Of the reasons moving this people to transplant themselves and Families to those remote parts.
THe great
Jehova's working word effecting wondrously,
This earths vast globe, those parts unknown, to civill people by,
Columbus or
Alkmerricus by providence direction,
Found out this Western world with store of mettels cleer extraction.
The Spanish project working well, tooke sudden such impression
In minds of many
Europe held, who fell to like progression.
It's strange to see the
Spanish fleete so many should provoke,
In
English searching for like prize, they are vanisht into smoake.
Yet these undaunted hearts stir'd up a Colony to plant,
Hight Nova Anglia, for which they gain'd a patten grant.
Now all ancient seild and read in lands new population,
No parallell like this (I deeme) you'l finde in any Nation.
These people now begin with care to vese and plot, each man
That heares of this new Colony, with diligence doth scan.
Such motives as he hath in Eye, one he desires land,
Quoth he I see here landed men in reputation stand.
Hundreds and thousands I have not to purchase, but I will
Through seas much wood-land to atchieve, and medow ground my fill.
Ʋp starts another from a sad and serious contemplation,
How he a Gentleman might be, good man is his vexation.
House implements being turn'd to coyne, his cloath of fashion new,
To ship he hyes, much welcome Sir, for none his person knew.
New rais'd from sleepe, another cries, my earnings are but small,
I'le venter to this new-found world, and make amends for all.
In hast halfe breathlesse running, comes a man with longing sore
For novelties of new-found lands, the Seas he would leap o're.
His kindreds letters looking in, ha ha here's newes indeed,
From Brothers, Sisters, Ʋncles, Aunts, I'le ship my selfe with speed.
These but the straglers now remaines the chiefest troopes to eye,
Truth 'tis, their standard of resort was Christianity.
Couragious Captaines leading on, their coynes and lands 'way throwing,
Made many Souldiers follow fast, their bands in number growing.
When
England by
Elizabeth began a Reformation,
It was a joyfull day to all, the godly of that Nation.
Proh Dolor, it did not goe on, with joyfull acclamation.
But hirarchy and lordly throne of Prelacy invading,
The government of Christs deare flocke, then godlinesse was fading,
Some men impute it to the pride of Bishops, others say,
The loosenesse of the Laity did carry most away.
But sure it is that godlinesse, and purities deriding,
Mov'd many godly ones to seek, a place of new abiding.
Proud Bishops skil'd in policie of machivilian learning,
Fore-saw their pomp would fall to ground by Scripture cleer discerning,
New fangled fetches were devis'd for soone intrapping those
Who to the people faithfully truth wholly did disclose.
While things thus craftly were contriv'd, Preachers to prisons packe,
The Bishops Courts were fill'd with worke, and consciences on racke.
Come sirrah quoth the Commissary, you will no Surplice weare,
Nor yet proclaime our Sunday sports, a Puritan I feare
You are, and shall no more preach forth to people stir to reare
Against my Lords grace, I know well, your preaching doth him scare.
And to another: as for you, your faction is so much,
Whole townes run from their Parish Church to heare your word, are such.
As for to overthrow my Lord, and his commanding power,
If I live in this Diocesse, you shall not stand one houre.
In midst of all these wofull stirs grave godly men sit musing,
How they their talents might improve, to honour God in using.
Nine hundred leagues of roaring seas dishearten feeble parts,
Till cruell handling hasten on, and God doth strengthen hearts.
Come quoth the husband, my deare wife, canst thou the seas endure,
With all our young and tender babes, let's put our faith in ure.
With watry eyes the wife replies, what remedie remaines,
Forsaking all for Christ his sake, will prove the greatest gaines.
From in-land parts poore Christians packe to Sea-ports ships to enter,
A wonderment, in streets they passe, dividing their strange venter.
What meane these mad men soone sayes one, witlesse to run away,
From
English beere, to water, where, no hoone companions stay,
But its the Surplice scares them hence, the Tippet and the Crosse,
Nay more they feare, my Lords grace here, will bring againe the masse.
Yea further I have heard of late our Puritans much wonder,
Because our Metropolitan intends to bring them under:
Thus passe the people to their ships, some grieve they should goe free,
But make them sweare, and search them bare, taking what coyne they see.
Now Satan seeing God had crost, his minde in making way,
For's people and his Pastors too, in wildernesse to stay.
Fearing Christs Kingdom would encrease, and his to ground be falling,
Stirs up fresh instruments like sheepe that wolfishly were haling.
Proud errour brochers, these croud in for liberty pretending,
The overthrow of
Romish trash, their words against it bending.
Quoth one here none but Scholler may in pulpit be a Preacher,
Pleship my selfe, for sure I am, full gifted for a Teacher.
Ʋp starts another from a crowd, of women, her admiring,
An able tongue in Scripture learn'd, to preach forsooth desiring.
With revelations strange, yet true, as Scripture them accounting,
Another comes to ship himselfe, in knowledge all surmounting.
'Gainst Magistrates another cries, none such on earth should stand,
I'le venture o're the broadest Seas for freedome from their hand.
Thus diver sly dispos'd doe people pack up away,
To populate new Collonies, where none but Heathen stay.
Of the Transportation of people and goods to the Mattachusets bay, and other adjacent Collonies.
VVHen as this people thus resolv'd the Ocean Sea to venter,
As was their errant, so they did addresse the ships to enter.
Ship-owners seeing like it was their gain might holpen bee
And Ʋndertakers with like hope, to hire ships were free.
Close Cabbins being now prepar'd with bread, biefe, beere and fish,
The passengers prepare themselves that they may have their wish.
With little goods, but many words, aboord comes one, and sayes,
I long to set my feet on shore, where cloudy pillar stayes,
As high as clouds he darts his words, but it is earth he wants:
For having past the fishing banks, soon smels the gay ground plants,
In long boat with a scouring pace comes gentle-like attended,
New fashion'd by the Taylors hand, one for his parts commended.
Master at last quoth he, I'm not with labour much inured,
Yet for to countenance good folk this toyl
[...] to be endured.
