William Bradford writes of the scattering of the original congregation as new towns are settled, at a distance from Plymouth, and new churches formed :
Many having left this place (as is before noted) by reason of the straightnes and barrennes of the same, and their finding of better accomodations elsewher, more suitable to their ends and minds; and sundrie others still upon every occasion desiring their dismissions, the church begane seriously to thinke whether it were not better joyntly to remove to some other place, then to be thus weakened, and as it were insensibly dissolved.
Many meetings and much consultation was held hearaboute, and diverse were mens minds and oppinions.  Some were still for staying togeather in this place, alledging men might hear live, if they would be contente with their condition; and that it was not for wante or necessitie so much that they removed, as for the enriching of them selves.  Others were resolute upon removall, and so signified that hear they could not stay; but if the church did not remove, they must; insomuch as many were swayed, rather then ther should be a dissolution, to condescend to a removall, if a fitt place could be found, that might more conveniently and comfortablie receive the whole, with shuch accession of others as might come to them, for their better strength and subsistence; and some shuch like cautions and limitations.  So as, with the afforesaide provissos, the greater parte consented to a removall to a place called Nawsett...
And thus was this poore church left, like an anciente mother, growne olde, and forsaken of her children, (though not in their affections), yett in regarde of their bodily presence and personall helpfullnes.  Her anciente members being most of them worne away by death; and these of later time being like children translated into other families, and she like a widow left only to trust in God.   Thus she that had made many rich became her selfe poore.

www.pilgrimhall.org