WILLIAM L. CLEMENTS LIBRARY OF AMERICAN HISTORY UNIVERSITYOf MICHIGAN The Clements Library Associates GOS 9. COT A TRUE HISTORY Caprivity & Reſtoration OF THE OF. Mrs. MARY ROWLANDSON, A Miniſter's Wife in New England, Wherein is ſet forth, the Cruel and Inhumane Uſage ſhe underwent amongſt the Heathens, for Eleven Weeks time And her Deliverance from them. Willian Sankridge Written by her own Hand, for her Private oſe : And now made Publick at the earneſt Deſire of ſome Friends, for the Benefit of the Afflicted. Whereunto is annexed, A Sermon of the Poſſibility of God's Forſaking a Peo- ple that have been near and dear to him. Preached by Mr.Joſeph Rowlandfon, Husband to the ſaid Mrs.Rowlandſon: It being his Laft Sermon. Printed firſt at Nepo-England And Re-printed at London, and fold by Joſeph Poole, at the Blue Bowl in the Long-Walk, by Chrifts- Church Hoſpital. 1682. CO Gå ofre so wa 0 MO16 C099 The PREFACE to the READER. I I was on Tueſday Feb. 1. 1675. in the afternoon, when the Narrhaganfots Quarters (in or toward the Nipmug Country, whither they were now re- tired for fear of the Englih Army lying in their own Country) were the le- cond time beaten up by the Forces of the United Colonies; who thereupon foon betook themſelves to flight, and were all the next day purſued by the Engliſh, ſome overtaken and deſtroyed. But on Thurſday Feb. 3. the Engliſh having nom been ſix days on their March, from their Head-quarters at Wickford, in the Nar- rhaganſet Country, toward, and after the Enemy, and Proviſion grown exceeding Short; inſomuch that they were fain to kill fome Horſes for the ſupply,, eſpecially of their Indian Friends, they were neceſſitated to conſider what was beſt to be done ; and about noon (having hitherto followed the Chaſe as hard as they might ) a Council was called, and though ſome few were of another mind, yet it was concluded by far the greater part of the Council of War, that the Army ſhould deſiſt the purſuit, and retire: The Forces of Plimouth and the Bay to the next Town of the Bay, and Con- necticut Forces to their own next Towns: which determination was immediately put in execution. The conſequent whereof, as it was not difficult to be foreſeen by thoſe that knew the cauſeſs enmity of theſe Barbarians againſt the Engliſh, and the ma- licious and revengeful fpirit of theſe Heathen; ſo it ſoon proved diſmal . The Narrhaganſets were nord driven quite from their own Country, and all their Proviſions there hoarded up, to which they durft not at preſent return, and being ſonu- merous as they were ſoon devoured thoſe to whom they went, whereby both the one and the other were now reduced to extream ſtraits, and ſo neceſſitated to take the firſt and beſt opportunity for ſupply, and very glad no doubt of ſuch an opportunity as this, to pro- vide, for themſelves, and make spoile of the Engliſh at once ; and ſeeing themſelves thus diſcharged of their purſuers, and a little refreſhed after their flight, the very next week on Thurſday Feb. 10. they fell with mighty force and fury upon Lanca- fter: which ſmall Town, remote from aid of others, and not being Garriſon'd as it might, the Army being nom come in and as the time indeed required (the deſign of the Indians againft that place being known to the Engliſh ſome time before) was not able to more effecevai eſiſtance ; but notwithſtanding the utmoſt endeavour of the Inhabitants, moſt of the buildings were turned into aſhes; many People (Men Women and Children ſain, and others captivated. The moft ſolemn and remarkable part of this Tragedy, may that juſtly be reputed, which fell upon the Family of that Reverend Servant of God, Mr. Joſeph Rowlandfon, the faithful Paſtor of the Church of Chriſt in that place, who being gon down to the Council of the Maſſachuſets, to ſeek aid for the de- fence of the place, at his return found the Town in flames or ſmoke his own houſe being ſet on fire by the Enemy, through the diſadvantage of a defective Fortification) and all in it conſumed: His precious yoke-fellow,and dear Children, wounded and captiva- ted ( as the iſſue evidenced and following Narrative declares ) by theſe cruel and burica rous Salvages, A ſad Cataſtrophe ! Thus all things come alike to all: None k20m s either The Preface to the Reader. love or hatred by all that is before him. 'Tis no new thing for Gods precious ones to drink as deep as others, of the Cup of common Calamity: take juſt Lot (yet capti- vated ) for inſtance, beſide others . But it is not my buſineſs to dilate on theſe things, but only in few words introduttively to preface to the following fcript, which is a Narrative of the wonderfully awful , wife, holy, powerful, and gracious providence of God, toward that worthy and precious Gentlewoman, the dear Confort of the ſaid Reverend Mr. Rowlandſon, and her Children with her as in caſting of her into fách a waterleſs pit, ſo in preſerving, Supporting, and carrying through ſo many ſuch extream hazards, unſpeakable difficulties and diſconfolateneſs, and at laſt delivering her out of them all and her ſurviving Children alſo. It was a ſtrange and amazing dispenſation, that the Lord ſhould ſo affli&t his precions Servant, and #and-maid: It was as ſtrange, if not more, that he should ſo bear up the spirits of his Servant under ſuch bereave- ments, and of his Hand-maid under fach Captivity, travels, and hardſhips ( mucha 100 hard for fleſh and blood ) as he didy and at length deliver and reſtore. But he was their Saviour, who hath ſaid, When thou paſſelt through the Waters, I will be with thee, and through the Rivers, they ſhall not overflow thee : when thou walkeſt through the Fire, thou ſhalt not be burnt, nor ſhall the fame kindle upon thee, Ifai. 43. Ver. 3. and again, He woundeth, and his hands make whole, He ſhall deliver thee in ſix troubles, yea in ſeven there ſhall no evil touch thee: In Famine he ſhall redeem thee from death and in War from the power of the fword, Fob.5. 18, 19, 20. Methinks this di- ſpenſation doth bear ſome reſemblance to thoſe of Joſeph, David and Daniel, yea and of the three Children too, the ſtories whereof do repreſent us with the excellent textures of divine providence, curious pieces of divine work: And truly ſo doth this, and therefore not to be forgotten, but worthy to be exhibited to, and view. ed, and pondered by all, that diſdain not to conſider the operation of his hands. The works of the Lord (not only of Creation, but of Providence alfo, eſpecially thoſe that do more peculiarly concern his dear ones, that are as the apple of his as the fignet upon his hand, the delight of his eyes, and the object of his tenderesi sare) are great, fought out of all thoſe that have pleaſure therein. And of theſe, ve- zily this is none of the leaſt. This Narrative was Benned by this Gentlewoman her ſelf, to be to her a Memora dum of Gods dealing with her, that ſhe might never forget, but remember the same and the ſeveral circumſtances thereof, all the daies of her life. A pious ſcope, which deſerves both commendation and imitation. Some Friends having obtained a fight of ity could not but be ſo much 'affected with the many paſſages of porking providence diſcovered therein, as to judge it worthy of publick view, and altogether unmeet that ſuch works of God should be bid from preſent and future Generation : and therefore though this Gentlewomans modeſty would not thruſt it into the Preſ, yer ber gratitude vento God, made her not hardly perſwadable to let it paß, that God might have bis due glory, and others benefit by it as well as her felfe. I hope by this time none will caſt any reflection upon this Gentlewoman, on the ſcore Delincuenca eyes ANE 14. Should doubtleſ: thous The Preface to the Reader. may be reckoned with the nine Lepers, of whom it is ſaid, Were there not ten cleanſed,where are the nine ? but one returning to give God thanks. Let ſuch fur- ther know, that this was a diſpenſation of publick note, and of Univerſal concern- ment; and fo much the more by how much the nearer this Gentlewoman stood related to that faithful Servant of God whoſe capacity and employment was publick in the Houſe of God, and his Name on that account of a very ſweet faviour in the Churches of Chriſt. Who is there of a true Chriſtian spirit, that did not look upon himſelf much concerned in this bereavement, this Captivity in the time thereof, and in this delive- Tance when it came, yea more than in many others ? and how many are there to wbom, fo concerned, it will dombtleß be a very acceptable thing, to ſee the way of God with this Gentlewoman in the aforeſaid difpenfation, thus laid out and pourtray- ed before their eyes. To conclude, Whatever any coy phant afies may deem, yet it highly concerns thoſe that bave ſo deeply taſted how good the Lord is, to enquire with David, What Thall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me? Pfal. 116. 12. He thinks nothing too great: "yea, being ſenſible of his own diſproportion to the due praiſes of God, he calls in help; O magnifie the Lord with me, let us exalt his Name together, Pfal. 34. 3. And it is but reafon, that over praiſes fhould hold pro- portion with our prayers, and that as many have helped together by prayer for the obtaining of this mercy, so praiſes ſhould be returned by many on this běhalf ; and forafmuch as not the general but particular knowledge of things makes deepeſt im- preſſion upon the affections, this Narrative particularizing the ſeveral pasſages of this providence, will not a little conduce thereunto: and therefore holy David, in or- der to the attainment of that end, accounts himſelf concerned to declare what Goa had done for his Soul, Pſal. 66. 16. Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what God hath done for my Soul, i. e. for his Life : See Ver. 9, 10. He holdeth our foul in life, and ſuffers not our feet to be mo- ved; for thou our God haſt proved us: thou haſt tried us, as ſilver is tri- ed. Life-mercies are heart-affecting-mercies ; of great impreſſion and force, to en- large pious hearts in the praiſes of God, ſo that ſuch know not bow but to talk of Gods alts, and to speak of and publiſh his wonderful werks. Deep troubles, wher the waters come in unto the Soul, are wont to produce vows : Vows muſt be paid, ki is better not vow, than to vow and not pay. I may ſay, that as none knows what it is to fight and purfue ſuch an enemy as this, but they that have fought and purſued them: Jo none can imagine, what it is to be captivated, and enſlaved ti fuch Atheiſtical, proud, wild, cruel, barbarous, brutiſh, (in one word) diabolica Creatures as theſe, the worſt of the heathen ; nor what difficulties, hardſhips, ha zards, ſorrows, anxieties, and perplexities, do unavoidably wait upon ſuch a con. dition, but thoſe that have tried it. No ſerious spirit then (especially knowing ang thing of this Gentlewomans Piety) can imagine but that the vows of God are upon ber. Excufe her then if she come thus sinto the publick, to pay. thoſe Vops. Com and hear what ſhe hath to ſay, The Preface to the Reader. I am confident that no Friend of divine Providence, will ever repent his time and pains ſpent in reading over theſe ſheets; but will judge them morth peruſing again and again. Here Reader, you may ſee an inſtance of the Soveraignty of God, who doth what be will with his own as well as others; and who may ſay to him, what doft thou? here you may ſee an inſtance of the Faith and Patience of the Saints, under the moſt heart-finking Tryals : bere you may ſee, the Promiſes are breaſts full of Conſolation, when all the World beſides is empty, and gives nothing but ſorrow. That God is in- deed the ſupream Lord of the World: ruling the moſt unruly, weakening the moſt cruel and ſalvage : granting his People mercy in the fight of the moſt unmerciful : curbing the lufts of the moſt filthy, holding the hands of the violent, delivering the prey from the mighty, and gathering together the out-caſts of Iſrael . Once and again, you have heard, but here you may ſee, that power belorgeth unto God: that our God is the God of Salvation : and to him belong the iſſues from Death. That our God is in the Heavens, and doth what ever pleaſes him. Here you have Samſons Riddle exemplified, and that great promiſe, Rom. 8. 28. verified : Out of the Eater comes forth meat, and ſweetneſs out of the ſtrong; The worſt of evils working together for the beſt good. How evident is it that the Lord hath made this Gentlewoman a gainer by all this Affliction, that ſhe can ſay, 'tis good for her, yea better that ſhe hath been, than ſhe ſhould not have been, thus afflicted. Oh how doth God ſhine forth in ſuch things as theſe! Reader, if thou getteſt no good by ſuch a Declaration as this, the fault must needs be thine own. Read therefore, peruſe, ponder, and from hence lay up fome- thing from the experience of another, againſt thine' own turn comes : that ſo thon alſo through patience and confolation of the Scripture mayeſt have hope, PER AMICUM. A Nar- 1 3 Di A Narrative of the Captivity and Reſto- ration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandfon. d ie O le is e 1 S le N the tenth of February, 1675. came the Indians with great 31 numbers upon Lancaſter. Their firſt coming was about Sun- Ге riſing. Hearing the noiſe of ſome Guns, we looked out ; ſeveral Houſes were burning, and the Smoke'aſcending to Heaven. There were five Perſons taken in one Houſe, the Father, and the Mother, and a fucking Child they knock'd on the head; the other two they took, and carried away alive. There were two others, who being out of their Garriſon upon ſome occaſion, were ſet upon ; one was knock'd on the head, the other eſcaped. Another there was who running along was fhot and wounded, and fell down; he begged of them his Life, promiſing them Money (as they told me); but they would not hearken to him, but knockd him on the head, ſtripped him naked, and ſplit open his Bowels. Another ſeeing many of the Indians about his Barn, ventured and went out, but was quickly ſhot down. There were three others belonging to the fame Garriſon who were killed. The Indians getting up upon the Roof of the Barn, had advantage to ſhoot down upon them over their For- tification. Thus theſe murtherous Wretches went on, burning and deſtroy- ing before them. At length they came and beſet our own Houſe, and quickly it was the dolefulleſt day that ever mine eyes faw. The Houſe ſtood upon the edge of a Hill; ſome of the Indians got behind the Hill, others into the Barn, and 1 others behind any thing that would ſhelter them: from all which Places they fhot againſt the Houſe, ſo that the Bullets ſeemed to fly like Hail: and quickly they wounded one Man among us, then another, and then a third. About two Hours (according to my obfervation in that amazing time) they had been about the Houſe, before they could prevail to fire it, (which they dia with Flax and Hemp which they brought out of the Barn, and there be- ng no Defence about the Houſe, onely two Flankers, at two oppoſite Cor- hers, and one of them not finiſhed.) They fired it once, and one ventured out and quenched it; but they quickly fired it again, and that took Now is that dreadful Hour come, that I have often heard of, (in the time of the War, as it was the Caſe of others) but now mine Eyes ſee it. Some in our Houſe were fighting for their Lives, others wallowing in their Blood; the Houſe on fire over our Heads, and the bloody Heathen ready to knock us on the Head if we ſtirred out. Now might we hear Mothers and Children drying out for themſelves, and one another, Lord, what ſhall we do! Then I took my Children (and one of my Siſters, hers) to go forth and leave the e I Mrs. Rowlandfon's Captivity 4 C7 us. Houſe: But as ſoon as we came to the Door and appeared, the Indians ſhot p. ſo thick; that the Bullets ratled againſt the Houſe, as if one had taken an handful of Stones and threw them, ſo that we were fain to give back. We had ſix ſtout Dogs belonging to our Garriſon, but none of them would ſtir hi though another time, if an Indian had come to the Door, they were ready to h fly upon him, and tear him down. The Lord hereby would make us the more bi to acknowledge his Hand, and to ſee that our Help is always in him. But out w we muſt go, the Fire increaſing, and coming along behind us roaring, and the d Indians gaping before us with their Guns, Spears, and Hatchets, to devour No ſooner were we out of the Houſe, but my Brother-in-Law (being be- cı fore wounded (in defending the Houſe) in or near the Throat) fell down pr dead, whereat the Indians fcornfully ſhouted, and hallowed,and were preſently aj upon him, ſtripping off his Clothes. The Bullets flying thick, one went oi thorow my Side, and the fame (as would ſeem) thorow the Bowels and Hand G of my dear Child in my Arms. One of my elder Siſters Children (named R William) had then his Leg broken, which the Indians perceiving, they knock'd E him on the head. Thus were we butchered by thoſe mercileſs Heathen, ftand- w ing amazed, with the Blood running down to our Heels. My elder Siſter G being yet in the Houſe, and ſeeing thoſe woful Sights, the Infidels . haling be Mothers one way, and Children another, and ſome wallowing in their Blood and her elder Son telling her that (her Son) William was dead, and my ſelf was wounded; ſhe ſaid, And Lord, let me die with them: Which was no foon- mi er ſaid, but ſhe was ſtruck with a Bullet, and fell down dead over the Thre- th ſhold." I hope ſhe is reaping the Fruit of her good Labours, being faithful to A the Service of God in her Place. In her younger years ſhe lay under much trouble upon Spiritual accounts, till it pleaſed God to make that precious Scripture take hold of her Heart, 2 Cor. 12.9. And he ſaid unto me, My grace is ſufficient for thee. More than twenty years after I have heard her tell, how ſweet and comfortable that Place was to her. But to return: The India ans laid hold of us, pulling me one way, and the Children another, and ſaid, Come, go along with us: I told them, they would kill me : They anſwered, If I were willing to go along with them, they would not hurt me. O the doleful Sight that now was to behold at this Houle ! Come benok the Works of the Lord, what deſolation he has made in the Earth. Of thirty ſe ven Perſons who were in this one Houſe, none eſcaped either preſent Death or a bitter Captivity, fave onely one, who might ſay as he, Fob 1, 15. Ana I onely am eſcaped alone to tell the News. There were twelve killed, ſome ſhot, ſome ſtabbid with their Spears, ſome knock'd down with their Hatchets. When we are in proſperity, Oh the Little that we think of ſuch dreadful Sights, and to ſee our dear Friends and Relations lie bleeding out their Heart-blood upon the Ground! There was one who was chopp'd into the Head with a Hatchet, and ſtripp'd naked, and yet was crawling up and down. It is a falemn Sight to ſee ſo many Chriſtians lying in their Blood amognſt the Heathen. 