 At length when the ship he came in was ready to 
 return for England, and it was observed that Lyford 
 was long in writing, and sent many letters, and could 
 not forbear to communicate to his intimates such 
 things as made them laugh in their sleeves, and 
 thought he had done their errand sufficiently : The 
 Governor and some of his friends knowing how things 
 stood in reference to some known arHersaries in Eng- 
 land, and what hurt these thiniis might do, took a 
 boat& went out with the ship aleai^ue or ivvo,«5y.. called 
 forLyford's and Oldham's letters, ?rlr. William Pierce 
 being master of the ship, and knew well their evil 
 dealings (both in England and here) afforded them all 
 the assistance he could ; he found about twenty of 
 Lyford's letters, many of them large and full of slan- 
 ders and false accusations, tending not only to their 
 prejudice, but ruin and utter subversion ; most of 
 them they let pass, only took copies of them, but 
 some of the most material they sent true copies of 
 them, and kept the originals, lest he should deny 
 them, and that they might produce his own hand 
 
 * That is, some of the adventurers, who proved in the issue 
 adversaries to the plantation. 
 
72 
 
 against him : Amongst these letters they found the 
 copies of two letters which were sent in a letter of 
 his to Mr. John Pemberton, a minister, and a great 
 opposite to the plantation ; these two letters of which 
 he took copies, were one of them written by a gen- 
 tleman in England to Mr. Brewster here, the other 
 by Mr. Winslow to Mi. Robinson in Holland, at his 
 coming away, as the ship lay at Gravescnd, they ly- 
 ing sealed in the great cabin, whilst Mr. Winslow was 
 busy about the aflxiirs of the ship, this sly merchant 
 opens them, takes copies of them, and seals them up 
 again, and not only seals the copies of them thus, To 
 his friend and their adversary, but adds thereto in the 
 margin many scurrilous and flouting annotations. In 
 the evening the Governor returned, and they were 
 something blank at it ; but after some weeks, when 
 they heard nothing, were then as brisk as ever, think- 
 ing nothing had been known, but all was gone cur- 
 rent, and that the Governor went out but to despatch 
 his own letters. 
 
 The reason why the Governor and the rest con- 
 cealed these things, was to let things ripen, that they 
 might the better discover their intents, and see who 
 were their adherents ; because, amongst the rest, 
 they found a letter of one of their confederates, in 
 which was written, that Mr. Oldham and Mr. Lyford 
 intended a reformation in church and commonwealth, 
 and as soon as the ship was gone they intended to 
 join together and have the sacrament ; a few of Old- 
 ham's letters were found in the aforesaid search, be- 
 ing so bad a scribe as his hand was scarce legible, yet 
 he was as deep in the mischief as the other ; and 
 thinking they were now strong euough, they began 
 to pick quarrels at every thing. Oldham being called 
 to watch (according to urder) and refused to come, 
 fell out with the captain, called him rascal and beg- 
 garly rascal, and resisted him, and drew his knife at 
 him, though he offered him no wrong, nor gave him 
 any ill terms, but with all fairness required him to do 
 
NEW-ENGLAND^S MEMORMi.. 73 
 
 his duty ; the Governor hearing the tumult, sent to 
 quiet it ; but he ranted with great lurj, and called 
 them all traitors ; but being committed to prison, af- 
 ter a while he came to himself, and with some slight 
 punishment was let go upon his behaviour for further 
 censure : But to cut things short, at length it grew 
 to this issue, that Ljford with his accomplices, with- 
 out either speaking one word either to the Gover- 
 nor, church or elder, withdrew themselves, and set 
 up a public meeting apart on the Lords day, with 
 sundry such insolent carriages too long here to relate, 
 beginning more publicly to act that which they had 
 been long plotting. 
 
 It was now thought high time to prevent further 
 mischief, to call them to account ; so tlie Governor 
 called a court, and summoned the whole company to- 
 gether, and they charged Ljford and Oldham with 
 such things as they were guilty of respecting the 
 premises ; but they were stiff, and stood resolutely 
 upon the denial of most things, and required proof ; 
 they first alleged what was writ, compared with their 
 practices here ; that it was evident they joined in 
 plotting against them, and disturbed their peace in 
 their civil and church state, wh.ich was most injurious, 
 for both they and all the world knew they came hith- 
 er to enjoy the liberty of their consciences, in the 
 free use of God's ordinances, and for that end had 
 ventured their lives, and passed through much hard- 
 ship hitherto, and they and their friends had borne 
 the charge of these beginnings, which was not small, 
 and that he, viz. Lyford. for his part, was sent over 
 on this charge, and both he and his great family was 
 maintained on the same ; and for him to plot against 
 them, and seek their ruin, was most unjust and per- 
 fidious. 
 
 But Lyford denied, and made strange of sundry 
 things laid to his charge. Then his letters were pro- 
 duced, at which he was struck mute. Oldham begaa 
 to be furious, and to rage, because they had intercept- 
 7 
 
74 new-england's memoriaX,- 
 
 ed their letters, provoked the people to mutiny in 
 such words as these ; My masters, where are }'our 
 hearts ? Now shew your courage : You have often 
 complained to me so and so, now is the time, if you 
 will do any thing, I will stand by you, &,c. thinking 
 that every one knowing his humour that had fooled 
 and flattered him, and otherwise, or that in their dis- 
 content uttered any thing unto him, would now side 
 with him in open rebellion : But he was deceived, 
 for not a man opened his mouth, all were silent. 
 
 Then the Governor took pains in convicting Lyford 
 of his hypocrisy and treachery, in abusing his friends, 
 in taking copies of their letters in an under-hand 
 way, and sending them abroad to their disgrace, &c. 
 and produced them, and his own letters under his 
 own hand, which he could not deny, and caused them 
 to be read before all the people ; at which all his con- 
 federates were blank, and had not a word to say. 
 But after a while, he began to say, that sundry had 
 made some complaint unto him, and informed him of 
 divers things, which being there present, and the par- 
 ticulars named to them, they denied. 
 
 Then they dealt with him about his dissembling in 
 the church, and that he professed to concur with them 
 in all things, and what a large confession he had 
 made at his admittance, and that he held not himself 
 a minister, till he had a new calling, «fcc. and yet now 
 he contested against them, and drew a company apart, 
 and sequestered, himself, and would go about to ad- 
 minister the sacraments by his former calling, with- 
 out ever acquainting them with it. In conclusion he 
 was fully convicted, and burst out into tears, and con- 
 fessed, he feared he was a reprobate, his sins were so 
 great that he doubted that God would not pardon them, 
 he was unsavoury salt, &:c. and that he had so wrong- 
 ed them, as he could never make them amends ; con- 
 fessing all he had written against them was fale and 
 naught, both for matter and manner : And all this he 
 did with as much fulness as words and tears could ex- 
 press. 
 
75 
 
 After their trial and conviction, the court sentenced 
 them to he expelled the plantation ; John Oldham 
 presently/ to depart, though his wife and family had 
 liberty to stay all winter, or longer, until he could 
 make provision to remove them comfortably. Lyford 
 had liberty to stay six months ; it was with some eye 
 to his release, if he carried himself well in the mean 
 time, and that his repentance proved sound. Lyford 
 acknowledged his censure was far less than hedeserv- 
 ed,-and afterwards he confessed his sin publicly in the 
 church with tears, more largely than before. 1 shall 
 here relate it as 1 find it penned by some who took it 
 from his own mouth as himself uttered it. 
 
 Acknowledging, that he had done very evil, and 
 slanderously abused them; and thinking most of the 
 people would take part with him, he thought to have 
 carried all by violence and strung hand against them ; 
 and that God might justly lay innocent hiood to his 
 charge, for he knew not what hurt might have come 
 by these his writings, and blessed God that they w^erc 
 stayed ; and that he spared not to take knowledge 
 from any of any evil that was spoken, but shut his 
 eyes and ears against all the good ; and that if God 
 should make him a vagabond in the earth, as was 
 Cain, it was but just : And he confessed three things 
 to be the causes of these his doings, pride, vain glory, 
 and self love; amplifying these heads with many 
 other expressions in the particulars of them, so as 
 they began to conceive good thoughts of him, upon 
 his repentance, and admitted him to teach amongst 
 Ihem as before ; yea, sundry tender hearted persons 
 amongst them were so taken with his signs of sorrow 
 and repentance, as thej^ professed they would fall on 
 their knees to have his censure remitted and releas- 
 ed. But that which made them all stand amazed in 
 the end (and may do all others who shall come to 
 hear the same, for rarer precedent can scarce be 
 named) was, that after two months time all his former 
 confessions, convictions, and public acknowledgments, 
 
76 new-england's memorial. 
 
 both in the presence of God and his church, and the 
 whole company, with so many tears, and censures of 
 himself, he should go again to justify what he had 
 done; for secretly he wrote a letter to the adventur- 
 ers in England, in which he justified all his former 
 writings, save in some things which tended to their 
 damage. [The copy of this letter is extant, but too 
 large to be here inserted.] 
 
 1625. 
 
 At the time of their election court, John Oldham 
 came again amongst them; and though it was a part 
 of his censure, for his former mutiny, not to return 
 without leave first obtained, yet he presumed, with- 
 out leave at all, to come, being set on and hardened by 
 the ill counsel of others; and not only so, but suffered 
 his unruly passion to run beyond the bounds and limits 
 of all reason and modesty, insomuch that some stran- 
 gers that were with him were ashamed of his outrage 
 and rebuked him : But all reproofs were but oil to 
 the fire, and made the flame of his choler the greater. 
 He called them all to naught in his fury, an hundred 
 rebels and traitors ; but in conclusion, they commit- 
 ted him until he was tamer, and then appointed a 
 guard of musketeers, which he was to pass through, 
 and every one was ordered to give him a blow on his 
 hinder parts, witli tlie butt-end of his musket, and 
 then he was conveyed to the water-side, where a boat 
 was ready to carry him away, with this farewell, go 
 and mend your manners. 
 
 After the removal of his family he fell into some 
 straits, and about a year after he intended a voyage to 
 Virginia: And so it pleased God that himself & sun- 
 dry passengers being in the barque, they were in great 
 danger, so as they despaired of life, and fell to prayer, 
 and to examination of their hearts and consciences, 
 and confessed such sins as most burthened them, and 
 the said John Oldham did make a free and large con- 
 fession of the wrongs he had done to the church and 
 
NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL. 77 
 
 people at Plymouth, in many particulars ;& that as he 
 had sought their ruin, so God had now met with him, 
 and might destroy him; yea, he feared that they all 
 fared the worse for his sake : He prajed God to for- 
 give him, and made vows, that if the Lord spared his 
 life, he would become otherwise. This was reported 
 by some of good credit, not long since living in the 
 Massachusetts Bay, that were themselves partners in 
 the same danger, which was on the shoals of Cape 
 Cod. 
 
 It pleased God to spare their lives, but they lost 
 their voyage; and sometime afterwards the said Mr. 
 John Oldham carried himself fairly towards them, and 
 acknowledged the hand of God (o be with them, and 
 seemed to have an honorable respect of them, and so 
 far made his peace with them, as he had liberty to go 
 and come at his pleasure, and in some time after went 
 on trading in a small vessel amongst the Indians, and 
 being weakly manned, upon some quarrel betwixt 
 them, they slew him with a hatchet ; this death being 
 one ground of the Pequot war, of which afterwards 
 in its proper place. [He was a man of parts, but high 
 spirited, and extremely passionate, which marred all 
 in point of right improvement of them.] 
 
 The time being expired that Mr. John Lyford's 
 censure was to take place, he was so far from answer- 
 ing their hopes by amendment, as he had doubled his 
 evil, as before mentioned. But first behold the hand 
 of God concerniTig him, wherein that of the Psalmist 
 is verified. Psalm vii. 15, He bath made a pit, and 
 digged it, and is fallen into the pit that he made. He 
 thought to bring shame and disgrace upon them, but 
 instead of that opens his own to all the world ; for his 
 wife, who was a prudent, sober woman, taking notice 
 of his false and deceitful carriage about the premises, 
 in grief of mind expressed her fears, that God would 
 bring upon him and family, some sad judgment for 
 these and other his wi( ked practices, and related that 
 he had a bastard, by another woman, before marriage 
 7* 
 
73 kew-engLx\nd's memorial. 
 
 with her, which he denied to her with an oath, but it 
 afterwards appeared to be so : And another miscar- 
 riage, of the like nature, more odiously circumstanced, 
 was also discovered, for which he was forced to leave 
 Ireland, and so came New-England to be troubled 
 with him. Being banished hence, he went first to 
 Nantucket, then to Salem, and after to Virginia, where 
 shortly after he died. 
 
 I have been too tedious in my relating the plots of 
 these Machiavilians : But, to conclude, the reader may 
 take notice, that God observed and brought to naught 
 their v/icked devices, was a defence to the innocent, 
 and caught them in the snares they privily laid for 
 them, punishing one sin by another, until he had ac- 
 complished the freedom of his Israel, by the over- 
 throw of his and their enemies ; for which his mercy, 
 let his holy name be praised forevermore. 
 
 Tliis storm was blown over, yet sundry sad effects 
 followed, for the company of the merchant adventur- 
 ers break in pieces hereupon, and the greatest part 
 wholly deserted the colony, but yet God took care of 
 it ; for although sundry of them fell off and adventur- 
 ed no more towards the support thereof, but rather 
 proved manifest adversaries thereunto, than other- 
 wise ; and the rest, partly because they were grown 
 (some of them) low in their estates, and there being 
 small hopes of returns to their expectations ; although 
 courteous in words and well-wishes, yet afforded little 
 or no help after this, so that the plantation was fain 
 to stand on their own legs, being indeed marvellously 
 supported by the Lord, for it pleased him so to bless 
 their endeavors, as that they raised great crops of In- 
 dian corn (about this time) so as they had enough, and 
 to spare, and began to have thoughts of improving 
 part of it in a way of trading witli the Indians, and 
 having only two shallops, and no bigger vessels, they 
 laid a deck on one of them in the midships, to pre- 
 serve the corn dry from weather, and so sent her, la- 
 den with corn^j to a place called Kennebeck, about 
 
i^ew-england's memorial. 79 
 
 fifty leagues off to the eastward ; and notwithstand- 
 ing they were strangers to the way,aiid place of trade, 
 and to the people, and having no seamen, and that 
 season being the latter end of the year and drawing 
 on to winter ; yet it pleased God to preserve them, 
 and so to bless their endeavours, as that they returned 
 in safety, and with good success, it being the first en- 
 terprise they achieved in this kind (at least) so far, 
 and it proved an inlet to a farther trade, which was 
 greatly beneficial to them afterwards. 
 
 And here I may not omit the observable dispensa- 
 tion of God's providence, respecting his dealing with 
 the adventurers aforementioned, in reference unto 
 two ships they sent into these parts about that time, 
 on a fishing voyage only upon their account, having 
 left the plantation to shift for themselves ; one of these 
 ships was a small one, viz. the James, forenamed, 
 which was well laden with Cor-fish, and in her* a 
 great quantity likewise of beaver and other furs, which 
 was sent by the plantation to the adventurers, and 
 returned for England ; the other ship was also laden 
 ■with good dry-fish, and she also returned with her: 
 Being thus well freighted, they went together loving- 
 ly and joyfully away, the greater ship towed the less- 
 er at her stern all the way over-bound, and had such 
 fair weather as they never cast her off till they were 
 shot deep into the English channel, and almost within 
 sight of Plymouth, & yet there she was unhappily tak- 
 en by a Turkish man of war, & carried into Sally,where 
 the master and men were made slaves ; and many of 
 the beaver skins were sold at four pence a piece. 
 Thus were all their hopes dashed in this respect, and 
 the joyful news they went to carry home turned into 
 heavy tidings. Some thought this an hand of God for 
 some unkindness shewed to the plantation, by exaction 
 upon them in reference to a parcel of ^oods they a lit- 
 tle before had sent to them on extreme rates : But 
 God's judgments are unsearchable, neither ought we 
 
 * 500 weig-ht of beaver, with other furs, a g-ood quantity. 
 
30 new-england's memorial. 
 
 to be too bold therewith. But, however, it shev,^s us 
 the uncertainty of all human things, and what little 
 cause there is in joying in them, or trusting to them. 
 In the bigger of these ships Capt. Miles Standish 
 went ov{ r as agent in the behalf of the plantation, in 
 reference unto some particulars yet depending be- 
 twixt them and the adventurers ; as also to the hon- 
 orable council of New-England : And notwithstand- 
 ing some ditficulty he met with in his occasions by 
 reason of the pestilence which was then so hot in 
 the city of London, yet he accomplished his business 
 so as he left things in a fair way for future composi- 
 tion, betwixt the said merchant-adventurers and the 
 plantation ; and he spake also with some of the hon- 
 orable couiicii, afore-named, who promised all help- 
 fuhiess to the plantation, that lay in them. About 
 this time it pleased the Lord likewise to give peace, 
 health, and good succession their endeavours, his holy 
 name be praised. 
 
 1626. 
 
 About the beginning of April, they heard of Capt. 
 Standish's arrival, and sent a boat to fetch him home ; 
 welcome he was, but the news he brought was sad in 
 many regards, not only in regard to the foremention- 
 ed losses which their friends had, and some of them 
 dead of the plague, but also that *Mr. John Robinson, 
 tlieir pastor, was dead, which strut k them with much 
 sorrow and sadness, as they had great cause ; his and 
 their adversaries had been long and continually plot- 
 ting how they might hinder his coming into New- 
 England, but now the Lord had appointed him to a 
 greater journey, at less charge to a better place. 
 
 But befon) I pass things concerning this worthy 
 servant of Christ, Mr. John Robinson, I shall here 
 insert the honorable testimony that Mr. William 
 Bradford, senior, hath left beh nd him, conc( rning 
 him, being greatly acquainted with his worth and ex* 
 cellency. 
 
 * Mr. John Robinson's death; 
 
81 
 
 Saith he, Such was the mutual love and reciprocal 
 respect that this worthy man had to his flock, and 
 his flock to him, that it might be said of them, as it 
 was once said of that famous Emperor Marcus Aure- 
 lius, and the people of Rome, that it v* as hard to judge 
 whether he delighted more in having such a people, 
 or they in haviiig such a pastor. But to return. 
 
 Capt. Standish likewise brought the sad news of 
 the * death of Mr. Robert Cushman, their ancient 
 friend whom the Lord took away also this 3'ear (about 
 the same time) who was as their right liand wilh their 
 friends the adventurers, and for divers years had done 
 and agitated all their business with them, to their 
 great advantage, of whom occasionally there hath been 
 honorable mention former!}' made in this book. 
 
 About this time they received divers letters from 
 their friends at Leyden, in Holland, full oi sad lam.en- 
 tation for their heavy loss by the death of their pastor, 
 Mr. Robinson, above named ; and although their wills 
 were good to come over to their biethren in New 
 England, yet they saw no probability of means how it 
 might be eflected, but concluded (as it were) that all 
 their hopes were cut oft^, and many being aged began 
 to drop away by death. All which things before re- 
 lated, bein^ well weighed and laid together, it could 
 not but strike them with great perplexity, and to look 
 humanely on the state of things as they presented 
 themselves at thi^ time, it is a marvel it did not wholly 
 discourage and ^ink them, but they gathered up their 
 spirits, and the Lord so helped them (whose work 
 they had in hand) as now, when they were very low, 
 they began to rise again ; and being stripped (in a 
 manner) of all human helps and hopes, he brought 
 things about othf^rwise in his divine providence, so as 
 they were not only upheld and sustained but their 
 proceedings both honored and imitated by others, as 
 by the sequel will appear. 
 
 * The death of Mr. Robert CushmaD. 
 
8^ new-england's memorial* 
 
 1627. 
 
 This year they sent Mr. Isaac Allerton for England, 
 and gave him orders to make a connposition with the 
 adventurers, in reference unlo some particulars be- 
 twixt the plantation and them, which Capt. Standish 
 had begun, as is before hinted, and at the ordinary 
 season of the year (for the expectation of ships) he 
 returned with some success in the business he was em- 
 ployed in. 
 
 Likewise this year they began to make some dis- 
 tribution of lands, having had hitherto to but to every 
 person one acre allowed him as to propriety, besides 
 their homesteads, or garden plots ; the reason was 
 that they might keep together, both for more safety 
 and defence, and the better improvement of the gen- 
 eral employments : Which condition of theirs brings 
 to mind that which may be read in Pliny, of the Ro- 
 mans first beginning in Romulus's time, how every 
 man contented himself with two acres of land, & had 
 no more assigned them : And chap, 3. it was thought 
 a great reward to receive at the hands of the people 
 of Rome a pint of corn ; and long after, the greatest 
 present given to a Captain that had got a victory 
 over their enemies, was as much ground as he could 
 till in one day ; and he was not accounted a good, but 
 a dangerous man, that would not content himself with 
 seven acres of land ; as also how they did pound their 
 corn in moitars, as these people were forced to do 
 many years before the}^ could get a mill. 
 
 Notwithstanding as aforesaid, so small a portion of 
 land served them at the first, yet afterwards, for di- 
 vers reasons moving thereunto, they were necessita- 
 ted to lay out some larger proportions to each per- 
 son ; yet resolving to keep a mean in distribution of 
 lands, as should not hinder their growth by others 
 coming to them, and therefore accordingly allotted to 
 every one in each family twenty acres to be laid out, 
 five acres in breadth, by the water side, and four acres 
 in length. 
 
new-england's memorial. 83 
 
 I may not omit the inserting of a particular that 
 fell out this year, in reference unto a ship with many 
 passengers in her, and some considerable goods, which 
 was bound for Virginia, who had lost themselves at 
 sea, either by the insufficiency of the master, or his 
 illness (for he was sick, and lame of the scurvy,) so as 
 he could but lie in the cabin door and give direction, 
 and (it should seem was badly assisted either with 
 mate or mariners) or else the fear of and the unruli- 
 ness of the passengers was such, as they made them 
 steer a course between the southwest and northwest, 
 that might fall in with some land, whatever it was 
 they cared not, for they had been six weeks at sea 
 and had no beer nor water,nor wood left, but had 
 burnt up all their empty casks, only one of the com- 
 pany had a hogshead of wine or two, which was also 
 spent, so as they should be starved at sea, or consum- 
 ed with diseases, which made them run this desperate 
 course. But it pleased God, that although they came 
 so near the shoals of Cape Cod, or else ran stumbling 
 over them in the night, they knew not how, ihey 
 came before a small harbour that lieth about the mid- 
 dle of Mannamoiet bay, to the southward of Cape 
 Cod, and with a small gale of wind, and about high 
 water, touched upon a bar of sand that lieth before 
 it, but had no hurt, the sea being smooth, so they laid 
 out an anchor ; but towards evening the wind sprang 
 up at sea, and was so rough as broke their cable, and 
 beat them over the bar into the harbour, where they 
 saved their lives and goods ; for although with beat- 
 ing they had sprung a but end of a plank within the 
 harbour close to a beach, and at low water got out 
 their goods, and were not a little glad that they had 
 saved their lives. But when they had refreshed 
 themselves, not kitowing where the}^ were, nor what 
 to do, were much troubled, but soon after some Ind- 
 ians came towards them in canoes, which made them 
 stand upon their guard, but when they heard some of 
 them speak English, they were not a little revived ; 
 
84 new-england's memorial. 
 
 especially when they heard them ask whether they 
 were not the Governor of Plymouth's men, or friends, 
 and that they would bring them to the English houses, 
 or carry their letters ; and when they had feasted 
 these Indians, and given them many gifts, they sent 
 two men and a letter with them to the Governor of 
 Plymouth, by which he had intelligence of their con- 
 dition, and took order for their supply : They hoping 
 by mending of their ship to recover her to go to sea 
 again, and accordingly did mend her ; but afterwards 
 having but bad mooring, was put on shore again, and 
 suffered so much shipwreck as she never got oft'more, 
 but all the company were forced to repair to Plym- 
 outh, where they continued the best part of a year, 
 being courteously entertained, and so were dispers- 
 ed : The greatest part of them went to Virginia, and 
 some remained in the country. The chief amongst 
 them were Mr. Fells, Mr. Sibsey, and the master's 
 name was Johnston, a Scotchman. 
 
 This year the plantation of Plymouth received 
 messengers from the Dutfh plantation, sent unto 
 them from the Governor there, written both in Dutch 
 and French. The sum of ihe letters fore mentioned 
 were, to congratulate the English here, taking notice 
 of much that might engage them to a friendly corres- 
 pondency and good neiglibourhcod, as the propinqui- 
 ty of their native country, their long continued 
 friendship, &c. and desired to fall into a way o( some 
 commerce and trade with them. [The Dutch had 
 trading in those southern parts divers years before 
 the English came, but they began no plantation until 
 after the English came and were here seated.] 
 
 To which the Governor and council of Plymouth 
 returned answerable courteous acceptance of their 
 loviuij propositions, respecling their good neighbour- 
 hood in general, and particularly for commerce. And 
 accordingly the Dutch not long after sent their sec- 
 retary, Mr. Isaac do Rosier, with letters and goods, 
 who laid the foundation ot a trade that continued be- 
 
^'EW'ENgLA^d^s memorial. 85 
 
 twecn them many years after, to their mutual benefit. 
 They also brought the English acquainted with the 
 trading of Wampampeag, until then little known to 
 us, nor esteemed by us, but was after of good valua- 
 tion and profit. Although for the space of twenty 
 years it was of great esteem among the natives in di- 
 vers parts of the country, so as it made the Indians in 
 these parts, rich, proud and powerful; yet until they 
 had store of it, they could not attain English ammu- 
 nition, but were fain to improve their own artillery 
 of bows and arrows. But when as they learned to 
 ! make store of wampum, they furnished themselves 
 with guns, powder and shot, which no laws can re- 
 strain, by reason of the baseness of sundry unwortliy 
 persons, both English, Dutch and French, which may 
 turn to the ruin of many ; for hitherto the Indians of 
 these parts had no pieces, nor other arms but their 
 bows and arrrows and clubs, nor in many years after; 
 neither durst they scarce handle a gun, though out of 
 kelter it was a terror to them; but those Indians to 
 the eastern parts.^ which had commerce with the 
 French, got pieces of them, and they in the end 
 made a common trade : And in time our English fish- 
 ermen led with the like covetousness, followed their 
 example for their own gain ; but upon complaint 
 against them, it pleased the King's Majesty to prohib- 
 it the same by a strict proclamation, commanding 
 that no sort ofarms or ammiunition should by any^ of 
 his subjects be traded with them. 
 
 1628. 
 
 This year died Mr. Richard Warren, who hath 
 been mentioned before in this book, and was an use- 
 ful instrument ; and during his life bore a deep share 
 in the difficulties and troubles of the first settlement 
 of the plantation of New-Plymouth. 
 
 Whereas about three years before this time there 
 j came over one Captain *Wollaston, a man of consid- 
 
 *This g-entleman's name is here accasionaly usedjand aliliough 
 8 
 
86 NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL, 
 
 erable parts, and with him three or four more of same 
 eminencj^ who brought with them a great many ser- 
 vants, with provisions and other requisites for to be- 
 gin a plantation and pitched themselves in a place 
 within the Massachusetts Bay, which they called af- 
 terwards by their Captain's name, Mount WaJlaston : 
 which place is since called by the name of Braintree. 
 And amont^st others that came with him, there was 
 one Mr. Thomas Morton, who should seem had some 
 small adventure of his own or other men's amongst 
 them, but had little respect, and was slighted by the 
 meanest servants they kept. They having continu- 
 ed some time in New-England, and not linding things 
 to answer their expectation, nor profit to arise as they 
 looked for, the said Captain Wollaston takes a great 
 part of the servants, and transports them to Virginia, 
 and disposes of them there, and writes bac k to one 
 Mr. Rasdale, one of his chief partners, (and account- 
 ed their merchant) to bring another part of them to 
 Virginia likevv/ise, intending to put them off there, 
 as he had done the rest; and he with consent of the 
 said Rasdale, appointed one whose name was Filcher 
 to be his lieutenant, and to govern the remainder of 
 the plantation, until he or Rasdale should take fur- 
 ther order thereabout. 
 
 But the aforesaid Morton (having more craft than 
 honesty) having been a pettyfogger at Furnivals-Inn ; 
 he in the others absence watches an opportunity 
 (commons being put hard among them) and got some 
 strong drink, and other junkets, and made them a 
 feast.and after they were merry, he began to tell 
 them he would give them good counsel ; you see (said 
 he) that many of your fellows are carried to Virginia, 
 and if you stay still until Rasdale's return, you will 
 also be carried away and sold for slaves with the 
 rest; therefore 1 would advise you to thrust out lieu- 
 he came over in the year 1625, yet these passag-es in reference 
 to Morton, fell out about this year, and therefore referred to 
 this place. 
 
 i 
 
>^ew-england's memorial. 8 / 
 
 tenant Filcher, and I having a part in the plantation, 
 will receive you as my partners, and consociatcs, so 
 may you be free from service and we will converse, 
 plant, trade and live together as equals (or to the like 
 effect.) This council was easily followed, so they 
 took opportunity and thrust lieutenant Filcher out 
 of doors, and would not suffer him to come any more 
 amongst them, but forced him to seek bread to ea<, 
 and other necessaries amongst his neighbours, till he 
 could get a passage for England. (See the sad effects 
 of the want of good government.) 
 
 After this they fell to great licentiousness of life, in 
 all profaneness, and the said Morion became lord of 
 misrule, and maintained (as it were) a school of Atlie- 
 ism, and after they had got some goods into their 
 hands, and got much by trading with the Indians, 
 they spent it as vainly in quaff.ng and drinking both 
 wine and strong liquors in great excess (as some liave 
 reported) ten pounds worth in a morning, setting up 
 a may-pole, drinking and dancing about it, and frisk- 
 ing about it like so many fairies, or furies rather, yea 
 and worse practices, as if they had anew revived, and 
 celebrated the feast of the Romans' goddess Flora, or 
 the beastly practices of the mad Bacchanalians. The 
 said Morton likewise, to shew his poetry, composed 
 sundry rhymes and verses, some tending to lascivious- 
 ness, and others to the detraction and scandal of 
 some persons' names, which he affixed to his idle and 
 idol may-pole ; they changed also the name of their 
 place, and instead of calling it Mount Wollaston, they 
 called it the i^Jerr^ Mount, as if this jollity would 
 have lasted always. But this continued not long, for 
 shortly after that worthy gentleman, ]\Ir. John Endi^ 
 cot, who brought over a patent under the broad seal 
 of England, for the government of the Massachusetts, 
 visiting these parts, caused that may-pole to be cut 
 down, and rebuked them for their profaneness, and 
 admonished them to look to it that they walked bet- 
 ter; so the name was again changed, and called 
 Mount Dagon. 
 
88 new-england's memorial. 
 
 Now to maintain this riotous prodigality and pro- 
 fuse expense, the said Morton thinking himself law- 
 less, and hearing what gain the fishermen made of 
 trading off pieces, powder and shot; he, as head of 
 this consortship, began the practice of the same in 
 these parts: And first he taught the Indians how to 
 use them, to charge and discharge them, and what 
 proportion of powder to give the piece, according to 
 the size and bigness of the same, and what shot to use 
 for fowl and what what for deer: And having instruc- 
 ted them, he employed some of them to hunt and 
 fowl for him : So as they became somewhat more ac- 
 tive in this employment than any of the English, by 
 reason of their swiftness of foot, and nimbleness of 
 body, being also quick sighted and by continual exer- 
 cise, well knowing the haunt of all sorts of game ; so 
 as when they saw the execution a piece would do, 
 and the benefit that might come by the same, they 
 became very eager after them, and would not stick 
 to give any price they could attain to for them ; ac- 
 counting their bows and arrows but baubles in com- 
 parison of them. 
 
