Chapter V: Letter I: Roxbury, December 28, 1771 (1)

MY GOOD SIR,

To your properly understanding the nature and origin of the uneasiness that has so strongly agitated the colonies of late years, and still exists, though now somewhat abated; and which has been occasioned by parliamentary taxation and the modern measures of government; you must be acquainted with the sentiments and history of the first settlers, no less than of their descendants and successors.

Several of the most zealous and eminent protestants, in the reign of _Edward_ the VIth, opposed the popish ceremonies and habits, though otherwise united to their brethren in religious tenets. The opposition became more general and determined, after hundreds of them fled to, and resided in foreign parts, in order to escape the _Marian_ persecutions. There the sentiments of numbers, through their intercourse with protestants of other nations, were much changed and improved; and they were more than ever desirous of proceeding further in the reformation, than was directed by the service-book of king _Edward_.

Upon the accession of _Elizabeth_, the refugees returned to _England_, [1558.] loaded with experience and learning, but in the utmost distress and poverty. Those of the clergy, who could comply with the queen’s establishment, were quickly preferred. The rest, after being admitted to preach a while, were suspended, and reduced to former indigence. Several were offered bishopricks, but declined the tender, on account of the garments, ceremonies, &c. while the necessity of the times and the flattering hope of obtaining hereafter an amendment in the constitution of the church, induced others to accept preferments, though with trembling.

The queen affected much pomp in religion; was fond of the old popish ceremonies, in which she had been educated; and thought her brother, king _Edward_, had gone too far in demolishing ornaments.

The clergy and laity, who sought after greater ecclesiastic purity, in vain struggled hard for the abolishment of popish ceremonies and habits; or, at least, leaving the use of them, in divine service, indifferent. They obtained nothing but the honorable nick-name of PURITANS. The queen proved an inflexible bigot, and would be obeyed, or punish. The parliament, in their first session, had very injudiciously passed the two acts of supremacy and uniformity, without guarding them properly; and by a clause in the latter, delivered up to the crown, all ecclesiastic jurisdiction. Men of solid learning and piety, of sober lives, popular preachers, professed enemies to popery and superstition, and of the same faith in point of doctrine, with the conformists, were suspended, deprived, imprisoned and ruined, for not complying with the use of those garments and ceremonies, which their opponents acknowledged to be indifferent in themselves; while the sufferers adjudged such compliance sinful, from their having been abused to idolatry, and serving as marks and badges of that religion they had renounced.

All the puritans of these times were desirous of remaining in the church, might they be indulged as to the habits and a few ceremonies, though they were far from being satisfied with the hierarchy, and had other objections beside those for which they had been deprived. Instead of indulgence, their grievances were multiplied, and the penal laws were rigorously executed. However, the body of the conforming clergy being extremely illiterate and ignorant, the deprived ministers were employed as curates or lecturers; and received for their services, a small consideration from the incumbent, together with the voluntary contribution of the parish. By their warm and affectionate preaching, and eminent faithfulness, they gained the hearts of the common people, who were the more attached to them, the more cruelty was exercised upon them; and who had the utmost aversion to the popish garments, as their hatred to popery increased. The preachers appealed to the scriptures. Their hearers searched them carefully; obtained more and clearer discoveries of the popish superstitions; grew in their abhorrence of them; venerated the divine institutions; and longed to have the worship of the church rendered more pure and primitive. The popularity of the deprived ministers drew numbers from neighboring parishes. _Puritanism_ spread and gained ground by being persecuted. Its growth was the greatest grief to the queen and archbishop Whitgift. But neither the supreme head of the church, nor the primate of all _England_, had policy or christianity enough to apply the proper remedy, in granting _liberty of conscience_. Instead of that, new acts were passed, and greater severities practised. Such inhuman proceedings against protestants of good moral characters, did not pass unnoticed. They were the subjects of conversation. The right of acting thus toward fellow creatures, and its non-agreement with the mild and benevolent principles of christianity, were freely canvassed. The supreme head and chief dignitaries of the _English_ church being such intolerable persecutors, it became a question, “Is she any longer a _true church_ of Christ, and are her ministers _true_ ministers.”

At length one _Robert Brown_, descended from an ancient and honorable family, and nearly related to lord treasurer _Cecil_, a fiery zealot, travelled through the country [1586] a second time, holding forth, wherever he went, against _bishops_, _ecclesiastic courts_, _ordaining of ministers_, &c. and gathered a _separate_ congregation. The parties held, that the _church of_ ENGLAND was not a _true_ church; that her ministers were not _rightly_ ordained; that her discipline was _popish_ and _anti-christian_; and that all her ordinances and sacraments were _invalid_. Therefore they would not join with her members in _any part_ of public worship. They not only renounced communion with the _church of_ ENGLAND, but with _all_ other reformed churches, except they were of their own model.

These _separatists_ were called _Brownists_, which was long afterward the common name for all that separated _totally_ from the church of _England_, even when they disowned the rigid principles of _Brown_ and his congregation. We must carefully distinguish the _Brownists_ from the _Puritans_. Most of the latter were for keeping within the pale of the church, apprehending it to be a _true_ church in its _doctrines_ and _sacraments_, though defective in _discipline_ and corrupt in _ceremonies_. They thought it _unlawful_ to separate; submitted to suspensions and deprivations; when driven out of one diocese, took sanctuary in another, being afraid of incurring the guilt of _schism_; and were the chief writers against the _Brownists_.

