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
I will not again speak of the abundance of fowl, store of venison,
and variety of fish, in their seasons, which might encourage many
to go in their persons. Only I advise all such beforehand to
consider, that as they hear of countries that abound with the good
creatures of God, so means must be used for the taking of every
one in his kind, and therefore not only to content themselves
that there is sufficient, but to foresee how they shall be able
to obtain the same. Otherwise, as he that walketh London streets,
though he be in the midst of plenty, yet if he want means, is not
the better, but hath rather his sorrow increased by the sight of
that he wanteth, and cannot enjoy it, so also there, if thou want
art and other necessaries thereunto belonging, thou mayest see
that thou wantest and thy heart desireth, and yet be never the
better for the same. Therefore, if thou see thine own insufficiency
of thyself, then join to some others, where thou mayest in some
measure enjoy the same; otherwise, assure thyself thou art better
where thou art. Some there be that thinking altogether of their
present wants they enjoy here, and not dreaming of any there,
through indiscretion plunge themselves into a deeper sea of misery.
As for example, it may be here, rent and firing are so chargeable,
as without great difficulty a man cannot accomplish the same; never
considering, that as he shall have no rent to pay, so he must build
his house before he have it, and peradventure may with more ease
pay for his fuel here, than cut and fetch it home, if he have not
cattle to draw it there; though there is no scarcity, but rather
too great plenty.
I write not these things to dissuade any that shall seriously, upon
due examination, set themselves to further the glory of God, and
the honor of our country, in so worthy an enterprise, but rather to
discourage such as with too great lightness undertake such courses;
who peradventure strain themselves and their friends for their
passage thither, and are no sooner there, than seeing their foolish
imagination made void, are at their wits’ end, and would give ten
times so much for their return, if they could procure it; and out
of such discontented passions and humors, spare not to lay that
imputation upon the country, and others, which themselves deserve.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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