3 ſome here, and ſome there, like a company of Sheep torn by Wolves. All of them ſtript naked by a company of hell-hounds, roaring, ſinging, ranting and inſulting, as if they would have torn our very hearts out, yet the Lord by his Almighty power, preſerved a number of us from death, for there were twenty four of us taken alive: and carried Captive. I had often before this ſaid, that if the Indians ſhould come, I ſhould chuſe rather to be killed by them, than taken alive: but when it came to the trial my mind changed: their glittering Weapons ſo daunted my Spirit, that I choſe rather to go along with thoſe (as I may ſay) ravenous Bears, than that mo- ment to end my daies. And that I may the better declare what happened to me during that grievous Captivity, I ſhall particularly ſpeak of the ſeveral Re- moves we had up and down the Wilderneſs. The firſt Remove. Now away we muſt go with thoſe Barbarous Creatures, with our bodies wounded and bleeding, and our hearts no leſs than our bon dies. About a mile we went that night ; up upon a hill within fight of the Town where they intended to lodge. There was hard by a vacant houſe (de- ferted by the Engliſh before, for fear of the Indians) I asked them whether I might not lodge in the houſe that night? to which they anſwered, what will you love Engliſh-men ſtill ? this was the dolefulleſt night that ever my eyes ſaw. Oh the roaring, and ſinging, and dancing, and yelling of thoſe black crea- tures in the night, which made the place a lively reſemblance of hell: And as miſerable was the waſte that was there made, of Horſes, Cattle, Sheep, Swine, Calves, Lambs, Roaſting Pigs, and Fowls (which they had plun- dered in the Town) ſome roaſting, ſome lying and burning, and ſome boyl- ing, to feed our mercileſs Enemies; who were joyful enough though we were diſconſolate. To add to the dolefulneſs of the former day, and the diſmal- neſs of the preſent night, my thoughts ran upon my loſſes and ſad bereaved condition. All was gone, my Husband gone (at leaſt feparated from me, he being in the Bay; and to add my grief, the Indians told me they would kill him as he came homeward) my Children gone, my Relations and Friends gone,our houſe and home, and all our comforts within door, and without, all was gone (except my life, and I knew not but the next moment that might go too. There remained nothing to me but one poor wounded Babe, and it ſeemed at preſent worſe than death, that it was in ſuch a pitiful condition, beſpea- king Compaſſion, and I had no refreſhing for it, nor ſuitable things to revive it. Little do many think, what is the ſavageneſs and bruitiſhneſs of this barbarous Enemy! even thoſe that feem to profeſs more than others ainong them, when the Engliſh have fallen into their hands. Thoſe ſeven that were killed at Lancaſter the fummer before upon a Sab itth day, and the one that was afterward killed upon a week day, were flain and mangled in a barbarous manner, by one-ey'd 7ohn, and Marlberough's Praying Indians, which Capt. Moſely brought to Boſton, as the Indians told me. 4. Mrs. Rowlandfon's Captivity The ſecond Remove. But now (the next morning ) I muſt turn my back up. on the Town, and travel with them into the vaſt and deſolate Wilderneſs, I know not whither. It is not my tongue, or pen can expreſs the forrows of my heart, and bitterneſs of my ſpirit, that I had at this departure : But God was with me, in a wonderful manner, carrying me along, and bearing up my Spirit, that it did not quite fail. One of the Indians carried my poor woun- ded Babe upon a horſe : it went moaning all a long, I ſhall die, I ſhall die. I went on foot after it, with forrow that cannot be expreſt. At length I took it off the Horſe, and carried it in my arms, till my ſtrengrh failed, and I fell down with it. Then they ſet me upon a horſe, with my wounded Child in my lap, and there being no Furniture upon the horſe back; as we were go- ing down a ſteep hill, we both fell over the horſes head, at which they like inhuman creatures laught, and rejoiced to ſee it, though I thought we ſhould there have ended our dayes, as overcome with ſo many difficulties. But the Lord renewed my ſtrength ſtill, and carried me along, that I might ſee more of his power, yea, ſo much that I could never have thought of, had I notex- perienced it. After this it quickly began to Snow, and when night came on, they ſtopt:and now down I muſt ſit in the Snow, (by a little fire, and a few boughs behind me) with my fick Child in my lap; and calling much for water, being now (tho- rough the wound) fallen into a violent Fever. (My own wound alſo growing ſo ſtiff, that I could ſcarce ſit down or riſe up)yet ſoit muſt be, that I muſt fit all this cold winter night, upon the cold ſnowy ground, with my ſick Child in my arms, looking that every hour would be the laſt of its life; and having no Chriſtian Friend near me, either to comfort or help me. Ohl may ſee the wonderful power of God, that my Spirit did not utterly ſink under my affli- &tion; ſtill the Lord upheld me with his gracious and merciful Spirit, and we were both alive to ſee the light of the next morning. Thethird Remove. The morning being come, they prepared to go on their way: one of the Indians got up upon a horſe, and they ſet me up behind him with my poor fick Babe in my lap. A very weariſome and tedious day I had ofit; what with my own wound, and my Childs being ſo exceeding fick and in a lamentable Condition with her wound. It may eaſily be judged what a poor feeble condition we were in, there being not the leaſt crumb of refreſh- that came within either of our mouths, from Wedneſday night to Sat- turday night, except only a little cold water. This day in the afternoon, about an hour by Sun, we came to the place where they intended, viz. an Indian Town called Wenimeſſet, Northward of Quabaug. When we were come, Oh the Number of Pagans ( now mercileſs Enemies ) that there came about me, that I may fay as David, Pſal. 27. 13. I had fainted, unleſs I had believed, &c. The next day was the Sabbath: 1 then remembred how careleis I had been of Gods holy time : how many Sabbaths I had loſt and miſpent, and how ing amongſt the Heathen. 5 it was eaſie for me to ſee how righteous it was with God to cut off the threed of my life, and caſt me out of his preſence for ever. Yet the Lord ſtill thew- ed mercy to me, and upheld me; and as he wounded me with one hand, fo he healed me with the other. This day there came to me one Robert Pepper (a Man belonging to Roxbury, ) who was taken in Capt. Beers his fight; and had been now a conſiderable time with the Indians; and up with them almoſt as far as Albany to ſee King Philip, as he told me, and was now very lately come with them into theſe parts. Hearing I ſay that I was in this Indian Town he obtained leave to come and ſee me. He told me he himſelf was wounded in the Leg at Capt. Beers his fight; and was not able ſometime to go, but as they carried him, and that he took oaken leaves and laid to his wound, and through the bleſſing of God, he was able to travel again. Then I took Oaken leaves and laid to my ſide, and with che bleſſing of God it cured me alſo ; yet before the cure was wrought, I may ſay as it is in Pfal. 38.5,6. My wounds Stink and are corrupt, I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly, I go mourning all the day long. I fate much alone with a poor wounded Child in my lap, which moaned night and day, having nothing to revive the body, or chear the Spi- rits of her but inſtead of that, ſometimes one Indian would come and tell me, one hour, and your Maſter will knock your Child in the head, and then a ſecond, and then a third, your Maſter will quickly knock your child in the head. This was the Comfort I had from them; miſerable comforters are ye all, as he ſaid. Thus nine dayes I ſat upon my knees, with my babe in my lap, till my fleſhwas raw again: my child being even ready to depart this ſorrowful world, they bad me carry it out, to another Wigwam:(I ſuppoſe becauſe they would not be troubled with ſuch ſpectacles. ) Whither I went with a very heavy heart, and down I fate with the picture of death in my lap. About two hours in the Night, my ſweet Babe like a Lamb departed this life, on Feb. 18. 1675. it beiug about ſix years and five months old. It was nine dayes (from the firſt wounding ) in this Miſerable condition, without any refreſhing of one nature or other, except a little cold water. I cannot but take notice, how at another time I could not bear to be in the room where any dead perſon was, Duc now the caſe is changed : I muſt and could lye down by my dead Babe, fide by fide, all the night after. I have thoughts ſince of the wonderful goodneſs of God to me, in preſerving me ſo in the uſe of my reaſon and fen- fes, in that diſtreſſed time, that I did not uſe wicked and violent means to my own miſerable life. In the morning, when they underſtood that my child was dead, they ſent for me home to my Maſters Wigwam :( by my Maſter in this writing muſt be underſtood Quannopin, who was a Sagga- more and married King Philips wives Siſter; not that he firſt took me, but I was ſold to him by another Narrhag anſet Indian, who took me when firſt! came out of the Garriſon) I went to take up my dead Chid in my arms to carry it with me, but they bid me let it alone : there was no rohitting, but go end R 6 Mrs. Rowlandſon's Captivity I muſt and leave it. When I had been a while at my Maſters wigwam, I took the firſt opportunity I could get, to go look after my dead child : when I came 1 asked them what they had done with it? they told me it was upon the hill: then they went and ſhewed me where it was, where I ſaw the ground was new- ly digged, and there they told me they had buried it, there I left that child in the Wildernefs, and muſt commit it,and my ſelf alſo in this Wilderneſs condi- tion, to him who is above all. God having taken away this dear child, I went to ſee my daughter Mary, who was at this ſame Indian Town, at a Wigwam not very far off, though we had little liberty or opportunity to ſee one ano- ther: he was about ten years old, and taken from the door at firſt by a Pray- ing Indian, and afterward fold for a gun. When I came in ſight ſhe would fail a weeping; at which they were provoked, and would no let me come near her, but bade me be gone : which was a heart-cucting word to me. I had one child dead, another in the wilderneſs, I knew not where, the third they would not let me come near to: Me (as he faid) bave ye bereaved of my Children, Joſeph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin alſo, all theſe ihings are againſt me. I could not fit ftill in this condition, but kept walking from one place to another. And as I was going along, my heart was even overwhelmed with the though's of my condition, and abat I ſhould have Children, and a Nati- on which I knew not ruled over them. Whereupon I earneſtly intreated the Lord, that he would conſider my low eſtate, and ſhew mea token for good, and if it were his bleſſed will, ſome ſign and hope of ſome relief. And in- deed quickly the Lord anſwered, in ſome meaſure, my poor Prayer: For as I was going up and down mourning and lamenting my condition, my Son came to me, and asked me how I did? I had not ſeen him before, fince the deſtruction of the Town: and I knew not where he was, till I was informed by himſelf, that he was amongſt a ſmaller parcel of Indians, whoſe place was about ſix miles off, with tearsin his eyes, he asked me whether his Sifter Sa- rab was dead ? and told me he had ſeen his Siſter Mary; and prayed me, that I would not be troubled in reference to himſelf. The occaſion of his coming to ſee me at this time was this: There was, as I ſaid, about ſix miles from us, fmall Plantation of Indians, where it ſeems he had been during his Captivi- ty: and at this time, there were ſome Forces of the Indians gathered out of our company, and ſome alſo from them (amongſt whom was my Sons Ma- fter ) to go to aſſault and burn Medfield : in this time of the abſence of his Maſter, his Dame brought him to ſee me. I took this to be fome gracious Anſwer, to my earneſt and unfeigned deſire. The next day, viz. to this, the Indians returned from Medfield : ( all the Company, for thoſe that belonged to the other ſmaller company, came thorow the Town that now we were at ) But before they came to us, Oh the oueragious roaring and hooping that there was ! They began their din about a mile before they came to us. By their noiſe and hooping they ſignified how many they had deſtroyed : ( which was ao that time twenty three ) Thoſe that were with us at home, were gathered a amongſt the Heathen. 7 together as ſoon as they heard the hooping, and every time that the other went over their number, theſe at home gave a ſhout, that the very Earth rang again. And thus they continued till thoſe that had been upon the expedition were come up to the Saggamores Wigwam; and then Oh the hideous inſul- ting and triumphing that there was over ſome Engliſh-mens Scalps, that they had taken ( as their manner is ) and brought with them. I cannot but take notice of the wonderful mercy of God to me in thoſe afflictions, in ſending me a Bible: one of the Indians that came from Medfield fight and had brought fome plunder; came to me, and asked me, if I would have a Bible, he had got one in his Basket, I was glad of it,and asked him, whether he thought the In- dians would let me read ? he anſwered yes: fol took the Bible, and in that melanchoily time, it came into my mind to read firſt the 28 Chapter of Deutero- nomie, which I did, and when I had read it, my dark beart wrought on this manner, that there was no mercy for me, that the bleſſings were gone, and the curſes came in their room, and that I had loſt my opportunity. But the Lord helped me ſtill to go on reading, till I came to Chap. 30. the ſeven firſt verſes: where I found there was mercy promiſed again, if we would return to him, by repentance : and though we were ſcattered from one end of the earth to the other, yet the Lord would gather us together, and turn all thoſe curſes upon our Enemies. I do not deſire to live to forget this Scripture, and what comfort it was to me. Florado, Now the Indians began to talk of removing from this place, ſome one way, and fome another. There were now beſides my ſelf nine Engliſh Captives in this place (all of them Children, except one Woman) I got an opportunity to go and take my leave of them; they being to go one way, and I another. I asked them whether they were earneft with God for deliverance;they all told me, they did as they were able; and it was ſome comfort to me, that the Lord ſtirred up Children to look to him. The Woman, viz. Good wife Folin told me, the ſhould never ſee me again, and that ſhe could find in her heart to run away: I wiſh her not to run away by any means, for we were near thirty miles from any Engliſh Town, and ſhe very big with Child and had but one week to reckon: and another Childe, in her Arms, two years old, and Dadrivers chere were to go over, and we were feeble with our poor and courſe entertainment. I had my Bible with me, I pulled it out, and asked her, whether ſhe would read ; we opened the Bible, and lighted on Pfal. 27. in which Pſalm we eſpecially took notice of that, ver. ult. Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and he ſhall ſtrengthen thine Heart, wait I ſay on the Lord. The founth Remove. And now muſt I part with that little company that I had. Here I parted from my daughter Mary, (whom I never ſaw again till I ſaw her in Dorcheſter, returned from Captivity) and from four liccle Couſins and Neighbours, ſome of which I never ſaw afterward, the Lord only knows the end of them. Amongſt them alſo was that poor woman before menti- oned, who came to a fad end, as ſome of the company told me in my travel: 8 Mrs. Rowlandſon's Captivity ſhe having much grief upon her Spirit, about her miſerable condition, being ſo near her time, ſhe would be often asking the Indians to let her go home; they not being willing to that, and yet vexed with her importunity, gathe- red a great company together about her, and ſtript her naked, and fet her in the midſt of them: and when they had ſung and danced about her (in their hellift manner) as long as they pleaſed : they knockt her on the head, and the child in her arms with her : when they had done that, they ma dea fire and put them both into it: and told the other Children that were with them, that if they attempted to go home they would ſerve them in like manner : The Children ſaid ſhe did not ſhed one tear, but prayed all the while. But to re- turn to my own Journey: we travelled about half a day or a little more, and came to a deſolate place in the Wilderneſs; where there were no Wig- wams or Inhabitants before: we came about the middle of the afternoon to this place; cold, and wet, and ſnowy, and hungry, and weary, and no re- freſhing (for man) but the cold ground to fit on, and our poor Indian cheer. Heart-aking thoughts here I had about my poor Children, who were ſcat- tered up and down amongſt the wild Beaſts of the Foreſt : my head was light and dizzy (either through hunger, or hard lodging, or trouble, or all toge- ther) my knees feeble, my body raw by fitting double night and day, that I cannot expreſs to man the affliction that lay upon my Spirit, but the Lord helped me at that time to expreſsit to himſelf. I opened my Bible to read, and the Lord brought that precious Scripture to me, Jer. 31. 