[1593] A fresh effort was made to crush the _non-conformists_. A most obnoxious act was passed, for punishing all who refused to come to church, and every one who persuaded others to oppose the queen’s authority in ecclesiastic causes, or was present at any conventicle or meeting. The punishment was imprisonment without bail, till the convicted agreed to conform, and make a declaration of his conformity. In case the offender did not sign the declaration within three months, he was _to abjure the realm, and go into perpetual banishment_. If he departed not within the time limited, or returned afterward without the queen’s licence, he was _to suffer death without benefit of clergy_. By this act, the case of non-conformists was worse than that of felons at common law. The statute was levelled against the laity, no less than the clergy. The moderate Puritans evaded it, by going to church when prayers were nearly ended, and by receiving the sacrament when administered with some latitude. The weight of it fell upon the _Brownists_, whose sentiments had gained ground, so that they were increased to near twenty thousand, besides wives and children, according to the opinion of _Sir Walter Raleigh_, given in the house of commons, when the bill was read the second time and debated.[1]

Several were _put to death_ about this period; which excited an odium against the bishops and high commissioners, who were universally known to have been at the bottom of the proceedings against them. It was resolved therefore to send the remainder of the imprisoned into banishment, instead of continuing to execute them. Others preferred a voluntary exile, rather than be exposed to the merciless persecutions that awaited them in their native country. Is it strange that these persons, thus forced or frightened out of it, for claiming and exercising the common right of human nature, that of judging for themselves in matters of religion, should at length think that their allegiance terminated with their departure; or that those who commiserated them, inclined to the same sentiment?

The parliament, especially the lower house, perceiving how the queen, and many of the bishops and ecclesiastics abused their spiritual power; what mischiefs they brought upon the church; and the miseries to which honest men were reduced for mere difference in religious sentiments, attempted repeatedly to regulate matters, and to redress the hardships of the non-conformists, but was stopped by her majesty, in the most dictatorial manner. Some of the members, roused by such unwarrantable acts of sovereignty, spake boldly and freely upon the occasion, and censured the arbitrary proceedings of the bishops. The queen added to her other faults, that of sending them to the Tower. But though she could awe the parliament, imprison its members, and protect her favorite bishops, she could not overpower the consciences of the non-conformists.

A number of religious people upon the borders of _Nottinghamshire_, _Lincolnshire_, and _Yorkshire_, having suffered persecution patiently for years, and searched the scriptures diligently, were at length fully of opinion, that the _ceremonies_ of the _English_ church were _unlawful_; that the lordly power of her prelates was contrary to the _freedom_ of the gospel; and that her offices, courts and canons, had no warrant in the word of God; but were _popish_. They determined therefore to shake off that yoke of bondage, viz. human impositions, brought into the church by popish policy and power, against the superior law of Christ, the genius of his plain religion and christian liberty. They resolved [1602] as the Lord’s free people, “_to join themselves by covenant into a church state; and, agreeable to present or future knowledge, to walk in all the ways of God, according to their best abilities, whatever it costs them_.”[2]

The assembly [1606] owing to the distance of habitations, was obliged to form itself into two distinct religious societies; the one, with which is our concern, soon had for its pastor the famous Mr. _John Robinson_. The church kept together about a year; but being extremely harrassed by persecutors, concluded upon removing to _Holland_. The pious refugees repaired to and settled at Amsterdam; but after a while removed to _Leyden_; where they were highly respected, and would have been allowed some public favor, had it not been for fear of offending England. By hard and continued labor they obtained a living. The _Dutch_ employed them before others, for their honest and exemplary behaviour; and readily trusted them when in want of money. Matters, however, were not altogether to their mind [1617] and some of the most sensible began to think of another removal. It was imagined, that if a better and easier place of living could be had, numbers would join them. The morals of the Dutch were too dissolute; and they were afraid that their offspring would become irreligious. Beside, they had an ardent, noble, and godly desire, of laying a foundation for spreading the religion of _Jesus_ over the remote regions of the earth; and of handing down to future ages what they thought to be, the pure and unadulterated worship of the great JEHOVAH. They therefore directed their views to _America_. To those who objected—the length and danger of the voyage, the difficulties and calamities to which they should be exposed, the barbarities and treacheries of the _Indians_, and their inability to support the expence—it was answered “The difficulties are not invincible, and may be overcome by fortitude and patience; the ends proposed are good and honorable; the calling lawful and urgent; the blessing of God may therefore be expected. We live but as exiles now, and are in a poor condition. The truce with the _Spaniards_ is hastening to a close. Nothing but preparations for war are going forward. The _Spaniards_ may be as cruel as the _Savages_; and famine and pestilence may be as sore in _Holland_ as in _America_.”

After serious and solemn application to God for direction, they concluded on carrying the proposal of crossing the _Atlantic_ into execution; endeavoring to live in a distinct body by themselves, under the general government of the _Virginia_ company; and suing to his majesty, king _James_, for _full liberty and freedom of conscience_.

