This is, in part, still in the same place where it stood when our
forefathers first stepped upon it at their landing, and is pointed out
to the visitor as “Plymouth rock,” or the “Pilgrim rock,” or the “Rock
of the Pilgrims.” It is a hard kind of syenitic granite, of a dark gray
color. The mica, which in part composes it, is in very small quantity,
and in fine black particles. The rock is now in two pieces, each of
which is about four feet through. One of these pieces, about six feet
and a half in diameter, as already said, is still at the water’s edge,
in its original position. The other part, represented in the engraving
on the next page, has been removed from its natural location, and
inclosed in an iron railing in front of “Pilgrim hall,” which was
erected as a monumental edifice on land that once belonged to Governor
Carver. Here it is visited by thousands, who, from year to year, go, as
to a shrine of the most sacred associations, to the spot which is
consecrated by the sufferings, the courage, and the piety of the
founders of our nation.
[Illustration: PLYMOUTH ROCK.]
We might fill pages with the narratives of their exposures, hardships
and dangers; but they are more or less familiar to all. The history of
their perils from the Indians, the native lords of the forest, is of
itself full of excitement and thrilling interest. The latter, fearful
lest the superior knowledge and rising power of the white men should in
the end be the ruin of their own supremacy, were stirred up to endeavor
to exterminate them; and though some powerful chiefs and tribes were
steadfastly friendly, others were as steadfastly their foes. For years
after the firm establishment of the colonies, the early settlers were
compelled to go to church, on the Sabbath, armed, as represented in the
engraving on the next page, that they might be ready, if need be, to
defend themselves in case of an attack by the Indians. During the days
of the Indian warfare such scenes were not uncommon, and more than once
a congregation has been roused by such an attack, and gone forth to meet
and disperse the foe, and then, setting their sentinels to watch,
returned to the house of God, to thank him for their deliverance, and
continue the worship of his holy day. Thanks to their labors, and toils,
and self-denials, and heroic enterprise, to the principles that guided
them and the institutions they established, and to the divine blessing
attending all, we are not exposed to such perils; but may safely enjoy
the privileges they have handed down to us, with none to molest us or
make us afraid.
[Illustration: EARLY SETTLERS OF NEW ENGLAND GOING TO CHURCH.]