Chapter VII (1)

Natick. The Indians build a bridge. Scenery of Charles River.
The Arsenal at Watertown. Indian names. Mrs. Sigourney’s Lines.
Gov. Endicott’s Letter. Proceedings preparatory to forming
an Indian Church. Confessions of several Indians. Indian
Catechism. Number in the Indian Church at Natick. Eliot’s
Indian Grammar. His Indian Bible. Remarks upon it. A copy sent
to Charles II. Richard Baxter’s remark. Further observations on
the Indian Bible. 14 places of praying Indians, in 1660. Mr.
Bancroft’s testimony. Indian Youths at Harvard College.

We come now to another stage in the history of the Indian mission.

It has already been said that in 1650 Mr. Eliot obtained a grant of land for the Indians, for the purpose of building houses and organizing a town government. The place selected was called NATICK, which means _a place of hills_. There the Indians began to build houses, each house having a piece of land attached to it for agriculture. One large building was erected to be the property of the town, the lower part to be used for a school-room and place of worship, the upper room to be a place of deposit for skins and articles of public property, with a bed for Mr. Eliot.

In one of his letters to friends in England, Mr. Eliot says,

“There is a great river which divideth between their planting grounds and dwelling place, through which they easily wade in summer, yet in the spring it is deep and unfit for daily passing over, especially of women and children.” He proposed to the Indians that they should make a foot bridge over it, which was accordingly built, and was ninety feet long and nine feet high. When it was finished, Mr. Eliot called the Indians together, prayed, and gave thanks to God, and taught them out of a portion of Scripture. He then told them that as it had been hard and tedious labor in the water, if any of them desired wages for their work he would give it to them, yet considering the work was for their own use, if they should do all that labor in love, he should take it well and remember it.

They replied that they were far from desiring any wages for doing their own work, and on the contrary were thankful for their employment,—at which Mr. Eliot praised them for their readiness and ingenuity at such work. This bridge is said to have lasted longer than one which the English built about the same time at Dedham.

It would be interesting if we could identify some of the favorite places of the Indians in this vicinity. It is pleasant to think that they were often grouped together at that most charming point where the Charles River bends round the arsenal at Watertown. No one who has stood on the bridge at that place on a summer morning when the mists were rising from the stream, or in the after part of the day, when the sun was in the right position over the curving parts of the stream to make their outlines brilliant as gold in the green meadow, can have failed to think that had such scenery occurred to him in Italy or Scotland, he would have found it celebrated in the works of the poet and painter. We have only to take journeys about home to find in the part of the country where we live, views and scenes both natural and historical of thrilling interest. It is easy to imagine the light canoe borne rapidly along the winding vales of the Charles River; we meet with Indian names in almost every village which is watered by that interesting stream, as well as in other places. Wrentham has its Nuckup hill; Norwich its Quenaboag and Shetucket river; Auburn its Boggachoog brook; Lancaster its Weshakum ponds; and Natick its Pegan plain.

The following lines by Mrs. Sigourney may appropriately be introduced here.

INDIAN NAMES.

“How can the red man be forgotten, while so many of our states
and territories, bays, lakes and rivers, are indelibly stamped
by names of their giving?”

Ye say, that all have passed away,
That noble race and brave,
That their light canoes have vanished
From off the crested wave;
That ’mid the forests where they roamed,
There rings no hunter’s shout;
But their name is on their waters,
Ye may not wash it out.

’Tis where Ontario’s billow,
Like Ocean’s surge is curled,
Where strong Niagara’s thunders wake
The echo of the world,
Where red Missouri bringeth
Rich tributes from the west,
And Rappahannock sweetly sleeps,
On green Virginia’s breast.

Ye say their cone-like cabins,
That clustered o’er the vale,
Have fled away like withered leaves,
Before the autumn gale;
But their memory liveth on your hills,
Their baptism on your shore,
Your everlasting rivers speak
Their dialect of yore.

Old Massachusetts wears it
Within her lordly crown,
And broad Ohio bean it
Amid her young renown;
Connecticut hath wreathed it,
Where her quiet foliage waves,
And bold Kentucky breathes it hoarse,
Through all her ancient caves.

Wachuset hides its lingering voice,
Within his rocky heart,
And Alleghany graves its tone
Throughout his lofty chart;
Monadnock on his forehead hoar,
Doth seal the sacred trust;
Your mountains build their monuments,
Though ye destroy their dust.

The Society for Propagating the Gospel among the Indians of North America, an account of which will be found in the appendix to this volume, published a letter addressed to them by Governor Endicott, of Massachusetts. It is interesting as a testimony to the advancement which the Indians had made in religion and civilization, and as a specimen of the personal interest which good rulers in former times took in the promotion of the kingdom of Christ in the earth. The letter is here printed as it is written, with the Introduction by the Society:

“The next Letter you meet withall came from the present
Governour of the _Massachusets_, directed to the President of
our Corporation, and another of the Members thereof, which
wee thought good to publish, that every Christian Reader may
partake in the same consolation, wherewith he and we are
comforted; and joyne with us in prayer to the Lord of the
Harvest, that he would provide more Labourers to enter upon
this soul-saving worke, and enlarge the hearts of all his
people in this Nation towards the same.”