 And here we may take occasion to bewail the mis- 
 chief which came by this wicked man, and others 
 like unto him; in that, notwithstanding all laws for 
 the restraint of selling ammunition to the natives, 
 that so far base covetousness prevailed, and doth still 
 prevail, as that the savages become amply furnished 
 with guns, powder, shot, rapiers, pistols, and also 
 well skilled in repairing of defective arms; yea some 
 have not spared to tell them how gun-powder is 
 made, and all the materials in it, and that they are to 
 be had in their own land, and would (no doubt, in 
 case they could attain to making of saltpetre) teach 
 them to make powder: And whal: mischief may fall 
 out to the English in those parts thereby, let this 
 pestilent fellow Morton, aforenamed, bear a greater 
 part of the blame and guilt of it to future generations. 
 But lest I should hold the reader too long in the rela- 
 
new-england's memorial. 89 
 
 tion of the particulais of his vile actings ; when as the 
 English that then lived up and down about the Mas- 
 sachusetts, and in other places, perceiving the sad 
 consequences of his trading, so as the Indians became 
 furnished with the English arms and ammunition, and 
 expert in the improving of them, and fearing they 
 should, at one time or another, get a blow thereby ; 
 also taking notice that if he were let alone in his way, 
 they should keep no servants for him, because he 
 would entertain any, how vile soever. Sundry of the 
 chief of the straggling plantations met together, and 
 agreed, by mutual consent, to send to Plymouth, who 
 were then of more strength to join with them, to sup- 
 press this mischief; wh.o considering the particulars, 
 proposed to them to join together to take some speedy 
 course to pn^vent (if it might be) the evil that was 
 accruing towards them; and resolved (irst to admon- 
 ish him of his wickedness respecting the premises, 
 laying before him the injury he did to their common 
 safety, and that his acting concerning the same was 
 against the King's proclamation: But he insolently 
 persisted on in his way, and said the King was dead, 
 and his displeasure with him, and threatened them 
 that if they came to molest him, thev should look to 
 themselves; so that they saw there was no way but 
 to take him by force : So they resolved to proceed 
 in such a way, and obtained of thegoveinor of Ply- 
 mouth, to send Capt. Slandish, and some other aid 
 with him, to take the said Rlorton by force, the which 
 accordingly was done; but they found him to stand 
 stifly on his defence, having made fast his doors, arm- 
 ed his consorts, set powder and shot ready upon the 
 table; scoffed and scorned at them, and lie and his 
 accomplices being filled with strong drink, were des- 
 perate in their way ; but he himself coming out of 
 doors to make a shot at Capt. Standish, he stepping 
 to him, put by his piece and took him, and so little 
 hurt was done ; and so he was brought prisoner to 
 Plymouth, and continued in durance till an opportu- 
 8* 
 
90 NE\y-ENG land's memorial. 
 
 nity of sending bim for England, which was done at 
 their common charge, and letters also with Iiim, to 
 the honorable council for INew-Engiand, and returned 
 again into the country in some short time, with less 
 punishment than his demerits deserved, as was ap- 
 prehended. 
 
 'I'he year following he was again apprehended, and 
 sent for England, where he lay a considerable time in 
 Exeter gaol : For besides his miscarriage here in 
 New Ens^land, he was suspected of having murdered 
 a man that had ventured monies with him when he 
 first came into N'ew England ; and a warrant was 
 sent over from the Lord Chief Justice to apprehend 
 him; bj^ virtue thereof he was, by the governor of 
 the Massachusetts sent into England, and for other of 
 his misdemeanors amongst them in that government, 
 they demolished his house, that it might no longer be 
 a roost for such unclean birds. 
 
 Notwithstanding he got free in England again, and 
 wrote an infamous and scurrilous book against many 
 godly and chief men of the country, full of lies and 
 slanders, and full fraught with profane calumnies 
 against their names and persons, and the ways of God. 
 But to the intent I may not trouble the reader any 
 more with the mentioning of him in this history : 
 In fine, sundry years after he came again into the 
 country, and was imprisoned at Boston, for the afore- 
 said book and other things, but denied several things 
 therein, affirming his book was adulterated. And 
 soon after being grown old in wickedness, at last end- 
 ed his life at Piscataqua. But 1 fear 1 have held the 
 reader too long about so unworthy a person, but hope 
 it may be useful to take notice how wickedness was 
 beginning, and would have further proceeded, had it 
 not been prevented timely. 
 
 1629. 
 
 This year sundry ships came out of England, and 
 arrived at Neumkeak, (now called Salem) where Mr. 
 
NEW- England's memorial. 91 
 
 John Endicot had chief command ; and by infection 
 that gieW among the passengers, at sea, it spread also 
 among them on shore, of which many died, some of 
 the scurvy, and others of infectious fevers. Mr. En- 
 dicot understanding that there was one at PJjmouth 
 that had skill in such diseases, sent thither for him; 
 at whose request he was sent unto them. And after- 
 wards acquaintance & Christian love & corresponden- 
 cy came on betwixt the said Governor and the said 
 Endicot; which was furthered by congratulatory let- 
 ters that passed betwixt each other; one whereof, be- 
 cause it shews the beginning of their christian fellow- 
 ship, I shall here insert. 
 
 The copy of a letter from Mr. Endicot to Mr. Brad- 
 ford as followeth: 
 Right worshipful Sir, 
 
 It is a thing not usual, that servants to one master, 
 and of the same houseliold, should be strangers ; \ as- 
 sure you I desire -it not : Nay, to speak more plainly, 
 I cannot be so to you. God's people are all marked 
 with one and the same mark, and have for the main 
 one and the same heart, guided by one and the same 
 spirit of truth ; and w^here this is, there can be no 
 discord, nay here must needs be a sweet harmony; 
 and the same request, with you, \ make unto the 
 Lord, that we, as christian brethren, be united by an 
 heavenly and unfeigned love, bending all our hearts 
 and forces in furthering a work beyond our strength, 
 with reverence and fear, fastening our eyes alwaj^s 
 on him that is only able to di'-ect and prosper all our 
 ways. I acknowledge myself much bound to you 
 for your kind love and care in sending Mr. Fuller 
 amongst us, and rejoice much that I am by him satis- 
 fied touching your judgment of the outward, form of 
 God's worship : It is, as far as I can gather, no other 
 than is warranted by the evidence of truth, and the 
 same which I have professed and maintained ever 
 siTice the Lord in mercy revealed himself unto me. 
 
92 NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL. 
 
 being far from the common report that hath been 
 spread of you, touching that particular: But God's 
 children must not look for less here below ; and it is 
 a great mercy of God (hat he sirengtheneth them to 
 go through it. 1 shall not need, at this time, to en- 
 large unto you, for (C»od willing) I purpose to see 
 your face shortly; in the meam time I humbly take 
 my leave of you, committing }ou to the Lord's bless- 
 ing and protection, and rest. 
 
 Your assured loving friend, 
 
 JOHN ENDICOT. 
 Jsfeumkeak^ May 11, 1629. 
 
 In the three ships that came over this year to Sa- 
 lem, in the month of June, besides many godly chris- 
 tians, tliere came over three ministers, two of them 
 JVJr. Skelton and Mr. Higginson, were nonconform- 
 ists, who having suflcsed much in tiieir native land, 
 upon that account, they came over wilh a professed 
 intention of practising church reformation; the third 
 minister, Mr. Bright, was a conformist, who, not 
 asjreoing in judsjment with the olher two, removed to 
 Charlestown, wheie also not agreeing with those god- 
 ly christians there, that were for reformation, after 
 one year's stay in the country, he returned for Eng- 
 land : But Mr. Higginson and Mr. Skelton, in pursu- 
 ance of the ends of their coming over into this wil- 
 derness, acquainted the governor Mr. Endicot, and 
 the rest of the godly people whom the\' found inhab- 
 itants of the place, and the chief of the passengers 
 that came over with them, with their professed inten- 
 tions, and consulted with th.em about settling a re- 
 formed congregation ; from whom they found a gen- 
 eral and hearty concurrence, so that, at"ter some con- 
 ference together about this matter, they pitched upon 
 the 6th of Auijust for their entering into a solemn 
 covenant with God, and one another, and also for the 
 ordaining of their ministers; of which they irave no- 
 tice to the church of Plymouth / (that being the on- 
 
NEW-ENGLAND's MEJVIORIAL. 93 
 
 \y church that was in the coiintr}^ before them ;) the 
 people made choice of Mr. Siiclton for their pastor, 
 and Mr. Higginson for jtheir teacher. And accord- 
 ingly it was desired of Mr. Higginson to draw up a 
 confession of faith and covenant in scripture language ; 
 which being done, was agreed upon. And because 
 they foresaw that this wilderness might be looked 
 upon as a place of liberty, and therefore might in 
 time be troubled with erroneous spirits, therefore 
 they did put in one article into the confession of 
 faith, on purpose about the duty and power of the 
 magistrate in matters of religion. Thirty copies of 
 the aforesaid confession of faith and covenant being 
 written out for the use of thirty persons who were 
 to begin the work. When the 6th of August came, 
 it was kept as a day of fasting and prayer, in which, 
 after the sermons and prayers of the two ministers, 
 in the end of the day, the aforesaid confession of 
 faith and covenant being solemnly read, theforenam- 
 ed persons did solemnly profess their consent there- 
 unto ; and then proceeded to the ordaining of Mr. 
 Skelton pastor, and Mr. Higginson teacher of the 
 church there. Mr. Bradford, the Governor of Ply- 
 mouth, and some others with him, coming by sea, 
 were hindered by cross winds, that they could not be 
 there at the beginning of the day, but they came in- 
 to the assembly afterward, and gave them the right 
 hand of fellowship, wishing all prosperity, and a bless- 
 ed success unto such good beginnings. After which, 
 at several times, mmj others joined to the church in 
 the same way. The confession of faith and covenant 
 forenamed, was acknowledged only as a direction, 
 pointing unto that faith arid covenant contained in 
 the holy scripture, and therefore no man was confin- 
 ed unto that form of words, but only to the sub- 
 stance, end and scope of the matter contained there- 
 in. And for the circumstantial manner of joining to 
 the church, it was ordered according to the wisdom 
 and faithfulness of the elders, together with the liber- 
 
94 new-england's memorial. 
 
 Hence it was, that some were admitted by express' 
 ing their consent to that written confession of faith 
 and covenant ; others did answer to questions about 
 the principles of religion that were publicly pro- 
 pounded to them; some did present their confession 
 in writing, which was read for them ; and some that 
 were able and willinir did make their confession in 
 their own words and way: A due respect was also 
 had unto the conversations of men, viz. that they 
 were without scandal. But some of the passengers 
 that came over at the same time, observing that the 
 ministers did not at all use the book of common pray- 
 er, and that they did administer baptism and the 
 Lord's supper without the ceremonies, and that they 
 professed also to use discipline in the congregation 
 against scandalous persons, by a personal application 
 of the word of God, as the case might require; and 
 that some that were scandalous \vere denied admiss- 
 ion into the church, they began to raise some trouble : 
 Of these Mr. Samuel Brown and his brother were the 
 chief, the one being a lawyer, the other a merchant, 
 both of them amongst the number of the first paten- 
 tees, men of estates, and men of parts and port in the 
 place. The&e two brothers gathered a company to- 
 gether in a place distinct from the public assembly, 
 and there sundry times the book of common praj^er 
 was read unto such as resorted thither. The Govern- 
 or, Mr. Endicot, taking notice of the disturbance that 
 began to grow amongst the people by this means, he 
 convented the two brothers before him. They ac- 
 cused the ministers as departing from the orders of 
 the church of England, that they were separatists, 
 and would be anabaptists, &lc, but for themselves, 
 they would hold to the orders of the church of Eng- 
 land. The ministers answered for themselves : They 
 were neither separatists nor anabaptists, they did not 
 separate from the church of England, nor from the 
 ordinances of God there, but only from the corrup- 
 tions and disorders there ; and that they came away 
 
KEW-ENGLAND S MEMORIAL. 95 
 
 fiom the common prayer and ceremonies, and had 
 suiiered much for liieir non-conformity in their na- 
 tive land, and therefore being in a place where they 
 might have their hberty ; they neither could nor 
 would use them, because ihey judged the imposition 
 of these things to be sinful corruptions in the woiship 
 of God. The Governor and council, and the general- 
 ity of the people, did well approve of the ministers' 
 answer : And therefore finding those two brothers to 
 be of high spirits, and their speeches and practices 
 tending to mutiny and faction, the Governor told 
 thrm, That New-Kngland was no place for such as 
 they; and therefore he sent them both back for Eng- 
 land, at the return of the ships the same year : And 
 though thej^ breathed out threatenings both against 
 the Governor and ministers there, yet the Lord so 
 disposed of all, that there was no further inconven- 
 ience followed upon it. 
 
 The two ministers there being seriously studious 
 of reformation, they considered of ihe state of their 
 ciiildren, together with their parents ; concerning 
 which, letters did pass between Mr. Higginson, and 
 Mr. Brewster, the reverend elder of the church of 
 Plymouth, and they did agree in their judgments, 
 viz. concerning the church membership of the chil- 
 dren with tlieir parents, and that baptism was a seal 
 of their membership, only when they were adult, 
 they being not scandalous, they were to be examined 
 by the church officers, and upon their approbation of 
 their fitness, and upon the children's public and per- 
 sonally owning of the covenant, they were to be re- 
 ceived unto the Lord's supper. Accordingly Mr. 
 Higginson's eldest son, being about fifteen years of 
 age, was owned to have been received a member, to- 
 gether with his parents, and being; privately examin- 
 ed by the pastor, Mr. Skelton, about his knowledge 
 in the principles of religion, he did present him be- 
 fore the church when the Lord's supper was to be ad- 
 ministered, and the child then publicly and personally 
 
96 new-england's memorial. 
 
 owning the covenant of the God of his father, he was 
 admitted unto the Lord's sup[)er ; it being then pro- 
 fessedly owned, according to 1 Cor. vii. 14, that the 
 children of the churc.liare holy unto the Lord as well 
 as their parents, accordingly the parents owning and 
 retaining the baptism, wliich they themselves receiv- 
 ed in tlieir infaticy, in their native land, as they had 
 any children born, baptism was administered unto 
 them, viz. to the children of such as were members of 
 that particular church. 
 
 Mr. Higginson lived but one year after the settling 
 of the church there, departed this life about the same 
 time the next 3^ear, in the month of August, 1630. 
 Mr. Skelton lived until the year 1634, when be also 
 quietly slept in the Lord, and were both buried at 
 Salem. As it is an honor to be in Christ before oth- 
 ers, as in Rom. xvi. so also to be first in the Lord's 
 work, and to be faithful in it, as these two holy men 
 were ; Who made such a beginning in church refor- 
 mation, as was afterwards followed by many others. 
 In the year 1634, Mr. Roger Williams removed 
 from Plymouth to Salem. He had lived about three 
 years at Plymouth, where he was well accepted as an 
 assistant in the ministry to Mr, Ralph Smith, then 
 pastor of the church there, but by degrees venting 
 of divers of his own sinj::ular opinions, and seeking to 
 inpose them upon others, he not finding such a con- 
 currence as he expected, he desired his dismission to 
 the church of Salem, which though some were unwil- 
 ling to, 3^et through the prudent counsel of Mr. Brews- 
 ter (th€ ruling elder there) fearing that his continu- 
 ance amongst them might cause divisions, and there 
 being many able men in the bay, they would better 
 deal with him that) themselves could, and foreseeing 
 (what he professed he feared concerning Mr. Williams, 
 which afterwards came to pass) that he would run the 
 same course of rigid separation and anabaptistry, 
 which Mr. John Smith the sebaptist at Amsterdam 
 had done ; the church of Plymouth consented to his 
 
f^EW-ENGLAND's MEMORIAL. 9T 
 
 dismission, and such as did adhere to him were also 
 dismissed, and removed with him, or not long after him 
 to Salem. He came to Salem in the time of Mr.. 
 Skelton's weakness, wlio lived not long after iMr. Wil- 
 liams was come, whereupon after some time, the 
 church there called him to office ; but he having in 
 one year's time filled that place with principles of 
 rigid separation, and tending to anabaptistry, the 
 prudent magistrates of the Massachusetts jurisdiction 
 sent to the church of Salem, desiring them to forbear 
 calling him to office, which they hearkening to, was a 
 cause of much disturbance ; for Mr. Williams had be- 
 gun, and then being in office, he proceeded more vig- 
 orously to vent many dangerous opinions, as amonsjst 
 many others these were some : That it is not lawful 
 for an unregenerate man to pray, nor to take an oath^ 
 a^nd in special, not the oath of fidelity to the civil gov- 
 ernment ; nor was it lawful for a godly man to have 
 communion either in family prayer, or in an oath 
 with such as they judged uiiregenerate : And there- 
 fore he himself refused the oath of fidelity, and taught 
 others so to do also, that it was not lawful so much as 
 to hear the godlj^ ministers of England, when any oc- 
 casionally went thither, and therefore he admonished 
 any church members that had done so, as for heinous 
 sin ; also he spake dangerous words against the 
 patent, which was the foundation of the government 
 of the Massachusetts colony; also he affirmed, that 
 the magistrates had nothing to do in matters of the 
 first table, but only the second ; and that there should 
 be a general and unlimited toleration of all religions, 
 and for any man to be punished for any matters of 
 his conscience, was persecution. 
 
 And further he procured the church of Salem's con- 
 sent unto letters of admonition, which were written 
 and sent by him in their name, to the churches at 
 Boston, Charlestown, Newtown, (now Cambridge) 
 &:c. accusing the magistrates, that were members of 
 the respective churches, of sundry heinous offences 
 i 9 
 
98 NEW-ENGLAND°S MEMORIAL, 
 
 which he laid unto their charge ; and though diver* 
 did acknowledge their error and gave satisfaction, yet 
 Mr. Williams himself, notwithstanding all the pains 
 that was taken with him by Mr. Cotton, V:r, 
 Hooker, and many others, to bring him to a sight of 
 his errors and miscarriages, and notwithstanding all 
 the court's gentle proceedings with him, he not only 
 persisted, but grew more violent in his way, insomuch 
 as he staying at home in hif> own house, sent a letter 
 which was delivered and read in the public church 
 assembly, the scope of which was to give them no- 
 tice. That if the church of Salem would not separate 
 not only from the churches of Old England, but the 
 churches of New England too, he would separate from 
 them. The more prudent and sober part of the 
 church being amazed at his way, could not yield unto 
 him : Whereupon he never came to the church as- 
 sembly more, professing separation from them asanti- 
 christian, and not only so, but he withdrew all private i 
 religious communication from any that would hold ] 
 communion with the church there, insomuch as be 
 would not pray nor give thanks at meals with his own 
 wife nor any of his family, because they went to the 
 church assemblies ; divers of ihe weaker sort of the 
 ehurch members, that had been thorougldy leavened 
 with his opinions, of which number were divers wo-. . 
 men that were zealous in their way, did by degrees I 
 fall off to him, insomuch as he kept a meeting in his 
 own house, unto which a numerous company did re- 
 sort, both on the sabbath day and at other times, in 
 way of separation from, and opposition to the church 
 assembly there ; which the prudent magistrates un- 
 derstanding, and seeing things grow more and more , 
 towards a general division and disturbance, after all 
 other means used in vain, they passed a sentence of 
 banishment against him out tf the Massachusetts Col- 
 ony, as against a disturber of the peace, both of the 
 church and commonwealth. i 
 
 After which Mr. Williams sat down in a place call- ^ 
 
NEW-EK'GtAND'S MEMORIAL. 99 
 
 ed Providence, out of the Massachusetts jiiiisdiction, 
 and was followed by many of the members of the 
 church at Salem, who did zealously adhere to him, 
 and who cried out o( the persecution that was against 
 him ; same others also resorted to him from other 
 parts. Thej^ had not been long there together, but 
 from rigid separation they fell to anabaptistry, re- 
 nouncing the baptism which they had received in 
 their infancy, and taking up another baptism, and so 
 began another church in that way; but J\1r. Williams 
 stopped not there long, for after some time he told 
 the people that followed him, and joined with him 
 in a new baptism, that he was out of the way himself, 
 and had misled them, for he did not find that there 
 was any upon earth that could administer baptism, and 
 therefore their last baptism was a nullity, as well as 
 their first ; and therefore they must lay down all, and 
 wait for the coming of new apostles ; and so they dis- 
 solved themselves and tuined to Seekers, keeping that 
 one principle, that eve«y one should have liberty to 
 worship God according to the light of their own con- 
 sciences ; but otherwise not owning any churches or 
 ordinances of God any where upon earth. 
 
 Thus much was thought meet to be inserted here 
 concerning the great and lamentable apostacy of Mr. 
 Williams, that it may be a warning to all others 
 to take heed of a gradual declining from, and forsak- 
 ing the churches of Christ, and ordinances of God in 
 them, lest they be left of God to run such a course as 
 he hath done : Wherefore let him that thinks he 
 stands, take heed lest he fail, 1 Cor. x. 12. As also 
 to be a motive to the saints to remember him unto 
 God in their fervent pra3^ers for his return, he having 
 been sometimes an able dispenser of the w^ord of God, 
 and (in several respects) of an exemplary conversation. 
 
 And yet that there may be a standing evidence of 
 the care that was had in those times to prevent the 
 growth of errors, and of the exercises of the commun- 
 ion of churches for that end, it is thought meet fur- 
 
100 new-England's MEMOinA"U 
 
 Iher to insert this passage : That before the putting 
 forth of tiie civil power of the magistrate for the re- 
 moving of Mr. VVilhanns from Salem, and besides other 
 means also used, there was a public admonition sent 
 in writing from the church of Boston to the chorch 
 of Salem, for the reducing of Mr. Williams, and the 
 erring part of the church* The title of the writing 
 was, 
 
 Errors in doctrine mentioned hy some of the brethren of 
 the church of Salem ^ tending to the disturbance of relig- 
 ion and peace in family^ churchy and commonwealth, viz, 
 
 1. That it is not lawful to call upon an unregene- 
 raie man to pray for himself. 
 
 2. It is not lawful for a regenerate man to pray with 
 his carnal family. 
 
 3. It is not lawful for magistrates to take an oath of 
 fidelity from unregenerate men. 
 
 4. It is not lawful for magistrates to take an oath 
 of fidelity from the body of their subjects, though re- 
 generate and members of churches. 
 
 5. It is not lawful for magistrates to punish the 
 breaches of the first table, unless thereby the civil 
 peace of the commonwealth be disturbed. 
 
 Whence also it follows, and is confessed, 
 That a church wholly declining in arianism, papism, 
 familism or other heresies, being admonished, and 
 convinced thereof by other < hurches, and not reform- 
 ing, may not be reformed by the civil magistrate, in 
 a way of civil justice, unless it break the civil peace. 
 These errors were solidly confuted, and the contra- 
 ry truths asserted by the word of God, in that writing 
 which was subscribed by 
 
 John Cotton, teacher of the church of Boston. 
 
 Thomas Leverett, I ^^'^^'' "^ "''^ ^=""^ =''"'""•'• 
 Mr. Wilson, the pastor of the church, being at that 
 time absent upon a voyage to England. 
 
\ 
 
 new-england's memorial. 101 
 
 1630. 
 
 This 3^ear it pleased God, of his ricli grace, to trans- 
 port over into the bay of the Massachusetts divers 
 honorable personages, and many worthy christians, 
 whereby the Lord bejjjan in a manifest manner and 
 way to make known the great tlioughts which he had 
 of i>ianting the gospel in this remote and barbarous 
 wilderness, and honoring his own way of instituted 
 worship, causing sucli and so many to adhere there- 
 unto, and fall upon the practice thereof: Among the 
 rest, a chief one amongst tliem was that famous pat- 
 tern of piety and jijstice, Mr. John Winthrop, the 
 first Governor of the jurisdiction, accompanied with 
 divers other precious sons of bion, which might be 
 compared to the most fine gold. Amongst whom also 
 I might name that reverend and worthy man, Mr. 
 John Wilson, eminent for love and zeal ; he likewise 
 came over this year, and bare a great share ot the dif- 
 ficulties of these new beginnings with great cheerful- 
 ness and alacrity of spirit: They came over with a 
 fleet often ships, three of them arriving first at Sa- 
 lem, in which several of the chiefest of them came, 
 who repaired sundry of them in some short time into 
 the bay of the Massachusetts ; the other seven ships 
 arrived at Charlestown, where it pleased the Lord to 
 exercise them with much sickness, and being desti- 
 tute of housing and shelter, and lying up ar.d down 
 in booths, some of them languished and died : Yea, it 
 pleased God to take awaj' amongst the rest that bless- 
 ed servant of Christ, Mr. Isaac Johnson, with his la- 
 dy, soon after their arrival, with sundry other precious 
 saints. 
 
 This sickness being heavy upon them, caused the 
 principal of them to propose to the rest to set a day 
 apart to seek the Lord for the assuaging of his dis- 
 pleasure theroin, as also for direction and guidance in 
 the solemn enterj)rize of entorinij into church fellow- 
 ship ; which solemn day of humiliation was observed 
 9* 
 
102 
 
 by all, not onl)' of themselves, but also by their breth- 
 ren at Plymouth in their behalf : And the Lord was 
 entreated not only to assuage the sickness, but also 
 encouraged their hearts to a beginning, and in some 
 short time after to a further progress in the great 
 work of erecting a way of worshipping of Christ in 
 church fellowship, according to primitive institution. 
 Those choice and eminent servants of Christ did not 
 despise their poor leaders and fellow soldiers that 
 they found in the same work of the Lord with them 
 at Plymouth, but treated them as brethren, much pit- 
 ying their great straits and hardships they had en- 
 dured in the first beginning of planting this wilder- 
 ness, promising all helpfulness even out of their own 
 estates according to their power; and their said breth- 
 ren at Plymouth were persuaded they spake as they 
 thought in their hearts : For, such was the simplicity 
 of those times, as that divers faces were not carried 
 under a hood ; pride, covetousness, profaneness and 
 sinful self, were ashamed to be seen, except in ob- 
 scure places and persons. Oh, poor New England ! 
 Consider what thou wast, and what thou now art ! 
 Repent and do thy first works, saith the Lord ! So 
 may thy peace be as a river, and thy righteousness 
 as the waves of the sea, Isa. xlviii. 18, 19. So be it. 
 But to return. 
 
 The first that began in the good work of the Lord 
 above mentioned, were their honored Governor, Mr. 
 John VVinthrop, Mr. Johnson, forenamed, that much 
 honored gentleman Mr. Thomas Dudley, and Mr. 
 John Wilson, aforesaid : These four were the first 
 that began that honorable church of Boston, unto 
 whom there joined many other. The same year also 
 Mr. George Phillips (who was a worthy servant of 
 Christ, and dispenser of his word) began a church 
 fellowship at Watertown ; as did also Mr. Maverick 
 and Mr. Wareham, at Dorchester the same day. 
 
 Thus out of small beginnings greater things have 
 been produced by his hand that made all things of 
 
new-england's memorial. 103 
 
 nothing ; and as one small candle may light a thou- 
 sand ; so the light here kindled hath shone unto 
 many, yea, in some sort to our whole nation. Let 
 the glorious name of Jehovah have all the praise in 
 all ages. 
 
 1631. 
 
 This year the reverend and useful instrument Mr, 
 John Elliot, came over, and not long after Mr. Weld, 
 who began a church society ; as likewise good old 
 Mr. Maverick and Mr. Wareham began one at Dor- 
 chester. 
 
 1632. 
 
 This year one Sir Christopher Gardiner (being as 
 himself said) descended of the house of Gardiner bish- 
 op of Winchester, who was so great a persecutor of 
 God's saints in Queen Mary's days, arrived at New 
 England; he being a great traveller received his first 
 honor of knighthood at Jerusalem, being made knight 
 at the sepulchre there : He came into these parts in 
 pretence of forsaking the world, and to live a private 
 life in a godlj^ course, not willing to put himself upon 
 any mean employment, and take any pains for his 
 living, and sometimes offered himself to join to the 
 church in sundry places; he brought over with him 
 a servant or two, and a comely 3'oung woman whom 
 he called his cousin; but it was suspected (that after 
 the Italian maimer) she was his concubine : He living 
 at the Massachusetts, for some miscarriage for which 
 he should have answered, fled away from authority 
 and got amongst the Indians in the jurisdiction of 
 New Plymouth; theGovernor of theMassachusetts sent 
 after him but ( ould not get him, and promised some 
 reward to those that should find him; the Indians 
 came to theGovernor of Plymouth and told where he 
 was, and asked if they might kill him, but the said 
 Governor told them no, they s'i'^uld not kill him by 
 no means, but if they could take him alive and bring 
 
104 NEW-ENGLAND S MEMORIAL, 
 
 him to Plymouth, they should be paid for their paios j 
 they said he had a gun and a rapier, and he would 
 kill them if they went about it, and the Massachu- 
 setts Indians said they might kill him, but the Gov- 
 ernor aforesaid told them no, they should not kill him, 
 but watch their opportunity and take him, and so 
 they did ; for when they light on him by the river 
 side, he got into a canoe to get from them, and when 
 ihey came near him, whilst he presented his piece at 
 them to keep them oflf, the stream carried the canoe 
 against a rock, and threw both him and his piece and 
 the rapier into the water, yet he got out, and having 
 a little dagger by his side, they durst not close with 
 him: but getting long poles; they soon heat the dag- 
 ger out of his hand ; so he was glad to yield, and they 
 brought him to the Governor at Plymouth, but his 
 hands and arms were swelled very sore with the 
 blows they had given him, so he used him kindly, 
 and sent him to a lodging where his arms were hatli- 
 ed and anointed, and he was quickly well again, and 
 blamed the Indians for beating him so much : They 
 said they did but a little whip him with sticks. In liis 
 lodcjing those that made his bed, found a little note 
 book that by accident had slipped out of his pocket, 
 or some private place, in which was a memorial what 
 day he was reconciled to the Pope or church of Rome, 
 and in what university he took his scaptila, &such &l 
 such degree ; it being brought to the Governor,he kept 
 it and sent it to the Governor of the Massachusetts, 
 with word of his taking, who sent for him ; but after- 
 wards he went for Ent(land, and shewed his malice 
 against New Englc^ni, but God prevented him ; of 
 which I thought meet to insert a letter from Mr. 
 Winthrop, Governor of the Massachusetts, to Mr. 
 Bradfoid, the Governor of Plj^mouth (in reference to 
 this matter) as also the copy of an order relating to 
 the sameas followeth. And first of the letter : 
 Sir, 
 
 Upon a petition exhibited by Sir Christopher Gar- 
 
new-england's memorial. 105 
 
 diner, S'ir Ferdinando Gorges, Captain Mason, &c. 
 against you and us, the cause was heard before the 
 Lords of the Privj^ Council, and afterwards reported 
 to the King; the success whereof makes it evident 
 to all, that the Lord hath care of his people here ; the 
 passages are admirable and too long to w rite : I heart- 
 ily wish for an opportunity to impart them unto j^ou, 
 being many sheets of paper; but the conclusion was, 
 against all men's expcc tdlion, an order for our encour- 
 agement, and much Mame and disgrace upon the ad- 
 versaries, which calls for mucli thankfulness from us, 
 all which we purpose (God willing) to oppress in a 
 day of thanksgiving to our merciful God, I doubt not 
 but you will consider if it be not fit for you to join in 
 it ; who as he hath humbled us by his late correction, 
 so he hath lifted us up by an abundant rejoicing in 
 our deliverance out of so desperate a danger ; so as 
 that which our enemies built their hopes upon to ruin 
 us by, he hath mercifully disposed to our great advan- 
 tage, as I shall further acquaint you when occasion 
 shall serve. 
 
