NEW ENGLAND'S FIRST FRUITS; IN RESPECT, First of the Conversion of some, of the Indians. First of the Conviction of divers, of the Indians. First of the Preparation of sundry of the Indians. 2. Of the progress of Learning, in the College at CAMBRIDGE in Massacusets Bay. WITH Divers other special Matters concerning that Country. Published by the instant request of sundry Friends, who desire to be satisfied in these points by many New-England Men who are here present, and were eye or eare-witnesses of the same. Who hath despised the Day of small things. Zach. 4.10. If thou wert pure and upright, surely now he will awake for thee:— And though thy beginnings be small, thy latter end shall greatly enerease. job. 86, 7. LONDON, Printed by R. O. and G. D. for Henry Overton, and are to sold at his Shop in Popes-head-Alley. 1643. NEW ENGLAND'S FIRST FRUITS: 1. In respect of the INDIANS, etc. THe Lord, who useth not to be wanting to the desires of his Servants, as he hath not frustrated the ends of our Transplanting in sundry other respects; so neither in the giving some light to those poor Indians, who have ever sat in hellish darkness, adoring the Devil himself for their GOD: but hath given us some testimony of his gracious acceptance of our poor endeavours towards them▪ and of our groans to himself for mercy upon those miserable Souls (the very Ruins of Mankind) there amongst us; our very bowels yerning within us to see them go down to Hell by swarms without remedy. Wherefore we judged it our duty no longer to conceal but to declare (to the praise of his own free grace) what first Fruits he ha●h begun to gather in amongst them, as a sure pledge (we are confident) of a greater Harvest in his own time. And wonder not that we mention no more instances at present: but consider, First their infinite distance from Christianity, having never been prepared thereunto by any Civility at all. Secondly, the difficulty of their Language to us, and of ours to them; there being no Rules ●o learn either by. Thirdly, the diversity of their own Language to itself; every part of that Country having its own Dialect, differing much from the other; all which make their coming into the Gospel the more slow. But what God hath done for some of them, we will declare. 1. MAny years since at Plymouth Plantation, when the Church did fast and pray for Rain in extreme Drought; it being a very hot and clear sunshine day, all the former part thereof; An Indian of good quality, being present, and seeing what they were about, fell a wondering at them for praying for rain in a day so unlikely, when all Sun and no Clouds appeared; and thought that their God was not able to give Rain at such a time as that: but this poor wretch seeing them still to continue in their Prayers, and beholding that at last the Clouds began to rise, and by that time they had ended their Duty, the Rain fell in a most sweet, constant, soaking shower, fell into wonderment at the power that the English had with their God, and the greatness and goodness of that God whom they served, and was smitten with terror that he had abused them and their God by his former hard thoughts of them; and resolved from that day not to rest till he did know this great good God, and for that end to forsake the Indians, and clear to the English, which he presently did, and laboured by all public and private means to suck in more and more of the knowledge of God, and his ways. And as he increased in knowledge so in affection and also in his practice, reforming and conforming himself accordingly: and (though he was much tempted by enticements, scoffs and scorns from the Indians) yet, could he never be gotten from the English, nor from seeking after their God, but died amongst them, leaving some good hopes in their hearts, that his soul went to rest. 2. Sagamore john, Prince of Massaquesets, was from our very first landing more courteous, ingenious, and to the English more loving than others of them; he desired to learn and speak our Language, and loved to imitate us in our behaviour and apparel, and began to hearken after our God and his ways, and would much commend Englishmen, and their God; saying (Much good men, much good God) and being convinced that our condition and ways were better fare than theirs, did resolve and promise to leave the Indians, and come live with us; but yet kept down by fear of the scoffs of the Indians, had not power to make good his purpose; yet went on not without some trouble of mind, and secret plucks of Conscience, as the sequel declares: for being struck with death, fearfully cried out of himself that he had not come to live with us, to have known our God better: But now (said he) I must die, the God of the English is much angry with me, and will destroy me; ah, I was afraid of the scoffs of these wicked Indians; yet my Child shall live with the English, and learn to knew their God when I am dead; I'll give him to Mr. Wilson, he is a much Good man, and much loved me: so sent for Mr. Wilson to come to him, and committed his only Child to his care, and so died. 3. Divers of the Indians Children, Boys and Girls we have received into our houses, who are long since civilised, and in subjection to us, painful and handy in their business, and can speak our language familiarly; divers of whom can read English, and begin to understand in their measure, the grounds of Christian Religion; some of them are able to give us account of the Sermons they hear, and of the word read and expounded in our Families, and are convinced of their sinful and miserable Estates, and affected with the sense of God's displeasure, and the thoughts of Eternity, and will sometimes tremble and melt into tears at our opening and pressing the Word upon their Consciences; and as fare as we can discern, some of them use to pray in secret and are much in love with us, and cannot endure to return any more to the Indians. Some of them will not be absent from a Sermon or Family duties if they can help it; and we have known some would use to weep and cry when detained by occasion from the Sermon. Others of them are very inquisitive after God and his ways; and being themselves industrious in their Calling, will much complain of other servants idleness, and reprove them. One of them, who for some misdemeanour that laid him open to public punishment, ran away; and being gone, God so followed him, that of his own accord he returned home, rendered himself to Justice and was willing to submit himself, though he might have escaped. An Indian Maid at Salem, would often come from the Word, crying out with abundance of tears, concluding that she must burn when she die, and would say, she knew herself naught