It was before noted that sundry of those that came from Leyden, came over in the ships y^t came to Salem, wher M^r. Endecott had cheefe co[=m]and; and by infection that grue amonge y^e passengers at sea, it spread also among them a shore, of which many dyed, some of y^e scurvie, other of an infectious feaoure, which continued some time amongst them (though our people, through Gods goodnes, escaped it). Upon which occasion he write hither for some help, understanding here was one that had some skill y^t way, & had cured diverse of y^e scurvie, and others of other diseases, by letting blood, & other means. Upon which his request y^e Gov^r hear sent him unto them, and also write to him, from whom he received an answere; the which, because it is breefe, and shows y^e begining of their aquaintance, and closing in y^e truth & ways of God, I thought it not unmeete, nor without use, hear to inserte it; and an other showing y^e begining of their fellowship & church estate ther. Being as followeth. Right worthy S^r: It is a thing not usuall, that servants to one m^r and of y^e same houshold should be strangers; I assure you I desire it not, nay, to speake more plainly, I cannot be so to you. Gods people are all marked with one and y^e same marke, and sealed with one and y^e same seale, and have for y^e maine, one & y^e same harte, guided by one & same spirite of truth; and wher this is, ther can be no discorde, nay, here must needs be sweete harmonie. And y^e same request (with you) I make unto y^e Lord, that we may, as Christian breethren, be united by a heavenly & unfained love; bending all our harts and forces in furthering a worke beyond our strength, with reverence & fear, fastening our eyse allways on him that only is able to directe and prosper all our ways. I acknowledge my selfe much bound to you for your kind love and care in sending M^r. Fuller among us, and rejoyce much y^t I am by him satisfied touching your judgments of y^e outward forme of Gods worshipe. It is, as farr as [173] I can yet gather, no other then is warrented by y^e evidence of truth, and y^e same which I have proffessed and maintained ever since y^e Lord in mercie revealed him selfe unto me; being farr from y^e commone reporte that hath been spread of you touching that perticuler. But Gods children must not looke for less here below, and it is y^e great mercie of God, that he strengthens them to goe through with it. I shall not neede at this time to be tedious unto you, for, God willing, I purpose to see your face shortly. In y^e mean time, I humbly take my leave of you, co[=m]iting you to y^e Lords blessed protection, & rest. Your assured loving friend, JO: ENDECOTT. Naumkeak, May 11. An^o. 1629. This second leter sheweth ther proceedings in their church affaires at Salem, which was y^e 2. church erected in these parts; and afterwards y^e Lord established many more in sundrie places.