Day 2: The Pilgrims' Story (Pt.2)

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Day 2: The Pilgrims’ Story (Pt.2) I

n the end, all the troubles they experienced were fruitful for their cause which had become famous by these public afflictions and led many to inquire in it. Their Christian behavior left a deep impression on the minds of many. A few shrank from these first conflicts, but many more came forward with fresh courage and strengthened the rest. In the end, in spite of the storms of opposition, they all got over to Holland—some from one place and some from another—and met together again with great rejoicing. After about a year of living in Amsterdam and seeing that new flames of contention were likely to break out among the churches there, they thought it best to move before they were in any way involved, even though they knew it would be to their worldly disadvantage. So, they moved to Leyden where they found jobs and trades as best they could, valuing peace and their spiritual comfort above any other riches whatsoever. Eventually they were able to make a comfortable living, but only through hard and continual labor. After many difficulties they continued many years in good circumstances enjoying sweet communion and spiritual comfort in the ways of God, under the able ministry and wise leadership of John Robinson, and his assistant, William Brewster. Their time in Leyden was a time of spiritual growth in knowledge and the gifts of the Spirit; a time where they lived in peace, love and holiness; a time when many came from different parts of England and the church grew to be a great congregation marked by deep love and mutual respect between pastor and flock. Having a good reputation among the Dutch for 10 or 12 years, the congregation at Leyden began to discuss settling in America. First, they wanted to remove the discouragement that resulted from their own hardships by finding a better and easier place of living that would attract others to join them. Second, old age was setting in on them early because of their continual labors and sorrows. It was certain that in a few years they would be in danger of scattering because of the situations of life. Based on Proverbs 22:3 [The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.], they thought it wiser to move to a place with better advantage and less danger, if such a place could be found.

Third, the hard work and difficulties of sharing their parents’ burden was taking a physical toll on the children, even though they worked with a good attitude and a willing mind. The energy of their youth was being consumed and their bodies bowed under the weight, becoming decrepit in early youth. But even worse, many of the children were led into rebellion against their parents, influenced not only by their hardships, but by the immorality of the country’s youth and the many temptations of the city. Lacking restraint and endangering their souls, they grieved their parents and dishonored God. So the congregation saw their posterity would be in danger of degenerating into coruption. Last and not least, they decided to settle in America for the propagation and advance of the gospel of the kingdom of Christ in the remote parts of the world, even though they should be but stepping stones to others in the performance of so great a work. This opportunity met with different opinions, and raised many fears and doubts. The hopeful ones tried to encourage the rest to undertake it; others more timid, objected to it citing many precedents of failure and miseries that came upon others in similar undertakings, not to mention their own experience in their move to Holland. Even though it was a neighboring country and a civilized and rich commonwealth, life had still been hard for them. It was replied that all great and honourable actions are accompanied with great difficulties, and must be both met and overcome with answerable courage. It was granted the dangers were great, but not desperate; the difficulties were many, but not invincible. For, many of the things feared might never befall; others by provident care and the use of good means might in a great measure be prevented; and all of them, through the help of God, by fortitude and patience, might either be borne or overcome. True it was that such attempts were not to be undertaken without good ground and reason, rashly or lightly; or, as many had done, for curiosity or hope of gain. But their condition was not ordinary; their ends were good and honourable; their calling, lawful and prudent; therefore they might expect the blessing of God on their proceedings. Yea, though they should lose their lives in this action, yet might they have the comfort of knowing that their endeavor was worthy.

After much discussion on both sides, it was fully decided by the majority to undertake this venture and to pursue it with everything they had. Virginia was the place agreed upon and two of their members were sent to England to secure a patent. After much time

and stressful negotiations a patent was secured, though not in the name of any of the members, but in the name of Mr. J. Wincot who intended to go with them. But God so disposed things that he never went, nor did they ever make use of this patent, which had cost them so much labour and expense, as will appear…And this matter of the patent is a true emblem of the uncertain things of this world, which, when men have toiled to acquire them vanish into smoke!

After receiving the patent, the congregation had a solemn meeting and a day of humiliation to seek the Lord’s direction. Their pastor chose I Samuel 23:3-4 as his text: But David’s men said to him, “Behold, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” Then David inquired of the Lord again. And the Lord answered him, “Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand.” From this text he taught them things that applied to their present situation,—strengthening them against their fears and confusion, and encouraging them in their resolutions. Then came the decision of how many should go and who should go first, because not everyone that wanted to go could be ready in so short a time. And even if all could be ready, all could not be transported. The number that stayed was greater than the number that were going. Among the number that stayed, for various reasons, was Pastor Robinson. Mr. Brewster was selected to go instead. It was agreed by mutal consent that they should be a separate church, distinct from those who stayed since they would probably never meet again in this world. The only stipulation was that if anyone from Leyden came to to America, or anyone from America should return, all should be received without any further testimony. Finally, through a series of events it was determined that they would settle in New England. And after much wrestling in negotiation with the financial partners who were not part of their congregation, the time had come... When they were ready to depart, they had a day of solemn humiliation, their pastor taking his text from Ezra viii., 21: “And there at the river, by Ahava, I proclaimed a fast that we might humble ourselves before our God, and seek of Him a right way for us and for our children, and for all our substance.” Upon this discourse he spent a good part of the day very profitably. The rest of the time was spent in pouring out prayers to the Lord with great fervency and abundance of tears.

When the time had come to leave they were accompanied by most of the congregation to Delfthaven, a city a few miles away where a ship was waiting to take them to Southampton. So they left that good and pleasant city [Leyden], which had been their resting place for nearly twelve years; but they knew they were pilgrims, and lifted up their eyes to the heavens, their dearest country, and quieted their spirits.

In Delfthaven they spent the night in friendly entertainment and Christian discourse and other real expressions of true Christian love with little time for sleep. The next day was a sad and mournful parting as they boarded the ship. What sighs and sobs and prayers rose from amongst them! What tears gushed from every eye, and pithy speeches pierced each heart! Many of the Dutch strangers who stood on the quay as spectators, could not refrain from tears. Yet it was comfortable and sweet to see such lively and true expressions of dear and unfeigned love. But the tide which stays for no man called them away, though loth to part; and their reverent pastor, falling down on his knees, and all with him, with watery cheeks commended them with most fervent prayers to the Lord and His blessing. Then with mutual embraces and many tears, they took their leave of one another,—which proved to be the last leave for many of them.

Then they set sail, and in a short time they were at Southampton where they found a bigger ship ready with the rest of the company. After a joyful welcome and mutual congratulations, there arose a disagreement in terms which resulted in the withdrawal of one of their investors, forcing them to sell some of their provisions. In Bradford’s words, this was their final conclusion about standing on their convictions: And yet we are willing to expose ourselves to such imminent dangers as are likely to ensue, and trust to the good providence of God, rather than His name and truth should be evil spoken of through us.

With their business being taken care of, the company was called together and a letter from their pastor, John Robinson, was read. Then they allotted the company to each ship and chose governors and assistants to see to the distribution of provisions and other needs that may arise.