The clear sun-shine of the gospel breaking forth upon the Indians in New-England. Or,…The clear sun-shine of the gospel breaking forth upon the Indians in Nevv-England. Or,…

Conclusions and Orders made and agreed upon by divers Sachems and other principal men amongst the Indians at Concord, in the end of the eleventh month, An. 1646.

Conclusions and Orders made and agreed upon by divers Sachims and other principall men amongst the Indians at Concord, in the end of the eleventh moneth, An. 1646.

1. That every one that shall abuse themselves with wine or strong liquors, shall pay for every time so abusing themselves, 20 s. 2. That there shall be no more Pawwowing amongst the Indians. And if any shall hereafter ^*Pawwow, both he that shall Pawwow, & he that shall procure him to Pawwow, shall pay 20 s. apiece. 3. They do desire that they may be stirred up to seek after God. 4. They desire they may understand the wiles of Satan, and grow out of love with his suggestions, and temptations. 5. That they may fall upon some better course to improve their time, then formerly. 6. That they may be brought to the sight of the sin of lying, and whosever shall be found faulty herein shall pay for the first offence 5 s. the second 10 s. the third 20 s. 7. Whosoever shall steal any thing from another, shall restore fourfold. 8. They desire that no Indian hereafter shall have any more but one wife. 9. They desire to prevent falling out of Indians one with another, and that they may live quietly one by another. 10. That they may labour after humility, and not be proud. 11. That when Indians do wrong one to another, they may be liable to censure by fine or the like, as the English are. 12. That they pay their debts to the English. 13. That they do observe the Lords-Day, and whosoever shall profane it shall pay 20 s. 14. That there shall not be allowance to pick Lice, as formerly, and eat them, and whosoever shall offend in this case shall pay for every louse a penny. ⟨p. 5⟩15. They will wear their hair comely, as the English do, and whosoever shall offend here in shall pay 5 s. 16. They intend to reform themselves, in their former greasing themselves, under the Penalty of 5 s. for every default. 17. They do all resolve to set up prayer in their wigwams, and to ²seek to God both before and after meat. 18. If any cometh sin of fornication, being single persons, the man shall pay 20 s. and the woman 10 s. 19. If any man lie with a breast he shall die. 20. Whosoever shall play at their former games shall pay 10 s. 21. Whosoever shall commit adultery shall be put to death. 22. Wilful Murder shall be punished with death. 23. They shall not disguise themselves in their mournings, as formerly; nor shall they keep a great noise by howling. 24. The old Ceremony of the Maid walking alone and living apart so many days 20 s. 25.

1. THat every one that shall abuse themselves with wine or strong liquors, shall pay for every time so abusing themselves, 20 s. 2. That there shall be no more Pawwowing amongst the Indians. And if any shall hereafter ^*Pawwow, both he that shall Pawwow, & he that shall procure him to Pawwow, shall pay 20 s. apeece. 3. They doe desire that they may be stirred up to seek after God. 4. They desire they may understand the wiles of Satan, and grow out of love with his suggestions, and temptations. 5. That they may fall upon some better course to improve their time, then formerly. 6. That they may be brought to the sight of the sinne of lying, and whosever shall be found faulty herein shall pay for the first offence 5 s. the second 10 s. the third 20 s. 7. Whosoever shall steale any thing from another, shall restore fourfold. 8. They desire that no Indian hereafter shall have any more but one wife. 9. They desire to prevent falling out of Indians one with another, and that they may live quietly one by another. 10. That they may labour after humility, and not be proud. 11. That when Indians doe wrong one to another, they may be lyable to censure by fine or the like, as the English are. 12. That they pay their debts to the English. 13. That they doe observe the Lords-Day, and whosoever shall prophane it shall pay 20 s. 14. That there shall not be allowance to pick Lice, as formerly, and eate them, and whosoever shall offend in this case shall pay for every louse a penny. ⟨p. 5⟩15. They will weare their haire comely, as the English do, and whosoever shall offend here in shall pay 5 s. 16. They intend to reforme themselves, in their former greasing themselves, under the Penalty of 5 s. for every default. 17. They doe all resolve to set up prayer in their wigwams, and to ²seek to God both before and after meate. 18. If any committhe sinne of fornication, being single persons, the man shall pay 20 s. and the woman 10 s. 19. If any man lie with a breast he shall die. 20. Whosoever shall play at their former games shall pay 10 s. 21. Whosoever shall commit adultery shall be put to death. 22. Wilfull Murder shall be punished with death. 23. They shall not disguise themselves in their mournings, as formerly; nor shall they keep a great noyse by howling. 24. The old Ceremony of the Maide walking alone and living apart so many dayes 20 s. 25.

