Journal of the Settlements of Massachusets and Other Colonies, Journal (6 of 8)

Journal of the Settlements of Massachusets and Other Colonies · Journal (6 of 8)

p. 187The church at Cambridge taking notice of these proceedings, intended to deal with him. The pastor moved the Governor if they might, without offence to the court, examine other witnesses; his answer was, that the court would leave them to their own liberty, but he saw not to what end they should do it, seeing there had been five already upon oath, and those whom they should examine should speak without oath, and it was an ordinance of God that by the mouths of two or three witnesses every matter should be established. But he soon discovered himself, for e'er the church could come to deal with him he fled to Piscat: and being pursued and apprehended by the Governor there, he again acknowledged his great sin in flying &c. and promised as he was a christian man he would return with the messengers, but because his things he carried with him were aboard a bark there, bound to Virginia, he desired leave to go fetch them, which they assented unto, and went with him three of them, aboard with him: so he took his truss and came away with them in the boat, but being come to the shore, and two of them going out of the boat, he caused the boatman to put off the boat, and because the third man would not go out, he turned him into the water where he had been drowned if he had not saved himself by swimming, so he returned to the bark and presently they set sail and went out of the …arbour. Being thus gone his creditors began to complain, and thereupon it was found that he was run in debt about £1000. and had taken up most of his money upon bills he had charged into England upon his brother's agents, and others whom he had no such relation to: so his estate was seized and put into commissioners hands to be divided among his creditors, allowing somewhat for the present maintenance of his wife and children. And being thus gone the church proceeded and cast him out. He had been some time initiated among the Jesuits, and coming into England his friends drew him from them, but it was very probable he now intended to return to them again, being at this time about 30 years of age and upwards. See after.

Mount Woolaston had been formerly laid to Boston,7.17. p. 188but many poor men having lots assigned them there, and not able to use those lands and dwell still in Boston, they petitioned the town first to have a minister there, & after to have leave to gather a church there, which the town at length, upon some small composition, gave way unto: so this day they gathered a church after the usual manner, and chose one Mr. Tomson a very gracious sincere man, and Mr. Flint, a godly man also, their ministers.

Mo. 9.At a general court holden at Boston, great complaint was made of the great oppression used in the country in sale of foreign commodities, and Mr. Robert Kaine who kept a shop in Boston, was notoriously above others observed and complained of, and being convented he was charged with many particulars. In some, for taking above six pence in the shilling profit; in some above eight pence▪ and some things above two for one, and being hereof convict (as appears by the records) he was fined £200—which came thus to pass. Th… deputies considered a part of his fine and set it at £200.—the magistrates agreed but to £100—so the court being divided, at length it was agreed that his fine should be £200. but he should pay but £100. and the other should be respi…ed to the further consideration of the next general court. By this means the magistrates and deputies were brought to an accord which otherwise had not been likely, and so much trouble might have grown, and the offenders escaped censure. For the cry of the country was so great against oppression, and some of the elders and magistrates had declared such detestation of the corrupt practice of this man (which was the more observable because he was wealthy and sold dearer than most other tradesmen, and for that he was of ill report for the like covetous practice in England—that incensed the deputies very much against him, and since the course was very evil, especial circumstances considered. 1. He being an ancient professor of the gospel. 2. A man of eminent parts. 3. Wealthy and having but one child. 4. Having come over for conscience sake, and for advancement of the gospel here. 5. Having been formerly dealt with and admonished both by private friends and also by some of the magistrates and elders, and having promised reformation; being a member of a church and commonwealth now in their infancy, and under the curious observation of all churches and civil states in the world. These added much aggravation to his sin in the judgment of all men p. 189of understanding, yet most of the magistrates tho' they discerned the offence clothed with all these circumstances, would have been more moderate in the censure. 1. Because there was no law in force to limit or direct men in point of profit in their trade. 2. Because it is the common practice in all countries for men to make use of advantages for raising the prices of their commodities. 3. Because tho' he were chiefly aimed at yet he was not alone in his fault. 4. Because a certain rule could not be found out for an equal rate between buyer and seller tho' much labour had been bestowed in it, and divers laws had been made, which upon experience were repealed, as being neither safe nor equal. Lastly and especially because the law of God appoints no other punishment but two restitutions, and in some cases, as where the offender freely confesseth and brings his offering, only half added to the principal. After the court had censured him the church of Boston called him also in question, where (as before he had done in the court) he did with tears acknowledge and bewail his covetous and corrupt heart▪ yet making some excuse for many of the particulars which were charged upon him, as particularly by pre…ence of ignorance of the true price of some wares, and chiefly by being misled by some false principles, as 1. That if a man lost in one commodity he might help himself in the price of another. 2. That if thro' want of skill or otherwise his commodity cost him more than the price of the market in England, he might then sell it for more than the price of the market in N. England &c. These things gave occasion to Mr. Cotton in his public exercise the next lecture day to lay open the error of such false principles and to give some rules of direction in the case. Some false principles were these. 1. That a man may sell as dear as he can, and buy as cheap as he can. 2. If a man lose by casualty at sea &c. in some of his commodities, he may raise the price of the rest. 3. That he may sell as he bought tho' he paid too dear, and tho' the commodity be fallen &c. 4. That as a man may take the advantage of his o…n skill or ability, so he may of another's ignorance o… necessity. 5. Where one gives time for payment he is to take like recompence of one as of another.

The rules for trading were these.

1. A man may not sell above the current price (i. e.) such a price as is usual in the time and place, and as p. 190another who knows the worth of the commodity would give for it if he had occasion to use it, as that is called current money which every man will take &c.

2. When a man loseth in his commodity for want of skill he must look at it as his own fault or cross, and therefore must not lay it upon another.

3. When a man loseth by casualty of sea &c. it is a loss cast upon himself by providence, and he may not ease himself of it by casting it upon another; for so a man should seem to provide against all providences, that he should never lose; but where there is a scarcity of the commodity, there men may raise their price, for now it is a hand of God upon the commodity and not the person.

4. A man may not ask any more for his commodity than his selling price, as Ephron to Abraham, the land is worth thus much.

The cause being debated by the church some were earnest to have him excommunicated, but the most thought an admonition would be sufficient. Mr. Cotton opened the causes which required excommunication out of that in 1. Cor. 5.11. the point now in question was, whether these actions did declare him to be such a covetous person &c. Upon which he shewed that it is neither the habit of covetousness (which is in every man in some degree) nor simply the act that declares a man to be such, but when it appears that a man sins against his conscience or the very light of nature, and when it appears in a man's whole conversation, but Mr. Kaine did not appear to be such, but rather upon an error in his judgment, being led by false principles, and beside he is otherwise liberal as in his hospitality and in church communion &c. so in the end the church consented to an admonition.

Upon this occasion a question grew whether an admonition did bar a man from the sacrament, and of this more shall be spoke hereafter.

Being now about church matters, I will here insert another passage in the same church which fell out about the same time. Their old meeting house being decayed and too small they sold it away and agreed to build another, which workmen undertook to set up for £600. Three hundred pounds they had for the old, and the rest was to be gathered by voluntary contributions, as other charges were, but there grew a great difference among the brethren where this new one should stand. Some p. 191were for the green (which was the Governor's first lot and he had yielded it to the church &c.) Others, viz. the tradesmen,Mo. 7. especially who dwelt about the market place, desired it might stand still nearer the market, lest in time it should divert the chief trade from thence. The church referred it to the judgment and determination of five of the brethren, who agreed that the fittest place (all things considered) would be near the market, but understanding that many of the brethren were unsatisfied, and desired rather it might be put to a lot—they declared only their opinions in writing and respited the full determination to another general meeting, thinking it very unsafe to proceed with the discontent of any considerable part of the church. When the church met, the matter was debated to and fro, and grew at length to some earnestness, but after Mr. Cotton had cleared it up to them that the removing it to the green would be a damage to such as dwelt by the market, who had there purchased and built at great charge, but it would be no damage to the most to have it by the market place, and tho' some remained still in their opinion that the green were the fitter place, yet for peace sake they yielded to the rest by keeping silence while it passed. This good providence and over ruling hand of God caused much admiration and acknowledgment of special mercy to the church, especially considering how long the like contention had held in some other churches, and which without difficulty they had been accorded.

