Good Newes from New England: Or a true relation of things very remarkable at the plantation of Plimoth in New-EnglandWinslow, Edward
History
Good Newes from New England: Or a true relation of things very remarkable at the plantation of Plimoth in New-England
Winslow, Edward
Massachusetts -- History -- New Plymouth, 1620-1691; Pilgrims (New Plymouth Colony) -- Early works to 1800
That night, through the earnest request of Conbatant, who till
now remained at Sawaams, or Puckanokick, we lodged with him at
Mattapuyst. By the way I had much conference with him, so likewise
at his house, he being a notable politician, yet full of merry
jests and squibs, and never better pleased than when the like are
returned again upon him. Amongst other things he asked me, if in
case he were thus dangerously sick, as Massassowat had been, and
should send word thereof to Patuxet for _maskiet_,[83] that is,
physic, whether then Mr. Governor would send it; and if he would,
whether I would come therewith to him. To both which I answered,
Yea; whereat he gave me many joyful thanks. After that, being at
his house, he demanded further, how we durst, being but two, come
so far into the country. I answered, where was true love, there
was no fear; and my heart was so upright towards them, that for
mine own part I was fearless to come amongst them. But, said he, if
your love be such, and it bring forth such fruits, how cometh it
to pass, that when we come to Patuxet, you stand upon your guard,
with the mouths of your pieces presented towards us? Whereupon I
answered, it was the most honorable and respective entertainment
we could give them; it being an order amongst us so to receive our
best respected friends; and as it was used on the land, so the
ships observed it also at sea, which Hobbamock knew and had seen
observed. But shaking the head, he answered, that he liked not such
salutations.
Further, observing us to crave a blessing on our meat before we
did eat, and after to give thanks for the same, he asked us, what
was the meaning of that ordinary custom. Hereupon I took occasion
to tell them of God’s works of creation and preservation, of his
laws and ordinances, especially of the ten commandments; all which
they hearkened unto with great attention, and like well of; only
the seventh commandment they excepted against, thinking there
were many inconveniences in it, that a man should be tied to one
woman; about which we reasoned a good time. Also I told them,
that whatsoever good things we had, we received from God, as the
author and giver thereof; and therefore craved his blessing upon
that we had, and were about to eat, that it might nourish and
strengthen our bodies; and having eaten sufficient, being satisfied
therewith, we again returned thanks to the same our God, for that
our refreshing, &c. This all of them concluded to be very well;
and said, they believed almost all the same things, and that
the same power that we called God, they called _Kiehtan_.[84]
Much profitable conference was occasioned hereby, which would be
too tedious to relate, yet was no less delightful to them, than
comfortable to us. Here we remained only that night, but never had
better entertainment amongst any of them.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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