for present, and like to be miserable for ever, unless free Grace should prevent it; and after this grew very careful of her carriage, proved industrious in her place, and so continued. Another often frequenting the House of one of the Ministers at Salem, would tell him the Story of the Bible, even to his admiration, and that he attended upon the Word preached, and loved it; and how he could tell all the Commandments, and in particular each Commandment by itself, and how he laboured to keep them all; and yet for all this (said he) [Me are, and walk in fire] that is, when I die, I must to Hell: That Minister asked him why? he answered, because I know not jesus Christ, and prayed him earnestly to teach him jesus Christ, and after went out amongst the Indians, and called upon them to put away all their wives save one, because it was a sin against Englishman's Saviour. Another Indian coming by, and seeing one of the English (who was remote from our jurisdiction, profaning the Lord's day, by felling of a tree, said to him, Do ●ou not know that this is the Lords day, in Massaqusetts? much machet man, that is very wicked man, what, break you God's Day? The same man coming into an house in those parts where a man and his wife were chiding, and they bidding him sit down, he was welcome; he answered, He would not stay there, God did not dwell there, Ho●●mock, (that is the Devil) was there, and so departed. One of the Sagamores, having complaint made to him by some of the English, that his men did use to kill Pigeons upon the Lord's day, thereupon forbade them to do so any more; yet afterwards some of them did attempt it, and climbing the high trees (upon which Pigeons in that Country use to make their nests) one of them fell down from off the tree and broke his neck, and another fell down and broke some of his limbs: thereupon the Sagamore sent two grave old men to proclaim it amongst his Indians, that none of them should kill Pigeons upon the Sabbath day any more. Another Indian hearing of the fame of the English, and their God came from a far to see them, and such was this man's love to the English and their ways after he came acquainted with them, that he laboured to transform himself into the English manners and practices, as if he had been an English man indeed; he would be called no more by his Indian name, but would be named William; he would not go naked like the Indians, but clothed just as one of ourselves; he abhorred to dwell with the Indians any longer; but forsaking all his friends and Kindred dwelled wholly with us; when he sat down to meat with us, if thanks were given before he came in, or if he did eat by himself, constantly he would give thanks reverently and gravely, he frequented the word and family duties where he came, and got a good measure of knowledge beyond ordinary, being a man of singular par●s, and would complain that he knew not Christ, and without him, he said all he did was nothing; he was so zealous for the Lords day, that (as it was observed) if he saw any profaning it, he would rebuke them and threaten them to carry them to the Governor. All which things weighed, we dare not but hope, that many of them, do belong to the Kingdom of God; and what further time may produce, we leave it to him that is excellent in Counsel, and wonderful in working. 4. There is also a Blackmore maid, that hath long lived at Dorchester in New England, unto whom God hath so blessed the public and private means of Grace that she is not only endued with a competent measure of knowledge in the mysteries of God, and conviction of her miserable estate by sin; but hath also experience of a saving work of grace in her heart, and a sweet savour of Christ breathing in her; insomuch that her soul hath longed to enjoy Church-fellowship with the Saints there, and having propounded her desire to the Elders of the Church, after some trial of her taken in private, she was called before the whole Church, and there did make confession of her knowledge in the Mysteries of Christ and of the work of Conversion upon her Soul: And after that there was such a testimony given of her blameless and godly Conversation, that she was admitted a member by the joint consent of the Church with great joy to all their hearts. Since which time, we have heard her much admiring Gods free grace to such a poor wretch as she was; that God leaving all her friends and Kindred still in their sins, should cast an eye upon her, to make her a member of Christ, and of the Church also: and hath with tears exhorted some other of the Indians that live with us to embrace jesus Christ, declaring how willing he would be to receive them even as he had received her. 5. The last instance we will give shall be of that famous Indian W●●uash who was a Captain a proper man of person, and of a very grave and sober spirit; the Story of which coming to our hands very lately, was indeed the occasion of writing all the rest: This man a few years since, seeing and beholding the mighty power of God in our English Forces, how they fell upon the Pequits, where divers hundreds of them were slain in an hour: The Lord, as a God of glory in great terror did appear unto the Soul and Conscience of this poor Wretch in that very act; and though before that time he had low apprehensions of our God, having conceived him so be (as he said) but a Muskett● God or a God like unto a fly; and as mean thoughts of the English that served this God that they were silly weak men; yet from that time he was convinced and persuaded that our God was a most dreadful God; and that one English man by the help of his God was able to slay and put to flight an hundred ●n●an●. This conviction did pursue and follow him night and day, so that he could have no rest or quiet because he was ignorant of the English man's God: he went up and down bemoaning his condition, and filling every place where he came with sighs and groans. Afterward it pleased the Lord that some English (well acquainted with his Language) did meet with him; thereupon as a Hart panting after the water Brookes he enquired after God with such incessant diligence that they were constrained constantly for his satisfaction to spend more than half the night in conversing with him. Afterwards he came to dwell amongst the English at Connecticus, still travelling with all his might and lamenting after the Lord: his manner was to smite his hand on his breast, and to complain sadly of his heart saying it was much machet, (that is very evil) and when any spoke with him he would say Wequash, no God, Wequash not know Christ. It pleased the Lord, that in the use of the means, he grew greatly in the knowledge of Christ, and in the Principles