Indian Dialogues, Dialogue 3

Indian Dialogues · Dialogue 3

p. 43DIALOG. III.

Anthony and William Ahauton were sent to Paganoohket, where Philip is Sachem.

When they first came to the Town, they went to the Sachems house.

Anthony. William. Philip Keitassoot. All the Company.

Anthony.

SAchem, we salute you in the Lord, and we declare unto you, that we are sent by the Church, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to call you, and beseech you to turn from your vain conversation unto God, to pray unto God, and to believe in Jesus Christ for the pardon of your si…s, and for the salvation of your soul. We do unto you, according to the holy Example which we finde, Iohn 1.40, to 47. where Andrew called Peter, and Christ himself called Philip, and Philip called Nathaniel. So we are come this day unto you, in the Name of Jesus Christ, to p. 44call you to come unto the Lord, and serve him. This Argument we perswade you by, because we hear that many of your people do de…re to p…ay to God, only they depend upon you. We pray you to consider, that your love to your people should oblige you to do them all the good you can. In this point, it lieth in your hand to do the greatest good in the world unto them, to do good to their souls as well as to their bodies, and to do them good to eternity, as well as in this present world. All this good you will do to your people, if you will accept of this offer of mercy; you will not only your self turn from sin unto God, to serve the true and living God, but all your people will turn to God with you, so that you may say unto the Lord, Oh Lord Jesus, behold here am I, and all the people which thou hast given me: we all come into thy service, and promise to pray unto God so long as we live. Oh how welcome will you be unto the Lord? And oh how happy and joyful will …ll your people be, when they and their Sachem are all owned by God, to be in the number of his Children and Servants. It will be a joy to all the English Magistrates, and Ministers, and Churches, and good people of the Land, to hear that Philip and all his people are turned to God, and become praying Indians. We reade in Luke 15.7. that there is joy in heaven over one poor sinner that repenteth, and turneth unto God; what great joy will it then be in heaven, when so great a number as you and your people be, are …urned unto the Lord, and b…come praying Indians!

Keit.

Often have I heard of this great matter of praying unto God, and hitherto I have refused. Mr. Eliot junior, while he was alive, attempted it, but I did not hearken unto his perswasion. Old Mr. Eliot himself did come unto me, he was in this Town, and did perswade me; but we were then in our Sports, wherein I have much delighted, and in that temptation, I confess, I did neglect and despise the offer, and lost that opportunity. Since that time God hath afflicted and chastised me, and my heart doth begin to break, and I have some serious thoughts of accepting the offer, and turning to God, to become a praying Indian, I my self, and all my people. But I have some great Objections, which I cannot tell how to get over, which are still like great Rocks in my way, over which I cannot climb; and if I should, I fear I shall fall down the precipice on the further side, and be spoiled and undone: by venturing to climb, I shall catch a deadly fall to me and my posterity

The first Objection that I have is this, Because you praying Indians do reject your Sachems, and refuse to pay them Tribute; inso…uch that if any of my people turn to pray unto God, I do reckon that I have lost him, he will not longer own me for his Sachem, nor pay me any Tribute. And hence it will come to pass, that if I should pray to God, and all my people with me, I must p. 45become a… … common man among them, and so lose all my Power …nd Authority over them, This is such a temptation as neither I, nor any of the great Sachems can tell how to get over: were this tempta…ion removed, the way would be more easie and open for me to turn praying Indian. I begin to have same good likance of the way, bu… I am loth to buy it at so dear a rate.

Will

Though I am younger then my Brother with whom I am sent, yet I know my self to be in a clearer capacity to answer to this case, then my Brother is, because Cutsh…oquin, the first great Sachem that prayed to God, and after him Chikk…tab…k, and after him Msqu…mmog, were Sachems in the Town where I live, and they were my Sachems, and I well know how the praying Indians did carry the matter towards them.

And first, I say, if any of the praying Indians should be disobedient (in lawful things) and refuse to pay Tribute unto their Sachems, it is not their Religion and praying to God that teache… them so to do, but their Corruptions; it is a sickness that needeth Physick to cure it, and not allowance and countenance to defend it: I am sure the Word of God commandeth all to be subject to the higher powers, and to pay them Tribute, Rom. 13.1, 2, 3, 4, 5 6 7. And Christ Jesus hath commanded to give unto Cesar the things that belong to Cesar, and to God the things that belong to God. And thus we have been taught. All the time that Cutshamoqui… lived, our Town did alwayes honour, obey, and pay Tribute unto him; and so far as I know, so did all the praying Indians which belonged to his Jurisdiction After his decease we chose Iosi…, or Chikkatabuk, but not until he had promised before the Governour and Magistrates of the Massachusets at Boston, To pray unto God, and to defend and govern us in praying to God all the dayes of his life. And though he fell back from his promise, yet our Town alwayes owned him. And when he began to recover himself a littl… before his death, the people were ready to adhere unto him, and acknowledge him. In his life time we accepted his Brother, at his request … and Msquammog his leaving us, is his own act and not ours. And therefore, beloved Sachem, let not your heart fear that praying to God will alienate your people from you; nay, be assured it will more firmly oblige their hearts unto you. Thi… I know by experience, for the more beneficent you are unto them, the more obligation you lay upon them. And what greater beneficence can you do unto them, then to further them in Religion, whereby they may be converted, pardoned, sanctified and saved.

Ant

All that my Brother hath said I second, and can bear witness unto it; onelyonly I will adde one thing more, of which I know more then he doth, because it was acted in the Town where I live. There was some subtile endeavour to have mingled the praying and non-praying Indians, and to have reduced the praying Indians under p. 46the power of non praying Indians, contrary to publick and evident Conditions. Against this, did some of the wiser sort (who saw the Trap) firmly▪ stand; giving this Reason: The Fox came to the Lambs door, and would fain come in, but the Lambs refused. Then the Fox desired to let him put in but one Claw; the Lambs refused, saying, If he get in but one Claw▪ he will not rest till he have wrigled in his whole body. Stop waters while they be small and supera…le. And this I say unto you, beloved Sachem, you shall finde none truer to you then praying Indians: but know withall, that G…d teaches them by his Word to be wise, and they will not easily be abused.

Keit.

If that be true which you say, all is not true that is talked against the praying Indians; and indeed I do see that they are the worser sort of men that do speak so ill of them, the wiser sort are not so minded. I have nothing within the compass of my knowledge, to gainsay that which you have spoken; and I know not but that a course may be taken to oblige both sides, as you took a course to oblige your Sachem. I am ready to think that the Governour and Magistrates of the Massachusets would as well oblige you to him, as him to you.

Ant.

Yea, yea, so it was, and most equal that it should be so.

Keit.

I have another Objection stronger then this; and that is, If I pray to God, then all my men that are willi…g to pray to God will (as you say) stick to me, and be true to me; but all such as love not, and care not to pray to God, especially such as hate praying to G…d, all th…se will forsake me, yea will go and adjoyn the…selves unto other Sachems that pray not to God: and so it will come to pass, that if I be a praying Sachem▪ I shall be a poor and weak one, and easily be trod upon by others, who are like to be more potent and numerous; and by this means my Tribute will be small, and my pe…ple few, and I shall be … great loser by praying to God. In the way I now am, I am full and potent, but if I change my way and pray to God▪ I shall be empty and weak.

Ant.

I confess that this is a strong temptation, and requireth much Self-denial and Faith to conflict with it. I pray consider what Counsel Jesus Christ giveth in this case, Matth. 16.24. Let a man deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. I confess that this is harsh Doctrine …o flesh and blood; but I will tell you a Cordial a…ainst it, Matth. 19.29▪ Every one that hath forsaken Houses, or Brethren, or Sisters, or Father, or Mother, or Wife, or Children, or Lands for …y Names sake, shall receive an hundred fold… and shall inherit everlasting life. Trust God in this Promise, and see if he do not perform it. And be assured, it is better to trust God in a way of well doing, then to trust to wicked and vile men in a way of sin. If God will punish you, all your men, especially the worst of them, cannot save you; but if all your men should forsake p. 47you, and yet you choose Christ, and be true to him, then Christ will certainly take care of you. And further, this is but a fear that humane Reason maketh; try the Lord, it may be he will make all your men to stick the closer to you. You think t…e better sort will stick to you, it is but the loss of the worser sort, at the worst, a…d if you trust in the Lord, he can over-rule the hearts of the worst of men, and they shall no… forsake you. Besides you may put it to the trial, put it to the publick Vote; if you should do so, I do think that they will all promise to stick unto you if you pray to God: and then this Objection is cut off in the beginning of the work. Consider also what Christ ha…h said, Mat. 11.29, 30. he commands such as come to him, to take up my yoke, and learn of me, for I am meek, and lowly of heart, and ye shall finde rest to your souls: For my yoke is easie, and my burthen light. You fear that …his will be burthensome, heavy, and to your loss; try the Lord if he do not make this Objection easie and light unto you: and see if it do not prove that you are more afraid then hurt. Christ will not suffer any body to lose by him, at last. Nay, you shall be a certain and a great gainer by it, both in this world, and in the world to come.

Will.

