"Welcome, Englishmen"; or, Pilgrims, Puritans and Roger Williams vindicated and his sentence of banishment ought to be revoked

Front matter

THF Pf[.GRI:[

A UT) P/)/T'^ I'i

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

CHAPTER I. P^GE. Origin of the Plymouth Pilgrims i

Section i. — Their Foierunners. Section 2. — The Separatists. Section 3. — The Exiles. Section 4. — The Pilgrims. Section 5. — The Landing of the Pilgrims.

CHAPTER IL Settlement of the Pilgrims at Plymouth .... 23 Section i. — Peace with the Indians — Sickness and Want. Section 2.— The Lyford Case. Section 3. — The Pilgrims Independents.

CHAPTER in.

The Salem Puritans

Section i. — They leave England. Section 2. -First Church formed. Section 3. — The Brownes shipped Home. Section 4. — Unabated Zeal.

CHAPTER IV.

The Boston Puritans ^e

Section :. — Their Charter. Section 2. — Their Theocratic Basis.

X CONTENTS.

CHAPTER V.

Charter of Governor and Company of Massachusetts

Bay annulled 55

Section i. — The Right to annul tlie Charter reserved. Section 2. — The Puritans careless about losing Their Charter. Section 3. — Matters grew worse.

CHAPTER VI.

Roger Willl\ms arrives in Boston 67

Section i. — His Early History. Section 2. — He was called to the First Church in Boston — goes to Salem. Section 3. — He is called to Plymouth. Section 4. — He is re-called to Salem. Section 5. — He is opposed by the Magistrates. Section 6. — He is ordained Pastor of the Church in Salem. Section 7. — His Trial. Section 8. — He is banished.

CHAPTER Vn.

Soul Liberty in Providence, Rhode Island . . . 106 Section i. — Roger Williams Ostracized, leaves Massachusetts Bay. Section 2. — He settles in Providence, Rhode Island. Section 3. — Providence Plantations Prosper. Section 4. — He founds the First Baptist Church. Section 5. — The Puritans rise to explain.

CHAPTER VIII.

Religious Tolerance and Theocratic Arrogance . . 143 Section i. — Tolerance and Arrogance meet. Section 2. — The Lynn Episode. Section 3. — Roger Williams and John Clarke go to England. Section 4. — The Government of Rhode Island strengthened. Section 5. — The Public Conscience, and Court Conscience.

CHAPTER IX.

Theocracy of Massachusetts Bay, under Charles II.,

and James II 164

Section i. — Theocracy revolutionized. Section 2. — More Synodical Work. Section 3. — Religious Liberty thrives.

CONTENTS. Xi

Section 4. — First Baptist Cliurch of Boston. Section 5. — Unhappy Strifes. Section 6. — Edicts and Public Opinion. Section 7. — The 5th New England Synod. Section 8. — J"irst Baptist Meeting House in Boston. Section 9. — The Sixth and last New England Synod. Section 10. — Death of Roger Williams. Section 11. — Downfall of Theocracy. Section 12. — The New Charter. Section 13. — The Last Gun.

CHAPTER X.

Triumph of Religious Liberty 198

Section i. — The Puritans advocate Toleration. Section 2. — Synods declared illegal. Section 3. — The Ecclesiastical Taxes remitted. Section 4. — The "Hollis" Ministerial Fund. Section 5. — Religious and Civil Liberty related. Section 6. — The End of Theocracy. Section 7. — Justice to Roger Williams yet to be done. Section 8. — The True Succession.

Part Second

Reasons Why the Sentence of Banishment passed against Roger Williams should be revoked.

CHAPTER L

Jesus Christ, and His Apostles, taught the Doctrine OF Religious Liberty — which Roger Williams maintained — Therefore, that Sentence of Banishment PASSED against tllM OUGHT TO BE REVOKED 2I4 I. Christ's Fundamental Listructions on the Subject of Separation of Church and State. 2. Christ in His instruction to His Disciples discouraged political ambition. 3. Christ's Apostles reproduced His Doctrine of Religious Liberty, in their teachings. 4. Christ's Church for more than 1,000 years, was dandled in the lap of the State Church of Constantine — but Ever, the Fire of Apostolic Zeal — continued to burn on the Altars of Religious Liberty.

Xll CONTENTS.

