AMERICA. Painted to the Life.  
A True History of the original undertake of the advancement of Plantations into those parts, with a perfect relation of our ENGLISH Discoveries, showing their beginning, progress, and continuance, from the year, 1628. to 1658. declaring the forms of their Government, Policies, Religions, Manners, Customs, Military Discipline, Wars with the INDIANS, the Commodities of their Countries, a Description of their Towns, and Havens, the increase of their trading with the names of their Governors and Magistrates.  
More Especially an absolute Narrative of the North parts of AMERICA, and of the discoveries and plantations of our English in NEW-ENGLAND.  
Written by Sir FERDINANDO GEORGE'S Knight and Governor of the Fort and Island of Plymouth in DEVONSHIRE, one of the first and chiefest promoters of those Plantations.  
Published since his decease, by his Grandchild Ferdinando George's Esquire, who hath much enlarged it and added several accurate Descriptions of his own.  
A work now at last exposed for the public good, to stir up the heroic and active spirits of these times, to benefit their Country, and Eternize their names by such honourable attempts.  
For the Readers clearer understanding of the Country's they are lively described in a complete and exquisite Map.  
Vivit post funera virtus.  
LONDON; Printed by E. Brudenell, for Nathaniel Brook dwelling at the Angel in Cornhill. 1658.   

To the READER.  
I Thought it a part of my duty in this my brief Narration of our Plantations to remember the Original Undertaking of those designs in the parts of America, by such Noble Spirits of our Nation that first attempted it, as well for the justification of the right thereof, properly belonging to Kings of our Nation, before any other Prince or State, as also the better to clear the claim made thereunto by the Ambassador of France, in the behalf of his Master, in the year 1624. whereto I was required to make answer (as more at large it appears in the discourse itself, withal to leave to posterity the particular ways by which it hath been brought to the height it is come unte, wherein the providence of our Great GOD is especially to be observed, who by the least and weakest means, oftentimes effecteth great and wonderful things; all which I have endeavoured to contract in as short a compass, as the length of the ●ime and the variety of the accidents would give leave, as for the truth thereof, I presume it is so publicly known, as malice i● self dares not only question it, though I know none, I thank my God to whom I have given any just cause maliciously to attempt it u●lesse it be for the desire I had to do good to all without wronging of any, as by the course of my life to this present it may appear.  
If in the conclusion of my undertaking and expense of my fortunes to advance the honour and happiness of my Nation, I have settled a portion thereof to those that in nature must succeed me; you may be pleased to remember that the Labourer is worthy of his hire.  
That I have not exceeded others not better deserving that I go hand in hand with the meanest in this great work, to whom the charge thereof was committed by royal Authority.  
That I have opened the way to greater employments and shallbe (as a hand set up in a cross way) in a desert Country to point all travellers in such like kind, how they may come safe to finish their journeys ●nd leaving an example to others best affected to designs of such like nature to prosecute their intents for further in largement of those began Plantations, without trenching or intruding upon the rights and labours of others already possessed, of what is justly granted them.  
Especially of such, who in some sort may be termed Benefactors a● Secondary donors of what (by God's favour) is had, or to be had from those springs they first found and left to posterity to bathe themselves in, but if there be any, otherwise affected, as better delighted to reap what they have not sown, or to possess the fruit another hath laboured for, let such be assured, so great injustice will never want a woeful attendance to follow close at the heels, if not stayed behind to bring after a more terrible revenge; But my trust is such, impiety will not be suddenly harboured where the whole work is I hope still continued for the enlargement of the Christian faith, the supportation of justice, and love of peace, in assurance whereof, I will conclude and tell you (as I have lived long) so I have done what I could, let those that come after me do for their parts what they may, and I doubt not but the God that governs all, will reward their labours that continue in his service, to whom be Glory for ever, Amen.  
FERDINANDO GORGES.   

Wonderworking PROVIDENCE OF ZIONS SAVIOUR.  
Being a Relation of the first planting in New England, in the Year, 1628.  

CHAP. I. The sad Condition of England, when this People removed.  
WHen England began to decline in Religion, like lukewarm Laodicea, and instead of purging out Popery, a farther compliance was sought not only in vain Idolatrous Ceremonies, but also in profaning the Sabbath, and by Proclamation throughout their Parish churches, exasperating lewd and profane persons to celebrate a Sabbath like the Heathen to Venus, Bacchus and Ceres; in so much that the multitude of irreligious lascivious and popish affected persons spread the whole land like Grasshoppers, in this very time Christ the glorious King of his Churches, raises an Army out of our English Nation, for freeing his people from their long servitude under usurping Prelacy; and b●cause every corner of England was filled with the fury of malignant adversaries, Christ creates a New England to muster up the first of his Forces in; Whose 〈◊〉 condition, little number, and remoteness of place made these adversaries triumph, despising this day of small things, but in this height of their pride the Lord Christ brought sudden, and unexpected destruction upon them. Thus have you a touch of the time when this work began.  
Christ Jesus intending to manifest his Kingly Office toward his Churches more fully than ever yet the Sons of men saw, even to the uniting of Jew and Gentile Churches in one Faith, begins with our English Nation (whose former Reformation being vere imperfect) doth now resolve to cast down their false foundation of Prelacy, even in the height of their domineering dignity. And therefore in the year 1628. he stirs up his servants as the Heralds of a King to make this Proclamation for Volunteers as followeth.  
Oh yes! oh yes! oh yes! All you the people of Christ that are here Oppressed, Imprisoned and scurrilously derided, gather yourselves together, your Wives and little ones, and answer to your several Names as you shall be shipped for his service, in the Westere● World, and more especially for planting the united Colonies of new England; Where you are to attend the service of the King of Kings, upon the divulging of this Proclamation by his Heralds at Arms. Many (although otherwise willing for this service) began to object as followeth:  
Can it possible be the mind of Christ, (who formerly enabled so many Soldiers of his to keep their station unto the death here) that now so many brave Soldiers disciplined by Christ himself the Captain of our salvation, should turn their backs to the disheartening of their Fellow-soldiers, and loss of further opportunity in gaining a greater number of Subjects to Christ's Kingdom?  
Notwithstanding this Objection, It was further proclaimed as followeth: What Creature, wilt not know that Christ thy King crusheth with a rod of Iron, the Pomp and Price of man, and must he like man cast and contrive to take his enemies at advantage? No, of purpose he causeth such instruments to retreat as he hath made strong for himself: that so his adversaries glorying in the pride of their power, insulting over the little remnant remaining, Christ causeth them to be cast down suddenly forever, and we find in stories reported, Earth's Princes have passion their Armies at need over Seas and deep Torrents. Could Caesar so suddenly fetch over fresh forces from Europe to Asia Pompey to foil? How much more shall Christ who createth all power, c●ll over this 900. league Ocean at his pleasure, such instruments as he thinks meet to make use of in this place, from whence you are now to depart, but further that you may not delay the Voyage intended, for your full satisfaction, know this is the place where the Lord will create a new Heaven, and a new Earth in, new Churches, and a new Commonwealth together; Wherefore,   

CHAP. II. The Commission of the People of Christ shipped for New England, and first of their gathering into Churches.  
ATtend to your Commission, all you that are or shall hereafter be shipped for this service, ye are with all possible speed to embark yourselves, and as for all such Worthies who are hunted after as David was by Saul and his Courtiers, you may change your habit and ship you with what secrecy you can, carrying all things most needful for the Voyage and service you are to be employed in after your landing. But as soon as you shall be exposed to danger of tempestuous Seas, you shall forthwith show whose servants you are by calling on the Name of your God, sometimes by extraordinary seeking his pleasing Face in times of deep distress, and publishing your Master's will, and pleasure to all that Voyage with you, and that is his mind to have purity in Religion preferred above all dignity in the world; your Christ hath commanded the Seas they shall not swallow you, nor Pirates imprison your persons, or possess your goods. At your landing see you observe the Rule of his Word, for neither larger nor stricter Commission can he give by any, and therefore at first filling the Land whither you are sent, with diligence, search out the mind of God both in planting and continuing Church and civil Government, but be sure they be distinct, yet agreeing and helping the one to the other; Let the matter and form of your Churches be such as were in the Primitive Times (before Antichrists Kingdom prevailed) plainly pointed out by Christ and his Apostles, in most of their Epistles to be neither national nor Provincial, but gathered together in Covenant of such a number as might ordinarily meet together in one place, and built of such living stones as outwardly appear Saints by calling. You are also to ordain Elders in every Church, make you use of such as Christ hath endued with the best gifts for that end, their call to Office shall be mediate from you, but their authority and commission shall be immediate from Christ revealed in his word; which if you shall slight, d●spise or contemn, he will soon frustrate your call by taking the most able among you to honour with an everlasting Crown; whom you neglected to honour on Earth double as their due, or he will carry them remote from you to more infant Churches. You are not to put them upon anxious Cares for their daily Bread for assuredly (although it may now seem strange) you shall be fed in this Wilderness, whither you are to go, with the flower of Wheat and Wine shall be plentiful among you (but be sure you abuse it not) these Doctrines delivered from the Word of God embrace, and let not Satan delude you by persuading their learned skill is unnecessary, soon than will the Word of God be slighted as translated by such, and you shall be left wildred with strange Revelations of every fantastic brain; which to prevent here are to be shipped among you many both Godly. Judicious and Learned, who   

CHAP. III. Of the Demeanour of their Church Officers.  
BEing called to Office are in all humility to feed the flock of Christ, and not for lucre to admit mostly of such sheep, whose fair fleeces allure much: nor yet for filling the flocks to crowd in infection's sheep, or rather wolves in sheep's clothing, assuredly it will prove bitterness in the end: neither shall you for fear your allowance will fall short, hinder the increase of Churches, that so your fellow brethren endued with like gifts fa●l short of all; But above all beware of any love self-conceited Opinion, stopping your ears from hearing the Counsel of an Orthodox Synod, but by daily communication one with another impart Christ's mind each to other, that you may all speak one and the same things; heal not lightly the wounds that Wolves make, lest from their festering Teeth a Gangrin grow, and further for completing the Churches of Christ as well in matters as in Doctrine, there are ancient experienced godly Christians shipped among you (but be sure you make choice of such, for fear they be despised) and let them not be led by favour or affection (as naturally men are) to Administer in your Office partially, for unworthy the name of a Ruling Elder is he, who loses his Lion-like courage, when the sound and wholesome Doctrines delivered by Pastor or Teacher are spoken against by any; unseemly behaviour and sleepy hearing by private exhortation prevent (if possible) lest public example in open professors stumble some and hinder the operation of his word, especially in the hearts of those who have been long time led away with the inventions of man in the worship of God. Be sure you contradict not but confirm with trienall love the Doctrines of Christ, delivered by your Teaching Elders, which will be a great means to make it prevail, for a threefold cord is not easily broken, trust not to your own gifts for preventing error, but use all helps that Christ may bless his own means, cast not away as incorrigible such as at first receive not the word in all points, but wait with patience if at any time the Lord will be pleased to give them a heart to turn unto him. Beware of a proud censorious spirit, and should Christ be pleased to place in his building more polished stones then thyself, make it matter of rejoicing and not of envy. And further, because the Preaching of the word is to be continued with all diligence, here are likewise inbarked with you faithful servants of Christ to attend on the Tables of the Churches, plain-dealing men, yea, endued with wisdom from above, by which they are enabled to manage and improve the Church's Treasury, not greedily given to hoard up for themselves, but by their own example leading others to liberality, and hospitality, having the Earth in low esteem, and Faith in exercise when cattle and Corne fail, not given to magnify their own gifts, but boldly ma●●●ayning such sound truths as their Teaching Elders have cleared up from the word of God. And,   

CHAP. IU. How the People in Christ's Churches are to behave themselves.  
NOw you his People, who are picked out by his, provide to pass this Western Ocean for this honourable service, beware you call not weak ones to Office in this honourable Army, nor Novices, lest they be lifted up with pride. You see how full you are furnished for the work, give no ear to any Braggadociaes', who to extol themselves will weaken the hands of those whom Christ hath made strong for himself. Yea, such will be the fantastical madness of some (if you take not heed) that silly Women laden with divers lusts, will be had in higher esteem with them, than those honoured of Christ, endued with power and authority from him to Preach; Abuse not the free and full liberty Christ hath given you in making choice of your own Officers, and consent in admitting into his Churches, and casting out such Members as walk disorderly; you are to walk in all humility, lest in enjoyment of such freedoms as you formerly have not exercised, you exceed the bounds of modesty, and instead of having your moderation known to all, your imbecility, and selfe-exaltation be discovered by many, in admission of others into Church society. Remember yourselves were once Aliens from the Covenant of Grace, and in Excommunication, consider how yourselves have been also tempted: in sincerity and singleness of heart, let your words be few, do nothing be had in high esteem among men; And think it no imputation of a weak dicserning to be follows of those are set over you in the Lord as they follow Christ; Let your Profession outstrip your Confession, for seeing you are to be set as lights upon a Hill more obvious than the highest Mountain in the World, keep close to Christ that you may shine full of his glory, who employs you, and grub not continually in the Earth, like blind Moles, but by your amiable Conversation seek the winning of many to your Master's service. Beware of a proud censorious spirit, make it no part of your Christian communication to be in continual discourse of others faults; Let all things be done in love, and look not for more smoothness in stones as yet unplaced in Christ's building than is in thyself, who hast been long laid therein: wait with patience and cast not off as Reprobates such as cannot presently join with you in every point of Discipline, and yet hold fast to sound and wholesome Doctrine, if you will be a people to his praise, who hath called you, seek the turning of many to Righteousness, purge out all the sour Leven of unsound Doctrine, for the mind of Christ is to build up his Churches, and break them down no more; And therefore be sure there be none to hurt or destroy in all his holy Mountain, and as he hath pressed you for his service, that by passing through the Floods of Persecution you should be set at liberty, and have power put into your hands. Then let none wrest it from you under pretence of liberty of Conscience, men of perverse judgements will draw Disciples after them, but let your consciences be pure, and Christ's Churches free from all Doctrines that deceive. And all you, who are or shall be shipped for this work, think it not enough that you enjoy the truth, but you must hate every false way and know you are called to be faithful Soldiers of Christ, not only to assist in building up his Churches, but also in pulling down the Kingdom of Antichrist, then sure you are not set up for tollerating times, nor shall any of you be content with this that you are set at liberty, but take up your Arms, and march manfully on till all opposers of Christ's Kingly power be abolished: and as for you who are called to sound forth his silver Trumpets, blow loud and shrill, to this chiefest treble tune; For the Armies of the great Jehovah are at hand. See you not his Enemies stretched out on tiptoe, proudly daring on their thresholds, a certain sign of their sudden overthrow; be not daunted at your small number, for every common Soldier in Christ's Camp shall be as David, who slew the great Goliath, and his Davids shall be as the Angels of the Lord who slew. 185000. in the Assyrian Army.  
Finally, all you who are now sent forth by Christ your Jehovah to enter upon a Blessed Reformation, if ever you will have the honours to be provokers of his ancient People Israel (who are again suddenly to be honoured by him in believing) kindle the fire of jealousy in their breasts by your Holy, Heavenly and humble walking, have you not the most blessedest opportunity put into your hands that ever people had? then   

CHAP. V. What Civil Government the People of Christ ought to set up, and submit unto in New England.  
Fail not in prosecution of the Work, for your Lord Christ hath furnished you with able Pilots, to steer the Helm in a godly peaceable, Civil Government also, then see you make choice of such as are sound both in Profession and Confession, men fearing God and hating bribes; whose Commission is not only limited with the commands of the second Table, but they are to look to the Rules of the first also, and let them be sure to put on Joshuas resolution, and courage, never to make League with any of these seven Sectaries.  
First, the Gortonists, who deny the Humanity of Christ, and most blasphemously and proudly profess themselves to be personally Christ.  
Secondly, the Papist, who with (almost) equal blasphemy and pride prefer their own Merits and Works of Supererogation as equal with Christ's unvaluable Death, and Sufferings.  
Thirdly, the Familist, who depend upon rare Revelations, and forsake the sure revealed Word of Christ.  
Fourthly, Seekers, who deny the Churches and Ordinances of Christ.  
Fifthly, Antinomians, who deny the Moral Law to be the Rule of Christ.  
Sixtly, Anabaptists, who deny Civil Government to be proved of Christ.  
Seventhly, The Prelacy, who will have their own Injunctions submitted unto in the Churches of Christ. These and the like your Civil Censors shall reach unto that the people of, and under your Government, may live a qulet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty, and to the end that you may provoke Kings, Princes, and all that are in authority to cast down their Crowns at the Feet of Christ, and take them up again at his command to serve under his Standard as nursing Fathers, and nursing Mothers to the Churches and people of Christ; when your feet are once safely set on the shores of America, you shall set up and establish civil Government, and pray for the prosperity thereof, as you love the peace of his Churches, who hath called you to this service, he hath for that end shipped among you, some learned in the Law of God, and practised in rules of good reason or common Laws proper to our English Nation. Be sure you make choice of the right, that all people, Nations and Languages, who are soonly to submit to Christ's Kingdom, may be followers of you herein, as you follow the Rule of Christ; your Magistrates shall not but open the Gates for all sorts. But know, they are Eyes of Restraint set up for Walls and Bulworks, to surround the Zion of God; Oh for Jerusalem her peace, see that you mind it altogether, you know right well that the Churches of Christ have not thrived under the tolerating Government of Holland, from whence the Lord hath translated one Church already to the place whither you are now to go; 
The Church of Christ at Plymouth was planted in New England, 8. Years before any others.  and further it is well known, loose liberty cannot endure to look Majestical authority in the face. And also you shall find erroneous persons will contend with authority for upholding truth irrationally, denying it any power to condemn deceivable Doctrines, and that upon this very ground, because Tyranny hath enforced error heretofore; be not borne down with a multitude, neither let any flatter for preferment, which to prevent, honour shall be very chargeable among you; yet let not any deny to bear the burden and cumber of governing this people of Christ; for assuredly, although their recompense fall short from man, it shall not be forgotten with the Lord. Lastly,   

CHAP. VI How the People of Christ ought to behave themselves in Warlike Discipline.  
YOu shall with all diligence provide against the Malignant adversaries of the truth, for assure yourselves the time is at hand wherein Antichrist will muster up all his Forces, and make war with the People of God: but it shall be to his utter overthrow. See than you store yourselves with all sorts of weapons for war, furbrish up your Swords, Rapiers, and all other piercing weapons. As for great Artillery, seeing present means falls short, wait on the Lord Christ, and he will stir up friends to provide for you: and in the mean time spare not to lay out your coin for Powder, Bullets, Match, Arms of all sorts, and all kind 
Doctor Wilson gave 1000 l. to New England, with which they stored them with great Guns.  of Instruments for War: and although it may now seem a thing incredible, you shall see in that Wilderness, whither you are going, Troops of stout Horsemen marshaled, and therefore fail not to ship lusty Mares along with you, and see that withal diligence you encourage every Soldierlike Spirit among you, for the Lord Christ intends to archieve greater matters by this little handful than the World is aware of; wherefore you shall seek and set up men of valour to lead and direct every Soldier among you, and with all diligence to instruct them from time to time.  
Fear not the miss of men to fill your Towns, and complete your companies; for although at first struggle for truths advance there may but a small number appear of sound judgement: yet shall you not prefer any to Office, whose zeal is not strong for the truth, for now the mind of Christ is to put out the Name of Ammaleck from under Heaven (I mean such at have persecuted the Churches and People of Christ in their low condition) and assuredly unsound Saules will spare such as should not be saved from destruction. Then be strong and of a good courage (all you that are to fight the Lords Battle) that your Faith fail not at sight of the great Armies of Gog and Magog: and as for you, who shall be preferred to highest places in his New England Regiments, cause your Captain and other inferior Officers to be diligent in their several places, that you may lend help to your Countrymen, that ere long be will see a necessity of contending for the truth, as well as yourselves in choice of Military Officers; Let faithfulness to the cause in hand, courage, activity and skill have the preeminence of honours; for although it may seem a mean thing to be a New England Soldier, yet some of you shall have the battering and bearing down, sealing, winning and wasting the over-topping Towers of the Hierarchy; Lieutenants, Ensign and Sergeants, exceed not your places, till Experience, Skill and true Valour promote you to higher honour, to which you shall be daily aspiring. As the worthy encouragement of a Soldier's labour, let Militay discipline be had in high esteem among you. Gentlemen, Corporals and fellow-soldiers, keep your weapons in a continual readiness, seeing you are called to fight the Battles of your Lord Christ; who must reign till he hath put all his enemies under his Feet, his glorious Victories over Antichrist are at hand, never yet did any Soldier rejoice in dividing the spoil after Victory, as all the Soldiers of Christ shall, to see his judgement executed upon the great Whore, and withal the Lamb's bride prepared for him, who comes Skipping over & trampling down the great Mountains of the Earth, whose universal Government will then appear glorious, when not only the Assyrian, Babylonian, Persian, Grecian and Roman Monarchies shall subject themselves unto him, but also all other new upstart Kingdoms, Dukedoms, or what else can be named, shall fall before him; Not that he shall come personally to Reign upon Earth (as some vainly imagine) but his powerful Presence and Glorious brightness of his Gospel both to Jew and Gentile, shall not only spiritually cause the Churches of Christ to grow beyond number, but also the whole civil Government of people upon Earth shall become his, so that there shall not be any to move the hand, not dog his tongue against his chosen, And then shall the time be of breaking Spears into Mattocks, and Swords into Scythes; and this to remain to his last coming, which will be personally to overcome the last enemies of his Saints, even death, which he will do by the word of his Mouth, audibly spoken the World throughout.  
Then all you, who are now, or shall hereafter be shipped for this Voyage, mind the work of Christ, and not some following reign, titles of honour, others eyeing the best Grasse-platts and best Situation for Farms and large Accommodations, crowding our God's people from sitting down among you. Wherefore above all beware of covetousness; all you that will be admitted into these select Bands of Christ Jesus, remember Achan, whereas Rams Horns could overthrow the high and strong walls of Jericho, before his theft committed, after it the little number of the men of Ai could put the Host of the living God to flight, see then you stand upon your watch continually in the strength of Christ, for assuredly instead of casting down the enemies of Christ, thissin will cast down you utterly, disinable you for striking one stroke in the cause of Christ; and whereas he hath purposely picked ou● this People for a pattern of purity and soundness of Doctrine, as well as Discipline, that all such may find a refuge among you, and let not any Merchants, Innkeeper's, Taverners and men of Trade in hope of gain, fling open the gates so wide, as that by letting in all sorts you mar the work of Christ intended: neither shall such labourers as he hath picked out to be Pyoneers in this Camp of his, drink up like Sponges such means as he hath sent to maintain both Officers, and private Soldiers. Lastly, let not such as fight, set foot on Land to compose Towns for Habitations, take up large accommodations for sale, to enrich themselves with others goods, who are to follow them, but freely as you have received, so give out to others: for so soon as you shall seek to engross the Lords wast into your hands, he will ease you of your burden by making stay of any farther resort unto you, and then be sure you shall have waste Land enough.  
To this Commission was added a strong motive to this work as followeth: Namely, the great enmity between that on● truth as it is in Jesus, and all other unsound and undeceiveable Doctrines, together with the persons that hold them; insomuch, that they cannot stand in one Commonwealth long together, as sixteen hundred years' experience will testify, the which Moses lays down as one main reason, why he might not admit of a toleration to worship God in Egypt. And therefore all you that believe the Scripture, which so plainly prophesy the destruction of Antichrist and all Antichristian Doctrines; Pray, pray, pray, pray continually with that valiant worthy Joshua that the Sun may stand still in Gibeon, and the Moon in the valley of Aijalon, for assuredly although some small battles may be fought against the enemies of Christ, yet the great day of their final overthrow shall not come till the bright Son of that one clear truth of Christ, stand still in the Gentile Churches, that those who fight the Lords Battles may plainly discern his enemies in all places, where they find them, as also such as will continue fight must have the World kept low in their eyes, as the Moon in the valley of Aijalon.   

CHAP. VII. Of the goodness of God in helping his People to a large liberty in Spiritual things, under the hopes of gain in Earthly things.  
THis Proclamation being audibly published through the I'll of Great Britain by sundry Herraulds, which Christ had prepared for that end: the rumour ran through Cities, Towns and Villages; when those that were opposites heard it, some cried one thing, and some another, much like the tumult in the Town. hall at Ephesus, some said let them go, others cried, swear them first, others said let no Subsidy men pass, others would have strict search made for nonconformants, and that none of the late silenced Ministers might pass into the Ships; Amidst this great hurry the sincere servants of Christ humbly seek the Lord's assistance in days of Humiliation, taking up some serious cogitations, how to begin this worthy work, upon which it was thought meet a pattern should be procured, comprised after the manner of a Corporation-company or Brotherhood, with as large liberty for government of this Association, as could be got under the Broad Seal of England, which accordingly was done by advice of one Mr. White an honest Counsellor at Law, as also furthered by the honoured Mr. Richard Belinham, and under the name of many worthy personages, as Governor, Dep. Gou. Assistant and Freemen etc. Granted, Ingrossed and Sealed as holding of the manner of East Greenwich, yielding by way of homage the sixth part of all such Ore of Gold or Silver, as might for after time be found within the Limits of the said Grant bounded on the North, with the most Northerly part of the pleasant River of Merimech, one mile beyond, and on the South with the most Southern part of that oft frequented River commonly called Charles, one mile beyond with power to rule and govern in all those parts both by Sea and Land; To ●lect and set up all sorts of Officers, as well Superior as In●erior; to point out their power and places, to defend and maintain the said Land, and Inhabitants thereof with all their lawful liberties (against all such as at any time should Invade, Molest or Disturb the same) as well by offensive as defensive War, as also to constitute and ordain Laws, etc. Thus these Soldiers of Jesus Christ prepared to advance his Kingly Government, much like Samuel, when he went to anoint David, took up another errand, withal that the Malignant spirit of Saul might not hinder the work, so those Worthies of Christ joining themselves with Merchants and others, who had an eye at a profitable Plantation, who had not herein been deceived would they have stayed their time, but surely such mist not their mark, whose aim was at the durable interest, unless the fault were their own, neither let any man think Christ will not recompense those one way or other, who have been any way helpful to his people in this his work; amongst whom the Author will not miss that good Gentleman, Matthew Craddock by the way of thankfulness to him, Mr. Goff and others this Verse is tendered:  
For richest Gems and gainful things most Merchants wisely venture:  
Deride not then New England men, this Corporation ●nter;  
Christ calls for Trade shall never fade, come Craddock factors send:  
Let May●ew go and other more, spare not thy coin to spend;  
Suck Trades advance did never chance, in all thy Trading yet:  
Though some deride thy loss, abide, her's gain beyond man's wit.   

CHAP. VIII. Of the wonderful Preparation the Lord Christ by his Providence, wrought for his people's abode in this Western world.  
NOw let all men know the admirable Acts of Christ for his Churches, and chosen, are universally over the whole Earth at one and the same time, but sorry man cannot so discourse of them; And therefore let us leave our English Nation in way of preparation for this Voyage intended, and tell of the marvellous doings of Christ preparing for his people's arrival in the Western World, whereas the Indians report they beheld to their great wonderment that perspicuous bright blazing Comet (which was so famously noted in Europe) anon after Sun set it appeared as they say in the South-west, about three hours continuing in their Horizon, for the space of thirty sleeps (for so they reckon their days) after which uncouth sight they expected some strange things to follow, and the rather, because not long before the whole Nation of the Mattachusets were so affrighted with a Ship that arrived in their Bay, having never seen any before, thus they report some persons among them discerning a great thing to move toward them upon the Waters, wondering what Creature it should be, they run with their light cannowes, (which are a kind of Beates made of Birch Rinds, and sowed together with the roots of white Cedar-Trees) from place to place, stirring up all their Countrymen to come forth, and behold this monstrous thing; at this sudden news the shores for many miles were filled with this naked Nation, gazing at this wonder, till some of the stoutest among them manned ou● these Cannowes, being armed with Bow and Arrows, they approached within shot of the Ship, being becalmed they let fly their long sh●f●s at her, which being headed with bone some stuck fast, and others dropped into the water, they wondering it did not cry, but kept quietly on toward them, till all of a sudden the Master caused a piece of Ordnance to be fired, which struck such fear into the poor Indians, that they hasted to shore, having their wonders exceedingly increased; but being gotten among their great multitude, they waited to see the sequel with much amazement, till the Seamen filling up their sallies came to an Anchor, mannedout their long boat, and went on shore, at whose approach, the Indians fled, although now they saw they were men, who made signs to stay their flight, that they may have Trade with them, and to that end they brought certain Copper-Kettles; the Indians by degrees made their approach nearer and nearer till they came to them, when beholding their Vessels, which they had set forth before them, the Indian knocking them were much delighted with the sound, and much more astonished to see they would not break, being so thin, for attaining those Vessels they brought them much Beaver, fraughting them richly away according to their desires, this was the first working providence of Christ to stir up our English Nation, to plant these parts in hope of a rich Trade for Bever-skins, and this made some of our Countrymen make their abode in these parts, whom this Army of Christ at their coming over found as fit helps to further their design in planting the Churches of Christ; Who by a more admirable act of his Providence not long after prepared for his people's arrival as followeth.  
The Summer after the blazing Star (whose motion in the Heavens was from East to West, pointing out to the sons of men the progress of the glorious Gospel of Christ, the glorious King of his Churches) even about the year 1618. a little before the removeall of that Church of Christ from Holland to Plymouth in New England, as the ancient Indians report, there befell a great mortality among them, the greatest that ever the memory of Father to Son took notice of, chiefly desolating those places, where the English afterward planted the Country of Po●kanoky, Ag●ssawamg, it was almost wholly deserted, insomuch that the Neighbour Indians did abandon those places for fear of death, fleeing more West & by South, observing the East and by Northern parts were most smitten with this contagion, the Abarginny▪ men consisting of Mattachusets, Wippanaps and Tarratines' were greatly weakened, and more especially the three Kingdoms, or Saggamore ships of the Mattachusets, who were before this mortality most populous, having under them seven Dukedoms or petty Saggamores, and the Nianticks and Narrowganssits, who before this came were but of little note, yet were they now not much increased by such as fled thither for fear of death, the Pecods (who retained the Name of a warlike people, till afterwards conquered by the English) were also smitten at this time. Their Disease being a sore Consumption, sweeping away whole Families, but chiefly young Men and Children, the very seeds of increase, their Powwowes, which are their Doctors, working partly by Charms, and partly by Medicine, were much amazed to see their Wigwams lie full of dea● Corpses, and that now neither Squantam nor Abbamocho could help, which are their good and bad God and also their Powwows themselves were oft smitten with death's stroke, howling and much lamentation was heard among the living, who being possessed with great fear, oftimes left their dead unburied, their manner being such, that they remove their habitations at death of any, this great mortality being an un vonted thing, fear them the more, because naturally the Country is very healthy. But by this means Christ (whose great and glorious works the Earth throughout are altogether for the benefit of his Churches and chosen) not only made room for his people to plant; but also tamed the hard and cruel hearts of these barbarous Indians, insomuch that half a handful of his people landing not long after in Plimoth-Plantation, found little resistance, of whom the Author purposes not to speak particularly, being prevented by the honoured Mr. Winslow, who was an eyewitness of the work: only thus much by the way, they were sent to keep possession for their Brethren and fellow Soldiers, who arrived eight years after them, as in process of this story will God-willing appear: and verily herein they quit themselves like men, or rather Christ for and by them, maintaining the place notwithstanding the multitude of difficulties they met withal at their first landing, being in doubtful suspense what entertainment these Barbarians would give them, having with prayer supplicated the Lord in the Name of Christ their King and guide in this their undertaking, they manned out a Boat to discover what store of the Inhabitants were there. Now these men, whose courage exceeded the number, being guided by the provident hand of the most high, landed in some several places; and by making fires gave signs of their approach, now the Indians, whose dwellings are most near the water side, appeared with their Bows bend and Arrows one the string, let fly their long shifts among this little company, whom they might soon have enclosed, but the Lord otherwise disposed of it, for one Captain Miles Standish having his fowling-peece in a reddinesse, presented full at them, his shot being directed by the provident Hand of the most high God, struck the stourest Sachem among them one the right Arm, it being bend over his shoulder to reach an Arrow forth his Quiver, as their manner is to draw them forth in fight, at this stroke they all fled with great swiftness through the Woods and Thickets, than the English, who more thirsted after their conversion than destruction, returned to their Boat without receiving any damage, and soon after arrived where they left their Brethren, to whom they declared the good hand of God toward them, with thankful acknowledgement of this great work of his in preserving them; Yet did they all remain full of encumbered thoughts, the Indians, of whose multitudes they had now some intelligence, together with experience of spirits, and also knew well without commerce with them they were not like long to subsist.  
But he, whose work they went about, wrought so rare a Providence for them, which cannot but be admired of all that hear it. Thus it befell as they were discoursing in the Boat they had built for shelter, all of a sudden an Indian came in among them, at whose speech they were all aghast, he speaking in the English Language, Much welcome Englishmen, their wonder was the greater, because upon those Costs they supposed no English had so much as set foot, and verily Christ had prepared him on purpose to give his people entertainment, the Indian having lived in England two year or thereabout, after which he returned home, and at this time had wandered into those parts in company of other Indians, all this, and the condition of the near adjoining Indians, he soon discovered unto them, at which they were transported beyond themselves very much, what with joy and the mixture of their former fear and affection intervening with the other, surprised all their senses of a sudden, that long it was ere each party could take its proper place, yea, and beyond all this Christ Jesus, by the power of his blessed Spirit, did now work upon all their faculties both of Soul and Body, the great impression of his present Providence might not soon be washed off with the following encumbered cares of a Defart Wilderness; but to contract, they made use of the present opprotunity, and by the instrumental means of this Indian, became acquainted and reconciled with most of the Neighbouring Indians. And afterward planted a Church of Christ there, and set up civil Government, calling the Name of the place Plymouth: under this jurisdiction there are ten Churches at this very day, this being the first place any English resorted unto for the advancement of the Kingly Government of Christ in this Western World.   

CHAP. IX. Of the first preparation of the Merchant Adventurers, in the Mattachusets.  
NOw it will be time to return again to England, to speak further of the people that we left in way of preparation; who in the year 1628. sent forth some store of servants to provide against the wants of a Desert Wilderness, amongst whom came over a mixed multitude, insomuch that very little appeared of the following work, only the much honoured Mr. John Indicat, came over with them to govern, a fit instrument to begin this Wildernesse-worke, of courage bold undaunted, yet sociable, and of a cheerful spirit, loving and austere, applying himself to either as occasion served. And now let no man be offended at the Author's rude Verse, penned of purpose to keep in memory the Names of such worthies as Christ made strong for himself, in this unwonted work of his.  

John Endicat twice Governor of the English, inhabiting the Mattachusets Bay in N. England.  
STrong valiant John wilt thou march on, and take up station first,  
Christ called hath thee, his Soldier be, and fail not of thy trust;  
Wilderness-wants Christ's grace supplants, then plant his Churches pure,  
With Tongues gifted, and graces led, help thou to his procure;  
Undaunted thou wilt not allow, Malignant men to waste:  
Christ's Vineyard here, whose grace should cheer, his well-beloved's taste.  
Then honoured be thy Christ hath thee their General promoted:  
To show their love, in place above, his people have thee voted.  
Yet must thou fall, to grave with all the Nobles of the Earth,  
Thou rotting Worm to dust must turn, and worse but for new birth.   
The place picked out by this People to settle themselves in, was in the bosom of the outstretched arm of Cape Anne, now called Gloster, but at the place of their abode they began to build a Town, which is called Salem, after some little space of time having made trial of the Sordid spirits of the Neighbouring Indians, the most bold among them began to gather to divers places, which they began to take up for their own, those that were sent over servants, having itching desires after novelties, found a reddier way to make an end of their Master's provision, than they could find means to get more; They that came over their own men had but little left to feed on, and most began to repent when their strong Beers and full cups ran as small as water in a large Land, but little Corn, and the poor Indians so far from relieving them, that they were forced to lengthen out their own food with Acorns, and that which added to their present distracted thoughts, the Ditch between England and their now place of abode was so wide, that they could not leap over with a lope-staffe, yet some delighting their Eye with the rarity of things present, and feeding their fancies with new discoveries at the Spring's approach, they made shift to rub out the Winter's cold by the Fireside, having fuel enough growing at their very doors, turning down many a drop of the Bottle, and burning Tobacco with all the ease they could, discoursing between one while and another, of the great progress they would make after the Summers-Sun had changed the Earth's white furred Gown into a green Mantell. Now the vernal of thirty nine being come, they addressed themselves to cost it as far as they durst for fear of losing themselves, or falling into the hands of unknown Indians, being kept in awe by a report of a cruel people, not far of called the Tarratines'. All this while little like-lihood there was building the Temple for God's worship, there being only two that began to hew stones in the Mountains, the one named Mr. Bright, and the other Mr. Blaxton, and one of them began to build, but when they saw all sorts of stones would not fit in the building, as they supposed, the one betook him to the Seas again, and the other to till the Land, retaining no symbol of his former profession, but a Canonical Coat.   

CHAP. X.  
Of the first Church of Christ, gathered at Salem in the Mattachusets' Government.  
THis year 1629. came over three godly Ministers of Christ Jesus, intending to show his power in his people's lowest condition as his manner is, thereby to strengthen their Faith in following difficulties, and now although the number of the faithful people of Christ were but few, yet their longing desires to gather into a Church was very great; And therefore addressed themselves to find out the blessed Rules of Christ for preserving herein, who through the assistance of his Blessed Spirit, found that the Word of God, penned by the Apostles in many Epistles, written to particular Churches, consisting of such as are beloved. Saints, by calling appearing so in the judgement of Charity, being tried by the rule of the word, not scandalous in their Lives, for the society of such they sought, and in these beginnings found very few, seven being the lest number a Church can be gathered, or conceived by just consequence from the Word of God. Having fasted and prayed with humble acknowledgement of their own unworthiness to be called of Christ to so worthy a work, they joined together in a holy Covenant with the Lord, and one with another promising by the Lord's Assistance to walk together in Exhorting, Admonishing, and Rebuking one another, and to cleave to the Lord with a full purpose of heart, according to the blessed Rules of his Word made known unto them, and further they seeing by light of Scripture the Lord Christ ascended up on high to give gifts unto men, not only extraordinary as Apostles, etc. before the Canon of the Scripture was perfected but also ordinary as Pastors and Teachers, and that such are to be fitted with gifts according, for so mighty a work, as is the Feeding and Ruling the Flock of Christ. Wherefore they Elected and Ordained one Mr. Higgingson to be Tracher of this first Church of Christ, set up in those parts, a man endued with grace apt to teach, and mighty in the Scriptures, Learned in the Tongues, able to convince gainsayers, aptly applying the word to his hearers, who departed this life not long after, of whom it may be said.  

The Reverend Mr. Higgingson, first Pastor of the Church of Christ at Salem in New England.  
WHat Golden gain made Higginson remove,  
From fertile Soil to Wilderness of Rocks;  
'Twas Christ's rich Pearl stirred up thee toil to love,  
For him to feed in Wilderness his flocks.  
First Teacher, he here Sheep and Lambs together,  
First crowned shall be, he in the Heavens of all,  
Christ's Pastors here, but yet Christ folk had rather,  
Him here retain, blessed he whom Christ hath called.   
They also called to the Office of an Exhorting Elder Mr. Scelton, a man of a gracious Speech, full of Faith and furnished by the Lord with gifts from above, to begin this great work of his, that makes the whole Earth to ring again at this present day.  

The Reverend Mr. Scelton first Pastor of the Church of Christ, at Salem in New England, 1630.  
SCelton for Christ did leave his Native soil,  
Christ Grace first wrought for him, or he had never  
A Pastor been in Wilderness to toil,  
Where Christ his Flock doth into Churches gather;  
For five years' space to end thy warfare thou,  
Must meet with wants, what wants can be to him?  
Whose Shepherd's Christ Earth's fullness hath for you;  
And Heavens rich Crown for thee, with's conquest win.   
This Church of Christ, being thus begun, the Lord with the Water spouts of his tender Mercy caused to increase and fructify. And now let every Ear listen, and every heart admire, and enlarge itself to the astonishment of the whole man at this wondrous work of the great Jehovah; That in thrice seven years (after the beginning of this Work) wrought such fearful Desolations, and wonderful Alterations among our English Nation, and also in this dismal Desert, wasting the natural Inhabitant with death's stroke, and that as is former touched, the Mattachusets, who were a populous Nation, consisting of 30000 able men, now brought to less than 300. and in their room and place of abode this poor Church of Christ consisting at their beginning, but of seven persons, increased to forty three Churches in join Communion one with the other, professing One God, One Christ, and one Gospel, and in those Churches about 7750. Souls in one profession of the Rules of Christ, and that which makes the work more admirable in the Eyes of all beholders, men's habitations are cut out of the Woods and Bushes, neither can this place be entered by our English Nation, but by passing through a dreadful and terrible Ocean of nine hundred Leagues in length.   

CHAP. XI. Of the Glorious beginnings of a thorough Reformation in the Churclses of Clorist.  
FUrther know these are but the beginnings of Christ's glorious Reformation, and Restauration of his Churches to a more glorious splendour than ever. He hath therefore caused their dazzling brightness of his presence to be contracted in the burning Glass of these his people's zeal, from whence it begins to be left upon many parts of the World with such hot reflection of that burning fight, which hath fired many places already, the which shall never be quenched till it hath burnt up Babylon Root and Branch, and now let the Reader look one the 102. Psalm, the Prophet Isaia 66. Chapter, take this sharp Sword of Christ's Word, and all other Scriptures of like nature, and follow on ye valiant of the Lord; And behold the worthies of Christ, as they are boldly leading forth his Troops into these Western Fields, mark them well Man by Man as they march, terrible as an Army with Banners, crowd in all ye that long to see this glorious sight, see there's their glorious King Christ one that white Horse, whose hooses like flint cast not only sparks, but flames of fire in his pat●es. Behold his Crown beset with Carbunkles, wherein the names of his whole Army are written. Can there be ever night in his Presence, whose eyes are ten thousand times higher than the Sun? Behold his swiftness all you that have said, where is the promise of his coming? Listen a while, hear what his herald proclaims, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, both her Doctrine & Lordly rabble of Popes, Cardinals, Lordly-B●shops, Friars, Monks, Nuns, Seminary-Priests, Jesuits, Ermites', Pilgrims, Deans, prebend's, Arch-Deacons, Commissaries, officials, Proctors, Summoner's, Singing-men, Choristers, Organist, Bellows-blowers, Vergers, Porters, Sextons, Beadsmen, and Belringers and all others who never had name in the Word of God; together with all her false Doctrines, although they may seem otherwise never so contradictory as Arians, who deny the Godhead of Christ, and Gortenists, who deny the Humanity of Christ: Papists, who think to merit Heaven by the Works of the Law, Antinomians, who deny the Law of God altogether as a rule to walk by in the obedience of Faith, and deny good works to be the Frutit of Faith, Arminians, who attribute God's Election, or Reprobation to the will of Man, and Familists, who forsake the revealed Will of God, and make men depend upon strong Revelations, for the knowledge of Gods Electing Love towards them. Conformitants o● Formalists, who bring in a form of worship of their own, and join it with the worship God hath appointed in his Word Seekers, that deny all manner of worship or Ordinances of Christ Jesus, affirming them to be quite lost, and not to be attained till new Apostles come.   

CHAP. XII. Of the voluntary banishment, chosen by this People of Christ, and their last farewell taken of their Country and Friends.  
ANd now behold the several Regiments of these Soldiers of Christ, as they are shipped for his service in the Western World, part thereof being come to the Town and Port of Southamptan in England, where they were to be shipped, that they might prosecute this design to the full, one Ship called the Eagle, they wholly purchase, and many more they hire, filling them with the seeds of man and beast to sow this yet untilled Wilderness withal, making sale of such Land as they possess, to the great admiration of their Friends and Acquaintance, who thus expostulate with them, What, will not the large income of your yearly revenue content you, which in all reason cannot choose but be more advantageous both to you and yours, than all that Rocky Wilderness, whither you are going, to run the hazard of your life? Have you not here your Tables filled with great variety of Food, your Coffers filled with Coin, your Houses beautifully built and filled with all rich Furniture? (or otherwise) have you not such a gainful Trade as none the like in the Town where you live? Are you not enriched daily? Are not your Children very well provided for as they come to years? (nay) may you not here as pithily practise the two chief Duties of a Christian (if Christ give strength) namely Mortification and Sanctification as in any place of the World? What helps can you have there that you must not carry from hence? With bold resolvedness these stout Soldiers of Christ reply; as Death, the King of terror with all his dreadful attendance inhuman and barbarous, tortures doubled and trebled by all the infernal furies have appeared but light and momentany to the Soldiers of Christ jesus, so also the Pleasure, Profits and Honours of this World set forth in their most glorious splend or, and magnitude by the alluring Lady of Delight, proffering pleasant embraces, cannot entice with her Siren Songs, such Soldiers of Christ, whose aims are elevated by him, many Millions above that brave Warrior Ulysses.  
Now seeing all can be said will but barely set forth the immovable Resolutions that Christ continued in these men; Pass on and attend with tears, if thou hast any, the following discourse, while these Men, Women and Children are taking their last farewell of their Native Country, Kindred, Friends and Acquaintance, while the Ships attend them; Many make choice of some solitary place to echo out their bowell-breaking affections in bidding their Friends farewell, dear friends (says one) as near as my own soul doth thy love lodge in my breast, with thought of the heart burning Ravishments, that thy Heavenly speeches have wrought: my melting soul is poured out at present with these words, both of them had their farther speech strangled from the depth of their inward dolour, with breast-breaking sobs, till leaning their heads each on others shoulders, they let fall the salt-dropping dews of vehement affection, striving to exceed one another, much like the departure of David and Jonathan: having a little eased their hearts with the still streams of Tears, they recovered speech again. Ah! my much honoured friend, hath Christ given thee so great a charge as to be Leader of his People into that far remote, and vast Wilderness, I, oh, and alas thou must die there and never shall I see thy Face in the flesh again, wert thou called to so great a task as to pass the precious Ocean, and hazard thy person in Battle against thousands of Malignant Enemies there? there were hopes of thy return with triumph, but now after two three, or four months spent with daily expectation of swallowing Waves, and cruel Pirates, you are to be Landed among barbarous Indians, famous for nothing but cruelty, where you are like to spend your days in a famishing condition for a long space; Scarce had he uttered this, but presently he locks his friend fast in his arms, holding each other thus for some space of time, they weep again, But as Paul to his beloved flock: the other replies what do you weeping and breaking my heart? I am now pressed for the service of our Lord Christ, to rebuild the most glorious Edifice of Mount Zion in a Wilderness, and as John Baptist, I must cry prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight, for behold he is coming again, he is coming to destroy Antichrist, and give the whore double to drink the very dregs of his wrath.  
Then my dear friend unfold thy hands, for thou and I have much work to do, I and all Christian Soldiers the World throughout▪ then hand in hand they lead each other to the Sandy-banks of the brinish Ocean, when clenching their hands fast, they unloose not till enforced to wipe their watery-eyes, whose constant streams forced a watery-path upon their Cheeks, which to hide from the eyes of others they eat society for a time, but being called by occasion, whose bald backpart none can lay hold one; They thrust in among the throng now ready to take Ship, where they beheld the like affections with their own among divers Relations, Husbands and Wives with mutual consent are now purposed to part for a time 900 Leagues asunder, since some providence at present will not suffer them to go together, they resolve their tender affections shall not hinder this work of Christ, the new Married and betrothed man, exempt by the Law of God from war, now will not claim their privilege, but being constrained by the Love of Christ, lock up their natural affections for a time, till the Lord shall be pleased to give them a meeting in this Western World, sweetly mixing it with spiritual love, in the mean time many Fathers now take their young samuel's, and give them to this service of Christ all their Lives. Brethren, Sisters, Uncles, Nephews, Nieces, together with all Kindred of blood that binds the bowels of affection in a true Lover's knot, can now take their last farewell, each of other, although natural affection will still claim her right, and manifest herself to be in the body by looking out at the Windows in a mournful manner among this company, thus disposed doth many Reverend and godly Pastors of Christ present themselves, some in a Seaman's Habit, and their scattered sheep coming as a poor Convoy loftily take their leave of them as followeth, what doleful days are these, when the best choice our Orthodox Ministers can make is to take up a perpetual banishment from their native soil, together with their Waves and Children, we their poor sheep they may not feed, but by stoledred should they abide here. Lord Christ, here they are at thy command, they go, this is the door thou hast opened upon our earnest request, and we hope it shall never be shut: for England's sake they are going from England to pray without ceasing for England, O England! thou shalt find New England prayers prevailing with their God for thee, but now woe alas, what great hardship must these our endeared Pastors endure for a long season, with these words they life up their voices and wept, adding many drops of sale liquor to the ebbing Ocean; Then shaking hands they bid adieu with much cordial affection to all their Brethren, and Sisters in Christ, yet now the Scorn and Derifion of those times, and for this their great enterprise counted as so many cracked. brains, but Christ will make all the Earth know the wisdom he hath endued them with, shall over-top all the humane policy in the World, as the sequel we hope will show; Thus much shall suffice in general to speak of their people's farewell they took from time to time of their Country and Friends.   

