Robert Cushman

Robert Cushman, a fellow exile with the Pilgrims in Holland and afterward their chief agent in England, arrived here on IX November, MDCXXI, with his son Thomas Cushman. On IX December he preached his memorable sermon on “The danger of self-love and the sweetness of true friendship,” and on XIII December he returned to England to vindicate the enterprise of Christian emigration, remaining in the service of the colony until MDCXXV, when he had prepared to make Plymouth his permanent home. He was lamented by the Forefathers as “their ancient friend,” who had long managed their business with the adventurers to their great advantage, and in the dedication of the sermon he urged the adventurers to continue honoring God by settling religion before profit or popularity. Thomas Cushman, son of Robert, died on X December, MDCXCI, aged nearly LXXXIV years, after serving more than XLII years as Ruling Elder of the First Church in Plymouth. Mary, widow of Elder Cushman and daughter of Isaac Allerton, died on XXVIII November, MDCXCIX, aged about XC years, the last survivor of the first comers in the Mayflower.

Plymouth, Massachusetts · United States