“_Much honoured and beloved in the Lord Jesus_:

I Esteeme it not the least of God’s mercies that hath
stirred up the hearts of any of the people of God to be
instrumentall in the inlarging of the Kingdome of his deare
Sonne here amongst the Heathen _Indians_, which was one
end of our comming hither, and it is not frustrated. It
was prophesied of old, and now begins to be accomplished,
_Psal._ 2:8. Neither can I but acknowledge the unspeakable
goodnesse of God that gives us favour in the sight of our
Countreymen to helps on with so large a hand of bounty, so
glorious a work, provoked thereunto by your worthy selves,
the chiefs Actors of so good a designe, let me (with leave)
say confidently, you will never have cause to repent it;
For the work is Gods and he doth owne it, the labour there
hath been yours, and your Master will reward it. I think
Religion and Conscience binde me to seek unto God for you,
and to praise him with you, for what is already begun. The
Foundation is laid, and such a one that I verily beleeve
the gates of Hell shall never prevaile against. I doubt
not but the building will goe on apace, which I hope will
make glad the hearts of Thousands. Truly Gentlemen, had
you been eare and eye-witnesses of what I heard and saw on
a Lecture-day amongst them about three weeks since, you
could not but be affected therewith as I was. To speak
truly I could hardly refrain tears from very joy to see
their diligent attention to the word first taught by one
of the _Indians_, who before his Exercise prayed for the
manner devoutly and reverently (the matter I not so well
understanding) but it was with such reverence, zeale,
good affection, and distinct utterance, that I could not
but admire it; his Prayer was about a quarter of an houre
or more, as we judged it; then he took his Text, and
Mr. _Eliot_ their Teacher told us that were _English_,
the place (there were some Ministers and diverse other
godly men there that attended me thither) his Text was
in, _Matth._ 13:44, 45, 46. [The kingdom of heaven is
like unto treasure, &c. And to a merchant man, &c.] He
continued in his Exercise full halfe an houre or more, as
I judged it, his gravity and utterance was indeed very
commendable; which being done Mr. _Eliot_ taught in the
_Indian_ tongue about three quarters of an hour as neer
as I could guesse; the _Indians_ which were in number men
and women neer about one hundred, seemed the most of them
so to attend him, (the men especially) as if they would
loose nothing of what was taught them, which reflected much
upon some of our _English_ hearers. After all there was a
_Psalme_ sung in the _Indian_ tongue, and _Indian_ meeter,
but to an _English_ tune, read by one of themselves, that
the rest might follow, and he read it very distinctly
without missing a word as we could judge, and the rest
sang chearfully, and prettie tuneablie. I rid on purpose
thither being distant from my dwelling about thirty eight,
or forty miles, and truly I account it one of the best
Journeyes I made these many years. Some few dayes after I
desired Mr. _Eliot_ briefly to write me the substance of
the _Indians_ Exercise, which when he went thither again,
namely to _Naticke_, where the _Indians_ dwell, and where
the _Indian_ taught, he read what he remembered of it first
to their School-Master who is an _Indian_, and teacheth
them and their Children to write, and I saw him write also
in _English_, who doth it true and very legible, and asked
him if it were right, and he said yea, also he read it unto
others, and to the man himselfe, who also owned it. To tell
you of their industry and ingenuitie in building of an
house after the _English_ manner, the hewing and squaring
of their tymber, the sawing of the boards themselves, and
making of a Chimney in it, making of their ground-sells
and wall-plates, and mortising, and letting in the studds
into them artificially, there being but one _English_ man
a Carpenter to shew them, being but two dayes with them,
is remarkeable. They have also built a Fort there with
halfe trees cleft about eight or ten inches over, about
ten or twelve foot high, besides what is intrencht in the
ground, which is above a quarter of an acre of ground, as
I judge. They have also built a foot bridge over _Charles_
Rivers, with Groundsells and Spurres to uphold it against
the strength of the Flood and Ice in Winter; it stood
firme last Winter, and I think it will stand many Winters.
They have made Drummes of their owne with heads and brases
very neatly and artificially, all which shews they are
industrious and ingenuous. And they intend to build a
Water-Mill the next Summer, as I was told when I was with
them. Some of them have learnt to mow grasse very well.
I shall no further trouble you with any more Relation at
this time concerning them. But a word or two further with
your patience concerning other _Indians_. The work of
God amongst the _Indians_ at _Martins Vineyard_, is very
hopefull and prosperous also. I mist of Mr. _Mayhew_ their
Teacher, who was lately at _Boston_, and therefore cannot
give you a particular account thereof at this present time;
yet I cannot but acquaint you what other motions there
are touching other _Indians_. There came to us upon the
20th of this instant Moneth, at the Generall Court one
_Pummakummim_ Sachem of _Qunnubbagge_, dwelling amongst or
neer to the _Narragansets_, who offered himselfe and his
Men to worship God, and desired that some _English_ may
be sent from the _Massachusets_ Government to plant his
River, that thereby he may be partaker of Government, and
may be instructed by the _English_ to know God. We shall
I hope take some care and course about it, and I hope we
shall have more help to carry on that work also; For there
are some Schollers amongst us who addict themselves to the
study of the _Indian_ Tongue. The Lord in mercy recompence
it into your Bosomes, all that labour of love vouchsafed
to the poor _Indians_, which are the hearty prayers, and
earnest desire of, much honoured,