The Virginia company were ready to give them a patent, with as ample privileges as they could grant; but, notwithstanding the great interest made by gentlemen of the first character, and by the chief secretary of state, the king and bishops refused to allow the refugees (though at the distance of 3000 miles) liberty of conscience under the royal seal. All they could obtain from his majesty, was a promise that he would connive at, and not molest them, provided they carried themselves peaceably; but he would not tolerate them by his public authority. Upon this occasion, it was wisely observed, “If his majesty’s promise is no security, a further confirmation will be of little value, though it has a seal as broad as the house floor, it will not serve the turn, for there will be means enough found, when wanted, to recall or reverse it; and we must rest herein on God’s providence.” This reasoning and the hope of being placed beyond the reach of ecclesiastic courts, prevailed. They resolved to venture; and after long attendance, much cost and labor, obtained a patent.

They agreed that the minor part of younger and stronger men, with Mr. _Brewster_, an elder of the church, should go first, and that the pastor, Mr. _Robinson_, should remain behind with the majority, for a future favorable opportunity. Their enemies whispered, that the stats of _Holland_ were weary of their company; but the reverse was evident from the following occurrence, viz. the magistrates of the city, when reproving the _Walloons_ in open court, said, “_These_ English _have lived now ten years among us, and yet we never had any accusation against any of them, whereas your quarrels are continual_.”

The colony destined for America, sailed from _Delft-Haven_ for _Southampton_, July 22, 1620; and there met a ship having some English friends on board, who proposed removing with them. Both vessels proceeded to sea; but returned twice into port, on account of defects in the one from Delft, which was dismissed. Part of the company returned to _London_, the remainder betook themselves to the ship, and sailed from _Plymouth_ the 6th of September. After many delays, difficulties and dangers, they made _Cape Cod_ at break of day on the 9th of November, and entered the harbor on the 10th. They offered up their devout and ardent acknowledgments to God for his protection, and had thoughts of landing; but remarking that they were out of the limits of their patent, and in a sort reduced to a state of nature; and hearing some, who came from London, hint, _there is now no authority over us_; they, while on board, formed themselves into a civil body politic, under the crown of _England_, for the purpose of framing “just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions and offices,” to which they promised “all due submission and obedience.” This _contract_ was subscribed by forty-one persons, on Saturday the 11th of November. The whole company of settlers, men, women, children, and servants, amounted to no more than one hundred and one, the exact number that left England—for one had died, but another was born upon the passage.

Enfeebled and sickly, we now behold them at the distance of 3000 miles, not only from their native country, but the hospitable land where they lately resided for years, when unfeeling persecution drove them into a voluntary banishment. They have a long and dreary winter before them, and are upon the strange coast of an uncultivated wilderness, without a relation or friend to welcome their arrival, or an house to shelter them; without even a kind inhabitant to comfort them by tender acts of humanity, much less a civilized town or city, from which succour may be obtained on an emergency. Thus circumstanced, they are employed in making discoveries till the 20th of December, when they concluded upon a place for immediate settlement, which they afterward name _New-Plymouth_, in grateful remembrance of the last town they left in their native country.

The winter proved remarkably mild[3] for the American climate, though excessively severe to an English constitution; and what with disorders brought upon them through uncommon labors and fatigues, and their being exposed to the rigors of the season; and what with the scurvy and other diseases occasioned by a tedious voyage, and the want of proper accommodations while making it, they buried by the end of March, 1621, forty-four of their little society, of whom one-and-twenty were subscribers to the _contract_. The number of their dead increased to fifty by the beginning of November, when, to their great joy a vessel arrived with thirty-five settlers from London. It was years before their plantation amounted to three hundred people; when nearly so, the council established at _Plymouth_, in the county of _Devon_, for the planting, ruling, ordering, and governing of _New-England_, in _America_, granted them a _patent_, [Jan. 13, 1630] by which their lands were secured against all English claims.—Be it noted, that they early agreed with, and satisfied the _Indian_ proprietors.

It would have been astonishing, had not these planters brought with them opinions favorable to liberty. The arbitrary proceedings of _Elizabeth_ and _James_, produced a spirit of enquiry; and induced the sufferers and others to canvass the equity of those powers which were so improperly exercised. When the film of prejudice was removed, it was easy to discern that tyranny, whether in church or state, could not be vindicated by reason or revelation; and that Heaven’s permitting it, was no more a countenance to that, than any other wickedness. Beside, the _Plymouthians_ had lived for many years among a people who had been engaged in a bloody war with a cruel unrelenting tyrant, whose sovereignty they had renounced. The frequent conversation that must have passed between the Dutch and English refugees, must have improved the attachment of the last to the cause of freedom. It might also have been hinted to them, that it began to be the sentiment of some English nobles and principal commoners, that in case of a removal to America, persons, without any charter from the crown, were at liberty to establish what form of government they pleased; and to set up a new state, as fully to all intents and purposes, as though they were making their first entrance into civil society.

No wonder then, especially considering the general equality prevailing among them, that the _Plymouthians_, by their contract before landing, formed themselves into a _proper democracy_, and that it was entered in the _Plymouth_ records of [Nov. 15, 1636] “_Finding, that as free born subjects of the state of_ ENGLAND, _we hither came with all and singular the privileges belonging to such; in the first place we think good, that it be established for an act, that, according to the_ [_rights_ supposed to be wanting] _and due privileges of the subjects aforesaid, no imposition, law or ordinance, be made or imposed upon them at present or to come, but such as shall be made and imposed by consent, acccording to the free liberties of free born subjects of the state and kingdom of_ ENGLAND, _and no otherwise_.” They meant to continue their allegiance to the crown; to retain their connection with the mother country; to adopt the general laws of England for the rule of government, wherein they suited; and to be governed by their own particular acts in other instances.

