Setting The Record Straight About Thanksgiving Pt. 5 The First Winter--Sickness & Death But God Sent Help!

In our last post, we saw that after a safe arrival, the Pilgrims gave thanks to God for His blessings and care of them. They also crafted the Mayflower Compact as a binding form of government to guide them and establish some semblance of law and order.

Photo of Plymouth Colony

It took many trips in small boats to transfer all of their provisions and supplies to land because they did not have enough small boats to ferry things over from the Mayflower. William Bradford preserved details of this aspect of the Pilgrims history.

A Godly man chosen as first governor.

"After this [the signing of the Mayflower Compact] they chose, or rather confirmed, Mr. John Carver (a man godly and well approved amongst them) their Governor for that year."

You may recall that a while back I posted text from some of the original state constitutions that required office holders to believe in future rewards or punishments, the God of the Bible and the inspired scriptures. This began with the Pilgrims who selected Christian men for their governor for may decades.

Blessed when righteous people rule, cursed when the ungodly are in charge.

Proverbs 29:2  When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. 

Texts like this one demonstrate why it is important to elect leaders who have strong Christian morality. 

What happens when the wicked rule? King Solomon said that the people mourn and groan under their oppressive rule. 

They often advocate for sexual perversion, killing of innocent babies in the womb and restricting free speech, which would include preaching the gospel. 

They propagate lies and smear those who oppose them. They try to make all things about race in order to create hatred and strife between Americans. They seek to restrict liberty and freedom in order to control the masses of people.  

Their goods and supplies were gradually unloaded.

"And after they had provided a place for their goods, or common store (which took long to unload due to a lack of boats, foulness of the winter weather, and sickness of diverse kinds."

They began constructing homes and governing as needed.

"They began [building] some small cottages for their habitation, as time would permit. They also met and consulted of laws and orders, both for their civil and military Government, as the necessity of their condition did require, still adding thereunto [adding or amending] as urgent occasion in several times, and as cases did require."

Some people were discontented. 

"In these hard and difficult beginnings, they found [noticed] some discontents and murmurings arise amongst some [of the people], and mutinous speeches and carriages in others. But they were soon quelled and overcome by the wisdom, patience, and just and equal judgments of things by the Governor, and the better part, which clave faithfully together in the main."

Notice that it was the Godly leaders who prevailed over those few who murmured and complained. In addition, the majority of the people were honorable and supportive of the new governor.

It is understandable that there was some complaining going on because they endured exceptional hardship in their voyage and entering the winter season.

Disease and malnutrition killed half of the Pilgrims.

"But that which was most sad and lamentable was that in two or three months’ time, half of their company died, especially in January and February, being the depth of winter, and wanting [lacking] houses and other comforts."

It must have been very sobering and caused much doubt about their bold undertaking when half of the original number perished through the winter months. 

"The people were infected with the scurvy and other diseases, which this long voyage and their inaccomodate [unhealthy] condition had brought upon them, so as there died sometimes two or three of a day. In the aforesaid [period of] time, that of one hundred and odd persons, scarcely fifty remained. 

Some serious health issues were caused by a lack of proper nutrition during their arduous voyage across the Atlantic. 

Cheerful ministry in dire circumstances

"And of these in the time of most distress, there was but six or seven sound [healthy] persons who, to their great commendations be it spoken, spared no pains, night or day, but with abundance of toil and hazard of their own health, fetched them wood, made them fires, dressed [prepared] them meat, made their beds, washed their loathsome clothes, clothed and unclothed them; in a word, did all the homely and necessary offices for them which dainty and queasy stomachs cannot endure to hear named; and all this willingly and cheerfully, without any grudging in the least, showing herein their true love unto their friends and brethren. A rare example and worthy to be remembered."

Romans 12:5-8  So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6) Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7) Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8) Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Notice what Mr. Bradford recorded in the above paragraph. When their plight worsened sometimes there were only 6-7 healthy individuals who cut firewood, prepared meals, did laundry, made beds and provided personal care for all of the sick. What is most striking is that the healthy Pilgrims ministered with cheerful dispositions and a distinct lack of complaining. 

Encounters with Native Americans

Romans 12:18  If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Paul instructs Christians to live peaceably with all men and this seemed to be a guiding principle put into practice by the Pilgrims. We will see that they established mutually beneficial treaties with the Indians that remained in effect for more than 2 1/2 decades.

"All this while the Indians came skulking about them, and would sometimes show themselves aloof of, but when any approached near them, they would run away. And once they stole away their tools where they had been at work and were gone to dinner." 

Most of the Pilgrim's encounters with Indians were non violent. On one occasion, they stole some of the Pilgrim's tools while they were home eating lunch. The Indians were not too sure about the Pilgrim's intentions and the Pilgrim's were not sure whether the Indians would mount an attack against them. 

God is our refuge and He provided help.

"But about the 16th of March a certain Indian came boldly amongst them and spoke to them in broken English, which they could well understand, but marvelled at it. At length they understood by discourse [conversation] with him that he was not of these parts but belonged to the eastern parts, where some English ships came to fish, with whom he was acquainted and could name sundry [several] of them by their names, amongst whom he had got his language."