16. Thus ſaitlə the Lord, refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears, for thy work ſhall be rewarded, and they ſhall come again from the land of the Enemy. This was a ſweet Cordial to me, when I was ready to faint, many and many a time, have I ſate down, and wept fwetely over this Scripture. At this place we continued about four days. ai bis slds 975w The fifth Remove. The occaſion (as I thought) of their moving at this time, was, the Engliſh Army its being near and following them: For they went as if they had gone for their lives, for ſome conſiderable way; and then they made a ſtop, and choſe out ſome of their ſtouteſt men, and ſent them back to hold the Engliſh Army in play whilſt the reſt eſcaped ; and then like Jebu they marched on furiouſly, with their old, and with their young fome car- ried their old decrepit Mothers, fome carried one, and ſome another. Four of them carried a great Indian upon a Bier: but going through a thick Wood with him they were hindered, and could make no haſte; whereupon they took him upon their backs, and carried him, one at a time, till we came to Bacquaug River. Upon a Fryday a little after noon we came to this River. When all the Company was come up, and were gathered together, I thought to count the number of them, but they were ſo many, and being ſomewhat in motion, it was beyond my skill. In this Travel, becauſe of my wound I was ſomewhat favoured in my load ; I carried only my knitting work, and two quarts of parched Meal : Being very faint I asked my Miſtreſs to give amongſt the Heathen. me one ſpoonful of the Meal, but ſhe would not give me a taſte. They quick- ly tell to cutting dry trees, to make raſts to carry them over the River: and foon my curn came to go over: By the advantage of ſome bruſh which they had laid upon the Raft to ſit on; I did not wet my foot, (when many of themſelves at the ocher end were mid-leg-deep) which cannot but be acknow- ledged as a favour of God to my weakned body, it being a very cold time. I was not before acquainted with ſuch kind of doings or dangers. When thou paſest through the waters I will be with thee, and through the rivers they shall not over flow thee. Ifai 4.3. 2. A certain number of us got over the river that night, but it was the night after the Sabbath before all the company was got over.. On the Saturday they boyled an old Horſes leg (which they had got) and ſo we drank of the broth; as ſoon as they thought it was ready, and when it was almoſt all gone, they filled it up again. The firſt week of my being among them, I hardly ate any thing: the ſecond week 1 found my ſtomach grow very faint for want of ſomething; and yet 'twas very hard to get down their filthy traſh: but the third week (though 1 could think how formerly my ſtomach would turn againſt this or that, and Icould ſtarve and die before I could eat ſuch things, yet) they were pleaſant and favoury to my taſte. I was at this time knitting a pair of white Cotton Stockins for my Miſtriſs : and I had not yet wrought upon the Sabbath day: when the Sabbath came they bad me go to work; I told them it was Sabbath- day, and deſired them to let me reſt, and told them I would do as much more to morrow: to which they anſwered me, they would break my face. And here I cannot but take notice of the ſtrange providence of God in preſerving the Heathen: They were many hundreds old and young, ſome ſick and ſome lame, many had Papooſes at their backs, the greateſt number (at this time with us) were Squaws: and they travelled with all they had, bag and baggage, and yet they got over this River aforeſaid : and on Monday they fet their Wigwams on fire, and away they went: on that very day came the Engliſh Army after them to this River, and ſaw the ſmoke of their Wigwams; and yet this River put a ſtop to them. God did not give them courage or activity to go ovbr after us: we were not ready for ſo great a mercy as victory and de- liverance: if we had been, God would have found out a way for the Englifh co have paſſed this River, as well as for the Indians with their Squaws and Chil- dren, and all their Luggage. Ob that my people had hearkened to me, and Iſrael had walked in my wayes, I ſhould ſoon have ſubdued their Enemies, and turned my band againſt their Adverſaries, Pfal. 81. 13, 14. The fixth Romove. On Monday (as I ſaid ) they ſet their Wigwams on fire, and went away. It was a cold morning, and before us there vvas a great Brook vvith Ice on it: fome vvaded through it, up to the knees and higher :: but others vvent till they came to a Beaver-Dam, and I amongſt them, vyhere thorough the good providence of God, I did not vvet my foot, mononing and lamantin, leaving forcher mauv. dar YO Mrs. Rowlandfon's Captivity Countrey, and travellng into the vaſt and howling Wilderneſs, and I under- ſtood fomething of Lots Wife's Temptation, when ſhe looked back: we came that day to a great Swamp; by the ſide of which we took up our lodging that night. When I came to the brow of the hill, that looked toward the Swamp, I thought we had been come to a great Indian Town, (though there were none but our own Company) the Indians were as thick as the Trees; it ſeem- ed as if there had been a thouſand Harchets going at once: if one looked before one, there was nothing but Indians, and behind cne, nothing but Ina dians; and ſo on either hand : I my ſelf in the midſt, and no Chriſtian Soul near me, and yet how hath the Lord preſerved me in ſafety! Oh the experi- ence that I have had of the goodneſs of God, to me and mine! The Seventh Remove. After a reſtleſs and hungry night there, we had a weariſome time of it the next day. The Swamp by which we lay, was asit were, a deep Dungeon, and an exceeding high and ſteep hill before it. Before I got to the top of the hill, I thought my heart and legs and all would have broken, and failed me. What through faintneſs and foreneſs of Body, it was a grievous day of Travel to me. As we went along, I ſaw a place where Engliſh Cattle had been: that was a comfort to me, ſuch as it was : quickly after that we came to an Engliſh path, which fo took with me, that I thought I could there have freely lyen down and died. That day, a little after noon, we came to Squankheag; where the Indians quickly ſpread themſelves over the deſerted Engliſh Fields, gleaning what they could find ; ſome pickt up Ears of Wheat, that were crickled down; ſome found ears of Indian Corn; fome found Ground-nuts, and others fheaves of Wheat, that were frozen together in the Shock, and went to threſhing of them out. My felf got two Ears of Indian Corn, and whilft I did but turn my back, one of them was ſtollen from me, which much troubled me. There came an Indian to them at that time, with a Basket of Horſe-liver: I asked him to give me a piece : what (fayes he ) can you eat Horſe-liver? I told him, I would try, if he would give a piece, which he did: and I laid it on the coals to roſt; but before it was halfready, they got half of it away from me; ſo that I was fain to cake the reſt and eat it as it was with the blood about my mouth, and yet favou ry bit it was to me: For to the hungry Soul every bitter thing is ſweet. A ſolemn ſight methought it was, to ſee whole fields of Wheat, and Indian Corn forſaken and ſpoiled : and the remanders of them to be food for our mercileſs Enemies. That night we had a meſs of Wheat for our fupper, The eighth Remove. On the morrow morning we muſt go over the River, i.e. Connecticot, to meet with King Philip, two Cannoos full, they had carried over the next turn I my ſelf was to go; but as my foot was upon the Cannoo to ſtep in, there was a ſudden outcry among them, and I muſt ſtep back: and inſtead of going over the River, I muſt go four or five miles up the Ri- ver farther northward. Some of the Indians ran one way, and ſome another. The cauſe of this rout was as I thought their eſpying ſome Engliſh Scouts, who amongſt the Heathen. in this travel up the River , about noon the Company made a ſtop, and fate down; fome to eat, and others to reſt them. As I ſate amongſt them, muſing of things paft, my Son Foſeph unexpectedly came to me : we asked of each others welfare; bemoaning our doleful condition, and the change that had come upon us: we had Husband and Father, and Children and Siſters, and Friends and Relations, and Houſe, and Home, and many Comforts of this life: but now we might ſay as Fob, Naked came I out of my mothers womb, and naked ſhall I return, The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, bleſſed be the Name of the Lord. I asked him whether he would read ? he told me, he carneſtly deſired it. I gave him my Bible, and he lighted upon that comfor- table Scripture, Pfal. 118. 17, 18. I ſhall not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord: The Lord hath chaſtened me fore, yet he hath not given me over to death. Look here Mother, (fayes he) did you read this ? And here I may take occaſion to mention one principal ground of my ſetting forth theſe few Lines; even as the Pfalmift ſayes, To declare the works of the Lord, and his wonderful power in carrying us along, preſerving, us in the Wilderneſs, while under the Enemies hand, and returning of us in ſafety again. And his goodneſs in bringing to my hand ſo many comfortable and ſuitable Scrip- tures in my diſtreſs. But to Return: We travelled on till night; and in the morning we muſt go over the River to Philip's Crew. When I was in the Cannoo, I could not but be amazed at the numerous Crew of Pagans, that were on the Bank on the other ſide. When I came alhore, they gathered all about me, I ſitting alone in the midft: I obſerved they asked one another Queſtions, and laughed , and rejoyced over their Gains and Victories. Then my heart began to faile: and I fell a weeping; which was the firſt time to my remembrance, that I wept before them. Although I had met with ſo much Adiction, and my hart was many times ready to break, yet could I not ſhed one tear in their fight; but rather had been all this while in a maze, and like one aſtoniſhed ; but now I may fay, as Pſal. 137. 1. By the Rivers of Babylon,there we ſate down, yea,we wept when we remembred Zion. There one of them asked me, why I wept; I could hardly tell what to ſay ; yet I aríwered, they would kill me : No, ſaid he, none will hurt you. Then came one of them, and gave me two ſpoonfuls of Meal (to comfort me) and anc- ther gave me half a pint of Peaſe, which was more worth than many Bulhels at another time. Then I went to ſee King Philip; he bade me come in, and ſit down, and asked m: whether I would ſmoak it (an uſual Complement now a days amongſt Saints and Sinners.) But this no way ſuited me. For though I had fornierly uſed Tobacco, yet I had left it ever ſince I was firſt taken. It lētins to be a. Basit the Devil layes to mcke men loſe their precious time : Iremember with ſhame, how formerly, when I had taken two or three Pipes, I was preſently ready for another, ſuch a bewitching thing it is: But I thank God, he has now given me power over it; ſurely there are many who may be better innloved than the line 12 Mrs. Rowlandfon's Captivity Now the Indians gather their Forces to go againſt North-bampton : over night one went about yelling and hooting to give notice of the deſign. Whereupon they fell to boyling of Ground Nuts, and parching of Gorn, (as many as had it) for their Proviſion: and in the morning away they went. During my abode in this place Pbilip ſpake to me to make a Mirt for his Boy, which I did; for which he gave me a ſhilling; I offered the money to my Maſter, but he bade me keep it: and with it I bought a piece of Horſe- fteſh. Afterwards I made a Cap for his Boy, for which he invited me to Dinner: I went, and he gave me a Pancake, about as big as two fingers ; it was made of parched Wheat, beaten and fryed in Bears-greaſe, but I thought I never taſted pleaſanter meat in my life. There was a Squaw who ſpake to me to make a ſhirt for her Sannup; for which ſhe gave me a piece of Bear. Another asked me to knit a pair of Stockins, for which ſhe gave me a quart of Peaſe. I Boyled my Peaſe and Bear together, and invi- ted my Maſter and Miſtrefs to Dinner : but the proud Goſſip, becauſe I fer- ved them both in one Diſh, would eat nothing, except one bit that he gave her upon the point of his Knife. Hearing that my Son was come to this place, I went to ſee him, and found him lying flat upon the ground : Iask- ed him how he could fleep ſo ? he anſwered me, that he was not aſleep, but at Prayer; and lay fo, that they might not obſerve what he was doing. I pray God, he may remember theſe things now he is returned in ſafety. At this place (the Sun now getting higher) what with the beams and heat of the Sun, and the ſmoak of the Wigwams, I thought I ſhould have been blind : I could ſcarce difcern one Wigwam from another. There was here one Mary Thurſton of Medfield, who ſeeing how it was with me, lent me a Hat to wear; but as ſoon as I was gone, the Squaw (who owned that Mary Thur- fton) came running after me, and got it away again. Here there was a Squaw who gave me one ſpoonful of Meal, I put it in my Pocket to keep it lafe: yet notwithſtanding fome body ſtole it, but put five Indian Corns in the room of it: which Corns were the greateſt Proviſion I had in my travel for one day. The Indians returning from North-hampton, brought with them fome Hories and Sheep, and other things which they had taken; I deſired them, that they would carry me to Albany upon one of thoſe Horſes, and fell me for Powder; for ſo they had ſometimes diſcourſed. I was utterly hopeleſs of getting home on foot, the way that I came. I could hardly bear to think of the many weary ſteps I had taken, to come to this place. The ninth Remove. But inſtead of going either to Albany or homeward we muſt go five miles up the River, and then go over it. Here we abode a while. Here lived a ſorry Indian, who ſpake to me to make him a ſhirt, when I had done it, he would pay me nothing. But he living by the River fide, where I often went to fetch water, I would often be putting him in mind, and calling Linoleanother ſhirt for a Pannos Nu amongſt the Heathen. 13 SW not yet born, he would give me a knife, which he did, when I had done it . I carried the knife in, and my Maſter asked me to give it him, and I was not a little glad that I had any thing that they would accept of, and be pleaſed with. When we were at this place my Maſters Maid came home, he had been gone three weeks into the Narrhaganfet Country, to fetch Corn, where they had ſtored up ſome in the ground: The brought home about a peck and half of Corn. This was about the time that their great Captain (Naananto ) was killed in the Narrhaganſet Country. emner 1 My Son being now about a mile from me, I asked liberty to go and ſee him, they bade me go, and away I went; but quickly loſt my ſelf, travelling over Hills and through Swamps, and could not find the way to him. And I can- not but admire at the wonderful power and goodneſs of God to me, in that though I was gone from home, and met with all ſorts of Indians, and thoſe I had no knowledge of, and there being no Chriſtian Soul near me ; yet not one of them offered the leaſt imaginable miſcarriage to me. I turned homeward again, and met with iny Maſter; he ſhewed me the way to my Son. When I came to him I found him not well; and withal he had a Boyl on his fide, which much troubled him A we bemoaned one another a while, as the Lord helped us, and then I returned again. When I was returned, I found my ſelf as unſatisfied as I was before. I went up and down moaning and la- menting: and my ſpirit was ready to fink, with the thoughts of my poor Children: my San was ill, and I could not but think of his mournful looks: and no Chriſtian Friend was near him, to do any office of love for him, either for Soul or Body. And my poor Girl, I knew not where ſhe was, nor whe- ther ſhe was ſick, or well, or alive, or dead. I repaired under theſe thoughts to my Bible (my great comforter in that time) and that Scripture came to my hand, Caft thy burden upon the Lord and he shall ſuſtain thee, Pfal. 55.22. But I was fain to go and look after ſomething to ſatisfie my hunger : and going among the Wigwams, I went into one, and there found a Squaw who thewed her felf very kind to me, and gave me a piece of Bear. I put it into my pocket, and came home; but could not find an opportunity to broil it, for fear they would get it from me, and there it lay all that day and night in my ſtinking pocket. In the morning I went again to the ſame Squaw, who had a Kettle of Ground-nuts boyling: I asked her to let me boyle my piece of Bear in her Kettle, which ſhe did, and gave me ſome Cround-nuts to eat with it, and I cannot but think how pleaſant it was to me. I have ſeen Bear ba- kedvery handſomly amongſt the Engliſh, and ſome liked it, but the thoughts that it was Bear, made me tremble: but now that was favoury to me that one would think was enough to turn the ſtomach of a bruit-Creature. One bitter cold day, I could find no room to ſit down before the fire: I went out, and could not tell what to do, but I went into another Wigwamı where they were alſo fitting round the fire: but the Squaw laid a skin for me, and bid me fit down, and gave me ſome Ground-nuts, and bade me come Mrs. Rowlandfon's Captivity again; and told me they would buy me if they were able ; and yet theſe were Strang ts to me that I never knew before. The tenth Remove. That day a ſmall part of the Company removed about three quarters of a mile, intending farther the next day. When they came to the place where they intended to lodge, and had pitched their Wigwams; being hungry, I went again back to the place we were before at, to get ſome- thing to eat: being incouraged by the Squaws kindneſs, who bade me come again; vvhen I was there, there came an Indian to look after me : vyho vvhen he had found me, kickt me all along: I went home and found Veni- fon roaſting that night, but they would not give me one bit of it. Some- times I met with Favour, and ſometimes with nothing but Frovvns. The eleventh Remove. The next day in the morning they took their Travel, intending a dayes journey up the River, I took my load at my back, and quickly we came to vvade over a River: and paſſed over tireſome and vyea- riſome Hills. One Hill vvas fo ſteep, that I vvas fain to creep up, upon my knees: and to hold by the tvvigs and buſhes to keep my ſelf from falling backvvard. My head alſo vvas ſo light, that I uſually reeled as I vvent, but I hope all thoſe vveariſome ſteps that I have taken, are but a forvvarding of me to the Heavenly reft. I know, O Lord, that thy Judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulneſs hast affli&ted me, Pfal. 119.75. The twelfth Remove. It vvas upon a Sabbath day morning, that they pre- pared for their Travel. This morning, I asked my Mafter vvhether he vvould ſell me to my Husband ? he anſvvered Nux; vvhich did much re- joyce my ſpirit. My Miſtriſs, before vve vvent, was gone to the burial of a Papoos; and returning, ſhe found me ſitting, and reading in my Bible: the Thatched it haſtily out of my hand, and threyy it out of doors; I ran out, and catcht it up, and put it into my pocket, and never let her fee it after- ward: Then they packed up their things to be gone, and gave me my load, I complained it vvas too heavy, vvhereupon ſhe gave me a llap in the face, and bade me go: I lifted up my heart to God, hoping that Redemption vvas not far off: and the rather becauſe their inſolency grevy vvorfé and vvorſe. But the thoughts of my going homevvard (for ſo vve bent onir courſe) much cheared my Spirit, and made my burden ſeem light, and almoſt no- thing at all. But (to my amazement and great perplexity) the ſcale vvas Toon turned: for vvhen vve had gone a little vvay, on a ſudden my Miſtriſs gives out, ſhe vvould go no further, but turn back again, and ſaid I muſt go back again vvith her, and ſhe called her Sannup, and vvould have had him gone back alſo, but he vvould not, but ſaid, he vvould go on, and come to us again in three dayes. My Spirit vvas upon this ( I confeſs) very impati- ent and almoſt outragious. I thought I could as vvell have died as vient back. I cannot declare the trouble that I vvas in about it: but yet back again As ſoon as I had an opportunity, I took my Bible to read, and I muſt go. amongſt the Heathen. 