At the court of assistants one Marmaduke Perry of Salem was arraigned for the death of one his apprentice. The great inquest found the bill for murder; the jury of life and death could not agree, so they were adjourned to the next court, and Perry was let to bail by the Governor and some other of the magistrates, after the court. At the court in 10ber. the prisoner appeared, and the jury baing called, had further evidence given them which tended to the clearing of Perry, yet two of the jury dissented from the rest who were all agreed to acquit him. In the end it had this issue, that these two were silent and so the verdict was received. The cause was this. The boy was ill disposed and his master gave him unreasonable correction and used him ill in his diet. After the boy got a bruise on his head, so as there appeared a fracture in his scull, being dissected after his death. Now two things were in the evidence which made the p. 192case doubtful, one the boy his charging his master before his death to have given him that wound with his matyard and with a broomstaff (for he spake of both at several times.) The other was that he had told another that his hurt came with the fall of a bough from a tree, and other evidence there was none.

(7) 4At the general court the inhabitants of the upper part of Piscat: viz. Dover &c. had written to the Governor to offer themselves to come under our government. Answer was returned them, that if they sent two or three of their company with full commission under all their hands to conclude &c. it was like the court would agree to their propositions, and now at this court came three with commission to agree upon certain articles annexed to their commission▪ which▪ being read, the court appointed three to treat with them, but their articles being not reasonable, they stood not upon them but confessed that they had absolute commission to conclude by their discretion, whereupon the treaty was brought to a conclusion to this effect, That they should fare as Ipswich and Salem, and have courts there &c. as by copy of the agreement r… maining with the records doth appear. This was ratified under a public seal and so delivered to them, only they desired a promise from the court, that if the peopl… did not assent to it (which yet they had no fear of) they might be at liberty, which was granted them.

Those of Exeter sent the like propositions to the court, but not liking it seems, the agreement which those of Dover had made, they repented themselves and wrote to the court that they intended not to proceed.

At this court there fell out some contestation between the Governor and the treasurer. Nich: Trerice being defendant in a cause wherein Mr. H…bbins brother in law to the treasurer was plaintiff for £500. which the searchers took from him in the ship whereof Trerice was master, and the defendant having answered u…on oath to certain interrogatories ministered unto him, which were read to him before he took his oath, and the treasurer pressing him again with the same interrogatory. the Governor said he had answered the same directl… before. The treasurer hereupon said (angrily) Sir, I speak not to you. The Governor replied, that time was very precious, and seeing the thing was already answered it was fit to proceed. Hereupon the treasurer stood up, and said if he might not have liberty to speak he would no longer sit p. 193there. The Governor replied that it was his place to manage the proceedings of the court. The treasurer then said, you have no more to do in managing the business than I: at which the Governor took offence, as at an injury done to his place, and appealed to the court to declare whether he might not injoin any of the magistrates silence, if he saw cause. The Deputy Governor, at first apprehension, gainsaid it, but presently both himself and the rest of the magistrates (for the deputies were without staying 'till the cause should be ended) did agree that he might so do for a particular time, and if the party so enjoined silence were unsatisfied, he might appeal to the whole court, who might give him liberty to speak, tho' the Governor had restrained him. So the Governor pressed it no further, yet expected that the court would not have suffered such a public affront to the Governor to have passed without due reproof &c. But nothing was done save only the secretary and some one other spake somewhat of their dislike of it, neither did it occasion any falling out between the Governor and the treasurer, for the Governor held himself sufficiently discharged after he had referred it to the consideration of the court, so if they did not look at it as a public injury, he was willing to account of it accordingly.

There happened a memorable thing at Plimouth about this time. One Keysar of Linne, being at Plimouth in his boat, and one Dickerson with him, a professor, but a notorious thief, was coming out of the harbour with the ebbe, and the wind southerly a fresh gale, yet with all their skill and labour they could not in three hours get the boat above a league, so as they were forced to come to anchor, and at the flow to go back to the town, and as soon as they were come in the said Dickerson was arrested upon suspicion of a gold ring and some other pieces of gold which upon search were found about him, and he was there whipped for it.

The like happened at Boston about two years before. Schooler who was executed for murder, as before is mentioned, had broke prison and was escaped beyond Winisemett, but there he was taken with such an astonishment &c. as he could go no further, but was forced to return to Boston. These and many other examples of discovering hypocrites and other lewd persons, and bringing them under their deserved punishments, do, among other things, shew the presence and power of God in his ordinances, p. 194his blessing upon his people while they endeavour to walk before him with uprightness.

At Kennebeck the indians wanted food, and there being store in the Plimouth trading house, they conspired to kill the English there for their provision, and some indians coming into the house, Mr. Willet the master of the house being reading in the bible, his countenance was more solemn than at other times, so as he did not look chearfully upon them as he was wont to do—whereupon they went out and told their fellows that their purpose was discovered. They asked them how it could be, the others told them that they knew it by Mr. Willet's countenance, and that he had discovered it by a book that he was reading, whereupon they gave over their design.

The people had long desired a body of laws, and thought their condition very unsafe while so much power rested in the discretion of magistrates. Divers attempts had been made at former courts, and the matter referred to some of the magistrates and some of the elders, but still it came to no effect, for being committed to the care of many, whatsoever was done by some, was still disliked or neglected by others. At last it was referred to Mr. Cotton and Mr. Nathaniel Warde &c. and each of them framed a model which were presented to this general court, and by them committed to the Governor and Deputy and some others to consider of, and so prepare it for the court in the 3d month next. Two great reasons there were which caused most of the magistrates and some of the elders not to be very forward in this matter. One was want of sufficient experience of the nature and disposition of the people considered with the condition of the country and other circumstances, which made them conceive that such laws would be fittest for us which should arise pro rei natura upon occasions &c. and so the laws of England and other states grew, and therefore the fundamental laws of England are called custos consuetusdinis. 2. For that it would professedly transgress the limits of our charter, which provide we shall make no laws repugnant to the laws of England, … that we were assured we must do. But to raise up laws … practice and custom had been no transgression, as in our church discipline▪ and in matters of marriage, to make a law that marriages should not be solemnized by ministers is repugnant to the laws of England, but to bring it to p. 195a custom by practice for the magistrates to perform it, is no law made repugnant &c. At length, to satisfy the people, it proceeded, and the two models were digested with divers alterations and additions, and abbreviated and sent to every town to be considered of first by the magistrates and elders, and then to be published by the constables to all the people, that if any man should think fit that any thing therein ought to be altered, he might acquaint some of the deputies therewith against the next court.

By this time there appeared a great change in the church of Boston; for whereas the year before they were all, save five or six, so affected to Mr. Wheelwright and Mrs. Hutchinson and these new opinions, as they perceived the present Governor and the pastor looking at them as men under a covenant of works, and as their greatest enemies, but they bearing all patiently, and not withdrawing themselves (as they were strongly sollicited to have done) but carrying themselves lovingly and helpfully upon all occasions, the Lord brought about the hearts of all the people to love and esteem them more than ever before, and all breeches were made up▪ and the church was saved from ruin beyond all expectation: which could hardly have been, in human reason, if these two had not been guided by the Lord to that moderation &c. and the church to manifest their hearty affection to the Governor upon occasion of some streight he was brought into thro' his bailiffs unfaithfulness, sent him £200.

There was a church gathered at the Mount, and Mr. Tomson, a very holy man, who had been an instrument of much good at Acomenticus, was ordained the pastor the 19th of the 9th month.

At the general court an order was made to abolish that vain custom of drinking one to another,Mo. 10. and that upon these and other grounds. 1. It was a thing of no good use. 2. It was an inducement to drunkeness and occasion of quarrelling and bloodshed. 3. It occasioned much waste of wine and beer. 4. It was very troublesome to many, especially the masters and mistresses of the feast, who were forced thereby to drink more often than they would. Yet divers, even godly persons, were very loth to part with this idle ceremony, tho' when disputation was tendred, they had no life, nor indeed could find any arguments to mantain it, such power hath custom &c.

p. 196Mr. Ez: Rogers, of whose gathering a church in England, mention was made before, being now settled with his company at Roxbury,3 was there ordained pastor.