Hee's loath to say, that men of parts to govern towns are wanting,
And therefore he will through the seas, 'mongst others to be planting.
His Cabin is too strait, his fare too mean for his degree,
Now good Sir be content a while, on shore youl' he more free.
Eftsoones comes clambring up the ropes one in his mind revived,
That hee's no servant, quoth he, this was very well contrived,
Now I may goe where I can close with people and with Preacher,
But its great wages makes him close, for there he needs no teacher.
Brief dancing on the decks doth walk another boasting sore
Of godly kindred, and he longs to be with them on shore,
These and the like may England spare, but oh it's sad to say,
That privatly for publick work thy Worthies went away.
Sage, sober, grave and godly men, together counsell seeking
At th'hand of God, they fast and pray for their approved liking:
And will not stirre one foot, but by his word and will directing,
So on the seas most happily they found his hand directing.
Now large Revennewes hinder not, hoopt up in hogsheads they
Transport both lands and houses too, nine hundred leagues away.
Oh we
[...]l away, now say the poore, our Benefactors going,
That fild our childrens mouths with bread, look yonder are they rowing
O woe is me another cries, my Minister, its hee,
As sure as may be, yonder he from Pursevant doth flee.
With trickling tears, scarce uttering speech, another sobbing sayes,
If our poore preacher shipped be, hee'l nere live halfe the way,
But one poore friend, another cries, my secret heart to plain,
And he and his are shipped, now I'le after him amain.
'Mongst these doth Satan get a fraught, Angels of light they seeming,
Were entertain'd among the rest, as holy Saints them deeming.
Hardly beset on every side, Gods people thus attended,
To troublous seas betake themselves, yet by their God befriended.
In straits to get their goods aboord, their wives and obildren small,
Hard to attaine a cleering thought, cleerely dismist of all.
But God and godly friends, whom they find in their hard-ships free,
To send and lend them help in all, their great calamity.
The boysterous waves begin to hoyse their brittle barques on hye,
When suddenly the billowes breake, and dash their ships awry.
Ʋnwonted to such wondrous workes the little babes complaine
For harbour in their Mothers armes, whom sicknesse doth constraine
To sit as helplesse, yea, for help of others they doe cry,
But all sea-sicke for present, all do others help deny.
Each corner's fill'd with goods and folke, the ships large womb could bear,
That hot diseases breed among, this crowd, no roome to spare
For any weake ones, nor for those, whose fruit was ripe for light,
On soundlesse depths their babes are borne 'mongst waves above ships hight.
Both aged, weake, and tender ones the seas now tumbling tosse,
Till they I fore'd to harbour turn'd, with stormy windes being crost.
In western
Anglia, and the Isle
Hibernia they bide,
With longing for
Jehova's help, who only windes doth guide.
As loft to lose the last long sight of their deare native soile,
Both back and forth the winds them drive, with mickle restlesse toyle.
But being once in Ocean large, where depths the earth wide sever,
Returne no more, though winds them crosse, to end their course indere.
In unknown depths, and pathlesse Seas, there nights and days they spend,
'Mongst stormy winds & mountain waves long time no land they kend.
At ships mast doth Christs Pastors preach, while waves like Prelats proud,
Would sling them from their pulpits place as not by them allow'd.
The swelling surges raging come to stop their mouths with fome,
For publishing of every truth that by Gods word is known.
But Christ as once, so now sayes peace waves, and be still,
For all their height they fall downe flat, obey they must his will.
And now the Seas like medowes greene, whose ground and grasse even are,
Doth gently lead their ships as sheep from place to place afar.
Who would not wait on such a God, that heaven, earth, seas commands,
To serve his folke, then serve him folke, conducted by his hand.
For forty, fifty, sixty dayes and nights they safely swim,
Preparing oft for fight, at sight of ships that pirats been.
Long looke'd for land at length the eye, unknown, yet owne they will,
To plant therein new Collonies, wide wildernesse to fill.
Of the arrivall of our English Nation at the Mattachusets Bay, &c.
WIth hearts revived in conceit, new land and trees they eye,
Senting the Caedars and sweet ferne from heats reflection drye.
Much like the bird from dolsome Romes inclos'd in cage of wyre,
Set forth in fragrant fields, doth skip in hope of her desire.
So leap the hearts of these mixt men by streights o're seat inured,
To following hard ships wildernesse, doth force to be endured.
In clipping armes of ont-stretcht Capes, there ships now gliding enter,
In bay where many little Isles doe stand in waters Center.
Where Sea-calves with their hairy heads gaze 'bove the waters brim,
Wondring to see such unconth sights their sporting place to swim.
The seas vast length makes welcome shores unto this wandring race,
Who now found footing freely for, Christs Church his resting place.
This people landing, soonly shewd diversity of minds,
As various heads, so actions did declare their divers kinds.
Now patience,
John, give eare a while unto a briefe digression,
The better shalt thou understand the following progression.
Diversity of censure have past on this people, why
Most judge the whole by lesser part, and parts run much awry.
By parts the giver, nor to part, and thou a part shalt see,
To be partakers with the truth in hearts simplicity.
Yet further let me mind thee more from Satans sullin fits,
Great rancour doth against them rise, enlarg'd by divers wits.
Yea male-contents none well content but discontentedly,
They breath out ill, being crost in will to all lamentingly.
But now let's on my honest
John, to land this people came,
'Mongst trees and men that naked been, whom labour did not tame.
Small entrance did they make therein, for why diseases stay,
Their long unwonted legs to walke, in wildernesse the way.
In booths and huts lamenting lye, both men and women eake,
Some breathing out their latest breath, and others faintly speak.
Ʋnto their friends for succour soone that strength they might recover,
Which once attain'd, they search the land, tracing the Countrey over.
To raising Townes and Churches new, in wildernesse they wander,
First
Plymouth, and then
Salem next, were placed far asunder.
Charles river where they nextly land, a Towne like name they built
Poore Cottages them populate, with winters wet soone spilt.
