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CHAP. XVI.

Emigration ceased-Settlement of Woburn-Confederation of the Colonies--Eastham settled-Character of Mr. Treat-Governor Winthorp's Speech-his Character.

IN 1640, in consequence of a change of affairs in the mother country, emigration to New England ceased. It was estimated at the time, that about four thousand families, consisting of twenty-one thousand souls, had arrived in two hundred and ninety-eight ships, and settled in this new world. Since this period there can be no doubt, many more persons have migraten from, than to, New England. The expence of the removal of these four thousand families was estimated at £192,000 sterling, which, including what they paid to the council of Plymouth, and afterwards to the sachems of the country, was a dear purchase of their lands.

In 1642, the town of Woburn was settled. As a specimen of the manner in which other towns were settled, we give a more particular account of this. The town was laid out four miles square, and granted to seven men," of good and honest report," on condition that they, within two years, erected houses there, and proceeded to build a town. These seven men had power to give and grant lands unto persons desirous of sitting down with them: each one had meadow and upland granted him according to his stock of cattle and capacity of cultivating the soil. The poorest man had six or seven acres of meadow, and twentyfive of upland; an eye being had to future settlers, for whom lands were reserved. No man was refused on account of his poverty, but, after receiving his portion of land, had assistance in building a house. But such as were of a turbulent spirit, were not allowed to " enjoy a freehold, till they should mend their manners." The seven men, to whom the town was granted, laid out the roads as might best accommodate the lands, as to civil and religious privileges. Accordingly, those who received land nearest to the meeting house, had a less quantity at home, and more at a distance. In this manner about sixty families

first settled in Woburn,

Equally circumspect and wise were their religious arrangements. As soon as they had a competent number to support a minister, they considered themselves as "surely seated, and not before, it being as unnatural for a right New Eng

landman to live without an able ministry, as for a blacksmith to work his iron without a fire. This people, therefore, like others, laid their "foundation stone" with earnestly seeking the blessing of heaven in several days of fasting and prayer. They then took the advice of the most orthodox and able Christians, especially the ministers of the gospel, not rashly running into a church state before they had a prospect of obtaining a pastor to feed them with the bread of life. They chose to continue as they were, in fellowship with other churches, enjoying their Christian watch, till they had the ordinances administered among them. But they soon obtained " Mr. Thomas Carter, of Watertown, a reverend, godly man, apt to teach the sound and wholesome truths of Christ," to preach for them. They then formed into a church, on the 24th of sixth month, after Mr. Symes, of Charlestown "had continued in preaching and prayer about the space of four or five hours." The other ministers present were, Messrs. Cotton and Wilson, of Boston, Mr. Allen, of Charlestown, Mr. Shepherd and Mr. Dunster, of Cambridge, Mr. Knowles, of Watertown, Mr. Allen, of Dedham, Mr. Elliot, of Roxbury, and Mr. Mather, of Dorchester. After public worship, the persons intending to be formed into a church, stood forth, one by one, before the congregation and these ministers, and confessed what the Lord had done for their souls, by his spirit, under the preaching of the gospel, and the events of his providence," that all for themselves might "know their faith in Christ;" the ministers or messengers present, asking such questions as they thought proper, and, when satisfied, giving them the right hand of fellowship. Seven were thus formed into a church, who in ten years had increased to seventy-four.

On the 22d of the ninth month, Mr. Carter was, by a coun cil, ordained their pastor, "after he had exercised in prayer and preaching the greater part of the day." When a person desired to join with the church, he visited his minister," declaring how the Lord had been pleased to work his conversion;" if the minister found the smallest ground of hope, he propounded him to the church; after which," some of the brethren, with the minister, examined him again, and reported their opinion to the church." After this, all the congregation “had public notice" of his design, and he " publicly declared to them the manner of his conversion." If any were, "through bashfulness, unable to speak for edification, less was required of them." Women were never called to speak pub

Articles of Confederation.

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licly. All this was done "to prevent the polluting of the ordinance by such as walk scandalously, and to prevent men and women from eating and drinking their own condemna tion..... After this manner had the other churches of Christ their beginning and progress" in New England.

Exposed to foreign and domestic enemies, four of the New England colonies, viz. Massachusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Haven, confederated for mutual defence. Rhode Island, as we have before noticed, was denied the privilege of joining this confederacy. The articles of union were agreed on and ratified, May 19, 1643, and were in substance as follows:

"The united colonies of New England, viz. Massachusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Haven, enter into a firm and perpetual league, offensive and defensive.

Each colony to retain a distinct and separate jurisdiction; no two colonies to join in one jurisdiction without the consent of the whole; and no other colony to be received into the confederacy without the like consent.

The charge of all wars, offensive and defensive, to be borne in proportion to the male inhabitants between sixteen and sixty years of in each colony. age

Upon notice from three magistrates, of any colony, of an invasion, the rest shall immediately send aid; Massachusetts one hundred, and each of the other forty-five men; and if a greater number be necessary, the commissioners to meet and determine upon it.