There were so many lectures now in the country, and many poor persons would usually resort to two or three in the week, to the great neglect of their affairs, and damage of the public. The assemblies were also in divers churches held 'till night, and sometimes within the night, so as such as dwelt far off could not get home in due season, and many weak bodies could not endure so long in the extremity of the heat or cold, without great trouble and hazard of their health. Whereupon the general court ordered, that the elders should be desired to give a meeting to the magistrates and deputies to consider about the length and frequency of church assemblies, and to make return to the court of their determinations &c. This was taken in ill part by most of the elders and other of the churches, so as that those who should have met at Salem, did not meet, and those in the bay, when they met with the magistrates &c. at Boston, expressed much dislike of such a course, alledging their tenderness of the church's liberties, as if such a precedent might enthrall them to the civil power, and as if it would cast a blemish upon the elders, which would remain to posterity, that they should need to be regulated by the civil magistrates, and also raise an ill savor of the people's coldness that would complain of much preaching &c.—when as liberty for the ordinances was the main end (proposed) of our coming hither. To which it was answered. 1. That the order was framed with as much tenderness and respect as might be, in general words, without mentioning sermons or lectures, so as it might as well be taken for meetings upon other occasions of the churches, which were known to be very frequent. 2. It carried no command, but only an expression of a desire. 3. I concluded nothing but only to confer and consider. 4. The record of such an order will rather be an argument of the zeal and forwardness of the elders and churches as it was of the Israelites when they offered so liberally to the service of the tabernacle as Moses was forced to restrain them. Upon this interpretation of the court's intent, the elders were reasonably satisfied, and the magistrates finding how hardly such propositions would be digested, and that if matters should be further pushed it might make some breach or disturbance at least, for the elders p. 197had great power in the people's hearts, which was needful to be upheld, lest the people should break their bonds thro' abuse of liberty, which divers having forfeited were very forward to invite others to raise mutinies and foment dangerous and groundless jealousies of the magistrates &c. which the wisdom and care of the elders did still prevail against, and indeed the people themselves, generally, thro' the churches, were of that understanding and moderation, as they would easily be guided in their way by any rule from scripture or sound reason. In this consideration the magistrates & deputies which were then met thought it not fit to enter any dispute or conference with the elders about the number of lectures or for appointing any certain time for the continuance of the assemblies, but rested satisfied with their affirmative answer to these two propositions. 1. That their church assemblies might ordinarily break up in such season as people that dwelt a mile or two off might get home by day light. 2. That if they were not satisfied in the declaration of our intentions in this order of court, that nothing was attempted herein against the church's liberties &c. they would truly acquaint us with the reasons of their unsatisfiedness, or if we heard not from them before the next court, we should take it for granted that they were fully satisfied. They desired that the order might be taken off the record, but for that it was answered that it might not be done without consent of the general court only, it … agreed unto that the secretary might defer to enter … the book 'till the mind of the court might be known.

One Mr. Hanserd Knolles a minister in England who came over the last summer in the company of our familist:Mo. 12.20 opinionists, so being suspected and examined, and found inclining that way, was denied residence in the Massachusetts, whereupon he went to Piscataqua where he began to preach, but Mr. Burdett being then their Governor and preacher, inhibited him, but he being after removed to Acomenticus, the people called Mr. Knolles, and in short time he gathered some of the best minded into a church body, and became their pastor, and Capt Underhill being their Governor, they called this town Dover. But this Mr. Knolles at his first coming thither wrote a letter to his friends in London, wherein he bitterly inveighed against us, both against our magistrates and churches, and against all the people in general, as by p. 198the copy of his letter sent over to our Governor may appear. The Governor gave him notice thereof, and being brought to a better judgment by further consideration and more experience, he saw the wrong he had done us, and was deeply humbled for it, and wrote to the Governor to that effect, and desired a safe conduct that he might come into the Bay to give satisfaction &c. for he could have no rest in his spirit 'till &c. which being sent him under the Governor his hand, with consent of the council, and upon a lecture day at Boston most of the magistrates and elders in the bay being there assembled, he made a very free and full confession of his offence with much aggravation against himself, as the assembly were well satisfied. He wrote also a letter to the same effect to his said friends in England, which he left with the Governor to be sent to them.

Capt. Underhill also being struck with horror and remorse for his offences, both against the church and civil state, could have no rest 'till he had obtained a safe conduct to come and give satisfaction; and accordingly at a lecture at Boston (it being then the court time) he made a public confession both of his living in adultery with Ffabers wife (upon suspicion whereof the church had before admonished him) and attempting the like with another woman, and also the injury he had done to our state &c. and acknowledged the justice of the court in their proceeding against him. Yet all his confessions were mixed with such excuses and extenuations, as did not give satisfaction of the truth of his repentence, so as it seemed to be done rather out of policy and to pacify the sting of his conscience, than in sincerity: but however his offences being so foul and scandalous, the church presently cast him out, which censure he seemed to submit unto: and for the time he staid in Boston (being four or five days) he was very much dejected &c. but being gone back he soon recovered his spirits again, or at least, gave not that proof of a broken heart as he gave hope of at Boston. For, to ingratiate himself with the state of England and with some gentlemen at the river's mouth who were very zealous that way, and had lately set up common prayer &c. he sent 13 men armed to Exeter to fetch one Gab. Fish who was detained in the officers hands for speaking against the King (the magistrates of Exeter being then in the bay to take advice what to do with him;) and besides, when the church and people of Dover desired him to forbear to come to the next court p. 199'till they had considered of his case, and he had promised so to do, yet hearing that they were consulting to remove him from his government, he could not refrain, but came and took his place in the court, and tho' he had offered to lay down his place, yet when he saw they went about it, he grew passionate, and expostulated with them, and would not stay to receive his dismission, nor would be seen to accept it when it was sent after him. Yet they proceeded and chose one Roberts to be president of the court, and soon after they returned back Fish to Exeter, which was considerately done, for it had been a dangerous precedent against them, being a weak plantation, if the commissioners from the lords of the council, who were daily expected, should have taken occasion to have done the like by them, tho' they held themselves to be out of that province which was granted to Sir Ferdinand Gorges. Besides this, in the open court he committed one of his fellow magistrates for rising up and saying he would not set with an adulterer &c. But the chief matter for which they proceeded against him was, that whereas he himself was the chief mover of them to break off their agreement with us, he had written to our Governor and laid it upon the people, especially upon some among them: and for this they produced against him a letter from our Governor written to one of their commissioners in answer to a letter of his, wherein he had discovered the captain's proceeding in that matter. Soon after this the captain came by water into the bay to tender (as he said) satisfaction to the church. This was taken by some of the magistrates as a very presumptuos act, and they would have had him imprisoned, supposing that his safe conduct would not bear him out having been once here and returned back again, but that council was not approved because the time of his safe conduct was not expired, and it was thought very dangerous to our reputation to give the least occasion of reproach in this kind, seeing it might be objected against us to our great prejudice, when we should not have opportunity to clear our innocency, but the church not being satisfied of his repentance, would not admit him to public speech, so after one week he returned home.

In this winter, in a close calm day, there fell divers flakes of snow of this form (1) 24.very thin, and as exactly pointed as art could have cut them in paper.

The church of Boston sent three brethren, viz. Capt. p. 200Edward Gibbons,1640. Mr. Hibbins and Mr. Oliver the younger with letters to Mr. Coddington and the rest of our members at Aquiday, to understand their judgments in divers points of religion formerly maintained by all, or divers of them, and to require them to give account to the church, of their unwarrantable practice of communicating with excommunicated persons. When they came they found that those of them who dwelt at Newport had joined themselves to a church there newly constituted, and thereupon they refused to hear them as messengers of our church, or to receive the church's letters. Whereupon at their return, the elders and most of the church would have cast them out as refusing to hear the church, but all being not agreed▪ i… …as deferred.

18Mr. Norris was ordained teacher of the church of Salem, there being present near all the elders of the other churches, and much people beside.

21The white angel a small ship of Bristol went from hence and arrived there in 24 days, and the same year, the Desire, a ship built at Marblehead, of 100 tons went from hence in the summer and arrived at Gravesend in the Thames in 23 days.

Our neighbours of Plimouth had procured from hence, this year, one Mr. Chancye, a great scholar, and a godly man, intending to call him to the office of a teacher, but before the fit time came, he discovered his judgment about baptism, that the children ought to be dipped and not sprinkled, and he being an active man, and very vehement, there arose much trouble about it. The magistrates and the other elders there, and the most of the people, withstood the receiving of that practice, not for itself so much, as for fear of worse consequences, as the annihilating our baptism &c. Whereupon the church there wrote to all the other churches both here and at Connecticut &c. for advice, and sent Mr. Chancye's arguments. The churches took them into consideration and wrote their several answers, wherein they shewed their dissent from him, and clearly confuted all his arguments, discovering withal some great mistakes of his about the judgment and practice of antiquity. Yet he would not give over his opinion, and the church of Plimouth, tho' they could not agree to call him to office, yet being much taken with his able parts, they were very loth to part with him. He did maintain also that the Lord's supper ought to be administered in the evening p. 201and every Lord's day; and the church at Sandwich (where one Mr. Loveridge was minister) fell into the practice of it, but that being a matter of no great ill consequence, save some outward inconvenience, there was little stir about it. This Mr. Chancye was after called to office in the church of Scituate.

