9 



In that London chamber, with all the signs ominous of 

 the Puritan revolt, Mathew Cradock, Thomas Goffe, 

 Isaac Johnson, Sir Richard Saltonstall, John Humfrey, 

 John Winthrop and their associates, with amazing shrewd- 

 ness, yet in Christian humility, planned one of the epochs 

 in the world's history. 



First, of course, they selected ministers — the spiritual 

 guides and comforters of the flock. 



Secondly, they agreed to send over the Charter — the 

 patent under seal. This instrument they regarded as 

 their '^ Magna Charta," something which was to give 

 them powers of government which Charles and his ad- 

 visers never dreamed of when it was granted. 



Having provided for the religious and civil govern- 

 ment, the next consideration was to stock the intending 

 colony with choice seeds for planting in the new soil. 



The list was comprehensive — it embraced everything 

 which was thought of value. From it one fact stands 

 out boldly, namely, that the founders contemplated an 

 agricultural and not a commercial community. The re- 

 nown and wealth which came later from the fisheries, 

 from commerce and then from manufactures, were not 

 foreseen. 



The farmers have maintained the Canaan of the fathers, 

 and, looking upon the exhibit of this fair, may we query 

 if it is not about time for Essex farmers to bury the silly 

 question, does farming pay ? and to ask instead, how 

 many things besides the glitter of gold make it profit- 

 able? 



It is time to cease to bewail the hard lot of the tillers 

 of the soil. It is in order to tell the world that 



