[B] The term _Puritan_ was originally a term of reproach, though now
one of commendation. Neal, in his History of the Puritans, speaks thus
of them: "If a man maintained his steady adherence to the doctrines of
Calvin and the Synod of Dort; if he kept the Sabbath and frequented
sermons; if he maintained family religion and would neither swear
nor be drunk, nor comply with the fashionable vices of the times, he
was called a _Puritan_." The Puritans arose in the reign of Queen
Elizabeth. After the famous Act of Uniformity, or, as it is called, the
Bartholomew Act, passed by the English Parliament, in 1602, they were
called Non-conformists. Since that period they have been more generally
denominated Dissenters.
[C] The Rev. Mr. Robinson never came to New England as he intended; but
died at Leyden, March 1, 1625, in the fiftieth year of his age. His
widow and children afterwards came to Plymouth. Mr. Robinson received
a university education in England, and ranked among the first divines
of his age. Prince, the New England Annalist, in his Chronology, thus
speaks of him: "He was highly esteemed both by the city and university
of Leyden, for his learning, piety, moderation, and excellent
accomplishments. The magistrates, clergy, and scholars lamented his
death as a public loss."
[D] Mr. William Brewster was born in England, 1560, was educated at
the University of Cambridge, and became a zealous Puritan. He resided
in the north of England, and when the church was formed over which
the Rev. Messrs. Richard Cilfton and John Robinson were ordained as
pastors, the members met at his house on Lord's day for worship,
so long as they were permitted by the civil authorities. When the
church, with their pastors, on account of persecution, had removed
to Holland, Mr. Brewster was elected Ruling Elder. After the arrival
of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, he usually preached to them twice every
Sabbath for nine years, as they had no regular minister till Mr. Ralph
Smith was ordained their pastor, in 1629; but he never administered the
sacraments. He was a man in whom the church reposed the most unlimited
confidence in respect to all their spiritual affairs. For piety he was
eminent. For human as well as sacred literature, he had a great taste;
and at his death, which occurred April 16, 1644, being 83 years old,
he left a handsome library valued in that day at _forty-three_ pounds,
a catalogue of which is to be found in the colony records.--_Allen's
Biog. Dict._
[E] The ship Speedwell, commanded by Capt. Reynolds, proved leaky
and unfit for the voyage, and was discharged from service before the
Pilgrims left Plymouth. The whole company, therefore, which came over
to this country, were passengers in the May Flower.
[F] Holmes's American Annals.
[G] Governor Carver died greatly lamented on the 5th of April
following, having sustained the office of chief-magistrate but
four months and twenty-four days. "He was a man of great prudence,
integrity, and firmness of mind. He had a good estate in England, which
he spent in the migration to Holland and America. He was one of the
foremost in action, and bore a large share of suffering in the service
of the colony, who confided in him as its friend and father. Piety,
humility, and benevolence, were eminent trails in his character."--_Dr.
Belknap._
On the death of Governor Carver, although only thirty-two years
old, and confined at the time by sickness, Mr. William Bradford was
unanimously elected his successor, as Governor of the colony. He
conducted the affairs of the colony for the great part of the time, as
chief, and two or three years as second magistrate, with consummate
prudence and ability for a period of more than thirty-one years.--In
his youth, he embraced the doctrines which were taught by the venerable
Clifton, and afterwards by Robinson, and became one of their most
devoted followers. He applied himself with great diligence to the
study of the ancient languages, both Latin and Greek. Of the Hebrew
his knowledge was intimate, and the French and Dutch he spoke with
ease. He read much on subjects of history and philosophy. In theology
he was deeply versed, and few there were who could contend with him
successfully in a polemical dispute. He wrote considerably; the loss
of his valuable manuscript history of the colony to 1646, can never be
supplied.--_Dr. Thacher's History of Plymouth._
[H] The following dishes were served up for entertainment on the first
anniversary; and the account is here inserted as a matter of curiosity:
"1, a large baked Indian whortleberry pudding; 2, a dish of sauquetach
(succotash, corn and beans boiled together); 3, a dish of clams; 4, a
dish of oysters and a dish of cod fish; 5, a haunch of venison, roasted
by the first jack brought to the colony; 6, a dish of roasted sea
fowl; 7, a dish of frost fish and eels; 8, an apple pie; 9, a course
of cranberry tarts and cheese made in the Old Colony."--_Dr. Thacher's
History of Plymouth._
The following toasts were also given on the occasion:
1. To the memory of our brave and pious ancestors, the first settlers
of the Old Colony.
2. To the memory of John Carver and all the other worthy Governors of
the Old Colony.
3. To the memory of that pious man and faithful historian, Mr.
Secretary Morton.
4. To the memory of that brave man and good officer, Capt. Miles
Standish.
5. To the memory of Massasoit, our first and best friend, and ally of
the Natives.
6. To the memory of Mr. Robert Cushman, who preached the first sermon
in New England.