Nova Britannia offering most excellent fruites by planting in Virginia : exciting all such as be well affected to further the same. Johnson, Robert, fl. 1586-1626. 1609 Approx. 65 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 18 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2005-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A04581 STC 14699.5 ESTC S889 22924007 ocm 22924007 25918 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A04581) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 25918) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1777:34) Nova Britannia offering most excellent fruites by planting in Virginia : exciting all such as be well affected to further the same. Johnson, Robert, fl. 1586-1626. [35] p. Printed for Samuel Macham, and are to be sold at his shop in Pauls church-yard, at the signe of the bul-head, London : 1609. Epistle signed: R.I. Attributed to Robert Johnson by STC (2nd ed.). Signatures: A⁴(-A1) B-D⁴ E³. T.p. contains woodcut illustration. Reproduction of original in the Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Virginia -- Description and travel. Virginia -- History -- Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775. 2004-06 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2004-07 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-11 Judith Siefring Sampled and proofread 2004-11 Judith Siefring Text and markup reviewed and edited 2005-01 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion NOVA BRITANNIA : OFFERING MOST Excellent fruites by Planting in VIRGINIA . Exciting all such as be well affected to further the same . LONDON Printed for SAMVEL MACHAM , and are to be sold at his Shop in Pauls Church-yard , at the Signe of the Bul-head . 1609. To the Right Worshipfull , Sir THOMAS SMITH , of London Knight , one of his Maiesties Councell for VIRGINIA , and Treasurer for the Colonie , and Gouernour of the Companies of the MOSCOVIA and East INDIA Merchants Peace , health and happinesse in CHRIST . Right worshipfull Sir , FOrasmuch as I haue alwayes obserued your honest zeale to God , accompanied with so excellent carriage and resolution , in actions of best consequence , I cannot but discouer vnto you for your further encouragement , the summe of a priuate speech or discourse , touching our plantation in Virginia , vttered not long since in London , where some few Aduenturers ( well affecting the enterprise ) being met together touching their intended proiect , one among the rest stood vp and began to relate ( in effect ) as followeth . R. I. NOVA BRITANNIA . Offering most excellent fruites by Planting in VIRGINIA . WHereas in our last méeting and conference the other day , obseruing your sufficient reasons answering all obiections , and your cōstant resolution to go on in our Plantation , they gaue me so good content and satisfaction , that I am driuen against my selfe , to confesse mine own error in standing out so long , whereby many of you ( my frends ) were engaged in the businesse before mée , at whose often instigations I was but little moued , and lightly estéemed of it till being in place , where obseruing the wise and prudent spéech , of a worthy Gentleman , ( well knowne to you all ) a most painful mannager of such publike affayres within this Cittie , which moued so effectually , touching the publike vtilitie of this noble enterprize , that withholding no longer , I yéelded my money aad endeuours as others did to aduance the same , and now vpon more aduised consideration , I must néedes say I neuer accompted my poore meanes employed to better purpose , then ( by Gods helpe ) the successe of this may bee , and therefore I cannot but deliuer ( if you please to heare ) what I rudely conceiue of a suddaine . There are diuers monuments already publisht in Print to the world ▪ manifesting and shewing , that the Coasts and parts of Virginia haue beene long since discouered , peopled and possessed by many English , both men , women , and children , the naturall subiects of our late Queene Elizabeth , of famous memorie , conducted and left there at sundrie times , And that the same footing and possession is there kept and possessed by the same English ▪ or by their seede and of-spring , without any interruption or inuasion , either of the Sauages ( the natiues of the countrie ) or of any other Prince or people ( for ought wee ●eare or know ) to this day , which argueth sufficiently to vs ( and it is true ) that ouer those English and Indian people , no Christian King or Prince ( other then Iames our Soueraigne Lord and King ) ought to haue rule or Dominion , or can by possession , conquest , or inheritance , truely claime or make iust title to those Territories , or to any part thereof , except it bee ( as wee heare of late ) that a challenge is laid to all , by vertue of a Donation from Alexander the sixt , Pope of Rome , wherein ( they say ) is giuen all the West Indies , including Florida and Virginia , with all America , and whatsoeuer Ilands adiacent . But what is this to vs ? they are blind indeede that stumble here , it is much like that great donation of Constantine whereby the Pope himselfe doeth hold and claime the Citie of Rome , and all the Westerne Empire , a thing that so crosseth all Histories of truth , and sound Antiquitie , that by the apt resemblance of those two Donations , the whole West Empire , from a temporall Prince to the Pope , and the whole West Indies , from the Pope to a temporall Prince ▪ I doe verily gesse they be neere of kinne , they are so like each other , the one an olde tale vaine and fabulous , the other a new toy most idle and ridiculous . When the flatterers of Cambises King of Persia , could find no law to warrant his immoderate lust and incestuous mariage with his owne daughter , yet they told him of another law which they had found , wherby the Kings of Persia might doe what they listed : if in these cases likewise there bee a law that the Pope may doe what he list , let them that list obey him , for we beleeue not in him . Letting goe ( therefore ) these legendarie fables , which howsoeuer some men holde authenticke as their Creede , yet are they in the iudgement of wise men , things of no value , nor doe import to vs , any cause of doubt or feare , but that wee goe on in our honest enterprise , and lawfull purpose now in hand , that ( as wee hope ) his Maiestie mindeth not the reliquishing his estate and enterest , deriued to him by right of succession , from his immediate predecessor , but for the further planting and succouring our old Colony , hath giuen vs leaue to make new supplies , which wee lately sent thither vnder the conduct of Christopher Newport Captaine : And hath granted many gratious priuiledges , vnder the great Seale , to vs and to our Heirs for euer , that will aduenture or plant in the said plantation : So I wish and intreat all well affected subiects , some in their persons , others in their purses , cheerefully to aduenture , and ioyntly take in hand this high and acceptable worke , tending to aduance and spread the Kingdome of God , and the knowledge of the truth , among so many millions of men and women , Sauage and blind , that neuer yet saw the true light shine before their eyes , to enlighten their minds and comfort their soules , as also for the honour of our King , and enlarging of his kingdome , and for preseruation and defence of that small number our friends and countrimen already planted , least for want of more supplies we become a scorne to the world ▪ subiecting our former aduentures to apparant spoile and hazard , and our people ( as a prey ) to be sackt and puld out of possession , as were the French out of Noua Francia , not many yers ago ▪ and which is the lest and last respect ▪ ( yet vsuallie preferred ) for the singular good and benefite that wil vndoubtedly arise to this whole Nation , and to euerie one of vs in particular , that will aduenture therein , as by true relation ( God willing ) I shal make it manifestly appeare to all . It is knowne to the world , and cannot bee forgotten , that the dayes and raigne of Queene Elizabeth , brought forth the highest degree of wealth , happinesse , and honour , that euer England had before her time , whereof to let passe the particular