of Religion and became thoroughly reform according to his light, hating and loathing himself for his dearest sins, which were especially these two Lust and Revenge, this repentance for the former was testified by his temperance and abstinence from all occasions, or matter of provocation thereunto. Secondly, by putting away all his Wives, saving the first, to whom he had most right. His repentance for the latter was testified by an eminent degree of meekness and patience, that now, if any did abuse him, he could lie down at their feet, and if any did smite him on the one cheek, he would rather turn the other, than offend them: many trials he had from the Jndians in this case. Thirdly, by going up and down to those he had offered violence or wrong unto, confessing it, and making restitution. Afterwards he went amongst the Indians, like that poor Woman of Samaria, proclaiming Christ, and telling them what a Treasure he had found, instructing them in the knowledge of the true God and this he did with a grave and serious spirit, warning them with all faithfulness to flee from the wrath to come, by breaking off their sins and wickedness. This course of his did so disturb the Devil, that ere long some of the Indians, whose hearts Satan had filled did secretly give him poison, which he took without suspicion: and when he lay upon his death bed, some Indians who were by him, wished him according to the Indian manner, to send for Po●ow (that is to say) a Vizard; he told them, If jesus Christ say that Wequash shall live, than Wequash must live; if jesus Christ say that Wequash shall die, than Wequash is willing to die, and will not lengthen ●ur his life by any such means. Before he died, he did bequeath his Child to the godly care of the English for education and instruction and so yielded up his soul into Christ his hands. I cannot omit the testimony of Mr. should a godly Minister in the Bay, that wrote to his Friend in London concerning this Story, his lines are full plain and pithy his words these, Wequash the famous Indian at the River's mouth is dead, and certainly in heaven; gloriously did the Grace of Christ shine forth in his conversation, a year and a half before his death he knew Christ, he loved Christ, he preached Christ up and down, and then suffered Martyrdom for Christ; and when he died▪ he gave his soul to Christ, and his only child to the English, rejoicing in this hope, that the child should know more of Christ then its poor Father ever did. Thus we have given you a little taste of the sprinklings of God's spirit, upon a few Indians, but one may easily imagine, that here are not all that may be produced: for if a very few of us here present, upon very sudden thoughts, have snatched up only such instances which came at present to hand, you may conveive, that if all in our Plantations (which are fare and wide) should set themselves to bring in the confluence of all their Observations together, much more might be added. We believe one mean amongst others, that hath thus fare won these poor wretches to look after the Gospel, hath been the deal and carriages, which God hath guided the English in our Patent, to exercise towards them: For, 1. At our entrance upon the Land, it was not with violence and intrusion, but free and fair, with their consents and allowance the chief Sagamores of all that part of the Country, entertaining us hearty, and professed we were all much welcome. 2. When any of them had possession of, or right unto any Land we were to plant upon, none were suffered, (to our knowledge) to take one acre from them, but do use to compound with them to content. 3. They have had justice truly exercised towards them in all other particular acts; that as we expect right dealing from them, in case any of them shall trespass us, we send to their Sagamore, and he presently rights us, or else we summon them to our Court to answer it; so if any of our men offend them, and complaint and proof be made to any of our Magistrates, or the public Court (they know) they are sure to be righted to the utmost by us. 4. The humanity of the Enghish towards them doth much gain upon them, we being generally wary, and tender in giving them offensive or harsh language, or carriage, but use them fairly and courteously, with loving terms, good looks and kind salutes. Thus they having first a good esteem of our Persons, (such of them as God intends good unto) are the sooner brought to hearken to our words, and then to serve our God: whereas on the contrary, the wicked, injurious and scandalous carriages of some other Plantations, have been a mean to harden chose poor woeful souls against the English, and all Religion for their sakes; and seal them up under perdition. Yet (mistake us not) we are wont to keep them at such a distance, (knowing they serve the Devil and are led by him) as not to embolden them too much or trust them too fare; though we do them what good we can. And the truth is, God hath so kept them, (excepting that act of the Pequits, long since, to some few of our men) that we never found any hurt from them, nor could ever prove any real intentions of evil against us: And if there should be such intentions and that they all should combine together against us with all their strength that they can raise, we see no probable ground at all to fear any hurt from them, they being naked men, and the number of them that be amongst us not considerable. Let us here g●ve a touch also of what God hath done and is further about to do, to divers Plantations of the English, which before that time that God sent light into our coasts, were almost as dark and rude as the Indians themselves. 1. First at Agamenticus (a Plantation out of our jurisdiction) to which one of our Preachers coming and labouring amongst them, was a means under God, not only to sparkle heavenly knowledge, and work conviction and reformation in divers of them, but conversion also to Christ in some of them, that bless God to this day, that ●ver he came thither. 