15                     1675 warre with the Indians

______________________________________________________________________________

Furthermore that comon observation which Divines are wont to

take notice off is of waighty consideration here viz that noe instance is to

be given, when the servants of God have not onely prayed but vowed as well

as prayed, noe instance is to be given therof wherein [illeg.] answer

from God hath not followed: when the Cananites fought against Israel and

took some of them prisoners (just as thus with us) & Israel vowed a vow unto

the lord, the lord hearkened unto the voyce of Israel & delivered up the Cana

nites Numb. 21. 1. 2. 3.

Now in order to the more effectuall preparation of this people to Solemn Con

sern, the Elders heerabouts have apprehended it would be necessary first y^t

in the several churches should indeavour that the evills which are parti

cularly prevailing in their Several flocks should be particularly bewayled

before the lord, & reformation of them inserted in this covenant

 These things we have with the consent & advise of our brethren before mentioned

made bold humbly to suggest to your selves; hopeing that at the general elec

=tion which draweth on, the lord may gratiously consist unto Elders in

this colony yet another oppertunity of meeting together & that things may be

soe prepared in the mean time, as that then these matters may be brought

unto speedy effect.

Now the lord for his name sake spare his people. & give not his heritage

for a reproach that y^e Heathen should rule over you, & help us Allsoe y^t

we may have grace to be found faythful, & to stand in the gapp before the

Lord for this land, that it may not be destroyed at leastwise not in our day

        soe pray for

                                      Y^or Brethren & fellow servants

                                            Thomas Thatcher

                                            James Allin

                                            Increase Mather[29]

 w^th y^e consent & at y^e request of the Y^e

  Elders meeting at the Lecture in

   Boston. 9^th (1^m) 1675/6

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