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,…

The Order made last General Court at Boston the 26. of May, 1647. concerning the Indians, &c.

The Order made last Generall Court at Boston the 26. of May, 1647. concerning the Indians, &c.

Upon information that the Indians dwelling among us, and submitted to our government, being by the Ministry of the Word brought to some civility, are desirous to have a course of ordinary Judicature set up among them: It is therefore ordered by authority of this Court, that some one or more of the Magistrates, as they shall agree amongst themselves, shall once every quarter keep a Court at such place, where the Indians ordinarily assemble to hear the Word of God, and may then hear and determine all causes both civill and criminal, not being capital, concerning the Indians only, and that the Indian Sachimsshall have liberty to take order in the nature of Summons or Attachments, to bring any of their own people to the said Courts, and to keep a Court of themselves, every month if they see occasion, to determine small causes of a civill nature, and such smaller criminal causes, as the said Magistrates shall refer to them; and the said Sachems shall appoint Officers to serve Warrant, and to ⟨p. 16⟩execute the Orders and Judgements of either of the said Courts, which Officers shall from time to time be allowed by the said Magistrates in the quarter Courts or by the Governor: And that all sins to be imposed upon any Indian in any of the said Courts, shall go and be bestowed towards the building of some meeting houses, for education of their poorer children in learning, or other public use, by the advice of the said Magistrates and of Master Eliot, or of such other Elder, as shall ordinarily instruct them in the true Religion. And it is the desire of this Court, that these Magistrates and Mr. Eliot or such other Elders as shall attend the keeping of the said Courts will carefully endeavour to make the Indians understand our most useful Laws, and the principles of reason, justice and equity whereupon they are grounded, & it is desired that some care may be taken of the Indians on the Lords days.

VPon information that the Indians dwelling among us, and submitted to our government, being by the Ministry of the Word brought to some civility, are desirous to have a course of ordinary Judicature set up among them: It is therefore ordered by authority of this Court, that some one or more of the Magistrates, as they shall agree amongst themselves, shall once every quarter keep a Court at such place, where the Indians ordinarily assemble to hear the Word of God, and may then hear and determine all causes both civill and criminall, not being capitall, concerning the Indians only, and that the Indian Sachimsshall have libertie to take order in the nature of Summons or Attachments, to bring any of their own people to the said Courts, and to keep a Court of themselves, every moneth if they see occasion, to determine small causes of a civill nature, and such smaller criminall causes, as the said Magistrates shall referre to them; and the said Sachims shall appoint Officers to serve Warrante, and to ⟨p. 16⟩execute the Orders and Judgements of either of the said Courts, which Officers shall from time to time bee allowed by the said Magistrates in the quarter Courts or by the Governour: And that all sines to bee imposed upon any Indian in any of the said Courts, shall goe and bee bestowed towards the building of some meeting houses, for education of their poorer children in learning, or other publick use, by the advice of the said Magistrates and of Master Eliot, or of such other Elder, as shall ordinarily instruct them in the true Religion. And it is the desire of this Court, that these Magistrates and Mr. Eliot or such other Elders as shall attend the keeping of the said Courts will carefully indeavour to make the Indians understand our most usefull Lawes, and the principles of reason, justice and equity whereupon they are grounded, & it is desired that some care may be taken of the Indians on the Lords dayes.

The Letter of Mr. Eliot to T. S. concerning the late work of God among the Indians.

Dear Brother,

Deare Brother,

AT your desire I have wrote a few things touching the Indians which at present came to my mind, as being some of those passages which took principal impression in my heart, ⟨p. 17⟩wherein I thought I saw the Lord, and said the finger of God is here.

AT your desire I have wrote a few things touching the Indians which at present came to my mind, as being some of those passages which took principall impression in my heart, ⟨p. 17⟩wherein I thought I saw the Lord, and said the finger of God is here.