Brave
Boston such beginning had,
Dorchester so began,
Roxbury rose as mean as they,
Cambridge forth from them ran.
Lin likewise built, when
Watertowne first houses up did reare,
Then large limb'd
Ipswich brought to eye 'mongst woods & waters cleer.
Hartford, New-haven, scituate,
Sandwich and
Dover all,
In wildernesse 'mongst people wilde, there Scituations fall,
Newbery, Weymouth, Hingham, Hall, have their first nomination,
Rude Island Providence brought forth by banished their station.
Springfield, Hamlton, Concord, eke Deddam and
Rowly,
[...]
New peopled in this Western world, where lands lye wast and free.
Salisbury, Sudbury, both began, to bore the Land, and plant,
Braintre, Glocester, Exeter, plac'd where the wilde beasts haunt.
Wooborn, Wickham, Redding built, with little silver mettle,
Andover, Haverhill, Berri's-banks, their habitations settle.
Southampton, Martins-vineyard, and some new nam'd Towns beside,
All by this brood of travellers, were peopled far and wide.
With what they had stord'd up for time of scarcity, they live,
Till tubs were empty, and the Land, could them small succour give.
God ne're denyes them fresh supplyes, with joy oft ships they eye,
That bring in bread & meate for food when in those straights they cry.
Till labour blesse the earths encrease, and food each Towne doth fill,
The land being sowne with man and beast, great store retaining still.
A briefe description of the Land, Beasts, Birds, Trees, and Fruits.
VNlevel'd lies this land new found with hills and vallies low,
With many mixtures of such mold where fruits do firtile grow.
Well watered with the pleasant springs that from the hills arise,
The waters run with warbling tunes, with stones that in them lies.
To welcome weary travellers, resting unneath the shade,
Of lofty banks, where lowly boughs, for them fresh harbour made.
The lesser Rivelets rent themselves into a wider way,
Where scouring torrents furious fall, through rocks their streames doe stray.
SPRING.
AT end of
March begins the Spring, by
Sols new elivation,
Sealing away the earths white robe, dropping with sweats vexation.
The Codfish, Holybut, & Basse, do sport the rivers in,
And Alle wises with their crowding sholes, in every creek do swim.
Leaving their spawn in ponds to thrive 'mongst Pikes devouring jawes.
That swallow Trowts, Tench, Roach and Breme into their greedy mawes.
Pirch, Shad, and Eeles, there plenty full the panyard and the pan,
Smelts, Lobsters, Crab-fish, pranes and shrimps, with cockles mussels clams.
Plenty of oysters overgrow the flowed lands so thick,
That thousand loads to lime are turn'd, to lay fast stone and brick.
The Cormorants with greedy gut full fast the fishes follow,
And Eagles with their piercing sight look through the waters shallow.
Ducks, Hens, and Pheasants often row upon the waters brim,
With plenty of their fellow fowles to welcome in the Spring.
Devouring fires burning black the earths old rusty hew,
Like torch-bearers in gloomy night, their flames with wind sore flew.
Like Phoenix rare, from ashes old, of grasse, doth grasse arise,
The earth casts off her mourning coate, gay clad like bride to eyes.
With herbs and divers precious plants for physicks operation,
Diversity of fragrant flowers for sences recreation.
SOMMER.
BEspread with Roses Sommer 'gins take place with hasty speed,
Whose parching beate Strawberries coole doth moderation breed.
Ayre darkening sholes of pigeons picke their berries sweet and good,
The lovely Cherries birds entice, to feast themselves in woods.
The Turkies, Partridge, Heath-hens and their young ones tracing passe,
The woods and medowes, Achorn eat, and hoppers in the grasse.
Like
Virgils knat musketo flies with buzzy humming dare
Assault the stoutest with long trunke, both blood and blisters reare.
When little lineaments the Sun, or winde doth feeble make
Yea cooling dewes their swarms allay, and strength of stinging slake.
The little hum birds sucking sweet, from flowers draw their food,
Humilities in sommer-time only find livelihood.
AƲTƲMNE.
GOod wholsome and delightfull food, variety & store,
The Husband-man rejoycing keeps, with fruit the earths wombe boare.
Peas plenty, Barley, Oats and wheat, Rye richly stocking stands,
Such store the plough-man late hath found, that they feed forreign lands.
Cucumbers, mellons, apples, peares, and plums do flourish faire,
Yea what delight and profit would, they still are adding there.
Sixe sorts of Oakes the land affords, Walnuts doe differ so,
That divers shapes their fruit retains, and food that in them grow.
Roots are not wanting, wild and tame, in gardens they encrease,
Ground nuts, ground beans, not gathered till, warmth doth the earth release.
Grapes wanting vintage, common grow, fit for the travellers hand,
With food from berries multitude, that grow throughout the land.
WINTER.
SHarpe, sudden, yet with lightsome looks doth winters cold come in,
With thicke, large Coat doth cloath the earth, both soft, smooth, white and trim.
The large tempestuous surges are bound in with frozen band,
Where ship did anker, men doe walke, and carts as on the land.
The Geese flye prating night and day, to tell the approaching season,
Brought downe by gun shot from their flight unto the Indians geson.
The tumbling beares intrapped are, mongst houses sudden enter,
O'rethrowne by eager hunters, who pursue them in this venter.
The tripping Deer with length of leaps, do burst through frozen snow,
Hunters pursue with bracket shooes, at length they weary grow.
Then down the dogs them sudden draw, expos'd to hunters pleasure,
Their fl
[...]sh well welcome, and their skins, are chiefe of Indian treasure.
Whole kennels of devouring wolves both Deer and Swine destroy,
Yet scar'd by weakest children, they them the lesse annoy.
The Suns bright presence most dayes doth cheere man and beast with joy,
With hope of pleasant springs approach to free from colds annoy.
With mineralls the earth is fraught, though Alcumists are wanting,
Which makes current mettle priz'd 'mongst Merchants daily scanting.
Of their building, planting, and giving out of LANDS.
