Historical Collections of the Indians in New England, History · Chapter 9
CHAP. IX. Of the Progress of the Gospel among the Indians at Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, and of the Instruments that God hath raised up and employed, to preach the Gospel to the Indians of those Islands.
§. 1. MARTHA's Vineyard, or Martin's Vineyard, called by the Indians Nope, which we have in the former book described,☞See the Postcript. hath been, through the grace of Christ, a very fruitful vineyard unto the Lord of hosts, and hath yielded a plentiful harvest of converted Indians.
The first instruments, that God was pleased to use in this work at this place, was Mr. Thomas Mayhew, and his eldest son, Mr. Thomas Mayhew, junior. The father was a merchant, bred in England, as I take it, at Southampton; and he followed the same calling in New England, at his first coming over, which was in the beginning of the settlement of Massachusetts colony. His abode was at Watertown, where he had good accommodations of land, and built an excellent profitable mill there, which in those first times brought him in great profit. But it pleased God to frown upon him in his outward estate: so that he sold what he had in the Massachusetts, to clear himself from debts and engagements; and about the year 1642, transplanted himself to Martha's Vineyard, with his family. He was, as I take it, the first Englishman that settled that island: where he hath ever since continued as the governour and chief man there; being yet living, and about eighty years of age.*He died in the year 1681, in the ninety third year of his age. See Prince's Account of English Ministers of Martha's Vineyard, annexed to Experience Mayhew's Indian Co…rts.
His eldest son Thomas, being a scholar and pious man, after some time was called to be minister unto the English upon that island. It pleased God strongly to incline the two good men, both the father and the son, to learn the Indian tongue of that island: and the minister especially was very ready in it; and the old man had a very competent ability in it.
These two, especially the son, began to preach the gospel to the Indians, about the year 1648, or 1649, as I best remember; and had set and appointed times to meet with them. Some of the Indians lived near to the English town. The good father, the governour, being always ready to encourage and assist his son in that good work, not only upon the Vineyard, but upon Nantucket isle, which is about twenty miles from it; God's blessing in the success of their labours was and is very great: for the gospel in that place hath been, as the scripture speaks, like leven, a little whereof hath levened the whole lump of these two islands: which two islands have a considerable number of people upon them. Unto all or most of them the gospel is now spread; and divers of them, we hope, are in truth brought home to God. This work prospered with good success several years.
§. 2. But An. 1657, in the month of November, Mr. Mayhew, the son, took shipping at Boston, to pass for England, about some special concerns, intending to return with the first opportunity; for he left his wife and children at the Vineyard: and in truth his heart was very much in that work, to my knowledge, I being well acquainted with him. He took his passage for England in the best of two ships then bound for London, whereof one James Garrett was master. The other ship, whereof John Pierse was commander, I went passenger therein, with Mr. Hezekiah Usher senior of Boston, and several other persons. Both these ships sailed from Boston in company. Mr. Garrett's ship, which was about four hundred tons, had good accommodations, and greater far than the other: and she had aboard her a very rich lading of goods, but most especially of passengers, about fifty in number; whereof divers of them were persons of great work and virtue, both men and women; especially Mr. Mayhew, Mr. Davis, Mr. Ince, and Mr. Pelham, all scholars, and masters of art, as I take it, most of them. The second of these, viz. Mr. Davis, son to one of that name at New Haven, was one of the best accomplished persons for learning, as ever was bred at Harvard college in Cambridge in New England. Myself was once intended and resolved to pass in that ship: but the master, who sometimes had been employed by me, and from whom I expected a common courtesy, carried it something unkindly, as I conceived, about my accommodations of a cabin; which was an occasion to divert me to the other ship, where I also had good company, and my life also preserved, as the sequel proved: For this ship of Garrett's perished in the passage, and was never heard of more. And there good Mr. Mayhew ended his days, and finished his work.†Mr. Prince has written memoirs of Mr. Mayhew's life in the book … to above.