 The copy of the order follows : 
 
 ^t the court at Whitehall^ January 19, 1632. 
 Sigillem Crescent, 
 Lord Privy Seal, Mr. Trevers, 
 
 Earl of Dorset, Mr. Vice Chamberlain, 
 
 Lord Viscount Falkland, Mr. Secretary Cook, 
 Lord Bishop of London, Mr. Sec'y Windebank, 
 Lord Cottington, 
 Whereas his Majesty hath lately been informed of 
 great distraction and much disorder in the plantations 
 in the parts of America called New England, which 
 if they be true, and suffered to run on, would tend to 
 the dishonor of this kingdom, and utter ruin of that 
 plantation : For prevention whereof, and for the or- 
 derly settling of government, according to the inten- 
 tion of those patents which have been granted by his 
 Majesty, and from his late royal father King James; 
 it hath pleased his Majestj^, that the Lords and others 
 
106 
 
 of his most honorable privy council should take the 
 same into consideration : 'their l^oidsldps, in the 
 first place, thought fit to make a conimitlee of this 
 board, to take examination of the matters informed; 
 which committee having called divers of the princi- 
 pal adventurers in that plantation, and heard those 
 that are complainants against them ; most of the things 
 informed beiui^j denied, and resting to he proved by 
 parties that must be called from that place, which re- 
 quired a long expense of time, and at present their 
 Lordships finding tliey were upon despatch of men, 
 victuals and merchandise for that place, all which 
 would be at a stand if the adventurers should have 
 discouragement, or take suspicion th.at the slate here 
 bad no good opinion of that plantation ; their Lord- 
 ships not laying the faults or fancies (if any be) of 
 some particular men upon the general government, or 
 principal adventurers which in due time is to be en- 
 quired into; have thought fit, in the mean time to 
 declare, that the appeaiances were so fair, and hopes 
 so great, that the countrj^ would prove both benefi- 
 cial to this kingdom, and profitable to the particulars, 
 as that the adventurers had cause to go on cheerfull}^ 
 with their undertakings, and rest assured, if things 
 were carried as was pretended when the patents were 
 granted, and accordingly as by the patents it is ap- 
 pointed, his IVlajesty would not only maintain the 
 liberties and privileges heretofore granted, hut supply 
 any thing further that might tend to the good gov- 
 ernment, prosperity and comfort of his people there 
 of that place, &c. WILLIAM TRUMBALL. 
 
 1633. 
 
 This year Mr. Edward Winslow was chosen Gov- 
 ernor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth : And Mr. 
 William Bradford, Capt. Miles S'tandish, Mr. John 
 Rowland, Mr. John Alden, Mr. John Dove, Mr. Ste- 
 phen tiopkins, and Mr. William Gilson were chosen 
 to be his assistants in government. 
 
ifEW-EK gland's memorial. 107 
 
 The plantation of Plymouth having hid some for- 
 mer converse with the Dutch, as hath been hinted, 
 they seeing t!iem seated in a barrcii quarter, told them 
 of a river called by them* the fiesti river, vvtiich they 
 often commended unto them for a good .place, both 
 for plantation and trade, and wished tliem to make 
 use of it ; but their hands being full otherwise, they 
 let them pass : But afterwards there coming a com- 
 pany of Indians into these parts that were driven out 
 of their country by the potency of the Pequots, they 
 solicited them to go thither. These Indians nut see- 
 ing them very forward to entertain the m<»tion, which 
 they moved with great ardency, they solicited them 
 of the government of the Massacliusetts in like sort, 
 but they being then not fit to entertain the motion, 
 in respect that they were newly come into the 
 country, did not much regard it. JNotwithstanding, 
 some of the chief made a motion to join some here in 
 a way of trade at the same river: on which a meet- 
 ing was appointed to treat concerning the same mat- 
 ter, and some of Plymouth appointed to give them a 
 meeting, which they did, but they cast in the way 
 many fears of danger and loss, and the iike, on which 
 they of the Massachusetts declined the thing, and did 
 not proceed therein. Whereupon those of Plymouth 
 went alone, and prepared a frame of an house, and 
 stowed it into a hark, ready to rear at their landing, 
 and went up the said river and reared their said house, 
 and fenced it about with a palisado, which was done 
 with great difficulty, not only of the Dutch, but also 
 of the Irjdians. 
 
 Notwithstanding, the place they possessed them- 
 selves of was such as the Dutch had nothing to do 
 with, and likewise was bought of the Indians which 
 they carried with them. And this was Plymouth's 
 entrance there, who deserved to have held it, and not 
 by friends to have been thrust out, as in a sort they 
 afterwards were. 
 
 * Which is the same called Connecticut River. 
 
108 new-england's memorial. 
 
 This year it pleased God to visit Plymouth with 
 an infectious (ever^ of which many fell very sick, and 
 upwards of twenty died, men, women, and children, 
 and sundry of them were of their ancient friends; 
 amongst the rest, Mr. Samuel Fuller then died, after 
 he had much helped others, and was a comfort to 
 them; he was their chyrurgeon and physician, and 
 did much good in his place, being not only useful in 
 his faculty, but otherwise as he was a godly man, and 
 served Christ in the office of a deacon in the church 
 for many years, and forward to do good in this place, 
 and was much missed after God removed him out of 
 this world. 
 
 This sickness caused much sadness amongst them, 
 and according to their duly they besought the Lord 
 by fasting and prayer, and he was entreated of th^m, 
 and towards winter the sickness ceased. This sick- 
 ness being a kind of a pestilent fever, swept away al- 
 so many of the Indians from many places near ad- 
 joining to Plymouth. 
 
 It is to be observed, that the spring before this 
 sickness, there w^asa numerous company of flies which 
 were alike for bigness unto* wasps or humblebces,thpy 
 came out of little holes in the ground, and did eat up 
 the green things, and made such a constant y.^iling 
 noise as made the woods ring of them, and r( ady to 
 deafen the hearers ; they were not any of tht^m 
 heard or seen by the English in the country before 
 this time ; but the Indians told them that si( kness 
 would follow, and so it did very hot in the mtnii s of 
 June, July and August, of that summer. 
 
 This year there arrived in New England, these 
 three worthy instruments, Mr. John Cotton, Mr. 
 Thomas Hooker, and Mr. Samuel Stone, who were 
 gospel preachers of excellent worth and use in their 
 places, until God took them out of tliC world. 
 
 This year likewise Mr. William Collier arrived 
 
 * St range aad uawonted Hies a ^.r^sag-e of a SiCiiuess that fol- 
 loweth. 
 
tj£W-feNGLAND's MEMORIAL. 109 
 
 tvith his family in New England, who, as he had been 
 a good benefactor to the colony of New Plymouth, 
 before he came over, having been an adventurer unlo 
 it at its first beginning; so also he approved himself a: 
 very useful instrument in that jurisdiction after he 
 arrived, being frequently chosen, and for divers year? 
 serving God and the country in the place of magistra- 
 cy, and lived a godly and holy life until old ago, 
 which to him is a crown of glory, being found in the 
 way of righteousness. 
 
 1634, 
 
 This year Mr. Thomas Prince was chosen Govern- 
 or of the jurisdiction of New Plj' mouth : His assist- 
 ants in government were Mr. William Bradford, Mr. 
 Edward VVinslow, Capt. Miles Standish, Mr. William 
 Collier, Mr. John Alden, Mr. John Rowland, and Mr. 
 Stephen Hopkins. 
 
 In the spring of this year there fell a very great 
 sickness of the small pox amongst the Indians, so as 
 they died most miserably of it ; for a sorer disease 
 cannot come amon{j:st them, and they dread it more 
 than the plague itself, for usually those of them which 
 have this disease, have them in abundance, and for 
 want of beddinir and linen, and other necessaries, 
 fall into a lamentable condition ; for as they lie on 
 their hard mats, the pox breaking and running one 
 into another, their skin cleaving by reason thereof to 
 the mats they lie on, when they turn them, much of 
 their skin flays off at once, and they will be all on a 
 gore of blood, most sad and grievous to behold ; and 
 then being very sore, what with cold and other dis- 
 tempers, they die like rotten sheep. 
 
 This year one Captain Stone, who had sometimes 
 lived at Christopher's in the West Indies, came into 
 these parts ; of whom I have nothing to speak in way 
 of commendation, but rather the contrary^ After he 
 had been to and fro in the country, he returned to- 
 wards Virginia with one Captain Norton ; and so it 
 10 
 
1 ] a NEV^ENGLAN^D^S ^^OHUU' 
 
 was, that as they returned they went into Conneefr^ 
 cut river, where the Indians killed the said Stone as 
 he lay in his cabin, and threw a covering over him : 
 They likewise killed ail the rest of his conrjpany, but 
 the said Capt. Norton, he defending himself a long- 
 time in the cook room of the bark until, by accident, 
 the gun-powder took fire, which for readiness he had 
 set in an open thing before him, which did so burn 
 and scald him^ and blind his eyes, as he could make 
 no longer resistance, but was slain also by them, and 
 they made a prey of his goods. 
 
 It is to be observed, that the said Stone being at the 
 Dutch plantation in the fore part of this year, a cer- 
 tain bark of Plymouth bein^g there likewise on trad-^ 
 ing, he kept company with the Dutch Governor, and 
 made him drunk and got leave of him in his drunken- 
 ness to take the said bark, without any occasion or 
 cause given him ; and so taking his time when the 
 merchant and some of the chief of the men were on 
 shore, with some of his own men, made the rest of 
 them weigh anchor, and set sail to carry her away to 
 Virginia ; but some of the Dutch seamen, who had 
 been at Plymouth and receii^ed kindness, seeing this 
 horrible abuse, got a vessel or two and pursued them, 
 snd brought them back. After this he came into the 
 Massachusetts Bay, where they commenced suit 
 against htm ; but by the mediation of some it was ta- 
 ken up, and afterwards in the company of some gen- 
 tlemen he came to Plymouth, and was kindly enter- 
 tained; but revenge boiling in his breast, (as some 
 conceived) he watched a season to have stabbed the 
 Governor, and put his hand to his dagger for that end,- 
 but by God's providence ordering the vigilance of 
 some that were about him, he was prevented ; but 
 God met with him for these and other wickedness- 
 ^, as hath been before related* 
 
"t^f^^-WfeYAWs MEMORIAL. 1 1 1 
 
 1635. 
 
 This 3"ear Mr» William Bradford was chosen Gov- 
 ^ejrnor of the jurisdiction of New Plyn -..uth. Mr. 
 Edward Winslow, Mr. Thomas Prince^ Mr. William 
 Collier, Capt. Miles Standish, Mr. John Aldcn, Mr. 
 John How land, and Mr. Stephen Hopkins, were .cho- 
 sen to be his assistants in government. 
 
 This year Mr. Edward Winslow took a voyage for 
 England, on public occasions, and it came to pass that 
 he had occasion to answer some complaints made 
 against the country, at the council board ; more chief- 
 ly concerning the Massachusetts jurisdiction, which 
 he did to good effect, and further prosecuted such 
 things as might tend to the good of the whole: In 
 particular he referred a petition to the right honora^ 
 ble the Lords commissioners for the plantations in 
 America, in reference unto some injuries done by the 
 French and Dutch unto the country; which petition 
 found good acceptance, and was in a way to a satisfac- 
 tory answer: But sundry adversaries interposed^ 
 /whose ends were the subversion and overthrow of the 
 churches, at least to disturb their peace, and hinder 
 their growth; but, by God's providence, it so fell out 
 in the end, that although those adversaries crossed 
 the petition from taking any further effect in the end 
 principally intended in it ; yet by this, as a means, 
 the plot was discovered, and those adversaries came 
 to nothing: The particulars whereof are too long 
 here to be inserted. 
 
 This year, on Saturday, the fifteenth day of August, 
 was such a mighty storm of wind and rain, as none 
 now living in these parts, either English or Indian, 
 bad seen the like, beijig like unto those* hurricanes 
 or tuffins, that writers mention to be in the Indies. 
 It heean in the morning, a little before day, and grew 
 not by degrees, but came with great violence in the 
 beginning, to the great amazement of many : It blew 
 
 *The g^reat storm or hurricane. 
 
i 1 :2 new-england's memorial. 
 
 down sundry houses, and uncovered divers others; 
 divers vessels were lost at sea in it, and many more 
 in extreme danger. It caused the sea to swell in some 
 places to the southward of Plymouth, as that it arose 
 to twenty feet right up and down, and made many of 
 the Indians to climb into trees for their safety. It 
 threw down all the corn to the ground, ^which never 
 rose more ; the which through the mercy of God, it 
 being near the harvest time, was not lost, though 
 much the worse ; and had the wind continued with- 
 out shifting, in likelihood it would have drowned some 
 part of the country. It blew down many hundred 
 thousands of trees, turning up the stronger by the 
 roots, and breaking the high pine trees and such like 
 in the midst, and the tall young oaks, and walnut 
 trees of good bigness, were wound as withes by it, 
 very strange and fearful to behold. It began in the 
 southeast, and veered sundry ways, but the greatest 
 force of it at Plymouth was from the former quarter ; 
 it continued not in extremity above five or six hours 
 before the violence of it began to abate ; the marks 
 of it will remain this many years, in those parts w here 
 it was forest : The moon suffered a great eclipse two 
 nights after it. 
 
 1636. 
 
 This year Mr. Edward Winslow was chosen Gov- 
 ernor of the jurisdiction of Plymouth : And iMr. Wil- 
 liam Bradford, Mr. Tiiomas Prince, Mr. William 
 Collier, Mr. John Alden, Mr. Timothy Hatherly, 
 Mr. John Brown, Mr. Stephen Hopkins, were chosen 
 to be his assistants in government. 
 
 This year the towns on the river of Connecticut 
 began to bo planted, and in transporting of goods 
 thither, from the Massachusetts Bay, two shallops 
 were cast away (loaded with goods to go thither) in 
 an easterly storm, at the mouth of Plymouth harbour ; 
 the boat's men were all lost, not so much as any of 
 their bodies found for burial, they being five in num- 
 
 i 
 
tlEW-ENGIiAND S MEMORIAL. 113 
 
 ber in both boats : The principal of them was one 
 Mr. William Cooper, an ancient seaman of known 
 skill, having formerly been master of a ship, and had 
 gone great voyages to the East-Indies, and to other 
 parts, but the night being dark and stormy, they ran 
 upon the skirt of a fiat that lieth near the month of 
 the harbour, and so were over raked 5 the gtods came 
 on shore along the harbour, and the Governor caused 
 a careful course to be taken for the preservation of 
 them in the behalf of the right owners, who after* 
 wards received so many of them as wore saved. 
 
 Now lollow^th tlie tragedy of the war tliat fell be* 
 twixt the the * English and the Fequots, which I will 
 relate according to my best intelligence ; in order 
 whereunto I thought good to mention some particu* 
 lars hrst, that by disterniig the whole matter in the 
 several parts and circumstances, the more of the mer* 
 cy and goodness of God may be taken notice of to 
 his praise, for destroying so proud and blasphemous 
 an enemy. 
 
 In the year 1634, the Pequots, a stout and warlike 
 people, who had made war with sundry of their 
 neighbours, and being puffed up with many victories, 
 grew now at variance with the Narragansets, a great 
 people bordering upon them ; these Narragansets 
 held correspondence and terms of friendship with the 
 English of the Massachusetts : Now the Pequots be- 
 ing conscious of the guilt of Captain Stone's death, 
 whom they knew to be an Englishman, as also those 
 that were with him ; and being fallen out with the 
 Dutch, lest they should have over many enemies at 
 once, souijht to make friendship with the English of 
 the Massachusetts, and for that end, sent both mes- 
 sengers and gifts unto them, as appears by some let* 
 ters sent from the Governor of the ^'lassachusetts to 
 the Governor of Plymouth, as foUoweth : 
 
 * The relation of tbe Pequot wart. 
 
1 1 4 NEW- 
 
 Dear and zoorthy Sir, 
 
 To let you know something of our affairs, you may 
 understand that the Pequots have sent some of theirs 
 to us, to desire our friendship, and offered much wam- 
 pum and beaver, &c. The first messengers were dis- 
 missed without answer ; with the next we had divers 
 days conference, and taking the advice of some of 
 our ministers, and seeking the Lord in it, we conclud- 
 ed a peace and friendship with them, upon these con- 
 ditions : That they should deliver up to us those men 
 who were guilty of Stone's death, &c. and if we de- 
 sired to plant in Connecticut, they should give up 
 their right to us, and we would send to trade with 
 them as our friends, which was the chief thing we 
 aimed at : They being now at war with the Dutch 
 and the rest of their neighbours : To this they readi- 
 ly agreed, and that we would mediate a peace be- 
 tween them and the Narragansets, for w^hich end they 
 were content we should give tlie Narragansets part 
 of the present they would bestow on us ; for they 
 stood so much on their honour, as they would not be 
 seen to give any thing of themselves : As for Captain 
 Stone, they told us there were but two left of those 
 who had any hand in his death, and that they killed 
 him in a just quarrel, for (said they) he surprised two 
 of our men and bound them, to make them by force 
 to shew him the way up the river ; and he with two 
 others coming on shore, nine Indians watched them, 
 and when they were asleep in the night, they killed 
 them to deliver their own men ; & some of them go- 
 ing afterwards to the bark, it was suddenly blown up : 
 We are now preparing a bark to send unto them. 
 And in another letter he saith, our bark is lately re- 
 turned from the Pequots, and our men put off but lit- 
 tle commodities, and found them a very false people, 
 so as we mean to have no more to do with them. 
 
 Ymtrs ever assured, 
 JOHN WINTHROF. 
 
 Boston, March 12, 1634. 
 
 
NEW-ENGLAND S MEMORIAL. 115 
 
 Not long after these things, Mr. John Oldham (of 
 whom much is spoken before) being now an inhabit- 
 ant of the Massachusetts, went with a small ves- 
 sel and slenderly manned, on trading on those south 
 parts, and upon a quarrel between him and the Ind- 
 ians * was cut off by them in such a manner as hath 
 been forenoted, at an island called by the Indians, 
 Mannisses, by the English Block-Island ; this with the 
 former about the death of Stone, and the baffling of 
 the Pequots with the English of the Massachusetts, 
 moved them to take revenge, and require satisfaction 
 for those wrongs ; but it took little eftec t, some of the 
 murderers of Mr. Oldham htd to the Pequots, and al- 
 though the English went to the Pequots, and had 
 some parly with them, yet they did but delude them; 
 and the English returned without doing any thing to 
 purpose, being frustrated of their opportunity by their 
 deceit. After the English of the Massachusetts were 
 returned, the Pequots took their time and opportuni- 
 tj' to cut off some of the English at Connecticut, as 
 they passed up and down upon their occasions ; and 
 tortured some of them in puttinj; them to death, in a 
 most barbarous manner, and most blasphemously in 
 (the Pequots horrible blasphemy) this their cruelty, 
 bade them call upon their God, or mocked and derid- 
 ed them when they so did ; and not long after as- 
 saulted them at their houses and habitations, as will 
 appear more fully in the ensuing relation. 
 
 1637. 
 
 In the fore part of this year, the Pequots fell open- 
 ly upon the Eni^lish at Connecticut, in the lower 
 parts of the river, and slew sundry of them as 
 they were at work in the fields, both men and women, 
 to the great terror of the rest ; and went away in 
 great pride and triumph with many high threats : 
 They also assaulted Saybrook fort, at the mouth of 
 the river of Connecticut, although it was strong and 
 * Mr. Oldham's death. 
 
116 new-england's memorial. 
 
 well defended ; it struck them with much fear and 
 astonishment, to see their hold attempts in the face 
 of danger, which made them in all places to stand up- 
 on their guard, and to prepare for resistance, and ear- 
 nestly to solicit their friends and confederates in the 
 Massachusetts Bay, to send them speedy aid, for they 
 looked for more forcible assaults : Mr* Vane being 
 then Governor of that jurisdiction, wrote from their 
 Ornei-al Couit to the Governor and Court of New 
 Plymoutli, to join with them in this war, to which 
 tl.ey were cordially willing. In the mean time, be- 
 for» things could be prepared for to set out, the l*e- 
 quots(as they had dontj the winter before) sought to 
 make peace with the Narragansets, and used many 
 pernicious arguments to move them thereunto, as 
 that the English were strangers, and began to over- 
 spread their country, and would deprive them there- 
 of in time, if they were sutiered to grow and increase ; 
 and if the Narragansets did assist the English to sub- 
 due them, that did but make way for their own over- 
 throw ; for if they were rooted out, the English would 
 soon take occasion to subjugate them ; and if they 
 would hearken to them, they should not need to fear 
 the strength of the English ; for they would not come 
 to open battle with them, but fire their houses, kill 
 their cattle, and lie in ambush for them as they went 
 abroad upon occasions, and all this they might easily 
 do with little danger to themselves : The which 
 course being held, they well saw the English would 
 not long subsist, but they would either be starved 
 with hunger or forced to forsake the country : With 
 many like things, insomuch that the Narragansets 
 were once wavering, and were half minded to have 
 made peace with them, and joined against the En- 
 glish ; but again when ihey considered how much 
 wrong they had received from the Pequots, and what 
 an oppoitunity they had now by helping the English 
 to right themselves, revenge was so sweet to them, 
 as it prevailed above all the rest , so as they resolved 
 
new-england's memorial. 117 
 
 to join with the English against them, and so did. 
 The Court of PI; mouth agreed to find fifty men at 
 their own charge, and with as much speed as possible 
 they could get them in readiness, under suflicient 
 leaders, and provided a bark to carry their provisions, 
 and to tend upon them on all occasion?, and when 
 they were ready to march with a supply from the 
 bay, they had word sent tliem to stay, foi' tin; enemy 
 was as good as vanquished and there would he no need. 
 
 I shall not take upon me exactly to describe liicir 
 proceedings in this war, because possibly it hath been 
 done by themselves that Wcre actors iherein. and 
 best knew the circumstances of things: I shall there- 
 fore set them down in the mam and general, accord- 
 ing to my best intelligence. 
 
 f^rom Connecticut, who were most sensible of the 
 hurt sustained, and the present danger, they set out 
 a party of men, and another part) met them from 
 the Massacliusetts Bay, at the iNarragansets, who were 
 to join them. The Narragansets were very earnest 
 to be gone, before the English were well rested and 
 refreshed, especially some of them which came last. 
 It should seem their desire was to come upon the en- 
 emy suddenly and unexpectedly. There being a 
 bark of Plymouth newly put in there, which was 
 come fiom Connecticut, they did encourage them to 
 lay hold of the opportunity of the Indians' forward- 
 ness, and to shew as great forwardness as they, for 
 it would encourage them, and expedition mieht turn 
 to their great advantage. So they went on, and so 
 ordered their march, as the Indians brought them to 
 the fort of their enemy (in which most of their chief 
 men were) before day : They approached the same 
 with great silence, and surrounded it both with En- 
 glish and Indians, that the) might not break out, and 
 so assaulted them with great courage, shooting among 
 them, and entered the fort with great speed ; and 
 those that first entered found sharp resistance from 
 the enemy, who both shot and grappled with them : 
 
118 KEW-ENGLANd's MEMORlAt* 
 
 Others ran into their liouses, and brought out fire 
 and set them on fire, which soon took in their mats, 
 and their houses standing close together, with the 
 wind, all was soon on a flame, and thereby more were 
 burnt to death than were otlierwise slain. It burnt 
 their bow strings, and made them unserviceable. 
 Those that escaped the tire were slain with the sword ; 
 some hewed to pieces, some run through w^ith their 
 rapiers, so as they were quickly despatched, and very 
 few escaped. The number they thus destroyed, was 
 <:onceived to be above four hundred. At this time it 
 was a fearful sight to see them thus frying in the fire, 
 and the streams of blood quenching the same; and 
 horrible was the stink and scent tliereof : But the 
 victory seemed a sweet sacrifice, and they gave the 
 praise thereof lo God, who had wrought so wonder- 
 fully for them, thus to enclose their enemies in their 
 hands, and give them so speedy a victory over so 
 proud, insulting and blasphemous an enemy. The 
 Karragansets all this wliile stood round about aloof 
 oflT from all danger, and left the whole execution to 
 the English, except it were the stopping any that 
 brake away, insulting over their enemies in their 
 ruins and misery, when they saw them dancing in the 
 fire; calling by a word in their own language, signify- 
 ing O brave PequoLs ! Vv'hich they used familiarly 
 amongst themselves in their own praises, in songs of 
 triumph after their victories. 
 
 After this service was thus happily aceomplislied, 
 the English marched to the water side, where they 
 met with some of their vessels, by whoni they were 
 refreshed, and supplied with victuals and other neres- 
 saries ; But in their n»arch, the rest of the Fequots 
 cirew into a body, and followed them thinking to 
 have some advantage against them by reason of a neck 
 of land; but when they saw the English prepare for 
 them, they kept aloof, so as they neither did hurt 
 nor would receive any. Ami after the English their 
 refreshing and repairing together for further counsel 
 
NSW-ENGLAND^S MEMORIAL. llf 
 
 and directions, they resolved to pursue their victorj^y 
 and follow the war against the rest ; But the Narra- 
 gansets most of them forsook them, and such of them 
 as they had with them for guides or otherwise, they 
 found very cold or backward in the business, either 
 out of envy, or that they thought the English would 
 make more profit of the victory than they were wil- 
 ling they should, or else deprive them of that advan- 
 tage that they desired in making the Pequots become 
 tributaries unto them, or the like. 
 
 For the rest of this tragedy, I shall only relate the 
 same as is in a letter from Mr. VVinthrop to Mr. Brad- 
 ford, as folio wet lu 
 Worthy Sir^ 
 1 received your loving letter, but straightness of 
 time forbids me : For my desire is to acquaint you 
 with the Lord's great mercy towards us, in our pre- 
 vailing against his and our enemies, that you may re- 
 joice and praise his name with us. About fourscore 
 of our men having coasted along towards our Dutch 
 plantation, sometimes by water, but most by land, mety 
 here and there, with some Pequots, whom they slew 
 or took prisoners. Two Sachems they took and be- 
 headed ; and not hearing of Sasacus, the chief Sa- 
 chem, they gave a prisoner his life to go and find him 
 out : He went and brought them word where he 
 was ; but Sasacus suspecting him to be a spy, after 
 he was gone, fled away with some twenty more ta 
 the Mohawks, so our men missed of him ; yet divid- 
 ing themselves, and ranging up and down as the prov- 
 idence of God guided them, for the Indians were all 
 gone, save three or four, and they knew not whither 
 to guide tliem, or else wouM not. Upon the thir- 
 'eenth of this month, they lighted upon a great com- 
 pany, viz. eight} strong men, and two hundred women 
 md children, in a small Indian town, fast by a hideous 
 
 wamp, which they all slipped into, before our men 
 
 ;ould get to them. 
 Our Captains were not then come together ; but 
 
120 new-england's memorial. 
 
 there was Mr. Ludlow and Captain Mason, with some 
 ten of their men, and Captain Patrick with some twen- 
 ty or njose of his, who shooting at the Indians, Cap- 
 tain Track with fiftj^ more came in soon at the noise. 
 Then they gave order to surround the swamp, it be- 
 ing about a mile round ; but lieutenant Davenport 
 and some twelve more, not hearing that command, 
 fell into the swamp amongst the Indians. The swamp 
 was so thick with shrubs, and boggy withal, that some 
 stuck fast, and received many shot. 
 
 Lieutenant Davenport was dangerously wounded 
 about his arm hole, and another shot in his head, so 
 as fainting they were in great danger to have been 
 taken by the Indians, but sergeant Riggs and sergeant 
 JefFery, and two or three more, rescued them, and 
 slew divers of the Indians with their swords. x^fter 
 they were drawn out, the Indians desired parley, 
 and were offered by Thomas Stanton, our interpreter, 
 that if they would come out and yield themselves, 
 they should have their lives that had not their hands 
 in the English blood. VThereupon the Sachem of the 
 place came forth, and an old man or two, and their 
 wives and children, and so they spake two hours, till 
 it was night : Then Thomas Stanton was sent to 
 them again, to call them forth, but they said they 
 would sell their lives there j and so shot at him so 
 thick, as if he had not been presently relieved and 
 rescued on his crying out, they would have slain him. 
 
 Then our men cut off a place of swamp wit'i their 
 swords, and cooped up the Indians into a narrow- 
 compass, so as they could easier kill them through 
 the thickets : So they continued all the night, stand- 
 ing about twelve foot one from another, and the Ind- 
 ians coming: up close to our men, shot their arrows so 
 thick, as they pierced their hat brims, and their 
 sleeves and stockings, and other parts of their clothes ; 
 yet so miraculoui-ly did the Lord preserve them, as 
 not one of them was w( unded, save those three who 
 rashly went into the swamp as aforesaid. When it 
 
NEW-ENGLAND^S MEMORIAL. 121 
 
 was near da}' it grew very dark, so that those of them 
 that were left, dropped away, thou^jh they stood but 
 twelve or fourteen foot asunder, and were discovered, 
 and some killed, in the pursuit. In tlje searching of 
 the swamp the next morning, they found nine slain, 
 and some they pulled up, whom the Indians had bur- 
 ied in the mire ; so as they do think that of all this 
 company not twenty did escape, for they afterwards 
 found some who died, in the flight, of their wounds 
 received. The prisoners were divided some, to those 
 of the river, and the rest to us of these parts. We 
 send tlxe male children to Bermuda, by Mr. William. 
 Pierce, and the women and maid children are dispos- 
 ed about in the towns. There have been now slain 
 and taken in all, anout seven hundred, the rest are 
 dispersed, and the Indians in all quarters so terrified 
 as all their friends are afraid to receive them. Two 
 of the Sachems of Long-Island came to Mr. Stough- 
 ton, and tendered themselves to be under our protec- 
 tion ; and two of the Nepannet Sachems have been 
 with me to seek our friendship. Among the prison- 
 ers we have the wife and children of Mononotto, a 
 woman of a very modest countenance and behaviour : 
 It was by her mediation that the two English maids 
 were spared from death, and were kindly used by 
 her ; so that I have taken charge of her. One of her 
 first requests was, that the English would not abuse 
 her bod}^, and that her children might not be taken 
 from her. Those which were wounded we fetched 
 soon offby John Gallop, who came with his boat in 
 an happy hour to bring them victuals, and to carry 
 their wounded men to the barque, where our chief 
 chyrurgeon was, with Mr. Wilson, being about eight 
 leagues ofl". Our people are all in health, the Lord ' 
 be praised : And although they had marched in their 
 arms all the day, and had been in figlit all the night ; 
 yoi they professed they found themselves so, as they 
 could willingly have gone to such another business : 
 The Captains report we have slain thirteen Sachems, 
 
 \ n 
 
122 NEW-ENGLAND's MEM^OKfAX*- 
 
 but Sasacus and Mononotto are still living ; tins is the 
 substance of what I have received, though I am forced 
 to omit many considerable circumstances : So being 
 in much straigbtness of time, the shi]>s being to de- 
 part within this fftur days, and in them the Lord Lee 
 and Mr. Vane. 1 here break off, and with hearty 
 salutation, &c. I rest Your assured friend^ 
 
 July2S, 1637. JOHN WINTHROP. 
 
 To conclude the discourse of this matter: This Sa- 
 sacus the Pequot Sachem, being fled to the Mohawks, 
 they cut off his head, and some other of the chief of 
 them, whether to satisfy the English, or rather the 
 Narragansets (who as 1 have heard hired them to do 
 it) or for their own advantage I know not. 
 
 And thus this war took end ; the body of this peo- 
 ple were wholly subdued, and their country taken 
 tVom them, and such of its inhabitants as bad escaped 
 the heat of our revenge, by fire and sword, being 
 nevertheless at the dispose of the conquerors, were 
 by the English appointed some to the Narragansets, 
 and some to the Mohegens, under Unkas their Sa- 
 chem, who had been faithful and serviceable to them 
 in this war : Yet the Narragansets were not pleased 
 that themselves had not the sole government of the 
 captives, and have since been continually quarrelling 
 with the Monheags, and have sometimes been plotting 
 against the English also ; but to conclude, the Pequots 
 have since been taken under the immediate govern- 
 ment of the English colonies, and live in their own 
 country, being governed by such of their own, as are 
 by the English substituted and appointed for that pur- 
 pose. 
 
 This year Mr. William Bradford was chosen Gov< 
 nor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth : And. IV 
 Edward Winslow, Mr. Timothy Hatherly, Mr. \^ 
 liam Collier, Mr. Thomas Prince, Capt. Miles Stai 
 ish, and Mr. John Jenny, were chosen his assista ; 
 in government. 
 
 This year Mr. Theophiluo Eaton and Mr. Jc 
 
KEW-fcNGLAND'S MEMORIAL. 1 ^'3 
 
 Davenport, accompanied vvith divers other christians 
 ot* special emiiiency, began the fourth of tlie united 
 colonies in New England called New Haven, (called 
 by the Dutch i^oeabert, and by the Indians Quinna- 
 pink,) where they erected a church of Clirist, whic ii 
 continue in gospel order until this daj-, in an amiable 
 and exemplary manner ; notwithstanding they have 
 met with divers losses and crosses, both of emine'iU 
 and useful instruments, as also of a great part of their 
 estates, as in special by the loss of Mr. Lambcrton's 
 ship. Oi which said plantation and colony, I have lit- 
 tle to insert, for want of niore full and certain intelli- 
 gence. 
 