As my Brother hath said, I acknowledge this to be (in appearance at least) a strong temptation. This was the temptation of Iosias, that drew him to his Apostacy, he forsook his praying people, and adhered unto those who did not pray to God: but this was because his own he…rt did not love praying to God, and did better like of the wicked wayes of the non praying Indians. But what got he at l…st by adhering to the worst sort of his Subjects? When he was in distress they all forsook him, which his praying Subjects would not have done, if he would have adhered unto them. Likewise this very thing which you propose, was a temptation to Cutshamoquin; His praying to God did make such of his people as loved not that way, to waver in their sub…ection to him, and it did begin to make him waver in the matter of praying to God: but God did mercifully preserve him, and kept him stedfast to his dying day. But this he did, he went sometimes among them, he used them kindly, he treated them with gentle perswasion, without compulsion; by such wayes he so carried the matter, that they forsook him not. And I do not doubt but that the matter may be so ordered and carried, that you may be secured from that danger, which seemeth to lie in your Objection. But indeed the true Reason why sundry of Cutshamoquin his men left him▪ whereby he fell under poverty, was this, He sold unto the English all our Lands which lay by the Sea-side and Salt water, save onelyonly one Field; and then it was, that they went to such other places as they liked better. And this one Field also, Iosias sold away; and the Inland place, where we now live, Mr. Eliot procured p. 48for us, after we prayed to God.

But let the worst of your fears come to pass, suppose all your Subjects that hate praying to God should leave you, what s…ll you lose by it? you are rid of such as by their sins vitiate others, and multiply transgression, and provoke the wrath of God against you and yours. But consider what you shall gain by praying to God: Do not trouble your self by p…ring upon what you shall lose, which at most is but a very small matter. Turn your eye to the other side, and look what you shall gain; you lose a f…w wicked men which hate praying to God; but if you pray …o God, all the praying Indians will rejoice at it, and be your friends, and they are no… a few, now, by the grace and blessing of Jesus Christ; all the Massachusets Indians will be your friends; all the praying Indians …n th… Nipmuk Country will be your friends; all the praying Indians of Nop will be your friends; all the praying Indians or Nantuket will be your friends; all the praying Indians o… Mahshepog, and all Eastward from them as far as Cape Cod; all the…e will be your friends: and what comparison is betwixt these, and those you lose?

Again, suppose you lose a few Subjects that hate praying to God, but ye… you shall gain a more intim…te love of the Governour, and Magistrates, and good people of Plimouth, who were ever good friends to your Father Onsamequin, and to you hitherto; but if you pray to God, you shall finde a difference, they will more honour, respect and love you, then ever they did; they will embrace you as a Brother in Christ Jesus. Yea further, the Governour and Magistrates of the Massachusets will own you, and be fatherly and friendly to you. The Commissioners of the United Colonies will own you. Yea more, the King of England, and the great Peers who are Heads of the Corporation there, who yearly send over Means to encourage and promote our praying to God, they will take notice of you: and what are a few of your Subjects that hate praying to God, in comparison of all these? Yea moreover, and above all these Considerations, that which is said, Luke …5.7. I tell you, there shall be joy in heaven over one poor sinner that repenteth; So that God in heaven, Jesus Christ, the holy Ghost, and the holy Angels in heaven, will joy at your turning to God. Cea…e therefore these vain fears of losing a few sinful people, who possibly may forsake you, if you pray unto God.

Keit.

I am drowned and overwhelmed with the weight of your Reasonings: I know not what to answer you at the present; yet I fear, that when I am out of the sun-shine of your wise discourses, I shall again be plunged into the pit of doubting, by my manifold fears that do incompass me.

Ant.

Go on therefore and produce all your doubts, let us see what weight is in them. Sands are heavy when many are laid together, p. 49but bring them out one by one, and they will be found light, and of no value. Our desire is to deal fully with you, and hear all that you have to say: Cobwebs may seem thick and strong until they be handled, but when they be touched and opened, they will be found alt…gether weak.

Keit.

I perceive that in your praying to God, and in your Churches, all are brought to an equality; Sachems and people they are all f…llow-brethren in your Churches; Poor and Rich are … qually priviledged; the Vo…e of the lowes… of the people, hath as much weight as the Vote of the Sachem. Now I doubt that this way will lift up the heart of the poor to too much boldness, and debase the Rulers too low: this bringing all to an equality, will bring all to a confusion.

Ant.

This also I confess is a great and weighty Point, and must be looked upon with much prudence and caution. The weight of a Vote lieth not so much in the man, as in the matter wherein he Vo…eth. A poor wise man may give a better Reason then a rich man, or a Ruler, and then it is the Reason that prevaileth, not the man. We must all be ruled by the Word of God, both Sachem… and people. The Word of God in the mouth of a poor man, must be regarded for the Words sake, and not for the mans sake, be he rich or poor. The management of Church Liberties is a narrow edge, and may easily be miscarried, and prove hurtful; which difficulty must be helped by good conduct: the well-ordering of a Church is a point of great wisdome and care; but we must not therefore fly off from a Rule, because it is difficult, but it must be acted with the more fear, care and prayer.

There is such a Rule in the Gospel-way of the Churches, as Equality of Vote among Believers in the matters of Jesus Christ: And herein is a great point of Self denial in Sachems and chief men, to be equal to his Brethren in the things that appertain to Christ, who is no respecter of persons: So it is said, Col. 3.11. Where there i… neither Greek nor Iew, Circumcision nor Vncircumcision, Barbarian, Scyth…an …ond nor free, but Christ is all, and in all. And as Faith …a…es all Believers equal in Christ, so doth the Order of the Gospel: all that are in Gospel-order, are equally concerned in the …ffairs of Jesus Christ. And this should not be a trouble, but a comfort and joy to every one; and therefore it is said, Iam. 1.9, 10. Let the brother of low degree rejoyce, in that he is exalted; but the ri…h in that he is made low: for by both these Christ is exal…ed, and in that we must rejoice.

Will.

All that my Brother hath said is weighty: I will adde … word further to the edge of your Objection. Church-Order doth not abolish Civil Order, but establish it; Religion teacheth and commandeth reverence and obedience to Civil Rulers: and when … religious Ruler doth deny himself for Christ his sake, to be equa… p. 50with his Brethren in Church-Order, it obligeth all godly hear… the more to honour him in his Civil O…der. 1 Tim. 6.2. the Lord saith, And they that have believing Masters, let t…em not despise the… because they are brethren, but the rather do t…e… …ervice, because the… are …ai…h…ul and beloved, partakers of the …enefit. These things …eac… and exhort. Do not fear any loss of honour, by submi…ing …o G…sp… Community in Church-Order; but know, that it is the rig…est way to true honour. The hearts of all will honour those Rulers that are humble and holy.

And when you shall do this for the honour of Christ, then Chri… will take care to honour such Rulers; for God hath promised, 1 Sam. 2.30. T…em that honour me, I will honour. Believe the word of G…d, for you shall finde it true.

Keit.

What second thoughts may come into my minde I cannot tell, but at present I finde nothing in my minde to oppose against what you say. But yet there is another t…ing that I am much afraid of, and that is your Church-Admonitions and Excommunications: I hear that your Sachems are under that yoke I am a sinful man as well as others, but if I must be admonished by th… C…urch, who are my Subjects, I know not how I shall like t…at. … doub… it will be a bitter Pill, too hard for me to get down and swall…w.

Ant.

Still your Objections are great and weighty. Sin is the sickness of the soul, even as diseases are the sickness of the body. Admonitions in the Lord, by the holy Scriptures are the P…ysic… of the Soul▪ even as outward Medicines are Physick to the body. Now if your body be sick, you will not refuse Physick because i… is bitter or sharp, and difficult to bear. No, but you will bear i… patiently, because you know it is wholesome, and a means to cure your sickness. The same I say about the sickness of your soul, that Medicine which God hath appointed to purge away your sin… you must patiently submit unto, because it is wholesome and good for your soul. Yea, and you must be so much the more careful and willing to submit thereunto, by how much the danger o… so…l-sicknesses are deeper and greater then bodily sicknesses be. A bodily sickness, at the worst, doth but kill the body, but soul-sicknesses, if not cured, do damn both body and soul in hell, with the D…vil and his Angels for ever. It is a desperate danger to l… soul sicknesses go uncured. It is pleasant and d…lightful to the flesh to sin without controll, but remember what the end of it wil… be. S…lo on that wise King saith, Eccles. 11.9. Rejoyce, O … man, in thy youth, and let thy heart cheer thee in thy youth, and wa… in the wayes of thy heart, and in the sight of thy eyes; but know th… that for all …he…e things God will bring thee into judge…ent. This is … tre…bling word Felix a great Ruler trembled when he heard th… word, Acts 24.25. It is therefore against all wisdome to refu… p. 51to be subject to soul-physick. It is a great mercy when God giveth a skilf… … to cure our bodies, but it is a greater mercy to have a skilful P…ysician to he…l and cure our souls. This there…e is so fa… from being a discouragement from praying to God as that it is rather an encouragement. Make haste …o come into that way which provideth well f…r your souls health, because eternal salvation dependeth upon it.

Will.

I am willing to adde a word or two by way of lenitive. Though the matter be harsh and bitter, yet the manner of applying must be with all reverence, gentleness, meekness, tenderness, and love, so as to …void all exasperation or provocation. So the Lord hath commanded, Galat. 6.1. If a man…e overtaken in a fault ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekne…s, considering thy self▪ lest thou also be tempted.