This awful providence of God put a great check upon the progress of the gospel at Martha's Vineyard. But old Mr. Mayhew, his worthy father, struck in with his best strength and skill; and hath doubtless been a very great instrument to promote the work of converting many Indian souls upon those islands.
And here I may take occasion to mention a short, but true story, of certain Quakers, who landing upon that island, went to some of the Indian wigwams; and discoursing with some of the Indians that understood English, as divers of them do, the Quakers persuaded and urged the Indians to hearken to them; and told the Indians, that they had a light within them, that was sufficient to guide them to happiness; and dissuaded the Indians from hearing Mr. Mayhew, or reading the scriptures; and said, that those ministers that preached from, or used the scriptures, were as Baal's priests and hirelings, &c. And at last the Quakers offered the Indians some of their pamphlet books, which they always carry with them; exhorting the Indians to read them; and they would be of greater benefit to them than the bible. The Indians heard all this discourse patiently; and then one of the principal of them that could speak English, gravely answered the Quakers after this manner. You are strangers to us, and we like not your discourse. We know Mr. Mayhew, that he is a good and holy man; but you we know not. You tell us of a light within us, that will guide us to salvation: but our experience tells us, that we are darkness and corruption, and all manner of evil within our hearts. You dehort us from using the bible; but offer your books and commend them to us: We cannot receive your counsel, contrary to our own experience, and the advice and exhortations of our ancient and good teachers. Therefore we pray you, trouble us no farther with your new doctrines; for we do not approve it. So the Quakers, not long after, departed from the island; and never since have they been infested with them.
§. 3. In the year of our Lord 1659, it pleased God to bring things to such ma…urity among the praying Indians at the Vineyard, that one Indian church was gathered among them; which since is become two churches: Where I take this account in part of a letter from Mr. John Cotton, now pastor at Plymouth, which sometimes lived and preached to the Indians upon the Vineyard.
"When I lived at the Vineyard, the praying towns were Chappaquidgick,*Chappaquiddick is an island east of Martha's Vineyard, separated from it by a strait, about a quarter of a mile wide. It is within the limits of Edgartown. Nashamoiess,†The south part of Edgartown. Sengekontakit,‖Also spelled Sanchecantachet. The north part of Edgartown. Toikiming‡Taacame, or Takame. Tisbury., Nashuakemmiuk,¶Nashcuchkamuck. Chilmark. Talhanio;**Probably part of Chilmark. one church there gathered long before, but no officers. Since I lived here, I went over with Mr. Eliot thither:††In the year 1670. and Hiacoomes was ordained pastor; John Tokinosh, teacher; John Nonoso and Joshua Mummeecheeg, ruling elders.‡‡See Experience Mayhew's Indian Converts. Chap. I. Examples …. 3. 4. 18. Since I hear they are become two churches; the pastor and one ruling elder for Chappaquidgick; the teacher and the other ruling elder, for the other church, which hath some members, if I mist… not, in all the other towns above mentioned. Hands were imp… in ordination, by Mr. Eliot, Mr. Mayhew, and myself.
"The church at Marshpaug,‖‖Mashpee. was gathered, and Mr. Bourne ordained pastor of it; hands imposed by M…. Eliot and I, and one of the messengers of Natick church, and one of the Vineyard. Major Winslow, now our governour, Mr. Southworth, …, Mr. Hinkley, and Mr. Bacon, were the magistrates present; Mr. Walley, Mr. Arnold, Mr. Shone, Mr. Thornton, M…. I…es, Mr. Newman, with brethren from all our churches. How … churches have increased since, I cannot inform."
Thus far Mr. Cotton's letter, dated at Plymouth Sep. 14. 1674.
This Mr. Cotton above named, is second son to M…. John Cotton, the late worthy teacher of the church of Christ at Boston, in New and Old England. This man is now pastor of the church at New Plymouth: but some years past was preacher unto the English upon Martha's Vineyard; and having some skill in the Indian tongue, did teach the Vineyard Indians the good knowledge of God. Since his removal to Plymouth, he doth the like, as we have above heard.