DElightfull to the eye did lye the woods and medowes greene,
The paths untrod by man and beast, both smooth and clenly seene.
Most men unlanded till this time, for large lands Eages sue,
Had not restraint knockt of their bands, too big their fermes had grew.
Give eare I pray unto the praise set on a new Plantation,
First for the medow sirs says one, I have found such a station.
Where grasse doth grow as high as I, round stalkes and very thicke,
No hassocks but a bottom plain, Carts cannot therein stick.
Salt bay and fresh there thousands are of acres I do deeme,
A gallant barbour there's for ships the best that yet is seene.
Boates may come up unto our doors, the Creeks convenient lye,
Fish plenty taken in them are, plains plowable hard by.
No bush nor roots to hinder them, yet stately timber is,
In every swamp, yea uplands too, most clobberd trees I wis.
Clay there for bricke and tile, pot-earth with ease, and store,
Some men suppose black lead is there, silver and copper o're.
Carry but guns, and wild fowle will be brought unto our dishes,
Venison and Moose you there may catch according to your wishes.
All creatures thrive exceeding well, Goats, Swine, and sheep for meat,
Horse, Cows, and Calves encrease as well, ther's store of
English wheat.
Five, seven, or nine old Planters doe take up their station first,
Whose property is not to share unto themselves the worst.
Their Cottages like Crows nests built, new commers goods attain,
For mens accommodation sake, they truck their seats for gaine.
Come buy my house, here may you have, much medow at your dore,
'Twill dearer be if you stay till, the land be planted o're.
See you that garden plat inclos'd, Pumkins there hundreds are,
Parsnips and Roots, with Cabiges, grow in great plenty there.
Lay out an hundred pound or two, you shall have such a seat,
When you have planted but one crop, you cannot want for meate.
This praise doth make the purchaser his gold and silver throw,
Into his hand for house and land that yet he did not know.
Ʋnseen, and yet sudden bought, when once the sale was ended,
His purchase makes him misse of more, with gifts he's not befriended.
One he hath friends to praise his parts, his lot shall larger be,
For usefull men are highly priz'd, such shall sell two or three.
Sure much mistaken, towns have been, for many have made prize,
Get all they can, sell often, than, and thus old Planters rise.
They build to sell, and sell to build, where they find towns are planting,
Till men no more the Sea passe o're, and Customers are wanting.
Then those that boast their townes were full for company are longing,
Who lately fear'd land would fall short, when men to them came thronging.
Insatiate minds for medow, and best land they could attain,
Hath caused Townes, land lay by lot, I wish it were not vaine.
Of their Civill Government
THe Transplantation of this people and patten inrevaded, (though rare yet) honest advice in law was had by wise, sober, and godly Gentlemens, fore-seeing the daily adding stones to such a work, would be more envyed then the Golden fleece of
Calchos. God giving favour, they attain'd a large patten under the bro
[...]d Seale of
England, to set up government, not only for the orderly
[Page 11]execution of judgment and justice among themselves, but for the suppressing of all malignant adversaries to the kingdome of Christ, that at any time should invade or disturb this government: for proofe ask their adversaries, who though
Doeg like will tel you both Magistrates and Ministers joyne heart and hand herein, yet the latter meddle not with Civill Justice, as some would beare men in hand: But lets on, this patten hath proved corrasive to some, especially in not admitting appeales: Some seeking to have it reca'd; others crying out it's forfeit, yet hitherto held, and meet men yearly chose for Governour, Deputy, and Assistants, (whose acts of justice have passed sundry censures) as also from each Towne two Deputies are sent in the name of the Free-men, who joyning together in one body or generall Court, have according to their patten made many Causes agreeable to the word of God, and their wildernesse condition both for English and Indian to follow. Quarter Session, or Goale-delivery are kept by seven Magistrates, the Governour or Deputy being one: as also in the severall Shires for tryals between man and man, are constant Courts kept, and in every Town certain persons are yearly chosen to end causes of lesser vertue, with free accesse for any persons that finde themselves grieved, to appeal from one Court to another, even to the highest, which is the generall Court. Their laws are of three sorts; 1. The lawes of
England, so far as the people and place can be capable. 2. Lawes wholly of their own. 3. When cases fall out, that neither of these will reach, they are to follow such rules as are cleerly drawn from the word of God: and because many men take upon them to interpret the Scriptures now adays: so that instead of one of a thousand, there appears a thousand to one, which makes them endeavour (with the ablest gifted men God hath given them) to obtaine positive lawes: for all matters may come in judgment, that Arbitrarinesse may be avoided. And now because the courage, dexterity, and skill of Commanders appeareth most when they meete with their enemie: know foure sorts of persons have battered this government not only with their greater Artillery, at 900. leagues distance, but with continuall small shot at 10. or 12. and sometimes at pistoll-shot, raising over-topping batteries, brest-works, & outfacing Galleries, delving deepe to undermine the foundation (though built on the surest rocke) casting forth fierce fireing granadoes, using all the stratagems such cunning Engineers could possibly
[Page 12]invent. The first onset was given by
Bonasosias under the conduct of their host of Merri-mount, who having some tryals in the Courts of Justice, assaid to mend his bad cause with bribes: but finding repulse in both, began to make use of an Engine for battery called
Pontifieatus (consulting with such as were best skil'd herein) to beate downe this new erected government, yet did little dammage it, being of small force in these
American parts: at length was intreated to depart, which he refusing, was shipt with a takele for the fertile Isle of great Brittain, which those Gentlemen now ruling this Collony so lostly left, where he arriving, made his complaint to those, whose lordly injunctions enforced the greater part of this people to make choise of a banished condition for them and theirs, enduring rather the wants of a wilderdesse, than a Prelats prison his (complaint being heard) appeales to
England, being of purpose left out in the Mattachusets Patten, no Somner nor Pursevant was found to venter so far: yet the Host to make a merriment of the departure of so many reverend, learned, godly and judicious men (a sad Omen of some following tragedy) set forth a Pamphlet in print, full fraught with loud lies to make his
Bonasosia's laugh. But prevailing little, ventured another voyage in these parts to find a new place for storming this government afresh, tracing the Countrey to and fro, was apprehended of Indian ammunition, arrow heads of a more mortal nature than any yet used among them. The second onset was given by greater troops of Sexs, not marshal'd under the command of any one in chief: but those that could best use their battering Engine, were leaders of the rest: and verily they handled the matter so, that they came to handy gripes undiscovered: their new Engine was called
Populatri aure Captator, somewhat like the Trojan horse for rarity, it was covered with womens aprons, and bolstered out with the judgement and deep discerning of the godly and reverent: but to say truth, they fouly belied him; These Sectaries having made a breach in most Townes in the countrey, publishing as through a trunk the great tyranny of those that rule over their own species, perswading Authority is so farre from maintaining liberty, that they cannot stand together: insomuch that Governours and governed began to wonder at the sudden alteration in Courts and countrey: so that it would have put an able Politick to a non-plus. But the Lord graciously assisting, they couragiously goe on, first unarming all suspected persons: and then
[Page 13]to prevent the spreading of this gangrin, they endeavour the dispersing of this red Regiment. Some at losse of esteeme voluntarily depart, others were banished, and others with-drawing submitted againe to the godly government of this Common wealth.