Persons devoted to church authority and particular national establishments, may exclaim against the _Plymouthians_ for their religious sentiments; but a fair and brief statement of them, it is apprehended, will be thought the best defence that can be offered by those who candidly examine the _New-Testament_, and are properly impressed with the words of our Saviour—_My kingdom is not of this world_.

When Mr. _Robinson_ and his associates separated from the church of England, they were rigid _Brownists_. After his removal to Holland, and there conversing with learned divines, he being a gentleman of a liberal mind and good disposition, became moderate, as did his people; so that they who continued rigid _Brownists_ would hardly hold communion with them. Mr. _Robinson_ and his society did not require of those who joined them, a renunciation of the church of England. They also acknowledged the other reformed churches for true and genuine; allowed their own members occasional communion with them in the word preached and in the prayers conceived by the preacher before and after sermon, but not in the sacraments and discipline; and admitted their members, known to them to be pious, to occasional communion with themselves in the sacraments. Still it is to be remarked, that they were not admitted because of their being members of such churches, but on account of their known piety; their belonging to and continuing in such churches, was not an argument for rejecting them; nor was it the argument for their reception. Mr. _Robinson_, however, by his conversation and writings, proved a principal in ruining _Brownism_; and, in the opinion of some was the father, of others the restorer, of the _independent_ or _congregational_ churches. Congregational is the term used in _New-England_, the other is discarded, as seeming to imply too great a separation from sister churches.

The _Plymouthians_ held, that the Bible was the sole religious code of protestants; and that every man had a right to judge for himself, and to try all doctrines by it, and to worship according to what he apprehended that directed. In doctrinal tenets they agreed with the articles of the church of England. The main difference between them and other reformed churches was about hierarchy. They maintained, that no particular church ought to consist of more persons than could worship in one congregation; that every man ought, in appearance, to be a true believer in Christ, and subject to his authority; that when there was a suitable number of such believers, who thought themselves bound in conscience to do it, they had a right to embody into a church, by some certain contract or covenant, expressed or implied; and that, being embodied, they were to choose all their officers, who were pastors or teaching elders, mere ruling elders, meant to assist the former, and qualified to teach occasionally, and deacons who were to manage the temporalities of the church, to take care of the poor, and to officiate at the Lord’s table, by providing the bread and wine, laying the cloth, carrying the elements, &c. [The custom of having ruling elders has now ceased.] The elders of both kinds were to form the presbytery of overseers and rulers. They also held, that no churches or church officers, had any power over other churches or officers, to control or impose upon them, all having equal rights and privileges. Their own officers were removable by them upon justifiable reasons; in case of capital errors, gross misconduct, and the like. When they baptised, they rejected the sign of the cross, and other ceremonies not enjoined by scripture. They received the elements of the Lord’s supper, in the table-posture of the day and place in which they lived. Excommunication they deemed to be wholly spiritual; and denied that the church or its officers had any authority to inflict temporal pains and penalties. They considered no days as holy, but the Lord’s day, which they observed with great strictness. Solemn fastings and thanksgivings, as the aspects of providence required, they had a pious regard to, as agreeable to both natural and revealed religion.

A better sort of emigrants never crossed the _Atlantic_. “They were a plain, frugal, industrious, conscientious, and loving people; and, for the day in which they lived, and considering their education, possessed a good share of politeness. The important light in which they viewed morality, led them, in many instances to such critical exactness as would be deemed by the moderns ridiculous; from thence, however, the community derived substantial benefits. They have been stigmatized as enthusiasts; but nothing like enthusiasm is to be met with in the records of any of their transactions, either civil or ecclesiastic. Their piety indeed was eminent and fervent, but it was also rational; and their religion was that of the Bible, and had a proper influence upon their conduct.”

The _Plymouthians_ having cleared the way for other sufferers to settle in _America_, with less difficulty and danger than what they had experienced; the fame of their plantation spreading through the western parts of _England_; and the government in church and state growing more and more oppressive; the territory of the _Massachusetts-Bay_ was purchased of the _Plymouth Council_ [1628] and a company soon formed, who consulted on settling a plantation, to which non-conforming _puritans_ might emigrate in order to enjoy their own principles in full security. Their sufferings had been moderated for a few years before _Elizabeth_’s death. The queen was far advanced in life; the next heir to the crown was a _presbyterian_, who had subscribed to the _Scotch_ national covenant, and, with hands uplifted to Heaven, had pronounced, “The _Scotch_ kirk is the purest in the world, and the service of the kirk of _England_ an evil said mass in _English_, that wants nothing of the mass but the liftings;” he had interceded for some of the persecuted ministers; and the bishops were cautious of acting against a party for whom king _James_ had declared; but upon his ascending the throne, the fears of the high-churchmen and the hopes of the non-conformists were soon ended. It was not long before the king became in the church a furious persecutor of the non-conformists, and in the state as errant a despot as his cowardice would allow. In stigmatizing for _puritans_, all who stood by the laws of the land, and opposed his arbitrary government, though strenuous churchmen, he strengthened the cause of the _church puritans_; the former, called by way of distinction _state-puritans_, joining the latter, both together became at length the majority of the nation.

Still the times were not mended; and the death of _James_ made way for their becoming much worse. King _Charles_ unfortunately took for his bosom-counsellor in religious affairs, bishop _Laud_, the most unqualified person for the purpose, of any to be found in his three kingdoms; he also resigned himself up to arbitrary councils.