One Palmer of Hingham and two others, being ancient and skilful seamen, being in a shallop of 100 tons, in an easterly wind by Peddock island, were overset, yet one of them had the sheet in his hand and let fly, but it was too late, having but little ballast in her, yet, it pleased God, there came by, soon after, a pinnace which espied them sitting upon her shrouds, yet deep in the water, and took them up, but the shallop was not heard of after.

Many men began to enquire after the southern parts, and the great advantages supposed to be had in Virginia and the W. Indies &c. made this country to be disesteemed of many, and yet these countries, for all their great wealth, have sent hither, both this year and formerly, for supply of cloaths and other necessaries, and some families have forsaken both Providence and other the Caribbee islands and Virginia to come live here; and tho' our people saw what meagre unhealthful countenances they brought hither, and how fat and well liking they became soon, yet they were so taken with the ease and plenty of those countries, as many of them sold their estates here to transport themselves to Providence. Among whom the chief was Jo: Humfrye Esq. a gentleman of special parts of learning and activity, and a godly man, who had been one of the first beginners in the promoting of this plantation, and had laboured very much therein, he being brought low in his estate, and having many children, and being well known to the lords of Providence, and offering himself to their service was accepted to b… the next Governor. Whereupon he laboured much to draw men to join with him. This was looked upon by the general court and also by the elders, as an unwarrantable course, for tho' it was thought very needful to further plantations of churches in the West-Indies, and all were willing to endeavour the same, yet to do it with disparagement of this country (for they gave out that they could not subsist here) caused us to fear that the Lord was not with them in this way, and withal some considerations were propounded to them by the court, which diverted some of them, and made others to pause upon three p. 202points. Especially 1.—How dangerous it was to bring up an ill report upon this good land which God ha… found out and given to his people,3 and so to discourag… the hearts of their brethren; and▪ 2. To leave a place of rest and safety to expose themselves, their wives and children to the danger of a potent enemy, the Spaniards. 3. Their subjection to such Governors as those in England shall set over them &c. Notwithstanding these considerations, divers of them persisted in their resolutions, and went about to get some ship or bark to transport them, but they were still crossed by the hand of God.

Mo. 3.17Joseph Grafton set sail from Salem the 2d day in the morning in a Cavye of about 40 tons (three men and a boy in her) and arrived at Pemaquid (the wind easterly) upon the third day in the morning, and there took in some 20 cows, oxen &c. with hay and water for them, and came to an anchor in the bay the 6th day about … afternoon.

It came over by divers letters and reports that the Lord Say did labour, by disparaging this country, to divert men from coming to us, and so to draw them to the W. Indies; and finding that godly men were unwilling to come under other governors than such as they should make choice of themselves, they condescended to articles somewhat suitable to our form of government, altho' they had formerly declared themselves much against it, and for a more aristocratic and an hereditary magistracy to be settled upon some great persons &c.

The Governor also wrote to the Lord Say about the report aforesaid, and therein shewed his lordship how evident it was that God had chosen this country to plant his people in, and therefore how displeasing it would be to the Lord, and dangerous to himself to hinder this work, or to discourage men from supplying us, by abasing the goodness of the country which he never saw, and persuading men that there was no possibility of subsistence— whereas there was a sure ground for his children's faith, that being sent hither by him, either he saw that the land was a good land and sufficient to maintain them, or else he intended to make it such &c. To this letter his lordship returned answer, not denying that which was reported of him, nor the evidence of the Lord's owning the work, but alledging that this was a place appointed only for a present refuge, and that a better place being now found, we were all called to remove thither.

p. 203The court of elections was at Boston, and Thomas Dudley Esq. was chosen Governor. Some trouble there had been in making way for his election,13 and it was obtained with some difficulty, for many of the elders laboured much in it, fearing lest the long continuance of one man in the place should bring it to be for life, and in time, hereditary. Beside this gentleman was a man of approved wisdom and godliness, and of much good service to the country, and therefore it was his due to serve in such honor and benefit as the country had to bestow. The elders being met at Boston about this matter, sent some of their company to acquaint the old Governor with their desire and the reasons moving them, clearing themselves of all dislike of his government, and seriously professing their sincere affections and respect towards him, which he kindly and thankfully accepted, concurring with them in their motion, and expressing his unfeigned desire of more freedom, that he might a little intend his private occasions, wherein they well knew how much he had lately suffered (for his bailiff whom he trusted with managing his farm had engaged him £.2500 without his privity) in his outward estate. This they had heard of, and were much affected therewith, and all the country in general, and took course (the elders agreeing upon it at that meeting) that supply should be sent in from the several towns, by a voluntary contribution, for freeing of those engagements, and the court having no money to bestow, and being yet much indebted, gave his wife 3,000 acres of land, and some of the towns sent in liberally, and some others promised, but could perform but little, and the most nothing at all. The whole came to £.500 whereof near half came from Boston▪ and one gentleman of Newbury Mr. Richard Dummer propounded for a supply by a more private way, and for example, himself disbursed £100.

This first court there fell some difference between the Governor and some of the deputies about a vote upon a motion to have the fine of £.200 imposed upon Mr. Robert Kaine to be abated. Some would have had it at £.100—others at 100 mills, others at 50, and because the Governor put the lowest to the vote first, whereas divers called for the highest, they charged the Governor with breach of order, whereupon he grew into some heat, professing that he would not suffer such things &c. The deputies took this as a menacing, and much offence they p. 204took at it, but the next day he cleared his intention to them, and all was quiet.

Mo. 4.Divers of the inhabitants of Linne finding themselves straitened, looked out for a new plantation, and going to Long Island, they agreed with the Lord Sterling's agent there, one Mr. Forett, for a parcel of the isle near the West end, and agreed with the indians for their right. The dutch hearing of this, and making claim to that part of the island by a former purchase of the indians, sent men to take possession of the place, and set up the arms of the Prince of Orange, upon a tree. The Linne men sent ten or twele men with provisions &c. who began to build, and took down the Prince's arms, and in place thereof an indian had drawn an unhandsome face. The Dutch took this in high displeasure, and sent soldiers and fetched away their men and imprisoned them a few days, and then took an oath of them and so discharged them. Upon this the Linne men finding themselves too weak and having no encouragement to expect aid from the English, desisted that place, and took another at the East end of the same island, and being now about 40 families, they proceeded in their plantation, and called one Mr. Pierson a godly learned man, and a member of the church of Boston to go with them▪ who with some 7 or 8 more of the company gathered into a church at Linne, before they went, and the whole company entered into a civil combination, with the advice of some of our magistrates, to become a corporation. Upon this occasion the Dutch Governor, one William Kiffe, a discreet man, wrote to our Governor, and complaining of the English usurpation both at Connecticut, and now also at Long Island, and of the abuse offered to the Prince's arms &c. and thereupon excused his imprisoning our men. To which the Govvernor returned answer, that our desire had always been to hold a peace and good correspondency with all our neighbours, and though we would not maintain any of our countrymen in any unjust action, yet we might not suffer them to be injured &c. As for our neighbours of Connecticut &c. he knew they were not under our government, and for those at Long Island, they went voluntarily from us.

This year there came over great store of provisions both out of England and Ireland, and but few passengers, and those brought very little money, which was occasioned by the store of money and quick markets which the merchants p. 205found here the two or three years before, so as now all our money was drained from us, and cattle and all commodities grew very cheap, which inforced us at the next general court in the 8th month, to make an order, That corn should pass in payments of new debts, indian at 4s the bus▪ rye at 5s and wheat at 6s—and that upon all executions for former debts, the creditor might take what he pleased, or if he had no goods, then his lands, to be appraised by three men, one chosen by the creditor, one by the debtor, and the third by the marshall.

One of the ships which came this summer struck upon a whale with a full gale, which put the ship a stays, the whale struck the ship on her bow with her tail a little above water, and brake the planks and six timbers and a beam, and staved two hogsheads of vinegar.

