THE Glorious Progress OF THE GOSPEL, AMONGST THE Indians in New England. MANIFESTED By three Letters, under the Hand of that famous Instrument of the Lord Mr. JOHN ELIOT, And another from Mr. Thomas Mayhew jun: both Preachers of the Word, as well to the English as Indians in New England. WHEREIN The riches of God's Grace in the effectual calling of many of them is cleared up: As also a manifestation of the hungering desires of many People in sundry parts of that Country after the more full Revelation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to the exceeding Consolation of every Christian Reader. TOGETHER, With an Appendix to the foregoing Letters, holding forth Conjectures, Observations, and Applications. By I. D. Minister of the gospel. Published by EDWARD WINSLOW Mal. I. II. From the rising of the Sun, even unto the going down of the same, my Name shall be great among the Gentiles, and in every place incense shall be offered unto my Name, and a pure Offering; for my Name shall be great among the Heathen, saith the Lord of Hosts. LONDON. Printed for Hannah Allen in Popes-head-Alley. 1649. TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE Parliament of England AND THE council OF STATE. Right Honourable, THat former Narative called, The clear Sunshine of the Gospel, breaking forth upon the Indians in New England; dedicated to your Honours by divers Reverend and eminent Ministers of the gospel in and about the City of London, found such acceptance in your House, as it begat a debate amongst yourselves, how the parliament of England might be serviceable to the Lord Jesus, to help forward such a work begun; which conduced so abundantly to the glory of God, and good of men in the salvation of their souls. And in order thereunto your Honours were pleased to refer it to the Committee of foreign plantations, to prepare and bring in an Ordinance for the encouragement and advancement of Learning and Piety in New England, as appeareth by your Order March 17. 1647. This Honourable Committee with great readiness and cheerfulness took it into their serious consideration, and presented the result of their mature debates to this honourable House: But so many and weighty have been the occasions and businesses of the House, that however the nature of the work and my duty (being appointed Agent though unworthy) on the behalf of New-England to this Parliament: yet durst not press too hard to interrupt the great affairs your Honours have been in hand withal. Nevertheless, I do now crave leave, humbly to acquaint you, that what was then judged deficient in the power granted to the Feoffees in that Ordinance, is since corrected and amended, and attendeth your honour's leisure for completing and finishing the same. Undoubtedly the common enemy of man's salvation hath rejoiced that this work so happily begun, hath not as yet received that countenance and encouragement from hence, which your Honours intended and resolved many months since. Nevertheless, I trust the most wise God hath turned this appearing loss into gain, by affording your Honours and the Nation a more clear account of the real and glorious Progres of the Gospel among those poor Indians in AMERICA, by such Intelligence I very lately received from thence, under the hands of those Reverend & learned Ministers, which are principally employed in preaching the Gospel to them in their own Language. And as I am daily and earnestly called upon to publish the same, that the whole Nation may be acquainted therewith: So I took it to be my duty to present it in the first place to this honourable House, and the council of State; that your Honours might perceive how these poor Creatures cry out for help; Oh come unto us, teach us the knowledge of God, tarry longer with us, come and dwell amongst us, at least depart not so soon from us. And others of them whose dwellings are near the Habitations of the English, (whose hearts God hath touched) calling for and demanding a free and full participation of all the Ordinances of Jesus Christ All which, and much more is evidently held forth in the following Narrative, which I have with all faithfulness collected and transcribed, according as I received the same from persons that were Actors therein, and are of known Integrity. There are two great questions Right Honourable, which have much troubled ancient and modern writers, and men of greatest depth and ability to resolve: the first, what became of the ten Tribes of Israel, that were carried into Captivity by the King of Syria, when their own country and Cities were planted and filled with strangers? The second is, what Family, Tribe, Kindred, or people it was that first planted, and afterwards filled that vast and long unknown country of America? Now however I confess questions are sooner asked then resolved; yet let me ac●…uaint your honours, that a godly Minister of this City writing to Rabbi-ben-Israel, a great Dr. of the Jews, now living at Amsterdam, to know whether after all their labour, travels, and most diligent enquiry, they did yet know what was become of the ten Tribes of Israel? His answer was to this effect, if not in these words, That they were certainly transported into America, and that they had infallible tokens of their being there. Unto which if I may take the boldness to add what myself, with many others in New England have observed in the practice of the Indians there, in relation to some things enjoined in the ceremonial Law of Moses, about the purification of women, which no men at this day do observe, no●… beside the Jews were ever known in that strictness to observe, as these Indians there daily do: As also if the principles of the most grave and sober amongst them, not only in reference to a Deity, the soul of man, the immortality of the soul, and an eternity after death in happiness or misery; but also their manifold daily expressions, bewailing the loss of that knowledge their Ancestors had about God, and the way of his Worship; the general deluge, and of one man only that ever saw God, which they hold forth to be a long time since, (even with the greatest expression of length of time that may be) which certainly I believe to be Moses. As also if many other Circumstances well known to many, (but not fit to be at large expressed in any Epistle) be duly considered, It is not less probable that these Indians should come from the Stock of Abraham, than any other Nation this day known in the world: Especially considering the juncture of time wherein God hath opened their hearts to entertain the Gospel, being so nigh the very years, in which many eminent and learned Divines, have from Scripture grounds, according to their apprehensions foretold the conversion of the Jews. However Right Honourable, the work of communicating and increasing the light of the Gospel is glorious in reference to Jews & Gentiles. And as God hath set a signal mark of his presence upon your Assembly, in strengthening your hands to redeem and preserve the civil Rights of the commonweal: so doubtless may it be a comfortable support to your Honours in any future difficulties, to contemplate, that as the Lord offered you (in this design) an happy opportunity to enlarge and advance the Territories of his son's Kingdom: So he hath not denied you (as I am confident he will not) an heart to improve the same; and in as much as lies in you to make all the Nations of the Earth, the Kingdoms of the Lord, and of his Christ; that so your Honours may still preserve your interest in his favour, which is and shall be the prayers of Your honour's most humble Servant, EDWARD WINSLOW. THE GLORIOUS progress of the Gospel amongst the Indians in New-England, IN the year of our Lord, 1646. it seemed good to the most high God, to stir up some reverend Ministers of the Gospel in New-England, to consider how they might be serviceable to the Lord Jesus, as well towards the Natives of that country, (as to their own Congregations and Churches, over which the Lord had set them) in bringing them to a right understanding of God and hemselves; and so by degrees to hold forth unto them that Salvation by Jesus Christ to all that should believe and obey his Commands; persuading