_Boston the 27th of the Eight. 1651._ Your loving Friend in
all service of Christ.

JOHN ENDECOTT.”

The prudence and caution of Mr. Eliot in his proceedings with regard to the formation of a Church among the Indians are not a little remarkable. He says,

“In way of preparation of them thereunto, I did this Summer
call forth sundry of them in the dayes of our public Assemblies
in Gods Worship; sometimes on the Sabbath when I could be with
them, and sometimes on Lecture daies, to make confession before
the Lord of their former sins, and of their present knowledg
of Christ, and experience of his Grace; which they solemnly
doing, I wrote down their Confessions: which having done, and
being in my own heart hopeful that there was among them fit
matter for a Church, I did request all the Elders about us to
hear them reade, that so they might give me advice what to
do in this great and solemn business; which being done on a
day appointed for the purpose, it pleased God to give their
Confessions such acceptance in their hearts, as that they saw
nothing to hinder their proceeding, to try how the Lord would
appear therein. Whereupon, after a day of Fasting and Prayer
among ourselves, to seek the Lord, in that behalf, there was
another day of Fasting and Prayer appointed, and publick notice
thereof, and of the names of Indians were to confess, and enter
into Covenant that day, was given to all the Churches about
us, to seek the Lord yet further herein, and to make solemn
Confessions of Christ his Truth and Grace, and further to try
whether the Lord would vouchsafe such grace unto them, as to
give them acceptance among the Saints, into the fellowship of
Church-Estate, and enjoyment of those Ordinances which the Lord
hath betrusted his Churches withal. That day was the thirteenth
of the eighth month.

When the Assembly was met, the first part of the day was
spent in Prayers unto God, and exercise in the Word of God;
in which my self first and after that two of the Indians
did Exercise; and so the time was spent till after ten or
near eleven of the clock. Then addressing our selves unto
the further work of the day, I first requested the reverend
Elders (many being present) that they would ask them Questions
touching the fundamental Points of Religion, that thereby
they might have some tryal of their knowledg, and better that
way, than if themselves should of themselves declare what
they beleeve, or than if I should ask them Questions in these
matters: After a little conference hereabout, it was concluded,
That they should first make confession of their experience
in the Lords Work upon their hearts, because in so doing, it
is like something will be discerned of their knowledg in the
Doctrines of Religion: and if after those Confessions there
should yet be cause to inquire further touching any Point
of Religion it might be fitly done at last. Whereupon we so
proceeded, and called them forth in order to make confession.
It was moved in the Assembly by Reverend Mr. _Wilson_, that
their former Confessions also, as well as these which they made
at present, might be read unto the Assembly, because it was
evident that they were daunted much, to speak before so great
and grave an Assembly as that was, but time did not permit it
so to be then: yet now in my writing of their Confessions I
will take that course, that so it may appear what encouragement
there was to proceed so far as we did; and that such as may
reade these their Confessions, may the better discern of the
reality of the Grace of Christ in them.”

He afterwards says,

“In the year 52 I perceiving the grace of God in sundry of
them, and some poor measure of fitnesse (as I was perswaded)
for the enjoyment of Church-fellowship, and Ordinances of Jesus
Christ, I moved in that matter, according as I have in the
Narration thereof, briefly declared. In the year 53 I moved not
that way, for these Reasons.

I having sent their Confessions to be published in _England_,
I did much desire to hear what acceptance the Lord gave unto
them, in the hearts of his people there, who daily labour at
the Throne of grace, and by other expressions of their loves,
for an holy birth of this work of the Lord, to the praise of
Christ, and the inlargement of his Kingdome. As also my desire
was, that by such Books as might be sent hither, the knowledge
of their Confessions might be spread here, unto the better and
fuller satisfaction of many, then the transacting thereof in
the presence of some could doe. These Books came by the latter
Ships (as I remember) that were bound for _New England_, and
were but newly out when they set saile, and therefore I had not
that answer that year, which my soule desired, though something
I had which gave encouragement, and was a tast of what I have
more fully heard from severall this year, praised be the Lord.