And for your fu…ther encouragement, we finde in the Scripture that great Kings and rulers have meekly submitted to this soulphysick. David was sharply reproved by the Prophet, and he meekly submitted to it, 2 Sam 12. and so it was with Eli, 1 Sam 2.27. Let it not therefore be unacceptable unto you, to imitate so great, so good Examples. If Sachems might sin, and no body might admonish them, because they be rulers, and the Ministers and people are the subjects, it were the most miserable condition in the world to be a Sachem or a ruler, they run to hell without controll, and no body may say unto him, Why do you so? It is said, Isa. 30.33. Tophet is ordained of old, yea for the King i… is prepared. If God have ordained hell for Sachems, then sure he hath ordained means to keep them out of it, as well as for other men; for God desireth not the death of a sinner, but rather that …e should repent and live. If therefore you desire to escape hell, and to go to heaven, submit your soul to such means as God hath appointed to bring you to repentance and salvation. When you put the Objection, you s…id you are a sinful man as well as others: therefore your own heart will tell you that you have need of such helps as God hath appointed to bring you to repentance, else you cannot be saved.

Keit.

I feel your words sink into my heart and stick there, you speak arrows; I feel that you wound me, but I do not think that you hurt me; nor do you mean me any hurt but good. I d…sire to ponder and consider of these things. I have more matters to object, but I will forbear at this time: and besides, it is time for you to eat, and to take rest, and therefore I will proceed no further at this time.

Ant.

We thankfully accept your patience thus long, and your good accept…nce of what we say: God hath been present with us, and we perceive that the Spirit of God is at work in your heart, this putteth us in hopes of a good issue.

We have one request unto you, beloved Sachem, That while we p. 52abide in your house, we may have liberty to carry our-selves like praying Indians; namely, that when we eat, we may pr…y and give t…anks to God, before and after meat; also before we lie down at night, and when we rise up in the morning, we may pray and give thanks to God; and that discourses may be grave, and for edification; that there may be no Games or Sports, or such other things, which we have abandoned.

Keit.

I do like well what you say, all things shall be as you d… sire; it will be a g…od opportunity for us to see what manner of Convers…ion you praying Indians use. I will pr…pose it unto so many …f my people as be here present, how they like of t…is last motion you make, of allowing you free liberty of all such Exercises as you praying Indians practise. What say you, my friends, to this l…st mo…on of theirs?

All.

We like it very well, and shall willingly give attendance un… their prayers. And besides, it is not long to their Sabbath, we desire they would stay the Sabbath, and teach publickly, and let us see their S…bbath Convers…tion also. It may be we shall see so much beauty and desireableness in their wayes, that it may much heighten and raise our affections to embrace and submit our selves unto this way of praying to God.

Keit.

You go too fast, your answer goes beyond my proposal, or their request: we spake onelyonly of private Conversation. I said nothing of the Sabbath, nor of their publick Teaching, this is a greater matter. But go to, seeing you have made the motion, I will not refuse it. What say you my friends? you hear what these people desire, will you tarry the Sabbath among us, and teach publickly amongst my people? for if you accept the motion, we shall take a course to give notice thereof to all parts of the Town.

Ant.

We are sent by the Church in the Name of Jesus Christ, to call you up unto the way which leadeth to heaven. One part of this heavenly way, is to Keep holy the Sabbath day, by exercising our selves in the Word of G…d and prayer. I perceive the forwardness of your people hereunto, and your own wary condescendence unto their desires, which amounteth unto more then a calling unto us to attend the motion: it addeth encouragement and hope of good acceptance with man, and a divine blessing from heaven.

p. 53Philip Keitassoot. Anthony. William. Sachem.

Keit.

I Have so ordered my occasions, that they will give way to my attendance to the matter you come about, therefore this Afternoon I have set apart, that we may have further Conference about them.

The former points we discoursed, I am willing they should still lie soaking in my heart and minde. I am not ready to make Replies, or to draw forth any further speech about them. I choose rather to draw forth some of my other Doubts and Objections; unto which, if your Answers be as considerable and weighty, as they were to my former doubts, I shall then s…e cause to lay them up also a soaking, and pondering in my heart. Know this, that in the rowlings of my thoughts, the disquiet turnings and tumblings of my minde, do oft-times molest me with variety of passions. I am sometimes in grief and anguish of minde, especially when I over look my life past, and remember the many sins and follies that I have stained my life and honour withall, I think with my self, What a fool have I been, that for the love of a lust, which Dogs and brute Creatures delight in, that I, a Man, a Sachem, should be so besotted, as to stain my honour, wound my Soul, offend God, and expose my self to eternal damnation, and all this for a short delight that is gone with a blast, and leaves nothing behinde but shame and sorrow; and these are durable and indelible, a sad effect of sensual pleasures. Ah what a fool have I been? when I should have imployed my self in higher and greater matters for the honour of God, and the good of my people▪ I have wasted my precious time and strength to satiate my pleasures, which have left such a sting and torment in my soul, which all my Estate and Honour cannot ease me of, but they are like to torment me for ever. I am never without wicked company to draw me out unto such iniquities, but none of them can ease the torment of my minde and conscience, though some apply themselves so to do, I do finde their remedies are false and uneffectual.

But I have quite lost my self, I did not intend to open and pour out my minde and thoughts about these matters; but full vessels are ready to run over. I will come to that which I did intend.

Ant.

Beloved Sachem, as the overflowings of your grief have interrupted your intended discourse, so let me take so much boldness to lengthen this your interruption, with a word of God▪ that may, by his blessing, be (at least) the beginning of a Cordial to your heart, and a Cure to your stain and wound. Sin is a shame to any Nation or person, but repentance is an honour. Your griefs p. 54have the right savour of repentance. It is said, 1 Cor. 3.18. Let a man become a fool, that he …ay be wise: you chide your self for your …ol…y; you do well …o to do, it is an act of wisdome so to do, go on in this frame of heart, and be constant, and you shall finde rest. Christ calleth troubled souls to come unto him, Mat. 11.28. and he promis…h to give them rest, and he is able to perform his promise. In his hand I leave this matter, and your tossed soul with inward griefs, that in him you may finde rest.

Will.

My Brother ha…h presented you with a Cordial for your heart…g…ief, I will present you with some Balm to heal your soul wounds. It is said▪ Ier. 8.22. Is there no Balm in G…lead? is there no Physician there? Why …hen is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered? Behold, in Gods Word we finde a Balm for wound…d souls, and that is the death and blood of Jesus Christ, believed by faith: for Christ hath died for our sins, and rose again from the dead for our justification; he offereth a pardon for all your sins, and he will heal your soul, and quiet your heart from all those turmoiling troubles and griefs. Believe therefore in Jesus Christ, and he will pardon and save you.

Keit.

I thank you for these comfortable words, I feel them in my heart, and I desire to lay them up among other things which I ponder in my heart.

And now I will proceed to open such other doubts which lie in my minde, as impediments which hinder me, and delay me from accepting of this way of praying to God. I perceive in all your discourses, that you have a Book which you call The Word of God, and you reade it to me. I perceive also that in your worshipping of God morning and night, you reade in that Book: I pray tell me what Book that is▪ what is written in it? and how do you know that it is the Word of God? Many say that some wise English-men have d…vised and framed it, and tell us that it is Gods Word, when as it is no other then the words of wise men.

Hoh! we shall be interrupted in our discourse, for here cometh in S…chem that hateth praying to God, and hath been a means of delaying my entrance into this way: but if he come up unto us, we will go on and let him be partaker of our discourse, if he like of it, a…d be willing so to do.

E…h, my friend, I pray come and sit down here, and hearken to our discourse. Here be some of the Massachuset praying Indians, who are soliciting me to pray unto God; and we are now discoursing about a Book which they have, which they say is the Word of God: and I am now enquiring of them what is contained in that Book, and how it may be made appear that it is the Word of God… If you think good to joyn with us in this discourse, it will be acceptable unto us to have your company, and to hear what you have to say about it.

p. 55Sachem.

I am willing to be present and hear your discourse, but as for this new way of praying to God, I like it not. We and our Forefathers have through all generations lived in our Religion, which I desire not to change; Are we wiser then our Forefathers? And I like not to suffer our people to reade that Book which they call the Word of God. If it be Gods Word, it is too deep for ignorant people to meddle withall; and it will …ill them with new light and notions, which withdraws them from our obedience, and leadeth them to make trouble and disturbance unto us, in those old wayes in which we and our Forefathers have walked: and my Counsel is to suppress the reading of that Book.

Ant.

With due respect unto you, Sachem, I shall thus answer unto what you s…y. If a great Sachem in a far Country should send unto you a writing, wherein he giveth you wise Counsel, would you not reade it? would you not hear what he saith? and would you not suffer your people to learn wisdome, but continue in their ignorance and blindness? Sure you would shew so much respect to a man, a Sachem, that should do so kindly to you. Now so it is, that the great God who made these high heavens, and the great Lights that be therein; who made this Earth, and all this great World, and all things in it; who is King of kings, and Lord of lords: I say this Great God, pittying to see the ignorance that all men are darkned withall, he hath sent us his VVord, which will make wise the ignorant, and will you not suffer your people to learn that wisdome? do you love darkness better then light?