themselves, that God might have a select people amongst these Heathens, and that for that end amongst many others he had planted so many Christian Congregations so near them. And however the English were not wholly negligent this way, but had in sundry parts of the country long before brought divers to a pretty competency of right understanding in the mystery of salvation, who lived orderly, and died hopefully; yet till such time as they were more generally acquainted with our conversation amongst ourselves, and with our demeanour towards them, as well in peace, as in such wars they had unavoidably drawn upon themselves; whereby they had such experience of the justice, prudence, valour, temperance, and righteousness of the English, as did not only remove their former jealousies and fears concerning us, and convict them of their own uneven walking; but begat a good opinion of our persons, and caused them to affect our Laws and Government. Till now (together with the want of language) we had but some few that were wrought upon; But in this acceptable year of the Lord, (being it seems the appointed season for their visitation) God having stirred up these Ministers to seek a Blessing upon their endeavours, and direct them in a right way; they found the answer of their prayers by the good acceptation they had amongst the poor Indians where they first went, &c. who soon became in love also with our Religion, and mightily hungered and thirsted after the Knowledge of God in Christ, as was published and made apparent to this Nation by a short Treatise, called, The day-breaking, if not the sunrising of the Gospel with the Indians in New-England. In the year 1647. being here upon some special service for the country, Letters came to my hands with some Papers from Mr. Tho. Shepard, Pastor of the Church at Cambridge there, which held forth a greater warmth of heavenly heat upon their (former frozen) spirits; which I communicated to some eminent Ministers of and near the City of London; viz. Mr. Martial, Mr. Downham, Mr. Thomas Goodwin, Mr. Whitaker, Mr. Nye, Mr. Case, Mr. Galamy, Mr. Sydrack Simpson, Mr. Ash, Mr. Greenhill, Mr. Carter, and Mr. Bolton: And such was the esteem these reverend men had of it, as by two several Epistles under their hands they recommended it to the Parliament of England, as a thing worthy their notice, care, and furtherance: And secondly, to the godly and well-affected of this Nation, who pray for, and rejoice in the thrivings of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus. This Narrative was also published, and called, The clear sunshine of the Gospel breaking forth upon the Indians in New-England. In the year 1648. our Letters miscarried many of them, in that the Ship that brought them was taken by the Prince of Wales, to the country's great prejudice, as well as many other Vessels and their lading formerly; by which miscarriage I was wholly hindered from giving any further account till this instant, 1649. And now having received some Letters, and others brought to me by divers of quality here residing at present, that appertain to New-England; and being exceedingly pressed to publish them by many godly and well-affected of the City and parts adjacent, I shall by God's help publish them all, or so many of them as concerns the Indian work; and if any doubt my faithfulness herein, (as I hope none will that know me) I shall most willingly show them the originals themselves. And before I come to this years' Letters, I received from Mr. Eliot, shall begin with one came to my hands, (dated Nov. 1647.) after the last Treatise was put out. And I the rather take this course, lest the young man should be discouraged in his labours so hopefully begun; his name is Mr. Mayhew, who teacheth the Word both to English and Indians upon an' Island called formerly Capawack, by us Morthas' Vineyard, by which you may see 'tis not one Minister alone that laboureth in this great work: His Letter followeth: SIR, THe encouragements I met withal touching the Indians conversion, Mr. Mayhews Letter from Capawack, Novemb 18, 1647. next unto God's glory, and his gracious promises was, the notable reason, judgement, and capacity that God hath given unto many of them; as also their zealous enquiring after true happiness, together with the knowledge I had of their tongue, besides several providences which hath advantaged my progress therein; as for instance: 1. There was one jeogiscat about 60. years of age, who was sick of a consuming disease, insomuch as the Indian pow-wows gave him over for a dead man: Upon which resolution of all the * Such as cure by devil'i●…h sorcery, and to whom the devil appears sometimes. pow-wows in the Island, the sick distressed Heathen upon a Lord's day came unto me (the rest of the English being then present) to desire me to pray unto God for him: And so when I had by reasoning with him convinced him of the weakness and wickedness of the pow-wows power; and that if health were to be found, it must be had from him that gave life, and breath, and all things; I commended this case unto the Lord, whereof he rejoiced, gave me thanks, and he speedily recovered unto his former strength. 2. In this present year 1647. the eldest son of one Vakapenessue, a great Sagamore of the Island, being very sick, took occasion to send for me to come unto him; and when I came unto him, I found him not more weak in body, then strong in earnest desires, that I should pray unto God for him; so I instructed him, and prayed for him: And when I had ended, of his own accord he spoke these words, Taubot mannit nu●… quam Cowin. viz. I thank thee God, I am heavy to sleep; and so I left him holding forth good affections: But shortly after he was changed altogether, and contrary to the persuasion of other Indians of several towns, sought again unto Witches. The Heathen seeing this, they forsook the * The Indians so call their houses. Wigwam, saying, We leave the house for the devil and them that would tarry. This news being brought me, I much mervailed thereat, yet sent him this message, viz. Tell Saul: (for the sick man was by the English so called) that when I was with him, I thought as then I told him, that he would live, because he sought for life unto the living God, where if anywhere it was to be found: But tell him now, that I think he will die. I also added the example of Ahaziah, who because he had the knowledge of the great God, and sought unto an inferior God; God was angry with him, and killed him: And so for that this Saul was informed of the true God, and is fallen from him to the earthen gods here below; that God will kill him also; and so it shortly came to pass. 3. Not long after a * A Prince or Ruler amongst them. Sagamore, called, Towanquattick; had his eldest son, whose name is Sachachanimo, very sick of a fever; this young man sent for me to come unto him; and when I came, his father and himself desired me to pray for him, the which I did in their own language, and promised to come again unto him very shortly, if he mended not, and use some other means also for his recovery: When I came again unto him, I found him very ill, asked him (together with his friends) whether they were willing I should let him blood? acquainting them that we used so to do in such cases. After some consideration, they consented thereunto, notwithstanding the pow-wows had told them before, that he should die, because he sought not unto them: so I bound his arm, and with my penknife let him blood; he bled freely, but was exceeding faint, which made the Heathen very sad; but in a short time, he begun to be very cheerful, whereat they much rejoiced, &c. So I left them, and it pleased the Lord the man was in a short time after very well. In these providences the Lord hath manifested both mercy and judgement, and it is, that he may raise up the Tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof, and raise up its ruins, and build it as in the days of old, that they may possess the Covenant of Edom, and of all the Heathen which are called by my Name, saith the Lord that doth this. But I pray you take notice of a speech of Towanquatticks (beingthe Father of the young man recovered) who lamenting the loss