Psalm 46:1-3  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2) Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3) Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. 

The Pilgrims used the Psalter for a hymnbook and this means that they were very familiar with all 150 Psalms. Psalms like this one provided confidence to continue in their work and strengthened their faith in God.

Worries about health were answered by remembering that God is our refuge. Concerns about Native Americans were put to rest by remembering God is our refuge. Worries about finding food and resources necessary for staying alive were eased by remembering that God is our refuge. 

God is a very present help in times of great need or during troubles and the Pilgrims experienced both at the same time. 

They believed with the Psalmist that they would not be afraid even though they might go through earthquakes or storms. 

Psalm 46:10  Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. 

They turned to the holy scriptures to find comfort and sustenance for their souls as they went through dark times. God said to them, and still says to us today, "Be still and know that I am God." 

This means to lay aside all the burdens that cause us to worry and to turn our heart to the All Glorious God who is Creator and Sustainer of all. 

The words "be still" mean to relax and release those worries and let Almighty God shoulder the burden. He is going to be exalted among all nations and He ever watches over His people. 

The Indian, Samoset was a great help to the Pilgrim's 

"He became profitable to them in acquainting them with many things concerning the state of the country in the east parts where he lived, which was afterwards profitable unto them; as also of the people here, of their names, number, and strength; of their situation and distance from this place, and who was chief amongst them. His name was Samasett [Samoset]."

Samoset was able to teach the Pilgrim's about the various kinds of Indian tribes, which ones might be helpful to them, where they lived and he taught them about some of the geography of the land. 

Samoset brought Squanto to the Pilgrims

"He told them also of another Indian whose name was Squanto, a native of this place, who had been in England and could speak better English then himself. Being, after some time of entertainment and gifts, dismissed, a while after he came again, and five more with him, and they brought again all the tools that were stolen away before, and made way for the coming of their great Sachem [chief], Massasoit, who, about four or five days after, came with the chief of his friends and other attendants with the aforesaid Squanto." 

Samoset told the Pilgrim's about another Indian acquaintance named Squanto. This man could speak even more fluent English than Samoset. After sending Samoset away with various gifts, he returned another day with five more Indians with him, including the chief named Massosoit. Squanto was in the group that came to the Pilgrims.

The Pilgrims entered into a peace treaty with the Indians that was in force for 24 consecutive years.

 

Both parties agreed that they would do no harm to each other. 

They both agreed that if someone did harm to the other group then he would be turned over to the group he harmed for punishment. 

Both parties agreed not to steal from each other and to return any items that were stolen. 

Both parties vowed to come and help each other if one of them was attacked by another force not part to this treaty.

"With whom, after friendly entertainment, and some gifts given him, they made a peace with him (which hath now continued this twenty-four years) in these terms."

1 That neither he nor any of his should injure or do hurt to any of their people.

2 That if any of his did any hurt to any of theirs, he should send the offender that they might punish him.

3 That if anything were taken away from any of theirs, he should cause it to be restored, and they should do the like to his.

4 If any did unjustly war against him, they would aide him; if any did war against them, he should aid them.

5 He should send to his neighbors confederates [allies] to certify them of this, that they might not wrong them, but might be likewise comprised [informed] in the conditions of peace.

6 That when their men came to them, they should leave their bows and arrows behind them.

"After these things he returned to his place called Sowams, some forty miles from this place, but Squanto continued with them and was their interpreter, and was a special instrument sent of God for their good beyond their expectation." 

Romans 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 

God is always going to work all things in life together for good to all who place their trust and faith in Him. We love God when we are born again and He pours His love into our hearts. 

Though the Pilgrims endured much hardship before things improved, God's timing is perfect. He sent Samoset and Squanto at the time when they were most needed and when they could provide great help to the Pilgrims. 

Squanto stayed to help the Pilgrim's and served as their interpreter. He showed them how to plant, care for and harvest corn. He showed them where they could catch fish and other foods to eat. 

Squanto proved to be a very loyal, faithful and helpful ally. He stayed with the Pilgrims until he died. 

"He directed them how to set [plant] their corn, where to take fish, and to procure other commodities, and was also their pilot to bring them to unknown places for their profit, and never left them till he died. He was a native of this place, and scarce any left alive besides himself [he had no heirs]."

The Pilgrims were still not fully recovered from their illnesses but some were able to get out and plant crops.

"Afterwards they (as many as were able) began to plant their corn, in which service Squanto stood them in great stead, showing them both the manner how to set it, and after how to dress and tend it. Also he told them except they got fish and set with it (in these old grounds) it would come to nothing. 

Squanto showed them that in the middle of April they should have store [of food] enough come up the brook, by which they began to build, and [he] taught them how to take it, and where to get other provisions necessary for them. All [that Squanto taught] which they found true by trial and experience. 

Governor Carver passed away.

"In this month of April whilst they were busy about their seed, their Governor (Mr. John Carver) came out of the field very sick, it being a hot day; he complained greatly of his head, and lay down, and within a few hours his senses failed, so as he never spake more till he died, which was within a few days after." 

