94 FOUNDING OF DORCHESTER, MASS. 



Colony, the founder of the Colony, is John White of Dor- 

 chester, England. It was he who made the great alliance 

 between the London Merchants and the sea-men of the West 

 of England. It was he who taught Old England what it was 

 which was waiting for them in the pre-emption of New 

 England. It was John White who blew that Gospel trumpet. 

 (Gather yourselves together, your wives and little ones, the 

 people of Christ oppressed and denied, and be shipped for 

 His Service in the Western world, the united colonies of New 

 England). Yes John White is the hero of this day," 



Grand words surely for us to remember, a testimony to his 

 character and life work that had stood the test of two 

 centuries and a half, uttered by one who had personal and 

 impartial experience of the fruitfulness of his labours. 



Another glimpse into his personality is given by Thomas 

 Fuller, a contemporary (1608 1661) and indeed Rector of the 

 Dorset parish of Broadwindsor, who gives a characteristic 

 sketch of White in the Worthies of England. 



l> A grave man, yet without moroseness, as he would willingly contribute 

 his shot of facetiousness on any just occasion. A constant preacher, so 

 that in the course of his ministry he expounded the Scripture all over, and 

 half over again, having an excellent faculty in the clear solid interpreting 

 thereof. A good governor, by whose wisdom the town of Dorchester was 

 much enriched; knowledge causing piety, piety breeding industry, industry 

 procuring plenty unto it. He absolutely commanded his own passions 

 and the purses of his parishioners, whom he could wind up to what height 

 he pleased on all important occasions." 



Verily he had " a strong sway in the town," as is recorded 

 of him in the porch of S. Peter's Church. 



There is not much more to be said of Master W T hite and 

 his connection with the Puritan emigration. Our Dorchester 

 declared for the Parliament party at the commencement of 

 the Civil War, with which the Puritan Patriarch would have 

 agreed most heartily. In 1642 a troop of Prince Rupert's 

 Horse attacked the town, broke into Parson White's house, 

 carrying off or destroying his books. Taking refuge in 

 London he was given duty as Minister of the Savoy, and 

 Rector of Lambeth, being appointed also one of the West- 