CHAP. XIII. Of the charges expended by this poor People, to enjoy Christ in his purity of his Ordinances.  
ANd now they enter the Ships, should they have cast up what it would have cost to people New England before hand, the most strongest of Faith among them would certainly have staggered much, and very hardly have set sail. But behold and wonder at the admirable Acts of Christ, here it is cast up to thy hand, the passage of the persons that peopled New England cost ninety five thousand pounds, the Swine, Goats, Sheep, Neat and Horse, cost to transport twelve thousand pound, besides the price they cost, getting food for all persons for the time till they could bring the Woods to tillage amounted unto forty five thousand pounds; Nails, Glass and other Iron-worke for their meeting-houses, and other dwelling houses before they could raise any means in the Country to purchase them, Eighteen thousand pounds. Arms, Powder, Bullet and Match, together with their great Artillery, twenty two thousand pounds: the whose sum amounts unto one hundred ninety two thousand pound, beside that which the Adventurers laid out in England, which was a small pittance compared with this, and indeed most of those that cast into this Bank were the chief Adventurers. Neither let any man think the sum above expressed did defray the whole charge of this Army, which amounts to above as much more, only this sum lies still in bank, and the other they have had the income agains; This therefore is chiefly presented to satisfy such as think New England men have been bad husbands in managing their Estates, assuredly here it lies in bank, put out to the greatest advantage that ever any hath been for many hundred of years before, and verily although in casting it up some hundreds may be miscounted (for the Author would not willingly exceed in any respect) but to be sure Christ stands by and beholds every mite that (in the obedience of Faith) is cast into this Treasury: but what do we answering men? the money is all Christ's, and certainly he will take it well that (his) have so disposed of it to his advantage; by this means he hath had a great income in England of late, Prayers, Tears and Praise, and some Reformation; Scotland and Ireland have met with much of the profit of this Bank, Virginia, Bermodas and Barbados have had a taste, and France may suddenly meet with the like. Therefore repent you not, you that have cast in your Coin, but tremble all you that with a penurious hand have not only cast, in such as are taking out to hoard it up in your Napkins, remember Ananias and Saphirah, how darest thou do it in these dayet, when the Lord hath need of it? Gentle Reader make use of this memorable Providence of Christ for his New England Churches, where had this poor people this great sum of money? the mighty Princes of the Earth never opened their Coffers for them, and the generality of these men were mean and poor in the things of this life, but sure it is the work is done, let God have the glory, who hath now given them food to the full, and some to spare for other Churches.   

CHAP. XIV. Of the wonderful preservation of Christ, in carrying his People. Men, Women, Children, through the largest Ocean in the World.  
ANd now you have had a short survey of the charges of their New England Vayages, see their progress being safe aboard weighing Anchor, and hoisting sail they betook them to the protection of the Lord on the wide Ocean, no sooner were they dispersed by reason of the wideness of the Sea, but the Arrabella (for so they called the Eagle, which the company purchased in honour of the Lady Arrabella, Wife to that godly Esquire, Izack Johnson) espied four Ships, as they supposed, in pursuit of them, their suspicion being the more augmented by reason of a report (when they lay in harbour) of four Dunkerk-men of war, who were said to lie waiting for their coming forth, at this sight they make preparation, according to their present condition, comforting one another in the sweet mercies of Christ: the weaker sex betook them to the Ships hold, but the men one Decks wait in a readiness for the enemy's approach. At whose courage many of the Seamen wonder, not knowing under whose command these their passengers were, even he who makes all his Soldiers bold as Lions, Yet was he not minded to make trial of his people's valiantey in fight at this time, for the ships coming up with them proved to be their own Countrymen and friends, at which they greatly rejoiced, seeing the good hand of their God was upon them, and are further strengthened in Faith to rely one Christ, for the future time against all Leaks, Storms, Rocks, Sands, and all other wants a long Sea procures, sustaining them with a I meekness and patience, yet sensible of the Lords frowns, humbling their souls before him, and also rejoyeing in his deliverauces in taking the cup of Salvation, and paying the tribute of thankfulness to the most high, whose provident hand was diversely directed toward them, purposely to point out the great hardships they must undergo in this their Christian warfare, and withal to tell them, although their difficulties were many and moumfull, yet their victories should be much more glorious and joyful, eminently eyed of the whole World, but now keeping their course so near as the winds will suffer them, the billows begin to grow lofty and raging, and suddenly bringing them into the vale of death, covering them with the formidable floods, and dashing their bodies from side to side, hurling their unfixed goods from place to place at these unwonted works. Many of these people amazed find such opposition in nature, that her principles grow feeble, and cannot digest her food, loathing all manner of meat, so that the vital parts are hindered from cooperating with the Soul in spiritual duties, insomuch that both Men, Women and Children are in a helpless condition for present, and now is the time if ever of recounting this service they have, and are about to undertake for Christ; but he, who is very sensible of his people's infirmities, rebukes the winds, and Seas for their sakes, and then the reverend and godly among them begin to exhort them in the name of the Lord, and from the Lord, being fitted with such words as much incourrages the work they are going about, many of their horses and other cattle are cast overboard by the way, to the great disheartening of some, but Christ knew well how for his people's hearts would be taken off the main work with these things. And therefore although he be very tender in providing outward necessaries for his, yet rather than this great work (he intends) should be hindered, their Tables shall be spread but thinly in this wilderness for a time. After the Lord had exercised them thus several ways, he sent Diseases to visit their Ships, that the desert Land they were now drawing near unto might not be deserted by them at first entrance, which sure it would have been by many, had not the Lord prevented by a troublesome passage: At forty day's end, or thereabout, they cast to sound the Seas depth, and find them sixty fathom, by which they deem the banks of New sound Land are near, where they being provided with Cod-line and Hooke hale up some store of fish to their no small refreshing, and within some space of time after they approach the Cost of New England, where they are again provided with Mackerell, and that which was their greater rejoicing, they discover Land, at sight thereof they blessed the Lord.  
But before the Author proceed any further in this Discourse, take here a short survey of all the Voyages by Sea, in the transportation of these Armies of the great Jehova, for fifteen years' space to the year 1643. about which time England began to endeavour after Reformation, and the Soldiers of Christ were set at liberty to bide his battles at home, for whose assistance some of the chief worthies of Christ returned back: the number of Ships that transported passengers in this space of time, as is supposed is 298. Men, Women and Children passing over this wide Ocean, as near as at present can be gathered, is also supposed to be 21200. or thereabout.   

CHAP. XV. An Exhortation to all People, Nations and Languages, to endeavour the advancing of the Kingdom of Christ in the purity of his Ordinances, seeing he hath done, such admirable Acts for these poor shrubs.  
ANd now all you whose affections are taken with wonderful matters (Attend) and you that think Christ hath forgotten his poor despised people (Behold) and all you that hopefully long for Christ's appearing to confound Antichrist (Consider) and rejoice all ye his Churches the World throughout, for the Lamb is preparing his Bride, and oh ● ye the ancient Beloved of Christ, whom he of old led by the hand from Egypt to Canaan, through that great and terrible. Wilderness, look here, behold him whom you have pierced, preparing to pierce your hearts with his Wonderworking Providence, and to provoke you by this little handful of his people to look on him, and mourn. Yet let no man think these few weak Worms would restrain the wnoderfull Works of Christ, as only to themselves, but the quite contrary, these but the Porch of his glorious building in hand, and if he have showed such admirable acts of his providence toward these, what will he do when the whole Nation of English shall set upon like Reformation according to the direct Rule of his Word? Assured confidence there is also for all Nations, from the undoubted promise of Christ himself.  
The Winter is past, the Rain is changed and gone, come out of the holes of the secret places, fear not because your number is but small, gather into Churches, and let Christ be your King, ye Presbytery, Lord it not over them or any Churches, but feed every one, that one flock over which Christ hath made you overseers, and ye people of Christ give your Presbytery double honours, that they with you may keep the watch of the Lord over his Churches. Ye Dutch come out of your hods-podge, the great mingle mangle of Religion among you hath caused the Churches of Christ to increase so little with you, standing at ● stay like Corn among Weeds, Oh, ye French! fear not the great swarms of Locusts, nor the croaking Frogs in your Land, Christ is reaching out the hand to you, look what he hath done for these English, and sure he is no Respecter of Persons, etc. ye Germans that have had such a bloody bickering, Christ is now coming to your aid, then cast off your loose, and careless kind of Reformation, gather into Churches, and keep them pure, that Christ may delight to dwell among you: oh Italy! The Seat and Centre of the Beast, Christ will now pick out a People from among you for himself, see here what wonders he works in little time. Oh! ye Spaniards and portugals, Christ will show you the abominarions of that beastly Whore, who hath made your Nations drunk with the Wine of her Fornication. Dread not that cruel murderous Inquisition, for Christ is now making Inquisition for them, and behold, here how he hath rewarded them, who deal cruelly with these his people.  
Finally, oh all ye Nations of the World, behold great is the work the glorious King of Heaven and Earth hath in hand; beware of neglecting the call of Christ: and you the Seed of Israel both less and more, the rattling of your dead bones together i● at hand, Sinews, Flesh and Life: at the Word of Christ it comes Counsellors and Judges, you shall have as at the beginning to fight for you, as Gidion, Bareck, Jeptha, Samson etc. then sure your deliverance shall be sudden and wonderful, if Christ have done such great things for these low Shrubs, what will his most Admirable, Excellent and wonderful Work for you be, but as the Resurrection from the dead, when all the miraculous acts of his wonderful power showed upon Pharaoh? for your forefather's deliverance shall be swallowed up with those far greater works that Christ shall show for your deliverance upon the whole World, by Fires and Blood destroying both Pope and Turk, when you shall see great smoke and flames ascending up on high, of that great Whore, Revel. 14 & 11. verse, and the 17. & 16. verse, and the 18. the 8. and 18. verse. Then oh! you People of Israel gather together as one Man, and grow together as one Tree. Ezek. 37. & 23. For Christ the great King of all the Earth is now going forth in his great Wrath and terrible Indignation to avenge the blood of his Saints, Ezek 38 & 19 vers. and now for the great and bloody Battle of Gog and Magog, Rivers of blood, and up to the Horse-bridles, even the blood of those have drunk blood so long, oh I dreadful day, when the patience and long-suffering of Christ, that hath lasted so many hundreds of years shall end, what wondrous works are now suddenly to be wrought for the accomplishment of these things▪ Then judge all you (whom the Lord Christ hath given a discerning spirit) whether these poor New England People be not the fore runners of Christ's Army, and the marvellous providences which you shall now hear, be not the very Finger of God, and whether the Lord hath not sent this people to Preach in this Wilderness, and to proclaim to all Nations, the near approach of the most wonderful works that ever the Sons of men saw. Will not you believe that a Nation can be borne in a day? here is a work come very near it; but if you will believe you shall see far greater things than these, and that in very little time, and in the mean time look on the following Discourse.   

CHAP. XVI. Of the admirable Acts of Christ's Providence, in delivering this his people in their Voyages by Sea, from many foul dangers.  
YOu have heard of about 198. Ships passing the perilous Ocean, of all which I hear of but one that ever miscarried; yet shall you here see some of the great dangers they were in the Ship, this Author came in a foggy morning, anon by break of day was ready to be steamed by a Pirate, but being unready for sight they passed by; others by a fog, have been delivered from farther chase of them, so that of this great number never did any Pirate make one shot at them, according to best intelligence. Their deliverance from leaks also hath been no less wonderful, some so near sinking, that the loving affection between Husband and Wife, hath caused them to fouled each other in their Arms, with Resolution to die together, and make the Sea their Grave, yet not ceasing to call on the Lord, their present help in time of need, who is minded to manifest his great care for this his people to all that shall come to hear thereof. And therefore directs to means for freeing their ships, being now ready to founder in the depthless Ocean. And further, as if these deliverances were too little to express the tender care Christ hath of his, to free them from all dangers, those that occupy their business in the deep, and see the Wonders of God upon the waters, are taken with great astonishment to behold the extraordinary hand of the most High, in transportation of this people, in that their Ships all of a sudden are brought so near the ground, and yet strike not their Pilots, missing ofttimes of their skill on those unwandered. Coasts, but their Jehovah he misses not to be an exact Pilot in the most thickest fogs and darkest nights, for thus it befell.  
The night newly breaking off her darkness, and the daylight being clouded with a gross vapour, as if night's Curtains remained half shut, the Seamen and Passengers standing on the Decks, suddenly fixed their eyes one a great Boat (as they deemed) and anon after they spied another, and after that another; but musing on the matter, they perceived themselves to be in great danger of many great Rocks, with much terror and affrightment, they turned the Ship about, expecting every moment to be dashed in pieces against the Rocks. But he whose providence brought them in, Piloted them out again, without any danger, to their great Rejoicing. And assuredly) so extraordinarily eminent and admirable to the eyes of many beholders, was the wonderful works in magnifying the Rich grace toward this his people in preferring them) that many Masters of Ships left their See employment for a time, and chose rather to suffer the want of a Wilderness with the people of God, than to increase their Estates in a full-fed Land, and verily so taken they were, that they fell down at Christ's Feet, and were placed by him as living stones, Elect and Precious in his Churches; also many other Seamen were brought to seek after Christ in his Ordinances, by which it appears some great work, by some far surpassing all this, hath Christ ere long to do, that he thus fitteth Instruments. Then all you that occupy shipping prepare for his service, who will assuredly prove the best owner that ever you went to Sea for.  
Furthermore, the condition of those persons passed the Seas, in this long and restless Voyage (if rightly considered) will more magnify the grace of Christ in this great Worke. First, such were many of them that never before had made any path through the Waters, no not by boat, neither so much as seen a Ship, others so tenderly brought up that they had little hope of their Lives continuance under such hardships, as so long a Voyage must needs enforce them to endure, others there were, whose Age did rather call for a quiet Couch to rest them on, than a pinching cabin in a Reeling Ship, others whose weak natures were so borne down with Disease, that they could hardly crawl up the Ships-side, yet ventured their weak Vessels to this Westurne World. Here also might you see weakly Women, whose hearts have trembled to set foot in Boat, but now emboldened to venture through these tempestuous Seas with their young Babe's, whom they nurture up with their Breasts, while their bodies are tossed on the tumbling Waves; also others whose Wombs could not contain their fru●t, being ready for the Worlds-light, travailed and brought forth upon this depthless Ocean in this long Voyage, lively and strong Children yet living, and like to prove succeeding Instruments in the Hands of Christ, for furthering this work; among other Seaborn Cotten, now a young student in a College in Cambridge, being Son to that Famous and Renowned Teacher of Christ, M. John Cotten; by all this and much more that might be said, for almost every one you discourse withal will tell you of some Remarkable Providence of God showed toward them in this their Voyage, by which you may see the Work of Christ is not to be laid aside because of difficulties.   

CHAP. XVII. Of the first leading of these People of Christ, when the Civil Government was Established.  
BUt to go on with the Story, the 12 of July or thereabout 1630. these Soldiers of Christ first set foot one this Western end of the World; where arriveing in safety, both Men, Women and Children. On the North side of Charles River, they landed near a small Island, called Noddells' Island, where one Mr. Samuel Mavereck then living, a man of a very loving and courteous behaviour, very ready to entertain strangers, yet an enemy to the Reformation in hand, being strong for the Lordly Prelatical power one this Island, he had built a small Fort with the help of one Mr. David Tompson, placing therein four Murderers to protect him from the Indians. About one mile distant upon the River ran a small creek, taking its Name from Major Gen. Edward Gibbons, who dwelled there for some years after; One the South side of the River one a point of Land called Blaxtons' point, planted Mr. William Blaxton, of whom we have formerly spoken: to the South East of him, near an Island called Tompsons' Island lived some few Planters more, these persons were the first Planters of those parts, having some small Trading with the Indians for Beaver-Skins, which moved them to make their abode in those parts, whom these first Troops of Christ's Army, found as fit helps to further their work. At their arrival those small number of Christians gathered at Salem, greatly rejoicing and the more, because they saw so many that came chiefly for promoting the great Work of Christ in hand, the Lady Arrabella and some other godly Women abode at Salem, but their Husbands continued at Charles Town, both for the settling the civil Government, and gathering another Church of Christ. The first Court was holden aboard the Arrabella the 23. of August. When the much honoured John Wintrope Esq. was chosen Governor for the remainder of that year, 1630. Also the worthy Thomus Dudley Esq. was chosen Deputy Governor, and Mr. Simon Brodestreet Secretary, the people after their long Voyage were many of them troubled with the Scurvy, and some of them died: the first station they took up was at Charles Town, where they pitched some Tents of Cloth, other built them small Huts, in which they lodged their Wives and Children. The first beginning of this work seemed very dolorous; First for the death of that worthy personage Izaac Johnson Esq. whom the Lord had endued with many precious gifts, insomuch that he was had in high esteem among all the people of God, and as a chief Pillar to support this new erected building, He very much rejoiced at his death, that the Lord had been pleased to keep his eyes open so long, as to see one Church of Christ gathered before his death, at whose departure there was not only many weeping eyes, but some fainting hearts, fearing the fall of the present work. For future Remembrance of him mind this Meeter.  

Izaac Johnson Esquire, beloved of Christ and his people, and one of the Magistrates of New England.  
WHat moved thee on the Seas upon such toil with Lady. taking;  
Christ's drawing love all strength's above, when way for his he's making.  
Christ will have thee example be, honoured with's graces, yielding  
His Church's aid, foundation laid, now new one Christ a building.  
Thy Faith, Hope, Love, Joy, Meekness prove improved for thy Lord,  
As he to thee, to people be, in Government accord.  
Oh! people why, doth Christ deny this worthies life to lengthen?  
Christ only trust, Jonson's turned dust, and yet he's crowned and strengthened.   
The grief of this people was further increased by the sore sickness which befell among them, so that almost in every Family Lamentation, Mourning, and woe was heard, and no fresh food to be had to cherish them, it would assuredly have moved the most locked up affections to Tears no doubt, had they passed from one Hut to another, and beheld the p●teous case these people were in, and that which added to their present distress was the want of fresh water, for although the place did afford plenty, yet for present they could find but one Spring, and that not to be come at, but when the tide was down, which caused many to pass over to the Southside of the River, where they afterward erected some other Towns, yet most admirable it was to see with what Christian courage many of these Soldiers of Christ carried it amidst all these calamities, and in October, the Governor Deputy and Assistants, held their second Court on the Southside of the River; Where they then began to build, holding correspondency with Charles Town, as one and the same.  
At this Court many of the first Planters came, and were made free, yet afterward none were admitted to this fellowship, or freedom, but such as were first joined in fellowship with some one of the Churches of Christ, their chiefest aim being bend to promote his work altogether. The number of Freemen this year was 110. or thereabout.   

CHAP. XVIII. Of the second Church of Christ, gathered at Charles Town in the Mattacusets Bay, 1631.  
AND now the new-come Soldiers of Christ strengthen themselves in him, and gather a Church at Charles Town, whose extent at present did reach to both sides of the River, and in very little time after was divided into two Churches, the Reverend and judicious Mr. John Wilson was called to be Pastor thereof, a Man full of Faith, Courage and Zeal, for the truth of Christ persecuted, and hunted after by the usurping Prelates (and forced for present to part from his endeared Wife) ye honoured by Christ, and made a powerful instrument in his hands for the cutting down of Error, and Schism, as in the sequel of this History will appear, in whose weakness Christ's power hath appeared.  

The Grave and Reverend Mr. John Wilson, now Pastor of the Church of Christ at Soston, in New England.  
JOhn Wilson will to Christ's will submit,  
In Wilderness, where thou hast Trials found,  
Christ in new making did compose thee fit,  
And made thy Love zeal, for his truth abound.  
Then it's not Wilson, but Christ by him hath,  
Error cut down when it o'retopping stood,  
Thou then then it didst show an holy wrath;  
Saving men's souls from this o'erflowing flood.  
They thee deprave, thy Ministrey despise,  
By thy thick utterance seek to call Men back,  
From hearing thee, but Christ for thee did rise.  
And turned the wheelright over them to crack.  
Yea, caused thee with length of days to stand,  
Steadfast in's house in old Age fruit to bring,  
I and thy seed raise up by his command▪  
His Flock to feed, rejoice my Muse and sing.  
That Christ doth, dust regard so plenteously,  
Rich gifts to give, and heart to give him his,  
Estate and person thou spends liberally;  
Christ thee, and thine will Crown with lasting Bliss.   
This, as the other Churches of Christ, began with a small number in a desolate and barren Wilderness, which the Lord in his wonderful mercy hath turned to fruitful Fields. Wherhfore behold the present condition of these Churches compared with their beginnings; as they sowed in tears, so also have they Reaped in joy, and shall still so go on if plenty and liberty mar not their prosperity. This Town of Charles is situated one the North-side of Charles River, from whence it took its Name, the River being about five or six fathom deep; Over against the Town many small Islands lying to the Seaward of it, and Hills one either side. By which means it proves a very good harbour for Ships, which hath caused many Seamen and Merchants to sit down there, the form of this Town in the frontice piece thereof, is like the Head, Neck and Shoulders of a Men, only the pleasant, and Navigable River of Mistick runs through the right shoulder thereof, and by its near approach to Charles River in one place makes a very narrow neck, by which means the chief part of the Town, whereon the most building stands, becomes a Peninsula: it hath a large Marketplace near the water side built round with Houses, comely and fair, forth of which there issues two streets orderly built with some very fair Houses, beautified with pleasant Gardens and Orchards, the whole Town consists in its extent of about 150. dwelling Houses. Their meeting house for Sabbath assembly stands in the Marketplace, very comely built and large, the Officers of this Church are at this day one Pastor, and one Teacher, one Ruling Elder, and three Deacons, the number of Souls are about 160. wonderful it is to see that in so short a time such great alterations Christ should work for these poor people of his: their Corn Land in Tillage in this Town is about 1200. Acres, their great cattle are about 400. head, Sheep near upon 400. as for their horse you shall hear of them, God willing, when we come to speak of their Military Discipline.   

CHAP. XIX. Of the Third Church of Christ gathered at Dorchester, 1631.  
THe third Church of Christ gathered under this Government was at Dorchester, a frontier Town situated very pleasantly both for facing the Sea, and also its large extent into the main Land, well watered with two small Rivers; near about this Town inhabited some few ancient Traders, who were not of this select band, but came for other ends, as Morton of Merry-mount, who would fain have resisted this work, but the provident hand of Christ prevented. The form of this Town is almost like a Serpent turning her head to the North ward; over against Tompsons' Island, and the Castle, her body and wings being chiefly built on, are filled somewhat thick of Houses, only that one of her Wings is clipped, her Tail being of such a large extent that she can hardly draw it after her; Her Houses for dwelling are about one hundred and forty, Orchards and Gardens full of Fruit-trees, plenty of Corne-Land, although much of it hath been long in tillage, yet hath it ordinarily good corpse, the number or Trees are near upon 1500. Cows, and other cattle of that kind about 450. Thus hath the Lord been pleased to increase his poor dispersed people, whose number in this Flock are near about 150. their first Pastor called to feed them was the Reverend, and godly Mr. Maveruck.  
MAveruck thou must put period to thy days, 
Mr. Wareham and other of their Teaching Elders, you shall read of when the Can●●k●●●o is planted.   
In Wilderness thy Kindred thee provoke  
To come, but Christ doth thee for high ends Raise;  
Amongst his worthies to strike many a stroke.  
Thy godly Life, and Doctrine speak, though thou  
In dust art laid, yet Christ by thee did feed  
His scattered Lambs, they gathered are by you;  
Christ calls thee home, but flock he leaves to seed.   

CAHP. XX. Of the Fourth Church of Christ gathered at Bosten, 1631.  
AFter some little space of time the Church of Christ at Charles Town, having their Sabbath assemblies oftenest o● the South side of the River, agreed to leave the people on that side to themselves, and to provide another Pastor for Charles Town, which accordingly they did. So that the fourth Church of Christ issued out of Charles Town, and was seated at Boston, being the Centre Town and Metropolis of this Wilderness work (but you must not imagine it to be a Metropolitan Church) environed it is with the Brinish floods, saving one small Istmos, which gives free access to the Neighbour Towns; by Land on the South side, on the Northwest, and North East, two constant Fairs are kept for daily traffic thereunto, the form of this Town is like a heart, naturally situated for Fortifications, having two Hills on the frontice part thereof next the Sea, the one well fortified on the superfices thereof, with store of great Artillery well mounted, the other hath a very strong battery built of whole Timber, and filled with Earth, at the descent of the Hill in the extreme point thereof betwixt these two strong arms lies a large Gave or Bay, on which the chiefest part of this Town is built, overtopped with a third Hill, all three like over-topping Towers keep a constant watch to foresee the approach of foreign dangers, being furnished with a Beacon and loud babbling Guns, to give notice by their redoubled echo to all their Sister towns, the chief Edifice of this City-like Town i● crowded on the Sea-b●●kes, and wharfed out with great industry and cost, the buildings beautiful and large, some fairly see forth with Brick, Tile, Stone and Slate, and orderly placed with comely streets, whose continual enlargement presages some sumptuous City. The wonder of this modern Age, that a few years should bring forth such great matters by so means a handful, and they so far from being enriched by the spoils of other Nations, that the states of many of them have been spoiled by the Lordly Prelacy, whose Lands must assuredly make Restitutions. But now behold the admirable Acts of Christ, at this his people's landing, the hideous Thickets in this place were such, that Wolves and Bears nursed up their young from the eyes of all beholders, in those very places where the streets are full of Girls and Boys sporting up and down, with a continued concourse of people. Good store of Shipping is here yearly built, and some very fair ones: both Ta● and Masts the Country affords from its own soil; also store of Victual both for their own and Forreinersships', who resort hither for that end: this Town is the very Mart of the Land, French, portugals and Dutch, come hither for Traffic.   

CHAP. XXI. Of the fifth Church of Christ, gathered at Roxbury, 1631.  
THe fifth Church of Christ was gathered at Roxbury, situated between Boston and Dorchester, being well watered with cool and pleasant Springs issuing forth the Rocky-hills, and with small Freshets, watering the Valleys of this fertile Town, whose form is somewhat like a wedge double pointed, entering between the two foure-named Towns, filled with a very laborious people, whose labours the Lord hath so blest, that in the room of dismal Swampes and tearing Bushes, they have very goodly Fruit-trees, fruitful Fields and Gardens, their Herd of Cowes, Oxen and other young cattle of that kind about 350. and dwelling-houses near upon 120. Their streets are large, and some fair Houses, yet have they built their House for Church-assembly, destitute and unbeautified with other buildings. The Church of Christ here is increased to about 120. persons, their first Teaching Elder called to Office is Mr. Eliot a young man, at his coming thither of a cheerful spirie, walking unblameable, of a godly conversation, apt to teach, as by his indefatigable pains both with his own flock, and the poor Indians doth appear, whose Language he learned purposely to help them to the knowledge of God in Christ, frequently Preaching in their Wigwams, and Catechising their Children.  

Mr. Eliot Pastor of the Church of Christ at Roxbury, in New England, much honoured for his labours in the Lord.  
GReat is thy work in Wilderness, Oh man,  
Young Eliot near twenty years thou baste,  
In Western world with miccle toil thy span  
Spent well-near out, and now thy grey hairs gracest,  
Are by thy Landlord Christ, who makes use of thee  
To feed his flock, and heathen people teach  
In their own Language, God and Christ to see;  
A Saviour their blind hearts could not reach,  
Poor naked Children come to learn God's Mind  
Before thy face with reverend regard;  
Bless God for thee may these poor heathen blind,  
That from thy mouth Christ's Gospel sweet have heard.  
Eliot thy Name is, through the wild woods spread,  
In Indians mouths frequent's thy fame, for why?  
In sundry shapes the Devils made them dread;  
And now the Lord makes them their Wigwams fly,  
Rejoice in this, nay rather joy that thou,  
Amongst Christ's Soldiers baste thy name sure set.  
Although small gain on Earth accrue to you,  
Yet Christ to Crown will thee to Heaven soon fet.    

CHAP. XXII.  
Of the Sixth Church of Christ, gathered at Linn. 1631.  
THe Sixth Church of Christ was gathered at Linn, between Salem and Charles Town, her scitnation is near to a River, whose strong freshe● at breaking up of Winter filleth all her Banks, and with a furious Torrent ventes itself into the Sea; This Town is furnished with Minerals of divers kinds, especially Iron and Lead, the form of it is almost square, only it takes two large a run into the Land ward (as most Towns do) it is filled with about one hundred Houses for dwelling; Here is also an Iron Mill in constant use, but as for Lead they have tried but little yet. Their meetinghouse being on a level Land undefended from the cold North west-wind; And therefore made with steps descending into the Earth, their streets are straight and comely, yet but thin of Houses, the people mostly inclining to Husbandry, have built many Farms Remote there, cattle exceedingly multiplied, Goats which were in great esteem at their first coming, are now almost quite banished, and now Horse, Kine and Sheep are most in request with them, the first feeder of this flock of Christ was Mr. Stephen Batchelor, grey and aged, of whom as followeth:  
THrough Ocean large Christ brought thee for to feed,  
His wandering flock with's word thou hast oft taught,  
Then teach thyself with others thou hast need;  
Thy flowing fame unto low ebb is brought▪  
Faith and Obedience Christ full near hath joined,  
Then trust on Christ, and thou again mayst be  
Brought on thy race though now far cast behind,  
Run to the end, and crowned thou shalt be.   

CHAP. XXIII. Of the seventh Church of Christ gathered at Watertowne, 1631.  
THe Seaventh Church of Christ gathered out of this wandering Race of Jaccobites was at Watertowne, situate upon one of the Branches of Charles River, a fruitful plat, and of large extent, watered with many pleasant Springs, and small Rivulets, running like veins throughout her Body, which hath caused her inhabitants to scatter in such manner, that their Sabbath-Assemblies prove very thin, if the season favour not, and hath made this great Town (consisting of 160. Family's) to show nothing delightful to the eye in any place; this Town began by occasion of Sir Richard Saltingstall, who at his arrival, having some store of cattle and servants, they wintered in those parts: this Town abounds in several sorts of Fish at their seasons, Basse, Shad, Alewives, Frost fish, and Smelts: their herd of Kine, and cattle of that kind are about 450. with some store of Sheep and Goats, their Land in tillage is near upon 1800. Acres, this Church is increased to near about 250. souls in Church-fellowship, their first Pastor was Mr. Phillips, a man mighty in the Scriptures, and very diligent to search out the mind of Christ therein contained, of whom as followeth:  
THe penury of Wilderness shall not  
Daunt Phillips, and dissuade his undertaking  
This Voyage long: for Christ hath made him hot  
With zeal for's truth, thy native soil forsaken  
To follow Christ his banished flock to feed,  
With restless toil thus honoured Christ hath thee,  
Then it maintain though thou thy people need;  
Christ would thou shouldst of them aye honoured be,  
Till death thou hast been soldier in this War,  
Dark types the shadows of good things now come,  
By thee have been unfolded very far;  
Cleared baptimes light from error broached by some.  
As by thy work in Print appears this day,  
Though thou thy days hast ended on this Earth,  
Yet still thou livest in Name and Fame always;  
Christ thee poor dust doth crown with lasting Mirth.   

CHAP. XXIV. Of the great cheerfulness of their Soldiers of Christ, in and under the penuries of a Wilderness.  
THese were the beginnings of these resolute Soldiers of Christ Jesus in the year, 1631. Even to lay the Foundation of their several Churches of Christ, built only on him as their chief Corner Stone. But as his chosen Israel met with many difficulties after their return from Captivity, in building the Temple and City, which they valiantly waded through; So these weak worms (Oh Christ to thy praise be it spoken) were most wonderfully holpen in such distresses, as to appearance of man seemed to be both hopeless, and helpless, threatening destruction to the whole building and far from accomplishing such great things as you have in part seen already, and shall in the following discourse (God willing) see more abundantly, adding a strong testimony to the work, that as it was begun by Christ, so hath it been carried on by him, and shall to the admiration of the whole World be perfected in his time, and unless men will be wilfully blind, they must needs see and confess the same, and that the influence thereof hath already run from one end of the Earth unto the other.  
This year 1631. John Winthrop Esq. was chosen Governor, picked out for the work, by the provident hand of the most high, and enabled with gifts accordingly, than all the folk of Christ, who have seen his face and been partaker of the same, remember him in this following Matter.  

john Winthrope Esq. Eleven times Governor of the English Nation, inhabiting the Mattacusets Bay in New England.  
WHy leavest thou John, thy station, in Suffolk, thy own soil,  
Christ will have thee a pillar be, for's people thors must toil,  
He changed thy heart, then take his part, 'gainst prelate's proud invading  
(His Kingly throne) set up alone, in wilderness their shading.  
His little flocks from Prelates knocks, twice ten years ruted thou hast,  
With civil sword at Christ's word, and eleven times been trast.  
By Name and Note, with people's vote, their Governor to be,  
Thy means hast spent, 'twas therefore lent, to raise this work by thee.  
Well armed and strong with sword among, Christ armies warcheth he.  
Doth valiant praise, and weak one raise, with kind benignity.  
To lead the Van, 'gainst Babylon, doth worthy Winthrop call,  
Thy Progeny, shall Battle try, When Prelacy shall fall.  
With fluent Tongue thy Pen doth run, in learned Latin phrase,  
To Sweads, French, Dutch, thy Neighbours, which thy lady rhetoric praise,  
Thy bounty feeds, Christ's servants needs, in wilderness of wants  
To Indians thou Christ's Gospel now, amongst heathen people plants.  
Yet thou poor dust, now dead and must, to rottenness be brought,  
T'ill Christ restore thee glorious, more than can of dust be thought.   
The much honoured Thomas Dudley Esquire was chosen Deputy Governor, and the number of Freemen added was about 83. Those honoured persons who were now in place of Government, having the propagation of the Churches of Christ, in their eye laboured by all means to make room for Inhabitants, knowing well that where the dead carcase is, thither will the Eagles resort. But herein they were much opposed by certain persons, whose greedy desire for land much hindered the work for a time, as indeed all such persons do at this very day, and let such take notice how these were cured of this distemper, some were taken away by death, and then to be sure they had Land enough, others fearing poverty, and famishment, supposing the present scarcity would never be turned into plenty, removed themselves away, and so never beheld the great good the Lord hath done for his people, but the valiant of the Lord waited with pagience, and in the miss of beer supp●led themselves with water, even the most honoured as well as others, contentedly rejoyeing in a Cup of cold water, blessing the Lord that had given them the taste of that living water, and that they had not the water that slacks the thirst of their natural bodies, given them by measure, but might drink to the full; as also in the absence of Bread they feasted themselves with fish, the Women once a day, as the eide gave way, resorted to the Mussells, and Clambankes, which are a Fish as big as Horse-mussells, where they dai'y gathered their Family's food with much heavenly discourse of the provisions Christ had formerly made for many thousands of his followers in the wilderness. Quoth one, my Husband hath travailed as far as Plymouth (which is near 40 miles,) and hath with great toil brought a little Corn home with him, and before that is spent the Lord will assuredly provide: quoth the other, our last peck of Meaie it now in the Oven at home a baking, and many of our godly Neighbours have quite spent all, and we owe one Loaf of that little we have; Then spoke a third, my husband hath veatured himself among the Indians for Corn, and can get none, as also our honoured Governor hath distributed his so far, that a day or two more will put an end to his store, and all the rest, and yet methinks our Children are as cheerful, fat, and lusty with feeding upon those Mussells, Clambanks and other Fish as they were in England, with their fill of Bread, which makes me cheerful in the Lords providing for us, being further confirmed by the exhoreation of our Pastor to trust the Lord with providing for us; whose is the Earth and the fullness thereof. And as they were encouraging one another in Christ's careful providing for them, they lift up their eyes and saw two Ships coming in, and presently this news came to their Ears, that they were come from Jacland full of Victuals, now their poor hairs were not so much refreshed in regard of the food they saw they were like to have, as their souls rejoiced in that Christ would now manifest himself to be the Commissary General of this his Army, and that he should honour them so far as to be poor Sutler's for his Camp, they soon up with their Mussells, and high them home to stay their hungry stomaches. After this manner did Christ many times graciously provide for this his people, even at the last cast.   

CHAP. XXV. Of the Lords gracious protection of his people, from the barbarous cruelties of the Heathen.  
ABout this time the Indians that were most conversant smong them, came quaking and complaining of a barbarous and cruel people called the Tarratines', who they said would eat such Men as they caught alive, tying them to a Tree, and gnawing their flesh by peece-meales off their Bones, as also that they were a strong and numerous people, and now coming, which made them flee to the English, who were but very few in number at this time, and could make but little resistance, being much dispersed, yet did they keep a constant watch, neglecting no means Christ had put into their hands for their own safety, in so much that they were exceedingly weaked with continued labour, watching and hard diet, but the Lord graciously upheld them in all, for thus it befell near the Town of Linn, then called Saugust, in the very dead of the night (being upon their watch, because of the report that went of the Indians approach to those parts) one Lieurenant Walker, a man endued with faith, and of a courageous spirit, coming to relieve the Sentinel being come up with him, all of a sudden they heard the Sticks crack hard by them, & with all he felt something b●ush hard upon his shoulder, which was an Indian arrow shot through his Coat, and the wing of his buffe-Jacket. Upon this he discharged his Culliver directly toward the place, where they heard the noise, which being deep'y laden brake in pieces, than they returned to the Court of Guard, and raised such small forces as they had; coming to the light they perceived he had an other Arrow shot through his Coat betwixt his Legs. Seeing this great presertation they stood upon their Guard till Morning, expecting the Indians to come upon them every moment, but when daylight appeared, they soon sent word to other parts, who gathered together, and took counsel how to quit themselves of these Indians, whose approach they deemed would be sudden, they ugreed to discharge their great Guns, the redoubling echo rattling in the Rocks caused the Indians to betake themselves to slight (being a terrible unwonted sound unto them) or rather he who put such trembling fear in the Assyrians Army, struck the like in these cruel Cannibals. In the Autumn following, the Indians, who had all this time held good correspondency with the English, began to quarrel with them about their bounds of Land, notwithstanding they purchased all they had of them, but the Lord put an end to this quarrel also, by smiting the Indians with a sore D●sease, even the smll Pox; of the which great numbers of them died, yet these servants of Christ minding their Master's business, were much moved in affection toward them to see them depart this life without the knowledge of God in Christ. And therefore were very frequent among them for all the noisomeness of their Disease, entering their Wigwams, and exhorting them in the Name of the Lord. Among others one of the chief Saggamores of the Mattachusets, whom the English named Saggemore John, gave some good hopes, being always very courteous to them, whom the godly, and much honoured among the English, visiting a little before his death, they instructing him in the knowledge of God. Qaoth he by and by me Mattamoy may be my two Sons live, you take them to teach much to know God.  
Accordingly the honoured Mr. John Winthrop, and the Reverend Mr. John Wilson took them home, notwithstanding the infectiousness of the Disease their Father died of. The mortality among them was very great, and increased among them daily more and more, insomuch that the poor Creatures being very timorous of death, would fain have fled from it, but could not tell how, unless they could have gone from themselves; Relations were little regarded among them at this time, so that many, who were s●●it●en with the Disease died helpless, unless they were near, and known to the English: their Powwowes, Wizards, and Charmers, Athamochas Factors were possessed with greatest fear of any. The Winter's piercing cold stayed not the strength of this hot Disease, yet the English endeavouring to visit their sick Wigwams, help them all they could, but as they entered one of their matted Houses, they beheld a most sad spectacle, death having smitten them all save one poor Infant, which lay on the ground sucking the Breast of its dead Mother, seeking to draw living nourishment from her dead breast. Their dead they left ofttimes unburied, wherefore the English were forced to dig holes, and drag their stinking corpse into them. Thus did the Lord allay their quarrelsome spirits, and made room for the following part of his Army. This year came over more supplies to forward the work of Christ.   

CHAP. XXVI. Of the gracious provisions the Lord made for his people.  
THe year 1632. John Winthrope Esquire, was chosen Governor again, and the ancient Thomas Dudley Esquire, was Deputy Governor, a man of a sound judgement in matters of Religion and well read, bestowing much labour that way, of whom as followeth:  

The honoured, aged, stable and sincere servant of Christ, zealous for his truth Thomas Dudley, Esq. four times Governor of the English Nation, in the Mattacusets, and first Major General of the Military Forces.  
WHat Thomas now believe dost thou that riches men may gain,  
In this poor Plot Christ doth allot his people to sustain;  
Rich Truth thou'lt buy and sell not, why no richer Gem can be,  
Truth's Champion in campion, Christ's grace hath placed thee,  
With civil Sword, at Christ's Word early cut off wilt thou,  
Those Wolvish sheep, amongst flocks do creep, and damned doctrine low▪  
To trembling age, thou valiant sage, one foot wilt not give ground,  
Christ's Enemies from thy face flies, his truth thou savest sound.  
Thy lengthened days, to Christ's praise, continued are by him:  
To set by thee his people free, from foes that raging been.  
Wearied with years, it plain appears, Dudley not long can last,  
It matters not, Christ Crown thee got, it's now at hand, hold fast.   
This year was the first choice of Migistrates by freemen, whose number was now increased, fifty three or thereabout, to declare the manner of their Government is by the Author deferred till the year. 1637. where the Reader may behold Government both in Churches and Commonwealth, to be an institution of the Lord, and much available through his blessing for the accomplshment of his promises to his people.  
This year these forerunners of the following Army of Christ, after the sight of many of the admirable Acts of his providence for them, begun to take up steady resolution through the help of him to wade through the Ocean, they were farther like to meet withal, and therefore began to plant the yet untilled Earth, having as yet no other means to tear up the bushy lands, but their hands and howes, their bodies being in very ill temper by reason of the Scurvy (a Disease in those days very frequent) to undergo such extremity, but being pricked on with hungers sharp good, they keep doing according to their weak abilities, and yet produce but little food for a long season, but being persuaded that Christ will rather rain bread from Heaven, than his people should want, being fully persuaded, they were set on the work at his command. Wherefore they followed on with all hands, and the Lord (who hath the cattle of thousand Hills, and the Corn of ten thousand Valleys, the whole Earth, and fullness of it) did now raise up fresh supplies to be added to these both of men and provision of food, men no less valiane in Faith then them, the former amongst whom was the Reverend Mr. Wields and Mr. James, who was welcomed by the people of Christ at Charles Town, and by them called to the Office of a Pastor, where he continued for some years, and from thence removed to New haven, upon some seed of prejudice sown by the enemies of this work. But good Reader do thou behold, and remember him farther in the following Lives;  
THy Native soil, Oh James did thee approve,  
God's people there in Lincolnesh●●e commend;  
Thy courteous speech and work of Christian love,  
Till Christ through Seas did thee on Message send.  
With learned skill his mind for to unsold,  
His people in New England thou must feed,  
But one sad breach did cut that band should hold;  
Then part wilt thou lest farther jars should breed.  
Yet part thou wilt not with Christ's Truth, thy crown  
But my Muse wail that any soldier should,  
In fight slip, why James thou fallest not down,  
Back thou retreats their valiant fight, hold  
Fast on thy Christ, who thine may raise with thee,  
His bands increase, when leaders he provides,  
Thy Son young student may such blessing be;  
Thy loss repair, and Christ thee crown besides.  
Although the great straits this Wilderness people were in for want of food, was heard of among the godly people in England, yet would they not decline the work, but men of Estates sold their possessions, and bought plenty of food for the Voyage, which some of them sent before hand, by which means they were provided for, as also the Lord put it into the hearts of such as were Masters, and Undertakers of Ships to store their Vessels so well that they had to spare for this people's need, and further Christ caused abundance of very good Fish to come to their Notes and Hooks, and as for such as were unprovided with these means, they caught them with their hands, and so with F●sh, wild Onions and other Herbs were sweetly satisfied till other provisions, came in, here must labouring men a little be minded, how ill they recompensed those persons, whose estates help them to food before they could reap any from the Earth, that forgetting those courtesies they soon by excessive prizes took for their work, made many File-leaders fall back to the next Rank, advancing themselves in the mean time. About this time the Church of Christ at Roxbury, being a diligent people, early prevented their Brethren in other Churches by calling the Reverend Mr. Wields to be their Pastor, of whom you may see somewhat farther in the following lines:  
TO work oh Wields! in wilderness betime  
Christ thee commands, that thou his folk should's follow:  
And feed his flock in Covenant bandcombine,  
With them through him his glorious name to hollow;  
Seven years thou stoutly didst wade through with toil,  
These desare caros, back by advice again,  
Thou didst return unto thy native soil,  
There to advance Christ's Kingdom now remeine.  
In Pulpit, and with Pen thou hast the truth  
Maintained, and cleared from scandalous reproach  
Christ's churches here, and showed their lasting Ruth,  
That dare 'gainst Christ their own inventions broach;  
Then sage, in age, continue such to be,  
Till Christ thee crown, his gifts to thee are free.  
This year of sad distresses was ended with a terrible cold Winter, with weekly Snows, and fierce Frosts between while congealing Charles River, as well from the Town to Sea ward, as above, insomuch that men might frequently pass from one Island to another upon the Ice. Here Reader thou must be minded of an other admirable Act of Christ for this year, in changing the very nature of the seasons, moderating the Winter's cold of late very much, which some impute to the cutting down the woods, and breaking up the Land; But Christ have the praise of all his glorious Acts. About this time did the valiant in faith, and Reverend Pastor Mr. John Wilson return to England, and surely the power of Christ hath notably appeared in this weak sorry man. You must needs see the Author will flatter no man, yet will he not be wanting to tell the noble Acts of Christ Jesus, in making men strong for himself, here is one borne up in the arms of his mercy, often through the perilous Seas night and days, yea: weeks and months upon the great deep, and now having with his own eyes beheld the manifold troubles these poor were in, yet at this very time hies him back to his Native soil, where his endeared Wife did yet remain, purposely to persuade her to east her cares upon the Lord, as he himself had already done, and then assuredly the wants of a Wilderness would never hurt her: at the departure of this holy Man of God, many of his people's hearts waxed very sad, and having looked long for his return; Their eyes now began to fail in missing of their expectation, they according to their common course in time of great straits, set and appointed a day wholly to be spent in seeking the pleasing Face of God in Christ, purposing the Lord assisting to afflict their souls, and give him the honour of his All-seeingness, by a down right acknowledgement of their sins, but the Lord, whose Grace is always undeserved, heard them before they cried, and the afternoon before the day appointed brought him, whom they so much desired, in safety to shore, with divers other faithful servants of Christ ready armed for the Battle, the day was turned to a day of rejoicing and blessing the Lord, even the mighty God of jacob, the God of Armies is for us a refuge high Shela.  
The year 1633. the honoured John Winthrope Esquire, was chosen Governor again, and Thomas Dudley Esq. Deputy Governor, the number of Freemen added, or Soldiers listed was 46. the Winter's Frost being extracted forth the Earth, they fall to tearing up the Roots, and Bushes with their Howes; even such men as scarce ever set hand to labour before, men of good birth and breeding, but coming through the strength of Christ to war their warfare, readily rush through all difficulties, cutting down of the Woods, they enclose Corn fields, the Lord having mitigated their labours by the Indians frequent firing of the woods, (that they may not be hindered in hunting Venison, and Bears in the Winter season) which makes them thin of Timber in many places, like our Parks in England, the chiefest Corn they planted before they had Ploughs was Indian Grain, whose increase is very much beyond all other, to the great refreshing of the poor servants of Christ, in their low beginnings, all kind of Gardens Fruits grew very well, and let no man make a j●st at Pumpkins, for with this fruit the Lord was pleased to feed his people to their good content, till Corn and Cattell were increased.  
And here the Lords mercy appeared much in that those, who had been formerly brought up tender, could now contentedly feed on bare and mean Diet, amongst whom the Honoured and upright hearted in this work of Christ, Mr. Increase Nowell, shall not be forgotten, having a diligent hand therein from the first beginning.  
INcrease shalt thou, with honour now, in this thy undertaking,  
Thou hast remained, as yet unstained, all errors foul forsaking;  
To poor and rich, thy Justice much hath manifested been:  
Like Samuel nathanael, Christ hath thee framed within;  
Thy faithfulness, people express, and Secretary they  
Chose thee each year, by which appear, their love with thee doth stay.  
Now Nowell see Christ called hath thee, and work thou must for him,  
In beating down the triple Crown, and all that his foes been.  
Thus dost thou stand by Christ frail man, to tell his might can make  
Dust do his will, with graces fill, till dust to him he take.   

CHAP. XXVII. Of the gracious goodness of God, in hearing his people's prayers in times of need, and of the Ship-loades of goods the Lord sent them in.  
HEre again the admirable Providence of the Lord is to be noted, That whereas the Country is naturally subject to drought, even to the withering of their summer's Fruits, the Lord was pleased, during these years of scarcity, to bless that small quantity of Land they planted with seasonable showers, and that many times to the great admiration of the Heathen, for thus it befell: the extreme parching hair of the Sun (by reason of a more constant clearness of the Air then usually is in England) began to scorch the Herbs and Fruits, which was the chiefest means of their livelihood, they beholding the Hand of the Lord stretched out against them, like tender hearted Children, they fell down on their knees, begging mercy of the Lord, for their Saviour's sake, urging this as a chief argument, that the malignant adversary would rejoice in their destruction, and blaspheme the pure Ordinances of CHRIST, trampling down his Kingly Commands with their own inventions, and in uttering these words, their eyes dropped down many tears, their affections prevailing so strong, that they could not refrain in the Church-Assembly. Here admire and be strong in the Grace of Christ, all you that hopefully belong unto him, for as they poured out water before the Lord, so at that very instant, the Lord showered down water on their Gardens and Fields, which with great industry they had planted, and now had not the Lord caused it to rain speedily, their hope of food had been lost: but at this these poor worms were so exceedingly taken, that the Lord should show himself so near unto their Prayers, that as the drops from Heaven fell thicker, and faster, so the tears from their eyes by reason of the sudden mixture of joy and sorrow, and verily they were exceedingly stirred in their affections, being unable to resolve themselves, which mercy was greatest, to have a humble begging heart given them of God, or to have their request so suddenly answered.  
The Indians hearing hereof, and seeing the sweet rain that fell, were much taken with Englishmen God, but the Lord seeing his poor people's hearts were to narrow to beg, his bounties exceeds toward them at this time, as indeed he ever hitherto hath done for this Wildernesse-People, not only giving the full of their requests, but beyond all their thoughts, as witness his great work in England of late, in which the prayers of God's people in New England have had a great stroke; These people now rising from their knees to receive the rich mercies of Christ, in the refreshed fruits of the Earth; Behold the Sea also bringing in whole Ship-loades of mercies, more being filled with fresh forces, for furthering this wonderful work of Christ, and indeed this year came in many precious ones, whom Christ in his grace hath made much use of in these his Churches, and Commonwealth, insomuch that these people were even almost overbalanced with the great income of their present possessed mercies, yet they address themselves to the Sea shore, where they courteously welcome the famous servant of Christ, grave godly and judicious Hooker, and the honoured servant of Christ, M John Haynes, as also the Reverend and much desired Mr. John Cotton, and the Retoricall, Mr. Stone, with divers others of the sincere servants of Christ, coming with their young, and with their old, and with their whole substance, to do him service in this Desert wilderness. Thus this poor people having now tasted liberally of the salvation of the Lord every way, they deem it high time to take up the Cup of thankfulness, and pay their vows to the most high God, by whom they were holpen to this purpose of heart, and accordingly set apart the 16. day of October (which they call the eighth Month, not out of any pevish humour of singularity, as some are ready to censor them with, but of purpose to prevent the Heathenish and Popish observation of Days, Months and Years, that they may be forgotten among the people of the Lord) this day was solemnly kept by all the seven Churches, rejoicing in the Lord, and rendering thanks for all their benefits.  
Here must not be omitted the endeared affections Mr. John Wilson had to the work in hand, exceedingly setting forth (in his Sermon this day) the Grace of Christ in providing such meet helps for furthering thereof, really esteeming them beyond so many Ship-loading of Gold; manifesting the great humility Christ had wrought in him (not complementing, but in very deed preferring the Reverend Mr. John Cotton, many hundreds before himself, whom they within a very little time after called to the Office of a Teaching Elder of the Church of Christ at Boston, where he now remains, of whom at followeth:  
WHen Christ intends his glorious Kingdom shall  
Exalted be on Earth, he Earth doth take,  
Evon sinful Man to make his worthies all;  
Then praise I Man, no Christ this Man doth make,  
Sage, sober, grave and learned Cotten thou:  
Mighty in Scripture, without Book repeat it,  
Annatomise the sense, and show Man how  
Great mysteries in sentence short are seated.  
God's Word with's word comparing oft unfold:  
The secret truths John's Revelations hath  
By thee been opened, as ne'er was of old;  
Shows clear, and near 'gainst Rome's whore is God's wrath.  
Then Churches of Christ, rejoice and sing,  
John Cotten hath God's mind, I dare believe,  
Since he from God's Word doth his witness bring;  
Saints cries are heard they shall no longer grieve.  
That song of songs, 'twixt Christ and's Church thou hast  
Twice taught to all, and sweetly showed the way,  
Christ would his Churches should, in truth stand fast;  
And cast off man's inventions even for aye.  
Thy labours great have met with catching cheats,  
Mixing their Brass with thy bright Gold, for why?  
Thy great esteem must cover their ill feats,  
Some soil thou get'st, by coming them so nigh.  
But it's wiped off, and thou Christ's Champion left,  
The Faith to fight for Christ hath armed thee well,  
His worthies would not, thou shouldst be bereft,  
Of honours here thy Crown shall soon excel.  
These people of God having received these farther helps, to instruct, and build them up in the holy things of Christ, being now greatly encouraged, seeing the Lord was pleased to set such a broad Seal to their Commission for the work in hand, not only by his Word and Spirit moving thereunto, but also by his Providence in adding such able instruments for furthering this great work of Reformation, and advancing the Kingdom of Christ, for which they spent this day of rejoicing, and sure the Lord would have all that hear of it know, their joy lay not in the increase of Corn, or Wine, or Oil, for of all these they had but very little at this time, yet did they not spare to lend such a● they had unto the poor, who could not provide, and verily the joy ended not with the day, for these active instruments of Christ, Preaching with all instancy the glad Tidings of the Gospel of jesus Christ, rejoiced the Heart of this People much.   

