What the Pilgrims Did
In the years 1609-1620, the Pilgrims were residing in Leyden, Holland. It had been their refuge when they first fled England and the tyranny of the King. So, if it was so great, what made them choose the wilderness of America?
In his book, Of Plymouth Plantation, William Bradford, Governor of the Plymouth colony, describes several reasons. One of those reasons:
“But still more lamentable, and of all sorrows most heavy to be borne, was that many of the children, influenced by these [difficult physical] conditions, and the great licentiousness of the young people of the country, and the many temptations of the city, were led by evil example into dangerous courses, getting the reins off their necks and leaving their parents. Some became soldiers, others embarked upon voyages by sea and others upon worse courses tending to dissoluteness and the danger of their souls, to the great grief of the parents and the dishonour of God. So they saw their posterity would be in danger to degenerate and become corrupt.”
So, in their desire to raise their children away from such dangers, they picked up everything and braved a 6 week ocean voyage, wilderness, Indians, and the great unknown. They had very little knowledge of this new world, its weather, terrain, people, vegetation, or possibilities. But it was worth it to them to protect their children and save their souls.
I, for one, am humbled by their sacrifice and thankful that they were willing. They suffered many hardships and losses, but they also produced some of the greatest men and women in history.
I love this post. While i absolutely not getting ready to voyage across the earth to relocate I am struggling with the thought o relocating a bit, of wanting to pick up and move farther away from influences that i feel are not good for my children…it’s particularly difficult when that means moving farther away from family #happynowlinkup
Even a small relocation seems so daunting, and probably unpopular in today’s world, for the sake of your children. But the Pilgrims showed that God blesses that. I hope you find the answers you’re looking for.
The early settlers definitely had brave souls. It’s hard sometimes to remember that many of the very earliest came over to practice religious freedom. Thanks for sharing your side of the story at the #happynowlinkup!