Two commissioners from each government, being church members, to meet annually the first Monday in September: the first meeting to be held at Boston, then at Hartford, New Haven, and Plymouth, and so yearly in that order, saving, that two meetings successively be held at Boston.

All matters, wherein six shall agree, to be binding upon the whole; and if there be a majority, but under six, the matter in question to be referred to the general court of each colony and not to be obligatory unless the whole agree to it.

A president, for preserving order, to be chosen by the commissioners each year out of their number.

The commissioners shall have power to establish laws, or rules, of a civil nature, and of general concern for the conduct of the inhabitants, viz. relative to their behaviour toward the Indians, to fugitives from one colony to another, and the like. No colony to engage in war, except upon a sudden exigency,

fand in that case to be avoided as much as possible) without consent of the whole.

If a meeting be summoned upon any extraordinary occasion, and the whole number of commissioners do not asseinble, any four who shall meet may determine upon a war when the case will not adinit of delay, and send for the agreed proportion of men out of each jurisdiction; but not less than six shall determine the justice of the war, or have power to settle bills of charges, or make levies for the same.

If any colony break any article of the agreement, or in any wise injure another colony, the matter shall be considered and determined by the commissioners of the other colonies."

In 1644, Eastham, on Cape Cod, was settled by a number of the more respectable people of Plymouth. The year before, several members of the church became dissatisfied with their situation. Though at the time of their selecting the spot, they had most favourable ideas of the soil, they had now discovered, that it was in one of the most barren parts of the country. Many, from this circumstance, had left the place, and others were asking dismissions. This induced the church to consider seriously whether it were not best for all to remove in a body. So cordially united was this band of brothers, that the idea of separation was inexpressibly distressing. Many meetings of the church were held on the subject, and various were their opinions. Some appeared to be determined on a removal, others thought nothing was wanting, but a contented mind, to make them happy where they were, suggesting that it was not a fear of poverty, but a desire of riches, that excited any to remove; still, though not convinced, they finally yielded to the others, rather than lose their society, and it was unanimously agreed to remove, if a suitable place could be found.

Seldom has there been a more striking display of the social and benevolent feelings of the heart than in this resolve. Here they had found a secure asylum for twenty-three years; here most of them were contented and happy; here they had cleared the forest and fenced fields, planted gardens and erected houses, yet they voluntarily resolve to sacrifice all, to plunge into the forest anew, to enjoy the society of their neighbours. Several places were proposed, and repeated examinations made; but no better place for a town and capital of the colony could be found; the majority, therefore, gave liberty to those who were disposed to forin a new settlement at Nauset, which they called Eastham, Mr. Thomas Prince was the leader of

Character of Mr. Treat.

113

his settlement, and was afterward many years governor of the colony.

A church was soon formed; but they were not able to support a minister till 1672, when the Rev. Samuel Treat was ordained he is entitled to a high rank among the first ministers of New England. Not only his own people, but the Indians commanded his affections and unwearied labours. For a long course of years, he prosecuted with sacred zeal the work of converting the pagans around him. He had four assemblies under his care, to whom he preached as often as it was practicable, and their teachers of their own tribe, who instructed them in his absence, visited him every week to be further instructed and prepared for their public labours. Under his influence, they not only formed themselves into religious societies, and observed religious appointments, but they had schools, elected magistrates, instituted courts, and were very much civilized. Mr. Treat spoke and wrote their language with the greatest facility. At his funeral, the Indians entreated the favour of carrying the corpse in their turn; thus expressing their tender affection for the man, who had so long broke to them the bread of life. Mr. Treat was the eldest son of the governor of Connecticut, who was the father of twenty-one children. He graduated at Harvard college, in 1669. He was a sound Calvinist. He was a son of thunder in the pulpit, believing that a great part of n kind will be moved by nothing but the terrors of the Lord.

With all his excellencies, Mr. Treat was a bad speaker Having once preached for his father-in-law, Mr. Willard, of Boston, the people were so disgusted, that a number of them entreated Mr. Willard never to admit him into the pulpit again; he made them no reply, but asked Mr. Treat to lend him his sermon. A few weeks after, Mr. Willard preached it himself to his people; they listened with rapture; they were charmed; they flew to their minister to obtain a copy for the press. An impressive fact to shew the great importance of pulpit eloquence. Mr. Willard had a melodious voice and a graceful delivery. Siuce Mr. Treat, Eastham has had four ministers, Mr. Osborn, Mr. Webb, Mr. Cheever, and Mr. Philander Shaw, who is now their minister, and so happy as to have every individual in the town belong to his congregation.

In 1645, New England was remarkably prosperous, and licentiousness, in some instances, followed. Some people of Hingham broke the peace; Governor Winthrop sent them to