 About this time there arose great trout)]es in the 
 country, especially at Boston, by the breathing of an- 
 tinomian ^ familistical opinions ; the chief sect leader 
 thereof, was one Mrs. Hutchinson, these carried on 
 their abominable tenets, with such subtilty, under a 
 pretence of advancing free grace, and crying up the 
 covenant of grace, and down the covenant of works ; 
 as they took away (by their assertions) grace from 
 the covenant ; yea, so close was this mystery of iniq- 
 uity carried on, as that some of the prudentest of the 
 orthodox party, could not discern it at the first ; but 
 at length, the folly ofthose that were principal there- 
 in was made manifest unto all men ; The evil conse- 
 quences thereof faced very sadly, so as it influenced 
 into their civil state, and caused great disturbance : 
 But by God's blessing on the improvement of the 
 faithful endeavours oihis servants, th.e messengers of 
 the churches, who were called together as a synod to 
 help in the case ; together vviih the prudence and in- 
 dustry of sundry principal ones amongst them, both 
 in church and state at other times : A right under- 
 standing of some few things, in difterence amongst 
 the sincere and godlj', was procured. The ring lead- 
 \ ersof the faction being thus detected were censured, 
 \ not only by the church, but by the civil power, and 
 \ were also condemned to exilejwho not knowing where 
 
124 NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL. I 
 
 where Ihey might sit down safely, made requests un- 
 to the government of Pl3'mouth, that they might be 
 at an island, that they had not hitherto improved, 
 called by the Indians Aqtittnet, (and by the English 
 inhabiting it Rhode-Island) which the government 
 of Plymouth, aforesaid, considering they were their 
 countrymen and fellow subjects tlmt were thus 
 distressed and destitute of habitation, although they 
 had their errors in as great dislike as those from 
 whence they came, yet pitying them in their pres- 
 ent straits, granted their requests ; so these having 
 there seated themselves, and finding that it was a very 
 fruitful and pleasant place (such indeed as that colony 
 or jurisdiction hath not any the like left within their 
 patent) they soon drew many more unto them, not 
 only to fill up that island, but have also seated two 
 more towns on the main ; therein (as is judged) en- 
 croaching upon the rights of the aforesaid colony of 
 Plymouth, and have of late through misinformation 
 obtained a patent, not only for the places foremen- 
 tioned, but have extended it into the heart and bow- 
 els of the known and possessed rights of the said col- 
 ony, endeavouring to requite their kindness, as some- 
 times it is said the hedge hog did by the friendly co- 
 ney. But it is our great happiness, that as God takes 
 notice from on high of the unrighteousness and op- 
 pression of the sons of men, so he hath given us a 
 gracious Prince, who minds the peace of his meanest 
 subjects, from whose justice and prudence we do con- 
 fidently expect relief, and on that assurance do resolve 
 by God's help to contain ourselves from seeking to 
 vindicate our wrongs in such a way as their injurious 
 dealings might provoke unro. 
 
 'Phis year there was a hideous monster born at Bos- I 
 ton, in New England, of one B'Jrs. Mary Dyer, a co- I 
 partner with the said Mrs. Hutchinson, in the afore- 
 said heresies; the said monster (as it was related to 
 me) it was without head, but horns like a beast, scales 
 or a rough skin like the fish called the thornback, it 
 
new-england's memorial. 125 
 
 had legs and claws like a fowl, and in other respects 
 as a woman child : The Lord declaring hisdetestatioQ 
 of their monstrous errors(as was then thought by some) 
 by this prodigious birth. 
 
 Not long before these troubles, there arrived at 
 Boston one Samuel Gorton, wlio from thence came to 
 Plymouth ; and upon his first coming thither, gave 
 some hopes that he would have proved an useful in- 
 strument, but foon after, by little and little, discover- 
 ed himself to be a proud and pestilent seducer, and 
 deeply leavened with blasphemous and lamilisti'al 
 opinions ; and observing such fictions to be spread by 
 some of his spirit already in the country, he takes his 
 opportunity to begin to sow such seed at Plymouth, 
 whereby some were seduced, in special one John 
 Weeks and his wife, who in some short time became 
 very atheists, looking for no more happiness than this 
 world aftbrds, not only in practice such, but also in 
 opinion. But the said Gorton falling into some con- 
 troversy with one Mr. Ralph Smith, was summoned 
 to the court held at Plymouth, the fourth of Decem- 
 ber, 1638, to answer the said Mr. Smith's complaint ; 
 and there he carried so mutinously and seditiousl}^, as 
 that he was for the same, and for lis turbulent car- 
 riages towards both magistrates and ministers in the 
 presence of the court, sentenced to find sureties for 
 his good behaviour, during the time he should stay in 
 tht jurisdiction, which was limited to fonrteen days, 
 and aiso amerced to pay a considerable fine. In some 
 short time after he departed to Rhode-Island, and in 
 like manner or worse demeaned himself thereof, so 
 as they were forced to sentence him to suffer corpo- 
 real punishment by whipping, and they banished him 
 likewise off the island. And from thence he with di- 
 vers of his accomplices went to Providence, and there 
 he and they carried so in outrage and riotously, as 
 they were in danger to have caused bloodshed, so as 
 the inhabitants some of them, viz. Mr. Roger Wil- 
 liams and others, were constrained to solicit the eor- 
 11* 
 
 ,i 
 
126 NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL. 
 
 ernment of the Massachusetts for aid, to help them 
 against their insolencies : And for that end, some of 
 them desired to come under their jurisdiction, and 
 were accepted. Moreover, several of the poor neigh- 
 bouring natives were so injuriously wronged by them 
 the said Gorton and his company, the}' seeking to 
 bereave them of their just rights of land by surrepti- 
 tious ways ; in special, Pomham and Sokanoko, two 
 petty Sachems living not far off from Providence, (the 
 answer of Mr. E. VVinslow to Gorton's pamphlet, en- 
 titled, Simplicity's defence against the seven headed 
 policy, will give the reader a full and particular intel- 
 ligence concerning all the transactions of those mat- 
 ters, and likewise of their damnable errors) who were 
 bereaved of their just rights in lands, by improving 
 the tyrann}' of Miantonimok, the then chief Sachem 
 of the Narragansets, for the procuring thereof, which 
 necessitated the said under Sachems to make their 
 appeal to the court of the Massachusetts for help in 
 their oppressed condition, subjecting themselves and 
 their lands unto their jurisdiction likewise; which 
 caused the said government to require their appear- 
 ance at Boston, to answer the complaints of those op- 
 pressed English and Indians. But notwithstanding 
 they several times sent to them with all gentleness 
 and courteous expressions, they neither appeared nor 
 sent satisfying reasons for their absence ; but instead 
 thereof, many insolent, proud, railing, opprobrious re- 
 turns ; so that the said government saw there vtas no 
 remedy, but to send force to constrain them to come ; 
 which they according^ly performed, and committed 
 the said Gorton and several of them to ward : And 
 during the time of their imprisonment, they carried 
 still very proudly and audaciously towards all in place 
 of authority, sparing hot to reproach, abuse and tra- 
 duce the most honorable and reverend both in church 
 and state ; and which is yet worse, spared not blas- 
 phemously to fly upon the Lord Jesus himself, bis 
 word and ordinances, in such a manner as scarce in 
 
127 
 
 any age any hereticks or apostates have done the 
 like: Not only abandoning and rfjec4ing all civil 
 power and authority, (except moulded accovding to 
 their own fancies) but belching out errors in their fa- 
 milistical allegories (if 1 may so call them) as (to 
 speak with holy reverence) they rendered the Lord 
 Christ no other than an imagination; shunning not 
 blasphemously to say, That Christ \sa^ but a shadow, 
 and resemblance of what is done in every christian ; 
 That Christ was incarnate in Adam, and was the im- 
 age of God wherein Adam was created; and that his 
 being born afterwards of tiie Virgin Mary, and sufter- 
 ing, was but a manifestation of his sull'ering in Adam: 
 That man's losing God's image was the death of 
 Christ; that Christ is the covenant properly, and 
 that faith and Christ are all one. 'J'hey call the holy 
 word, and sermons of salvation, tales ; the Lord's sup- 
 per, an abomination, and a spell ; baptism, vanity and 
 abomination ; the ministers of the word, necuman- 
 cers : And by other opprobrious ternis vilify and tra- 
 duce them. Much more mi,,hl ! e spoken and nx n- 
 tioned of this stut!', which they have not been asham. 
 ed to divulge ; but a little is enough, save bu! to give 
 the reader to see the Lord's goodness towards his poor 
 people in New England, that hath delivered us, and 
 saved us of his grace from their pernicious destructive 
 ways, and hath so detected their foUy, as it is uvdde 
 manifest to all men. In hnt-, the s.w. Gorton and his 
 fellow prisoners were several of them sentenced to 
 remain in durance in several of the towns in the ju- 
 risdiction of the Massachusetts, for six months, and 
 afterwards banished. 
 
 He was a subtle deceiver, courteous in his carriage 
 to all, at ^ome times (for hirown ends) but soon mov- 
 ed with passion, and so lost that which he gained up- 
 on the simole. To shut up what 1 have to say con- 
 cerning him, which is sad : He is since become a sor- 
 did man in his life, as he hath been declared to be in 
 his cursed principles and opinions, and hath not shun- 
 
128 new-england's memorial. 
 
 ned to say and aSirm, that all the felicity we are like 
 to have, we must expect in this life, and no more : 
 And therefore advised one with whom he had some 
 speech, to make much of herself, for she must expect 
 no more but what she could enjoy in this life, or 
 words to the same etfect. Thus evil men and deceiv- 
 ers grow worse and worse, deceiving and being de- 
 ceived, 2 Tim. iii. 13. 
 
 1638. 
 
 This year Mr. Thomas Prince was chosen Govern- 
 or of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth : Mr. William 
 Bradford, Mr. Edward VVinslow, Capt. Miles Stand- 
 ish, Mr. John Alden, Mr. John Jenny, Mr. John At- 
 wood, Mr. John Brown, were chosen to be his assist- 
 ants in government. 
 
 This year three men were executed for robbing 
 and murdering an 'ndian near Providence, which be- 
 sides th(j evidence that came against them, they did 
 in substance confess against (hemselves, and were 
 condemned by legal trial. Some have thought it 
 great severity, to hang three English for one Indian ; 
 but the more considerate will easily satisfy them- 
 selves for the legality of it : And indeed should we 
 sutler their murdeiers to go unpunished we might 
 justly fear that God would suffer them to take a more 
 sharp revenge. By such arguments was the govern- 
 ment of Plymouth moved by the government of the 
 Massachusetts to do ju.-tice to the case. And here 
 may be noted, that the Massachus': tts r^-fused this tri- 
 al, as being committed in the jurisdiction of Plym- 
 outh ; and they of Rhode Island havi»iig apprehended 
 them, tliey deliver^ d them to the aforesaid jurisdic- 
 tion of Plymouth, on the same grounds. 
 
 This year, about the second of June, there was a 
 great and fearful earthquake: It was heard before it 
 came with a rumbling noise, or low murmer, like un- 
 to remote thunder. It came from the northward, 
 and passed southwards 5 as the noise approached near, 
 
new-england''s memorial, 129 
 
 l]\e earth began to quake ; and it came at lengtli with 
 tliat violence as it caused platters, dishes and s>uch 
 like things which stood upon shelves, to clatter 
 and fail down ; jea, people were afraid of their 
 houses: And it was so, as that sonrie being without 
 doors could not stand, but were fain to catch hold of 
 posts and pales to prevent them from failing. About 
 half an hour, or less, came another noii^eand shaking, 
 but not so loud r»or so strong as the former. It was 
 not only on the land, but at sea also; for some shi|)s 
 that were on the sea-coast were shiken by it : So 
 powerful is the mighty hand of the Lord, as to cause 
 both the earth and the sea to shake, and the moun- 
 tains to tremble b. fore him. His way is in the 
 whirlwind, and the storm, and the clouds are tlie dust 
 of his feet; the rocks are thrown down before him ! 
 Who can stand before his indignation ? And who can 
 abide in the fierceness of his anger ? Nahum i. 3,4,5,6. 
 
 1639. 
 
 This year Mr. William }3radford was chosen Gov- 
 ernor of Plymouth . Mr. Thomas Priiice. Captain 
 Miles Standish, Mr. John Alden, Mr. J< hu Brown, 
 Mr. William Co'!ier, Mr. 'i imothy Hatherly, and 
 Mr. John Jennj^, were chosen assistants. 
 
 This year Harvard College was erected at Cam- 
 bridi^e, in New England, which was so called in re- 
 membrance of a worthy gentleman, who libeially 
 contributed towaids the charge of the erecting of it. 
 
 This year the jrreat Sachem Woosamequen, some- 
 times called Massssoiet, and JMooanam his son, came 
 into the court held at Plymouth, in New England, pn 
 the live and twentieth day of September, in their own 
 proper persons, and desired that the ancient league 
 and confederacy formerly made with the government 
 of Plymouth aforesaid (wherein he acknowledged 
 liimself subject to the kifig of England, and his suc- 
 cessor?) may stand and remain inviolable. And the 
 said Woosamequen, and Mooanam his son, (he that 
 
130 new-england's memorial. 
 
 is here called Mooanam, is the same that was called 
 Wamsitta ; it being usual for the Indians to change 
 their nannes) for themselves and their successors did 
 faithfully promise to keep and observe the covenants 
 and conditions therein expressed and contained, wliich 
 on their parts are likewise to be kept and observed. 
 And tiie said Moosamequen, and Mooanam his son, 
 did then also promise to the whole court aforesaid, 
 that he nor they shall or will needlessly or unjustly 
 raise any quarrels, or do any wrong to other natives, 
 to provoke tht m to war against them ; and that he or 
 they shall not give, sell, or convey any of his or their 
 lands, territories or possessions w hatsoever, to any 
 person or persons whomsoever, without the privUy 
 and consent of the government of Plymouth, afore- 
 said, other than such as the said iiovcrnmetit shall 
 send or appoint. All which conditions the said 
 Woosamequen and Mooanam his son, for themselves 
 and their successors, did then faithfully promise to 
 observe and krep. And the whole court, in the name 
 of the whole government, for each town respectively, 
 did then likewise ratify and confirm the aforesaid 
 ancient league and confederacy : And did also further 
 promise to the said Woosamequen, and Mooanam his 
 son, and his successors, that they shall and will from 
 time to time defend the said Woosamequen and Moo- 
 anam his son, and their successors, when need and 
 occasion shall require, against ail sMch as shall unjust- 
 ly rise up against them to wrong or oppress them 
 unjustly. 
 
 1610. 
 
 Mr. William Bradford was elected Governor of the 
 jurisdiction of Plj/mouth ;. Mr. Thomas Prince, Mr. 
 William Collier, Mr. John Brown, Capt. Miles Stand- 
 ish, Mr. Timothy Hatherly, and Mr. Edmund Free- 
 man, were elected assistants. 
 
131 
 
 1641 
 
 This year Mr. William Bradford was elected Gov- 
 ernor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth: Mr. 
 Edi^ard Wiiislow, Mr. 'Ihomas Prince, Mr. William 
 Collier, Captain Miles Standish, Mr. Timothy Hath- 
 erly, Mr. John Brown, and Mr. Edmuiid Freeman, 
 were chosen assistants to him in government. 
 
 1642 
 
 This year Mr. William Bradford was elected Gov- 
 ernor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth: Mr. Ed- 
 ward Winslov, Mr. Thomas Prince, Mr. William. 
 Collier, Mr. Timothy Hatlieriy, Mr. John Brown, 
 Mr. William Thomas, and Mr. Edmund Freeman, 
 were elected assistants to him in government. 
 
 In reference unto the three last jearss specified, al- 
 thoui^h I have no special providence to take notice of, 
 particularly to assiijn to each of them, save the con- 
 tinuance of God's mercy and goodness in the annual 
 election of godly and able maj^istrates in the jurisdic- 
 tion of Plymouth, as is before noted; yet notwith- 
 standing we are to take notice of the continued peace 
 and plenty, with which not only these three years 
 (respectively considered) but also for many years to- 
 gether both before and after them. New England was 
 so marvellously gratiated : But that which is more, 
 that about these times the Lord was pleased of his 
 great goodness, richly to accomplish and adorn the 
 colony of Plymouth (as well as other colonies in New- 
 England) with a considerable number of godly and 
 able gospel-preachers, who then being dispersed and 
 disposed of to the several churches and congregations 
 thereof, gave liijht in a glorious and resplendent man- 
 ner, as burning and shining lights: Which mercy 
 and transcendent favour, had not sin and satan's envy 
 interposed, niiirht have rendered {hem greatlv happy 
 and prosperous; it being observed, tbot where gospel 
 dispensation flouiishetb, there prosperity in otber 
 respects may usually be expected. 
 
132 
 
 In reference unto the honor of God, and due res- 
 pects uuto such worthy instiuments, I thought nneet 
 to nominate sonne of the spf cialest of thenn, 
 viz. Mr. Charles Chauncy, ]\]r. William Hook, IVJr. 
 Nicholas Street, Mr. John Laythrop, Mr. John Mayo, 
 Mr. John Reyner, Mr. Ral{jh Partridge, Mr. Samuel 
 Newman, Mr. William Leverich, Mr. Richard Blin- 
 man, Mr. Edward Bulkly, Mr. John Miller, Mr. Mar- 
 maduke Matthews : With some others that might be 
 named. These some of them staid not long before 
 they removed, some into the neighboring colonies, 
 some into Old England, and others to their eternal 
 rest, whereby the said jurisdiction was wanting in a 
 great measure for sometime of such a blessing : How- 
 beit, the Lord hath since graciously raised up a sup- 
 ply to divers of the said congregations, and more may 
 be expected according to his promises. 
 
 1643. 
 
 This year Mr. William BradfoJd was elected Gov- 
 ernor of the jurisdiction of New Flymonih : And Mr. 
 Edward Winslow, Mr. Thomas Prince, Mr. Vvilliam 
 Collier, Mr. Timothy Ilatherh, Mr. John Brown, 
 Mr. Edmund Freeman, and Mr. William Thomas, 
 were chosen liis assistants in government. 
 
 This year about the eighteenth day of April, died 
 Mr. William Brewster, the ruling elder of the church 
 of Christ at Plymouth ; concerning whom, I could 
 say much of mine own knowledge; but 1 shall con- 
 tent myself only to insert the honorable testimony 
 that Mr. W^illiam Bradford; deceased, hath left writ- 
 ten with his own hand, concerning him. 
 
 Saith he, my dear friend Mr. William Brewster 
 was a man that had done and suffered much for the 
 Lord Jesus, and the gospel's sake, and hath born his 
 part in weal and wo, with this poor persecuted church 
 above thirty six years, ia England, Holland, and in 
 this wilderness; and done the Lord and them faith- 
 ful service in his place and calling: And notwith- 
 
 i 
 
standing the many troubles and sorrows he passed 
 through, the Lord upheld hiu) to a great age ; he was 
 four score and four years of age when he died ; he 
 had this blessing added by the Lord to all the rest, to 
 die in his bed in peace amongst the midst of his 
 friends, who mourned and wept over him, and minis- 
 tered what help and comfort they could unto him ; 
 and he again recompensed them while he could: His 
 sickness was not long, and until the last day thereof 
 he did not wholly keep his bed, his speech continued^ 
 until somewhat more than half a day before his death? 
 and then failed him, and about nine or ten of the 
 clock that evening he died without any pangs at all ; 
 a few hours before, he drew his breath short, and 
 some (ew minutes before his last, he drew his breath 
 long, as a man fallen into a sound sleep, without any 
 pangs or gasping, and so sweetly departed this life in- 
 to a better. 
 
 1 would now demand of any, what he was the worse 
 for former sufferings ? What do I say worse? No, 
 he was the better, and they now added to his honour. 
 It was a manifest token (sailh the apostle Peter) 
 1 Thes. i. 5, 6, 7, of the righteous judgment of God, 
 that we might be counted worthy of the kingdom of 
 God, for which we also suffer; seeing it is a righteous 
 thing with God, to recompense tribulation to them 
 that trouble you, and to you that are troubled, rest 
 with us,'v.'hen the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from 
 heaven with his mighty angels; and if you be re- 
 proached (saith the apostle Peter) 1 Peter iv. 14, for 
 the name of Christ, happy are ye, for the spirit of 
 God and of gloiy shall rest upon you. What though 
 he wanted the pleasures and riches of the world in 
 this life, and pompous monuments of his funeral ? 
 Yet the memorial of the just shall be blessed, when 
 tlie name of the wicked shdl rot, Prov. x. 17, with 
 their marble monuments. He was well educated in 
 learning, as at inferior schools, so also at the univer- 
 sity ; and from thence went to the court, and there 
 12 
 
134 NEW-ENGLAND^S MEMORIAL* 
 
 served Mr. Davison a godly gentleman, and setretarj' 
 of state to Queen Elizabeth, and attended him on his 
 ambassage into Holland, and was employed by him 
 in matters of great trust; as in keeping of the keys 
 of the cautionary towns delivered up to him for her 
 Majesty, and things of the like nature; his master 
 would always in private confer with him as a friend 
 or equal : He afterwards lived in good esteem in his 
 own country, and did much good, until the troubles of 
 those times enfoiced his remove into Holland, and so 
 into New England, and was in both places of singular 
 use and benefit to the church and people of Plymouth 
 whereof he was; being eminently qualified for such 
 •work as the Lord had appointed him unto, of which 
 ^I'.ould I speak particularly as I might, I should prove 
 tedious: 1 shall content myself therefore only to have 
 made honorable mention in general of so worthy a 
 man. 
 
 And here I might take occasion to mention with 
 admiration, the marvellous providence of God, that 
 notwithstan<^ing the many changes and hardships that 
 this people, viz. the first planters at New Plymouth 
 went through, and the many enemies they had, and 
 difficulties they met withal, that so many of them 
 should live unto very old age: It was not only this 
 reverend man's condition, but many more of them 
 did the like ; some dying before and about this time, 
 and some living, who attained to sixty years of age, 
 and to sixty-five, divers to seventy, and some to more 
 than eighty as he did: It must needs be more than 
 ordinary, and above natural reason that so it should 
 be ; for it is found in experience, that chancing of 
 air. famine, and unwholsome food, much drinking of 
 water, sorrows and troubles, &c. all of them are ene- 
 mies to health, causes of mu'h disease, consumers of 
 natural vigour and the bodies of men, and shorteners 
 of life; and yet of all these things they had a large 
 part, and sutTered deeply in the same: They went 
 from England to Holland, where they found both 
 
>IEW-ENGLANt>*S MEMORlALk i5i> 
 
 W^rse air and diet than that they came from ; from 
 thence, enduring a long imprisonment in the ships at 
 sea, into New England, and how it hath heen with 
 them here hath already been shewn, and what crosses, 
 troubles, fears, wants and sorrows they have been lia- 
 ble unto, easily to be discerned, so as in some sort 
 they may say with the apostle, 1 Cor. xi. 26, 27. 
 They were in journeys often, in perils of waters, in 
 perils of robbers, in perils of their own nation, in per- 
 ils amongst the heathen, in perils in the wilderness, 
 in perils in the sea, in perils amongst false brethren, 
 in weariness, in painfulness, in watching often, in 
 hunger, in thirst, in fasting often, in cold and naked- 
 ness. What was it then that upheld them? It was 
 God's visitation that preserved their spirits; he that 
 upheld the apostle upheld them, 2 Cor. iv. 9. They 
 were persecuted but not forsaken, cast down but per- 
 ished not, as unknown and yet known, as dying and 
 behold w^e live, as chasened and yet not killed. 
 
 God (it seems) would have all men behold such 
 works of his providence, as these are towards his 
 people, that they in like cases might be encouraged 
 to depend upon him in their trials, and also bless his 
 name when they see his goodness towards others. 
 Man lives not by bread only ; Deut. vili. 3. It is 
 not by dainty fare, peace, rest and heart's ease, in 
 enjoying contentments and good things of this world 
 only, that preserves health and prolongs life. God 
 (in such examples) would have the world take notice 
 that he can do without them ; and if the world will 
 shut their eyes and take no notice thereof, yet he 
 would have his people to see and consider it. Dan- 
 iel could be in better liking with pulse, than with 
 the king's dainties; Jacob, though he went from one 
 nation to another people, and passed tlirough famine, 
 fears and many afflictions, yet he lived unto old age, 
 and died sweetly and rested in the Lord, as many 
 others of God's senants liave done, and still do through 
 God's goodness, notwithstanding all the malice of 
 
136 2fEW~ENGLAND's MEBTORlAlt. 
 
 their enemies ; when the branch of the wicked shall 
 be cut off before his day, and bloody and deceitful 
 men shall not live out half their days, Job xv. 32, 
 Psalm Iv. 23. 
 
 By reason of the plotting of the Narragansets ever 
 since the Pequot war, the Indians were drawn into a 
 general conspiracy against the English in all parts, as 
 was in part discovered the year before, and now made 
 more plain and evident by many discoveries and free 
 confessions of sundry Indians upon several occasions, 
 concurring in one ; with such other concurring cir- 
 cumstances as gave the English sufficiently to under- 
 stand the truth thereof, and to think of nfieans how to 
 prevent the same. In which respect, together with 
 divers other and more weighty reasons, the four colo- 
 nies, viz. the Massachusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut 
 and New Haven, entered into a near union and con- 
 federation the nineteenth day of May, 1643. And 
 the articles of the said confederation were signed by 
 the commissioners of the said jurisdictions respective- 
 ly, by which were authorized thereunto, viz. 1 John 
 Wijithrop, Governor of the Massachusetts, 2 Thomas 
 Dudley, 3 Edward Winslow, 4 William Collier, 5 Ed- 
 ward Hopkins, 6 Thomas Grigson, 7 Theophilus 
 Eaton, 8 George Fenwick. 
 
 The said articles at large, with sundry other par- 
 ticulars appertaining thereunto; together with the 
 particulars concerning the plotting contrivements, 
 menacings and insolencies of the Narragansets against 
 the English, together with the provision and prepara- 
 tion made by the English for an expedition against 
 them, with the yieldings and compliance of the said 
 Narragansets to the English, composition and articles 
 of agreement made with them &c. These are all to 
 be seen as they are at large extant in the records of 
 the commissioners for the united colonies of New 
 England, whereunto I refer the reader. (See acts of 
 the commissioners for the united colonies of N. E. 
 ai^no 1644, and 3 645.) 
 
KEW-EKGLAND*S MExMORIAL. 137 
 
 1644. 
 
 This 3^Car Mr. Edward Winslow was elected Gov- 
 t^rnor of the jurisdiction of New I'iy mouth. Mr. Wil- 
 iiurn Bradford, Mr. Thomas Prince, Mr. WilUam Col- 
 lier, Mr. Timot!ty Hatherly, Mr. John Brown, xMr. 
 William Thomas, and Mr. Edmuiid Freeman, weie 
 elected assistants to him in government. 
 
 This year Mr. John Atwood died, he was a godly 
 man, singularly endowed with the grace of patience, 
 and having a large estate, became a useful benefactor 
 to the colony of New Plymouth. He departed this 
 life, expressing great faith in Clirist, and a cheerful 
 expectation of the restoration of his body at the gen- 
 eral resurrection of glory. 
 
 This year many of the town of Plymouth, by rea- 
 son of some straits that were upon them, look up 
 thoughts of removing to some other place, for their 
 better accommodation, and for that end made a more 
 exact and particular discovery of a place caiied by the 
 Indians, Namset ; which place being purchased by 
 them of the Indians, divers of the considerablest of 
 the church and town removed tliither, and erected a 
 town, which is now caiied by the name of Eastham. 
 
 1645. 
 
 This year Mr. William Bradford was elected Gov- 
 ernor of the jurisdiction of New Plymonih : And Mr* 
 Edward Winsiow, Mr. Thomas Prince, Mr. William 
 Collier, Capt. Miles Standish, Mr. Timothy Hather- 
 ly, Mr. John Brown, and Mr. Edmund Freeman, 
 were chosen assistants to him in government. 
 
 The Commissioners of the united colonies of New- 
 England were called together this year, before their 
 ordinary time of meeting, partly in regard of some 
 difterences between the French and the government 
 of the Massachusetts, about their aidmg of Monsieur 
 Latere and Monsieur de Aulney, and partly about the 
 Indians, who had broken their former agreements a- 
 
138 
 
 bout the peace concluded the year before ; as concern- 
 ing such conclusions and determinations which passed 
 in this meeting, in reference to the premises, I shall 
 refer the reader unto the acts of the said Commission- 
 ers for tliat year, as they are recorded at large. 
 
 1646. 
 
 This 3^ear Mr. William Bradford was elected Gov- 
 ernor of ^the jurisdiction of Plymouth : and Mr. 
 Edward Winslow, Mr. Thomas Prince, Mr. William 
 Collier, Captain Miles Standish, Mr. Timothy Hath- 
 erly, and Mr. Edmund Freeman, were elected assist- 
 ants in government. 
 
 About the middle of May this year, there came 
 three men of war into Plymouth harbour, under the 
 command of Captain Thomas Cromwel, who had tak- 
 en several prizes from the Spaniards, by commission 
 from the Earl of Warwick. They were full of mon- 
 ies, silks and other rich goods, some of which they 
 left behind them. They were a company of lusty 
 stout men, but very unruly and hard to govern; not- 
 withstanding the care and vigilance both of such as 
 were in authority of Plymouth, and also of their own 
 commanders, who could hardly restrain them, espec- 
 ially from inordinate drinking and quarreling: It 
 proved fatal to one of them, who being quarreling 
 with one of their own company, and being command- 
 ed by their captain to forbear, he giving very provok- 
 ing language, and also attempting to draw upon his 
 captain, he took his rapier from him, and struck him 
 on the head with the hilt, of which wound, three or 
 our days after, he died. The Captain was tried by 
 a council of war, and acquitted by the largeness of his 
 commission. 
 
 This year Mr. Edmund Winslow went for England, 
 upon occasion that some discontented persons, under 
 the government of the Massachusetts, sought to troub- 
 le their peace, and disturb, if not innovate their gov- 
 ernment, by laying many scandals upon them, and 
 
HEw-en6LAnd's memorial. 13d 
 
 intended to prosecute against them in England, by 
 petitioning and complaining to the parliament. Also 
 Samuel Gorton and his company, made complaint a- 
 gainst them ; so as they made choice of Mr. Winslow 
 to be their agent to make their defence, and gave him 
 commission and instructions for that end, in which he 
 so carried himself, as did well answer their ends, and 
 cleared them from any blame and dishonour, to the 
 shame of their adversaries. After this he fell upon 
 other employment in England, which detained him 
 there, so as he returned not again to New England 
 any more, whose absence hath been much to the 
 weakening of the government of New Plymouth, who 
 had large experience of his help and usefulness a- 
 mongst tliem in government, &c. of whom 1 have 
 more to insert in honour of so worthy a gentleman in 
 its more proper place. 
 
 1647. 
 
 Mr. William Bradford was elected Governor of the 
 jurisdiction of New Plymouth ; Mr. Edward Wins- 
 low, Mr. Thomas Prince, Mr. William Collier, Mr. 
 Timothy Hatherly, Capt. Miles Standish, Mr. John 
 Brown, and Mr. William Thomas, were elected assist- 
 ants in government. 
 
 This year the whole land, but more especially the 
 church and town of Hartford, in Connecticut, sustain- 
 ed a great and more than ordinary loss, by the death 
 of that most eminent servant of Jesus Christ, Mr. 
 Thomas Hooker, who in the month of July in this 
 year, changed this life for a better ; concerning whose 
 piety, learning, and singular dexterity in preaching 
 the gospel with answerable success, the many souls 
 wrought upon by his ministry in both Old England 
 and New, do give forth a large testimony ; and withal, 
 as an addition to the former, those learned and profit- 
 able works penned by him for the refutation of error, 
 and guiding and confirming of*the saints in the waj^s 
 of Christ : In which respects, with others, his name 
 
•140 
 
 will live, and is embalmed ; and doth remain, and will 
 be as a precious uinlment in the chufches, and a- 
 mongst the saints, in present and future ages. 
 