That which I first aimed at was to declare & deliver unto them the Law of God, to civilize them, wch course the Lord took by Moses, to give the Law to that rude company because of transgression, Gal. 3. 19. to convince, bridle, restrain, and civilize them, and also to humble them. But when I first attempted it, they gave no heed unto it, but were weary, and rather despised what I said. A while after God stirred up in some of them a desire to come into the English fashions, and live after their manner, but knew not how to attain unto it, yea despaired that ever it should come to pass in their days, but thought that in 40. years more, some Indians would be all one English, and in an hundred years, all Indians here about, would so be: which when I heard, (for some of them told me they thought so, and that some wise Indians said so) my heart moved within me, abhorring that we should sit still and let that work alone, and hoping that this motion in them was of the Lord, and that this mind in them was a preparative to embrace the Law and Word of God; and therefore I told them that they and we were already all one save in two things, which make the only difference betwixt them and us: First, we know, serve, and pray unto God, and they do not: Secondly, we labour and work in building, planting, clothing our selves, &c. and they do not: and would hey but do as we do in these things, they would be all one with English men: they said they did not know God, and therefore could not tell how to pray to him, nor serve him. I told them if they would learn to know God, I would teach them: unto which they being very willing, I then taught them (as I sundry times had endeavoured afore) but never found them so forward, attentive and desirous to learn till this time, and then I told them I would come to their Wigwams, and teach them, their wives and children, which they seemed very glad of; and from that day forward I have not failed to do that poor little which you know I do.

That which I first aymed at was to declare & deliver unto them the Law of God, to civilize them, wch course the Lord took by Moses, to give the Law to that rude company because of transgression, Gal. 3. 19. to convince, bridle, restrain, and civilize them, and also to humble them. But when I first attempted it, they gave no heed unto it, but were weary, and rather despised what I said. A while after God stirred up in some of them a desire to come into the English fashions, and live after their manner, but knew not how to attain unto it, yea despaired that ever it should come to passe in their dayes, but thought that in 40. yeers more, some Indians would be all one English, and in an hundred yeers, all Indians here about, would so bee: which when I heard, (for some of them told me they thought so, and that some wise Indians said so) my heart moved within mee, abhorring that wee should sit still and let that work alone, and hoping that this motion in them was of the Lord, and that this mind in them was a preparative to imbrace the Law and Word of God; and therefore I told them that they and wee were already all one save in two things, which make the only difference betwixt them and us: First, we know, serve, and pray unto God, and they doe not: Secondly, we labour and work in building, planting, clothing our selves, &c. and they doe not: and would hey but doe as wee doe in these things, they would be all one with English men: they said they did not know God, and therefore could not tell how to pray to him, nor serve him. I told them if they would learn to know God, I would teach them: unto which they being very willing, I then taught them (as I sundry times had indeavored asore) but never found them so forward, attentive and desirous to learn till this time, and then I told them I would come to their Wigwams, and teach them, their wives and children, which they seemed very glad of; and from that day forward I have not failed to doe that poore little which you know I doe.

I first began with the Indians of Noonanetum, as you know, those of Dorchester mill not regarding any such thing: but the better sort of them perceiving how acceptable this was to the English, both to Magistrates, and all the good people, it pleased God to step in and bow their hearts to desire to be taught to know God, ⟨p. 18⟩and pray unto him likewise, and had not I gone unto them also, and taught them when I did, they had prevented me, and desired me so to do, as I afterward heard.

The effect of the Word which appears among them, and the change that is among them is this: First, they have utterly forsaken all their Powwows, and given over that diabolical exercise, being convicted that it is quite contrary to praying unto God; yea sundry of their Powwows have renounced their wicked employment, have condemned it as evil, and resolved never to use it anymore; others of them, seeing their employment and gains were utterly gone here, have fled to other places, where they are still entertained, and have raised lies, slanders, and an evil report upon those that hear the Word, and pray unto God, and also upon the English that endeavour to reclaim them and instruct them, that so they might discourage others from praying unto God, for that they account as a principal sign of a good man, and call all religion by that name, praying to God; and beside they mock and scoff at those Indians which pray, and blaspheme God when they pray; as this is one instance. A sober Indian going up into the country with two of his sons, did pray (as his manner was at home) and talked to them of God and Jesus Christ: but they mocked, & called one of his sons Jehovah, and the other Jesus Christ: so that they are not without opposition raised by the Powwows, and other wicked Indians.

