sometimes with one, and sometimes with another one, this old squaw, at whose wigwam I was, and with whom. my master had been those three weeks. Another was Wettimore, with whom I had lived and served all this while. A severe and proud dame she was; bestowing every day in dressing her self near as much time as any of the gentry

So I took my leave of them, and in coming along my heart melted into tears, more then all the while I was with them, and I was almost swallowed up with the thoughts that ever I should go home again. About the sun going down, Mr. Hoar and my self, and the two Indians came to Lancaster, and a solemn sight it was to me. There had

of the land, powdering her hair, and 10 I lived many comfortable years painting her face, going with necklaces, with jewels in her ears, and bracelets upon her hands. When she had dressed her self, her work was to make girdles of wampom and beads. The third squaw was a younger one, by whom he had two papooses. By that time I was refresht by the old squaw, with whom my master was, Wettimore's maid came to call me 20 home, at which I fell a weeping. Then the old squaw told me, to encourage me, that if I wanted victuals, I should come to her, and that I should ly there in her wigwam. Then I went with the maid, and quickly came again and lodged there. The squaw laid a mat under me, and a good rugg over me; the first time I had any such kindness shewed me. I understood that Wetti- 30 more thought, that if she should let me go and serve with the old squaw, she would be in danger to loose not only my service, but the redemptionpay also. And I was not a little glad to hear this; being by it raised in my hopes, that in God's due time there would be an end of this sorrowfull hour. Then came an Indian, and asked me to knit him three pair of stockins; 40 for which I had a hat and a silk handkerchief. Then another asked me to mak her a shift, for which she gave me an apron. . .

I may well say as his Psal. 107. 12 "Oh give thanks unto the Lord for he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever." Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand 50 of the enemy, especially that I should come away in the midst of so many hundreds of enemies quietly and peaceably, and not a dog moving his tongue.

amongst my relations and neighbours,
and now not one Christian to be seen,
nor one house left standing. We went
on to a farm house that was yet stand-
ing, where we lay all night; and a com-
fortable lodging we had, though nothing
but straw to ly on.
The Lord pre-
served us in safety that night, and
raised us up again in the morning, and
carried us along that before noon we
came to Concord. Now was I full of
joy, and yet not without sorrow; joy
to see such a lovely sight, so many
Christians together, and some of them
my neighbours. There I met with my
brother, and my brother-in-law, who
asked me, if I knew where his wife was?
Poor heart! he had helped to bury her,
and knew it not; she being shot down
by the house was partly burnt. So
that those who were at Boston at the
desolation of the town, and came back
afterward, and buried the dead, did
not know her. Yet I was not without
sorrow, to think how many were look-
ing and longing, and my own children
amongst the rest, to enjoy that deliver-
ance that I had now received; and I
did not know whether ever I should see
them again. Being recruited with food
and raiment we went to Boston that
day, where I met with my dear hus-
band; but the thoughts of our dear chil-
dren, one being dead, and the other we
could not tell where, abated our com-
fort each to other.

Before I knew what affliction meant, I was ready sometimes to wish for it. When I lived in prosperity, having the comforts of the world about me, my relations by me, my heart chearfull, and taking little care for any thing, and yet seeing many, whom I preferred before my self, under many tryals and

20

spake when he said, Est quaedam precum omnipotentia; there is a kind of omnipotency in prayer; and the reason is obvious, viz: in that the Almighty doth suffer himself to be prevailed upon and overcome by prayer. Had not Jacob in this respect power with God? Yea, when he made his supplication, he had power, and pre

who is the Lord of Hosts; the Lord
is his memorial. Where do we find in
all the books of God a more wonderfull
expression, then that of the Lord to
praying Moses:
praying Moses: Now let me alone?
That ever the eternal God should be-
come thus a petitioner to a poor mortal
man! Feriendi licentiam petit a Mose
qui fecit Mosen. Prayer then is like
the sword of Saul, or the bow of
Jonathan, which never returned empty
from the battle. Prayer is stronger
than iron gates. At the prayers of the
church the iron gates fly open, and the
Apostle's fetters fall off. Sometimes
the prayers of one man that hath an
eminent interest in God are a means
to preserve a whole town, yea a whole
land, from destruction. Wel might the
antient say, Homine probo orante nihil
potentius.

