INTRODUCTION 21 



we are distiuguished and blessed above all peoples." So 

 skilled were they in the arts, such a spirit of economy 

 and thrift characterized them, such loyalty had they to 

 the principles of our national life, such sane and tolerant 

 views in religious matters, such uprightness and excel- 

 lence and nobility of character, such high and command- 

 ing genius in statesmanship, that their presence, even 

 though they formed but a small body as to numbers and 

 were so assimilated as to sink their identity in the com- 

 mon body, exerted a moulding and ennobling influence 

 upon the entire fabric of our national life. Deserving of 

 high honour are Puritan and Pilgrim. Let orator and 

 historian continue to sound their j^raises. But side by 

 side with them, sharers in their sufferings, partakers of 

 their perils, distinguished helpers in their great labours, 

 stimulating and inspiring, stood a smaller company 

 whose life and deeds and spirit were also important 

 factors in giving this land those institutions of civil and 

 religious liberty by means of which she is steadily ful- 

 filling her high mission and successfully working out her 

 great destiny. 