of their knowledge said unto me,* An indian speech worthy our consideration. That a long time agone, they had wise men, which in a grave manner taught the people knowledge, but they are dead, and their wisdom is buried with them: and now men live a giddy life in ignorance till they are white headed, and though ripe in years, yet than they go without wisdom unto their graves. He also told me; that he wondered the English should be almost thirty years in the Country, and the Indians fools still; but he hoped that the time of knowledge was now come; wherefore himself with others desired me to give them an Indian meeting, to make known the word of God unto them in their own tongue. And when he came to me to accomplish his desire thereabout, he told me, that* The better sort of them are full of such like expressions, affecting to speak in Parables. I should be to them, as one that stands by a running River, filling many vessels: Even so should I fill them with everlasting knowledge. So I undertook to give them a meeting once a month; but as soon as the first exercise was ended, they desired it oftener than I could well attend: but once a Fortnight is our settled course. This I present to your consideration; entreating you to present us unto the Lord for wisdom, to preach unto the Heathen the unsearchable riches of Christ, that so the root of Jesse standing for an ensign of the people, the Gentiles may seek unto it, and his rest shall be glorious, Amen. Great Harbour in the Vineyard 18. of the 9 1647. Yours in the best Bonds Tho. Mahew, junior. In the next place, I shall present you with some Letters of that painful yet unwearied Minister of the Gospel, Mr. John Eliot, who notwithstanding his faithful labours in teaching that Church or Congregation of the English, over which the Lord hath set him at Roxbury in the Government of the Massachusets, yet taketh all occasions, (neglecting no opportunity, whether more remote, or near at hand) to advance the glory of God, in calling those poor heathen to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and satisfying those hungry souls by administering the bread of life unto them: And however I cannot give you his first large Letter (as he terms it) being sent by way of Spain, and by that means not yet come to my hands, yet take his second in his own words, which will minister abundance of sweet consolation to every Christian Reader, that God should in these latter times so magnify his glorious grace in extending his everlasting mercies to those poor naked Indians. His Letter followeth. Worthy Sir, YOur cordial and faithful endeavours, &c. I am bold now Mr. Eliot's 2. Letter in 48. concerning the progress of the Gospel among the Indians. by the way of Virginia, to trouble you with a few lines, to express the thankfulness of my heart unto you, for that one part of your care, love, and labour in furthering this work of preaching Christ to these poor Indians, and declaring to them the way of eternal life and salvation; which work I bless the Lord goeth on not without success, beyond the ability of the Instruments: It is the Lord, the Lord only who doth speak to the hearts of men, and he can speak to theirs, and doth, (blessed be his name) so effectually, that one of them I believe verilyiss gone to the Lord; a* A precious testimony of an indian woman conceived to die a Christian. woman, who though she was not the first that came into the knowledge of Christ and the Gospel, yet she was the first of ripe years that hath died since I taught them the way of salvation by Jesus Christ, and the only one. And though of the living I will not say much, yet of the dead I may freely speak; After I began to preach unto them, her husband and she did quickly come in; and after she came, she was a diligent hearer; and out of desire to live where the word of God was taught, they fetched all the corn they spent, sixteen miles upon their backs from the place of their planting: She was industrious, and did not go about to English houses a begging, as sundry do, (though it is well reformed now with many of them) but kept home, kept her children to labour, making baskets to sell, &c. She quickly learned to spin well (for I got some wheels, but want means to supply them and order them.) Her life was blameless after she submitted to the Gospel, and was exemplary: She was the first woman that asked a question (by another man propounded for her) which was this; When my Husband prayeth in his house, my heart think●…th what he prayeth; whether is this praying to God a right or no? I thought it a sit question for a woman. She died of a sickness she took in childbed: I several times visited her, prayed with her, asked her about her spiritual estate? She told me she still loved God, though he made her sick, and was resolved to pray unto him so long as she lived, and to refuse powwawing. She said also, that she believed God would pardon all her sins, because she believed that Jesus Christ died for her; and that God was well pleased in him, and that she was willing to die, and believed to go to Heaven, and live happy with God and Christ there. It may be you may marvel at, and scarce credit such expressions: but they are the points of catechism which I constantly teach the Children; and the Children can very readily answer me in them; and they be truths now familiarly known by the attentive hearers, whereof she was one. And moreover of her own accord, she called her children to her, especially two up-grown daughters, which she had before she married this man, and said to them, I shall now die, and when I am dead, your grandfather and grandmother, and A precious dying speech of an indian woman to her children. uncles, &c. will send for you to come live amongst them, and promise you great matters, and tell you what pleasant living it is among them; But do not believe them, and I charge you never harken unto them, nor live amongst them; for they pray not to God, keep not the Sabbath, commit all manner of sins and are not punished for it: but I charge you live here, for here they pray unto God, the word of God is taught, sins are suppressed, and punished by laws; And therefore I charge you live here all your days. And soon after this she died, and it fell out indeed as she had said, for there was earnest sending and soliciting for the maids to live with them: so that the case was propounded to me on a Lecture day; and their Father in law opposed it, not only as adjudging it evil, but because of their mother's charge; and by this means I came to know the Story. And though they do, as you know, abhor the remembrance of their dead friends; yet when I take occasion to speak of her, and my reasons of hope that she is gone to heaven, they entertian it with joy, and sometimes with tears: I have been too tedious in this Story, yet I doubt not but it will be acceptable unto you. For the further progress of the work amongst them, I do Note what hinders the progress of the Gospel amongst them. perceive a great impediment; Sundry in the Country in divers places would gladly be taught the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, and would pray unto God, if I could go unto them, and teach them where they dwell: but to come to live here among or near to the English, they are not willing, because they have neither tools, nor skill, nor heart to fence their grounds; and if it be not well fenced, their corn is so fpoyled by the English cattle, and the English so loath to restore when they want fence, that its a very great discouragement to them and me; so that few come to dwell at the near places where I ordinarily teach, only some strangers do come to hear, and away again: So that I plainly see, the way to do them good must be this. A place must be found (both for this and sundry other reasons I can give) some what remote from the English, where they must have the word constantly caught, and government constantly exercised, means of good subsistence provided, encouragements for the industrious, means of instructing them in Letters, Trades, and Labours, as building, fishing, Flax and Hemp dressing, planting Orchards, &c. Such a project in a fit place, would draw many that are well minded