The third storm this government felt was from the scum of the former under the command of
Samuel Gorton, who knowing some of his Sectaries were closely lurking behind in this government; sent forth his blasphemies to thunder downe all government as diabolicall, raging and railing against Magistrates and generall Courts, as murtherers, absolving from their obedience all such as would follow their opinion; had not the conceitednesse of their own elegancy hindered, they might have done much hurt, their leader being a very dangerous, bold-spoken fellow, and full of sawning; with which, having gained some 12. or 13. families to cide with him, inforcing land from the poore
Indians by meanes of the most potent Sachim of those parts, under whose friendship they bare themselves bold against the united Colonies, building on the Indians land, having outed themselves from all governement, would not submit to any law or common reason, desperately going on, threatning bloud and death to any should come to apprehend them; Yet at length were handsomely apprehended without one drop of bloud spilt, for all their great boaster, brought to a generall Court, and there proceeded against: yet so slenderly (their offence being very destructive to all government: And of such an high nature) that their malice encreasing, their Censure did but exasperate, and not at all disinabled them to prosecute as formerly the great disturbance, if not overthrow of this little common-wealth; these persons yet remain, battering the united Colonies with all the force they are able to make: and as they deny government among Christians, so they endeavour to overthrow one government with another.
The 4
th onset was made by a Doctor of physick, as Commander in chiefe, with sixe other inferiour Officers, who pretended they had thousands on their side: & therefore to muster up al the force they could, proclaim (at a generall Court) themselves to be leaders to all discontented persons, who disliked any thing this government had done (plausable to all the stragling
Bonasosia's and Prelaticall faction, that had hid themselves in holes since the former bickering) and furnishing them with fresh weapons, teaching them
[Page 15]to dissemble, as if siding with
Englands government, promising to themselves the procurement of all the old Ceremonies and odds Holidayes. Next this blacke Regiment, appeared a red Regiment of fiery contentious persons, who for want of their wils against their adversaries in law, make many sad complaints; and now are perswaded, could they but cast down this government, they should have such laws, Lawyers, and Magistrates, that the case would goe alway on their side, whether Plaintiffe or defendant. In order followed a white Regiment, consisting of sundry Sectaries, in hope of attaining liberty, or rather liscentiousnesse; were this government but once supprest to bring up the reare: under an Ensigne part, argent part, or colour, lappeared two sorts of people: the one deeming it a way for encreale of trade, not only to blind-fold Justice, but stay her sword from falling on the heads of such as could cover their crime with pretence of conscience: The other possest with strong conceits, that if this government were not cast down, they should never come to govern. Thus furnished, they made strong opposition, some of them boasting what a day they should get: but their great numbers failing them, and in stead of thousands, there appeared not thirty: and further being apprehended in midst of their project, were imprisoned, and fined forther folly: yet but little in respect of their offence. Only thus much some have learned, to shew so much clemency to their adversaries, that it proves cruelty to their friends. What faithfulnesse, courage and justice in all these passages have been shewed by those in authority, cannot be waned by the reproachfull words, and piercing lookes of palefac'd envy. And now my friend
John, when thou hearest any upbraiding, deriding, condemning, and exclaiming against this government of this little Common-wealth, for my sake examine them before thou believe them, and you shall find them to have fled from one of these Regiments, or at least a wel-willer of theirs that could have wisht them the day: And now to end this slender touch of their Civill government, eye this following meeter.
TO populate this howling desart Land,
The only worke is of
Jehovah's band.
Contemn no weakest meanes in hand of him:
See here his worke by meanes that weakest been.
In thrice five yeares a Common-wealth compleat,
For peace, for war, for actions small and great.
Five hundred Lawes for peoples plaine direction,
Englands addition as naturall Connection.
Prest to oppose haters of peace: with guide
Of Officers, three Regiments abide.
In
Middlesex seven Ensigns are displaid,
There disciplin'd by Major
Sedgwick's aide.
In
Suffolk nine, by Major
Gibbons led,
Essex and
Norfolk in one are marshalled,
By
Denison, their Major in the field,
Their Generall a yearly choise doth yeild.
Eight times a yeare each band instructed is,
And once to meet in one they may not misse.
Both Horse & Foot, force, forts and Castles are,
Prepar'd in peace for peace, yet fit for War.
To awe bruit men, Justice impartially,
Hath hitherto with pale suspitious eye,
Disperst the crimes common in many Lands,
Disgrace for vice, honour for vertue stands.
Now notice take, this is the grand complaint,
That
English here from priviledg'd restraint,
Have: why I pray, you'l priviledg confound,
If common they with lawrell all not crown'd.
For trades, commerce, Merchants, Sea-affaires,
Great freedoms bad, large gaines their losse repaires.