"Whose death was much lamented and caused great heaviness amongst them, as there was cause. He was buried in the best manner they could, with some volleys of [gun] shot by all that bore arms; and his wife, being a weak woman, died within five or six weeks after him."

Edward Winslow was one of the Mayflower passengers. His skills in diplomacy, writing and politics proved to be exceptionally useful.

He forged friendships with the Native American community, fought on behalf of the Pilgrim's cause in England  and helped communicate the Mayflower’s history and an eyewitness.  

During this tumultuous time, Winslow formed a positive relationship with Massasoit, the leader of the Wampanoag tribe, whose land the Pilgrims had settled upon. 

His interest in the Wampanoag people was crucial and the Pilgrims received crucial help in learning how to survive in the new land. When Massasoit first visited the Pilgrim colony, it was a haphazard settlement at best and Winslow was among the first to greet him. It’s believed he helped nurse the chief back to health when he fell ill.

Winslow wrote another first hand, eyewitness account of the Pilgrim's early years titled "Mourt's Relation."

The Pilgrim's became skilled at hunting and caught plenty of fowl. 

"Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling [hunting], that so we might after a special manner rejoice together, after we had gathered the fruits of our labors. The four [men] in one day killed as much fowl, as with a little help beside, served the Company almost a week." 

Celebrating a bountiful harvest with the Indians. 

"At this time amongst other Recreations, we exercised our Arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and amongst the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted." 

"Later, they went out and killed five Deer, which they brought to the Plantation and bestowed upon our Governor, and upon the Captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plenty."

William Bradford described the harvest.

"They began now to gather in the small harvest they had, and to fit up their houses and dwellings against winter, being all well recovered in health and strength and had all things in good plenty." 

Bradford told how the harvest began and how food was being stored to carry them through the long winter. Most of the Pilgrims had recovered their health and enjoyed a bountiful harvest. 

"For as some were thus employed in affairs abroad, others were exercised in fishing, about cod and bass and other fish, of which they took good store, of which every family had their portion. All the summer there was no want [lack]; and now began to come in store of fowl, as winter approached, of which this place did abound when they came first (but afterward decreased by degrees)." 

Many of them became productive fishermen thanks to the help of Squanto. They caught cod, bass and many other kinds of fish. In addition they caught ducks and shot geese. 

"And besides waterfowl there was great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many, besides venison, etc. Besides, they had about a peck of meal a week to a person, or now since harvest, Indian corn to that proportion. Which made many afterwards write so largely of their plenty here to their friends in England, which were not feigned but true reports."

The Pilgrims harvested many wild turkeys and had venison from deer that they caught. Squanto showed them how to make corn meal from corn so that they could make breads and cakes. They produced a peck of corn meal per person which is about 10-12 pounds of corn meal. 

A traveler named William Hilton from England came to Plymouth during summer and in November 1621 wrote about his observations of the colony in America. 

"At our arrival in New Plymouth , in New England, we found all our friends and planters in good health, though they were left sick and weak, with very small means; the Indians round about us peaceable and friendly; the country very pleasant and temperate, yielding naturally, of itself, great store of fruits, as vines of divers sorts in great abundance."

The Pilgrims were enjoying much better health. They noted the friendly relations with the Indians. 

"There is likewise walnuts, chestnuts, small nuts and plums, with much variety of flowers, roots and herbs, no less pleasant than wholesome and profitable. No place hath more gooseberries and strawberries, nor better." 

Fruits that grew on vines like grapes, cucumbers, tomatoes, and others were plentiful. Many different kinds of edible berries including strawberries grew very well.

"Timber of all sorts you have in England doth cover the land, that affords beasts of diverse sorts, and great flocks of turkey, quails, pigeons and partridges; many great lakes abounding with fish, fowl, beavers, and otters." 

He noted the abundance of and variety of timber growing in the region. Some of the fowl hunted by the Pilgrims included quails, pigeons, beavers and otters. 

"The sea affords us great plenty of all excellent sorts of sea-fish, as the rivers and isles doth variety of wild fowl of most useful sorts."  

He saw the great variety and abundance of fish both in ponds, rivers and the ocean that the Pilgrims harvested. 

"Better grain cannot be than the Indian corn, if we will plant it upon as good ground as a man need desire."  

"Our company are, for most part, very religious, honest people; the word of God sincerely taught us every Sabbath; so that I know not anything a contented mind can here want."

This last note is certainly an important one. Faith in God's providence and provision sustained them through a most difficult period and brought them to a time of abundant harvest. 

Thoughts to Ponder...

Hebrews 4:14-16  Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15) For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. 

Experiencing life threatening challenges, the Pilgrims learned very quickly to run to our High Priest, Jesus Christ. He is sympathetic to our cause and knows the feelings of our infirmities since He lived on earth for 33 years. 

Our Great High Priest is seated at the throne of grace ready to give us mercy and grace and to send help for our times of need. 

They learned to press onward and not give up because things that seem impossible to men are possible with God. 

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Bob