2. Then after that, as Sauco Plantation, which is an hundred miles from us, divers of that place coming often into our coasts and hearing the Word preached, and seeing Gods go amongst his people there, being much affected went home and lamented amongst their neighbours their own woeful condition, that lived like heathens without the Gospel, when others enjoyed it in great plenty: hereupon with joint consent two of their chief men were sent in all their names earnestly to entreat us to send a godly Minister to preach the Word unto them; which was do accordingly, not without good success to the people there, and divers places about them. 3. After this, towards the end of last Summer, four more Plantations some of which are divers hundred miles, others of them many hundred leagues from our Plantation) hearing of the goodness of God to his people in our parts, and of the light of the Gospel there shining; have done even as Jacob did in the Famine time, when he heard there was bread in Egypt he hasted away his Sons for Corn, that they might live and not die: in like manner three several Towns in Virginia as also Ba●bados, Christopher's and Antego all of them much about the same time, as if they had known the minds of each other did send Letters and Messengers crying out unto us as the man of Macedonia to Paul, Come and help us and th●● with such earnestness, as men hunger-starved and ready to die cry for bread; so they cry out unto us in the bowels of compassion for the Lord Jesus sake to send them some help. They tell us in some of their Letters that from the one end of the Land to the other, there is none to break the bread of life unto the hungry; and those that should do it, are so vil●, that even drunkards and swearers, cry shame on them. We had thought (but only for the swelling of our Discourse) to have set down their Letters at large, which they wrote to all our Churches, which spoke with such strength of reason and affection, that when they were read in our Congregations they prevailed with us, that for their necessity we spared the bread from our own mouth● to save th●ir lives, and sent two of our Ministers for the present to Virginia; and when the Ships came away from them they left them in serious consultation, whom to give up to the work of Christ in the other three places also. We hear moreover that the Indians themselves in some of the places named did join with them in this their suit. Now from what hath been said, see the riches of Gods free Grace in Christ, that is willing to impart mercy even to the worst of men, and such as are furthest off cry out with Paul, On the depths, etc. and let heaven and earth be filled with the glorious praises of God for the same. And if such as are afar off, why should not we that are nearer press in for a share therein, and cry out, as Esau did with tears to his Father, when he saw the blessing going away to his younger brother, and himself, like to lose it: [Oh my Father h●st thou but one blessing, bless me also, even me thy first borne, bless me, oh my Father.] Else these poor Indians will certainly rise up against us, and with great boldness condemn us in the great day of our accounts, when many of us here under great light, shall see men come from the East and from the West, and sit down in the Kingdom of God, and ourselves cast out. 2. Let the world know, that God led not so many thousands of his people into the Wilderness, to see a reed shaken with the wind, but amongst many other special ends, this was none of the least, to spread the light of his blessed Gospel, to such as never heard the sound of it. To stop the mouths of the profane that calumniate the work of God in our hands, and to satisfy the hearts of the Saints herein that God had some special service for his people there to do, which in part already we begin to see, and wait upon D●vine Wisdom, to discover more of his pleasure herein, and upon his Grace to effect, which we believe in his time he will so do, that men shall see and know the wisdom and power of God herein. 3. Shall we touch here upon that apprehension which many godly and wise have conceived, and that from some Scriptures compared, and from other grounds, and passages of Providence collected that (as it's very probable) God means to carry his Gospel westward, in these latter times of the world; and have thought, as the Sun in the afternoon of the day, still declines more and more to the West and then sets: so the Gospel (that great light of the world) though it risen in the East, and in former ages, hath ligntened it with his beams; yet in the latter ages of the world will bend Westward, and before its setting, brighten these parts, with his glorious lustre also. 4. See how God's wisdom produceth glorious effects, from unlikely means, and make straight works by crooked instruments: for who would have thought, that the chase away hence so many godly Ministers, should so fare have promoted the praises of God, and should be a mean to spread the Gospel, when they intended to ruin it: they blew out their lights and they burn clearer: their silencing Ministers have opened their mouths so wide as to sound ou● his glorious praises, to the uttermost parts of the earth, say with the Psalmist, This is the Lords doing and it is marvellous in our eyes. 5. Despise not the day of small things; let none say of us as those scoffers did of their building ●erusalem, ●hat will these weak ●ewes 〈◊〉? but learn to adore God in all his Providence, and wait to see his ends. 6. Lend us, we beseech you (all you that love Zion) your prayers and help in heaven and earth for the furtherance of this great and glorious work in our hands; great works need many hands, many prayers, many tears: And desire the Lord to stir up the bowels of some godly minded, to pity those poor Heathen that are bleeding to death to eternal death and to reach forth an hand of soule-mercy, to save some of them from the fire of hell by affording some means to maintain some fit instruments on purpose to spend their time, and give themselves wholly to preach to these poor wretches▪ that as the tender Samari●a● did to the wounded man they may pity them and g●t them healed that even their bowels may bless them in the day of their visitation, and Christ's bowels refreshed by their love, may set it on his own score, and pay them all again in the day of their accounts. NEW ENGLAND'S FIRST FRUITS: 2. In ●espect of the College, and the proceed of Learning therein. 