 This special servant of Christ, as he served his mas- 
 ter with great zeal, love, wisdom and sincerity ; so 
 he ended liis life with much comfort and serenity ; so 
 as it is rare that was said of him, that the peace which 
 he had in believing thirty yeari^ before his death, was 
 firm and not touched by the adversary until the period 
 of his life : And with much joy and peace in believ- 
 ing he fell asleep in the Lord, and was honourably 
 buried at Hartford, in Connecticut, 
 
 In whose memorial, I shall here insert the funeral 
 elcjjies of two eminent divines, written upon his 
 death. 
 
 On my reverend and dear brother^ Mr. Thomas Hooker^ 
 late pastor of the church at Harifordon Connecticut, 
 
 To see lliree tliint^s was holy Austin's wish, 
 Romr in her flow«^r, Chrisl Jesus in tiie f(«^sh, 
 And Paul i' the pulpit: Lately men might see. 
 Two first, and more, in H oker's ministry. 
 
 ZioD in beauty, is a fairer sigit, 
 Than Rome in flower, with all h^r g-lory dight : 
 Ye! Zion's ber-:uty did most clearly shiiie 
 In Hooker's ruie and doctrine : both divine. 
 
 Christ in the spirit, is more than Christ in flesh, 
 Our souis to quicken, and onr states to bless ! 
 Yet Christ in spirit brake forii* mightily, 
 In faithful Hooker's searching ministry. 
 
 Paul in the pulpit. Hooker coird not teach ; 
 Yet did he Christ in spirit so lovely preach; 
 That living hearers thought he did inherit 
 A double portion of Taul's lively spirit. 
 
 Prudent in rule, in f;rg-umcnt quick, full : 
 Fervent in pra}er, in preaching powerful ; 
 That well did ioarneJ Amos record bear, 
 The like to hirn he never wont to bean 
 
new-england's memorial. 141 
 
 That ofGeneva's worthies said with wonder, 
 (Those worthies three) Farell was wont to thunder-; 
 Viret, like rain, on tender g-rass to shower.; 
 But Calvin, lively oracles to pour. 
 
 AU these in Hooker's spirit did remain, 
 A son of thunder, and a shower of rain, 
 A pourer forth of lively oracles. 
 In saving- souls the sum of miracles. 
 
 Now blessed Hooker, thou art set on high, 
 Above the thankless world, and cloudy sky : 
 Do ihouofall thy labour reiip the crown, 
 Whilst we here reap the seed which thou hast sown. 
 
 J. C. 
 
 A lamentation for the death of that precious and worthy 
 minister of Jesus Christy Mr, Thomas Hooker^ who died 
 July 7, 1647, as the sun was sitting : The same hour 
 of the day died blessed Calvin^ that glorious light. 
 
 Come sighs, come sorrows, let's lament this rod, 
 "Which hath bereav'd us of this man of God : 
 A man of God, who came from God to men, 
 And now from them is gone to God again. 
 Bid joy depait, bid merriment be gone : 
 Bid friends stand by, sit sorrowful alone. 
 But ah ! What sorrow can be to sutfice. 
 Though heaven and earth were filled with our cries, 
 The clouds were turned into drops of tears, 
 The mourning for to last an age of year ? 
 'Twere all too little to lament his death. 
 Whose life so precious was for heaven and earth. 
 Job wish'd his day might quite forgotten be, 
 Which brought him forth this world's light first to see. 
 O let not the day number'd be i' th' year, 
 That took this tight of onr hemisphere. 
 A fatal day, a day of sad presage 
 To us survivers of this present age. 
 The hour of thy decease, when sun went down. 
 When light turn'd dark, when heavens began to frown : 
 *Tis ominous to us who saw his light. 
 That grace provok'd should turn our day to night ; 
 And gospel's light which shioeth from on high 
 Should clouded be. and darkened in our sky. 
 O happy days, when such lights shone on earth ! 
 O bitter days, when they are hid beneath ! 
 
3 42 NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL. 
 
 This is our grief, He who late shin'd on high, 
 
 Is iiid in grave, and now beneath doth He. 
 
 ILit't Hartford sigh, and say, I've lost a treasure ; 
 
 Let all New Eng-land mourn at God's displeasure. 
 
 In taking' from us one moi'e g'racious 
 
 Than is the gold of Ophir precious. 
 
 Sweet was the savour which Ins grace did give, 
 
 It season'd all the place where he did live. 
 
 His name did as an ointment give its smell, 
 
 And all bare witness that it savour'd well. 
 
 Wisdom, love, meekneas, friendly courtesy, 
 
 Kach moral virtue, with rare pie tj', 
 
 Pure zeal, yet mixt with mildest clemency, 
 
 Did all conspire in this one breast to lie. 
 
 Deep was his knowledge, judgment was acute, 
 
 His doctrine solid, which none could confute. 
 
 To mind he gave light of intelligence. 
 
 And search'd the corners of the conscience. 
 
 To sinners stout, which no law could bring under, 
 
 To them he was a son of dreadful thunder. 
 
 When all strong oaks of Bashan us'd to quake, 
 
 And fear did Lebanus his cedars shake ; 
 
 The hearts he tilled full of fears. 
 
 He clave the rocks, they melted into tears. 
 
 Yet to sad souls, with sense of sin cast down, 
 
 He was a son of consolation. 
 
 Sweet peace be gave to such as were contrite ;, 
 
 Their darkness sad he turn'd to joyous light. 
 
 Of preaching he bad learn'd the rightest art. 
 
 To every one dividing his own part. 
 
 Each ear that heard him, said, He spake to me : 
 
 So piercing was his holy ministry. 
 
 His life did shine, lime's changes stain'd it not 
 
 Envy itself could not there find a spot. 
 
 Had he surviv'd to finish works begun, 
 
 'T had been a blessing to all Ciiristendotn. 
 
 Then should the world have known what God had sbow'd hira. 
 
 And what themselves for ail his works hadow'd him. 
 
 But this unthankful age is now cut short 
 
 Of that rich treasure, 'cause they car'd not for't. 
 
 O that his love may turn us, yet to prize 
 
 The blessings yet enjoyed : Hei-ein be v/ise : 
 
 Lest that which he not long ago foretold, 
 
 Be now in us fulfill'd, as 'twas of old, 
 
 That wantonness of churches, would bereave 
 
 Them of their ministers^ v^ithout their leave. 
 
 God plaguing this his messenger's contempt. 
 
 With this soul-'stroying plague and punishment. 
 
jcew-england's memorial. Ht" 
 
 But wliatsoever wrath doth ns abide, 
 
 Whatever plag'ue fo<- sin doth ds betide. 
 
 Yei Ihoo, O blesseu sriiU, art uow at rest, 
 
 r th' bosom of thy Ciuist, which is the best. ^ 
 
 Bathing- in rivers ol' divine pleasure, 
 
 Which is at God's i igiit hand, most sweet and pure ; 
 
 Tasting- the fruit of ali thy hibours spent, 
 
 To honour God, which was thy whole intent. 
 
 Fron-j God thou earnest forth, who sent thi e hither, 
 
 And now hulh call'd thee back to live tog-ctber : 
 
 Iliui didst tlioii serve while iife and brealii did last. 
 
 With him now blest, while life and breath is past. 
 
 Sense of oiir loss would call thee back ag-aiu. 
 
 But out of love, we hid thee there remain, 
 
 Till we yet left behind our course fuifil, 
 
 To meet thee on the top of Zion's hill ; 
 
 Whtn thou and we shall both rejoice together, 
 
 So fast united as no death shall sever ; 
 
 Both to sing- praists to our heavenly King, 
 
 Who hath us saved from death's poisonous sting. 
 
 And will restore our bodies from itu: grave. 
 
 Which them to dust of death consumed liave; 
 
 Making them siiine like brightness of the sun 
 
 With glory, ne'er to end when once begun. 
 
 Let Heaven, and earth, Angels and men him praise. 
 
 Sounding his glory past all length of days. P. B. 
 
 1648. 
 
 This year Mr. William Bradford was elected Gov- 
 ernor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth : And Mr. 
 Thomas Prince, Mr. William Collier, Capt. Miles 
 Standish, Mr. Timothy Hatherly, Mr. John Brown, 
 Mr. William Thomas, were chosen assistants to him 
 in government. 
 
 1649 
 
 This year Mr. William Bradford was elected Gov. 
 ernor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth : Mr- 
 Thomas Prince, Mr. William C'.dlier, Capt. Miles 
 Standish, Mr. Timothy Hathcrl} , Mr. John Brown, 
 and Mr. William Thomas, were elected his assistants 
 in government. 
 
 This year Mr. John Winthrop, Governor of the 
 
144 new-england's memoriai.. 
 
 jurisdiction of the Massachusetts deceased, the twea. 
 tj-sixth day of March, about ten of the clock. He 
 was singular for piety, wisdom, and of a public spir- 
 it : He brought over a great estate into the country, 
 and partly by his liberality, and partly by the un- 
 faithfulness of his baily, spent the most part of it ; so 
 as when he died, he was but low in that respect ; and 
 yet notwithstanding, very much honoured and belov- 
 ed of the most, and contiijuid in the place of gover- 
 nor, for the most part until his death. He was a man 
 of unbiassed justice, patient in respect of personal 
 wrongs and injuries, a great lover of the saints, espec- 
 ially able ministers of the gospel; very sober in de- 
 siring, and temperate in improving earthl}'" content- 
 ments ; very humble, courteous and studious of gen- 
 eral good. His body was, with great solemnity and 
 honour, buried at Boston, in New England, the third 
 of April, 1649. 
 
 This year some part of the country was much 
 troubled with innumerable hosts of catterpillars, 
 which destroyed the fruits of the earth, in divers pla- 
 ces, and did eat off the leaves of (rces, so as they look- 
 ed as bare as if it had been winter ; and in some pla- 
 ces did eat the leaves from off the pease straw, and did 
 not eat the pease. It pleased God to give them a 
 check, and a rebuke, so as they hurt but in some pla- 
 ces, and of his goodness in a short time removed them. 
 
 This year, August 25, thai faithful and eminent 
 servant of Christ, Mr. Thomas Shepard, died, who 
 was a soul searching minister of the gospel, and pas- 
 tor of the church of Christ at Cambridge. By his 
 death not only that church and peop'e, but also all 
 New-England, sustained a very great loss ; he not 
 only preached the gospel profitably and successfully, 
 but also hath left behind him divers worthy works of 
 special use, in reference unto the clearing up the 
 state of the soul to God ward; the benefit thereof, 
 those can best experienre, whr> are mcst conversiant 
 in the improving of them, and have God's blessing on 
 
145 
 
 them therein to their souls' good. His body was 
 honourably buried at Cambridge, in New England. 
 
 Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, for their 
 works follow them, Rev. xiii. 13. 
 
 This year there passed an Act of Parliament in 
 England, for the promoting and propagating the gos- 
 pel of Jesus Christ amongst the Indians in New Eng- 
 land ; in reference unto the furtherance and advance- 
 ment of so good a work ; a corporation of sixteen se- 
 lectmen were appointed, consisting of a president, 
 treasurer, and assistants, called by the name of the 
 president and society for the propagation of the gos- 
 pel in New England, to receive such sums of money, 
 as from time to time was, or should be collected and 
 raised by the liberal contributions of such as whose 
 hearts God was pleased to stir up to so glorious a 
 work ; and it was by the same parliament enacted, 
 that the commissioners for the united colonies of New 
 England, for the time being, by themselves or such as 
 they shall appoint, shall have power and authority to 
 receive and dispose of the said monies brought in and 
 paid to the said treasurer for the time being, or any 
 other monies, goods or commodities acquired and de- 
 livered by the care of the said corporation at any 
 time ; whose receipt or receipts of such person or per- 
 sons so authorised by them, shall be a sufficient dis- 
 charge to the said corporation and treasurer. The 
 particulars of such orders and instructions, with which 
 the said act is invested, the reader may be more amply 
 satisfied in, by the perusal thereof, as it is extant, 
 bearing date July 27, 1649. 
 
 Moreover, let the reader take notice of the special 
 favour of Almighty God, in moving the heart of the 
 King's Majesty, since his restitution to his crown and 
 real dignity, particularly of his royal favour to coun- 
 tenance this work, and to secure what hath been, and 
 what may be given toward this work, by a legal set- 
 tlement, which before was wanting ; so as the said 
 glorious design hath been vigorously carried on, both 
 13 
 
146 NEW-ENGLANd's MEMORTAt* 
 
 in Old England and in New, by such active and faitJi- 
 M instruments as God hatli raised up and improved 
 therein, with some considerable success. The work 
 coming on to such perfection, as that the holy bible is 
 translated and printed in the Indian language, where- 
 by the glad tidings of the gospel is, and may be com- 
 municated to them with the greater facility : Some 
 souls also of them being gained (as may be hoped) 
 to believe on the Lord Jesus for lite everlasting ; and 
 daily hopes of further and greater success in tl»at be- 
 half, for which unspeakable riches of his grace, let 
 his holy name have all the praise throughout all ages. 
 The principal instruments improved in preaching 
 the gospel of Christ unto the Indians, are IVlr. John 
 Elliot, sen. Mr. John Elliot, jun. Mr. Thomas May- 
 hew, Mr. Pierson, Mr. Brown, Mr. James, Mr. Cotton, 
 besides divers of their own nation, whose names and 
 number I know not. • 
 
 1650. 
 
 This year Mr. William Bradford was elected Gov- 
 ernor of the jurisdiction of New Pl3'mouth : Mr. Ed- 
 ward Winslow, Mr. Thomas Prince, Mr, William Col- 
 lier, Capt. Miles Standish, Mr. Timothy Hatherly, 
 JMr. John Brovvn, and Mr. William Thomas, were e- 
 lected assistants in government. 
 
 This year there was more than ordinary mortality 
 in the country, especially about Boston, and mostly 
 amongst their children : (New diseases the fruits of 
 new sins) Since which time, several diseases have 
 been in the country more frequently than formerly; 
 as namely, gripings in the bowels, with violent vomit- 
 ing and purging, which hath taken away many ; as 
 also a disease in the mouth or throat, which hath 
 proved mortal to some in a very short time ; as also 
 great distempers of colds, &:c. which ought to be a- 
 wakening dispensations, together with others, to cause 
 us to consider and examine whether we have not pro- 
 voked the Lord with some general and unwonted 
 
sins ; inasmuch as be is^ pleased to exercise the coun- 
 try oftentimes with unwonted afflictions and punish- 
 ments. 
 
 1651. 
 
 This year Mr. William Bradford was elected Gov- 
 ernor ol the jurisdiction of New Plymouth : Mr. 
 Thomas Prince, Mr. William Collier, Capt. Miles 
 Standish, Mr. Timothy Hatherly, Mr. John Brown, 
 Mr. John Alden, and Capt. Thomas Willet, were 
 chosen his assistants in government. 
 
 This year Mr. William Thomas expired his natu- 
 ral life, in much peace and comfort : He served in 
 place of magistracy, in the jurisdiction of Plymouth, 
 divers years ; he was a well approved and a well 
 grounded christian, well read in the holy scriptures. 
 and other approved authors, and a good lover and ap- 
 prover of godly ministers and good christrians, and 
 one that had a sincere desire to promote the common 
 good both of church and state. He died of a con- 
 sumption, and was honourably buried at Marshfield. 
 in the jurisdiction of New Plymouth. 
 
 1652. 
 
 This 3'ear Mr. William Bradford was elected Gov- 
 ernor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth : And Mr. 
 Thomas Prince, Capt. Miles Sjtandish, Mr. Timothy 
 Hatherly, Mr. John Brown, Mr. John Alden, Capt, 
 Thomas Willet, and Capt. Thomas Southward, were 
 chosen to be his assistants in government. 
 
 This year that blessed servant of God, Mr. John 
 Cotton, died ; he was sometimes preacher of God's 
 word at Boston, in Lincolnshire, and from thence 
 came over into New England, in the year 1633, and 
 was chosen teacher of the first church of Christ at 
 Boston. [Of Mr. Cotton's life, Mr, Norton hath 
 penned a book, whereunto I refer the reader for more 
 full relation of the same.] For which function and 
 office he was greatly enriched with giftts and abilities^ 
 
148 new-england's memorial. 
 
 being an able expounder, and faithful applier of the 
 word of God; furnished also with wisdonn and pru- 
 dence to go before the church, in the ordering of the 
 affairs thereof; endowed with meekness of spirit, 
 whereby he was fitted to compose such differences 
 as did at any time arise amongst them : He was very 
 patient also in respect unto personal wrongs or inju- 
 ries done unto himself, yea, toward his sharpest an- 
 tagonists. An influence of good not only flowed from 
 him unto the church over whom he was set, but also 
 into all the churches in New England, (as necessity 
 required.) About the time of his sickness, there ap- 
 peared in the heavens, over New England, a comet, 
 giving a dim light ; and so waxed dimmer and dim- 
 mer until it became quite extinct and went out, 
 which time of its being extinct, was soon after the 
 period of his life ; It being a very signal testimony, 
 that God had then removed a bright star, a burning 
 and a shining light out of the heaven of his church 
 here, unto celestial glory above. He was buried at 
 Boston in New England, with great honour and lam- 
 entation, in the year above written. 
 
 Upon whose never enough deplored death, were 
 made these verses following. 
 
 A Funeral Elegy upon the, death of the truly reverend Mr. 
 John Cotton, late teacher of the church of Christ at Bos- 
 ton, in New England. 
 
 And after Winthrop's, Hooker's, Shepard's hearse, 
 Doth Cotton's death call for a mourning verse ? 
 Thy will be done : Yet Lord who dealest thus, 
 Make this great death expedient for us. 
 Luther puli'd down the Pope, Calvin the Prelate flew : 
 Of Calvin's lapse, chief cure to Cotton's due. 
 Cotton whose learning, temper, godliness, 
 'J'he German Phoenix, lively did express. 
 Melancthon's all, may Luther's word but pass ; 
 Melancthon's all, in our great Cotton was. 
 Than him iu flesh, scarce dwelt a better one : 
 So great's our loss, when such a spirit's gone. 
 Whilst he was here, life was more life to me ; 
 
NEW-ENGLAND^S MEMORlAt. 149 
 
 Now he is not, death hence less death shall be. 
 
 That comets, great men's deaths do oft forego, 
 
 This present comet doth too sadly show. 
 
 Tills prophet dead, jet must in's doctrine speak, 
 
 Tills comet sailh, else must New Eng-land break. 
 
 Whate'erit be, the Heavtns aver it far, 
 
 Thai meteors should succeed our greatest star. 
 
 In Boston's orb, VViuthrop and Cotton were; 
 
 These lig-hts extinct, dnrk is our hemisphere. 
 
 In Boston once how much stiiu'd of our glory, 
 
 We now lament, posteiity will story. 
 
 L^'t n<jS(on live, who had, and saw tiieir worth : 
 
 An-^ did them honour, both i-i life and death. 
 
 To him Nevv England trust in this distress, 
 
 Who will not leave his exiles comfortless. J. IV. 
 
 Upon the Tomb of the most reverend Mr, John Cotton^ 
 late teacher of the church of Boston^ in New England* 
 
 Here lies magnanimous humility. 
 Majesty, meekness, christian apathy 
 On soft affections ; liberty in thrall : 
 A noble spirit, servant unto all. 
 Learning's great master-piece ; who yet would sit 
 As a disciple at his scholars' feet. 
 A simple serpent, or serpentine dove, 
 Made up of wisdom, innocence and love. 
 Neatness embroider'd with itself alone ; 
 And civils canonized in a gown : 
 Embracing old and young, and low and high ; 
 Ethics embodied in divinity. 
 Ambitious to be lowest, and to raise 
 His brethren's honour on his own decays. 
 Thus doth the sun retire into his bed, 
 That being gone, the stars may shew their head. 
 Could wound at argument without division ; 
 Cut to the quick, and yet make no incision ; 
 Ready to sacrifice domestic notions 
 To churches peace, and ministers devotions. 
 Himself indeed (and singular in that) 
 Whom all admired, he admired not. 
 Liv'd like an Angel of a mortal birth, 
 Convers'd in heaven while he was on earth : 
 Though not (as Moses) radiant with light, 
 Whose glory dazzled the beholders sight ; 
 Yet so divinely beautify 'd, you'd count 
 He had been born and bred upon the inonn4» 
 13* 
 
150 NEW- England's memorial. 
 
 A living-, breathing- bible : Tables where 
 Both covenants at larg-e eng-raven were ; 
 Gospel and law Id's beait had each its column, 
 His headman imlex to the sacred volume. 
 His very name a title page; and next, 
 His life a commentary on the text. 
 
 what a monument of glorious worth, 
 When in a new edition he comes forth, 
 Without erratas, may we think he'll be, 
 In leaves and covers of eternity I 
 
 A man of might at heavenly eloquence, 
 To fix the ear, and charm the conscience ; 
 As if Apollos were revived in him. 
 Or he had learned of a Seraphim. 
 Spake many tongues in one : One voice and sense 
 Wrought joy and sorrow, fear and confidence. 
 Rocks rent before him, blind received their sight ; 
 Souls l3vell'd to the dunghill, stood upright. 
 Infernal furies burst with rage to see 
 Their pris'ners capliv'd into liberty. 
 A star that in our eastern England rose, 
 Thence hurry'd by the blast of stupid foes, 
 Whose foggy darkness, and benumbed senses, 
 Brook'd not his daz'hng fervent influences. 
 Thus did he move on earth from east to west ; 
 There he went down, and up to Heaven for rest. 
 Nor from himself, whilst living doth he vary, 
 His death hatli made him an ubiquitary : 
 Where is his sepulchre is hard to tell. 
 Who in a thousand sepulchres doth dwell ; 
 (Their hearts, 1 mean, whom he hath left behind,) 
 In them his sacred relique's now enshrin'd. 
 But let his mourning flock be comforted, 
 Though Moses be, yet Joshua is not dead : 
 
 1 mean renowned Norton ; worthy he 
 Successor to our Moses is to be, 
 
 O happy Israel in America, 
 
 In such a Moses such a Joshua. B. W., 
 
 1653. 
 
 Mr. William Bradford, was elected Governor of the 
 jurisdiction of New Plymouth : Mr. Thomas Prince, 
 Capt. Miles Standish, Mr. Timothy Hatherly, Mr. 
 John Brown, Mr. John Alden, Capt. Thomas Willef, 
 and Lieut. Thomas Southworth, were elected his as- 
 sistants in governmeDt. 
 
151 
 
 Mr. Thomas Dudley, who was a principal founder 
 and pillar of the colony of Ihe Massachusetts, in New 
 England, and sundry tinnes governor and deputy gov- 
 ernor of that jurisdiction, died at his house in Hox- 
 bury, July 31, in the seveuty-sev* nth year of his age : 
 He was a person of a quick understanding, and solid 
 judgment in the fear of the Lord. He was a lover of 
 justice, order, the people, christian religion, the su- 
 prenne virtues of a good magistrate. 1. His love to 
 justice appeared at all times, and in special upon the 
 judgment seat, without respect of persons in judg- 
 ment: And in his own particular transactions, with 
 all men, he was exact and exemplary. 2. His zeal to 
 order appeared in contriving good laws, and faithfully 
 executing them upon criminal offenders, heretics, and 
 underminers of true religion. He had a piercing 
 judgment to discover the wolf, though clothed with a 
 sheep skin. 3. His love to the people was evident 
 in serving them in a public capacity many years, at 
 his own cost, and that as a nursing father to the 
 churches of Christ. 4. He loved the true christian 
 religion, and the pure worship of God, and cherished, 
 as in his bosom, all godly ministers and christians : 
 He was exact in the practice of piety, in his person 
 and family all his life ; in a word, he lived desired, 
 and died lamented by all good men. 
 
 The verses following were found In his pocket after 
 his death, which may further illustrate his character 
 and iiive a taste of his poetical fancy ; wherein (it is 
 said) he did excel. 
 
 Dim ej-es, deaf ears, cold storaach shew 
 My dissolnlioQ is in view. 
 Eleven times seven near lived have I, 
 And now God calls, I willing die : 
 My sliiittle's shot, my race is run, 
 My sun is set, my deed is done ; 
 My span is measur'd, tale is told, 
 My flower is faded and grown old, 
 My dream is vanisli'd, shadow's fled. 
 My soul with Christ, iny body dea^, 
 
152: ifEW-ENG land's memorial. 
 
 Farewell dear wife, children and friendsj 
 Ilatc heresy, make ble-sed ends ; 
 Bear poverty, Itvevvitli good men, 
 So shall we meet with joy ag-aio. 
 
 Let men of God in courts and cliurches watch 
 
 O'er such as do a toleration hatch ; 
 
 Lest that il! tgg- brin^- forth a cockatrice, 
 
 To poison all with heresy and vice. 
 
 If men be left, and t<tlier\vise combine, 
 
 My Epitaph's, i dy^d no libertine. 
 
 This year Mr. John Lajthrop did put oflfhis earth- 
 ly tabernacle : He was somi times preacher of God's 
 word in Egerton in Kent, from whence he went to 
 London, and was chosen pastor of a church of Ciirist 
 there ; he was greatly troubled and imprisoned for 
 witnessing? against the errors of the times: During 
 the time of his imprisonment, his wife fell side, of 
 which sickness she died. He procured Hberty of the 
 Bishop to visit his wife before her death, and com- 
 mended her to God by prayer, who soon after gave 
 up the ghost. At his return to prison, his poor chil- 
 dren, being many, repaired to the Bishop to Lam- 
 beth, and made known unto him their miserabia con- 
 dition, by reason of their good father his being con- 
 tinued in close durance; who commiserated their con- 
 dition so far, as to grant him his liberty, who soon af- 
 ter came over into New Englar)d, and settled for some 
 timeat the town of Scituate, and was chosen pastor 
 of their church, and faithfully dispensed the word of 
 God amongst them : And afterwards the said church 
 dividing, a part whereof removed to Barnstable, he 
 removed with them, and tliere remained until his 
 death. He was a man of an humble and broken heart 
 and spirit, lively in dispensation of the word of God, 
 studious of peace, furnished with godly contentment, 
 willing to spend and to b^; spent for the cause and 
 church of Christ. He fell asleep in the Lord, No- 
 vember 8, 1653. 
 
"new-england's memorial. 153 
 
 1654. 
 
 This year Mr. William Bradford was elected Gov- 
 ernor of the jurisdiciion of ISew Plymouth : Mr* 
 Thomas Prince, Captain Miles Slandish, Mr. William 
 Collier, Mr. Timothy Hatherly, Mr. John Broun, 
 Mr. John Alden, and Captain Thomas Willet, were 
 elected assistants to him in government. 
 
 1655. 
 
 This year Mr. William Bradford was elected Gov- 
 ernor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth: And Mr. 
 Thomas Prince, Mr. William Collier, Mr. Timothy 
 Hatherly, Captain Miles Standish, Mr. John Brown, 
 Mr. John Alden, and Mr. Thomas Willet, were chos- 
 en assistants to him in government. 
 
 This year that worthy and honorable gentleman 
 Mr. Edward Winslow, deceased; of whom I have 
 had occasion to make honorable mention formerly 
 in this discourse. He was the son of Edward Win- 
 slow, Esq. of the town of Draughtwich, in the county 
 of Worcester. He travelling into the low countries, 
 in his journeys fell into acquaintance with the church 
 of Leyden, in Holland, unto whom he joined, and 
 with whom he continued until they parted to come 
 into New England, he coming with that part that 
 came first over, and became a very worthy and use- 
 ful instrument amongst them, both in place of gov- 
 ernment and otherwise, until his last voyage for 
 England, being sent on special employments for gov- 
 ernment of the Massachusetts, as is aforementioned in 
 this book ; and afterwards was emplo3'ed as one of 
 the grand commissioners in that unhappy design 
 against Domingo, in Hispaniola, who taking grief for 
 tlie ill success of that enterprise; on which, together 
 with some other infirmities that were upon him, he 
 fell sick at sea, betwixt Domingo and Jamaica, and 
 died the 8th day of Maj-, which was about the sixty- 
 first year of his life, and his body was honorably 
 
154 new-england's memorial. 
 
 committed to the sea, with the usual solemnity of 
 the discharge of forty-two pieces of ordnance. 
 
 One of the company, who was employed in taking 
 notice of the particulars of that tragedy, gave such 
 testimony of the said Mr. Winslow, as followelh in 
 this poem : 
 
 The eig-hth of May, west from 'Spaniola shore, 
 God took from us our grand comtnissioaer, 
 Winslow bj name, a mau in cliiefest trust, 
 Whose life was sweet, and conversation just ; 
 Whose parts and wisdom most men did excel : 
 An honor to his place, as all can tell. 
 
 1656. 
 
 Mr. William Bradford was elected Governor of the 
 jurisdiction of New Plymouth : Mr. Thomas Prince, 
 Mr. William Collier, Mr. Timothy Hatherly, Captain 
 Miles Standish, Mr. John Alden, Captain Thomas 
 Willet, and Captain James Cudworth, were chosen 
 his assistants in government. 
 
 This year Captain Miles Standish expired his mor- 
 tal life. He was a gentleman, born at Lancashire, 
 and was heir apparent unto a great estate of lands 
 and livings, surreptiously detained from him, his 
 great grandfather being a second or younger brother 
 from the house of Standish. In his ^-ounger time he 
 went over into the low countries, and was a soldier 
 there, and came acquainted with the church at Ley- 
 den, and came over into New England, with such of 
 them as at the first set out for the planting of the 
 plantation of New Plymouth, and bare a deep share 
 of their first difficulties, and was always very faithful 
 to their interest. He growing^ ancient, became sick 
 of the stone or strangury, whereof, after his suffering 
 of much dolorous pain, he fell asleep in the Lord, and 
 was honorably buried at Duxbury. 
 
 1657. 
 
 This year Mr. Thomas Prince vvas chosen Govern* 
 or of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth : Mr. William 
 
new-england's memorial. 155 
 
 Collier, Mr. Timothy Hatherly, Mr. John Alden, 
 Captain Thomas Willet, Captain James Cudworth, 
 Captain Josiah Winslow, Lieut. Thomas Southworth, 
 were chosen his assistants in government. 
 
 This year it pleased God to put a period to the life 
 of his precious servant Mr. VVilliam Bradford, who 
 was the second Governor of the jurisdiction of Plym- 
 outh, and continued in the same place for the most 
 part of his time, with little intermission. Concern- 
 ing whom, the following potrns were made, the one 
 hy himself, and the other by such as were well ac- 
 quainted with his worth and excellency, will give a 
 large testimony thereof. 
 
 Certain verses left hy the honored William Bradford^ Esq, 
 Governor of the jurisdiction of Plymouth^ peiined hy his 
 own hand^ declaring the gracious dispensations ofGod'^s 
 providence towards him in the time of his life, and his 
 preparation and fittedness for death. 
 
 From my years young- in days of youth, 
 
 God did make knoM u to me his truth, 
 
 ^nd called me from my native place 
 
 For to enjoy tlie means of grace. 
 
 In wilderness he did me guide, 
 
 And in strai)ge lands for me provide. 
 
 In fears and wiints, through weal and wo, 
 
 A pilgrim past I to and fro : 
 
 Ofl left of them whom I did trust ; 
 
 How vain it is to rest on dust ! 
 
 A man of sorrows 1 have been, 
 
 And many chang-es I have seen, 
 
 Wars, wants, peace, plenty have I known ; 
 
 And some advanc'd, othars thrown down. 
 
 The humble, poor, chetrful and glad; 
 
 Rich, discontent, sour and sad : 
 
 When fears and sorrows have been mixt, 
 
 Consolations come betwixt. 
 
 Faint not, poor soul, in God still trust, 
 
 Fear not the things thou suffer must; 
 
 For, whom he loves he doth chastise, 
 
 And then all tears wipe from their eyes. 
 
 Farewell, dear children whom I love,. 
 
 Your better father is above . 
 
156 new-england's memorial. 
 
 When I am g"one, he can supply ; 
 To him 1 leave you when I die. 
 Fear him in truth, walk in liis ways, 
 Aud he will bless yotj all ^ollr days. 
 My days are spent, olu r<g-t' is cojne, 
 My strcng-th it fails, uiy gLss near run: 
 Now I will wait when work is done, 
 Until my happy change s'nall come, 
 "When from my labours I shall rest 
 With Christ above for to be blest. 
 
