The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-06-04
For the Southern Press.
Relies Of Scraps and Musings-NO. &C.
THE PURrTANs.

THE PUR1TANS.
The Puritans, who sought an asylum in the
new world, that they might not only enjoy the
freedom of their own conscience, but tyrannize
over that of Others were not merely ignorant
but self-wlled fanatics Among them were
men of great talents, learning, and requirements,
second to few or none of their contemporaries
philosophers rs well as dvines, who were not
only preachers, but great politicians, who saw
clearly the condition of society in England at
the time, and pointed out its causes as well as
consequences. Among the motives alleged by
the congregation of Mr. Robinson for emigrat-
ing to the new world, that referred to in the fol-
lowing passages, in their parting address to their
brethren in England, is not the least remarka-
BILE, as foreshadowing state of things which is
now everywhere prevalent in that country The
address will be found in Matner's Magnolia,
chap 4, p. II and 10. Speaking of England
they say:
"The land grows heavy of its inhabitants, in
somuch that man, which is the most precious of
all creatures, is here more vile and base than the
earth he treads upon. Children, neighbors,
friends, especially among the poor, are counted
the greatest burdens, which if things were right,
would be the greatest blessings.
awe are grown to that intemperance in all
excess of riot as no mean estate will suffice
man to keep sail with his equals, and he that
fails in it, must live il scorn and contempt.
Hence it comes to pass that all acts and trades
are carried in such deceitful manner, and un
righteous course, that it is almost impossible
for good and upright man to maintain his con-
slant charge, and live comfortably in them"
This was written more than $50 years ago,
and is a forecast Of the present condition of
England, and indeed all Europe, where to use
their expressive language, "the land grows heavy
of her inhabitants"
THE REV. CHARLES cHAUNcEy.
He was a very excellent scholar and, think,
the second president of Cambridge College.
The following extract from his last will and tes-
tamentis quoted by Mather in bis Magnolia, with
proofs of the bitterness eugendered by religious
contests and prosecutions. He asks pardon
among other things, Especially for my so sin
full compliances with, and conformity unto vile
human Inventions, and will-worship, and hell
bred superstition, and patcberies, stitched unto
the service of the Lord, which the English mass
book mean the common prayer, and the or
dination of priests, &c nre fully fraught with"
THE REV. MR.. DUNsTER.
| He was the first president of Cambridge col
lege, and ns should Judge something Of a
rogue Having married the widow of the Rev.
Mr. Glover who left large estate, and being
sued by the children Of that gentleman for the
recovery Of their property after the death Of
their mother he rs an offset, among other items,
charged the estate with disbursements for main
tanning his wife two years and two months in
diet and apparel, in sickness and in health till
her death, with maid to attend her al E3O per
annum." What ia very singular the court al
lowed these charges, with the exception of Mr..
Benghan, who retired in disgust ] don't won
der Mt it.
ORIGINAL or FRANKLIS's BPIrAPH.
The following 10 the conclusion Of poem on