1. AFter God had carried us safe to New-England, and we had builded our houses, provided necessaries for our livelihood, reared convenient places for God's worship, and settled the Civil Government: One of the next things we longed for, and looked after was to advance Learning and perpetuate it to Posterity; dreading to leave an illiterate Ministry to the Churches, when our present Ministers shall lie in the Dust. And as we were thinking and consulting how to effect this great Work; it pleased God to stir up the heart of one Mr. Harvard (a godly Gentleman, and a lover of Learning, there living amongst us) to give the one half of his Estate (it being in all about 17●0. l.) towards the erecting of a College and all his Library: after him another gave 300. l. others after them cast in more, and the public hand of the State added the rest: the College was, by common consent, appointed to be at Cambridge, (a place very pleasant and accommodate)▪ and is called (according to the name of the first founder) Harvard College. The Edifice is very fair and comely within and without, having in it a spacious Hall; (where they daily meet at Common Lectures) Exercises, and a large Library with some Books to it, the gifts of divers of our friends, their Chambers and studies also fitted for, and possessed by the Students, and all other rooms of Office necessary and convenient, with all needful Offices thereto belonging: And by the side of the College a fair Grammar School for the training up of young Scholars, and fitting of them for Academical Learning, that still as they are judged ripe, they may be received into the College of this School. Master Corlet is the Mr. who hath very well approved himself for his abilities dexterity and painfulness in teaching and education of the youth under him. Over the College is master Dunster placed, as Precedent, a learned conscionable and industrious man, who hath so trained up his Pupils in the tongues and Arts, and so seasoned them with the principles of Divinity and Christianity that we have to our great comfort, (and in truth) beyond our hopes, beheld their progress in Learning and godliness also; the former of these hath appeared in their public declamations in Latin and Greek, and Disputations Logical and Philosophical, which they have been wont (besides their ordinary Exercises in the Colledg●-Hall) in the audience of the Magistrates, Ministers, and other Scholars, for the probation of their growth in Learning, upon set days, constantly once every month to make and uphold: The latter hath been manifested in sundry of them, by the savoury breathe of their Spirits in their godly conversation. Insomuch that we are confident, if these early blossoms may be cherished and warmed with the influence of the friends of Learning and▪ lovers of this pious work, they will by the help of God, come to happy maturity in a short time. Over the College are twelve Overseers chosen by the general Court, six of them are of the Magistrates, the other six of the Ministers, who are to promote the best good of it and (having a power of influence into all persons in it) are to see that every one be diligent and proficient in his proper place. 2. Rules, and Precepts that are observ●d in the College. 1. When any Scholar is able to understand Tully, or such like classical Latin Author extempore, and make and speak true Latin in Verse and Prose, suo ut a●unt M●rie; And decline perfectly the Paradig●m's of Nouns and Verbs in the Greek tongue: Let him then and not before be capable of admission into the College. 2. Let every Student be plainly instructed, and earnestly pressed to consider well, the main end of his life and studies is, to know God and jesus Christ which is eternal life, Joh. 17.3. and therefore to lay Christ in the bottom, as the only foundation of all sound knowledge and Learning. And seeing the Lord only giveth wisdom, Let every one seriously set himself by prayer in secret to seek i● of him Prov 2, 3. 3. Every one shall so exercise himself in reading the Scriptures twice a day, that he shall be ready to give such an account of his profic●ncy therein, both in theoretical observations of the Language, and Log●●●, and in Practical and spiritual truths, as his Tutor shall require, according to his ability, seeing the entrance of the word giveth light 〈◊〉 giv● 〈◊〉 understanding ●o the simple, Psalm. 119.130. 4 That they eshewing all profanation of God's Name, Attribu es, Word Ordinances and times of Worship, do study with good conscience, carefully to retain God, and the love of his truth in heir minds else let them know, that (notwithstanding their Learning) God may give them up to strong a●●usions, and in the end to are probare mind. 2 Thes. 2.11, 12. Rom. 1.28. 5. That they studiously red●eme the time; observe the general hours appointed for all the Student's, and the special hours for their own Classi: and then diligently attend the Lectures without any disturbance by word or gesture. And if in any thing the doubt, they shall ●nquire as of their fellows, so, (in case of Non satisfaction) modestly of th●r Tutors. 6. None shall under any pretence whatsoever, frequent the company and society of such men as lead an unfit, and dissolute life. Nor shall any without his Tutors leave, or (in his absence) the call of Parents or Guardians, go abroad to other Towns. 7. Every Scholar shall be present in his Tutor's chamber at the 7th. hour in the morning, immediately after the sound of the Bell at his opening the Scripture and prayer, so also at the 5th. hour at night, and then give account of his own private reading 〈◊〉 reshid in Particular the third, and constantly attend Lectures in the 〈◊〉 all at the hours appointed? But if any (without necessary impediment) shall absent himself from prayer or Lectures, he shall b●e liable to Admonition, if he offend above once a week. 8. If any Scholar shall be found to transgress any of the Laws of God, or the School, after twice Admonition, he shall be liable, if not adultus, to correction, if adultus, his name shall be given up to the Overseers of the College, that he may be admonished at the public monthly Act. 3. The times and order of their Studies, unless experience shall show cause to alter. THe second and third day of the week, read Lectures, as followeth. To the first year at 8th. of the clock in the morning Logic, the first three quarters, Physics the last quarter. To the second year, at the 9th. hour, Ethics and Politics, at convenient distances of time. To the third year at the 10th. Arithmetic and Geometry, the three first quarters, Astronomy the last. Afternoon, The first year disputes at the second hour. The 2d. year at the 3d. hour. The 3d. year at the 4th. every one in his Art. The 4th. day reads Greek. To the first year the Etymology and Syntax at the eight hour. To the 2d. at the 9th. hour, Prosedia and Dialects. Afternoon. The first year at 2d. hour practice the precepts of Grammar in such Authors as have variety of words. The 2d. year at 3d. hour practice in Poêsy, Nonnus, Duport, or the like. The 3d. year perfect their Theory before noon, and exercise Style, Composition, Imitation, Epitome, both in Prose and Verse, afternoon. The fift day reads Hebrew, and the Eastern Tongues. Grammar to the first year hour the 8th. To the 2d. Chaldee at the 9th. hour. To the 3d. Syriack at the 10th. hour. Afternoon. The first year practice in the Bible at the 2d. hour. The 2d. in Ezra and Danel at the 3d. hour. The 3d. at the 4th. hour in Trestius New Testament. The 6th. day reads Rhetoric to all at the 8th. hour. Declamations at the 9th. So