The effect of the Word which appears among them, and the change that is among them is this: First, they have utterly fortaken all their Powwaws, and given over that diabolicall exercise, being convicted that it is quite contrary to praying unto God; yea sundry of their Powwaws have renounced their wicked imployment, have condemned it as evill, and resolved never to use it anymore; others of them, seeing their imployment and gaines were utterly gone here, have fled to other places, where they are still entertained, and have raised lies, slanders, and an evill report upon those that heare the Word, and pray unto God, and also upon the English that indeavour to reclaime them and instruct them, that so they might discourage others from praying unto God, for that they account as a principall signe of a good man, and call all religion by that name, praying to God; and beside they mock and scoffe at those Indians which pray, and blaspheme God when they pray; as this is one instance. A sober Indian going up into the countrey with two of hissons, did pray (as his manner was at home) and talked to them of God and Jesus Christ: but they mocked, & called one of his sons Jehovah, and the other Jesus Christ: so that they are not without opposition raised by the Pawwaws, and other wicked Indians.

Again as they have forsaken their former Religion, and manner of worship, so they do pray unto God constantly in their families, morning and evening, and that with great affection, as hath been seen and heard by sundry that have gone to their Wigwams at such times; as also when they go to meat they solemnly pray and give thanks to God, as they see the English to do: so that that curse which God threatens to pour out upon the families that call not on his name, is through his grace, and tender mercy stayed from breaking forth against them, and when they come to English houses, they desire to be taught; and if meat be given them, they pray and give thanks to God: and usually express their great joy, that they are taught to know God, and their great affection to them that teach them.

Againe as they have forsaken their former Religion, and manner of worship, so they doe pray unto God constantly in their families, morning and evening, and that with great affection, as hath been seen and heard by sundry that have gone to their Wigwams at such times; as also when they goe to meat they solemnly pray and give thanks to God, as they see the English to doe: so that that curse which God threatens to poure out upon the families that call not on his name, is through his grace, and tender mercy stayed from breaking forth against them, and when they come to English houses, they desire to be taught; and if meat bee given them, they pray and give thanks to God: and usually expresse their great joy, that they are taught to know God, and their great affection to them that teach them.

Further more they are careful to instruct their children, that so when I come they might be ready to answer their Catechize, ⟨p. 19⟩which by the often repeating of it to the children, the men and women can readily answer to.

Further more they are carefull to instruct their children, that so when I come they might be ready to answer their Catechize, ⟨p. 19⟩which by the often repeating of it to the children, the men and women can readily answer to.

Likewise they are careful to sanctify the Sabbath, but at first they could not tell how to do it, and they asked of me how they should do it, propounding it as a question whether they should come to the English meetings or meet among themselves; they said, if they come to the English meetings they understand nothing, or to no purpose, and if they met together among themselves, they had none that could teach them. I told them that it was not pleasing to God, nor profitable to themselves, to hear and understand nothing, nor having any that could interpret to them. Therefore I counselled them to meet together, and desire those that were the wisest and best men to pray, and then to teach the rest such things as I had taught them from Gods Word, as well as they could; and when one hath done, then let another do the like, and then a third, and when that was done ask me, &c. and to pray unto God to help them therein: and this is the manner how they spend their Sabbaths.

Likewise they are carefull to sanctifie the Sabbath, but at first they could not tell how to doe it, and they asked of mee how they should doe it, propounding it as a question whether they should come to the English meetings or meet among themselves; they said, if they come to the English meetings they understand nothing, or to no purpose, and if they met together among themselves, they had none that could teach them. I told them that it was not pleasing to God, nor profitable to themselves, to hear and understand nothing, nor having any that could interpret to them. Therefore I counselled them to meet together, and desire those that were the wisest and best men to pray, and then to teach the rest such things as I had taught them from Gods Word, as well as they could; and when one hath done, then let another do the like, and then a third, and when that was done aske me, &c. and to pray unto God to help them therein: and this is the manner how they spend their Sabbaths.

