History Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford answers a lot of questions for us about the motivations behind, the struggles of, and the journeys of those we know as the Pilgrims. We're all quite familiar with the basics of the Pilgrims and Thanksgiving; however, Bradford is able to fill in the "back story," so to speak, for those early settlers at Plymouth. We know what prompted their need to leave England (their turn to Christ after recognizing their sinful state)--their persecution by nearly an entire country. We learn of their struggles to leave, their eventual journey to Holland, their growing struggles and troubles while there, and their journey to America. Once they land, the journal chronicles their struggles and defeats as well as their victories. Because this is a firsthand, personal account written contemporaneously (meaning at the time of the events), it's a valuable historical document as well as a compelling story. It answers the questions about why this famous group of people did the things they did.
No comments:
Post a Comment