together: but I fear it will be too chargeable, though I see that God delighteth in small beginnings, that his great name may be magnified. Few of our Southern Indians incline this way, only some of Tihtacuit. Young Ousamequin is an enemy to praying to God, and the old man too wise to look after it. Our Cutshamoquin hath some subjects in Martha's Vineyard, and they hearing of his praying Examples in Superio●… very prevalent. to God, some of them do the like there, with some other ingenious Indians, and I have entreated Mr. Mahew (the young scholar, son to old Mr. Mayhew) who preacheth to the English, to teach them; and he doth take pains in their Language, and teacheth them not without success, blessed be the Lord. And truly I think all the Ministers that live near them should do well to do the like. I have earnestly solicited many so to do, and I hope God will in his time bow their hearts thereunto. But I perceive our Western Indians up into the Inland do more earnestly embrace the Gospel. Shawanon the great Sachym of Nashawog doth embrace the Gospel, and pray unto God. I have been four times there this Summer, and there be more people by far, then be amongst us; and sundry of them do gladly hear the word of God, but it is near 40. miles off, and I can but seldom go to them; whereat they are troubled, and desire I should come oftener, and stay longer when I come. There is a great fishing place upon one of the Falls of Merimack River called Pautucket, where is a great confluence of Indians every Spring, and thither I have gone these two years in that season, and intend so to do the next Spring (if God will.) Such confluences are like fairs in England, and a sit season it is to come then unto them, to teach them to know God, and Jesus Christ, and call upon his name. For whereas there did use to be gaming and much evil at those great meetings, now there is praying to God, and good conference, and observation of the Sabbath, by such as are well minded; and no open profaneness suffered as I hear of, and my coming amongst them is very acceptable in outward appearance. This last Spring I did there meet old Papassaconnaway, who is a great Sogamore, and hath been a great Witch in all men's esteem (as I suppose yourself have often heard) and a very politic wise man. The last year he and all his sons fled when I came, pretending fear that we would kill him: But this year it pleased God to bow his heart to hear the word; I preached out of Malachi I. 11. which I thus render to them; From the rising of the Sun, to the going down of the same thy name shall be great among the Indians, and in every place prayers shall be made to thy name, pure prayers, for thy name shall be great among the Indians. Whence I showed them, what mercy God had promised to them; and that the time was now come wherein the Lord did begin to call them to repentance, and to believe in Christ for the remission of their sins, and to give them an heart to call upon his name, forsaking their former ways of pow-wowing, and praying to the devil, &c. And when I had done preaching, they began to propound questions, and one of them propounded this; If it be thus as you teach, than all the world of Indians are gone to hell to be tormented for ever, until now a few may go to Heaven and be saved; Is it so? These principles of a twofold estate after this life, for good and bad people, Heaven and Hell, I put amongst the first questions that I instruct them in, and catechise the children in; and they do readily embrace it for a truth, themselves by their own traditions having some principles of a life after this life, and that good or evil, according to their demeanour in this life. After a good space, this old Papassaconnoway speak to this purpose, that indeed he had never prayed unto God as yet, for he had never heard of God before, as now he doth. And he said further, that he did believe what I taught them to be true. And for his own part, he was purposed in his heart from thenceforth to pray unto God, and that he would persuade all his sons to do the same, pointing at two of them who were there present, and naming such as were absent. His son's present, especially his eldest son (who is a* The same signignification with Sagamore viz one b●…aring ●…le among them. Sachim at Wadchuset) gave his willing consent to what his father had promised, and so did the other who was but a youth. And this act of his was not only a present motion that soon vanished, but a good while after he spoke to Capt. Willard, who tradeth with them in those parts for beaver and Otter Skins, &c. that he would be glad if I would come and live in some place thereabouts to teach them, and that Capt. Willard would live there also: And that if any good ground or place that he had would be acceptable to me, he would willingly let me have it. I do endeavour to engage the Sachim's of greatest note to accept the Gospel, because that doth greatly animate and encourage such as are well-affected, and is a damping to those that are scoffers and opposers; for many such there be, though they dare not appear so before me. Thus you see by this short intimation, that the sound of the Word is spread a great way; yea, farther than I will speak of; and it appeareth to me, that the Fields begin to look white unto the Harvest. Oh that the Lord would be pleased to raise up many labourers into this Harvest! But it is difficult, not only in respect of the language, but also in respect of their barbarous course of life and poverty; there is not so much as meat, drink, or lodging for them that go unto them to preach among them, but we must carry all things with us, and somewhat to give unto them: So that the coming of Jesus Christ into these parts of the world, is not as he formerly came amongst the Gentiles, a poor underling, and his servants poor, living upon the Gospel where it was accepted among the rich Gentiles: But Christ will come unto these, rich, potent, above them in learning, riches, and power; and they shall flock unto the Gospel, thereby to receive external beneficence and advancement, as well as spiritual grace and blessings. And thus I bend myself to do to my poor ability: I never go unto them empty, but carry somewhat to distribute among them; and so likewise when they come unto my house, I am not willing they should go away without some refreshing, neither do I take any gratuity from them unrewarded; and indeed they do account, that they have nothing worth the giving unto me; only once when I was up in the country, a poor creature came to me as I was about to take Horse, shaking me by the hand, and with his other hand thrust something into my hand, I looked what it was, and it was a pennyworth of* A bead they make, and is highly esteemed among the Indians, equal to money with u●…. Wampom, upon a straw's end; I seeing so much hearty affection in so small a thing, I kindly accepted, only inviting him to my house, that I might there show my love to him. There is another great fishing place about threescore miles from us, whether I intend (God willing) to go next Spring, which belongeth to the forenamed Papassaconnaway; which journey, though it be like to be both difficult and chargeable for horse and men, in fitting provisions, yet I have sundry reasons which bow and draw my heart therennto. I desire your prayers to the Lord for me and for them, that the Lord would open my mouth to speak in his Name to their understandings, that with their hearts they may embrace that message which from the Lord I shall bring unto them. They have no means of physic at all, only make use of pow-wows when they be sick, which makes them loath to give it over: But I find, by God's blessing, in some means used in physic and chirurgery, they are already convinced of the folly of pow-wowing, and easily persuaded to give it over utterly as a sinful and diabolical practice: but I much want some wholesome cordials, and such other medicines as I have here mentioned in the in closed. The Indians about us which I constantly teach, do still diligently and desirously attend, and in a good measure practise (for the outward part of Religion, both in their families and Sabbaths) according to their knowledge; and