The Story of the Pilgrim Fathers. Kilted from the Original
Texts by Edward Arber. (Ward and Downey.)—The story which Mr. Arber gives us is " as told by Themselves, their Friends, and their Enemies." In other words, he gives the original documents, and he gives all that are available, with the effect, he holds, that our views of the movement must be somewhat modified. We cannot pretend on the present occasion to enter into the ques- tions thus suggested. We may note, however, that the charge commonly brought against Jones, captain of the Mayflower,' that he was bribed by the Dutch to take the vessel to Cape Cod, instead of the Hudson, is held by Mr. Arbor to be absolutely false. The Seven Articles drawn up in 1617, and subscribed by
John Robinson and William Brewster, are a piece of as pure
Erastianism as was ever put on paper. Here are Articles III. and IV. :—" The King's Majesty we acknowledge for Supreme
Governor in his Dominions in all causes and over all persons ; and that none may decline or appeal from his authority and judgment in any cause whatsoever : but that in all things obedience is due unto him ; either active, if the thing commanded be not against God's Word ; or passive, if it be, except pardon can be obtained ; (4) We judge it lawful for His Majesty to appoint Bishops to be Civil Overseers or Officers in authority under him in the several Provinces, Dioceses, Congregations, or Parishes, to oversee the Churches and govern them civilly according to the laws of the land ; unto whom they are, in all things, to give an account ; and by them to be ordered according to godliness."
Previous page
