New-Englands memoriall, or, A brief relation of the most memorable and remarkable passages of the providence of God manifested to the planters of New-England in America with special reference to the first colony thereof, called New-Plimouth : as also a nomination of divers of the most eminent instruments deceased, both of church and common-wealth, improved in the first beginning and after-progress of sundry of the respective jurisdictions in those parts, in reference unto sundry exemplary passages of their lives, and the time of their death / published for use and benefit of present and future generations, by Nathaniel Morton ...

And first, of the beginning of the first Plantation in N.E. CALLED NEW-PLIMOUTH.

IT is the usuall manner of the Dispensation of the Maje∣sty of Heaven, to work wonderfully by weak means for the effectuating of great things, to the intent that he may have the more Glory to himself: Many instances hereof might be produced, both out of the Sacred Scri∣ptures, and common Experience; and amongst many others of this kinde, the late Happy and Memorable Enterprize of the Planting of that part of America called New-England, de∣serveth to be Commemorized to future Posterity.

IN the Year 1602. divers godly Christians of our English Nation in the North of England, being studious of Refor∣mation, and therefore not onely witnessing against Humane Inventions, and Additions in the Worship of God, but minding most the positive and practical part of Divine Institutions, they entred into Covenant, To walk with God, and one with an∣other, in the enjoyment of the Ordinances of God, according

to the Primitive Patern in the Word of God. But finding by experience they could not peaceably enjoy their own liberty in their Native Country, without offence to others that were dif∣ferently minded; they took up thoughts of removing them∣selves and their Families into the Netherlands, which accord∣ingly they endeavoured to accomplish, but met with great hinderance yet after some time, the good hand of God re∣moving obstructions, they obtained their desires arriving in Holland, they setled themselves in the City of Leyden, in the year 1610, and there they continued divers years in a com∣fortable condition, enjoying much sweet society and spiritual comfort in the wayes of God, living peaceably among them∣selves, and being courteously entertained, and lovingly re∣spected by the Dutch, amongst whom they were strangers, ha∣ving for their Pastor Mr. John Robinson, a man of a learned, polished, and modest spirit, pious and studious of the Truth, largely accomplished with sutable Gifts and Qualifications to be a Shepherd over this Flock of Christ; having also a fellow-helper with him in the Eldership, Mr. William Brewster, a man of approved Piety, Gravity, and Integrity, very eminently fur∣nished with gifts sutable to such an Office.

But notwithstanding their amiable and comfortable carrying on, (as hath been said) although the Church of Christ on Earth in holy Writ, is sometimes called Heaven; yet there is alwayes in their most perfect state here in this lower world, very much wanting as to absolute and perfect happiness, which is onely reserved for the time and place of the full enjoyment of Celestial Glory: for, although this Church was at peace, and in rest at this time, yet they took up thoughts of removing themselves into America with common consent; the Proposi∣tion of removing thither being set on foot, and prosecuted by the Elders upon just and weighty grounds: for, although they did quietly and sweetly enjoy their Church-liberties under the States, yet they foresaw that Holland would be no place for their Church and Posterity to continue in comfortably, at least in that measure that they hoped to finde abroad; and

that for these Reason following, which I shall recite as received from themselves.

First, Because themselves were of a different Language from the Dutch, where they lived, and were setled in their way, in∣somuch that in ten years time, whiles their Church sojourned amongst them, they could not bring them to reform the neglect of Observation of the Lords-day as a Sabbath, or any other thing amiss amongst them.

Secondly, Because their Countrymen, who came over to joyn with them, by reason of the hardness of the Country, soon spent their Estates, and were then forced either to return back to England, or to live very meanly.