The lowering prospect thickened apace; the _Massachusetts_ company therefore provided a safe retreat in season. They applied immediately to the improvement of their purchased territory; and sent out capt. _John Endicott_ and others, with servants, to begin a plantation; who arrived at (what is now named) _Salem_. They soon after petitioned for a _royal charter_, hoping that their existence and powers would be thereby secured and promoted. They succceeded, and a charter of incorporation was granted, [March 4, 1629] making them a body politic, by the name of “The Governor and Company of the _Massachusetts-Bay_ in _New-England_,” with as full powers as any other corporation in the realm of _England_. The grant and sale of the _Plymouth Council_ was confirmed. Till the annual election by the company could commence, the governor, deputy-governor, and eighteen assistants were specified. The mode of governing, and of admitting freemen, was prescribed. They were empowered to elect and constitute such other officers as might be thought requisite for the managing of their affairs, and to make laws and ordinances, not contrary to the laws and statutes of the realm, for the good of the said company and the government of their lands and plantations, and the inhabitants thereof. They were allowed to transport persons, whether subjects or strangers, weapons, merchandize, &c. _any law to the contrary notwithstanding_—such was the dispensing power the king assumed. He also exempted them from paying custom or subsidy for seven years; the governor and company, their factors and assigns, were to pay neither that nor any taxes IN _New-England_ for the _same space_. All were freed from duties upon goods imported or exported for 21 years, except the old 5 per cent. custom upon imports after the expiration of the seven years. All his majesty’s subjects going to and inhabiting the company’s lands, together with their children, were to enjoy all the liberties of free and natural subjects within any of his dominions, the same as though born in England. The king could mean only, that, by removing to and residing in the Massachusetts, they should not forfeit for themselves or children the privileges of _Englishmen_, and be treated as foreigners; and not, that they should be governed by laws and officers of their own making or choosing, personally or by representation; for they were evidently distinguished from the governor and company (of whom it appears to be supposed, that they were to remain in England) as these were authorized to administer the oaths of supremacy and allegiance to all and every person or persons, who should hereafter go to inhabit the lands and premises of the company. Beside, the governor and company were entrusted with the power of making laws, ordinances, &c. not contrary to the laws of England; of settling the government and magistracy of the plantation; and its inhabitants; of naming all the officers; and of setting forth their several duties, powers and limits; and the king commanded that all such laws, ordinances, &c. should be published, in writing, under the common seal of the company, and thereupon be carefully observed and put into execution, according to their true meaning. The charter[4] does not once mention _liberty of conscience_ or _toleration_; tho’ one[5] historian has inadvertently advanced, that “free liberty of conscience was likewise granted to all who should settle in the _Massachusetts-Bay_, to worship God in their own way;” and another[6], “the charter granted toleration to all christians, except papists.” The assertions apply only to the charter granted by king _William_ and queen _Mary_.

[April 30, 1629.] The company, in the exercise of their chartered powers, determined that a governor and council of twelve, residing on the plantations, should have the sole ordering of its affairs and government. They appointed Captain _Endicott_ governor, and seven gentlemen going from England to be counsellors, and directed how the other five should be elected, together with a deputy-governor and secratary.

Messrs. _Higginson_, _Skelton_, _Bright_, _John_ and _Samuel Browne_ were of the seven counsellors nominated by the company. The three first, being ministers, had declared themselves to be of one judgment, and to be fully agreed on the manner how to exercise their ministry. The company’s committee in the letter to governor _Endicott_, expressed good hopes on account of it; and at the same time recommended Messrs. _John_ and _Samuel Browne_ as men who they much respected, being fully persuaded of their sincere affections to the good of the plantation.[7] The ministers and passengers coming to settle in it were episcopally inclined when they left England, though they could not conform to many ceremonies and customs, nor submit to what they judged different corruptions, imposed upon their consciences by the king and prelates. They were also strongly prejudiced against the _separatists_ in which class the _Plymouthians_ were numbered. But long before they arrived, or even sailed, a Dr. _Fuller_, a deacon of the church at Plymouth, and well versed in its discipline, having been sent for, on account of a fatal sickness which broke out among the emigrants after their arrival at _Salem_, had, by his conversation with Captain _Endicott_, taken off the ill effect of common report, and brought him to think favorably of the outward form of worship espoused by the _Plymouthians_. The influence of the doctor’s intercourse with the _Salem_ settlers cannot be thought to have been confined to the Captain. When the business of organizing a church was brought forward after the arrival of the consellors, the matter was frequently canvassed, and at length it was determined to form it, nearly upon the plan of the one at Plymouth; and to invite the latter to be present by their messengers, at the solemn ordination of the ministers Messrs. _Skelton_ and _Higginson_, [August 6.] Notwithstanding cross winds the Plymouth messengers were time enough to give the right hand of fellowship, by which ceremony the two churches professed mutual affection and communion.

Probably none of the newly arrived settlers had the least idea of such ecclesiastic proceedings, when they left England; but thought very differently. Some continued to do so; for Mr. _Bright_, disagreeing in judgment from the other ministers, removed to a distance before their ordination; and Messrs. _John_ and _Samuel Browne_, dissatisfied with the proceedings of the society, separated with several who were like minded, and set up another. Governor _Endicott_, being of a hot temper, and not possessed of the greatest prudence, summoned the brothers before him as ringleaders of a faction; and apprehending that their conversation and conduct would occasion divisions, sent them back to _England_, against their own inclination notwithstanding their being counsellors, thinking himself justified by his public orders.