praises , as impertinent to my purpose , I doe onely call to minde our Royall Fleetes and Marchants Shippes , ( the Iewels of our land ) our excellent Nauigators , and admirable voyages , as into all parts and round about the Globe with good successe , to the high fame and glorie of our Nation , so especially their aime and course was most directed to the new found world , to the maine land and infinite Ilands of the West Indies , intending to discouer with what conuenience to Plant and settle English Colonies , in places not already possessed and inhabited by subiects of other Christian Princes , wherein after many tedious and perilous aduentures , howsoeuer strange seas and miserable famine , had deuoured and distressed shipps and men of inestimable value , yet were not the remnant escaping , swallowed vp of despaire , nor their hart and spirits daunted with feare , but daily armed afresh with inuincible courage , and greater resolution ( scorning to sit downe by their losses ) made newe attempts , not induring to looke on whilst so huge and spacious countries ( the fourth part of the world ) and the greatest and wealthiest part of all the rest , should remaine a wildernes , subiect ( for the most part ) but to wilde beasts and fowles of the ayre , and to sauage people , which haue no Christian , nor ciuill vse of any thing , and that the subiects onely of one Prince Christian , which but within the memorie of man began first to creepe vpon the face of those Territories , & now by meanes of their remnants settled here & there , do therfore imagine the world to be theirs , shouldring out al other nations , accounting themselues Kings and Commanders , not onely in townes and places where they haue planted , but ouer all other partes of America , which containe sundrie vast and barbarous Regions , many of which ( to this day ) they neuer knew , nor did euer setle soote therein : which notwithstanding , if it were yeelded them as due , yet their strength and meanes farre inferiour to their aspires , will neuer stretch to compasse or replenish the hundreth part thereof : and this we proued true not many yeares agoe , our Prince and theirs being then at open hostilitie , their best and chiefest residences were scattered with so poore and slender troups , that with handfuls of men ( at sundry times ) we ran thorow all , surprizing and sacking their strongest forts and townes in those parts , and might long since with ease , following and seconding our forces , haue set them to their stint . But seeing we so passed by their dwellings , that in seatinḡ our selues , wee sought not to vnsetle them , but by Gods mercy , after many stormes ▪ were brought to the Coast of another countrie , farre distant and remote from their habitations : why should any frowne or enuie at it , or if they doe , why should wee ( neglecting so faire an opportunitie ) faint or feare to enlarge our selues , where is our force and auncient vigour ? Doth our late reputation sleepe in the dust ? No , no , let not the world deceiue it selfe , we still remaine the same , and vpon iust occasion giuen , we shall quickly shew it too : hauing now by Gods blessing , more meanes then euer heeretofore , beeing strongly senced where wee wonted to lie open : Our plant , we trust , is firmely root●d , our armes and limmes are strong , our branches faire , and much desire to spread themselues abroad . But before I come to discribe this earthly Paradice , or to proue the points of my proposition mentioned before , you shall knowe , that the first discouery and actuall possession taken thereof , was in the raigne , and by the subiects of Henry the seuenth of England , at which time did Spaine also discouer , and by that right of discouery , doeth retaine and holde their Noua Hispania , and all other their limmits vpon that Coast : But that we now intend to ground vpon is a more late Discouerie and actuall possession , taken in the name and right of Queene Elizabeth , in Anno 1584. the 13 ▪ of Iuly , as it is truely set downe in the Booke of English Uoyages , by sundry English Captaines and Gentlemen in that Uoyage , whose names are recorded in that Discourse ( and many of which are yet liuing ) whereof when her Maiestie had true information , shée named the Countrey Virginia , and did assigne to Walter Raleigh ( then a Gentleman of worth ) power and Authoritie to Plant forces and Colonies there , at his pleasure , who transported thither in Anno 1587. by the conduct of Iohn White chiefe Leader , aboue an hundred men , Women , and Children at one time , and left them there to Inhabite to this day : Notwithstanding , it is true indéede ( as some may obiect . ) It is now aboue twentie yéeres agoe since these things were done , and yet euer since in al this time , we neuer sawe or heard of any good that hath come from thence , nor of any hope , that might encourage vs anew to engage our selues therein . But let vs rightly weigh the reasons of it , and then iudge : Those hundred and vpwards , conducted thither by Iohn White , and whose particular Names you may sée Recorded in the same Booke of Uoyages , were left there , with intent and promise , to be supplied from England , with more companies and all necessaries , the next yéere following : in the meane time , they were to Plant and fortifie themselues in be●t maner they could , and to make a Discouerie of such Minerals , and other Merchandize , as the Countrey should yéeld by nature . But as all good Actions haue their Crosses and their Bane attending on them , so had this : for that those which had the Managing of a new Supply , being the next yéere sufficiently furnished to Sea for that ende , yet most vnnaturally , being Tainted with that common corruption of time , turned their head another way , and with greedie minds , betooke themselues wholly to hunt after Pillage vpon the Spanish Coast , where spending their men , their time , and prouisions , they were not able ( béeing come and ariued at the port ) to make vp into the land to visit and relieue their friends , but were forced to retire for England againe , whereby the edge of those Aduenturers that set them foorth was so abated , that this most honourable enterprise so happily begunne , was by this occasion most vnhappily ended , neither had our poore countri-men left there , any meanes from thence to visite vs , nor in all this time to giue vs any light of their owne estate : whereas then , if those beginnings had béene followed as they ought , and as by Gods helpe wée now entend , that country had long since become a most royall addition to the Crowne of England , and a very nursery and fountaine of much wealth and strength to this Kingdome . When Christopher Columbus ( the first bewrayer of this new world ) was to make his proffer where he liked best , hee chose Henry the seuenth of England , as in those dayes the most worthy , and best furnished for Nauigations , of all the Kings in Christendome : offering to inuest his Maiestie with the most pretious and richest ●aines of the whole earth , neuer knowne before , as he did also the like to the Kings of Portugale and Spaine , who ( as the story saith ) for his poore apparell and simple lookes , and for the noueltie of his proposition , was of most men accounted a vaine foole , and vtterly reiected : saue that the Spanish better conceiuing then some others , beganne to entertaine and make vse of his skill , which within these hundred yeares , hath brought foorth those apparant fruits to the world as cannot be hidde . Their Territories enlarged , their Nauigations encreased , their subiects enriched , and their superfluitie of coyne ouer-spreading al parts of the world , procures their Crowne to flourish , and highly commendeth the wisedome of Spaine : whose quicke apprehension and spéedy addresse , preuented all other Princes : albeit ( as you know ) their greatnes of minde arising together with their money and meanes , hath 〈◊〉 all Christendome these fourtie yeares and more . And this I but mention , to note the blind diffidence of our English natures , which laugh to scorne the name of Virginia , and all other new proiects , bee they neuer so probable , and will not beleeue till wee sée the effects : as also to shew how capable men ought