Besides, all Mankinde live in the wayes of sin, which lead them to hell torments, where they shall be punished with eternal fire: but God pittying this miserable condition of man, hath sent us this VVord of his, which sheweth us the way to escape hell torments, and leadeth us into the way that leadeth us to eternal life, happiness and glory. And will not you suffer your people to learn this good way, when God offereth it unto us? Consider how your people will curse you, when they feel these torments, because you would not suffer them to learn the true way to heaven and happiness. And what though we are not wiser then our Forefathers, yet God can teach us such wisdome as our Forefathers did not know. I think, that we are bound to think that our fathers were so wise, that if Gods VVord …ad been brought and offered to them, they would have received it, and would have learned by it to be wiser then they were, and why therefore should not we be so wise, as to do that which our wise fathers would have done, if this light had shined unto them, as it now doth unto us. Let not the deepness of that wisdome in Gods VVord, hinder us that are ignorant from searching into it, for by reading of Gods word the ignorant may be made wise, Psal. 197. it maketh wise the simple: and Prov. 1.…. The Word gives wisdome to the simple, and to the young man knowledge p. 56and discretion. David learned to be wise by reading the word of God, Wiser then his Enemies, wiser then his Teachers, wiser then the Ancients, Psal. 119.98, 99, 100. and so may we. It is a vain word to say, They are ignorant, and therefore they may not reade the Word; the contrary to this is true, Because they are ignorant, therefore let them search and reade the word of God, because that will make them wise. But you give the reason that lieth in the bottom of your heart, when you say, By reading of the word they will learn new light, which will molest and trouble them that love and walk in their old lusts, and deeds of darkness, and therefore you will keep them from the light. But I pray consider at what a dear rate you purchase your quiet in your old ways of sin and darkness, which lead you to hell, when you will compel all your people to live in sin and darkness, for fear lest when they finde the light of Gods Word, they should molest and trouble you in your lusts and sins.

Will.

I will adde a few words to what my Brother hath spoken. I have heard that in the other part of the World there be a certain people who are called Papists, whose Ministers and Teachers live in all manner of wickedness and lewdness, and permit and teach the people so to do: and these wicked Ministers will not suffer the people to reade the Word of God, and pretend the same reason as you do, Because they be ignorant. But the true reason is the same which you plainly speak out, lest by the knowledge of the VVord, they should have light to see into their vileness, and molest them in their lusts and sins. And they are so cruel, that if they finde any one that readeth the word of God, they will kill him. They choose rather to lead all their people with them to hell, then to suffer them to see the light whereby they may be saved, lest when they see the light, they should discover their filthiness, and trouble them in their way to hell. But God doth account these men Murtherers, and hath threatned to bring upon them fearful destruction, to revenge the blood of Gods people whom they have murthered. Therefore I pray you to consider, that the like vengeance from God will fall upon you, if you will not suffer your people to search into, and learn the word of God.

Keit.

What you have said hath fully setled and satisfied my heart in this point. I will never hinder my people from the knowledge of the word of God, and I wonder at those vile Ministers that do so wickedly abuse the people; and I wonder at the Sachems, that they will suffer such vile Ministers to abuse their people in that manner, why do they not suppress them? and why do they not Command their people to Print the Bible, and let it be free for any man that will buy them, and reade them? I wonder at these things; Can you satisfie me in the reason hereof?

Will.

I can say but little to it; onelyonly thus much I have heard. p. 57Some Sachems are as bad as the Ministers, and of the same minde with their Ministers, they are li…e minded as this Sachem is; other Sachems that are wiser and better minded, yet they cannot help it, because their Ministers are so rich, and by that means have so many people depending on them, that their Sachems dare not meddle with them; and their Ministers take a cunning course to keep themselves and successors rich, for they will not suffer one another to marry, whereby they should have lawful Children to inherit their riches, but when they die the next Minister hath all, or most of the riches that he had. And to the end they may keep one anothe… from marrying, they suffer one another to keep VVhores, so that they have Bastards good store, but no lawful Children. And by this means they maintain themselves in very great wealth, so that the Sachems dare not meddle with them.

Keit.

Doth no body see these base doings of these Ministers?

Will.

Oh yes, many; but if any body speak a word against them, they will kill him presently, so that partly by their wealth, and partly by their cruelty, keep every body in fear of them.

Keit.

Oh strange! how many of these wicked Ministers be there, that they are so potent?

Will.

Oh, a great many. The Ministers of I know not how many Countries combine together, and be of one minde to uphold one another; and they choose one Chief, and call him a Pope, and say that he has power to pardon mens sins, and will sel Pardons for Money, and by that means they get a great deal of wealth, for people are such fools as to think that he can pardon them, when as the Popes be as vile sinners as any body, and keep VV…ores, and get Bastards. Other of these Ministers they call Cardinals; others Lord Archbishop; others, Lord Bishop; other, Lord Abbot; other, Lord Prior, and I cannot tell how many more: and many of these as rich as Sachems, and leave their wealth to their successors, because they have no lawful Children, onelyonly keep VVhores, and get Bastards. And they will allow their Sachems, or any body else, to keep VVhores, and get Bastards, and the Pope will pardon them for money. And this that I tell you, is but a little of the filthiness that is among these wicked Ministers. Now if people should but look into the word of God, they would presently finde that no body can pardon sins but God; and they would presently finde, that God has appointed no such Ministers as these, they are all of them the Devils Ministers, and not God's: and if Sachems and people knew this, they would buy no more Pardons of them, and the Sachems would suppress them, and take away their great riches, or imploy them to better uses. And for this reason they will not suffer any but themselves to reade the Scripture, they will kill them if they do; and they have Lords Inquisitors, as they call them, to watch and search if any body have a p. 58Bible, or any other good Book, that opens and discovers their Villany, he shall be killed: And these Lords Inquisitors are as rich as Sachems. And thus they keep all men in subjection to them, and in fear of them, and Sachems are afraid of them, and they do what they list.

Keit.

Here be Ministers with all my heart! are these the men th…t manage their Religion? These are worse then our Pauwaus. If any Pauwau in my dominions should be half thus vile, I would scoure him. I see that in some places of the world there be worse men then we Indians be. I do not think there is such vileness to be found among any of the Indians in all this Country, what may be further off I know not. And if all this vileness be maintained by ignorance of the word of God, it seemeth to me, that it is a principal thing in Religion to know and be acquainted with the word of God; and therefore I desire that now we may go on with our intended discourse. And whereas I proposed two questions, me thinks that much may be gathered out of this discourse we have had, tending to shew what matter is contained in the word of God. But it is like you will speak more fully to it. I shall therefore bend my minde to give attendance unto what you shall further say.

Ant.

This Question is one great Principle in Religion; and I cannot take a surer and better course to answer it, then by declaring the Answer that is given in our Catechism unto the Question, and by opening some of the Texts of Scripture, which are there brought for the proof and manifestation thereof.

The Question is, What is the Word of God? The Answer is, It is the Will of God written in the Bible, whereby he rightly guideth man, in every thing in this world, and whereby he bringeth us to eternal salvation. These are but few words, but full of weight, and proved by divers Scriptures.

Keit.

What do you mean by Scriptures?

Ant.

The word and will of God written in a Book, whereby we may not onelyonly hear it with our ears, when it is spoken by others, but we may see it with our eyes, and reade the writing our selves. And this is a great benefit to us, to have Gods word and will written; for a word spoken is soon gone, and nothing retaineth it but our Memory, and that impression which it made upon our minde and heart; but when this word is written in a Book, there it will abide, though we have forgotten it, and we may reade it over a thousand times, and help our weak memories, so that it shall never be forgotten; yea, and such as cannot have an opportunity of hearing the word, yet they may alwayes have an opportunity of reading the word, because it is written in the Bible, which they have by them in their houses, and may reade in it night and day. We do therefore call the word of God Scripture, because it is written in a book.

p. 59Keit.

I am satisfied in what you say: I pray go on to open those Texts of Scripture which the Catechism giveth for proofs.

Ant.

The first Text I mention is Hos. 8.12. I have written to him the great things of my Law, but they were counted as a strange thing. Here God gives to man a Law, and he writeth this Law; and every thing in this Law is a great matter: though some things are greater then other, yet every thing that God hath written is a great matter. But God doth blame men for counting them as strange things; we should be well acquainted with them.

Dan. 10.21. when an Angel spake to Daniel, he told him, that he would declare to him that which is noted in the Scriptures of truth. And we that teach others must carefully so do, we must teach nothing but that which is noted in, and grounded upon the Scriptures of truth. And we need to teach nothing else, for all things needful for salvation are contained in the Scriptures, as appears 2 Tim. 3.16, 17. A… Scripture is given by interpretation from God, …nd is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished to all good works. The man of God here, meaneth, or may be applied to any honest man that is willing to walk by the Rule of the word, be he a Sachem, or a Teacher, or a Father, &c. Every man may finde in the Scriptures a perfect rule to guide him in every thought, word or deed. So that the word of God is a perfect Law to guide every man, in every thing, all the dayes of his life. And the word of God is not onelyonly a rule to guide us in this life, but it also brings us to heaven; Acts 20.32. I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and give you …n inheritance among them that are sanctified: and Iames 1.21. Receive with meekness the ingrafted word, which is able to save your souls. Many such testimonies I might adde, to shew the fulness of perfection of the word of God: but I forbear at present.

Will.

I will adde a few words touching the perfection of the Scriptures. Deut. 12.32. Whatsoever I command you, observe to do it; thou shalt not adde thereto, nor diminish from it. Here be two wayes of wronging the Scriptures; 1. By adding to it; 2. By taking from it. Now these Popish Teachers and Ministers of whom I did discourse before, they do most wickedly wrong the Scriptures, especially by adding to them. They say that their Offices are commanded in the Scripture, and that the Pope is Christ his Vicar, and that he hath power to pardon sin, and abundance more such rotten stuff they adde unto the Scripture.