15 and that quieting Scripture came to my hand, Pſal. 46. 10. Be ſtill , and knom that I am God; which ſtilled my ſpirit for the preſent: but a fore time of trial I concluded I had to go through. My Maſter being gone, who ſeemed to me the beſt Friend that I had of an Indian, both in cold and hunger, and quickly ſo it proved. Down I fat, with my Heart as full as it could hold, and yet ſo hungry that I could not fit neither : but going out to ſee what i could find, and walking among the Trees, I found fix Acorns and two Cheſnuts, which were ſome refreſhment to me. Towards night I gathered me ſome ſticks for my own comfort, that I might not lye a Cold: but when we came to lye down, they bade me go out, and lye ſomewhere elſe, for they had company (they ſaid) come in more than their own : I told them I could not tell where to go, they bade me go look: I told them, if I went to ano- ther Wigwam they would be angry, and ſend me home again. Then one of the Company drew his Sword, and told me he would run me through if I did not go preſently. Then was I fain to ſtoop to this rude fellow, and to go out in the Night, I knew not whither. Mine eyes have ſeen that Fellow after- wards walking up and down in Boſton, under the appearance of a Friend-Indi- an: and ſeveral others of the like Cut. I went to one Wigwam, and they told me they had no room. Then I went to another, and they ſaid the fame : at laſt an old Indian bade me come to him, and his Squaw gave me ſome Ground-nuts: ſhe gave me alſo ſomething to lay under my Head, and a good. Fire we had: and through the good Providence of God, I had a comforta- ble lodging that Night. In the morning another Indian bade me come at night, and he would give me ſix Ground-nuts, which I did. We were at this place and time about two miles from Connecticut River. We went in the morn- ing (to gather Ground-nuts) to the River, and went back again at Night. I went with a great load at my back (for they when they went, though but a little way, would carry all their trumpery with them) I told them the skin my back, but I had no other comforting anſwer from them than this, that it vvould be no matter if my Head vyere off too. The thirteenth Remove. Inſtead of going toward the Bay (which was that I deſired) I muſt go with them five or fix miles down the River, into a migh- ty Thicket of Bruſh : where we abode almoſt a fortnight. Here one asked me to make a ſhirt for her Papoos, for which ſhe gave me a meſs of Broth, which was thickened with meal made of the Bark of a Tree: and to make it the better ſhe had put into it about a handful of Peaſe, and a few rofted Ground-nuts. I had not ſeen my Son a pretty while, and here was an Indian of whom I made inquiry after him, and asked him when he ſaw him ? he an- fwered me that ſuch a time his Maſter roaſted him; and that himſelf did eat a piece of him, as big as his two fingers, and that he was very good meat : but the Lord upheld my Spirit, under his diſcouragement, and I conſidered their horrible addictedneſs to lying, and that there is not one of them that nakes the leaſt conſcience of ſpeaking the truth. In this place on a cold night was off 16 Mrs. Rowlandfon's Captivity Mie, as I lay by the fire, I removed a ſtick which kept the heat from me, a Squaw moved it down again, at which I lookt up, and the threw an handful of alhes in my eyes, I thought I ſhould have been quite blinded and have never ſeen more: but lying down, the Water run out of my eyes, and carried the dirt with it, that by the morning, I recovered my fight again. Yet upon this, and the like occafions, I hope it is not too much to ſay with Job, Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, Obye my Friends, for the hand of the Lord has touched And here I cannot but remember how many times ſitting in their Wig- wams, and mung on things paſt, I ſhould ſuddenly leap up and run out, as if I had been at home, forgetting where I was, and what my condition was : But when I was without and ſaw nothing but Wilderneſs, and Woods,and a company of barbarous Heathen; my mind quickly returned to me, which made me think of that, ſpoken concerning Sampſon, who ſaid, I will go out and ſhake my ſelf as at other times, but he wiſt not that the Lord was departed from him, About this time, I began to think that all my hopes of Reſtoration would come to nothing. I thought of the Engliſh Army, and hoped for their coming, and being retaken by them, but that failed. I hoped to be carried to Albany, as the Indians had diſcourſed, but that failed alſo. I thought of being ſold to my Husband, as my Maſter ſpake; but inſtead of that, my Maſter himſelf was gone, and I left behind: fo that my ſpirit was now quite ready to fink. I asked them to let me go out, and pick up ſome ſticks, that I might get a- lone, and pour out my heart unto the Lord. Then alſo I took my Bible to read, but I found no comfort here neither: yet I can ſay, that in all my for- roves and afflictions, God did not leave me to have my impatience work to- wards himſelf, as if his ways were unrighteous; but I knew that he laid upon me leſs then I deſerved. Afterward, before this doleful time ended with me, I was turning the leaves of my Bible, and the Lord brought to me ſome Scrip- tures, which did a little revive me, as that Ifai. 55.8. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, ſaith the Lord. And alſo that, Pf. 37.5. Commit thy way unto the Lord, truſt alſo in him, and he ſhall bring it to paſs. About this time they came yelping from Hadly, having there killed three Engliſh-men, and brought one Captive with them, viz. Tbomas Read. They all gathered about the poor Man, asking him many Queſtions. I deſired alſo to go and ſee him ; and when I came he was crying bitterly: fuppofing they would quickly kill him. Whereupon I asked one of them, whether they in- terrded to kill him ? he anſwered me, they would not : He being a little cheared with that, I asked him about the welfare of my Husband, he told me he ſaw him ſuch a time in the Bay, and he was well, but very Melanchol- ly. By which I certainly underſtood (though I ſuſpected it before) that what- foever the Indians told me reſpecting him, was vanity and lies. Some of them told me, he was dead, and they had killed him: ſome ſaid he was Married again, and that the Governour wiſhed him to Marry; and told him he ſhould have his choice, and that all perſwaded him I was dead. So like yeye amongſt the Heathen. 17 vyam. gave her were theſe barbarous creatures to him who was a liar from the beginning. As I was ſitting once in the Wigwam here, Philips Maid came in with the Child in her arms, and asked me to give her a piece of my Apron, to make a flap for it, I told her I would not: then my Miſtreſs bad me give it, but ſtill I ſaid no. The Maid told me, if I would not give her a piece, ſhe would tear a piece off it: I told her I vvould tear her Coat then: vvith that my Miſtreſs riſes up : and takes up a ſtick big enough to have killed me, and ſtruck at me with it, but I ftept out, and the ftruck the ſtick into the Mat of the Wig- But vvhile ſhe vyas pulling of it out, I ran to the Maid and all my Apron, and ſo that ſtorm vvent over. Hearing that my Son was come to this place, I went to ſee him, and told him his father was well, but very melancholly : he told me he was as much grieved for his Father as for himſelf; I wondred at his ſpeech, for I thought i had enough upon my ſpirit in reference to my felf, to make me mindleſs of my Husband and every one elſe: they being ſafe among their Friends. He told me alſo, that a while before, his Maſter (together with other Indians) were going to the French for Powder; but by the way the Mohawks met with them, and killed four of their Company, which made the reſt turn back again: for which I deſire that my felf and he may bleſs the Lord; for it might have been worſe with him, had he been fold to the French, than it pro- ved to be in his remaining with the Indians. I went to ſee an Engliſh Youth in this place, one John Gilberd of Springfield. I found him lying without doors, upon the ground; I asked him how he did? he told me was very ſick of a flux, with eating ſo much blood. They had turned him out of the Wigwam, and with him an Indian Papoos, almoſt dead (whoſe Parents had been killed) in a bitter cold day, without fire or clothes : the young man himſelf had nothing on, but his ſhirt and waſtcoat: This fight was enough to melt a heart of fint. There they lay quivering in the Cold, the youth round like a dog; the Papoos ſtretcht out, with his eyes, and noſe, and mouth full of dirt, and yet alive, and groaning. I adviſed Fohn to go and get to ſome fire: he told me he could not ltand, but I perſwaded him ſtill, left he ſhould ly there and die. And with much ado I got him to a fire, and went ny ſelf home. As ſoon as I was got home, his Maſters Daughter came after me, to know what I had done with the Engliſh-man? I told her i had got him to a fire in ſuch a place. Now had I need to pray Pauls Prayer, , 2 Thel. 3. 2. That we may be delivered from unreaſonable and wicked men. her ſatisfaction I went along with her, and brought her to him; but before I got home again, it was noiſed about that I was running away, and getting the Engliſh youth along with me : that as ſoon as I came in, they began to rant and domineer : asking me where I had been ? and what I had been doing ? and faying they would knock me in the head: I told them, I had been ſeeing the Engliſh Youth: and that I would not run away : they told me I lied, and taking on a Hatchet, they came to me, and ſaid, they would knock me down For 18 Mrs. Rowlandſon's Captivity if I ſtirred out again : and ſo confined me to the Wigwam.Now may I ſay with David,2 Sam. 24. 14. I am in a great ſtrait. If I keep in, I muſt dye with hunger, and if I go out, I muſt be knockt in the head. This diſtreſſed condition held that day, and half the next; and then the Lord remembred me, whoſe mer- cies are great. Then came an Indian to me, with a pair of Stockins which were too big for him; and he would have me ravel them out, and knit them fit' for him. I ſhewed my ſelf willing, and bid him ask my Miſtreſs, if I might go along with him a little way: She ſaid yes, I might, but I was not a little refreſht with that news, that I had my liberty again. Then I went along with him, and he gave me ſome roaſted Ground-nuts, which did again revive iny feeble ſtomach. Being got out of her ſight, I had time and liberty again to look into my Bible: which was my guide by day, and my Pillow by night. Now that com- fortable Scripture preſented it ſelf to me, Ifai. 54.7. For a ſmall moment have I forſaken thee : but with great mercies will I gather thee. Thus the Lord car- ried me along from one time to another : and made good to me this precious promiſe, and many others. Then my Son came to ſee me, and I asked his Maſter to let him ſtay a while with me : that I might comb his head, and look over him for he was almoſt overcome with lice. He told me, when I had done, that he was very hungry, but I had nothing to relieve him, but bid him gointo the Wigwams as he went along, and ſee if he could get any thing among them. Which he did, and it ſeems) tarried a little too long ; for his Maſter was angry with him, and beat him, and then ſold him. Then he came running to tell me he had a new Maſter, and that he had given him ſome Ground-nuts already. Then I went along with him to his new Maſter, who told me he loved him and he ſhould not want. So his Maſter carried him away, and I never ſaw him afterward ; till I ſaw him at Paſcat aqua in Portſmouth. That night they bad me go out of the Wigwam again: my Miſtreſſes Pa- poos was ſick, and it died that night ; and there was one benefit in it, that there was more room. I went to a Wigwam, and they bad me come in, and gave me a skin to lye upon, and a meſs of Veniſon and Ground-nuts; which was a choice Diſh among them. On the morrow they buried the Papoos : and afterward, both morning and evening, there came a company to mourn and howl with her : though I confeſs, I could not much condole with them. Many ſorrowful days I had in this place: often getting alone; lıke a Crane or a Swal- lom ſo did I chatter; I did mourn ase Dove, mine cyes fail with looking upward. Ob Lord I am oppreſſed, undertake for me, Ifai. 38. 14. I could tell the Lord, as Heze- chiah, ver. 3. Remember now, O Lord, I beſeech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth. Now had I time to examine all my wayes : my Conſcience did not accuſe me of unrighteouſneſs toward one or other : yet I ſaw how in my walk with God, I had been a careleſs creature. As David ſaid; Areinſt thee, thee only have I finned: and I might say with the poor Publican, God be mer Vi amongſt the Heathen. 19 Souls re- ciful unto me a finner. On the Sabbath days I could look upon the Sun, and think how People were going to the houſe of God, to have their freſht ; and then home, and their bodies also a but I was deſtitute of both; and might ſay as the poor Prodigal, he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the Swine did eat, and no man gave unto bem, Luke 15. 16. For I muſt ſay with him, Father I have ſimned againſt Heaven, and in thy ſight, ver. 21. I re- membred how on the night before and after the Sabbath, when my Family was about me, and Relations and Neighbours with us, we could pray and ſing, and then refreſh our bodies with the good creatures of God: and then have a comfortable Bed to ly down on : but inſtead of all this, I had only a little Swill for the body, and then like a Swine, muſt ly down on the Ground: I cannot expreſs to man the ſorrow that lay upon my, Spirit, the Lord knows it. Yet that comfortable Scripture would often come to my mind, For a ſmall moment have I forſaken thee, but with great mercies I will gather thee. The fourteenth Remove. Now muſt we pack up and be gone from this Thicket, bending our courſe towards the Bay-Towns. I having nothing to eat by the way this day, but a few.crumbs of Cake, that an Indian gave my Girl, the ſame day we were taken. She gave it me, and I put it into my pocket : there it lay till it was ſo mouldy (for want of good baking) that one could not tell what it was made of; it fell all to crumbs, and grew fo dry and hard, that it was like little flints; and this refreſhed me many times, when I was ready to faint. It was in my thoughts when I put it into my mouth, that if ever I returned, I would tell the World, what a bleſſing the Lord gave to ſuch mean food. As we went along, they killed a Deer, with a young one in her: they gave me a piece of the Fawn, and it was ſo young and tender, that one might eat the bones as well as the fleſh, and yet I thought it very good. When night came on we ſate down ; it rained, but they quickly got up a Bark Wig, wam, where I lay dry that night. I looked out in the morning, and many of them had lain in the rain all night,I ſaw by their Reeking. Thus theLord dealt mercifully with me many times : and I fared better than many of them. In the morning they took the blood of the Deer, and put it into the Paunch, and and ſo boiled it I could eat nothing of that, though they ate it ſweetly, And yet they were ſo nice in other things, that when I had fetcht water, and had put the Difh I dipt the water with, into the Kittle of water which I brought, they would ſay, they would knock me down; for they ſaid, it was a fluttiſh trick. The fifteenth Remove. We went on our travel. I having got one handful of Ground-nuts, for my ſupport that day; they gave me my load, and I went on cheerfully (with the thoughts of going homeward) having my burden more back than my ſpirit: we came to Baquang River again that day, near which we abode a few days. Sometimes one of them would give me a Pipe, another a little Tobacco, another a little Salt: which I would change for a little Victuals. it I cannot but think what a Wolvilh appetite perſons have in on my 20 Mrs. Rowlandſon's Captivity a ſtarving condition: for many times when they gave me that which was hot, I was ſo greedy, that I ſhould burn my mouth, that it would trouble me hours after; and yet I ſhould quickly do the ſame again. And after I was through- ly hungry, I was never again ſatisfied. For though ſometimes it fell out, that I got enough, and did eat till I could eat no more, yet I was as unſatisfied as I was when I began. And now could I ſee that Scripture verified (there be- ing many Scriptures which we do not take notice of, or underſtand till we are a ħicted) Mic. 6. 14. Thou ſhalt eat and not be fatisfied. Now might I ſee more than ever before, the miſeries that ſin hath brought upon us. Many times I ſhould be ready to run out againſt the Heathen, but that Scripture would quiet me again, Amos 3.6. Shall there be evil in the City, and the Lord hath not done it ? TheLord help me to make a right improvement of his word and that I might learn that great leffon, Mic. 6.8, 9. He hath ſhemed thee, O Man, what is good, and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do juftly, and love mer- cy, and walk humbly with thy God? Hear ye the rod, and who hath appointedit. The fixteenth Remove. We began this Remove with wading over Baquaug River. The Water was up to the knees, and the ſtream very ſwift, and ſo cold that I thought it would have cut me in funder. I was ſo week and feeble, that I reeled as I went along, and thought there I muſt end my days at faſt, after my bearing and getting through fo many difficulties. The Indians ſtood laughing to ſee me ſtaggering along, but in my diſtreſs the Lord gave me ex- perience of the truth and goodneſs of that promiſe, Jas. 43. 