to bee , in things of great importance , aduisedly to take the first occasions . We reade of Haniball , when chasing home the Romanes to the gates of Rome , and neglecting then to scale the walles , could neuer after with all his strength and policies come neere the like aduantage : yet I must briefely tell you now , what I conceiue with ioy , that howsoeuer the businesse of this plantation hath beene formerly miscaried , yet it is now going on in better way , not enterprised by one or two priuate subiects , who in their greatnesse of minde , sought to compasse that , which rather beseemed a mighty Prince , ( such as ours ) or the whole State to take in hand : for it is not vnknowen to you all , how many Noble men of Honourable mindes , how many worthy Knights , Merchants , and others of the best disposition , are now ioyned together in one Charter , to receiue equall priuiledges , according to their seuerall aduentures : euery man engaging his purse , and some Noble-men , Knights and Gentlemen , intending to goe in their owne persons , which I did hears to protest and vow , against anie people , whomsoeuer shall any way seeke to entrappe or impeach our proceedings , an vtter reuenge vpon their bodies or goods , if they be to bee found vpon Sea or land : whereby we haue assured hope ( God assisting vs ) to be effectually able to make good against all , and in short time to bring to a most happy euent the thing we take in hand . And now in discribing the naturall seate and disposition of the countrie it selfe : if I should say no more but with Caleb and Ioshua , The land which we haue searched out is a very good land , if the Lord loue vs , he will bring our people to it , and will giue it vs for a possession . This were enough to you that are willing , but yet a little more in particular obserued , by the best Mappes and Printed discourses , and by conference of such as haue béene lately there and séene it , I thinke good to deliuer to satisfie others : First the Uoyage is not long nor tedious , sixe Wéekes at ease will send vs thither , whereas sixe Moneths suffice not to some other places , where wee Trade : our course and passage is thorow the great Ocean , where is no feare of Rockes or Flattes , nor subiect to the streighte and restraint of forraine Princes , most Winds that blow , are apt and fit for vs , and none can hinder vs : when wee come to the Coast , there is continuall depth enough , with good Bottome for Anchor hold , and the Land is faire to fall with all , full of excellent good Harbours : the world affoords no better for Ships of all burdens , many pleasant Ilands great and small affronting the Coast : Two goodly Riuers are discouered winding farre into the Maine , the one in the North part of the Land by our Westerne Colonie , Knights and Gentlemen of Excester , Plymouth and others : The other in the South part thereof by our Colonie of London : Upon which Riuer , being both broad , déepe and pleasant , abounding with store of fish , our Colony haue begun to fortifie themselues , and haue built a towne , and named it ( in honour of our King ) Iames towne fourescore miles within land , vpon the North side of the Riuer ( as is London vpon the Riuer of Thames ) from whence wee haue discouered the same Riuer , one hundred myles further into the mayne Land , in the searching whereof , they were so rauisht with the admirable sweetnesse of the streame , and with the pleasant land trending along on either side , that their ioy excéeded and with great admiration they praised God. The country it selfe is large and great assuredly , though as yet , no exact discouerie can bee made of all , It is also commendable , and hopefull euerie way , the ayre and clymate most swéete and wholsome , much warmer then England , and very agréeable to our Natures : It is inhabited with wild and sauage people , that liue and lie vp and downe in troupes , like heards of Deare in a Forrest : they haue no law but nature , their apparell skinnes of beasts , but most goe naked : the better sort haue houses , but poore ones , they haue no Arte nor Science , yet they liue vnder superior commaund , such as it is , they are generally very louing and gentle , and doe entertaine and relieue our people with great kindnesse : they are easie to be brought to good , and would fayne embrace a better condition : the land yeeldeth naturallie for the sustentation of man , aboundance of fish , both scale and shell : of land and water fowles , infinite store : of Deere , Rain● and fallow , Stags , Coneys , and Hares , with many fruits and rootes good for meate . There are valleyes and plaines streaming with sweets Springs , like veynes in a naturall bodie : there are hills and mountaines making a sensible proffer of hidden treasure , neuer yet searched : the land is full of mineralles , plentie of woods ( the wants of England ) there are growing goodly Okes and Elmes , ●eech and Birch , Spruce , Walnut , Cedar and Firre trees , in great aboundance , the soile is strong and lustie of it owne nature , and sendeth out naturally fruitfull Uines running vpon trees , and shrubbes : it yeeldeth also Ro●●n , Turpentine , Pitch and Tarre , Sassafras , Mulbery-trees and Silke-wormes , many Skinnes and rich Furres , many sweete woodes , and Dyers woodes , and other costly dyes : plenty of Sturgion , Timber for Shipping ▪ Mast , Plancke and Deale , Sope ashes , Cauiare , and what else we know not yet , because our daies are yong . But of this that I haue said , if bare nature be so amiable in it naked kind , what may we hope , when Arte and Nature both shall ioyne , and striue together , to giue best content to man and beast ? as now in handling the seuerall parts propounded , I shall shew in order as they lie . For the first ( if I forget not my selfe ) how it may tend to aduance the Kingdome of God , by reducing sauage people from their blind superstition to the light of Religion , when some obiect , wee seeke nothing lesse then the cause of God , being led on by our owne priuate ends , and secondly how we can warrant a supplantation of those Indians , or an inuasion into their right and possessions . To the first we say , as many actions both good in themselues , and in their successe , haue béene performed with badde intents : so in this case , howsoeuer our naughtines of minde may sway very much , yet God may haue the honor , and his Kingdome aduanced in the action done : but yet by the way , me thinks this obiection comes in due time , and doth wel admonish vs , how to rectiffe our hearts and ground our meditations before we begin : we doe generally applaud , and highly commend the goodnes of the cause , and that it is such a profitable plough , as euery honest man ought to set his hand vnto , both in respect of God and the publike good this , is our generall voice , and we say truth , for so it is . But wee must beware that vnder this pretence that bittet root of gréedy gaine be not so setled in our harts , that béeing in a golden dreame , if it fal not out presently to our expectation , we flinke away with discontent , and draw our purses from the charge . If any shew this affection , I would wish his basenes of minde to be noted . What must be our direction then , no more but this : if thou dost once approue the worke , lay thy hand to it chéerefully , and withdraw it not till thy taske bee done , at all assayes and new supplies of money be not lagge , nor like a dull horse that 's alwaies in the lash , for héere lies the po●son of all good attempts , when as men without haling and pulling , will not bee drawne to performance , for by this , others are discouraged , the action lies vndone , and the first expence is lost : But are wee to looke for no gaine in the lewe of all aduentures ? yes vndoubtedly , there is assured hope of gaine , as I will shew anon in due place , but look it be not chiefe in your thoughts , God that hath said by Solomon : Cast thy bread vpon the waters , and after many daies thou shalt find it : he will giue the blessing : And as for supplanting the sauages , we haue no such intent : Our intrusion into their possessions shall tend to their great good , and no way to their hurt , vnlesse as vnbridled beastes , they procure it to themselues : Wee purpose to proclaime