Journal of the Settlements of Massachusets and Other Colonies, Journal (4 of 8)

Journal of the Settlements of Massachusets and Other Colonies · Journal (4 of 8)

p. 109In the morning we met again, and concluded the peace upon the articles underwritten, which the Governor subscribed, and they also subscribed with their marks, and Cutshamakin also. But because we could not well make them understand the articles perfectly, we agreed to send a copy of them to Mr. Williams who could best interpret them to them. So after dinner they took leave, and were conveyed out of town by some musketeers and dismissed with a volley of shot.

p. 110THE ARTICLES.

1. A firm peace between us and our friends of other plantations (if they consent) and their confederates (if they will observe the articles) and our posterity.

2. Neither party to make peace with the Pequods without the others consent.

3. Not to harbour &c. the Pequods.

4. To put to death or deliver over murderers.

5. To return our fugitive servants.

6. We to give them notice when we go against the Pequods, and they to send us some guides.

7. Free trade between us.

8. None of them to come near our plantations during the wars with the Pequods, without some Englishman or known Indian.

9. To continue to the posterity of both parties.

The Governor of Plimouth wrote to the Deputy that we had occasioned a war by provoking the Pequods, and no more, and about the peace with the Naragansetts. The Deputy took it ill (as there was reason) and returned answer accordingly, and made it appear, 1. That there was as much done as could be expected, considering they fled from us, and we could not follow them in our armour, neither had any to guide us in their country. 2. We went not to make war upon them, but to do jusstice &c. and having killed 13 of them for 4 or 5 which they had murdered of us, and destroyed 60 wigwams &c. we were not much behind with them. 3. They had no cause to glory over us when they saw that they could not save their houses and corn from so few of ours. 4. If we had left but 100 of them living, those might have done us as much hurt as they have or are likely to do. 5. It was very likely they would have taken notice of our advantage against them, and would have sitten still, or have sought peace, if God had not deprived them of common reason.

About the middle of this month Jo: Tilley master of a bark, coming down Connecticut river, went on shore in a canoe three miles above the fort to kill fowl, and having shot off his piece many Indians arose out of the covert and took him, and killed one other who was in the canoe. This Tilley was a very stout man, and of great understanding. They cut off his hands and sent them before, and after, cut off his feet. He lived three days af… his hands were cut off, and themselves confessed thapage missing p. 111he was a stout man because he cried not in all his torture.

About this time two houses were burnt and all the goods in them to a great value; one was one Sharve's at Watertown, and the other one Jackson's at Salem, both professors, and Sharve the day before, admitted of the former church. This was very observable in Sharve, that he concealed his estate, and made shew as if he had been poor, and went not clear of some unrighteous passages.

One Mrs. Hutchinson a member of the church of Boston, a woman of a ready wit, and bold spirit, brought over with her two dangerous errors. 1. That the person of the Holy Ghost dwells in a justified person. 2. That no sanctification can help to evidence to us our justification. From these two grew many branches: as 1. Our union with the Holy Ghost, so as a christian remains dead to every spiritual action and hath no gifts nor graces other than such as are in hypocrites, nor any other sanctification but the Holy Ghost himself.

There joined with her in these opinions a brother of her, one Mr. Wheelwright, a silenced minister sometime in England.

The other ministers in the Bay hearing of these things came to Boston at the time of the General Court,25 and entered conference in private with them, to the end they might know the certainty of these things, that if need were, they might write to the church of Boston about them, to prevent if it were possible, the danger which seemed hereby to hang over that and the rest of the churches. At this conference Mr. Cotton was present and gave satisfaction …o them, so as he agreed with them all in the points of sanctification, and so did Mr. Wheelwright; so as they all did hold that sanctification did help to evidence justification. Th… same he had declared plainly in public divers times, but for the indwelling of the person of the Holy Ghost he held that still, but not very man with the person of the Holy Ghost so as to amount to a personal union.

Mr. Cotton being requested by the general court with some other ministers, to assist some of the magistrates in compiling a body of fundamental laws, did, this court, present a model of Moses his judicials compiled in an exact method, which were taken into further consideration 'till the next general court.

Some of the church of Boston being of the opinion of30 p. 112Mrs. Hutchinson had laboured to have Mr. Wheelwright be called to be a teacher there. It was propounded the last Lord's day, and was moved again this day for resolution. One of the church stood up and said he could not consent &c. his reason was, because the church being well furnished already with able ministers whose spirits they knew, and whose labours God hath blessed in much love and sweet peace, he thought it not fit (no necessity urging) to put the welfare of the church to the least hazard, as he feared they should do, by calling in one whose spirit they knew not, and one who seemed to dissent in judgment, and instanced in two points which he delivered in a late exercise there. 1. That a believer was more than a creature. 2. That the person of the Holy Ghost and a believer were united. Hereupon the Governor spake, That he marvelled at this, seeing Mr. Cotton had lately approved his doctrine. To this Mr. Cotton answered, that he did not remember the first, and desired Mr. Wheelwright to explain his meaning. He denied not the points, but shewed upon what occasion he delivered them. Whereupon there being an indication to make a reconciliation, the first replied, that altho' Mr. Wheelwright and himself might likely agree about the points, and tho' he thought reverendly of his godliness and abilities so as he could be content to live under such a ministry, yet seeing he was apt to raise doubtful disputations he could not consent to choose him to that place; whereupon the church gave way that he might be called to a new church to be gathered at Mount Woollaston, near Braintree. Divers of the brethren took offence at the said speech against Mr. Wheelwright: whereupon the same brother spake in the congregation the next day to this effect— That hearing that some of the brethren were offended at his former speech, and for that offences were dangerous, he was desirous to give satisfaction. The offence he said was in three things. 1. For that he had charged the brother in public, and for a thing so long since delivered▪ and had not first dealt with him privately. For this he acknowledged it was a failing. But the occasion was, that when he heard the points delivered, he took them in a good sense, as spoken figuratively, seeing the whole scope of his doctrine was sound, and savouring of the spirit of God; but hearing very lately that he was suspected to hold such opinions, it caused him to think he spake as he meant. The 2d. cause of offence was, that in his p. 113speech appeared some bitterness; For that he answered, that they well knew his manner of speech, as always earnest in things which he conceived to be serious, and professed that he did love that brother's person, and did know the gifts and graces of God in him. The 3d. was, that he had charged him to have held things which he did not. For this he answered, That he had spoken since with the said brother, and for the two points, that the believer should be more than a creature, and that there should be a personal union between the Holy Ghost and a believer, he had denied to hold either of them, but by necessary consequences he doth hold them both; for he holds (said he) that there is a real union with the person of the Holy Ghost, and then of necessity it must be personal, and so a believer must be more than a creature, viz. God man, even Christ Jesus; for tho' in a true union the two terms may still remain the same, as between husband and wife, he is a man still, and she a woman, for the union is only in sympathy and relation, yet in a real or personal union it is not. Now whether this were agreeable to the doctrine of the church or not, he left to the church to judge; hoping that the Lord would direct our teacher to clear these points fully, as he had well done in good measure already. Withal he made this request to the teacher (which he said he here did seriously and affectionately) that seeing these uneasinesses grew (and some estrangement withal) from some words and phrases which were of known intention, and tended to doubtful disputation rather than to edification, and had no footing in scripture, nor had been in use in the purest churches for 300 years after Christ, that for the peace of this church, they might be forborn (he meant person of the Holy Ghost and real union) and concluded that he did not intend to dispute the matter, as not having place or calling thereunto then: yet if any brother desired to see what light he walked by, he would be ready to impart it to him. How this was taken by the congregation did not appear, for no man spake to it. A day or two after, the same brother wrote his mind fully with such scriptures and arguments as came to hand, and sent it to Mr. Cotton.

A new church was gathered at Sagus (now Linne).9ber. 8 The Governor and Deputy were not there, being le…ted by the coming in of a ship and other occasions. It held the company two days—Mr. Whiting who was to be the p. 114pastor being very unskilful in church matters, and those who were to be members▪ not fit for such a work: at last six were accepted with Mr. Whiting, but with much ado.

A commission was sent out of the Chancery in England to some private men here to examine witnesses in a cause depending here, but nothing was done in it, nor any return made.