CHAP. XX VIII. Of the Eighth Church of Christ, gathered at Cambridge, 1633.  
AT this time those who were in place of civil Government, having some addition Pillars to underprop the building, begun to think of a place of more safety in the eyes of Man. then the two frontier Towns of Charles Town, and Boston were for the habitation of such as the Lord had prepared to Govern this Pilgrim People. Wherefore they rather made choice to enter farther among the Indians, then hazard the fury of malignant adversaries, who in a rage might pursue them, and therefore chose a place situate on Charles River, between Charles Town, and Watertowne, where they erected a Town called Newtowne, now named Cambridge, being in form like a list cut off from the Broad-cloath of the two forenamed Towns, where this wandering Race of Jacobits gathered the eighth Church of Christ. This Town is compact closely within itself, till of late years some few straggling houses have been built, the Liberties of this Town have been enlarged of late in length, reaching from the most Northerly part of Charles River, to the most Southerly part of Merrimeck River, it hath well ordered streets and comely pompleated with the fair building of Harver College, their first Pastor was the faithful and laborious Mr. Hooker, whose Books are of great request among the faithful people of Christ; Ye shall not miss of a few lines in remembrance of him.  
COme, Hooker, come forth of thy native soil:  
Christ, I will run, says Hooker, thou hast set  
My feet at large, here spend thy last day's toil;  
Thy Rhetoric shall peoples affections whet.  
Thy Golden Tongue, and Pen Christ caused to be  
The blazing of his golden truths profound,  
Thou sorry worm its Christ wrought this in thee;  
What Christ hath wrought must needs be very sound▪  
Then look one hooker's works, they follow him  
To Grave, this worthy resteth there a while:  
Die shall he not that hath Christ's warrior been;  
Much less Christ's Truth, cleared by his people's toil.  
Thou Angel bright, by Christ for light now made,  
Throughout the World as seasoning salt to be,  
Although in dust thy body mouldering fade;  
Thy Head's in Heaven, and hath a crown for thee.  
The people of this Church and Town have hitherto had the chiefest share in spiritual blessings, the Ministry of the Word, by more than ordinary instruments as in due time and place (God willing) you shall farther hear, yet are they at this day in ● thriving condition in outward things, also both Corn and Cattell, N●ate and Sheep, of which they have a good flock, which the Lord hath caused to thrive much in these latter days then formerly.  
This Town was appointed to be the seat of Government, but it continued not long, this year a small glean of Rye was brought to the Court as the first fruits of English grain at which this poor people greatly rejoiced to see the Land would bear it, but now the Lords blessing that way hath exceeded all people's expectation, clothing the Earth with plenty of all kind of grain. Here mind I must the Reader of the admirable acts of Christ's Providence toward this people, that although they were in such great straits for food, that many of them eat their Bread by weight, and had little hopes of the Earth's fruitfulness, yet the Lord Christ was pleased to refresh their spirits with such quickening grace, and lively affections to this Temple-worke, that they did not desert the place; and that which was more remarkable, when they had scarce houses to shelter themselves, and no doors to hinder the Indians access to all they had in them, yet did the Lord so awe their hearts, that although they frequented the Englishmen places of abode, where their whole substance, weak Wives and little ones lay open to their plunder; during their absence being whole days at Sabbath. Assemblies, yet had they none of their food or stuff diminished, neither Children nor Wives hurt in the least measure, although the Indians came commonly to them at those times, much hungry belly (as they use to say) and were then in number and strength beyond the English by far.  
Yet further see the great and noble Acts of Christ toward this his wandering people, feeling again the scarcity of food, and being constrained to come to a small pittance daily, the Lord to provide for them, causeth the Deputy of Ireland to set forth a great Ship unknown to this people, and indeed small reason in his own apprehensions why he should so do (but Christ will have it so.) This Ship arriving, being filled with food, the godly Governors did so order it that each Town sent two men aboard of her, who took up their Town's allowance, it being appointed before hand, what their portion should be, to this end that some might not by all, and others be left destitute of food. In the vernal of the year 1634. This people being increased, and having among them many precious esteemed instruments for furthering this wondrous work of Christ, they began to think of fortifying a small Island about two miles distant from Boston to Seaward, to which all the Vessels come in usually and pass. To this end the honoured Mr. John Winthrope with some 8. or 10. persons of no●e, took boat and arrived on the said Island in a warm Sun shineday, just at the breaking up of Winter as they deemed, but being they were sulden surprised with a cold Northwest storm (which is the sharpest wind in this Country) freezing very vehemently for a day and a night, that they could not get off the Island, but were forced to lodge there, and lie in a heap one upon another (on the ground) to keep themselves from freezing.  
This year 1634. the much honoured Thomas Dudley Esquire, 
1634.  was chosen Governor, and Mr. Roger Ludlow Deputy Governor, the Freemen added to this little Commonwealth this year were about two hundred and four, about this time a sincere servant of Christ Mr. Stone was added to the Chureh of Christ at Newtowne, as a meet help to instruct the People of Christ there, with the above named Mr. Hooker, and as he hath hitherto been (through the blessing of God) an able instrument in his hands to further the work. So let him be incourraged with the Word of the Lord in the spirit of his might to go on.  
THou well smoothed Stone Christ's Work-manship to be:  
In's Church new laid his weak ones to support,  
With's word of might his foes are foiled by thee;  
Thou daily dost to godliness exhort.  
The Lordly Prelate's people do deny  
Christ's Kingly power Hosanna to proclaim,  
men's mouths are stopped, but Stone poor dust doth try,  
Throughout his Churches none but Christ must raignt.  
Mourn not Oh Man, thy youth and learning's spent:  
In desert Land, my Muse is bold to say,  
For glorious works Christ his hath hither sent;  
Like that great work of Resurrection day.   

CHAP. XX IX. Of the Lords remarkable providence toward his endeared servants M. Norton and Mr. Shepherd.  
NOw my loving Reader, let me lead thee by the hand to our Native Land, although it was not intended to speak in particulars of any of these people's departure from thence, purposing a general relation should serve the turn, yet come with me and behold the wondrous work of Christ in preserving two of his most valiant Soldiers, namely Mr. John Norton; and that soul ravishing Minister Mr. Thomas Shepheard, who came this year to Yarmouth to ship themselves for New England, where the people of God resorted privately unto them to hear them Preach, during the time of their abode the Enemies of Christ's Kingdom were not wanting to use all means possible to entrap them, in which perilous condition they remained about two months, waiting for the Ships readiness, in which time some persons eagerly hunting for Mr. Thomas Shepheard, began to plot (for apprehending of him) with a Boy of sixteen or seventeen years of Age, who lived in the House where he Lodged to open the door for them at a certain hour in the night; But the Lord Christ, who is the Shepherd of Israel kept a most sure watch over his endeared servants, for thus it befell, the sweet words of grace falling from the of lips of this Reverend and godly Mr. Thomas Shepherd in the hearing of the Boy (the Lords working withal) he was persuaded this was an holy man of God, and therefore with many troubled thoughts, began to relate his former practice, although he had a great some of money promised him, only to let them in at the hour and time appointed; but the Boy, the more near the time came, grew more pensive and sad, insomuch that his Master taking notice thereof began to question him about the cause of his heaviness, who being unwilling to reveal the matter, held of from confessing a long time, till by urgent and insinuating search of his godly Master, with tears he tells that on such a night he had agreed to let in Men to apprehend the godly Preacher. The good Man of the house forthwith gave notice thereof unto them, who with the help of some well-affected persons was conveyed away by boat through a back Lane, the men at the time appointed came to the house, where finding not the door open (when they lifted up the Latch) as they expected, they thrust their staves under it to lift it from the hooks, but being followed by some persons, whom the good man of the house had appointed for that end: yet were they bolstered out in this their wicked act by those who set them one work. Notwithstanding they were greatly ashamed when they missed of their end.  
But the Lord Christ intending to make his New England Soldiers the very wonder of this Age, brought them into greater straits, that this Wonder Working Providence might the more appear in their deliverance, for coming a shipboard, and hoiseing sail to accomplish their Voyage, in little time after they were tossed and sore beaten with a contrary wind, to the loss of the Ships upper work, with which loss and great peril they were driven back again, the Lord Christ intending to confirm their Faith in showing them, that although they were brought back, as it were into the mouth of their enemies, yet he could hide them from the hand of the Hunter, for the space of six months longer or thereabout, even till the Spring of the year following, at which time (God willing) you shall hear of them again, in the mean time the Master, and other Sea men made a strange construction of the sore storm they met withal, saying, their Ship was bewitched, and therefore made use of the common Charm ignorant people use, nailing two red hot horse-shoos to their main mast. But assuredly it was the Lord Christ, who hath command both of Winds and Seas, and now would have his people know he hath delivered, and will deliver from so great a death.   

CHAP. XXX. Of the Ninth Church of Christ, gathered at Ipswitch.  
THis year came over a farther supply of Eminent instruments for furthering this admirable Work of his, amongst whom the Reverend and judicious servant of Christ Mr. Nathaniel Ward, who took up his station at the Town of Ipswich, where the saithful servants of Christ gathered the Ninth Church of his. This Town is situated on a fair and delightful River, whose first rise or spring begins about five and twenty Miles farther up in the Country, issuing forth a very pleasant pond. But soon after it betakes its course through a most hideous swamp of large extent, even for many Miles, being a great Harbour for Bears: after its coming forth this place, it groweth larger by the income of many small Rivers, and issues forth in the Sea, due East over against the Island of Sholes, a great place of fishing for out English Nation, the peopling of this Town is by men of good rank and quality, many of them having the yearly Revenue of large Lands in England before they came to this Wilderness, but their Estates being employed for Christ, and left in bank, as you have formerly heard, they are well content till Christ shall be pleased to-restore it again to them or theirs, which in all reason should be out of the Prelate's Lands in England. Let all those, whom it concerns (to judge) consider it well, and do Justice herein.  
This Town lies in the Saggamooreship, or Earldom of Aggawam, now by our English Nation called Essex. It is a very good Haven Town, yet a little barred up at the Mouth of the River, some Merchants here are, (but Boston, being the chiefest place of resort of Shipping, carries away all the Trade) they have very good Land for Husbandry, where Rocks hinder not the course of the Blow: the Lord hath been pleased to increase them in Corn and cattle of late; Insomuch that they have many hundred quarters to spare yearly, and feed, at the latter end of Summer, the Town of Boston with good Beef a their Houses are many of them very fair built with pleasant Gardens and Orchards, consisting of about one hundred and forty Families. Their meetinghouse is a very good prospect to a great part of the Town, and beautifully built, the Church of Christ here consists of about one hundred and sixty souls, being exact in their conversation, and free from the Epidemical Disease of all Reforming Churches, which under Christ is procured by their pious Learned and Orthodox Ministry, as in due place (God willing) shall be declared, in the mean time, look on the following Metres concerning that Soldier of Christ Master Nathaniel Ward.  
THou ancient Sage, come Ward among  
Christ's folfe, take part in this great work of his,  
Why dost thou stand and gaze about so long;  
Dost war in jest, why, Christ in earnest is,  
And hath thee armed with weapons for that end,  
To Wound and heal his enemies submitting,  
Not carnally, then to this Work attend;  
Thou hast prevailed the hearts of many hitting.  
Although the Presbytery unpleasant jar,  
And errors daily in their brains new coin:  
Despayer not, Christ's truth they shall not mar;  
But with his help such dross from Gold refins.  
What Man dost mean to lay thy Trumpet down?  
Because thy son like Warrior is become,  
Hold out or sure less bright will be thy crown;  
Till death Christ's servants labour is not done.  
At this time came over the much honoured Mr. Richard Bellingham whose Estate and person did much further the civil Government of this wandering people, he being learned in the Laws of England, and experimentally fitted for the work, of whom I am bold to say as followeth:  
RIchardus now arise must thou, Christ seed hath thee to plead,  
His people's cause, with equal Laws, in wilderness them lead;  
Though slow of speech, thy counsel reach, shall each occasion well,  
Sure thy stern look it cannot brook those wickedly rebel.  
With labours might thy pen indite doth Laws for people's learning:  
That judge with skill, and not with will, unarbitrate discerning;  
Bellingham thou on valiant now, stop not in discontent,  
Eor Christ with crown, will thee renown, then spend for him, be spent;  
As thou hast done, thy race still run till death, no death shall stay,  
Christ's work of might, till Scripture light, bring Resurrection day.  
As also about this time for further encouragement in this work of Christ, he sent over the Reverend servant of his Mr. Lothrop to help on with the planting of Plymouth, which increased but little all this time, although she be the elder sister of all the united Colonies; Some reasons in due place may be rendered. This Reverend Minister was soon called to Office by the Church of Christ at Scicuate.   

CHAP XXXI. Of the Church of Christ gathered at Newberry.  
IN the latter end of this year, two sincere servants of Christ, enabled by him with gifts to declare his mind unto his people, came over this broad Ocean, and began to build the Tenth Church of Christ at a Town called Newberry, their names being Mr. James Noise, and Mr. Thomas Parker, somewhat differing from all the former, and after mentioned Churches in the pre-eminence of their Presbytery, and it were to be wished that all persons, who have had any hand in those hot contentions, which have fallen out since about Presbyterian and Independent Government in Churches, would have looked on this Example, comparing it with the Word of God, and assuredly it would have stayed (all the godly at least) of either part from such unworthy expressions as have passed to the grief of many of God's people; And I doubt not but this History will take of that unjust accusation, and standerous imputation of the rise of that flood of errors and false Doctrines sprung up of late, as flowing from the Independent or rather congregational Churches. But to follow on, this Town is situate about twelve miles from Ipswitch, near upon the wide venting streams of Merrimeck River, whose strong current is such, that it hath forced its passage through the mighty Rocks, which causeth some sudden falls, and hinders Shipping from having any access far into the Land, her banks are in many places stored with Oaken Timber of all sorts, of which, that which they commonly called white Oak, is not inferiors to our English Timber; in this River lie some few Islands of fertile Land, this Town is stored with Meadow and upland, which hath caused some Gentlemen, (who brought over good Estates, and finding then no better way to improve th●m) to see upon husbandry, amongst whom that Religious and sincere hearted servant of Christ Mr. Richard Dummer, sometime a Magistrate in this little Commonwealth, hathholpen on this Town, their houses are built very scattering, which hath caused some contending about removal of their place for Sabbath-Assemblies, their cattle are about four hundred head, with store of Corne-land in tillage, it consists of about seventy Families, the souls in Church fellowship are about an hundred, the teaching Elders of this Congregation have carried it very lovingly toward their people, permitting of them to assist in admitting of persons into Church-society, and in Church censures, so long as they Act regularly, but in case of their maladministration, they assume the power wholly to themselves, their godly life and conversation hath hitherto been very amiable, and their pains and care over their flock not inferior to many others, and being bound together in a more stricter band of love then ordinary with promise to spend their days together (if the Lord please) and therefore shall not be disuaited in the following Verse:  
Lo here Loves twins by Christ are sent to Preach  
In wilderness his little flock among,  
Though Christ's Churchway you fully cannot reach;  
So far hold fast as you in's word are strong.  
Parker thy pains with Pen, and Preaching hath  
Rooms buildings left in Prelacy cast down,  
Though 'gainst her thou defer Gods final wrath;  
Keep warring still, and sure thou shalt have crown.  
Thy Brother thou oh Noise hast holp to guide:  
Christ tender Lambs within his fold to gather,  
From East to West thou dost Christ's Warrior bide;  
Faint not at last, increase thy fight rather.   

CAHP. XXXII. Of good supply, and seasonable helps the Lord Christ was pleased to send to further his Wilderness work, and particular for his Churches of Charles Town, and Ipswich, and Dorchester.  
YEt farther for the encouragement of the people of Christ in these their weak beginnings, he daily brings them in fresh supplies, adding this year also the reverend and painful Minister of his Gospel Mr. Zachary Simmes, who was invited soon after his coming over to assist in planting of another Church of Christ, but the place being remote from the precious servants of Christ already settled, be chose rather to join with some Church among them, and in a short space after he was called to the Office of a Teaching Elder in the Church of Christ at Charles Town, together with Mr. James, who was then their Pastor, as you have formerly heard. Among all the godly Women that came through the perilous Seas to war their warfare, the wife of this zealous Teacher, Mrs. Sarah Simmes shall not be omitted, nor any other, but to avoid tediousness the virtuous Woman, endued by Christ with graces fit for a Wilderness condition, her courage exceeding her stature, with much cheerfulness did undergo all the difficulties of these times of straits, her God through Faith in Christ supplying all her wants with great industry, nurturing up her young Children in the fear of the Lord, their number being ten both Sons and Daughters, a certain sign of the Lords intent to people this vast Wilderness: God grant they may be valiant in Faith against Sin, Satan and all the enemies of Christ's Kingdom, following the example of their Father, and Grandfather, who have both suffered for the same, in remembrance of whom these following lines are placed.  
COme Zachary, thou must re-edify,  
Christ Churches in this Desert Land of his,  
With Moses zeal stamped unto dust defy  
All crooked ways that Christ true worship miss.  
With spirits sword and armour girt about:  
Thou layest on load proud Prelates crown to crack,  
And wilt not suffer Wolves thy flock to rout;  
Though close they creep, with sheep skins on their back.  
Thy Father's spirit doubled is upon  
Thee Simmes, than war, thy Father fight died,  
In prayer then prove thou like Champion;  
Hold ou● till death, and Christ will crown provide.  
After these poor people had welcomed with great joy their newcome Guests, all of a sudden they spy two tall Ships, whose colours showed them to be some foreign Nation, at which time this little handful of people began to be much troubled, deeming them to be Rovers, they gathered together such forces as their present condition would afford, very ill fitted as then to rescue an enemy, but their Lord and Master Christ Jesus would not suffer any such to come, and instead of enemies brought in friends, even Dutchmen to furnish them with farther necessary Provision.  
For the year 1635, the honoured Mr. john Haines was chosen Governor, and the honoured Mr. Richard Bellingham Deputy Governor, the number of Freemen added to this little Common wealth, were about one hundred forty and five. The time now approaching, wherein the Lord Christ would have his people come from the Flail to the Fan, threshing out much this year, increasing the number of his Troops, and valiant Leaders, the Ships came thicker and faster filled with many worthy parsonages; Insomuch that the former people began to forget their Poverty, and verily Cold, Purity, Peace and Plenty run all in one channel, God's people here should sure have met with none other, but the still waters of Peace and Plenty for back and belly soon contract much mud, as you shall he are (God willing) in the following History: this year came in the honoured Sir Henry Vain, who abode not long in this worthy work, yet mind him I will in the following Lines.  

Sir Henry Vain once Governor of the English People in New England.  
THy Parents Vain, of worthy fame, in Christ and thou for him:  
Through Ocean wide in new World tried a while his warrior been,  
With small defeat thou didst retreat to Britain ground again,  
There stand thou stout, for Christ hold out, Christ's Champion a● remains.   
Also at this time Christ sent over the much honoured and upright hearted servant of his Richard Saltingstall Esquire, Son to the beforenamed Sir Richard Saltingstall, who being weary of this Wilderness work, returned home again not long before, and now his Son being chose to the Office of a Magistrate, continued for some good space of time, helping on the affairs of this little Common wealth, to the honour of Christ, who hath called him: both Father and Son are here remembered.  
THou worthy Knight, Saltingstall height, her's gain doth gold exceed  
Then trifle not, it's to be got, if thou canst see thy need.  
Why wilt thhu back, and leave as wreck, this worthy work begun,  
Art thou back-bore, Christ will send more, and raise instead thy son.  
His Fathers gone, young Richard on here valiantly doth War,  
For Christ his truth, to their great Ruth, Heathens opposers are:  
To study thou, thy mind dost how, and daily good promote,  
Saltingstall why, then dost thou fly, let all God's people note.  
That thou wilt stand, in thy own Land, Christ there then strengthen thee  
With grace thee heat, that thy retreat, may for his glory be:  
At ending day, he thee array, with Glory will not fail,  
Breaking graves bands, with his strong hands, and free dust from death's goal.  
Among these Troops of Christ's Soldiers, came at this time, the godly servant, of Christ Mr. Roger Harlackenden, a young Gentleman valiant in Faith, and appointed by Christ to assist his people in this Desert, he was chose to the Office of a Magistrate, as also to be a choice Leader of their Military Forces, which as yet were but in a strange posture; And therefore till the year 1644. (at which time the Country wis really placed in a posture of War, to be in a readiness at all times) there shall not be any thing spoken concerning their Military Discipline, the continuance of this Soldier of Christ was but short, the Lord taking him to rest with himself.  
HArlackenden, among these men of nose Christ hath thy seated:  
In warlike way Christ thee array, with zeal and love well he ated.  
As general beloved of all, Christ Soldiers honour thee:  
In thy young years, courage appears, and kind benignity.  
Short are thy days, spent to his praise, whose Church work thou must aid,  
His work shall bide, silver tried, but thine by death is stayed.  
The number of Ministers that came over this year was about eleven, and many other like faithful servants of Christ, among whom arrived those two Reverend and laborious servants of his Mr. Norton, and Mr. Shepheard, of whose narrow escape you have heard the last year: Mr. Norton, was called to the Office of a Teaching Elder at the Town of Ipswich to the Church of Christ there, where Mr. Warde as yet remained in Office. Also the learned labours of this Soldier of Christ are obvious to our Countrymen, he Preaching there, the blessing of God hath not only built up many in the Knowledge of Christ, but also been the means of converting divers souls, turning them from the power of Satan to Faith in Christ, whom the Lord long continue; you shall further hear of Christ's gracious assisting of him in the first and last Synod holden here at Cambridge, and in the mean time let no man be offended that the Author quickens up his own dull effections, in telling how largely the Lord hath bestowed his Graces upon these Instruments of his, although sinful dust and ashes.  
THou Noble Norton, who art honoured by  
Thy Christ, with learned Arguments doth fill  
Thy mouth with might new errors to destroy;  
And force deceivers silently to yield.  
Weak dust wait on thy Christ for further strength:  
Who doth his david's make as Angels bright,  
To trample down his enemies at length;  
All break or bow unto his Kingdom's might.  
Illettered Men and Women that do love,  
Pre-eminence, condemn thy learned skill,  
But Christ hath given his blessing from above  
Unto thy works the World with light to fill.  
Christ's faithful servants met in Synod, take  
Thee for their Penmen Scriptures light to clear,  
With Scripture show what Government Christ gave;  
To's Churches till himself again appear.  
Here my endeared Reader, I must mind thee of the industrious servant of Christ Mr. John Wilson, who this year landed the third time upon this American shore from his Native Country, where now again by the Divine Providence of Christ, he narrowly escaped the Hunter's hands, being clothed in a Countryman's habit, passing from places to place, declared to the people of God what great Works Christ had already done for his people in New England, which made many Christian souls long to see these admirable Acts of Christ, although it were not to be enjoyed, but by passing through an Ocean of troubles, Voyaging night and day upon the great deep, which this zealous servant of Christ had now five times passed over: at this time came over the Sage, grave, reverend and faithful servant of Christ M. Richard Mather, endued by the Lord with many Heavenly gifts, of a plain and upright spirit, apt to teach, full of gracious expressions, and Resolvedly bend to follow the truth, as it is in Jesus, he was anon after his coming called to Office in the Church of Christ at the Town of Dorchester, to assist in the Work of the Lord, with Mr. Marareck, whose work not long after was ended by death, leaving Mr. Mather alone to continue the same.  
WIth cheerful face Mather doth toil endure  
In wilderness, spending the prime of's age,  
To build Christ's Churches, and soul's health procure;  
In battle thou dost deep thyself engage.  
Marvel not Man that Mather through an host  
Of enemies doth break, and fight stands,  
It's Christ him keeps, of him is all his boast;  
Who power gives to do, and then commands.  
With gracious speech thy Master's Message thou  
Declarest to all, and all wouldst have submit,  
That to his Kingdom every knee might bow;  
But those resisthis sword shall surely hit,  
Till age doth crown thy head with hoary hairs:  
Well hast thou warred, till mather's young again,  
Thy son in fight his Father's strength repairs;  
Father and Son beat down Christ's foes amain.   

CHAP. XXXIII. Of the beginning of the Churches of Christ, to be planted at Canectico, and first of the Church of Christ removal to Hartford, 1635.  
THis year the servants of Christ, who peopled the Town of Cambridge, were put upon thoughts of removing, hearing of a very fertile place upon the River of Canectico low Land, and well stored with Meadow, which is greatly in esteem with the people of New England, by reason the Winters are very long: This people seeing that Tillage went but little on, Resolved to remove, and breed up store of cattle, which were then at eight and twenty pound a Cow, or near upon, but assuredly the Lord intended far greater matters than man purposes, but God disposes these men, having their hearts gone from the Lord, on which they were seated, soon took dislike at every little matter, the Plowable plains were too dry and sandy for them, and the Rocky places, although more fruitful, yet to eat their bread with toil of hand, and how they deemed it unsupportable; And therefore they only waited now for a people of stronger Faith than themselves were to purchase their Houses and Land, which in conceit they could no longer live upon, and accordingly they met with Chapmen, a people new come, who having ●●●ught their possessions, they highed them away to their new Plantation With whom went the Grave and Reverend servant of Christ Mr. Hooker, and Mr. Stone, for indeed the whole Church removed, as also the much honoured Mr. Haynes & divers other men of note for the place, being out of the Mattacusets Patten; they erected another Government, called by the Indian name, Canectico, being farther encouraged by two honourable personages, the Lord Say, and Lord Brookes, who built a Forest at the mouth of the River, and called it Say-brook Forrest: passing up the River they began to build a Town, which they called Hartford, where this Church of Christ sat down their station, there went to these parts also the Reverend Mr. Wareham, and divers from the Town of Dorchester. The place of settling themselves, and erecting a Town was far upon the River, the part next the Sea being very Rocky, but on the bank of this River they planted the good Town of Hartford, and established civil Government: of their gathering into a Church, you have formerly heard. Only here mind the gracious servant of Christ, Mr. Wareham, whose long labours in this work are expressed.  
WIth length of days Christ crowned hath thy head.  
In Wilderness to manage his great War,  
Against Antichrist by strength of him art lead;  
With steady hand to sling thy stone from far.  
That grovelling in his gore may lie smit down  
This mighty Monster, that the Earth hath taken,  
With's poison's sweet in cup of Gold drunk down;  
Dead drunk those lie whom Christ doth not awaken.  
But Wareham thou by him art sent to save,  
With's word of truth Christ to their souls apply,  
That deadly sin hath laid in rotting Grave  
Dead, live in Christ here, and Eternally.   

CHAP. XXXIV. Of Cambridge second Church, being the 11. of Christ gathered in the Mattacusets, and of further supply for Salem Church.  
THese people and Church of Christ being thus departed from Newtowne, the godly people, who came in their rooms, gathered the eleaventh Church of Christ, and called to the Office of a Pastor, that gracious sweet Heavenly minded, and soul-ravishing Minister, Mr. Thomas Shepheard, in whose soul the Lord shed abroad his love so abundantly, that thousands of souls have cause to bless God for him, even at this very day, who are the Seal of his Ministrey, and he a man of a thousand, endued with abundance of true saving knowledge for himself and others, yet his natural Parts were weak, but spent to the full as solloweth:  
NO loungr Hawke poor Partridge to devour  
More eager is then Prelates Nimrod power  
Thomas to hunt, my Shepherd sweet pursue  
To seas brink, but Christ saves his soul for you;  
Sending thee Shepherd, safe through Seas away,  
To feed his stock unto thy ending day,  
Where sheep seek Wolves) thy bosom lambs would catch;  
But night and day thou ceasest not to watch.  
And Warn with tears thy flock of cheaters vile,  
Who in sheep's clothing would the weak beguile,  
With dropping dews from thy lips Christ hath made  
Thy hearers eyes oft water springing blade.  
With pierced hearts they cry aloud and say,  
Show us sweet Shepherd our salvations way,  
Thy lovely speech such ravishment doth bring;  
Christ gives thee power to heal as well as sting.  
Thou gates sets open for Christ thy King to enter,  
In hearts of many spirits joy to centre,  
But mourn my Muse, hang down thy head with woe,  
With tears, sighs, sobs lament thy Shepherd so.  
(Why?) he's in Heaven, but I one Earth am left:  
More Earthly, 'cause of him I am bereft.  
Oh Christ why dost thou Shepherd take away,  
In erring times when sheep most apt to stray.  
The many Soldiers and Officers of Christ that came over this year, moved some wonder in the minds of those, whom he had been pleased to give a great measure of discerning, yet here they fell abundantly short, deeming almost an impossibility of improving their Talents in this Wilderness, the Indian-people being uncapable of understanding their Language, the English▪ congregations that were already set down, being fully furnished with Teaching Elders, and that which was most strange they were persuaded they should meet with no enemies to oppose them, as if Christ would lead them forth into the Field in vain. But Christ jesus, having the hearts of all Men opened before him, soon showed them, their work, and withal made room for them to set down, I and many more beside, yea, and beyond expectation made this poor barren Wilderness become a fruitful Land unto them that waited on him for the accomplishing thereof, feeding them with the flower of Wheat, as in its time and place (God willing) shall be showed, although it pleased him this year to visit them, and try them again with a great scarcity of Bread, by reason of the multitude that came brought somewhat shorter Provisions than ordinary, which caused them to be in some straits. But their Lord Christ gives cut a Word of command to those, who occupy their business in the great deep, to furnish from Ireland some Ships laden with food for his people.  
Also he commands the Winds and the Seas to bear up these Ships, and blow them forth on their way, till they arrive among his people in New England, whose appetities were now sharpe-set for Bread. One poor man among others deeming he had found out some forsaken Barns of the Indians (whose manner it to lay up their Corn in the Earth, lighteh one a grave, where finding bones of the dead instead of Corn, he was taken with fear of this, as a sad omen that he should then die for want of food, but in this he proved no true Prophet, for the Lord was pleased to bring in seasonable supply, and the man is living at this very day. This year came over the Famous servant of Christ M. Hugh Peter, whose courage was not inferior to any of these transported servants of Christ, but because his native Soil hath had the greatest share of his labours, the less will be said of him here, he was called to Office by the Church of Christ, at Salem, their former Pastor, the Reverend M. Higging son, having cnded his labours resting with the Lord.  
WIth courage bold Peter's a Soldier stout  
In Wilderness for Christ begins to war,  
Much work he finds mongst people, yet hold out;  
With fluent tongue he stops phantastickjar.  
Swift Torrent stays of liberties large vent:  
Through crooked ways of error daily flowing,  
Shiloes' soft streams to bathe in would all bent;  
Should he while they in Christian freedom growing.  
But back thou must, thy Talents Christ's will have  
Improved for him, his glory is thy crown,  
And thou base dust till he thee honour gave;  
It matters not though the world on thee do frown.   

CHAP. XXXV. Of the Twelfth Church of Christ gathered at Concord.  
YEt further at this time entered the Field two more valiant Leaders of Christ's Soldiers, holy men of God, Mr. Buckly and M. Jones, penetrating further into this Wilderness than any formerly had done, with divers other servants of Christ: they build an Inland Town, which they called Concord, named from the occasion of the present time, as you shall after hear: this Town is seated upon a fair fresh River, whose Rivulets are filled with fresh Marsh, and her streams with Fish, it being a branch of that large River of Morrimeck Allwives, and Shad in their season come up to this Town, but Salmon and Daice cannot come up, by reason of the Rocky salles, which causeth their Meadows to lie much covered with water, the which these people together with their Neighbour Town, have several times assayed to cut through but cannot, yet it may be turned another way with an hundred pound charge as it appeared, this Town was more populated once then now it is (some faint-hearted Soldiers among them fearing the Land would prove barren, sold their possessions for little, and removed to a new Plantation, (which have most commonly a great prize set on them) the number of Families at present are about 50. their buildings are conveniently placed chiefly in one straight stream under a sunnybanke in a low level, their herd of great cattle are about 300. the Church of Christ here consists of about seventy souls, their teaching 
Concord the 12. Church.  Elders were Mr. Buckly, and Mr. Jones, who removed from them with that part of the people, who went away, so that only the reverend grave and godly Mr. Buckly remains.  
RIches and honours Buckly lays aside  
To please his Christ, for whom he now doth war,  
Why Buckly thou hast Riches that will bide,  
And honours that exceeds Earth's honour far.  
Thy bodies worn, and days in Desert spent  
To feed a few of Christ's poor scattered sheep,  
Like Christ's bright body, thy poor body rend;  
With Saints and Angels company shall keep.  
Thy Tongue, and Pen doth to the World declare:  
Christ's covenant with his flock shall firmly stand,  
When Heavens and Earth by him dissolved are;  
Then who can hold from this his work at hand.  
Two Bucklies more Christ by his grace hath taken,  
And sent abroad to manage his great wars.  
I''s Buklies' joy that Christ his sons new making,  
Hath placest in's churches for to shine as Stare.  
This holy and sincere servant of Christ was put upon the greater trial, by reason he and his were tenderly brought up, and now by the provident hand of Christ were carried far into this desart-land, where they met with some hardships for a long time, till the place was well peopled, they lived barely.   

CHAP. XXXVI. Of the laborious work christ people have in planting this wilderness set, forth in the building the Town of Concord, being the first inland Town.  
NOw because it is one of the admirable acts of Christ Providence in leading his people forth into these Western Fields, in his providing of Huts for them, to descend them from the bitter storms this place is subject unto, therefore here is a short Epitome of the manner how they placed down their dwellings in this Desert Wilderness, the Lord being pleased to hide from the Eyes of his people the difficulties they are to encounter withal in a new Plantation, that they might not thereby be hindered from taking the work in hand; upon some inquiry of the Indians, who lived to the Northwest of the Bay, one Captain Simon Willard being acquainted with them, by reason of his Trade, became a chief instrument in erecting this Town, the land they purchase of the Indians, and with much difficulties travelling through unknown woods, and through watery scrampes, they discover the fitness of the place, sometimes passing through the Thickets, where their hands are forced to make way for their body's passage, and their feet clambering over the crossed Trees, which when they miss they sunk into an uncertain bottom in water, and wade up to the knees, tumbling sometimes higher and sometimes lower, wearied with this toil, they at end of this meet with a scorching plain, yet not so plain, but that the ragged Bushes scratch their legs foully, even to wearing their stockings to their bare skin in two or three hours; if they be not otherwise well defended with Boötes, or Buskins, their flesh will be torn: (that some being forced to pass on without further provision) have had the blood trickle down at every step, and in the time of Summer the Sun casts such a reflecting heat from the sweet Ferne, whose scent is very strong so that some herewith have been very ne'er fainting, although very able bodies to undergo much travel, and this not to be endured for one day, but for many, and verily did not the Lord encourage their natural parts (with hopes of a new and strange discovery, expecting every hour to see some rare sight never seen before) they were never able to hold out, and break through: but above all, the thirsting desires these servants of Christ have had to Plant his Churches, among whom the forenamed Mr. Jones shall not be forgotten.  
IN desert's depth where Wolves and Bears abide,  
There Jones sits down a wary watch to keep,  
O'er Christ's dear flock. who now are wandered wide;  
But not from him, whose eyes ne'er close with sleep.  
Surely it suits thy melancholy mind,  
Thus solitary for to spend thy days,  
Much mo●e thy soul in Christ content doth find,  
To work for him, who thee to joy will raise.  
Leading thy son to Land, yet more remote,  
To feed his flock upon this Western waist:  
Exhort him then Christ's Kingdom to promote;  
That he with thee of lasting joys may taste.  
Yet farther to tell of the hard labours this people found in Planting this Wilderness, after some days spent in search, toiling in the day time as formerly is said; like true Jacob, it's they rest them one the Rocks where the night takes them, their short repast is some small pittance of Bread, if it hold out, but as for Drink they have plenty, the Country being well watered in all places that yet are found out, their farther hardship is to travel, sometimes they know not whether, bewildered indeed without sight of Sun, their compass miscarrying in crowding through the Bushes, they sadly search up and down for a known way, the Indians paths being not above one foot broad, so that a man may travel many days and never find one. But to be sure the directing Providence of Christ hath been better unto them than many paths, as might here be inserted, did not haste call my Pen away to more weighty matters; yet by the way a touch thus, it befell with a servant maid, who was travelling about three or four miles from one Town to another, losing herself in the Woods, had very diligent search made after her for the space of three days, and could not possible be found, then being given over as quite lost, after three days and nights, the Lord was pleased to bring her feeble body to her own home in safety, to the great admiration of all that heard of it. This intricate work no whit daunted these resolved servants of Christ to go on with the work in hand, but lying in the open air, while the watery Clouds pour down all the night season, and sometimes the driving Snow dissolving on their backs, they keep their wee clothes warm with a continued fire, till the renewed morning give fresh opportunity of further travel; after they have thus found out a place of abode, they burrow themselves in the Earth for their first shelter under some Hill-side, casting the Earth aloft upon Timber; they make a smoky fire against the Earth at the highest side, and thus these poor servants of Christ provide shelter for themselves, their Wives and little ones, keeping off the short showers from their Lodgings, but the long reins penetrate through, to their great disturbance in the night season: yet in these poor Wigwames (they sing Psalms, pray and praise their God) till they can provide them houses, which ordinarily was not wont to be with many till the Earth, by the Lord blessing, brought forth Bread to feed them, their Wives and little ones, which with sore labours they attain every one that can lift a hawe to strike it into the Earth, standing stoutly to their labours, and tear up the Roots and Bushes, which the first year bears them a very thin crop, till the soared of the Earth be rotten, and therefore they have been forced to cut their bread very thin for a long season. But the Lord is pleased to provide for them great store of Fish in the spring time, and especially Alewives about the bigness of a Herring, many thousands of these, they used to put under their Indian Corn, which they plant in Hills five foot asunder, and assuredly when the Lord created this Corn, he had a special eye to supply these his people's wants with it, for ordinarily five or six grains doth produce six hundred.  
As for flesh they looked not for any in those times (although now they have plenty) unless they could barter with the Indians for Venison or Rockoons, whose flesh is not much inferior unto Lamb, the toil of a new Plantation being like the labours of Hercules never at an end, yet are none so barbarously been (under the Mattacusets especially) but with a new Plantation they ordinarily gather into Church-fellowship, so that Pastor● and people suffer the inconveniences together, which is a great means to season the sore labours they undergo, and verily the edge of their appetite was greater to spiritual duties at their first coming in time of wants, than afterward: many in new Plantations have been forced to go barefoot, and bareleg, till these latter days, and some in time of Frost and Snow: Yet were they then very healthy more than now they are: in this Wildernesse-worke men of Estates speed no better than others, and some much worse for want of being enured to such hard labour, having laid out their estate upon cattle at five and twenty pound a Cow, when they came to winter them with inland Hay, and seed upon such wild Father as was never cut before, they could not hold out the Winter, but ordinarily the first or second year after their coming up to a new Plantation, many of their cattle died, especially if they wanted Salt-marshes: and also those, who supposed they should feed upon Swine's flesh were cut short, the Wolves commonly feasting themselves before them, who never leave neither flesh nor bones, if they be not seared away before they have made an end of their meal, as for those who laid out their Estate upon Sheep, they speed worst of any at the beginning (although some have sped the best of any now) for until the Land be often fed with other cattle Sheep cannot live; And therefore they never thrived till these latter days: Horse had then no better success, which made many an honest Gentleman travel a foot for a long time, and some have even perished with extreme heat in their travels: as also the want of English grain, Wheat, Barley and Rye proved a sore affliction to some stomaches, who could not live upon Indian Bread and water, yet were they compelled to it till cattle increased, and the Ploughs could but go: instead of Apples and Pears, they had Pomkins and Squashes of divers kinds, their lonesome condition was very grievous to some, which was much aggravated by continual fear of the Indians approach, whose cruelties were much spoken of, and more especially during the time of the Peqot wars.  
Thus this poor people populate this howling Desert, marching manfully on (the Lord assisting) through the greatest difficulties, and sorest labours that ever any with such weak means have done.   

CHAP. XXXVII. Of the Thirteenth Church of Christ gathered at Hingham, 1636.  
AT this time also came to shore the servant of Christ Master Peter Hubbord, whom the Lord was pleased to make use of for feeding his people in this Wilderness, being called to Office by the Church of Christ at the Town of Hingham, which is situate upon the Sea coasts Southeast of Charles River, being a place nothing inferior to their Neighbours for situation, and the people have much profited themselves by transporting Timber, Plank and Mast for Shipping to the Town of Boston, as also Cedar and Pine-board to supply the wants of other Towns, and also to remote parts, even as far as Barbadoes. They want not for Fish for themselves and others also.  
This Town consisted of about sixty Families, the form is somewhat intricate to describe, by reason of the Seas wasting crooks, where it beats upon a mouldering shore, yet have they complete streets in some places, the people joined in Church covenant in this place, were much about an hundred souls, but have been lessened by a sad unbrotherly contention, which fell out among them, wasting them every way, continued already for seven years' space, to the great grief of all other Churches, who held out the right hand of fellowship unto them in Brotherly communion, which may (the Lord helping) demonstrate to all the true Churches of Christ the World throughout, although they be distanced by place or Nation, yet ought they never to take up such an Independent way, as to reject the advice and counsel of each other, for although the Lord Christ have completed his commission in giving full power to every particular Church to exercise all his Ordinances in and toward their own body, yet hath the Lord so dispensed his gifts, that when the one want, the other shall abound both in spiritual and temporal, that by giving and receiving mutual love may be maintained, the entire truths of Christ continued, the Churches of Christ supported, superiority of any may be avoided, and all such as raise discord among Brethren may be retarded, the downfall of Antichrist, and restauration of that ancient people of the Lord furthered, through the Unity of Christ's Churches the World throughout: this Church I hope will give signal to others (the Lord assisting) that they split not upon the Rock. Of their Pastors I shall say no more, but this at present.  
OH Hubbard! why dost leave thy native soil?  
Is't not to war 'mongst Christ's true worthies here,  
What wilt give out, thou'lt lose thy former toil?  
And starve Christ's flock, which he hath purchased dear.  
What would's thou have, speak plain, truth bides the light:  
To God's word go, it's that must trial be,  
Hath cruel sword, not haet one thy side right,  
Increase in love, and thou wilt Justice see.  
With humble, holy, learned men converse,  
Thee and thy flock they would in one unite,  
And all the fogs of self conceit disperse;  
Thee and thy sons the Lord Christ guide aright.  
Some other of the Ministers of Christ arrived this year 1635. As Mr. Flint, Mr. Carter, and Mr. Walton and some others, of whom we shall speak (by the Lord assistance) in due time and place, in the mean time here is to be remembered Mr. Thomas Flint a sincere servant of Christ, who had a fair yearly Revenue in England, but having improved it for Christ, by casting it in the common Treasury, as it appears in the former part of this History, he waits on the Lord for doubling his Talon, if it shall seem good unto him so to do, and the mean time spending his person for the good of his people in the Office of a Magistrate.  
AT Christ's commands, thou leav'st thy lands, and native habitation:  
His folk to aid, in Desert strayed, for Gospels' Exaltation,  
Flint Hardy thou, wilt not allow, the underminding Fox,  
With subtle skill, Christsvines to spill, thy sword shall give them knocks.  
Yet thou base dust, and all thou hast is Christ's, and by him thou:  
Art made to be, such as we see, hold fast for ever now.   

CHAP. XXXVIII. Of the placing down of many Soldiers of Christ, and gathering the Church of Christ at Sanowitch in Plymouth patten, and further supply for the Churches of Ipswich and Linne.  
THis year 1636. Sir Henry Vain, was chosen Governor, and John Winthrope Esquire Deputy Governor, the number of Freemen added were about eighty three. This year came over the much honoured Mr. Fenwick a godly and able instrument to assist in helping to uphold the civil Government of the second, and third Colonies here planted, by the Divine Providence of the most high God, he having purchased the Plantation of Saybrooke. Before, became a good incourager to the Church of Christ at Hartford, where the reverend Mr. Hooker, and Mr. Stone were Officers. In remembrance of whom a few lines take here.  
FEnwick among this Christian throng, to wilderness doth fiee:  
There learned hast thou, yet further how, Christ should advanced be,  
Who for that end, doth back thee send, their Senator to sit;  
In native soil, for him still toil, while thou hast season fit,  
His Church's peace, do thou not cease, with their increase to bring,  
That they and thee, in lasting Glee may Hallelujaeh sing.  
The beginning of this year was spent in accommodating these new come Guests in the former year, whose numbers was near about three thousand, and now they began to be persuaded they should be a settled people, not minding the present dangers they were in, as you shall hear anon, only in the mean time take notice of further supply the Lord Christ was pleased to send before the cattle increased to its strength, among whom the aged, and long contained Soldiers of Christ Jesus Mr. Partridge, as also Mr. Nathaniel Rogers an able disputant, whose mouth the Lord was pleased to fill with many arguments for the defence of his truth, Mr. Samuel Whiteing, who hath also, with keeping to the pattern of sound and wholesome Doctrine, much stopped the spreading Leaven of the pharisees, Mr. Partridge was called to Office at a Town then named Duke's Berry in Plymouth Government, situated upon the Sea-coast, where the people of Christ being gathered into a Church, Ordained him to be their Pastor.  
IN thine own soil well rooted in the truth,  
Thou didst stand fast by Prelate's power unbowed,  
But Laude lays load on God's solke to his Ruth,  
By whom thou mayst, no longer, be aloud.  
Then Partridge thou thy wings begins to spread  
Of Faith and Love to fly these long Seas o'er,  
To wilderness where thou Christ's Lambs hast fed;  
With's sincere Milk this fourteen year and more.  
But now with age thy Almon Tree doth flourish,  
Yet spreading like the Palm Tree dost thou stand,  
I'th' house of God Christ Root thy Boughs do nourish;  
And for thy head he hath a Crown in's hand.  
Mr. Nathaniel Rogers being landed, after a long and tedious Voyage at Sea, was welcomed by the Church of Christ at Ipswitch, where the Reverened and Judicious Mr. Nathaniel Ward, although a very able Preacher, and much desired, yet for some natural infirmity (himself being best privy unto) desired to be unbound of his engagement with his people in point of Office: that being left to his liberty, he might Preach more seldom, in whose stead the Church called to Office this Reverend and Holy Man of God Mr. Nathaniel Rogers, whose labours in this Western World, have been very much: a very sweet heavenly minded man, of whom the Author is bold to say as followeth:  
THrough boisterous Seas thy brittle frame of Man  
It safely is in Christ's sweet arms enfold,  
No wonder than thou weak dust stotly can  
Preach Christ's in's truths, why he doth thee uphold?  
Why Roger's lee thee over-Sea hath fett  
Against the day of Battle, now at hand,  
No sooner are thy feet one those shores set,  
But Leaders do Christ truth withstand.  
Undaunted thou these Western Fields dost enter,  
Filled with the spirits ready sword at hand,  
Engage thou wilt thyself, 'mongst hardships venture;  
Valiant thou foughtst under thy Christ's command.  
And yet with all men wouldst have peace thy aim,  
If deep to wound, and sweetly then to say,  
Come to my Christ, he'll heal your wounds again;  
Canst but submit he'll never say thee nay.  
With learned Method thou God's Word divides:  
Long labouring that each soul may take his part,  
Thy gracious speech with grave impression bides;  
Thus Christ by thee is pleased to win the heart.  
My Muse lament, Nathaniel is decaying:  
Why dost thou grudge him Heaven, such toil hath had,  
In Christ his Vineyard rather be thou praying;  
That in Christ's arms he resting may be glad.  
Mr. Samuel Whiteing was well welcomed by the Church of Christ at Cawgust, which Town, being now of age to receive an English name, was called Linne, where this Reverend man now hath his abode.  
THy ardent Love, the countless Ocean's measure  
Quench cannot, for thy love on him is set,  
Who of true love hath aye the depthless Treasure,  
Doth thine increase, lest thou shouldst, his forget.  
Love Christ in's truths my Whiting thou hast done:  
Thou wilt not suffer with their leaven sour,  
False Doctrines 'mongst thy tender flock to run;  
Timely cut off wilt thou all those devour.  
Samuel mourn not thy strength in desert's spent:  
Rather rejoice thy Christ makes use of thee  
Souls to convert, his Kingdom's large extent  
From East to West shall shortly settled be.  
Thine Eyes and Ears have seen and heard great things  
Done by thy Christ, shows he thy toil accepts,  
Though thy weak flesh weaker to dust he'll bring;  
Thy quickened spirit increased in his joy leaps.   