1. *Pawwows are Witches or Sorcere•s that cure by help of the devil,Pawwows are Witches or Sorcere•s that cure by help of the devill,
2. 2A Wigwam is such a dwelling house as they live in.

1. *A Canoe is a small Boat.A Canooe is a small Boate.

Immediately after these things were agreed upon, most of the Indians of these parts, set up Prayer morning and evening in their families, and before and after meat. They also generally cut their hair, and were more civill in their carriage to the English then formerly. And they do manifest a great willingness to conform themselves to the civill fashions of the English. The Lords day they keep a day of rest, and minister what edification they can to one another. These former orders were put into this form by Captain Simond Willard of Concord, whom the Indians with unanimous consent entreated to be their Recorder, being very solicitous that what they did agree upon might be faithfully preserved without alteration.

Immediatly after these things were agreed upon, most of the Indians of these parts, set up Prayer morning and evening in their families, and before and after meat. They also generally cut their haire, and were more civill in their carriage to the English then formerly. And they doe manifest a great willingnesse to conform themselves to the civill fashions of the English. The Lords day they keepe a day of rest, and minister what edification they can to one another. These former orders were put into this forme by Captaine Simond Willard of Concord, whom the Indians with unanimous consent intreated to bee their Recorder, being very solicitous that what they did agree upon might be faithfully preserved without alteration.

Thomas Flint. Simon Willard.

These things thus wrought in a short time about Concord side, I look upon as fruits of the ministry of the Word; for although their high esteem bred lately in them, especially the chief and best of the English, together with that mean esteem many of them have of themselves, and therefore will call themselves sometimes poor Creatures, when they see and hear of their great distance from others of the English; I say, although these things may be some causes of making these orders and walking in these courses, yet the chief cause seems to be the power of the Word, which hath been the chief cause of these Orders, and therefore it is that until now of late they never so much as thought of any of these things.

These things thus wrought in a short time about Concord side, I looke upon as fruits of the ministery of the Word; for although their high esteem bred lately in them, especially the chief and best of the English, together with that mean esteem many of them have of themselves, and therefore will call themselves sometimes poore Creatures, when they see and heare of their great distance from others of the English; I say, although these things may be some causes of making these orders and walking in these courses, yet the chiefe cause seemes to bee the power of the Word, which hath been the chiefe cause of these Orders, and therefore it is that untill now of late they never so much as thought of any of these things.

I am not able to acquaint you very much from my own eye and care witness of things, for you know the near relation between me and the fire side usually all winter time, only I shall impart two or three things more of what I have heard and seen, and the rest I shall relate to you as I have received from faithful witnesses, who testify nothing to me by their writings, but what is seen in the open Sun, and done in the view of all the world, and generally known to be true of people abiding in these parts we live in.

I am not able to acquaint you very much from my owne eye and care witnesse of things, for you know the neare relation between me and the fire side usually all winter time, onely I shall impart two or three things more of what I have heard and seen, and the rest I shall relate to you as I have received from faithfull witnesses, who testifie nothing to me by their writings, but what is seene in the open Sun, and done in the view of all the world, and generally known to be true of people abiding in these parts wee live in.