Besides there fell a great damping and discouragement upon
us by a jealousie too deeply apprehended, though utterly
groundlesse, _viz._ That even these praying _Indians_ were
in a conspiracy with others, and with the _Dutch_, to doe
mischief to the _English_. In which matter, though the ruling
part of the People looked otherwise upon them, yet it was no
season for me to stir or move in this matter, when the waters
were so troubled. This businesse needeth a calmer season,
and I shall account it a favour of God when ever he shall
please to cause his face to shine upon us in it. Yet this I
did the last year, after the Books had been come a season,
there being a great meeting at _Boston_, from other Colonies
as well as our owne, and the Commissioners being there, I
thought it necessary to take that opportunity to prepare and
open the way in a readinesse against this present year, by
making this Proposition unto them; namely, _That they having
now seen their confessions, if upon further triall of them in
point of knowledge, they be found to have a competent measure
of understanding in the fundamentall points of Religion; and
also, if there be due testimony of their conversation, that
they walke in a Christian manner according to their light, so
that Religion is to be seen in their lives; whether then it be
according to God, and acceptable to his people, that they be
called up unto Church estate?_ Unto which I had I blesse the
Lord, a generall approbation.

Accordingly this year 54 I moved the Elders, that they would
give me advice and assistance in this great businesse, and that
they would at a fit season examine the _Indians_ in point of
their knowledge, because we found by the former triall, that a
day will be too little (if the Lord please to call them on to
Church-fellowship) to examine them in points of Knowledge, and
hear their Confessions, and guide them into the holy Covenant
of the Lord. Seeing all these things are to be transacted in a
strange language, and by Interpreters, and with such a people
as they be in these their first beginnings. But if they would
spend a day on purpose to examine them in their knowledge
there would be so much the more liberty to doe it fully and
throughly, (as such a work ought to be) as also when they may
be called to gather into Church-Communion, it may suffice that
some one of them should make a Doctrinall Confession before
the Lord and his people, as the rule of faith which they build
upon, the rest attesting their consent unto the same: And
themselves (the Elders I mean, if the Lord so far assist the
_Indians_, as to give them satisfaction) might testifie that
upon Examination they have found a competency of knowledge in
them to inable them unto such a work and state. And thus the
work might be much shortned, and more comfortably expedited in
one day. I found no unreadinesse in the Elders to further this
work.

They concluded to attend the work, and for severall Reasons
advised that the place should be at _Roxbury_, and not at
_Natick_, and that the _Indians_ should be called thither, the
time they left to me to appoint, in such a season as wherein
the Elders may be at best liberty from other publick occasions.
The time appointed was the 13 of the 4 moneth; meanwhile I
dispatched Letters unto such as had knowledge in the Tongue,
requesting that they would come and help in interpretation,
or attest unto the truth of my Interpretations. I sent also
for my Brother _Mayhu_, who accordingly came, and brought an
Interpreter with him. Others whom I had desired, came not. I
informed the _Indians_ of this appointment, and of the end it
was appointed for, which they therefore called, and still doe,
when they have occasion to speak of it _Natootomuhteáe kesuk, A
day of asking Questions, or, A day of Examination_. I advised
them to prepare for it, and to pray earnestly about it, that
they might be accepted among Gods people, if it were the will
of God.

It pleased God so to guide, that there was a publick Fast
of all the Churches, betwixt this our appointment, and the
accomplishment thereof: which day they kept, as the Churches
did, and this businesse of theirs was a Principall matter in
their Prayers.”

It will be useful, as well as interesting, to give some of the “Confessions of Indians” which were made and considered in preparation for their entering into the Church state.

CONFESSION OF TOTHERSWAMP.

“Before I prayed unto God, the English, when I came unto
their houses, often said unto me, Pray to God; but I having
many friends who loved me, and I loved them, and they cared
not for praying to God, and therefore I did not: But I thought
in my heart, that if my friends should die, and I live, I then
would pray to God; soon after, God so wrought, that they did
almost all die, few of them left; and then my heart feared,
and I thought, that now I will pray unto God, and yet I was
ashamed to pray; and if I eat and did not pray, I was ashamed
of that also; so that I had a double shame upon me: Then you
came unto us, and taught us, and said unto us, _Pray unto God_;
and after that, my heart grew strong, and I was no more ashamed
to pray, but I did take up praying to God; yet at first I did
not think of God and eternal Life, but only that the English
should love me and I loved them: But after I came to learn
what sin was, by the Commandments of God, and then I saw all
my sins, lust, gaming, &c. (he named more.) You taught, That
Christ knoweth all our hearts, and seeth what is in them, if
humility, or anger, or evil thoughts, Christ seeth all that
is in the heart; then my heart feared greatly, because God
was angry for all my sins; yea, now my heart is full of evil
thoughts, and my heart runs away from God, therefore my heart
feareth and mourneth. Every day I see sin in my heart; one man
brought sin into the World, and I am full of that sin, and I
break Gods Word every day. I see I deserve not pardon, for the
first mans sinning; I can do no good, for I am like the Devil,
nothing but evil thoughts, and words, and works. I have lost
all likeness to God, and goodness, and therefore every day I
sin against God, and I deserve death and damnation: The first
man brought sin first, and I do every day add to that sin, more
sins; but Christ hath done for us all righteousness, and died
for us because of our sins, and Christ teacheth us, That if we
cast away our sins, and trust in Christ, then God will pardon
all our sins; this I beleeve Christ hath done, I can do no
righteousness, but Christ hath done it for me; this I beleeve,
and therefore I do hope for pardon. When I first heard the
Commandments, I then took up praying to God and cast off sin.
Again, When I heard, and understood Redemption by Christ, then
I beleeved Jesus Christ to take away my sins: every Commandment
taught me sin, and my duty to God. When you ask me why do I
love God? I answer, Because he giveth me all outward blessings,
as food, clothing, children, all gifts of strength, speech,
hearing; especially that he giveth us a Minister to teach us,
and giveth us Government; and my heart feareth lest Government
should reprove me; but the greatest mercy of all is Christ, to
give us pardon and life.”

