USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > History of the town of Plymouth, from its first settlement in 1620, to the present time : with a concise history of the aborigines of New England, and their wars with the English, &c. > Part 27
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The assembly in procession returned to the Pilgrim Hall, where upwards of 200 persons sat down to dinner. Alden Bradford, Esq., president of the Pilgrim Society, was seated in the arm chair of English oak, which came over with the first settlers, and is reputed to have been Governor Carver's. The hall was decorated with ever-greens in a tasteful manner.
1831 .-- Anniversary Commemoration. The first parish in Plymouth having voted that they will annually solemnize, by re- ligious services, the anniversary of the landing of our forefathers, except when the Pilgrim Society shall take the celebration on themselves,* arrangements were accordingly made for the oc- casion, and a numerous and highly respectable assembly con- vened on the 22d of December, in the new church of the first parish for divine service. The Rev. Mr. Cole, of Kingston, and Rev. Mr. Goodwin, of Concord, offered our thanksgivings and supplications in a spirit and manner worthy the interesting occasion. The Rev. Mr. Brazer, of Salem, delivered a dis- course peculiarly appropriate, from Psalms xxx. 8, 9. It was fraught with interesting intelligence and filial affection. How can we best honor the fathers, and in what way shall we best cherish their memory? This inquiry was awakening to the
* This vote has since been repealed by the parish.
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feelings of the audience, and the discussions of the eloquent speaker delighted the understandings of those who love to cher- ish the puritan character. This anniversary was at the same time commemorated in the meeting house of the third parish in this town. The Rev. Dr. John Codman, of Dorchester, was invited to perform the solemnities on the occasion. This ser- mon has been published, and is honorable to the author, inter- esting to the antiquarian, and to the admirers of the puritans. A sermon was preached also before the Robinson church and society, by the Rev. Mr. Cobb, of Taunton.
1832 .- Centennial Anniversary of the birth-day of Wash- ington. February .- The centennial birth-day of Washington, so peculiarly interesting to the whole population of the United States was celebrated on the 22d instant, by the young men in this town, with commendable ardor and reverence. An oration was delivered by Hon. Solomon Lincoln, which was received with much applause by a crowded audience.
There is a signal felicity in discovering proofs of patriotism and public virtue in those who are soon to be called to the pla- ces of such of the present generation as are rapidly passing from the stage of life and usefulness. Much of the welfare and prosperity of our great republic, depends on the purity of prin- ciple and sentiment, maintained by the rising generation: on them devolve not only the honor and character of our nation, but the prosperity and happiness of generations to come. For lessons of instructions, we trust they will look to the eventful lives, and the examples of those virtuous men who have finish- ed their earthly career, and are gathered to their fathers. May our young men be directed to discern the true interest of their country, and be cordially united in its pursuit, and may they, like their illustrious progenitors, be renowned for their love of the church, and for a pious attachment to the genuine princi- ples of freedom and the rights of man; cherishing with pious ardor that excellent constitution given them by their renowned sires, nor hastily fritter away its principles with the vain expec- tation of improvement.
The 212th anniversary of the landing of our forefathers was celebrated by religious services by the first parish in town on Saturday, the 22d day of December. The discourse delivered by Rev. Convers Francis, of Watertown, from John iv. 38, -- 'Other men have labored, and ye have entered into their labors." ' It was marked by the fluency of thought and ex- pression, the felicity of classical allusion, and the philosophical discriminations, which distinguish all the productions of this gentleman, and we listened with renewed interest to the oft told
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story of the sufferings and achievements of the eminent men, who on the rock of Plymouth, laid the foundation of our pre- sent institutions, and breathed into them the spirit of civil and religious liberty." The Rev. Mr. Francis complied with the request of the parish committee, and granted a copy of his dis- course for publication.
The discourse delivered in the third parish by the Rev. Jona- than Bigelow of Rochester, is spoken of as being dignified and appropriate.
1833 .- December 22d. The anniversary familiarly and ap- propriately called among us " Forefather's day," occurred this year on the Sabbath. The Rev. Mr. Barrrett of Boston, preached in the meeting-house of the first parish in this town. His morning sermon was from Zechariah i. 5. 6.