 Bijl thi honored Major Josiah Winslow^ on the said Mr, 
 
 Wdl'am Bradford^ its followeth, 
 
 WILLIAM BRADFORD. Anagr. 
 
 / made lazofnr bridP. 
 
 For lazo I made bridV, 
 
 Sec how God honored hath this worthy's name, 
 To make it spell his virtue, and proclaim 
 His rare endowments, us'd for God and us : 
 Now such as honor God, he'll honor thus. 
 
 Both just and g-entle, merciful and just ; 
 And yet a man, and yet compos'd of dust ? 
 Yes, God within these slender walls can find 
 A noble, virtuous, studious, active mind. 
 
 God was the guider of his childhood, youth ; 
 God did preserve him in the truth, 
 And g-ave him grace to own him when but young, 
 Who afterward he made a champion strong. 
 
 For to defend his people, and his cause, 
 By wisdom, justice, prndence, and by laws ; 
 And most of all by his own good example, 
 A pattern fit to imitate most ample. 
 
 If we should trace bim from the first, we find 
 He flies his country, leaves his friends behind ; 
 To follow God, and to profess his ways, 
 And here encounters hardships many days. 
 
 He is content (with Moses) if God please, 
 (Renouncing honor, profit, pleasure, ease) 
 To suflTer tossings and unsettlements. 
 An it their rage doth rise to banishment. 
 
 Ke weighs it not, so he may still preserve 
 
 His conscience clear, and with God's people serfe 
 
^eW-£]<rGLANr>'S MEMORIAL. f&7 
 
 Him freely, 'cording- to his mind and will, 
 If not in one place, he'll go forward slill. 
 
 If God have work for him i' th' ends of th" earthy 
 Safe, danger, hunger, colds, nor an}' dearth ; 
 A howling' wilderness, nor savage men, 
 Discourage him he'll follow God again. 
 
 And how God hath made him an instrument 
 To us of quiet, peace and settlement; 
 I need not speak ; Ihe eldest, youngest know, 
 God honored him with greater work than so. 
 
 To si^m up all, in this he still went hence. 
 This man was wholly God's : His recompense 
 Remains beyond expression, and he is 
 Gone to possess it in eternal bliss. 
 
 He's happy, happy thrice ; unhappy we 
 That still remain more changes here to see : 
 Let's not lament that God hath taken him. 
 From troubles hence, in seas pf joys to swim. 
 
 Let's not lament his gracious life is ended, 
 And he to life of glory is attended ; 
 Nor let us grieve that now God's work isdonCj 
 In making him a happy blessed one. 
 
 But let's bewail that we have so neglected 
 Duty to God ; or men have disrespected. 
 With earnest lamentation let's lament ; 
 And whilst we may let's seriously repent. 
 
 That we have not improved as we might, 
 For God, and for o.irselves, this worthy wight; 
 And now that God hath Moses tak'n away, 
 Let's pray that he would give us Joshua; 
 
 To go before the camp, and to subdue 
 God's and his people's foes ; whatever crew 
 Oppose ourjournef to that land of rest. 
 Which 'till obtain'd-, were never truly blest. 
 
 And for our better progress in this course, 
 Let now our great necessity enforce 
 Each man to study peace, and io improve 
 His greatest streop-th \n re-unite in love. 
 The hearts and the ff ( lions of us all, , 
 
 Lest by our faults, God's work totb' ground sbow'dfalh 
 14 
 
158 n£w-england's memorial^' 
 
 W hy mourns the people thus forme, since I 
 
 I n heaven dwell shall to eternity ? 
 
 Let not so many tears fall from my friends; 
 
 liive holy, happy, God will recompense 
 
 I nto your bosoms all your love ag^aio, 
 
 A nd your affections whilst I did remain 
 
 M ongst you, but now you must refrain. 
 
 Bear up your hearts, dear hearts, when thoug-htsofme 
 
 R un in your minds, witii this the time will be, 
 
 A nd every hour bring's it on apace, 
 
 D ear friends, when we forever shall embrace. 
 
 F arewell but for a season then, farewell ; 
 
 O ur next embraces shall the rest excel. 
 
 R est happy children, friends, and tender wife, 
 
 D eath but begins the g-odly's happy life. 
 
 A few verses more added by one that zvas well acquainted 
 701 th the worth of the said Mr. William Bradford* 
 
 The nintli of May, about nine of the clock, 
 
 A precious one God out of Plymouth took ; 
 
 Governor Bradford then expir'd his breath, 
 
 Was call'd away by force of cruel death. 
 
 A man approv'd in town,-in church, in court, 
 
 AVho so behav'd himself in godly sort 
 
 For the full space of thirty-seven years, 
 
 As he was means of turning many fears 
 
 Away from thee, pooi Plymouth, where he spent 
 
 The better part of lime that God him lent. 
 
 Well skill'd he was in regulating laws. 
 
 So as by law he could defend the cause 
 
 Of poor distressed plaintiff, when be brought 
 
 His case before him, and for help besought. 
 
 Above all other men he loved those 
 
 AVho gospel truths most faithfully unclose. 
 
 Who were with grace and learning fully fraught^ 
 
 Such as laboriously the gospel taught : 
 
 Willing also to own, in his due place. 
 
 The meanest saint, expressing gifts of grace. 
 
 Sweet Brewster he is gone some time before, 
 
 Wise Winslow whose death we lament so sore, 
 
 And faithful Standish freed from horrid pain, 
 
 To be with Christ, in truth, the greatest gain : 
 
 Now blessed, holy Bradford a successor, 
 
 Of blessed, holy Bradford the confessor, 
 
 Is gone to place of rest, with many more 
 
 Of precious ones, whom 1 might name, great store; 
 
 i 
 
tmW-ENGLAND's MEMORIAL. 15^ 
 
 And. commendation of eacli one have g-iven ; 
 
 But what needs that? Their names are writ in heaven. 
 
 And now, dear Lord, let us our time improve, 
 
 To be with lliee in prayer much above. 
 
 Oh save thy people ! Jlelp in time of need ; 
 
 When all means fail, be thou in room and stead 
 
 Of other helps, who fail when needed most; 
 
 When greatest need, they then give up the ghost. 
 
 And let thy servants their time still employ, 
 
 That in the end they may attain such joy 
 
 As may a fruit of true believing be, 
 
 That we with Christ may reign eternally. 
 
 This worthy gentleman was interred with the 
 greatest solemnities that the jurisdiction to which he 
 belonged was in a capacity to perform, many deep 
 sighs, as well as loud, volleys of shot, declaring that 
 the people were no less sensible of their own loss, 
 who were surviving, than mindful of the worth *and 
 honor of him that was deceased : You might now eas- 
 ily discern a heavy heart in the countenance of every 
 sober minded and considerate man ; for as you have 
 heard in the three or four years last past, God v\as 
 pleased greatly to weaken this poor tottering colon}' 
 of Plymouth, by taking away several of the most use- 
 ful props thereof, both in cliurch and civil state; 
 some others who had been ofsingular use, now stoop- 
 ing under infirmities of old age, could not be so ser- 
 viceable as in time past ; and others removed so far 
 from the centre of the government, that they could 
 not, without great difficulties, attend their public con- 
 cerns, nor could possibly so constantly as our necessi- 
 ties required, which did greatly aggravate our troub- 
 les, we were become weak when we had need of the 
 greatest strength ; had lost many of our chieftains, 
 when we stood in need of the best conduct and guid- 
 ance : For, besides the troubles and changes that at- 
 tended our native country, and mi^ht call for great 
 circumspection in our walking in relation unto them ; 
 we had also, at this very time, some amongst us that 
 growing weary of the long peace and concord we en- 
 
wo NEW-ENG^AND^S l^EJ?ORlAt» 
 
 joyed, and hoping to fish better in troubled waters^ 
 when their bait might be talcen in, and the hook not 
 easily discerned, would willingly have been ringing 
 the changes in this jurisdiction ; also pretending a 
 great zeal for liberty of conscience, but endeavoring 
 to introduce such a liberty of will as would have 
 proved prejudicial, if not destructive, to civil and 
 church societies, and at the same time there arrived 
 in the said colony many of that pernicious sect called 
 Quakers, whose opinions are a composition of many 
 errors, and whose practices tend greatly to the dis- 
 turbance both of church and state ; many unstable 
 people amongst us were leavened with their errors, 
 and proved very troublesome to this as well as other 
 colonies in New England. But the Lord many times 
 delighteth to appear in the m'ount of his people's 
 miseries, distresses and troubles, that his power and 
 wisdom may appear when they are weakest, and that 
 they may know that their salvation is from him. At 
 such a time, and when the condition of the colony 
 was such as hath been declared, God was pleased to 
 mind it, even in its low estate, and when he had ta- 
 ken to himself not only our Moses, but many of the 
 ciders and worthies of our Israel, he hath not left us 
 without a Joshua to lead us in the remaining part of 
 pur pilgrimage. When the usual time for the renew- 
 ing of our election of such as should govern us came, 
 Mr. Thomas Prince was, by a unanimous vote, chos- 
 en Goveinor; and although men's spirits were so 
 distempered, as I have related, and it might have 
 been expected that they would have been much divid- 
 ed in their choice; yet God (who disposeth the lot 
 that is cast into the lap) so disposed that all their 
 votes concentered there, a good demonstration that 
 he was chosen of God for us, and by his blessing made 
 an instrument of much peace and settlement in this 
 place, and to this people, in these times of trouble 
 and confusion. The Lord also directing the freemen 
 of this jurisdiction, at the same time, in their election 
 
NEW-ENGLAND 6 MEMORIAL. I C 1 
 
 lo the choice of a discreet and able council, to fie as- 
 siatant unto our said honored Governor iii this so 
 weighty work, divers of them being descended of 
 several of the honored magistrates deceased ; not only 
 hearing their names, but having a large measure of 
 their spirit bestowed on them, befitting them for such 
 work ; so as through the goodness of God, those 
 storm? th^t seemed to threaten the subversion of our 
 all, and did at first prevail, to the disturbing and shak- 
 ing of many towns and churches, and to the great 
 discouragement of the ministers in divers places, do 
 seem to be pretty well blown over; such uncomforta- 
 ble jars (as have been sometimes thought uncurable) 
 seem to be thoroughly reconciled and heaied, our 
 towns for the most part supplied with godly and able 
 ministers, and we sit under our vines and rigtrees in 
 peace, enjoying both civil and religious liberties : For 
 which goodness of the Lord, let his holy name be 
 praised; and may he grant us so to improve our 
 present opportunities, as he may have some suitable 
 returns, and we may have cause to hope in his grace 
 for the continuance of such favouis. 
 
 This year that much honoured and worthy gentle- 
 man, Mr. 1 heophilus Eaton, Governor of New Haven, 
 deceased, who was very eminent both on a religious 
 and civil account : His death proved a great blovv to 
 that jurisdiction, and was seconded, not long after, 
 with the loss of another precious man amongst them, 
 viz. Mr. Francis Newman. 
 
 In this year 1657, in the month of November, Mr. 
 Garret sailed on a voyage for England, from Boston; 
 in whose ship, amongst many considerable passengers 
 tht re went Mr. Thomas May hew jun. of Martha's 
 Vineyard, who was a very precious man: He was 
 well skilled, and had attained to a great proficiency 
 in the Indian language, and had a great propensity 
 upon his spirit to promote God's glory in their con- 
 versions, whose labours God blessed for the doing of 
 much good amongst them; in which respect he was 
 
 14* 
 
1G2 
 
 very much missed amongst them, and bewailed by 
 them, as also in reference unto the preaching of God's 
 word amongst the English there. The loss of him 
 was very great. Many other sad losses befel sundry 
 others in the country, by the loss of that ship, both in 
 their estates and dear relations, to the great grief and 
 sadening the hearts of many. 
 
 1658. 
 
 Tins year ]\lr. Thomas Prince was elected Govern- 
 or of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth : Mr. William 
 Collier, Mr. John Alden, Capt. Thomas VVillet, 
 Capt. Josiah Winslow, Lieut. Thomas Southworth, 
 Mr. William Bradford, and Mr. Thomas Hinkley, 
 were chosen his assistants in government. 
 
 This year there was a great earthquake in New 
 England. 
 
 Also Mr. Ralph Partridge died in a good old age, 
 having for the space of forty vears dispensed the 
 word of God with a very little impediment by sick- 
 ness : His pious and blameless life became very ad- 
 vantageous to his doctrine ; he was much honoured 
 and loved by all that conversed with him. He was 
 of a sound and a solid judgment in the main truths of 
 Jesus Christ, and very able in disputation to defend 
 them ; he was very singular in this, that notwithstand- 
 ing the paucity and poverty of his flock, he continued 
 in his work amongst them to the end of his life. He 
 went to his grave in peace, as a shock of corn fullj 
 ripe, and was honourably buried at Duxbury. 
 
 In whose remembrance, one w ho was a true admir- 
 er of his worth, presented these at his funeral. 
 
 Not rag'e but ajre ; notag-e, bnt God's decree, 
 
 Did call me hence, my Saviour Christ to see, 
 
 And to embrace, and from his hand receive 
 
 My crown of glory : Oh ! who would not leave 
 
 A llattering' world, nay friends, or what's most dear, 
 
 The saints communion that's enjoyed here, 
 
 At once to have God, Christ, Saints, Angels all, 
 
 To make complete, and sum our joys total ? 
 
kew-england's memorial. 163 
 
 Now I behold God's g-lory face to face : 
 
 Now I sit down with Ctuist, who've run my race ; 
 
 Now J sing praise to God, and to the lainb ; 
 
 Now I conipfiiiion to t.lje Angels am. 
 
 Now I ijcliolJ with greatest joy n>v sons 
 
 And daughters ali ; 1 mean converted ones : 
 
 W'hicii i was instiumeutal in my place, 
 
 To bring to God, but all of his Ire. grace. 
 
 How 1 am changed, that of late was weak, 
 
 Above the force of tS-itan now to break ? 
 
 Huw am i changed, eon cf sorrow late, 
 
 But now triumphing in my heavenly stale. 
 
 How was I vex'u with pains, with griefs molested r 
 
 How, in a moment, am 1 now invested 
 
 "With rojal robes, with crowns, with diadems, 
 
 With God's eternal love ? Such precious gems 
 
 He hath in store for the(u his saints that are ; 
 
 For sucli indeed he counts his jewels rare. 
 
 Oh 1 brethren, sisters, neighbours, country, friendSj 
 
 I'm now above you: Hark, lo lliem God sends, 
 
 As yet surviving in their worthy ciiarge; 
 
 Whose work it is God's vineyard to enlarge, 
 
 God and m) conocience your experience knows, 
 
 Whilst I WKS with jou, 1 was one of those 
 
 Thai labour'd faithfully Gou's vineyard in. 
 
 Sowing his seed, and plucking up of sin. 
 
 Now IS tlie harvest to myseif indeed ; 
 
 The Lord grant a supply' of one to feed 
 
 Your souiswith heavenly food, and one to lead 
 
 lu ways of God, until his courts yow tread. 
 
 Next to God's love, my flock, love one another ; 
 
 And next to Christ, preserve love to thy brother. 
 
 Let ever precious be in your esteem 
 
 God's hojy word ; and ^ uch as slight it deem 
 
 Of serpents blood : Whatever they pretend, 
 
 By no means to such blasphemies attend. 
 
 Decline all wand'rings, iest from all you stray. 
 
 If stepp'd aside, return in this your day : 
 
 Keep close to God, so he that is most high 
 
 Shall you preserve as apple of his eye. 
 
 And give you peace on earth, Iranquillily, 
 
 Mansions in heaven to eternity : 
 
 Where we that death doth for a lime now sever, 
 
 Shall meet, embrace, and shall not pari forever. 
 
164 new-england's memorial. 
 
 R un is liis race, 
 
 A nJ bis work done : 
 
 L eft earthly place, 
 
 P artiiJg-e h gone, 
 
 H e's with the Father and the Son. 
 
 P ure joys and constant do attend 
 A 11 that so live, such is their end. 
 R eturn he shall with Christ ag-ain, 
 T o judge butfj just and sinful men. 
 R ais'd is tliis bird of paradise : 
 I oy heaven entered breaks the ice, 
 D e.ilh under foot he trodden hath ; 
 G race is to glory straitest path, 
 E ver enjoys love free from wrath. 
 
 This jear, on the last day of July, it pleased God 
 that, by thunder aud lightning, one John Phillips, of 
 JMairfhtieid, in the jurisdiction of Plymouth was sud- 
 denly slain. 
 
 Also in the month of August, it pleased God to take 
 away, by death, iMr. William Paddy, who was a prec- 
 ious servant of Christ, endu»;d with a meek and quiet 
 spirit, of a courteous behaviour to all men, and was 
 very careful to nourish an intimate communion with 
 God : He was instrumental in his place for common 
 good both in church (being sometimes by office a dea- 
 con of the church of Plymouth) and in other respects 
 very officious as occasion did require. He having a 
 great temporal estate, was occasioned thereby to have 
 abundance of business upon him : But when he was 
 to put off his earthly tabernacle, he laid aside all his 
 earthly in* umbrances and occasions, even as one would 
 have taken off a garment, and laid it down ; and with- 
 out any trouble of spirit (on that behalf) prepared him- 
 self for his journey to the everlasUng mansions, pre- 
 pared for him by hisLord&master in the highest heav- 
 ens, whereof he was well assured ; as to the like ef- 
 fect he spake to Mr. Norton, near unto the period of 
 his life : And so falling asleep in the Lord, he was 
 buried in Boston, with honour and great lamentatioa, 
 in the year and month above mentioned. 
 
 One who was well acquainted with his worth and 
 
NEW- England's memorial. 16^ 
 
 gracious endowments, presented this following as a 
 testimonial of his good respects for him. 
 
 W eep not dear wi-fe, children, nor desr friends, 
 I iive a life of joys that never ends. 
 L ove GoJ, and fear hun tu end of your days.: 
 li ive unto hisn, but die to sin always. 
 1 n heavciily place of bliss my soul doth rest, 
 A inong- the saints and Angels 1 am biess'd ; 
 M uch better here, than in the world at best. 
 
 P raising" ray God is now my great employ, 
 
 A hove such troubles as did lue annoy. 
 
 D id but ujy friends know whall here possess, 
 
 D oublless it would cause iheui to mourn the less ; 
 
 Y our souls with mine ere long shall meet in blisa. 
 
 1659. 
 
 This year Mr. Thomas Prince was elected Gover- 
 nor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth : Mr. Wil- 
 liam Collier, Mr. John Alden, Capt. ihomas VVillet, 
 Major Josiah VVinslow, Lieut. Thomas 8outhworth, 
 Mr. William Bradford, and Mr. Thomas Hinkley, 
 were chosen to he his assistants in government. 
 
 Plaving noted before, that in the year 1657, there 
 arrived in the colony of New Plymouth, many of 
 that pernicious sect, called Quakers ; the reader may 
 lake notice, that by this time, for some y* ars after, 
 New England (in divers parts of it) abounded with 
 them, and they sowed their corrupt and darrinabie 
 dobtrines, both by word and writings, almost in every 
 town of each jurisdiction, some whereof were. That 
 a!l men ought to attend the light within them to be 
 the rule of their lives and actions ; and, that the holy 
 scriptures were not for the enlightening of man, nor 
 a settled and permanent ride of life. They denied 
 the manhood of the Lord Jssus Christ, and atlirmed, 
 that as man he is not in heaven. They denied the 
 resurrection from the dead. They affirmed, that an 
 absolute perfection in holiness or grace is attainable 
 in this life. They placed tlieir justification upon 
 their patience and suilbring for their opinions, and ob 
 
166 new-england's memorial, 
 
 their righteous h'fe, and retired demurity, and affected 
 singularity both in word and gesture. 
 
 As to civil account, they allowed not nor practiced 
 any civil respect to man, though superiors, either in 
 magistiatical consideration, or as masters or parents, 
 or the ancient, neither by word nor gesture. They 
 deny also the use of oaths for the deciding of civil 
 controversies, with other abominable opinions, dreams 
 and conceits, which some of them have expressed, 
 tending to gross blasphemj^ and atheism. 
 
 This efficacy of delusion became very prevalent 
 with many, so as the number of them increased, to 
 the great endangering of the subversion of the whole, 
 both of church and the commonwealth, notwithstand- 
 ing the endeavours of those in authority to suppress 
 the same, had not the Lord declared against them, 
 by blasting their enterprises and contrivcments, so as 
 they have withered away in a great measure ; sun- 
 dry of their teachers and leaders, which have caused 
 them to err, are departed the country, and we trust 
 the Lord will make the folly of the remainder mani- 
 fest to all men more and more. Error is jmt long 
 lived ; the day will declare it. Let our deliverance 
 from so eminent a danger be received amongst the 
 principal of the Lord's gracious providences, and mer- 
 ciful loving kindnesses towards New England ; for the 
 which let present and future generations celebrate his 
 praises. 
 
 This year that learned and godly servant of God, 
 Mr. Job Dunster, fell asleep in the Lord. He was 
 sometime president of Harvard college, at Cambridge, 
 in New England, in which he approved himself to 
 the satisfaction of such as were in those affairs con- 
 cerned. Afterwards he came into (he jurisdiction of 
 New Plymouth, and lived a while in the town of 
 Scituate, and was useful in helping to oppose the a- 
 bominable opinions of the Quakers, forementioned, 
 and in defending the truth against them. He deceas- 
 ing in the town of Scituate, his body was embalmed, 
 
1S7 
 
 and removed unto Cambridge, aforesaid, and there 
 honourably buried. 
 
 16G0. 
 
 This year Mr. Thomas Prince was chosen Gover- 
 nor of the jurisdiction of New Plym-uth : Mr. Wil- 
 liam Collier, Mr. John Alden, Cant. 1 ho mas Willetj 
 Major Josiah Winslow, Capt. Thomas South worth, 
 Capt. William Bradford, and Mr. Thomas Hinkley, 
 were chosen his assistants in {government. 
 
 This year James Pierce, a young man that belonged 
 to Boston, coming on fishing, and upon occasion put- 
 ting into Plymouth harbour, it pleased God that a 
 storm <>f thunder and lightning arose, and by a blow 
 thereof he »vas slain of a sudden, being much scorched 
 and burnt thereby, although his clothes were made 
 fast and close abr.ut him ; so strange was this great 
 work to the wonderment of all that beheld it. 
 
 1661. 
 
 This year Mr. Thomas Prince was elected Govern- 
 or of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth: Mr. Will- 
 iam Collier, Mr. John Alden, Mr. Thomas Willet, 
 Major Josiah Winslow, Captain Thomas Southworth, 
 Captain William Bradford, and Mr. Thomas Hink- 
 ley, were chosen assistants to him in government. 
 
 1662. 
 
 This year Mr. Thomas Prince was elected Gov- 
 ernor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth : Mr. 
 "W^illiam Collier, Mr. John Alden, Captain Thomas 
 Willet, Major Josiah Winslow, Captain Thomas 
 iS'outhworth, Captain William Bradford, and Mr. 
 Thomas Hinkley, were chosen assistants to him in 
 government. 
 
 This year, upon occasion of some suspicion of some 
 plot intended by the Indians against the English ; 
 Philip the sachem of Pocanaket, otherwise called 
 Metacom, made his appearance at the court held at 
 
16^ NEW- EjyGLA?tfl)'S HtMO^iAL, 
 
 Plj^mouth, August 6, did earnestlj desire the contin- 
 uance of that amity and friendship that hath formerly 
 been between the Governor of Plymouth and his de- 
 ceased father and brother: and to that end the said 
 Philip doth for hi?nself ami his successors desire, that 
 ihey might forever remain subject to the king of 
 ICnsland, his heirs and successors ; and doth faithfully 
 promise and enga£;e, tliat he and his, will truly and 
 exactly observe and keep inviolable, such conditions 
 as formerly have been by his predecessors made ; and 
 particularly, that he will not at any time, needlessly 
 or unjustly, provoke or rais<; war With any oF the 
 natives; nor at any time give, sell, or any way dis- 
 pose of any lands (to him or them appertaining) to 
 any strangers, or to any without our privity or ap- 
 pointment, but v*'ill in all things endeavor to carr/ 
 peaceably and inoffensively towards the English. 
 
 And the said cou t lid also express their willing- 
 ness to continue with him and his, the abovesaid 
 friendship, and do on their part promise, that they 
 will afford them such friendly assistance by advice 
 and otherwise, as they justly may: And we will re- 
 quire our English at all times to carry friendly to- 
 wards them. In witness whereof the said Philip the 
 sachem hath set to his hand, as also his uncle, and 
 witnessed iinto by sundry other of his men. 
 
 Witness, John Sausamen, 
 
 The mark r£j of Francis The mark o^ of Philip 
 the sachem of Nauset. alias Metacom. 
 
 This year on the 26th of January, at the shutting 
 in of the evenin^^^, there was a very great earthquake 
 in New England, and the same night another, altho*^ 
 something less than the former. 
 
 And again, on tlie 28th of the same month there 
 was another about nine of the clock in the morning. 
 
 Forasmuch as I have had special occasion several 
 times in this history to mention divers earthquakes 
 that have been in New England, they being great 
 and terrible works of God, and are usually ominous 
 
/ 
 
 lv'£W-EKGLAND^S MEBIORIAL. 16^ 
 
 to some ; strokes and visitations of his hand unto 
 places and people where they are ; sometimes the 
 Lord in the very acting of his po:ver in them, hath 
 deplared his severity to the children of men, to Iheir 
 great overthrow and confusion* 
 
 J thought it necessary, before I pass on, a little to 
 point at some few particulars, to work and induce us 
 to a prolitable remembrance of them ; it beini; very 
 considerable that is said by a useful author, in taking 
 notice of the wisdom of God, in preparing the earth 
 to be a tit habitation for man to dwell in, addeth 
 withal, that as if man were not always worthy to 
 tread upon so solid a foundation, we see it oitentimes 
 quake and sliake, and rock and rend itself, as if it 
 shewed that he which made it threatened by this 
 trembling the impiety of the world, and the luin of 
 those that dwell on the earth. 
 
 In order unto that which I have nominated in the 
 behalf and more principally intend, let us take notice, 
 that writers have rendered the cause of earthquakes 
 to be, that when it happeneih that air and windy 
 spirits and exhalations are shut up in the caverns of 
 the earth, or have such passage as is too narrow for 
 them, they then striving to brtak their prisons, shake 
 the earth, and make it tremble. The^' speak like- 
 wise of the several kinds of them: as 
 
 First, when the whole force of the wind driveth 
 to one place, there being no contrary motion to let or 
 hinder it ; many hills and buildin£:s have been rush- 
 ed down by this kind of earthquake, Cfperially when 
 the wind causing it was strong *. For if it be a feeble 
 wind, it onl}^ looseneth or unfasteneth foundations, 
 if less feeble, then without further harm the earth 
 only shakes, like one si( k of an ague. 
 
 Secondly, the second kind is a swelling of the 
 earth,* the which, when the wind is broken out of 
 its prison, the earth returns to its place again. 
 
 Thirdly, a third kind is, a gaping, rending or cleav- 
 ing of the earth one part from another^ so that some- 
 15 
 
170 NEW-ENGLAND^S MEMOAlAlS*- 
 
 times whole towns, cities, rocks, hills, rivers, axKt 
 some parts of the sea have heen swallowed up, and 
 never seen more. 
 
 Fourthly, a fourth kind is, shaking, that causeth 
 sinking, and is far different from the former; for' 
 now the earth splitleth not, hut sinketh ; this being 
 in such places where, though the surface of the ground 
 be solid, yet it hath but a salt foundation, which being 
 moistened by water driven through it by the force of 
 the shaking exhalation, is turned into water also. 
 
 Thus was the atlantic ocean caused to be a sea, as 
 Plato aflirmeth, who lived three hundred and sixty 
 years before Christ was born. 
 
 Fifthly, a fifth kind of earthquake is contrary to 
 the former; for, as before the ground sinks down, so 
 now it is cast up, like as the second kind already 
 mentioned : Only this is the difference, that now it 
 returneth not to its place again, but remains a great 
 mountain. And note, that if such a rising be in the 
 sea, it not only causeth overflowings, but produceth 
 likewise many islands, such as were never seen 
 before. 
 
 These particulars are treated of at large by approv- 
 ed authors, and here only hinted, to the intent that 
 we may take notice of the special providence of God 
 to New England in this behalf, that we have not as 
 yet felt the misery of the worst of the kinds of earth- 
 quakes forenamed, nor swallowed up in them, but 
 those we have been sensible of have been rather gen- 
 tle warnings unto us, to sliake us out of our earthly- 
 mindedness, spiritual security, and other sins, lest the 
 Lord do come against us with judgments of this kind 
 in the sorest and worst sort of them, or otherwise by 
 removing the present blessing of godly government 
 from us. 
 
 Notwithstanding that which hath been said, the 
 efficient cause is supernatural, as either principally 
 God, or instrumentally the angels, although naturally 
 the wind shut up within the pores and bowels of the 
 earth, as is before noted. 
 
IvEtv'-EKG LAND'S xMEMOUlAL. 171 
 
 irtlre effects of them usually are such, as by them 
 is sonietimcs a discovery of the channels of water, 
 and foundations of the world, (Exod. xix. 18, Ptialm 
 xxix. 6, 8, civ. 32, Rat. xxviii. 2, Psalm xviii. 15, 
 Zech. xiv. 14, Rev. vi. 1, xv. 14, Mat. xxvii. 51, Acts 
 xvi. 25.) the removinj^: of mountains from one place 
 to another, the cleaving of rocks, and opening ot 
 graves and p:ates, yea the thro^ving down of many 
 famous buildings and cities, and some swallowed n{), 
 and many thousands of people destroyed thereby ; 
 the turning of plain land into mountains; the throw- 
 mg down of mountains, and raising up of islands in 
 the s( a, the breaking out of rivers where there were 
 none before ; the discovery of burning mountains 
 where there were none seen before : Famine and 
 pestilence; (ot which particulars divers iiiStances 
 might be produced out of the sacred scriptures, and 
 several other authors ;) ou^^ht we not then to fear and 
 tremble before so great a God, who (as one saith) by 
 his handmaid nature doth so terribly shake the earth, 
 as no land can be sure, no place so strong that can 
 defend us? Naj^ the more strong, the more danger- 
 ous ; for the higher, the greater the fall. Let us 
 therefore say with the wise man, Eccles. iii, 14, I 
 know that whatsoever God doth, shall stand forever; 
 nothinj^f can be put to it, nor any tliing taken from it^ 
 and God doth it, that men should fear before him. 
 
 'i'his3ear Mr. John Brown ended this life; in bis 
 younger years travelling into the low countries, be- 
 came acquainted v/ith, and took good liking to, the 
 reverend pastor of the church of Christ at Leyden, 
 as also to sundry of the brethren of that church ; 
 which ancient amity induced him (upon his coming 
 over to New England) to seat himself in the jurisdic- 
 tion of New Plymouth, in which he was chosen mag- 
 istrate ; in which place he served God and the coun- 
 try several years ; he was well accomplished with 
 abilities to both civil and religious concernments, and 
 attained through God's grace unto a comfortable per- 
 
172 NEW-ENGLAND's MLiMORiALi 
 
 suasion of the love and favour of God to him; he 
 falling sick of a fever, with much serenity and spir- 
 itual comfort fell asleep in the Lord, and was honora- 
 hly buried at Wannamoiset near Rehoboth, in the 
 spring of the year aforesaid. 
 
 1663. 
 
 This year Mr. Thomas Prince was chosen Gover- 
 nor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth. Mr. Wil- 
 liam Collier, Mr. John Alden, Capt. Thomas Willet, 
 Major Josiah Winslow, Lieut. 7'homas Southworth, 
 Capt. William Bradford, Mr. 'J'homas Hinkley, were 
 chosen his assistants in government. 
 