2. When thon paſſeft thorough the waters, I will be with thee, and thorough the Rivers, they shall not overflow thee. Then I ſate down to put on my ſtockins and ſhoes, with the tears running down my eyes, and many forrowful thoughts in my heart: but I gat up to go along with them. Quickly there came up to us an Indian who informed them, that I muſt go to Wachufer to my Maſter: for there was a Letter come from the Council to the Saggamores, about redeeming the Cap- tives, and that there would be another in fourteen days, and that I muſt be there ready. My heart was ſo heavy before that I could ſcarce fpeak, or go in the path, and yet now ſo light, that I could run. My ftrength ſeemed to come again, and to recruit my feeble knees, and aking heart: yet it pleaf ed them to go but one mile that night, and there we ſtayed two days. In that time came a company of Indians to us, near thirty, all on Horſe back. My heart skipt within me, thinking they had been Engliſh-men at the firſt ſight of them: for they were dreſſed in Engliſh Apparel, with Hats, white Neck- cloths, and Saſhes about their waſts, and Ribbons upon their ſhoulders: but when they came near, there was a vaſt difference between the lovely Faces of Chriſtians, and the foul looks of thoſe Heathens : which much damped my ſpirit again. The ſeventeenth Remove. A comfortable Remove it was to me, becauſe of my hopes. They gave me my pack, and along we went cheerfully: but quickly my Will proved more than my ſtrength; having little or no re- among the Heathen. 21 freſhing my ſtrength failed, and my ſpirits were almoſt quite gone. Now may I ſay as David, Pfal. 109. 22, 23, 24. I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me. I am gone like the ſhadow when it declineth : I am toſſed up and down like the Locuſt: my knees are weakthrough fafting, and my fleſh faileth of fat- neſs. At night we came to an Indian Town, and the Indians fate down by a Wigwam diſcourſing, but I was almoſt ſpent, and could ſcarce ſpeak. I laid down my load, and went into the Wigwam, and there ſate an Indian boil- ing of Horſes feet: (they being wont to eat the fleſh firſt, and when the feet were old and dried, and they had nothing elſe, they would cut off the feet and uſe them) I asked him to give nie a little of his Broth, or Water they were boiling in: he took a Diſh, and gave me one ſpoonful of Samp, and bid me take as much of the Broth as I would. Then I put ſome of the hot water to the Samp, and drank it up, and my ſpirit came again. He gave me alſo a piece of the Ruffe or Ridding of the ſmall Guts,and I broiled it on the coals ; and now may I ſay with Jonathan, See I pray you how mine eyes have been enlightned, becauſe I tafted a little of this honey, 1 Sam. 14. 29. Now is my Spi- rit revived again: though means be never ſo inconſiderable, yet if the Lord beſtow his bleſſing upon them, they ſhall refreſh both Soul and Body. The eighteenth Remove. We took up our packs, and along we went. But a weariſome day I had of it. As we went along, I ſaw an Engliſh-man ſtript naked, and lying dead upon the ground, but knew not who it was. Then we came to another Indian Town, where we ſtayed all night. In this Tovyn, there were four Englifh Children, Captives : and one of them my own Siſters. I went to ſee how ſhe did, and ſhe was well, conſidering her Captive condi- tion. I would have tarried that night with her, but they that owned her would not fuffer it. Then I went to another Wigvvam, vvhere they were boiling Corn and Beans, which was a lovely ſight to ſee, but I could not get a taſte thereof. Then I went into another Wigvvam, vvhere there were two of the Engliſh Children : The Squaw was boiling horſes feet, then ſhe cut me off a little piece, and gave one of the Engliſh Children a piece alſo, Being very hungry, I had quickly eat up mine : but the Child could not bite it, it was ſo tough and finevvy, but lay fucking, gnavving, chevving, and Nobbering it in the Mouth and Hand, then I took it of the Child, and eat it my felf; and favoury it was to my taſte. That Imay fay as Fob, Chap. 6. 7. The things that my Soul refuſed to touch, are as my forrowful meat. Thus the Lord made that pleaſant and refreſhing, which another time would have been an Abomination. Then I went home to my Miſtreſles Wigyvam: and they told me I diſgraced My Maſter with beg- ging: and if I did ſo any more, they would knock me on the Head: I told them, they had as good knock me on the Head, as ſtarve me to death. The nineteenth Remove. They ſaid, when we went out, that we muſt travel to Wachuſet this day. But a bitter weary day I had of it; travelling now three dayes together, without reſting any day between. At lait, after many 22 Mrs. Rowlandfon's Captivity weary ſteps, I ſaw Wachuſet hills, but many miles off. Then we came to a great Swamp through which we travelled up to the knees in mud and water, which was heavy going to one tried before. Being almoſt ſpent, I thought I fhould have funk down ar laiks and never got out, but I may fay, as in Pfal . 94. 18. When my foot ſlipped; thy mercy, O Lord, held me up. Going along, ha- ving indeed my life, but little Spirit, Philip, (who was in the Company) came up, and took me by the hand, and ſaid, Two weeks more, and yon Mall be Miftrifs again, I asked him if he ſpeak true Pahe anſwered, Yes, and quick- ly, you fhall come to your Maſter again : who had been gone from us three weeks. After many weary ſteps we came to Waobstfes, where he was; and glad I was to ſee himo, He asked me, when I walht me? I told him not this moneth; then he fetch me ſome water himſelf, and bid me waſh, and gave me the Glaſs to ſee how I lookt; and bid his Squaw give me ſomething to eat. So ſhe gave me a meſs of Beans and meat, and a little Ground-nut Cake was wonderfully revived with this favour ſhewed me, Pfal . 106.46. He made them alſo to be pitied of all thoſe that carried them Captives. osteocliva My Maſter had three Squaws: living ſometimes with one, and ſometimes with another. One, this old Squaw at whoſe Wigwam I was, and with whom my Maſter had been thoſe three weeks. Another was Wettimore, with whom I had lived and ſerved all this while. A ſevere and proud Damne ſhe was; beſtowing every day in dreſſing her ſelf near as much time as any of the Gentry of the land: powdering her hair and painting her face, going with her Neck-laces, with Jewels in her ears, and bracelets upon her hands. When ſhe had dreſſed her ſelf, her Work was to make Girdles of Wampom and Beads. The third Squaw was a younger one, by whom he had two Pappoſes . By that time I was refreſht by the old Squaw, with whom my Maſter was, Wertimores Maid came to call me home, at which I fell a weeping, then the old Squaw told me, to encourage me, that if I wanted victuals, I ſhould come to her, and that I ſhould lye there in her Wigwam. Then I went with the Maid, and quickly came again and lodged there. The Squaw laid a Mat un- der me, and a good Ruggover me; the firſt time I had any ſuch Kindneſs ſhewed me. I underſtood that Wettimore thought, that if ſhe ſhould let me go and ſerve with the old Squaw, ſhe would be in danger to loſe not only my ſervice but the redemption-pay alſo. And I was not a little glad to hear this; being by it raiſed in my hopes, that in Gods due time there would be an end of this forrowful hour. Then came an Indian, and asked me to knit him three pair of Stockins, for which I had a Hat, and a ſilk Handker chief. Then another asked me to make her a ſhift, for which ſhe gave me an Apron. Then came Tom and Peter, with the ſecond Letter from the Council, about the Captives. Though they were Indians, I gat them by the hand, and burſt out into Tears; my heart was ſo full that I could not ſpeak to them : but re- covering my ſelf, I asked them how my Husband did ? and all my Friends and Acquaintance ? they ſaid, they were well, but very Melancholy. They wmongſt the betten. 33 brought me two Biskets, and a poorld of Tobaocols The Tobacco Inquickly gave away when it was all gones conelasked one too givellala paipuoſ Trabae- co, I told him all was gone gotlten began he torvantlard chreddeid; Intaket:hrim when my Husband came, I would give hint fomëngshanguohimrikogueifays he) I will knock out his brains, if he comes heren Allrd thach again furthedame breath, they would ſay, that if there ſhould comtan hundted without Goranas, they would do them no hurt. So unſtable and like madt mèirthay werer 180 that fearing the worſt, I duritnot Teard tbimyr Husbanderthough therette ſonhe thoughts of his coming to Redeer and fetch me nots kviówih goinhat might follow for thene: was little more truſt to themothan yeduthe Maffer they ſerved. When the Lettler was come, the Saggamordši met toi confult about the Captives, and called me to them to enquire how much my Husband would give to redeem me: When I came, Il fate down among them, as I was Iwont to do, as their manner is. Then they båder me ſtanddpycandafaid, they were the General Coured They bid me ſpeaks whạtilisthought he would giite. Now knowing that all we had was deſtroyed b the Mididas d wastansa great ſtrait. I thought if I ſhould ſpeak of but a little rit would be ſlighted and hinder the matterif of a great Sum, I knewinot where it would be proda- red: yet at a venture, I ſaid I wenty pounds, yet #deſired them to take leſs 9 but they would not hear of that, but ſent that modtage to Bolonjivthatofor twenty pounds I ſhould be redeemed. dl It was a Praying Indbranithatlwrnire their Letter for them. There was another Praying Täärän who told me, thatshe had a Brother, that would not eat Horſezd his Conflience was ofwtenders and ſcrupulous, (though as large as Hell, for the deſti uction of poor Chriſtiacas) Then he ſaid, he read that Scripture to hini, 2 Kini. 6,125. There was na Fa- mne in Samaria, and behold they beſieged Dd, antol nin nafes bad miats fold foo foar- ſcore pieces of Silbersee and the fournis part of a Kab ofiD dvest dung) för före piedsof filver. He expounded this place to his Brothers and Mewed him that it was lawful to eat that in a Famine, which is not at another timcodi And Inow, ſays he, he will eat Horſe with any Indian of them all. There was another Praying Indian, who when he had done all the Miſchief that he coulde be- trayed his own Father into the Englishes hands, thereby to purchaſe his own Life. Another Praying: Indian was at Sudbury Figlielthough, as he deſerved, he was afterward hanged for it. There was another Praying Indianjfo Wic- ked and cruel, as to wear a ſtring about his necksftrung with Chriſtian Fin- gers. Another Praying Indian, when they went to Sudbury Fight, went with them, and his Squaw alſo with him, with her Papoos at her back :b before they went to that Fight, they got a company together to Powaw: the manner was as followeth. There was one that kneeled upon a Decruskin with the Company round him in a Ring, who kneciellz ftriking upon the Grohnd with their hands, and with ſticks, and muttering or humming with their Magths. Beſides him who kneeled in the Ring, there alſo ſtood one with a Gun inhis hand: Then he on the Deer-skin made a ſpeech, and all manifeſted allant to 24 Mrs. Rowlandfon's Captivity it; and ſo they did many times together. Then they bade him with the Gun go out of the Ring, which he did, but when he was out they called him in again; but he ſeemed to make a ſtand; then they called the more ear- neſtly, till he returned again. Then they all ſang. Then they gave him two Guns, in either hand one. And ſo he on the Deer-skin began again; and at the end of every Sentence in his ſpeaking, they all aſſented, humming or muttering with their Mouthes, and ſtriking upon the Ground with their Hands. Then they bade him with the two Guns go out of the Ring again: which he did a little way. Then they called him in again, but he made a ſtand, ſo they called him with greater earneſtneſs: but he ſtood reeling and wavering, as if he knew not whether he ſhould ſtand or fall, or which way to go. Then they called him with exceeding great vehemency,all of them, one and another : after a little while, he turned in, ſtaggering as he went, with his Arms ſtretched out; in either hand a Gun As ſoon as he came in, they all fäng and rejoyced exceedingly a while. And then he upon the Deer-skin, made another ſpeech, unto which they all aſſented in a rejoycing manner and ſo they ended their buſineſs, and forthwith went to Sudbury Fight. To thinking they went without any ſcruple but that they ſhould proſper and gain the Victory. And they went out not ſo rejoycing, but that they came home with as great a Victory. For they ſaid they had killed two Captains, and almoſt an hundred men. One Engliſhman they brought alive with them; and he faid it was too true, for they had made ſad work at Sudbury; as in- deed it proved. Yet they came home without that rejoycing and triumphing over their Victory, which they were wont to ſhew at other times: but ra- ther like Dogs, (as they ſay) which have loſt their Ears. Yet I could not perceive that it was for their own loſs of Men: they ſaid they had not loſt above five or ſix: and I miſſed none,except in oneWigwam. When they went, they acted as if the Devil had told them that they ſhould gain the Victory: and now they acted, as if the Devil had told them that they ſhould have a fall. Whether it were fo or no, I cannot tell, but ſo it proved : for quickly they began to fall, and ſo held on that Summer, till they came to utter ru- ine. They came home on a Sabbath day, and the Powaw that kneeled upon the Deer-skin, came home (I may fay without any abuſe) as black as the Devil. When my Maſter came home, he came to me and bid me make a ſhirt for his Papoos of a Hollandlaced Pillowbeer. About that time there came an Indian to me, and bade me come to his Wigwam at night, and he would give me ſome Pork and Ground-nuts. Which I did, and as I was ea- ting, another Indian ſaid to me, he ſeems to be your good Friend, but he killed two Engliſh-men at Sudbury, and there lye their Cloaths behind you : I looked behind me and there I ſaw bloody-Cloathes, withBullet-holes in them :yet the Lord ſuffered not this Wretch to do me any hurt. Yea, inſtead of that, he many times refreſht me: five or fix times did he and his Squaw refreſh my feeble Carcaſs. If I went to their Wigwam at any time, they would always amongſt the Heathen. 25 give me ſomething, and yet they were ftrangers that I never faw before. Another Squam gave me a piece of frefhPork, and a little Sált with it:and lent me her Frying pan to fry it in: and I cannot but remember what a ſweet, pleaſant and delightful reliſh that bit had to me, to this day. So little do we prize common mercies, when we have them to the full. The twentieth Remove. It was their uſual manner to remove, when they had done any miſcheif,left they ſhould be found out : and fo they did at this time. We went about three or four miles, and there they built a great Wigwam,big enough to hold an hundred Indians, which they did in preparation to a great day of Dancing. They would ſay now amongſt themſelves, that the Go- verncur would be ſo angry for his loſs at Sudbury, that he would ſend no more about the Captives, which made me grieve and tremble. My Siſter being not far from the place where we now were, and hearing that I was here, de- fired her Maſter to let her come and ſee me, and he was willing to it, and would go with her, but ſhe being ready before him, told him ſhe would go before, and was come within a Mile or two of the place: Then he overtook her, and began to rant as if he had been mad, and made her go back again in the Rain, ſo that I never ſaw her till I ſaw her in Charlſtown. But the Lord requited many of their ill-doings, for this Indian, her Maſter, was hanged after at Bofton. The Indians now began to come from all quarters a- gainſt the merry dancing day. Amongſt ſome of them came one Goodwife Kettle: I told her that my Heart was fo heavy that it was ready to break : fo is mine too, ſaid ſhe, but yet faid, I hope we ſhall hear ſome good news fortly. I could hear how earnefly my Siſter deſired to ſee me, and I as ear neſtly defired to ſee her ; and yet neither of us could get an opportunity. My Daughter was alſo now but about a Mile off: and I had not ſeen her in nine or ten Weeks, as I had not ſeen my Sifter fince our firſt taking. Learneſtły defired! them to let me go and ſee them :yea, I intreated, begged, and perſwaded them, but to let me ſee my Daughter : and yet ſo hard-hearted were they, that they would not ſuffer it. They made uſe of their Tyrannical Power vvhilſt they had it : but through the Lords vvonderful mercy, their time vvas novy but ſhort. On a Sabbath-day, the Sun being about an hour high, in the After-noon, eame Mr. John Hoar, (the Council permitting him, and his ovvn foryvard fpirit inclining him) together with the two forementioned Indians, Tom and Peter, with the third Letter from the Council. When they came near, I was abroad, though I ſaw them not, they preſently called me in, and bade me fit down, and not ſtir. Then they catched up their Guns, and away they ran, as if an Enemy had been at hand : and the Guns went off space. I manifeſted fome great trouble, and they asked me what was the matter? I told them I thought they had killed the Engliſh-man (for they had in the mean time informed me that an Engliſh-man was come) they faid No; they ſhot over his Horſe, and under, and before his Horſe ; and they pulht him this way and that way, at their pleafure : fhewing what they olor them cometo their Wigwams. I begged of them. 26 Mrs. Rowlandfon's Captivity to let me free the Engliſh-tan, but they would not. But there was I fain to fugthen pleafurer When they had talked their fill with him, they ſuffered me to go, tecluim. 1o Me asked each other of our welfare, and how my Hus- band did ?oand all myd Friends? he told me they were all well , and would be glad to ſee me. Amongſt other things vvhich my Husband ſent me, there came a pound of Tobacco; which I fold for nine ſhillings in Money : for ma- ny of the Indians for want of Tobacco ſmoked Hemlock, and Ground-Ivy. It was a great piktake in any, vwho thonght I fent for Tobacco i for through the favour of Godzi that delnie was overcome. Inovy asked them, vyhether I should go home with Mr! Hoar? they anſvvered No,one and another of them : and it being Night, wé lay dovyn vyith that Anſwer : in the Morning Mr. Hear.invited the Saggamores to Dinner : but vvhen yve vvent to get it ready, vve found that they had tollen the greateſt part of the Proviſion Mr. Hoar had brought out of his Bags in the Night. 