As soon as ever the fierceness of the winter was past, March. 3. 1647. I went out to Noonanetum to the Indian Lecture, where Mr. Wilson, Mr. Allen, of Dedham, Mr. Dunster, beside many other Christians were present; on which day perceiving divers of the Indian women well affected, and considering that their souls might stand in need of answer to their scruples as well as the mens; & yet because we knew how unfit it was for women so much as to ask questions publicly immediately by themselves; we did therefore desire them to propound any questions they would be resolved about by first acquainting either their Husbands, or the Interpreter privately therewith: whereupon we heard two questions thus orderly propounded; which because they are the first that ever were propounded by Indian women in such an ordinance that ever we heard of, and because they may be otherwise useful, I shall therefore set them down.

As soone as ever the fiercenesse of the winter was past, March. 3. 1647. I went out to Noonanetum to the Indian Lecture, where Mr. Willson, Mr. Alleu, of Dedham, Mr. Dunster, beside many otherChristains were present; on which day perceiving divers of the Indian women well affected, and considering that their soules might stand in need of answer to their scruples as well as the mens; & yet because we knew how unfit it was for women so much as to aske questions publiquely immediatly by themselves; wee did therefore desire them to propound any questions they would bee resolved about by first acquainting either their Husbands, or the Interpreter privately therewith: whereupon we heard two questions thus orderly propounded; which because they are the first that ever were propounded by Indian women in such an ordinance that ever wee heard of, and because they may bee otherwise usefull, I shall therefore set them downe.

The first question was propounded by the wise of one Wampooas a well affected Indian, viz. whether (said she) do I pray when ⟨p. 7⟩my husband prays if I speak nothing as he doth, yet if I like what he saith, and my heart goes with it? (for the Indians will many times pray with their wives, and with their children also sometime in the fields) she therefore searing lest prayer should only be an external action of the lips, enquired if it might not be also an inward action of the heart, if she liked of what he said.

The first question was propounded by the wise of one Wampooas a well affected Indian, viz. whether (said she) do I pray when ⟨p. 7⟩my husband prayes if I speak nothing as he doth, yet if I like what he saith, and my heart goes with it? (for the Indians will many times pray with their wives, and with their children also sometime in the fields) shee therefore searing lest prayer should onely be an externall action of the lips, enquired if it might not be also an inward action of the heart, if she liked of what he said.

The second question was propounded by the Wise of one Totherswampe, her meaning in her question (as we all perceived) was this, viz. Whether a husband should do well to pray with his wife, and yet continue in his passions; & be angry with his wife? But the modesty and wisdom of the woman directed her to do three things in one, for thus she spake to us, viz. Before my husband did pray he was much angry and froward, but since he hath begun to pray he was not angry so much, but little angry: wherein first she gave an honourable testimony of her husband and commended him for the abatement of his passion; secondly, she gave implicitly a secret reproof for what was past, and for somewhat at present that was amiss; and thirdly, it was intended by her as a question whether her husband should pray to God, and yet continue in some unruly passions; but she wifely avoided that, l•st it might reflect too much upon him, although we desired her to express if that was not her meaning.

The second question was propounded by the Wise of one Totherswampe, her meaning in her question (as wee all perceived) was this, viz. Whether a husband should do well to pray with his wife, and yet continue in his passions; & be angry with his wife? But the modesty and wisdome of the woman directed her to doe three things in one, sor thus shee spake to us, viz. Before my husband did pray hee was much angry and froward, but since hee hath begun to pray hee was not angry so much, but little angry: wherein first shee gave an honorable testimony of her husband and commended him for the abatement of his passion; secondly, shee gave implicitly a secret reproofe for what was past, and for somewhat at present that was amisse; and thirdly, it was intended by her as a question whether her husband should pray to God, and yet continue in some unruly passions; but she wifely avoyded that, l•st it might reflect too much upon him, although wee desired her to expresse if that was not her meaning.