by degrees come on to labour. I should be over-tedious and troublesome to you to run into particulars, only let me give you a taste of their knowledge by their Questions, a few whereof I did sometimes set down, though I have slipped many, and very material ones; these questions being asked at sundry times, and at sundry meetings of the Indians. Quest. How many good people were in Sodom when it was burnt? I know not how to pray to Christ and the Spirit, I know a little how to pray to God? Doth the devil dwell in us as we dwell in an house? When God saith, Honour thy Father, doth he mean three Fathers? our Father, and our Sachim, and God. When the soul goes to heaven, what doth it say when it comes there? And what doth a wicked soul say when it cometh into Hell? If one sleep on the Sabbath at meeting, and another awaketh him, and he be angry at it, and say, it's because he is angry with him that he so doth, Is not this a sin? If any talk of another man's faults, and tell others of it when he is present to answer, is not that a sin? Why did Christ dy●… in our stead? Seeing Eve was first in sin, whether did she die first? Why must we love our enemies, and how shall we do it? How doth Christ redeem and deliver us from sin? When every day my heart thinks I must die, and go to hell for my sins, what shall I do in this case? May a good man sin sometimes? Or may he be a good man, and yet sin sometimes? If a man think a prayer, doth God know it, and will he bless him? Who killed Christ? If a man be almost a good man, and dyeth; whither goeth his soul? How long was Adam good before he sinned? Seeing we see not God with our eyes, if a man dream that he seeth God, doth his soul then see him? Did Adam see God before he sinned? Shall we see God in Heaven? If a wicked man pray, whether doth he make a good prayer? or when doth a wicked man pray a good prayer? If a man repent, doth God take away his sins, and forgive him? Whether did God make hell before Adam sinned? If two families dwell in one house, and one prayeth, and the o●…her not, what shall they that pray do to them that do not? Did Abimeleck▪ know, Sarah was Abraham's wife? Did not Abraham sin in saying she is my sister? Seeing God promised Abraham so many children, like the stars for multitude, why did he give him so few? and was it true? If God made hell in one of the six days, why did God make Hell before Adam had sinned? Now the Indians desire to go to Heaven, what shall we do that we may go thither when we die? How shall I bring mine heart to love Prayer? If one man repent, and pray once in a day, another man often in a day; whether doth one of them go to Heaven, the other not? or what difference is there? I find I want wisdom, what shall I do to be wise? Why did Abraham buy a place to bury in? Why doth God make good men sick? How shall the Resurrection be, and when? do not Enlishmen spoil their souls, to say a thing cost them more than it did? and is it not all one as to steal? You say our body is made of clay, what is the sun or moon made of? If one be loved of all Indians good and bad, another is hated of all saving a few that be good, doth God love both these? I see why I must fear Hell, and do so every day. But why must I fear God? How is the tongue like fire, and like poison? What if false Witnesses accuse me of murder or some soul sin? What punishment is due to liars? If I reprove a man for sin, and he answer, why do you speak thus angrily to me: Mr. Eliot teacheth us to love one another, is this well? Why is God so angry with murderers? If a wise put away her husband because he will pray to God, and she will not, what must be done in this case? If there be young women pray to God, may such as pray to God marry one that will not pray to God? or what is to be done in this case? Whether doth God make bad men dream good dreams? what is Salvation? what is the kingdom of Heaven? If my wife do some work in the house on the night before the Sabbath, and some work on the Sabbath night, whether is this a sin? If I do that which is a sin, and do not know it is a sin, what will God say to that? whether is faith set in my heart, or in my mind? why did Christ die for us, and who did kill him? By these questions you may see they somewhat savour the things of God and Christ, and that their souls be in a searching condition after the great points of Religion and Salvation. And I will say this solemnly, not suddenly, nor lightly, but before the Lord, as I apprehend in my conscience, were they but in a settled way of Civility and Government cohabiting together, and I called (according to God) to live among them, I durst freely join into Church-fellowship amongst them, and could find out at least twenty men and women in some measure fitted of the Lord for it, and soon would be capable thereof: And we do admit in charity some into our Churches, of our own, of whose spiritual estate I have more cause of fear, then of some of them: But that day of Grace is not yet come unto them. When God's time is come, he will make way for it & enable us to accomplish it. In the mean time, I desire to wait, pray, and believe. But I will proceed no further at this time to trouble you with these things, though I doubt not but they will be acceptable tidings to your heart, and will be an occasion of quickening your prayers for them, and for me also, that utterance may be given me, and further knowledge of their language, wherein for want of converse, I can make but slow progress. Thus commending you to the Grace, guidance and protection of God in Christ, I rest, Yours to be commanded in Jesus Christ, IO. ELIOT. Roxbury this 12. of Nov. 1648. In the next place I shall offer a second Letter of his, written to a Gentleman of New-England, here residing at present, upon his urgent occasions; wherein the Reader may have further light concerning this great work now begun. Take his Letter as it followeth. Sir, YOur faithful and true love to Jesus Christ is expressed evidently to my heart, among other ways very much in your solicitous thoughts and care about the good of these poor Indians, and the furtherance of their conversion. God guided your discretion very seasonably in the Letters and Tokens you were pleased to send to those leading men, which reality of love was very thankfully accepted by them, and they desire thanks to be returned for it, &c. Your project for their apparel which you first mention, is very fitting, but all the difficulty will be to get so much cloth as you speak of: Yet this they do; some old things I have gotten and given them, and some they buy; and they carefully keep them till meeting times, and many of them at such times are pretty handsome, both men, women, and children also: And whereas some good people may think fitting to send some gifts that way for them, you shall find directions here enclosed, what will best suit with their condition. Your next project for employment of them in planting Orchards and Gardens, it suiteth very well with my apprehensions, and I have encouraged them that way, and have promised them many hundred trees, which I reserve in nurseries for them, & hope they shall set them out, or some of them the next Spring. The only remora the fensing in of an Orchard, we yet being upon the fencing in of a great corn field, where they have made (I think) 200. rod of ditching already, setting two rails in the top, and are to stone up the banks as they raise stones in planting: And when the field is fenced, than they shall fence Orchards, but they are hindered for want of tools, and by bad tools discouraged; their skill also being weak though the tools were good, but of 30. or 40. I have scarce any left. But we must endeavour to get a Magazine for them of all manner of tools, &c. They had Sawyers at work last winter, and will have more this winter (I hope) for they saw very good board and plank, and could I be amongst them oftener, they would both attend it better, and do things more orderly. They are willing to follow my advice in any reasonable thing▪ only I am confident of what you write, they must not be bent too hard at first, and I find not many that do so duly consider that point as yourself; but because they be not in all points