Now this is another reason why they will not suffer people to reade the Scriptures, because then every body would finde out their false dealing; and therefore if any body finde them out, they will presently kill them. The great wrong they do unto the Scriptures of truth, is one of their great sins; they adde their own p. 60wicked inventions, unto the pure and perfect word of God.

Keit.

Your discourse doth breed in my heart an admiration a… that excellent Book; and I finde in my heart a longing desire to be acquainted with that Book, and with those excellent matter… that are contained in it. But although my heart doth begin … reverence that Book for the sake of the matter contained in it, yet I desire that you would proceed to give me your grounds why yo… believe that it is Gods word, because I shall then reverence th… Word, not onelyonly for the matters sake, but also for the Author… sake. Good words spoken by a good man, do obtain respect … much more may the words that God speaketh, command all reverence.

This Point also being a great Principle in Religion, I will ta… the same course in it, as I did in the former. I will shew yo… what Answer we are taught in our Catechism, and I will touc… some of the proofs.

1. The first Reason to prove the Scriptures to be the Word o… God, is, Because they teach us the first Creation of the World, and all things in it, which no man nor Angel doth know or ca… teach, onelyonly God; and this is proved in the first Chapter of Genesis, w…ere we reade the wonderful work of God in the Creation of the World, where man was last made.

2. The second Reason is fro… the holiness and perfection of the word of God. No man or A…gel could give so holy, pure and perfect a Law, as G…ds Law is, Psal. 19.8, 9, 10, 11. also Psal. 12.6. The words of the Lord are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven ti…es.

3. The third Reason is, Because the word of the Lord is confirmed by such Miracles, as onelyonly God himself is able to perform. Moses the first writer of Scripture, did many great Miracles, in Egypt, in the Red Sea, and in the VVilderness; so did many other Prophets: but especially Jesus Christ did many wonderful Miracles, and so did the Apostles, by which our Faith is confirmed, that their writings are the word of God.

4. Because the Scriptures doth reveal unto us Jesus Christ, and salvation by Christ, according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This no man or Angel could ever have found out, onelyonly God, 2 Cor. 5.19. God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, and hath committed to us the word of Reconciliation John 5.39. Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think to finde eternal life: and they ar… they that testifie of me. Therefore they are the word of God.

5. Because the word of God doth convert the soul from sin and Satan, unto God. It sanctifieth the soul, and doth lead me… souls in the wayes of life, unto salvation; it is the sword of the Spirit to conquer the Devil▪ Iam. 1.18. Of his own will begat …e us with the word of truth. Joh. 17.17. Sanctifie them through the p. 67tr…th: thy word is truth. Ephes. 6.17. Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Such grounds as these we are taught in our Catec…ism.

Keit.

Who can oppose or gainsay the mountainous weight of these Arguments? I am more then satisfied, I am ashamed of my ignorance, and I abhor my self that ever I doubted of this point; and I desire wholly to give up my self to the knowledge of, and obedience to the word of God, and to abandon and forsake these sins which the word of God reproveth and condemneth.

Will.

I will adde one Consideration further, to manifest that the Scriptures are the word of God; and that is, By the great Antiquity of these writings, which have been extant so many thousand years, and have passed through so many enemies hands, who …ave used all art and force to abolish them, or corrupt them, and yet they could never d… it. Moses wrote the first Five Books of Scripture above a thousand and four hundred years before Christ came, and it is above a thousand and six hundred years since Christ came, and since the G…sp…l, the last part of the Scripture, was written. Put these two Numbers together, and they make three thousand years. So long the Church have had the Scriptures: and all this while the Devil and wicked men have endeavoured either to abolish them, or corrupt them, but they could never do it; we have every word of God perfect and pure unto this day, which cannot be said of any other writing in all the world. And this wonderful divine protection of this Book, doth greatly manifest, that doubtless it is Gods own word, over which he hath bestowed such eminent care.

Keit.

But how do you know all this? How do you know what was done so many thousand years ago?

Will.

The Scriptures themselves have kept a perfect Record of Times from the beginning of the World unto the coming of Christ, and out of that Chronologie we may perfectly know how long Moses was before Christ; and there be other sure wayes to know how many years it is since Christ came. And thus may we know certainly how long the Scriptures have been written.

Keit.

If this be so, the Reason is strong, the Antiquity of the Book requireth reverence; and Gods constant care of it, sheweth he hath a divine influence in it.

But we are now called off from any further proceeding in our discourse at this time. Before we part, I have one motion and request to propose unto you; To morrow is your Sabbath, and I have a desire that you two would teach us that day, and let us see the manner how you worship God; it may please God to make more of his light to shine among us. You remember what passed about this motion; I do now with more desire confirm shat motion.

p. 68Ant.

We also are still of the same minde and purpose, and are the more confir…ed in our hearts, because we see that G…d is on the coming hand, to incline your heart unto the Lord.

After the Sabbath. Philip Keitassoot. Anthony. William.

Keit.

I Have now lived one Sabbath: many a Sabbath have I been dead, and followed works of darkness and sin, when I should …ave been following the Lord in such wayes of Worship, as yesterd…y was spent in. I am wounded at my heart to remember what I have done upon the Sabbath-day, I …ave served the D…vil, and lust and sins of all sorts, even upon the Sabbath-dayes▪ The sins that I have committed do render me vile in the sight of God, and the time wherein I have committed m…ny of them, doth render me more vile in the eyes of the L…rd my Judge. You said yesterday, that Christ Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath, and requires all men to spend that day in his service; and when Christ Jesus shall judge the world, he will examine all men how they spent every Sabbath. Oh wretched man that I am, what answer shall I make, though I am a Sachem here on earth, I s…all be but a subject in the day of Judgement. I now sit upon the Bench to judge others, then I must stand at the Barre to be judged my self. Oh what mountains of sin have I heaped up in my wicked life! I had forgot my sins, and I thought God had forgot them too; and I had thought my Conscience had forgot them also, but now I see it is not so. God hath numbred all my wayes, my thoughts, my words and works, and I feel now that my Conscience remembreth them also, though it hath been asleep in the times of my ignorance and profaneness. Oh I am a wretch: I should have been an example to my people, an example of virtue, of wisdome and of praying to God, but I have done quite contrary to my duty: I have been an example of lust, of profaneness, yea of all sin; and in particular of this great sin of profaning the Sabbath: my heart is wounded with the sense of this …in especially, and that forceth my troubled Conscience to gall and afflict my soul with the remembrance of all my sins. But why say I all? I now finde my sins are numberless: my own personal sins are many, great and vile, my heart doth loath my self to remember them, they make me an abhorring to God. But moreover and besides my own personal sins, other mens sins I am guilty of; Oh how many have sinned upon my account, many wayes? I am a Sachem over my people, to rule them in virtue, and to do them good: but I have done contrary p. 69to my charge, I have led them out into all sin, and thereby I have done them …he greatest hurt and mischief. I have been a means of their damnation, Oh how many are gone, and going to hell upon my account? how shall I escape damnation, who have led so many in…o that eternal pit? Oh I am pained at my heart, what sh…ll I do? Oh what shall I do?

Ant

No creature can help you; none but God in Jesus Christ, he can help you. Consider that Text, Micah 6.6, 7, 8. Wherewith sha… I come before the Lord, and bowe my self before the high God? shall I come before him with bur… offerings with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten th…usands of rivers of oyl? shall I give …y first born for my transgression, the fruit of my bo…y for the sin of …y soul? He hath s…ewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do ju…tly, and to love mercy, and to walk hu…bly with thy God? Nothing that you can do, or bring to God, can pacifie that divine wrath that is kindl…d …gainst you; but ver 8. he sheweth you the way. Also consider that Text, Iohn 14.6. I am the Way, and the Truth, …nd …he Life: No man cometh unto the Father, but by me. You have been a great sinner, now you lament it, you would obtain a pardon, and be reconciled to God: This word of God sheweth you the way, and th… is to humble your self before Christ Jesus, believe in him, and give up your self to be his servant, your self to worship the Lord, and to bring on all your people to do the same. I remember two places in Daniel where Sachems were in trouble of minde, as you now are, and Daniel gave them counsel from the Lord: the first place is Dan. 4.27. Wherefore, O Sachem, let my counsel be accepta…le to thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thy iniquities by she…ing mercy to the poor, if it may …e a lengthning of thy tranquility. A…d my heart is perswaded (with submission to the Lord) that if you now turn unto God, and promote praying to God among all your people, you shall see better dayes t…en ever you have yet seen. There is another sad story in the fifth Chapter of Daniel, where the wicked Sachem did act profanely agai…st the G…d of heaven, and then appeared fingers which wrote Mene, Mene, Tekel Vpharsin: but let the interpretation of that be unto your enemies, and not to you, beloved Sachem. I say unto you in that word of the Lord, Acts 16.31. Believe in the Lord Iesus, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Wi….