and make it knowne to them all , by some publike interpretation that our comming thither is to plant our selues in their countrie : yet not to supplant and roote them out , but to bring them from their base condition to a farre better : First , in regard of God the Creator , and of Iesus Christ their Redéemer , if they will beléeue in him . And secondly , in respect of earthly blessings , whereof they haue now no comfortable vse , but in beastly brutish maner , with promise to defend them against all publike and priuate enemies . Wée can remember since Don Iohn Daquila with his forces inuading Ireland , a noble ciuill kingdome , where all ( except a few runagates ) were setled in the truth of Religion , and liued by wholsome lawes , vnder the milde gouernment of Christian Kings and Princes , long before his grandsiers cradle : yet hée thought it no robberie to proclaime and publish to the world , that his comming thither , was to none other end , but to free the Nation from their bondage , and tyrannous subiection , and to bring the blind soules to Catholike Religion : a plausible pretence , the least end of his thought . But if this were coyned in those dayes by the Minters themselues , to passe for currant thorow the world , howsoeuer base it was indéede , wée hope they will be as fauourable to our case , and giue as frée passage and allowance to our inuasion , much more currant , and so farre different , as not to bring a people ( according to our prouerbe ) out of the frying panne into the fire , but to make their condition truely more happy , by a mutuall enterchange and commerce in this sort : That as to our great expence and charge , wée make aduentures , to impart our diuine riches , to their inestimable gaine , and to couer their naked miserie with ciuill vse of foode , and clothing , and to traine them by gentle mesnes to those manuall artes and skill , which they so much affect , and doe admire to sée in vs : so in lewe of this , wée require nothing at their hands , but a quiet residence to vs and ours , that by our owne labour and toyle , we may worke this good vnto them and recompence our owne aduentures , costs and trauells in the ende : wherein , they shal be most friendly welcome to conioyne their labours with ours , and shall enioy equall priuiledges with vs , in whatsoeuer good successe , time or meanes may bring to passe . To which purpose , wee may verily beleeue , that God hath reserued in this last age of the world , an infinite number of those lost and scattered sheepe , to be won and recouered by our means , of whom so many as obstinatly refuse to vnite themselues vnto vs , or shall maligne or disturbe our plantation , our chattel , or whatsoeuer belonging to vs : they shall be held and reputed recusant , withstanding their owne good : and shall bee dealt with as enemies of the Common-wealth of their countrie : wherby how much good we shall performe to those that be good , and how little iniury to any , wil easily appeare , by comparing our present happinesse with our former ancient miseries , wherein wee had continued brutish , poore and naked Britanes to this day , if Iulius Caesar with his Romane Legions ( or some other ) had not laid the ground to make vs tame and ciuill . But for my second point propounded , the honour of our King , by enlarging his Kingdomes to proue how this may tend to that : no argument of mine can make it so manifest , as the same is cleere in it selfe : Diuine testimonies shew , that the honour of a King consisteth in the multitude of subiects , and certainely the state of the Iewes was farre more glorious , by the conquests of Dauid , and vnder the ample raigne of Solomon , then euer before or after : The twelue Tribes were then all subiect : the bordering Nations tributarie ▪ no doubt a happie subiection to many of them : wherby they had the better meanes to beleeue and know God the Creator of heauen and earth : Honourable I graunt is iust Conquest by sword , and Hercules is fained to haue had all his felicity , in subduing and rooting out the Tyrants of the world , but vnfainedly it is most honorable indeede , to subdue the tyranny of the roaring Lion , that deuoures those poore soules in their ignorance , and leads them to hel for want of light , when our Dominions shall be enlarged , and the subiects multiplied of a people so bought and ransomed ▪ not by stormes of raging cruelties ( as west India was conuerted ) with rapiers point and Musket shot , murdering so many millions of naked Indians , as their Stories doe relate , but by faire and louing meanes , suting to our English natures , like that soft and gentle voice , wherein the Lord appeared to Elias : How honorable wil this be , in the sight of men and of ages to come ? but much more glorious in the sight of God , when our King shal come to make his triumph in heauen . The prophet Daniel doth assure , that for this conquest of turning manie vnto righteousnesse , hee shall shine as the starres for euer and euer . And yet this is not all that may be saide , the auncient law , the law of Moses settes it downe , as a blessed thing , when the Prince and people of God , shall bee able to lend to all , and neede to borrow of none , and it added very much to the fame and wisedome of King Solomon , which the world came ●arre and neere to wonder at , in that his Kingdomes were replenished with golde and siluer in aboundance , and with riches brought in by shippes , sent yearely forth in ample trade of Merchandize , whereof wee reade not the like among all the Kings of Israel . And vpon good warrant I speake it here in priuate , what by these new discoueries into the Westerne partes , and our hopefull setling in chiefest places of the East , with our former knowne trades in other parts of the world , I doe not doubt ( by the helpe of God ) but I may liue to see the dayes ( if Marchants haue their due encouragement ) that the wisedome , Maiestie , and Honour of our King , shall be spread and enlarged to the ends of the world , our Nauigations mightily encreased , and his Maiesties customes more then trebled . And as for the third part , the releeuing our men already planted , to preserue both them and our former aduentures , I shall not neede to say much , the necessitie is so apparent , that I hope no Aduenturer will be wanting therein . Our Sauiour Christ resembles them that giue ouer in their best duties , to foolish builders , that hauing laid the foundation , doe grauell themselues in the midde way and so become ridiculous : It had béene extreame madnes in the Iewes ( when hauing sent to spye the land that flowed with milke and honey , and ten for two returned backe with tydings of impossibilitie to enter and preuaile , ) if then they had retyred and lost the land of promise : No doubt , the Deuill that enuied then that enterprize of theirs ▪ doth now the like in ours , and we must make accompt , and look to bee encountred with many discoragements , partly by our friends and neighbours , ( such as we vse to say ) will neither goe to Church nor tarrie at home , as also ( which is no new thing ) euen by such as haue béen sent to spy the land , one while obiecting the charge will be great , the businesse long , and the gaines nothing , and besides ▪ the Anakimes that dwell in the mountaines , will come and pull vs out by the eares , with such like fooleries I know not what . But wee must bée prepared with Caleb and Iosua ( so highly commended ) to oppose an extraordinarie zeale against the detra●●ings of such , to rescue our enterprize from malicious ignorance , and to still their murmurings with reproofe , for though in ordinarie and common occasions , it be our duetie to be caried with ordinarie patience , méekenes and humilitie , yet to shew an excellent spirit , when the cause is worth it , and in such a case as this , requiring passing resolution ; It is but our weakenesse to stumble at strawes , and a basenesse to gnaw vpon euery bone that is cast in our way , which wée may obserue by those noble dogges of Albania presented to King Alexander , whose natures contemned to encounter or prey vpon séely beasts of no valour , but with an ouerflowing courage flying vpon the Lion and the Tyger , did th●n declare their vertue . And now it followes , how