ness in life; and he became eminent in his profession, and accordingly, he was appointed by the General Assembly, to revise, and new model the laws of this Government; and fit them for a new edition, which he effected to so good purpose, that they are now justly esteemed, by gentlemen in Great Britain, who are acquainted with them, to be the best code of plantation laws that was ever published. They are expressed, in a very plain, and intelligible manner; and yet very concisely. This work has been attempted before, (as I am informed) but could never be accomplished, to the satisfaction of the General Assembly, until it was done by his masterly hand.

He was soon called to the principal posts of government, in this colony, by the free election of the people; in all which he served his generation, with wisdom and fidelity. His justice and impartiality, were applauded by everybody, in the execution of his office: as the Chief Judge of the Superior Court, he had an happy talent, in committing a cause to the jury. Particularly, in summing up the evidence, and in putting the case upon a right issue; that the jury might know what was the law; and that justice might have free course. Soon after he was called, to the principal seat of government, in this colony, it was a time of great distress. A cruel, and bloody war, broke out with one of the most powerful nations in Europe; and with the heathen savages in the land. And this country became a principal seat of the war. We had wars, and rumors of wars hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after, those things that were coming upon the earth. The war for some years, was very unsuccessful, and this colony in particular, exerted themselves to the utmost of their power, year after year; and yet nothing was done to any effect, to bring the war to an issue. But yet the Governor managed with so much prudence, that the people persevered in their endeavors; until the God of armies, was pleased to prosper the British

Men's

arms, and bring the war to an happy conclusion. But after the war was brought to an end; he yet stood high in the esteem of the people, and accordingly, was unanimously chosen Governor, from year to year, until the unhappy Stamp Act, put this colony, as well as the whole continent, into terrible confusion. The Governor was obliged by the Act of Parliament, to take an oath, to assist the stamp officers, in the execution of their office. And although everybody was sensible, that there was no way, that he could avoid taking the oath; yet upon his taking it, the people were in such a ruffle; that the choice went against him, by a majority of the freemen; to the great grief, of a great part of the colony. He bore his dismission, with great patience, and resignation. I never heard him complain, of the ingratitude, or injustice of the people in their conduct toward him. After this he lived a retired life, and employed his time chiefly in reading. And it has been thought, that his reading so much, and his want of bodily exercise, have been the cause of the unusual ailment, that put an end to his valuable life. He was taken at first with a giddiness, and sickness at his stomach; which was followed by a syncopy, and loss of memory. And although he continued above a month, after he was first taken ill; yet, there were but few intervals, in which he appeared to be quite sensible. At one of those intervals, in which he was sensible, that death was approaching, he expressed a strong hope of everlasting happiness. Upon his desire that I should pray with him; I asked him what he desired that I should pray for. He answered, that he might have a quick passage to glory. After prayer; I asked him what apprehensions he had, of appearing before God the judge of all; as he looked upon himself to be near his end. He answered that he depended upon the righteousness of Christ. But he is now gone, where the wicked cease from troubling, and where the weary are at rest. He has been an honor to this colony; and more especially, to this

town, the place of his birth, and residence; and his death has made an awful breach in this church, and society.

We ought to be humbled, under the frown of God's providence; and be followers of him, so far as he was a follower of Christ: that we may meet in a better world, and join together, in singing anthems, and hallelujahs, to him that setteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever. But,