Chapter II

Roger Williams, and thk Puritans, had Equal Rights — TO Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, in Massachusetts Bay — Therefore — Their Sentence OF Banishment against Him, ought to be revoked 223 I. Let us sum up the Cause of Religious Liberty between the Puritans, and Roger Williams — as Plaintiffs, and Defendant. 2. Roger Williams — and the Puritans were Mutually Cordial — holding each other in High Esteem — for Christ's sake. 3. Let Posterity assume towards Roger Williams and the Puritans the most Liberal and Cordial Use of the " Olive Branch and Mantle of Charity."

CHAPTER iTl.

The Doctrine of Religious Liberty as advocated by Roger Williams, survives : — while the Theocratic System ofthe Puritans has dissolved away — Therefore, Their Sentence of Banishment against Him —

ought to be revoked 255

A. Theocracy declined, through its own Mistakes. B. Remarkable Stages, of the Decrease of Theocracy — and Increase of Religious Liberty — Before; Roger Williams' Banishment. C. Continued Decline of Theocracy After ; his Barishnient. D. The Continued, and Demolishhig Blows that fell upon Theocracy, after Roger Williams' Death. E. That Sentence, should be Revoked; though Theocracy is gone. F. "Let Roger Williams have some Distinguished Mark of Esteem, in Boston."

THE PILGRIMS, PURITANS, AND ROGER WILLIAMS, VINDICATED.

CHAPTER I.

ORIGIN OF THE PLYMOUTH PILGRIMS

SECTION I. — THEIR FORERUNNERS. " Rise O my Soul, pursue the path By ancient Worthies trod."

" Behold I send my Messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way before thee." " So shall My Word be ; it shall accomplish that which I please ; it shall prosper whereto I send it." Such words are suggestive of the glowing discoveries, we hope to make in our search for the paths of the messengers ; and what the " Head of the Church," has accomplished through them, by His Word.

A remnant of this long line of ancient "Worthies," is most familiarly known to us by the name of " Waldenses." Of them Dr. Mosheim says : " Their true Origin is hid in the remotest depths of antiquity : they are the seed of the "Primitive Churches" — first planted by Christ, and His Apostles. Their existence, spirit, and zeal in the Dark Ages, engendered the important changes, which prepared the way for the Reformation ;

which has proved to be the forerunner of the light and liberty of this Nineteenth Century.

Three Hundred years, previous to the coming of the Pilgrim Fathers, to America ; the papal church, held a " Reign of Terror " over the nominal Christian World. Kings submitted their necks to the foot of the Pope ; and the Waldenses were scattered as " partridges on the mountains," obliged to "hide themselves in the dens and caves of the earth," or fall a prey to those, who "went about, seeking whom they might devour."

But scattered here and there, was a Prince ; whom God raised up, moved with compassion, for the oppressed Waldenses ; who extended the arm of civil protection over a few men of learning, and piety, through whose labors the "day-star of freedom" from popish tyranny arose, and the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, again dawned upon the world.

Such was the important service rendered by the Duke of Lancaster, England, who protected John Wickliffe in making the First Translation of the Bible into English, in 1380; which gave irrepressible impulse to the Reformation. Wickliffe was Born 1344 ; Died 1384. His followers were called Lollards, so nearly did his sentiments correspond to those of Walter Lollard ; an eminent Waldensian "bard," who formerly visited England, and won many converts. Wickliffe's Doctrines, of the Sufficiency of the Bible, as a rule of Faith and Practice ; and the Separation, and Independence of churches of Christ, from all hierarchical domination ; continued to leaven the intelligence, and consciences of the nation, until the rise of the Pilgrims.

Early in the 15th Century, John Huss, was Chaplain

AiVD ROGER WILLIAMS, VINDICATED. 3

to the Queen of Bohemia and also Rector of the University of Prague. While in this position, an officer from Oxford Univ^ersity, conveyed to him the writings of Wickliffe. These he read with avidity, and disseminated them by pulpit and pen, until his influence was feared by the Pope. Huss was summoned to the popish Council of Constance, where he would not have ventured, but for the assitrance of a " safe-conduct ;" from Emperor Sigismund — but — he was betrayed — doomed by the Council, and burnt at the stake, in 141 5. This outrage the Bohemians resented, by repudiating popery. They gained "Freedom of Worship," under the intrepid Ziska; and Bohemia became a stronghold of the Reformation. They " threw off a yoke they were not able to bear ; " the same was done by the Pilgrim Fathers.