Thirdly, That many of their Children, through the extreme necessity that was upon them, although of the best dispositions, and graciously inclined, and willing to bear part of their Pa∣rents burthens, were oftentimes so oppressed with their heavy labours, that although their Spirits were free and willing, yet their Bodies bowed under the weight of the same, and became decrepid in their early youth, and the vigour of Nature con∣sumed in the very bud. And that which was very lamentable, and of all sorrows most heavy to be born, was, that many by these occasions, and the great licentiousness of Youth in that Coun∣try, and the manifold temptations of the place, were drawn away by evil examples into extravagant and dangerous courses, getting the reins on their necks, and departing from their Pa∣rents: Some became Souldiers, others took upon them farre Voyages by Sea, and other-some worse courses tending to disso∣luteness, and the destruction of their Souls, to the great grief of their Parents, and the dishonour of God; and that the place being a place of great licentiousness and liberty to Children, they could not educate them, nor could they give them due correction without reproof or reproach from their Neigh∣bours.

Fourthly, That their Posterity would in few generations be∣come Dutch, and so lose their interest in the English Nation; they being desirous rather to enlarge His Majesties Dominions,

and to live under their Naturall PRINCE.

Fifthly and lastly, and which was not the least, a great hope and inward Zeal they had of laying some good Foundation, or at least to make some way thereunto, for the propagating and ad∣vancement of the Gospel of the Kingdome of Christ in those remote parts of the World, yea although they should be but as stepping-stones unto others for the performance of so great a Work.

These and such like were the true Reasons of their removal, and not as some of their Adversaries did upon the rumour thereof, cast out slanders against them; as if the State was weary of them, and had rather driven them out, (as Heathen Histories have feigned of Moses and the Israelites, when they went out of Egypt) then that it was their own free choice and motion.

I will therefore mention a particular or two, to evince the contrary.

And first, Although some of them were low in their Estates, yet the Dutch observing that they were diligent, faithful and careful of their engagements, had great respect to them, and strove for their custome.

Again, secondly, the Magistrates of the City of Leyden where they lived, about the time of their coming away, in the publick place of Justice gave this commendable Testimony of them, in reproof of the Walloons who were of the French Church in the City; These English (said they) have lived now amongst us Ten years, and yet we never had any Suit or Accusation against them, or any of them; but your Strifes and Quarrels are con∣tinuall.

The Reasons of their Removal above-named being debated first in private, and thought weighty, were afterwards pro∣pounded in publick; and after solemn dayes of Humiliation observed both in publick and in private, it was agreed, That part of the Church should go before their Brethren into Ame∣rica, to prepare for the rest: and if in case the major part of

the Church did chuse to go over with the first, then the Pastor to go along with them; but if the major part stayed, that he was then to stay with them.

They having imployed sundry Agents to treat with several Merchants in England, who adventured some considerable Sums in a way of valuation to such as went personally on in the Voyage; the Articles of Agreement about the premises being fully concluded with the said Merchants, and sundry Dif∣ficulties and Obstructions removed, having also obtained Let∣ters Patents for the Northern parts of Virginia, of King James of Famous Memory; All things were got ready and provided, a small Ship was bought and fitted out in Holland, of about sixty Tun, called The Speedwell, as to serve to transport some of them over, so also to stay in the Country, and attend upon Fishing, and such other affairs as might be for the good and benefit of the Colony when they came thither. Another Ship was hired at London, of Burthen about Ninescore, called The May-flower, and all other things got in a readiness: so being prepared to depart, they had a solemn day of Humilia∣tion, the Pastor teaching a part of the day very profitably and sutably to the present occasion, the rest of the time was spent in pouring out of Prayers unto the Lord with great fervency, mixed with abundance of tears; and the time being come that they must depart, they were accompanied with most of their Brethren out of the City, unto a Town called Delfs Haven, where the Ship lay ready to receive them: so they left that goodly and pleasant City, which had been their resting place above eleven years; but they knew that they were Pilgrims and Strangers here below, and looked not much on these things, but lifted up their eyes to Heaven, their dearest Country, where God hath prepared for them a City, and therein quieted their spirits.

