arrogance and self-conceit. He certainly attended with more interest to the father of Miriam Grey, whose strongly marked, and rather severe countenance, energetic manner, and bold and searching language, rendered him a meet representative of the eminent reformer, whose doctrines he so strenuously advocated. The assembly was then reminded of their duty in contributing to the support of the church, and the necessities of the poor; when all advanced to the deacon's seat, and put their mites into the bag destined to receive the offering. The` singing of psalms also formed a part of the exercises, and Atherton again listened to a voice, which had twice charmed him with its unrivalled melody, though he fancied that Miriam Grey cautiously avoided his observation; and, whether from accident or design, he was unable to obtain another view of her features.

You will find our religious customs and opinions somewhat singular, Major Atherton,' observed the Governor, when they had left the house; ⚫ but I hope there has been nothing unpleasant to your feelings, though I am aware that our ideas essentially differ.'

Perhaps not so very essentially, sir,' returned Atherton: : 'you will recollect that my mother was a dissenter, and I should feel a regard for her religion, even if my own experience did not bear witness to the purity and rectitude of many of its professors, and the wisdom and piety which have adorned their lives."

"Many judicious and good men' said Mr. Winslow, have objected to the practice of prophesying, as it is generally used amongst us, and which is allowed in no other churches of New-England. It is a truth, and, to our reproach be it spoken, that dissensions have already disturbed our peace, and grievous wolves have entered into the fold, and divided the sheep of the flock."

Do you attribute these divisions,' asked Atherton, to the admission of the custom alluded to.' 'In a certain degree;' returned the Governor ; were the liberty of speaking, subject to particular regulations, and confined to men, who, like Elder Brewster, are gifted with the spirit of grace, and prepared by education and habit, it would doubtless tend to edification; and, in the early period of the settlement, it was our only method of public christian instruction. But, in later days, many godly ministers, who have "cast in their lot" with us, have been discouraged by finding their office assumed by brethren, who vainly imagine themselves qualified to exhort, and thus a "door of contention" has been opened, which our adversaries have not failed to use to our disadvantage, and sometimes to the hindrance of gospel ordinances.'

'I thought,' said Atherton, 'that here, at least, the church was at rest, and that those free and virtuous spirits, who braved so much for liberty of conscience, and the enjoyment of their religious privileges, were now reaping the reward of their laudable exertions, and sitting quietly under " their own vine and fig tree.""

They have done all that fallible man judged right and suitable,' replied the Governor; and, through perfection and complete success are not the portion of earth, we may still be permitted to hope that what we have "sown in tears," we shall hereafter" reap in joy," and that He who has "planted a vine," in this wilderness, will not cease to water it with his blessing. We are deemed enthusiasts, Major Atherton' he added, with a smile; but slight disappointments will never discourage those whose hearts are truly interested in a great design; and I trust that our children, and children's children, even to the remotest posterity, will eat of the fruit of the tree, which we have rooted and nourished, and that New-England will yet become the most favoured country of the world, even that "happy land, whose God is the Lord."

CHAPTER IV.

Grave in council,

Firm in resolve, invincible in arms;

Yet jocund in the hour of ease, he lov'd

The merry jest and laughing brow of youth.

In the course of a week, Captain Standish returned to Plymouth, and being soon apprised of his kinsman's arrival, during his absence, for even in those early days the good people found some leisure to discuss the affairs of the village-he sent a message to the Governor's desiring Major Atherton to visit him as soon as he found it convenient and agreeable. Atherton's curiosity to see a man, who was regarded by the colonists as a second Joshua for valour and address, induced him to accept the invitation, without delay. Peregrine White attended him as guide on the occasion, and, after a walk of eight miles, they reached the house of his relative just in the dusk of twilight.

Peregrine White led the way without ceremony, into a large, low apartment, brightly illuminated by a huge fire, which was blazing on a hearth occupying no inconsiderable part of the room, and which diffused a cheering warmth, peculiarly agreeable in a cool autumnal evening. One recess of the chimney corner was occupied by a stout Indian dressed after the English fashion, with the addi4*

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tion of a wampum belt, and other savage ornaments, strangely blended with his European costume. A fowling piece rested beside him, and on a ledge, over the fire place, lay his still smoking pipe, which seemed to have been put aside, while he satisfied the cravings of hunger from a pewter basin of savory pottage, occasionally adding a relish from the carcase of a fowl which garnished his lap. His bold features were composed into the gravity, peculiar to his race, and his tawny complexion was rendered more dark by the fitful light of the flame, which now flashed upon it, and again left him involved in shadow.

Captain Standish, the early hero of New-England, was seated in a three-cornered elbow chair, beside a round oaken table, discussing the merits of a brace of partridges, from which, with the assistance of some dried fish, and a quantity of Indian cakes, he was preparing to make a hearty supper. His repast was shared by his only son, a robust lad, while two surly mastiffs sat erect on each side of them, with their eyes fixed wistfully on the well-filled platters.

Captain Standish was small of stature, but his well-proportioned figure, denoted great agility and muscular strength; his features were spirited and intelligent, his eyes dark and piercing, and his whole countenance indicated a frank and hasty temper, an active and decisive mind, and a warm and sanguine disposition.

This group was first apprised of the approach of