William Tyndale, was Born 1477 ; Died 1536.

In the fore part of the i6th Century, Frederick the Wise promoted Martin Luther to be Doctor of Divinity in the University of Wittenberg, and protected him, in his vehement attacks upon the flagrancies of the popedom. Many learned and zealous men espoused the cause of Reform ; and sad to say differences arose among the Reformers — as, about the Lord's Supper. Luther, rejected the popish tenet of /rrt';/-substantiation, but held to ri^/^-substantiation. Carolstadt, and the Swiss Reformers, maintained the Supper to be merely symbolical.

This freedom of Thought, spread among all classes, and aroused a strong determination to maintain freedom against all oppression. In 1524, broke out the "War of the Peasants" — of which Frederick said; " Perhaps the cause of these commotions, is, that these poor creatures have not been allowed to have the Word of God, preached fully among them."

In 1529, the Princes of Europe became disgusted with the insolent dealing of the Pope, and formed themselves into a league defensive ; and issued their famous Protest — hence they were called, "Protest-ants" — in which they declared their determination, to protect their people by the civil power, in the right, to embrace and enjoy, unmolested, the Reformed Religion.

In 1534, Henry VIII., of England; imitated the example of the Continental Princes, by absolving the English from all allegiance to the Pope ; and declaring himself, as the head of the national church. Archbishop Cranmer was "the power behind the throne," in the formative stage of Henry's church. In the time of Edward VI. the liturgy was defined and established by law.

Among the ceremonials were many copied from Rome ; and which were so manifestly popish, that numbers of the bishops conscientiously protested against their adoption ; and in this noble stand, for complete Separation, they shared the ardent sympathy of multitudes of the People.

Section 2. The Separatists

This conscientious opposition to the ceremonials, was intensified by the access of the People to the First Printed version of the Scriptures in the English Language ; translated by Tyndale ; and published by Coverdale, in 1535. This invaluable treasure they perused with the greatest eagerness, not as a Book of Ceremonials, but as a Divine Revelation ; an indispensable authority, in politics, morals, and religion. So strong and rapid was the growth of this sentiment, that multitudes were of one mind ; that all existing institutions, of Church and State — the social relations, and habits or every-day life, should all be made Conformable to this Divine Model.

The multitudes of this conscientious way of thinking, embraced persons of all ranks ; the humbler classes — yeomen — traders — mechanics — merchants — landholders — the nolility — and the clergy. Of these it is written — "The symmetry of their lives; the Scriptural character of their Doctrines ; their faith in Christ ; their assurance of regeneration, and adoption, as the children of God by faith ; and the bold plans they entertained for social, civil, moral, and religious improvement ; brought them into sympathy with all that was right, and heroic in the Nation. They denounced the ecclesiastical ceremonials ; and presently the hierarchy ; and yet they entertained a profound reverence for the true Church, itself ; and a superstitious terror of Schism." The People holding these sentiments, were for distinction ; and reproach ; called Puritans.

But, as revolutions never go backward — and as Henry VIII. had set the example, in repudiating the pretensions of Pope Paul III., in 1534; for the purpose of organizing a separate form of Worship ; and now that multitudes were full in the faith, that they would lose nothing by separating from the King's Church ; some of the more conscientious, ardent, and bolder ones, among the Puritans ; took counsel of the Lord, and went forward. Traditional "reverence for the Church," per se, and terror of Schism, formed a Rubicon, across which some of them dare not pass ; but with others, the power of superstitious reverence, to charm ; and the terror of schism to frighten ; had passed away. Ere long they conscientiously dared to follow their convictions by renouncing the King's church, and setting up another, upon what they conceived to be the Bible model.

These " Separatists " of England, were greatly encouraged by the example of the Reformers, on the Continent ; especially in Germany, where under the reformation of Martin Luther, they succeeded in compelling Charles V., in behalf of the Pope ; to sign the "Peace of Religion," in Sept. 25, 1555. This gave such of the countries of Europe as chose, the right to refuse the Church of Rome, and accept the Protestant faith. Thus " Separation " grew.