Let us return to the company in _England_.

[July 28.] Mr. _Matthew Craddock_, the governor, proposed at the general court, that, for the advancement of the plantation, the encouragement of persons of worth and quality to transplant themselves and families, and other weighty reasons, the government of the plantation should be transferred to its inhabitants, and not be continued in subordination to the company at _London_. The matter was debated; and it was agreed, that the persons present should seriously consider the business against the next general court; it was also requested, that they would in the mean while, conduct with that privacy, that the affair might not be divulged. At a month’s end they met, and consented that the government and patent should be settled in _New-England_, if it could be done legally. They soon after received letters respecting the difference between governor _Endicott_ and Messrs. _John_ and _Samuel Browne_; and fearing that these two had in their private letters defamed the plantation, they opened and read a number of them, and ordered that none from Mr. _Samuel Browne_ should be delivered; however, upon application from the brothers, they directed that they should have a copy of the accusation sent against them from _New-England_. The company’s letter upon this business one to Messrs. _Skelton_ and _Higginson_, and another to governor _Endicott_, intimated, that there had been in the parties addressed a degree of intemperance; that direct or oblique espersions had been thrown out against the state; and that undigested counsels had been too suddenly put into execution. They besides expressed an apprehension, lest, through an ill construction, the same might make the company obnoxious to any adversary.[8]

The difference that happened in the plantation, the treatment of the _Brownes_, and the reports circulated by them, undoubtedly occasioned much talk. Many would think it strange, that, while the charter was totally silent upon the head of religion, and several of the grantees and company though strongly opposed to the tyrannies of the high-churchmen, were real episcopalians; persons of this profession should be debarred the right of worshiping according to their own judgment and consience, and be even expelled the plantation. These occurrences most probably forwarded the plan of Mr. _Craddock_. The advice of learned council was ordered to be taken, and it was considered how to execute the projected removal without offending government.

Among the other weighty reasons which induced them to remove, we must include the hope of getting beyond the reach of _Laud_ and the high commissoned court: for the Massachusetts general court declared in 1651, “That seeing just cause to fear the persecution of the then Bishop and high commission, for not conforming to the ceremonies, they thought it their safest course to get to this outside of the world (America) out of their view, and _beyond their reach_.

[October 20.] The company, at a general court, proceeded to a new election of officers, who were to repair to and settle in _New-England_. They chose for governor _John Winthrop_, esq. of _Groton_, in _Suffolk_, a gentleman well known for his piety, liberality, wisdom and gravity. The business of transferring the patent and corporation, and of taking over new settlers, was prosecuted with vigor. The enterprise produced a general rumour, as its extent and magnitude, the number and principles of the person engaging in it, opened upon the public. The intentions of the parties being suspected, and jealousies arising concerning them, governor _Winthrop_ and other gentlemen, to remove prejudices, conciliate the minds of the disaffected, and recommend themselves and their expedition to the favourable regards of all serious christians of the episcopal persuasion, addressed their brethren in and of the church of _England_, [April 7, 1630.] and afterwards sailed from _Yarmouth_ in the isle of _Wight_, for _America_. The signers of the address, pray in the most solemn manner to be considered as their brethren, and desire it to be noted, that the principals and body of their company esteem it their honour to call the _church_ of ENGLAND their dear mother. They acknowledge, that such hope and part as they have obtained in the common salvation, they have received in her bosom, and sucked from her breasts. They declare themselves members of her body, and that, while they have breath, they shall sincerely endeavour her welfare. They pronounce themselves a church springing out of her own bowels. Their professions are made in the strongest language.[9]

[June 12.] The company arrived at _Salem_; and soon were in number more than fifteen hundred persons from different counties in England. Thy applyed themselves early to the forming of churches; but, the Rev. Mr. _Cotton_ (who come from _Boston_ in _Lincolnshire_ to take leave of his departing friends at _Southampton_) having told them to advise with the _Plymouthians_ and to do nothing to offend them, and a precedent existing in the church at _Salem_, they dismissed all the peculiarities of episcopacy, and preferred the congregational mode in general. However, they had no settled plan of church-discipline till after the arrival of Mr. _Cotton_, [1633.] who was considerd as a kind of oracle in both civil and sacred matters, and gradually moulded all their church administrations, and thus determined the ecclesiastic constitution of the colony; therein verifying what Mr. _Robinson_ had judiciously predicted, when he said “Many of those who have both wrote and preached against me and my people, were they in a place where they could have liberty and live comfortably, should do as we do.”[10]

Governor _Winthrop_ inserted in his manuscript history, a couple of anecdotes, of an earlier date than Mr. Cotton’s arrival, which may amuse you. “July 30, 1631, Mr. _Ludlow_, in digging the foundation of his house at _Dorchester_, found two pieces of _French_ money, one was coined 1596. They were in several places, above a foot within the firm ground.” “June 13, 1632, At _Watertown_ there was in the view of divers witnesses, a great combat between a mouse and snake; and after a long fight, the mouse prevailed and killed the snake.” The minister of Boston, Mr Wilson a very sincere holy man, gives this interpretation—“The snake is the devil, the mouse is a poor contemptable people whom God has brought hither, and who shall overcome Satan here, and dispossess him of his kingdom.” “At the same time he told the governor, that before he resolved to come into the country, he dreamed that he was here, and saw a church arise out of the earth, which grew up and became a marvellous goodly church.” He might think his dream divine; but it is easily accounted for as a common event, arising with the church-building out of a lively imagination, warmed and directed by a preponderating inclination. If, instead of interpreting the combat, he had only mentioned, that the event suggested to him such thoughts, and such an improvement, he would have evidenced more judgment and an equal degree of wisdom in seizing the happy circumstance.