There was some rumour of the indians plotting mischief against the english, and to strengthen this,Mo. 7. the Governor of Plimouth Mr. Brodford, wrote a letter to this effect, that he was informed, and did believe it, that the Naragansett sachem Miantunomoh had sent a great present of wampom to the Mohawks to aid him against the english, and that it was accepted and aid promised. The like news was brought by Mr. Haynes one of the magistrates upon Connecticut, and many words were taken up from some indians among us which our fears interpreted the same way. The Governor and council gave no great credit to these suspicions, yet they thought fit to take order, strengthning the watches in all towns, and caused them to be ordered by the military officers (being before committed to the constables charge) and withal sent Capt. Jenyson with three men and an indian interpreter to the Naragansett sachem to know the truth of their intentions &c. They were very kindly entertained, but they would not speak with him in the presence of his indian interpreter. They denied all confederations with the Mohawks, and professed their purpose to continue friendship with us, and not to use any hostility towards the english except they began &c. and promised to come to Boston (as he was desired) if Mr. Williams might come with him, but that we had denied. Only Janemoh the Niantick sachem, carried himself proudly and refused to come to us, or to yield to any thing, only he said he would not harm us except we invaded him.

The Governor and council took from Cutshankin the p. 206powder and shot they had bought of our people, with promise to pay for it or restore it. &c.

Mr. Collins &c. from ChristophersThis summer there came divers godly men (as they pretended from papers) with their families. The occasion was, one Mr. Collins a young scholar full of zeal &c. preaching in the island, it pleased God, divers were wrought upon by him, but he and they being presented, and their liberty restrained, they came away and brought all their substance in tobacco, which came at so dead a market as they could not get above two pence the pound (the freight came to one penny the pound) nor could sell half at that rate. They arrived first at Quilipiack, since called New Haven▪ and so dispersed themselves here and there, and some returned to Ireland. Mr. Collins and one Mr. Hales a young man very well conceited of himself and censorious of others▪ went to Aquiday▪ and so soon as Hales became acquainted with Mrs. Hutchinson he was taken by her and bec…me her disciple. Mr. Collins was entertained at Har…ford to teach a school▪ and hearing of Mrs. Hutchinsons opinions &c. wrote to Mr. Hales to beware of her. Mr. Hales returned him answer, and the next morning he went away without taking leave, and being come to Mrs Hutchinson, he was also taken with her heresies, and in great admiration of her, so as these and other the like before when she dwelt at Boston gave cause of suspicion of witchcraft, for it was certainly known that Hawkin's wife who continued with her, and was her bosom friend, had much familiarity with the Devil, in England, when she dwelt at St. Ives, where divers ministers and others resorted to her and found it true.

This summer here arrived one Mr. Thomas Gorge a young gentleman of the inns of court▪ a kinsman to Sir Ferdinand Gorge, and sent by him with commission for the government of his province of Somerse…shire▪ He was sober and well disposed; he staid a few days at Boston and was very careful to take advice of our magistrates how to manage his affairs &c. When he came to Acomenticus he found all out of order, for Mr. Burdett ruled all, and had let loose the reins of liberty to his lusts— that he g…ew very notorious for his pride and adultery; and the neighbours now finding Mr. Gorge well inclined to reform things, they complained of him, and produced such soul matters against him as he was laid hold on, and bound to appear at their court at Sacoe: but he dealt so with some other of the commissioners that when the p. 207court came, Mr. Vines and two more stood for him, but Mr. Gorge having the greater part on his side. and the jury finding him guilty of adultery and other crimes, with much labour and difficulty he was fined (under £30.) He appealed unto England, but Mr. Gorge would not admit his appeal, but seized some of his cattle &c. Upon this Mr. Burdett went into England, but when he came there he found the state so changed as his hopes were frustrated, and he, after taking part with the cavaliers, was committed to prison.

One Baker, master's mate of the ship being in drink, used some reproachful words of the Queen. The Governor and Council were much in doubt what to do with him, but having considered that he was distempered and sorry for it, and being a stranger and a chief officer in the ship, and many ships were then in harbour, they thought it not fit to inflict corporeal punishment upon him, but after he had been two or three days in prison, he was set an hour at the whipping post with a paper on his head and so dismissed.

Being the second day of the week,Mo. 5.27 the Mary Rose a ship of Bristol, of about 200 tons, her master one Capt. lying before Charlestown▪ was blown in pieces with her own powder, being 21 barrels, wherein the judgment of God appeared, for the master and company were many of them profane scoffers at us, and at the ordinances of religion here; so as our churches keeping a fast for our native country &c. they kept aboard at their common service when all the rest of the masters came to our assemblies; likewise the Lord's day following, and a friend of his going aboard next day and asking him why he came not on shore to our meetings▪ his answer was, that he had a family of his own, and they had as good service aboard as we had on shore. Within two hours after this (being about dinner time) the powder took fire (no man knows how) and blew all up▪ viz. the Captain and nine or ten of his men and some four or five strangers. There was a special providence that there were no more, for many principal men were going aboard at that time, and some were in a boat near the ship, and others were diverted by a sudden storm of rain▪ and others by other occasions. There was one man saved, being carried up in the scuttle, and so let fall in the same into the water, and being taken up by the ferry boa… near dead, he came to himself the next morning, but could not tell any thing of the p. 208blowing of the ship, or how he came there. The rest of the dead bodies were after found much bruised and broken. Some goods were saved, but the whole loss was estimated at £2,000. A 20s piece was found sticking in a chip, for there was above £.300 in money in her, and 15 tons of lead, and 10 pieces of ordnance, which a year after were taken up, and the hull of the ship drawn a shore.

This judgment of God upon these scorners of his ordinance and the ways of his servants (for they spake very evil of us because they found not so good a market for their commodities as they expected) gives occasion to mention other examples of like kind which fell out at this and other times, by which it will appear how the Lord hath owned this work, and preserved and prospered his people here beyond ordinary ways of providence.

One Capt. Mason of London a man in favour at court, and a professed enemy to us, had a plantation at Piscat: which he was at great charge about, and set up a sawmill, but nothing prospered. He provided a ship which should have been employed to have brought the general governor, or in some other design to our prejudice, but in launching of it her back was broken. He also employed Gardiner, Morton and others to prosecute against us at council table, and by a quo warranto, &c. so as Morton wrote divers letters to his friends here, insulting against us, and assuring them of our speedy ruin &c. But the Lord still disapproved them and frustrated all their designs. As for this Morton he fell sick and died soon after, and in his sickness he sent for the minister and bewailed his enmity against us, and promised, if he recovered, to be as great a friend to New-England as he had formerly been an enemy. Sir Ferdinand Gorge also had sided with our adversaries against us, but underhand pretending by his letters and speeches to seek our welfare: but he never prospered. He attempted great matters and was at large expences about his province here, but he lost all.

One Austin, a man of good estate, came with his family in the year 1638 to Quinipiack, and not finding the country as he expected, he grew discontented, saying that he could not subsist here, and thereupon made off his estate, and with his family and £.1,000 in his purse, he returned for England in a ship bound for Spain, against the advice of the godly there, who told him he would be taken by the turks; and it so fell out, for in Spain he embarked himself in a great ship bound for England which p. 209carried £200,000 in money, but the ship was taken by the turks, and Austin and his wife and family were carried to Algiers and sold there for slaves.

The Lord hath shewed his displeasure against others, tho' godly, who have spoken ill of this country, and so discouraged the hearts of his people. Even the lords and others of Providence having spoken too much in that kind, thinking thereby to further their own plantation. They set out a ship the last year with passengers and goods for Providence but it was taken by the turks. Captain Newman, the same year, having taken good prize in their service, returning home when he was near Dover, was taenk by a Dunkirk and all lost. Mr. Humphry, who was now for Providence with his company, raised an ill report of this country, were here kept, in spight of all their endeavours and means to have been gone this winter, and his corn and all his hay to the value of £160 were burnt by his own servants who made a fire in his barn, and by gunpowder, which accidentally took fire, consumed all; himself having at the court before petitioned for some supply of his want, whereupon the court gave him £250. Soon after also Providence was taken by the Spaniards, and the lords lost all their care and cost to the value of above £60,000.