Quickly following this event, was the attempt to force upon the Netherlands ; the yoke of the papal church. The policy of this attempt was "to exterminate heresy, by exterminating heretics." In opposition to this horrible plot, arose the immortal " William ; Prince of Orange ; " who knowing the inwardness of this measure, was first moved with compassion, for those who knew not their fate. It was during his herculean efforts, to roll back the flood that was to carry, the Inquisition into the Netherlands ; that the bloody " Massacre of St. Bartholomew," occurred. This noble endeavor he prosecuted to a glorious success, even to the end of his life — by assassination. When the Prince of Orange, fell ; the " Inquisition " fell, in the Netherlands ; and then began its demolition throughout the civilized world. Thus Holland, thro' this renowned Prince, was the first Country of Europe, to throw off the Papal yoke, and in place of it, proclaim Religions Liberty ; and it soon became the refuge of the oppressed for conscience' sake, from England ; and other Countries.

All these bold movements on the Continent, encouraged the English "Separatists," to "obey God rather than men ; " and to take the stand, Luther did at the Diet of Worms, in 1521 ; " Here I stand : I cannot do otherwise, God help me. Amen." This growing Spirit of Freedom in Worship, caused a division between the bold, and timid, Puritans ; the latter conscientiously remained in, the establishment ; while the others conscientiously left it, for a purer model, in 1582. The Conformist, "Puritans," signalized their religious zeal, by calling loudly for severe penal statutes ; against the Catholics, whom they denounced as idolaters. The infamous "Court of High Commission;" was established ; as a check upon Catholics ; and " Separatists " too ; in the reign of Elizabeth. Its vocation was the same, as that of the Spanish Inquisition.

Upon the accession of James I., in 1603, Prelacy was greatly strengthened, and the bishops set up pompous claims to the Apostolic succession ; they also maintained a supernatural efficacy for the ordinances of the Church, as administered by themselves : and all this conscientiously for the purpose of bringing into contempt, the religious observances of the " Separatist " assemblies. By these measures, and the persecutions of the Court ; most of their meetings were broken up, and all " Separatists " from the Church, were compelled to worship in secret — as, "from fear of the Jews."

Two of these Congregations, existed in the counties of Nottingham, Lincoln, and York; in the North of England. Mr. John Smyth ; and Mr. Richard Clifton ; were their first Pastors. Mr. John Robinson ; who succeeded Mr. Clifton as pastor, was among his converts. Mr. William Brewster, was chosen Elder and Teacher. After being harassed, fined, and imprisoned by the bishops, beyond endurance ; they resolved upon Flight to Holland ; where Religious Liberty could be enjoyed.

But even this was rendered extremely difficult, by a law passed in Elizabeth's time, which made such migrations an offence against the crown. All ports and harbors were carefully watched to prevent any " Separatists," getting away. Upon its being known that these congregations in the North of England, were preparing to flee, strict orders were given, that they should not be suffered to depart. On one occasion a company of them had secured passage, and their effects were on ship-board ; when the treacherous captain set sail, and after proceeding a short distance, returned, and delivered these terror-stricken '* Separatists," to the resentment of their enemies.

Section 3. — The Exiles

But, gaining wisdom by this failure, and fearless of the law, made to crush them at home ; in less than a year, a second attempt was made to escape their ecclesiastical tormentors ; but, while a part of the men had gotten on board the ship, the barge that was to take their wives and children, to the vessel, was detained by low water ; when a body of armed men from the King's

AND ROGER WILLIAMS, VINDICATED. g

Church, came upon them. The captain of the ship, fearing for his own safety, hoisted sail and made off for Holland ; leaving those helpless families, in the hands of their captors. The ship that bore the men away, encountered a heavy storm on the coast of Norway, and barely escaping shipwreck ; all reached shore in safety. They, who had those families on their hands, could make no ready disposition of them, and yet were obliged to provide for their support ; were glad to let them go ; and the next year, these families were reunited in Holland. A church of English exiles, who had preceded them, under the care of their pastor, Mr. Ainsworth, at Amsterdam, extended their hospitalities ; in the free land of William Prince of Orange ; to these their fellow-sufferers for conscience' sake.

This first company of exiles from Scrooby, England, were soon followed by others of their number. While now enjoying repose from the persecutions of the Prelates ; Pastor John Smyth, betook himself anew, to the study of the Scriptures. He soon found that conscience, consistency, and Scripture ; required of them not only to separate from the Church of England ; but also to renounce their Episcopal ordination, and baptism. In these views he was conscientiously opposed by Pastors Robinson, Clifton, and Ainsworth. Mr. Robinson, sought advice of Bishop Hall, in the matter. The bishop replied, — " Mr. Smyth tells you true . . . either you must go forward to him, or come back, to the Church, of England. All your Rabbins cannot answer the charge he makes against you."