§. 4. Here I shall give you a further account of the Indian affairs at Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, expressed in a letter received from Mr. Thomas Mayhew, directed to me.
"To the Worshipful, his worthy friend, Mr. Daniel Gookin. These deliver at his house at Cambridge.
"Upon the Vineyard, Sep. 1, 1674.
"Much honoured Captain Gookin,
"Sir,
"A copy of yours of the 14th of May I did receive, containing fifteen queries. I have no time to answer so many now, of which some are very difficult. Briefly, the first church was gathered here just fifteen years since. I sent for Mr. Prince*Governour of Plymouth. and several others, but they came not; but the English of the island, and several strangers of divers places, present, did well approve of them. Which church is now become three churches, by reason of their habitations: two upon the Vineyard. There are near fifty in full, and suppose rightly in, communion,[A]In the two churches upon the Vineyard. by virtue of their godly conversations. Which churches have a pastor and an elder. Mr. Eliot was here, and joined in their ordination. Mr. Cotton was also here with Mr. Eliot. The families here are three hundred at least: upon the isle Chappaquidgick, sixty families; but one of them that prays not to God. The other two hundred and forty families are generally praying. Care is taken, that all and every one come in by voluntary confession; which is and hath been the constant practice here now. We did at the first receive them, they renouncing heathenism and confessing their sins; and those were generally professors. Out of them they entered into church fellowship, when by the word and spirit of God they are moved thereunto. There are ten Indian preachers, of good knowledge and holy conversation; seven jurisdictions; and six meetings every Lord's day. In every jurisdiction the heads are worshippers. The whole holds forth the face of christianity: how sincere, I know not.
"And for Nantucket, there is a church which relates to me. They as I said, first joined into full worship here, and since became a church orderly, and is increased. Upon that island are many praying Indians. Also the families of that island are about three hundred. I have oftentimes accounted the families of both islands; and have very often these thirty two years, been at Nantucket.
"For schools, sometimes there are some; sometimes, not. But many can read and write Indian: very few, English; none, to great purpose; not above three or four; and those do it brokenly. Myself and my two grandsons can speak the language of this island. But my grandsons not yet employed. John, the younger, doth teach the Indians; and is like now, I suppose, to be encouraged by the Commissioners. Matthew, my eldest grandchild, hath also preached to them; and I think, when settled, will again.
"This upon the sudden; which is that I know to be exactly true: for I am always considering of persons and things, being well acquainted with the state and condition of the Indians. I shall not add, but any due respects, and salute you, and rest,
"Worthy Sir, your affectionate friend, and servant to command in our Lord Jesus,
"THOMAS MAYHEW."†In the year 16…2, the number of Indians on Martha's Vineyard was much lessened. The church however at that time consisted of more than … hundred persons. [Mat. Mayhew's Nar. pag. 28]—In the year 1720, there were on the Vineyard six small villages, containing about a hundred and fifty five families, and about eight hundred souls. Each of these villages was supplied with an Indian preacher. There was also a small assembly at Winthrop's Island; another, consisting of twelve or fourteen families, at Tucker's Island and Nashaun, which lie near together. There were a few Indians left at Noman's Land. Beside these Indian assemblies, there was a small congregation of Baptists at Gay Head.For the state of the Indian Baptists on Martha's Vineyard in the year 1774, see Bachus's …. [Exp. Mayhew's Nar. of Ind. on Martha's Vin. pag. 2]— In the year 1763, there were remaining in Duke's County three hundred and thirteen Indians; eighty six of whom were in Edgartown; thirty nine, in Tisbury; and a hundred and eighty eight, in Chilmark.— About that period they began to intermarry with negroes; in consequence of which the mixed race has increased in numbers, and improved in temperance and industry. At present there are of pure Indians and of the mixed race, about four hundred and forty persons: seventy five of whom live on Chappaquiddick, (not more than one third pure:) about twenty five, at Sanchecantacket, (not more than one fifth pure;) about forty, at Christian town, in the north part of Tisbury, toward the Sound, (about one half, pure;) about twenty four, at Nashonohhamuch, (about three quarters, pure) and about two hundred and seventy six, at Gay Head (of which about one quarter are pure.) In this account unmixed negroes are not reckoned. [Information of Capt. Jerningham and Benjamin Basset, Esq]