it can be good for this Commonwealth : which is likewise most apparant many waies . First , if we consider what strength of shipping may be raysed and maintained thence , in furnishing our owne wants of sundrie kindes , and the wants of other Nations too , in such needfull things arising thence , which can hardly now be obtained from any other part of the world , as planck and tymber for shipping , with Deale and Wainscot , pipestaues and clabbord , with store of Sope ashes , whereof there grow the best woods to make them in great aboundance , al which we may there haue , the wood for the cutting , and the Ashes for the burning , which though they bee grosse commodities , yet no Marchandize is better requested , nor will sooner yeelde golde or siluer in any our bordering Nations . England and Holland alone , spend in these about three hundreth thousand poundes sterling euery yeare : we may transport hether or vnto Hamborough , Holland , or other places , fiftie per centum better cheape , then from Prusia or Polonia , from whence they are onely now to be had , where also the woods are so spent and wasted , that from the place where the wood is cut and the ashes burnt , they are brought by land at least two hundred miles to ship . And from thence we may haue Iron and Copper also in great quantitie , about which the expence and waste of woode , as also for building of Shippes , will be no hurt , but great seruice to that countrey : the great superfluity whereof , the continuall cutting downe , in manie hundred yeares , will not be able to ouercome , whereby will likewise grow a greater benefite to this land , in preseruing our woodes and tymber at home , so infinitely and without measure , vpon these occasions cutte downe , and falne to such a sickenesse and wasting consumption , as all the physick in England cannot cure . Wee doubt not but to make there in few yeares store of good wines , as any from the Canaries , by replanting and making tame the Uines that naturally grow there in great abundance , onely send men of skill to doe it , and Coopers to make caske , and hoopes for that and all other vses , for which there is wood enough at hand . There are Silke-wormes , and plenty of Mulberie-trees , whereby Ladies , Gentlewomen and litle children , ( beeing set in the way to doe it ) may bee all imploied with pleasure , in making Silke , comparable to that of Persia , Turkey , or any other . We may bring from thence Sturgion , Cauiare , and new land-fish of the best . There grows hempe for Cordage , an excellent commoditie , and flaxe for linnen cloth ; which beeing sowen and well manured , in such a clymate and fertile soyle , will make great benefite , and will put downe that of other countries . And for the making of Pitch , Tarre , Turpentine , Sope-ashes , Deale , Wainscott , and such like , wee haue alreadie prouided and sent thither skillfull workemen from Forraine parts , which may teach and set ours in the way , whereby we may set many thousands a worke , in these and such like seruices . For as I tolde you before , there must be Art and industry with other helps and meanes extended , with a little pacience to bring these things to passe , wee must not looke to reape with ioy , except we sow in teares : The aboundance of King Salomons golde and siluer , did not raine from heauen vpon the heads of his subiects : but heauenly prouidence blessed his Nauigations and publike affayres , the chiefe meanes of their wealth . Experience hath lately taught vs by some of our neighbour Prouinces , how excéedingly it mounts the State of a common-wealth , to put forth Nauigation ( if it were possible ) into all parts and corners of the world , to furnish our owne wants , and also to supply from one Kingdome to another , such seuerall néedefull things , as for want of shipping and other meanes they cannot furnish of themselues , for this will raise experience , and men of skill , as also strength at Sea and land , with honour , wealth , and riches , returning still to the heads and Fountaines , from whence their first occasions grew . Wee may but looke a little backe , and wee shall see what a nouice our nation was within these sixscore yeeres , in case of Forraine trade , not knowing whence to fetch , nor which way to transport , but onely to some marte or staple towne , within two daies sailing ▪ and that was counted so great a matter then , that therefore they were called Marchant aduenturers , and the great Hulkes of Italy , which in those daies brought spices Corants and such like , and landes at Southampton , ( the Storehouse then for Marchandize ) are Chronicled for wonders in our English Stories , for indeede we knew no better then , but were content ( as babes ) with Easterlings on the one hand & Lumbards on the other , which were continuall Liegers in London , and fed vs as they listed . And take this euer as a rule , that Domesticke Marchandizing brings forth but poore effects in a Commonwealth , whereof I needed not haue shewed example further then our owne doores . What was the case of England before the golden daies of Quéene Elizabeth at whose comming to the crowne , the state of Marchants was so poore and meane , that renting out her customes in wardes , but at a very lowe rate , yet it brought the farmer vpon his knées . A man that markes the difference , and shall compare those times and these together , shall thinke it were impossible , ( vnlesse his knowledge taught him otherwise ) that the dayes and raigne of one Elizabeth , whose hand was euer lending , to distressed neighbour Princes , and her sword vnsheathed continually , repulsing forraine enemies , should yet releeue and raise the state of her customes , the strength of her Nauie ▪ and the condition of her people , euery way seuen fold to that they were before , onely by encouraging the royall trade of Marchandize , as wee see it this day apparant : Let God haue the honour , and blessed be her memory , and the memoriall of those managers of State in her daies , for their worthy counsells , many of which though they now sléepe , and rest with their Soueraigne in peace , yet some doe still remaine , and do succeede in place , where long may they stand and their séede after them , like the Pillars and Worthies of King Dauid , to shielde the head and honour of our Solomon , and still to vphold and enlarge our happinesse for euer : and this I am driuen to speake and mention by the way , where I meant it not , in regard of some which vpon a disaster beginne to ware weary of all , discouraging themselues and others , from this and all other forreine aduentures : to let them know , that each thing hath encrease , from whence it had beginning : and to put our selues in mind , that wee faile not in furthering those causes that bring forth such effects . Another instance might be shewed in one particular , which taxeth very much our English Nation , and all the Subiects of our soueraigne King , that enioying such plentie of wood-lands , and fruitfull soiles , within England , Scotland , Ireland and Wales : yet our want of industry to bee such , that Netherlanders which haue not a stick of wood growing nor any land for sowing , should surpasse and goe beyond vs in continuall plenty of corne and shipping , me thinks the reformation hereof should find more fauour at our hands , that in such points of ciuil pollicie , no people of lesser meanes should cast vs so behinde , and each well minded man should lend his helpe to heale and cure such staines and scarres in the face of our state , as being viewed and wayed well , may very well make vs blush . And now to our present businesse in hand , which so many stumble at , in regard of the continuall charge , I would haue them know , that it cannot be great nor long , as the businesse may be handled . Two things are especially required herein , people to make the plantation , and money to furnish our present prouisions , and shippings now in hand : For the first we neede not doubt , our land abounding with swarmes of idle persons , which hauing no meanes of labour to reléeue their misery , doe likewise swarme in lewd and naughtie practises , so that if we seeke not some waies for their forreine employment , wee must prouide shortly more prisons and corrections