“Those are old thoughts for such a young head, Mary, and in some way you twist the words to suit yourself, but go to our dear and loving friend, Elder Brewster, and see if he deems it fitting.” “He is so affectionate and tender-hearted,” said Mary, “that I am sure he will wish to take part in our joys as he has partaken of our distresses.” “I know what I would do if I were he,” said John, smiling down at her happy face, “I would let you do it.” But John must not shirk the burden of the work, which was to procure firewood and water for use on the ship, and when the little shallop returned to the Mayflower it was laden with casks of fresh water, boughs of cedar and juniper wood, garlands of ground-pine, walnuts, a great store, branches of the red holly berries, and the waxen sprays of the bayberries. And Mary Chilton kept her plan in her heart. Upon the counsel of Elder Brewster she went straightway to Master Jones, the Captain of the ship, and unfolded it to him. The Captain was a rough sea-dog, but capable of goodly feeling and kindly impulses. He was fair-minded and friendly and listened to her with respectful attention, and when she had done, promised to lend his aid to make their first Christmas in the new land as nearly like an English holiday as their means and circumstances would permit. On the 25th of December the little company assembled at night, in the cabin of the Mayflower. Garlands of ground-pine decked the walls and holly boughs graced the posts. The cedar wood burning on the sand hearth smelled very sweet and strong. They kneeled and gave thanks to God for the completion of their perilous journey. Then Elder Brewster said: “Friends, we are far from home, with unknown dangers facing us, but let us forget, this night, all that may be in store for us and remember that the whole civil world is celebrating the birth of Christ. Let it be understood that in no way are we departing from the principles for which we suffered in England, fled to Holland, crossed the ocean, and landed here in this distant, savage, and even dangerous land. God has not revealed His whole will to us, but He has made to burn within us a desire for English laws, English manners, and an English home and education for our children. It is no priestly rite which we are celebrating here, it is the manifestation of the ‘Pilgrim spirit,’ this gathering together, in one, as the children of God, into Christ’s own liberty. It is the season of peace and good-will, when disaffections are forgotten and friendships are cemented more closely, and all people, as the wise men of old, come bearing gifts. The first Christmas gift, which is ours from this new land, is this,” and he held aloft in his hand a goblet of sparkling water, fresh and clear and pure. “This comes from a sweet brook that runs under a hillside and many delicate springs, and is as good water as can be drunk.” He pointed silently to the water-casks.