CHAP. XXXIX. Of the first appearing in the Field, of the enemies of Christ's people in point of-Reformation.  
ANd now to follow our first simile of a Soldier, the Lord Christ having safely landed many a valiant Soldier of his on these Western shores, draws hither also the common enemies to Reformation, both in Doctrine and Discipline; But it was for like end, as the Lord sometime drew Sisera the Captain of Jabins' army to the River Kishon for their destruction, only herein was a wide difference; there Sisera was delivered into the hands of a Woman, and here Sisera was a woman; their weapons and war was carnal, these spiritual; there Jabin was but a man, here Jabin was the common enemy of man's salvation.  
In the year 1636. the Angels of the several Churches of Christ in N. England sounding forth their silver Trumpets, heard ever and anon the jarring sound of rattling Drums in their ears, striking up an alarm to the battle, it being a frequent thing publicly to oppose the pure and perfect truths of Christ (delivered by the mouth of his Ministers) and that by way of question as the pharisees, Sadduces and Herodians did Christ. But to bring this disorderly work of theirs into some order, for assuredly could the Author come up to relate the full of the matter in hand, it would through the mercy of Christ make much for the good of God's people the World throughout, and help to discover the last (I hope) but most subtle practices of Satan to hinder the Restauration of the purity of Christ's Ordinances in his Churches in all places; As also used by him and his instruments to divert the hands of those, to whom it belongs, from pulling down Antichrist, to which end he stirreth up some of his instruments (well educated in the Masking school of Hippocrisy) to take upon them this long Voyage, giving them in charge by all means to carry it more close, than his Jesuits had done, and for their pains they should have the honours to be counted such, as were of a sharper fight, and deeper discerning then any others. Satan, knowing right well that at the fall of Antichrist he must be chained up for a thousand years, strives with all the wicked craft his long experienced maliciousness could possibly invent, to uphold the same, having already persuaded many that his Kingdom was wholly ruinated with our English Nation, and so dissuaded them a long time from further prosecuting against him. But Antichrists Kingdom, as it plainly appears by Scripture, consists chiefly in two parts, his deceaveible Doctrines, and his Kingly power. The first of these being in measure abolished, the latter was still retained by the Prelacy, and some Lording Presbytery in greater or lesser measure, as they could attain unto it.  
Now Satan, who is daily walking to and fro compassing the Earth, seeing how these resolved Soldiers of Christ in New England with indefatigable pains laboured, not only the final ruin of Antichrist, in both, but also the advance of Christ's Kingdom, in setting up daily Churches according to his first institution. Wherefore he sets upon a new way to stop (if it were possible) this work of Reformation, and seeing no other way will serve, he stirs up instruments to cry down Antichrist as much as the most, I and more too, but by this project they should lead people as much out of the way on the other hand, and in the Doctrinal part of Antichrists Kingdom, fall to more horrid Blasphemies than the Papist (as God willing) you shall hear some of them did, namely the Gortenist, who most blasphemously profess themselves to be personally the Christ: and as for the other part of his Kingdom, namely the power or Dominion of the beast, this they should with all violence batter down also, but it must be none other than to make way for their own exaltation, and pay them their wages in the former page promised them, as also withal to overthrow the authority Christ hath ordained to be continued in his Churches, in and under him, and furthermore to lock up the Sword of Civil Government for ever, especially in matters that concern the four first Commands of God, a cunning way to save the beasts head whole.  
You have now heard of the intention, you shall now see their actions. The Lord Christ in his boundless mercy give all his people eyes to see, and hearts to believe, that after they have in measure escaped the filthy pollutions of the beast, they may not again be entangled with these damnabled Doctrines, stealing away their hearts by degrees, under a seeming show of pulling down Antichrist. The Ambassadors of Christ Jesus, having full liberty to deliver their master's mind, Preach unto all the Doctrine of Free grace, beseeching them to be reconciled unto God in Christ, and that the revealed will of God is, that all should be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth, and that God hath given his only begotten Son, That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting Life. Yet withal minding them that Faith is the gift of God, and none can come unto Christ, but such as the Father draws, and withal that the whole will not see any need of the Physicians, but the sick, adding also that none can come to the sight of his sickness or dead condition but by the Law of God, unless they be quicker sighted than the Apostle; They endeavour also to build up others in their holy Faith, that they might come to see the Love of God in Christ, which passeth knowledge, and to this end they show them the fruits of Faith which worketh by love, and that love will be obedient to all the commands of Christ, who saith, if you love me keep my Commandments; And further that Faith purifies the heart, and that a constant supply must be had from Christ. With these and the like sound and wholesome truths the Ministers of Christ feeds their several flocks in New England, drawing their Doctrines plainly from their Text, and substantially backing them with store of Scripture, and undeniable reason, and then delivering to every Man his portion.  
But this good old way would not serve the turn with certain Sectaries that were hither come, who like cunning Sophisters, seeing the bent of the people's hearts (after so many mercies received) was to magnify the rich Grace of God in Christ; they began to tell the people (yet very privately) that the most, if not all the Ministers among them Preached a Covenant of works, either course or fine, and with a what do you say to this. They begin to spread their Errors and heresies, laying the foundation of them as ne'er the truth as possible they can, the easier to deceive, but in the prosecution, to be sure they ran far enough from it, but to begin; First, they quarrel with the Doctrine of Faith in Christ, and say, a Soul is justified without it.   

CHAP. XL. Of the cunning policy of Satan in that machevillian Principle, divide and overcome, and of the two first dividing Principles, by which many errors were brought in.  
ANd verily Satane policy here (as in all places where the Lord Christ is acknowledged) was to keep men from that one right way, by the which he applies himself to the soul, no marvel then if so many Errors arise, like those feigned heads of Hydra, as fast as one is cut off two stand up in the room, and chiefly about the uniting of a soul to Christ by Faith. Their Errors in this point they reported to be the judgement of the Reverend and Judicious Mr. John Cotten; But he having spoken for himself in his answer to Mr. Baily, I forbear, only this by the way, take notice of these subtle Projectors, the Erronist I mean, who perceiving this holy man of God Mr. Cotten was, and yet is in great esteem with the people of God, for the great grace Christ hath bestowed upon him in his deep discerning the mysteries of godliness, as also discerning some little difference between him, and the other Elders about this point, commene upon it, and in large at their pleasure, and then in daily venting their deceivable Doctrines, like subtle Logicians, bring in this as their strongest argument in the last place. I'll tell you Friend, Neighbour, Brother, if you will forbear to speak of it till you hear farther, this is the judgement of M●. Cotten, when he, it may be had never heard of it, or at least wise, when they brought this their bastardly brat to him, they put another vizard on the face of it: but that you may understand their way of broaching their abominable errors, it was in dividing those things the Lord hath united in his work of conversion continued, carrying on a Soul to Heaven in these four Particulars.  
First, in dividing between the word and the word, under pretence 
1. Dividing between the Word, and the Word.  of a legal Gospel, persuading the people their Ministers were legal Preachers, teaching them little better than Popery, and unfit for Gospel Churches, denying them to be any Ministers of Christ that Preach any preparation work, by showing men what the Law requires. Here's nothing says one of them, but Preaching out of the Law and the Prophets, truly says another of them I have not heard a pure Gospel's Sermon from any of them, but sure they were both troubled with the Lethargy, or read not the Gospel themselves, for they may find the Apostles, yea, and Christ himself Preached good Gospel sure, out of the Law and the Prophets.  
Secondly, in separating Christ and his Graces, in manifesting himself to be in the Soul, and this they say makes much for the 
2. Christ and his Graces.  magnifying of Freegrace, and indeed they made it so free, that the soul that receives it shall never taste any of it by their consent, but remain still a dry branch as before; these legal pharisees, says one of them, tell us of a thing they call inherent grace, and of a man being made a new creature, but I am sure the best of them go on in their legal duties and performances still, sorrowing for sin hearing of Sermons, observing duty Morning and Evening, and many such like matters. Tush man says another of them, you shall hear more than this, I was discoursing with one of their Scholastical Preachers Disciples, a professed convert, and yet when he came to pray, he begged for forgiveness of his sins, I asked him why he used that vain repetition, since he did believe he was justified by Christ already, and he made me an answer not worth repeating, but when I told him God could see no sin in his people, no more than I could see that which was covered close from my eye sight; he told me I spoke little less than blasphemy, so ignorant are these men, and their learned guides also; who persuade them the more they have of the indwelling of the Spirit of Christ, the better they shall be enabled to these legal duties. Nay, quoth the other, I can tell you more than all this, they make it an evidence of their good estate, even their sanctification, and yet these men would make people believe they are against Popery.  
By this discourse of theirs, you may see the manner how these Erroneous, and Heretical persons batter off the fruit from the goodly branches of Christ's vines & make bare the flourishing trees planted in the house of the Lord, and yet profess themselves to be Scholars of the upper form, that have learned as far as their Masters can teach them, but let me tell you friends you'll prove but truants if you fall thus to Robbing of Orchards, and its an offence far beyond petty Larceny to rob Christ's Garden, let your pretenees be what they will: can it possible be for the magnifying of Christ's Grace that the branches growing upon his root should remain fruitless? no assuredly, herein God is glorified that his people bring forth much fruit, yet many of these new Gospelers had another plea, hypocrites have a seeming show of Saints graces by which they deceive themselves and others; And therefore because Felons and Traitors coin counterfeit Gold, therefore true Gold should not pass for current, but the intent of the Author is to prosecute the History, these errors being confuted already by the able servants of Christ, whom the Lord in his mercy brought hither for that purpose.   

CHAP. XLI. Of the two latter dividing Principles under which these Erronists fought.  
THe third dividing tenant by which these persons prosecuted their errors at this time, was between the Word of God, 
3. The Word, and the spirit.  and the Spirit of God, and here these Sectaries had many pretty knacks to delude withal, and especially to please the Female Sex, they told of rare Revelations of things to come from the spirit (as they say) it was only devised to weaken the Word of the Lord in the mouth of his Ministers, and withal to put both ignorant and unlettered Men and Women, in a posture of Preaching to a multitude, that they might be praised for their able Tongue. Come along with me says one of them, i'll bring you to a Woman that Preaches batter Gospel then any of your blackcoats that have been at the Ninneversity, a Woman of another kind of spirit, who hath had many Revelations of things to come, and for my part, saith he, I had rather hear such a one that speaks from the mere motion of the spirit, without any study at all, than any of your learned Scholars, although they may be fuller of Scripture (ay) and admit they may speak by the help of the spirit, yet the other goes beyond them. Gentle Reader, think not these things feigned, because I name not the parties, or that here is no witness to prove them, should I so do: neither of both is the cause I assure you, but being somewhat acquainted with my own weakness, should the Lord withdraw the light of his word, and also I verily believe some of them are truly turned again to the truth, the which I wish to all, yet by relating the story all men may see what a spirit of giddiness they were given up to, and some of them to strong delusions, even to most horrid and damnable blasphemies, having itching ears, or rather proud desires to become Teachers of others, when they grossly erred in the first Principles of Religion themselves. There was a man in one of the farthest Towns of the Mattacusets Government, where they had no Ministers for the present, he being much desirous to show himself some body in talking to as many as he could get to hear him one the Sabbath day, missing some of his Auditors, he meets with one of them some few days after, they passing over the water together, where were you quoth he on the Sabbath day that you were not at the meeting? we had a notable piece of Prophecy, quoth the man that was missing, who was it that Preached? The other replying not: his Wife being in presence, answered; it was my husband, nay wife, quoth he thou shouldst not have told him, teach him to stay at home another time.  
By this and divers other such like matters, which might be here inserted, you may see how these Sectaries love the pre-eminence, and for this end seek to deprive the Ministers of Christ inveigling as many as they can in the head, that they take to much upon them (just like the rebellious Korath, Dathan, and Abiram) scoffing at their Scholarlike way of Preaching, wherein the gross dissimulation of these erroneous persons hath appeared exceedingly, as for instance first of a Woman, even the grand M●st●is of all the rest, who denied the Resurrection from the dead she and her consorts mightily railing against learning, persuading all they could to take heed of being spoilt by it, and in the mean time, she herself would dispute (forsooth) and to show her skill that way, here is a fallacy quoth she in this syliogisme: as also one of the Gortonists, as shallow a pated Scholar as myself, far from understanding Latin, much less any other Language the Scriptures were writ in, yet when he would hold out some of the best of his false Doctrines, as namely, that there were no other Devils but wicked men, nor no such thing as sin, Quoth he that place in the fourth Psalm, where men commonly read, stand in awe and sin not, in the original it is read stand in awe and miss not. But to go on, at this time there were many strange Revelations told both of Men and Women, as true some of them said as the Scripture, so that surely had this Sect gone on awhile, they would have made a new Bible, and their chief Mistress when she was shipped for N. England, what will you say quoth she, and it hath been revealed to me that we shall be there in six weeks, and one of the female Gortonists said, she was a Prophetess, and it was revealed unto her, that she must prophesy unto the People in the same words the Prophet Ezekiel did, as also a lusty big man to defend this tenant held forth to his Pastor before the whole Congregation, that the spirit of Revelation came to him as he was drinking a pipe of Tobacco.  
The fourth dividing way to bring in their Heresies, was to 
4. Christ, and his Ordinances.  divide between Christ and his Ordinances, and here they played their game to purpose, even to casting down of all Ordinances as carnal, and that because they were polluted by the Ordinance of man, as some of these Sectaries have said to the Minister of Christ, you have cast off the cross in Baptism, but you should do well to cast off Baptism itself; as also for the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, for to make use of Bread, or the juce of a silly Grape to represent the Body and Blood of Christ, they accounted it as bad as Negromancy in the Ministers of Christ to perform it. But seeing there will be occasion to bring in a bead-roll of these Blasphemies in the year (43) and (44) take the less here; only mind that these persons being first bewildered in the denial of Infants being Baptised, could neither find right faith to be Baptised into, nor yet any person rightly constituted to Baptise remaining. Seekers they came to this, but yet here must not be omitted the slights these Erronists had to shoulder out the Officers Christ hath ordained, and set up in his Churches; and verily in this point they sided directly with the Papist and Prelates, although in most of the other they went directly out of the way on the other hand. Ignorance say the Papist is the Mother of devotion, it's better say the Protestant Prelates to have (a blind si● John) one that cannot tell how to Preach, provided he will conform to our Ceremonies, than to have one that will Presch constantly, and not conform also: these Erronist, showing themselves to be whelps of the same litter, Cry out against a learned Presbytery, as the only way to captivate liberty, and herein the transformed Devil came to show his Horns for why, his errors would not take where the people were followers of their seeing guides, and if it be well noted, here is the Masterpiece of all their knavery, the which comes in after this manner, The Lording Prelacy, Popes, Cardinals, Bishops, Deans, etc. Were ordinarily brought up at the University to learning, and have most tyrannically abused it: usurping over the People of Christ, and exercised most inhuman and barbarous cruelty upon them; as also the Presbyterian Kirke by these Provincial Classes, men of learning having robbed the particular Congregations of their just and lawful privileges, which Christ hath purchased for them. Each Congregation of his being invested with full power to Administer all the Ordinances he hath ordained, in and toward their own Members; and further learned men in some places, feeding the people for their Tith-sake in a Parishioniall way, desire the upholding thereof, lest their fat Benefices should grow lean.  
Now the Redemption of the people of Christ out of all these bondages, being full of difficulty to attain, as is abundantly witnessed in the great hardship God's people have undergon in this Wildernesse-worke; as also much more by that bloody war so long continued in our Native Country, and the two adjacent Kingdoms. This makes a very fair bottom for those to build upon, who would have the sluice of authority in the Officers of Christ's Churches plucked up, that so their errors might flow in like a flood; And therefore they impannell a Jury of their own Sectaries to pass upon all such as put a higher esteem upon their Pastors and Teachers (in point of discerning the holy things of God) then upon other men, who return in their Verdict as finding them guilty of the crime above expressed, either as party, or privy abetters unto them, upon this the Vote goes for advancing such men as will let them out line enough for such as will work without wages, and give to every man liberty to exercise a large conscience, provided it be his own, and as for authority they would have none used, as being a thing two opposite to liberty. My friend cast off as much of thy own power as thou canst, and beware of Lording it over God's Heritage, but I pray thee let Christ alone with his, which he hath given to his Pastors and Teachers in administering the holy things of God, peculiar to their Office, and tremble all you Presbyterians, who to please the people prostrate the authority Christ hath put upon the Eldrs of his Churches as Officers, to the resolute liberty of man: the people may and aught to call them to Office, to the which Christ hath united double honour and authority, and appointed them to be had in high esteem for their worke-sake, being Ambassadors of Christ Jesus. This may no man take from them, nor yet they themselves cast off, and yet all this makes nothing for the Papal, Prelatical, Classical or Parishional authority of the Presbytery, for it holds only in their ruling well, while they rule for Christ, they must and shall have the power he hath put 
Four score Errors derived from these four heads, and spread abroad in N. England▪  upon their Office. From these four dividing Tenants by the cunning art of these deceivers, were fourscore gross errors broached secretly, sliding in the dark like the Plague, proving very infectious to some of the Churches of CHRIST in their Members.   

CHAP. LXII. Of sad effects of the pitiful and erroneous Doctrines broached by the Sectuaries.  
THe number of these infectious persons increasing now, having drawn a great party on their side, and some considerable persons they grow bold, and dare question the sound and whole some truths delivered in public by the Ministers of Christ. Their Church-meetings are full of Disputes in points of difference, and their love. Feasts are not free from spots, in their Courts of civil Justice some men utter their Speeches in matters of Religion very ambiguously, and among all sorts of persons a great talk of new light, but verily it proved but old darkness, such as sometime over-shadowed the City of Munster; But blessed be the Lord Christ, who now declared himself to be a help at hand for his poor New England Churches, being now in their infancy, whose condition at present was very dolorous, and full of difficulties, insomuch that the better part of this new transported people stood still many of them gazing one upon another, like Sheep let loose to feed on fresh pasture, being stopped and startled in their course by a Kennel of devouring Wolves. The weaker sort wavered much, and such as were more grown Christians hardly durst discover the truth they held one unto another, the fogs of error increasing the bright beams of the glorious Gospel of our Lord Christ in the Mouth of his Ministers could not be discerned through this thick mist by many, and that sweet refreshing warmth that was formerly felt from the spirits influence, was now turned (in these Erronists) to a hot inflammation of their own conceited Revelations, ulcerating and bringing little less than frenzy or madness to the patient, the Congregation of the people of God began to be forsaken, and the weaker Sex prevailed so far, that they set up a Priest of their own Profession and Sex, who was much thronged after, abominably wresting the Scriptures to their own destruction: this Master▪ piece of women's wit, drew many Disciples after her, and to that end boldly insinuated herself into the favour of none of the meanest, being also backed with the Sorcery of a second, who had much converse with the Devil by her own confession, and did, to the admiration of those that heard her, utter many speeches in the Latin Tongue, as it were in a trance, this Woman was wont to give drinks to other Women to cause them to conceive, how they wrought I know not, but sure there were Monsters borne not long after, as you shall hear in the following History.  
Oh ye New England Men and Women, who hath bewitched you that you should not obey the truth? And indeed Satan, to make sure work with semblance of Preaching the Doctrine of Free-grce by his instruments, makes show of our-bidding all the Orthodox, and godly Ministers in the Country, pretending their Preaching to be but a Covenant of works, supposing by this means to silence them without a B●shop, and lest the civil power should stand up for their aid, they threaten them with the high displeasure of Christ for persecuting his people, which as they said these erroneous persons with their new light, were the only Men and Women that were pure Gospel Preachers. Thus the poor people of Christ, who kept close to his ancient truths environed with many straits, having expended their Estates to voyage far through the perilous Seas, that their eyes might behold their Teachers, and that they might enjoy the protection of a godly civil Government, began to deem themselves in a more dolorous condition then when they were in the Commissaries Court, and Prelates Prisons, the hideous waves in which their brittle Barks were sometimes covered, as they passed hither, were nothing so terrible in the apprehension of some as was this flood of errors violently beating against the banks of Church and civil Government, the wants of this Wilderness, and pinching penury in miss of Bread, put them to no such pain by gnawing on their empty stomaches, with fear of famishing, as did the miss of the Administration of Christ in his Word and Ordinances, leaving the soul in a languishing condition for want of a continual supply of Christ in his Graces.   

CHAP. LXIII. Of the sorrowful condition of the people of Christ, when they were encountered with these erronists at their first landing.  
BUt to end this dismal year of sixteen hundred thirty six, take here the sorrowful complaint of a poor Soul in miss of its expectation at landing, who being encountered with some of these Erronists at his first landing, when he saw that good old way of Christ rejected by them, and he could not skill in that new light, which was the common theme of every man's Discourse, he berooke him to a narrow Indian path, in which his serious Meditations soon led him, where none but senseless Trees and eccohing Rocks make answer to his heart-easeing moan. Oh quoth he where am I become, is this the place where these Reverend Preachers are fled, that Christ was pleased to make use of to rouse up his rich graces in many a drooping soul; here have I met with some that tell me, I must take a naked Christ. Oh, woe is me if Christ be naked to me, wherewith shall I be clothed, but me thinks I most wonder they tell me of casting of all godly sorrow for sin as unbeseeming a Soul, that is united to Christ by Faith, and there was a little nimbled tongued Woman among them, who said she could bring me acquainted with one of her own Sex that would show me a way, if I could attain it, even Revelations, full of such ravishing joy that I should never have cause to be sorry for sin, so long as I live, and as for her part she had attained it already: a company of legal Professors, quoth she lie poring on the Law which Christ hath abolished, and when you break it then you break your joy, and now no way will serve your turn, but a deep sorrow. These and divers other expressions intimate unto men, that here I shall find little increase in the Graces of Christ, through the hearing of his word Preached, and other of his blessed Ordinances. Oh cunning Devil, the Lord Christ rebuke thee, that under pretence of a free and ample Gospel shuts out the Soul from partaking with the Divine Nature of Christ, in that mystical Union of his Blessed Spirit creating, and continuing his Graces in the Soul: my dear Christ, it was thy work that moved me hither to come, hoping to find thy powerful presence in the Preaching of the Word, although administered by sorry men, subject to like infirmities with others of God's people, and also by the glass of the Law, to have my sinful corrupt nature discovered daily more and more, and my utter inability of any thing that is good, magnifying hereby the free grace of Christ; who of his good will and pleasure worketh in us to will, and to do working all our works in us, and for us.  
But here they tell me of a naked Christ, what is the whole life of a Christian upon this Earth? But through the power of Christ to die to sin, and live to holiness and righteousness, and for that end to be diligent in the use of means: at the uttering of this word he starts up from the green bed of his complaint, with resolution to hear some one of these able Ministers Preach (whom report had so valued) before his will should make choice of any one principle, though of crossing the broad Seas back again, then turning his face to the Sun, he steered his course toward the next Town, and after some small travel ●●ee came to a large plain, no sooner was he entered thereon, but hearing the found of a Drum he was directed toward it by a broad beaten way, following this road he demands of the next man he met what the signal of the Drum meant, the reply was made they had as yet no Bell to call men to meeting; and therefore made use of a Drum, who is it, quoth he, Lectures at this Town. The other replies, I see you are a stranger, new come over, seeing you know not the man, it is one Mr. Shepherd, verily quoth the other you hit the right, I am new come over indeed, and have been told since I came most of your Ministers are legal Preachers, only if I mistake not they told me this man Preached a finer covenant of works then the other, but however, I shall make what hast I can to hear him. Fare you well, then hasting thither he croudeth through the thickest, where having stayed while the glass was turned up twice, the man was metamorphosed, and was fain to hang down the head often, lest his watery eyes should blab abroad the secret conjunction of his affections, his heart crying loud to the Lords echoing answer, to his blessed spirit, that caused the Speech of a poor weak pale complexioned man to take such impression in his soul at present, by applying the word so aptly, as if he had been his Privy Counsellor, clearing Christ's work of grace in the soul from all those false Doctrines, which the erroneous party had affrighted him withal, and now he resolves (the Lord willing) to live and die with the Ministers of New England: whom he now saw the Lord had not only made zealous to stand for the truth of his Discipline, but also of the Doctrine, and not to give ground one inch.   

CHAP. XLIIII. The congregational Churches of Christ are neither favourers of sinful opinions▪ nor the Lords over any, or many Churches, or men's Consciences.  
ANd here Christian Reader the Author according to his former practice, must mind thee of the admirable providence of Christ toward his New England Churches, in preserving them from these erroneous spirits, that have hitherto in all places dogged the sincere servants of Christ, when ever they have set upon a through Reformation, as stories do abundantly testify, which thing the reverend Calvine and divers others, have declared. But seeing the boasting Prelates in these times are ready to say their Lordly power kept these errors under, its plain otherwise: for Satan saw while people were under their yoke of humane inventions, they were far enough from exalting the Kingdom of Christ; And therefore he reserved these errors, for his last shifts, and further you shall see in the following story that the Lord Christ reserved this honour for those, whose love he had enlarged to follow him in a desert wilderness, even with the sharp sword of the Word, timely to cut off the heads of this Hydra; but yet there are two sorts of persons in our Native Country, whom the Elders and Brethren here do highly honour in Christ, and prefer before themselves, namely the godly Prebyterian party, and the congregational sincere servants of Christ, both which the Author could wish, (that with bowels of compassion, sweet simpathising affection of Brethren knit together in that transcendent love of Christ, which couples all his distanced flocks together) they would seriously ponder this History, which through the Author's weakness wants much of measure, but nothing of the truth of things, so far as a shallow capacity can reach. Of the first sort named, I could wish the Reverend Mr. Ruterford, Mr. bail, Mr. Rathbone, Mr. Paget, Mr. Ball, etc. would but inform themselves further by the truth of this History, supposing they cannot choose but in a good measure be satisfied already with the pacificatory and meek answers of as many Reverend and godly Elders of ours.  
Now that I would they should take notice of is, that the Churches of Christ in New England, and their Officers have hitherto been so far from embracing the erroneous Doctrines of these times, that through the powers of Christ they have valiantly defended the truth, and cut down all deceivable Doctrine; the like hath not been done for many ages heretofore. Reverend and beloved in Christ, could your eyes but behold the efficacy of loving counsel in the Communion of congregational Churches, and the reverend respect, honour and love, given to all Teaching Elders, charity commands me to think you would never stand for Classical injunctions any more, neither Diocesan, nor Provincial authority can possible reach so far as this royal Law of love in communion of Churches: verily its more universal than the Papal power, and assuredly the days are at hand, wherein both Jew and Gentile Churches shall exercise this old Model of Church Government, and send their Church salutations and admonitions from one end of the World unto another, when the Kingdoms of the Earth are become our Lord Christ's; Then shall the exhortation of one Church to another prevail more to Reformation, than all the thundering Bulls, excomunicating Lordly censures, and shameful penalties of all the Lording Churches in the World, and such shall be, and is the efficacy of this entire love one to another, that the withdrawing of any one Church of Christ, according to the Rule of the word from those that walk inordinately, will be more terrible to the Church or Churches so forsaken, than an Army with Banners: yea, and it may be added, because civil Government is like to turn nurse in more places than one, this royal Law of love shall become the Law of Nations, and none will suffer their subjects to rebel against it; but to our beloved brethren in England on the other hand, the Reverend Mr. Burroughs, Mr. Goodwin etc.  
This seemeth you have apprehended our Churches and civil Government, to be too strict in dealing with persons for their sinful opinions, I wish the offenders be none of your intelligencers, who to be sure will make the worst of things, I know you are in charity with us; And therefore a few words will satisfy, which I hope you want not from your good friends our Reverend Elders, who could wish you as much happiness as ourselves to expel error before it grew to that height to cry down the sound and wholesome truths: casting dirt on our Orthodox and godly Ministry, I wish you open your mouths wide enough to be filled with this blessing, the Lord hath done great, and unexpected things for you, and why not this? one and twenty years' experience hath taught us that Errors and Heresies are not broached, and held out here by tender consciences, such as are weak in the Faith, but by such as think them Scholars of the upper form, such as would teach the most ablest Christian among us another Gospel, and further we find our Erronist wanting a common enemy to contend withal, as you have fallen foul of our godly Magistrates and Ministers, and will not suffer us quietly to enjoy the Ordinance of Christ, for which we hither cam●, buzzing our people in the ear with a thing they call liberty, which when any have tasted a smack of, they can no more endure to hear of a Synod or gathering together of able, and Orthodox Christians, nor yet of communion of Churches, but would be independent to purpose, and as for civil Government they deem Religion to be a thing beyond their Sphere.   

CHAP. XLV. Of the civil Government in N. England, and their nurture of the people upon their tender knees.  
THe vernal of the year 1637. being now in his prime, and as the season of the year grew hotter, so the minds of many were hot in the eager pursuit of their selfe conceited opinions, and verily had not authority stepped in, it was much to be doubted they would have proceeded from words to blows, great hold and keep there was about choice of Magistrates this year, the choice being retarded by a paper called a Petition, but indeed a mere device to hinder the election, till the erroneous party were strengthened, their number increasing daily, but the Lord Christ graciously providing for the peace of his people toward the end of the day the honoured John Winthrope Esquire, was chosen Governor, and Thomas Dudley Esq. Deputy Governor: the number of freemen added this year was about. 1 25.  
Here according to promise the Reader shall have an account of the civil Government of this little Commonwealth, as their whole aim in their removal from their Native Country, was to enjoy the liberties of the Gospel of Christ, so in serving up civil Government, they daily direct their choice to make use of such men as mostly endeavour to keep the truths of Christ pure and unpsotted, and assuredly they can digest any wrongs or injuries done them in their estates, or trade, better than the wresting of their right in the freedom of the Gospel, out of their hands, and this the Erronist knowing right well (to save their heads whole) persuade men it is not for civil Government to meddle with matters of Religion; and also to help out with their damnable Doctrines, they report it in all places, where they be come, that New England Government doth persecute the people and Churches of Christ; which to speak truth they have hitherto been so far from, that they have endeavoured to expel all such beasts of prey, (who will not be reclaimed) that here might be none left to hurt or destroy in all Gods holy Mountain, and therefore are ready to put the Churches of Christ in mind of their duty herein; yea, and sometimes going before them in their civil censures that they may not only profess the truth, but also hate every false way, not that they would compel men to believe by the power of the Sword, but to endeavour all may answer their profession; whether in Courch Covenant or otherwise, by knowing they bear not the Sword in vain. Neither do they exercise civil power to bring all under their obedience to a uniformity in every poyne of Religion, but to keep them in the unity of the spirit, and the bond of peace, nor yet have they ever mixed their civil powers with the authority peculiarly given by Christ to his Churches and Officers of them, but from time to time have laboured to uphold their privileges, and only communion one with another.  
The chief Court or supreme power of this little Commonwealth, consists of a mixed company, part Aristocracy, and part Democracy of Magistrates, that are yearly chosen by the major Vote of the whole body of the Freemen throughout the Country; and Deputies chosen by the several Towns, they have hitherto had about 12. or 13. Magistrates in the Colony of the Mattacusets, the other Colonies have not above five or six, they have hitherto been Volunteers, governing without pay from the people, only the Governor of the Mattacusets hath some years 100 l. allowed him, and some years less, many of the Magistrates are already remembered, yet with some of the first came hither Mr. Simon Brodestreet, in this short Meeter is he remembered.  
NOw Simon young, step in among, these worthies take thy place:  
All day to toil in vineyard, while Christ thee upholds with grace;  
Thee wisdom grave betime he gave, and tongue to utter it,  
That thou mightst be a blessing free, and for this calling fit.  
Thy counsel well, advised dost tell, with words ordered complete,  
Thy memory, doth amplify, meeting with matters great.  
Broad liberty, do thou deny, Brodstreet Christ would thee have,  
For's truth contend, strong reason spend, it from aspersion save.  
He furnished thee, with these gifts free, to last he must them make,  
Still adding more, to thy old store, till he thee to him take.  
The Lord was pleased to furnish these his people with some able instruments in most of their Towns, that were skilled in Commonwealth work, out of which they chose their Deputies, whose number was ordinarily between 30. and 40. some of them there will be occasion to speak of among their Military Men, but see here the Wonderworking Providence of Zions Saviour, appears much in gathering together stones to build up the walls of Jerusalem (that his Zion may be surrounded with Bulwarks and Towers) with a whispering word in the ears of his servants, he crosses the Angles of England from Cornwall to Kent, from Dover to Barwick, not leaving out Scotland and Wales; Wise men are persuaded to the work without arguing like Elisba, when Elias cast his mantle on him, so these men make no stop, but say suffer me only to sell my inheritance, and I will away for New England. And now I could wish our Brethren in England would not be angry with us for making such haste. Brethren you know how the case stood with our Ministers, as it was with Gideon, who could thresh out no Corn, but he must do it secretly, to hide it from the Midianites, who spread the Land like Grasshoppers, no more could they thresh and clean up any Wheat for the Lords Garner, but the Prelates would presently be upon their backs, and plow long furrows there, and you may believe it, if you will (for it is certain) many, had not this little number gone forth to blow their Trumpets, and break their Pitchers, making the brightness of their Lamps appear, surely the host of the Midianites had never been put to flight, and if still any of our Brethren shall contend with us, we answer with Gideon, the Lord hath delivered into your hands the chief Princes of Midian, and what were we able to do in comparison of you; yet shall we not cease to follow on the work of Reformation, although weak and faint, till the Lord be pleased to free his Israel from all their enemies; and verily England hath not wanted the Prayers of the poor people of Christ here. And also some of our chief helps both for Church-work, Military and common-wealth-worke; yet through the Lord's mercy, we still retain among our Democracy the godly Captain William Hathorn, whom the Lord hath endued with a quick apprehension, strong memory, and rhetoric, volubillity of speech, which hath caused the people to make use of him often in public service, especially when they have had to do with any foreign Government, Mr. Nathaniel Duncan learned in the Latin and French tongue, a very good accountant. Wherefore he is called to the place of Auditor General for the County. Mr. John Glovar a man strong for the truth, a plain sincere godly man, and of good abilities. Captain Daniel Gogkin, who was drawn hither from Virginia, by having his affection strongly set on the truths of Christ, and his pure Ordinances; being endued by the Lord with good understanding Captain William Tinge, sometime Treasurour for the County, but being absent for some space of time in England, Mr. Richard Russell was chosen in his room, Mr. Edward Rawson a young man, yet employed in Commonwealth affairs a long time, being well beloved of the inhabitants of Newberry, having had a large hand in her Foundation; but of late he being of a ripe capacity, a good yeoman and eloquent inditer, hath been chosen Secretary for the Country, Mr. William Hubbard of Iphshwich, a learned man, being well read in state matters: of a very affable and humble behaviour; who hath expended much of his Estate to help on this work; although he be slow of speech, yet is he down right for the business, Captain Vmphry Atherton, one of a cheerful spirit, and entire for the County Mr. Edward Jackson, one who cannot endure to s●e the truths of Christ trampled under foot by the erroneous party, Eleazar Lusher one of the right stamp, and pure mettle, a gracious, humble and heavenly minded man Mr. Joseph Hill, a man active for to bring the Laws of the County in order, Mr. Whipple, one whose godly sincerity is much approved, Mr. Francis Norton, one of a cheerful spirit, and full of love to the truth, Mr. Robert Paine, a right godly man, and one whose estate hath holp on well with the work of this little Commonwealth, Mr. William Torry a good penman and skilled in the Latin tongue, usually Clerk of the Deputies, the Survayor General of the Armies of the Country, John Johnson, of an undaunted spirit, Mr. William Parker, a man of a pregnant understanding, and very useful in his place. Many more would be named, but for tediousness, neither will it please the men more to be named, than not, for all are very willing to acknowledge their inability for the work, and the best are not without many imperfections.  
The Author's end in naming some few is for none other end, but to make good the title of this Book & to encourage all the servants of Christ for time to come wholly to rely upon him, when they go about any difficult work, which may tend to the glory of his Name. Who could have told these men, being scattered abroad throughout the Island of Great Britain, they should meet on a Wilderness nine hundred Leagues remote, and there keep Court together to study the preservation of Christ's poor scattered flocks? nay brethren, when you first took book in hand to learn your Letters, you would have been very dull pates, but for this work; assuredly, how you came by large inheritances, some of you, and estates of hundreds, and thousands, yourselves best know, but believe it, the Lord intended it for this very work, The Earth is the Lords, and the fullness of it, then let none of the people of Christ mourn that they have spent their wealth in this Wilderness, if it have holp on the work, rather rejoice that Christ hath betrusted thee to be Steward for the King of Kings, & that in so noble an achievement the worthiest work that the memory of ourselves, and our forefathers can reach unto.  
And brethren, as for the good parts and gifts the Author hath commended you for, but for the edifying of the body of Christ, and assisting his people in this work you had been empty of all good.  
And now seeing it is the opinion of many in these days of Reformation, that all sorts of Sectaries (that acknowledge a Christ) should be tolerated by civil Government, except Papist, and this Government hath hitherto, and is for future time resolved to practice otherwise (the Lord assisting) having met already with more blasphemous Sectaries, then are Papists; wherefore it will not be amiss if our Countrymen be acquainted with the one and twenty years' experience of this Wilderness work, in point of Government. First, it is their judgement, and that from Scripture taught them, that those, who are chose to place of government, must be men truly fearing God, wise and learned in the truths of Christ, (if so) as hitherto it hath been New England's practice, then surely such will be utterly unfit to tolerate all sorts of Sectaries, as because they have taken up Joshuas resolution, to serve the Lord, & a man cannot serve two Masters, much less many Masters; Then surely such as would have all sorts of sinful opinions upheld by the civil government, must be sure to make choice of the most Atheistical persons they can find to govern, such as are right Gallios': for N. E. hath found by experience that every man will most favour his own way of Profession, and labour tooth & nail to maintain it, and if any have complied with other that have been of a contrary sinful opinion to their own, it hath been, because they would have their own escape scot free, but assuredly the Lord Christ will allow of no such ways for the favouring the professors of his truths, nor may any Magistrate do evil that good may come of it, in favouring dangerous and deceivable doctrines, that others may favour the true servants of Christ, neither is there any such need, for it is their honours (if the will of God be so) to suffer, nor can the people of N. England (I mean the better part) be persuaded to set up any other to govern, but such as are zealous for the maintenance of the truths of Christ; yet of late there is a buzzing noise, as if it were injury to the Churches for civil power to meddle in matters of Religion, but to be sure there are many that strive for a Toleration, yet the people of Christ, who are the natural Mothers of this Government, resolve never to see their living child so divided, looking at such a government to be no better to them, a living child divided in twain; and therefore desires their loving Countrymen to bear with them in this point, and if any notwithstanding shall force it to be so, we shall show our natural affection, and leave all to them, choosing rather to dwell on the backside of this Desert (a place as yet unaccessible) knowing assuredly our God will appear for our deliverance. Yet let them also know the Soldiers of Christ in N E. are not of such a pusillanimous spirit, but resolve as that valiant Jeptha did to keep in possession, the Towns his God had given them, so we are resolved (the Lord willing) to keep the government our God hath given us, and for witness he hath so done, let this History manifest: for we chose not the place for the Land, but for the government, that our Lord Christ might reign over us, both in Churches and Commonwealth, and although the Lord have been pleased by an extraordinary blessing upon his people's industry to make the place fruitful (as at this day indeed it is) yet all may know the land in itself is very sterile, but the upholding of the truths of Christ, is chief cause why many have hitherto come: and further if the servants of Christ be not much mistaken, the downfall of Antichrist is at hand, and then the Kingdom of the Earth shall become the Kingdom of our Lord Christ in a more peculiar manner, than now they are, and surely godly civil government shall have a great share in that work, for they are exhorted to fill her double of the Cup, she hath given to them; and also know our Magistrates, being conscious of ruling for Christ, dare not admit of any bastardly brood to be nursed up upon their tender knees, neither will any Christian of a sound judgement vote for any, but such as earnestly contend for the Faith, although the increase of Trade, and traffic may be a great inducement to some.    

Wonderworking PROVIDENCE OF ZIONS SAVIOUR, IN NEW ENGLAND.  

CHAP. I. The beginning of the relation of the Pequot war, and the great straits these wandering Jacobites were in.  
THe great Jehovah, minding to manifest the multitude of his Mercies to the wendering Jacobites, and make an introduction to his following wonders, causeth the dark clouds of calamities to gather about them, presaging some terrible tempest to follow, with eyes full of anguish, they face to the right, upon the damnable Doctrines, as so many dreadful Engines set by Satan to entrap their poor souls; Then casting forth a left hand look, the labour and wants accompanying a Desert, and terrible Wilderness affright them, their memories minding them of their former plenty; It much aggravated the present misery, when with thoughts of retreating, they turn their backs about the experienced encumbrances, and deep distresses of a dangerous Ocean hinders their thoughts of flight, besides the stern look of the Lordly Prelates: which would give them a welcome home in a famishing prison. Then purposing to put on more stronger resolution, facing to the Front, behold a Messenger with sorrowful tidings from their fellow brethren, that inhabited the banks of the River Canectico, who having audience, informs them of the great insolency, and cruel murders committed by a barbarous and bloody people called Peaquods, upon the bodies of their endeared friends, these savage Indians lying to the South-west of the Mattacusets, were more warlike than their Neighbouring Nations, the Narrowganzet or Niantick Indians; although they exceeded them in number, also Mawhiggins (who were the best friends of the English, and a chief instrumental means of their sitting down there) stood much in fear of these Peaquods, which were big, swollen with pride at this time; facing the English Fort built on the mouth of the River in their large Cannowes, with their Bows and long Shafts, the English being then but weak in number and provision, were unable to manage the war against so numerous a company, being above thirty to one, yet their desires being beyond their means, they made some shot at them, forcing them to hast away faster than they willingly would. These Indians trusting in their great Troops, having feasted their corpse in a ravening manner, and leaving their fragments for their Sqawes, they sound an alarm with a full mouth, and lumbring voice, and soon gather together without press or pay, their quarrel being as ancient as Adam's time, propagated from that old enmity between the Seed of the Woman, and the Seed of the Serpent, who was the grand signior of this war in hand, and would very gladly have given them a large Commission, had not his own power been limited, neither could he animate them so much as to take off the ghastly look of that King of terror, yet however at his command they arm themselves: casting their qu●ver at their backs with Bows ready bend, they troop up some of them, being extraordinarily armed with Guns, which they purchased from the Dutch (who had assuredly paid dear for this their courteous humour, not long since, had not some English Volunteers rescued them from the Indians hands) the most of them were armed also with a small Hatchet on a long handle, they had a small number of Mawhawkes', Hammers, which are made of stone, having a long pike on the one side, and a hole in the handle, which they tie about their wrists, they need not provisions follow their Camp; because they are continually at home, but for their mats to shelter them from Ruin or Snow, the Woods are as welcome to them as their Wigwams, sire they can make in all places by chafing two sticks together. Their food is ready dressed at all times parching Indian Come in their fire they pound it to meal, and with four or five spoonful of it cast into their mouths, and a sup or two of water, which they take up with a leaf of a Tree, this is their common repast, and indeed their chief viaticum. Thus furnished for the war they troop away without any goodly equipage to effect, as they suppose, some great design, but within some few Miles of the Town of Hartford, they were discovered by one of the English, who having with him a good Horse, hastens away to give intelligence of their approach, and by the way meeting with four or five persons, he advises them to haste away with all speed, for the Peaquods were at hand, the weaker Se● among them, being at this time not so credulous as they should have been, began to dispute the case with him, demanding what Peaquods they were, and questioning how they should come there; The horseman deeming it now no time for words, when the battle followed him so hard at the heels, rod on his way, and soon after the sudden approach of the Indians forced them with fear to Seal to the truth of this evil tidings, and some of them with their dearest blood; three Woemen-kinde they caught, and carried away, but one of them being more fearful of their cruel usage, afterward then of the loss of he● life at present, being borne away to the thickest of the company, resisted so stoutly with scratching and biting, that the Indian, exasperated therewith, cast her down on the Earth, and beat out her brains with his Hatchet, the other two maids they led away and returned, their Commission reaching no farther at present, having taken these two prisoners they did not offer to abuse their persons, as was verily deemed they would, questioned them with such broken English, as some of them could speak, to know whether they could make Gunpowder. Which when they understood they could not do, their prize proved nothing so precious a Pearl in their eyes as before; for seeing they exceeded not their own Squawes in Art, their own thoughts informed them they would fall abundantly short in industry, and as for beauty they esteem black beyond any colour.  
Wherefore their Sqawes use that sinful art of painting their Faces in the hollow of their Eyes and Nose, with a shining black, out of which their tip of their Nose appears very deformed, and their cheek bone, being of a lighter swart black, on which they have a blue cross died very deep.  
This is the beauty esteemed by them, but yet their pride was much increased by this hostile Act of theirs, and the English were more and more contemned of them, notwithstanding the Dutch, who traded with these Indians, procured the Maid's liberty again.   

CHAP. II. Of the courageous resolutions, the Lord endued these his People withal being environed with many deep distresses.  
AFter this Message delivered, these brood of Travilers being almost Non-plused in their grave and solid Counsels; deem it now high time to follow their old way, of making their complaint to the supreme judge of all the World, by way of Petition, who they knew right well, stood not as an idle spectator beholding his people's Ruth, and their Enemy's rage; But as an Actor in all actions to bring to naught the desires of the wicked, but period to their power, divert their strokes from his, to their own heads, bring glory to his Name, and good to his people from their most wicked malignity, having also the ordering of every weapon in its first produce, guiding every shaft that flies, leading each bullet to his place of settling, and Weapon to the wound it makes; yet he most righteous and holy in all his actions to this great Lord Peramount, had these poor afflicted people access through the intercession of their Lord Christ, whose work (though very weak to perform) they were now about, wherefore casting themselves down at his feet in the sense of their own unworthiness, that desire him to do his own work in them, and for them, that the Mountains in the way of Zerubbabil may become a plain, and then laying open the great straits they were in to him, who knew them far better than themselves, they had this answer returned them, which if men dare deny, the Lord from Heaven hath, and shall further witness it; But before it be declared, let all men lay down their interest they suppose they may have in procuring it, both English and others, that the glory of our Lord Christ may appear in its splendour, to the danting of every proud hear, and for the perpetual encouragement of all the Soldiers of Christ, even the meanest in his Armies: for the day of his high Power is come, yea; his appointed time to have mercy upon Zion is at hand, all you whose eyes of pity so see her in the dust, stream down with pear like drops of compassion, a little mixture of the unconceivable joy for the glorious work of Christ.  
Now, now; I now in hand for the exalting of his glorious Kingdom, in preparing his Churches for himself, and with his own blessed hands wiping away the tears that trickel down her cheeks, drying her dankish eyes, and hushing her sorrowful sobs in his sweet bosom. This rightly believed, and meeting in the soul of any poor Christian, will make the narrow aff●ctions of his body too little to contain the present apprehensions of the Soul; And therefore wanting a vacuum to contain the strength of this new Wine, wonder not if it vent if itself with swift thrilling tears from the most tender part of the vessel. And here the Author must needs entreat the charitable Reader to enlarge in the Closet of his own heart, for his folly he confesses in meddling so meanly with such weighty matters, being blinded by eager affection, he lost the fight of his great inability to the work. When he first set Pen to Paper, as the Lord surrounded his chosen Israel with dangers deep to make his miraculous deliverance famous throughout, and to the end of the World, so here behold the Lord Christ, having egged a small handful of his people forth in a forlorn Wilderness, stripping them naked from all humane helps, plunging them in a gulf of miseries, that they may swim for their lives through the Ocean of his Mercies, and land themselves safe in the arms of his compassion.   

CHAP. III. Of the Lords great deliverance of his New England People, from the floods of Errors that were bursting in among them.  
AS for the great Mountain of proud erroneous judgement on your right hand, the prayer of Faith shall remove them, and cast them into the depth of the Sea, and for the strengthening of your faith herein; because the Lord will have you depend on him in the use of his means, not miracle, he hath purposely pitched out for this very work, some of his most orthodox servants, and chief Champions of his truth, able through his mercy to wield that bright Weapon of his Word prepared by the spirit for this purpose, to bring to the block these Traitors to his truths one by one, and behead them before your eyes, and for this very end they are to gather together as one Man in a Synodical way, with a decisive power to undo all the cunning twisted knots of Satan's Malignity to the truths of Christ, opening the Scriptures by the power of his spirit, clearing Scripture by Scripture, that nothing but the pure Word of God may take place, and that you may assuredly believe the Lord hath purposely called his Servants, and Soldiers to this place by his Providence to cut off this cursed spirit of Errors and Heresies, which hath but at first dogged all Reformed Churches of Christ. There are for your further aid herein many more of these sincere Soldiers floating upon the great Ocean toward you, who will be with you before this Synod is set, that you may declare it in the Ears of all posterity, to be the very Finger of God in catching the proud in their own craftiness, who had hatched their devices, thus to cast all the Ministers of Christ, except some one or two, under this censure of being prejudiced against their persons, and for the little remnant to labour with flattery to blind their eyes, that at least they might not be against them; Seeing they could not procure them to take their part, (to be sure when the grossness of their Errors were made known, they would not) by this means having their hopes exalted (in their own apprehensions at least) to gain the most of the people on their side.  
The Lord casts them down from the proud Pinnacle of their Machiavilian Plot, by bringing in more men of courage uninterested: yea, unknown to most of their persons, but for their errors, as strong to confute them as any, and more fit to wipe off the fi●me from the eyes of some of their brethren, which these Erronists by their Syccophancy had clouded.  
The time for the meeting of this Synod was to be in the seventh month following, commonly called September, the civil government well approving of their desires herein, were very willing to further them all they could, and in the 〈◊〉 time it was the work of these valiant of the Lord, to search out, not for men and women's persons, but their errors, which they gathered up from all parts, willing all that would or could defend them to use their best means, like as John when he was to execute the judgements of the Lord upon Ahabs bloody household, would have had his servants defend their Master's Children if they could, only you must understand there was but 70. Sons, and here was 80. Errors, of which you shall further hear when the time comes.   