for their bad conditions , for it fares with populous common weales , as with plants and trees that bee too frolicke , which not able to sustaine and feede their multitude of branches , do admit an engrafting of their buds and Siences into some other soile , acounting it a benefite for preseruation of their kind , and a disburdening their stocke of those superfluous twigs that sucke away their nourishment . And we shal find that hence it was , the Gothes and Uandalles with other barbarous nations , séeing an ouerflowing of their multitudes at home , did therefore send their Armies out as raging floods at sundrie times , to couer the faces of Spain , Italy and other Prouinces , to f●ée their owne from pestering : so that you see it no new thing , but most profitable for our State , to rid our multitudes of such as lie at home , pestering the land with pestilence and penury , and infecting one another with vice and villanie , worse then the plague it selfe : whose very miseries driues many of them , by meanes to be cutte off , as bad and wicked members , or else both them and theirs to be reléeued , at the common charge of others . Yet I doe not meane , that none but such vnsound members , and such poore as want their bread , are fittest for this imployment : for wee intend to haue of euery trade and profession , both honest , wise and painefull men , whereof our land and Citie is able to spare , and furnish many ( as we had experience in our last sending thither ) which will be glad to goe , and plant themselues so happily , and their children after them , to holde and keepe conformitie , with the lawes , language and religion of England for euer , Touching which , I doe earnestly admonish you to beware and shunne three kindes of people : the first , a most vile minded sort , and for the most part badde members of this Citie , by some meanes shaken out of their honest courses , and now shifting by their wittes , will bee alwaies deuising some vnhappines to wrong the plantation : such as daily beate their braines , and séeke by lying suggestions ; vnder colour of good pretence to the Common-wealth to infringe our auncient liberties , and would ( if they were not mette withall and curbed by authoritie ) make a monopoly to themselues , of each thing after other , belonging to the freedome of euery mans profession , the very wrack of Merchandizing . The second sort are papists , professed or Recusant of which I would not one , seasoned with the least taint of that leauen , to be setled in our plantation , nor in any part of that country , but if once perceiued , such a one , wéede him out , and ship him home for England , for they will euer bee plotting and conspiring , to root you out if they can , howsoeuer they sweare , flatter , and equiuocate , beleeue them not : keepe onely these two examples in minde . Watson the Seminarie priest in his printed Quodlibets : he , of all other men protesteth the greatest truth and fidelity to his Prince and countrey ; obiecting all the bloudy plottes and treasons , to haue come from the combination of Iesuits , and from Parsons that Arch-Atheist in chiefe , but as for himselfe , hee wished no longer to liue and breath , then the thoughts of his hart should be true and vpright to his prince and Countrey : Notwithstanding , this Watson was the very first wretch of all other , that had his hand in treason against our King , and reapt his reward according to his wish . The other example is a Popish Pamphlet , called the Lay Catholikes Petition , offered to his Maiestie for tolleration of Popery , protesting likewise their fidelitie and vnfained loue to his Maiestie , offering to be bound life for life with good suerties for their loyall behauiour : happy ▪ men had we béene to haue taken their bonds , ( no doubt ) for euen at that instant , when this petition was exhibiting , the chiefe heads of those lay Catholikes , were then labouring with all their might , to vndermine the Parliament house , to shake the Pillers , and the whole frame of the Kingdome to shiuers· And which is more , there is newly dispersed an idle discourse against an honorable personage of this Land , by a Papist , that termes himselfe a Catholike Diuine , defending Garnet the popish Priest ; saying , there was nothing against him at his arraignement , but onely his acquaintance with the Powder-plotte : which ( saith hee ) beeing reuealed vnto him in auricular confession , hee might not therefore by the lawe and right of Catholike religion , disclose nor make it knowne . How like you these Catholikes and this diuinitie ? if they grow so bold and desperate in a mighty setled State , howe much more dangerous in the birth and infancie of yours ? Therefore if you will liue and prosper , harbor not this viperous broode in your bosome , which will eat out and consume the wombe of their mother . The third sort to auoide , are euill affected Magistrates , a plague that God himselfe complaines of by the Prophet Isaiah : O my people , they that leade thee , cause thee to erre . Touching which , I am no way able to speake enough , for herein lies the very life of all : let no partialitie preferre them , vnlesse they be worthy men ; if they be papists or popishly minded ; if prophane Atheists , contemning God and his word , turning religion to policy , vnchaste , idle , ambitious , proud and tyrannous , forgetting their allegiance to their King , and duety to their country , neglecting their commission of imployment , aduancing vil●e and vitious persons like themselues , and basely vsing those that bee vertuous , godly , and well affected : then looke for no blessing nor assistance of God , but misery , crosses , and confusions in all wée take in hand : but in men of knowledge , and religious education , there is euer found true humilitie , temperance and iustice , ioyned with confidence , valour and noble courage , such as was in Moses the man of God , whose iustice excéeded , and courage was incomparable , and yet the méekest man that went vpon the earth : tenne of such will chase an hundred : no aduersitie can make them despayre , their prouident care wil euer be to repulse iniuries , and represse the insolent , to encourage the paineful and best minded , to employ the idle to some honest labours , and to releeue with mercy and commiseration , the most feeble , weakest and meanest member . And as for the generall sort that shall goe to bee planters , bee they neuer so poore , so they bée honest , and painefull , the place will make them rich : all kinde of Artificers wee must-first imploy , are Carpenters , Ship-wrights , Masons , Sawyers , Brickemakers , Bricklayers , Plowmen , Sowers , Planters Fishermen , Coopers , Smiths , Mettel-men Taylers , Turners , and such like , to make and fitte all necessaries , for comfort and vse of the Colony , and for such as are of no trades ( if they bee industrious ) they shall haue there imployment enough , for there is a world of means to set many thousands a work● , partly in such things as I mentioned before , and many other profitable workes , for no man must liue idle there . And by this imploiment , we may happily stop the course of those Irregular youths of no religion , that daily run from vs to Rome and Rhemes for exhibition , which after a little hammering and trayning there by Parsons and his Impes , they become pliable for the impression of any villany whatsoeuer , as appeares by their positions and practises at home and abroad . And hereby our Marriners shall not lie idle , nor our Owners sell their ships for want of freight : you know how many good ships are daily solde , and made away to forreine nations : how many men for want of imploiment ▪ betake themselues to Tunis , Spaine and Florence , and to serue in courses not warrantable , which would better beseeme , our owne walles and borders to bee spread with such branches , that their natiue countrey , and not forreine Princes , might reape their fruit , as beeing both exquisite Nauigators , and resolute men for seruice , as any the world affoords . Wee intend to Plant there ( God willing ) great plentie of Sugar Canes , for which the soyle and clymate is very apt and fit ; also Linseed , and Rapeséeds to make Oiles , which because the soyle●s strong & cheape , may there be sowed and the oyle made to great benefite : wee must plant also Orenges , Limons , Almonds , Anniséeds , Rice , Cummin , Cotten wool , Carowey séeds , Ginger , Madder , Oliues , Oris , Sumacke and many such like , which I cannot now name , al very good Marchandize , and will there grow and increase , as well as in Italy or any other part of the streights , whence wee fetch them now . And in searching the land , there is vndoubted hope of finding Cochinell , the plant of rich Indico , Graineberries , Beauer Hydes , Pearles , rich Treasure , and the South sea , leading to China , with many other benefites which our day-light will discouer . But of all other things , that God hath denied that countrie , there is want of Sheepe to make woollen cloth , and this want of cloth , must alwaies bee supplied from England , whereby when the Colony is thorowly increased , and the Indians brought to our Ciuilitie , ( as they wil in short time ) It will cause a mighty vent of English clothes , a great benefit to our Nation , and raising againe of that auncient trade of clothing , so much decayed in England : whose lifting vp againe ( me thinkes I see apparantly approching , by the good dispositions of our best sort of Citizens , who willingly engage themselues to vndertake all new discoueries , as into this of the West , and by the North West to finde out China . And vnto the East beyond the Cape , into the Red Sea , the gulfe of Persia , the streights of Sunda , and among al the Kings of India , for the good and honour of our Nation : Which calles to minde , a blinde Prophesie in one of the Sibells , that before the ende of the world there shall be a discouerie of all Nations : which shall come to bee knowne and acquainted together , as one neighbour with another , which since the confusion of tongues haue lyeu obscure and hid . But howeuer that bee , yet these good mindes and resolutions , doe serue for imitation to others , and do deserue assuredly the best encouragement , whereby wee shall not still betake our selues to small and little Shipping ( as wee dayly doe beginne ) but shall reare againe such Marchants Shippes both tall and stout , as no Forreine Sayle that swimmes shall make them vaile or stoope : wherby to make this little Northerne corner of the world , to be in short time the richest Store-house and Staple for Marchandize in all Europe . The second thing to make this plantation is money , to be raised among the aduenturers ▪ wherein the sooner and more déeply men engage themselues , their charge wil be the shorter , & their gaine the greater , as in this last point which I haue to speake for the good of each particular Aduenturer , I will make it plaine . First you shall vnderstand , that his Maiestie hath graunted vs an enlargement of our Charter , with many ample priuiledges , wherein we haue Knights and Gentlemen of good place : Named for the Kings counsell of Virginia to gouerne vs : As also euery Planter and Aduenturer shall bee inserted in the Patent by name : This ground being laide , wee purpose presently to make supply of Men Women and children ( so many as we can ) to make the Plantation . Wee call those Planters that goe in their persons to dwell there : And those Aduenturers that aduenture their money and go not in person , and both do make the members of one Colonie . We do account twelue pound ten shillings to be a single share aduentured . Euery ordinary man or woman , if they will goe and dwell there , and euery Childe aboue tenne yeares , that shall be caried thither to remaine , shal be alowed for each of their persons a single share , as if they had aduentured twelue pound ten shillings in money . Euery extraordinarie man , as Diuines , Gouernors , Ministers of state and Iustice , Knights , Gentlemen , Physitions , and such as be men of worth for speciall seruices , are all to goe as planters , and to execute their seueral functions in the Colonie , and are to be maintained at the common charge , and are to receiue their Diuident ( as others doe ) at seuen yeares end , and they are to be agréed with all before they goe , and to be rated by the Councell , according to the value of their persons : which shal be set downe and Registred in a booke , that it may alwaies appeare what people haue gone to the Plantation , at what time they went , and how their persons were valued : And likewise , if any that goe to bee planters will lay downe money to the Treasurer , it shall bee also registred and their shares inlarged accordingly ▪ be it for more or less . Al charges of setling and maintaining the plantation , and of making supplies ▪ shall be borne in a ioint stock of the aduenturers for seuen yeares after the date of our new enlargement : during which time there shal be no aduenture , nor goods returned in priuate from thence , neytheir by Master , Marriner , Planter nor passenger , they shal be restrained by bond and search , that as we supplie from hence to the Planters at our owne charge all necessaries for food and apparel , for fortifying and building of houses in a ioynt stock , so they are also to returne from thence the encrease and fruits of their labours , for the vse and aduancement of the same ioynt stocke , till the end of seuen yeares : at which time wee purpose ( God willing ) to make a diuision by Commissioners appointed , of al the lands graunted vnto vs by his Maiestie , to euery of the Colonie , according to each mans seuerall aduenture , agréeing with our Register booke , which wee doubt not will bee for euery share of twelue pound tenne shillings , fiue hundred acres at least . Now if any thinke that we shal be tyed to a continual charge , of making new supplies for seuen yeares , let them conceiue thus much , that if wee doe it thorowly at the first , by engaging our selues at once , in furnishing many men and other meanes : assuredly after the second yeare , the returnes from thence wil be able with an ouer-plus , to make supplies at large , so that our purses shal be freed , and the ouer-plus of stock will also grow to greatnes , which stock is also ( as the land ) to be diuided equally at seuen yeares end or sooner , or so often as the company shall thinke fit for the greatnes of it , to make a Diuident . And as by this wée shall be soone freed from charge and expence , so there grows a greater benefit to the planters ( by bestowing their labours chéerefully ) to make returne of Stocke , for hereby the sooner they f●eeing vs from disbursments , the more our shares and portions will be lessened in the Diuident of Stocke and land at seuen yéeres end ▪ whereby the lesse comming to vs , the more will be to them , so that héere is no discouragement any way , if men will be capable to doe themselues good . But if wee will be so wise to linger , and lie in the winde , to heare what newes , to bring in our Stocke next yeare , and when we are behinde for foure or fiue Aduentures , we come dropping in with one or two and still runne in arrerages for twice so much : ( For I know many that would bring in stocke amongst vs , but they lie out to sée what successe first : and vpon such like termes . ) Is this Gentleman-like or Marchant-like , in truth it is paultry , and such as would bring all to naught , if we should bee so minded too , and I tell you true , our single shares wil make but a hungry Plantation , if we doe not at the least double them now : and therefore I vrge it the more , for that the very life of all is now in the beginning by making our supplies thoroughly , and thence will our gaines arise both sooner and certaine . yet I graunt that others may come in hereafter at any time , eyther to aduenture h●s person or money , or both , but if there be spent one yeere of the seuen before he comes in , or hée that comes in with the first shall notwithstanding bée a yeare behinde in supplies , they shall be both alike shortened in a seuenth part of the Diuident both of stocke and lands , and if two yeeres behinde , then shortned two seuenths , and if but sixe moneths , yet a fourtéenth part , for euery man is Registered according to the time , his money or person beganne to aduenture , or made supply , so that they which come late ▪ get not the 〈◊〉 of those that bore the first brunt of the busines , and