§. 5. Concerning the island of Nantucket, and the work of God among the Indians, besides what is above expressed in Mr. Mayhew's letter, take the following account. This island of Nantucket we have described in a former book,☞See the Postcript. and therefore shall omit it here. The first light of the gospel that came to this island, was by means of Mess'rs Thomas Mayhew, father and son; and also by Hiacoomes, now pastor of one of the churches upon that Vineyard. The Indians upon this island sow English as well as Indian corn, spin and knit stockings, and are more industrious than many other Indians. The truth is, the Indians, both upon the Vineyard and Nantucket are poor; and, according as the scripture saith, do more readily receive the gospel and become religious. The rules of religion teach them to be diligent and industrious; and the diligent hand maketh rich, and adds no sorrow with it.
Upon September the 4th, 1674, I spoke with some of the principal Indians of Nantucket; particularly with John Gibbs, alias Assasammoogh, pastor of the Indian church there; and with Caleb, alias Weekochisit, one of their teachers and a sagamore's son. These two persons informed me, that there is one church at Nantucket, whereof John Gibbs aforesaid is pastor: that there is about thirty men and women in full communion in the church, whereof twenty are men: that there is about forty children and youths baptized: and that there is about three hundred Indians, young and old, who pray to God and keep the sabbath upon that island: that they meet to worship God at three places, viz. Oggawame where the church meets, at Wammasquid, and Squatesit: that there are four Indian teachers upon that island, viz. John Gibbs pastor, Joseph, Samuel, and Caleb, who also teacheth school. This Caleb is one of them, that gave me this information. He earnestly desires to learn to read and understand English; and entreated me to procure him an English bible, which accordingly he had by order of the Commissioners.
A further account of Nantucket Indians take in part of Mr. Cotton's letter, dated 14th of September, 1674.
At Nantucket, according to my best intelligence, there are three praying towns; and praying Indians, about three hundred males and females; one church, the pastor is John Gibbs; the men in church fellowship are about twenty; the women, ten. Their children are all baptized. The English upon that island, who are about twenty seven families, and many of them Anabaptists, did at first seek to hinder them from administering baptism to infants; but now they are quiet, and meddle not with them. Caleb is preacher to one town there.†In the year 1694, the Indians on Nantucket were about five hundred adults. There were five assemblies of praying Indians, and three churches; two Congregational, and one of Baptists. [Gardener's Let. in Mather's Magn. Book vi. pag. 56.] Three hundred and fifty eight Indians were remaining the 16th of the eighth month, 1763, when a fever began among them, and lasted till the 16th of the second month, 1764. Of this distemper two hundred and twenty two died. [See Huth. Hist. vol. I. pag. 35]—The Indians on the island are now reduced to four males and sixteen females. [M. S. of Friend Zaccheus Macy.]
Thus, according to the best intelligence I can yet obtain, I have endeavoured to give a faithful account of the Indians that pray to God upon these two Islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. And in truth it hath pleased God, in his sovereign grace, to do much for them. I have seen and spoke with divers of the Indians of those islands, that usually every summer come up to our parts, about Boston and the towns adjacent, to work in harvest labour and other employ. Many of them I have judged pious; and most of them, sober, diligent, and industrious; which are commendable qualifications. My desires and prayers are, that not only they, but all the other praying Indians, may more and more increase in virtue and piety.