Monopolies is by their lawes forbid,
Ʋnlesse invention rare from others hid.
All handy-crafts have choise of worke at will,
And ordered are, lest working praise they spill.
As shipping great, built up by timbers strength,
But iron mills their chains of greater length.
Salt, sope and glasse, Tiles, lime and bricke are made,
With orders for well-ordering each Trade.
So suted hath his providence, that none.
Can contradict: envy of any one
Shall not prevaile, Justice and peace shall still,
Perfect this worke, govern for God they will.
For hutbandry, Corne, Cattell, wood and bay,
Good lawes are made for all men to obey.
Listen a while, I must spend one word more,
Some rubs remaine, are hardlier gotten o're.
Bipartior in many Court and Cause,
Doth dull the edge of Justice, Sword and Lawes.
Discloseth Counsels, opens Breaches wide,
That adverse part steps in without a guide.
Makes causes good or bad, as men affect it,
Doth what's oppos'd, and what is lik't neglect it.
Tells liberty, authority will stop,
And clip her wings, quoth she, I'le sit on top.
Tells men their cause is good, but wanting
Lawes: or Judges are in learn'd, in sight seanting.
More yet remaines, swift speakers show but backe,
So counsels lost words will not fill a sack.
And now say truth doth not great skill appear,
Through such tempestuous seas and stormes to steere.
So swiftly one grapling with Pirats oft,
For
England fain'd, bearing their flag aloft.
To
England yet, ungratefull they'l not be,
That governe here, yet little help they see.
The more's to come, experience teaches sure,
You'l pitty more, when you the like endure.
More yet you'l find our enemies are yours,
You'l hurt your selves if you encrease their powers.
Forgive, that they so much your good forget,
Lighter to truth, those they should harder hit.
If
England one as truths but one embrace,
These tooke your name, and you will take their ease.
If
England say more wayes then one they wilt
Allow no more then helps reforming still.
Those that are skild in structures modell, make,
A little moddel here is for you, take
What may serve turne for opposites to awe,
For Kings may rule without a Bishops law.
Could Bishops keepe downe all their Lordships spoile,
And can't highest Court awe those Gods word defile.
With blasphemous horrid interpretation,
As only they knowing Gods explanation.
Ruine now men strive, with words contentious strength,
New-Englands acts shall speak, not words at length.
While fogs arise from errour breaching braines,
Their justice clouded is, and what remaines.
But unto God that they commit their way,
And judgment shall burst forth as sunny day.
Let
England wait with patience for the same,
Not drawing backe for cost, finish for shame.
Iast Prelates proud tollerating deride,
Ye know not truth without their guide.
Of the planting of the Gospel of our Lord Christ in the Mattachusets, and other adjacent COLLONIES.
WHen these persecuted servants of Christ Jesus first set foot on these American shores, having their tongues untied from the Prelates Injunctions, they preach with all diligence to their Auditors, doubling their hours to regain their lost time, being throughly warm'd with the manifestation of the love of their Lord Christ, in bearing them in his arms through the boystrous waves, a depthless Ocean; these exil'd Ministers of Christ soon began to gather into Churches, as meete stones were offered; and now you shall see how they hasted after fat Benefites, every one endeavouring to associate themselves with plain honest-hearted Christians rich in grace, the Lord assisting: with full purpose of heart to cleave unto the Lord Christ, and submit to his kingdome according to the rule of his word made known unto them: and also to exhort one another while it is called to day, (and this is the substance of that Church-covenant that so many are greived at;) this they doe with solemne and serious seeking of the Lord by prayer & fasting. And now I beseech you all that rightly love the Lord Christ, forbeare taking up any prejudice against this poor people from the report of others. Could your eyes and eares see & heare their comely order, and with what spirituall expressions the Lord assists his servants in the Ministry, it would assuredly (God helping) cause your bowels to yern toward them & the Churches to which they doe belong: many of whom hereafter are expressed by name, together with their annuall maintenance so neere, as for the present I could gather. Only take notice
New Englands pounds in some things cal'd currant pay, will hardly hold out with old
England Angells, and yet will they not be gone from their flockes for thicker fleeces, unlesse example prove prejudiciall to others.
-
Salem: Mr. Hugh Peters
(in Engl.) Mr. Edw. Norris, 60. pound
-
Charles Town: M.
Zach. Sims, 90. l. Mr.
Tho. Allen 60. l.
-
Boston: Mr. John Cotton, 90. l. M. John Wilson 60 l.
- Roxbury: M Thomas Wells.
(in England) 80. l.
-
Dorchester: M. Richard Mathers, 70. l.
-
Watertown: M. Fran. Knowles, 80 l.
-
Linne: M. Sam. Whiting, 45. l. M. Tho. Cobbit, 45 l.
-
Ipswich: M. Nat. Rogers 70. l. M. John Norton, 70. l.
-
Hingham: M. P. Hubbert, 60. l.
-
Waymouth: Mr. Tho. Thatcher, 50 l.
-
Rowly: M. Ezek. Rogers, 80. l. M. Sam. Mathers, 30. l.
-
Cambridge: M. Tho. Sheppard, 70. l.
-
Deddam: M. John Allen, 50. l.
-
Concord: M. Buckly, 70. l.
-
Salisbury: M. Th. Woster, 45. l.
-
Newberry M. Tho. Parker, 40. l. M. Jam. Noyse, 60. l.
-
Hampton: M. Boulton, 40. l.
-
Sudbury: M. Edm. Browne, 40. l.
-
Braintree: M. Henry Flint, 30. l. M. Wil. Tompson, 30. l.
-
Dover: M. Dan. Maud, 40. l.
-
Gloster: M. Richard Blindman, 40. l.
-
Wooborn: M. Tho. Carter, 60. l.
-
Redding: M.
Green, 30. l.
-
Wenham: M. David Tisk, 20. l.
-
Harerhill: Mr. John Ward.
-
Andover: Mr. Woodbridge.