' Your fathers, where are they? But my words and my stat- utes did they not take hold of vour fathers? '
1834 .- The anniversary of the landing of our forefathers was this year celebrated by the Pilgrim Society, in a manner that brought to recollection the most interesting events and in- cidents pertaining to our puritan worthies in their 'days of small things.' In the morning the peels from the bells of the several churches and the cannon from the hill were the signals for the various services. At ten o'clock, the society assembled at Pilgrim Hall, which is now finished, comformably to the original design, by erecting a handsome Doric portico in front of the edifice.
From that place was marshalled a respectable and numerous procession which proceeded to the church of the first parish, which was at once filled in every part. The services in the church were the singing of an Ode "Sons of renowned Sires," a Prayer by Rev. Dr. Kendall, and a discourse. " The dis- course was delivered by Rev. George W. Blagden of Boston, and was remarkable as well for its appropriateness as an anni- versary address as for the skill with which its topics were se- lected and discussed. This union of aptness and skill, set off as they were by the excellent manner and voice of the orator, charmed the whole audience, so that there was but one pervad- ing sentiment of satisfaction and delight." We are gratified that this performance is now before the public. The other hymns sung were the hymn by Bryant "Wild was the day," and " Hail Pilgrim Fathers of our race," which after the man- ner of the Pilgrims was read line by line and sung to the tune of " Old Hundred." The services being closed, the proces-
. sion returned to Pilgrim Hall, where was prepared an enter- tainment. Among our respected guests we were gratified with
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the presence of Lt.Governor Armstrong, who appeared to take a deep interest in every thing that relates to the puritans.
A splendid ball closed the celebration of the 214th anniver- sary of our fore-fathers.
Colonel Sargent's Picture-It is with peculiar satisfaction that we record in this place the very valuable donation by Henry Sargent, Esq. of Boston, to the Pilgrim Society, of his mag- nificent painting, representing our forefathers on their first land- ing from the Mayflower. It has long been a desideratum, that the walls of our Pilgrim Hall should be adorned with this pic- ture, but for the want of funds it could not be procured, the price being $3,000. That gentleman has now, with a noble generosity, presented the picture to the Society, and funds have been raised by subscription for the purpose of procuring a rich and costly frame and paying some contingent expenses. We shall now enjoy the satisfaction of contemplating this superb representation of the patriarchs, the founders of our nation on their first arriving on our shores. The Pilgrim Hall is the most appropriate receptacle, and is now suitably prepared to receive it, and the author has, by the grandeur of his concep- tions and skill, rendered the painting peculiarly appropriate to the place, and acquired to himself both honor and applause. The frame is gilt, and measures 13 by 16 feet. In page 244 of this volume will be found some notice of this picture by another hand when formerly exhibited. In a letter to the author from the venerable John Trumbull, not long since, he observes: "It gives me great pleasure to learn that Col. Sargent has present- ed to the Pilgrim Society at Plymouth, his fine picture of the landing of our fathers. The painting has great merit and is perfectly appropriate to your Hall. I congratulate you and the Society, on having so valuable a gift."
The following persons are represented in the several groups attired in the costume of their day.
1. Governor Carver and his wife and children;
2. Governor Bradford;
3. Governor Winslow;
4. Wife of Governor Winslow;
5. Mr. William Brewster, the presiding Elder;
6. Captain Miles Standish;
7. Mr. William White, and his child Peregrine;
8. Mr. Isaac Allerton and his wife;
9. Mr. John Alden;
10. Mr. John Turner;
11. Mr. Stephen Hopkins, his wife and children*
12. Mr. Richard Warren; 22*
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13. Mr. Edward Tilley ;
14. Mr. Samuel Fuller ;
15. Wife of Captain Standish;
16. Samoset, an Indian Sagamore or Lord;
17. Mr. John Howland, of Gov. Carver's family. (He mar- ried Gov. Carver's daughter.)
Among the Antiquities in the Cabinet of the Pilgrim Society are the following :
An armed antique chair apparently made for some public use, and reputed to have belonged to Governor Carver.