17Two ships arrived here from London, and one a week before. They were full of passengers, men women and children. One of them had been from London 26 weeks, and between land and land 16 weeks, the other two something less time, their beer all spent and leaked out a month before their arrival, so as they were forced to stinking water (and that very ltt…le) mixt with sacke or vinegar, and their other provisions very short and bad, yet thro' the great providence of the Lord they came all safe on shore, and most of them sound, and well liking. They had continual tempests, and when they were near the shore (being brought two or three days with a stronger east wind) the weather was so thick all that time that they could not make land, and the seamen were in great perplexity when on a sudden the fog cleared, so as they saw Cape Anne fair on their starboard bow, and presently grew thick again, yet by their compass they made their harbour. There were aboard that ship two godly ministers, Mr. Nathaniel Rogers and Mr. Partridge, and many good people in that and the other ships, and we had prayed earnestly for them, for a small pinnace of 30 tons which came out with them, and was come in three weeks before brought us news of their coming. In one of the other ships the passengers had but ½ pint of drink for a day fourteen days together, yet thro' the Lord's mercy did all well. One of the ships was overset in the night by a sudden gust, and lay so half an hour, yet righted of he…self.

Ca…le were grown to high rates, a good cow £.25 or £.30— a pair of bulls or oxen £.40—Corn was near at 5s. the b…shel, and much …e was sown with the plow this year▪ …or about …0 plows were at work. Board was at 9 … 0s the …—carpenters at 3s the day and other work accordingly.

Things went no… well at Connecticut▪ their cattle did many of them cast th…ir young, as t…ey had done the year before.

p. 115Mons'r. D'Aulney Captain of Penobscott or Pentagonett returned answer to the Governor's letter, wherein he professed that they claimed no further than to Pemaquid, nor would, unless he had further order; and that he supposed that the cause why he had no order &c. was, that the English embassador had dealt effectually with the Cardinal of France for settling the limits for our peace.

The Governor Mr. Va…e, a wise and godly gentleman held with Mr. Cotton and many others, the indwelling of the person of the Holy Ghost in a believer, and went so far beyond the rest, as to maintain a personal union with the Holy Ghost, but the Deputy with the pastor and divers others, denied both, and the question proceeded so far by disputation in writing, for the peace sake of the church, which all were tender of, as at length they could not find the person of the Holy Ghost in scripture, nor in the primitive churches 300 years after Christ, so that all agreeing in the chief matter of substance, viz. That the Holy Ghost is God, and that he doth dwell in the believers, as the father and son both are said also to do, but whether by his gifts and power only, or by any other manner of presence, seeing the scripture doth not declare it, it was earnestly desired that the word person might be forborn, being a term of human invention, and tending to doubtful disputation in this case.

The Governor receiving letters from his friends in England which necessarily required his presence there,10ber. imparted the same to the Council and some others, and being thereupon resolved of his return into England, called a court of deputies, to the end he might have free leave of the country &c. They being assembled in court, and himself declaring the necessi…y of his departure, and those of the council affirming the reasons to be very urgent, tho' not fit to be imparted to the whole court, they desired respite to consider thereof 'till the morning, when one of the assistants using some pathetical passages of the loss of such a Governor in a time of such danger as did hang over us, from the Indians and French, the Governor brake forth into tears, and professed that howsoever the causes propounded for his departure were such as did concern the utter ruin of his outward estate, yet he would rather have hazarded all, than have gone from them at this time, if something else had not pressed him more, viz. the inevitable danger he saw of God's judgments to come upon us for those differences and dissensions which he p. 116saw amongst us, and the scandalous imputation brought upon himself, as if he should be the cause of all; and therefore he thought it best for him to give place for a time &c.10ber. Upon this the court concluded that it would not be fit to give way to his departure upon those grounds. Whereupon he recalled himself, and professed that the reasons concerning his own estate were sufficient to his own satisfaction for his departure, and therefore desired the court he might have leave to go. As for the other passage, it slipped him out of his passion, and not out of judgment. Upon this the court consented silently to his departure. Then the question was about supply of his place. Some were of opinion that it should be executed by the deputy, but this scruple being cast in, that if the deputy should die, then the government would be vacant, and none have power to call any court, or preside therein &c. it was agreed to call a court of election for a new Governor and Deputy, in the case the present Deputy should be chosen Governor, and an order was made (in regard of the season) that such as would, might send their votes by proxy, in papers sealed up and delivered to the deputies, and so this court was adjourned four days, and two days after the court of election was to assemble. These things thus passed, divers of the congregation of Boston met together, and agreed that they did not apprehend the necessity of the Governor's departure upon the reasons alledged, and sent some of them to declare the same to the court, whereupon the Governor expressed himself to be an obedient child to the church, and therefore notwithstanding the licence of the court, yet without the leave of the church he durst not go away. Whereupon a great part of the court and country who understood thereof, declared their purpose to continue him still in his place, and therefore so soon as the day of election came, and the country were assembled, it was thought the best way for avoiding trouble &c. not to proceed to election, but to adjourn the court to the great general court in May, and so the court of deputies continued still, for the other court was not called.

At this court the elders of the churches were called to advise with them about dis-continuing and pacifying the differences among the churches in points of opinion. The Governor having declared the occasion to them, Mr. Dudley desired that men would be free and open &c. Another of the magistrates spake, that it would much further p. 117the end they came for, if men would freely declare what they held different from others, as himself would freely do, in what point soever he should be opposed. The Governor said that he would be content to do the like, but that he understood the ministers were about it in a church way, which he spake upon this occasion the ministers had met a little before, and had drawn into heads all the points wherein they suspected Mr. Cotton did differ from them, and had propounded them to him, and pressed him to a dire… answer aff: or neg: to every one, which he had promised and taken time for. This meeting being spoken of in the court the day before, the Governor took great offence at it, as being without his privity, which this day Mr. Peters told him as protimely of, with all due reverence, and how it had saddened the ministers spirits that he should be jealous of their meetings, or seem to restrain their liberty. The Governor excused his speech as sudden and upon a mistake. Mr. Peters told him also, that within less than two years since the churches were in peace. The Govornor answered, that the liberty of the gospel brings a sword, and the children of the bondwomen would persecute those of the free woman. Mr. Peters also besought him humbly to consider his hasty and short experience in the things of God, and to beware of peremptory conclusions, which he perceived him to be very apt unto. He declared further, that he had observed both in the low countries and …re, three principal causes of new opinions and divisions thereupon. 1. Pride—new notions lift up the mind &c. 2. Idleness. 3.

Mr. Wilson made a very sad speech of the condition of our churches, and the invoidable danger of separation if those differences and alienations among brethren were not speedily remedied▪ and laid the blame upon those new opinions risen up amongst us, which all the magistrates except the Governor and two others did confirm, and all the ministers but two. In this discourse two questions arose about sanctification. Mr. Cotton in his sermon that day had laid down this ground, that evident sanctification was an evidence of justification, and hereupon had taught that in cases of special desertion, true desires of sanctification was found to be sanctification, and further, if a man were laid so flat upon the ground as he could see no desires, but only as a bruised reed did wait at the feet of Christ, yet here was matter of comfort, for this was found to be true The question here grew whether any of p. 118these, or evident sanctification could be evidence to a man without a concurrent sight of his justification. The Governor and Mr. Cottton denied it.10ber.

The speech of Mr. Wilson was taken very ill by Mr. Cotton and others of the same church, so as he and divers of them went to admonish him. But Mr. Wilson and some others, could see no breach of rule seeing he was called by the court about the same matter with the rest of the elders, and expected to deliver their minds freely and faithfully both for discovering the danger and the means to help; and the things he spake of were only in general and such as were under a common form: And being questioned about his intent, he professed he did not mean Boston church nor the members thereof, more than others. But this would not satisfy, but they called him to answer publickly; and then the Governor pressed it violently against him, and all the congregation except the deputy and one or two more, many of them with much bitterness and reproaches; but he answered them all with words of truth and soberness, and with marvellou… wisdom. It was strange to see how the common people were led by example to condemn him in that which it was very probable divers of them did not understand, nor the rule which he was supposed to have broken, and that such as had known him so long, and what good he had done for that church, should fall upon him with such bitterness for justifying himself in a good cause: For he was a very holy upright man, and for faith and love inferior to none in the country, and most dear to all men. The teacher joined with the church in their judgment of him, not without some appearance of prejudice, yet with much wisdom and moderation. They were eager to proceed to present censure, but the teacher staid them from that, telling them he might not do it because some opposed it, but gave him a grave exhortation.

One Mr. Glover of Dorchester having laid 60lb. of gunpowder in bags to dry in the end of his chimney, it took fire, and some of it went up the chimney, other of it filled the room and passed out at a door into another room and blew up a gable end. A maid which was in the room, having her arms and neck naked, was scorched, and died soon after: a little child in the arms of another was scorched upon the face, but not killed; two men were scorched, but not much. Divers pieces which lay charged in several places, took fire and went off, but did no p. 119harm. The room was so dark with smoke as those in the house could neither find door nor window, and when neighbours came in none could see …ach other a good time for smoak. The house was thatched, yet took not fire, yet when the smoak was gone, many things were found burnt. Another great providence was, three little children being at the fire a little before, they went out to play, tho' it were a very cold day, and so were preserved.

