The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-01-29

MT, till ~ should he recompensed. The privilege
that they might have even one wOrk-dsy
OF the week for their own use was refused.
With the glory of the landing and the suffer
ings of that first winter you are already IA
miliar.
But there is one day 70 which I wish to call
your attention. On the 18th OF April che May
tOwer spread her sails and put to sea for Eng
land. She had been compelled to lie In the har-
hor all win err, partly to wait OF the colanists,
partly because of the sickness of her crew. OF
the l02 persons she had brought over, one-half
were in their graves: Of the remainder, all but
six or seven hal been sick nigh unto death, yet
not one OF Inc feeble or we'll ltsps wish to 90
back. Cont plate these men and women. They
had years before been hunted out of Englard;
they had conquered a strange tongue and the
mysteries OF Unfamiliar employ ments in Holland
they had buried half their number beneath the
SHOWS Of winter; the large majority OF the living
were still enfeebed by sickness; they had no
means or subsistence but the fish Of the aud
the shelltish of the shore. Behind them was the
wilderness and the savage. Ii they stay they
work seven years for company and not for
themselves, and vet they stand and watch
the white canvas of the Navy flower fade to moth
ing in he distance without murruur at their
lot or the utteranee of wish to escape from it.
We are familiar with the picture celebrating the
landing of the Pilgrims. There is cele-
brating the departure of the Mayfiower. am
sorry TO say know neither the artist, nor does
his work appear To my minds eye. We ought to
be able TO throw that scene on tine screen of i'm
az nation, for there Is no event more sublime in
human history.
SO stood the Pilgrim fathers. content-tbongh
the last link was severed that connected them
because at last they trusted in God; they had
found "a spot whereOn they could lay their good
foundation" for God and for man. They turned
them 10 their work They did not "bate jot of
heart or hope but still bore up and steered right
onward.
They laid their foundation and made history,
and you and rejoice to day in the unstained
blessing they have left us, ana which they
dld so much TO make the com,
nhahit tina aud-"freetom TO worship God"
Aud now the long roll comes to us through the
two hundred three and three-score years since
they began their work on this continent, sum
mohing lis TO fresh conservation for work on
their foundation and in their spirit.
am not certain bur that my bow, drawn at n
venture, may have hit more fortunately than
had reason to expect. As church, You bear the
name Plymouth. You, | am informed nave the
inspiration upon you 'tO lay good foundation"
Considerations from all quarters would seem
TO combine to urge you Onto rest not till you
have secured a permanent rounda ton for q
church representing the Pilgrim nberty-the
Pilgrim devOtiOn-the Pilgrim spirit OF copsecra-
ton and self-saeritice. To work for such end
would seem To be worthy the most sacred ambi-
ton. The Pilgrim demonstration need not stand
alone. They did not pre-empt the possibilities
of laying "good foundations" of exhibiting the
spirit of sef-sacrifeiug love ana righteousness
why may We not hive TO see the blessing of
mankind as well ms the Pilgrms2 We
may, IT we Will put much endurance, as
much heroisrl, as much devotion, as much sacri-
Hoe of self into our lives they.
The Pilgrims have gone down To the Dust,
yet tue ninth generation after them holds them
IN grateful memory because they put ali into
their work.
Tney asked nothing for themselves only that
they might labor and suffer for their cause; that
they might be stepping-stones over which others
might pass to happiness, power and all good.
They challenge to secure and complete their
work, and 10 live with them in their ever endur-
Ing fame Shall we let our age delft by and not
stamp ourselves in permanent blessing upon it2
Nay; rather we will sacrifice to bless as well as
they. AS contemplate their deeds and their
faith, We Will catch IL loving emulation their in
spiration,
The Pilgrim fathers are at rest,
When summers UhrOned on nigh,
And the worlds warm breast is in veTdure
dressed;
Go stand on the hill where they lie.
The earliest ray of the golden day
On that haliOwed spot is cast,
And the evening sun, as he leaves the world
Looks kindly on that spot last.
The Pilgrim spirit has nor fed.
1t walks in noOn's broad light,
And 1t watches the bed of the glorious dead
With their holy stars by night;
1t watches the bed of the brave who have bled,
And shall guard this iee-bound shore
Till the waves OF the bay where the May flower lay
Shall foam and freeze more.