The identical sword blade used by Miles Standish, the hilt being of more modern date, presented by William T. Wil- liams, Esq.
A pewter dish belonging to Miles Standish, presented by Joseph Head, Esq.
An iron pot belonging to Miles Standish, presented by. John Watson, Esq.
The identical cap worn by King Philip. It is helmet shaped, curiously wrought in the manner of net work, and interwoven with red bird's feathers, presented by Mr. Abiathar Wilber.
A piece of Governor E. Winslow's chest, presented by Mr. John Churchill.
Sundry axes, hatchets, tomahawks, arrow-heads, &c, of stone wrought by the natives.
PART III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY
OF PLYMOUTH.
"Just men they were, and all their study benc To worship God aright, and know his works Not hid ; nor those things last, which might preserve Freedom and peace to man.'
THE first Church in New England, founded at Plymouth in 1620, was a part of the church under the pastoral care of the celebrated John Robinson. "In the fall of 1608, the churches under Mr. Clifton and Mr. John Robinson, in the North of England, being extremely harrassed, some cast into prison, some beset in their houses, some forced to leave their families, they begin to fly over to Holland with their Rev. Pastor, Mr. Clifton, for purity of worship and liberty of conscience." In conse- quence of cruel persecution in their native country for their non-conformity, Mr. Robinson and his band of christian breth- ren exiled themselves to Leyden, in 1610, where they resided almost eleven years. Their situation among the Dutch did not afford them the advantages and facilities which were desirable. Their resources for support were greatly deficient, the employ- ments for their sons entering on the stage of life were altogeth- er ineligible, and there were reasons to apprehend that by inter- marriages with the Dutch they would lose the English character, for which they still retained a natural attachment. Dissatisfied, therefore, with their situation as a permanent residence, after the most mature deliberation they resolved to emigrate to the unexplored shores of America, trusting in Divine Providence for protection. (See page 13th.) Their agents, employed to negotiate in England for a territory for settlement, described, in touching language, their feelings, and the reasons which in- duced them to emigrate; that they were well weaned from the
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delicate milk of their mother country, and inured to the difficul- ties of a strange land'; that they were knit together in a strict and sacred bond, by which they held themselves bound to take care of the good of each other, and of the whole; no small things would discourage them, or make them wish to return home. They had acquired habits of frugality, industry, and self-denial, and were united in a solemn covenant, by which they were bound to seek the welfare of the whole company, and of every individual person. The letters also contained an ex- position of their religious creed, as agreeing with the French reformed churches in faith and discipline, and differing only in some incidental points. But they abjured all right of human invention, or interference in religious matters, not building their hopes on ceremonial observances and on systems of worship. They would have the church thoroughly reformed; that is, purged from all those inventions which have been brought into it since the age of the apostles, and reduced entirely to scrip- ture purity. They were actuated by a natural and pious desire of perpetuating a church, which they believed to be constituted after the simple and pure model of the primitive church of Christ; and a commendable zeal to propagate the gospel in the region: of the new world.
"Like Israel's host to exile driven, Across the flood the Pilgrims fled ; Their hands bore up the ark of Heaven, And Heaven their trusting footsteps led,. Till on these savage shores they trod, And won the wilderness for God."-Pierpont.
We learn by Dr. Belknap, that the particular sentiments, as to ecclesiasticai government, which were held by the church over which Mr. Robinson was pastor, and which had a peculiar influence upon the conduct and character of the settlers of Plymouth, have been comprised under the following heads:
1. That no church ought to consist of more members than can conveniently meet together for worship and discipline.
2. That every church of Christ is to consist only of such as appear to believe in and obey him.
3. That any competent number of such have a right, when conscience obliges them, to form themselves into a distinct church.
4. That this incorporation is, by some contract or covenant, expressed or implied.
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5. That being thus incorporated, they have a right to choose their own officers.