The next day Mr. Wilson preached, notwithstanding, and the Lord so assisted him as gave great satisfaction, and the Governor himself gave public witness to him.—One of the brethren wrote to Mr. Cotton about it, and laid before him divers failings, (as he supposed) and some reasons to justify Mr. Wilson, and dealt very plainly with him. Mr. Cotton made a very long and gentle answer, clearing his intentions, and persisting in his judgment of Mr. Wilson's offence, laying down divers arguments for it. The said brother replied to him in like loving manner, and desired leave to shew his letter to Mr. Wilson, which he readily assented unto, but for answer to his arguments he forbore to reply to Mr. Cotton, because he was overburdened with business, but wrote to the two ruling elders, whom the matter most concerned, and by way of defence of Mr. Wilson, answered all Mr. Cottons arguments.

Upon these public occasions,11 Mo. other opinions brake out publicly in the church of Boston—as that the Holy Ghost dwelt in a believer as he is in heaven: that a man is justified before he believes, and that faith is no cause of justification. Others spread more secretly; as that the letter of the scripture holds forth nothing but a covenant of works, and that the covenant of grace was the spirit of the scripture, which was known only to believers, and that this covenant of works was given by Moses in the tenth commandment. That there was a seed (viz. Abraham's carnal seed) went along in this, and there was a spirit and life in it, by virtue whereof, a man might attain to any sanctification in gifts and graces, and might have special and communion with Jesus Christ, and yet be damned. After it was granted that faith was before jusstification, but it was only passive, an empty vessel but in conclusion, the ground of all was found to be assurance by immediate revelation. All the congregation of Boston, except four or five, closed with these opinions p. 120or the most of them. But one of the brethren wrote against them, and bore witness to the truth, together with the pastor, and very few others joined with them.

About this time the rest of the ministers, taking offence at some doctrines delivered by Mr. Cotton, and especially at some opinions which some of his church did broach, and for that he seemed to have too good an opinion of, and too much familiarity with those persons, drew out sixteen points, and gave them to him, intreating him to deliver his judgment directly in them, which accordingly he did, and many copies thereof were dispersed about. Some doubts he well cleared, but in some things he gave not satisfaction. The rest of the ministers replied to these answers, and at large shewed their dissent, and the grounds thereof; and at the next general court held the 9th of the 1 st. they all assembled at Boston, and agreed to put off all lectures for three weeks, that they might bring things to an issue.

12 Mo. 22The Lieut. at Say-brook, at the mouth of Connecticut river, going out with nine men, armed with swords and pieces, they started three Indians whom they pursued 'till they were brought into an ambush of 50, who came upon them and slew four of their men, and had they not drawn their swords and retired they had been all slain. The Indians were so hardy as they came close up to them notwithstanding their pieces.

Capt. Turner's house in Sagus took fire by an oven about midnight, and was burnt down with all that was in it, save the persons. About 14 days since a ship called the George of Bristol, laden with cattle and passengers, having been some time at the Western Islands, and having spent her main mast about Cape Cod, and after, came near Brewster's Island, was by N.W. wind forced to put into Plimouth.

1 Mo. 20A general fast was kept in all the churches. The occasion was the miserable estate of the churches in Germany; the calamities upon our native country; the bishops making havock in the churches, and putting down the faithful ministers, and advancing popish ceremonies and doctrines: the plague raging exceedingly, and famine and sword threatning them; the dangers of those at Connecticut, and of ourseles also by the Indians, and the dissentions in our churches.

The differences in the said points of religion increased more and more, and the ministers of both sides (there p. 121being only Mr. Cotton of one part) did publickly declare their judgment in some of them, so as all men's mouths were full of them; and there being a ship ready to go for England, and many passengers in it, Mr. Cotton took occasion to speak to them about the differences &c. and willed them to tell our countrymen, that all the strife amongst us was about magnifying the grace of God; one part seeking to advance the grace of God within us, and the other to advance the grace of God towards us (meaning by the one justification, and by the other sanctification) and so bade them tell them, that if there were any among them that would strive for grace, they should come hither, and so declared some particulars. Mr. Wilson spake after him, and declared that he knew none of the elders or brethren of the churches, but did labour to advance the free grace of God in justification, so far as the word of God required, and spake also about the doctrine of sanctification, and the use and necessity of it; by occasion whereof, no man could tell (except some few who knew the bottom of the matter) where any difference was: which speech, tho' it offended those of Mr. Cotton's part, yet it was very seasonable to clear the rest, who otherwise should have been reputed to have opposed free grace. Thus every occasion increased the contention, and caused great alienation of minds; and the members of Boston (frequenting the lectures of other ministers) did make much disturbance by public questions▪ and objections to their doctrines which did any way disagree from their opinions. And it began to be as common here to distinguish between men, by being under a covenant of grace or a covenant of works, as in other countries between protestants and papists.

A man of Weymouth (but not of the church) fell into some trouble of mind, and in the night cried out.Feb. 6 Art thou come Lord Jesus, and with that leaped out of his bed in his shirt, and breaking from his wife, leaped out at a high window into the snow, and ran about seven miles off, and being tracked in the snow, was found dead next morning. They might perceive that he had kneeled down to prayer in divers places.

The General Court began.1.9. When any matter about the new opinions was mentioned, the court was divided; yet the greater number far were found. They questioned the proceeding against Mr. Wilson, for his speech in the last court, but could not fasten upon such as had p. 122prejudiced him, but by the vote of the greater part▪ his speech was approved, and declared to have been a seasonable advice, and no charge or accusation. The ministers being called to give advice about the authority of the court in things concerning the churches &c. did all agree of these two things. 1. That no member of the court ought to be publicly questioned by a church for any speech in the court, without the licence of the court. The reason was, because the court may have sufficient reason that may excuse the sin, which yet may not be fit to acquaint the church with, being a secret of state. The second thing was, That in all such heresies or errors of any church member as are manifest and dangerous to the state, the court may proceed without tarrying for the church, but if the opinions be doubtful &c. they are first to refer them to the church.

At this court when Mr. Wheelwright was to be questioned for a sermon which seemed to tend to sedition &c. near all the church of Boston presented a petition to the court for two things. 1. That as freemen they might be present in cases of judicature. 2. That the court would declare if they might deal in cases of conscience, before the church. This was taken as a groundless and presumptuous act, especially at this season, and was rejected with this answer—That the court had never used to proceed, but it was openly:—but for matter of consultation and preparation in causes, they might and would be private.

One Stephen Green for saying that all the ministers except A. B. C. did teach a covenant of works, was censured to acknowledge his fault in every church, and fined £40.

Mr. Wheelwright one of the members of Boston, preaching at the last fast, enveighed against all that walked in a covenant of works, as he described i…, viz. such as maintain sanctification as an evidence of justification &c. and called them antichristians, and stirred the people against them with much bitterness and vehemence. For this he was called before the court, and his sermon being produced▪ he justified it, and confessed he did mean all that walk in such a way. Whereupon the elders of the rest of the churches were called, and asked whether they in their ministry did walk in such a way. They all acknowledged they did▪ so after much debate, the court adjudged him guilty of sedition, and also of contempt, for that the court had appointed the fast as a means of reconciliation p. 123of the differences &c. and he purposely … himself to kindle and increase them. The Governor and some▪ few more who dissented, tendred a protestation, which because it wholly justified Mr. Wilson, and condemned the proceedings of the court, was rejected. The church of Boston also tendred a petition in his behalf, justifying Mr. Wheelwright's sermon. The court deferred sentence 'till the next court▪ and advised with the ministers whether they might injoin his sentence. They answered that they were not clear in that point, but desired rather that he might be commended to the church of Boston to take care of him, which accordingly was done, and he injoined to appear at the next court. Much heat of contention was this court between the opposite parties, so as it was moved that the next court might be kept at Newtown. The Governor refused to put it to the vote▪ the Deputy was loth to do it except the court would require him▪ because he dwelt in Boston, so the court put it to Mr. Endicott.

Miantonomoh &c. sent 26▪ with 40 fathom of wampom and a Pequod's hand.21 We gave four of the chief sachems a co…t of 19s price, and deferred to return our present 'till after, according …o their manner.

Those of Connecticut returned answer to our public letters,1637. Mo. 2wherein they shewed themselves unsatisfied about our former expedition against the Pequods, and their expectation of a further prosecution of the war, to which they offer to send men, and signify their unprepardness to declare themselves in the matter of government, in regard of their engagement to attend the answer of the gentlemen of Say-brook about the same matter.

Capt. Underhill was sent to Say-brook with 20 men to keep the fort, both in respect of the Indians,10 and especially of the Dutch, who by their speeches and supplies out of Holland, gave occasion of suspicion that they had some design upon it. The men were sent at the charge of the gentlemen of Say-brook, and lent by order of the council here, for fear any advantage should be taken by the adverse party, thro' the weakness of the place.