16 And we may ſee the wonderful Povver of God, in that one pallage, in that yvhen there was ſuch a great number of the Indians together, and ſo greedy of a little good Food; and no Engliflo there, but Mr. Hoar, and my ſelf : that there they did not knock us in the Head, and take vyhat vve had : there being not only ſome Proviſion, but alſo Trading Cloth, a part of the twenty pounds agreed upon: But in- ſtead of doing us any miſchief,they ſeemed to be aſhamed of the Fact, and ſaid, it yvere ſome Matchit, Indians that did it. O that we could believe that there is nothing too hard for God! God ſhewed his power over the Heathen in this, as he did over the hungry Lions vvhen Daniel was caſt into the Den. Mr. Hoar called them betime to Dinner ; but they ate very little, they being ſo buſie in dreſſing themſelves, and getting ready for their Dance ; which was carri- ed on by eight of them 5 four Men and four Squavvs: my Maſter and Miſtriſs being two.l. He was dreſſed in his Holland Shirty with great Laces fewed at the tail of it, he had his ſilver Buttons, his vvhite Stockings, his Garters vvere hung round vvith Shillings, and he had Girdles of Wampon upon his Head and Shoulders. She had a Kerſey Coat, and covered vvith Girdles of Wampom from the Loins and upward. Her Arms from her Elbows to her Hands were covered výith Bracelets; there vvere handfuls of Neck-laces about her Neck, and ſeveral ſorts of Jewels in her Ears. She had fine red Stockins, and vvhite Shoos, her Hair pouvdered, and her Face painted Red, that yvas alyvays before Black And all the Dancers vvere after the ſame manner. There vvere tvvo other ſinging and knocking on a Kettle for their Mulick. They kept hopping up and dovyn one after another, with a Kettle of Water in the midity: Itanding vvarm upon fome|Embers, to drink of when they were a dry. They held on, till it was almoſt night, throvving out Wampam-to the ſtanders by. At night I asked them again, if I ſhould go home? they all as one faid nő, except my Husband vvould come for me. When we were lain doyyn, my Maſter went out of the Wigwam, and by and by ſent in an Indian, called Fames, the PRINTER, who told Me, Hoar, amongſt the Heathen. 229 that my Maiter would let me go home to morrow, if he would let him have one pint of Liquors. Then Mr. Hoar called his own Indians, Tom and Peter : and bid them all go, and fee whether he vvould promiſe it before them three : and if he would, he ſhould have it; which he did, and had it. Then Philip ſmelling the buſineſs, called me to him, and asked me what I would give him, to tell me ſome good news, and to ſpeak a good word for me, that I might go home to morrow? I told him I could not tell what to give him ; I would give any thing I had, and asked him what he would have? He ſaid two Coats, and twenty ſhillings in Money,and half a buſhel of Seed- Corn, and ſome Tobacco. I thanked him for his love: but I knew the good nevys as well as that crafty Fox. My Maſter, after he had had his Drink, quickly came ranting into the Wigwam again, and called for Mr. Hoar drinking to him, and ſaying he was a good man; and then again he would ſay, Hang him Rogue. Being almoft drank, he would drink to him, and yet preſently ſay he ſhould be hanged. Then he called for me; I trembled to hear him, yet I was fain to go to him; and he drunk to me, thewing no incivility He was the firſt Indian, I ſaw drunk all the vvhile that I was amongſt them. At laſt his Squaw ran out, and he after her, round the Wig- wam, with his money gingling at his knees: but ſhe eſcaped him; but ha- ving an old Squaw, he ran to her : and ſo through the Lords mercy, we were no more troubled with him that night. Yet I had not a comfortable nights reſt: for I think I can ſay, I did not ſleep for three nights together. The night before the Letter came from the Council, I could not reſt, I was ſo full of fears and troubles, (God many times leaving us moſt in the dark, when deliverance is neareſt) yea at this time I could not reſt night nor day. The next night I was over-joyéd, Mr. Hoar being come, and that with ſuch good Tydings. The third night I was even ſwallovved up vvith the thoughts of things ; viz. that ever I ſhould go home again: and that I muſt go, leaving my Children behind me in the Wilderneſs; ſo that ſleep vvas novv almoſt departed from mine eyes. On Tueſday morning they called their General Court (as they ſtiled it) to conſult and determine, vvhether I ſhould go home or no: And they all as one man did ſeemingly conſent to it, that I ſhould go home: except Philip, vyho yvould not come among them. But before I go any further, I would take leave to mention a few remar- kable paſſages of Providence, which I took ſpecial notice of in my afficted time. 1. Of the fair opportunity loſt in the long March, a little after the Fort- fight, when our Engliſh Army was ſo numerous, and in purſuit of the Ene- my; and ſo near as to overtake ſeveral, and deſtroy them: and the Enemy in ſuch diſtreſs for Food, that our men might track them by their rooting in the Earth for Ground-nuts, whilſt they were flying for their lives: May, that then our Army ſhould want Proviſion, and be forced to leave their pur- 28 Mrs Rowlandfon's Captivity fuit, and return homeward : and the very next week the Enemy came up- on our Town , like Bears bereft of their whelps, or fo many ravenous Wolves, rending us and our Lambs to death. But what ſhall I ſay? God feemed to leave his people to themſelves; and ordered all things for his own holy ends. Shall there be evil in the City and the Lord hath not done it? They are not grieved for the affliction of Joſeph, therefore they shall go Captive, with the forft that go Captive. It is the Lords doing, and it ſhould be marvel- lous in our Eyes. 2. I cannot but remember, how the Indians derided the flowneſs, and dulneſs of the Engliſh Army, in its ſetting out. For after the deſolati, ons at Lancaſter and Medfield, as I went along with them, they asked me when I thought the Engliſh Army would come after them? I told them I could not tell : it may be they will come in May, ſaid they. Thus did they fcoffe at us, as if the Engliſh would be a quarter of a Year getting ready, 3. Which alſo I have hinted before, when the Engliſh Army with new fupplies were ſent forth to purſue after the Enemy, and they underſtand- ing it; fled before them till they came to Baquaug River, where they forth- with went over ſafely: that that River ſhould be impaſſable to the Engliſh, I cannot but admire to ſee the wonderful providence of God in preſerving the Heathen for farther affliction to our poor Country. They could go in great numbers over, but the Engliſh muſt itop: God had an over-ruling hand in all thoſe things. 4. It was thought, if their Corn were cut down, they would ſtarve and die with hunger : and all their Corn that could be found, was deſtroyed, and they driven from that little they had in ſtore, into the Woods, in the midſt of Winter; and yet how to admiration did the Lord preſerve them for his holy ends, and the deſtruction of many ſtill amongſt the En- gliſh! ftrangely did the Lord provide for them: that I did not fee (all the time. I.was among them) one Man, or Woman, or Child, die with Hunger. Though many times they would eat that, that a Hog or a Dog would hardly touch: yet by that God ſtrengthened them to be a ſcourge to his People. Their chief and commonelt food was Ground-nuts : they eat alſo Nuts, and Acorns, Hartychoaks, Lilly-roots, Ground-beans, and ſeveral other Weeds and roots that I know not. They would pick up old bones, and cut them in pieces at the joynts, and if they were full of worms and magots, they would ſcald them over the fire to make the vermine come out, and then boyle them, and drink up the Liquor, and then beat the great ends of them in a Morter, and ſo eat them. They would eat Horſes guts and ears, and all forts of wild birds which they could catch: Alſo Bear, Veniſon, Beavers, Tortois, Frogs, Squirils, Dogs, Skunks, Rattle-ſnakes; yea, the yery Barks of Trees; be- amongſt the Heatben. fides all ſorts of Creatures, and proviſion which they plundered from the Engliſh. I cannot but ſtand in admiration to ſee the wonderful power of God, in providing for ſuch a vaſt number of our Enemies in the Wil- derneſs, where there was nothing to be ſeen, but from hand to mouth. Many times in the morning, the generality of them, would eat up all they had, and yet have ſome farther ſupply againſt they wanted. It is ſaid, Pfal. 81. 13. 14. Oh that my people had hearkened to me, and Iſrael had walked in my wayes; I ſhould ſoon have ſubdued their Enemies, and turned my hand againft their adverſaries. But now our perverſe and evil carriages in the fight of the Lord, have ſo offended him; that inſtead of turning his hand againſt them, the Lord feeds and nouriſhes them up to be a ſcourge to the whole Land. s. Another thing that I would obſerve, is, the ſtrange providence of God in turning things about when the Indians were at the higheſt, and the Engliſh at the loweſt: I was with the Enemy eleven weeks and five days; and not one Week paſſed without the fury of the Enemy, and ſome deſolation by fire and ſword upon one place or other. They mourned ( with their black faces) for their own loſles: yet triumphed and rejoyced in their inlu- mane (and many times devilliſh cruelty) to the Engliſh. They would boaft much of their Victories; ſaying, that in two hours time, they had deſtroyed ſuch a Captain, and his Company, in fuch a place; and ſuch a Captain, and his Company, in ſuch a place; and ſuch a Captain, and his Company, in ſuch a place: and boaſt how many Towns they had deſtroyed, and then ſcoff, and ſay, they had done them a good turn, to ſend them to Heaven ſo ſoon. Again they would ſay, this Summer they would knock all the Rogues in the head, or drive them into the Sea, or make them flie the Country: thinking ſurely, Agag-like, The bitterneſs of Death is paft. Now the Heathen begin to think that all is their own, and the poor Chriſtians hopes to fail (as to man) and now their eyes are more to God, and their hearts ſigh heaven-ward : and to ſay in good earneſt, Help Lord, Or we periſh; when the Lord had brought his People to this, that they ſaw no help in any thing but himſelf; then he takes the quarrel into his own hand: and though they had made a pit f in their own imaginations ) as deep as hell for the Chriſtians that Summer ; yet the Lord hurlPd themſelves into it. And the Lord had not ſo many wayes before, to preſerve them, but now he hath as many to deſtroy them. But to return again to my going home: where we may ſee a remarkable change of providence : at firſt they were all againſt it, except my Husband would come for me; but afterwards they aſſented to it, and ſeemed much to rejoyce in it: ſome asking me to ſend them ſome Bread, others ſome Tobac- co, others ſhaking me by the hand, offering me a Hood and Scarf to ride in: not one moving hand or tongue againſt it. Thus hath the Lord anſwered mv noor deſires. and the many earneft requeſts of others natin na God 32-30 Mrs. Rowlandſon's Captivity for me. In my Travels an Indian came to me, and told me, if I were wil- ling, he and his Squaw would run away, and go home along with me. I told him, No, I was not willing to run away, but deſired to wait Gods time, that I might go home quietly, and without t t. And now God Irath granted me my deſire. O che wonderful power of God that I have feen, and the experiences that I have had! I have been in the midſt of thoſe ruaring Lions, and Salvage Bears that feared neither God, nor Man, nor the Devil, by night and day, alone and in company,ſleeping all forts together; and yet not one of them ever offered the lealt abuſe of unchaſtity to me, in word or action. Though fome are ready to ſay, I ſpeak it for my own credit; but I ſpeak it in the preſence of God, and to his Glory. Gods power is as great now, and as ſufficient to ſave, as when he preſerved Daniel in the Li- ons Den, or the three Children in the Fiery Furnace. I may well ſay, as he, Pfal . 107. 1,2. Oh give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So, whom. be bath redeemed from the band of the Enemy; eſpecially that I ſhould come away in the midſt of fo many hundreds of Enemies, quietly and peaceably, and not a Dog moving his tongue. Sol took my leave of them, and in coming along my heart melted into Tears, more than all the while I was with them, and I was almoſt ſwal- lowed up with the thoughts that ever I ſhould go home again. About the Suns going down, Mr. Hoar, and my felf, and the two Indians came to Lan- cafter, and a folemn light it was to me. There had I lived many comfortable years amongſt my Relations and Neighbours; and now not one Chriſtian to be ſeen, nor one Houſe left ſtanding. We went on to a Farm-houſe that was yet ſtanding, where we lay all night; and a comfortable lodging we had, though nothing but ſtraw to lye on. The Lord preſerved us in ſafety that night, and raiſed us up again in the morning, and carried us along, that before noon we came to Concord. Now was I full of joy, and yet not with- out forrow : joy, to ſee fuch a lovely fight, ſo many Chriſtians together, and ſome of them my Neighbours : There I met with my Brother, and my Bro- ther in Law, who asked me, if I knew where his Wife was ? poor heart! he had helped to bury her, and knew it not; ſhe being ſhot down by the houſe, was partly burnt: ſo thac thoſe who were at Boſton at the deſolation of the Town, and came back afterward, and buried the dead, did not know her. Yet I was not without ſorrow, to think how many were looking and longing, and my own Children amongſt the reſt, to enjoy that deliverance that I had now received ; and I did not know whether ever I ſhould fee them again. Being recruited with Food and Raiment, we went to Boſton at day: where I met with my dear Husband, but the thoughts of our dear Children, one being dead, and the other we could not tell where, abated our comfort each in other. I was not before ſo much hem'd in with the mere (s and cruel Heathen, but now as much with pitiful, tender-hearted, and --.pafli- annte Chulian In that normand ditrerad amongſt the Heaiben. 33 was received in, I was kindly entertained in ſeveral hones: ſo much love I received from ſeveral, (ſome of whom I knew, and others I knew not) that I am not capable to declare it. But the Lord knows them all by name: the Lord reward them ſeven-fold into their bofoms of his ſpirituals for their temporals. The twenty pounds, the price of my Redemption, was raiſed by ſome Boſton Gentl women, and M. Uſher, whoſe bounty and religious charity I would not forget to make mention of. Then Mr. Thomas Shepherd of Charlftorn received us into his Houſe, where we continued elven weeks; and a Father and Mother they were unto us. And many more tender-hearted Friends we met yvith in that place. We vvere novy in the midſt of love, yet not without much and frequent heavineſs of heart, for our poor Chil- dren, and other Relations, vyho vvere ſtill in affiction. The week following, after my comming in, the Governour and Coun- cil fent forth to the Indians again, and that not without ſucceſs: for they brought in my Siiter, and Goodwife Kettle: Their not knowing where our Children were, was a fore trial to us ftill, and yet we were not with- out ſecret hopes that we ſhould ſee them again. That which was dead: lay heavier upon my ſpirit than thoſe which were alive amongit the Hesse then: thinking how it ſuffered with its wounds, and I was no way able to relieve it : and how it was buried by the Heathen in the Wilderneſs, froin amongſt all Chriſtians. We were hurried up and down in our thoughits ; ſometimes we fould lear a report that they were gone this way, and ſometimes that: and that theywere come in, in this place or that: we kept inquiring and liſtning to hear concerning them, but no certain news as yet. About this time the Council had ordered a day of publick. Thanksgiving though I thought I had ſtill cauſe of mourning; and being unſettled in our minds, we thought we would ride toward the Eaſtward, to ſee if we could hear any thing concerning our Children. And as we were riding along (God is the wife diſpoſer of all things) between Ipſwich and Rowly we met with Mr William Hubbard, who told us our Son Joſeph was come in to Major Waldrens, and another with him, which was my Siſters Son. I ask d him how he knew it? he faid the Major himſelf told me fo. So along we went till we came to Newbury; and their Miuifter being abſènt, they deſired my Husband to Preach the Thanks-giving for them, but yhé was not willing to ſtay there that night, but would go over to Saliſbury, to hear farther, and come again in the morning, which he did: and Preached there that day. At night, when he had đồne, one came and told harm that his Daughter vvas come in at Providence: here vvas mercy on both hands. Novy hath God fulfilled that precious Scripture, vvhich was ſuch a comfort to me in my diſtreſſed condition. When my heart yvas ready ſink into the Earth (my Children being gone I could not tell white and my knees trembled under me, and I was vvalking through of the ſhadow of death: then the Lord brought, and now has. the 32 Mrs. Rowlandſon's Captivity fulfilled that reviving word unto me: Thus faith the Lord, Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thy eyes from tears, for thy work ſhall be rewarded, faith the Lord, and they shall come again from the Land of the Enemy. Now we were between them, the one on the Eaſt, and the other on the Weſt: our Son being neareſt, we went to him firſt, to Port (mouth; where we met with him, and with the Major alſo: who told us he had done what he could, but could not redeem him under ſeven pounds, which the good People therea- bouts were pleaſed to pay. The Lord reward the Major, and all the reſt, though unknown to me, for their labour of love. My Siſters Son was re- deemed for four pounds, which the Council gave order for the payment of. Having now received one of our Children, we haſtened towards the other : going back through Newbury, my Husband preached there on the Sabbath day: for which they rewarded hiin manifold. On Monday we came to Charlſtown ; where we heard that the Governour of Road-Iſland had fent over for our Daughter, to take care of her, being now within his Juriſdiction: which ſhould not paſs without our acknowledg- ments. But ſhe being nearer Rehoboth than Road-Iſland, Mr. Newman went over, and took care of her, and brought her to his own houſe. And the goodneſs of God was admirable to us in our lovv eſtate ; in that he raiſed un compaſſionateFriends on every ſide to uszwhen we had nothing to recom- pence any for their love. The Indians were now The Indians were now gone that way, that it was apprehended dangerous to go to her: but the Carts which carried Proviſion to the Engliſh Army, being guarded, brought her with them to Dorchefter, where we received her ſafe : bleſſed be the Lord for it, for great is his power, and be can do whatſoever ſeemeth him good. Her coming in was after this man- ner : ſhe was travelling one day with the Indians, with her basket at her back: the company of Indians were got before her, and gone out of ſight, all ex- cept one Squaw : fhe followed the Squaw till night, and then both of them lay down : having nothing over them but the Heavens ; nor under them but the Earth. Thus ſhe travelled three days together, not knowing whi- ther ſhe was going : having nothing to eat or drink but water, and green Hir- tleberries. At laſt they came into Providence, where ſhe was kindly enter- tained by ſeveral of that Town. The Indians often ſaid, that I ſhould never have her under twenty pounds : but now the Lord hath brought her in upon free coſt, and given her to me the ſecond time. The Lord make us a bleſ- fing indeed, each to others. Now have I ſeen that Scripture alſo fulfilled, Deut. 30. 