Hope of relief, is a means to ease grief, and to raise the distressed heart to apply it self unto means of Remedy. In the second of Chron. 33. we reade of a Sachem that was a greater sinner then you have been, yet upon his repent…nce and change of life, he obtained mercy. His Name was Manasseh, his sins were such, as that it is an abhorring to reade them: then God brought him into affliction, and it is said, ver. 12, 13. And when he was in p. 70affliction▪ he …esought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, an… prayed unto him, and he was intreate… of hi…, an… hear… his supplication, and brought him again unto Ier…ale… into his kingd…me. Then Manasseh know that the Lord he was God. So I say unto you, Beloved …achem, humble your self before the Lord set up praying to God among all your people, walk in wayes of wisdome and religion, and you shall finde that God will be merciful to you, and your latter dayes shall be blessed, and be a blessing.

Keit.

Words that come swimming in love, with full sails of wisdome, have great power to calm heart storms of grief and trouble. I now finde it true: my soul is wounded for my sin in profaning the Sabbath-day, now I desire to look deeper into the matter. I desire you would open unto me the Sabbath, that I may know my former sins, and future duty.

Ant.

The doctrine of the Sabbath is a great Point in Religion. It is one of the Ten Moral, Univers…l Commandments of God, which are required of all Mankinde; and the fourth Command, a chief Hinge of all the rest. By a religious keeping of the Sabbath, we act our obedience to all the Commands. By profaning the Sabbath, we turn all Religion and good Order out of doors, and set open a door unto all sin and wickedness, so weighty a matter is the good keeping of the Sabbath-day. For the opening of the Sabbath, I know not a better way, then to open (briefly) the fourth Command; w…ich I shall do, by laying it out into six parts.

1. Here is the Preface, in this word, Remember the Sabbath-day, to shew the great weight and worth of the Sabbath, o… our proneness to …light it; and to stablish a perpetual and careful preparation to the Sabbath, Neh. 13.19. And it came to pass, that when the gates of Ierusalem began to be dark before the Sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the Sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the Sabbath day.

2. Here is the Affirmative part of the Command, wherein we are commanded to keep the whole Sabbath holy, both in thought, word and deed, Isa. 58.13. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath … delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable, and shalt honour him, not doing thine own wayes, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words.

3. Here is an exact distribution of all time betwixt God and man, wherein God hath appointed six parts or dayes to man, and the seventh part is dedicated to God: and hence it followeth that the Sabbath was capable of being changed, from the l…st of seven, to the first of seven; and so the Lord hath changed it, 1 Cor. 16.2… p. 71Acts 20.7. Rev. 1.10. And when this Change was first made, the C…urch kept two Sabbaths together, as the Passover and the Lords Supper were together.

4. Here is the Negative part of this Command, wherein we are forbidden all our own works, in that word or deed, Thou shalt do no manner o… work.

5 Here be the persons that be bound to keep the Sabbath, All, high and low, rich and poor, male and female, in all societies …nd rel…tions, and strangers, Thou, thy son, thy …aughter, thy man-servant, thy maid-servant, thy cattel, and thy stranger.

6. Here be three R…a…ons to urge us to a reverent and careful keeping of the Sabbath:

1. Taken from Gods most holy and wise Example, who six dayes Created, but on the s…venth d…y rested in his heavenly joyes.

2. The second Reason is, Because God hath put a blessing on the head of the Sabbath, and on all that keep it holy: He blessed the seventh day.

3. The third Reason is, Because the Lord made it holy, he dedicated it to holy use, a…d t…erefore may not be violated without sacriledge. Mal. 3.8. Will ye rob God? Thus have I opened this Command.

Will.

I will onelyonly adde two Texts of Scripture; Ier 17.19, to the end: Thus saith the Lord unto me, Go and stand in the gate of the children of the people whereby the Kings of Iudah come in, and by the which they go out and in all t…e gates of Ierusalem and say unto them, Hear ye the word of the Lord, ye kings of Iudah, an… all Iudah, and all the inhabitants of Ierusalem that enter in by …hese gates: T…us saith the Lord, Tak… heed to your selves, and bear no burden on the Sabbath day ▪ &c. The other …ext is Exod. 31, 13, 14, 15, 16 17. Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign …etween me and you throughout your generat…ons, that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth …anctifie you, &c.

Keit.

I am now in a great strait, my heart is bent within me to keep the Sabbaths; but alas, neither I nor any of my people know how to do it, unless we have some body to teach us.

Ant.

It is true that you say, and I return you this answer, When we return, and make report of the grace of God poured out upon you, and of your acceptance of the word of God, and resolution to keep the Sabbath, …nd your desire of a Teacher; We know that the Church will presently take care to send a Teacher unto you. Or further we will propose, If you and your people shall choose any one whom your souls desire, and send your request unto the Church, that he might be sent unto you, We doubt not but the Church will readily grant your desire.

p. 72A penitent Soul in great distress cometh unto John Speen, one of the Teachers of the Church at Natik; where we shall finde the Penitent pouring out his griefs, and John ministring Counsel and Comfort.

Penit.

OH my friend, I am glad I have met you in so opportune a time and place. My heart is broken with griefs, I am ready to …ink into the ground because of my distressed mind. I desire to pour out my melted heart into your loving bosom; it may be you may give me Counsel what I shall do in my distress, and advise me if there be any way or means to comfort this distressed so…l of mine.

Iohn.

Alas, your sorrowful countenance doth indeed discover, that your minde is oppressed with grief, and in such cases men are miserable comforters; God onelyonly knoweth how to speak a word of Comfort to the heart, he made the heart of man, he knoweth all the sorrows and griefs thereof; and usually God doth afflict the heart with grief, out of great love, that he might call the distressed soul to come to him, and to make its griefs known to him, and he is very gracious and pitiful to such afflicted souls: for Christ hath said, Mat. 11.28. Come unto me ye that labour and are heavy laden▪ and I will give you rest. My first Counsel therefore is, that you would pray unto God, and believe in Jesus Christ, and he will surely give you rest. B…t as for man, especially such a poor creature as I am, I cannot help you, nor is there any help for you in the hand of man.

Penit.

But the words of a true-hearted loving friend may minister some comfort, and I do already feel that your words have relief in them, in that you tell me Jes…s Christ is so tender-hearted towards those that are of an afflicted spirit.

Iohn.

True it is, that God hath said, The Priests l…ps shall preserve knowledge, and thou shalt enquire the Law at his mouth; I am very weak, but I am willing to help your afflicted soul to go to Jesus Christ, who will not fail to comfort you. Seeing therefore it is your desire, let me hear your griefs and troubles, it may please God to put a word into my mouth, whereby the good Spirit of God may speak comfort to your sorrowful heart.

Penit.

My outward condition is full of affliction, and those frowns in the brow of Providence do make me fear, that the wrath of God is set against me, and will wear away my life with grief, and then cast me away into hell among the damned, where I shall perish for ever.

Iohn.

This is a wholesome fear, and you shall finde it will end p. 73well. My Counsel is, mingle hope with your fear, viz. that God doth outwardly afflict you, that he might drive your distressed soul into the bosome of Jesus Christ, who will graciously pardon all your sins, and save your soul from those eternal flames, which you so much dread. It is Gods usual way of grace, to put his Lambs into distress, that he might cause them to fly for refuge into …is bosome; and I hope that it is his meaning so to deal with you, because I see that his afflicting hand doth so kindly melt your heart, and causeth you to seek refuge to save you from those everlasting burnings. These distresses will make the salvation of C…rist precious unto you. Consider that Text, Eccles 7 3, 4. Sorrow is better th…n laughter; for by the sorrow of the countenance the heart is made better. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning. But what are those outward distresses which do so a…ict you?

Penit.

I know not where to begin or end. The world hath alwayes promised me fair, but it hath ever failed me; my mornings have had some brightness, but my rising day is alwayes clouded, and full of darkness, and I know not but my Sun will set in thick darkness and despair. You know my Father was a Sachem of the Blood, & I was brought up under such high Capacities & Expecta…tions; I have been Chosen and Advanced, as you know, to the …egree of a Sachem, but so filled with Crosses and Distresses, that I …ever enjoy my self, nor one quiet day, my griefs are multiplied …ke the waves of the Sea, they break in upon me, and are ready to overwhelm me.

Iohn.

You say the world hath ever failed you, and so it alwayes dealeth with Gods children: but I will shew you who will never …il you; Psal. 73.26. My flesh and my heart faileth, but God is the …rength of my heart, and my portion for ever. Let your soul ponder … feed upon this Promise. See also Heb. 13.5. He hath said, I …ill never leave thee nor forsake thee. Mark that word, Never leave …hee nor forsake thee; the word will hold both in this life, and to …ternity.

You further say, that your bright mornings prove black and …loudy dayes. It hath been so with other of Gods Children. Reade …he 88 Psalm, and you shall finde the Prophet just in your case in …any verses of that Psalm: I will mention some of the words, …er. 6, 7, 8, 9. Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the …eps. Thy wrath lyeth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted me with …ll thy waves. Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; …hou hast made me an abomination unto them. I am s…ut up, and I …nnot come forth; mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction. Lord, … have called daily upon thee; I have stretched out mine hand unto …ee, &c. And ver. 15. I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth …; while I suffer thy terrours, I am distracted, &c. Behold a dear …ilde of God in as bitter distresses as you are, yet the first sentence p. 74of this Psalm is a word of Faith, he s…ith, O Lord God of my s… vation. I… is some comfort to a distressed soul, to hav… good company with them; you have the best comp…ny in the world, for yo… have the company of Jesus Christ. See Isa. 53 3. He is …esp…sed a… rejected of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with gr…efs; … we hid as it were our …aces …rom him: he was de…p…ed, and we este… ed him not. W…en you …re alone by your s…l…, re…de all this C… pter, you shall finde that Christ w…s in grea…er distre…ses then yo… are, which he suffered patie…ly, to procure for us pardon and salvation, and by his …u…fering he …ad ex…erience of su…ferings, that … might pity us in our g…ie…s; and …h…r…for… it is said, Heb. 4.15. For we have not an high Priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, but wa… in all points tempted, l…ke as we are, … without sin. Our aff…ictions, al…s, expose …s oftentime… to …in, b… in that case also Chr ist is very pitiful and gracious, he remembre… that we are but du…, Psal. 103.14.