ordered that every Scholar may declaim once a month. The rest of the day vacat Rhetoricis studiis. The 7th. day reads Divinity Carecheticall at the 8●h. hour, Common places at the 9th. hour. Afternoon. The first hour reads history in the Winter, The nature of plants in the Summer The sum of every Lecture shall be examined, before the new Lecture be read. Every Scholar, that on proof is found able to read the Originals of the Old and New Testament in to the Latin tongue, and to resolve them Logically; withal being of godly life and conversation; And at any public Act hath the Approbation of the Overseers and Master of the College is fit to be dignified with his first Degree. Every Scholar that giveth up in writing a System, or Synopsis, or sum of Logic, Natural and Moral Philosophy, Arithmetic, Geometry and Astronemy: and is ready to defend his Theses or positions: withal skilled in the Originals as above said: and of godly life & conversation: and so approved by the Overseers and Master of the College, at any public Act, is fit to be dignified with his 2d. Degree. 4. The manner of the late Commencement, expressed in a Letter s●nt over from the Governor, and divers of the Ministers, their own words these. THE Sindents of the first Classis that have been these four years trained up in University-Learning (for their ripening in the knowledge of the Tongues and Arts) and are apprved for their manners as they have kept their public Acts in former years, ourselves being present, at them; so have they lately kept two solemn Acts for their Commencement, when the Governor, Magistrates, and the Ministers from all parts, with allsorts of Scholars, and others in great numbers were present, and did hear their Exercises; which were Latin and Greek Orations, and Declamations, and Hebrew Analasis Grammatical, Logical & Rhetorical of the Psalms: And their Answers and Disputations in Logical, ethical, Physical and Metaphysical Questions; and so were found worthy of the first degree, (commonly called Bachelor) Pro more Academiarum in Anglia: Being first presented by the precedent to the Magistrates and Ministers and by him, upon their Approbation, solemnly admitted unto the same degree, and a Book of Arts delivered into each of their hands, and power given them to read Lectures in the Hall upon any of the Arts, when they shall be thereunto called, and a liberty of studying in the Library. All things in the College are at present, like to proceed even as we can wish, may it but please the Lord to go on with his blessing in ●hrist, and stir up the hearts of his faithful, and able Servants in our own Native Country, and here, (as ●e hath graciously begun) to advance this Honourable and most hopeful work. The beginnings whereof and progress hitherto (generally) do fill our hearts with comfort, and raise them up to much more expectation, of the Lords goodness for hereafter, for the good of posterity, and the Churches of Christ jesus. BOSTON in New-England, September the 26. 1642. Your very loving friends, etc. A Copy of the Questions given and maintained by the Commencers in their public Acts, printed in Cambridge in New-England, and reprinted here verbatim, as followeth. Spectatissimis Pietate, et Illustrissimis Eximia Virtute Viris, D. johanni Winthropo, inclytae Massachusetti Coloniae Gubernatori, D. Johanni Endicotto Vice-Gubernatori, D. Thom. Dudleo, D. Rich. Bellingham●, D. joan. Humphrydo, D. Israel. Stoughton●. Nec non Reverendis pientiffimisque viris joanpi Cotton●, joan, Wils●n●, joan, Davenport, Tho. Weldo. Hugons' Petro, Tho. Shepardo, Collegij Harvardensis nov. Cantab●. inspectoribus fidelissimis, caeterisque Magistratibus, & Ecclesiatum ●●usdem Coloniae Presbyteris vigilantissimis, Has Theses Philologicas, & Philosophicas, quas Deo duce, Praeside Henrico Dunstero palam pro virili propugnare conabuntur, (honoris & ●bservantiae gratia) dicant consecranique in artibus liberalibus initiati Adolescentes. Benjamin Woodbrigins. Georgius Downingus. Gulielmus Hubb●rdus. Henricus Saltonstall. johannes Bulkleius. johannes Wilsonus. Nathaniel Brusterus. Samuel Belinghamus. Tobias Bernardus. Theses Philologicas. GRAMMATICAS. LInguarum Scientia est utilissima. Literae non exprimunt quantum vocis Organa efferunt. 3 Haebraea ●●t Linguarum Mater. 4. Con●onantes & vocal●s Haebreorum sunt coaetaneae. 5. Punctationes chatepha ae ●yllabam proprie no efficiunt. 6. Linguarum Graeca est copiosillima 7. Lingua Graeca est ad acc●ntus pronuntianda. 8. Lingua Latina est eloquentistima. RHETORICAS. RHetorica specie differt a Logica. In ●locutione p●rspicu●tati cedit ornatus, ornatui copia. 3. Actio primas tenet in pronuntiotione. 4. Ora●oris est celare Artem. LOGICAS. UNiversalia non sunt extra intellectum. Omnia Argumenta sunt relata. 3. Causa sine qua non non est peculiaris causa a quatuor reliquis generalibus, 4. Causa & Effectus sunt simul tempore. 5. Dissentanea sunt aeque nota. 6. Contrarietas est tantum inter duo, 7. Sublato relato tollitur correlatum. 8. Genus perfectum aequaliter communicatur speciebus. 9 Testimonium valet quantum testis. 10. Elenchorum doctrina in Logica non est necessaria. 11. Axioma contingens est, quod ita verum est, ut aliquando falsum esse possit. 12. Praecepta Artium debent esse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Theses Philosophicas. ETHICAS. PHilosophia practica est eruditions meta. Actio virtutis h●bitum antecellit. 3. Voluntas est virturtis moralis subjectum. 4. Voluntas est formaliter libera. 5. Prudentia virtutum difficillima. 6. Prudentia est virtus intellectualis & moralis. 7. Justitia mater omnium vi●tutum. 8. Mors potius subeunda quam aliquid culpae perpetrandum. 9 Non injuste agit nisi qui libens agit. 10. Mentiri potest qui verum dicit. 11. Juveni modestia summum Oranmentum. PHYSICAS COrpu● naturale mobile est subjectum Phisicae. Materia secunda non potest existere fine forma. 3. Forma est ●ccidens 4. Unius re●non est nisi unica forma constitutiva. 5. Forma est principium individuationis. 6. Privatio non est principium internum. 7. Ex meris accidentibu● non fit substantia. 8. Q●icquid movetur abalio movecur. 9 In omni motu movens simul est cum mobili. 10. Coelum●on movetur ab intelligen●ijs. 11. Non dantur orbes in coelo. 12. Quodlibe Flemen●um habet unam ex primis qualitatibus sibi maxime propriam. 13. Putredo in humido fit a calore externo. 14. Animanon fit extraduce. 15. Vehemens sensibile destruit sensum. METAPHISICAS. OMne ens est bonum. Omme creatum est concretum. 3. ●●icquid aecernum idem & immensum. 