The movement had begun in the heart of the national church, and represented everything that was best in that institution.

The Rev.John White, rector of Dorchester, followed across the sea with pastoral solicitude the young men of his parish, who, in the business of the fisheries, were wont to make long stay on the New England coast, far from home and church.

His thought was to establish a settlement that should be a sort of depot of supplies for the fishing fleets, and a temporary home attended with the comforts and safeguards of Christian influence.

The project was a costly failure; but it was like the corn of wheat falling into the ground to die, and bringing forth much fruit.

A gentleman of energy and dignity, John Endicott, pledged his personal service as leader of a new colony.