You adde, You fear that your Sun will set in darkness and de…spair. I answer to you, Consider t…a… future things belong to God Do not afflict your self with future things; Sufficient for the d…y… the evil thereof, Mat. 6.34. Let …he morrow care for it …elf. B… suppose y…u should have no comfort t…ll you die, it is the case … many of Gods children to die in a dark cloud; and Christ himse… sanctified that case, Mat 27.46, 50. He cried with a loud voice. E… Eli, lamasabachthani. Ver 5…. Iesus when he had cried again with loud voice, yiel…ed up the ghost. Wh…t if some of Gods childre… should in this point be conformed to Jesus Christ? do not adde … your sorrows, fears of a sad condition which Christ hath sancti…fied.

Touching your Parentage, and present state, I know how it i… very well. In this case I advise you to consider, that if yo… worldly Cup had been fill…d with such sweetness as flesh and bloo… desire, it might have been much worse for your soul. A so… drowned in earthly pleasure is rarely saved: but a soul drowned i… worldly sorrows and griefs (if instructed in the knowledge of J…sus Christ) shall never be lost, because the sorrows and crosses … the world will keep him from surfetting upon the Creature, an… drive him to s…tiate himself in Christ by the promises of the G…spel. Thus have I answered to the chief points in your Co…plaint.

Penit.

Oh the power of the word of God, aptly applied unto t… case of a distressed soul! The sweet experience that I have no… found in those …criptures which you have produced, and applie… to my case, shall make me, hereafter, to search and reade the Scri…ptures more then I have done. I do, like Hagar, complain for …ter, when it is just by me, if I would search. I hope I shall rea… the Scriptures more then ever I have done.

p. 75Iohn.

You have prevented me, or rather the Spirit of God hath put into your heart by power and grace, that which I intended to have presented to you by way of Advice and Counsel, namely, To be frequent and abundant in reading the Scriptures, for you see that all Soul-cordials are laid up there, fetch them out therefore from that divine Treasury, and make use of them for your comfort. I know the Devil will oppose you in this matter, and keep you from conversing in the Scriptures, because they are the sword of the Spirit, Eph. 6.17. whereby we resist his temptations, as Christ himself hath set us an example, Mat. 4.4, 7, 10. when the Devil assaulted him with a temptation, he drew forth the sword of the Spirit, a Text of Scripture, and opposed the temptation thereby, and that presently conquered the Tempter. Do you the same, you cannot imitate a better pattern then our Lord Jesus Christ; and it is his Command also that we should so do, Iohn 5.39. Search the Scriptures: and David made them his meditation day and …ight, Psal. 1.2. and he had the like experience that you now have found, and came to the like resolution, Psal. 119.93. I will never forget thy precepts, for with them thou hast quickned me.

Penit.

I feel much tranquility in my minde, in this way of seeking Soul-comfort in the Scriptures. Oh I have found out a way of refuge, comfort and rest in a stormy time, I hope the Lord will give me grace and wisdome to make more use thereof then ever I have done in my life.

But still my soul is in great doubts and fears about my eternal condition: if I spend this life in griefs and sorrows, and when I finish here, I go away to eternal misery, Oh what a lamentable case is that! and my fear is, that this will be my condition: my griefs indeed are many, but they are worldly sorrow, I cannot say that I am converted. I desire to know what it is to be converted.

Iohn.

All Mankinde are once born, by natural birth they come into this world; but all Gods children are born again, Iohn 3.3. Except a man be born again, he cannot enter into the kingdome of heaven: and this is a spiritual birth, ver 5. Except a man be born of water, and of the Spirit, &c. Baptism is an outward sign of it, but the inward grace is a work of the Spirit, and the Spirit worketh by the Word of God, Iames 1.18, 21. Of his own will begat he us by the word of truth; and ver. 21. Wherefore lay apart all fil…hiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the ingrafted word, which is able to save your souls. By faith in the Promise the soul is united to Christ, and he that is joyned to the Lord is one Spirit, 1 Cor. 6.17. When an afflicted soul doth venture it self and its All, upon the faithful word of Promise, and sayes to God, as Iob said, Iob 13.15. Though he kill me, yet I will trust in him; this is the new-born soul, and this believing soul shall be surely saved at last, whatever sorrows and afflictions it goes through in this life.

p. 76And wh ereas you say that your sorrows and griefs are but worldly sorrow: I answer, That the question is not what kinde of sorrow it is, so much, as what the effects of it is; for no matter what the sorrow is, if it drive the soul to Christ; our salvation is by Christ, and not by sorrow: the use of sorrow is to imbitter sin, and the world, and to drive the soul to Christ for relief and rest; if worldly sorrow, or rather sorrow about worldly things do this, it hath its end, and proves to be a godly sorrow. Sorrows are not to merit any thing from God, but to force the afflicted soul to fly to him for refuge. We shall finde examples in Scripture, where sorrows about worldly things have effectually driven the soul to fly to God for refuge. Psal. 88.18. Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness. This was an outward affliction, and yet in the first verse of that Psalm, it drives him to fly and cry to the God of his salvation; and this is an act of faith. So Psal. 35.15. But mine adversaries they rejoyced, they g… thered themselves together, yea the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not. With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their eeeth; that is, some broke jests upon him at their Taverns and Tiplings, and others scorned him, &c. all these were outward afflictions, but they drove David to fly and cry to God, ver. 17. Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul, &c. and this is an act of faith. So it was with Iob in his affliction, Iob 30.8, 9, 10. the basest of the people made songs and jests upon him; but mark what end God made with Iob. So Iames speaks, Iam. 5.12. Therefore whatever your griefs be, turn them into prayers, and cry to God for relief, and then your grief hath a sanctified end, and you will at last learn to say after David, in that high strained string of Faith and Experience, It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn thy statutes, Psal. 119.71. And ver. 67, of that Psalm, Before I was afflicted I we…t astray, but now I have kept thy word. And therefore what though your afflictions be outward afflictions, seeing God is pleased mercifully to bless them unto your spiritual and eternal good.

But I further observe, that sundry of your expressions do hold forth a spiritual sorrow for your sin, and a fear of Gods wrath, and an earnest desire to flee from, and escape wrath to come. I pray therefore express your self what sorrows and griefs you have of that kinde; for although such sorrows do not deserve any thing at Gods hand, yet they are of a more spiritual nature, and spring from a deep reverence and fear of God, and do more immediately and effectually drive the soul for refuge to Jesus Christ, who onelyonly delivereth the soul from the guilt and condemnation of sin. Utter some drops of those soul-wounding terrours, which afflict you in the sense of your sin guiltiness.

p. 77Penit.

Still my soul admireth to see the great use is to be made of the word of God, which doth engage my soul more and more, to a more frequent use of the Scriptures. Lord Jesus help me to perform it.

My fore-mentioned griefs about my outward condition, are but the Porch of those troubles that Iodge in my distressed soul. When I look down into the dungeon of my heart, and the dunghill of my life, I am filled with an abhorrence of my self, and wonderment at Gods patience, to suffer such a wretch as I am to live. I know much of the sins of others, but I know more by my self, then I know by any body else, considering circumstantial aggravations. I can truly say with Paul, 1 Tim. 1.15. sinners, of whom … am chief. If my Companions have mis-led me, or my leaders have ca…sed me to erre, it may aggravate their sin, but be no excuse or apologie for mine; I have done as evil as I could, and had not God hampered me with outward affliction and trouble, it is not to be said by man how vile I …hould have been. It is sometimes a quieting argument to my heart, to be patient under …y outward crosses, because they be Mustard on the Worlds Nipples, to keep me from surfetting upon the Creature. If I look into the glass of Gods Law, and behold the face of my life, and of my soul, as they are there represented, I am afraid of my self, I abhorre my self, I am confounded. Gods Sabbaths I have profaned; Gods Word I have neglected; Gods Grace I have despised and resisted; I have broken the whole Law of God, every Command have I violated: for there be some acts of sin that I never did actually commit, yet the habit of sin is in me, and in inclination and desire I am guilty of it: and for a foundation of this mountainous heap of guilt, I am guilty of Adams fall, the first, the worst, the root of all the sins of the sons of men. My sinful habit and disposition by nature, doth viciously incline me to sin, against my desires, purposes, promises, and resolutions. When I strive and labour, and cry and pray against my sins, yet upon the opportunity and occasion offered, my sin will return; I am weak, that is strong; I am subdued, and that prevaileth. Oh wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me?