CHAP. IU. Of the abundant mercies of Christ in providing liberal supply for his New England People, in regard of their outward man, Food, Raiment and all other necessaries and conveniencies.  
NOw for the hardships on the left hand, they had as good an answer as in the former; their Christ had not saved their lives from the raging Seas to slay them in the Wilderness with Famine; your life is much more precious in the eyes of the Lord than food, and your bodies then raiment: yea, the Lord of Heaven, who hath honoured you so far as to employ you in this glorious work of his, knows you must have these things, and it was not you, dear hearts, that chose this place, but the Lord, as seeing it most fit to do his work in, knowing that had you met with a Rich Land filled with all plenty, your heart would have been taken off this work, which he must have done. But to strengthen your Faith in this point also, you shall see he who commanded the Fruits to spring out of the Earth, when none were, can much more cause this corner of the Earth to be fruitful to you, and this you shall attain by means, although he have caused the Fowls of the Air, and Grass of the Field to depend upon him in a more immediate manner, yet you hath he taught to Sow, Reap, carry into Barnes, and Spin, and indeed herein the Lord hath answered his people abundantly to the wo●der of all that see or hear of it; And that whereas at their 〈◊〉 coming it was a rare matter for a man to have four or five Acres of Corn, now many have four or five score, & to prevent men from Sacrificing to their Nets, the Lord hath taught them to labour with more ease: to great admiration also enlarged it, for it was with sore labour that on man could Plane, and tend four Acres of Indians Grain, and now with two Oxen he can Plant and tend 30. B sides the Lord hath of late altered the very course of the Heavens in the season of the weather, that all kind of grain grows much better than heretofore; Insomuch that Marchandizing being stopped at present, they begin question, what to do with their Corne.   

CHAP. V. Of the wonderful deliverance wrought by the Lord Christ, for his poor New England Churches, in freing them from the fear of their Malignant adversaries, who forced, them to this Wilderness.  
ANd now to the third and great distress, which lay behind them by reason of their back friends, the Lording Bishops, and other Malignant adversaries, being daily exasperated against them, and in especial at this time by one Merton, who named himself the Host of Merrimount, who wanted not malice, could he possible have attained means to effect it; But the Lord Christ prevented both him and his Masters, whom with slattery he sought to please with scurrilous deriding the servants of Christ, to bring them into contempt, yet the Lord prevented all, and delivered this wretched fellow into his people's hands again after all this, who dealt as favourably with him as David did with Shimmei. Besides this, the evil usage that many of the beloved servants of Christ had from the hands of those in office at their departure, declared plainly, that there were some, who would willingly have pursued them to bring them under bondage again, herein their answer was that they should stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, who was now resolved to fight for them against his and their implacable enemies; although more mighty than they: and indeed all means of resistance in the hand of man being so small, that it could not possible be discerned by any morcall eye; yet will the Lord work by means and not by miracle; when the Lord called forth Joshua to fight with Amaleck, his Moses must be in the Mount at Prayers; seeing this answer deeply concerns the dearly beloved of our Lord Christ remaining in England, let them listen to the answer.  
Also how came it to pass that the Lord put it into your hearts to set upon a Reformation, was it not by prayer attained? You are not excluded, although the Churches of Christ here are for the present in the Mount, and you in the Valley fight, yet surely they had need of help to hold up their hands, whereas the nearness of the danger to you in the enemies overcoming, is a great motive to keep up yours steady, yet may you say rightly to the Churches of Christ here, as Mordachy to Hester the Queen, if you hold your peace deliverance shall come another way, and think not to escape, because you are in New England; Assuredly the Lord is doing great things, and waits for the prayers of his people that he may be gracious unto them, and verily the poor Churches of Christ here cannot but take notice of the great works the Lord hath done for you of late, which are famous throughout the whole World; And should they not take them as an answer of these weak prayers, they fear they should neglect to magnify his mercy toward you, and them: the noble acts of the Lord Christ, for the freedom of his people from that into lerable Prelatical bondage, are almost miraculously committed to memory by the able servants of Christ, whom he hath stirred up for that very end, yet must you not shut out the valiant soldiers of Christ (disciplined in this unwonted Wilderness) from having share with you in the work, yet no farther but that Christ may be all in all: who hath caused the Midianites to fight against Midian, till the true Israelites had gathered themselves together, he it is that hath brought the counsels of the wicked to naught, he it is that hath discovered the secret plo●tings of the King of Assyria, even in his Bedchamber; He it is that hath declared himself to be with your mighty men of valour, and assuredly all you valiant Soldiers of Christ, both in one England and the other, the Lord hath showed you as great signs and wonders for the strengthening of your faith, as was the wetting and drying of the fleece to Gedeon, only beware of setting up an Ephod in the latter end; Let the Churches of Christ be set up according to his first institution, or you will make double work, for all may see by what is done already, there is nothing too hard for him, he will down with all again and again, till his Kingdom alone be exalted, for the which all the Israel of God fight, wrestle, pray, and here you may see the servants of Christ fight at 900 leagues distant.  
Oh you proud Bishops, that would have all the World stoop to your Lordly power, the heathen Romans your predecessors, after they had banished John to the Isle of Pathmos, suffered him quietly to enjoy the Revelation of Jesus Christ there; here is a people that have betaken themselves to a newfound World, distanced from you with the widest Ocean the World affords, and yet you grudge them the purity of Christ's Ordinances there. No wonder then, nay wonder all the World at the sudden and unexpected downfall of these domineering Lords, who had Princes to protect them, arms to defend them, and almost three whole Kingdoms at their command; and no enemy of theirs in sight only, there appears a little cloud about the bigness of a man's hand out of the Western Ocean, I but the Lord Christ is in it, out of Zion the perfection of beauty hath God shined. Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence, a Fire shall devour afore him, & mighty tempests shall be moved round about him. Now gather together you Kinglike Bishops, and make use of all the Kingly power you can, for the cloud is suddenly come up, he road upon Cherub and did fly. And now let the Children of Zion rejoice in their King, for the Lord hath pleasure in his people, he will make the meek glorious by deliverance; And that the whole Earth may know it is the Lords own work, the Arch-prelate and his complices must begin to war with the Scots, and that implacably, the Prelates desire a Parliament thinking to establish iniquity by a Law, but the iniquity of the Ammorites is already full, and all your cunning counsels shall but contrive your own destruction; They remonstrant against all Acts of Parliament that pass without their Vote, and by this means wind out themselves for ever voting more, they devise how they may have such persons committed to prison at favour not their proceeding.  
But the Lord turned their mischief they had conceived upon their own pates, and they themselves were sent to prison by half a score at a time; And such was the unsavourynesse of this seeming salt, that it was good for nothing, but to Lord it over others, their tyranny being taken out of their hands, they could not endure to be commanded by any; And therefore unfit for the war which they stirred up, to recover the people again under their bondage, yet such was the madness of some, that they loved their servitude so well as to fight for it; but surely such had never rightly known the service of the Lord Christ, which is perfect freedom, from all such tyrannous yo●ks, and verily just it is with the Lord to cause such to be servants unto Shishak, that they may know the service of the Lord, and the service of the Kingdoms of the Country. But however an Army is raised to defend their Lordly dignity; Let the Saints be joyful with glory, let the high Acts of God be in their mouths, and a two edged Sword in their hands, to bind their Kings in chains, and their Nobles in setters of Iron, the Charets of the Lord are twenty thousand thousands of Angels, the Lord is among them as in Sinai, Kings of Armies did flee apace; and now you that have borne such a wicked spirit of malignity against the people of Christ, can your hearts endure, and your hands wax strong in the day that he shall have to do with you? Oh you proud Prelates that boast so much of your taking the King's part, miserable partakers are you; in stead of obeying him, you have caused him to obey you, it's writ in such great capital letters that a child may read it: what was the cause of the first raising war against the Scots which occasioned the Parliament, when you saw they would not further the war as you would have them, they were soon traitors in your account, and prosecuted against with Army after army, and was not all this to make the Scots receive your Injunctions, a very fair bottom to build a bloody war upon, that the Prelatticall power might Lord it in Scotland, as they of a long time had done in England: it was your Pithagorian Philosophy that caused the King to lose his Life, by persuading him his Kingly power lived in your Lordly dignity, as a thing subordinate unto it, and he so deeply taken with this conceit, that it cost the lives of many thousands more than ever he, or his Father would do for saving or recovering the Palatine Country.  
Experience hath taught the savage Indians, among whom we live, that they may and do daily bring Wolves to be came, but they cannot break them of their ravening nature, and I would your Royalist would learn of them to know, that as your Lord Bishops, Deans, prebend's, etc. be right whelps of the Roman litter, so let them be never so well camed, they will retain their nature still, to Lord it over all kind of Civil Government; But woe and alas that ever any of our Countrymen should be so blind, that after they are delivered from so great a bondage by such Wonder Working Providence of the Lord Christ; Ever and anon to endeavour to make a Captain over them, that they may return again into Egypt, as appears by the plots which have been discovered, and broken in pieces by the right hand of the most high, and yet for all this theirs such a hankering after somewhat of the Prelatical greatness; by the English Clergy, and the Scottish Classis, that many of them could afford to raise arother war for it. But brethren I beseech you be more wiser, lest when you are grown hot in your quarrel, the Malignant party come and set you agreed establish peace in righteousness, and let the word be your rule, hear one another with meekness, and the Lord will clear up the whole truth unto you in his due time; And now to declare plainly how far the Lord hath been pleased to make use of any of his people in these Western pares, about this Work, for to say truth they have done nothing in holes and corners, but their works are obvious to all the World: if he sufferings of the Saints be precious in the eyes of Christ, so as to provoke him in displeasure to cut off the occasioners thereof, then thus his poor unworthy people here have had a great stroke in the downfall of their adversaries to the present possessed truths of Christ, for this wilderness work, hath not been carried on without sighthings that have come before him, and Groans that have entered his ears, and Tears treasured up in his bottles (again) if the ardent and strong affections of the people of God, for his glorious coming to advance his Kingdom in the splendour, and purity of his Gospel, as co cry with the holy Prophet, Oh that he would broke the Heavens and come down; be regarded of the Lord Christ, so as to remove with his mighty power the very Mountains out of the way, and hurl them into the deep; Then hath these weak worms instrumentally had a share in the great desolation the Lord Christ hath wrought. For this History will plainly declare with what zeal and deep affection, and unresistable resolutions these Pilgrim people have endeavoured the gathering together his Saints, for the edifying the Body of Christ, that he may reign both Lord and King for ever.  
Yet again, if the prayers of the faithful people of God avail any thing for the accomplishment of his promises, in the destruction of Antichrist, for the subduing of Armies without striking one stroke; Then assuredly these Jacobites have wrestled with the Lord, not only (with that good King Je●oshaphat) proclaiming one Fast, but many Fasts, they, their Wives and little ones standing before the Lord; Oh our God wile thou not judge them for we have no might, etc. Lastly, if the Lord himself have roared from Zion, (as in the days of the Prophet Amos) so from his Churches in New England, by a great and terrible Earth quake (which happened much about the time the Lordly Prelates were preparing their injunctions for Scotland) taking rise from the West, it made its progress to the Eastward, causing the Earth to rise up and down like the waves of the Sea; having the same effect on the Sea also, causing the Ships that lay in the Harbour to quake, the which, at that very time was said to be a sign from the Lord to his Churches, that he was purposed to shake the Kingdoms of Europe's Earth, and now by his providences brought to pass, all men may read as much and more▪ as if he should have said to these his scattered people (yet now again united in Church Covenant) the Lord is now gathering together his Armies, and that your faith may be strengthened, you shall feel and hear the shake of the Earth by the might of his power: yea, the Sea also, to show he will ordain Armies both by Sea and Land to make Babylon desolate; Things thus concurring as an immediate answer of the Lord to his people's prayers and endeavours, caused some of this little handful with resolute courage and boldness to return again to their native Land, that they might (the Lord accepting and assisting them in their endeavours) be helpful in advancing the Kingdom of Christ, and casting down every strong house of sin and Satan. It matters not indeed who be the instruments, if with the eye of faith these that go forth to fight the Lords Battles, can but see and hear the Lord going out before them against their enemies, with a sound in the tops of the Mulberry Trees. Here are assuredly evident signs that the Lord Christ is gone forth for his people's deliverance, and now Frogs, Flies, Lice or Dust, shall serve to destroy those will yet hold his people in bondage, notwithstanding the Lord will honour such as he hath made strong for himself; And therefore he causeth the worthies in David's time to be recorded, and it is the duty of God's people to encourage one another in the work of the Lord, then let all whose hearts are upright for the Lord, ponder well his goings in his Sanctuary, that their hands may be strengthened in the work they go about, only be strong and of a good courage.   

CHAP. VI Of the gracious goodness of the Lord Christ, in saving his New-England people, from the hand of the barbarous Indians.  
LAstly, for the frontispiece of their present distress, namely the Indian war, they with much meekness and great deliberation, wisely contrived how they might best help their fellow brethren; hereupon they resolved to send a solemn Embassage to old Cannonicus, chief Sachem of the narrow Ganset Indians, who being then well stricken in years had caused his Nephew Miantinemo to take the Government upon him, who was a very stern man, and of a great stature, of a cruel nature, causing all his Nobility and such as were his attendance to tremble at his speech, the people under his Government were very numerous, besides the Niantick Indians, whose Prince was of near alliance unto him; They were able to set forth, as was then supposed 30000. fight men, the English sought by all means to keep these at least from confederating with the Pequods, and understanding by intelligence, that the Pequots would send to them for that end, endeavoured to prevent them. Fit and able men being chosen by the English, they hast them to Cannonicus Court, which was about fourscore miles from Boston.  
The Indian King hearing of their coming, gathered together his chief Counsellors, and a great number of his Subjects to give them entertainment, resolving as than that the young King should receive their message, yet in his hearing, they arriving, were entertained royally, with respect to the Indian manner. Boiled Chestnuts is their White-bread, which are very sweet, as if they were mixed with Sugar; and because they would be extraordinary in their feasting, they strive for variety after the English manner, boiling Puddings made of beaten corn, putting therein great store of black berries, somewhat like Currants. They having thus nobly feasted them, afterward give them Audience, in a Statehouse, round, about fifty foot wide, made of long poles stuck in the ground, like your Summer-houses in England, and covered round about, and on the top with Mats, save a small place in the middle of the Roof, to give light, and let out the smoke.  
In this place sat their Sachim, with very great attendance; the English coming to deliver their Message, to manifest the greater state, the Indian Sachim lay along upon the ground, on a Mat, and his Nobility sat on the ground, with their legs doubled up, their knees touching their chin: with much sober gravity they attend the Interpreters speech. It was matter of much wonderment to the English, to see how solidly and wisely these savage people did consider of the weighty undertaking of a War; especially old Canonicus, who was very discreet in his answers. The young Sachem was indeed of a more lofty spirit, which wrought his ruin, as you may hear, after the decease of the old King. But at this time his answer was, that he did willingly embrace peace with the English, considering right well, that although their number was but small in comparison of his people, and that they were but strangers to the Woods, Swamps, and advantageous places of this Wilderness, yet withal he knew the English were advantaged by their weapons of War, and especially their Guns, which were of great terror to his people, and also he had heard they came of a more populous Nation by far than all the Indians were, could they be joined together. Also on the other hand, with mature deliberation, he was well advised of the Peaquods cruel disposition and aptness to make War, as also their near neighbourhood to his people, who though they were more numerous, yet were they withal more effeminate, and less able to defend themselves from the sudden incursions of the Peaquods, should they fall out with them. Hereupon he demes it most conducing to his own, and his people's safety to direct his course in a middle way, holding amity with both. The English return home, having gained the old King's favour so far, as rather to favour them then the Pequods, who perceiving their Neighbouring English had sent forth aid to the Mattacusets government, thought it high time to seek the winning all the Indians they could on their side, and among others they make their address to old Cannonicus, who, instead of taking part with them, labours all he can to hush the War in hand, laying before them the sad effects of War; sometimes proving sad and mournful to the very Victors themselves, but always to the vanquished, and withal tells them what potent enemies they had to contend with, whose very weapons and Armour were matter of terror, setting their persons a side; as also that English man was no much hoggery yet, and therefore they might soon appease them, by delivering into their hands those persons that had been the death of any of them, which were much better than that the whole Nation should perish.  
For the present the Pequods seemed to be inclinable to the old Sachims' counsel, but being returned home again among their rude multitude (the chief place of cowardly boasting) they soon change their mind; yet the old Sachim sends the English word he had wrought with them, and in very deed, the English had rather make choice of Peace than War, provided it may stand with Truth and Righteousness: and therefore send forth a band of Soldiers, who arriving in the Peaquod Country, address themselves to have a Treaty with them about delivering up the murderers; they making show of willingness so to do, bade them abide awhile and they would bring them, and in the mean time they were conversant among the Soldiers, and viewing their Army, pointed to divers places where they could hit them with their Arrows for all their Corslets. But their greatest number lying the while at the other side of a great hill, and anon appearing on the top of the hill, in sight of the English: those Indians that were among the English withdrawing toward them; no sooner were they come to their Companions, but all of a sudden they gave a great shout, and showed the English a fair pair of heels, who seeing it, would not avail any thing to follow them (they being far swifter of foot than the English) made their return home again.  
This bootless voyage encouraged the Indians very much, who insulted over them at the fort, boasting of this their deluding them, and withal, they blasphemed the Lord, saying, Englishman's God was all one Fly, and that English man was all one Sqawe, and themselves all one Moor-hawks. Thus by their horrible pride they fitted themselves for destruction. The English hearing this report, were now full assured that the Lord would deliver them into their hands to execute his righteous judgement upon these blasphemous murderers; and therefore raised fresh Soldiers for the war, to the number of fourscore, or thereabout, out of the several towns in the Matachusets, and although they were but in their beginnings, yet the Lord, who fore-intended their work, provided for all their wants, and indeed it was much that they had any biscuit to carry with them in these times of scarcity, or any vessels to transport their men and ammunition: yet all was provided by the gracious hand of the most high; and the Soldiers, many of them, not only armed with outward weapons, and armour of defence, but filled with a spirit of courage and magnanimity to resist, not only men, but Devils; for surely he was more than ordinarily present with this Indian army, as the sequel will show: as also for their further encouragement, the reverend and zealously affected servant of Christ, Mr. John Wilson, went with the army, who had treasured up heaps of the experimental goodness of God towards his people. Having formerly passed through perils by Sea, perils by Land, perils among false brethren, etc. he followed the war purposely to sound an alarm before the Lord with his silver trumpet, that his people might be remembered before him: the Soldiers arriving in safety at the town of Hartford, where they were encouraged by the reverend Ministers there, with some such speech as follows.  Fellow-soldiers, Countrymen, and Companions in this wildernesse-worke, who are gathered together this day by the inevitable providence of the great Jehovah, not in a tumultuous manner hurried on by the floating fancy of every high hot headed brain, whose actions prove abortive, or if any fruit brought forth, it hath been rape, thief, and murder, things inconsisting with nature's light, then much less with a Soldier's valour; but you, my dear hearts, purposely picked out by the godly grave Fathers of this government, that your prowess may carry on the work, where there Justice in her righteous course is obstructed, you need not question your authority to execute those whom God, the righteous Judge of all the world, hath condemned for blaspheming his sacred Majesty, and murdering his Servants: every common Soldier among you is now installed a Magistrate; then show yourselves men of courage: I would not draw low the height of your enemy's hatred against you, and so debase your valour. This you may expect, their swelling pride hath laid the foundation of large conceptions against you, and all the people of Christ in this mildernesse, even as wide as Babel's bottom. But, my brave Soldiers, it hath mounted already to the clouds, and therefore it is ripe for confusion; also their cruelty is famously known, yet all truebred Soldiers reserve this as a common maxim, cruelty and cowardice are unseparable companions; and in brief, there is nothing wanting on your enemy's part, that may deprive you of a complete victory, only their nimbleness of foot, and the unaccessible swamps and nut-tree woods, forth of which your small numbers may entice, and industry compel them. And now to you I put the question, who would not fight in such a cause with an agile spirit, and undaunted boldness? yet if you look for further encouragement, I have it for you; riches and honour are the next to a good cause eyed by every Soldier, to maintain your own, and spoil your enemies of theirs; although gold and silver be wanting to either of you, yet have you that to maintain which is far more precious, the lives, libertyes, and new purchased freedoms, privileges, and immunities of the endeared servants of our Lord Christ Jesus, and of your second selves, even your affectionated bosom mates, together with the thief pledges of your love, the comforting contents of harmless prattling and smiling babes: and in a word, all the riches of that goodness and mercy that attends the people of God in the enjoyment of Christ, in his Ordinances, even in this life; and as for honour, David was net to be blamed for enquiring after it, as a due recompense of that true valour the Lord had bestowed on him: and now the Lord hath prepared this honour for you, oh you courageous Soldiers of his, to execute vengeance upon the heathen, and correction among the people, to bind their Kings in chains, and Nobles in fetters of Iron, that they may execute upon them the judgements that are written! this honour shall be to all his Saints, but some of you may suppose death's stroke may cut you short of this: let every faithful Soldier of Christ Jesus know, that the cause why some of his endeared Servants are taken away by death in a just war (as this assuredly is) it is not because they should fall short of the honours accompanying, such noble designs, but rather because earth's honours are two scant for them, and therefore the everlasting Crown must be set upon their heads forthwith, then march on with a cheerful Christian courage in the strength of the Lord, and the power of his might, who will forthwith enclose your enemies in your hands, make their multitudes fall under your warlike weapons, and your feet shall soon be set on their proud necks. 
After the Ministers of Christ had, through the grace that was given them, exhorted and encouraged these Soldiers appointed for the work, they being provided with certain Indian guides, who with the close of the day brought them to a small river, where they could perceive many persons had been dressing of fish; upon the sight thereof, the Indian guides concluded they were now a feasting it at their fort, which was hard at hand; the English calling a Council of war, being directed by the speciallest providence of the most high God, they concluded to storm the fort a little before break of day; at which time they supposed the Indians being up late in their jolly feasting, would be in their deepest sleep; and surely so it was, for they now slept their last: the English keeping themselves as covertly as they could, approached the fort at the time appointed, which was builded of whole Trees set in the ground fast, and standing up an end about twelve foot high, very large, having pitched their Wigwams within it, the entrance being on two sides, with intricate Meanders to enter. The chief Leaders of the English made some little stand before they offered to enter, but yet boldly they rushed on, and found the passages guarded at each place with an Indian Bowman, ready on the string, they soon let fly, and wounded the for▪ most of the English in the shoulder, yet having dispatched the Porters, they found the winding way in without a Guide, where they soon placed themselves round the Wigwams, and according to direction they made their first shot with the muzzle of their Muskets down to the ground, knowing the Indian manner is to lie on the ground to sleep, from which they being in this terrible manner awakened, unless is were such as were slain with the shot.  
After this some of the English entered the Wigwams, where they received some shot with their Arrows, yet catching up the fire brands, they began to fire them, and others of the English Shoulders with powder, did the same: the day now began to break; the Lord intending to have these murderers know he would look out of the cloudy pillar upon them: and now these women and children set up a terrible outcry; the men were smitten down, and slain, as they came forth with a great slaughter, the Sqawes crying out, oh much win it Englishman, who moved with pity toward them, saved their lives: and hereupon some young youth cried, I squaw, I squaw, thinking to find the like mercy. There were some of these Indians, as is reported, whose bodies were not to be pierced by their sharp rapiers of swords of a long time, which made some of the Soldiers think the Devil was in them, for there were some Powwowes among them, which work strange things, with the help of Satan. But this was very remarkable, one of them being wounded to death, and thrust thorough the neck with a halberd; vet after all, lying groaning upon the ground, he caught the halberd's spear in his hand, and wound it quite round. After the English were thus possessed of this first victory, they sent their prisoners to the pinnaces, and prosecute the war in hand, to the next Battalia of the Indians, which lay on a hill about two miles distant, and indeed their stoutest Soldiers were at this place, and not yet come to the fort; the English being weary with their night work, and wanting such refreshing as the present work required, began to grow faint, yet having obtained one victory, they were very desirous of another: and further, they knew rightwell, till this cursed crew were utterly rooted out, they should never be at peace; therefore they marched on toward them. Now assuredly, had the Indians known how much weakened our Soldiers were at present, they might have born them down with their multitude, they being very strong and agile of body, had they come to handy-gripes; but the Lord (who would have his people know their work was his, and he only must order their Counsels, and war like work for them) did bring them timely supply from the vessels, and also gave them a second victory, wherein they sl●ew many more of their enemies, the residue flying into a very thick swamp, being unaccessible, by reason of the boggy holes of water, and thick bushes; the English drawing up their company beleagered the swamp, and the Indians in the mean time skulking up and down, and as they saw opportunity they made shot with their Arrows at the English, and then suddenly they would fall flat along in the water to defend themselves from the retaliation of the Soldier's Muskets. This lasted not long, for our English being but a small number, had parted themselves far asunder, but by the providence of the most high God, some of them spied an Indian with a kettle at his back going more inwardly into the swamp, by which they perceived there was some place of firm land in the midst thereof, which caused them to make way for the passage of their Soldiers, which brought this war to a period: For although many got away, yet were they no such considerable number as ever to raise war any more; the slain or wounded of the English were (through the mercy of Christ) but a few: One of them being shot through the body, near about the breast, regarding it not till of a long time after, which caused the blood to dry and thicken on either end of the arrow so that it could not be drawn forth his body without great difficulty and much pain, yet did he scape his life, and the wound healed. Thus the Lord was pleased to assist his people in this war, and deliver them out of the Indians hands, who were very lusty proper men of their hands, most of them, as may appear by one passage which I shall here relate: thus it came to pass, As the Soldiers were upon their march, close by a great thicket, where no eye could penetrate far, as it often falls out in such wearisome ways, where neither men nor beast have beaten out a path; some Soldiers linger behind their fellows, two Indians watching their opportunity, much like a hungry hawk, when they supposed the last man was come up, who kept a double double double distance in his march, they sudden and swiftly snatched him up in their tallens, hoising him upon their shoulders, ran into the swamp with him; the Soldier unwilling to be made a Pope by being borne on men's shoulders, strove with them all he could to free himself from their hands; but, like a careful Commander, one Captain Davenport, than Lieutenant of this company, being diligent in his place to bring up the rear, coming up with them, followed with speed into the swamp after him, having a very severe cutlace tied to his wrist, and being well able to make it by't sore when he set it on, resolving to make it fall foul on the Indians bones, he soon overtook them, but was prevented by the buckler they held up from hitting them, which was the man they had taken: It was matter of much wonder to see with what dexterity they hurled the poor Soldier about, as if they had been handling a Lacedaemonian shield, so that the nimble Captain Davenport could not, of a long time, fasten one stroke upon them; yet, at last, dying their tawny skin into a crimson colour, they cast down their prey, and hasted thorough the thickets for their lives. The Soldier thus redeemed, had no such hard usage, but that he is alive, as I suppose, at this very day: The Lord in mercy toward his poor Churches having thus destroyed these bloody barbarous Indians, he returns his people in safety to their vessels, where they take account of their prisoners: the Squawes and some young youths they brought home with them, and finding the men to be deeply guilty of the crimes they undertook the war for, they brought away only their heads as a token of their victory. By this means the Lord struck a trembling terror into all the Indians round about, even to this very day.   

CHAP. VII. Of the first Syrod holden in New England, whereby the Lord in his mercy did more plainly discover his ancient truths, and confute those cursed errors that ordinarily dog the reforming Churches of CHRIST.  
THe Lord Christ deeming it most expedient for his people to add some farther help to assist them in cutting down those cursed errors (that were the next dangerous difficulty they were to meet with) sends in the Reverend and bright shining light Mr. Davenport, and the cheerful, grave, and gracious Soldier of his, Mr. Allen, as also Mr. Thompson, Mr. Browne, Mr. Fish, with divers other of the faithful servants of Christ, the much honoured Mr. Eton and Mr. Hopkins: and now the time being come, the Synod sat at Cambridge, where was present about 25. Reverend and godly Ministers of Christ, besides many other graciously-eminent servants of his. A Catalogue of the several Errors scattered about the Country was there produced, to the number of 80. and liberty given to any man to dispute pro or con, and none to be charged to be of that opinion he disputed for, unless he should declare himself so to be. The Weapons these Soldiers of Christ warred with, was the Sword of the Spirit, even the Word of God, together with earnest prayer to the God of all Truth, that he would open his truths unto them. The clearing of the true sense and meaning of any place of Scripture, it was done by Scripture, for they so discerned by the grace of God that was given them, that the whole Scripture must be attended unto. Four sorts of persons I could with a good will have paid their passage out, and home again to England, that they might have been present at this Synod, so that they would have reported the truth of all the passages thereof to their own Colleges at their return. The first is the Prelates, who both in Theory and Practice might have made their own Eyes Judges in the case, Whether would prevail most, (to the suppressing of Error, and advancing of Unity in the true worship of God) either their commanding power backed with the subordinate sword of Princes, or the Word of God cleared up by the faithful labour and indefatigable pains of the sincere servants of the Lord Christ, and mightily declared through the demonstration of his blessed Spirit. This well weighed, may (through the Lord's blessing) stop the yet running fancy in the brains of many, that their Lordly power is the only means of suppressing Error.  
Secondly, the Godly and Reverend Presbyterian Party, who, had they made their eye-witnesses of this work, they had assuredly saved themselves much labour, which I dare presume they would have spent worthily otherways, then in writing so many books to prove the congregational or Independent Churches to be the sluice, through which so many floods of Error flow in: nay, my dear and reverend brethren, might not so much work of yours in writing, and ours in answering, have been a means to have stopped the height of this overflowing flood? and through the Lords assisting have settled Peace and Truth in a great measure throughout the three Nations.  
Thirdly, those who with their new stratagems have brought in so much old error; for although they had a party here, yet verily they durst not bring their New Light to the Old Word, for fear it would prove but Old Darkness, (as indeed they do.) But here might they have seen the Ministers of Christ (who were so experienced in the Scripture, that some of them could tell you the place, both Chapter and Verse, of most sentences of Scripture could be named unto them) with Scriptures light, clearing up the truths of Christ clouded by any of these Errors and Heresies, as had not been done for many Ages before: and verily this great work of Christ must not be lightly overpast, the Author of this History passeth not for the shrewd censures of men: nor, can it be any matter of disparagement to the reverend and highly honoured in Christ, remaining in England, that their fellow brethren have done so worthily here? it is well known to all our English Nation, that the most able-preaching Ministers of Christ were most pursued by the lording Clergy, and those that have spent all their days, even from a child, in searching the Scriptures, the Lord Christ preparing them by his blessed spirit for this very work. Besides, their continued practice in studying and preaching the ways of truth; and lastly, their meeting with the opposition of so many crafty, close couched errors, whose first foundation was laid cheek by jowl with the most glorious, heavenly, and blessed truths, to dazzle the eyes of the beholders, and strike terror into the hearts of those should lift up their hands against them, for fear they should miss them, and hit their stroke upon the blessed truth; and also to bring up a slanderous and evil report on all the able Orthodox Minister's of Christ that withstand them, persuading men they withstand the holy, heavenly, and blessed truth, which they have lodged there, which this Synod did with strong & undeniable arguments fetch from Scripture, to overthrow and pluck up by the roots, all those Errors, which you have heard mentioned in the former Book, the which they divided for the more full answering of them. Among all those valiant Champions of the Truth whom you have heard named, to some six, some five, some four, etc. it had assuredly been worth the work to have related the particular manner of putting to the sword every one of them: but besides the length of the discourse, there must have been a more able Penman: but however they were so put to death, that they never have stood up in a living manner among us since, but sometimes like Wizards to peep and mutter out of ground, fit for such people to resort unto, as will go from the living to the dead. But blessed be the Lord Christ, who girded his people with strength against this day of battle, and caused the Heavens to clear up again in New-England, after these foggy days:  
The fourth and last sort of persons, whose presence I could most of all the other three former have desired, was those whose disease lay as chiefly in despising all Physicians, and that upon this ground for one, because some for filthy lucre sake have nourish● Diseases rather than cured them. Many pamphlets have come from our Countrymen of late, to this purpose, namely, scurrillously to deride all kind of Scholarship, Presbytery, and Synods. Experience hath taught God's people here, that such are troubled with some sinful opinion of their own, that they would not have touched; but had they been at this Synod, they must, per force, have learned better language, or their speech and their knowledge would fall foul one of the other; here might they have beheld the humility of the most learned of these servants of Christ, condemning the high conceitedness of their ignorance, and then also the framing of Arguments in a Scholar like way, did (the Lord assisting) clear up the truths of Christ more to the meanest capacity in one hour, then could be clouded again in s●aven year by the new notion of any such as boast so much of their unlettered knowledge, diversity of languages, although a correcting hand of God upon the whole world, when they joined together in that proud Edifice: yet now is it blest of God, to retain the purity of the Scriptures; if any man should go about to corrupt them in one language, they should remain pure in another; and assuredly, the Lord intending to have the ways of the Gospel of Christ to be made more manifest at this time, then formerly, not by tradition of our forefathers, or by man's reason, but by the revealed will of God in the holy Scripture, did accordingly prepare Instruments for this work, earthen vessels, men subject to like infirmities with ourselves; sorry men, and carrying about with them a body of sin and death, men subject to err: yet these did the Lord Christ cause to be trained up in Learning, and tutored at the Universities, and that very young, some of them, as the revererend Mr. John Cotten at 13. years of age. The mighty power of God sanctified and ordained them for this work, and made them a defenced city, a iron pillar, a wall of brass against all the opposers of his truth; and now coupled them together in this Synod, to draw in Christ's yoke, and war with the weapons he had furnished them withal, and cause the blessed truths of Christ to shine forth in their splendour and glory, far more after the dispersing of this smoke, which of a long time hath filled the Temple, and hindered the entering in of those great number of Converts, which shall flow in at the fall of all antichristian Errors; and verily as the Lord Christ had called forth this little handful to be a model of his glorious work, intended thoughout the whole world, so chiefly in this suppressing of Errors, Sects, and Heresies, by the blessed word of his truth, causing his servants in this Synod, mu●●ally to agree; and by his gracious providence, break in pieces a contrived plot of some, who, by misreports, insinuating jealousies, and crafty carriage of matters to the wrong mark, with a writing of thrice twenty strong, would have drawn away one of the valiant Soldiers of Christ from this worthy work, who both then, and since, hath been very helpful to cast down many a strong fort erected by the Sectaries; but the Lord Christ would not suffer this blow to be given, intending all people (by way of restitution) for their slanderous reports, cast upon his New England Churches (as being the inlet to Errors) shall honour them with this victorious conquest, given them by Christ herein; yet willing they would, their brethren in England might win the prize by outstripping them, more abundantly in length, breadth and height, which the same God is able to perform, that hath been thus abundantly good to us.  
About this time the Churches of Christ began to be diligent in their duty, and the civil government in looking after such as were like to disturb the peace of this new erected government; some persons being so hot headed for maintaining of these sinful opinions, that they feared breach of peace, even among the Members of the superior Court, but the Lord blessing them with agreement to prevent the woeful effects of civil broils; those in place of government caused certain persons to be disarmed in the several Towns, as in the Town of Boston, to the number of 58. in the Town of Salem 6. in the Town of Newberry 3. in the Town of Roxbury 5. in the Town of Ipswitch 2. and Charles Town 2. others there were, that through the help of the faithful servants of Christ, came to see how they had been misled, and by the power of Christ in his Word, returned again with an acknowledgement of their sin; but others there were, who remained obstinate, to the disturbing of the civil power, and were banished, of whom you shall hear farther hereafter. Some of the Churches of Christ being more indulgent, waited long ere they fell upon the work: and here you must taken notice, that the Synod, Civil Government, and the Churches of Christ, kept their proper place, each moving in their own sphere, and acting by their own light, or rather by the revelation of Jesus Christ, witnessed by his Word and Spirit, yet not refusing the help of eacg other (as some would willingly have it) some of the Church's prosecuting the Rule of Christ against their heretical Members, were forced to proceed to excommunication of them, who when they saw whereto it would come, they would have prevented it with lying, but the Lord discovered it; and so they were justly separated from the Churches of Christ for lying: which being done, they fell to their old trade again.   

CHAP. VIII. Of the planting the fourth Colony of New England's godly Government, called New-Haven.  
THe Lord Christ having now in his great mercy taken out of the way these mountains that seemed in the eye of Man to block up his Churches further proceedings, they had now leisure to welcome the living stones that the Lord was pleased to add unto this building, and with thankful acknowledgement to give him of his own for his mercy's multitude, whose was the work in planting, not only more Churches, but another Colony also; for the honoured Mr, Eton being accompanied with many worthy persons of note, whom the Lord had furnished with store of substance for this wildernesse-work, although they would willingly have made their abode under the government of the Mattachusets; yet could they find no place upon the Seacoasts for their settling: the Lord intending to enlarge his people's border, caused them, after much search, to take up a place somewhat more southwardly, near the shall's of Cape-cod, where they had very flat water; yet being entered in, they found: commodious harbour for shipping, and a fit place to erect a Town, which they built in very little time, with very fair houses, and complete streets; but in a little time they overstockt it with Chattel, although many of them did follow merchandizing, and Maritime affairs, but their remoteness from the Mattachusets Bay, where the chief traffic lay, hindered them much. Here did these godly and sincere servants of Christ, according to the rule of the Word, gather into Church Estate, and called to the office of a Pastor the reverend, judicious, and godly Mr, John Davenport, of whom the Author is bold to say as followeth:  
WHen Men and Devils against Christ's flock conspire,  
For them prepared a deadly trapping net;  
Then Christ to make all men his work admire,  
Davenport, he doth thee from thy Country fet  
To sit in Synod, and his folk assist:  
The filthy vomit of Hell's Dragon, deep  
In earth's womb drawn, blest they this poison missed,  
And blest the means doth us from error keep,  
Thy grave advice and arguments of strength  
Did much prevail, the Erronist confound.  
Well hast thou warred, Christ draws thy days in length,  
That thou in learned experience mayst abound:  
What though thou leave a city stored with pleasure,  
Spend thy prime days in heathen desert land,  
Thy joy's in Christ, and not in earthly treasure,  
Davenport rejoice, Christ's Kngdome is at hand;  
Didst ever deem to see such glorious days?  
Though thou decrease with age and earth's content,  
Thou live'st in Christ, needs then must thy joy raise;  
His kingdom's thine, and that can ne'er be spent.  
This Church and Town soon procured some Sisters to take part with her, and among them they erected a godly and peaceable Government, and called their frontier town New haven, of which the Government is denominated, being inhabited by many men eminent in gifts for the populating thereof, and managing of affairs both by Sea and Land; they have had some shipping built there, but by the sad loss of Mr. Lambertons ship and goods also, they were much disheartened, but the much honoured Mr. Eton remains with them to this very day.  
THou noble thus, Theophilus, before great Kings to stand,  
More noble far, for Christ his war thou leav'st thy native land;  
With thy rich store thou cam'st on shore Christ's Churches to assist;  
What if it waste? thou purchased hast that Pearl that most have missed,  
Nay rather he hath purchased thee, and whatsoever thou hast,  
With grace's store to govern o'er his people, he thee placed.  
Our State affairs thy will repairs, assistant thou hast been  
Firm league to make, for Gospel's sake, four Colonies within;  
With Sweads French, Dutch, and Indians much, God's people's peace this bred,  
Then Eton aye, remember may the Child that's yet unfed.  
This government of New-haven, although the younger Sister of the four yet was she as beautiful as any of this brood of travellers, & most minding the end of her coming hither, to keep close to the rule of Christ both in Doctrine and Discipline; and it were to be wished her elder Sister would follow her example, to nurture up all her children accordingly: here is not to be forgotten the honoured Mr Hopkins, who came over about this time a man of zeal and courage for the truths of Christ, assisting this blessed work, both in person and estate; for the which the Author cannot forget him, being oft in commission for the good of all the united Colonies.  
HOpkins thou must, although weak dust, for this great work prepare,  
Through Ocean large Christ gives thee charge to govern his with care;  
What earthen man, in thy short span throughout the world to run  
From East to West at Christ's behest, thy worthy work is done:  
Unworthy thou acknowledge now, not unto thee at all,  
But to his name be lasting fame, thou to his work doth call.   

CHAP. IX. Of the planting the fourteenth Church of Christ under the governmen of the Mattachusets Bay, called Dedham.  
THe latter end of this year 'twas the Town of Dedham began, an inland Town, situate, about ten miles from Boston, in the County of Suffolk, well watered with many pleasant streams, abounding with Garden fruits fitly to supply the Markets of the most populous Town, whose coin and commodities allures the Inhabitants of this Town to make many a long walk; they consist of about a hundred Families, being generally given to husbandry, and, through the blessing of God, are much increased, ready to swarm and settle on the building of another Town more to the Inland; they gather into a Church at their first settling, for indeed, as this was their chief errand, so was it the first thing they ordinarily minded; to pitch their Tabernacles near the Lord's Tent: To this end they called to the office of a Pastor, the reverend, humble, and heavenly-minded, Mr. John Allen, a man of a very courteous behaviour, full of sweet Christian love towards all, and with much meekness of spirit, contending earnestly for the faith and peace of Christ's Churches.  
ALL you so sl●te Christ's sanctifying grace,  
As legal works, what Gospel-work can be  
But sin cast out, and spirits work in place,  
They justified that Christ thus reigning see:  
Allen, thou art by Christ's free spirit led 
M. Allen a great help against the Errors of the time.   
To war for him in wilderness awhile;  
What, do for Christ, I man thou art in's stead,  
Sent to beseech, in's Vineyard thou must toil.  
John Allen joy, thou sinful dust art taken  
To spend thy days in exile, so remote,  
Christ's Church to build, of him that's ne'er forsaken,  
Nor thou, for now his truths thou must promote.  
He guides thy tongue, thy paper, pen and hands,  
Thy hearts swift motion, and affections choice;  
Needs thou thus lead, must do what he commands,  
And cry aloud when he lifts up thy voice:  
Seven years complete twice told, thy work hath been,  
To feed Christ's flock, in desert land them keep,  
Both thou and they each day are kept by him;  
Safe mayst thou watch, being watched by him ne'er sleeps.  
This Church of Christ hath in its bosom near about 70. souls joined in Covenant together, and being well seasoned with this savoury salt, have continued in much love and unity from their first foundation, hitherto tanslating the close, clouded woods into goodly cornfields, and adding much comfort to the lonesome travellers, in their solitary journey to Canectico, by eyeing the habitation of God's people in their way, ready to administer refreshing to the weary.   

CHAP. X. Of the planting of the fifteenth Church of Christ at the Town of Waymoth.  
THe Twone and Church of Christ at Waymoth had come in among the other Towns before this, as being an elder Sister, but only for her somewhat more than ordinary instability; it is battered with the brinish billows on the East; Rocks and Swamps to the South-west, makes it delightful to the nimble tripping Deer, as the plowable places of Meadow land is to the Inhabitants. This Town was first founded by some persons that were not so forward to promote the Ordinances of Christ, as many others have been: they desired the reverend Minister of Christ Mr. Gennors', to be helpful in preaching the Word unto them; who after some little space of time, not liking the place, repaired to the Eastern English: but the people of this place, after his departure, being gathered into a Church, they called to office the reverend and godly Mr Newman; but many of them unwilling to continue in this Town, as supposing they had found a fitter place for habitation, removed into the next Government, carrying with them their Pastor; by which means, the people that were left behind, were now destitute, and having some godly Christians among them, who much desired the sincere milk of the Word that they might grow thereby: upon diligent use of means they found out a young man able gifted for the work, brought up with the reverend and judicious Mr. Chancie, called Mr. Thomas Thatcher. Yet again, after some few years, for want of sufficient maintenance, with mutual consent they parted with him, and are forced to borrow help of their Neighbours, wherein all of them to the Author is bold to say as followeth:  
OH people, reason sways man's actions here,  
You sanctified, o'er these long seas doth look,  
With heavenly things your earthly toil to cheer;  
Will lose the end for which this toil you took.  
Christ comes in's Word, let their bright feet abide  
Your Town, among whose grace and gifts excel  
In preaching Christ, it's he your hearts hath tried,  
They want no store that all for him do sell.  
Gennors', dost love thy Christ? I hope he's dear  
Beloved of thee, he honoured would thee have  
To feed his flock, while thou remainest here;  
With's Word of truth thy soul and others save.  
With little flock doth Newman pack away;  
The righteous lips sure might a many feed;  
Remov'st for gain? it's most where most men stay,  
Men part for land why land least helps at need.  
Thatcher, what meanest to leavs thy little flock?  
Sure their increase might thee much profit bring:  
What, leave Christ's Church? it's founded on a rock;  
If rock not left, their ebb may sudden spring;  
Pastor and People, have you both forgot  
What parting Paul and Christ's dear people had?  
Their loves melt tears, it's ve'mently so hot,  
His heartstrings break to see his folk so sad.  
This year came over, besides the former, for the furthering of this blessed work of Christ, Mr. William Tompson, Mr. Edm: Browne, and Mr. David Frisk, who were called to office in several Churches, as you shall after hear. And now to end this year, that abounded in the wonderworking Providence of Christ, for his Churches, in the exaltation of his truths, that all may take notice the Lord cast in by the by, as it were, a very fruitful crop, insomuch that from this day forward, their increase was every year more and more, till the Country came to feed its own Inhabitants; and the people who formerly were somewhat pinched with hunger, eat bread to the full, having not only for their necessity but also for their conveniency and delight.   

CHAP. XI. Of the increase of the people of Christ. Printing brought over, and the sixteenth Church of Christ planted at Rouly.  
FOr the year 1638. John Winthrope Esq. was chosen Governor, and Tho: Dudley Esq. Deputy Governor; the number of Freemen added were about 130. The peace of this little Commonwealth being now in great measure settled, by the Lord's mercy, in overthrowing the Indians, and banishing of certain turbulent spirits. The Churches of Christ were much edified in their holy faith by their indefatigable pains of their Ministers, in their weekly Lectures extraordinary as well as by their Sabboth-Assemblies, and continual visiting of their people from house to house, endeavouring to heal the hurts these false deceivers had made, with double diligence showering down the sweet dews of the blessed Gospel of Jesus Christ, to the converting of many a poor soul. and indeed, now were the glorious days of New England; the Churches of Christ increase daily, and his eminent Ambassadors resort unto them from our native Country, which as then lay under the tyranny of the Monarchal Archprelates, which caused the servants of Christ to wander from their home. This year the reverend and judicious M. Jos. Glover undertook this long voyage, being able both in person and estate for the work he provided, for further completing the Colonies in Church and Common-wealth-work, a Printer, which hath been very useful in many respects; the Lord seeing it meet that this reverend and holy servant of his should fall short of the shores of New England: but yet at this time he brought over the zealous affected and judicious servant of his, Master Ezekiel Rogers, who with a holy and humble people, made his progress to the Northeastward, and erected a Town about 6. miles from Ipswich, called Rowly, wanting room, they purehased some addition of the Town of Newberry; yet had they a large length of land, only for the near conveniency to the Town of Ipswich, by the which means they partake of the continued Lectures of either Town: these people being very industrious every way, soon built many houses, to the number of about threescore families, and were the first people that set upon making of Cloth in this Western World; for which end they built a sulling-mill, and caused their little-ones to be very diligent in spinning cotton wool, many of them having been clothiers in England, till their zeal to promote the Gospel of Christ caused them to wander; and therefore they were no less industrious, in gathering into Church-society, there being scrace a man among them, but such as were meet to be living stones in this building, according to the judgement of man; they called to the office of a Pastor this holy man of God, Mr. Ezekiel Rogers, o● whom this may be said:  
Christ for this work Rogers doth riches give,  
Rich graces fit his people for to feed,  
Wealth to supply his wants whilst here he live,  
Free thou receiv'st to serve his people's need.  
England may mourn they thee no longer keep,  
English rejoice, Christ doth such worthies raise,  
His Gospel preach, unfold his mysteries deep;  
Weak dust made strong sets forth his maker's praise:  
With fervent zeal, and courage thou hast fought  
'Gainst that transformed Dragon and his bands,  
Snatched forth the burning thou poor souls hast caught,  
And freed thy flock from wolves devouring hands.  
Ezekiel mourn not, thou art severed far,  
From thy dear Country, to a desert land;  
Christ called hath thee unto this worthy war;  
By him overcome, he holds thy Crown in's hand.  
For the further assisting of this tender flock of Chrst, the reverend Mr. John Miller did abide among them for some space of time, preaching the Word of God unto them also, till it pleased the Lord to call him to be Pastor of the Church of Christ at Yarmouth, in Plymouth patten, where he remaineth at this very day.  
With courage bold Miller through Seas doth venture,  
To toil it out in this great Western waist,  
Thy stature low one object high doth centre;  
Higher than Heaven thy faith on Christ is placed:  
Alarm thou with silver trumpet sound,  
And t●ll the World Christ's Armies are at hand,  
With Scripture truths thou Errors dost confound,  
And overthrow all Antichristian bands:  
It matters not for th'worlds high reputation;  
The World must fall and Christ alone must stand;  
Thy Crown's prepared in him, then keep thy station,  
Joy that Christ's Kingdom is so near at hand.   