of labour as the English be, think all is too little or no purpose. It's hard to look upon the day of small things with patience enough. I find it absolutely necessary to carry on civility with Religion: and that maketh me have many thoughts that the way to do it to the purpose, is to live among them in a place distant from the English, for many reasons; and bring them to cohabitation, Government, Arts, and trades: but this is yet too costly an enterprise for New-England, that hath expended itself so far in laying the foundation of a commonweal in this wilderness. For their Schooling, a Gentleman in London (whose name I could never learn) did give ten pounds towards it the last year, which I thus disposed of; five pounds I gave to a grave woman in Cambridge, who taught the Indian children last year; And God so blessed her labours, that they came on very prettily. The other five pounds I gave to the school-master of Dorcester, and thither the Children of those Indians that lived thereabout went, with a like good success, it not better, because the children were bigger and more capable. This 10. l. bill Captain Harding paid here, and was to take it at London: but I hear nothing from him, no do I know whether the Gentleman will continue his gift: I fear for want of means both these schools will fall; and the Children like to lose all that they have gotten the first year, which is a work had need be closely followed: because they are to learn our language as well as to read; only I take my constant course of catechising them every Lecture day, and I thank the Lord, they are (many of them) very ready in their answers in the principles of Religion. And in that exercise I endeavour also to use them to good manners. Some of S●…dbury Indians, some of Concord Indians, some of M●…sti●…k Indians, and some of Dedham Indians are ingenious, and pray unto God, and sometimes come to the place where I teach to hear the word. Linn Indians are all nought save one, who sometimes cometh to hear the word, and telleth me that he prayeth to God: and the reason why they are bad is, partly and principally because their* Bad governor have an evil infl●…nce upon the p●…pl, Sachim is nought, and careth not to pray unto God: But I am overwearisome unto you, and therefore will go no further at this time; only this one thing more, whereas it hath pleased you to allow 40. s. to the payment of a man who should direct the Indians about their labour, and in planting of Orchards; I shall be so bold as to appoint such as have deserved it to call for it, and it shall be employed God willing to their best furtherance as near as I can. And thus desiring God, &c. I remain. Yours to be commanded any thing in Christ Jesus John Eliot. Roxbury this 13. of the 9 1649. Another Letter Courteous Reader dated in February last, I received also from this our Indian Evangelist (if I may so term him) and because it is replenished with many pithy questions of the Indians, which imply a further progress in knowledge; and sundry other considerable passages worthy observation, and very delightful to a Christian spirit, I thought it my duty to publish it to the world, that so it might be a means to stir up all that are faithful in Christ Jesus by prayer and otherwise to help forward this precious work begun, so much conducing to the glory of God, and the good of men. His Letter followeth. Much respected and longed for in the Lord, WEre you not about the Lord's business, an Instrument in his hand to manage some special affairs wherein his glory is much concerned, your long absence could not but be imbittered with manifold troubles to your own spirit, as it is like to be with losses and inconveniencies to your outward estate; but I trust the Lord will have a special regard to all, &c. I perceive others to be silent in giving you information about the progress of the Lord's work amongst the poor Indians, and therefore I thought it necessary to do it, knowing it will add to your comfort to hear that the Lord is still at work, but I have done it more largely already in Letters by Mr. Usher, by way of * These Letters and Passengers are not yet come n●… England Maligo, as also by Mr. Bracket of Braintree, by the way of Virginia, in Letters both to yourself, and also to Mr. Pel●…am, &c. I only write now by this Ship, lest it coming in before the other Ships, you should receive some discouragement concerning the work, as if it were sunk in the beginning; but blessed be the Lord it is not so, although the progress is yet small: It is a day of small things, an embryo which the Lord expecteth should be furthered by the prayers of the Saints and Churches: And therefore I earnestly beg your prayers, that the Lord would thrust forth more labourers into this Harvest; and because the means is exceeding small and inconsiderable for so vast an enterprise as this is: there is the more eminent need of Faith and Prayer, that the Lord himself, by his special grace, favour, and providence, would appear in this matter: for the Lord must reign in these latter days, and more eminently & observably, overtop all Instruments and means: And I trust he will mightily appear in this business, as in other parts of the world. I have intimated in my other Letters, what good hopes I have of sundry of them, and that they begin to inquire after baptism They shall ask the way 〈…〉 and Church ordivances, and the way of worshipping God as the Churches here do; but I showing them how uncapable they be to be trusted therewith, whilst they live so unfixed, confused, and ungoverned a life, uncivilized and unsubdued to labour and order; they begin now to inquire after such things. And to that end, I have propounded to them that a sit place be found out for Cohabitation, wherewith they may subsist by labour, and settle themselves in such a way: And then they may have a Church, and all the Ordinances of Christ amongst them. These and other things tending that way, I have propounded to them, and they seem to me to accept them gladly, and the longer they consider, and the more they confer together of them, the more acceptable they are unto them: And I waiting to see how the Lord would carry on this work by the wise and gracious eye & hands of his providence, I took this to be one special and eminent smile of God, upon the ☞ work that he had stirred up, the Parliament of England to take it into consideration, and to order the Committee of Lords and Commons for foreign Plantations to think of some meet way how they might best advance it: And indeed the way you mention in your Letter which they have taken, (which I trust is perfected long before this time,) I conceive to be a way of God, and not only very acceptable to me, but honourable to themselves, and the Nation, to be engaged in so pious and charitable a work, if means may hereby be procured to a thorough carrying on the same. I have also intimated in my other Letters, and sent word again in this, what manner of * It would be neither pleasing n●…r 〈…〉, and ther●…o●…e are l●…t out. provisions of all sorts will be necessary to be sent over, and that special care be had that the tools for labour of all sorts may be of a good temper and well made; otherwise they will be discouraged; &c. the particulars as well for physic and Surgery, as for clothing and Instruments for labour of all sorts is enclosed therein: But I will trouble you no further at this time with what I have written in my other Letters, hoping the Lord will bring them to your hands: only I shall intimate such things as have occurred since the writing of my former Letters. There is an Indian living with Mr. Richard Calicott of Dorchester, who was taken in the Pequott wars, though belonging to Loug Island; this Indian is ingenious, can read; and I taught him to write, which he quickly learned, though I know not what use he now maketh of it: He was the first that I made use of to teach me words, and to be my Interpreter. Now of late, the Lord hath stirred up his heart to join unto the Church at Dorchester, and this day I am going to the Elders, meeting, to the examination and trial of this young man, in preparation for his admission into the Church. Likewise since I purposed to write to you of these matters, I have taken care to note such Questions as they propound, and I shall here set down such as have been propounded by them since my last Letters: For by them you may guess at the progress they make in knowledge. Questions. why have not beasts a soul as man hath, seeing they have love, anger, &c. as man hath? How is the spirit of God in us? and where is it principally present? The indwelling of the spirit in us is mysterious. Why doth God punish in hell for ever? man doth not so, but after a time lets them out of prison again. And if they repent in hell, why will not God let them out again? What is Faith? Whether do you think I have Faith? a A choice spirit looks after his prayers. How shall I know when God accepts my prayers? How doth Christ make peace betwixt God and man? And what is the meaning of that point? Why did the Jews give the Watchmen money to tell a lie? If I hear God's Word when I am young, and do not believe, but when I am old I believe: what will God say? In wicked dreams doth the soul sin? b See Eccles. 