4. Bonum Metaphysicum non suscipit gradus. Thus fare hath the good hand of God favoured our beginnings: see whether he hath no● engage● us to wait still upon his goodness for the future▪ by such further remarkable passages of his providence to our Plantation in such things as these: 1. In sweeping away great multitudes of the Natives by the small Po● a little before we went thither, that he might make room for us th●re. 2. In giving such merveilous safe Passage from first to last, to so many thousands that went thither, the like hath hardly been ever observed in any Sea-voyages. 3. In blessing us generally with health and strength, as much as ever (we might truly say) more than ever in our Native Land; many that were tender and sickly here, are stronger and heartier there. That whereas divers other Plantations have been the graves of their Inhabitants and their numbers much decreased: God hath so prospered the climate to us, that our bodies are hailer, and Children there born stronger, whereby our number is exceedingly increased. 4. In giving us such peace and freedom from enemies, wh●n almost all the world is on a fire that (excepting that short trouble with the Pequits) we never heard of any sound of Wars to this day. And in that War which we made against them God's hand from heaven was so manifested, that a very few of our men, in a short time pursued through the Wilderness, slew and took priso●●rs about 1000 of them, even all they could find, to the great terror and amazement of all the Indians to this day: so that the name of the s●equits (as of Amaleck.) is blotted out from under heaven there being not one that is or, (as least) dare call himself a Pequi●. 5. In subduing those erroneous opinions carried over from hence by some of the Passengers, which for a time infested our Church's peace but (through the goodness of God) by conference preaching, a general assembly of learned men, Magistraces timely care▪ and last, by Gods own hand from heaven, in most remarkable strokes upon some of the chief fomenters of them; the matter came to such an happy conclusion, that most of the seduced came humbly and confessed their Errors in our public Assemblies and abid●●o this day constant in the Truth; the rest (that remained obstinate) finding no fit market there to vent their wares, departed from us to an Island fare off; some of whom also since that time, have repent and returned to us▪ and are received again into our bosoms. And from that time not any unsound, unsavoury and giddy fancy have dared to lift up his head, or abide the light amongst us. 6. In settling and bringing civil matters to such a maturity in a short time amongst us having planted 50. Towns and Villages, built 30. or 40. Churches, and more Ministers houses; a Castle, a College, Prisons, Forts, Cartwaies, Causies many, and all these upon our own charges no public hand reaching out any help: having comfortable Houses, Gardens, Orchards, Grounds fenced, Corn fields etc. and such a form and face of a Common wealth appearing in all the Plantation, that Strangers from other parts, seeing how much is done in so few years, have wondered at God's blessing on our endeavours. 7. In giving such plenty of all manner of Food in a Wilderness insomuch, that all kinds of Flesh amongst the rest, store of Venison in its season. Fish, both from Sea and Fresh water. Fowl of all kinds, wild & tame; store of Whit-Meale, together with all sorts of English Grain, aswell as Indian, are plentiful amongst us; as also Rootes, Herbs and Fruit, which being better digested by the Sun, are fare more fair pleasant and wholesome then here. 8. In prospering Hemp and Flax so well, that its frequently sown, spun, and woven into linen Cloth: (and in a short time may serve for Cordage) and so with cotton-wool, (which we may have at very reasonable rates from the Islands) and our linen Yarn, we can make Dimittees and Fustions for our Summer clothing. And having a matter of a 1000 Sheep, which prosper well, to begin withal, in a competent time we hope to have Cloth there made. And great and small , being now very frequently killed for food; their skins will afford us Leather for Boots and Shoes, and other uses: so that God is leading us by the hand into a way of clothing. 9 In affording us many materials, (which in part already are, and will in time further be improved) for Staple commodities, to supply all other defects: As 1. Furs, Bever, Otter, etc. 2. Clapboord, Hoops, Pipestaves, Masts. 3. English Wheat and other grain for Spain's and West Indies; and all other provisions for Victualling of Ships 4. Fish, as Cod, Haddock, Herrings, Mackerill, Basse, Sturgeon, Seales, Whales, Sea-horse. 5. Oil of sundry sorts, of Whale, Sea-horse, etc. 6. Pitch and Tar, Rosen and Turpentine, having Pines, Spruce, and Pitch-trees in our Country to make these on. 7. Hemp and Flax. 8. Minerals discovered and proved, as of Iron in sundry places, Black-lead (many other in hopes) for the improving of which, we are now about to carry over Servants and instruments with us, 9 (Besides many Boats, Shallops, Hows, Lighters, Pinnaces) we are in a way of building Ships, of an 100, 200, 300. 400. ton, five of them are already at Sea; many more in hand at this present, we being much encouraged therein by reason of the plenty and excellency of our Timber for that urpofe, and seeing all the materials will be had there in short time. 10. In giving of such Magistrates, as are all of them godly men, and members of our Churches, who countenance those that be good, and punish evil doers, that a vile person dares not lift up his head; nor need a godly man to hang it down, that (to Gods praise be it spoken) one may live there from year to year, and not see a drunkard hear an oath, or meet a beggar. Now where sin is punished, and judgement executed, God is wont to bless that place, and protect it, Psal. 106.30, jer. 5.1, Ios. 7.25 with 8. 1. c con●ra E●a. 20 21. 11. In storing that place with very many of his own people, and divers of them eminent for godliness. Now where his people are, there is his presence, and Promise to be in the midst of them, a mighty God to save, and to joy over them with singing, Zeph. 3.17. 12. Above all our other blessings, in planting his own Name, and precious Ordinances among us; (we speak it humbly, and in his fear) our endeavour is to have all his own Institutions, and no more than his own and all those in their native simplicity without any humane dress; having a liberty to enjoy all that God Commands, and yet urged to nothing more than he Commands. Now Where soever he records his Name, thither he will come and bless, Ex. 20, 24. Which promise he eath already performed to very many souls in their effectual conversion to Christ, and the edification of others in their holy Faith, who daily bless God that ever he carried them into those parts. All which blessings named we look upon, as an earnest-penny of more to come. If we seek his face, and serve his Providence, we have no cause to doubt, that he for his part will fail to make seasonable supplies unto us. 1 By some means to carry on to their perfection our staple trade's begun. 