When they came to the place, they found the Ship and all things ready; and such of their Friends as could not come with them, followed after them, and sundry came from Am∣sterdam to see them shipt, and to take their leaves, of them.

One night was spent with little sleep with the most, but with friendly entertainment, and Christian discourse, and other reall expressions of true Christian love. The next day the wind being fair they went on Board, and their friends with them, where truely-doleful was the sight of that sad and mournful parting, to hear what sighs and sobs and prayers did sound amongst them, what tears did gush from every eye, and pithy speeches pierced each others heart, that sundry of the Dutch strangers that stood on the Key as spectators, could not refrain from tears: yet comfortable and sweet it was, to see such lively and true expressions of dear and unfeigned love. But the Tide (which stayes for no man) calling them away, that were thus loth to depart, their Reverend Pastor falling down on his knees, and they all with him, with watery cheeks commended them with most fervent Prayers unto the Lord and his blessing; and then with mutual imbraces, and many tears, they took their leaves one of another, which proved to be the last leave to many of them. Thus hoysing Sail with a prospe∣rous gale of wind, they came in short time to Southampton, where they found the bigger Ship come from London, being ready with all the rest of their Company, meeting each other with a joyful welcome and mutual congratulation.

At their parting, their Pastor Mr. John Robinson wrote a Letter to the whole Company, which I thought meet here to insert, being so fruitfull in it self, and sutable to their occa∣sions.

Loving Christian Friends,

I Do heartily, and in the Lord salute you, as being those with whom I am present in my best affections, and most earnest long∣ings after you, though I be constrained for a while to be bodily absent from you: I say, Constrained; God knowing how willing∣ly, and much rather then otherwise, I would have born my part with you in this first brunt, were I not by strong necessity held back for the present. Make account of me in the mean time as a man divided in my self, with great pain, (and as Natural bonds set

aside) having my better part with you: And although I doubt not but in your godly wisdomes you both foresee and resolve upon that which concerneth your present state and condition, both severally and joyntly; yet have I thought it but my duty to adde some further spur of provocation unto them who run already, if not because you need it, yet because I owe it in love and duty. And first, as we are daily to renew our Repentance with our God, especially for our sins known, and generally for our unknown trespasses: so doth the Lord call us in a singular manner, upon occasions of such difficulty and danger as lieth upon you, to a both narrow search, and careful reformation of your wayes in his sight, lest he calling to remembrance our sins forgotten by us, or unrepented of, take advantage against us, and in judgement leave us to be swallowed up in one danger or other: whereas on the contrary, sin being taken away by earnest Repentance, and the pardon thereof from the Lord sealed up to a mant Conscience by his Spirit, great shall be his security and peace in all dangers, sweet his comforts in all distresses, with happy de∣liverance from all evil, whether in life or death. Now next after this heavenly peace with God and our own Consciences, we are care∣fully to provide for peace with all men, what in us lyeth, especially with our Associates; and for that, watchfulness must be had that we neither at all in our selves do give, no nor easily take offence be∣ing given by others. Woe be to the world for offences, for al∣though it be necessary, considering the malice of Satan and mans corruption, that offences come, yet woe unto the man, or woman either, by whom the offence cometh, saith Christ, Matth. 18.7. and if offences in the unseasonable use of things in themselves in∣different, be more to be feared then death it self, as the Apostle teacheth, 1 Cor. 9.15. how much more in things simply evil, in which neither honour of God nor love of man is thought worthy to be regarded? Neither yet is it sufficient that we keep our selves by the grace of God from giving of offence, except withall we be armed against the taking of them when they are given by others: for how imperfect and lame is the work of Grace in that person, who wants Charity to cover a multitude of offences? as the Scripture speaks. Neither are you to be wherred to this grace,