Capt. Underhill being brought by the blessing of God in this church's censure of excommunication,(7) 3 to remorse for his foul sins, obtained, by means of the elders, and others of the church of Boston, a safe conduct under the hand of the Governor and one of the council to repair to the church; he came at the time of the court of assistants; and upon the lecture day, after sermon, the pastor called him forth and declared the occasion, and then gave him leave to speak: and indeed it was a spectacle which caused many weeping eyes, tho' it afforded matter of much rejoicing to behold the power of the Lord Jesus in his own ordinances when they are dispensed in his own way, holding forth the authority of his regal sceptre in the simplicity of the gospel. He came in his worst clothes (being accustomed to take great pride in his bravery and neatness) without a band, in a foul linen cap pulled close to his eyes, and standing upon a form, he did, with many deep sighs and abundance of tears, lay open his wicked course, his adultery, his hypocrisy, his persecution of God's people here, and especially his pride (as the root of all which caused God to give him over to his other sinful p. 210courses and contempt of the magistrates. He justified God and the church and the court in all that had been inflicted on him. He declared what power Satan had of him since the casting out of the church—how his presumptuous laying hold of mercy and pardon before God gave it, did then fail him when the terrors of God came upon him, so as he could have no rest, nor could see any issue but utter despair, which had put him divers times upon resolutions of destroying himself, had not the Lord in mercy prevented him even when his sword was ready to have done the execution. Many fearful temptations he met with beside, and in all these his heart shut up in hardness and impenitency as the bondslave of satan 'till the Lord after a long time and great afflictions, had broken his heart, and brought him to humble himself before him night and day with prayers and tears 'till his strength was wasted; and indeed he appeared as a man worn out with sorrow, and yet he could find no peace, therefore he was now come to seek it in this ordinance of God. He spake well, save that his blubbering &c. interrupted him, and all along he discovered a broken and melting heart, and gave good exhortations to take heed of such vanities and beginnings of evil as had occasioned his fall; and in the end he earnestly and humbly besought the church to have compassion of him, and to deliver him out of the hands of satan, so accordingly he was received into the church again; and after he came into the court (for the general court began soon after) and made confession of his sin against them &c. and desired pardon, which the court freely granted him so far as concerned their private judgment, but for his adultery they could not pardon that for example sake, nor would restore him to freedom, tho' they released his banishment, and declared the former law against adultery to be of no force, so as there was no law now to touch his life▪ for the new law against adultery was made since his fact committed. He confessed also in the congregation that tho' he was very familiar with that woman, and had gained her affection &c. yet she withstood him six months against all his sollicitations (which he thought no woman could have resisted) before he could overcome her chastity, but being once overcome, she was wholly at his will, and to make his peace the more …ound, he went to her husband (being a cooper) and fell upon his knees before him in the presence of some of the elders and others, and confessed p. 211the wrong he had done him, and besought him to forgive him, which he did very freely, and in testimony thereof he sent the Captain's wife a token.Mo. 7.4.5.6.

It rained three days and nights together, and the tides were extraordiaary high.

It is before declared how the church of Boston sent messengers and a letter to their members at Aquiday,Mo. 9. and how they refused to hear them, pretending themselves to be no members, being now so far removed. Whereupon the elders and most of the church intended to have cast them out, as refusers to hear the church; but some others desired that the church would write to them once again, which accordingly was done, and the letter drawn by Mr. Cotton, wherein he fully repeated all former proceedings, both of the church and of the court, and justified both, and condemned their errors and disturbance of the peace here, and their remonstrance, and Mr. Wheelwright's sermon (which formerly among other his failings, being misled by their subtilty &c. he had justified and commended) and shewed how the church had been wronged by them.

Miantunomoh the sachem of Naragansett came, and was met at Dorchester by Capt. Gibbons and a guard of twelve musketeers, and well entertained at Roxbury by the Governor; but when we came to parley he refused to treat with us by our Pequod interpreter, as he had done before to Capt. Jenyson, and the Governor being as resolute as he, refused to use any other interpreter, thinking it a dishonor to us to give so much way to them. Whereupon he came from Roxbury to Boston, departing in a rude manner, without shewing any respect or sign of thankfulness to the Governor for his entertainment, whereof the Governor informed the general court, and would shew him no countenance, nor admit him to dine at our table, as formerly he had done 'till he had acknowledged his failing &c. which he readily did, so soon as he could be made to understand it, and did speak with our committees and us by a Pequod maid who could speak english perfectly; but it was conceived by some of the court that he kept back such things as he accounted secrets of state. and that he would carry home in his breast as an injury, the strict terms he was put to both in this, and the satisfaction he was urged to for not observing our custom in matter of manners, for he told us that when our men came to him they were permitted to use their own p. 212fashions, and so he expected the same liberty with us: so as he departed and nothing agreed, only the former articles of peace were read to him and allowed by him with this addition, that if any of his men did set traps in our jurisdiction &c. they should be liable to satisfy all damages &c.

Mo. 8.The elders had moved at a general court before, that the distinction between the two jurisdictions might be set down, that the churches might know their power, and the civil magistrate his. The same had been moved by the magistrates formerly, and now at this court they presented a writing to that effect to be considered by the court, wherein they declared that the civil magistrate should not proceed against a church member before the church had dealt with him, with some other restraints which the court did not allow of, so the matter was referred to further consideration, and it appeared indeed that divers of the elders did not agree in those points.

At this court Mr. Ez: Rogers pastor of the church in Rowlye, being not kindly dealt with, nor justly, as he alledged, concerning the limits of their town, moved for further enlargement for taking in a neck of land upon Merrimack near Cochitawit, for which end they desired their line might run square from Ipswich line. This line was granted, and he said it should satisfy, but within an hour after, it was discovered that he was mistaken, and that such a line would not reach the neck, whereupon he came again and confessed his mistake, and still demanded the neck. The court was very doubtful what to do in it, having formerly granted a plantation at Cochitawit, and did not yield his request. Whereupon he pleaded justice, upon some promises of large accommodations &c. when we desired his sitting down with us, and grew into some passion, so as in departing from the court, he said he would acquaint the elders with it. This behaviour being menacing, as it was taken, gave just cause of offence to the court, so as he was sent for, not by the officer, but by one of Rowlye deputies. Before he came he wrote to the Governor wherein he confessed his passionate distemper—declared his meaning in those offensive speeches, as that his meaning was that he would propound the case to the elders for advice only about the equity of it, which he still defended. This would not be accepted, but the court would have him appear and answer: only they left him to take his own time, so the p. 213next day he came, not accompanied with any other of the elders, tho' many were then in town, and did freely and humbly blame himself for his passionate distemper; and the court knowing that he would not yield from the justice of his cause, (as he apprehended it) they would not put him upon any temptation, but accepted his satisfaction, and freely granted what he formerly desired.

A commission had formerly been granted to Mr. Endicott and Mr. Stoughton for joining with the commissioners who met the second time at Scituate, and there came to a full agreement which was certified this court, and recorded to this effect, That the bounds should be the beach of Conyhassett creek nearest to Scituate, with 60 acres of marsh in the south side.

The scarcity of mony made a great change in all commerce. Merchants would sell no wares but for ready money—men could not pay their debts tho' they had enough—prices of lands and cattle fell soon to the one half and less, yea to a third, and after one fourth part.

The church of Watertown ordained Mr. Knolles a godly man and a prime scholar, pastor,Mo. 10.9 and so they had now two pastors and no teacher, differing from the practice of the other churches, as also they did in their privacy, not giving notice thereof to the neighbouring churches, nor to the magistrates, as the common practice was.

At the court of assistants one Hugh Bewett was banished for holding publickly and maintaining that he was free from original sin and from actual also for half a year before, and that all true christians after are enabled to live without committing actual sin.

A pinnace called the Coach being in her voyage to New Haven (late Quinipiack) between Salem and Cape Cod, …prang a leak,15 so as in in the morning they found her hold half filled with water; whereupon the seamen and passengers betook themselves to their skiff, being a very small one, and the wind then growing very high at S. W. only one Jackson a godly man and an experienced seamen, would not leave the vessel before he had tried the utmost, so getting them in again, and tying the bark upon the contrary side, they fell to getting out the water, which, it pleased God, they overcame, and having a fine fresh gale, they got safe back to Salem.

Mr. Pelham's house in Cambridge took fire in the dead p. 214of the night by the chimney. A neighbour's wife hearing some noise among her hens, persuaded her husband to arise, which, being very cold, he was loth to do, yet thro' her great importunity he did, and so espied the fire, and came running in his shirt, and had much to do to awake any body, but he got them up at last, and so saved all, the fire being ready to lay hold upon the stairs. They had all been burnt in their chambers, if God had not by his special providence, sent help at that very instant.