The church of Concord kept a day of humiliation at Newtown, for ordination of their elders,6 and they chose Mr. Bulkley teacher and Mr. Jones pastor. Upon a question moved by one sent from the church of Salem, it was resolved by the ministers there present, that such as had been ministers in England, were lawful ministers p. 124by the call of the people there,1637. notwithstanding their acceptance of the call of the bishops &c. (for which they humbled themselves, acknowledging it their sin) but being come hither, they accounted themselves no ministers, until they were called by another church, and that upon election they were ministers before they were solemnly ordained.

The Governor and Mr. Cotton, and Mr. Wheelwright and the two ruling elders of Boston, and the rest of that church which were of any note, did none of them come to this meeting, The reason was conceived to be, because they accounted these as legal preachers, and therefore would not give approbation to their ordination.

28Being about full moon, about 10 of the clock in the evening in a clear sky, a perfect moon was seen about a slight shot Northerly from the true moon. It was seen so about half an hour, and then vanished with dim flashings; it was more dim than the true moon.

3.2.Mr. Haynes one of our magistrates, removed with his family to Connecticut. We received a letter from him and others being then at Say-brook, that the Pequods had been up the river at Wethersfield, and had killed six men, being at their work, and 20 cows and a mare, and had killed three women, and carried away two maids.

Mr. Winslow was sent from the Governor and Council of Plimouth to treat with us about joining against the Pequods. He signified first their willingness to aid us, but that they could not do any thing 'till their general court, which was not 'till the first tuesday in the 4th month. Then he made some objections, as 1. Our refusal to aid them against the French. 2. Our people's trading at Kenebeck. 3. The injury offered them at Connecticut by those of Windsor in taking away their land there. 4. Their own poverty and our ability which needed not any help from them. To this answer was made by our Governor and Deputy, That 1. we did not desire them to afford aid unto us, but to join against the common enemy, who if he were not subdued, would prove as dangerous to them as to us, and he prevailing, would cause all the Indians in the country to join to root out all the English. 2. For our refusal to aid them against the French, the case was not alike, for it was their private quarrel, and they were supposed to have commission from the King of France, and we thought it no wisdom for us to engage ourselves in a war with the King of p. 125France. For our people's trading at Kenebeck we answered, That we gave no allowance to it, nor had we heard of more than a boat or two that had been there. For the injury done them at Connecticut, we had dealt with them to give satisfaction, but it was not in our power to do them justice in it. They alledg'd also that this war did not concern them, seeing the Pequods had not killed any of theirs. We answered, that Capt. Stone &c. for which this war was begun, were none of ours neither. They alledged further, that in our first undertaking, they were not acquainted with it 'till two or three days before our forces were to go forth. We answered, we intended at the first to send only to Block Island, and for that we thought it not needful to trouble them, and our sending them thence to the Pequods, was with hope to draw them to parley, and so to some quiet end. We concluded to write further to them from our next court. And whereas they propounded to have us promise to aid them in all their occasions &c. we answered, That seeing when we now treated with them about joining with us, they were at liberty and might withold, except they saw reason to move them, so we desired to be left free, that we might judge of the reason of any such occasion as might fall out. According hereunto we wrote to them the 20th of the 3d month, and gave them some considerations why they should join with us. As 1. Because if we should be overcome, it would cost them more to help us, and be less acceptable. 2. If we should prevail without them, it would occasion ill thoughts in our people towards theirs &c. so we left it to them.

Our court of elections was at Newtown.17 So soon as the court was set, being about one of the clock, a petiton was preferred by those of Boston. The Governor would have read it, but the Deputy said it was out of order, it was a court of elections, and those must first be dispatched▪ and then their petitions should be heard. Divers others also opposed that course as an ill precedent, and the petition being about pretence of liberty &c. (tho' intended chiefly for revoking the sentence given against Mr. Wheelwright) would have spent all the day in debate, but yet the Governor and those of that party would not proceed to election, except the petition were read. Much time was already spent about this debate, and the people crying out for election, it was moved by the Deputy that the people should divide themselves, and the greater number p. 126must carry it, and so it was done, and the greater number by much were for election. But the Governor and that side kept their place still,Mo. 3. and would not proceed. Whereupon the Deputy told him, that if he would not go to election, he and the rest of that side would proceed. Upon that he c…me from his company and they went to election, and Mr. Winthrop was chosen Governor. Mr. Dudley Deputy, and Mr. Endicott of the standing council▪ and Mr. Israel Stoughton and Mr. Richard Saltonstall were called in to be assistants, and Mr. Vane▪ Mr. Coddington and Mr. Dummer (being all of the faction) were left quite out. There was great danger of a tumult that day, for those of that side grew into fierce speeches, and some laid hands on others, but seeing themselves too weak, they grew quiet. They expected a great advantage that day, because the remote towns were allowed to come in by proxy, but it fell out that there were enough beside. But if it had been otherwise, they must have put in their deputies as other towns had done, for all matters beside elections. Boston having deferred to choose deputies 'till the election was passed, went home that night, and the next morning they sent-Mr. Vane the late Governor and Mr. Coddington and Mr. Hoffe for their deputies, but the court being grieved at it, found a means to send them home again, for that two of the freemen of Boston had not notice of the election. So they went all home, and the next morning they returned the same gentlemen again upon a new choice, and the court not finding how they might reject them, they were admitted.

Upon the election of the new Governor, the serjeants which had attended the old Governor to the court (being all Boston men, where the new Governor also dwelt) laid down their halberds and went home; and whereas they had been wont to attend the former Governor to and from the meetings on the Lord's days, they gave over now, so as the new Governor was fain to use his own servants to carry two halberds before him, whereas the former Governor had never less than four.

Divers writings were now published about these differences. Among the rest the magistrates sent forth an apology to justify the sentence of the court against Mr. Wheelwright, which the adverse party had much opposed and spoken evil of, and did also set forth a remonstrance to that end, in which they did not deal fairly, for in abreviating Mr. Wheelwright his sermon, they p. 127clear altered both the words and the meaning of such passages in it whereat the offence was taken, and which were the ground of the court's sentence. Mr. Wheelwright also himself set forth a small treatise about the principal doctrine of his sermon, viz. about the Covenant of Grace, which was also differing from his sermon. The other ministers also set out an answer to his sermon, confuting the same by many strong arguments. Mr. Cotton also replied to their answer very largely, and stated the differences in a very narrow skantling; and Mr Shepherd preaching at the day of election, brought them yet near…r, so as, except men of good understanding, and such as knew the bottom of the tenets of those of the other party, few could see where the difference was, and indeed it seemed so small as (if men's affections had not been formerly alienated when the differences were formerly stated as fundamental) they might easily have come to reconciliation. For in these particulars they agreed. 1. That justification and sanctification were both together in time. 2. That a man must know himself to be justified, before he can know himself to be sanctified. 3. That the spirit never witnesseth justification without a wonder and a work. The difference was, whether the first assurance be by an absolute promise always, and not by a conditional also, and whether a man could have any true assurance without sight of some such work in his soul, as no hypocrite could attain unto.

At the court Mr. Wheelwright, according as he was injoined, did appear, but because a general day of humiliation was appointed, and it was agreed that all the churhes should choose certain men to meet and confer about the differences, the court gave him respite to the next session, which was appointed the first tuesday in August, to bethink himself, that retracting and reforming his error, the court might shew him favor, which otherwise he must not expect. His answer was, that if he had committed sedition, then he ought to be put to death, and if we did mean to proceed against him, he meant to appeal to the King's court for he could retract nothing. The court told him that they were clear in the justice of their proceedings, and should judge of his offence as they had done, if it were to do again, but if upon the conference among the churches, the Lord should discover any further light to them than as yet they had seen, they should gladly embrace it.

p. 128The intent of the court in deferring the sentence was, that being thus provoked by their tumultuous course and divers insolent speeches which some of that party had uttered in the court, and having now power enough to have crushed them, their moderation, and desire of reconciliation might appear to all.

Having received intelligence from Miantonomoh, that the Pequods had sent their women and children to an Island for their safety we presently sent away 40 men by land to the Naragansetts, and there to take in Miantonomoh (and he offered to send 16 men with us) and so in the night to set upon them. We also provided to send 160 more after them to prosecute the war; and Mr. Stoughton one of the magistrates was sent with them, and Mr. Wilson the pastor of Boston. These two were chosen thus in the open court. Three magistrates were set apart, and one was designed by a lot: also the elders set apart two, and a lot was cast between them in a solemn public invocation of the name of God.

24By letters from Mr. Williams we were certified (which the next day was confirmed by some who came from Say-brook) that Capt. Mason was come to Say brook with 80 English and 100 Indians, and that the Indians had gone out there and met with 7 Pequods—5 they killed, one they took alive, whom the English put to torture, and set all their heads upon the sort. The reason was because they had tortured such of our men as they took alive.

