Puritans and Pilgrims

Passage from "Of Plymouth Plantation"

by William Bradford

September 6 [1620]. These troubles being blown over, and now all being compact together in one ship, they put to sea again with a prosperous wind, which continued divers days together, which was some encouragement unto them; yet, according to the usual manner, many were afflicted with seasickness. And I may not omit here a special work of God’s providence. There was a proud and very profane young man, one of the seamen, of a lusty, able body, which made him the more haughty; he would always be contemning the poor people in their sickness and cursing them daily with grievous execrations; and did not let to tell them that he hoped to help to cast half of them overboard before they came to their journey’s end, and to make merry with what they had; and if he Were by any gently reproved, he would curse and swear most bitterly. But it pleased God before they came half seas over, to smite this young man with a grievous disease, of which he died in a desperate manner, and so was himself the first that was thrown overboard. Thus his curses light on his own head, and it was an astonishment to all his fellows for they noted it to be the just hand of God upon him.

Bradford, William. "Of Plymouth Plantation". Georgetown College. March 17, 2008. http://spider.georgetowncollege.edu/english/coke/bradford.htm

REFLECTION:

This passage most certainly conveys the strong sense of religion the Puritans harbored, and proves why they believed they way they did. When the young healthy man mocked the sick, he became one of them and was the first to die. It is pure irony. But also, the passage shows how unhealthy and life-threatening the voyage to America was. If one person became ill, there was nowhere for the other people to go to escape the contagion. The long journey, unhealthy people, and lack of knowledge and technology caused innumerable losses.

DEAR DIARY,

We have been on the dark and damp ship for a long amount of time; maybe weeks, but most likely more. Just as anticipated, sickness has spread to many, and even I myself am feeling unwell. However, the good Lord has provided for those who are meant to see the New World. He knows that the healthy have a better chance of survival as the ship's population of the sick decreases. God knows who He wants in His new nation. Just earlier today a young man who fell ill during the night lost his life and was tossed into the salty graveyard below. This young man was known for his health, but even more for his greed and love for tormenting those unable to retaliate. The hands of God will deal with our problems; for it is in His hands our fate lies.

The Question Is...What impact did the decisions and cultures of those who began the American community have on today's modern community setting and life as we know it?: The decision made by the Puritans and Pilgrims to struggle through such a long, arduous journey in search of this unknown land built the foundation for the large population presently housed by the very soil they started on. Their religion also mimicks the faith many Christians live by today.