CHAP. XII. Of the great Earthquake in New England, and of the woeful end of some erroneous persons, with the first foundation of Harverd College.  
THis year, the first day of the Fourth Month, about two of the clock in the afternoon, the Lord caused a great and terrible Earth quake, which was general throughout all the English Plantations; the motion of the Earth was such, that it caused divers men (that had never known an Earth quake before) being at work in the Fields, to cast down their working-tools, and run with ghastly terrified looks, to the next company they could meet withal; it came from the Western and uninhabited parts of this Wilderness, and went the direct course: this brood of Travellers came, the Ministers of Christ many of them could say at that very time (not from any other Revelation, but what the word holds forth) that if the Churches of New England were God's house, then suddenly there would follow great alterations in the Kingdoms of Europe.  
This year the civil government proceeded to censure the residue of thofe sinful erroneous persons, who raised much commotion in this little Commonwealth; who being banished, resorted to a place more Southward, some of them sitting down at a place called Providence, others betook them to an Island about 16. miles distant from the former, called Rode Island, where having Elbow room enough, none of the Ministers of Christ, nor any other to interrupt their false and deceivable Doctrines, they hampered themselves foully with their own line, and soon showed the depthless ditches that blind guides lead into; many among them being much to be pitied, who were drawn from the truth by the bewitching tongues of some of them being, very ignorant and easily perverted: and although the people were not many in all, yet were they very divers in their opinions, and glad where they could gain most Disciples to hear them; some were for every day to be a Sabbath, and therefore kept not any Sabbath-day at all; others were some for one thing, some for another; and therefore had their several meetings, making many a goodly piece of Preachment; among whom there were some of the female sex (who deeming the Apostle Paul to be too strict in not permitting a room to preach in the public Congregation) taught, notwithstanding they having their call to this office, from an ardent desire of being famous, especially the grand Mistress of them all, who ordinarily prated every Sabbath day, till others, who thirsted after honour in the same way with herself, drew away her Auditors, and then she withdrew herself, her husband, and her family also, to a more remote place; and assuredly, although the Lord be secret in all the dispensation of his providences, whether in judgement or mercy, yet much may be learned from all, as sometimes pointing with the finger to the lesson; as here these persons withdrawing from the Churches of Christ (wherein he walketh, and is to be found in his blessed Ordinances) to a first and second place, where they came to a very sad end; for thus it came to pass in the latter place, The Indians in those parts forewarned them of making their abode there; yet this could be no warning to them, but still they continued, being amongst a multitude of Indians, boasted they were become all one Indian: and indeed, this woman, who had the chief rule of all the roast, being very bold in her strange Revelations and misapplications, tells them, though all nations and people were cut off round about them, yet should not they; till on a day certain Indians coming to her house, discoursing with them, they wished to tie up her dogs, for they much bit the man, not mistrusting the Indians guile, did so; the which no sooner done, but they cruelly murdered her, taking one of their daughters away with them, & another of them seeking to escape is caught, as she was getting over a hadge, and they drew her back again by the hair of the head to the stump of a tree, and there cut off her head with a hatchet; the other that dwelled by them betook them to boat, and fled, to tell this sad news; the rest of their companions, who were rather hardened in their sinful way, and blasphemous opinions, than brought to any sight of their damnable Errors, as you shall after hear; yet was not this the first loud speaking hand of God against them; but before this the Lord had pointed directly to their sin by a very fearful Monster, that another of these women brought forth, they striving to bury it in oblivion, but the Lord brought it to light, setting forth the view of their monstrous Errors in this prodigious birth. This year, although the estates of these pilgrim people were much wasted, yet seeing the benefit that would accrue to the Churches of Christ and Civil Government, by the Lord's blessing, upon learning, they began to erect a College, the Lord by his provident hand giving his approbation to the work, in sending over a faithful and godly servant of his, the reverend Mr John Harverd, who joining with the people of Christ at Charles Town, suddenly after departed this life, and gave near a thousand pound toward this work; wherefore the Government thought it meet to call it Harverd College in remembrance of him.  
Ip Harverd had with riches here been taken,  
He need not then through troublous Seas have past,  
But Christ's bright glory hath thine eyes so waken,  
Nought can content, thy soul of him must taste:  
Ohtast and tell how sweet his Saints among,  
Christ ravished hath thy heart with heavenly joys  
To preach and pray with tears, affection strong,  
From heart's delight in him who thee employs.  
Scarce hast thou had Christ's Churches here in eye,  
But thou art called to eye him face to face;  
Earth's scant contents death draws thee from, for why?  
Full joy thou wouldst that's only in heaven's place.   

CHAP. XIII. Of the coming over of the honoured Mr. Pelham, and the planting of the seaventeenth Church of Christ at the Town of Hampton.  
THis year 1639. John Winthrope Esq was chosen Governor, and Thomas Dudley Esq. Deputy Governor, the number of freemen added were about 83. This year came over the much honoured Mr. Herbert Pelham, a man of a courteous behaviour, humble, and heavenly minded.  
HArbertus, hie on valiant, Why lingerst thou so long?  
Christ's work hath need of hasty speed, his enemies are strong:  
In wilderness Christ doth thee bless with virtues, wife, and seed,  
To govern thou, at length didst bow to serve Christ's peoples need;  
To thine own soil thou back dost toil, then cease not lab ring there,  
But still advance Christ's Ordinance, and shrink no where for fear.  
Much about this time began the Town of Hampton, in the Country of Northfolk, to have her foundation stone laid, situate near the Sea-coast, not far from the famous River of Merimeck, the great store of salt marsh did entice this people to set down their habitations there, for as yet Cowes and cattle of that kind were not come to the great downfall in their price, of which they have about 450. head; and for the form of this Town, it is like a Flower-de-luce, two streets of houses wheeling off from the main body thereof, the land is fertile, but filled with swamps, and some store of rocks, the people are about 60. Families; being gathered together into Church covenant, they called to office the reverend, grave, and gracious Mr. Doulton, having also for some little space of time the more ancient Mr. Bachelor (of whom you have heard in the former Book) to preach unto them also; here take a short remembrance of the other.  
DOulton doth teach perspicuously and sound,  
With Wholesome truths of Christ thy flock dost feed,  
Thy honour with thy labour doth abound,  
Age crownes thy head in righteousness, proceed  
To batter down, root up, and quite destroy  
All Heresies and Errors, that draw back  
Unto perdition, and Christ's folk annoy;  
To war for him thou weapons dost not lack:  
Long days to see, that longed for day to come  
Of Babel's fall, and Israel's quiet peace:  
Thou yet mayst live of days so great a sum  
To see this work, let not thy warfare cease.   

CHAP. XIV. Of the planting the eighteenth Church of Christ at the Town of Salisbury.  
FOr further perfecting this Wildernesse-work; not far from the Town of Hampton was erected another Town, called Salisbury, being brought forth as Twins, sometime contending for eldership: This being seated upon the broad swift torrent of Merrimeck, a very goodly River to behold, were it not block● up with some sudden falls through the rocks; over against this Town lieth the Town of Newberry, on the Southern side of the River a constant Ferry being kept between; for although the River be about half a mile broad, yet, by reason of an Island that lies in the midst thereof, it is the better passed in troublesome weather: the people of this Towns have of late, placed their dwellings so much distanced the one from the other, that they are like to divide into two Churches; the situation of this Town is very pleasant, were the Rivers Navigable far up, the branches thereof abound in fair and goodly meadows with good store of stately Timber upon the uplands in many places, this Town is full as fruitful in her Land, Chattel, and Inhabitants, as her Sister Hampton; the people joined in Church▪ relation or brotherhood, ne'er about the time the other did, and have desired and obtained the reverend and graciously godly, M. Thomas Woster to be their Pastor.  
WIth much labour and distressed wants,  
Woster, thou hast in desert's depth remained  
Thy chiefest days, Christ's Gospel there to plant,  
And water well, such toil shall yield great gain.  
Oh happy day! may Woster say, that I  
Was singled out for this great work in hand;  
Christ by distress doth Gold for's Temple try:  
Thrice blest are they may in his Presence stand,  
But more, thou art by him reserved yet,  
To see on earth Christ's Kingdom's exaltation:  
More yet, thou art by him prepared fit  
To help it on, among our English Nation.   

CHAP. XV. Of further supply for the Church of Christ at Warerton. And a sad acceidnt fell out in Boston Town.  
THe Lord intending to strengthen his poor Churches here, and after the overthrow of these damnable Errors, to trample Satan under their feet; he manifesteth his mindefulness of them, in sending over fresh suplpyes again and again: although weak and sorry men in themselves, yet strong in the Lord, and the power of his might, the last that this year is to be named, is the reverend, judicious, and godly-affected, Mr, John Knowles, who was desired of the Church of Christ at Warerton, to be a twofold cord unto them, in the office of a teaching Elder, with the reverend Mr. Phillips, of whom you have heard in the former Book.  
WIth courage bold and arguments of strength,  
Knowles doth apply God's word his stock unto,  
Christ furnished hath (to show his bounties length)  
Thee with rich gifts, that thou his work mayst do:  
New England is too scant, for thy desire  
Enkindled is, Christ's truths abroad to spread,  
Virginia may his grace to them admire,  
That thee through Seas for their instruction led;  
Thy labours Knowles are great, far greater he,  
Not only thee, but all his valiant made,  
Forth sinful dust, his Saints and Warriors be;  
He thee upheld, thy strength shall never fade.  
John come thou forth, behold what Christ hath wrought  
In these thy days, great works are yet behind,  
Then toil it out till all to pass be brought,  
Christ crown will thee, thou than his glory mind.  
To end this year 1639. the Lord was pleased to a send a very sharp winter, and more especially in strong storms of weekly snows, with very bitter blasts: And here the Reader may take notice of the sad hand of the Lord against two persons, who were taken in a storm of snow, as they were passing from Boston to Roxbury, it being much about a mile distant, and a very plain way, One of Roxbury sending to Boston his servant maid for a Barber Chirurgeon, to draw his tooth, they lost their way in their passage between, and were not found till many days after, and then the maid was found in one place, and the man in another, both of them frozen to death; in which sad accident, this was taken into consideration by divers people, that this Barber was more than ordinary laborious to draw men to those sinful Errors, that were formerly so frequent, and now newly overthrown by the blessing of the Lord, upon the endeavour of his faithful servants with the word of truth) he having a fit opportunity, by reason of his trade, so soon as any were set down in his chair, he would commonly be cutting of their hair and the truth together; notwithstanding some report better of the man, the example is for the living, the dead is judged of the Lord alone.   

CHAP. XVI. The great supply of godly Ministers for the good of his People in New England.  
FOr to govern and rule this little Common wealth, was this year chosen the valiant Champion, for the advance of Christ's truth, Thomas Dudley Esq. and Richard Bellingham Esq. Deputy. Governor; the freemen added to the former were about 192. this year the reverend Mr. Burr (a holy, heavenly-minded man, and able gifted to preach the Word of God) was exercised therein for some space of time, in the Church of Christ at Dorchester, where they were about calling him to the office of a teaching Elder; but in a very littie time after his coming over he departed this life, yet mind him you may in the following Metre  
WEll didst thou mind thy Work, Which caused thee vonter  
(Through Ocean large) thy Christ in's Word to preach,  
Exhorting all their faith on him to centre,  
Souls ravished are by him in thy sweet speech,  
Thy speech betrays thy heart, for heaven doth look,  
Christ to enjoy, Burr from the earth is taken,  
Thy words remain, though thou hast us forsook,  
In dust sleep sound till Christ thy body waken.  
There are divers others of the faithful Ministers of Christ that came over for to further this his work; somewhat before this time, as the godly and reverend Mr. Rayner, who was called to office in the Church of Christ at Plymouth, and there remains preaching the Word instantly, with great pains and care over that flock, as also the reverend and faithful servant of Christ Jesus, Mr. William Hook, who was for some space of time at the Church in Taunton, but now remains called to office in the Church of Christ at Newhaven, a man, who hath received of Christ many gracious gifts, fit for so high a calling, with very amiable and gracious speech labouring in the Lord; and here also the Reader may mind how the Lord was pleased to reach out his large hand of bounty toward his N. England people, in supplying them abundantly with Teachers, able and powerful to break the bread of life unto them, so long as their desires continued hot and zealous; but after here grew a fullness in some, even to slight, if not loath the honey comb; many returned for England, and the Lord was pleased to take away others by death, although very few, considering the number; but let N. England beware of an after-clap, & provoke the Lord no longer. But seeing this year proved the last of the years of transportation of God's people, only for enjoyment of exercising the Ordinances of Christ, and enlargement of his Kingdom (there being hopes of great good opportunity that way at home) it will be expediene only to name some others in the South-west parts, among the lesser Colonies, and so pass on to the story: And first, not to forget the reverend Mr. Eton, a man of love and peace, and yet godly zealous, he came over with those who planted the Colony of Newhaven, spending his labours in the Lord with them in Plymouth Plantation: also here is to be minded the reverend Mr. Chancie, a very able Preacher, both learned and judicious; as also the reverend, able, and pious M. Huet, who came over this year, or rather, as I suppose, the year before, who did spend his time and labour with a people that came over with him; at length the greatest part of them they settled down in the Government of Canecticoe, where they planted the Town of Windsor, and Church of Christ there, where this gracious servant of Christ continued in his labours, till the Lord laid him in his bed of rest: somewhat before this time came over the reverend Mr. Smith, being another of that name, beside the former, he laboured in the Word and Doctrine with a people at Withersfield in those parts also; Mr. Henry Whitefield, another Minister of the Gospel of Christ, of reverend respect, who being returned for England, the latter of his labours, the Lord assisting, will sufficiently testify his sincerity, for the truth and labours of love in the Lord: here may also be named the reverend Mr. Perk, Mr. Saxton, and Mr. Lenten, the residue will be spoken of in the ensuing story to those that yet remain. Of these persons named the Author doth tender this following Metre.  
WHen reasons Sceptre first began sway your hearts,  
Through troublous Seas, this Western world to enter  
Among Christ's Soldiers, here to act your parts;  
Did not Christ's love on you cause him to centre?  
All those straight lines of your inflamed desire  
Unto his truths, 'cause him in them you find;  
From wilderness, not from his truths retire;  
But unto death this wondrous work you'll mind,  
No place can claim peculiar interest in  
Christ's worship, for all nations are his own;  
The day's at hand down falls that man of sin,  
And Christ's pure Gospel through the world is blown;  
Harvest is come, bid case and sleep adieu,  
What, trifle time when Christ takes in his Crop?  
A Harvest large of Gentil and of Jew  
(You) filled of Christ, let his sweet Doctrine drop.   

CHAP. XVII. Of the planting of Long-Island. And of the planting the nineteenth Church in the Mattachusets' government, called Sudbury.  
THis year came over divers godly and sincere servants of Christ, as I suppose, among whom came over the reverend godly M. Peirson: This people finding no place in any of the former erected Colonies to settle in, to their present content, repaired to an Island, severed from the continent of Newhaven, with about 16. miles off the salt Sea, and called Long-Island, being about 120. miles in length, and yet but narrow: here this people erected a Town, and called it South Hampton, there are many Indians on the greatest part of this Island, who at first settling of the English there, did much annoy their cattle with the multitude of Dogs they kept, which ordinarily are young wolves brought up came, continuing of a very ravening nature. This people gathered into a Church, and called to office Mr. Peirson, who continued with them about 7, or 8. years, and then he, with the greatest number of the people, removed farther into the Island; the other part that remained invited Mr. Foordum, and a people that were with him, to come and join with them, who accordingly did, being wandered as far as the Dutch plantation, and there unsettled, although he came into the Country before them.  
This year the Town and Church of Christ at Sudbury began to have the first foundation stones laid, taking up her station in the Inland Country, as her elder Sister Concord had formerly done, lying farther up the same River, being furnished with great plenty of fresh marsh, but it lying very low is much indammaged with land-flouds, insomuch that when the summer proves wet, they lose part of their hay; yet are they so sufficiently provided, that they take in cattle of other Towns to winter: these people not neglecting the chief work, for the which they entered this wilderness, namely, to worship the Lord in the purity of his Ordinances, and according to the rule of his Word, entered into covenant with him, and one with another professedly to walk together in Church-fellowship; and according to the same rule they called to the office of a Pastor the reverend, godly, and able Minister of the Word, Mr. Edmond Brown, whose labours in the Doctrine of Christ Jesus hath hitherto abounded, wading through this wildernesse-work with much cheerfulness of spirit, of whom as followeth:  
BOth night and day Brown ceaseth not to watch  
Christ's little flock, in pastures fresh them feed,  
The worrying wolves shall not thy weak lambs catch;  
Well dost thou mind in wilderness their breed;  
Edmond, thy age is not so great but thou  
Mayst yet behold the Beast brought to her fall,  
Earth's tottering Kingdom show her legs gi'en bow,  
Thou thou Christ's Saints with prayers mayst her maul;  
What signs wouldst have faith's courage for to rouse?  
See Christ triumphant hath his armies led,  
In wilderness prepared his lovely Spouse,  
Caused Kings and Kingdoms his high hand to dread:  
Thou seest his Churches daily are increasing,  
And thou thyself amongst his worthies warring,  
Hold up thy hands, the battle's now increasing,  
Christ's Kingdom's ay, it's past all mole's marring.  
This Town is very well watered, and hath store of plow-land, but by reason of the oaken roots, they have little broke up, considering, the many Acres the place affords; but this kind of land requires great strength to break up, yet brings very good crops, and lasts long without mending; the people are industrious, and have increased in their estates, some of them, yet the great distance it lies from the Mart Towns maketh it burdensome to the Inhabitants, to bring their corn so far by land; some Gentlemen have here laid out part of their estates in procuring farms, by reason of the store of meadow: this Church hath hitherto been blessed with blessings of the right hand, even godly peace and unity: they are not above 50. or 60. families, and about 80. souls in Church fellowship, their Neatheard about 300.   

CHAP. XVIII. Of the planting of the twentieth Church of Christ at a Town called Braintree.  
ABout this time there was a Town and Church planted at Mount Wollestone, and named Braintree, it was occasioned by some old planters and certain Farmers belonging to the great Town of Beston; they had formerly one Mr. Whelowright to preach unto them, (till this Government could no longer contain them) they many of them in the mean time belonging to the Church of Christ at Boston, but after his departure they gathered into a Church themselves; having some enlargement of Land, they began to be well peopled, calling 〈◊〉 office among them, the reverend and godly Mr. William Tompson, and Mr. Henry Flint, the one to the office of a Pastor, the other of a Teacher; the people are purged by their industry from the sour leven of those sinful opinions that began 〈◊〉 spread, and if any remain among them it is very covert, 〈◊〉 the manner of these Erronists that remain in any place, is 〈◊〉 countenance all sorts of sinful opinions, as occasions serves, ●●th in Church and Commonwealth, underpretence of Li●●●ty of Conscience, (as well their own opinion as others) 〈◊〉 this Symbol they may be known in Court and Country. his Town hath great store of Land in tillage, and is at pre●●t in a very thriving condition for outward things, although 〈◊〉 of Boston retain their Farms from being of their Town, 〈◊〉 do they lie within their bounds, and how it comes to pass ●●ow not; their Officers have somewhat short allowance, ●●y are well stored with cattle and corn, and as a people re●●es, so should they give: And Reader, I cannot but mind 〈◊〉 of the admirable providence of Christ for his people in 〈◊〉, where they have been in a low condition, by their liberty they have been raised to much in a very little time: again, in withdrawing their hands have had their plenty ●●d: The reverend Mr. Tompson is a man abounding in zeal the propagation of the Gospel, and of an ardent affecti●● in so much that he is apt to forget himself in things that concern his own good, both him, and the like gracious M. Flint is here remembered.  
WIth twofold cord doth Flint and Tompson draw  
In Christ's yoke, his fallow ground to break,  
Wounding men's hearts with his most righteous Law,  
Cordials apply to weary souls and weak.  
Tompson thou hast Christ's folk encouraged  
To war, their warfare putting them in mind,  
That Christ their King will make his sons the drond,  
The day's at hand when they shall mastery find.  
Flint be a second to this Champion stout,  
In Christ's your strength, while you for him do war,  
When first doth faint, a second helps him out,  
Till Christ renew with greater strength by far.  
From East to West your labours lasted have,  
The more you toil, the more your strength increaseth,  
Your works will bide, when you are laid in grave.  
His truth advance, whose Kingdom never coaseth.   

CHAP. XIX. Of the first promation of learning in New-England, and the extraordinary providences that the Lord was pleased to send for furthering of the same.  
TOward the latter end of this Summer came over the learned, reverend, and judicious Mr. Henry Dunster, before whose coming the Lord was pleased to provide a Patron for erecting a College, as you have formerly heard, his provident hand being now no less powerful in pointing out with his unerring finger, a precedent abundantly fitted this his servant, and sent him over for to manage the work; and as in all the other passages of this history, the Wonderworking Providence of S●●ns Saviour hath appeared, so more especially in this work, the Fountains of learning being in a grea● measure stopped in our Native Country at this time, so tha● the sweet waters of Shilo's streams must ordinarily pass into the Churches through the stinking channel of prelatical pride, beside all the filth that the fountains themselves were daily encumbered withal, insomuch that the Lord turned aside often from them, and refused the breathe of his blessed Spirit among them, which caused Satan (in these latter days of his transformation into an Angel of light) to make it a means to persuade people from the use of learning altogether, that so in the next generation they might be destitute of such helps, as the Lord hath been pleased hitherto to make use of, as chief means for the conversion of his people, and building them up in the holy faith, as also for breaking down the Kingdom of Antichrist; and verily had not the Lord been pleased to furnish N. E. with means for the attainment of learning, the work would have been carried on very heavily, and the hearts of godly parents would have vanished away with heaviness for their poor children, whom they must have left in a desolare wilderness, destitute of the means of grace.  
It being a work (in the apprehension of all, whose capacity could reach to the great sums of money, the edifice of a mean college would cost) past the reach of a poor Pilgrim people, who had expended the greatest part of their estates on a long voyage, travelling into Foreign Countries, being unprofitable to any that have undertaken it, although it were but with their necessary attendance, whereas this people were forced to travel with wives, children, and servants; besides they considered the trouble charge of building in this new populated desert, in regard of all kind of workmanship, knowing likewise, that young Students could make but a poor progress in learning, by looking on the bare walls of their chambers, and that Diogenes would have the better of them by far, in making use of a Tun to lodge in, not being ignorant also, that many people in this age are out of conceit with learning, and that although they were not among a people who counted ignorance the mother of devotion, yet were the greater part of the people wholly devoted to the Blow, (but to speak uprightly, hunger is sharp, and the head will retain little learning, if the heart be not refreshed in some competent measure with food, although the gross vapours of a glutted stomach are the bane of a bright understanding, and brings barrenness to the brain) but how to have both go on together, as yet they know not; amidst all these difficulties, it was thought meet learning should plead for itself, and (as many other men of good rank and quality in this barren desert) plod out a way to live: Hereupon all those who had tasted the sweet wine of Wisdoms drawing, and fed on the dainties of knowledge, began to set their wits a work, and verily as the whole progress of this work had a farther dependency then on the present eyed means, so at this time chiefly the end being firmly fixed on a sure foundation, namely, the glory of God, and good of all his elect people, the world throughout, in vindicating the truths of Christ, and promoting his glorious Kingdom, who is now taking the heathen for his inheritance, and the utmost ends of the earth for his possession, means they know there are, many thousands uneyed of mortal man, which every day's Providence brings forth; upon these resolutions, to work they go, and with thankful acknowledgement, readily take up all lawful means as they come to hand, for place they fix their eye upon New-Town, which to tell their Posterity whence they came, is now named Cambridg, and withal to make the whole world understand, that spiritual learning was the thing they chiefly desired, to sanctify the other, and make the whole lump holy, and that learning being set upon its right object, might not contend for error instead of truth; they chose this place, being then under the Orthodox, and soul-flourishing Ministry of Mr. Thomas Shepheard, of whom it may be said, without any wrong to others, the Lord by his Ministry hath saved many a hundred soul: The situation of this College is very pleasant, at the end of a spacious plain, more like a bowling green, than a Wilderness, near a fair navigable river, environed with many Neighbouring Towns of note, being so near, that their houses join with her Suburbs, the building thought by some to be too gorgeous for a Wilderness, and yet too mean in others apprehensions for a College, it is at present in larging by purchase of the neighbour houses, it hath the conveniencies of a fair Hall, comfortable Studies, and a good Library, given by the liberal hand of some Magistrates and Ministers, with others: The chief gift towards the founding of this College, was by Mr. John Harnes, a reverend Minister, the Country being very weak in their public Treasury, expended about 500 l. towards it, and for the maintenance thereof, gave the yearly revenue of a Ferry passage between Boston, and Charles Town, the which amounts to about 40. or 50. l. per annum. The Commissioners of the four united Colonies also taking into consideration, (of what common concernment this work would be, not only to the whole plantations in general, but also to all our English Nation) they endeavoured to stir up all the people in the several Colonies to make a yearly contribution toward it, which by some is observed, but by the most very much neglected; the Government hath endeavoured to grant them all the privileges fit for a College, and accordingly the Governor and Magistrates, together with the Precedent of the College, for the time being, have a continual care of ordering all matters for the good of the whole: This College hath brought forth, and nursed up very hopeful plants, to the supplying some Churches here, as the grrcious and godly Mr. Wilson, son to the grave and zealous servant of Christ Mr. John Wilson, this young man is Pastor to the Church of Christ at Dorchester; as also Mr. Buckly, son to the reverend M. Buckly of Concord; 〈◊〉 also a second son of his, whom our Native Country hath now at present help in the Ministry, and the other is over a people of Christ in one of these Colonies, and if I mistake not, England hath I hope not only this young man of N. E. nur●●ng up in learning, but many more, as M. Sam. and Natha●●●l mather's, Mr. Wells, Mr. Downing, Mr. B●rnard, Mr. Al●●●, Mr. Bruster, Mr. William Ames, Mr. jones: Another of the first fruits of this College is employed in these Western parts at M●vis, one of the summer Islands; beside these named, ●●me help hath been had from hence in the study of Physic, 〈◊〉 also the godly Mr. Sam. Danforth, who hath not only stu●ed Divinity, but also Astronomy, he put forth many Alma●●ks, and is now called to the office of a teaching Elder in the Church of Christ at Roxbury, who was one of the fellows of this College; the number of Students is much increased of late, so that the present year 1651. on the twelfth of the sixth month, ten of them took the degree of Bachelors of Art, among whom the Sea-born son of Mr. john Cotton was one, some Gentlemen have sent their sons hither from England, who are to be commended for their care of them, as the judicious and godly Doctor Ames, and divers others: This hath been a place certainly more free from temptations to lewdness, then ordinarily England hath been, yet if men shall presume upon this to send their most exorbitant children, intending them more especially for God's service, the Justice of God doth sometimes meet with them, and the means doth more harden them in their way, for of late the godly Governors of this College have been forced to expel some, for fear of corrupting the Fountain, wherefore the Author would ye should mind this following verse.  
You that have seen these wondrous works by Zions Savier done,  
Expect not miracle, left means thereby you overrun;  
The noble Acts Jehovah wrought, his Israel to redeem,  
Surely this second work of his shall far more glorious seem;  
Not only Egypt, but all Lands, where Antichrist doth reign,  
Shall from Jehovahs' heavy hand ten times ten plagues sustains  
Bright shining shall this Gospel come, Oh glorious King of Saints  
Thy blessed breath confounds thy foes, all mortal power faints,  
The rattling bones together run with selfsame breath that blows  
Of Israel's sons long dead and dry, each joint there sinew grows,  
Fair flesh doth cover them, & veins (life's feuntain) takes there plat●  
Smooth seamless coats doth clothe their flesh, and all their structure grace.  
The breath of Life is added, they no Antinomians are,  
But loving him who gives them life, more zealous are by far  
To keep his Law, then formerly when righteousness they sought,  
In keeping that they could not keep, which then their dowuf● brought.  
Their ceremonies vanished are, on Christ's all their desires,  
Their zeal all Nations doth provoke, enkindled are loves fires:  
With haste on horseback, bringing hometheir sons & daughters, they  
Rejoice to see this glorious sight, like Resurrections day;  
Up and be doing, you young plants, Christ calls his work unto  
Polluted lips, touched with heaven's fire, about this work shall go.  
Prostrate in prayer parents, and you young ones on Christ call,  
Suppose of you he will make use, whereby that boast shall fall:  
So be it Lord thy servants say, who are at thy disposing,  
With outward word work inward grace, by heavenly truths disclosing.  
Awake stand up from death to life, in Christ your studies enter,  
The Scriptures search, bright light bring forth, upon this hardship venture.  
Sound doctrine shall your lips preach out, all errors to confound  
And rid Christ's Temple from this smoke, his glory shall abound;  
Precipitant doth D●gon fall, his triple head off out,  
The Beast that all the world admires, by you to death is put:  
Put hand to mouth, with vehement blast your silver Trumpets sound,  
Christ calls to mind his people's wrongs, their foes he'll now confounded:  
Bestrong in God, and his great might, his wondrous works do tell,  
You raised are unwonted ways observe his workings well.  
As Jordan's streams congealed in heaps, and Jerico's high walls  
With Rams horns blast, and Midians Host, with pitcher breaking falls;  
Like works your faith, for to confirm in these great works to come,  
That nothing now too hard may seem, Jehovah would have done.  
The rage of Seas, and hunger sharp, wants of a desert Land,  
Your noble hearts have overcome, what shall this work withstand?  
Not persecutors pride and rage, strong multitudes do fall,  
By little handfuls of least dust, your Christ confounds them all,  
Not S●tan and his subtle train with seeming show reforming,  
Another Gospel to bring forth, brings damned errors swarming:  
Yourselves have seen his paint waesht off, his hidden poisons found,  
Christ you provides with Antidotes, to keep his people sound:  
There's nought remains but conquist now, through Christ's continued power,  
His hardest works have honours most attend them every hour.  
What greater honour than on earth, Christ's Legate for to bo,  
Attended with his glorious Saints in Church fraternity.  
Christ to behold adorning now his Bride in bright array,  
And you his friends him to attend upon his Nuptial day,  
With crowned heads, as Conquerors triumphant by his side;  
In's presence is your lasting joy, and pleasures ever bide.  
Mr. Henry Dunstar is now Precedent of this College, fitted from the Lord for the work, and by those that have skill that way, reported to be an able Proficient, in both Hebrew, Greek, and Latin languages, an Orthodox Preacher of the truths of Christ, very powerful through his blessing to move the affection; and besides he having a good inspection into the well-ordering of things for the Students maintenance (whose commons hath been very short hitherto) by his frugal providence hath continued them longer at their Studies then otherwise they could have done; and verily it's great pity such ripe heads as many of them be, should want means to further them in learning: But seeing the Lord hath been pleased to raise up so worthy an instrument for their good, he shall not want for encouragement to go on with the work, so far as a rustical rhyme will reach.  
COuld man presage prodigious works at hand,  
Provide he would for's good and ill provent,  
But God both time and means hath at's command,  
Dunster in time to his N. E. hath sent.  
When England began to keep at home their guides,  
N. E. began to pay their borrowed back,  
Jndustrious Dunster, providence provides,  
Our friends supply, and yet ourselves no lack:  
With restless labour thou dost delve and dung,  
Surculus set in garden duly tended,  
That in Christ's Orchard they with fruit full hung,  
May bless the Lord, thy toil gone, them expended,  
Thy constant course proves retrograde in this,  
From West to East thy toil returns again,  
Thy husbandry by Christ so honoured is,  
That all the world partaketh of thy pains.   

CHAP. XX. Of the planting of the one and twentieth Church of Christ at a Town called Gloucester, and of the Church and Town of Dover, and of the hardships that befell a certain people, who thirsted aftor large liberty in a warm Country.  
FOr the Government of this little Commonwealth, this year was chosen for Governor Richard Belingham, Esquire, and John Endiout Esquire for Governors; the number of Freemen added this year, were about 503.  
There was another Town and Church of Christ erected in the Mattachuset Government, upon the Northern-Cape of the Bay, called Cape Ann, a place of fishing, being peopled with Fishermen, till the reverend Mr. Richard Blindman came from a place in Plymouth Patten, called Green-Harbor, with some few people of his acquaintance, and settled down with them, named the Town Gloucester, and gathered into a Church, being but a small number, about fifty persons, they called to office this godly reverend man, whose gifts and abilities to handle the word, is not inferior to many others, labouring much against the errors of the times, of a sweet, humble, heavenly carriage: This Town lying out toward the point of the Cap●, the access thereunto by Land becomes uneasy, which was the chief cause it was no more populated: Their fishing ●●●de would be very beneficial, had they men of estates to manage it; yet are they not without other means of maintenance, having good timber for shipping, and a very sufficient builder, but that these times of combustion the Seas throughout hath hindered much that work, yet have there ●●en Vessels built here at this Town of late: Their reverend Elder is here remembered.  
THou hast sky prime and middle age here spent,  
The best is not too good for him that gave it,  
When thou didst first this Wilderness frequent,  
For Sious sake it was, that Christ might save it.  
Blinman be blithe in him, who thee hath taken  
To feed his Flock, a few poor scattered sheep,  
Why should they be of thee at all forsaken,  
Thy honour's high, that any thou may'st keep.  
Wait patiently thy Masters coming, thou  
Hast hitherto his people's portions dealt,  
It matters not for high preferment; now  
Thy crown's to come, with joys immortal felt.  
About this time the people inhabiting the Town of Dover, although they lay out of any of these Colonies mentioned, (yet hearing and seeing with what sweet harmony, both in Churches and civil Government, the Mattachusets peopled patten was carried on prosperonsly) desired greatly to submit unto the same, by putting themselves under their protection; and for that end they petitioned their General Cort to admit of them, and administer Justice as occasion served, by the hands of their godly Magistrates, which accordingly was granted, and they have been partakers of the benefit hitherto, having also the benefit of some one Minister to preach unto them, till it pleased God to fit stones by the continual hewing of his word for his Temple-work, and they gather a Church according to the rule of the word, and called to office of a Pastor one M. Maude, both godly, both godly and diligent in the work: This Town is situate upon Puscataque river, lying to the North-east of Boston, which river although it be not nigh so broad as Merrinaeck river, yet i● it navigable, being very deep, and her banks in many place filled with stately timber, which hath caused one or two Saw Mills to be continued; there they have a good quantity o● Meadow Land, and good ground for India corn. To end th● year 1641. the Lord was pleased to send a very sharp Winter in so much that the Harbour where Ships ordinarily Anchor, wa● frozen over of such a thickness, that it became passeable, bot for horse, carts, and oxen, for the space of five weeks. An here the Reader must be minded of the wonderworking providence of Christ for his poor Churches, in altering the ve●● season for their comfort, to the wonder of English and Indian's, the Winter and Summer proving more moderate, both for heat and cold, unmasking many by this means, it being a frequent thing with some, that after the novelties of a new la●d began to be stale with them, and the sweet nourishment of the soul by the presence of Christ in the preaching of his Word, began to dry up through the hot heady conceit of some new conceived opinion: Then they wanted a warmer country, and every Northwest wind that blew, they crept into some odd chimney-corner or other, to discourse of the diversity of Climates in the Southern parts, but chiefly of a thing very sweet to the palate of the flesh, called liberty, which they supposed might be very easily attained, could they but once come into a place where all men were chosen to the office of a Magistrate, and all were preachers of the Word, and no hearers, than it would be all Summer and no Winter: This consultation was to be put in practice speedily, as all headstrong motions are, but the issue proved very sad, both to these and others also; for thus it befell, when the time of the year was come that a sea-voyage might be undertaken, they having made sale of a better accommodation than any they could afterward attain unto, prepare for the voyage with their wives and children, intending to land them in one of the Summer Islands, called the Isle of Providence, and having wind and seas favouring them, as they supposed, or to speak more proper, the provident hand of the most high God directing it, they were brought so near the shore for convenient landing, that they might have heaved a Biscuit cake on land; their pilot wondering he could not see the English colours on the Fort, he began to mistrust the Island was taken, and more especially, because they saw not the people appear upon the shores as they usually did when any Vessel was a coming in, but now and then they saw some people a far off wasting to them to come in, till they were even come to an Anchor, and then by the hoising up and down the heads of those on shore, they were fully confirmed in it, that the Island was taken, as indeed it was by the Spaniards, who as soon as they tacked about to be gone, made shot at them, and being in great fear they made all the fail they could, but before they could get out of shot, the Master of the Vessel was slain, the main sail shot through, and the Bark also; the people some of them returned back again for New-England, being sore abashed at this providence that befell them, that they would never seek to be governed by liberty again to this very day; yet others there are were so strongly bend for the heat of liberty, that they endured much pinching penury upon an uninhabited Island, till at length meeting some others likeminded with themselves, they made a voyage to another Island, the chiefest part of their Charter of Freedom was this, That no man upon pain of death should speak against another's Religion where they continued, till some of them were famished, and others even forced to feed on Rats, and any other thing they could find to sustain nature, till the provident hand of God brought a Ship to the place, which took them off the Island, and saved their lives: But upon this the Winter's discourse ceased, and projects for a warmer Country were hushed and done.   

CHAP. XXI. Of the sudden and unexpected fault of cattle, and the great blessing of God in giving plenty of provision.  
FOr this year 1642. john Winthrope Esquire was chosen Governor, and John Endicut Esquire Deputy Governor: The number of Freemen added were about 1232. This Spring Cowes and Cattle of that kind (having continued at an excessive price so long as any came over with estates to purchase them) fell of a sudden in one week from 22 l. the Cow, to 6.7. or 8. l. the cow at most, insomuch that it made all men admire how it came to pass, it being the common practice of those that had any store of cattle, to sell every year a Cow or two, which clothed their backs, filled their bellies with more varieties than the Country of itself afforded, and put gold and silver in their purses beside. Here the Reader it desired to take notice of the wonderful providence of the most high God toward these his new-planted Churches, such as was never heard of, since that Jacob's sons ceased to be a people, that in ten or twelve years planting, there should be such wonderful alteration, a Nation to be born in a day, a Commonwealth orderly brought forth from a few Fugitives, all the Foreign plantations that are of forty, fifty, or a hundred years standing, cannot really report the like, although they have had the greatest encouragements earth could afford, Kings to countenance them, staple commodities to provoke all manner of Merchants to resort unto them, silver, gold, precious stones, or whatever might incice the eye or ear to incline the motion of man toward them, his remove, rocky, barren, bushy, wild-woody wilderness, a receptacle for Lions, Wolves, Bears, Foxes, Rockoones, Bags, Bevers, Otters, and all kind of wild creatures, a place that never afforded the Natives better than the flesh of a few wild creatures and parched Indian corn incht out with Chestnuts and bitter Acorns, now through the mercy of Christ become a second England for fertilness in so short a space, that it is indeed the wonder of the world; but bring already forgotten of the very persons that taste of it at present, although some there be that keep in memory his mercy's multitude, and declare it to their children's children.  
First to begin with the increase of food, you have heard in what extreme penury these people were in at first, planting for want of food, gold, silver, raiment, or whatsoever was precious in their eyes they parted with (when ships came in) for this their beast that died, some would stick before they were cold, and sell their poor pined flesh for food, at 6.d. per pound, Indian Beans at 16. s. per bushel, when Ships came in it grieved some Master to see the urging of them by people of good rank and quality to sell bread unto them. But now take notice how the right hand of the most high hath altered all, and men of the meaner rank are urging them to buy bread of them, and now good white and wheaten bread is no dainty, but even ordinary man hath his choice, if gay clothing, and a liquorish tooth after sack, sugar and plums lick not away his bread too fast, all which are but ordinary among those that were not able to bring their own persons ever at their first coming; there are not many Towns in the Country, but the poorest person in them hath a house and land of his own, and bread of his own growing, if not some cattle: beside, flesh is now no rare food, beef, pork, and mutton being frequent in many houses, so that this poor Wilderness hath not only equalised England in food, but goes beyond it in some places for the great plenty of wine and sugar, which is ordinarily spent, apples, pears, and quince tarts instead of their former Pumpkin Pies, Poultry they have plenty, and great rarity, and in their feasts have not forgotten the English fashion of stirring up their appetites with variety of cooking their food; and notwithstanding all this great and almost miraculous work of the Lord, in providing for his people in this barren desert, yet are there here (as in other places) some that use these good creatures of God to excess, and others to hoard up in a wretched and miserable manner, pinch themselves and their children with food, and will not taste of the good creatures God hath given for that end, but cut Church and Commonwealth as short also: Let not such think to escape the Lords hand with as little a stroke, as the like do in other places.  
Secondly, For raiment, our cloth hath not been cut short, as but of late years the traders that way have increased to such a number, that their shops have continued full all the year long, all one England; besides the Lord hath been pleased to increase sheep extraordinarily of late, hemp and flax here is great plenty, hides here are more for the number of persons then in England; and for cloth, here is and would be materials enough to make it; but the Farmers deem it better for their profit to put away their cattle and corn for clothing, then to set upon making of cloth; if the Merchant's trade be not kept on foot, they fear greatly their corn and cattle will lie in their hands; assuredly the plenty of clothing hath caused much excess of late in those persons, who have clambered with excess in wages for their work, but seeing it will be the theme of our next discourse, after the birds are settled, it may be here omitted.  
Further, the Lord hath been pleased to turn all the wigwams, huts, and hovels the English dwelled in at their first coming, into orderly, fair, and well-built houses, well furnished many of them, together with Orehards' filled with goodly fruit trees, and gardens with variety of flowers: There are supposed to be in the Mattachusets' Government at this day, near a thousand acres of land planted for Orchards and Gardens, besides their fields are filled with garden fruit, there being, as is supposed in this Colony, about fifteen thousand acres in tillage, and of cartel about twelve thousand neat, and about three thousand sheep: Thus hath the Lord in couraged his people with the increase of the general, although many particulars are outed, hundreds of pounds, and some thousands, yet are there many hundreds of labouring men, who had not enough to bring them over, yet now worth scores, and some hundreds of pounds; to be sure the Lord takes notice of all his talents, and will call to account in time: This brief survey of things will be of good use when time serves, in mean time you shall understand,   

CHAP. XXII. Of the manner of planting Towns and Churches in N. E. and in particular of the Church and Town at Wooburn, being the three and twentieth Church of Christ in the Mattachusets' Government.  
THere was a Town and Church erected called Wooburn, this present year, but because all the action of this wandering people meet with great variety of censures, the Author will in this Town and Church see down the manner how this people have populated their Towns, and gathered their Churches, that the reverend Mr. Rathbone may be better informed, then when he wrote his book concerning the Churches of N. E. and all others that are experienced in the holy Scriptures, may lay the actions of N. E. to the Rule, and try them by the balance of the Sanctuary, for assuredly they greatly desire they may be brought to the light, for great is the truth, and will prevail, yet have they their errings as well as others, but yet their imperfections may not blemish the truths of Christ, let them be glorified, and these his people will willingly take shame to themselves, wherein they have miscarried: But to begin, this Town, as all others had its bounds fixed by the General Court, to the contenese of four miles' squa●, (beginning at the end of Charles Town bounds) the grant is to seven men or good and honest report, upon condition, that within two year they erect houses for habitation thereon, and so go on to make a Town thereof, upon the Act of Court; these seven men have power to give and grant out lands unto any persons who are willing to take up their dwellings within the said precinct, & to be admitted to all common privileges of the said Town, giving them such an ample portion, both of Meadow and Upland, as their present and future stock of cattle and hands were like to improve, with eye had to others that might after come to populate the said Town; this they did without any respect of persons, yet such as were exorbitant, and of a turbulent spirit, unfit for a civil society they would reject, till they come to mend their manners, such came not to enjoy any freehold: These seven men ordered and disposed of the streets of the Town, as might be best for improvement of the Land, and yet civil and religious society maintained; to which end those that had land nearest the place for Sabbath assembly, had a lesser quantity at home, and more farther off to improve for corn, of all kinds; they refused not men for their poverty, but according to their ability were helpful to the poorest sort, in building their houses, and distributed to them land accordingly; the poorest had six or seven acres of Meadow, and twenty five of Upland, or thereabouts: Thus was this Town populated, to the number of sixty families, or thereabout, and after this manner are the Towns of New England peopled, the situation of this Town is in the highest part of the yet peopled land, near upon the head-springs of many considerable rivers, or their branches, as the first rise of Ipswitch river, and the rise of Shashin river, one of the most considerable branches of Merrimeck, as also the first rise of Mistick river and ponds, it is very full of pleasant springs, and great variety of very good water, which the Summer's heat causeth to be more cooler, and the Winter's cold maketh more warmer; their Meadows are not large, but lie in divers places to particular dwellings, the like doth their Springs; their Land is very fruitful in many places, although they have no great quantity of plain land in any one place, yet doth their Rocks and Swamps yield very good food for cattle; as also they have Mast and Tar for shipping, but the distance of place by land causeth them as yet to be unprofitable, they have great store of iron o'er, their meetinghouse stands in a small Plain, where four streets meet, the people are very labotious, if not exceeding some of them.  
Now to declare how this people proceeded in religious matters, and so consequently all the Churches of Christ planted in New-England, when they came once to hopes of being such a competent number of people, as might be able to maintain a Minister, they then surely seated themselves, and not before, it being as unnatural for a right N. E. man to live without an able Ministry, as for a Smith to work his iron without a fire; therefore this people that went about placing down a Town, began the foundation-stone, with earnest seeking of the Lords assistance, by humbling of their souls before him in days of prayer, and imploring his aid in so weighty a work, than they address themselves to attend counsel of the most Orthodox and ablest Christians, and more especially of such as the Lord had already placed in the Ministry, not rashly running together themselves into a Church, before they had hopes of attaining an Officer to preach the Word, and administer the Seals unto them, choosing rather to continue in fellowship with some other Church for their Christian watch over them, till the Lord would be pleased to provide: They after some search meet with a young man named Mr. Thomas Carter, then belonging to the Church of Christ at Water-town, a reverend godly man, apt to teach the sound and wholesome truths of Christ; having attained their desires, in hopes of his coming unto them, were they once joined in Church-estate, he exercising his gifts of preaching and prayer among them in the mean time, and more especially in a day of fasting and prayer. Thus these godly people interest their affections one with the other, both Minister and people: After this they make ready for the work, and the 24. of the 6. month 1642. they assemble together in the morning about eight of the clock; After the reverend Mr. Syms had continued in preaching and prayer about the space of four or five hours, the persons that were to join in Covenant, openly and professedly before the Congregation, and messengers of divers Neighbour Churches, among whom the reverend Elder of Boston, Mr. Cotton, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Allen of Charles-Town, Mr. Shepherd of Cambridg, Mr. Dunster of Water-town, Mr. Knowles of Deadham, Mr. Allen of Roxbury, Mr. Eliot of Dorchester, Mr. Mather: As also it is the duty of the Magistrates (in regard of the good and peace of the civil Government) to be present, at least some one of them (not only to prevent the disturbance might follow in the Commonwealth by any, who under pretence of Church-Covenant, might bring in again those cursed opinions that caused such commotion in this and the other Colony, to the great damage of the people) but also to countenance the people of God in so pious a work, that under them they may live a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty; for this cause was present the honoured Mr. Increase Nowell, the persons stood forth, and first confessed what the Lord had done for their poor souls, by the work of his Spirit in the preaching of his Word, and Providences, one by one; (and that all might know their faith in Christ was bottomed upon him, as he is revealed in his Word, and that from their own knowledge) they also declare the same, according to that measure of understanding the Lord had given them; the Elders, or any other messengers there present question with them, for the better understanding of them in any points they doubt of, which being done, and all satisfied, they in the name of the Churches to which they do belong, hold out the right hand of fellowship unto them, they declaring their Covenant, in words expressed in writing to this purpose.  

The Church-Covenant.  
WE that do assemble ourselves this day before God and and his people, in an unfeigned desire, to be accepted of him as a Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, according to the Rule of the New-Testament, do acknowledge ourselves to be the most unworthy of all others, that we should attain such thigh grace, and the most unable of ourselves to the performance of any thing that is good, abhorring ourselves for all our former defilements in the worship of God, and other ways, and resting only upon the Lord Jesus Christ for atonement, and upon the power of his grace for the guidance of our whole after course, do here in the name of Christ Jesus, as in the presence of the Lord, from the bottom of our hearts agree together through his grace to give up ourselves, first unto the Lord Jesus as our only King, Priest and Prophet, wholly to be subject unto him in all thing, and therewith one unto another, as in a Church-Body to walk together in all the Ordinances of the Gospel, and in all such mutual love and offices thereof, as toward one another in the Lord; and all this, both according to the present light that the Lord hath given us, as also according to all further light, which he shall be pleased at any time to reach out unto us out of the Word by the goodness of his grace, renouncing also in the same Covenant all errors and Schisms, and whatsoever byways that are contrary to the blessed rules revealed in the Gospel, and in particular the inordinate love and seeking after the things of the world; every Church hath not the same for words, for they are not for a form of words.   
The 22. of the 9 month following Mr. Thomas Carter was ordained Pastor, in presence of the like Assembly. Hfter he had exercised in preaching and prayer the greater part of the day, two persons in the name of the Church laid their hands upon his head, and said, We ordain thee Thomas Carter to be Pastor unto this Church of Christ; then one of the Elders Priest, being desired of the Church, continued in prayer unto the Lord for his more especial assistance of this his servant in his work, being a charge of such weighty importance, as is the glory of God and salvation of souls, that the very thought would make a man to tremble in the sense of his own inability to the work: The people having provided a dwelling house, built at the charge of the Town in general, welcomed him unto them with joy, that the Lord was pleased to give them such a blessing, that their eyes may see their Teachers: After this there were divers added to the Church daily; after this manner the person desirous to join with the Church, cometh to the Pastor, and makes him acquainted therewith, declaring how the Lord hath been pleased to work his conversion, who discerning hopes of the P●rsons faith in Christ, although weak, yet if any appear, he is propounded to the Church in general for their approbation, touching his godly life and conversation, and then by the Pastor and some brethren heard again, who make report to the Church of their charitable approving of the person; but before they come to join with the Church, all persons within the Town have public notice of it, then publicly he declares the manner of his conversion, and how the Lord hath been pleased by the hearing of his Word preached, and the work of his Spirit in the inward parts of his soul, to bring him out of that ●●tural darkness, which all men are by nature in and under, as also the measure of knowledge the Lord hath been pleased to endue him withal. And because some men cannot speak publicly to edisication through bashfulness, the less is required of such, and women speak not publicly at all, for all that is desired, is to prevent the polluting the blessed Ordinances of Christ by such as walk scandalously, and that men and women do not eat and drink their own condemnation, in not discerning the Lords body. After this manner were many added to this Church of Christ, and those 7. that joined in Church-fellowship at first, are now increased to 74. persons, or thereabout; of which, according to their own confession, as is supposed, the greater part having been converted by the preaching of the Word in N. E. by which may appear the powerful efficacy of the word of Christ in the mouth of his Ministers, and that this way of Christ in joining together in Church-Covenant, is not only for building up of souls in Christ, but also for converting of sinness, & bringing them out of the natural condition to be engrafted into Christ, for if this one Church have so many, then assuredly there must be a great number comparatively throughout all the Churches in the Country. After this manner have the Churches of Christ had their beginning and progress hitherto, the Lord continue & increase them the world throughout: The Pastor of this Church hath much increased with the increasings of Christ Jesus, of whose labours in the Lord as followeth.  
CArtor, Christ hath his ways thee taught, and them,  
Hast not withheld his Word, but unto all,  
With's word of power dost cause stout souls to bow,  
And meek as Lambs before thy Christ to fall:  
The ancient truths, plain paths they fit thee best,  
Thy humble hear all haughty acts puts by,  
The lowly heart, Christ learns his lovely hest,  
Thy meekness shows thy Christ to thee is nigh;  
Yet must thou show Christ makes his bold to be,  
As Lions, that none may his truths tread down,  
Pastoral power he hath invested thee  
With, it maintain, lest he on thee do frown:  
Thy youth thou hast in this New-England spent,  
Full sixteen years to water, plant, and prune,  
Trees taken up, and for that end here sent,  
Thy end's with Christ, with's Saints his praises tune.  
This year the General Court made an order about preparing houses for Saltpetre, that there might be powder made in the Country, but as yet it hath not gone on.   