These 26. Churches are in the government of the
Mattachusets, besides these Townes following:
Manchester, (Mr. Smith:) Hull, (Mr. Matthews:) Exeter (Mr. Norcraft:) Strawbery Banks (St. Batelie. New Medowes, (Mr. Knight,) who is gone to
England.
The Worthies of the other Colonies I omit, all men of esteeme: These are men chosen to office by the people, and ordained in presence of one or two magistrates, together with the Elders and messengers of as many Churches as may conveniently send, who are as so many faithfull witnesses to the orthodox judgement, and pious life of such as are to teach the people; which Elders and messengers in the name of their Churches, hold out the communion and fellowship they desire to have with them.
Since
Englands troubles, these Churches have been very frequent in extraordinary seeking of the Lord, with much affection, fasting
[Page 11]and praying, not without teares and strong cries for an happy Issue to the glory of God, and the good of his people. In admitting persons to the sacramentall union, they endeavour to see the manifestation of Gods grace wrought upon their souls, expressed by their godly lives and conversations, either by continued observance, or honest testimony, they are admitted by the Elders, with consent of the people; and all excommunications are by the same authority of the Elders, and consent of the people, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ administred to the terror of scandalous professors. As for prayer, singing of Psalmes, and the word preached, all are partakers of: and all children and servants in publick catechised, and verely the thirsting desires they have that all may come to the truth, even as it is in Jesus, appeares by the affable and courteous carriage of all that preach the word, being instant in season and out of season, &c. who are reputed both learned and judicious, and by Gods blessing on their labours, have gained many a soule to Christ. The people of these Colonies are generally labor ous after knowledge in religion, to which end they have societies, or neighbourly invitatations each of other, for edification; in which the industrious paines and care of their minister to propagate the truth, appeares, praying and opening the Scriptures thus privatly, besides all their publick administrations. This truth may serve to shew the savourinesse of this salt: And now to take away the wonder how these ministers and people should come by so many back friends, walking in measure so inoffensively, you shall understand, holinesse, righteousnesse, humility, and learning in some called of Christ to be able ministers of his word and doctrine; divers, who love the preheminence of both sexes, having taken a trick to preach to advance themselves, began to inveigh against learning, Scholars, and Colledges, and in mean time stretching out what themselves had, till they rent into non-sense, and verily these soon grew to a round company praising one anothers parts when others would not; and to cause others to admire them, they question the ancient truths taught by their ministers, and that before the whole congregation, and tell you the meaning of the originall Text. These were abler to discerne (as they apprehend) than their Elders, who were fit for the Sacrament, delighting to shew their skill that way. Again, all know nothing is more opposite than damnable errors and saving truth. Now the unanimous agreement
[Page 10]
[...]
[Page 11]
[...]
[Page 20]of their teaching Elders in the truth, hath caused those who are contrary minded, to misreport their words and actions, cunningly casting false glosses on their doctrines, slighting all those godly Christians who agree in the fame truths, as weak punies, taking up all they have on trust. Further, take notice that our
English nation having been accustomed after 16 yeares of age, to receive the Sacrament: now some here in these Colonies being upon good ground denied, with bitter speeches, and taunting language, upbraid both magistrates, ministers and people, powring out their complaints into their bosoms who are their good frends in
England, telling they are abridged of the liberties of
English subjects, &c. Lastly, certain persons more affecting trade than truth, prove discontented with such as are against the sufferi
[...]g grosse errors. These are the rubs have been cast in the way to hinder the through reformation; yet now, though with great difficulty, nearer accomplished than ever, if luke-warm liberty hinder not the good work of our God. And as for these instruments whom the Lord hath made use of, you marre the work, if you attribute ought unto them, and it will be very distastfull to their Christian appetites; yet I will shew their prosecuting the work in the following meeter.
VVHat creature man that is so apt to take
His praise, who work and workman both did make,
In telling of these Worthies work then I
Own none but God, and yet his meanes I eye,
Who though nine hundred leagues at sea, hath sent
These twenty Worthies, who their time have spent
In preaching Christ, his mind and will reveale
From Scripture light each servants portion deale.
One opens Prophesies as yet to come,
So ready is the Scripture in his tongue.
That word and sense his memory retaines,
Cleare Scripture light, all by great labour gaines.
One hewes the cords of wicked works with ire-
Full Arguments as God doth him require.
One pretious Balm from Christs deare sufferings fa
[...],
Wounded to heale; if heale to fast, then frets
Down the proud flesh from thought of knowledge rising,
Till Christ alone they know, him onely prizing.
One Sheppard he takes restlesse pains that none
Themselves delude with happy state as one
Belov'd of God in Christ, and therefore makes
Cleare evidence from Gods word, whom he takes,
And wholly bent to save his flock from rearing,
With watchfull eye 'way sheep slaying Wolves is scaring.
One labours faith may get assurance fast,
One he exhorts the anchor, hope to cast.
One follows peace, and bids all folk pursue it,
One's for fresh love, and when it's old renew it.
One puts in minde with patience to abide,
One cease from strife, take meekneesse on your side.
One to humility exhorts with care,
One wills their lives may passe in godly feare.
One cheerfull bids in spirits joy to cheere.
One would men mourn with those are mourners here.
One bounty doth by his example teach,
One zeal to God and's truth doth daily preach.
One heavenly mindednesse perswadeth still,
One Christian boldnesse seated in the will.
One purity and holinesse commends,
One's for just dealing both with foes and friend.
One he exhorts all Christian watch to keep,
One prayer would with sighes and groanes so deep.
One unto reading Scripture men perswades,
One labour bids for food that never fades.
One to redeem their time exhorteth all,
One looking round, for wary walking calls.
One he perswades m
[...]n buy the truth, not sell,
One would men should in moderatenesse excell.
One for renew'd
[...]epentance daily strives,
One's for a conscience cleare in all mens lives.
One he exhorts all men Gods word to heare,
One doth beseech to lend obedient eare.
One he desires evils appearance shun,
One with diligence would all should be done.