The colony increased apace, by frequent and numerous accessions. But “it appears by private letters, that the departure of so many of the best, both ministers and private christians, did breed sad thoughts in those behind of the Lord’s intention in the work, and an apprehension of some evil days to come upon England; yea, it began to be viewed by the council as a matter of state, so that warrants were sent to stay the ships, and to call in the patent; but, upon the petition of the ship-masters, alledging how beneficial the plantation was, they were released: Mr. Craddock, however, had strict charge to deliver in the pattent, and wrote to the company to send it home upon receipt of his letter. [July, 1634.] The governor and assistants consulted about it, and resolved to answer Mr. Craddock, but not to return any answer or excuse to the council for the present[11].”

On the death of the duke of _Buckingham_, _Laud_ became the king’s prime minister in all affairs of both church and state; and on the death of Archbishop _Abbot_, he was exalted to the see of _Canterbury_. Possessed of such powers, he by his pliant tools _made havock of the church, hauling and committing to prison_ conscientious ministers and laymen who would not bend to his antiscriptural impositions so that the people were scattered abroad and passed over the _Atlantic_ into _America_. The daily inroads of the court on the civil rights of the subject, helped forward the emigration.

From the beginning of the colony, until the emigration ceased through a change of affairs in England, [1640.] there arrived in 298 vessels about 21200 settlers (men, women and children) or 4000 families, but they did not all confine themselves to the _Massachusetts_. Notwithstanding the numbers that repaired thither when Josselyn visited Boston, in 1638, “he found it rather a village than a town, there being not above 20 or 30 houses.” These settlers were no less strenuous for their own particular rights and previleges than the Plymouthians. When the governor and company removed from _London_ to the _Massachusetts_ they renounced the appearance of a corporation, and assumed the form of a commonwealth, varying, as it suited them, from the directions of the charter. The change of place and circumstances prevented their keeping to it in certain instances, tho’ not in others; but they could easily satisfy themselves as to any violations; for “they apprehended themselves subject to no other laws or rules of government, than what arose from natural reason and the principles of equity, except any positive rules from the word of God[12].” Persons of influence among them held, that birth was no necessary cause of subjection; for that the subject of any prince or state, had a natural right to remove to any other state or quarter of the world, when deprived of liberty of conscience; and that upon such removal his subjection ceased. They called their own a voluntary civil subjection, arising merely from a mutual compact between them and the king, founded upon the charter. By this compact they acknowledged themselves bound; so that they could not be subject to or seek protection from any other prince, neither could make laws repugnant to those of _England_, &c. but, on the other hand, they maintained, that they were to be governed by laws made by themselves, and by officers of their own electing[13]. They meant to be independent of English parliaments; and therefore when their intimate friends were become leading members in the house of commons, and they were advised, on account of the great liberty to which king Charles left the parliament, to send over some to solicit for them, and had hopes given that they might obtain much, the governor and assistants, after meeting in council upon the occasion, “declined the motion, for this consideration, that, if they should put themselves under the protection of the parliament, they must then be subject to all such laws as they should make, or at least such as they might impose upon them, in which course, (though they should intend their good, yet) it might prove very prejudicial to them[14].”

Whatever approbation such sentiments may meet with from the friends of liberty, these must regret the inconsistencies to which human nature is subject, in those very persons whose experience should have taught them, to do unto others, as they would that others should have done unto them, when they themselves were suffering under the relentless hand of arbitrary government. But, what is man! [May 18, 1631.] So early as the second general court after the arrival of the governor and company, instead of resolving to admit all the suitable and deserving, to a generous participation of their freedon, they passed the pernicious and disingenuous order, “For time to come no man shall be admitted to the freedom of this body politic, but such as are members of some of the churches, within the limits of the same[15].” They soon after concluded, that none but such should share in the administration of civil government, or have a voice in any election. Thus a powerful and mischievous alliance was formed between the churches and the state. The ascendency of the clergy was secured and much increased; for no one could be proposed to the church for a member, unless the minister allowed it. The ministers were consulted by the general court, in all matter of great moment; and nothing was determined in such cases, without a formal reference to them; who, of course, used their influence with the people to procure an approbation of the measures which they themselves had advised[16];

[May, 1634.] Instead of the freemen’s appearing personally in the general court, they for the first time sent deputies, to the number of twenty-four. This was a variation from the charter which gave no power to admit representatives. These with the governor, deputy-governor, and assistants, formed the legislature of the colony, met and voted together in one apartment till March 1644, when it was ordained, that the governor and assistants, should sit apart: and thus commenced the house of representatives, as a distinct body.