afflictions, in sickness, weakness, poverty, losses, crosses, and cares of the world, I should be sometimes jealous least I should have my portion in this life, and that scripture would come to my mind, Heb. 12. 6. "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and Scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." But now I see the Lord had his time to scourge and chasten me. 10 vailed over the angel, even that angel The portion of some is to have their afflictions by drops, now one drop and then another; but the dregs of the cup, the wine of astonishment, like a sweeping rain that leaveth no food, did the Lord prepare to be my portion. Affliction I wanted, and affliction I had, full measure (I thought) pressed down and running over; yet I see, when God calls a person to any thing, and through never so many difficulties, yet He is fully able to carry them through and make them see, and say they have been gainers thereby. And I hope I can say in some measure, as David did, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted." The Lord hath shewed me the vanity of these outward things. That they are the vanity of vanities, and vexation of spirit; that they are but a 30 shadow, a blast, a bubble, and things of no continuance. That we must rely on God himself, and our whole dependance must be upon him. If trouble from smaller matters begin to arise in me, I have something at hand to check my self with, and say, why am I troubled? It was but the other day, that if I had had the world, I would have given it for my freedom, or to 40 Lord, saying, O Lord God, cease I have been a servant to a Christian. have learned to look beyond present and smaller troubles, and to be quieted under them, as Moses said, Exod. 14. 13. "Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord."

INCREASE MATHER (1639-1723)

From the DISCOURSE
CONCERNING PRAYER

I

It was a great word (and if rightly understood, a true word) which Luther

How far did Abraham's prayers prevail for Sodom? Did not Elijah's prayers open and shut the windows of Heaven? Did they not bring down showers when the gasping earth was ready to dy for thirst? When a fiery drought had like to have devoured the land of Israel, and the prophet Amos prayed and cried to the

beseech thee; by whom shall Jacob arise, for he is small? The Lord repented for this, and said this shall not be.

Wars, when justly undertaken, have been successful through the prevalency of prayer.

Moses in the mount praying is too strong for all the armies in the valley 50 fighting. When the Philistines went up against the children of Israel, Samuel ceased not to cry to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord thundered with a great thunder that day upon the Philistines,

and discomfited them, that they were
smitten before Israel. Jehoshaphat,
Jehoshaphat,
when surrounded by a multitude of
heathen enemyes, by prayer overcame
them. When Zera the Ethiopian came
against the Lord's people with an host
of a thousand thousand men, Asa by
prayer and faith overcame them all.
Hezekiah and Isaiah by their prayers
brought an angel down from heaven, 10
who slew an hundred and fourscore and
five thousand Assyrians in the host of
Sennacherib in one night.

And besides these and many scriptural examples in ecclesiastical story, instances to this purpose are frequently observed. The history of the thundering legion is famously known. Thus it was.

The Emperor Marcus Aurelius going 20 to war against the Quads, Vandals, Samats and Germans, who were nine hundred seventy and five thousand fighting men, the imperialists were so cooped up by their numerous enemies, in strait, dry, and hot places, that the souldiers having been destitute of water for five days together, they were all like to have perished for thirst. In this extremity a legion of Christian soul- 30 diers, being in the army, withdrew themselves apart from the rest, and falling prostrate on the earth, by ardent prayers prevailed with God that he imediately sent a most plentiful rain, whereby the army that otherwise had perished, was refreshed; and dreadfull lightings flashed in the faces of their enemies, so as that they were discomfited and put to flight. The effect 40 of which was, that the persecution which before that the Emperor designed against the Christians, was diverted; and that praying Legion did afterwards bear the name of κερυνόβολος: the Lightning Legion.

Constantine the Great, being to join the battle with the heathen tyrant Licinius, singled out a number of godly ministers of Christ, and with them be- 50 took himself to earnest prayer and supplication; after which God gave him a notable and glorious victory over his enemies. But Licinius himselfe es

caped at that time, and raised another army, which was pursued by Constantine; who, before he would engage with the enemy, caused a tent to be erected, wherein he did spend some time in fasting and prayer, being attended with a company of holy praying men round about him. After which, marching against his enemies, he fought them, and obtained a more glorious victory than the former, and the Grand Rebel Licinius was then taken prisoner.