6. That these officers are pastors, or teaching elders, ruling elders, and deacons.
7. That elders, being chosen and ordained, have a power to rule the church, but by consent of the brethren.
8. That all elders and all churches are equal in respect of powers and privileges.
9. With respect to ordinances, they held, that baptism is to be administered to visible believers and their infant children, but they admitted only the children of communicants to baptism. That the Lord's supper is to be received sitting at the table, (whilst they were in Holland they received it every Lord's day. ) That ecclesiastical censures were wholly spiritual, and not to be accompanied with temporal penalties.
10. They admitted no holidays but the christian Sabbath, though they had occasional days of fasting and thanksgiving; and, finally, they renounced all right of human invention and interference in religious matters.
Having sold their estates in Holland, and put the proceeds into a common fund, they began to make preparations for their departure; but so entirely were their minds devoted to religious contemplation and pious exercises, that no secular concerns could be transacted without first offering their aspirations to Heaven for guidance. The aid of the Lord was invoked with sincerity and in faith in all their worldly concerns. Greatly, indeed, were they strengthened and encouraged by the glorious exam- ple and fervent prayers of the venerated pastor.
In the early part of the year 1620, Robinson delivered a dis- course, the object of which was, to strengthen and confirm the resolution of those who were about to go to America. They had ascertained that a majority of the congregation were in- clined to emigrate, but all who had come to that determination could not immediately prepare themselves for the voyage; those who remained, (being the majority,) required of Robinson that he should stay with them, and proposed that Brewster, the rul- ing elder, should go with the minority; and such was the final arrangement. The minority were to be an absolute church of themselves, as those who should stay, with the proviso, that as any should go over or return, they should be reputed as mem- bers, without further dismission or testimonial. The others in- tended to follow as soon as circumstances would permit.
In July, of the same year, they kept another solemn day of prayer, and Mr. Robinson again preached to them, selecting for his text the very appropriate words in Ezra, chap. viii. verse
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21: ' I proclaimed a fast at the river Ahava, that we might af- flict ourselves before God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.' This passage was singularly and strikingly adapted to the occasion; and the exhortation in this celebrated sermon breathed a noble spirit of christian liberty, and discovered a spirit of liberality, the more wonderful as the age was an age of bigotry; and proceeding, as it did, from one, who, at one period of his ministry, had been distinguished as a rigid and unyielding Separatist. 'Brethren,' said he, 'we are now quickly to part from one another, and whether I may ever live to see your face on earth any more, the God of Heaven only knows; but whether the Lord hath ap- pointed that or not, 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 any thing 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 fully persuaded, I am very confident, that the Lord has more truth yet to break forth out of his holy word. For my part, I cannot sufficiently bewail the condition of the reformed churches, who are come to a period in religion, and will go at present no far- ther than the instruments of their reformation. The Luther- ans cannot be drawn to go beyond what Luther saw; whatever part of his will our good God has revealed to Calvin, they will rather die than embrace it, and the Calvinists, you see, stick fast, where they were left by that great man of God, who yet saw not all things.
'This is a misery much to be lamented, for though they were burning and shining lights in their times, yet they penetrated not into the whole counsel of God; but, were they now living, would be as willing to embrace further light as that which they first received, I beseech you to remember that it is an article of your church covenant, that you shall be ready to receive what- ever truth shall be made known to you from the written word of God. Remember that, and every other article of your sa- cred covenant. But I must here, withal, exhort you to take heed what you receive as truth. Examine it, consider it, and compare it with other scriptures of truth, before you receive it; for it is not possible that the christian world should come so lately out of such thick anti-christian darkness, and that per- fection of knowledge should break forth at once.
' I must also advise you to abandon, avoid and shake off the name of Brownist .* It is a mere nickname, and a brand for
* Brownist, the followers of Robert Brown, a sectary, whose prin-
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the making religion, and the professors of it odious to the christ- ian world.' Mr. Robinson also addressed a pastoral letter to his flock, in which he advised them in relation to spiritual mat- ters, exhorting to the practice of charity, and the bearing each others' infirmities, and finally bidding his departing brethren a most affectionate farewell. The entire letter may be seen in Morton's Memorial.
