54

CH. 1.

THE PARTING AT DELFT-HAVEN.

P'T. I. sacred bond of the Lord, whereof we make great conP'D. III. science, holding ourselves tied to all care of each other's good. Fifth, It is not with us as with other men, whom small discontentments can discourage, and cause to wish themselves at home again. We have nothing to hope for from England or Holland, and our lives are drawing towards their period."

10. By the aid of Sandys, the petitioners obtained the patent. But they needed money. To provide this, their agents formed a stock company, jointly, with with some men of business in London, of whom Mr. Thomas London Weston was the principal; they to furnish the capital, chants. the emigrants to pledge their labor for seven years, at

Contract

mer

Aug. 3d,

ten pounds per man; and the profits of the enterprise, all houses, lands, gardens, and fields, to be divided at the end of that time among the stockholders, according to their respective shares.

11. They then prepared two small vessels, the MayFlower and the Speedwell; but these would hold only 1620 a part of the company, and it was decided that the Prepara- youngest and most active should go, and the older, among whom was the pastor, should remain. If they were successful, they were to send for those behind; if unsuccessful, to return, though poor, to them.

tion.

12. Previous to their separation, this memorable church worshipped together for the last time, on an appointed day, when they humbled themselves by fasting, and "sought of the Lord a right way for themselves and their children." When they must no longer Parting tarry, their brethren accompanied them from Leyden at Delft to the shore at Delft-Haven. Here the venerable pastor knelt with his flock upon the ground; and the wanderers, while tears flowed down their cheeks. heard for the last time, his beloved voice in exhortation, and in prayer for them. "But they knew they were PILGRIMS, and lifted up their eyes to heaven, their dearest country, and quieted their spirits."

Haven.

9. The fifth. 10. What did they obtain? What did they then need? How contrive to procure it?-11. What did the agents then prepare? Could all go? Which part was to go? On what condition did the others remain ?-12. Give an account of their parting ?