 This year Mr. Samuel Newman, teachei of the 
 church of Christ at Rehoboth, changed this life for a 
 better. He was sometimes preacher of God's word 
 at Weymouth in the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts, 
 and from thence removed to Rehoboth, where be con- 
 tinued in the work of the ministry until the end of his 
 days. He was a lively dispenser of the word of God, 
 and of a pious life, very hospitable, and at the close of 
 his life very full of joy and comfort ; and with cheer- 
 fulness of spirit resiiiued himself up to the Lord, and 
 his spirit into the arms of his blessed Redeemer, de- 
 siring that the holy angels might do that office in 
 transporting his soul into everlasting bliss and happi- 
 ness. He fell asleep in the Lord on the fifth of July, 
 1663. 
 
 This year also it pleased God to put a speedy period 
 to the life of Mr. John Norton, who was a burning and 
 a shining light ; and although the church of Boston 
 in a more special manner felt the smart of this sudden 
 blow, yet it reilected upon the whole land. He was 
 singularly endowed witli the tongue of the learn«^d, 
 enabled to speak a word in due season, not only to 
 the wearied soul, but also a word of counsel to a peo- 
 ple in necessity thereof, being not.onlj' a wise stew- 
 ard of the thiniis of Jesus Christ, but also a wise states- 
 man : So (hat the whole land sustained a great loss of 
 
kew-england's memorial. 1^3 
 
 him. At bis first comine; over into New England, lie 
 arrived at Plymouth, where he abode the best part of 
 one winter, and preached the gospel of the kingdom 
 unto them; and ever after to his djing day retained 
 a great affection unto them. From thenre he went 
 to i)osto[), and lV)m thence to Ipswich, in New Eng- 
 land, wliere he was chosen the teaciier of their 
 ehmehj and after the death of worthy Mr. Cotton, 
 he was solicited, and at lenjith obtained, to return to 
 }3«)ston, and tijere served in that office until his death. 
 He was chosen by the jurisdiction of the Aiassachu- 
 setts, together with the much honoured Mr. Simon 
 Bradstreet, to go over into England as ager.ls in the 
 beiialf of that jurisdiction, unto His Majesty and the 
 Privy Council, upon business of greatest trust and 
 concerrjment ; and soon after his return, it pleased 
 God suddenly and unexpectedly to take him away by 
 death, on the fifth day of April, 1663. His body was 
 bonoural)!} buried at Boston. On whose much la- 
 mented death, take this following Elegy. 
 
 ^^n Elegy on the death of that eminent minister of the gos- 
 pel^ Mr. John jVortcin^ the reverend teacher of the church 
 of Christ, at Boston, who exchanged this life for a hit- 
 ter, Jprii 5, 1663. 
 
 Ask o (t the reason why (ears are our meet, 
 And norje l)iit inournerfe seen in ev'ry street ? 
 Our cr wn, alas ( las) is fallen from our Lead ; 
 We Hfni it off: Wo to ns, Norton's dead. 
 OiJi breach is like tlie sea, no heaiing^'s known : 
 To coinforl Sinn's dy lighter is there none ? 
 Ot: learh yoiir •luiig'hteis vvaiiing- every one, 
 Tlieir neigh;»ours ieopest lamentatiun. 
 Oh that mine eyes a fonntain were of tears ! 
 I'j day and iiig-ht in mournirig- spend my years. 
 My f;ilhiM ! father! Israel's chariots tijon, 
 And iiorsenien wert ! Sons of the prophets now. 
 W;iep, since \oiii master from your Ijead is taken : 
 Ti.is faliier ol the ninses liath forsaken 
 Jlissiudy tiere, not hkiog our dark room, 
 Dotir choose those mansions in his father'* home, 
 Tiie schooltnen'sr doctors, whomso'er they call 
 15* 
 
174 new-england's memorial. 
 
 Subtle, seraphic, or angelical : 
 
 Dull souls : Their tapers burnt exceeding dim ; 
 
 They might to school again to learn of him. 
 
 Ijoiiibard must out of date : We now profess 
 
 Norton the master of the sentences. 
 
 Scotus, a dunce to him : Should we compare 
 
 T^Vquinas here, none to be named are. 
 
 Of a more heavenly strain his notions were, 
 
 More pure, sublime, scholastical and clear : 
 
 More like the Apostles Paul and John, 1 wist, 
 
 Was this our orthodox evangelist. 
 
 And though an exile from his native land, 
 
 As John in Patmos ; yet here the hand 
 
 Of f "hrist leads forth, more clearly to espy 
 
 The i^ew Jerusalem in her bravery. 
 
 Who more acute in judgment was than he ? 
 
 More famous too for heavenly policy ? 
 
 He was a wise and faithful counsellor, 
 
 One of a thousand, an interpreter. 
 
 Mighty in word and prayer, who could have 
 
 Whate'er almost from heaven he did crave : 
 
 On him, with things without (which Pll not name) 
 
 The care of all the churches daily came. 
 
 Me car'd thus naturally : Oh hear that rod, 
 
 Which us bereav'd of such a man of God ! 
 
 Zealous for order: Very critical 
 
 For what was truly congregational. 
 
 A pillar of our church and state was he ; 
 
 But now no more, no more his face we see ! 
 
 Who thought more fit of all his tribe to stand 
 
 Before our King, for favour for our land. 
 
 Lately ? But now translated is to rest, 
 
 This agent of New England's interest. 
 
 When last he preach'd, he us the pattern gave 
 
 Of all that worship Christ in's church would have : 
 
 Grod then him up into the mount did call, 
 
 To have the vision beatifical. 
 
 As Thomas to the twelve said, Come leVs go 
 
 And die with him ; Pd almost said so too : 
 
 Pll yet awhile in tears sow, that I may. 
 
 With him, in joyful reapings live for aye. 
 
 A tomb now holds his soul's beloved shrine, 
 
 Of ih' Holy Ghost, a temple most divine. 
 
 And well New England's heart maj rent at this ! 
 
 Wonder not reader, I so greatly miss 
 
 Fit words, his worth, our loss and grief to fame, 
 
 When as no epitaph can declare the same. T. S. 
 
new-England's memorial. 175 
 
 Not long after, viz. in the month of July, followed 
 the deatli of that eminent servant of God, Mr. Samuel 
 Stone, who was another star of the first magnitude in 
 the firmament of New England. He was a learned, 
 solid, and judicious divine, equally able for the coniir- 
 mation of tlie truth and confutation of errors. His 
 ministry was with much conviction and demonstra- 
 tion, and when ne set himself to application, very 
 powertul. He was teacher to the church of Hart- 
 ford fourteen years, together with Mr. Hooker, and 
 sixteen years alter him, thirty years in all. I^le died 
 on the 20th of July, and was honourably buried at 
 Hartford. 
 
 A TTirenodia upon our churches sp.cond dark eclipse^ hap- 
 pening July 20, 1 663, by deatK's interposition between 
 us and that great light and divine plants Air, Samuel 
 Stone, late of Hartford, in Neio England, 
 
 Last spring- this summer ma}' be autumn styl'd, 
 
 Sad withering^ fall our beaulies which despoil'd : 
 
 Two choicest plants, our Norton and our Stone, 
 
 Your justs threw down ; remov'd, away are gone. 
 
 One year brought Stone and Norton to their mother, 
 
 In on--; one year April, July them did smother. 
 
 Dame Cambridge mother to this darling- son ; 
 
 Emanuel, Northampton, that heard this one, 
 
 Essex, our bay, Hurtt'ord, in sable clad, 
 
 Come bear your parts in this Threnodia sad. 
 
 In l«)singone, church many lost: O then 
 
 Many tor one come be sad smging men. 
 
 May nature, grace and ail be found in one 
 
 So high, as to be found in lew or none. 
 
 In him these three with full fraught band contested, 
 
 "With which by each he should be most invested. 
 
 The largest of the three, it was so »reat 
 
 On him, the stone was held a light complete. 
 
 A intone more than ihe Ebenezer fani'd ; 
 
 St.jne splendent diamond, riglit orient nura'd ; 
 
 A cordial stone, that often cljeered hearts 
 
 "With pleasant wit, with gospel rich imparts ; 
 
 Whetsone, that edgef^'d th' obtusest mind : 
 
 Loadstone, thrtt drew the iron heart unkind ; 
 
 A p.-n'ierous storie, that wuuid the bottom sound 
 
 Oi scripture depths, and bring out Arcao's found ; 
 
376 new-england's memorial. 
 
 A s(one for kingly David's use so fit 
 
 As would not fail Goliah's front to hit ; 
 
 A stone, an antidote, that brake the course 
 
 Olg-angrene error, by convincing force ; 
 
 A stone acute, iit to divide and square ; 
 
 A sqii.ired stone became Christ's b'lildingf rare. 
 
 A Peter's living, lively stone (so rear'd) 
 
 As 'live, was Hartford's life ; dead, death is fear'd. 
 
 In H irtford old, SUnie first drew intent breath, 
 
 In Neiv efftjs'd his last : O there beneath ^ 
 
 His corps are K.id, near to his darling" brother, 
 
 Of whom dead he oft sigh'd, Not such another. 
 
 He./ven is the riio; e desirable, said he, 
 
 For Hooker, bhepard, and Hajnes's company. E. B. 
 
 1664. 
 
 This year Mr. Thooias Prince was elected Gover- 
 nor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth. Mr. Wil- 
 liam Collier, Mr. John Alden, Capt, Thomas Willet, 
 Major Josiah vVinslow, Lieut. Thomas Southworlh, 
 Capt. William Bradford, and Mr. Thomas Hinkley, 
 were chosen to be lii> assistants in government. 
 
 This year a blazing star or comet, appeared in New 
 Entiiand, in the ninth, tenUi, eleventh, and the b<-gin- 
 niijg of the twelfth month. Concerning which it 
 hath been observed, that such was its motion, that, in 
 all likelihood, it was visible to all the inhabitants of 
 the earth ; and thai also in its motion the blaze of it 
 did turn to ali tlie quarters of the world ; and then by 
 its turning according to ti»e severaj aspects it had to 
 the sun, il was no fiery meleor cau-^ed by exhalation, 
 but that it was sent immediately by God to awake the 
 secure world, 
 
 I williuirly close with that which Mr. Samuel Dan- 
 forth hath re!li{ioujf|y observed, as to the theological 
 application of this strange and notable appearance in 
 the heavens, Tliat indeed by the testimony of the 
 sarred srnptures, and the common histories of former 
 ages, comets do nsiially precede and portend great ca- 
 lamities, and notable changes. 
 
 To add a few more instances to those the said au- 
 thor hath well observed. 
 
177 
 
 When the Emperor Jovian attained to the empire, 
 (succeeding the apostate Julian, under whom the 
 church suffered mucij persecution) and that under him 
 hoth church and commonwealth w ere like to have had 
 a flourishing time, had he not been taken away by 
 sudden death ; then also appeared a comet sljewing 
 that further trouble was yel to be expected to the 
 church. [Socrates lib, 4, cap. 22.] 
 
 Again, other authors make mention of a strange 
 comet that was seen in the year oi Christ 410, being 
 like a two edged sword, which portended many mis- 
 chiefs and calamities, that happened both in the east 
 and west, and such great siaui^litcrs oi men were about 
 those days, as no age ever afforded iUv like. All Eu- 
 rope was in a manner undone ; no -mall pait of Asia 
 was affrighted ; and Africa also was not void of tliose 
 «vils, as war, famine, drought and pestilence ; all of 
 them strove as it were to trouble the whole world. 
 
 Also in the years 1400, 1401, .402, and 1403, ctm- 
 ets appeared, great calamities loliowed ; ui)heaid of 
 diseases were lelt, rivers dried up, and plagues were 
 increased : lamer lain, King of the bcylhians and 
 Parthians, with at» innumerable host invaded Asia, 
 calling himself, Tlie v\ralh ol God, and the desolation 
 of the earth. [Head Carion, lib. 5, page 854.] 
 
 Also in the yt^ar 1529, appeared tour ccnjets ; and 
 in the years 1530, 1532, and 1533, were seen in each 
 one. 
 
 Lanquet saith, that there were three within the 
 space of two years, upon which these and the like ca- 
 lamities followed, viz. a great sweating sickness in 
 England, which took away great multitudes of people. 
 The 'lorks in the quarrel of John Vuavoida, who laid 
 claim to the t rown of Hungaria, entered the said 
 kingdom with two hundred and fifty thousand fight- 
 ing soldiers, committing, against the intiabilants there- 
 of, most harsh and unspeakable muider, rapes, villa- 
 nies and cruelties. 
 
 Great famine and death in Venice, and the coun- 
 
178 xN'EVV- ENGLAND S MEMORIAL. 
 
 tries therpabouts, which swept nway many ; the 
 gweatiiiii sit kiiess in IBrabanl, and in a great pait of 
 Germany. 
 
 Great wars likewise about tlie Dukedom of Miilain, 
 between tlu; i^rnperor Charles the hith, and Francis 
 the i^'rench Ki!ii{. 
 
 About that time also all Lusitania, or Portujral, was 
 struck with an earthquake, insomuch that at Ulisippo, 
 or Lisbon, above a thousand houses were thrown 
 down, and sixty more so shaken that they were ready 
 to fall : Witii many other evils that befel those parts 
 about that time. 
 
 And to observe what hath fallen out since this last 
 comet appeared, will not be unuseful, eitl»er in Eu- 
 rope or America. 
 
 In EiUrope, the great contest between our own na- 
 tion and the Dutch, which hath threatened bloody 
 war ; and what will be in the conclusion, is known 
 only to God : Besides other contests between the 
 Dutcl) and some other of their neighbours ; as also 
 the pestilence very hot both in England and Holland. 
 
 In America, the late and sad blow that our country- 
 men at the isle of Christopher's received from the 
 French. And as to ourselves in New Ejigland, al- 
 though throui^h the mercy of our good God there is 
 no breaking in, nor going out into capiivily, nor com- 
 plaining in our streets; yet we have been threatened 
 with invasion b^ foreign force, and som(itimes in ex- 
 pectation thereof; as also we are not to slight the 
 hand of God in his late sore strokes in takinu: away so 
 many by thunder and lightning, to the great amaze- 
 ment and terror of nriany : As also God's continued 
 strokes in drought, blasting, and mildew, with which 
 much of the fruits of the earth iiave been destroyed. 
 All which considered, ought to induce us to search 
 and try our ways, and to enter into a strict and se- 
 rious examination of our hearts and lives, and having 
 found out what those sins are that are most provoking 
 to the majesty of heaven, we may reform then^, 
 
kew-england's memorial. 17^ 
 
 whether in church, in state, in family, or in persons 'j. 
 that so he may not stir up all his wrath, b^it yet may 
 delight over us to do us good, from the beginning of 
 the year to the end thereof. 
 
 This year it pleased God to smite the fruits of the 
 earth, viz. the v/heat in special, with blasting and mil- 
 dew, whereby much of it was utterly spoiled, and be- 
 came profitable for nothing, and much of it worth lit- 
 tle, being light and empty. This was looked at by 
 the judicious ond conscientious of the land, as a speak- 
 ing providence against the unthankfulness of many for 
 so great a mercy, and their murmuring expressed in 
 their words, by slighting and undervaluing terms of 
 it: As also against voluptuousness, and abuse of the 
 good creatures of God, by licenciousness in drinking, 
 and fashions in apparel ; for the obtaining whereof, 
 a great part of this principal grain was oftentimes un- 
 necessarily expended. '1 his so sad dispensation, with 
 other particulars, occasioned the observation of days 
 of humiliation before the Lord, more frequent- 
 ly than ordinary. Let it also be observed, that yet 
 in judgment he remembered mercy, by attording a 
 plentiful harvest of other sorts of grain, so as the coun- 
 try suffered not in respect of the want of bread this 
 year, but had plenty thereof. 
 
 This year also his majesty's commissioners, viz. 
 Col. Richard Nicolls, Sir Robert Carr, Knight, 
 George Cartwright, Esq. and Samuel Maverick, Esq. 
 arrived at Boston, in New England, in the month of 
 July : The tenor of whose commission was in special, 
 to reduce the Dutch at the iManhato's to his majesty's 
 obedience; which in some short time was accom- 
 plished, and the place and jurisdiction thereof, surren- 
 dered up unto his majesty's said commissioners, who 
 styled it by the name of New York, and placed a 
 government over it of his majesty's subjects, the afore- 
 said Col. Richard Nicolls being Governor in chief 
 there. And whereas they were likewise commission- 
 ated to hear and determine such differences as might 
 
180 NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL. 
 
 be amongst the colonies, in respect unto the bounds 
 of their jurisdictions: Sonne such differences were by 
 them heard, and in special betwixt Plynnouth and 
 Rhode Island, and such settlement therein concluded 
 as they were capacitated unto. As also sundry prop- 
 ositions were by them made to several of the respec- 
 tive jurisdictions, which, together with the agitations 
 concerning them, and the answers unto them, are 
 elsewhere extant. Tliey likewise presented the hon- 
 oured Governor of the jurisdiction of l*lymouth(as to 
 the colonv) with a gracious letter from his majesty. 
 The contents whereof are as foUoweth : 
 
 To our trusty and zuell beloved, our Governor and Conn' 
 cil of New Plymouth^ greeting* 
 
 Charles Rex. 
 
 Trusty and well beloved, we greet you well. We 
 need not enlarge upon our care of, and affection to, 
 that our plantation of iNew Plymouth, when we give 
 you su<li a testimony and maiiifestation of it, in the 
 sending those o;entlemen, persons well known unto 
 us, and deserving from us. Our trusty and well be- 
 loved Col. Richard Nicolls, Sir Robert Carr, Knight, 
 George Cartwright, Esq. and Samuel Maverick, Esq. 
 our commissioners to vit^it you. and other our planta- 
 tions in those parts of iNew England, and to give us a 
 full and particular information and account of your 
 presf-nt state and condition, and how the same may 
 be advanced and improved by any furtlier aits of 
 grace and iavonr from us towards you ; and that you 
 and all the world may know and take notice, that we 
 take yr.u into our immediate piotection, and will no 
 mMf suffer you to be op:>ressed or injured by any 
 for^MLMi power, or ill neiiihbours, than we would suf- 
 fer our olher subjects that live upon the same conti- 
 IK rit with us, to be so injured and op()ressed. And 
 as our care and protection will (we doubt not) be suf- 
 ficient, v\ith God's blessing, to defend y mj iiom for- 
 eign force ; so our care and circumspection is no less, 
 
ISl 
 
 that you may live in peace amongst yourselves and 
 with those our other subjects who have planted them- 
 selves in 3^our neighboring colonies, with that justice, 
 affection and brotherly love, which becomes subjects 
 born under the same Prince, and in the same coun- 
 try, and of the same faith and hope in the mercies of 
 our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. And to the end 
 there may be no contentions and ditrerences between 
 you, in respect of the bounds and jurisdiction of your 
 several colonies; the hearing and determining where- 
 of we have referred to our commissioners, as the 
 right appears by clear evidence and testimony before 
 them, or that they can settle it by your mutual consent 
 and agreement ; otherwise, in cases of difficulty, they 
 shall present the same to us, who will determine ac- 
 cording to our own wisdom and justice. The address 
 you formerly made to us, gave us so good satisfaction 
 of your duty, loyalty and affection to us, that we have 
 not the least doubt that you will receive those com- 
 missioners in such manner as becomes you, and as 
 may manifest your respect and affection towards us, 
 from whom they are sent. Thej^ will let 3'ou know 
 the resolution we have to preserve all your liberties 
 and privileges, both ecclesiastical and civil, without 
 the least violation ; which we presume will dispose 
 you to manifest, by all the ways in your power, loy- 
 a\ty and atfection to us, that all the world may know 
 that you do look Upon yourselves as being as much 
 our subjects, and living under the same obedience un- 
 der us, as if you continued in your native country. 
 And so we bid you farewell. 
 
 Given at our court at Whitehall, April 23, 1664, 
 in the sixteenth year of our reign. 
 By his Majestif'^s special command, 
 
 HENRY BENNET. 
 After the said his majesty's commissioners had vis- 
 ited several of the jurisdictions of New England, and 
 were courteously entertained in every of thf^m, the 
 said honourable Col. Richard Nicolls is settled at 
 16 
 
182 n'ew-england's memorial. 
 
 New York, for the present, being Governor ttiere ^ 
 is before noted. George Cartwright, Esq. went for 
 England, in the latter end of the year, with Mr. Ben- 
 jamin Gillam, and was taken by the Dutch, and af- 
 terwards, with some difficulty, arrived in England, 
 Sir Robert Carr is at present at Delaware, and Mr. 
 Samuel Maverick at Boston. The said Sir Robert 
 Carr, sinc« that, went for England, in the year 1667. 
 He arrived at Bristol, and died there June l,the next 
 day after he came ashore. About that time it was 
 thought by such as were judicious, that through the 
 instigation of the said Maverick, (whose spirit was full 
 of malignity against the country) our both civil and 
 religious liberties were much endangered ; and the 
 rather for that probably there would have been a 
 concurrence of divers ill-affected in the land, had not 
 the Lord prevented. 
 
 1665. 
 
 This year Mr. Thomas Prince was chosen Gover- 
 nor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth. Mr. Wil- 
 liam Collier, Mr. John Alden, Major Josiah Winslow, 
 Capt. Thomas Southworth, Capt. William Bradford, 
 Mr. Thomas Hinklej'^, and Mr. James Brown, were 
 chosen his assistants in government. 
 
 In the spring of this year, that honourable gentle- 
 man Mr. John Endicot, governor of the jurisdiction 
 of the Massachusetts, changed this life for a better. 
 He was a very virtuous gentleman, and was greatly 
 honoured and loved of the most, as he well deserved. 
 He arrived at Salem in the year 1628, and had the 
 chief command of those that at the first there seated, 
 and bare a deep share of the difficulties of those first 
 beginnings, which were great, by reason especially 
 ot the great sickness and mortality that was then a- 
 mongst them, as hath been before noted : There he 
 continued, until the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts 
 saw reason to desire his removal to Boston, for the 
 more convenient administration of justice, as gover- 
 
MW-tiNGLAND's MEMORIAL. 1 SfS 
 
 tibt of the said jurisdiction, to which he was frequent- 
 ly elected for many years together with little inter- 
 mission ; and in which honorable service he served 
 God and the country, until old age, and the infiimities 
 thereof, coming upon him, he fell asleep in the Lord, 
 and was with great honour and solemnity interred at 
 Boston, 
 
 This year it pleased God to cause a sad dispensation 
 of his hand to pass before us, in reference to the sud- 
 den death of Capt. Davenport, who in the month of 
 July was slain, as he lay on his bed, with a blow of 
 thunder and lightning. He was a man of some emi- 
 nency, being betrusted with the command of the cas- 
 tle in the Massachusetts; at which said castle he was 
 slain as aforesaid : The more ought this so sad stroke 
 of God to be considered, and laid to heart, and im- 
 proved for our humiliation, & the amendment of our 
 lives before the great and terrible God, who so aloud 
 spake unto us in this so sad and awing a providence. 
 
 This year it pleased the Lord again to strike the 
 wheat of this country in a more general way, than 
 the last year, with blasting and mildew, whereby tiie 
 greatest part of it r/as spoiled, and the pli."-»^hiiiai.\, 
 hopes (in that respect) very much .frustrated. How- 
 beit the Lord still mixed with this affliction very 
 much mercy, in sparing the other grain, whereby the 
 country was in some good measure supplied. 
 
 1666. 
 
 This year Mr. Thomas Prince was chosen Gover- 
 nor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth. Mr. John 
 Alden, Major Josiah Winsjow, Capt. Thomas South- 
 worth, Capt. William Bradford, Mr. Thomas Hink- 
 ley, Mr. James Brown, and Lieut. John Freeman, 
 were chosen his assistants in government. 
 
 This year it pleased God to go on in a manifesta- 
 tion of his displeasure against New England, in a very 
 remarkable manner, by striking dead, in a moment, 
 by a blow of thunder, three persons in the town of 
 
184 
 
 iJarshfield, in the jurisdiction of New Plymouth, in 
 the month of June, viz. one named William ShiitlifF, 
 and a woman and a youth ; which sad dispensation 
 of God's hand, being considered with some circum- 
 stances, gave cause to the beholders to be much aston- 
 ished; the saidShirtliff having his wife by the hand, 
 and sitting by her to cheer her, in respect that the 
 said storm was so rierce, he was slain, and she pre- 
 served, though in some measure scorched with the 
 lightning ; jea, he had one of his children in his 
 arms, and himself slain, and the child preserved. We 
 have likewise received intelligence of four more that 
 about that time were slain by thunder and iiglitning 
 about Piscataqua, and divers more hurl. At the time 
 of this storm of thunder and lightning, in the which 
 those of Marshtield died, there arose likewise a very 
 great whirlwind, that where it came it tore up trees 
 by the roots, though through mercy it did little other 
 hurt. 
 
 It was a great while, and many years spent, since 
 llie English came into these parts, before any very 
 considerable hurt was done by thunder and lightning, 
 to either man or beast, appertaining to them, although 
 sometimes very fierce storms of that kind, as frequent- 
 ly as in these times : But now doth the Lord go on 
 gradually in this as in other judgments in New Eng- 
 land : Eirst, bj^ striking cattle, and then one person 
 at a time, and this year divers to the number of seven, 
 besides some cattle also. 
 
 Thus God thundereth marvellously with his voice, 
 he worketh great things which we know not. Job 
 xxxvii. 0. and xxxviii. 35, and xl. 8. He can send 
 the lightnings that they may walk, and say, Lo here 
 IV e are. Hath an^^ an arm like God ? Or can any thun- 
 der with a voice like him ? By this his terrible voice 
 he breaketh the cedars, and divideth the flames of 
 fire ; Psal. xxix. 5, 7, which he commissionates to 
 do his pleasure, sometimes not onl}' striking cedars, 
 but great oaks in a wonderful manner, sometimes 
 
NEW-ENGLANd's MEJIORIAL. 18a 
 
 beasts, sometimes men and women. If God's judg- 
 ments have thus been abroad in the earth, how ought 
 the inhabitants of New England to learn righteous- 
 ness ^ Isa. xxvi. 9. How easily can the Lord sta^n 
 the pride of our glory with a stroke of his hand ? 
 Let not the familiarness or frequency of such provi- 
 dences, cause them to be neglected by us, to improve 
 them as God would have us, to fear before him, and 
 to turn fiom such iniquities especially as are most dis- 
 pleasing unto him, and to hold our lives in our hands, 
 and to be in a readiness for his pleasure, lest knowing 
 not our time, as the fishes that are taken in an evil 
 net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare, 
 Eccles. ix. 12. So we shall be snared in an evil 
 time, when it falleth suddenly upon us. 
 
 This year the Lord threatened the country with 
 that infectious and contagious disease of the small 
 pox, which began at Boston, whereof some few died : 
 But through his great mercy it is stayed, and none of 
 late have died thereof. 
 
 This year the Lord likewise threatened, and in 
 some measure executed his displeasure upon the coun- 
 try bj'^ drought ; but through his mercy hath of late 
 sent plenty of rain, for the recovering of the fruits of 
 the earth. Although it is to be observed, that soon af- 
 ter a day of humiliation was observed by some congre- 
 gations, for the blessing of rain in the drought above 
 mentioned, that sad stroke by the thunder and light- 
 ning at Marshfield fell out : So that we may say with 
 the Psalmist unto the Lord, By terrible things in 
 righteousness thou hast answered us, O God of our sal- 
 vation. 
 
 Also this year there hatli been some ground of fear 
 of invasion by foreign enemies ; but hitherto the Lord 
 hath kept us. 
 
 This year much of the wheat was destroyed with 
 blasting and mildew, as also some other grain by 
 worms, and the drought aforementioned ; but the 
 16* 
 
186 new-england's memorial. 
 
 Lord sent much rain for the recovery of the remain- 
 der, through his great mercy. 
 
 This year, about the middle of July, Mr. Thomas 
 Prince, Governor of the jurisdiction of Plymouth. 
 Capt. Thomas Southworth, IVJr. John Eliot, jun. Mr. 
 Samuel Arnold, Mr. John Holmes, Mr. William Brim- 
 smead, and Mr. Thomas Cushman, gave meeting to 
 Mr. Richard Bourn, of Sandwich, in reference to the 
 taking notice of what proficiency the Indians, under 
 the instruction of the said Mr. Bourn, have attained 
 unto, in the knowledge ofGod in Christ, and their in- 
 terest in him by faith ; and to make such professions 
 or confessions as they should openly make thereof, to 
 the glory of God, and the satisfaction of the saints, in 
 order to their joining into church fellowship. 
 
 And the Lord was pleased to come into some of 
 them, so as they gave good satisfaction unto the said 
 honoured and judicious persons forenamed, then as- 
 sembled in reference to the premises : So that it was 
 concluded by them, that what had pas^^ed from th e 
 Indians in that behalf, should be drawn up in writing, 
 and copies thereof exhibited to the churches of the 
 jurisdiction of Plymouth, such of them as are neigh- 
 bouring near unto them, & if nothing should be then 
 objected, that then, in due and convenient time, they 
 should be permitted and encouraged to enter into 
 church fellowship, as aforesaid. 
 
 Now, although I doubt not but the passages of these 
 things will be in due time published by a better pen ; 
 yet 1 have made bold here to insert so much as I have 
 been informed of them, in regard that they are the 
 first fruits of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth, that 
 have come on to so good perfection in this kind. 
 
 This year, in the month of December, it pleased 
 God to take unto himself, by death, that worthy ser- 
 vant of Christ, Mr. William Thompson, who was a 
 lively dispenser of the word of God, and very affec- 
 tionate in the delivery thereof. It pleased God to 
 bless his labours to the conversion of many souls. He 
 
NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL, 18T 
 
 was sometimes, together with Mr. Knowles, sent unto 
 Virginia, by the elders of the churches of the Massa- 
 chusetts, being requested by a message sent b}^ some 
 in Virginia, for some help in preaching God's word 
 amongst them : The fruit and benefit of whose la- 
 bours therein still remaineth upon the souls of some 
 eminent in this land. He was elected and ordained 
 to be pastor of the church of Christ at Braintree, in 
 New England ; in which otfice he served Christ many 
 years, until old age coming upon him, and the pre- 
 vailing of his melancholy distemper, did in a manner 
 wholly disable him from that service ; and Satan tak- 
 ing advantage thereby, he was under sad desertions 
 and trouble of spirit. At which time the reverend 
 elders and others of the aforesaid jurisdiction of the 
 Massachusetts, were very officious for his recovery, 
 and in sense of his sad condition offered up many 
 prayers to God for him, and in God's time they re- 
 ceived a gracious answer ; so as in his weakness and 
 sickness it pleased God to come in unto his soul ^nd 
 to remove the cloud of darkness that was upon his 
 spirit, so that with much peace and comfort he fell a- 
 sleep in the Lord, and was honourably buried at Brain- 
 tree. Mark the upright man, and behold the just ; 
 for the end of that man is peace. 
 
 1667. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Prince was chosen Governor of the 
 jurisdiction of New Plj- mouth. Mr. John Alden, Ma- 
 jor Josiah Winslow, Capt. Thomas Southworth, Capt. 
 William Bradford, Mr. Thomas Hinkley, Mr. John 
 Freeman, and Mr. Nathaniel Bacon, were chosen to 
 be his assistants in government. 
 
 This year, on the last day of November, being the 
 last day of the next week, there was heard several 
 loud noises or reports, as if it had been guns discharg- 
 ed in the air, first one distinctly, and in a short time 
 as it had been a volley of shot discharged. It was es- 
 pecially heard and observed at Nantasket, and related 
 by sundry of them of good credit. 
 
188 new-england's memorial. 
 
 In the spring following, in the beginning of March, 
 there appeared a sign in the heavens, in the form of 
 a spear, something thicker in the middle than at ei- 
 ther end, of a whitish, bright colour ; it was seen sev- 
 eral nights together in the west, about an hour within 
 the night ; it stood stooping, and the one end point- 
 ing to the setting of the sun, and so settled downward 
 by little and little, until it quite vanished, and descend- 
 ed beneath our horizon. God awaken us that we be 
 not heedless spectators of his wonderful works. 
 