On the 31st of July, 1620, the emigrants departed from Ley- den to embark at Delfthaven. They were accompanied by many of their afflicted friends, and by some who came from Amsterdam. The next day they embarked for England in a vessel called the Speedwell, which they left and took passage on board the Mayflower for America, (see page 14.) At the moment of their going on board at Delfthaven, Mr. Robinson fell on his knees, and with tearful eyes, in a most ardent and affectionate prayer, committed them to their Divine Protector. So great was the grief of this little church, all the members of which had been endeared to each other by so many circumstan- ces, and united by so many ties, that, when they finally separ- ated, the agonizing expression of it drew tears even from the eyes of the Dutch, who had assembled on the quay to see them depart, insensible as they usually were to sorrowful emotions. Well might it be said, behold how these christians love one another! It has been stated, that the Plymouth church was formed from the minority of the Leyden church, and the two churches were like a family, separated for a time, but impatient of a re-union. Robinson was still considered pastor of the Ply- mouth church; and his expected arrival prevented their ordain- ing another pastor, or teaching elder; and this was the less necessary, as Mr. Brewster, the ruling elder, was eminently qualified to discharge the duties of both elder and pastor. After the death of Mr. Robinson, he did, in fact, perform all the duties of the two offices, but refused to be ordained as pastor. The Rev. John Robinson was not indulged in his anxious desire to join that portion of his beloved flock which came to America; the means of the congregation being exhausted in the transporta- tion of those who came over, he continued at Leyden during the remainder of his life, which terminated March 1, 1625, in the fiftieth year of his age. His death caused the dissolution of the church and congregation over which he presided, and which his talents and piety contributed so much to render
ciples were, in many respects, very exceptionable, in the view of sober Christians, and who at length abandoned them himself, and conformed to the church of England.
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illustrious. A part of their numbers remained in Holland, and a part, with the widow and children, came to Plymouth colony. His posterity are yet numerous in various parts of New. Eng- land. Mr. Robinson was buried in the charnel of the church in Leyden, assigned for the use of his congregation. Mr. Prince, the Chronologist, who visited Leyden, in 1714, was in- formed by the ancient people, as received from their parents, that as he was had in high esteem, both by the city and univer- sity, for his learning, piety, moderation, and excellent accom- plishments, the magistrates, ministers, scholars, and most of the gentry mourned his death as a public loss, and followed him to the grave. The late Dr. Belknap thus delineates his character: ' Mr. Robinson was a man of good genius, quick penetration, ready wit, great modesty, integrity, and candor; his classic literature and acuteness in disputation were acknowledged by his adversaries; his manners were easy, courteous and obliging, his preaching was instructive and affecting. Though in his younger years he was rigid in his separation from the Episcopal church, by whose governors he and his friends were treated with unrelenting severity, yet, when convinced of his error, he open- ly acknowledged it, and, by experience and conversation with good men, became moderate and charitable, without abating his zeal for strict and real religion. It is always a sign of a good heart when a man becomes mild and candid as he grows in years. This was eminently true of Mr. Robinson. He learned to esteem all good men of every religious persuasion, and charged his flock to maintain the like candid and benevolent conduct. His sentiments respecting the reformers, as express- ed in his valedictory discourse, will entail immortal honor to his memory, evidencing his accurate discernment, his inflexible honesty, and his fervent zeal for truth and a good conscience. He was also possessed, in an eminent degree, of the talent of peace making, and was happy in adjusting differences among neighbors and in families, so that peace and union were preserv- ed in his congregation.' 'Mr, Robinson,' says Mr. Baylies, ' was a man of uncommon argumentative powers, and maintain- ed a controversy of doctrines, with great ability, against one of the most distinguished and learned professors of the university of Leyden. His farewell sermon is an evidence, not only of his ability, but of a liberality far transcending the bigotry of the age, and would do no discredit to these times.' The followers of Robinson, with their brethren in England, were denominated puritans, from their aversion to the prevailing ceremonies and government of the Episcopal church, which they deemed corrupt and immoral; and it was in this that their puritanism consist-
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