As the result of this discussion, Mr. Smyth was conscientiously disfellowshipped by the other pastors, lO THE PILGRIMS, PURITANS,

and the Amsterdam church ; as the easiest way to evade his logic. But this did not end the matter ; for his influence soon became so formidable, that many were conscientiously drawn to his views, and he received the appellation, of — the "Grandee, of the Separation." Mr. Smyth and his followers became Baptists ; and returned to England ; where they united with their brethren, in conscientiously "challenging King and Parliament, to their faces ; determined not to give way, no not a foot ; until they had ob- TAINED religious LIBERTY FOR ALL PEOPLE." ThJS

was achieved, at the accession of William III, and Mary, in 1688. He was grandson of William Prince of Orange, of Holland.

The boldness and success of Mr. Smyth, "threatened to swallow up all the separation besides" — of which there were many in Amsterdam ; and hence to avoid discussion with them, they ; with their pastor, Mr. John Robinson, removed to Leyden. Here they remained in peace for 10 or 12 years, but finding it difficult to obtain a livelihood ; and that their children were leaving them as fast as they grew up ; they were satisfied that their little band would ultimately become extinct.

Colonization in America, being much agitated at this time, these " Separatists," resolved to emigrate to the New World ; where they might be away from the temptations and vices of the Old World, for their children's sakes ; and where they might enjoy uncontaminated, and undisturbed, by the State Church ; " Freedom to Worship God." At first they proposed to go to Guiana, where the Dutch had trading-posts ; but upon afterthought, concluded to settle in North Virginia ; " pro-

AND ROGER WILLIAMS, VINDICA TED. I I

vided they might establish a separate plantation, and be allotved to arj'ange religious matters, according to their own ideas."

Forthwith two of their number ; Robert Cushman, and John Carver, were sent to England as their agents, to procure a Grant of land from the Va. Co. This was readily promised ; and a promise from the King, that they should not be molested, on the subject of Religion. But a bare promise, even from his majesty, was not satisfactory, to a people who had resolved to enjoy

"LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE WHATEVER IT MIGHT COST."

Another attempt was made to obtain a grant of the Dutch, which also failed ; when Mr. Cushman, and Mr. Brewster, proceeded to England and made a second attempt, to obtain a grant of the Virginia Company ; and were successful. Mr. Thomas Weston, and a few other London merchants, out of sympathy with their religious views, agreed to advance the necessary means, to plant the Colony ; not however on very favorable terms to the Colonists : as every $50 paid in, was to represent the same interest in the Corporation, as an able-bodied man, who should join the Company. The whole property, was to remain a joint-stock for seven years ; at the end of which, a division of the proceeds, was to be made, and the co-partnership dissolved. The banks of the noble Hudson River, near its mouth, were designated as the future home of these "Separatists."

Preparations for their departure, were immediately commenced. It was arranged that Mr. Robinson should remain with those who did not go in the first company, and that Mr. Brewster should accompany the pioneers. It was also agreed that each part should be considered a distinct ; separate ; independent church ; neither one of them under any ecclesiastical jurisdiction to the other ; nor to any Synod ; Convocation ; or Council ; whatsoever. Those who remained, were expected to follow in due time.

The formalities of departure, were as follows : —

First. — A fast Sermon, by Pastor Robinson. His text was, in Ezra 8:21. "Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance."

In the course of his Sermon he said — "Brethren we are quickly to part from one another, and whether, I may ever live to see your faces on earth any more, the God of Heaven only knows. ... I charge you before God and His blessed angels, that you follow me no farther than you have seen me follow the Lord Jesus Christ. If God reveal anything to you by any other instrument of His, be as ready to receive it, as ever you were to receive any truth by my ministry ; for I am very confident that the Lord has yet more truth to break forth out of his Holy Word. . . . The Lutherans cannot be drawn to go beyond what Luther saw . . . and the Calvinists, you see, stick fast where they were left by Calvin, that great man of God, who yet saw not all things."

And yet, Mr. Robinson himself, was not conscientiously willing to be drawn forward to the views of that " instrument of God," Mr. John Smyth ; not even with Bishop Hall to urge him on.