6. 7. Doth the soul in Heaven know things done here on earth? Doth the soul in Heaven remember what it did here on earth before he died? Who first gave laws to men? What is Law? If my heart be full of evil thoughts, c A soft and serious spirited Christian eyes his thoughts. and I repent and pray, and a few hours after it is full again, and I repent and pray again; and if after this it be full of evil thoughts again, what will God say? Why did the earth shake at Christ's Resurrection? What meaneth this, That God will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain? What force of wicked men is lawful, and what is not? What if a Minister wear long hair, as some other men do, what will God say? If a man will make his Daughter marry a man whom she doth not love, what will God say? d Forced marriages scrupled by Indians. Why doth Christ compare the Kingdom of heaven to a net? Why doth God so hate them that teach others to commit sin? SIR, I Am now straightened in time, and must hasten away my Letters: I can proceed no further at present, and therefore with earnest desires of your Prayers, I commit you to the gracious protection of the Lord, who hath hitherto helped, and will never fail those that trust in him. Yours in any service I can in Jesus Christ John Eliott. Roxbury this 2. of the 12. 1648. AN APPENDIX TO THE foregoing Letters, holding forth Conjectures, Observations, and Applycatious of them. THe works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that love them, saith the Psalmist, Psal. 111. 3. The word which we render, sought out, hath a mighty Emphasis in it. 'tis a word used sometimes to Denote the Elaborate care of digging and searching into mines. And sometimes it's made use of to express the accurate labours of those who comment upon Writings. Indeed there is a golden mine in every work of God; and the foregoing Letters to a gracious eye, are as a discovery of a farmore precious mine in America, than those Gold and Silver ones of India: For they bring tidings of the unsearchable ri●…hes of Christ revealed unto poor souls in those parts. Or if thou wilt (Reader) thou mayest eye this Work of God as a full text: affording matter, both for theoretic, and practic conclusions. I must profess for myself, I could not pass over so rich a mine without diging nor let pass so full a text (as this work of God in America) without some short comment: which the request of the worthy Publisher of these precious papers, hath prevailed with me to affix, and publish as an Appendix. The palpable and present acts of providence, do more than hint the approach of Jesus Christ: And the general consent of many judicious, and godly Divines, doth induce considering minds to believe, that the conversion of the Jews is at hand. It's the expectation of some of the wisest Jews now living, that about the year 1650. Either we Christians shall be mosaic, or else that themselves Jews shall be Christians. The serious consideration of the preceding Letters, induceth me to think, that there Conjectures. may be at least a remnant of the Generation of Jacob in America, (peradventure some of the 10. Tribes dispersions.) And that those sometimes poor, now precious Indians (mentioned in those Letters) may be as the first fruits of the glorious harvest, of Israel's redemption. The observation is not to be slighted (though the observer* Mr. Shepherd in the clear sunshine, & pag. 33. modestly said it was more cheerful than deep) that the first Text out of which Mr. Eliot preached, was about the dry bones, Ezek. 37. 9 10. That by prophesying to the wind, the wind came and the dry bones lived: It may be there is not much weight in the observation, that the word which the Indians use for wind, is Waubon: and that an Indian of that name is, and hath been very sedulous for their conversion: Yet to me there is ground for a very weighty thought; that, that portion of Scripture should be first of all opened to them, which clearly foretold the conversion of Israel, i. e. The 10. Tribes universally understood, and peculiarly meant by the name or notion of Israel, when distinct from Judah, as in that prophesy it is) Why may we not at least conjecture, that God by a special finger pointed out that text to be first opened, which immediately concerned the persons to whom it was preached: Especially, if (as some credibly affirm) that the Jews of the Netherlands (being entreated thereunto) inform that after much inquiry they found some of the ten Tribes to be in America. When our Lord came to Nazaret, and standing up to read: It's said there was delivered unto him the book of Isaias, and he opened the book, and found it written, The spirit of the Lord is upon me, &c. The bringing of that Scripture to our Lord's hands so providentially, was a hint (at least) that the present hearers were in an eminent manner concerned in that prophecy. What ever may be in this observation (which I humbly offer to the searching thoughts of judicious persons) I am much inclined to conjecture, that there is a sprinkling at least of Abraham's seed in these parts, The reasons of my inclination hereunto are these. 1. They have (at least) a traditional knowledge of God, as the maker of heaven and earth. It's true, they talk of other Gods; but yet they hold that the chief God is he, who made all things. Which agnition of God, was peculiar to the Jews, in opposition to the Gentiles: Hence it was, that when they were Captives in Babylon: this was that Character, by which they were taught to distinguish the true God (which the Gentiles knew not) that he was the Maker of all things, Jer. 10. 16. 2. What ever they attribute unto others, this they peculiarly attribute unto this God, viz. that all things both good and evil, are managed by his Providence, and if they do but hurt themselves, they say 'tis a note of God's displeasure: Hence 3. Before ever any of them received any instruction from our English, by tradition they were taught, and did upon observation of a bad year, or other ill success, meet and weep as unto God; acknowledging it to be his h●…nd of displeasure upon them: And on the other side, upon a good year, or good success in any business, as of War, &c. they used to meet and make a kind of acknowledgement of thanks to God for it. 4. It is very observable; that they are careful to preserve the memory of their Families, mentioning uncles, Grand-Fathers, and grandmothers, &c. and much studying the advancing of their houses and kindred. A thing which hath a great tang of, and affinity to the Jews care of preserving the memorial of their Tribes. 5. Those of them who have been wrought upon, tell of some face of Religion, wisdom, and manners which long ago their Ancestors had, but that it was lost. 6. (To omit other grounds of this conjecture.) The better and more sober sort of them, delight much to express themselves in parables.