“TOTHERSWAMP

_The Confession which he made on the Fast day before the great Assembly was as followeth:_

I Confess in the presence of the Lord, before I prayed, many
were my sins, not one good word did I speak, not one good
thought did I think, not one good action did I doe: I did act
all sins, and full was my heart of evil thoughts; when the
English did tell me of God, I cared not for it, I thought it
enough if they loved me: I had many friends that loved me,
and I thought if they died I would pray to God: and afterward
it so came to pass; then was my heart ashamed, to pray I was
ashamed, and if I prayed not, I was ashamed; a double shame was
upon me: when God by you taught us, very much ashamed was my
heart; then you taught us that Christ knoweth all our hearts:
therefore truly he saw my thoughts, and I had thought, if my
kindred should die I would pray to God; therefore they dying,
I must now pray to God; and therefore my heart feared, for I
thought Christ knew my thoughts: then I heard you teach, _The
first man God made was named_ Adam, _& God made a Covenant
with him, Do and live, thou and thy Children; if thou do not
thou must die, thou and thy Children_: And we are Children of
_Adam_ poor sinners, therefore we all have sinned, for we have
broke Gods Covenant, therefore evil is my heart, therefore
God is very angry with me, we sin against him every day; but
this great mercy God hath given us, he hath given us his only
Son, and promiseth, That whosoever beleeveth in Christ shall
be saved: for Christ hath dyed for us in our stead, for our
sins, and he hath done for us all the words of God, for I can
do no good act, only Christ can, and only Christ hath done all
for us; Christ hath deserved pardon for us, and risen again,
he hath ascended to God, and doth ever pray for us; therefore
all Beleevers Souls shall goe to Heaven to Christ. But when I
heard that word of Christ, Christ said _Repent and Beleeve_,
and Christ seeth _who Repenteth_, then I said, dark and weak
is my Soul, and I am one in darkness, I am a very sinful man,
and now I pray to Christ for life. Hearing you teach that Word
that the Scribes and Pharisees said _Why do thy Disciples break
the Tradition of the Fathers_? Christ answered, _Why do you
make void the Commandments of God?_ Then my heart feared that
I do so, when I teach the Indians, because I cannot teach them
right, and thereby make the word of God vain. Again, Christ
said _If the blind lead the blind they will both fall into the
ditch_; Therefore I feared that I am one blind, and when I
teach other Indians I shal caus them to fall into the ditch.
This is the love of God to me, that he giveth me all mercy in
this world, and for them al I am thankfull; but I confess I
deserve Hell; I cannot deliver my self, but I give my Soul and
my Flesh to Christ, and I trust my soul with him for he is my
Redeemer, and I desire to call upon him while I live.

This was his Confession which ended, Mr. _Allin_ further
demanded of him this Question, How he found his heart, now in
the matter of Repentance?

His answer was; I am ashamed of all my sins, my heart is broken
for them and melteth in me, I am angry with my self for my
sins, and I pray to Christ to take away my sins, and I desire
that they may be pardoned.

But it was desired that further Question might be forborn, lest
time would be wanting to here them all speak.”

The following is the Confession of Waban, (or the wind,) the man in whose wigwam Mr. Eliot preached to the Indians in the beginning of his ministry among them, and who, from Mr. Eliot’s text, “Prophesy unto the wind,” &c., supposed that the message of God was specially directed to himself.

CONFESSION OF WABAN.

