We began this remove with wading over Banquang river: the water was up
to the knees, and the stream very swift, and so cold that I thought it
would have cut me in sunder. I was so weak and feeble, that I reeled
as I went along, and thought there I must end my days at last, after
my bearing and getting through so many difficulties. The Indians stood
laughing to see me staggering along; but in my distress the Lord gave
me experience of the truth, and goodness of that promise, "When thou
passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers,
they shall not overflow thee" (Isaiah 43.2). Then I sat down to put
on my stockings and shoes, with the tears running down mine eyes, and
sorrowful thoughts in my heart, but I got up to go along with them.
Quickly there came up to us an Indian, who informed them that I must go
to Wachusett to my master, for there was a letter come from the council
to the Sagamores, about redeeming the captives, and that there would be
another in fourteen days, and that I must be there ready. My heart was
so heavy before that I could scarce speak or go in the path; and yet
now so light, that I could run. My strength seemed to come again, and
recruit my feeble knees, and aching heart. Yet it pleased them to go but
one mile that night, and there we stayed two days. In that time came
a company of Indians to us, near thirty, all on horseback. My heart
skipped within me, thinking they had been Englishmen at the first sight
of them, for they were dressed in English apparel, with hats, white
neckcloths, and sashes about their waists; and ribbons upon their
shoulders; but when they came near, there was a vast difference between
the lovely faces of Christians, and foul looks of those heathens, which
much damped my spirit again.