The Pilgrims

In reviewing the Pilgrim experience, from the beginning of their voyage to their fall harvest in Plymouth in 1621, God intervention was far different and more apparent than any other Christian group of people who came to America. I am not suggesting that the other colonists did not encounter difficulties and hardships, they did, but the Pilgrims were different in that they were the first group of Christians seeking religious freedom in America. During that time God did something in them in all they went through, and what was created for them became part of the American DNA. 

The remarkable story of the Pilgrims can be put into one sentence. Their foundation was based on two biblical principles: trust and faith in God. These two principals were the solid rock they stood on that enabled them to overcome every obstacle set before them. As stated in “The Light and the Glory” by Peter Marshall and David Manuel, that they were ordered below deck for the whole voyage and living through sixty-six days of being tossed to and for, sea sickness, stale air, foul air from the bilge, very little light and being badgered by a bosun mate, they stood firm and did not waver, complain, or grumble but thanked God for every small blessing.

After passing the halfway point, the main beam that supported the ship structure along with the mast broke. Facing possible death, they did not waver, but prayed.  There were no tools to repair the beam, yet a miracle happened.

William Brewster, a Pilgrim, for some reason, brought aboard a large screw used on a printing press, minus the printing press. Using that large screw they were able to secure the beam back in place, straightening the mast to its correct position, and continuing the voyage. Why did he bring the large screw only?

A story of a miracle: John Howland, who was 20 years old, disobeyed the captain and came topside for fresh air, but within a few seconds he found himself in the ice cold North Atlantic. A rope that was trailing behind the ship, that he frantically grabbed even though it dragged him through pounding waves for an unknown amount of time.  When he was finally rescued, he was completely blue, but he fully recovered.     

According to the US Navy, a man can stand immersion in the North Atlantic in November for about four minutes. God spared him, because some of his descendants made important contributions to this country.

Finally arriving at the location for their settlement, they found the land cleared and ready for buildings and a twenty-acre plot that was plowed.  Just like when the Israelites entered the Promise Land, God prepared the way to possess it.

To the Pilgrims, God prepared the way to build a community. However, they were to face a more devastating trial during that first winter revealing their resilience and perseverance.

During those winter months forty-three Pilgrims died leaving only fifty-three. Out of the fifty-three remaining Pilgrims there were twenty-two men left to do the hard work and defend the settlement. Yet even with all the hardships and death, the lack of food and manpower, not one of the surviving Pilgrims wanted to return with the Mayflower back to England. 

That decision revealed a determination to conquer all obstacles and hardships, which was rooted in their total faith and trust in God. This same determination was to become ingrained in the American way of life.

In the book, “The American Story The Beginning” by David and Tim Barton states, that two men came into the Pilgrims’ life. One was Samoset, who spoke English, and wandered into the settlement in the Spring of 1621 where he advises them of possible hostile American Indian tribes and the history of the land that had been the home of the Patauxet, a fierce warring people, but were wiped out by an unknown plague. 

He also introduced the Pilgrims to Massasoit, chief of the Wampanoag American Indian tribe, and Squanto. Squanto, a Patauxet, who had been kidnapped and taken to Spain and England returned after five years where he discovered that his people were no more. Although he was living with and accepted by the Wampanoag people, he felt alone.

When he saw the Pilgrims, he knew that they were to be his people. He took them under his wing and taught them how to plant corn, hunt, and fish so they could survive. While the Pilgrims needed Squanto for survival, Squanto also needed a people to belong to.

The Pilgrim story also includes the famous Thanksgiving Day feast. After the success of the spring planting and harvest that reaped enough food for the second winter, Governor Bradford declared a Day of Thanksgiving, because they were in a place to worship freely. They survived their first winter in this new land, and with Squanto’s assistance they grew and reaped a good harvest. The Pilgrims, seeing how God blessed them, and grateful to Squanto and Massasoit for their help, invited them to the feast.  

Massasoit brought ninety braves with him, along with five dressed deer and twelve fat wild turkey, removing the fear of the Pilgrims of not having enough food. During this celebration which lasted three days, the Pilgrims and American Indians competed in athletic events and shooting (guns and bows) contests.

When we observe Thanksgiving this November, let us not just eat and be merry, but let there be a heartfelt thankfulness to God.  When we come to the Thanksgiving table let us remember the Pilgrims, what they went through and overcame.  Like the Pilgrims no matter how bad or worrisome the circumstances seem to be, we can set our focus on not what our eyes see or our ears hear, but on the Word of God which is our strength, and we trust and love Him and know He is with us.