“Before I heard of God, and before the English came into this
Country, many evil things my heart did work, many thoughts I
had in my heart; I wished for riches, I wished to be a witch,
I wished to be a Sachem; and many such other evils were in my
heart: Then when the English came, still my heart did the same
things; when the English taught me of God (I coming to their
Houses) I would go out of their doors, and many years I knew
nothing; when the English taught me I was angry with them:
But a little while agoe after the great sikness, I considered
what the English do; and I had some desire to do as they
do; and after that I began to work as they work; and then I
wondered how the English come to be so strong to labor; then
I thought I shall quickly die, and I feared lest I should die
before I prayed to God; then I thought, if I prayed to God in
our Language, whether could God understand my prayers in our
Language; therefore I did ask Mr. _Jackson_, and Mr. _Mahu_,
If God understood prayers in our Language? They answered me
God doth understand all Languages in the World. But I do not
know how to confess, and little do I know of Christ; I fear I
shall not beleeve a great while, and very slowly; I do not know
what grace is in my heart, there is but little good in me; but
this I know, That Christ hath kept all Gods Commandements for
us, and that Christ doth know all our hearts; and now I desire
to repent of all my sins: I neither have done, nor can do the
Commandements of the Lord, but I am ashamed of all I do, and
I do repent of all my sins, even of all that I do know of: I
desire that I may be converted from all my sins, and that I
might beleeve in Christ, and I desire him; I dislike my sins,
yet I do not truly pray to God in my heart: no matter for good
words, all is the true heart; and this day I do not so much
desire good words, as throughly to open my heart: I confess I
can do nothing, but deserve damnation; only Christ can help me
and do for me. But I have nothing to say for my self that is
good; I judg that I am a sinner, and cannot repent, but Christ
hath deserved pardon for us.”

This Confession being not so satisfactory as was desired, Mr.
_Wilson_ testified, that he spake these latter expressions with
tears, which I observed not, because I attended to writing; but
I gave this testimony of him, That his conversation was without
offence to the English, so far as I knew, and among the Indians
it was exemplar: his gift is not so much in expressing himself
this way, but in other respects useful and eminent; it being
demanded in what respects, I answered to this purpose, That his
gift lay in Ruling, Judging of Cases, wherein he is patient,
constant, and prudent, insomuch that he is much respected
among them, for they have chosen him a Ruler of Fifty, and he
Ruleth well according to his measure. It was further said, they
thought he had been a great drawer on to Religion; I replyed,
so he was in his way, and did prevail with many; and so it
rested.

“CONFESSION OF WILLIAM, OF SUDBURY.

I confess that before I prayed, I committed all manner of
sins, and served many gods: when the English came first, I
going to their houses, they spake to me of your God, but when I
heard of God, my heart hated it; but when they said the Devil
was my god, I was angry, because I was proud: when I came to
their houses I hated to hear of God, I loved lust in my own
house and not God, I loved to pray to many gods. Five years
ago, I going to English houses, and they speaking of God, I did
a little like of it, yet when I went again to my own house,
I did all manner of sins, and in my heart I did act all sins
though I would not be seen by man. Then going to your house, I
more desired to hear of God; and my heart said, I will pray to
God so long as I live: then I went to the Minister Mr. _Browns_
house, and told him I would pray as long as I lived: but he
said I did not say it from my heart, and I beleeve it. When
_Waban_ spake to me that I should pray to God, I did so. But I
had greatly sinned against God, and had not beleeved the Word
but was proud: but then I was angry with my self, and loathed
my self, and thought God will not forgive me my sins. For when
I had been abroad in the woods I would be very angry, and would
lye unto men, and I could not find the way how to be a good
man: then I beleeved your teaching, That when good men die, the
Angels carry their souls to God; but evil men dying, they go to
Hell, and perish for ever. I thought this a true saying, and
I promised to God, to pray to God as long as I live. I had a
little grief in my heart five years ago for my sins: but many
were my prides; sometime I was angry with my self, and pityed
my self; but I thought God would not pardon such a proud heart
as mine is: I beleeve that Christ would have me to forsake my
anger; I beleeve that Christ hath redeemed us, and I am glad to
hear those words of God; and I desire that I might do al the
good waies of God, and that I might truly pray unto God: I do
now want Graces, and these Christ only teacheth us, and only
Christ hath wrought our redemption, and he procureth our pardon
for all our sins; and I beleeve that when beleevers dy, Gods
Angels carry them to Heaven; but I want faith to beleeve the
Word of God, and to open my Eyes, and to help me to cast away
all sins; and Christ hath deserved for me eternall life: I have
deserved nothing my self: Christ hath deserved, all, and giveth
me faith to beleeve it.”

“CONFESSION OF MONEQUASSUN, THE SCHOOLMASTER.