At this time (beside these questions) there were sundry others propounded of very good use, in all which we saw the Lord Jesus leading them to make narrow inquiries into the things of God, that so they might see the reality of them. I have heard few Christians when they begin to look toward God, make more searching questions that they might see things really, and not only have a notion of them: I for bear to mention any of them, because I forget the chief of them; only this we took notice of at this days meeting, that there was an aged Indian who proposed his complaint in propounding his question concerning an unruly disobedient son, and "what one should do with him "in case of obstinacy and disobedience, and that will not hear "Gods Word, though his Father command him, nor will not "forsake his drunkenness, though his father forbid him? Unto which there were many answers to set forth the sin of disobedience ⟨p. 8⟩to parents; which were the more quickened and sharpened because we knew that this rebellious son whom the old man meant, was by Gods providence present at this Lecture: Mr. Wilson was much enlarged, and spake so terribly, yet so graciously as might have affected a heart not quite shut up, which this young desperado hearing (who well understood the English tongue) instead of humbling himself before the Lords Word, which touched his conscience and condition so near, he was filled with a spirit of Satan, and as soon as ever Mr. Wilsons speech was ended he brake out into a loud contemptuous expression; So, saith he: which we passed by without speaking again, leaving the Word with him, which we knew would one day take its effect one way or other upon him.

At this time (beside these questions) there were sundry others propounded of very good use, in all which we saw the Lord Jesus leading them to make narrow inquiries into the things of God, that so they might see the reality of them. I have heard few Christians when they begin to looke toward God, make more searching questions that they might see things really, and not onely have a notion of them: I for beare to mention any of them, because I forget the chiefe of them; onely this wee tooke notice of at this dayes meeting, that there was an aged Indian who proposed his complaint in propounding his question concerning an unruly disobedient son, and "what one should do with him "in case of obstinacy and disobedience, and that will not heare "Gods Word, though his Father command him, nor will not "forsake his drunkennesse, though his father forbid him? Unto which there were many answers to set forth the sinne of disobedience

The latter end of this year Mr. Wilson, Mr. Eliot, and my self were sent for by those in Tarmoutb to meet with some other Elders of Plymouth patent, to hear and heal (if it were the will of Christ) the difference and sad breaches which have been too long a time among them, wherein the Lord was very merciful to us and them in binding them up beyond our thoughts in a very short time, in giving not only that bruised Church but the whole Town also a hopeful beginning of settled peace and future quietness; but Mr. Eliot as he takes all other advantages of time, so he took this, of speaking with, and preaching to the poor Indians in these remote places about Cape Cod: in which journey I shall acquaint you with what all of us observed.

The latter end of this yeare Mr. Wilson, Mr. Eliot, and my selfe were sent for by those in Tarmoutb to meet with some other Elders of Plimoutb pattent, to heare and heale (if it were the will of Christ) the difference and sad breaches which have been too long a time among them, wherein the Lord was very mercifull to us and them in binding them up beyond our thoughts in a very short time, in giving not only that bruised Church but the whole Towne also a hopefull beginning of setled peace and future quietnesse; but Mr. Eliot as hee takes all other advantages of time, so hee tooke this, of speaking with, and preaching to the poore Indians in these remote places about Cape Cod: in which journey I shall acquaint you with what all of us observed.

We first found these Indians (not very far from ours) to understand (but with much difficulty) the usual language of those in our parts, partly in regard of the different dialect which generally varies in 40. or 60. miles, and partly and especially in regard of their not being accustomed unto sacred language about the holy things of God, wherein Mr. Eliot excels any other of the English, that in the Indian language about common matters excel him: I say therefore although they did with much difficulty understand him, yet they did understand him, although by many circumlocutions and variations of speech and the help of one or two Interpreters which were then present.