The Dutch Governor sent … sloop to Pequod to redeem the two English maids by what means soever, tho' it were with breach of their peace with Pequods.. The sloop offer'd largely for their ransom▪ but nothing would be accepted, so the Dutch having many Pequods aboard, stayed six of them (the rest leaped overboard) and with them redeemed the two maids who had been well used by the Pequods, and no violence offered them.

The former Governor and Mr. Coddington, being discontented that the people had left them out of all public service, gave further proof of it in the congregation, for they refused to set in the magistrates seat, where Mr. Vane had always sitten from his first arrival, and went and set with the deacons, altho' the Governor sent to desire them to come in to him; and upon the day of the general fast they went from Boston to keep the day at the Mount with Mr. Wheelwright. Another occasion of their discontent, and of the rest of that party, was an order which p. 129the court had made to keep out all such persons as might be dangerous to the commonwealth, by imposing a penalty upon all such as should retain any, &c. above three weeks which should not be allowed by some of the magistrates; for it was very probable that they expected many of their opinion to come out of England from Mr. B his church.

This order and other differences between the new Governor and them, was the cause that at his return to Boston none of them met him; and the serjeants which had constantly attended the former Governor to all public meetings with four halberds, did now refuse to do any such office to the new, alledging that they had done it to the former voluntarily, in respect of his person, not his place. To which it was answered that there was a double error. 1. Because the place drowns the person, be he honorable or base. 2. That any compliment of honor being once confered upon an office, tho' voluntarily, cannot after be taken away without contempt and injury. The country taking notice of this, offered to send in some from the neighbouring towns to carry the halberds by course, and upon that the town of Boston offered to send some men, but not the serjeants, but the Gevernor chose rather to make use of two of his own servants.

Our English from Connecticut, with their Indians, and many of the Naragansetts, marched in the night to a fort of the Pequods at Mistick, and besetting the same about break of the day, after two hours fight they took it by firing it, and slew therein two chief sachems and 150 fighting men, and about 150 old men, women and children, with the loss of two English killed by the enemy. Divers of the Indian friends were hurt by the Pequods. The story is more fully described in the next leaf.

Presently upon this came news from the Naragansett, that all the English and 200 of the Indians were cut off in their retreat, for want of powder and victuals. Three days after, this was confirmed by a post from Plimouth, with such probable circumstances, as it was generally believed. But three days after, Mr. Williams having gone to the Naragansett to discover the truth, found them mourning, as being confident of it; but that night some came from the army, and assured them all was well, and that all the Pequods were fled and had forsaken their fort. The general defeat of the Pequods at Mistick happened the day after the general fast.

Two ships arrived here out of England, Mr. Pierce p. 130was one. In them came the copy of a commission from the commissioners for N. England to divers of the magistrates here to govern all the people in New-England 'till further orders,Mo. 4.3 upon this pretence, that there, was no lawful authority in form here, either mediate or immediate from his Majesty.

Upon the news from Mr. Williams that the Pequods were dispersed, and some come in and submitted to the Naragansetts (who would not receive them 'till they had sent to know our mind), the Governor and Council thought it needless to send so many men, and therefore sent out word only for one half of the 200, but some of the people liked not of it, and came to the Governor to have all sent. He took it ill▪ and tho' three of the ministers came with them to debate the matter, he told them that if any one, discovering an error in the proceedings of the council, had come in a private manner to acquaint them therewith, it had been well done, but to come so many of them, in a public and popular way, was not well, and would bring authority into contempt. This they took well at his hands, and excused their intentions; so it was thought fit to send …bout 40 men more, which was yielded rather to satisfy the people, than for any need that appeared.

Upon our Governor's letter to Plimouth our friends there agreed to send a pinnace with 40 men to assist in the war against the Pequods, but they could not be ready to meet us at the first.

15There was a day of thanksgiving kept in all the churches for the victory obtained against the Pequods and for other mercies. About this time came ho… a small pinnace of 30 tons which had been forth eight months and was given for lost. She went to the Bermuda, but by continual tempests was kept from hence, and forced to bear up for the West-Indies, and being in great distress, arrived at Hispaniola, and not daring to go into any inhabited place there, but to go on shore in obscure places, and lived of turtles and eggs &c. At last they were forced into a harbour where lay a French man of war with his prize, and had surely made prize of them also, but that the providence of God so disposed, as the Captain, one Peter…ore, had lived at Pis…at: and knew the merchant of our bark, one Mr. Gibbons—Whereupon he used them courteously, and for such commodities as she carried, furnished her with tallow and hides, and sent p. 131home with her his prize, which he sold for a small price to be paid in N. England. He brought home an Aligarto which he gave the Governor.

Three ships arrived here from Ipswich with 360 passengers.20 The last being loth to come to anchor at Castle Island, tho' hailed by the Castle boat, and required, the gunner made a shot, intending to shoot before her for a warning, but the powder in her touch hole being wet and the ship having fresh way with the wind and tide, the shot took place in the shrouds and killed a passenger an h…est man. The next day the Governor charged an inquest, and sent them aboard with two of the magistrates (one of them being deputed coroner) to take view of the dead body, who upon hearing all the evidences, found that he came to his death by the providence of God.

The Governor went to Sagus and to Salem and to Ipswich,23 at all which places the men of the towns met him and guarded him from town to town (tho' not desired nor expected by him) to shew their respect to their Governor, and also for his safety, in regard it was reported the Pequods were come this way. He returned again the 28th, being forced to travel all the night by reason of the heat, which was so extreme, as divers of those who were new come on shore died in their travel a few miles.

Here arrived two ships from London, the Hector,26 and the. In These came Mr. Davenport and another minister, and Mr. Eaton and Mr. Hopkins two merchants of London, men of fair estate and of great esteem for religion, and wisdom in outward affairs.

In the Hector came also the Lord Ley, son and heir of the Earl of Marlborough, being about nineteen years of age, who came only to see the country. He was of very sober carriage, and shewed much wisdom and moderation in his lowly and familiar carriage, especially in the ship, where he was much disrespected and unworthily used by the master, one Fearne, and some of the passengers, yet he bore it meekly and silently. When he came on shore the Governor was from home, and he took up his lodging at the common inn. When the Governor returned he presently came to his house; the Governor offered him lodging, but he refused, saying that he came not to be troublesome to any, and the house where he was, was so well gove…ned, that he could be as private there as elsewhere.

We had news of a commission granted in England to p. 132divers gentlemen here for the governing of New-England &c. but instead thereof we received a commission from Sir Ferdinand Gorges to govern his province of New Somersetshire, which is from Cape Elizabeth to Sagadahoc, and withal, to oversee his servants and private officers; which was observed as a matter of no good discretion, but passed in silence—we excused our not intermedling &c. because being directed to six or five of them, and one of their names being mistaken, and another removed to Connecticut, there were but four in the country. As also for that it did not appear to us what authority he had to grant such a commission. As for the commission from the King, we received only a copy of it▪ but the commission itself staid at the seal for want of paying the fees.

The party who procured the commission, one George Chever, brought also a protection under the privy signet for searching out the great lake of Iracoye, and for the sole trade of beaver, and the planting of Long Island, by agreement between the Earl of Sterling Viscount Canada and him. Thus this and other gentlemen in England get large circuits of lands in the country, and are very ready to grant them out to such as will become their tenants, and to encourage them, do procure commissions, protections &c. which cost them nothing, but will be at no charge in any right way of plantation, which should be by coming themselves, or sending some of their children &c. but now as they adventure little, so they are sure to lose nothing but their vain hope.

Capt. Stoughton and his company having pursued the Pequods beyond Connecticut, and missing of them, returned to Pequot river where they were advertised that 100 of them were newly come back to a place some 12 miles off, so they marched thither by night and surprised them all; they put to death 22 men, and reserved two sachems, hoping by them to get Sasacus, which they promised. All the rest were women and children, of which they gave the Naragansetts 30 and our Massachusetts Indians three, and the rest they sent hither.

A pinnace returning took a canoe with four Indians near Block Island, we sent them to Miantunomoh to know what they were, and after we discharged all save one who was a Pequod whom we gave Mr. Cotting to carry into England.

p. 133The differencs grew so much here as tended fast to a separation; so as Mr. Vane being among others, invited by the Governor to accompany the Lord Ley at a dinner,Mo. 5. refused to come, alledging by letter, that his conscience witheld him.

There were sent to Boston 48 women and children,6 there were 80 taken as before is expressed. These were disposed of to particular persons in the country; some of them ran away and were brought again by the Indians our neighbours, and those men branded on the shoulder.

