Page images
PDF
EPUB

Objections stated and answered.

20

bility of finding subsistence in a world of forests, were mentioned with deep conviction of their reality. To these things it was replied, that all great achievements were attended with great difficulties, and required corresponding courage and zeal. It was acknowledged the obstacles were great, but not invincible, the dangers formidable, but not desperate. Some of the evils, though probable, they conceived were not certain; others they hoped to conquer or bear with fortitude. It was also urged that the twelve years truce was expired, that war between the Dutch and Spaniards would greatly endanger them; that the beating of drums and the alarm and parade of war, which had already begun, shewed them what to expect; that the conquering Spaniard might prove as cruel as the savage; and the famine and pestilence of war be as dreadful as the woods of America; that they were exiles, their condition miserable, their dangers imminent, and something must be done. "It was therefore fully concluded by the major part to put the design in execution, and prosecute it by the best means in their power."

[merged small][merged small][ocr errors]

CHAP. III.

Measures adopted for removing, their voyage, they land at Cape Cod.

HAVING resolved on a removal, the first measure they adopted was a meeting for prayer, to seek direction and assistance from God. A general conference was then held to consult on the subject, and determine to what particular place they should remove. Some, and those not the least respectable, preferred Guiana, in South America, on account of the warmth of the climate, the fertility of the soil, and the ease with which the inhabitants might be supported. To these arguments were objected, the unhealthiness of all hot countries, and the hostility of the Spaniards. The objection against Virginia was, that they should be exposed to the persecution of the English government, without the privilege of its protection: finally, itwas: concluded to live in a distinct body by themselves, under the general government of Virginia, and "by their friends to sue his majesty for liberty and freedom of religion." This they were encouraged to hope, they fhould obtain by the agency of some persons of rank and quality, who were their friends.

Two persons were then chosen and sent to England, at the expense of the associated exiles, to make application to the Virginia company, whom they found ready to grant them a patent with as ample privileges as they had themselves, and to

31

Preparations for removal to America. afford them all the assistance in their power. The principal persons of the company doubted not but the king would grant their request as to freedom of religion. But this was found impossible. Though the leading members of the Virginia company, with their friends, and one of the chief secretaries of state urged the king, and others made applica tion to the archbishop, all was vain. The king intimated that he would not disturb them in their religion while they conducted peaceably. This hope of his connivance was all they could obtain. The Virginia company presuming they would not be troubled, urged them to proceed. The agents returned to Holland; some were discouraged, but they finally concluded to proceed, "resting on God's providence, as they had done in other things.”

Upon this resolution Mr. ROBERT CUSHMAN and JOHN CARVER were sent to conclude the business with the Virginia Company, to obtain as good a patent as they could, and agree with such merchants and friends as were disposed to encourage the voyage. Written instructions. were given them, beyond which they were not to proceed without further advice. New difficulties occurring, these agents returned to Holland to con. fer with their brethren.

After a long and troublesome negotiation, which began in 1617, the patent was obtained in 1619; yet God so ordered their affairs that this patent which had cost them so much expenfe, labour, and anxiety, should never be of the least advantage

32

A solemn Fast kept.

to them. So precarious are the most sanguine hopes of man.

Having received the patent, and proposals from the merchants and friends on whom they depended for assistance, they began to prepare themselves with all speed." A ship of 60 tons 'was hired in Holland, and another of 180 in England. All things being in readiness for their departure from Leyden, they kept a day of solemn humiliation and prayer. Their pastor preached from Ezra viii, 21. Then I proclaimed a fast at the river 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."

66

The time being come that they must depart, they were accompanied by most of their brethren several miles to Delft Haven, where the ship waited to receive them. Now they left, to see it no more, the pleasant city of Leyden, which had been their hiding place for 12 years. They found the ship and all things ready. Friends from Leyden, who could not come with them, followed and arrived before their departure. Their friends from Amsterdam came to take their leave and see them embark. The night was spent with little sleep, but with friendly entertainment, and christian discourse, and real expressions of purest love.

The next day the wind was fair; they went on. board, their friends with them. Distressing was the sight of that sad and mournful parting. The

Affecting departure.

33

sighs and sobs and prayers, which burst from every lip, would have melted the coldest heart; tears gushed from every eye; the kindest speeches were stifled by unutterable tenderness of soul. The Dutch strangers, who were present, could not refrain from weeping. Charming was the sight of such unfeigned love; but the tide, which waits for no man, called them away; the moment was overwhelming. Their pastor fell on his knees and they all with him, with watry cheeks, commended themselves with most fervent prayer to God for his blessing; then with mutual embraces and many tears they took leave of one another. To many this proved the last farewell. A prosperous gale bore them soon to the English shore. At Southampton they found the larger ship, and the rest of their company, ready to sail for America.

After their parting, Mr. Robinson wrote a letter to Mr. John Carver, and another to the company, both full of affection and confidence in their wis dom and goodness, with the most salutary advice. He assures Mr. Carver of his affection and sympathy, and expresses his confidence that those comforts, which he had administered to others, would be more than sufficient to sustain his own mind under all its cares and sufferings; especially as he would enjoy "the presence of so many godly and wise brethren," whose entire good will he would possess. He promises to seize

[ocr errors][merged small]
« PreviousContinue »