"They Knew They Were Pilgrims"

Intentionally, I left the beginning of the Pilgrim story for the end of this series of posts leading up to Thanksgiving.  I think the beginning of their story is better appreciated after learning of all challenges and the miracles of their early adventure.

One of William Bradford’s most well-known statements from his detailed account reads, “They knew they were pilgrims.”  Interestingly, everyone else did not refer to them as “pilgrims” until 1793, one hundred seventy-three years after their Mayflower voyage.  For the first couple generations they were known as the “Oldcomers” and then as the “Forefathers.”  Apparently, what was known by the Pilgrims themselves, was not necessarily recognized by the public.

For most who know the Pilgrim’s story, they were taught that the Pilgrims fled England to the New World in order to worship as they pleased.  I know this was my understanding. While this is not inaccurate, it is not completely accurate.  After a failed attempt in 1607, the Pilgrims made it to the religiously tolerant country of Holland, known then as the Republic of the United Netherlands in 1608.  For a year they were in the busy city of Amsterdam population 240,000, but then relocated to Leiden.  Leiden was much smaller at 80,000, though still much bigger than their quiet farming community in England.   With a congregation of 100, under the direction of Pastor John Robinson, the Pilgrims assimilated themselves into a University community where there was a thriving textile industry.  In Leiden the congregation grew to 400 people over the next 11 years.  Those years, by and large, were peaceful, productive, and happy years for the Pilgrims.

By 1619, the group was concerned about their children growing up Dutch and the termination of a truce with Spain due to end in 1621.  However, above all, as Philbrook states, “all arguments for and against sailing to America ended with the conviction that God wanted them to go.  These English Separatists believed it was their spiritual duty to found an English plantation in the New World.”  They were leaving Holland, where they were living their religion peacefully, not because of religious persecution, but because in their hearts they knew they were called to do so.  It was essential that they knew this in their hearts.  No other reason would have provided the grit necessary to endure what you have been reading about for the last two weeks.

While the death toll of the Pilgrims, right about 50% that first winter, may seem less than the miraculous hand of God, one ought to consider similar ventures.  Jamestown in the first year of 1607 lost 70 of 108, and the following winter 440 of 500 died.  The Pilgrims came not as individuals on financial ventures, they came as families on spiritual ventures.  History tells us that that community and conviction made the difference.

I love that thought.  Against the odds of their time, family and faith made the difference.  Family and faith warranted God’s hand and produced miracles they so desperately needed.  I hope that thought will rest on your heart this Thanksgiving, family and faith make the difference.

"They knew they were pilgrims."  Do we know who we are?

Sources:

Ballard, Timothy. The Pilgrim Hypothesis. Covenant Communications, Utah. 2020.

Philbrick, Nathaniel.  The Mayflower and the Pilgrims' New World. Puffin Books, New York. 2008.

Hennus, Michiel. "The Pilgrim Fathers At Leyden." MP3 Recording of Record, Radio Nederland, Hilversum, The Netherlands. Philips' Phonographische Industrie. 26 minutes, 55 seconds. 1970.