 This year, the seventh of August, it pleased the 
 Lord to call home to himself the reverend, ancient and 
 godly pastor of the church at Boston, iVlr. John Wil- 
 son. He was a truly reverend and holy man of God 
 he came to New England in the year 1630. He was 
 instrumental in the first beginnings of the church of 
 Boston, having been the pastor of it three years be- 
 fore Mr. Cotton, twenty years witii him ; ten years 
 with Mr. Norton, and four years after him; thirty- 
 seven in all. And in all the chanijes of times that 
 passed over him, he was full of faith and prayer, and 
 eminent for sincerity and humility, being ever low in 
 his own eyes, and for the grace of love, he had large- 
 ness of heart as the sand of the sea, to do good to all. 
 He was very charitabie, where there was any signs 
 and hopes of good ; and yet withal very zealous a- 
 gainst known and manifest evils.. He was orthodox 
 in his judgment, and very holy in his conversation. 
 Very few ihat ever went out of the world so general- 
 ly beloved and reverenced as this good man. He 
 was a good man indeed, & full of the Holy Ghost : He 
 lived to a good old age, and was full of days, and full 
 of honour, being in the seventy-ninth year of his 
 age, when the Lord took him to himself. He was 
 interred with much honour and lamention. 
 
 In the time of his languishing sickness he was visit- 
 ed by the elders round about, especially on the six- 
 teenth of May, the day after the court of election, 
 when there being a general meeting of all the elders 
 
new-england's memorial. 189 
 
 of the churches at his house, they requested Mr. Wil* 
 son (because they knew not whether ever they should 
 have the like opportunity to hear him speak again, 
 and having been from the first a pillar amongst them, 
 and of much experience in Jiis observation of the state 
 of things) that he would solemnly declare unto them, 
 what he conceived to be those sins amongst us, which 
 provoked the displeasure of God against the country. 
 He then told them, that he had divers times, and long 
 feared these sins following, as chief, among others, 
 which God was greatly provoked with, viz. 1 Separa- 
 tion. 2. Anabaptism. 3. Corahism. 
 
 This latter he did explain thus; viz. when people 
 rise up, as Corah, against their ministers or elders, as 
 if thej'^ took too much upon them, whon indeed they 
 do but rule for Christ, and according to Christ ; yet 
 (saith he) it is nothing for a brother to stand up, and 
 oppose without scripiure or reason, the doctrine and 
 word of the elder, saying,! am not satisfied, &:c. and 
 hence, if he do not like the administration, be it bap- 
 tism or the like, he will then turn his back upon God 
 and his ordinances, and go away, &:c. And (saith he) 
 for our neglect of baptising the children of the church, 
 those that some call grand-children, I think that God 
 is provoked by it. 
 
 4. Another sin I take to be, That making light of, 
 and not subjecting to the authority of Synods, with- 
 out which the churches cannot long subsist. And so 
 for the magistrates being Gallio like, either not car- 
 ing for these things, or else not using their power and 
 authority for the maintenance of the truth, and gos- 
 pel and ordinances of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
 Christ, and for the bearing thorough witness against 
 the contrary : Should the Lord leave them hereunto, 
 how miserable a people should we be! 
 
 At night the assembly being dismissed with prayer, 
 Mr. Wilson did (being desired by them so to do) in a 
 solemn manner bless the elders, making a short 
 prayer, saying, I am not like long to be with you, the 
 
190 new-england's memorial. 
 
 Lord pardon us, and heal us, and make us more heav 
 enly, and take us ofT fiom the world, and make us 
 burning and shining li^ht!«, by our heavenly doctrine 
 and example. And I beseech the Lord, with all my 
 heart, to bless you, and to bless his churches, and to 
 bless all his people, and to bless all your families, and 
 to bless j^our wives, and to bless all your children, 
 and your children's children ; and make us all more 
 and more meet for our inheritance, and bring us all to 
 it in his good time, Sic These words, with some 
 few others, he spake with great affection, and with 
 tears : And all the ministers wept with him, and they 
 took their leave of him, even as children of their fa- 
 ther, who having blessed them was about to die. 
 
 Upon the death of that reverend^ (ig^^d., ever honoured^ and 
 gracious servant of Christ, Mr, John Wilson^ pastor of 
 a church in Boston : Interred August ^, 1667. 
 
 Ah ! Now there's none who does not know 
 
 That this day in our Israel 
 la Taii'n a ^reat and g-ood man too, 
 
 A Prince I might have said as well : 
 A man of priQcely power with God, 
 
 For faith and love of princely spirit; 
 Our Israel's chariots, horsemen good, 
 
 By faith and prayer, though not by merit. 
 Renown'd for practic piety 
 
 In Eng-lands both, from youth to age ; 
 In Cambridge, Inns-Court", Sudbury, 
 
 And each place of his pilgrimage. 
 As humble as a little child, 
 
 When yet in real worth high grown ; 
 Himself a nothing still he stii'd. 
 
 When God so much had for him done. 
 In love a none-such ; as the sand. 
 
 With largest heart God did him fill : 
 A bounteous mind, an open hand, 
 
 Affection sweet, all sweet'ning still. 
 Love was his life ; he dy'd in love ; 
 
 Love doth embahn bis memory; 
 Love is his bliss and joy, above 
 
 With God now who "is love for av. ♦ 
 
 A comprehending charity 
 
jjew-england's memorial. \9} 
 
 To all, where ought appear'd of good; 
 And yet in zeal was none more high 
 
 Against til' apparent serpents brood. 
 To truth lie ever constant was, 
 
 In judgment wond'rous orthodox ; 
 In truth's cause never fearing face, 
 
 As if he were another Knox. 
 The prelates and their impositions 
 
 Did never him conformist make ; 
 But to avoid those superstitions, 
 
 Great worldly hopes did he forsake. 
 When in New England errors' wind 
 
 From sundry other quarters blew; 
 No one could him conforming find, 
 
 Nought from the line of truth him drew. 
 Firm stood he 'gainst the familist, 
 And antinomian spirit strong; 
 He never lov'd the sep'ratist, 
 
 Nor yet the Anabaptists throng. 
 Neither the tolerator's strain, 
 
 Nor Quakers spirit could he brook j 
 Nor bow'd to the Morellian train, 
 
 Nor children's right did overlook. 
 Nor did he slight our liberties. 
 
 In civil and in church concerns. 
 But precious were they in his eyes, 
 
 Who stood among their fixed friends. 
 Grave saint in England twice did give 
 
 This farewell word to him; While j'oa 
 Shall in that place (New England) live, 
 
 No hurt shall happen thereunto. 
 Strange word, and strangely verify 'd i 
 He this day goes to's grave in peace. 
 What changes sad shall us betide 
 
 Now he is gone, we cannot guess ! 
 What evil are we hast'ning to ! 
 
 Lord spare thy people, but awaken^ 
 When such away do from us go, 
 
 That yet we may not be forsaken ! 
 He a first corner stone was laid 
 
 In poor New England's Boston's wall : 
 Death pulls this out, the breach is wide: 
 
 Oh let it not now tumble ail '. 
 He's now at rest and reigns in bliss t 
 
 In conflicts we are left behind, 
 In fears and straits ; how shall we miss 
 His faith, prayer, aeal, and peaceful miad. 
 
192 new-england's memorial. 
 
 LorJ pour a double portion 
 
 Of his sivoet i^racioiis, pioiiS spirit 
 Oq prjor survivers ! let each one 
 
 Somewhat thereof at least inherit ! 
 Gains, cur liost, ah now is gone ! 
 
 Can we e'er look for such another ? 
 But yet there is a mansion, 
 
 Where we majail turn m tog-ether- 
 No moving^ inn, but resting' place, 
 
 Where his blest soul is gathered; 
 Where g"oo'<l f^^oxi going- are apace 
 
 Into the bosom of their head. 
 
 Ay thither let us haste away, 
 Sure heaven w\l\ the sweeter be 
 (If J here we ever come to stay) 
 
 For him, and other such as he. 
 
 Upon the death of that most reverend man of God^ Mr. 
 John Wilson, pastor of the first church in Boston, in 
 Kew England ; whose decease was August 7, 1667. 
 JOHN WILSON, 
 
 Anagr. 
 JOHN WILSON, 
 
 Oh change it not ! No sweeter name or thing 
 Throughout the world within our ears shall ring. 
 
 Whoso of Abr'am, Moses, Samuel reads, 
 
 Or of Elijah, or Elisha's deeds. 
 
 Would surely say their spirit and power was his, 
 
 And think there were a Metempsychosis, 
 
 Yea, like John Baptist in the wilderness, 
 
 So was our John in Patmos here, no less. 
 
 John, the divine, resembling therefore rather. 
 
 And of New England's prophets was the father, 
 
 John, the divine, whose life a revelation 
 
 Of faith and love, and Christ to admiration, 
 
 John, the divine, whom Jesus lov'd most dear, 
 
 Sweet'ned with leaning on his bosom here : 
 
 This is that John, whose death who doth not moaD, 
 
 Hath sure no heart of flesh, but one of stone. 
 
 He had the countries faith, and love, and zeal. 
 
 Even grace enough for church and common-weal ; 
 
 Whereby was propt up all the fabric still, 
 
 Tliat else had tumbled down our Sion hill. 
 
 Of merely men deserving glory more. 
 
 You'll find nor martyr, nor a confessor. 
 
If3 
 
 Inspir'd he was with the prophetic spirit 
 
 Of all the prophets, which he did inherit. 
 
 'Twixt an apostle and evang-elist, 
 
 His order standeth in the heavenly list. 
 
 If Paul himself amongst us dead had been, 
 
 More tears or sorrow could not have been seen. 
 
 They wept not more for this, that they should see 
 
 His face no more, than now we mourners be. 
 
 For heavenly poems most ang-elical, 
 
 Composing volumes with delig-ht : Were all 
 
 Butg-athered up in one, we should espy 
 
 Enoug-h to fill an university. 
 
 -And were another psalm-book made by thee, 
 
 (Mictamof John) their title it should be. 
 
 As ag"ed John th' apostle us'd to bless 
 
 The people, which they judg'd their happiness: 
 
 So we did count it worth our pilgrimag-e 
 
 Unto him, for his blessing- in his age : 
 
 Yet then, no babe more long-ing for the breast, 
 
 Than he to take within the church his rest, 
 
 To have the sincere milk of God's good word, 
 
 Which to his soul all comfort did afford. 
 
 Not heat, nor cold, nor rain, nor snow must bar; 
 
 But every where becomes an auditor. 
 
 Who ever laboured in the miaistrj-, 
 
 More given, than he to hospitality ? 
 
 To strangers, widows, fatherless, and all ; 
 
 To friends and foes he was most liberal. 
 
 Of all his prayers, sermons, travels, pains, 
 
 He is ascended to heaven reap the gains. 
 
 Oh for a double portion of thy spirit ! 
 
 No richer treasure would we all inherit. 
 
 JIastus apposuif. T. S 
 
 1668. 
 
 This year it pleased God to visit Kew England with 
 the maoifestation of his displeasure, by the death of 
 three eminent instruments : The first whereof was 
 that worthy servant of Christ, Mr. Samuel Shepard, 
 pastor of the church of Christ in Rowley, in New 
 England, who deceased in the spring of this year, in 
 the midst of his days, and in the beginning of his 
 ministry. 'J'he second, that worthy man of God, Mr. 
 Henry Flint, teacher of the church of Christ at 
 Braintree, in New England, who ended his mortal 
 17 
 
194 NEW-ENGLAND^S MEMOmXtV 
 
 life the 27th of April, in this year ; a man ofkriowr) 
 piety, gravity and integrity, and well accomplished 
 with other qualifications fit for the work of the min- 
 istry. The third and last, but not the least, that su- 
 pereminent minister of the gospel (tightly so called) 
 Mr. Johathan Mitchell, pastor of the church at Cam- 
 bridge, in New England, who laid down his earthly' 
 tabernacle on the ninth of July, in this year: Of 
 whose rare endowments, and the great loss the whole 
 land sustained hy his death, take this following brief 
 account. 
 
 Mr. Jonathan Mitchell was born at Halifax, in 
 Yorkshire, in England, of pious and wealthy parents, 
 who coming over to New England, brought him over 
 young ; his education in learning was perfected at 
 Harvard College, in Cambridge, where he attained 
 to such a degree in knowledge, that he was soon call- 
 ed to be a fellow of the college, and within a fewr 
 years after bis lustre did so shine, that the chinch at 
 Hartford, upon Connecticut river, made application 
 to him in order to supply the place of that eminent 
 servant of Christ, Mr. Thomas Hooker, a little before 
 decaased ; but the church at Cambridge (by the ad- 
 vice of their worthy pastor, Mr. |Thomas Shepard, 
 then living) not willing to part with so great a treas- 
 ure, became competitor with Hartford, and gave him 
 a call to them. This loving strife between the two 
 churches of Hartford and Cambridge about him, was 
 in a short time decided by the awful hand of God, in 
 the death of that eminent and glorious star, Mr. 
 Thomas ^hepard, pastor at Cambridge; which place 
 being wholly destitute, and Hartford being supplied 
 with a teacher, namely, that worthy servant of the 
 Lord, Mr. Samuel Stone, the ballance was cast for 
 Cambridge, and in the year 1650 he was called and 
 ordained their pastor. It was an eminent favour of 
 God to that church to have this great breach thus 
 made up, with a man so much of the spirit and princi- 
 ples of their former pastor, and so excellently qualifi- 
 
^M%-E^'GLAi\D^S MEMOPJAL^. 195 
 
 e^ with respect to the college : For, reason and pru- 
 <3ence requireth that the minister of that place be 
 more than ordinarily endowed wilh learning, gravity, 
 wisdom, orthodoxness, ability, sweet and excellent 
 gifts in preaching, that so tiie scholars which are de- 
 voted and set apart, in order to be preaciiers of Uic 
 gospel, miglit be seasoned with the spirit of snch an 
 Elijah: In which regard, this holy man of God was 
 eminently furnished, and his labours wonderfully 
 blessed : for very many ot the scholars, bred up in 
 tliis time (as is observed) do savour of his spirit, for 
 grace and manner of preaching, which was most at- 
 tractive. He lived pastor'of the church a!-i0ut eigh- 
 teen years, and was most intense and faitliful in de- 
 claring much of the counsel of Gcd. He went tljrough 
 a gi-eat part of the body of divinity ; made a wry i>\- 
 ceiient exposition of tlie bodk of Genesis, and part ( t 
 Exodus; and delivered many fru'itfuland prohtablr 
 serm(>j)!? on (he four first chapters of Jolm ; and in 
 his m>' iithl} lectures, whicli wereabundantly free^iiiiH- 
 ed, he pr.^achcd of man's misery by sin, and recovery 
 by Christ Jesus; and died in the third part of it, viz. 
 concerning man's obceience in Christ : Besides ma- 
 ny otiier excellent truUis b}^ iiim taught upon divers 
 occasions. In all his labours, God was wonderfully 
 present with him. He was, a person ti at held very- 
 near communion with God ; eminent in wisdom, pie- 
 ty, humility, love, self-denial, arid of a compassionate 
 and tender heart; surpassing in public spiritedness ; a 
 mighty man in prayer, and eminent at standing in 
 the gap; he was zealous for order, and faithful in as- 
 serting the truth, against all oppugners of it. In a 
 word, he was a man whom(iod had richly furnished, 
 and eminently Httod for his work; lived desired, and 
 died lamented by all good christians that knew him. 
 It pleased God upon the ninth of July, 1668, in a hot 
 and burning season, (but much more hot in the heat 
 of God's anger to New England) to take him to rest 
 and glory, about the 43d year of his age. His race 
 
196 NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL* 
 
 was but short, but the work he did was very much. 
 The elegies following may give the reader a further 
 account of what esteem he was. 
 
 Upon the death of that truly godly, reverend and faithful 
 servant of Christ, Mr, Jonathan MitchdU pastor of the 
 church at Cambridge, who deceased July 9, 1 663. 
 
 "What shall we say? Of sad effects what fear? 
 
 Four splendent stars exting-uish'd in one year ! 
 
 Two old, one young-, and this of middle ag-e; 
 
 A brig-htest lig-ht, most eyes who did engage. 
 
 The Lord in's temple is, earth silence keep; 
 
 Dispute not over-bold this judgment deep. 
 
 A mourning- g-reat, each eye distilling streams : 
 
 Sad sighs and sobs in most men's mouths their themes. 
 
 And who can blame it ? for this we well may, 
 
 If love, if fear, if temple-shakes bear sway. 
 
 The wife hath lost her head, four hopeful stems 
 
 A father ; Cambridg-e to their crowning- gems ; 
 
 JNeig-hbours, a useful light; elders, a brother. 
 
 Whose Itead and mouth made him to most a father. 
 
 Sad Cambridge, when thou lost thy Thomas dear, 
 
 God pitied thee, and gave a right compeer ; 
 
 This Jonathan thy Mitchell, one in whom 
 
 Was Much of EL, a Michael judg'd by some. 
 
 Right strong in school, in desk of brightest shine ; 
 
 Artist, good linguist, high orthodox divme; 
 
 Of judgment deep; of memory how large ! 
 
 Invention quick, grave, pleasant; who can charge 
 
 Thee in thy theory or practice %vith dark fsi! ? 
 
 I-iiimhlc, Rincf-re, w!iose love-cords did avail. 
 
 M ich good by him you Can^') ridge Ifave rect-iv'd, 
 
 lie gone, by you his reiicls see reliev'd. 
 
 A royal quaere, 'twas when Jonathan dead, 
 
 A royal act, Jonathan's stems to feed. "E. B. 
 
 To the memory of that learned and reverend J\lr, Jonathan 
 Mitchell, lale ministei of Cambridge, in Nevj England^ 
 interred July 10, 1668. 
 
 Qvicquid agimiis-, quicquid patimur venit ecc alto. 
 
 The countries tears, be ye my spring; my hill, 
 A general grave ; let groans inspire my quill. 
 With an heart rending sense, drawn from the cries 
 Of orphan churches, and the destinies 
 
NEW-iENGLAND's MEMORIAL. 197 
 
 Ufa bereaved house : Let children weep, 
 They scarce know why ; and let the mothers steep 
 Her lifeless hopes in brine : The private friend 
 Q-orwhelm'd with grief, falter, bib comforts end. 
 By a warm sympathy let fev'rish heat 
 Roam through my verse unseen : arid a cold sweat 
 Limning despair, attend me; sighs dilFuse 
 Convulsions through my language, such as use 
 To type a gasping fancy ; lasllv shroud 
 Religion's spiendor in a mournnig cloud, 
 Rep«ete with vengeance for succeeding times, 
 Fertile in woes, more fertile in their crimes. 
 Those are my mu^e, these inspire the sails 
 Of fancy, with their siglis instead of gales. 
 Reatler, read rev'rend iVlitcheli's life, and thea 
 Confess the world a Gordianknot again. 
 Read his tear-deiug'd grave, and then decree 
 Our present no, and future misery. 
 Stars falling- speak a stoim : When Samuel dies, 
 Steel maj expect Phiustia's cruelties. 
 So when Jehovah's brighter glory fled 
 The Temple, Israel was captive led. 
 Geneva's triple Jight made one divine ; 
 But here that vast triumvirate combine 
 By 1 blest Metemps)chosis, to take 
 One person for their larger Zodiac. 
 In sucred censures, Farrel's dreadful scroll 
 Of words, broke, from the pulpit to the soul. 
 (I:idiils>ent parents when they spare, they spoilj 
 Old wounds need vinegar as well as oil. 
 Distasteful cates with iniseiif^s do suit; 
 The Paschal lamj was eat with bitter fruit.) 
 Id balmy comforts, Vircts genius came 
 From the wrinkle 1 alps to woo the western dame ; 
 And courting Cambridge, quickly tank from thence, 
 Her lost degrees of rheloi ick and sense. 
 Calvin's Laconics ihrougii his doctrine's spread, 
 And chiidreu's children with their manna ied. 
 His ejt[Josition Genesis begun. 
 And fatal Exodus eclipsed his suo. 
 Siine say that souls of sad presages give ; 
 De.ilii-hreatliing sermons taught us last to live. 
 One sows, another reaps, may truly be, 
 Our grave instruction and his elegy. 
 His system of religion half unheard, 
 Full doable in his preaching life appear'd. 
 Happy that place where ruiers' deeds appear, 
 r th' front of battle, and their words i' the rear. 
 17* 
 
198 
 
 He's gone, to whom his country owes a love, 
 
 Worthy the prudent serpent and the dove. 
 
 Belig-jous Panoply, the sinners terror. 
 
 Death summon'd hence sure by writ of error. 
 
 The Quaker trembling at his thunder, fled 
 
 And with CaUgula resum'd his bed. 
 
 He by ihe motions of a nobler spirit, 
 
 Clear'd men, and made their notions swine inherit. 
 
 The monster goblin by his holy flood, 
 
 Exercis'd, like a thin Phantasma stood. 
 
 Brown's babel shatter'd by his lightning fell ; 
 
 And with horror pack'd to hell. 
 
 The scripture with a commentary bound, 
 
 (Like a lost calice) in his heart was found. 
 
 When he was sick, the air a fever took, 
 
 And thirsty Phoebus quaft the silver brook. 
 
 When dead the spheres in thunder, clouds and raia, 
 
 Groan'd his eulogium, mourn'd and wept our pain. 
 
 Let not the brazen schismatic aspire; 
 
 Lot's leaving Sodom, left them to the fire. 
 
 'Tis true, the bee's now dead, but yet his sting, 
 
 Death's to their dronish doctrines yet may bring. 
 
 EPITAPHIUM. 
 
 Here lies within this comprehensive span. 
 The churches, courts, and countries Jonathan, 
 He that speaks Mitchell, gives the schools the lie ; 
 Friendship in him gain'dan ubiquity. F. D. 
 
 Vivet post funera virtus. 
 
 An Epitaph upon the deplored death of that supereminent 
 
 minister of the gospel, Mr, Jonathan Mitchdl. 
 
 Here lies the darling of his time, 
 Mitchell expired in his prime ; 
 Who four years short of forty -seven, 
 Was found full ripe and fit for heaven. 
 Was full of prudent zeal and love. 
 Faith, patience, wisdom from above : 
 New England's stay, next age's story ; 
 The churches gem ; the college glory. 
 Angels may speak him ; ah ! not I, 
 (Whose worth's above Hyperbole,) 
 But for our loss, we'rt in my power, 
 I'd weep an everlasting shower. 
 
 A fourth minister that died this year, was Mr. Joha 
 Eliot, jun. born at Roxbury in New England, eldest 
 
NEW-ENGLAND S MEMORIAL, ] 99 
 
 son of the reverend Mr. John Eliot, teacher of the 
 church there. He was educated at Cambridge, in 
 the latin school, and in the College, until he became 
 master of arts; and a lew year^ alter was called to be 
 pastor of a church within the bounds of Cambridge, 
 upon the south side of Chajlcs river. He was a [jer- 
 son excellently endowed, and accomplished with ^ifts 
 of nature, learning, and grace ; ofcomt;ly proportion, 
 ruddj^ complexion, cheerful countenance ; of quick ap- 
 prehension, solid judgment, excellent prudence ; learn- 
 ed both in tongues and arts for one of his time, and 
 studiously intense in acquiring more knowledge. His 
 abilities and acceptation in tlie ministry did excel ; 
 his piet3% faith, love, humility, self-denial, atjd zeal, 
 did eminently shine upon all occasions. He iiad (un- 
 der the conduct of his father) by liis diligence, indus- 
 try, and zeal (for the good of souls) attained to such 
 skill in the Indian language, that he preached to the 
 Indians sundry years; travelling many miles in a 
 day once a fortnight to dispense the gospel lo them. 
 The Indians have often said, that his preaching to 
 them was precious and desirable ; and consequently 
 their loss, and the obstruction in that work, much to 
 be lamented. In a word, there was so much of God 
 in him, that all the wise and godly who knew him, 
 loved and honoured him in the Lord, and bewailed 
 his death ; which fell upon the 13th day of October, 
 1668, and of his age about 35 years, 
 
 I shall close up this small historj^ with a word olf 
 advice to the rising generation, that as now their god- 
 ly predecessors have iiad large experience of the 
 goodness and faithfulness of God, for the space of 
 near forty six years (sonte of them) and have passed 
 under various dis;v-;isri(ioMs, sometimes under great 
 afflictions, othei while the sun shining uj)on their tab- 
 ernacles in ways of peace and prosperity ; and }et 
 notwithstanding, throui;:h the grace of Christ, the 
 most of them have held their integrity in his ways : 
 
^00 new-england's memorial. 
 
 That so, such as succeed them would follow their ex^ 
 arnpiesi. so fJir as they have followed Christ; that it 
 flight not be said of them, as it is to be feared it may 
 be, by what yet appears amongst many of them, that 
 indeed God did once plant a noble vine in New Eng- 
 land, but it is degenerated into the plant of a strange 
 vine, Jer. ii. 21. It were well that it might be said, 
 that the rising generation did serve tfie Lord all the 
 days of such as in thi^ our Israel are as Joshua's a- 
 m( ijgst us. Josh. xxiv. 31. And the elders that over- 
 liv'^d him, which have known all the works of the 
 Loid, which lie haJh done for their fathers. But if 
 yet not vith^tanding afterwards such shall forget, and 
 not regard thuse his great woiks here presented be- 
 fore them (besides many more that I hope by some 
 others may come to their view) be they assured, he 
 will destroy them, and not build them up, Psal. xxviii. 
 6. Oil therefore, let the truly gndly in thi- land, be 
 excited by the example of Moses, as the mouth of the 
 church, to pray earnestly and incessantly unto the 
 Lord, that his work may yet appear to his servants^ 
 and his glory unto iheir children, Psal. yc, 16, !sa, 
 xliv. 3, 4. And that he would pour out his spi: t up- 
 on his church and people in New England, and iiis 
 blessing upon their oflTspri up, ihat they may spring Up 
 as among the gras?, and as tiie willows by the water- 
 courses ; that so i^reat occaion there may be thereby 
 of takinij notice thereof in sucteedini; generatioBS, to 
 the praise and glory of God. So be it* 
 
A 
 SUPPLEMENT 
 
 TO 
 
 BY ANOTHER HAND. 
 
 1669. 
 
 This year, 1669, was rendered sorrowful and re- 
 markable, by the death ofCapt. Thomas Southworth, 
 who full of faith and comfort, expired at Plymouth, 
 December (lie 8t!i, being about fifty-three years old, 
 after he had served God in his generation, faithfully, 
 both in a public and private station. 
 
 Thomas Prince, Esq. was again chosen Governor of 
 this colony for this year, and so annually to the year 
 1672. And March" 29lh, 1673, finished his course, 
 in the 73d year of bis life ; having been a worthy, 
 pious gentlrman, and very capable of the office of 
 Governor, wijicli he sustained about eighteen years, 
 being therein a terror to <vil doers, and an encour- 
 ager ol those that did well : And v^as honouiably in- 
 terred at Plytnoulh, April 8th, 1673. 
 
 To whom succeeded as Governor^ at the leyt elec- 
 tion, June 3d, 1673, the Hon. Josiah VVinslow, Esq. 
 (son of the ganje Governor Winslow) in whose time, 
 viz. June 24, 1675, broke out the Indian war by Piiil- 
 jp, chief Sachem of Pockanockett, alias Mount-Hope, 
 wherein God, foi- our sins, was pleased to render the 
 
202 new-england's memorial* 
 
 Indians a great scourge to his people in this, and th(j 
 other colonies of New England, both in their persons 
 and estates. 'J'he war being attended with the usual 
 barbarity of the lit:athen, burning of houses, murder- 
 ing of men, women and children ; desolation of towns 
 and setliements ; tedious ajid terrible captives, and 
 continual fears and dangers; the Indians spreading 
 themselves far and near, and effecting with their 
 hands the revenge and malice of their hearts, until 
 that God Almighty regarding our prayers, and suc- 
 ceeding our endeavours, put a stop unto the outrages 
 of the heathen in the year 1676, when Philip the per- 
 fidious aggressor in the war, was slain on his cwn 
 plantation near Mount-Hope (now BristoP^ by one of 
 his own countrymen ; and others who had a great 
 hand in our distresses, brought to condign punish- 
 ment, or forced to fly their own country. 
 
 Thus God preserved the vine, which his ov/n right 
 hand had planted, and has enlarged our borders, by 
 giving to us the heritage of the heathen, which th.ey 
 justly forfeited bj' their unreasonable rebellion. 
 
 Oil ! that the people of this, and the other colonies, 
 would praise the Lord for his goodness, and wonder- 
 ful works unto them, that so he may not be provoked 
 to kindle such a fire amongst them. 
 
 But a more particular account of this war has been 
 faithfully recorded by the Rev. Mr. Hijl)bard, and 
 Dr. Increase Mather, and others, to which i refer the 
 reader. 
 
 This Governor Winslow was annually chosen to 
 that office to the year 1680. And in December 
 1680, after many escapes in perilous fights and dan- 
 gerous voyages, death arr<sted him at his seat in 
 Marshfield, within the jurisdiction of New Plymouth, 
 in the fifty-second year of his age. 
 
 He was a wu!t';y and weil accomplished gentleman, 
 deservedly beloved by the people, being a true friend 
 to their just liberties, generous, facetious, affable and 
 sincere, qualities incident to the family. 
 
NEW-ENGLAND S MEMORIAli. 
 
 203 
 
 In 1681, June 7th, Thomas Hinkley, Esq. was 
 chosen Governor, and by annual election continued 
 to 1686. 
 
 In the year 1683, the government being much en- 
 larged through the divine benediction upon their la- 
 bour and industry; the colony veas divided into three 
 counties, viz the county of Plymouth, of which the 
 shire-town is Plymouth. 
 
 The coni5ty of Barnstable, the shire-townBarnstable. 
 
 The county of Bristol, Bristol being the shire-tow n. 
 
 In the county of Plymouth, are now ten towns, viz. 
 Plymouth, Duxbury, Marshfield, Scituate, Bridge- 
 water, Abington, Pembroke, Plympton, Middlebo- 
 rough, and Rochester. 
 
 In the couniy of Barnstable, are eight towns, viz. 
 Sandwich, Barnstable, Yarmouth, Hartford, Eastham, 
 Truro, Falmouth and Chatham. 
 
 In the couniy of Bristol, are twelve towns, viz. 
 Bristol, Rehoboth, Swanzey, Taunton, Dighton, Nor- 
 ton, Barrington, Freetown, Tiverton, Dartmouth, 
 Little-Compton and Attleborough. 
 
 In December, 1686, Sir Edmund Andross arrived 
 at Boston, with a large commission from his Majesty 
 King James the second, comprehending the govern- 
 ments of the Massachusetts, Plymouth, Rhode-Island, 
 Connecticut, «&:c. who continued our Governor till the 
 happy and glorious REVOLUTION under King 
 William and Queen Mary, of blessed memory. 
 
 In April, 1689. Sir Edmund Andross being dismiss- 
 ed from his government, each colony reassumed their 
 former powers, and Mr. Hinkley was annually elect- 
 ed Governor to the year 1691. 
 
 Our last election of Governor, Deputy Governor, 
 and assistants, being Tune 2, 1691, the said Mr. Hink- 
 ley was chosen Governor, and William Bradford, Esq. 
 Deputy Governor, John Freeman, Daniel Smith, Bar- 
 nabas Lothrop, John Thacher, John Watley, John 
 Gushing, assistants, and Mr. Samuel Sprague, secre- 
 tary. 
 
204 new-england's memorial. 
 
 And note, that Constant South worth, James Brown 
 and James Cudworth, first chosen, between the year 
 1670 and 1675, assistants in government, are the on- 
 ly assistants, whose names are not mentioned in this 
 book, and therefore here inserted. 
 
 In the year 1690 was the unsuecessful attempt on 
 Canada, in which Plymouth bore its part, both in 
 charge and loss. 
 
 And in the same year the Massachusetts sending 
 over their agents to England (with whom went the 
 reverend Mv. Ichabod Wis wall from Plymouth colo- 
 ny) obtained of King William and ^ueen Mary, a 
 charter, containing many valuable privileges, where- 
 in Plymouth (with some other additions) was united 
 to the Massachusetts and incorporated into one real 
 province, by the name of the Massachusetts Bay, in 
 New England ; the king reserving to himself and 
 successors, the power of appointing Governor, Lieut. 
 Governor, and Secretary ; and consonant to this new 
 constitution. Sir William Phips, Knight, being com- 
 missioned our first Governor, arrived at Boston with 
 the new charter. May, 1 692, under which constitu- 
 tion we have ever since continued. 
 
 ji . JJ iji 
 
 4^1