One shewes their woe that will not God believe;
One doth beseech Gods Spirit they'l not grieve.
One wishes none to deep despair do run,
One bids beware none to pesumption come.
One wils that all at murmuring take heed,
One shewes that strife and envie should not breed.
One shewes the hatred God to pride doth beare,
One covetousnesse cries down with bellish feare.
One to luke-warmnesse wishes none doe grow,
One none for feare forsake the truth they know.
One idle talk and foolish jesting shun,
One bids that none unto uncleannesse run.
One sayes, none should self-seeking entertain,
One teaches all in anger should contain.
One idlenesse dehorts with meekle paine,
One bids beware of error-breaching brains.
One would all men surfets excesse take heed,
One worlds joy and sorrow doe not exceed.
One ignorance would not mens soules should stay,
One in known sins bids men they would not stay.
One wishes none of Faith doe shipwrack make,
One their first love in Christ, that none forsake.
One in their breast would none two hearts should beare,
One woe of hypocrites doth oft declare.
One bids beware, hardnesse of heart will breed,
One, to adde sin to sin that none proceed.
One lying tongues doth tell God hateth such,
One bids beware, for Satans wiles are much.
One sayes gainst all, power from Christ is had,
One bids all be with's armour ever clad.
I name but one, 'cause all as one the same,
Exhort, dehort, in the Lord Christ his Name,
Minding all still it's Christ his will that all
Depart from ill, that on Gods Name doe call.
And further they professe that Christ alone,
Works
[...]ll in his, and for his every one.
So grace is free, and nothing we to cause
The cords of love with which Gods Spirit drawes.
Which Spirit plainly doth appeare in all
These preachings that from ear then lips doe fall
Like d
[...]aw on grasse, however some deny it
As legall they: from Gods word doe thou try it.
And neighbour
John, yet one thing more now mind,
Their learned counsell helps the truth to finde.
Coupling these men in Synods God hath blest.
By his word truth is found, error confest.
As helpfull unto godly learning they,
With Schooles and Colledge, finde out learnings way.
These people, though much weakned in their estates, for the space of ten yeares, yet have erected Schooles in divers Townes, and also a Colledge in the Town of
Cambridge, called
Harves Colledge: The President being an able Proficient in the Tongues, very studious to promote learning, witnesse the young Audients both here and gone for
England, hopefull instruments in the hands of the Lord for future times: the President is Mr.
Dunster.
Yet unto God this people feeling sayes,
Not unto us, but to thy name be praise.
Now must I mind what hindrances remain
To blast the fruit of all these Worthies pain.
Some would none should endevour unity,
Tyrants (say they) do hinder liberty:
Why truth's but one, and Christ will make you free,
Come to the Word, let that your touch-stome bee.
Some feare Presbytery hath too great power,
If you are Christs, then all they have is yours.
Some odd ones say they
Independents are,
Therefore in others counsel they'l noe share
But now Ile end, and tell you friend, what will
Perswade their way do
[...]old with still.
Strong Arguments doe papers fill each way
With words of heat: bu
[...] honest
Iohn now stay,
Ʋnto experience let thy judgement bow,
Let actions speake, and not mens words to you.
For little time, some subtile Foxes will
Bridle their nature, and yet Foxes still.
Lord Bishops did some errors fend from sheep,
So beasts of prey others from preying keep.
Some new raisd errors Bishops power deny
To side with truth, and yet their error eye.
Neare twenty yeares these Churches you may trace
In godly steps, no false way they'l embrace.
Look in this glasse that thus is slubberd or'e,
And you may see foure things uneyd before.
No Prelate no King: that's not so, for see
Here Churches power and command agree,
Of civill power to which these Churches yeeld
Humble obedience, as their duty held.
Next note, some say, Opinions none must touch,
For feare they wrong the consciences of such,
With word of truth, God helping true endeavours,
Christs Pastor here error and conscience severs.
Third, Law and Gospel at such oddes have set,
That Rule of walking from it none may get.
But here experience from Gods word is found,
Gods folk with's word walk wary, looking round.
Last, humane learning is no mean, some say;
Blost by the Lord, to find his word and way,
But as a meanes this people found it have,
Yet trust not means, its onely God must save.
But England now to thee Il'e means commend,
Make use of these before their life they end.
The grave, godly, and judicious Mr.
Hooker is laid in earth Mr.
Philips, Mr.
Huet, Mr.
Harver, and some others of like esteem yet remaining in the united Colonies, of name and note: Onely my friend
John, see here a short observation taken from the whole for thy own use.
Church-covenant Band brought in with liberty,
But causeth men to walk licentiously.
Some buy the truth: for conscience liberty,
Error's brought in to blind men damningly.
And now before I end, let me tell thee who are like to reap benefite by transporting themselves to those Colonies: First, Merchants who are skild in commerce with forraigne nations, lying near the Indies, and well stored with ship provision cheaper than
England.
Secondly, Sea-men are well imploid, if skild in Navigation, shipping increasing every day, and would be farre more, had they Masters to manage the work.
Thirdly, Has band-men are like to benefit themselves much all sorts of cattell increasing exceedingly, and tillage prospering, that thousands of Acres are broken up yearly.
Fourthly, all manuall occupations are falling into their ranks and places daily, (onely Printers of Cards, and Dice-makers, I could wish to forbeare,) very few but have increased in the riches of this life; and further how now men of estates may improve what they have to their great advantage. And this I dare assure that one hundred pounds will doe that which five hundred could not doe at first planting of this little Common-wealth, which was the reason so many sunk in their estates; but now they see it too late, and some will not wait the Lords leasure for repairing, but forsake their station, with others have gained much, and carry it to other places to shew, and so lose it again. But my
Iohn, be thou more stable.
Last, let all those who desire to have themselves discovered to themselves, resort to this place; where, if they seek not themselves they may finde themselves, if not already lost in selfe-conceitednesse of some strong opinion, for which if they desire to be admired, let them leave this long voyage, and keep at home.
FINIS.