I Confess my sorrow for all my sins against God, and
before men: When I first heard instruction, I beleeved not,
but laughed at it, and scorned praying to God; afterward,
when we were taught at _Cohannet_ (that is the place where
he lived) I still hated praying, and I did think of running
away, because I cared not for praying to God; but afterwards,
because I loved to dwell at that place, I would not leave the
place, and therfore I thought I will pray to God, because I
would still stay at that place, therefore I prayed not for the
love of God, but for love of the place I lived in; after that I
desired a little to learn the Catechisme on the Lecture daies,
and I did learn the ten Commandements, and after that, all
the points in the Catechisme; yet afterwards I cast them all
away again, then was my heart filled with folly, and my sins
great sins, afterwards by hearing, I began to fear, because of
my many sins, lest the wise men should come to know them, and
punish me for them; and then again I thought of running away
because of my many sins: But after that I thought I would pray
rightly to God, and cast away my sins; then I saw my hypocricy,
because I did ask some questions, but did not do that which
I knew: afterward I considered of my question, and thought I
would pray to God, and would consider of some other Question,
and I asked this Question, _How should I get Wisdom?_ and the
Answer to it did a little turn my heart from sin, to seek after
God; and I then considered that the Word of God was good; then
I prayed to God because of the Word of God. The next Lecture
day you taught that word of God, _If any man lack Wisdom, let
him ask it of God, who giveth freely to them that ask him, and
upbraideth no man_, _James_, 1:5. Then again a little my heart
was turned after God, the Word also said, _Repent, mourn, and
beleeve in Jesus Christ_: this also helped me on. Then you
taught, _That he that beleeveth not Christ, and repenteth not
of sin, they are foolish and wicked; and because they beleeve
not, they shall perish_: then I thought my self a fool, because
I beleeved not Christ, but sinned every day, and after I heard
the Word greatly broke the Word. But afterward I heard this
promise of God, _Who ever repenteth and beleeveth in Christ,
God will forgive him all his sins, he shall not perish_; then I
thought, that as yet, I do not repent, and beleeve in Christ:
then I prayed to God, because of this his Promise; and then
I prayed to God, for God and for Christ his sake: after that
again I did a little break the Word of Christ. And then I
heard some other words of God, which shewed me my sins, and
my breakings of Gods word; and sometimes I thought God and
Christ would forgive me, because of the promise to them that
beleeve in Christ, and repent of sin, I thought I did that
which God spake in the Promise. Then being called to confess,
to prepare to make a Church at _Natick_, I loved _Cohannet_;
but after hearing this instruction, _That we should not only be
Hearers, but Doers of the Word_, then my heart did fear. And
afterward hearing that in _Matthew_, Christ saw two brethren
mending their Nets, he said, _Follow me and I will make you
Fishers of men_, presently they followed Christ; and when I
heard this, I feared, because I was not willing to follow
Christ to _Natick_; they followed Christ at his Word, but I
did not, for now Christ saith to us, _follow Me_: then I was
much troubled, and considered of this Word of God. Afterward I
heard another word, the blind men cried after Christ and said,
_Have mercy on us thou Son of David_, but after they came to
Christ he called them, and asked them, _What shall I do for
you?_ they said, _Lord open our eyes_; then Christ had pity on
them, and opened their eyes, and they followed Christ; when I
heard this, my heart was troubled, then I prayed to God and
Christ, to open mine eyes, and if Christ open my eyes, then
I shall rejoyce to follow Christ: then I considered of both
these Scriptures, and I a little saw that I must follow Christ.
And now my heart desireth to make confession of what I know
of God, and of my self, and of Christ: I beleeve that there
is only one God, and that he made and ruleth all the World,
and that he the Lord, giveth us al good things: I know that
God giveth every day all good mercies, life, and health, and
all; I have not one good thing, but God it is that giveth it
me, I beleeve that God at first made man like God, holy, wise,
righteous; but the first man sinned, for God promised him, _If
thou do my Commandements, thou shalt live, and thy Children;
but if thou sin, thou shalt die, thou and thy children_; this
Covenant God made with the first man. But the first man did
not do the Commandements of God he did break Gods Word, he
beleeved Satan; and now I am full of sin, because the first
man brought sin; dayly I am full of sin in my heart: I do not
dayly rejoyce in Repentance, because Satan worketh dayly in my
heart, and opposeth Repentance, and all good Works; day and
night my heart is full of sin. I beleeve that Jesus Christ was
born of the _Virgin Mary_; God promised her she should bear
a Son, and his Name should be _JESUS_, because he shall
deliver his people from their sins: And when Christ came to
preach, he said, _Repent, because the Kingdom of Heaven is at
hand_; again Christ taught, _Except ye repent and become as a
little child, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven_;
therefore humble your selves like one of these little children,
and great shall be your Kingdom in Heaven. Again Christ said,
_Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden with sin,
and I will give you rest: take up my Cross and Yoak, learn of
me for I am meek, and ye shall find rest to your souls, for my
yoak is easie and burden light_: these are the Words of Christ
and I know Christ he is good, but my works are evil: Christ his
words are good, but I am not humble; but if we be humble and
beleeving in Christ, he pardons all our sins. I now desire to
beleeve in Jesus Christ, because of the word of Christ, that
I may be converted and become as a little Child. I confess my
sins before God, and before Jesus Christ this day; now I desire
all my sins may be pardoned; I now desire repentance in my
heart, and ever to beleeve in Christ; now I lift up my heart to
Christ, and trust him with it, because I beleeve Christ died
for us, for all our sins, and deserved for us eternal life in
Heaven, and deserved pardon for all our sins. And now I give
my soul to Christ because he hath redeemed: I do greatly love,
and like repentance in my heart, and I love to beleeve in Jesus
Christ, and my heart is broken by repentance: al these things
I do like wel of, that they may be in my heart, but because
Christ hath all these to give, I ask them of him that he may
give me repentance, and faith in Christ, and therefore I pray
and beseech Christ dayly for repentance and faith; and other
good waies I beg of Christ dayly to give me: and I pray to
Christ for al these gifts and graces to put them in my heart:
and now I greatly thank Christ for all these good gifts which
he hath given me. I know not any thing, nor can do any thing
that is a good work: even my heart is dark dayly in what I
should do, and my soul dyeth because of my sins, and therefore
I give my soul to Christ, because my soul is dead in sin, and
dayly doth commit sin; in my heart I sin, and all the members
of my body are sinful. I beleeve Jesus Christ is ascended to
Heaven through the clouds, and he will come again from Heaven:
Many saw Christ go up to Heaven, and the Angels said, even
so he will come again to judg all the world; and therefore
I beleeve Gods promise, That all men shall rise again when
Christ cometh again, then all shall rise, and all their souls
comes again because Christ is trusted with them, and keeps
their souls, therefore I desire my sins may be pardoned; and I
beleeve in Christ; and ever so long as I live, I will pray to
God, and do all the good waies he commandeth.”