The general court assumed spiritual jurisdiction. Being church members, they might suppose they represented the churches no less than the colony. [March 8, 1636.] They would approve of no churches, after a certain period, unless they had the approbation of the magistrates and elders of most of the churches within the colony; nor would admit to freedom any of their members. They pressed colonial uniformity in religion, till they became persecutors[17]. Whatever apology may be made for the treatment given to episcopalians, baptists and quakers, the colony cannot be cleared from the charge of persecuting: that however will not justify those who persecute with reproaches and ill-will the present generation, now reprobating the intolerance of their forefathers, which at that period was, more or less, the stain of most religious parties. “It was not peculiar to the Massachusetts people to think themselves bound in conscience to use the sword of the civil magistrate to convince, or cut off heretics, so that they might not infect the church, or injure the public peace[18].” The true grounds of liberty of conscience, were not then known or embraced by many sects of christians. But remember, that the _Massachusetts-Bay_ now surpasses the mother country, in its regard for the sacred and civil rights of mankind. It not only exempts those of other denominations from paying to the support of its own colonial establishments, the congregational churches; and has been a great number of years in this laudable practice; but it protects all protestants without requiring any qualifying subscriptions or tests, and excludes none by partial laws from the exercise of civil power.

The government was in divers respects absolute. Both magistrates and general court often judged and punished, in a summary way, without a jury, according to discretion, as occasions occurred. It was four years before it was enacted or ordered, that no trial should pass upon any for life or banishment, but by a jury of freemen: and within three years after, [1637.] that law was violated even by the general court. They exercised, while sitting, legislative, judicial and executive powers—a practice which must ever be dangerous to the rights of a people, even when allowed to their own annual representatives.

The country at length grew uneasy at these proceedings; were suspicious that the general court had effected arbitrary government; and earnestly expected a body of laws to aid and protect them in all their just rights and previleges[19]. It was the more necessary to comply with the prevailing expectation, for the business had been long in agitation: not only so, but a great majority of the inhabitants were not freemen not being members of the congregational churches, or declining to take up their freedom, in order to secure an exemption from serving in civil offices. It was not till 1648 that the body of laws was digested and printed.

The conduct of the colony on the one hand, and the inveteracy of the English administration on the other, would certainly have produced a revocation of the charter, and probably the ruin of the plantation, had not the disturbances in England prevented. It became a favorite upon the change that followed them; and while _Oliver Cromwell_ ruled, met with the utmost indulgence. From 1640 to 1660 it approached very near to an independent commonwealth[20]. The house of commons in a memorable resolve of the 10th of March 1642, passed in favour of it, gives _New-England_ the title of _kingdom_[21]. The commissioners for _New-England_, sent over by king _Charles_ II. assert in their narrative[22], that the colony solicited _Cromwell_ to be declared a free state, which is not unlikely.

It has been already mentioned, that all the persons passing over to the _Massachusetts_ did not confine themselves to that colony.

[1635.] Several families removed to _Connecticut_ river, by mutual agreement with their fellow emigrants that remained behind. Plantations were formed at _Hartford_, _Windsor_ and _Weathersfield_. The inhabitants being soon after fully satisfied, that they were out of the Massachusetts limits, and of course jurisdiction, entered into a combination among themselves, [1639.] became a body politic, without restraining the freedom of their civil government to the membership of their churches; and proceeded to the choice of magistrates and representatives. By the articles of government, it was determined that there should be annually two general courts; and that no person should be chosen governor more than once in two years. But it must be observed, that the same year, in which the families removed from the Massachusetts, Lords _Say_ and _Brooke_, with other gentlemen, having obtained a grant, John Winthrop, esq. was appointed governor, took possission of Connecticut river, and began to erect a fort (which he called Say-Brooke) to secure the mouth of it. He was supplied with men, provisions, and all things necessary by a vessel from England, sent by the grantees, which arrived the latter end of November. Some of the grantees had in contemplation to transport themselves, families and effects, to the territory they had obtained; but the design of emigrating was laid aside, when matters began to take a new turn in their native country; and at length the agent Mr. _Fenwick_, was authorized to dispose of their lands, which were purchased, in 1644, by the people who had removed from the Massachusetts.

[1637.] Two large ships arrived at the _Massachusetts-Bay_ with passengers from _London_. Great pains were taken to prevail upon them to remain in the colony; but they hoped by removing to a considerable distance, to be out of the reach of a general governor, with whom the country was then threatened. They sent to their friends in _Connecticut_ to purchase of the natives the lands laying between them and _Hudson’s_ river. They laid the foundation of a flourishing colony, of which _New-Haven_ was the capital. They, as Connecticut, formed a government, much like the Massachusetts, by a voluntary agreement, without any charter, or commission, or authority whatsoever, from the crown or other powers in England. They admitted no one to any office civil or military, or to have a voice in any election, except he was a member of one of the churches in New-England. They had no jury either in civil or criminal cases.

_Connecticut_ and _New-Haven_ continued two distinct colonies for many years. At length the general court of Connecticut determined to prefer an address and petition to Charles II. professing their subjection and loyalty to his majesty, and soliciting a royal charter; and John Winthrop, esq. who had been chosen governor, was appointed to negociate the affair with the king. He succeeded, and a royal charter was obtained, April 23, 1662, constituting the two colonies forever one body corporate and politic. New-Haven took the affair ill; and for some time declined the union. But difficulties were amicably settled at last, and the colonies united by agreement. [1665.]

The royal charter established a pure democracy. Every power, as well deliberative as active, was invested in the freemen of the corporation or their delegates, and the colony was under no obligation to communicate the acts of their local legislature to the king. It was the same as to the _royal_ charter, granted the next year to _Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations_.[23]