As a kid, history was my 2nd least favorite subject in school behind Science. Even into adulthood, I didn’t like museums. A quick look-see is all I needed to get an idea what it was like back then. And antiques…not my thing.
More recently however, I have come to understand the importance of history. I’ve learned how vital it is to know the truth and understand the truth. Every day I see how badly things can unravel when we don’t. I see the consequences daily of not learning from our past or being deceived by falsehoods or replacing the truth with fiction.
I’ve been enjoying studying history for the first time and learning from the original writings of our founding fathers. It is exciting and amazing what they were able to do and why they did it. However, I then realize just how much more insidious and evil today is in comparison to what it should be. I have found so much more to be thankful for, not just daily but specifically on Thanksgiving. We have a cutesy story for Thanksgiving but the Pilgrims’ faith and contributions deserve so much more respect and gratitude than this, especially on Thanksgiving Day.
My initial focus of study has been the Pilgrims’ pre-voyage. I never knew their heritage of faith or Christian beliefs. Have you heard of the Pilgrim’s pastor, John Robinson? I don’t think I ever had. I only remember the Pilgrim’s story starting with the Mayflower.
John was one of the founders of the Separatist movement and eventually considered a leading theologian of the movement. Religious persecution in England caused John Robinson and other Separatists to flee to Holland (1608). It took 2 attempts as the first one was thwarted and they were jailed (1607).
The wickedlocal.com explains the Pilgrim’s time in Holland: “The Pilgrim congregation in Leiden had grown to 400 under Pastor Robinson’s leadership, and they were eager to start their own colony on English soil. They had refined church self-governance for more than a decade and were ready for greater challenges – converting their successful church experiences into a stable, self-governing colony. They knew well the governmental structure provided in Royal charters for Jamestown and Popham Colony in Maine. Twelve years of living free of English civil law had prepared them well.” https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/register/2020/12/05/pilgrim-pastor-john-robinson-mayflower-compact-american-independence/3838533001/
Despite the advantages of living in Holland, the Separatist refugees found it difficult to make a living there. They also knew war was likely which could threaten their religious freedoms in Holland. And they didn’t like the negative impact of the more secular society on their children. Anyone relate?
So the Separatists prepared for a voyage to America, knowing full well what that would all entail. (Would you go thru all of that for religious freedom?) The day before their voyage, July 21, 1620, Pastor Robinson called for a day of fasting and prayer, which included his farewell sermon. Bereanbibleheritage.org explains the details of the day of the voyage: “After the day of solemnities were ended, on July 22, those staying behind in Leyden put on a feast for the members that were leaving. They then sang songs, being very expert in music, raising an amazing chorus together. Then made their way to the port with the townspeople gathering, but no one was able to say a word over the deep sorrow they all felt at being separated. The folks leaving boarded the ship and set sail, firing a volley of small shot and exploding three pieces of ordinance. The two groups then prayed for each other and experienced the “joy of grief” that God had sent his provisions and blessings to begin a new colony.” http://www.bereanbibleheritage.org/extraordinary/robinson_john.php
Wow! Just wow! What an amazing send off! And how amazing that they sought God before their journey!
Pastor John Robinson did not make the voyage with the Pilgrims across the Atlantic. He had intentions to go later with the second wave of Pilgrims. Unfortunately, his health was failing and he died on March 4, 1625. However, his legacy remains, the Pastor of the Pilgrims.
What an amazing heritage we have. People dedicated to God and religious freedom. They don’t teach that in school anymore. On Thanksgiving we always have so much for which to be grateful. Let’s not forget the 12 years the Pilgrim’s spent on refining and preparing for a free world (not the version being touted now), nor the foundations of our heritage, of our faith and of our religious freedoms.
You can read more about Pastor John Robinson at:
https://www.mayflower400uk.org/education/who-were-the-pilgrims/2019/june/john-robinson/
http://www.bereanbibleheritage.org/extraordinary/robinson_john.php
http://mayflowerhistory.com/letter-john-robinson
Pastor John Robinson wrote many works. A few I’ve listed here:
* A Justification of Separation from the Church of England, 1610
* Of Religious Communion, Public and Private, 1614
* On the Lawfulness of Hearing Ministers in the Church of England, 1634
Unfurled Faith 