4, 7. If any of thine be driven out to the utmoſt parts of heaven, from shence will the Lord thy God gather thee, and from thence will be fetch thee. And the Lord thy God will put all theſe curſes upon thine enemies, and on them which hate thee, zohich perſecuted thee. Thus hath the Lord brought me and mine out of that horrible pit, and hath fet us in the midſt of tender-hearted and com- paſſionate Chriſtians. 'Tis the deſire of my ſoul that we may walk worthy of the mercies received, and which we are receiving amongſt the Heathen. 33 ings in Our Family being now gathered together (thoſe of us that were living) the South Church in Boſton hired an houſe for us : then we removed from Mr. Shepards (thofe cordial Friends) and went to Bofton, where we continued a- bout three quarters of a year: Still the Lord went along with us, and pro- vided graciouſly for us. I thought it ſomewhat ſtrange to ſet up Houſe-keep- ing with bare walls, but, as Soloman ſays, Money anſwers all thengs: and that we had through the benevolence of Chriſtian friends, fome in this Town, and fome in that, and others, and ſome from England, that in a little time we might look, and ſee the houſe furniſhed with love. The Lord hath been ex- ceeding good to us in our low eſtate, in that when we had neither houſe nor home, nor other neceſſaries, the Lord fo moved the hearts of theſe and thoſe towards us ; that we wanted neither food, nor rayment, for our ſelves or ours, Prov. 18. 24. There is a Friend which ſtickerh cloſer than a Brother.. And how many ſuch Friends have we found, and now living amongſt! and truly ſuch a Friend haye vve found him to be unto us, in vvhoſe houſe vve: lived, viz. Mr. Fames Whitcomb, a Friend unto us near hand, and a far off! I can remember the time, vvhen I uſed to ſleep quietly vvithout vvork- my thoughts, vvhole nights together : but novv it is othervviſe vvith me. When all are falt about me, and no eye openi, but his vvho ever waketh, my thoughts are upon things paſt, upon the awful diſpenſations of the Lord towards us : upon his wonderful power and might in carry ing us through ſo many difficulties, in returning us in ſafety, and ſuffer- ing none to hurt us. I remember in the night ſeaſon, how the other day I was in the midſt of thouſands of enemies, and nothing but death before me: it was then hard work to perſwade my ſelf, that ever I ſhould be ſatisfied with bread again. But now we are fed with the fineſt of the Wheat, and (as I may ſo fay) with honey out of the rock : inſtead of the husks, we have the fatted Calf: the thoughts of theſe things in the particulars of them, and of the love and goodneſs of God towards us, make it true of me, what David ſaid of himſelf, Pſal. 6.6. I water my Couch with my tears. Oh the wonder- ful power of God that mine eyes have ſeen, affording matter enough for my thoughts to run in, that when others are ſleeping mine eyes are weeping. I have ſeen the extream vanity of this World: one hour I have been in health, and wealth, wanting nothing: but the next hour in ſickneſs, and wounds, and death, having nothing but forrow and affliction. Before I knew what affliction meant, I was ready ſometimes to wiſh for it. When I lived in proſperity; having the comforts of this World about me, my Relations by me, and my heart chearful : and taking little care for any thing; and yet ſeeing many (whom I preferred before my felf) under many trials and afflictions, in ſickneſs, weakneſs, poverty, lofſes, croſſes, and cares of the World, I ſhould be ſometimes jealous leaſt I ſhould have my portion in this life, and that Scripture would come to my mind, Heb. 12.6. For whom the Lard loveth hechafteneth, and ſcourgeth every Son whom he receiverb: bat 36 34 wwlandfon's Captivity but now I ſee De Lord had his time to fcourge and chaften me. The portion of ſome is to have their Afriction by drops, now one drop and then another : but the cregs of the Cup, the wine of aſtoniſhment, like a ſweeping rain that laveth no food, did the Lord prepare to be my portion. Afiction I wanted, and Afiiction I had, full meaſure (I thought) preſled down and run- ning over : yet I fee when God calls a perſon to any thing, and through ne- ver ſo many difficulties, yet he is fully able to carry them through, and make them ſee and ſay they have been gainers thereby. And I hope I can ſay in ſome meaſure, as David did, It is good for me that I have been affli&ted. The Lord hath ſhewed me the vanity of theſe outward things, that they are the Vanty of vanities, and vexation of Spirit; that they are but a ſhadow, a blaſt, a bubble, and things of no continuance; that we muſt rely on God himſelf, and our whole dependance muſt be upon him. If trouble from ſmaller mat- ters begin to ariſe in me, I have ſomething at hand to check my ſelf with, and ſay when I am troubled, It was but the other day, that if I had had the world, I would have given it for my Freedom, or to have been a Servant to a Chria ſtian, I have learned to look beyond preſent and ſmaller troubles, and to be quieted under them, as Moſes ſaid, Exod. 14. 13. Stand ſtill, and ſee the Salvati- on of the Lord. Liis) od Bu bolso 003 FINI S. 07 DIS 35 A SE R M O N Preached at Weathersfield, Nov. 21. 1678. By Mr. Joſeph Romlandſon, it being a day of Faſting and Humiliation. The Preface. To the Courteous READER, (eſpecially the Inhabitants of the Town of Weathersfield, and Lancaſter, in New-England, God Ods forſaking of ſuch as he hath been near to, is a thing of ſuch weight, and ſo- lemnity, and bath ſuch bitter effects, that it is a meet Subječt, (eſpecially in a dark and mourning day) for Miniſters to ſpeak to and for People to hear of : that the one may warn of the danger, and the other avoid the judgment. As Gods preſence is the greateſt glory to a People on this ſide Heaven, fobis abſence is the gteateft mifery on this ſide bell; this therefore muſt needs be a concerning point, to ſuch as will cona cern themſelves in their concernments. The enſuing Sermon will appear a ſolemnt word, if duly conſidered : 1 the ſubject matter is very ſolemn and weighty, ( Treaa ting of Gods being with, or forfaking a people) the time when it was delivered was a ſolemn time, ( a day of F AST throughout the Collonies ) the reverend Author that compoſed, and Preached it ; was one folemn and ſerious above many others, and that which adds one great circumſtance to its folennity, is, in that it was the laſt word he ſpake to the World, being but about two dayes before he left it. As it is ſolemn, so 'tis ſeaſonable, and pertinent. It is a time wherein we have given God juſt cauſe to forſake us, a time wherein God is threatning to for ſake us. A time wherein God hath in ſome meaſure forſaken us already, and what can be more Seaſonable, than to Shew the evils that befall a forſaken People, that we may yet be awakened, and re- tlost the Lord do not forſake us utterlo 36 The Preface. As for the Reverend Author, there needs nothing to be ſaid in his commendation, De was known amongſt the Churches in the Wildernefs, and k own to be a workman that needed not to be aſhamed. That his Name (which was ſometimes precious an mongfl thoſe that krew him ) may not be forgot, and that being dead, b: may yet Speak to a band that have in ſome meafure for fook their God, and are in danger of ben ing forſaken, is the ground-work of the publiſhing this ſmall part of hislebours. It is commended eſpecially to the peruſal of the Inhabitants of Lancaſter and Weathers- field : He was a man well known to you, the one had his Life, the other bis death, and botb his loſs; you cannot eaſily forget his name,, and 'tis deſired that you may not forget the labour and travel be bath bad amongſt you, the Word which he Preached to you was acceptable whilft he was living, andit is preſumed it will be accepted with the like candor now he is dead. Indeed bad it been intended and fitted by bimſelf for the Preſs, you might have expected and found it more large and pollijhed; but as it is, it is thought fit not to be loft, and may be of great uſe, and benefit, to open to us the danger of forſaking God, to humble us for all our coolings, and declinings from God, to quicken us in our return to, and cloſe walking with God. And that it may attain this end, is the hearts deſire, and prayer of him, who abundantly wiſhes thy welfare, and proſperity in Chriſt Jeſus. B. W. Jeremiah a mi clic Jeremiah 23. 33. And when this people, or the Prophet, or a Prieſt, ſkall ask thee, ſaying, What to the burden of the Lord? thou ſhalt then ſay unto them, What burden? I will even forſake you, faith the Lord. N the Words there lies before us, (Firſt) A Queſtion, fuppoſed to be propounded, wherein there is two things: 1. The Queſtioniſts, this people, or a Prophet, or a Prieſt: 2. The Queſtion it felf, or the matter of ic; What is the burden of the Lord? (Secondly,) There is an Anſwer, and a folemn Anſwer too, which is put into his mouth by the Lord, and which he is to recurn as the Lords Anſwer to the Queſtion; Thou ſhalt then Say unto them, What burden? I will even forſake you, faith the Lord, In which Anſwer there is three things. 1. An expreſſion of Indignation, Wbat burden? 3. An Allertion, by way of Anſwer to the Queſtion, I will forſake you. 3. A Seal of ratification, in the laſt words, Saith the Lord. God having before dealt with the Paſtors, that did deſtroy, and ſcatter-- the flock, as in the beginning of the Chapter, Wo be to the Paſtors that destroy and ſcatter the ſheep of my paſture,& ver 2.I will viſit upon you the evil of y ur doings, faith the Lordsand alſo with the falſe Prophets that propheſie lies in his Name, as ver. 9. My heart within me is broken becauſe of all the Prophets, & ver. 3.2. - Bebold I am againſt them that prophefie falſe dreams, faith the Lord, and do tell them, and cauſe my people ta erre by their lies, and by their lightneſs: which ſore of Prophets went without their crmmiſſion, as ver. 21. I have not fent theſe Prophets, yet theyrar. He proceeds from the head Rulers, to the people that were ſeduced by them : for by this means their hands were ſtrengthened in fin, ſo as that they did not return from their wickedneſs, as ver. 14. It was an uſual thing for the Prophets of the Lord to begin their Sermons (rhe mat- ter whereof was minatory, wherein the Lord threatned them with juſt judge- ments) with this Phrafe, The burden of the Lord, as will eaſily appear if you confule, Iſai. 1 3. 1 & 15. 1. & 22. 1. & 30 6. Now they do in the words of the Text, or are ſuppoſed in mockery to demand, what Burden he had fsom the Lord, for them? For the opening of the words ; And or moreaver, becauſe he enters upon new matter: this people, or the prophane ſort of them, whom the Falſe Pro. phets had feduced, to which hejoynsche Prophet, and the Prieſt, in that they F 2 were 38 A Humiliation Sermon. were alike prophane, as ver. II. for both Prophet and Prieſt are prophane, yea in my houſe, faith the Lord: and when Prophets are prophane there is wont to be a pack of them, as Jer. 5. 31. The Prophets propheſie falſly, and the Prieſts bear rule by their means, and my people love to have it ſo: ſhall ask thee ſaying, viz. in a deriding way, not out of a holy end, or delire; What is the burden of the Lord ? or from the Lord? ſo were the Propheſies ſtiled, that contained in them, Tbreatnings, I udgments, and Plagues, 2 King. 9. 25. as if they had ſaid, what haft thou further miſchief in thy head to declare? further Woes and Threatnings to pronounce? haſt thou nothing elſe to propheſie, but Miſchief and Ca- lamity ? What is the burden now ? Thou ſhalt then ſay unto them, the Lord knew what they would ſay to him, and tells him what he ſhould ſay, by way of reply, What burden? a retorting by way of holy indignation; ask ye in- deed, what burden? and that in a way of deriſion; are you of that ſtrain, and ſpirit? I will even forſake you ſaith the Lord : a burden heavy enough, and you are like to feel it fo ere long, heavy enough to break your Backs, to break your Church, and your Common-wealth, and to ſink your haughty Spirits, when this Burden ſhall come upon you, in its force and weight. Doct. That the Lord may even forſake a People that have been ne ar to him, and be hath been near to, though for the Lord thus to do, is as fearful and hideous a judgment as can be inflicted on any People. The Doctrine is double, it hath two parts: Firſt, That the Lord may do thus. Secondly, When he doth, it is a very ſad and heavy burden. It may be proſecuted astwo diſtinct points. 1. God may forſake a People that hath been near to him, and that he hath been near to. This may be ſpoken to in this order. 1. What is meant by Gods forſaking a People. 2. How may it appear that God may forſake even ſuch a People as the point ſpeaks of ? 3. The Reaſons. 4. The uſe. 1. What doth Gods forſaking mean? what is intended thereby ? Sol. It means Gods withdrawing himſelf, as the Prophet Hoſea phraiſes it, Hoſ:5. 6. They ſhall go with their Flocks and their Herds to ſeek the Lord, but shall not find him, he bath withdrawa himſelf from them. They ſhall ſeek him, and not find him, and there is a good reaſon, he hath withdrawn himſelf, he is gone, in reſpect of his gracious preſence. We muſt here diſtinguiſh betwixt Gods general preſence, and his precious preſence. In reſpect of his general pre- fence,he is not far from any one of us, for in him we live, and move, and have our being, A£t. 17. 27, 28. We have not only our beginning from, but our being in him. As the beam hath its being in the Sun. Of this general preſence of A Humiliation Sermon. 39 God, we read, Pſal. 139 7. There is no i ina som it. Whither ſhall I go from thy Spirit, Or whit her ſhall I flie from thy prej ne? in this fenfe God is Aery where, as it is ver 8, &9. If I aſcend up into Heaven th n art there : if I make my bed in bell behold thou art there. He fills Heaven and Earth and there is no hi- ding from him, Per. 23. 24 Can any hide himſelf in ſecret places that I ſhall not ſee bim? ſaith the Lord : do not I fill Heaven and Earth ? ſaith the Lord. He hath Hea- ven for his Throne, and the Earth for his Footſtool, as it is, Iſai 66. I. This general preſence of God, if believingly apprehended, and ſtrongly believed, might be of Great uſe. But it is not this general preſence that is meant : but his eſpecial preſence, his favourable and gracious preſence, the removing whereof, is that that is intended, by the forſaking that the Text and Point ſpeaks of. God is ſaid to forſake a People two wayes. 1. As to affection. 2. Asto Action. 1. As to Affection, when he diſcontinues his love to them, when he takes away his love from a people, then he takes his leave of a people, My mind is not toward this people, Jer. 15. 1. a very heavy Judgement, and fad removal. Be inſtructed, o Jeruſalem, left my Soul depart from thee. 2. As to Action, when God takes away the ſigns of his preſence. 1. When he takes away merciful and gracious providences, when he car- ries not towards them as he was wont to do: but vexes them with all manner of adverſity, Deut. 31. 17. I will for fake them, and many evils and troubles shall befall them: when he ceaſes to protect them from evils, and enemies, as in times paſt, and provides not for them, as he was wont to do. When he takes away his Ordinances, and bereaves a people of the glorious things of his houſe; or take away his fpirit from accompanying them, whereby the glory ceaſes, and the ordinances are rendered in effectual for the ſaving good of a people. 2. How may it appear that God may forſake ſuch a People? It may appear by what God hath threatned. What God hath threatned, to ſuch as the point ſpeaks of, may be inflicted on them : but God hath threatned ſuch judgments to ſuch a people. My anger ſhall be kindled againſt them, and I will forſake them, as near as they are to me, and as dear as they have been to me, Deut. 31. 17. Many ſuch threatnings are found in the Scripture againſt Ifrael, who are ſtiled a people near unto him. In that ſuch as have been near to God, and he near to them, have com- plained of their being forſaken by God. Thou haſt forſaken us, is one of the bitter moans, on record that the Church of God did often make unto him. What God hath inflicted on ſuch, may be inflicted on ſuch again ; what God hath done to ſome, he may do to others, in the ſame ſtate, and relati- on: for he is unchangeable. Thoſe that were once the only peculiar people of God, near to God, and had God near to them, yet what is their conditia 40 A Humiliation Sermon. on at this day? A forſaken condition is the condition of the Offſpring of Abrabam Gods Friend, a feed whom he had choſen, and hath been ſo for above fixteen hundred years. God hath been Angry with them, and for- ſaken them, as they were foretold long ago. Hovv is it vvith the Churches of Aſia, that were once famous golden Candleſticks that had Epiſtles vyritten to them? Are they not in a forſaken condition ? not the face of a Church to be found amongſt them. In that they may do that which may deſerve a forſaking, therefore they may do that vvhich may actually procure it. They may do that vvhich may deſerve a forſaking, they may through the corruption and unbelief of their hearts forfake God, and God may in juft judgement retaliate, and thereupon forſake them. This is ſpoken to in the forequoted place, Deut. 31. 16, 17. They will forſake me, and break my Covenant which I have made with them : then my anger ſhall be kindled againſt them in that day, and I will for fake them, and hide my face from them. So again, 2 Chron. 15. 