Second. — The embarkation. About July 22, 1620, a company of devout men and women, with their children, went on board a frail vessel, at Delft Haven, Holland ; some standing in little groups in earnest conversation ; others, gazing upon familiar objects for the last time ; many were hurrying to and fro, solicitous that all things be made ready for the important adventure. When the hour of their departure arrived, the Pastor and the little company kneeled together upon the deck of the ship, and in a most fervent prayer, he commended them to the Kind protection of their Heavenly Father.

Third. — The parting farewell. After the religious services were over — "with mutual embraces," they took leave of those who had come from a distance, to give them the parting hand, and pronounce upon them their farewell blessing. Governor Bradford writes — " Truly doleful was the sight, of that sad and mournful parting; to see what sighs, and sobs, and prayers, did sound among them ; what tears did gush from every eye, and pithy speeches pierced each other's hearts ; that sundry of the Dutch strangers that stood on the quay as Spectators, could not refrain from tears."

Fourth. — The final adieu. Governor Winslow writes — " When they separated, we gave them a volley of small shot, and three pieces of Ordnance ; and so lifting up our hands to each other, and our hearts for each other, to the Lord God, we departed and found His presence with us."

From Leyden, the Pilgrims sailed to Southampton, Eng., in the vessel Speedwell ; where they found Mr. Cushman and the rest of their company, preparing to sail in the larger vessel, Mayflower ; under Captain Jones. While tarrying there, they received a comforting letter from Pastor Robinson ; which they came together and heard read with great pleasure. The whole company was divided into two parties for the voyage, each party with the consent of their ship captains, chose a Governor, and two or three Assistants, who were to have a general supervision over them.

On the 5th of August, the two vessels went to sea on their adventurous voyage ; but they had not proceeded far, before the Speedwell was found to be in a leaking condition, and both vessels put back to Dartmouth. About Aug. 21 they went to sea the second time, and after sailing nearly 100 leagues the Speedwell was found to be leaking again ; and both vessels returned to Plymouth. It was now determined to sail in only one vessel ; and among those who could not go, was the energetic Mr. Cushman. Captain Jones took on board the Mayflower, loi persons, and their stores, and on Sept. 6th, started the third time.

Section 4. The Pilgrims

How thrilling the moment ! This expedition surpassed in importance, that of the famed "Argonauts " — or that of " Dido " — or of " yEneas " — or even that of " Columbus" — just in proportion as one event in God's providence surpasses another. This was the first band of Christian adventurers ; driven from home and country for conscience sake, to go forth and seek a place to worship God. No aid from the Government of their country, not even of traiTsportation ; which felons, would have had. But glory, was to rest upon their memory in history; and execration, upon that of their persecutors. Like the modern Missionary, they could say — "Native land, Farewell" — but unlike the Missionary, who goes to a nation sitting in darkness — a nation in darkness was to follow the light of the Pilgrims ; they carried the "torch of Liberty" — that light which followed them was Christ.

The Mayflower had not been long on her way, before she encountered a fearful storm ; and it was only with the utmost exertion that girding irons and other helps, were applied to certain parts of the ship, that the brave souls on board strengthened her for the voyage. So, as those, who first fled to Holland met a fearful storm on the coast of Norway, were preserved on their way safely ; these also, were kept, amid the perils of the Sea. One is reported to have died on the way ; and one was born ; before they landed, so keeping their number good. On Nov. 9th, the cheering cry of " Land, Land," was heard. Although their destination was the Hudson River, they had become weary with their long voyage, and finding the coast both difificult and dangerous to navigate, they resolved to land inside of Cape Cod Bay. Nov. 21st, religious services were held on board the Mayflower, to offer thanksgiving for their preservation at sea, and to supplicate Divine favor in future.

Before landing however, they concluded, that, as the place was outside the grant of the Va. Co. whose Patent they held ; and, as " some of the party were not well affected to unity and concord, but gave some appearance of faction;" it was necessary to institute, a " Compact : " or form of Government. Accordingly the following document was considered and adopted: —

" Having undertaken for the Glory of God ; and the advancement of the Christian faith ; and honor of our

King and Country ; A voyage, to plant the First Colony, in the northern parts of Virginia : We do by these presents solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one another ; Covenant, and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation, and furtherance of the ends aforesaid: — and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and ofifices, from time to time, as shall be tho't most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony : — Unto which we promise all due submission, and obedience."