this will neither aduantage him that withholds nor hinder ●im that is forward ▪ for whatsoeuer falles from him that is slack , will be found of him that supplies in due time . But euery man that comes in now in the first of these seuen yéers and shal afterwards vpon al occasions perform i● due time , euery twelue pound ten shillings so brought in shall bee accounted an entice single share , and shall receiue accordingly without abridgement , as it had béene brought in , when the enterprize first began , and not otherwise . And as for the diuisions of landes at seuen yeeres ende which ( some may obiect ) will be little worth ▪ and vnequally d●uided : let them vnderstand , that no man shall haue his lot entirely in one place , to be al of the best , or al of the worst , but each man shall haue proportionably to his aduentures , in thrée or foure distinct differences , that may bee made in the goodnes or badnes of the groundes by Commissioners equally chosen by the Aduenturers héere , and the Planters there ; and as for the value and little worth now , of those grounds in Virginia , we know that in England within these thirty or fortie yeeres , the yéerely rent of those grounds ( in many places ) were not worth fiue shillings , that now do goe for fourtie and more . And howsoeuer those grounds in Virginia are now but little worth indéede , yet time and meanes will make them better , considering how they passe our grounds in England , both in regard of the soile and clymate , fitte for many precious vses : And also in how many seuerall places we purpose to plant our Colony , and not to bestow our costs vppon Iames-towne onely , and vpon the grounds lying thereabout , and to let al ▪ the rest lie barren : for seeing his Maiestie hath graunted to our Colony as much circuite of ground as all England almost we purpose ( God willing ) if wee may be supplied with sufficient meanes ) to settle out of hand , sixe or seuen plantations more , al vpon , or neare our main-riuer , as capitall townes , twenty miles each from other , and euery plantation shall manure and husband the lands and grounds lying néere vnto it , and alotted for the circuite thereof , and shall all endeuour for a ioynt stocke , and shall be still supplied from hence with more money and prouisions , and against any publike iniury shall be ready to vnite , and ioyne themselues together . and by this mea●es wee shall come to haue our Diuident in landes of worth and well manured , which will be eyther bought or rented of vs at a good value by the planters , or by such as intend hereafter to inhabite there , as also by these seueral plantations ( which happly one place better fitting then another ) wee shall bring forth more seuerall sorts of Marchandize , and be also better fortified : and besides the Planters will be in such hope to haue their owne shares and habitations in those lands , which they haue so husbanded , that it will cause contending and emulation among them , which shall bring foorth the most profitable and beneficiall fruits for the ioynt stocke . Whereby vndoubtedly , we shall be soone fréed from further expence , our gaines will grow ▪ and our stocke encrease , we shall fell our tymber , saw our planck , and quickly make good shipping there , and shall returne from thence with good imployment , an hundred saile of good Shippes yearely , all which good and much more , wee shall withstand and bring our selues into a laborinth , if wee pinch and spare our purses now : therefore not to holde you longer with many wordes , ( being neere Exchange time as I take it ) remember what I haue said in prouing my proposition , and take my conclusion in a word or two . Séeing our prouocations are so many , our cause and title good , auaunt all idle oracles that seeke to bar vs : The wisedome of the wisest saith in these cases , VVhatsoeuer thy hand shall find to doe , do it with all thy might . Our forefathers not looking out in time , lost the prime and fairest proffer of the greatest wealth in the world , and we taxe their omission for it , yet now it falles out , that wee their children are tryed in the like , there being yet an excellent portion left , and by Diuine prouidence offered to our choice , which ( seeing we haue armes to embrace , ) let it not be accounted hereafter , As a prize in the hands of fooles , that had no hearts to vse it . The honour of our nation is now very great by his Maiesties meanes and wee his subiects cannot enlarge and vphold it by gazing o● , and talking what hath béene done , but by doing that good , which may bee commended hereafter , if we sitte still and let slip occasions , we shall gather rust , and doe vnfeather our owne wings , committing the folly of the wise Romanes heerein , that in time of their glory , flowing with the Conquestes and spoiles of the world , and hauing gotten the Goddesse Victoria to Rome , they clipt her wings ▪ and set her vp among their Gods , that shée might take her flight no more , as shee had formerly done from the Gretians and others , and so effeminating their valour with idlenesse and security , it brought confusion and ruine to their state . Let not such a prize of hopefull euents , so lately purchased by the hazard of our valiant men ▪ in the déepe Seas of forreine dangers , now perish in the Hauen by our neglect , the liues of our friends already planted , and of those noble Knights and Gentlemen that entend to goe shortly , must lie at our mercy to be reléeued and supplied by vs , or to be made a prey vnto others ( though wee feare not the subiects of any Prince in amity , that they will offer wrong vnto vs : ) And howsoeuer we heare tales and rumours of this and that , yet be not dismaid , for I tell you , if we find that any miscreants haue wronged , or goe about to hurt our few hundreds there , we shall be ready to right it againe with many thousands , like the giant Anteus , whose often foiles renued his strength the more . And consider well that great worke of fréeing the poore Indians from the deuourer , a compassion that euery good man ( but passing by ) would shew vnto a beast : their children when they come to be saued , will blesse the day when first their fathers saw your faces . If those vndaunted English and Scottish Captaines ▪ that so often ventured their liues , and spilt their blood , to reconquer Palestina from the Turks and Sarazens , had séen the gappe so open in their daies , and the way leading to so many goodly purchases , certainely it had not now béene left for vs to doe . How strange a thing is this that al the States of Europe haue béene a sleepe so long ? that for an hundred yeres and more , the wealth and riches of the East and West should runne no other current but into one coffer , so long til the running ouer , spread it selfe abundantly among a factious crew of new created Friers , and that to no more speciall end , then with instigating bloody plots to pierce the heart of a Christian State and true Religion . It is long since I read in a little treatise , made by Frith an English Martyre , an excellent foretelling touching the happinesse of these Northerne Ilands , and of great wonders that should bee wrought by Scots and English , before the comming of Christ , but I haue almost forgotten , and cannot readily call it to mind as I would , and therefore I omitte it now , Protesting vnto you , it would bee my griefe and sorrow , to bee exempted from the company of so many honorable minded men , and from this enterprise , tending to so many good ends , and then which , I truely thinke this day , there is not a worke of more excellent hope vnder the Sun , and farre excelling ( all circumstances wayed ) those Noble deeds of Alexander , Hercules and those heathen Monarks , for which they were deemed Gods among their posterity . And so I leaue it to your consideration , with a memorable note of Thomas Lord Howard Earle of Surry , when K. Henry the eight , with his Nobles at Douer tooke shipping for Turwin & Turney , and bidding the said Earle farewel , whom he made Gouernour in his absence , the Story sayth the Nobleman wept , and tooke his leaue with teares , an admirable good nature in a valiant minde , greeuing to be left behinde his Prince and Peeres in such an honourable seruice . FINIS .