About this time a pinnace called the Make Shift (because she was built of the wreck of a greater vessel at the Isle of Sable, and by that means the men saved) being on a voyage to the southward, was cast away upon a ledge of rocks near Long Island, the goods were all lost, but the men were saved. No winter but some vessels have been cast away in that voyage.

About this time there sell out a thing worthy of observation. Mr. Winthrop the younger, one of the magistrates, having many books in a chamber where there was corn of divers sorts, had among them one wherein the Greek testament, the psalms and the common prayer were bound together. He found the common prayer eaten with mice, every leaf of it, and not any of the two other touched, nor any other of his books tho' there were above a thousand.

Mo. 8.We received a letter at the general court from the magistrates of Connecticut and New-Haven and of Aquiday, wherein they declared their dislike of such as would have the indians rooted out, as being of the cursed race of Shem, and their desire of our mutual accord in seeking to gain them by justice and kindness, and withal to watch over them to prevent any danger by them &c. We returned answer of our consent with them in all things propounded, only we refused to include those of Aquiday in our answer, or to have any treaty with them.

Mo. 10.About the end of this month a fishing ship arrived at Isle of Shoals, and another soon after, and there came no more this season for fishing. They brought us news of the Scotts entering into England, and the calling of a parliament, and …he hope of a thorough reformation &c. whereupon some among us began to think of returning back to England. Others dispairing of any more supply from thence, and yet not knowing how to live there if p. 215they should return, bent their minds wholly to removal to the south parts, supposing they should find better means of subsistence there, and for this end put off their estates here at very low rates. These things, together with the scarcity of money, caused a sudden and very great abatement of the prices of all our own commodities. Corn (indian) was sold ordinarily at three shillings the bushel, a good cow at seven or eight pounds, and some at £5— and other things answerable (see the order of court in 8ber. about these things) whereby it came to pass that men could not pay their debts, for no money nor beaver were to be had, and he who last year, or but three months before was worth £.1000 could not now if he should sell his whole estate raise £.200 whereby God taught us the vanity of all outward things &c.

One Taylor of Linne having a milch cow in the ship as he came over, sold the milk to the passengers for 2d the quart, and being after at a sermon wherein oppression was complained of &c. he fell distracted. This evil was very notorious among all sorts of people, it being the common rule that most men walked by in all their commerce, to buy as cheap as they could, and to sell as dear.

A great ship called the Charles of above 300 tons brought passengers hither this year. The master was a plain quiet man, but his company were very wicked, and did wrong the passengers much, and being at Piscat: to take in clapboards with another ship wherein Mr. Peters by occasion preached one Lord's day, the company of the Charles did use all the means they could to disturb the exercise, by hooting and hallooing, but in their return they were set upon by the Turks and divers of them killed.

A wicked fellow given up to bestiality, fearing to be taken by the hand of justice, fled to Long Island, and there was drowned. He had confessed to some that he was so given up to that abomination, that he never saw any beast go before him but he lusted after it.

Mr. Nathaniel Eaton of whom mention is made before, being come to Virginia took upon him to be a minister, but was given up of God to extreme pride and sensuality, being usually drunken, as the custom is there. He sent for his wife and children, her friends here pursuaded her to stay a while, but she went notwithstanding, and the vessel was never heard of after.

p. 216Mo. 12.2The church of Dorchester being furnished with a very godly & able pastor, one Mr. Mather, and having invited to them one Mr. Burre who had been a minister in England, and of very good report there for piety and learning, with intent to call him also to office after he was received a member in their church, and had given good proof of his gifts and godliness to the satisfaction of the church, they gave him a call to office, which he deferring to accept, in the mean time he delivered some points savouring of familist, wherein the church desiring satisfaction, and he not so free to give it as was meet, it was agreed that Mr. Mather and he should confer together, and so the church should be informed wherein the difference lay. Accordingly Mr. Burre wrote his judgment in the points in difference, in such manner and terms as from some of his propositions there could no other be gathered but that he was erroneous, but this was again so qualified in other parts as might admit of a charitable construction. Mr. Mather reports to the church the errors which might be collected, without mentioning the qualification, or acquainting Mr. Burre with it before. When this was published, Mr. Burre disclaimed the errors, and Mr. Mather maintained them from his writings; whereupon the church was divided, some joining with the one, and some with the other, so as it grew to some heat and alienation, and many days were spent for reconciliation, but all in vain. In the end they agreed to call in help from other churches, so this day there was a meeting at Dorchester, the Governor and another of the magistrates, and about ten of the elders of the neighbouring churches, wherein four days were spent in opening the cause, and such offences as had fallen out in the prosecution, and in conclusion the magistrates and elders declared their judgment and advice in the case to this effect. That both sides had cause to be humbled for their failings, more particularly Mr. Burre for his doubtful and unsafe expressions, and backwardness to give clear satisfaction &c.—and Mr. Mather for his inconsideration both in not acquainting Mr. Burre with his collections before he had published them to the church, and in not certifying the qualifications of those errors which were in his writings: for which they were advised to set a day apart for reconciliation. Upon this Mr. Mather and Mr. Burre took the blame of their failings upon themselves, and freely submitted to the judgment and p. 217advice given, to which the rest of the church yielded a silent assent, and God was much glorified in the close thereof, and Mr. Burre did again fully renounce these erroneous opinions of which he had been suspected, confessing that he was in the dark about these points 'till God, by occasion of this agitation had cleared them to him, which he did with much meekness and many tears.

The church of Boston were necessitated to build a new meeting house, and a great difference arose about the place of situation, which had much troubled other churches on the like occasion, but after some debate it was referred to a committee and was quietly determined. It cost aabout £1000. which was raised out of the weekly voluntary contribution without any noise or complaint, when in some other churches which did it by way of rates, there was much difficulty and compulsion by laws to raise a far less sum.

The general fear of want of foreign commodities now our money was gone, and that things were like to go well in England, set us on work to provide shipping of our own, for which end Mr. Peters, being a man of a very public spirit and singular activity for all occasions, procured some to join for building a ship at Salem of 300 tons, and the inhabitants of Boston stirred up by his example, set upon the building another at Boston of 150 tons. The work was hard to accomplish for want of money &c. but our shipwrights were content to take such pay as the country could make. The shipwright at Salem, thro' want of care of his tackle &c. occasioned the death of one Baker who was desired with five or six more to help hale up a piece of timber, which, the rope breaking, fell down upon them. The rest by special providence were saved. This Baker going forth in the morning very well, after he had prayed, told his wife he should see her no more, tho' he could not foresee any danger towards him.

The court having found by experience that it would not avail by any law to redress the excessive rates of labourers and workmen's wages &c. for being restrained, they would either remove to other places where they might have more or else being able to live by planting and other employments of their own, they would not be hired at all. It was therefore referred to the several towns to set down rates among themselves. This took better p. 218effect, so that in a voluntary way, by the counsel and persuasion of the elders, and example of some who led the way, they were brought to more moderation than they could be by compulsion, but it held not long.

Upon the great liberty which the King had left the parliament to in England, some of our friends there wrote to us advice to send over some to sollicit for us in the parliament, giving us hope that we might obtain much &c. but consulting about it, we declined the motion for this consideration, that if we should put ourselves under the protection of the parliament, we must then be subject to all such laws as they should make, or at least such as they might impose upon us; in which course tho' they should intend our good, yet it might prove very prejudicial to us. But upon this occasion the court of assistants being assembled, and advising with some of the elders about some course to serve the providence of God in making use of present opportunity of a ship of our own being ready bound for England, it was thought fit to send some chosen men in her with commission to negociate for us, as occasion should be offered, both in furthering the work of reformation of the churches there which was now like to be attempted, and to satisfy our countrymen of the true cause why our engagements there have not been satisfied this year, as they were wont to be in all former time since we were here planted; and also to seek out some way, by procuring cotton from the W. Indies, or other means that might be lawful, and not dishonorable to the gospel, for our present supply of cloathing &c. for the country was like to afford enough for food &c. The persons designed hereto were Mr. Peters pastor of the church of Salem, Mr. Wade the pastor of the church of Roxbury, and Mr. Hibbins of Boston. For this end the Governor and near all the rest of the magistrates and some of the elders wrote a letter to the church of Salem acquainting them with our intentions, and desiring them to spare their pastor for that service. The Governor also moved the church of Roxbury for Mr. Welde, whom after some time of consideration, they freely yielded. But when it was propounded to the church of Salem, Mr. Endicott, being a member thereof▪ and having formerly opposed it, did now again the like in the church. Some reasons were there alledged—as that officers should not be taken from their churches for civil occasions, that the voyage would be long and dangerous—that it would be reported that we p. 219were in such want as we had sent to England to beg relief, which would be very dishonorable to religion,1641. and that we ought to trust God who had never failed us hitherto &c. But the main reason indeed which was privately intimated, was their fear lest he should be kept there, or diverted to the W. Indies, for Mr. Humphrey intended to go with him, who was already engaged that way by the lord Say &c. and therefore it was feared he should fall under strong temptations that way, being once in England; and Mr. Humphrey discovered his intentions the more by falling upon Mr Endicott in the open assembly at Salem for opposing this motion, and with that bitterness as gave great offence, and was like to have grown to a professed breach between them, but being both godly, and hearkening to seasonable counsel, they were soon reconciled, upon a free and public acknowledgment of such failings as had passed. But the church, not willing to let their pastor go, nor yet to give a plain denial to the magistrates' request, wrote an answer by way of excuse, tendring some reasons of their unsatisfiedness about his going &c. The agitation of this business was soon about the country, whereby we perceived there would be sinister interpretations made of it, and the ship being suddenly to depart, we gave it over for that season.