When England was invaded by the Danes under the conduct of their King Osrick, who encamped at Ashdon, King Ethelred betook himself to prayer; and marching against the Danish army, put them to flight, and slew the greatest part of them.

Gustavus Adolphus, the king of Sweden, no sooner landed in his enemies' territoryes, but he addressed. himself to Heaven for victory, and encouraged his counsellors and commanders by saying the greater the army of prayers is, the greater and more assured shall be our victory. Yea, it was his manner when the armyes were set in battle array, to lift up his eyes to Heaven and say, "Lord prosper the battle of this day, according as thou seest my heart doth aim at thy glory, and the good of thy church." And how successful did God make that excellent prince to be!

But why need we go far to find examples confirming the truth of this assertion, that prayer is of wonderfull prevelancy, since our own eyes have seen it? New England may now say, if the Lord (even the prayer-hearing God) had not been on our side when men rose up against us, they had swallowed us up; then the proud waters had gone over our soul. And thus hath it been more than once or twice, especially since the late insurrection and rebellion of the heathen nations round about us. We cannot but acknowledge, and posterity must know, that we were in appearance a gone and ruined people, and had been so ere this day, if the Lord had not been a God that heareth prayer.

SAMUEL SEWALL TO SAMUEL STORKE

19

BOSTON, N. E., Feb. 20, 1720

MR. SAMUEL STORKE AND
LOVING COUSIN,-

I thank you for yours of the 11th June last, and the prints. As you then gave me an account of his Majesties imbarking for Holland that day, so I 10 hope in your next you'll certify me of his safe return and prosperous reign.

I intreat you to endeavour that the severalls mentioned on the other side may be well bought. They are for my daughter Judith. Provide a well-made trunk to put them in, and cover it. Though the case-knives be the last mentioned, I would not have you fail sending them.

I would have you send what I write for by the first good ship that you can. conveniently. I am, Sir, your loving kinsman and humble servant,

S. S. Item, a good box-iron to iron with.

To be bought

Memoranda

Curtains and vallens for a bed, with counterpane, head-cloth, and tester, of good yellow waterd worsted camlet, with trimming, well made; and bases, if it be the fashion.

A good fine large chintz quilt, well made.

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brass heads, about five or six shillings a pair.

A brass hearth for a chamber, with dogs, shovel, tongs, and fender of the newest style. (The fire is to ly upon iron.)

A strong brass mortar, that will hold about a quart, with a pestle.

Two pair of large brass sliding candlesticks, about four shillings a pair.

Two pair of large brass candlesticks, not sliding, of the newest fashion, about five or six shillings a pair.

Four brass snuffers, with stands. Six small strong brass chafing-dishes, about four shillings a piece.

One brass basting ladle; one larger brass ladle.

One pair of chamber bellows, with brass noses.

One small hair broom, suitable to the bellows.

One duzen of large hard-metal pewter plates, new fashion, weighing about fourteen pounds.

One duzen hard-metal pewter porringers.

Four duzen of small glass salt-cellars, 30 of white glass, smooth, not wrought, and without a foot.

A true looking-glass of black walnut frame of the newest fashion (if the fashion be good), as good as can be 40 bought for five or six pounds.

A second looking-glass as good as can be bought for four or five pounds, same kind of frame.

A duzen of good black walnut chairs, fine cane, with a couch. A duzen of cane chairs of a different figure, and a great chair for a chamber; all black walnut.

And if there be any money over, send a piece of fine cambrick, and a ream. of good writing paper.

A duzen of good ivory-hafted knives and forks.

One bell-metal skillet of two quarts; 50 confirm my feeble knees. Let me have one ditto of one quart.

One good large warming-pan, bottom and cover, fit for an iron handle.

Four pair of strong iron dogs with

your aid.

It is with pleasure that I call to mind. your agreeable conversation in London, in the journey to Oxford; our