Ayanemoh the sachem of Niantick came to Boston with 17 men.12 He made divers propositions which we promised to give an answer unto the next day, and then unsterstanding he had received many of the Pequods, submitting to him since the former defeat, we first demanded the delivery of them, which he sticking at, we refused further conference with him, but the next morning he came and offered what we desired. So the Governor referred him to treat with our Captain at the Pequod, and wrote instructions to them how to deal with him, and received his present of ten fathom of wampom. He was lovingly dismissed with some small things given him.

There came over a brother of Mrs. Hutchinson; and some of Mr Wheelwrights friends whom the Governor thought not fit to allow, as others, to sit down among us, without some trial of them. Therefore to save others from the danger of the law in receiving of them, he allowed them for four months. This was taken very ill by those of the other party, and many hot speeches given forth about it, and about their removal &c.

Mr. Stoughton with about 80 of the English,13 whereof Mr. Ludlow, Capt. Mason, and of Connecticut were part, sailed to the west in pursuit of Sasacus &c. at Quinepiack they killed six and took two. At a head of land a little short they beheaded two sachems; whereupon they called the place Sachems head. About this time they had given a Pequod his life to find out Sasacus. He went and found him not far off, but Sasacus suspecting him, intended to kill him, which the fellow perceiving, escaped in the night, and came to the English: Whereupon Sasacus and Mononotto the two chief sachems, and some 20 more fled to the Mohawks; but 80 of the stoutest men, and 200 others women and children were at a place within 20 or 30 miles of the Dutch whither our men marched; and being guided by a divine providence, came upon p. 134them where they had 20 wigwams hard by a most hideous swamp, so thick with bushes and so quagmiry as men could hardly croud into it.Mo. 6. Into this swamp they were all gotten. Lieut. Davenport and two or three more that entered the swamp were dangerously wounded by the Indian arrows, and with much difficulty were fetched out. Then our men surrounded the swamp, being a mile about, and shot at the Indians, and they at them, from 3 of the clock in the afternoon 'till they desired parley, and offered to yield, and life was offered to all that had not shed English blood. So they began to come forth▪ now some and then some, 'till about 200 women and children were come out, and amongst them the sachem of the place, and thus they kept us two hours 'till night was come on, and then the men told us they would fight it out, and so they did all the night, coming up behind the bushes very near our men, and shot many arrows into their hats, sleves and stockings, yet (which was a very miracle) not one of ours wounded. When it was near morning it grew very dark, so as such of them as were left crept out at one place and escaped, being, as was judged, not above 20 at most, and those like to be wounded, for in the pursuit they found some of them dead of their wounds. Here our men gat some booty of kettles, trays, wampom &c. and the women and children were divided, and sent some to Connecticut and some to the Massachusetts. The sachem of the place having yielded, had his life and his wife and children. The women which were brought home reported that we had slain in all 13 sachems, and that there were 13 more left. We had now slain and taken in all about 700. We sent 15 of the boys and two women to Bermuda, by Mr. Pierce▪ but he missing it, carried them to Providence Isle.

Mr. Stoughton sailed with some of his company from Pequod to Block Island. They came thither in the night, yet were discovered, and our men having killed one or two of them and burnt some of their wigwams, they came to parley, and submitting themselve to become tributaries in 100 fath▪ wampompeague, and to deliver any that should be found to have any hand in Mr. Oldhams death, they were all received, and no more harm done them.

At our general court one Greensmith being censured for saying that all the elders except two did preach a covenant p. 135of works &c. he did appeal to the King, but the court, notwithstanding, committed him 'till &c.

The Lord Ley being told that one Ewre had spoken treason against the King, sent for the party one Brooks, and inquiring of him, he told him that Ewre had said above twelve months before, that if the King did send any authority hither against our patent, he would be the first should resist him. This coming to the Governor's knowledge, he sent for the parties, and bound them over to the general court. When they came there Brooks brought his wife to witness with him, but her testimony agreed not with his, also three others w…om he had told it unto reported it otherwise, so at length they all agreed, and set it under their hands, That Ewre said that if there came any authority out of England contrary to the patent, he would withstand it. Now because here was no mention of the King, and because he never informed any of the magistrates of it, and for that it was evident that he bare malice of the said Ewre, we saw no cause to take any other of the parties informing, (The rather because themselves did urge it, and she refused long to speak at all, except she might be put to her oath) nor any offence which deserved punishment, seeing it is lawful to resist any authority which was to overthrow the lawful authority of the King's patent, and so the Governor did openly declare in the court, as justifiable by the laws of England.

The Lord Ley and Mr. Vane went from Boston to the ship riding at Long Island, to go for England. At their departure, those of Mr. Vane's party were gathered together and did accompany him to the boat (and many to the ship) and the men being in arms, gave him divers vollies of shot, and five pieces of ordnance, and he had five more at the Castle. But the Governor was not come from the court, but had left order with the captain for their honorable dismission.

There was an old woman in Ipswic… who came out of England blind and deaf, yet her son could make her understand any thing and know any man's name by her sense of feeling. He would write upon her hand some letters of the name, and by other such motions would inform her; this the Governor himself had tried often when he was at Ipswich.

Mr. Hooker and Mr. Stone came with Mr. Wilson from Connecticut by Providence and the same day Mr.5 p. 136Ludlow, Mr. Pincheon & about twelve more came the ordinary way by land, and brought with them a part of the skin and lock of hair of Sassacus; and his brother and five other Pequod Sachems who being fled to the Mohawks for shelter with their wampom, being to the value of £.500 were by them surprised and slain, with 20 of their best men. Mononottoh was also taken but escaped wounded. They brought news also of divers other Pequods which had been slain by other Indians, and their heads brought to the English, so that now there had been slain and taken between eight and nine hundred. Whereupon letters were sent to Mr. Stoughton and the rest, to call them all home.

A woman of Boston congregation having been in much trouble of mind about her spiritual estate, at length gr…w into bitter desperation and could not endure to hear of any comfort, so as one day she took her little infant and threw it into a well, and then came into the house and said now she was sure she should be damned for she had drowned her child, but some stepping presently forth, saved the child. See more after.

Mr. Hooker and the rest of the elders meeting divers days, they agreed, with consent of the magistrates, upon a day of humiliation to be kept in all the churches the 24th of this month, & the day for the conference to be the 30th day. At their private meetings some reconciliation was made between Mr. Cotton and Mr. Wheelwright and Mr. Wilson, he professing that by his speech in the court, he did not intend the doctrine of Mr Cotton or Mr. Wheelwright delivered in the public congregation, but some opinions (meaning three or four) which were privately carried in Boston and other parts of the country, and accordingly Mr. …ot…ton declared so much in the congregation the Lord's day following. And fo… the rest of his speech, it was agreed by all the elders to be inoffensive, considering h…s call thereunto by the court. This sudden change was … observed by some who were privy that Mr. Wilson had professed as much before, both privately to the …lders and publickly in the congregation, and that the said opinions had been delivered to the elders of Boston in writing as those which Mr. Wilson intended.

Mr. Davenport preached at Boston, it being the lecture day▪ 7out of that in 1. Cor. I exhort you brethren &c. that there be no divisions among … —wherein as he …ully set forth p. 137the nature and danger of disorders and the divisions which were among us &c. so he clearly discovered his judgment against the new opinions and bitter practices which were sprung up here.

Mr. Cotton expounding that in 2. Chron: of the defection of the ten tribes from Rehoboam, and his preparations to recover them by war, and the prophets prohibition &c. proved from that in Numb: 27.21. that the rulers of the people should consult with the ministers of the churches upon occasion of any war to be undertaken, and any other weighty business, tho' the case should seem never so clear, as David in the case of Ziglag, and the I… raelites in the case of Gibeah—Judges &c.

The Captain and soldiers all returned from Pequod,26 having lost but one man, and he died of a flux, and another fell sick of an old infirmity, an asthma The Indians about sent in still many Pequods heads and hands from Long Island and other places, and sachems of Long Island came voluntarily and brought a tribute to us of 20 fathom of wampom, … of them, and Miantonomoh sent here some Pequod squaws which had run from us.

The Naragansetts sent us the heads of three Pequods,31 one the chief of thos… who murdered Capt. Stone.

Twenty men went in a pinnace to kill sea horse at the Isle of Sable, and after six weeks returned home, and could no… find the isle;—but after another month, about the of September, they set forth again with more skilful seamen, with intent to stay there all winter. Mr. Eaton and some others of Mr. Davenport's company went to view Quinepiack with intent to begin a plantation there. They had many offers here and at Plimouth, and they had viewed many places, but none could content. Some of the magistrates and ministers of Connecticut being here, there was a day of meeting appointed to agree upon some articles of confederation, and notice was given to Plimouth that they might join in it, but their warning was so short as they could not come. This was conclud-after. See (3) 1643.