A negro maid, servant to Mr. Stoughton of Dorchester,Mo. 2.13. being well approved by divers years experience, for sound knowledge and true godliness, was received into the church and baptized.

Some agitation fell out between us and Plimouth about Seacunk. Some of our people finding it fit for plantations, and thinking it out of our patent, which Plimouth men understanding, forbid them, and sent to us to signify that it was within their grant, and that we would therefore forbid ours to proceed. But the planters having acquainted as with their title, and offering to yield it to our jurisdiction, and assuring us that it could not be in the Plimouth patent, we made answer to Plimouth accordingly, and encouraged our neighbours to go on, so as divers letters passing between us, and the sending some to take possession for them, at length we sent some to Plimouth to see their patent, who bringing us a copy of so much as concerned the thing in question, tho' we were not fully satisfied thereby, yet not being willing to strive for land, we sat still.

There fell out much trouble about this time at Piscat: p. 220Mr. Knolles had gathered a church of such as he could get, men very raw for the most part &c. Afterwards there came amongst them one Mr. Larkham who had been a minister at Northam near Barnstaple in England, a man not savouring the right way of church discipline, but being a man of good parts and wealthy, the people were soon taken with him, and the greater part were forward to cast off Mr. Knolles their postor and to choose him, for they were not willing nor able to maintain two officers, so Mr. Knolles gave place to him, and he being thus chosen, did soon discover himself. He received into the church all that offered themselves tho' men notoriously scandalous and ignorant, so they would promise amendment, and fell into contention with the people, and would take upon him to rule all, even the magistrates (such as they were) so as there soon grew sharp contention between him and Mr. Knolles, to whom the more religious still adhered, whereupon they were divided into two churches. Mr. Knolles and his company excommunicated Mr. Larkham, and he again laid violent hands upon Mr. Knolles. In this heat it began to grow to a tumult, some of their magistrates joined with Mr. Larkham and assembled a company to fetch Capt. Underhill (another of their magistrates and their Captain) to their court, and he also gathered some of the neighbours to defend himself, and to see the peace kept, so they marched forth towards Mr. Larkham's, one carrying a bible upon a staff for an ensign, and Mr. Knolles with them armed with a pistol. When Mr. Larkham and his company saw them thus provided, they proceeded no further, but sent to Mr. Williams who was Governor of those in the lower part of the river, who came up with a company of armed men and beset Mr. Knolles' house where Capt. Underhill then was, and there they kept a guard upon them night and day, and in the mean time they called a …, and Mr. Williams sitting as judge, they found Capt. Underhill and his company guilty of a riot, and set great fines upon them, and ordered him and some others to depart the plantation. The cause of this eager prosecution of Capt. Underhill was because he had procured a good part of the inhabitants there to offer themselves again to the government of the Massachusetts, who being thus prosecuted, they sent a petition to us for aid.

The Governor and council considered of their petition, and gave commission to Mr. Bradstreet one of our magistrates, p. 221Mr. Peters and Mr. Dalton two of our elders to go thither and to endeavour to reconcile them, and if they could not effect that, then to inquire how things stood, and to certify us &c. They went accordingly, and finding both sides to be in fault, at length they brought matters to a peaceable end. Mr. Larkham was released of his excommunication and Capt. Underhill and the rest from their censures, and by occasion of these agitations Mr. Knolles was discovered to be an unclean person, and to have sollicited the chastity of two maids, his servants, and to have used filthy dalliance with them, which he acknowledged before the church there, and so was dismissed, and removed from Piscat: This sin of his was the more notorious, because the fact which was first discovered, was the same night after he had been exhorting the people by reasons and from scripture, to proceed against Capt. Underhill for his adultery. And it is very observable how God gave up these two, and some others who had held with Mrs. Hutchinson, in crying down all evidence from sanctification &c. to fall into these unclean courses, whereby themselves and their erroneous opinions were laid open to the world.

Mr. Peters and Mr. Dalton with one of Acomenticus, went from Piscat: with Mr. Jo. Ward who was to be entertained there for their minister; and tho' it be but six miles, yet they lost their way, and wandered two days and one night without food or fire, in the snow and wet, but God heard their prayers wherein they earnestly pressed him for the honor of his great name, and when they were even quite spent, he brought them to the sea side near the place they were to go to, blessed forever be his name.

Not long before a godly maid of the church of Linne, going in a deep snow from Meadford homeward, was lost and some of her cloaths found after among the rocks.

One Jo. Baker a member of the church of Boston, removing from thence to Newbury for enlargement of his outward accommodation, being grown wealthy from nothing grew there very disordered, fell into drunkeness and such violent contention with another brother, maintaining the same by lying, and other evil courses, that the magistrates sent to have him apprehended, but he rescued himself out of the officers hands and removed to Acomenticus where he continued near two years, and now at this time he came to Boston, and humbled himself before p. 222the church confessing all his wickedness, with many tears, and shewing how he had been followed with satan, and how he had laboured to pacify his conscience by secret confessions to God &c. but could have no peace, yet could not bring his heart to return and make public acknowledgment, untill the hand of God fell upon one Swain his neighbour, who fell into despair and would often utter dreadful speeches against himself, and cry out that he was all on fire under the wrath of God, but would never discover any other heinous sin, but that having gotten about £40. by his labour, he went into England and there spent it in wicked company, and so continued, and after a small time hanged himself. This Baker coming in, and seeing him thus dead, w…s so struck with it as he could have no rest 'till he came and made his peace with the church and court. Upon his confession the church was doubtful whether they ought not to cast him out, his offences being so scandalous, notwithstanding they were well persuaded of the truth of his repentance: but the judgment of the church was, that seeing he had excommunicated himself by deserting the church, and Christ had ratified it by giving him up to satan, whereby the ordinance had had its proper effect▪ therefore he ought now to be received and pardoned, whereto the church agreed. Yet this man fell into gross distempers soon after.

Mr. Cotton out of that in Revelations 15. none could enter into the temple untill &c. delivered, that neither Jews nor any more of the gentiles should be called untill Antichrist were destroyed, viz. to a church estate, tho' here and there a proselite.

Upon the Lords day at Concord two children were left at home alone, one lying in a cradle, the other having burned a cloth and fearing his mother should see it, thrust it into a hay stack by the door (the fire not being quite out) whereby the hay and house were burned and the child in the cradle before they came from the meeting. About the same time two houses were burnt at Sudbury.

By occasion of these fires I may add another of a different kind, but of much observation. A godly woman of the church of Boston, dwelling sometimes in London, brought with her a parcel of very fine linnen of great value, which she set her heart too much upon, and had been at charge to have it all newly washed and curiously folded pressed, and so left it in press in her parlour over p. 223night: she had a negro maid went into the room very late and let fall some snuff of the candle upon the linnen, so as by the morning all the linnen was burned to tinder, and the boards underneath, and some stools and a part of the wainscot burnt, and never perceived by any in the house, tho' some lodged in the chamber over head, and no ceiling between; but it pleased God that the loss of this linnen did her much good, both in taking off her heart from worldly comforts, and in preparing her for a far greater affliction by the untimely death of her husband who was slain not long after at Isle of Providence.

The court of elections, Richard Bellingham,Mo. 4.2. Esq. chosen Governor. See more a few leaves after.