Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1872. Excerpt: ... dictions on their lips. How can they be accounted for? It may be that a fuller acquaintance with the fruits of separatism had inspired them with modesty; or that the excellent and liberal Robinson, their pastor, had softened any severity in their feelings; or that the mellowing influence of time and suffering had made them charitable and catholic. But we can also believe that these large concessions, this language of Christian courtesy respecting the Episcopal church, which they once regarded as their mother, and this language of loyalty towards him whom they still considered as their king, can be accounted for by their strong desire to conciliate the king to grant them " free liberty and liberty of religion," that is, authority to make their own laws for their self government. Their love of local law in civil concerns must have been strengthened, if not originated, in Holland, at that time the freest country in Europe, having a system of local law, adopted it is said in New Netherland or New York when under the government of the States General, and if their pride, or principle, or passion, had kept them during the years of their exile, aloof from the king, they%were now, when about to seek a forest home in his uninhabited dominions, willing to present their petition to the king through the privy council, accompanied by these propitiatory articles. But all that they could obtain from the king, James I., after the most diligent " sounding," was an oral promise, that he would " connive at their separatism," and not molest them so long as they gave no public offence. But to allow and tolerate them "under the great seal," he would not consent. With this slender encouragement, and putting their trust not in princes but in providence, they hastened the preparations for the voyage to their...