CHAP. XXIII. Of the uniting of the four English Colonies in N, E. and the battle fought between the Narragansets, and Mawhiggins.  
THe year 1653. the honoured John Winthrop Esquire was chosen Governor again, and John Endicut Esquire Deputy Governor; the free men added were about 87. this year, the four Colonies, the Mattachusets, Plymouth, Canectico, and New-haven, taking into consideration the many Nations of Dutch, Zewes, and French, that were on either side of them; as also how apt they were to lay claim to lands they never had any right unto, but only a paper possession of their own framing; and further, that the inhuman and barbarous Indians would be continually quarrelling and contending, could they see any hopes of prevailing, together with the contestion begun in our Native country, and withal, that although providence had cast them into four several Colonies, yet Religion had already united them, coming over all for one and the same end. Hereupon by Commissioners sent from the several colonies, they concluded a firm confederation to assist each other in all just and lawful war, bearing an equal proportion in the charge, according to the number of persons inhabiting each colony; but herein the Mattachuset had the worst end of the staff, in bearing as much, or more charge, than all the other three, and yet no greater number of Commissioners to negotiate and judge in transacting of affairs concerning peace and war, than the least of the other, and any one of the other as likely to involve them in a chargeable war with the naked Natives, that have neither plunder, nor cash to bear the charge of it, nay hitherto the most hath risen from the lesser colonies, yet are the Mattachusets far from deserting them, esteeming them highly, so long as their Governments maintain the same purity in Religion with themselves, for indeed this is that they have spent their whole travel for, and therefore if Plymouth, or any of the other shall draw back herein, the chiefest end of their confederacy would be lost; for should it come to pass (that in venturing their persons and estates so far for purity in the Ordinances and Discipline of Christ) they should lose the purity in doctrine, all their cost and labour were lost: This confederacy being finished, there came in certain Indian Sachims', and submitted to the English Government, as Pomham, and Soecana●●●●h to the Mattachusets; also Miantonemo and Vncas; but between these two latter Princes arose a very hot quarrel, the English seeking by all means to quench it, but could not, it being, as is supposed, fomented by a small company of vagabond English, who were then for their crimes banished from their own complices at Rhode Island, the Ringleader of them, being one Samuel Gorton, by whose mean they were drawn into damnable errors,: These Gortonists, as is said, lent Miantonenemo a Corslet for safeguard of his own person in the following fight, and he promised each of them a Mawchiggin papoose, which was the people. Vneas was Prince of For, although Miantonemo were the more potent Prince by far, and a very anstere man, yet did he choose rather to take Vncasses life away by treachery if he could; and to that end hired a young man of the Pegod Nation to murder him, as is supposed, for in an evening, when it was very near dark, this Sachim passing without any of his Retinue, from one wigwam to another, was suddenly shot through the arm with an arrow, seeing not whence it came; but yet recovering the Palace he was passing unto, without receiving any more shot, he had the arrow drawn forth, and the wound cured in a short time after; the young man, who was suspected to have done the fact, having great store of Wampumpeage, about this time being questioned how he came by it, could give no good account, which increased the suspicion the more, that he had received it as hire from Miantonemo for this fact; and hereupon the young man fled unto him, which caused Vneas to complain to the English, who having the hearing of the case at a General Co●●● holden at Boston, at the same time Miantonemo coming thither with his attendance, and sending one of his Councillors to follow the matter in hand, the young man was examined in presence of Miantonemo, being, as is supposed, tutored by him, he told this tale, that while he was in Vncasses Court, on a day travelling alone by a thick swamp, Vncas called him out of the swamp, charging him to be true to him, in declaring to the English what he required to him, which was, that he should say he had been hired of Miantonemo to kill him, and to make his matter good, quoth the young man, he then cut his arm on the top, and underneath with the flint of his Gun, to make men think he had been shot through with an arrow: This tale made the English more to suspect Miantonemo then before; and therefore desired to examine the young man alone, which he was very unwilling they should do; but upon further examination alone, they did verily believe this young man had done the fact, yet for present they let him depart with Miantonemo, advising him to send him home to Vncas, but by the way, he instead of returning him home, cut off his head, and forthwith gathered an army of about a thousand men to fight with Vncas, who feared not to meet him in the field with half the number; the battle being come within shot one of another, with a great hubbub they let their long shafts fly one at another, and after came to a close with other weapons, till the Narrowgansets multitude being forely distressed by the Mawhiggins valour, they began to cry out Wem-meck, which is to say, enough: Vncas like a stout commander, with others of his bloud-royal that were about him, sought to perfect his victory, by possessing himself with the person of their Prince, which he effected, by putting his Lifeguard to flight, and taking hold on the Sachim himself, carried him victoriously away to the Town of Hartford, near the which he kept his residence at this time, and then made the English acquainted there with his noble design, and desired to have the advise of the united colonies what to do with his prisoner; the Narrowgansets sought to ransom him home, being much abashed, that so mean a Prince as Vncas was should scape scotfree with such a victory; but the honered Commissioners have had proof of Miantonemo's treachery, both toward this Prince that had him in possession, and toward the English in falsisying his promise with them; they advised Vncas to put him to death, but withal, that he should forbear to exercise my barbarous cruelty toward him, as their manner is, and by this means the English prevented another war, both with English and Indians, which was very near joining in battle. Not many years after, the Indian Sachim upon this advice, caused Miantonemo to be led forth, as if he would remove him to a more safer place of custody, and by the way caused him to be executed; the Indians, his kindred and subjects, were much grieved at his death, yet took it quietly at present, but the lesser Princes, his Neighbours, rather rejoiced, he having tyrannised over them, and enforced them to subject to his will, right or wrong.   

CHAP. XXIV. Of the proceeding of certain persons called Gortonists, against the united Colonies, and more especially against the Matrachusets, and of the hlasphemous doctrines broached by Gorton, deluding a company of poor ignor an't people therewith.  
FOr not long before, those persons that we spoke of, who encouraged Miantonemo to this war, and with the help of him enforced Pomham and Socananocho to set their hands to a writing which these Gortonists had framad, to take their land from them; but the poor Sachems, when they saw they were thus gulled of their land, would take no pay for it, but complained to the Mattachusets Government, to whom they had subjected themselves and their lands: As also at this time certain English inhabiting those parts, with the Indians good leave and liking, desired to have the benefit of the Mattachusets Government, as Dover formerly had done, to whom this Government condescended, in hope they might increase to such a competent number of godly Christians, as that there might be a Church of Christ planted, the place being capable to entertain them in a comfortable measure for outward accommodation, but hitherto it hath been hindered by these Gortonists, and one of Plymouth, who forbade our people to plant there: These person thus submitting, came at this time also to complain of certain wrongs done them by these Gortoxists, who had thus in croached, and began to build on the Indians land; upon these complaints, the Governor and the honoured Mr. Dudley issue forth their Warrant, to summon them to appear, they being then about five or six persons, without any means for instructing them in the ways of God, and without any civil Government to keep them in civility or humanity, which made them to cast off most proudly and disdainfully any giving account to man of their actions, no not to the chiefest in authority, but returned back most insolent, scornful, scurrilous speeches. After this, the Government of the Mattachusets sent two messengers on purpose to persuade them to come and have their cause heard, assuring them like justice in their cause with any other; but Samuel Gorton being the ringleader of the rout, was so full gorged with dreadful and damnable errors, (the which he had newly ensnared these poor souls with) that soon after the departure of the messenger, he lays aside all civil justice, and instead of returning answer to the matter in hand, he vomits up a whole paper full of beastly stuff, one while scoffing and deriding the ignorance of all beside himself, that think Abraham, Jsaac, etc. could be saved by Christ Jesus, who was after born of the Virgin Mary, another while mocking at the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lords Supper, in an opprobrious manner, deriding at the Elements Christ was pleased to institute them in, and calling them Negromancers that administer them at all; and in a word, all the Ordinances of the Gospel abominable Idolatry he called, and likened them to Molock, and the Star of the Idol Rempham; his paper was thrust full of such filthiness, that no Christian ear could hear them without indignation against them, and all was done by him in a very scornful and deriding manner, upbraiding all that use them; in the mean time magnifying his own glorious light, that could see himself to be personally Christ, God-Man, and so all others that would believe as he did: This paper he got to be subscribed, with about twelve or thirteen hands, his number of Disciples being increased, for assuredly the man had a very glozing tongue, but yet very deceitful, for when he had but a few with him, than he cried out against all such as would rule over their own species, affirming, that the Scripture termeth such to be Gods of the world, or devils; but after his return from England, having received some encouragement from such as could not look into the depth of his deceits, being done at so large a distance, he getting into favour again with those, who had formerly whipped him out of their company, turns devil himself; the godly Governors of the Mattachusets seeing this blasphemous Bull of his, resolved to send forty persons well-appointed with weapons of war for apprehending of him, who accordingly, with some waiting, did apprehend him and the rest of his company, except two or three which ran away without any hurt to any person, although he gave out very big words, threatening them with blood and death so soon as they set foot on the ground, and yet this brazenfaceed deceiver published in print the great fear their women were put unto by the soldiers, whereas they came among them day by day, and had it not been that they intended peaceably to take them, they would never have waited so long upon their worships as they did, but being apprehended, and standing to that they had written (yet would they willingly have covered it with some shifts if they could) the greatest punishment they had, was to be confined to certain Towns for a few months, and afterward banished; but to be sure there be them in N. E. that have Christ Jesus and his blessed Ordinances in such esteem, that the Lord assisting, they had rather lose their lives, then suffer them to be thus blasphemed if they can help it; and whereas some have favoured them, and endeavoured to bring under blame such as have been zealous against their abominable doctrines, the good God be favourable unto them, and prevent them from coming under the like blame with Ahab, yet they remain in their old way, and there's somewhat to be considered in it to be sure, that in these days, when all look for the fall of Antichrist, such detestable doctrines should be upheld, and persons suffered, that exceed the Beast himself for blasphemy, and this to be done by those that would be counted Reformers, and such as seek the utter subversion of Antichrist.  
To end this year, or rather at the beginning of it, the Lord caused another Earthquake, much less than the former, it was on the fifth of the first month called March in the morning.   

CHAP. XXV. Of the planting the twenty fourth Church of Christ at the Town of Readding, and the twenty fifth Church of Christ in the Mattachusets' Government, called Wenham.  
THis year was chosen to the place of Governor John Endicut Esquire, and john Winthrope Esquire Deputy Governor; the number of freemen added about 145. this year.  
The Town of Readding had her foundation stone laid about this time, this and the Town of Wooburn were like the twins in the womb of Tamar, Readding thrusting forth the hand first, but Wooburn came first to the birth, this Town is well watered, and situate about a great pond, besides it hath two mills, the one a Saw-mill, the other a 〈◊〉- mill, which stand on two several streams; it hath not been ●o fruitful for children as her Sister hath, her habitation is fallen in the very centre of the country, they are well stocked with cattle, for the number of people they have they gathered into a church, and ordained a Pastor from among themselves at the same time, a young man of good abilities to preach the Word, and of a very humble behaviour, named Mr. Green, he having finished his course, departed this life not long after, whose labours are with the Lord; after him succeeded in the place one Mr. Hoph, a young man, one of the first fruits of N. E. a man studious to promote the truths of Christ, they are both remembered in this following verse.  
ON earth's bed thou at noon hast laid thy head,  
You that for Christ (as Green) here toy I have taken,  
When nature fails, then rest it in earth's dead,  
Till Christ by's word with glory thee awaken.  
Young Hoph thou must be second to this man,  
In field encounter, with Christ's foes shalt thou  
Stand up, and take his bright sword in thy hand,  
Error cut down, and make stout stomaches bow;  
Green's gone before, thy warfare's now begun,  
And last it may to see Rome's Babel fall;  
Byweakest means Christ mighty works hath done,  
Keep footing fast, till Christ thee hence do call.  
The next Town and church of Christ planted in this colony, was between Salem and Ipswitch, Salem the eldest of all the Sisters was very helpful to this her little Sister, nourishing her up in her own bosom, till she came of age, being beneficial to her besides, in giving her a good portion of Land; this Town is called Wenham, and is very well watered, as most in land Towns are, the people live altogether upon husbandry, New England having trained up great store to this occupation, they are increased in cattle, and most of them live very well, yet are they no great company; they were some good space of time there before they gathered into a Church-body, the godly and reverend Mr. John Fisk went thither with them, at first setting down as a planter among them, yet withal he became helpful in preaching the Word unto them, when they were but a few in number, they afterward called him to the office of a Pastor, with whom he now remains, labouring in the Word and Doctrine, with great industry of whom, it may be thus said:  
TO wade through toil of Wilderness, thou hast  
Doubled thy work, thy wages trouble are,  
Christ hath thee called, and in his vineyard placed,  
He'll bear thee up above all sainting far.  
Zions strong Mount must now again be built,  
Thy faith, oh Fisk, the Lord hath holpen much;  
With dreadful sigh● the P●●lars power hath spilt,  
All pride he'll slain by his almighty touch.  
His truths unstained by liberty keep thou,  
To please the most, authority must fall,  
What Christ hath given, if safely keep with you,  
Till he to thee for thine account do call.   

CHAP. XXVI. Of the military affairs, the forts of Bostoa, and Charles, the Castle erected anew by the six nearest Towns, with the manner of putting the Country in a posture of war, to be ready upon all occasions.  
THese soldiers of Christ Jesus, having made a fair retreat from their Native country hither, and now being come to a convenient station, resolved to stand it out (the Lord assisting) against all such as should come to rob them of their privileges, which the Lord Christ had purchased for them at a very high rate, and now out of the riches of his grace was minded to give them, yet would he have them follow him into this Wilderness for it: although the chiefest work of these select bands of Christ, was to mind their spiritual warfare, yet they knew right well the Temple was surrounded with walls and bulworks, and the people of God in re-edifying the same, did prepare to resist their enemies with weapons of war, even while they continued building: This people no less diligent to make use of such means as the Lord afforded them, ordered and decreed, That all the soldiers belonging to the 26. bands in the Mattachusets' Government, should be exercised and drilled eight days in a year, and whosoever should absent himself, except it were upon unavoidable occasion, should pay 5. s. for every day's neglect, there are none exempt, unless it be a few timorous persons that are apt to plead infirmity, if the Church choose them not for Deacous, or they cannot get to serve some Magistrate or Minister; but assuredly the generalicy of this people are very forward for feats of war, and many have spent their time and estates to further this work; the Town of Boston hath afforded many active, Charles Town hath not been inferior, unless it be in number: This year the Court appointed certain persons to spend their skill in putting the people possessing this desolate desert in a ready posture of drawing their forces together, upon any sudden accident that might befall them, to manage, guide, order, and direct all things, as may be best for the good of the whole, they being a poor and mean people, laboured to avoid high titles, yet order they knew was necessary, therefore ordained they only one General Officer in time of war, under the name of Major General, the Governor and Magistrates for the time being are the standing Council for peace or war, and either they or the General Court may appoint any to the office of a General; the first Major-General was the much honoured Tho. Dudley Esquire, whose faithfulness and great zeal and love to the truths of Christ, caused the people to choose him to this office, although he were far stricken in years; the Government is divided into four Counties, which to show, they would their posterity should mind whence they came, they have named, Suffolk, Middlesex, Essex, and Northfolk, each containing a Regiment, over whom, the chief Commander is only a Serjeant-Major; the first chosen to this office over the Regiment of Suffolk, was Major Edw. Gibbons, who hath now the office of Major-General also, he is a man of a resolute spirit, board as a Lion, being wholly tutored up in N.E. Discipline, very generous, and forward to promote all military matters; his Forts are well contrived, and batteries strong, and in good repair, his great Artillery well mounted, and cleanly kept, half Canon, Culverins and Sakers, as also field-pieces of brass very ready for service, his own company led by Capt. Lieutenant Sarag, are very complete in their arms, and many of them disciplined in the military garden, beside their ordinary trainings; the Captains under him, are Caps. Humphrey Atherton, of the Band of Dochester; a very lively courageous man, with his stout and valiant Lieutenant Clapes, strong for the truth; of the Band of Roxbury, Capt. Prichard, and Ensign johnson; of the Band of Waymoth, Capt. Perkins, and his proper and active Lieutenant Torry; of the Band of Hingham, Capt. Be●an Allen; of the Band of Deadbam, Capt. Eliazer, Lusher, one of a nimble and active spirit, strongly affected to the ways of truth; of the Band of Braintree, Capt. william Tinge, these belong to the Regiment of Suffolk; the first Serjeant-Major chosen to order the Regiment of Essex, was Major Rebert Sedgwick, stout and active in all feats of war, nursed up in London's Artillery garden, and furthered with fifteen years' experience in N. E. exact theory, besides the help o● a very good head-piece, being a frequent instructor of the most martial troops of our Artillery men; and although Charles Town, (which is the place of his own companies residence) do not advantage such o'retopping batteries as Boston doth, yet hath he erected his to very good purpose, insomuch that all shipping that comes in, either to Boston or Charles-Town, must needs face it all the time of their coming in; the cost he hath been at, in helping on the Discipline of his Regiment hath profited much; his own company are led by the faithful Capt. Lieutenant Francis Norton, (a man of a bold and cheerful spirit) being well disciplined, and an able man; the companies under his service have not all Captains at present, Water-town Band was led by Capt. jenings, who is supposed to be now in England, his Lieutenant remains Hugh Mason; the band of Cambridg led by Capt. George Cook, now Colonel Cook in the wars of ireland, but now led by Capt. Daniel Gookin, a very forward man to advance Marshal discipline, and withal the truths of Christ; the Band of Concord led by Capt. Simon Willard, being a Kentish soldier, as is Capt. Goggin; the Band of Sudbury lately led by Capt. Pelham, who is in England at present, his Lieutenant remains, Edw. Goodinow; the band of Wooburn led by another Kentish Captain; the Band of Reading led by Lieutenant Walker; the Band of Malden, being as yet a young Town, who have not chosen their Officers, are led by Mr. Joseph Hill: These belong to the Regiment of Middlesex, the two Counties of Essex and Northfolk are for present joined in one Regiment, their first Major, who now commandeth this Regiment, is the proper and valiant Major Daniel Denison, a good soldier, and of a quick capacity, not inferior to any other of these chief Officers, his own company are well instructed in feats of warlike activity, his Capt. Lieutenane departed this life some few years since, a godly and faithful man, which is indeed the fountain of true validity; named Mr. Whitingam; the Band of Salem led by the bold and worthy Capt. William Hautborn, a man of an undaunted courage, with his Lieutenant Lothrope; the Band of Lyn led by the honoured and much respected Capt. Robert Bridges, who is also a Magistrate, being endued with able parts, and forward to improve them for the glory of God and his people's good; the Band of Nuberry led by Capt. Gerish, with his ancient and experienced Lieutenant Greendife; the Band of Rowly led by Capt. Brigham; the Bands of Gloucester, Wenham and Andover, have not yet made choice of Superior Officers, being in their minority; these are the Bands of the Regiment of Essex, to the which are joined the three Bands of the County of Northfolk, Salisbury, Hampton, and Havorhil: there are none chosen to office in any of these Bands, but such as are freemen, supposed to be men endued with faith in Christ Jesus, wherefore let all that truly love the Lord Christ say with Deborah, My heart is toward the Governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people, their Officers are chosen by the major Vote of the soldiers, being installed into their place by the Major of their Regiment: There are of late a very gallant horse-troop listed, it being a frequent thing with the Officers of the foot companies, to turn Troopers, (when their own Regiment is not in exercise) for encouragement of others, the Regiments are exercised once a year by turns; they are also very observant to keep their arms in good order; each soldier is to keep constantly by him powder, bullet, and match, besides every Town is enjoined to have a common stock in like manner, as also the country have their ammunition exactly looked unto, by Surveyor General Johnson, one very well qualified for the work, ready at all times to put the General Court in mind of keeping their store renewed by fresh supply, and to say right, some particular persons may be penurious in laying out their estates upon ammunition, but the general of Officers and soldiers are very generous that way; the reverend Doctor Wilson gave bountifully for the furthering this Wilderness-work, the which was expended upon great Artillery, his gift being a thousand pound, beside many persons that came over, the Lord was pleased to endow with a large portion of the things of this life, who were not backward liberally to dispose of it, to procure means of defence, ann to that end there was a castle built on an Island, upon the passage into the Mattachu-Bay, wholly built at first by the country in general, but by reason the country affords no Lime, but what is burnt of Oyster-she is, it fell to decay in a few years after, which made many of the Towns that lay out of the defence thereof to desert it, although their safety (under God) was much involved in the constant repair and well-mannaging thereof; hereupon the next six Towns take upon them to rebuild it at their proper cost and charges, the rest of the country upon the finishing thereof gave them a small matter toward it; upon this there was a Captain ordained, and put in possession thereof by the country, having a yearly Stipend allowed him for himself and his soldiers, which he is to keep in a constant readiness upon the Island, being about eight acres of ground; the Castle is built on the North-East of the Island, upon a rising hill, very advantageous to make many shot at such ships as shall offer to enter the Harbour without their good leave and liking, the Commander of it is one Captain Davenport, a man approved for his faithfulness, courage and skill, the Master Cannoneer is an active Engineer; also this Castle hath cost about four thousand pounds, yet are not this poor pilgrim people weary of maintaining it in good repair, it is of very good use to awe any insolent persons, that putting confidence in their ship and sails, shall offer any injury to the people, or contemn the Government, they have certain signals of alarms, which suddenly spread through the whole country; were there but one Town more erected in this Government, which were one and thirty, it would join all the Towns in the same neighbourly together, excepting Spring-field. Thus are these people with great diligence provided for these days of war, hoping the day is at hand wherein the Lord will give Antichrist the don-christ the double of all her doings, and therefore they have nursed up in their Artillery garden some who have since been used, as instruments to begin the work; but that which gives the greatest hope concerning this particular, is this, that these times afford more soldiers depending on the Lord Christ through faith for deliverance and true valour, than any age since Antichrist began to fall, without which, all these preparations were but as so many traps and snares to catch a people in, and to the which these Commanders and soldiers are daily exhorted, and therefore let all people know that desire the downfall of New-England, they are not to war against a people only exercised in feats of war, but men who are experienced in the deliverances of the Lord from the mouth of the Lion, and the paw of the Bear; and now woe be to you, when the same God that directed the stone to the forehead of the Philistine, guides every bullet that is shot at you, it matters not for the whole rabble of Antichrist on your side, the God of Armies is for us a refuge high. Shela.    

Wonder working Providence OF Zions SAVIOUR in New-England.  
BOOK III.  
CONTAINING The passages of God's providence toward this wandering Race of Jaacobites in these latter seven years, from the year 1645. till toward the latter end of 51.  

CHAP. I. Of planting the twenty sixth Church of Christ at the Town of Haverhil, and of preparation for a second war with the Indians.  
THis year that ancient, honoured and trusty soldier of the truth, Thom. Dudley Esquire was chosen Governor, and the honoured John Winthrop Esquire was chosen Deputy Governor, John Endicut Esquire to the office of Major-General. You have heard in the former book of the fortifying of the Castle, and placing a Captain therein, which was not finished till this year; the number of freemen added was 56. The Town of Haverhil was built much about this time, lying higher up then Salisbury, upon the fair and large river of Merrimeck: the people are wholly bend to improve their labour in tilling the earth, and keeping of cattle, whose yearly increase incourages them to spend their days in those remote parts, the constant penetrating farther into this Wilderness, hath caused the wild and uncouth woods to be filled with frequented ways, and the large rivers to be over-laid with Bridges passeable, both for horse and foot; this Town is of a large extent, supposed to be ten miles in length, there being an overweening desire in most men after Meadow land, which hath caused many towns to grasp more into their ●ands than they could afterward possibly hold; the people are laborious in the gaining the goods of this life, yet are they not unmindful also of the chief end of their coming hither, namely, to be made partakers of the blessed Ordinances of Christ, that their souls might be refreshed with the continual income of his rich grace, to which end they gathered into a Church-body, and called to office the reverend M. Ward, son to the former named M. Ward of Ipswitch,  
WIth mind resolved run out thy race at length,  
Yond Ward begin whereas thy father left,  
Left hath he not, but breaths for further strength,  
Nor thou, nor he, are yet of hope bereft:  
Fruit of thy labours thou shalt see so much,  
The righteous shall hear of it, and rejoice  
When Babel falls by Christ's almighty touch,  
All'● folk shall praise him with a cheerful voice.  
They prosper shall that Zions building mind,  
Then Ward cease not with toil her stones to lay,  
For great is he thee to this work assigned,  
Whose pleasure is, heaven's Crown shall be thy pay.  
This year, although divers Indian Sachems not long before had desired to subject themselves and lands unto this Government, yet the sons of old Canonicus having not inherited their father's prudence, with his subjects and land, fell to hot contention with their own neighbours and native inhabitants, although they were forbidden by the united Colonies, and prosecuted so, that they would not stick to wage war with the English also, which the Commissioners perceiving, they raised an Army of horse and foot out of the Colonies, and appointed as Commander in chief over them Major-General Edward Gibbons; the reverend Mr. Tompso●, one of the Elders of the Church at Braintree was to accompany them, and to preach the Word of God unto them, during the time of the war; but the Indians hearing of this preparation against them, sent a certain number of their chief Nobility to treat with the Commissioners of the united Colonies about a peace, who then sitting at Boston gave them audience, the Indians coming into their presence, could speak no more English, but peace, peace; the English were very desirous of an opportunity to show them mercy, and yet would they should not despise them, in gaining it upon such easy terms, as might cause them to move war again, and therefore allotted them to pay some part of the charge of the war intended, and therefore appointed them to give four of their sons for hostages till they had wholly paid it; the Indians gladly accepted of the terms, and accordingly brought their children. Here the Reader should be minded of the admirable acts of the Lord Christ in awing these multitudes of Heathens, for they were the most populous of any that are in these parts; but it is reserved for another place in this history, the Indians being slow in their performance, had their hostages returned home before the Wapom was paid, yet their two Princes Posicus and Mexanimo, did upon the sending certain armed men to demand the remainder, send the sum demanded.   

CHAP. II. Of the planting of the twenty seventh Church of Christ at the Town called Springfield, and of the earnest seeking the the Lord by all the Churches of N. E. for his gracious assistance in the work of Reformation.  
ABout this time one Mr. Pinchin, sometime a Magistrate, having out of desire to better his estate, by trading with the Indians, settled himself very remote (from all the Churches of Christ in the Mattachusets' Government) upon the river of Canectico, yet under their Government, he having some godly persons resorting unto him, they there erected a Town and Church of Christ, calling it Springfield, it lying upon this large navigable river, hath the benefit of transporting their goods by water, and also fitly seated for a Beaver trade with the Indians, till the Merchants increased so many, that it became little worth, by reason of their out-buying one another, which hath caused them to live upon husbandry; this Town is mostly built along the river side, and upon some little rivulets of the same: There hath of late been more than one or two in this Town greatly suspected of witchcraft, yet have they used much diligence, both for the finding them out, and for the Lords assisting them against their witchery, yet have they, as is supposed, bewitched not a few persons, among whom two of the reverend Elders children: These people inhabiting this Town, having gathered into a Church-body, called to the office of a Pastor the reverend M. Moxon, who remaineth with them at this very day, of whom as followeth.  
AS thou with strong and able parts art made,  
Thy person stout with toil and labour shall,  
With help of Christ through difficulties wade,  
Then spend for him, spare not thyself at all.  
When errors crowd close to thyself, and friends  
Take up truth's sword, trifle not time for why  
Christ called his people hither, for these ends,  
To tell the world that Babel's fall is nigh;  
And that his Churches through the world shall spread,  
Maugre the might of wicked men and devils,  
Then Moxon thou needest not at all to dread,  
But be avenged on Satan for his evils,  
Thy Lord Christ will under thy feet him tread.  
This year the great troubles in our native country encreaseing, and that hearing profane Esau had mustered up all the Bands he could make to come against his brother jacob, these wandering race of Jacobites deemed it now high time to implore the Lord for his especial aid in this time of their deepest distress, and the rather being encouraged hereunto from former deliverances and wonderful mercies received, the which they now presented before the Lord with the several branches, and enlarged bounties thereof to refresh their frozen affections, and move a melting heart in their barren breasts, that began to dry up with a lazy lethargy, and therefore thrusting themselves on to the work by the loving invitation of that godly Government the Lord in his mercy had peaceably placed among them, each Church in their own proper place meeting together in days of solemn seeking of the Lords pleasing countenance in Christ (the Lord in his mercy helping them) after a serious acknowledgement of their own unworthiness, by reason of their sinful provocations of the Lord to anger against them aggravated, in that they were committed immediately upon the receipt of a multitude of marvellous mercies, they acknowledge unto the Lord in the audience of the great Congregation the manner of his wonderful providence extended toward them, that as jacob professes, I came over this Jordan with my staff, and now have I gotten two Bands; so they came over this boisterous billow-boyling Ocean, a few poor scattered stones newly raked out of the heaps of rubbish, and thou Lord Christ hast now so far exalted them, as to lay them sure in thy Zion, a building, to be the wonder of the world, orderly are they placed in five and forty several Churches, and that in a Wilderness, where civility scarce ever took place, much less any Religion, and now to the Lord earnestly they cry to be delivered from the cruel hands of those that would destroy both young and old, the bird and her young together, and as Jacob's fear was, the seed of Christ's Church in the posterity of Israel should be cut off, and therefore pleaded the promise of the Lord in the multiplying of his seed; so these people at this very time, pleaded not only the Lords promise to Israel, but to his only Son Christ Jesus; Lord, hast thou not said, Ask of me, and I will give thee the Heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost ends of the earth for thy possession; and now Lord, are not these the Churches of Christ which thou hast planced for his possession; and that as Rachel and Leah built the house of Israel, so now shall these and the like Sister-churches spread the whole earth, the Lord Christ reigning as King and Lord for ever over them; Then why do the Heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing, seeing the rhyme of the Lords arising to have mercy upon Zion is come, ●ea his appointed time is at hand; and he who walks in the midst of his golden Candlesticks, whose eyes are as a flaming fire, will not suffer his Churches to be trodden under feet of that Antichristian Lordly prelacy any longer, nor yet defiled with any transformed Saint-seeming Angels of light with their painted doctrines. Thus did this poor people plead with the Lord, not only for themselves, but for their dearly beloved brethren in England, I and all that are Christ's chosen people the world throughout; and although they were not unmindful from day to day of them, yet this year 1645. the Lord was pleased to stir up their affections in more than an ordinary manner, what success their prayers have had, let all (that love and long to behold the beauty of Christ shining on and in his beloved Bride) declare the loving kindness of the Lord toward his Churches, and let all the Churches of Christ, though never so ●● more the one from the other, yet joined together in one with and one Christ, be frequent in prayer one for another, congregate together at the Throne of the Lord, be present in spirit, though absent in body; these Mew-England Churches ●●● near one hundred miles distant one from another, and yet communicate, counsel, care, love, joy, grieve with, and for ●ne another, dismiss some, and commend others (as occasion serves) to the Christian care and watchfulness, from one Church to another, and why may not this be practised the world throughout, even from Jerusalem, and round about to Illyricum?   

CHAP. III. Of the opposition the Government of the Mattachusets Colony met withal, by certain persons, under the name of Petitioners.  
IN place of Governor was chosen for this year john Winthrop Esquire, and for Deputy Governor Thomas Dudley Esquire, the number of freemen were about 72. At the Court of Election there was a Petition drawn, and presented to the Court by a Doctor of Physic, with seven hands to it, the persons were of a Linfiwolsie disposition, some for Prefacy, some for Presbytery, and some for Pl●bsbytery, but all joined together in the thing they would, which was to stir up the people to dislike of the present Government, one while enwing against the constitution of the Government as not popular enough, another while against the Laws or orders of this little Commonwealth as two strict, and then to provoke, at least the p●●●●●ous, they tell them of great expense of the public Treasury, and intolerable taxations; the matter they petitioned for, was a bottom to build their quarrel upon, under the name of a Presbyterian Government, and this they supposed would suit well with their Bill of complaint, which they intended for England, not that they cared for a Presbyterian Church, for had they so done, they might have found out one in the country before they petitioned, but because they supposed that the Parliament in England would establish that way only and therefore bore themselves bold upon it, that although their seditious and scandalous words and practices should incur a penalty (as none could deem any other, unless it be such as are all for liberty, and nothing for Government) yet they might bear men in hand, it was for petitioning for a Presbyterian Church-Government, according to this te●or; th● Court being some what flow in censuring them, they prepare● a plot, wrapping in some few persons more with them, lay ing very gross matters to the charge of this Government in their Bill of complaint, but being suspected by the honoured Magistrates of this Government, their plot was found out, and writing publicly read unto them, for all which they had a small penalty laid upon them, hardly countervail the charge they put the country unto; but assuredly it was the Lords gracious goodness to quell their malice against his people, and indeed the proud Bishops sped no better, or not so well, especially some of them, nor have any other hitherto prospered, who have maligned these poor Churches of Christ, yet because the Gortonist painted over a far worse cause, that those honourable personages in England, who had the hearing thereof could not discern the Government, thought meet to send over this year the honoured M. Winslow to manifest and declare the naked truth of things, having full power and commission from this Government to deal for them in all matters wherein they may be concerned; and verily the chief Gortonian might have returned from England hither, to have triumphed in his blasphemies over the Churches of Christ; and all the united colonies, had not the devil showed his horns in that book he printed, wherein he takes upon him a monstrous interpretation of the words of our Lord Christ in John, Except ye eat my flesh, and drink my blond, etc. had the book been well perused before their coming over, surely they had never returned with so large a commission as they boast of, for the Parliament have punished divers persons for their blasphemies, and very like these should not have scaped scotfree.   

CHAP. IU. Of the second Synod holden at Cambridg in N. E. and the images of the Son that appeared.  
THis year the General Court of the Mattachusets Government taking into consideration the many 〈◊〉 in point of doctrine that were daily broached by some of our English Nation, although the churches of Christ, and the people under this Government were free, at least in open profession; yet to declare to all the world, and render an account of their faith and profession wherein they walk, it was thought meet, that the churches of Christ should meet together in a Synod, by their Elders and Messengers to hold forth the doctrine and discipline of Jesus Christ, according to the rule of the New Testament, with the grounds of Scripture from which they hold the same; and further to make trial of them by the said rules and none other: accordingly at the time appointed they assembled together, their disputation was plain and easy to be understood of the meanest capacity, clearing up those points that were most dubious, they having agreed on all matters, with a full concurrence of the assembly, did appoint them to be put in print, that they might be the better scanned and tried of every particular person in the several congregations or churches, many churches approving thereof for the generality, others there be that have not yet fully viewed the same, the books are extant, and show that the churches of Christ in N. E. are not ashamed to make confession of their faith to all the world, and are yet ready to receive any further light shall be made known unto them from the Word of God, and none other, nor do they receive this because a Synod hath said it, but because the Lord hath spoken it by his Spirit, and witnessed by the same Spirit to their souls that he hath so done; some sorts of persons have been much opposite to this Synod, first those that are so enured with the broad beaten path of liberty, that they fear to be confined in the strait and narrow path of truth; the second are such as have their wills wedded to some singular rare conceited opinion, for which they have been admired of many, and now they fear their gain will be gone, if this spirit be cast out; the third and last sort are more honest than the two former, and only scared with their big words, who tell them of the Popish and Prelatical Synods, what a deal of trash and cannon Laws they have brought in, and that if they will full to receiving books once, they shall have more and more thrust upon them: As also if any shall say its only to declare the doctrine and discipline the churches of N. E. hold, it's enough, quoth they, that our faith concerning these things is contained in the Bible, and this is all the account we need to give to any; but for all these scare-crows, N.E. hath through the blessing of the Lord received much peace and truth from the former Synod, we wish our countrymen and ourselves may receive the like, and much more from this, which ended not with this year.  
This year, about the later end thereof, appeared two Parelii, or Images of the Sun, and some other strange apparitions of light about her, like a Rainbow, with the heels upward, which unwonted sights have been interpreted by the provident passages since showed, among those who have had an outside of profession and name, to be singular for understanding the mind of God, who would overthrow all the Ordinances of Christ, under the name of New-light, and that there can be no restoration of Religion, till new Apostles come: This desperate opinion doth so fitly resemble these wonderful apparitions, that seemed to be another Sun, yet indeed had no light in them, but vanished away no man knew how; so these opinionists would make men believe they had found out another Sea from their fantastical revelations.   

CHAP. V. Of the great pains and care taken by those in Authority, for the compiling of Laws for this little Commonwealth.  
THis year the General Court appointed a Committee of divers persons to draw up a Body of Laws for the well-ordering of this little Commonwealth; and to the end that th●y might be most agreeable with the rule of Scripture, in every County there was appointed two Magistrates, two Ministers, and two able persons from among the people, who having provided such a competent number as was meet, together with the former that were enacted newly amended, they presented them to the General Court, where they were again perused and amended; and then another Committee chosen to bring them into form, and present them to the Court again, who the year following passed an Act of confirmation upon them, and so committed them to the Press, and in the year 1648. they were printed, and now are to be seen of all men, to the end that none may plead ignorance, and that all who intent to transport themselves hither, may know this is no place of licentious liberty, nor will this people suffer any to trample down this Vineyard of the Lord, but with diligent execution will cut off from the city of the Lord the wicked doers, and if any man can show wherein any of them derogate from the Word of God, very willingly will they accept thereof, and amend their imperfections (the Lord assisting) but let not any ill affected persons find fault with them, because they suit not with their own humour, or because they meddle with matters of Religion, for it is no wrong to any man, that a people who have spent their estates, many of them, and ventured their lives for to keep faith and a pure conscience, to use all means that the Word of God allows for maintenance and continuance of the same, especially they having taken up a desolate Wilderness to be their habitation, and not deluded any by keeping their profession in huggermug, but print and proclaim to all the way and course they intent, God willing, to walk in, if any will yet notwithstanding seek to justle them out of their own right, let them not wonder if they meet with all the opposition a people put to their greatest straits can make; as in all their undertaking, their chiefest aim hath been to promote the Ordinances of Christ, so also in contriving their Laws, Liberties, and Privileges, they have not been wanting, which hath caused many to malign their civil Government, and more especially for punishing any by a Law, that walk conrrary to the rule of the Gospel, which they profess, but to them it seems unreasonable, and savours too much of hypocrisy, that any people should pray unto the Lord for the speedy accomplishment of his Word in the overthrow of Antichrist, and in the mean time become a Patron to sinful opinions and damnable errors that oppose the truths of Christ, admit it be but in the bare permission of them.   

CHAP. VI Of the Lords wonderworking Providence, in fitting this people with all kind of Manufactures, and the bringing of them into the order of a Commonwealth.  
ON the day of Election for Governor and Magistrates, (which are new chosen every year) the honoured John Winthrope Esquire was chosen Governor, and the like honoured Thomas Dudley Esquire Deputy Governor, John Endicut Esquire was chosen Major-General, which is an Officer the Freemen make a yearly choice of, all other Military Officers stand for 〈◊〉 of life, unless any be put out for misdemeanour; the member of freemen added this year were about 85. the Land affording very good ●●on, stone, divers persons of good ●ack and quality in England, were stirred up by the provident hand of the Lord to venture their estatee upon an hon work, which they began at Braintree, and profited the owner's little, but rather wasted their stock, which caused some of them to tell away the Kmainder, the chief reason being the high price of labour, which ordinarily was as much more as in England, and in many things treble; the way of going on with such a work here, was not sudd●inly to be disterned, although the Steward had a very able eye, yet experience nath outstripped learning here, and the most quicksighted in the Theory of things, have been forced to pay pretty mundly to Lady Experience for filling their heads with a sittle of her active afterwit; much hope there is now, that the owners may pick up their crumbs again, if they be but made partakers of the gain, in putting off England commodities at N. E. price, it will take off one third of the great price they gave for labour, and the price of their iron; it is supposed another third is taken of the abundance of wood had for little, will surely take off the residue, besides land at easy rates, and common land free for their use; it were to be desired that those Gentlemen who have undertaken the work, would consider the place where their works are, namely in N. E. where the Lord Christ hath chosen to plant his Churches in, to hide his people under the covert of his wings, till the tyranny of Antichrist be over-passed, and any that have disbursed pence for the furthering of his work, shall be repaid with thousands: Besides, the Gentlemen that govern this Colony are very desirous to be helpful in what they may, and had rather take any burdens upon themselves and the Inhabitants, that in justice they ought, then that those Gentlemen should be any ways damnified: The Lord is pleased also to complete this Commonwealth abundantly beyond all expectation in all sorts of needful occupations, it being for a lo●g time the great fear of many, and those that were endued with grace from above also, that this would be no place of continued habitation, for want of a staple-commodity, but the Lord, whose promises are large to his Zion, hath blest his people's provision, and satisfied her poor with bread, in a very little space, every thing in the country proved a staple-commodity, wheat, rye, oats, peas, barley, beef, pork, fish, butter, cheese, timber, mast, tar, soap, plank-board frames of house's, clabboard, and pipestaves, iron and lead is like to be also; and those who were formerly forced to fetch most of the bread they eat, and beer they drink a hundred leagues by Sea, are through the blessing of the Lord so increased, that they have not only fed their Elder Sisters, Virginia, Barbados, and many of the Summer Islands that were preferred before her for fruitfulness, but also the Grandmother of us all, even the firtil Isle of Great Britain, beside Portugal hath had many a mouthful of bread and fish from us, in exchange of their Madeara liquor, and also Spain; nor could it be imagined, that this Wilderness should turn a mart for Merchants in so short a space, Holland, France, Spain, and Portugal coming hither for trade, shipping, going on gallantly, till the Seas became so troublesome, and England restrained our trade, forbidding it with Barbados, etc. and Portugal stopped and took our ships; many a fair ship had her framing and finishing here, besides lesser vessels, barks, and ketches, many a Master, beside commoa Seamen, had their first learning in this Colony, Boston, Charles-Town, Salem, and Ipswitch; our Maritan Towns began to increase roundly, especially Boston, the which of a poor country village, in twice seven years is become like unto a small City, and is in election to be Mayor Town suddenly, chiefly increased by trade by Sea, yet of late the Lord hath given a check to our traffic, but the reason may be rendered hereafter; nor hath this Colony alone been actors in this trade of venturing by Sea, but New-haven also, who were many of them well experienced in traffic, and had good estates to manage it, Canectiso did not linger behind, but put forth to Sea with the other; all other trades have here fallen into their ranks and places, to their great advantage; especially Cooper's and Shoemakers, who had either of them a Corporation granted, enriching themselves by their trades very much, Cooper's having their plenty of stuff at a cheap rate, and by reason of trade, with foreign parts abandance of work, as for Tanners and Shoemakers, it being naturalised into these occupations, to have a higher reach in managing their manufactures, than other men in N. E. are, having not changed their nature in this, between them both they have kept men to their slander hitherto, almost doubling the price of their commodities, according to the rate they were sold for in England, and yet the plenty of Leather is beyond what they had, their counting the number of the people, but the transportation of Boots and Shoes into foreign parts hath vented all however: as for Tailors, they vave not come behind the former, their advantage being in the nurture of new-fashions, all one with England; Carpenters, Joiner's, Glaziers, Painters, follow their trades only; Gun-smiths, Lock-smiths, Black-smiths, nailers, Cutlers, have left the husbandmen to follow the Blow and Cart, and they their trades, Weavers, Brewers, Bakers, Costermongers, Feltmakers, Braziers, Pewterers, and Finkers, Rope-makers, Masons, Lime, Brick, and Tilemakers, Cardmakers to work, and not to play, Turner's, Pumpmakers, and Wheelers, Glover's, Fellmungers, and Furriers, are orderly turned to their trades, besides divers sorts of Shopkeepers, and some who have a mystery beyond others, as have the Vintners.  
Thus hath the Lord been pleased to turn one of the most hideous, boundless, and unknown Wildernesses in the world in an instant, as 'twere (in comparison of other work) to a well-ordered Commonwealth, and all to serve his Churches, of which the Author intends to speak of three more, which came to be gathered in the compass of these years.   

CHAP. VII. Of the three last Churches that were gathered in the compass of these years, namely Haverhil, Mal●en, and another Church gathered in the Town of Boston.  
THis year 1648. John Winthrope Esquire was chosen Governor, and Thomas Dudley Esquire Deputy Governor, and John Endicut Esquire Major General, all three as they were the former year, the number of freemen added were about 94. about this time there was a Town founded about one or two mile distant from the place where the goodly river of Merrimeck receives her branches into her own body, hard upon the river of Shawshin, which is one of her three chief heads; the honoured Mr. Simon Broad street taking up his last settling there, hath been a grrat means to further the work, it being a place well fitted for the husbandman's hand, were it not that the remoteness of the place from Towns of trade, bringeth some inconveniencies upon the planteas, who are enforced to carry their corn far to market; this Town is called Andover, and hath good store of land improved for the bigness of it, they soon gathered into a Church, having the reverend Mr. Whodbridg to instruct them in the ways of Christ, till he returned to England, and since have called to office the reverend Mr. Deynes, for whose further encouragement the promises of the Lord for protecting, providing, increaseing, and continuing, even the very lest of his Churches going on, according to his precepts, are abundantly manifested in his Word.  
Thou Sister young, Christ is to thee a wall  
Of flaming fire, to hurt thee none may come  
In stipp'ry paths, and dark ways shall they fall,  
His Angel's might shall chase thei● countless sum.  
Thy Shepherd with full cups and table spread,  
Before thy foes in Wilderness thee feeds,  
Increasing thy young lambs in bosom bred,  
Of Churches by his wonderworking deeds:  
To countless number must Christ's Churches reach,  
The day's at hand, both Jew and Gentle shall  
Come crowding in his Churches, Christ to preach,  
And last for ay, none can cause them to fall.  
About this time the Town of Malden had his first foundation stones laid by certain persons, who issued out of Charles-Town, and indeed had her whole structure within the bounds of this more elder Town, being severed by the broad ipreading river of Mistick the one from the other, whose troublesome passage caused the people on the North side of the river to plead for Town-priviledges within themselves, which accordingly was granted them; the soil is very fertile, but they are much straitened in their bounds, yet their nearness to the ●hief Market Towns, makes it the more comfortable for habitation, the people gathered into a Church some distance of ●ime before they could attain to any Church-Officer to administer the Seals unto them, yet in the mean time at their Saboth assemblies they had a godly Christian named M. Sarjant, who did preach the Word unto them, and afterwards they ●ere supplied at times with some young Students from the college, till the year 16●0. one Mr. Marmaduke Mathews, ●oming out of Plymouth Patten, was for some space of time ●ith a people at the Town of Hull, which is a small Port●own peopled by fishermen, and lies at the entrance of the ●ays mouth, where this Mr. Mathews continued preaching, ●he lost the approbation of some able understanding men, ●ong both Magistrates and Ministers, by weak and unsafe ●pressions in his teaching, yet notwithstanding he was cal● to the office of a Pastor by the brethren of this Church of ●rist at Maldon, although some Neighbour-churches were satisfied therewith, for it is the manner of all the Churches Christ here hitherto, to have the approbation of their Si●-churches, and the civil Government also in the proceedings of this nature, by the which means Communion of Churches is continued, peace preserved; and the truths of Christ sincerely acknowledged, yet the Author will not miss to mind him in the following Meeter.  
MAthews! thou must build gold and silver on  
That precious stone, Christ cannot trash endure,  
Unstable straw and stubble must be gone,  
When Christ by fire doth purge his building pure.  
In seemly and in modest terms do thou  
Christ's precious truths unto thy folk unfold,  
And mix not error with the truth, lest thou  
Soon leave out sense to make the truth to hold:  
Completing of Christ's Churches is at hand,  
Mathews stand up, and blow a crrtain sound,  
Warriors are wanting Babel to withstand,  
Christ's truths maintain, 'twill bring thee honours crowned  
The last Church that completed the number of 30. was gathered at Boston, by reason of the popularity thereof, bein● too many to meet in one assembly; the North-east part of th● Town being separated from the other with a narrow strea● cut through a neck of land by industry, whereby that part i● become an Island, it was thought meet, that the people in habiting the same should gather into a Church-body, an● build a Meetinghouse for their assembly, the which they hav● already done, but not as yet called any one to office; for sin●● the people of Christ in some other places, both in Englan● and elsewhere, have through the goodness of God obtain like liberty with ourselves, the Ministers of Christ have ha● their labours taken up in other places as well as her● which hath caused this Church as yet to be destitute the beginning of this year was sad to the people of N. ●● by reason of the death of their honoured Governor's John Winthrope Esquire, whose indefatigable pains in th● Wilderness-work is not to be forgotten, nor indeed ●● it be, his Funeral was very sadly and solemnly performe● by a very great concourse of the greater part of this Colo● whose mournful looks and watery eyes did plainly demonstrate the tender affection and great esteem he was in with the people.   