5. We may learn, that the surviving relations of such as have served their generation, by the will of God, have no reason to mourn as without hope. Mourning for our departed friends, and relatives, is without doubt a duty. Thus Abraham mourned for the death of his beloved wife. And thus our Saviour expressed his affection, for his departed friend Lazarus, by his tears. A stoical apathy, instead of being a virtue, is unnatural stupidity. To despise the chastening of the Lord, discovers a worse temper of mind, than to faint, when we are rebuked of Him. But we should use moderation in mourning, as well as in rejoicing. I was dumb, (said David) I opened not my mouth, because thou didst it. And Job quieted himself, with this consideration, that the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord. God aims at the good of his people, in all the afflictions and trials, they meet with in the world. We have had fathers of our flesh, which corrected us, and we gave them reverence; we not much rather, be in subjection to the Father of Spirits and live. For they verily for a few days, chastised us after their own pleasure; but be for our profit; that we might be partakers of His holiness. The path of affliction; is the road to heaven, which the people of God have walked in, from the beginning of the world. If our trials have their proper effect to make us more submissive to the will of God; wean us from the world; imbitter sin to us; make us more compassionate to others; and quicken us in our preparation, for that rest, that remains for the people of God; we shall have reason to say, as David, that it is good for us, that we have been afflicted.

shall

2. Use, by way of exhortation. Be persuaded my brethren in whatever station of life you are, to endeavor to serve your generation by the will of God, before you fall on sleep. God has made you rational creatures, capable of moral goverment. You are distinguished, from the beasts of the field, and from the birds of the air. And he has been pleased, to send his own Son into the world; who suffered for our sins, the just, for the unjust, that he might bring us to God. And you enjoy the gospel, and the means of grace. You have God's written word, that by patience, and comfort of the scriptures you might have hope. You have the ministry of reconciliation, and the sacraments of the New Testament, in which Christ is evidently set forth; as though crucified among you. And you likewise enjoy, many outward mercies, above many others in the world. The lines are fullen to you in pleasant places, and you have a goodly heritage. Consider you are accountable, for all the advantages, that you enjoy. And you must be quickly called to give an account of your stewardship, when you must be here no longer stewards. Your time is short and uncertain. You have more reason to wonder that you are alive than that others are dead. Endeavor therefore to work while the day lasts, for the night cometh when no man can work.

DEED FROM RUNCKINGHEAGE.

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*

THIS Indenture, made the 15th of February, 1651, Between RUNCKINGHEAGE, PIAMIKIN, and MAGISE, and TOWNTOм, and WINNAPUCKE, and MAGUSHETOWES, and CONCKUSKENO, and WAMPASUM, and SASSEAKUN, and RUNCKENUNNETT, and POKESSAKE, and SHOAKECUM, and SOANAMATUM, and PRODAX, and MATUMPUN, and COCKENOE-DE-Long-Island, Indians, of the one Partie, and RICHARD WEB, NATHANIEL ELI, MATTHEWE MARVIN, senr., NATHANIEL RICHARDS, ISACKE MORE, THOMAS FITCH THOMAS HALES, RICHARD HOLMSTEAD, RICHARD SEAMER, RALPH KEELER, MATTHEW MARVEN, junior, NATHANIEL HAIES, EDWARD CHURCH, JOSEPH FITCH, Planters of Norwake, for the use and behalfe of said Town, WITNESSETH, that the said Runckinheage, and Piamik, (&c., &c.) * * HAVE, and in and for the consideration of Thirtie Fathum of Wampum, Tenn Kettles, Fifteen Coates, Tenn payr of Stockings, Tenn Knifes, Tenn Hookes, Twenty Pipes, Tenn Muckes, Tenn needles, to them in hand paid, HAVE, and Every of them, for themselves and their heyers, Granted, Bargained, Sold, assigned, Enfeoffed, and confirmed; and by these presents doth Bargain, grant, sell, enfeoffe, assigne, sett over, and confirme, unto the said said Richard Web, (&c., &c.) * * all their lands called and known by the name of Runckinheage, Rooaton, or by whatsover name or names the same is called or known, Lying and bounded on the East upon ye land purchased of Captain Patriarke, so called, on the West bounded with the Brook called Pampaskeshanke, which said Brook and passage, the Bounds West, Extendeth up into the Country by marked Trees; and so far as the said Runckinheage, and the rest above mentioned, hath any Right and proprietie; and the aforesaid Land bounded with the Brook called as aforesaid Pampaskeshanke, from

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