When I consider the infinite Justice of God offended, the infinite Wrath of God provoked, the eternal Law of God violated, and the eternal torments provided and prepared in hell for sinners, and the insuperableness of my sin, by any means I can use, it will prevail over me, it will keep me in bondage, it will inslave me, and I fear it finally will damn me. In these considerations my soul is sunk and drowned. If therefore there be any Balm for my sore, any succour for my distressed soul, shew me the way how I shall escape these everlasting burnings, that are the just recompence of my transgressions.

Iohn.

The first endeavour of the heart of man, is to pacifie Gods p. 78wrath with something of our own; and first by mincing, excusing and apologizing, as they did, Ier. 2.33, 34, 35, 36, 37. Why trimmest thou thy way to seek love? thou teachest wayes and arts to sin cunningly; and hence the blood of innocent souls is openly found in thy skirts: yet thou sayest, I am innocent, and his anger shall be turned away. But then divine Justice taketh the cause in hand; Why gaddest thou about to seek so many shifts? I will never leave thee till I have made thee ashamed of them all, for none of them shall prosper to turn away divine wrath, …r to procure thee a pardon. But I finde not your soul mincing or your …in, nor making excuses for your self.

The next course the heart of man will take, is to purchase a pardon, by giving to God some great sacrifice, or by doing some great penance; as it is expressed in Micah 6.6, 7, 8. Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bowe my self before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of r…vers of oyl? shall I give my first born for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good, and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk hum…ly with thy God? The inquiry is wherewith a sinner shall pacifie God; he proffers great matters, more then he can perform: he bids low at first, onelyonly burnt-offerings and calves; but when that will not be accepted he rises higher, …hewing what he would do if he had wherewith, he bids thousands of rams, ten thousand rivers of oyl; if that will not do, he offers the fruit of his body for the Sin of his soul, whether macerations of the body, or any other fruit: but alas, all will not do. And then ver. 8. he shews what is the onelyonly thing that will satisfie, onelyonly Jesus Christ, belived on by faith, held forth in those works of sanctification and holy life, for so the Scripture testifies, 2 Cor 5.19. God was in Christ Iesus reconciling the world unto himself. And Acts 4.12. There is no other Name under heaven by which we can be saved. Acts 16.3…. Bel…eve in the Lord Iesus, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

I do not mention such Texts of Scripture as call to repentance, because the end of repentance being …o dispose the heart to believing; it seemeth to me, by your many gracious and penitent confe…ions, th…t the Spirit of G…d hath wrought in you a penitent heart already, and your soul lyeth in the very next capacity of believing in our Lord J…sus Christ by the Promise. Yea further I say, that your gracious acceptance of the Word of God, love unto it, and submission …o its light and conduct, these a…ts of grace in you are so powerful, sweet and savoury, that I know not but that the work of faith is already wrought in your poor, mourning, trembling, but blessed soul; and therefore be no more so disconsolate, hope in the Lord, and do as it is said, Psal. 27.14. Wait on the Lord, p. 79be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thy heart: wait, I say, upon the Lord.

Penit.

I do perceive that you take that to be a great work of grace and faith in my heart, so gladly to receive the Word of God, and submissively to give up my self to the conduct thereof. I cannot deny, but confess, that my heart is really so as I have expressed, and every thing that hath passed in this Conference hath had something in it, to strengthen that frame of heart it me: and now lastly and especially, that you do bring forth that work which is wrought in me to be an evidence of faith, this doth so much the more incline and oblige my heart to a great love and reverence to the Scriptures, and a resolution, through the grace, help and assistance of Jesus Christ, to spend the rest of my life in a more diligent and abundant attendance on the hearing, reading, meditating on, and obeying of the Word of God. If this be an act of faith, I desire to live that part of the life of faith all the dayes of my life. Lord help me to perform this promise unto God.

Iohn.

I will shew you the reason why I lay so much weight upon …hat f…r of heart, to embrace the Word, to love it, to obey it, &c. …irst, I finde that it is the character of those famous primitive Converts, Acts 2.41, 42. Then they that gladly received his word were …aptized, and the same day there were added unto them about three …housand souls: and they continued stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine …nd fellowship. Their obedience to, and walking in the Word, is a …hief effect and Sign of the true and thorough work of grace in …hem: in that point their Conversion shined, and it seemeth to me, …hat your Conversion doth in this point shine.

Again, Iam. 1.21. it is said, Lay aside all filthiness and superfluity … naughtiness, and receive with meekness the ingrafted word, which is …ble to save your souls. Here be three things in this Text: the first … the preparative work, to cast away all filthiness, and out boil…ngs of naughtiness. This work God hath wrought in your di…ressed heart, which appeareth in your penitent confessions. The …econd work is to receive the word with meekness, and so, that it …ay appear to be an ingrafted word, connaturalized in your heart; …d this is the work which I observe to be wrought in your heart, …hich is the work of faith, whereby you are united to Christ by …e word so received, and submitted unto: The entrance of thy …ord giveth life, Psal. 119.130. Then the third thing; this Word … received and ingrafted, whereby you are united to Christ, this …ill save your soul; you are a ve…el of grace, and shall be a vessel … glory, fear it not, God that cannot lie hath spoken it.

Again, 1 Pet. 2.1, 2. Laying aside all malice, and all gu…le, and hy…crifies, and envies, and evil speakings; As new-born ba…es desire the … milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. Here see 1. A … born babe, that is, a soul converted, a new creature formed p. 80in the heart by faith laying hold on Christ, and from him receiving the Spirit, to dwell in him, and to form this new creature in hi… heart. Now what acts of life doth this babe perform? they ar… two: 1. By mortification and repentance he purgeth out all hi… sins; and this act of life you effectually do by your penitent co… fessions. The second act of life is, he desires the sincere milk o… the word that he may grow thereby. The new creature is fed b… the same means by which it was begotten: the word of God is t… seed of God to beget the new creature, 1 Iohn 3.9. and then t… word of God is milk to feed and nourish the new creature. No… this is the thing that I observe in you, that as a new …orn babe yo… desire the milk of the word: and note this word, Sincere milk; … living babe of Christ cannot abide humane mixtures added to t… word of God; he loves the pure word, he cannot rellish mix…tures.

Penit.

My dearest friend, God hath made you an instrument … his hand to lay before me unspeakable consolation; and I cann… deny but I feel it in my heart, I am another man then what I wa… I looked on my self the most miserable of men, I now am hap… being united to Christ. O blessed change! I am in admiration … this, I admire the grace of Christ to a dead, lost, damned sinn… I am come into a new world, I have other desires then I had, … other purposes; I see things in another frame then I was wont see them. I must live a new life, and steer a new course.

But in this point my soul desires to begin, I am not mine own▪ am the servant of Jesus Christ, he died for me, and by his grace de…e to live unto him. And now I finde my self greatly to … Counsel how to order my self in my future course; what sha… do for the Lord, who hath done so much for me? My dear frie… your Counsel hath been greatly owned and blessed by the Lord my new birth, I desire to have great respect to your Counsel for ordering of my wayes in my new life.

You do partly know that my people, and some chief ones amo… them, have had but a final measure of respect for me, but I have gr… reason to overlook it, and bury it, because in his infinite … Christ hath turned it about for my better good; my heart tell… me that I must seek the good of my people, how to manage … work wisely, is my difficulty, wherein I need your Counsel. … would to God that all my people were as I am, and tasted and … what I have found; but that is not yet so. I desire to bring t… to be the Lords people, how I shall accomplish that, is my gr… …ifficul…y. You know I have been frequently among you pr… Indians, and in my heart have adhered to you, and it may be … have found the less acceptation for it; but I leave that God▪ must do and perform the trust, charge and duty that my Lord … hath committed to me. My question therefore is, How … p. 81comport with the present affairs, and state of things? how shall I bring the matter about, to bring about my people to pray to God?

Iohn.

It joyes my heart to hear these gracious breathings of Gods Spirit in you. I taste in your discourse evident tokens of a living childe of God. I see that my judgement about the spiritual state of your soul, was not a product of precipitate charity, but an effect of the spirit of right discerning. I will encourage you in your godly purposes, with a modest application of some of the Angels words to Gideon, Judg. 6.12, 14. Go on, thou mighty man of valour, and go in this thy strength, and thou shalt save thy people. The Lord will be with thee. But for the manner of your proceeding in this matter, my thoughts incline me to propose this way: Be open to own the grace of God bestowed on you, to confess your former known crooked and dark wayes, and the change which God by his grace hath wrought in you. At present, let your first motion be to stay a while at Natik, adjoyn your self to the Church, who when they hear your Confession, will joyfully receive you. In due season, request of the Church to send some able, pious, and fitting Teachers with you, among your people. Prudent Counsel may be taken how to prepare and predispose your people for such a motion. I do not doubt but the Governour and Magistrates of the Massachusets, will be easily intreated to interpose in so good a work, which may tend to the bringing in so many people to the service of Jesus Christ.

Penit.

I do well approve and accept of your Counsel, it savoureth of discretion and wisdome, in all things God hath guided your lips to drop like the honey-comb into my heart. And now I have one request further unto you, That while we are together in this solitary opportunity, we may spend some time in conversing with God in Prayer, turn all those things that have passed into Prayers, and the future matters also; let us spread them before the Lord, and beg his guidance and blessing.

Iohn.

I do greatly accept this motion; and it is another sign of the truth of the work of Gods grace in your heart, because this is the property of the new creature, a new-born babe, that he will cry Abba Father. Here we leave them at Prayer.

FINIS.

End of the text · John Eliot, Indian Dialogues (1671)