They are also strict against any profanation of the Sabbath, by working, fishing, hunting, &c. and have a Law to punish such as are delinquents therein by a fine of 10 s. and sundry cases they have had, wherein they have very strictly prosecuted such as have any way profaned the Sabbath. As for example, upon a Sabbath morning Cutchamaquin the Sachem his wife going to fetch water met with other women, and she began to talk of worldly matters, and so held on their discourse a while, which evil came to Nahanton's ear, who was to teach that day (this Nabanton is a sober good man, and a true friend to the English ever since our coming) so he bent his discourse to show the sanctification of the Sabbath, & reproved such evils as did violate the same; & among other things worldly talk, and thereupon reproved that which he heard of that morning. After he had done, they fell to discourse about it, and spent much time therein, he standing to prove that it was a sin, and she doubting of it, seeing it was early in the morning, and in private; and alleging that he was more to blame then she, because he had occasioned so much discourse in the public meeting: but in conclusion they determined ⟨p. 20⟩to refer the case to me, and accordingly they did come to my house on the second day morning and opened all the matter, and I gave them such direction as the Lord directed me unto, according to his holy Word.

They are also strict against any prophanation of the Sabbath, by working, fishing, hunting, &c. and have a Law to punish such as are delinquents therein by a fine of 10 s. and sundry cases they have had, wherein they have very strictly prosecuted such as have any way prophaned the Sabbath. As for example, upon a Sabbath morning Cutchamaquin the Sachim his wife going to fetch water met with other women, and she began to talk of wordly matters, and so held on their discourse a while, which evill came to Nahantons eare, who was to teach that day (this Nabanton is a sober good man, and a true friend to the English ever since our comming) so he bent his discourse to shew the sanctification of the Sabbath, & reproved such evils as did violate the same; & among other things wordly talk, and thereupon reproved that which he heard of that morning. After hee had done, they fell to discourse about it, and spent much time therein, hee standing to prove that it was a sinne, and she doubting of it, seeing it was early in the morning, and in private; and alledging that he was more to blame then she, because he had occasioned so much discourse in the publick meeting: but in conclusion they determined

Another case was this, upon a Lords day towards night two strangers came to Waban's Wigwam (it being usual with them to travail on that day, as on any other; (and when they came in, they told him that at a place about a mile off they had chased a Raccoon, and he betook himself into an hollow tree, and if they would go with them, they might fell the tree and take him: at which tidings, Waban being willing to be so well provide to entertain those strangers (a common practise among them, freely to entertain travellers and strangers) he sent his two servants with them, who felled the tree, and took the beast. But this act of his was an offence to the rest, who judged it a violation of the Sabbath, and moved agitation among them: but the conclusion was, it was to be moved as a question upon the next Lecture day; which was accordingly done, and received such answer as the Lord guided unto by his Word.

Another case was this, upon a Lords day towards night two strangers came to Wabans Wigwam (it being usuall with them to travaile on that day, as on any other; (and when they came in, they told him that at a place about a mile off they had chased a Rackoone, and he betook himself into an hollow tree, and if they would goe with them, they might fell the tree and take him: at which tidings, Waban being willing to be so well provide to entertain those strangers (a common practise among them, freely to entertain travailers and strangers) he sent his two servants with them, who felled the tree, and took the beast. But this act of his was an offence to the rest, who judged it a violation of the Sabbath, and moved agitation among them: but the conclusion was, it was to bee moved as a question upon the next Lecture day; which was accordingly done, and received such answer as the Lord guided unto by his Word.

Another case was this, upon a Lords day their public meeting holding long, and somewhat what late, when they came at home, in one Wigwam the fire was almost out, and therefore the man of the house, as he sate by the fire side took his Hatchet and split a little dry piece of wood, which they reserve on purpose for such use, and so kindled his fire, which being taken notice of, it was thought to be such a work as might not lawfully be done upon the Sabbath day, and therefore the case was propounded the Lecture following for their better information.

Another case was this, upon a Lords day their publick meetting holding long, and somewhat what late, when they came at home, in one Wigwam the fire was almost out, and therefore the man of the house, as he sate by the fire side took his Hatchet and split a little dry peece of wood, which they reserve on purpos• for such use, and so kindled his fire, which being taken notice of, it was thought to bee such a worke as might not lawfully be done upon the Sabbath day, and therefore the case was propounded the Lecture following for their better information.