Wee first found these Indians (not very farre from ours) to understand (but with much difficulty) the usuall language of those in our parts, partly in regard of the different dialect which generally varies in 40. or 60. miles, and partly and especially in regard of their not being accustomed unto sacred language about the holy things of God, wherein Mr. Eliot excells any other of the English, that in the Indian language about common matters excell him: I say therefore although they did with much difficulty understand him, yet they did understand him, although by many circumlocutions and variations of speech and the helpe of one or two Interpreters which were then present.

Secondly, we observed much opposition against him, and hearing of him at the day appointed, especially by one of the chiefest ⟨p. 9⟩Sachems in those parts, a man of a fierce, strong and furious spirit whom the English therefore call by the name John: who although before the day appointed for preaching, promised very fair that he would come and bring his men with him; yet that very morning when they were to be present, he sends out almost all his men to Sea, pretending fishing, and therefore although at last he came late himself to the Sermon, yet his men were absent, and when he came himself, would not seem to understand any thing, although he did understand as some of the Indians themselves then told us, when Mr. Eliot by himself and by them inquired of him if he understood what was spoken: yet he continued hearing what was said with a dogged look and a discontented countenance.

Secondly, wee observed much opposition against him, and hearing of him at the day appointed, especially by one of the chiefest ⟨p. 9⟩Sacbims in those parts, a man of a fierce, strong and surious spirit whom the English therefore call by the name John: who although before the day appointed for preaching, promised very faire that he would come and bring his men with him; yet that very morning when they were to bee present, he sends out almost all his men to Sea, pretending fishing, and therefore although at last he came late himselfe to the Sermon, yet his men were absent, and when he came himself, would not seem to understand any thing, although hee did understand as some of the Indians themselves then told us, when Mr. Eliot by himself and by them inquired of him if he understood what was spoken: yet he continued hearing what was said with a dogged looke and a discontented countenance.

Thirdly, not withstanding this opposition we found another Sachem then present willing to learn, and divers of his men attentive and knowing what was said: and in the time which is usually set apart for propounding questions, an aged Indian told us openly, That these very things which Mr. Eliot had taught: them as the Commandments of God, and concerning God, and the making of the world by one God, that they had heard some old men who were now dead, to say the same things, since whose death there hath been no remembrance or knowledge of them among the Indians until now they hear of them again. Which when I heard solemnly spoken, I could not tell how those old Indians should attain to such knowledge, unless perhaps by means of the French Preacher cast upon those coasts many years since, by whose ministry they might possibly reap and retain some knowledge of those things; this also I hear by a godly and able Christian who hath much converse with them; that many of them have this apprehension now stirring among them, viz. That their forefathers did know God, but that after this, they sell into a great sleep, and when they did awaken they quite forgot him, (for under such metaphorical language they usually express what eminent things they mean:) so that it may seem to be the day of the Lords gracious visitation of these poor Natives, which is just as it is with all other people, when they are most low, the wheel then turns, and the Lord remembers to have mercy.

Thirdly, not withstanding this opposition wee found another Sachim then present willing to learne, and divers of his men attentive and knowing what was said: and in the time which is usually set apart for propounding questions, an aged Indian told us openly, That these very things which Mr. Eliot had taugh: them as the Commandements of God, and concerning God, and the making of the world by one God, that they had heard some old men who were now dead, to say the same things, since whose death there hath been no remembrance or knowledge of them among the Indians untill now they heare of them againe. Which when I heard solemnly spoken, I could not tell how those old Indians should attaine to such knowledge, unlesse perhaps by means of the French Preacher cast upon those coasts many yeers since, by whose ministry they might possibly reape and retaine some knowledge of those things; this also I hear by a godly and able Christain who hath much converse with them; that many of them have this apprehension now stirring among them, viz. That their forefathers did know God, but that after this, they sell into a great sleep, and when they did awaken they quite forgot him, (for under such metaphoricall language they usually expresse what eminent things they meane:) so that it may seeme to be the day of the Lords gracious visitation of these poore Natives, which is just as it is with all other people, when they are most low, the wheele then turnes, and the Lord remembers to have mercy.