onely upon the common grounds of Christianity, which are, that persons ready to take offence, either want Charity to cover offences, or Wisdome duely to weigh humane frailties; or lastly, are gross though close Hypocrites, as Christ our Lord teacheth, Mat. 7.1, 2, 3. as indeed, in my own experience few or none have been found which sooner give offence, then such as easily take it; neither have they ever proved sound and profitable Members in Societies, who have nourished this touchy humour. But besides these, there are divers Motives provoking you above others to great care and conscience this way; as first, there are many of you strangers as to the per∣sons, so to the infirmities one of another, and so stand in need of more watchfulness this way, lest when such things fall out in men and women as you expected not, you be inordinately affected with them, which doth require at your hands much Wisdome and Cha∣rity for the covering and preventing of incident offences that way. And lastly, your intended course of Civil Community, will minister continuall occasion of offence, and will be as fewel for that fire, except you diligently quench it with brotherly forbearance: and if taking of offence causlesly or easily at mens doings, be so care∣fully to be avoided; how much more heed is to be taken that we take not offence at God himself? which yet we certainly do, so oft as we do murmure at his Providence in our crosses, or bear impatiently such afflictions as wherewith he is pleased to visit us. Store up therefore Patience against the evil day; without which, we take offence at the Lord himself in his holy and just works. A fourth thing there is carefully to be provided for; viz. That with your common Imployments, you joyn conmon Affections truely bent upon the generall Good, avoiding as a deadly. Plague of your both Com∣mon and Special Comforts, all retiredness of minde for proper ad∣vantage; and all singularly affected every manner of way, let every man repress in himself, and the whole Body in each person, as so many Rebels against the Common Good, all private respects of mens selves, not sorting with the general Convenience. And as men are careful not to have a new House shaken with any violence, before it be well setled, and the parts firmly knit: so be you, I beseech you Brethren, much more carefull that the House of God

(which you are, and are to be) be not shaken with unnecessary No∣velties, or other Oppositions at the first setling thereof.

Lastly, Whereas you are to become a Body Politick, using a∣mongst your selves Civil Government, and are not furnished with persons of special Eminency above the rest, to be chosen by you into Office of Government; Let your wisdome and godliness appear not onely in choosing such persons as do intirely love, and will promote the Common Good; but also in yielding unto them all due Honour and Obedience in their lawful Administrations, not beholding in them the ordinariness of their persons, but Gods Ordinance for your good: not being like the foolish multitude, who more honour the gay Coat, then either the virtuous minde of the man, or the glorious Ordinance of the Lord: But you know better things, and that the Image of the Lords Power and Authority which the Magistrate beareth is honourable, in how mean persons soever; and this duty you may the more willingly, and ought the more conscionably to per∣form, because you are (at least for the present) to have them for your ordinary Governours, which your selves shall make choice of for that Work.

Sundry other things of Importance I could put you in minde of, and of those before-mentioned in more words; but I will not so far wrong your godly mindes, as to think you heedless of these things, there being also divers amongst you so well able both to admonish themselves and others of what concerneth them. These few things therefore, and the same in few words, I do earnestly commend unto your Care and Conscience, joyning therewith my daily and incessant Prayers unto the Lord, That He who hath made the Heavens, and the Earth, and Sea, and all Rivers of Waters, and whose Provi∣dence is over all his Works, especially over all his dear Children for good, would so guide and guard you in your wayes, as inwardly by his Spirit, so outwardly by the hand of his power, as that both you, and we also for and with you, may have after-matter of praising his Name all the dayes of your and our lives. Fare you well in Him in whom you trust, and in whom I rest,

An unfeigned well-willer of your happy success in this hopefull Voyage, JOHN ROBINSON.

Notes

• This hath been graciously an∣swered since, by moving the hearts of many of his Servants to be very in∣strumental in this work, with some good suc∣cess, & hopes of a further bles∣sing in that re∣spect.
• The Text of Scripture was Ezra 8.21.
• Hebr. 11.16.
• This was about the second of July 1620.
• Ʋpon the re∣ceipt of this let∣ter, the company was called to∣gether, and it was publickly read amongst them, which had good acceptation with all, and after fruit with many.