“CONFESSIONS OF ROBIN SPEENE.

I was ashamed because you taught to pray to God, and I did not
take it up; I see God is angry with me for all my sins, and
he hath afflicted me by the death of three of my children,
and I fear God is still angry, because great are my sins, and
I fear lest my children be not gone to Heaven, because I am
a great sinner, yet one of my children prayed to God before
it died, and therefore my heart rejoyceth in that. I remember
my Pawwawing [for he was a _Pawwaw_] my lust, my gaming, and
all my sins; I know them by the Commandements of God, and God
heareth and seeth them all; I cannot deliver my self from sin,
therefore I do need Christ, because of all my sins, I desire
pardon, and I beleeve that God calls all to come to Christ, and
that he delivereth us from sin.”

“_His Second Confession._

I have found out one word more: great are my sins, and I do
not know how to repent, nor do I know the evil of my sins; only
this one word, now I confess I want Christ, this day 1 want
him; I do not truly beleeve nor repent: I see my sin, and I
need Christ, but I desire now to be redeemed: and I now ask you
this Question _What is Redemption?_ I answered him, by shewing
him our estate by Nature, and desert, the price which Christ
paid for us, and how it is to be applied to every particular
person; which done, he proceeded in his confession thus: I yet
cannot tell whether God hath pardoned my sins, I forget the
word of God; but this I desire, that my sins may be pardoned,
but my heart is foolish, and a great part of the Word stayeth
not in my heart strongly. I desire to cast all my sins out of
my heart: but I remember my sins, that I may get them pardoned,
I think God doth not yet hear my prayers in this, because I
cannot keep the Word of God, only I desire to hear the Word,
and that God would hear me.”

“_His Third Confession._

One word more I cal to mind, Great is my sin! this saith my
heart, I have found this sin, when I first heard you teach,
that all the world from the rising to the sitting Sun should
pray to God, I then wondered at it, and thought, I being a
great sinner, how shal I pray to God; and when I saw many come
to the Meeting, I wondred at it: But now I do not wonder at
that work of God, and therefore I think that I do now greatly
sin: and now I desire again to wonder at Gods Works, and I
desire to rejoyce in Gods good waies. Now I am much ashamed,
and fear because I have deserved eternal wrath by my sins:
my heart is evil, my heart doth contrary to God: and this I
desire, that I may be redeemed, for I cannot help my self,
but only Jesus Christ hath done al this for me, and I deserve
no good, but I beleeve Christ hath deserved all for us: and
I give my self unto Christ, that he may save me, because he
knoweth eternal life, and can give it; I cannot give it to my
self, therefore I need Jesus Christ, my heart is full of evil
thoughts; and Christ only can keep my soul from them, because
he hath paid for my deliverance from them.”

“CONFESSION OF ANTONY.

Another who made his Confession is named _Antony_, upon whom
the Lord was pleased the last Winter to lay an heavy stroke;
for he and another Indian being at work sawing of Board, and
finishing the Peece, they laid it so short, and the Rowl not so
stedfast, insomuch that this man being in the Pit directing to
lay the Piece, and the other above ordering thereof, it slipped
down into the Pit upon this mans head, brake his neather Chap
in two, and cracked his Skull, insomuch that he was taken up
half dead, and almost strangled with blood; and being the last
day of the week at night I had no word until the Sabbath day,
then I presently sent a Chyrurgion, who took a discreet order
with him; and God so blessed his indeavors, as that he is now
well again, blessed be the Lord: and whereas I did fear that
such a blow in their Labor might discourage them from Labor,
I have found it by Gods blessing otherwise; yea this man hath
performed a great part of the sawing of our Meeting-House, and
is now sawing upon the School-house, and his recovery is an
establishment of them to go on; yea, and God blessed this blow,
to help on the Work of Grace in his soul; as you shall see in
his Confession, which followeth.