2. By Additions of Ammunition and Powder. 3. By maintenance of Schools of Learning especially the College, as also additions of building to it, and furnishing the Library. 4. By stirring up some wellminded to cloth and transport over poor children Boys and Girls, which may be a great mercy to their bodies and souls and a help to us, they being supper abundant here, and we wanting hands to carry on our trades, manufacture and husbandry there. 5. By stirring up some to show mercy to the Indians, in affording maintenance to some of our godly active young Scholars, there to make it their work to study their Language converse with them and carry light amongst them, that so the Gospel might be spread into those dark parts of the world. Ob. But all your own cost and ours also will be lost, because there can be no subsistence there for any long time. For, 1. Your ground is barren, Answ. 1. If you should see our goodly Corne-fields, near harvest you would answer this yourself. Secondly, how could it be thin, that we should have English Wheat at 4. s. per bushel, and Indian at 2.8. and this not only for ready money, but in way of exchange. Thirdly, that in a wilderness in so few years, we should have corn enough for ourselves and our friends that come over, and much to spare. 2 Obj. Your ground will not continue above 3. or 4 years to bear corn. Answ. Our ground hath been sown and planted with corn these 7.10. ●2. years already by ourselves, and (which is more than can be said here of English Land (never yet summer tilled: but have borne corn, every year since we first went, and the same ground planted as long by the Indians before, and yet have good crops upon it still, and as like to continue as ever: But this is, (as many other slanders against that good Land against all sense, reason and experience. 3 Obj. But you have no money there. Answ. It's true we have not much, though some there is, but we having those staple commodity's named, they will (still as they are improved) fetch money from other parts. Ships, Fish, Iron, Pip●staves. Corn, Bever, Oil, &c will help us with money and other things also. 2 Littl money is raised in coin in England, how then comes it to abound, but by this mean? 3. We can trade amongst ourselves by way of exchange, one commodity for another, and so do usually. 4. Obj. You are like to want clo●hes hereafter. Answ. 1. Linen Fustians Dimettees we are making already. Secondly, Sheep are coming on for woollen cloth. Thirdly in mean time we may be supplied by way of trade to other parts. 4th. Cor●●vant. Dear, Seal; and Moose Skins (which are beasts as big Oxen, and their skins are buff) are there to be had plentifully; ●hich will help this way, especially for servants clothing. 5. Obj. Your Winters are cold. Answ. True, at sometimes when the wind blows strong at Nor-West: but it holds not long together, and then it useth to be very moderate for a good space. First the coldness being not natural (that place being 42. degrees) but accidental. Secondly, The cold there is no impediment to health, but very wholesome for our bodies, insomuch that all sorts generally, weak and strong had scarce ever such measure of health in all their lives as there. Thirdly, It's not a moist and foggy cold, as in Holland, and some parts of England, but bright, clear, and fair wether, that men are seldom troubled in Winter with coughs and Rheums. Fourthly, it hinders not our employment, for people are able to work or travel usually all the Winter long, so there is no loss of time, simply in respect of the cold. Fiftly good fires (wood being so plentiful) will make amends. 6. Ob. Many are grown weaker in their estates since they went over. Ans. Are not divers in London broken in their Estates? and many in England are grown poor and thousands go a begging (yet we never saw a beggar there) and will any tax the City or Kingdom, and say they are unsubsistable places? Secondly their Estates now he in houses, Lands, Horses, , Corn etc. though they have not so much money as they had here, and so cannot make appearance of their wealth to those in England, yet they have it still, so that their Estates are not lost but changed. 3. Some men's Estates may be weaker through gr●at and vast common changes, which the first planters especially have been at in making the place subsistable and comfortable, which now others reap the fruit of unknown sums lie buried underground in such a work as that is. 4. Some may be poor (so we are sure) many are rich, that carried nothing at all that now have House Land, Corn, , &c and such as carry something are much increased. 7. Ob. Many speak evil of the place. Ans. Did not some do so of ●he Land of Canaan itself yet Canaan was never the worse and themselves smarted for so doing. Secondly some have been punished there for their Delinquencies, or restrained from their exorbitances; or discountenanced for their ill opinions and not suffered to vent their stuff: and hence being displeased take revenge by slanderous report. Thirdly, Let such if any such there be as have aught to allege, deal fairly and above board, and come and justify any thing against the Country to our faces while we are here to answer, but such never yet appeared in any of our presence to avouch any thing in this kind, nor (we believe) dare do it without blushing. 8. Ob. Why do many come away from thence? Answ. Do not many remove from one Country to another, and yet none likes the Country the less because some depart from it? Secondly, few that we know of intent to abide here, but do come on some special business, and purpose to return. Thirdly of them that are come hither to stay, (on our knowledge) some of the wisest repent them already, and wish themselves there again. Fourthly, as some went thither upon sudden undigested grounds, and saw not God leading them in their way, but were carried by an unstayed spirit, so have they returned upon as slight headless, unworthy reasons as they went Fiftly others must have elbowroom, and cannot abide to be so pinioned with the strict Government in the Commonwealth, or Discipline in the Church, now why should such live there; as Ireland will not brook venomous beasts, so will not that Land vile persons, and lose livers. Sixtly, though some few have removed from them, yet (we may truly say) thousands as wise as themselves would not change their place for any other in the World. FINIS.