Through scenes of gloom and misery, the Pilgrims showed the way to an asylum for those who would go to the wilderness for the purity of religion or the liberty of conscience. Accustomed in their native land to no more than a plan country life and the innocent trade of husbandry, they set the example of colonizing New England, and formed the mould for the civil and religious character of its institutions. Enduring every hardship themselves, they were the servants of posterity, the benefactors of succeeding generation. In the history of the world, many pages are devoted to commemorate the men who have besieged cities, subdued provinces, or overthrown empires. A colony is a better offering than a victor: the citizens of the United States should rather cherish the memory of those who founded a state on the basis of democratic liberty; the father of the country; the men who, as they first trod the soil of the New World, scattered the seminal principles of republican freedom and national independence. They enjoyed, in anticipation, the thought of extending influence, and the fame which their grateful successors would award to their virtues. Out of small beginnings, said Bradford, great things have been produced; and as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone to many, yea, in some sort, to our whole nation. Posterity repeats the consolation offered from England to the Pilgrims in the season of their greatest sufferings -- Let it not be grievous to you, that you have been instruments to break the ice for others. The honor shall be yours to the worlds end. End of chapter 12. History of the Colonization of the United States, 1841 Cristin Mangan Mattera, Kristal Kimberling, Michelle Greenwell, Hope Williams, Zackeri Smith, Ariana Micaela Dey, Sheila Miller, Paula Hammersberg, Karen Skye, Charles Moon
Posted on: Mon, 02 Dec 2013 08:47:03 +0000
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