The synod called the Assembly began at Newtown;30 there were all the teaching elders thro' the country, and … come out of England, not yet called to any …, as Mr. Davenport &c. The assembly began … made by Mr. Shepherd the pastor of Newtown. … the erroneous opin…ons which were spread in the cou…try were read (being Eighty in all) next the unwholsome p. 138expressions, then the scriptures abused. Then they chose two moderators for the next day, viz. Mr. Buckly and Mr. Hooker, and these were continued in that place all the time of the assembly. There were about eighty opinions— some blasphemous, others erroneous, and all unsafe—condemned by the whole assembly; where…o near all the elders, and others sent by the churches, subscribed their names▪ but some liked not subscription, tho' they consented to the condemning of them.

Some of the church of Boston, and some others were offended at the producing so many error…, as if …t were a reproach laid upon the country without cause, and called to have the persons named which held those errors. To which it was answered and affirmed by many, both elders and others, that all those opinions could be proved, by sufficient testimony, to be held by some in the country, but it was not thought fit to name the persons, but doctrines only. Yet this would not satisfy some, but they often called for witnesses: and because some of t…e magistrates declared to them (when they refused to forbear speech unseasonably, tho' the moderators desired them) that if they would not forbear it would prove disturbance, and then the magistrate must interpose—they objected against this, as if the magistrate had nothing to do in this assembly. So as he was forced to tell one of them, that if he would not forbear, but make trial of it, he might see it executed. Upon this some of Boston departed from the assembly, and come no more.

After the errors condemned, there were five points in question between Mr. Cotton and Mr. Wheelwright on the one part, and the rest of the elders on the other part; and those after, put into such expressions, as Mr. Cotton and they agreed, but Mr. Wheelwright did not.

1. The 1st. was about our union with Christ. The question was whether we were united before we had active faith? The consent was that there was no marriage union with Christ before actual …aith, which is more than habitual.

2. The 2d. was, about evidencing justification. The consent was, That some saving sanctification (as faith &c.) was coexistent, concurrent, and coapparent (or at least might be) with the witness of the spirit always.

3. That the new creature is not the person of a believer, but a body of saving graces in such a one, and that p. 139Christ as a head doth e…iven or quicken, preserve and act the same, but Christ himself is no part of this new creature.

4. That tho' in effectual calling (in which the answer of the soul is by active faith wrought at the same instant by the spirit) justification and sanctification be all together in them▪ yet God doth not justify a man before he be effectually called and so a believer.

5. That Christ and his benefits may be offered and exhibited to a man under a covenant of works, but not in, o… by a covenant of works.

Obs. In the first handling of these questions, either party delivered their arguments in writing, which were read in the assembly, and after, the answer to them, which spent much time without any effect▪ but after they came to open dispute, the questions were soon determined, for so they came to understand each other better. The last day of the assembly other que…tions were debated and resolved.Mo. 7.

1. That tho' women might meet, some few, together, to pray and advise one another, yet such a set assembly as was then in practice at Boston, where 60 or more did meet every week▪ and one woman, in a prophetical way, by resolving questions of doctrine, and expounding scripture, took upon her the whole exercise, was agreed to be disorderly and without rule.

2. Though a private member might ask a question publickly after sermon, for information, yet this ought to be very wisely and sparingly done, and that with leave of the elders: but questions of then in use, whereby the doctrines delivered were reproved and the elders reproached and that with bitterness &c. was utterly condemned.

3. That a person refusing to come to the assembly to abide the censure of the church, might be proceeded against, tho' absent, yet it was held better that the magistrates help were called to compel him to be present.

4. That a member differing from the rest of the church in any opinion which was not fundamental, ought not for that to forsake the ordinances there; and if such did desire dismission to any other church which was of his opinion, and did it for that end, the church whereof he was, ought to deny it for the same end.

The Assembly brake up,22 and it was propounded by the Governor that they would consider, that seeing the Lord p. 140had been so graciously present in this assembly, that matters had been carried on so peaceably and concluded so comfortably in all love &c. if it were not fit to have the like meeting once a year,Mo. 7. or at least, the next year, to settle what yet remained to be agreed, or if but to nourish love &c. This motion was well liked of all, but it was not thought fit to conclude it.

There was a motion made also by the Governor, that whereas there was difference among the churches about the maintenance of their ministers, it might be agreed what way was most agreeable to the rule of the gospel; but the elders did not like to deal in that, lest it should be said that this assembly was gathered for their private advantage.

26Mr. Davenport▪ as he had been before requested by the assembly, preached out of Ph. 3 16. wherein he laid down the occasions of differences among christians &c. and declared the effect and fruit of the assembly, and with much wisdom and sound argument pursuaded to unity &c. The diet of the assembly was provided at the country's charge, as also the fetching and sending back of those which came from Connecticut.

28Two men were hanged at Boston for several murders. The one Jo. Williams a ship carpenter, who being lately came into the country and put in prison for theft, brake out of prison with one Jo. Hoddy; when near the great pond in the way to Ipswich beyond Salem, he murdered, and took away his clothes and what else he had and went in them to Ipswich where he had been sent to prison, and was there again apprehended, and tho' his clothes were all bloody, yet he would confess nothing 'till about a week after that the body of Hoddy was found by the kine, who smelling the blood, made such a roaring as the cow keeper looking about, found the dead body covered with a heap of Stones. The other, William Schooler, was a vi…tner in London, and had been a common adulterer as himself did confess and had wounded a man in a duel for which he fled into the low country, and from thence he fled from his Captain and came into this country, leaving his wife (a handsome neat woman) in England. He lived with another fellow at Merrimack, and there being a poor maid at Newbury, one Mary Sholy, who had desired a guide to go with her to her master who dwelt at Piscataq▪ he inquired her out, and agreed for 15s to conduct her thither. But two days after he returned, p. 141and being asked why he returned so soon, he answered that he had carried her within two or three miles o… the place, and then she would go no further. Being examined for this by the magistrates of Ipswich, and no proof found against him, he was let go; but about a year after, being impressed to go against the Pequods, he gave ill speeches, for which the Governor sent warrant for him, and being apprehended and supposing it had been for the death of the maid, soon spake what they had heard which might occasion suspicion. He was again examined and divers witnesses produced about it, whereupon he was committed, arraigned and condemned by due proceeding. The estate of the evidence was this. 1. He had led a vicious life and now lived like an athiest. 2. He had sought out the maid and undertook to carry her to a place where he had never been. 3. When he crossed Merrimack he landed in a place three miles distant from the usual path from whence it was scarce possible she should get into the path. 4. He said he went by Winicowett house which he said stood on the contrary side of the way. 5. Being as he said within two or three miles of Swanscote when he left her, he went not thither to tell them of her, nor staid by her that night, nor at his return home did tell any body of her 'till he was demanded of her. 6. When he came back he had above 10s in his purse, and yet he said she would give him but 7s—and he carried no money with him. 7. At his return he had some blood upon his hat, and on his skirts before, which he said was with a pigeon which he killed. 8. He had a scratch on the left side of his nose, and being asked by a neighbour how it came, he said it was with a bramble, which could not be, it being of the breadth of a small nail: and being asked after by the magistrate, he said it was with his piece, but that could not be on the left side. 9. The body of the maid was found by an Indian about half a year after in the midst of a thick swamp, ten miles short of the place he said he left her in, and about three miles from the place where he landed by Merrimack (and it was after seen by the English) the flesh being rotted off it, and the cloaths laid all on a heap by the body. 10 He said that soon after he left her he met with a bear, and he thought that bear might kill her, yet he would not go back to save her. 11. He brake prison and fled as far as powder horn hill, and there hid himself out of the way for fear of pursuit, and after, when he arose to go forward he could not, but as himself confessed, was forced to return back to prison p. 142again. At his death he confessed he had made many lies to excuse hims…l…, but denied that he had killed or ravished her. He was very loth to die, and had hope he should be reprieved▪ but the court held him worthy of death in undertaking the charge of a shiftless maid, and leaving her, when he might have done other wise▪ in such a place as he knew she must needs perish, if not preserved by means unknown. Yet there were some ministers and others who thought the evidence not sufficient to take away life.

Mo. 8.7The Wren a small pinnace, coming from Connecticut, was taken in a N.E. storm and forced to anchor near Connyhassett where she drave upon the rocks and was wrecked, but all the men were saved.

12A day of Thanksgiving kept in all the churches for a victory against the Pequods, and for the success of the assembly; but by reason of this latter some of Boston would not be present at the public exercises. The captains and soldiers who had been in the late service were feasted, and after the sermon, the magistrates and elders accompanied them to the door of the house where they dined.