CHAP. VIII. Of the death of divers personages, who were in great este 'em with the people of New-England, famous for their godliness, and ominent parts, both for Magistracy and Ministry, and of the correcting hand of the Lord upon his N. E. people.  
A His year, after the death of this godly Governor, was chosen to succeed in the place 10. Endicut Esq. and Tho. Dudley Esq. to be Deputy Governor, to the place of Major-General Edw. Gibbons; and seeing that the Lord is pleased to call this people to mourning, the Author will proceed to relate what further occasion this people have had to lament their miscarriages, that have caused the rod to be stretched out toward them, for of a truth they are no Antinomians: The next loss was the death of that famous Preacher of the Lord M. Hooker, Pastor of the Church of Christ at Hartford, and M. Philip's, Pastor of the Church of Christ at Watertown, and the holy heavenly, sweet-affecting and soul-ravishing Minister M. Tho. Shepherd, Pastor of the Church of Christ at Cambridg, whose departure was very heavily taken by all the people of Christ round about him, and now N.E. that had such heaps upon heaps of the riches of Christ's tender compassionate mercies, being turned off from his dandling knees, began to read their approaching rod in the bend of hi● brows & frowns of his former favourable countenance toward them; their plenty of all things, which should have cheered their hearts & quickened their spirits in elevating both soul and body to a thankful frame, through the work of his blessed Spirit; on the contrary, it brought a fullness on many, even to loathe the very honeycomb, insomuch that good wholesome truths would not down, yet had the Lord those that were precious unto him, who were not wanting to help one another out of this distemper, and with more warmer affections exhort one another, Come let us go up unto the house of the Lord, and he will teach us his ways: Also the Lord was pleased to awaken us with an Army of caterpillars, that had he not suddenly rebuked them, they had surely destroyed the husband man's hope, where they fell upon trees, they left them like winter-wasting cold, bare and naked; and although they fell on fields very rarely, yet in some places they made as clear a riddance, as the harvest man's hand, and uncovered the gay green Meadow ground, but indeed the Lord did by some plaits show us what he could have done with the whole, and in many places cast them into the high ways, that the Cart-wheels in their passage were painted green with running over the great swarms of them; in some fields they devoured the leaves of their pease, and left the straw with the full crop, so tender was the Lord in his correction; this minded all these Jacobites of the end of their coming over, but chiefly the husbandman, whose over eager pursuit of the fruits of the earth, made some of them many times run out so far in this Wilderness, even out of the sweet sound of the silver Trumpets blown by the laborious Ministers of Christ, forsaking the assembly of the Lords people, to celebrate their Sabbaths in the chimney-corner, horse, kine, sheep, goats, and swine, being their most endeared companions to travel with them to the end of their pilgrimage, or otherwise to gather together some of their nearest neighbours, and make a preachment one unto another, till they had learned so much, that they could away with none other teaching: As also the Lord was pleased to command the wind and Seas to give us a jog on the elbow, by sinking the very chief of our shipping in the deep, and splitting them in shivers against the shores; a very goodly Ship called the Seaforce was east away, and many N. E. people put to hard shifts for their lives, and some drowned, as the godly and dearly beloved servant of Christ, Mr. Tho, Coitmire, a very able Seaman, and also a good Scholar, one who had spent both his labour and estate for the helping on of this Wilderness-work: as also another ship set forth by the Merchants of New-haven, of which the godly Mr, Lamberton went Master, neither ship, persons, nor goods ever heard of; another ship also built and set forth by the inhabitants of Cambridg, split and cast away near the same place where the Seaforce was loft; as also another Bark mostly set forth by Dorchester men, sank in the Sea, and never heard of the manner how; with divers others which might be here inserted; this seemed the sorer affliction to these N. E people, because many godly men lost their lives, and abundantly the more remarkable, because the Lord was pleased to forbid any such things to befall his people in their passage hither; herein these people read, as in great capital letters, their sudden forgetfulness of the Lords former received mercy in his wonderful preservation, bringing over so many scores of ships, and thousands of persons, without miscarriage of any, to the wonderment of the whole world that shall hear of it, ●ut more especially were the Merchants and traders themselves sensible of the hand of the Lord out against them, who were in some of the ships, and had their lixes given them for a prey; as also Vintners, and other men of trade, whose gain is increased by Merchant's men, being so taken up with the income of a large profit, that they would willingly have had the Common wealth tolerate divers kinds of sinful opinions to entice men to come and sit down with us, that their purses might be filled with coin, the civil Government with contention, and the Churches of our Lord Christ with errors, the Lord was pleased after all this, to let in the King of Terror among his new-planted Churches.  
FOr this year 1650. Tho. Dudley Esquire was chosen Governor, and John Eudicut Esquire Deputy Governor, Major-General Edward Gibbous contained in his office still; the number of freemen added were about 55. Their year was the first noted year wherein any store of people died, the ayt and place being very healthy naturally, made this correction of the Lord seem the greater, for the most that died were children, and that of an unwonted disease here, though frequent in other places, the Lord now smiting many families with death in them, although there were not any families wherein more than one died, or very rare if it were otherwise, yet were these pilgrim people minded of the sudden forgetfulness of those worthies that died not long before, but more especially the little regard had to provide means to train their children up in the knowledge of learning, and improve such means as the Lord hath appointed to leave their posterity an able Minister; as also to stir them up to prepare for the great work of the Lord Jesus in the overthrow of Antichrist, and calling of the Jews, which in all likelihood is very suddenly to be performed; as also in stirring up all the young ones that remain, to consider for what ●nd the Lord hath spared their lives, when he cut off others by death, namely, to prosecute the work that he hath given them to do in the power of his might, with the greater zeal and courage.  
THis year the honoured and much desired servant of Christ, John Endicut Esquire was chosen to be Governor of the English, inhabiting the Colony of the Mattachusets, and the ancient honoured and long continued Champion for the truth, as it is in Jesus, Tho. Dudley Esquire was chosen Deputy Governor, by the major Vote of these wandering Jacobites, with heart and good will the honoured Major-General Edward Gibbous continued in place this year, the Government showed their desire to be assisting to the State of England, in making orders for establishing their Edict for these Western parts of the world among out N. E. people; the Lord in his infinite wisdom saw meet to continue his correcting hand among his N. E. Churches, somewhat more than ordinary in a sore disease, of which many (in comparison of what used to do) and yet not so many as ordinarily use to do in other plantations of this Western world; and whereas the former year young children died most, this year those of grown years died also, and although so small a sickness might not be taken notice of in other places, yet the rareness of it in so healthy a country as is this, cannot but speak loud in the ears of God's people, who desire to hear the rod, and who hath appointed it, and perceive plainly many of them, that the Lord will have us to know, that if his own people tread in the same steps of riot and excess in the plenty he hath given them, with the men of this world, he will lay the same sicknesses and diseases upon them; and further they perceive, according to the ordinary dispensation of his providences toward them, he hath some further great work to do with his N. E. people, that he is beginning again to a waken, rouse up, and quicken them with the rod of his power: For thus they begin to reason with themselves, when the Lord was pleased to expose them, their wives, and little ones to the troubles of a tempestuous Sea in so long a voyage, and the wants of a barren Wilderness in great penury of food, he brought forth by his mighty power, and stretched-our arm, the glorious fabric of his New. Churches; and therefore now again they look for some further extraordinary great work of his, if he shall once again be pleased to refine them in this furnace of his, and would the Lord Christ would confirm our brethren in England in like faith by our example, yea, and far beyond many degrees, as the Wonderworking providence of Zions Saviour toward them hath more abundantly exceeded, and that as this in three seven years is comprised, though very weakly in this little book, there's in one seven year would require volumes, and as this is wonderful, there is almost miraculous, and wonderful to the whole world, as if the Lord Christ did intend to make his power known more abundantly, then ever the sons of men saw Kings and Kingdoms strengthened, with affinity and consanguinity, the valiant of the world, men skilled in feats of war, as Goliath from a child, fierce and pampered horses, whose necks are covered with strong neighing, and cunning engineers, men skilful to destroy with all the terrible engines of war, together with swarms of soldiers flocking together to swallow up the poor remnant of God's people, all these hath the Lord caused to fall before your eyes, and our ears have heard the noise of this great fall; and beloved countrymen, and our dear brethren in Christ, step into the closet of your own hearts with us, and see if there will not be some things in this following verse that may suit your condition as well as ours, that having sown in tears, we may reap with joy the glorious harvest of our Lord Christ, which is hard at hand, for assuredly the Lord is tied neither to us, nor you, but may, if it please him, cast off both, and raise up new instruments for his following work, but if he be pleased to give us melting hearts for our former miscarriages, and renew us with a more zealous courage and earnest contending for the faith, it is very like he hath more glorious works by far for us yet to do.   

CHAP. IX. Of the wonderworking providences of Christ, wrought for his people among our English Nation, both in our Native country, and also in N. E. which should stir us up to mourn for all our miscarriages much the more.  

FRom silent night true Register of moans,  
From saddest soul consumed in deepest sin,  

A The consideration of the wonderful providence of Christ in planting his N. E. Churches, and with the right hand of his power preserving, protecting, favouring, and feeding them upon his tender knees: Together with the ill requital of his all-infinite and undeserved mercies bestowed upon us, bath caused many a soul to lament for the dishonour done to his Name, and sear of his casting of this little handful of his, and the insulting of the enemy, whose sorrow is set forth in these four first staffs of verses.  From heart quite rend with sighs and heavy groans,  
My wailing muse her woeful work begins,  
And to the world brings tunes of sad lament,  
Sounding nought else but sorrows sad relent.   

Sorry to see my sorrows cause augmented,  
And yet less sorrowful were my sorrows more,  

A The consideration of the wonderful providence of Christ in planting his N. E. Churches, and with the right hand of his power preserving, protecting, favouring, and feeding them upon his tender knees: Together with the ill requital of his all-infinite and undeserved mercies bestowed upon us, bath caused many a soul to lament for the dishonour done to his Name, and sear of his casting of this little handful of his, and the insulting of the enemy, whose sorrow is set forth in these four first staffs of verses.  Grief that with grief, is nor with grief prevented,  
Yet grief it is must ease my grieved sore;  
So grief and sorrow, care but how to grieve,  
For grief and sorrow must my cares relieve.   

The wound fresh bleeding must be stauched with tears,  
Tears cannot come unless some grief proceed,  

A The consideration of the wonderful providence of Christ in planting his N. E. Churches, and with the right hand of his power preserving, protecting, favouring, and feeding them upon his tender knees: Together with the ill requital of his all-infinite and undeserved mercies bestowed upon us, bath caused many a soul to lament for the dishonour done to his Name, and sear of his casting of this little handful of his, and the insulting of the enemy, whose sorrow is set forth in these four first staffs of verses.  Grief comes but slack, which doth increase my fears,  
Fear, left for want of help I still shall bleed;  
Do what I can to lengthen my life's breath,  
If Christ be wanting, I shall bleed to death.   

Thou deepest searcher of each secret thought,  
Infuse in me thy all-affecting grace,  

A The consideration of the wonderful providence of Christ in planting his N. E. Churches, and with the right hand of his power preserving, protecting, favouring, and feeding them upon his tender knees: Together with the ill requital of his all-infinite and undeserved mercies bestowed upon us, bath caused many a soul to lament for the dishonour done to his Name, and sear of his casting of this little handful of his, and the insulting of the enemy, whose sorrow is set forth in these four first staffs of verses.  So shall my work to good effect be brought,  
While I peruse my ugly sins a space,  
Whose staining filth so spotted hath my soul,  
That nought can wash, but tears of inward dole.   

How soon my soul hast thou the Lord forgot,  

B The Rod of God toward us in our Maritine affairs manifested, not only to our own shipping, but strangers; as the Mary Rose blown up in Charles River, and sunk in a moment, with about thirteen men slain therein: As also one Capt. Chadwicks Pinnace, and about four men slain therein, beside what hath been formerly said touching our own shipping.  Who thee and thine through troublous Seas hath lead,  
On earth thy parts should praise him, sudden rot,  
Why dost neglect his glorious Kingdom spread.  
Thy eyes have seen the Mountains moved with's hand,  
And sunk in Seas to make his Zion stand.   

No wonder then thy works with Eastern wind  

B The Rod of God toward us in our Maritine affairs manifested, not only to our own shipping, but strangers; as the Mary Rose blown up in Charles River, and sunk in a moment, with about thirteen men slain therein: As also one Capt. Chadwicks Pinnace, and about four men slain therein, beside what hath been formerly said touching our own shipping.  On Seas are broke, and thy best Seamen slain,  
Sith, thou thy gain, and not Christ's work dost mind,  
Lord stay thy hand, I see my works are vain.  
Our ships they shall thy Gospel forth convey,  
And not bring home strange errors here to stay.   

Instead of home-oppression, they shall now  
Thy Saints abroad relieve, by Sea them send;  
No riot shall our Merchantmen allow,  
Time in exchange walks, not in Taverns spend:  
Godly grief and good purpose comes from thee,  
Lord Christ command, and then to work go we.   

Oh thou my soul how weak thy faith become,  
With scattered seed of man and beast, thou hast  
Seen thy great God increase thy little sum,  

C Of the Lord's hand against our Land affairs, as is heretofore expressed; and also in the sudden taking away many men's estates by fire, and chiefly by a most terrible fire which happened in Charles-Town, in the depth of Winter, 1650. by a violent wind blown from one house to another, to the consuming of the fairest houses in the Town: Under the pre●ance of being unequally rated, many men murmur exceedingly, and withdraw their shoulders from the support of Government, to the great discouragement of those that govern, 1651. Pride and excess in apparel i● frequent in these days, when the Lord calls his people to humiliation and humble acknowledgement of his great deliverances; and that which is far worse, spiritual pride, to show ourselves to be somebody, often step ●ut of our ranks, and delight in new fangled doctrines.  Towns close compact in desert land hath placed:  
In Wilderness thy table richly spread,  
Thy poor therein hath satisfied with bread.   

While firtil lands with hunger have been pined,  

C Of the Lord's hand against our Land affairs, as is heretofore expressed; and also in the sudden taking away many men's estates by fire, and chiefly by a most terrible fire which happened in Charles-Town, in the depth of Winter, 1650. by a violent wind blown from one house to another, to the consuming of the fairest houses in the Town: Under the pre●ance of being unequally rated, many men murmur exceedingly, and withdraw their shoulders from the support of Government, to the great discouragement of those that govern, 1651. Pride and excess in apparel i● frequent in these days, when the Lord calls his people to humiliation and humble acknowledgement of his great deliverances; and that which is far worse, spiritual pride, to show ourselves to be somebody, often step ●ut of our ranks, and delight in new fangled doctrines.  Thy harvest hath with heaps on heaps come in;  
Oh mourn, that thou no more thy God shouldst mind,  
His gentle rod to teach thee doth begin;  
Then wonder not that swarms of Locust fly,  
And that earth's fruits for want of moisture die.   

A countless crew of Caterpillars craul,  
To rob the earth of her green mantle quite;  
Wolves only wont on lesser beasts to fall,  

C Of the Lord's hand against our Land affairs, as is heretofore expressed; and also in the sudden taking away many men's estates by fire, and chiefly by a most terrible fire which happened in Charles-Town, in the depth of Winter, 1650. by a violent wind blown from one house to another, to the consuming of the fairest houses in the Town: Under the pre●ance of being unequally rated, many men murmur exceedingly, and withdraw their shoulders from the support of Government, to the great discouragement of those that govern, 1651. Pride and excess in apparel i● frequent in these days, when the Lord calls his people to humiliation and humble acknowledgement of his great deliverances; and that which is far worse, spiritual pride, to show ourselves to be somebody, often step ●ut of our ranks, and delight in new fangled doctrines.  On great ones prey by day, and eke by night:  
Thy houses are consumed with much good store,  
By fearful fires, which blustering winds blow o'er.   

Lord stay thy hand, and stop my earthly mind,  
Thy Word, not world, shall be our sole delight,  

C Of the Lord's hand against our Land affairs, as is heretofore expressed; and also in the sudden taking away many men's estates by fire, and chiefly by a most terrible fire which happened in Charles-Town, in the depth of Winter, 1650. by a violent wind blown from one house to another, to the consuming of the fairest houses in the Town: Under the pre●ance of being unequally rated, many men murmur exceedingly, and withdraw their shoulders from the support of Government, to the great discouragement of those that govern, 1651. Pride and excess in apparel i● frequent in these days, when the Lord calls his people to humiliation and humble acknowledgement of his great deliverances; and that which is far worse, spiritual pride, to show ourselves to be somebody, often step ●ut of our ranks, and delight in new fangled doctrines.  Not Meadow ground, but Christ's rich pearl we'll find,  
Thy Saints embrace, and not large lands down plight.  
Murmur no more will we at yearly pay,  
To help uphold our Government each way;   

Not strive who least, but who the most shall give,  
Rejoice will we, our hearts enlarged are,  

C Of the Lord's hand against our Land affairs, as is heretofore expressed; and also in the sudden taking away many men's estates by fire, and chiefly by a most terrible fire which happened in Charles-Town, in the depth of Winter, 1650. by a violent wind blown from one house to another, to the consuming of the fairest houses in the Town: Under the pre●ance of being unequally rated, many men murmur exceedingly, and withdraw their shoulders from the support of Government, to the great discouragement of those that govern, 1651. Pride and excess in apparel i● frequent in these days, when the Lord calls his people to humiliation and humble acknowledgement of his great deliverances; and that which is far worse, spiritual pride, to show ourselves to be somebody, often step ●ut of our ranks, and delight in new fangled doctrines.  Those wait on th' Altar, shall on Altar live,  
Nor shall our riches their good doctrine mar;  
O●r pride of parts in thought of clear discerning,  
No longer shall disgrace their godly learning.   

Our meaner sort that metamorphosed are,  
With women's hair, in gold and garments gay,  

C Of the Lord's hand against our Land affairs, as is heretofore expressed; and also in the sudden taking away many men's estates by fire, and chiefly by a most terrible fire which happened in Charles-Town, in the depth of Winter, 1650. by a violent wind blown from one house to another, to the consuming of the fairest houses in the Town: Under the pre●ance of being unequally rated, many men murmur exceedingly, and withdraw their shoulders from the support of Government, to the great discouragement of those that govern, 1651. Pride and excess in apparel i● frequent in these days, when the Lord calls his people to humiliation and humble acknowledgement of his great deliverances; and that which is far worse, spiritual pride, to show ourselves to be somebody, often step ●ut of our ranks, and delight in new fangled doctrines.  Whose wages large our Commonwealths work mar,  
Their pride they shall with moderation lay:  
Cast off their clothes, that men may know their rank,  
Axd women that with outward deckings prank,   

The worlds embrace our longing lust for gain,  

D An over-eager desire after the world hath so seized on the spirits of many, that the chief end of our coming hither is forgotten; and notwithstanding all the powerful means used, we stand at a stay, as if the Lord had no farther work for his people to do, but every bird to feather his own nest.  No longer shall us into corners draw,  
Nor our large herds us from God's house detain  
From fellowship of Saints, who learn thy Law:  
Thy righteous Judgements Lord do make me tremble,  
Nor word, nor rod, but deep in this dissemble.   

Two Masters, Lord, we will professed serve;  
How can we Christ united be to thee,  

D An over-eager desire after the world hath so seized on the spirits of many, that the chief end of our coming hither is forgotten; and notwithstanding all the powerful means used, we stand at a stay, as if the Lord had no farther work for his people to do, but every bird to feather his own nest.  When from thy Law learned we so greatly swarve,  
With watery tears unclued we will be.  
From creature-comforts, Christ thou art our stay,  
Work will and deed in us we humbly pray.   

Oh thou, my soul, and every part in me  
Lament, the Lord his worthies from the earth  
Takes to himself, and makes our earth to be  
E A mourning place left destituke of mirth;  
Are these the days wherein that Beast shall fall,  
Lord leave us means, though thou be all in all.   

What courage was in Winthrope, it was thine;  
Shopheards sweet Sermons from thy blessing came,  

E The Lords taking away by death many of his most eminent servants from us, shows, that either the Lord will raise up another people to himself to do his work, or raise us up by his Rod to a more eager pursuit of his work, even the planting of his Churches the world throughout. The Lord converts and calls forth of their graves men to fight his battles against the enemies of his truth.  Our heavenly Hooker thy grace did refine,  
And godly Burr received from thee his frame:  
Philip's didst thou endue with Scripture light,  
And Huet had his arguings strong and right.   

Grave Higginson his heavenly truths from thee,  

E The Lords taking away by death many of his most eminent servants from us, shows, that either the Lord will raise up another people to himself to do his work, or raise us up by his Rod to a more eager pursuit of his work, even the planting of his Churches the world throughout. The Lord converts and calls forth of their graves men to fight his battles against the enemies of his truth.  Maveruck was made an able help to thine;  
What Harver had thou gavest, for's people free;  
Follow Green full of grace, to work thou didst assign:  
Godly Glover his rich gifts thou gavest,  
Thus thou by means thy flocks from spoiling savest.   

But Lord, why dost by death withdraw thy hand  
From us, these men and means are severed quite;  
Stretch forth thy might, Lord Christ do thou command,  
Their doubled spirit on those left to light:  
Forth of their graves call ten times ten again,  
That thy dear flocks no damage may sustain.   

Can I forget these means that thou hast used,  
To quicken up my drowsy drooping soul;  
Lord I forget, and have the same abused,  
Which makes me now with grief their deaths condole,  
And kiss thy rod, laid on with bowels tender,  
By death of mine, makes me their death remember.   

Lord, stay thy hand, thy jacob's number's small,  
Pour out thy wrath on Antichrists proud Thrones;  
Here thy poor flocks that on thee daily call,  
Bottle their tears, and pity their sad groans.  
Where shall we go Lord Christ? we turn to thee,  
Heal our back slidings, forward press shall we.  
Not we, but all thy Saints the world throughout  
Shall on thee wait, thy wonders to behold;  
Thou King of Saints, the Lord in battle stont  
Increase thy armies many thousand fold.  
Oh Nations all, his anger seek to stay,  
That doth create him armies every day.    

CHAP. X. Of the endeavours of this people of Christ, to enlarge his Kingdom the world throughout, and first of their preaching Christ to the Indians, among whom they live.  
THese brood of Travellers having thus through the good hand of their God upon them, thus settled these Churches, according to the institution of Christ, and not by the will of man; they now endeavour to be assisting to others: The reverend Mr. Hugh Peter, and his fellow-helper in Christ Mr. Wells steered their course for England, so soon as they heard of the chaining up of those biting beasts, who went under the name of spiritual Lords; what assistance the Gospel of Christ found there by their preaching, is since clearly manifested; for the Lord Christ having removed that usurping power of Lordly Prelates, hath now enlarged his Kingdom there, and that not only by the means of these men, but by divers others, both godly and eminent servants of his, who never saw New-England; and by divers other godly Ministers of Christ, who have since gone from hence, both young Students and others, to the number of twenty, or thereabout, in the whole; besides some who were eminent in the civil Government here, both gracious and godly servants of Christ, and some who have been Magistrates here, to the number of five or six, the Lord Christ grant they may all endeavour the advancement of his truths, both in Churches and civil Government: But before the Author cease to speak of England, he is bold to say, that the Lord Christ will overturn, overturn, overturn, till he hath caused such a Government to be set up, as shall become nursing fathers to his new-planted Churches.  
The Indian people in these parts at the English first coming, were very barbarous and uncivilized, going for the most part naked, although the country be extreme cold cold in the winter-season: they are only clothed with a Deers skin, and a little bit of cloth to cover their privy part. The Women for the most part are very modest, although they go as naked as the Men: they are generally very laborious at their planting time, and the Men extraordinary idle, making their squawes to carry their Children and the luggage beside; so that many times they travel eight or ten mile with a burden on their backs, more fitter for a horse to carry then a woman. The men follow no kind of labour but hunting, fishing and fowling, in all which they make use of their Bow and Arrows to shoot the wild creatures of the Trees, as Squirrels, grey and black Rockoones: as for Deer, they ordinarily catch them in traps, with a pole bend down, and a Cord at the end, which flies up and stays their hasty course. Bever, Otter, and Moose they catch with Traps also: they are very good marks-men, with their Bow and Arrows. Their Boys will ordinarily shoot fish with their Arrows as they swim in the shallow Rivers, they draw the Arrow half way putting the point of it into the water, they let fly and strike the fish through; the like they do to Birds lesser and great: only the Geese and Turkeys being strong of wing, sometimes flee away with their Arrows sticking in them; this is all the trade they use, which makes them destitute of many recessaries, both in meat, drink, apparel and houses.  
As for any religious observation, they were the most destitute of any people yet heard of, the Devil having them in very great subjection, not using craft to delude them, as he ordinarily doth in most parts of the World: but kept them in a continual slavish fear of him: only the Powawes, who are more conversant with him, than any other, sometimes recover their sick folk with charms, which they use, by the help of the Devil; and this makes them to adore such; one of them was seen as is reported to cure a Squaw that was dangerously sick, by taking a snakes skin and winding it about her arm the which soon became a living snake crawling round about her arms and body; another caused the sick patient for healing, to pass bare footed through many burning coals; those that cannot cure them, they call Squantams powwons: but if the patient live, he is had in great admiration, and then they cry, Much winnit Abbamocho, that is, very good Devil: for Squantam is a bad Devil, and Abbamocho is their good Devil. It hath been a thing very frequent, before the English came, for the Devil to appear unto them in a bodily shape, sometimes very ugly and terrible, and sometimes like a white boy, and chiefly in the most hideous woods and swamps: they report that sometimes he hath come into their wigwams, and carried away divers of them alive: and since we came hither, they tell us of a very terrible beast for shape and bigness, that came into a wigwam toward the North-east parts, remote from any English plantations, and took away six men at a time, who were never seen afterward. The English at their first coming did assay and endeavour to bring them to the knowledge of God: and in particular the reverend, grave, and godly Mr. John Wilson, who visited their sick, and instructed others as they were capable to understand him. But yet very little was done that way, till in process of time they by continual coming to the English, became better able to understand them; and now of late years the reverend Mr. Eliot hath been more than ordinary laborious to study their language, instructing them in their own Wigwams, and Catechising their Children. As also the reverend Mr. Mayhewe, one who was tutored up in N. Eng. and called to office by the Church of Christ, gathered at a small Island called Martin's Vineyard: this man hath taken good pains with them: but the particulars of our godly Ministers labours, together with the good hand of our God upon their endeavours, being already published, no further need be spoken. 
Aso Mr. William Leveriry Pastor of Sandwich Church, is very serious therein, and with good success.    

CHAP. XI. Of the gracious goodness of the Lord Christ, in planting his Gospel in the purety of it, in Virginia: and of the first Church gathered there according to the rule of the Gospel.  
ABout the year the Lord was pleased to put it into the hair of some godly people in Virginia, to send to N. E. for some of the Ministers of Christ, to be helpful unto them in instructing them in the truth, as it is in Jesus. The godly Mr. Philip Bennit coming hither, made our reverend Elders acquainted with their desires, who were very studious to take all opportunities for enlarging the kingdom of Christ: and upon serious consideration, the reverend Mr. Knowls of Watertowne, and Mr. Tompson of Braintree were sent unto them, who arriving there in safety, preached openly unto the people for some good space of time, and also from house to house exhorted the people daily, that with full purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord; the harvest they had was plentiful for the little space of time they were there, till being opposed by the Governor and some other malignant spirits, they were forced to return to N. E. again. It were much to be desired, that all people would take notice of the hand of God against this people, after the rejection of these Ministers of Christ: and indeed it was none other but the thrusting Christ from them; and now attend to the following story, all you Cavaliers and malignant party the world throughout, take notice of the wonderworking providence of Christ toward his Churches, and punishing hand of his toward the contemners of his Gospel. Behold ye● despisers, and wonder. Oh poor Virginia▪ dost thou send away the Ministers of Christ with threatening speeches? No sooner is this done, but the barbarous, inhuman, insolent, and bloody Indians are let loose upon them, who contrive the cutting them off by whole Families, closely carrying their wicked counsels till they had effected their desires, their bloody design taking place for the space of 200 miles up the River: the manner of the English Plantations there being very scattering quite contrary to N. E. people, who for the most part desire society. The manner of the Indians proceeding was thus, they divided themselves into several companies, and beset the English houses a little before break of day, waiting for the first person that should open the door and come forth, whom they cruelly murdered, beating out their brains, and then forthwith entered the house and slew all they found within, sometimes firing the houses, and leaving the living children miserably to be consumed with their dead Parents in the fearful flames; some people fleeing from this barbarous massacre, as they passed by a fired house heard a pitiful outcry of a poor Child, crying, I burn, I burn: although they could willingly have made haste away, yet the miserable outcry of this poor babe, caused them to haft to the house, and rescue it forth the flames, that was even almost ready to scorch it: this cruel and bloody work of theirs put period to the lives of five or six hundred of these people, who had not long before a plentiful proffer of the mercies of Christ in the glad tidings of peace published by the mouth of his Ministers, who came unto them for that end: but choosing rather the fellowship of their drunken companions, and a Priest of their own profession, who could hardly continue so long sober as till he could read them the relics of man's invention in a common prayer book; but assuredly had not the Lord pitied the little number of his people among this crooked generation, they had been consumed at once for this is further remarkable in this massacre, when it came toward the place where Christ had placed his little flock, it was discovered & prevented from further proceeding, and the Lord by this means did so allay their spirits of malignity toward his people, they gathered in a Church in presence of the very governor himself, and called to office one Mr. Harrison, who could not long continue among them, by reason of their fresh renewed malignity, who had formerly an evil eye toward them, and could no better refrain from oppressing them, than Pharaoh after he had rest from the plagues under which he was. After the departure of Mr. Harrison, one Mr. Duren became an help unto them; but he and his people also were forced to remove many hundred miles up into the country, where they now remain; but assuredly the Lord hath more scourges in store, for such as force the people to such sufferings: and therefore let this Church of Christ continue in the way of his truth according to the rules of his Gospel, and without doubt the Lord will preserve and continue them, let the adversaries of his Truth be never so potent. As also about this time, the Lord was pleased to gather a people together in the Isle of Bermoodas, whose hearts being guided by the rule of the word, they gathered into a Church of Christ according to the rules of the Gospel, being 
Mr. Nathaneel White, Mr. Patrick, Copeland, Mr. William Golding.  provided with able persons, endued with gifts from the Lord to administer unto them the holy things of God; and after they began to be opposed, their reverend elder Mr. Goulding came into these parts, and from hence he went to England: but this little flock of Christ not long after being banished from thence, went to one of the Southern Islands, where they endured much hardship; and which the Churches of Christ in these parts understanding, about six or eight of them contributing toward their want, gathered about 800 l. to supply their necessity: the which they shipped in a small vessel hired for that end and sent by the hands of two brethren both corn and other necessaries: they arriving in safety by the blessing of God upon their labours, were well welcomed by their brethren, who abundantly blessed the Lord for them, and with godly and gracious expression returned a thankful acknowledgement of the present good hand of the Lord Christ, in providing for them: so that as this book began with the wonderworking providence of Zions Saviour, in providing so wonderful graciously for his Churches the World throughout; so it here endeth with the same; and it were to be desired, that the Churches of Christ in Europe would gather up the wonderful providences of the Lord toward them also, and more especially those in our native Country: for assuredly it would make much for the magnifying of his glorious works in this day of his power: and although the malignant and antichristian party may say, they can show the like wonders (as Jannes and Jambres that withstood Moses) yet were the work of Christ for his poor Churches, within these few years, gathered together by some able instrument whom the Lord might be pleased to stir up for that end, and laid open the view of all, they would be forced to confess, this is the very finger of God, and no doubt but they would be a great strengthening to the faith of those, who are appointed of the Lord for the overthrow of Antichrist (the Lord helping) for assuredly the time of his having mercy upon Zion is come.   

CHAP. XII. Of the time of the fall of Antichrist, and the increase of the Gentile Churches, even to the prevoking of the twelve Tribes to submit to the kingdom of Christ.  
IT hath been the longing expectation of many, to see that notable and wonderful work of the Lord Christ, in casting down that man of sin who hath held the whole world (of those that profess any Christ) under his Lordly power, while the true professors of Christ have hardly had any appearance to the eye of the world; first, take notice the Lord hath an assured se● time for the accomplishment of this work, which is set down in his word, although more darkly to be under stood; wherefore the reverend Ministers of Christ, for these many years have studied 
Rev. 17.14.  and laboured for the finding it out, and that holy man of God Mr. John Cotton, among many other, hath diligently searched for the Lords mind herein, and hath declared some sudden blow to be given to this bloodthirsty monster: but the Lord Christ hath unseparably joined the time, means, and manner of this work together, and therefore all men that expect the day, must attend the means: for such hath been and is the absurdity of many, that they make semblance of a very zealous affection to see the glorious work of our Lord Christ herein, and yet themselves uphold, or at least side with those that uphold some part of Antichrists kingdom: and therefore the lordly Prelacy may pray for his fall till their lungs are spent, and their throats grow dry. But while they have a seeming show (and hardly that) to oppose his doctrines, they themselves in the mean time, make use of his power to advance themselves to honour: a● also in these days there are divers desperate, blasphemous, and erroneous persons, whose consciences and their own self-will are unseparable companions; these are very hot in their own apprehensions to prosecute the work; but in the mean time, they not only batter down the truths of Christ, and his own Ordinances and Institutions, but also set up that part of Antichrists kingdom, which hath formerly had a great blow already, even his deceivable and damnable doctrines: for as one badge of the beast is to be full of blasphemies, so are they, and these take unto themselves seven spirits worse than the former, making the latter and worse than the beginning, as this story may testify: and some stories in our native country much more. But to come to the time of Antichrists fall, and all that expect it may depend upon the certainty of it: yea it may be boldly said that the time is come, and all may see the dawning of the day: you that long so much for it, come forth and fight: who can expect a victory without a battle? the lordly Prelates that boasted so much of these great achievements in this work, are fled into holes and corners: Familists, Seekers, Antinomians and Anabaptists, they are so ill armed, that they think it best sleeping in a whole skin, fearing that if the day of battle once go on, they shall fall among Antichrists Armies: and therefore cry out like cowards, If you will let me alone, and I will let you alone: but assuredly the Lord Christ hath said, He that is not with us, is against us: there is no room in his Army for toleratorists. But some will say▪ We will never believe the day i● come till our eyes behold Babylon begirt with Soldiers. I pray be not too hasty; hath not the Lord said, Come out of her my people? etc. surely there is a little space left for this, and now is the time, seeing the Lord hath set up his standard of resort: now, Come forth of her, and he not partakers of her sins: now is the time, when the Lord hath assembled his Saints together; now the Lord will come and not tarry. As it was necessary that there should be a Moses and Aaron, before the Lord would deliver his people and destroy Pharaoh lest they should be wildred indeed in the Wilderness; so now it was needful, that the Churches of Christ should first obtain their purity, and the civil government its power to defend them, before Antichrist come to his final ruin: and because you shall be sure the day is come indeed, behold the Lord Christ marshalling of his invincible Army to the battle: some suppose this only to be mystical, and not literal at all: assuredly the spiritual fight is chiefly to be attended, and the other not neglected, having a near dependency one upon the other, especially at this time; the Ministers of Christ who have cast off all lording power over one another, are created field-Officers, whose Office is 
* Yea every Officer hath his own proper Regiment.  extravagant in this Army, chiefly to encourage the fight Soldiers, and to lead them on upon the enemy in the most advantageous places, and bring on fresh supplies in all places of danger, to put the sword of the spirit in their Soldier's hands: but Christ (who is their general) must only enable them to use it aright: to give every Soldier in charge that they watch over one another, to see that none meddle with the execrable things of Antichrist, and this to be performed in every Regiment throughout the Army: and not one to exercise dominion over the other by way of superiority: for Christ hath appointed a parity in all his Regiments, etc. let them beware that none go apart with rebellious Korah. And further, behold, Kings, Rulers, or Generals of Earth's Armies, doth Christ make use of in this day of battle, the which he hath brought into the field already also; who are appointed to defend, uphold, and maintain the whole body of his Armies against the insolent, beastly, and bloody cruelty of their insatiable enemies, and to keep order that none do his fellow-soldier any wrong, nor that any should raise a mutiny in the hosts. Notwithstanding all this, if any shall say, they will not believe the day is come till they see them engage battle with Antichrist; Verily, if the Lord be pleased to open your eyes, you may see the beginning of the fight, and what success the Armies of our Lord Christ have hitherto had: the Forlorn hopes of Antichrists Army, were the proud Prelates of England: the Forlorn of Christ's Armies, were these N. E. people who are the subject of this History, which encountering each other for some space of time, ours being overpowered with multitude, were forced to retreat to a place of greater safety, where they waited for a fresh opportunity to engage with the main battle of Antichrist, so soon as the Lord shall be pleased to give a word of Command. Immediately upon this success, the Lord Christ was pleased to command the right Wing of his Army, to advance against the left Wing of Antichrist: where in his former forlorn hopes of proud Prelates lay: these by our right Wing had their first pay (for that they had done to our forlorn before) being quite overthrown and cut in pieces by the valiant of the Lord in our right Wing, who still remain fight. Thus far of the battle of Antichrist, and the various success; what the issue will be, is assuredly known in the general already. Babylon is fallen, the God of truth hath said it; then who would not be a Soldier on Christ's side, where is such a certainty of victory? nay I can tell you a farther word of encouragement, every truehearted Soldier that falls by the sword in this fight, shall not lie dead long, but stand upon his feet again, and be made partaker of the triumph of this Victory: and none can be overcome, but by turning his back in fight. And for a word of terror to the enemy, let them know, Christ will never give over the raising of fresh Forces, till they are overthrown root and branch. And now you ancient people of Israel look out of your Prison grates, let these Armies of the Lord Christ Jesus provoke you to acknowledge he is certainly come, I and speedily he doth come to put life into your dry bones: here is a people not only praying but fight for you, that the great block may be removed out of the way, (which hath hindered hitherto) that they with you may enjoy that glorious resurrection-day, the glorious nuptials of the Lamb: when not only the Bridegroom shall appear to his Churches both of Jews and Gentiles, (which are his spouse) in a more brighter array than ever heretofore, but also his Bride shall be clothed by him in the richest garments that ever the Sons of men put on, even the glorious graces of Christ Jesus, in such a glorious splendour to the eyes of man, that they shall see and glorify the Father of both Bridegroom and Bride.  

OH King of Saints, how great's thy work say we,  
Done and to do, poor Captives to redeem!  
Mountains of mercy makes this work to be  
Glorious, that grace by which thy works are seen.  
Oh Jesus, thou a Saviour unto thine,  
Not works but grace makes us this mercy find.   

Of sinners chief, no better men they be,  
Thou by thy work hast made thy work to do:  
Thy Captain's strength weak dust appears in thee,  
While thou art brought such wondrous works unto.  
Then Christ doth all, I all is done for his  
Redeemed ones his only work it is.   

Doth Christ build Churches? who can them deface?  
He purchased them none can his right deny:  
Not all the world, ten thousand worlds, his grace  
Caused him once them at greater price to buy.  
Nor marvel then if Kings and Kingdoms he  
Destroyed, when they do cause his folk to flee.   

Christ is come down possession for to take  
Of his dear purchase; who can hinder him?  
Not all the Armies earthly men can make:  
Millions of spirits, although Devils grim:  
Can Pope or Turk with all their mortal power,  
Stay Christ from his inheritance one hour?   

All Nations band yourselves together now,  
You shall fall down as dust from bellows blown:  
How easy can our King your power bow?  
Though higher you in men's account were grown.  
As drop in bucket shall those waters be,  
Whereon that Whore doth sit in high degree.   

Christ's wrath is kindled, who can stand before  
His anger, that so long hath been provoked?  
In moment perish shall all him before,  
Who touched Mount Sinai, and it sound smoked.  
New-England Churches you are Christ's you say,  
So sure are all that walk in Christ's way.   

No such need fear fury of men or Devils,  
Why Christ among you takes his daily walk:  
He made you gold, you keeps from rusting evils,  
And hid you here from strife of tongues proud talk.  
Amongst his he for their defence doth bide,  
They need no more that have Christ on their side.   

Man be not proud of this thy exaltation:  
For thou wast dung and dog's filth, when Christ wrought  
In thee his work, and set thee in this station  
To stand, from him thy strength is daily brought,  
Yet in him thou shalt go triumphant on:  
Not thou but Christ triumphs his foes upon.   

You people whom he by the hand did lead  
〈…〉 Seas with watery wall:  
Apply yourselves his Scriptures for to read:  
In reading do for eyes enlightened call,  
And you shall see Christ once being come is now  
Again at hand your stubborn hearts to bow.   

Though scattered you, Earth's Kingdoms are throughout,  
In bondage brought, chief by those make some show  
Of Jewish rights, they Christ with you cast out:  
Christ well their Cords for you in sunder hew.  
Through unbelief you were to bondage brought:  
Believe that Christ for you great work hath wrought.   

He will your heart not member circumcise:  
Oh search and see, this is your Jesus sure,  
Refuse him not, would God you were so wise:  
None but this King can aught your hope procure.  
Once doting on an Earthly Kingdom you  
Mist of your Christ; be sure be wiser now.   

The day's at hand he will you wiser make  
To know Earth's Kingdoms are too scant and base  
For such a price, as Christ paid for your sake:  
Kings you shall be, but in a higher place;  
Yet for your freedom Nations great shall fall,  
That without fear of foes, him serve you shall.   

You are the men that Christ will cause subdue  
Those Turkish Troops, that joined Jews have been:  
His Gentile Churches cast down Babel's crew:  
Then you that brood of Mahumetts shall win,  
Destroy his seed 'mongst Persians, Turks and Moors,  
And for poor Christians open the Prison doors.   

Your Nation proved too scant for his possession,  
Whose precious blood was made a price for sin:  
And Nations all who were in like transgression;  
Some of the whole Christ to his Crown will win,  
And now makes way for this his work indeed,  
That through the world his Kingdom may proceed.   

Now Nations all I pray you look about,  
Christ comes you near, his power I pray embrace:  
In's word him seek; he's found without all doubt:  
He doth beseech with tears, Oh seek his face:  
Yet time there is, the battle's but begun;  
Christ call thy folk that they to thee may run.   

Place them in thy strong Armies newly gathered,  
Thy Church's Lord increase and fill withal:  
Those blessed ones are given thee by thy Father,  
The wickeds Rod off from their backs recall.  
Break off their yokes, that they with freedom may  
Tell of thy works, and praise thee every day.   

Lord Christ go on with thy great wonders working  
Down headlong cast all Antichristian power:  
Unmask those men that lie in corners lurking,  
Whose damned doctrines daily s●ates advance.  
For why, thy Folk for this are daily longing,  
That Nations may come in thy Churches thronging.   

What greater joy can come thy Saints among,  
Then to behold their Christ exalted high?  
Thy Spirits joy with ravishment stirs strong  
Thy Folk, while they thy Kingdom's glory eye.  
Angels rejoice because their waiting is  
In Saint's assembly, where thy name they bliss.   

Thy works are not in Israel's Land confined,  
From East to West thy wondrous works are known:  
To Nations all thou hast thy grace assigned,  
Thy spirits breathe through the World are blown.  
All Languages and tongues do tell thy praise,  
Dead hear thy voice, them thou dost living raise.   

Oh blessed days of Son of Man now seen,  
You that have longed so sore them to behold,  
March forth in's might, and stoutly stand between  
The mighties sword, and Christ's dear flock enfold.  
Undaunted close and clash with them; for why?  
'Gainst Christ they are, and he with thee stands by.   

No Captive thou, nor Death can on thee seize,  
Fight, stand, and live in Christ thou daily dost  
He long ago did lead as Captives these,  
And ever lives to save thee where thou goest  
His Father still, and Spirit shall with thee  
Abide, and crown thy Head with lasting glee.   
For thy words sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all these great things, to make thy servant know them, 2 Sam. 7. 21.   
FINIS.   

Courteous Reader, These Books following are Printed for Nathaniel Brooke, and are to be sold at his Shop at the Angel in Cornhill.  
1. Time's Treasury, or Academy for Gentry; excellent grounds both Divine and humane for their accomplishment in arguments of discourse, habit, fashion; with a Lady's love-Lecture, and Truth's triumph, summing up all in a character of Honour, by Ri. Braithwait Esq  
2. Morton of the Sacrament, in folio.  
3. Physiogmony, and Chiromancy, Metoposcopy, the symmetrical proportions, and signal Moles of the body, the subject of Dreams, to which is added the Art of Memory, by Ri. Sanders Student: folio.  
4. Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum, containing several poetical pieces of our famous English Philosophers, which have written the Hermetique mysteries in their ancient Language, by Elias Ashmole Esq  
5. Chiromancy, or the Art of Divining by the lines engraven in the hand of man by dame Nature, Theologically practically, in 19 Genitures; with a learned discourse of the soul of the World, and universal spirit thereof, by Geo. Wharton Esq  
6. Catholic History collected and gathered out of Scripture, Counsels and ancient Fathers, Modern writers, both ecclesiastical and civil, in answer to Dr. Vane's Lost Sheep returned home, by Ed. Chiseuhall Esq  
7. Planometria, or the whole Art of Survey of Land showing the use of all Instruments, but especially the plain Table; whereunto is added an Appendix to measure regular Solids, as Timber, Stone; useful for all that intent either to sell or purchase.  
8. An Arithmetic in number and species, in two Books: 1. Teaching by precept and example the operation in Numbers, whole and broken by Decimals, and use of the Logarithms, Napyers bones. 2. The great Rule of Algebra in Species, resolving all Arithmetical questions by supposition, with a Canon, of the powers of numbers, fitted to the meanest capacity, by Ionas Moor late of Durham. 8.  
9 Tactometrica, or the Geometry of Regulars after a new, exact, and expeditious manner in Solids, with sundry useful experiments: Practical Geometry of Regular-like Solids, and of a Cylinder body, for liquid vessel measure, with sundry new experiments never before extant, for gauging; a work very useful for all that are employed in the Art Metrical, by John Wiberd, Doctor in Physic.  
10. An Astrological discourse, with Mathematical Demonstrations, proving the powerful and harmonical influence of the Planets and fixed Stars upon Elementary Bodies, in justification of the Validity of Astroligy, by Sir Christopher Heydon, Knight.  
11. Magic and Astrology vindicated, in which is contained the true definitions of the said Arts, and the justification of their practice, proved by the authority of Scripture, and the experience of ancient and modern Authors, by H. Warren.  
12. An Astrological judgement of Diseases from the Decumbiture of the ficke: also the way of finding out the cause, change and end of a disease: also whether the sick be likely to live or die, by N. Culpeper.  
13. Catastrophe Magnatum, or the downfall of Monarchy, by N. Culpeper.  
14. Ephemerideses for the year 1652. being a year of wonders, by N. Culpeper.  
15. Lux veritatis, or Christian Judicial Astrology vindicated, and Daemonology confuted; in answer to Nath. Holmes, Dr. D. by W. Ramsey, Gent.  
16. The History of the Golden Ass.  
17. The Painting of the Ancients, the beginning, progress, and consummating of that noble Art; and how those ancient Artificers attained to their still so much admired excellency.  
sraels' redemption, or the prophetical History of our Saviour's Kingdom on earth, by Robert Matton, of Exon Colledgo in Olcon. 8.  
18. An Introduction to the Teutonick Philosophy, being a determination of the Original of the Soul, at a Dispute held in the School at Cambridg at the Commencement March 3. 1646. by Charles Hotham, Fellow of Peter-house. 12.  
19 Teratologia or a discovery of God's wonders, manifested in the former and modern times by bloody rain and waters, by I.S.  
20. Foos Lachry marum, or a fountain of Tears, from whence doth flow England's complaint, Jeremiahs' Lamentations, with an Elegy upon that Son of Valour Sir Charles Lucas, by John Quarles. 8.  
21. Oedipus, or a resolver, being a Clew that leads to the chief Secrets, and true resolution of amorous, natural, moral and political Problems by G. M.  
22. The celestial Lamp, enlightening every distressed soul from the depth of everlasting Darkness to the height of eternal Light, by Tho. Fettisplace.  
23. Nocturnal Lucubrations, or Meditations divine and moral, with Epigrams and Epitaphs, by Robert Chamberlain.  
24. The unfortunate Mother, a Tragedy, by Tho. Nabs.  
25. The Rebellion, a Comedy, by T. R.  
26. The Tragedy of Messalina by Nat. Richard's. 8.  
27. The remedy of Discontentment, or a Treatise of contentation in whatsoever condition, fit for these sad and troublesome times, by Joseph Hall late B. of Exon and Norwich. 12.  
18. The Grand Sacrilege of the Church of Rome, in taking away the sacred Cup from the Laity at the Lords Table, by the late reverend, Daniel Featly D. D. 4.  
29. The cause and cure of Ignorance, Error Enmity Atheism and Profaneness, or a most hopeful way to Grace and Salvation, by R. Young. 8.  
30. A bridle for the Times, tending to still the Murmuring, to settle the Wavering to stay the Wand'ring to strengthen the Fainting, by John Brinsley Minister of God's Word at Yarmouth.  
31. Comforts against the fear of Death, wherein are several evidences of the work of Grace by John Collins of Norwich.  
32. jacob's seed, or the excellency of seeking God by prayer, by Jeremiah Burroughs, Minister of the Gospel to the two greatest Congregations about London, Stepney and Cripplegate.  
33. The Zealous Magistrate, a Sermon, by Tho Threscot.  
34. Britannia Rediviva, or a Sovereign Remedy to cure a sick Commonwealth, preached in the Minster at York before the Judges, August 9 1649. by J. Shaw Minister of Hull.  
35. The Princess Royal, preached in the Minster in York before the Judges, March 24. 1650. by John Shaw Minister of Hull.  
36. Anatomy of Mortality, divided into eight Heads. 1. The Certainty of Death. 2. Meditations of Death. 3. Preparations for Death. 4. The right behaviour in Death. 5. The Comfort in our own Death. 6. The comfort against the Death of Friends. 7. The Cases wherein it's lawful or unlawful to desire Death. 8. The glorious Estate of God's Children after Death, by George Strand.  
37. New Jerusalem, in a Sermon for the Society of Astrologers, August 1651.  
38. Mirror of Compliments fitted for Ladies, Gentlewomen, Scholars and Strangers, with forms of speaking, and writing of Letters most in fashion, with witty Poems: and a Table expounding hard English words.  
39 Cabinet of Jewels, discovering the nature, virtue value of precious Stones: with infallible Rules to escape the deceit of all such as are adulterate or counterfeit by Tho. nichols.  
40. Quakers Cause at second hearing being a full answer to their Tenets.  
41. Divinity no Enemy to Astrology, a sermon intended for the Society of Astrologers for the year 1653. by Dr. Tho. Swadlin.  
42. Historical Relation of the first planting of the English in New England in the year 1628. to the year 1653. and all the material passages happening there. Exactly performed.