2. But if you forſake him, he will for. fake you; the firſt is ſuppoſed, if you forfake him ; the latter is impoſed, he will forſake you. But vvhy doth the Lord forſake ſuch a People? The Reaſons : 1. To lhevy that he hath no need of any, he hath forſaken many, and may forſake many more, to fhevy that he hath no need of any. God would have all the vvorld to take notice, that though all men have need of him, yet ) he hath no need of any man. 2. To teſtifie his San&tity, and ſeverity againſt fin. He vvill not ſpare them that have been near him, if they vvill not ſpare their ſin for him. He is a holy God, and if they vvill have their fins, and their luſts, and their vvays, and their lovers, he will vindicate his holineſs, by inflicting his judgment on them. 3. To be a vvarning to all that enjoy his gracious preſence. That they ſee they make much of it, and that they take heed that they do not fin againſt him, and forſake him, and provoke him to forſake them alſo. Caut. The point is to be underſtood of a people that are viſibly and exter: nally near and dear to him, and theſe may be torally and finally forſaken of God: and yet here it muſt be noted, that God may exerciſe a deal of pati- ence, and forbearance toward ſuch as he is about to forſake ; he d d ſo with the old world, he did ſo with the Iſraelites of old, he did ſo with the ſeven Churches of Aſia : he is not wont ſuddenly, and at once to forſake a people that have been near and dear to him; but he is wont to give them warning, and in patience to bear a while with their frowardneſs, and wait to ſee if there be any returning to him, before he doth inflict this heavy and ſharp judgement. Uſe. It ferves to admoniſh us, not to bear our ſelves too high, upon the account of priviledges. It is a great priviledge to have the Lord near us, and to be near unto him: and ſome lean upon this, though they abide in their A Humiliation Sermon. 41 fin, Micah 3. 10, 11. They build up Sion with blood, and Jeruſalem with iniquity, yet will they lean upon the Lord, and ſay, Is not the Lord amongſt us? But if our de portment be not according to our priviledges, if we do not carry it there- after, by becoming an humble, fruitful, and holy people, the Lord will bring forth this heavy burden againſt us, we ſhall be rejected, and forſaken of the Lord, whatever our external priviledges be. But the ſecond part of the Doctrine, or the ſecond Doctrine, may be now ſpoken to, viz. That it is the heavieſt burden, or the foreſt of Judgments, for the Lord to forſake a people. There may be two things ſpoken to in the management of this Truth. 1. Arguments to evidence it. 2. The Uſes of it. 1. If God hath threatned it as a very ſore judgment, then ſure it is fo. Now when God hath been angry with a people, he hath manifeſted the ſame by menacing them with his forſaking them: when he hath been deſigned to do them a deep diſpleaſure, upon the account of ſome high provocation, he is wont to threaten them, not by taking away this or that outward comfort from chem; but by taking away himſelf from them. And chat is a wee indeed, a woe with a witneſs, Hof. 9. 12. Yea, woe allo to them when I depart from them : This is the vvofulleſt day that ſuch a people are yvont to meet vvith. 2. Gods forſaking a People is a fore judgment, in that it expoſes them to all judgements. Sin is a great evil, in that it expoſes to all evil; this is a great evil of punishment, in that it expoſes to all puniſhnients. If God be gone, our guard is gone, and vve are as a City in the midſt of Enemies, vvbofe vyalls are broken dovvn. Our ſtrength to make reſiſtance, that's gone, for God is our ſtrength. As a carcaſe vvithout life, is a pray to beaſts of prey; ſoare a people forſaken of their God, to all their devou. ring enemies, and to infernal and curſed fpirits: they are expoſed to miſ chief, and the Malice of all their malignant enemies. When the Lord had forſaken Jeruſalem, the Romans quickly made a prey of it; when they were deftitute of God, their habitation became deſolate. There is no Protection to a People vvhom the Lord forſakes; but they are perplexed on every fide. 3. Becauſe the evils that are on ſuch whom God hath forſaken, they are only evils. The Prophet Ezekiel fometime hath the expreſlion, Ezek: 7. 5. Tbus faith the Lord God, An evil, an only evil, behold, is come. This is ſuch ane* vil, an only evil to a people. An evil, whilſt God is preſent, may have much good in it, the Lord may ſancti it for abundance of bleſſing: there is hopes of this whilſt the Lord continues amongſt them; but if he be gone, it is an only evil, and the evils that come upon them are ſuch, they have nothing but evil in them. 4. Becauſe no creature can then afford any help; for what can creatures do 42 A Humiliation Sermon. when God is departed; he makes the Creatures uſeful and helpful, but with- out him they can do us no good, ſtand us in no ſtead : they may ſay to thee, as the King of Iſrael ſaid to the Woman, that cried Help O King, He an. ſwered, If the Lord dont belp, whence Mall I help thee? all creatures may fay if God be departed, we cannot help : Nay the very Devil cannot help, if God be gone : when God departed from Saul, he fought help from the Devil, I Sam. 28. 15. Wherefore ( faith the Devil) askeſt thou of me? ſeeing the Lordis departed from thee. 5. It appears to be a ſore judgement, by the anguiſh and diſtreſs, that ſuch have been in, that have been ſenſible that God hath forſaken them. Sin hath flown in the face of ſuch, and terrified them: Oh the bleſſed God is gone, and if he is gone, mercy is gone, and Oh for ſuch and|ſuch fins, that ly up- on me! what ſhalll do? what a moan have Saints themſelves made in ſuch a cafe? as David, Pfal. 22. 1, 2. My Godmy God, why haſt thou forſaken me? why art thou ſo far from helping me? and from the words of my roaring? Oh my God, I cry in the day time, but thou beareſt not, and in the night ſeaſon, and am not ſilent. Oh how Saul roared out his diſtreſs! and that on this account eſpecially, that God was departed from him, not ſo much that the Philiſtines were upon him, had notGod been gone, he could have dealt well enough with them, but here was the iniſery and the ſting of the miſery, God was departed from him. 6. It is a fore punishment, in that it is a great part of the puniſhment of Hell. The eſſential parts of that puniſhment, is pain of loſs, and ſenſe, and the former ſome reckon the greater. Vje 1. How fooliſh are finners that do even bid God depart from them? as we read, Fob 21. 14. Therefore they ſay unto God, depart from us, for we de- fire not the knowledge of thy wayes . But do they know what they ſay? Oh fin- ners is this your wiſh if it be granted, it will prove your woe for ever. Happily Gods preſence is now your trouble; but I tell you his abſence would be your torment. 2. See here what an evil it is to forſake God; is it a judgment of judments to be forſaken of God? furely then it is the fin of ſins to forſake him : the evil of puniſhment is in being left by God, and the evil of fin is in leaving God. What, forſake God, who is our only good? God who made us, and poffeft us from our beginning, God that hath been the guide of our Youth, that hath been good to us, and fed us all our dayes ? Jer. 2. 19. Know therefore and ſee, that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou haſt forſaken the Lord thy God. And there is an aggravation of it, ver. 17. Thou haſt forſaken the Lord thy God, when be led thee by the way. As a guide to direct thee, as a ſtaff to ſupport thee, as a convoy to guard chee, as a Father to provide for thee, that thou haſt wan ted nothing: well may it be ſaid, hope evil and bitter a thing is it, that thou haft forſaken the Lord? He adds in the 31. verſe. Ob Generation! Generati- on of what? of what you will; God leaves a ſpace that you may write what you pleaſexgeneration of Vipers, or Monſters, or any thing rather then Ge- A Humiliation Sermon. 43 neration of Gods people. See the word of the Lord, behold your face in that Glaſs. So your cauſleſs apoſtaſies, have I been a Wilderneſs unto Iſrael? Have you wanted any thing, Oh ye degenerating, crooked, and wilful gene- ration? God may ſay to ſuch ſinners, as Pharaoh to Hadad, when he would be gone, 1 King. 11.22. But what haſt thou lacked with me, that thou ſeekeſt to be gone? what haſt thou laked finner, that thou ſeekeſt to be gone from the Lord ? the finner muſt anſwer with him, Nothing, howbeit let me go in any wife. He came to him in his diſtreſs, and when his turn was anſwered, away he packs. They forſake becauſe they will forſake. 3. Wonder not that Gods Saints have been ſo ſolicitous with him, not to forſake them. Thus David, Pſal. 1 19.8. Oh forſake me not utterly. He miglit well be ſolicitous in this matter, for he underſtood what it was to be forſaken of the Lord. They preſs hard with the Lord, whatever he doth, he would not leave them, nor forſake them, Jer. 14.9. Leave us not. And no wonder, there are ſuch means, when the Lord may have ſeemed to have forſake them. 4. If Gods forſaking be ſo ſore a judgment, it ſhould make us more caute- lous, and wary left we pull down this judgment on our heads. Men ſhould be afraid of this heavieſt of judgments, more than the Child of whipping. 5. Let Gods dear ones take heed of concluding againſt themſelves, that they are under this judgment. They are readieſt to conclude againſt them- ſelves, and yet really in the leaſt danger. Thus we read, Iſa. 49. 14. But Zion ſaid, The Lord bath forſaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. faid Zion ſo? it was from diffidence : as Saints do not forſake God as others do, Pſal. 18.21. I have not wickedly departed from my God: ſo God will not forſake them as he forſakes others, not utterly forſake them : His forſaking of his is but temporary and partial. But here a queſtion may be moved, What is the difference betwixt a ſinner forſaken, and a Saint forſaken? for the Lord doth not forſake both alike. 1. When God forſakes his own, yet they cry after him, he withdraws him- ſelf from them ſometimes, yet ſo as that he draws their hearts after him, as a Mother may hide away from her Child, that it may ſeek and cry the more earneſtly after her. 2. They retain good thoughts of him in his withdraw- ment, or abſence. As the Spouſe in the Canticles, ſhe calls him her beloved ſtill . As the faithfnl Wife, ſhe retains good thoughts of her Husband, and keeps up her reſpect, though he be gone from home: but the wicked, when the Lord forſakes them, harbour hard thoughts of him. Is this to ſerve the Lord, and walk in his ways? what good have I got by all I have done? ſee how he hath ferved me. 3. They will ſeek him till he return again : when the Lord forſakes others, they vvill ſeek after vanities, to make up the vvant of Gods preſence. The Adultreſs in her Husbands abſence, vvill ſeek after other lovers. The true Saint vvill be ſatisfied in nothing elſe but the Lord till he return. Moreover Here is a difference in Gods forſaking the finner, and the Saint ; vvhen he But why 44 Å Humiliation Sermon. the wicked, they are left in darkneſs : but when he withdraws from his own. he leaves ſome light, whereby they ſee which way he is gone, he leaves fome glimmering light, by which they may follow after him, and find him. And again, when he leaves his own, yet his bowels are towards them, Jer. 31. 20. My bowels are troubled for him, I will ſurely have mercy upon him, saith the Lord, He hath an eye towards them for much good, in his forſaking them. Ve 2. Of Exhortation : 1. To thankfulneſs to God, for that he hath not yet forſaken us. Whatever he hath ſtript us of, he hath not yet itript us of himſelf, he hath not as yet forſaken us. He might have done it, and have doneus no wrong; but he hath not yet done it. 2. To do our utmoſt that he may not forſake us. And here there may be added Motives and Means. 1. Conſider Gods lothneſs to forſake us. This is a thing that he is not deſirous of, he doth not willingly afiliet us with this ſort of Affliction, or grieve us with this grievous ſtroak. God hath inewed himſelf loth to depart from thoſe that have departed from him; but hath warned them of his dif- pleaſure, that they might ſtay him.It goes near Gods heart to forſake a People that have been near to him. Methinks I hear him ſaying thus, How ſhall T give thee up, o New-England! thence ſpeaking to warn us, of our forfakings of him, and to be inſtructed, why? leit his Spirit depart from us, fer. 6.8. Be thon inſtructed, 0 Jeruſalem, left my Soul depart from thee, left I make thee defolate, a Land not inhabited. You may eaſily ſtay him, the matter is not ſo far gone, but you might yet ſtay him: were we but as loth he ſhould forſake us, as he is to forſake us, he would never leave us. His gradual motions from a people argue his lothneſs, and unwillingneſs to leave them. 2. Conſider what the Lord is to us, or what relation he ſtands in to us, while he is with us. He is our friend, we have found him to be fo, and a ſpe- cial friend too: men in the World are not willing to forego a Friend, a good Friend: he is as faithful, skilful, powerful, and tender-hearted a Friend as ever a People had, he ſtuck by us when alſo we had been in a woe café, Pſal. 124. 1. If it had not been the Lord who was on our ſide, may Iſrael nom ſay. And had not the Lord been or our ſide, may Nem-England now ſay. He is a Fa- ther, and a tender-hearted Father, Ifai. 63. 16. Doubtleſs thou art our Father. Can Children be willing their Father ſhould leave them ? he is a Husband, Iſai. 54. 5. For thy Maker is thy Husband, a loving, careful, tender Husband too; can the Wife be willing to part with her Husband ? If the Lord for- ſake us, we are bereft of our Friend, left friendleſs, he is all friends in one, none can be our friend, if he be not. If he leave us, we ſhall be as Orphans, for he is related as a father and how fad is the ſtate of Poor Orphans? and we ſhall be in a ſtate of Widow-hood, a very ſolitary, and ſorrowful ſtate. He is our Guide, and our Pilot; what will become of the blind if their guide leave them ? and what will become of theShip if thePilot deſert it? Thus theLord is to his, and well may he fav, as Mic. 6.2. O my Deople mhat haale I doua 2 A Humiliation Sermon. 45 3. Conſider there are ſhrewd ſigns of Gods intent to leave us, unleſs fome- what be done. If you enquire what? I anſwer : 1. The ſins for which God hath forfaken others are rife amongſt us. The fins for which God forfook the Jews, are our ſins. 1. Horrid Pride, Hof. 5.5. The Pride of Iſrael doth teſtifie to his face. Pride in Parts, and pride of Hearts, pride in Apparel, and Veſtures, and in Ge- ftures, and in Looks, how lofty are their Eyes! New-England is taken notice of abroad, for as proud a People, of a profeſſing People, as the World af- fords. When a People are humble the Lord will ſtay with them. Ifour immuni- ties, which are Gods mercies, puff us up, God will empty us: he will blaſt that to us that we are proud of. 2. Deep and high Ingratitude. Do you thus requite the Lord? Deut. 32.6. So the Prophet Hofea taxes them, Hof.2. 8. God gave her. Corn, and Wine, and Oyl, Silver and Gold, but she conſumed them on Baal. We have been bleft, but hath God had the glory of our bleſſings? o nov, bo to 3. Oppreſſion. Amos 8. 4. Ye that ſwallow-up the needy. Theſe Jews were like the Fiſhes, the greater did devour the leſs. Some are like wild Beaſts, like Wolves that tear off the fleece, and eat the fleſh of the Flocks. There is more juſtice to be found in Hell, than amongſt ſome men on Earth: for there is no innocent perſon oppreſſed there. 4. Wearineſs of Gods Ordinances. Amos 8. 5. When will the Sabbath be done ? They that are weary of the ſervice of God, and the Ordinances of God, they are weary of God. God indeed hath fed us to the full as to Ordinances : and we are glutted, and ſurfeited, and have loſt our eſteem. Sog When mens Commodities bear but a little price in a place, they will re- move the Market: if Goſpel-Ordinances are but a cheap Commodity, have loſt their price, and men are weary of them, God will let out his Vineyard to another People. Ifour mercies become our burdens, God will eaſe us of them. 5. Couſenage in mens dealings, making the Ephah ſmall, and the Shekel great, ſelling the refuſe of Wheat, Amos 8.5, 6. They pick out the beſt Grain for themſelves, and the refuſe is to ſell. 6. Idolatry, which is Spiritual Adultery, and is there nothing of this? chuſing of new Gods. 7. Incorrigibleneſs, or oppoſition of a ſpirit of reformation. When God calls to a People to return, by repentance, but they will go on ſtill in their Sin: God calls them by his judgments, and by his Rod; but they will not hear, as ’tis Jer. 5.3. Thou haft ſtricken them, but they have not grieved; thou haft conſumed them, but they have refuſed to receive Corre&tion, they have made their faces harder than a Rock, they have refuſed to return. When it is thus with a Peo- ple, God will pluck up and be gone; fo Jer, 7., 13, 14. Becauſe they would Coops 46 A Humiliation Sermon, Shiloh. Why what did the Lord do to Shiloh ? ver. 12. Go to Shiloh, and ſee mhat I did to it, for the wickedneſs of my People Iſrael . Go, and view it, and you will ſee what he did, he left tokens of his wrath upon them, and forſook them. 2. Another ſign of his intent to forſake us, is, in that he is dealing with us as he is wont to deal with them that he is about to forſake. He takes away thoſe that are moſtly with him. He will take away his Moſes's, thoſe that ſtand in the Gap, and binds his hands with their Prayers, when he is deſigned to pour out Wrath upon a People: he will remove the lights, when he is a- bout to darken a Land. When men ſend away their Plate, and Jewels, and choice things; it intimates their intention of Removal. 3. Another ſign is our Luke-warmneſs, and Indifference in Religion : a ufu- al fore-runnner of its removal. When a People care not for God, and the things of God, he hath left them in ſome meaſure, already; and if that Spi- rit abide, he will not tarry long with them. Uſe. 1. Of Direction. I. Examine and humble your ves, for all your. departures from God, your forſakings of him, humble your felves for them, confeſſing with bitterneſs your evil therein, bemoaning yourſelves before the Lord upon the account thereof. May the Lord hear his People, from Dan to Beerſheba, bemoaning themſelves, Ephraim-like; then the Lord will hear, and have mercy, and not leave us, for his Names fake. 2. Judge your ſelves worthy to be forſaken, becauſe of your forſaking of him. If you judge yourſelves worthy to be forſaken, God will not judge you worthy to be forſaken, 1 Cor. 11. 31. 3. Pray the Lord not to forſake you the Lord is fometimes ſtaid with Pray- ers: Prayers have prevailed with His Majeſty often, and may do again. 4. Forſake your ſins, whereby you have forſaken him. Nothing leſs than this will prevent this miſchief, coming upon us. If there be any, either Son or Daughter, that will not leave their fins for God, God will leave fuch. SON on siin O isim - FINI S. 3 sirom 3. Bae е C 1682 Rowlandson, Märg (White) Po