Mo. 9.1Miantonomoh the Naragansett sachem came to Boston▪ The Governor, Deputy and Treasurer treated with him, and they parted upon fair terms. He acknowledged that all the Pequod country and Block Island were ours, and promised that he would not meddle with them but by our leave. We gave him leave to right himself for the injuries which J. and N. Cook had done him; and for the wrong they had done us we would right ourselves in our own time.

The Governor and Treasurer, by order of the general court, did demise to Edward Convers, the ferry between Boston and Charlestown to have the sole transporting of passengers and cattle from one side to the other for three years from the first day of the next month, for the yearly rent of 40s—to be paid quarterly to the treasurer, provided that he see it well attended and furnished with sufficient boats, and that as soon as may be in the next spring he set up a convenient house on Boston side and keep a boat there as necessity shall require. And he is allowed to take his wonted fees, viz. two pence for a single person, and a penny a piece if there be more than one, as well on lecture days as at other times; and for every horse and cow, with the man that goes with them, six p. 143pence, and for a goat one penny and a swine two pence. And if any shall desire to pass before it is light in the morning, or after it is dark in the evening,Mo. 10. he may take recompence answerable to the season and his pains and hazard, so it be not excessive.

A young man coming alone in a skiff from Newtown in a N.E. storm of wind and snow, was found dead in his boat with a half crown piece in his mouth.

One Jewel, master of a bark was drowned: the manner was this. He was bound to the isle of Sable to relieve our men there. His bark had lain near a week at Natascott waiting for him but he staid at Boston drinking▪ and could not be gotten away. When he went there was committed to his care a rundlet of strong water sent to some there, he promising upon his life it should not be touched; but as he went down in his bark's skiff he went on shore at the castle, and there drank out about a gallon of it, and at night went away. But it being very cold and dark, they could not find their bark▪ and Jewel his hat falling into the water, as they were coming back to look for it he fell into the water near the shore where it was not six feet deep and could not be recovered.

There was great hope that the late General Assembly would have had some good effect in pacifying the troubles and dissentions about matters of religion, but it fell out otherwise. For though Mr. Wheelwright and those of his party had been clearly confuted and confounded in the assembly, yet they persisted in their opinions, & were as busy in the nourishing contentions (the principal of them) as before. Whereupon the General Court being assembled, in the 2d, of the 9th Month, and finding upon consultation, that two so opposite parties could not continue in the some body without apparent hazard of ruin to the whole, agreed to send away some of the principal▪ and for this a fair opportunity was offered by the remonstrance or petition …hich they preferred to the Court the 9th of the 1st. month, wherein they affirm Mr. Wheelwright to be innocent, and that the court had condemned the truth of Christ, with divers other scandalous and seditious speeches, as appears at large in the proceedings of this court, which were faithfully collected and published soon after the court brake up, subscribed by more than 60 of that faction, whereof one Mr. Aspenwal being one▪ and he that drew the said petition being then sent as a deputy for Boston, was for the same dismissed, and after called to the court and disfranchised and banished. I. Coggeshall p. 144was another deputy, who, tho' his hand was not to the petition, yet … to approve of it &c. was also dismissed, … disfranchised. Then the court sent warrant to Boston to send other deputies in their room, but they intended to have sent the same men again, but Mr. Cotton coming amongst them, dissuaded them with much ado. Then the court sent for Mr. Wheelwright, and he persisting to justify his sermon, and his whole practice and opinions, and refusing to leave either the place or his public exercising, he was disfranchised and banished. Upon which he appealed to the King, but neither called witnesses, nor desired any act to be made of it. The court told him that an appeal did not …, for by the King's grant, we had power to hear and determine without any reservation; so he relinquished his appeal, and the court gave him leave to go to his house; upon his promise, that if he were not gone out of the jurisdiction within fourteen days, he would render himself to one of the magistrates.

The court also sent for Mrs. Hutchinson, and charged her with divers matters, as her keeping two public lectures every week in her house, whereto …0 or 80 persons did usually resort, and for reproaching most of the ministers, viz. all except Mr. Cotton, for not preaching a covenant of free grace, and that they had not the seal of the spirit, nor were able ministers of the new testament, which were clearly proved against her, tho' she sought to shift it off, and after many speeches to and fro, at last she was so full as she could not contain, but vented her revelations, amongst which this was one, that she had it revealed to her that she should come into New-England, and should here be presented, and that God would ruin us and ou… posterity and the whole state for the same. So the court proceeded and banished her; but because it was winter they committed her to a private house where she was well provided, and her own friends and the elders permitted to go to her, but none else.

The court called also Capt. Underhill and some five or six more of the principal whose hands were to the said petition, and because they stood to justify it, they were disfranchised, and such as had public places were put from them.

The court also ordered that the rest who had subscribed the petition and would not acknowledge their fault (which … 20 of them did) and some others who had p. 145been chief stirrers in these contentions &c. should be disarmed. This troubled some of them very much, especially because they were to bring them in themselves; but at last when they saw no remedy they obeyed.

All the proceedings of this court against these persons were set down at large with the reasons and other observations▪ and were sent into England to be published there, to the end that all our godly friends might not be discouraged from coming to us.

After this, many of the church of Boston being highly offended with the Governor for this proceeding, were earnest with the elders to have him called to account for it, but they were not forward in it, and himself understanding their intent, thought fit to prevent such a public disorder, and so took occasion to speak to the congregation to this effect. 1. That if he had been called, he would have desired first to have advised with the Elders whether the church had power to call in question the proceeding of the civil court. 2. He would have consulted with the rest of the court whether he might discover the concerns of the court to this assembly. 3. Tho' he knew that the elders and some o…hers did know that the church could not inquire into the justice and proceedings of the court &c. yet for the sanctification of such as did not and were willing to be satisfied, he would declare his mind …erein. 4. He shewed that if the church had such power they must have it from Christ, but Christ had disclaimed it in his practice, as by rule—Luke —Matth. —and the scripture holds not out any rule or example for it; and tho' Christ's kingly power be in his church, yet that is not that kingly power whereby he is King of kings and Lord of lords, for by that kings reign and princes &c.—It is true indeed, that magistrates as they are church members, are accountable to the church for their failings, but that is when they are out of their calling, for we have examples of the highest magistrates in the same kind, as Uzzin when he would go offer incense in the temple, the officers of the church called him to account and withstood him. But when Asa put a prophet in prison, and when Salam put out Abiathar from the priesthood, the one being a good act and the other ill, yet the officers of the church did not call either to account for it. If a magistrate shall in a private way take away a man's goods or his servant &c. the church may call him to account for it, but if he doth thus in presuing p. 146a course of justice, tho' the thing be unjust, yet he is not accountable. 5. For himself he did nothing in the cases of the brethren but by the advice and direction of our teacher and other of the elders. For in the oath which was administer'd to him and the rest, there was inserted by his advice, this clause, In all cases wherein you are to give your votes &c. you are to give your vote as i… your judgment and conscience you shall see to be mos… …or the public good &c. and so for his part he was persuaded that it would be most for the glory of God and the public good to pass sentence as they did. 6. He would give them one reason which was the ground for his judgment, and that was for that he saw that those brethren &c. were so divided from the rest of the country in their judgment and practice as it could not stand with the public peace that they should continue amongst us, so by the example of Lot in Abraham's family, and after Hagar and Ishmael, he saw they must be sent away.

Mo. 11.The church at Roxbury dealt with divers of the members who had their hands to the petition, and spent many days in public meetings to have brought them to see their sin in that, as also in the corrupt opinions which they held, but could not prevail with them, so they proceeded to two or three admonitions, and when all was in union they cast them out of the church. In their dealing with them they took some of them in plain lies and other foul distempers.

9Divers of the elders went to Weymouth to reconcile the differences between the people and Mr. Soyer whom they had called thither with intent to have him their pastor. They had good success of their pains.

13About 30 persons of Boston going out in a fair day to Spectacle Island to cut wood (the town being in great want thereof) the next night the wind rose so high at N.E. with snow▪ and after at N.W. for two days, and then it froze so hard as the bay was all frozen up, except a little channel. In this twelve of them got to the Governor's garden, and seven more were carried in the ice in a small skiff out at broad sound, and kept among Brewster's rocks without food or fire two days, and then the wind forbearing, they got to Pullin point to a little house there of Mr. Aspenwall. Three of them got home the next day over the ice, but their hands and feet frozen. Some lost their fingers, toes, and one died. The rest went from Spectacle Island to the main, but two of them fell into p. 147the ice, yet recovered again. In this extremity of weather a small pinnace was cast away upon Long Island by Natascott, but the men were found and came home upon the ice.

The powder and arms of the country which were kept at Boston,16 were by order of the last court carried to Roxbury and Newtown. This year a plantation was began at Tecticutt **Taunton.by a gentlewoman an ancient maid one Mrs. Poole, she went thither and endured much hardship and lost much cattle—called after Taunton.