* See pag. 5. A thing peculiar to the Jews, as those who read their writings, or consider Christ's manner of expressing himself, will easily see. These and the like considerations prevail with me to entertain (at least) a Conjecture, that these Indians in America, may be Jews (especially of the ten Tribes.) And therefore to hope that the work of Christ among them, may be as a preparatory to his own appearing. If these reasons prevail not with thee (Reader) to give quarter to my conjecture●… yet I cannot but persuade myself, that the former Letters soberly & duly weighed, will cause thee to subscribe with me to this conclusion, that, the work of God among the Indians in America, is glorious, and to be admired by all those, who look after and rejoice in the appearance of our Lord Jesus, Surely the Sun of righteousness is risen, with healirg virtue under his wings, upon those poor hearts, who sat in darkness, and the shadow of death. And these godly persons who fled into America for shelter from prelatical persecution, do now appear to be carried there by a sacred and sweet providence of Christ, to make known his name to those poor souls, who have been Captives to Satan these many Ages. The Christians when scattered abroad, went to and fro preaching the word. And I wish from my soul, that all these Ministers of the Dispertion (as I may call them) in New-England; would stir up themselves to this work of the Lord, which (now it seems) he intended in his carrying of them thither. Surely these tidings as they are grounds of rejoicing to others a far off; so they should be much more encouragements of putting to the hand of such as are there unto this harvest of the Lord. And so much the rather, because the Gospel in its advancement amongst these Western Indians, appears to be not in word only (as it was by the Spaniards among their Indians) but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance: do not these true reports show what manner of entrance the Gospel hath 1 Thes. 1. among them: and how they turn unto God from Idels (from their pawwawes) to serve the living and true God, and to look for his son from Heaven,* See the woman's speech pag. 7. &c. (Reader) I entreat thee to bear with me, if in Commenting upon this work of God, I offer a few notes to declare that in truth this work of God is not only in the Letter, but in the Spirit and power of the Gospel. These things I note (and pray do thou) to Observation. this purpose. 1. The questions which are moved by the Indians coming and come in, are such as are of great and weighty concernment; And such as indeed evince a more than common working of the spirit by the word on them. Such are those that concern spiritual joining in prayer, and a knowledge of God's acceptation thereof. Those questions also that relate to the marrying of the godly with the wicked: (much like that of the Corinthians to Paul. 1 Cor. 7. and 2 Cor. 8.) and those that concern the evil of thoughts and dreams, &c. See and consider the Questions. 2. The full casting off their pow-wows; and not seeking to them: Although they much idolised them, and albeit they know not as yet, any means of help when sick, but them. 3. Their sweet and affectionate melting under the word of grace: and their exceeding hungering and thirsting after the enjoyment thereof. Together with enquiry after Zion, and their great joy they declare in their hopes thereof. Vide pag. 27. 4. Lastly, and especially the real and undeniable evidences of the work of grace in power upon some particular persons mentioned: and particular that of the woman in whom I cannot but note these things 1. Her desire to live by the ordinance of the word, although pag. 6, 7. with great trouble. 2. Her Exemplarines of life, after the Lord did work upon her. 3. Her resolutions to love God, though he made her sick. Oh! could she love God, except he loved her first? 4. Her belief that God was well pleased with her in Christ, and hereupon her willingness to die, in assurance of going to Heaven. 5. Her care of her Children upon her first knowing of God: and her charging them not to live with their kindred, pressing it chiefly with this, that they prayed not, and that they committed sin, and were not punished: Oh holy and high attainment! to see an eulil in sinning and not being punished. This was the great evil threatened. Hosea 9 14. What do all these things declare? but this: That Christ hath made the day of his power to arise upon those poor souls: In making Application. them a willing people: And what improvement should we make of this comment upon the work of the Lord, if not this or the like; First, To study and search into the works of the Lord, to see how he counterplots the enemy in his designs: In making the late Bishops persecuting of the Godly tend to the promoting of the Gospel. Secondly, To take heed of despising the day of small things. It being God's way to lay most glorious works upon little and despicable foundations: And to advance the Treasury of the Gospel in earthen vessels, even to the ends of the Earth, Thirdly, To be ashamed of, and bewail our want of affection to, and estimation of that glorious Gospel, and those great things of Christ: which these poor Heathens upon the little glimmerings and tastes so exceedingly value and improve. Fourthly: Doth not the observation of the preceding reports, clearly confirm the Doctrine of the Sabbath, and the practice of prayer: Oh tremble ye Sabboth-slighters, and duty-dispisers, Christ hath witnesses against you in America! Be ashamed ye pretended-Men and fathers in Christ for coming short of Babes and Children! In truth the very light of Nature will condemn you. Prayer in all ages (and that not mental, but verbal, and express) hath been that by which the Deity hath been agnized and worshipped. The converted Heathens in New-Eng and, go beyond you, O ye Apostate Christians in England! Lastly, be encouraged to put to your helping hand unto the work of the Lord. And to that end, 1. Arise ye heads of our Tribes in Old England, and extend your help to further Christ's labourers in N. England. Rather ste●…l from your sleep an hour, then suffer that good Ordinance to lie asleep so long; which if drawn into an Act, will exceedingly further this blessed work. Surely if you were petitioned to in the name of Christ, and his Gospel, to give money out of your own purse to exalt him in furthering it. Durst you deny it? How much less can you deny the passing of an Act to enable some to receive and dispose what others would gladly give. The work is so clear, that you need not many hours to debate it: And I hope you are so willing that I shall not need more words to press it, only let me add this that as Ministers, so Statists do find personal examples, the most powerful motives to practic doctrines. 2. rouse up yourselves my Brethren; ye Preachers of the Gospel, this work concerns you. Contrive and plot, preach for, and press the advancement hereof. It's clear you may do much: Let not this be your condemnation, that you did nothing. 3. Come forth ye Masters of money, part with your Gold to promote the Gospel; Let the gift of God in temporal things make way, for the Indians receipt of spirituals. If you give any thing yearly, remember Christ will be your Pensioner. If you give any thing into bank, Christ will keep account thereof, and reward it. You hear of what things are necessary in order to the advancement of that one thing necessary. Rest assured of this, what ever you give will be well and wisely improved. And as far as the Gospel is mediately advanced by your money, be sure you will be remembered. But to wind up all, fall down O all ye who love the Lord Jesus: & bow your knees t●… his father & yours in his name, to prosper the progress made of the Gospel among the Indians in N-England. Pray that an effectual door may be opened there. Remember Mr. Eliot. Forget not Mr. Mayhew, and all other that labour in the work. Pray for them that Christ's work may prosper in their hands. Christ calls upon you by these Letters, and saith. The harvest is great, but the Labourers are few, pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest to send forth Labourers into his vineyard. If you thus hear Christ, and obey his voice, you shall accomplish the end of this Appendix, and exceedingly rejoice the heart of the Author thereof, who is An unworthy Labourer in Christ's work here, and an ardent desirer of further progress thereof in New-England. J. D. FJNJS.