An Eagle's Nest Homeschool and Travel Resources: Giving Thanks:

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Giving Thanks:

To read most textbooks today, you'd think that Thanksgiving was only about thanking the Native Americans. I imagine that the Pilgrims (called separatists), being polite, did thank Chief Massasoit and other tribal leaders for the game and friendship. I also think Chief Massasoit thanked the Pilgrims for their goodies, and most likely both sides were thankful for the fellowship and peace. However, only a gross distortion of history can forget that the purpose of Thanksgiving is to give thanks to God.

In the words of our forefathers:
"Our corn did prove well, and God be praised, we had a good increase of Indian corn, and our barley indifferent good, but our peas not worth the gathering, for we feared they were too late sown, they came up very well, and blossomed, but the sun parched them in the blossom; our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a more special manner rejoice together, after we had gathered the fruit of our labors; they four in one day killed as much fowl, as with a little help beside, served the company almost a week, at which time amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest King Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought to the plantation and bestowed on 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. We have found the Indians very faithful in their covenant of peace with us; very loving and ready to pleasure us: we often go to them, and they come to us; some of us have been fifty miles by land in the country with them; the occasions and relations whereof you shall understand by our general and more full declaration of such things as are worth the noting, yea, it hath pleased God so to possess the Indians with a fear of us, and love unto us, that not only the greatest king amongst them called Massasoit, but also all the princes and peoples round about us, have either made suit unto us, or been glad of any occasion to make peace with us, so that seven of them at once have sent their messengers to us to that end, yea, an Fle at sea, which we never saw hath also together with the former yielded willingly to be under the protection, and subjects to our sovereign Lord King James, so that there is now great peace amongst the Indians themselves, which was not formerly, neither would have been but for us; and we for our parts walk as peaceably and safely in the wood, as in the highways in England, we entertain them familiarly in our houses, and they as friendly bestowing their venison on us. They are a people without any religion, or knowledge of any God, yet very trusty, quick of apprehension, ripewitted, just, the men and women go naked, only a skin about their middles; for the temper of the air, here it agreeth well with that in England, and if there be any difference at all, this is somewhat hotter in summer, some think it to be colder in winter, but I cannot out of experience so say; the air is very clear and not foggy, as hath been reported. I never in my life remember a more seasonable year, than we have here enjoyed: and if we have once but kine, horses, and sheep, I make no question, but men might live as contented here as in any part of the world. For fish and fowl, we have great abundance, fresh cod in the summer is but coarse meat with us, our bay is full of lobsters all the summer, and affordeth variety of other fish; in September we can take a hogshead of eels in a night, with small labor, and can dig them out of their beds, all the winter we have mussels and othus at our doors: oysters we have none near, but we can have them brought by the Indians when we will; all the springtime the earth sendeth forth naturally very good sallet herbs: here are grapes, white and red, and very sweet and strong also. Strawberries, gooseberries, raspas, etc. Plums of three sorts, with black and red, being almost as good as a damson: abundance of roses, white, red, and damask: single, but very sweet indeed; the country wanteth only industrious men to employ, for it would grieve your hearts (if as I) you had seen so many miles together by goodly rivers uninhabited, and withal to consider those parts of the world wherein you live, to be even greatly burdened with abundance of people. These things I thought good to let you understand, being the truth of things as near as I could experimentally take knowledge of, and that you might on our behalf give God thanks who hath dealt so favorably with us....My only suit to all men is, that whether they live there or here, they would learn to use this world as they used it not, keeping faith and a good conscience, both with God and men, that when the day of account shall come, they may come forth as good and fruitful servants, and freely be received, and enter into the joy of their Master. R.C.
FINIS."--A Relation or Journal of the Beginning and Proceeding of the English Plantation Settled at Plymouth (London, 1622), http://www.mayflowerhistory.com/PrimarySources/MourtsRelation.pdf

Looking for a great Thanksgiving movie? Check out this five star film, Inspiring Animated Heroes: William Bradford, DVD, available here:
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?nav_search=1&event=ESRCN&Dn=0&action=Search&Ntt=Thanksgiving+Pilgrims&N=1014692&Ne=1000000&Nu=product%2Eendeca%5Frollup&Ntk=keywords

"A desire for religious freedom forces William Bradford to flee with the Pilgrims. His belief and conviction bring peace and the first Thanksgiving--a lesson in the value of belief."

We give thanks to those in service for our country--one nation, under God. Above all, as spiritual children of the Pilgrims, we give thanks to our Creator and Maker, from whom all blessings flow. Happy Thanksgiving, and May America Bless God!

2 Comments:

At 5:54 PM, Anonymous said…

Dear Miss Morgan,

The Lord richly bless you! I just sent this out. Feel free to post it if you find any merit.

IN KING JESUS' SERVICE,

Rev. Rusty Lee Thomas
Elijah Ministries
Squanto-A Real American Hero

One of the most meaningful elements of the Thanksgiving saga centers on God's providential hand concerning an Indian known as Squanto. He was born and raised amongst an Indian tribe known as the Patuxets. They were one of the fiercest tribes located in New England. This particular tribe was especially brutal towards any visitors they might encounter.

As a young man, Squanto was kidnapped and sold into slavery. He was taken to a notorious slave-trading port known as Malaga, which is located off the coast of Spain. Fortunately for Squanto, instead of being sold and shipped off to North Africa, he was rescued by some local friars. It was here that Squanto became familiar with certain aspects of the Christian faith. Little did Squanto know at this stage of his life that God was preparing him for a significant role that he would later play at Plymouth.

Eventually Squanto attached himself to an Englishman bound for London. While in London, Squanto resided with a wealthy merchant. During this time, he was trained in the English language. Once again, God's providence was at work in Squanto's life. Before long, he began to yearn for his homeland. In God's providence, Squanto embarked back home to New England with a Captain Dermer. While approaching the Maine coast, another important piece to the Thanksgiving puzzle came into being. Captain Dermer picked up another Indian called Samoset and dropped them both off at Plymouth.

Upon their arrival, which in God's providence was 6 months prior to the landing of our Pilgrim forefathers and foremothers, Squanto was dismayed to find that his entire tribe was missing. He searched diligently, but all that he found was skulls, bones, and his village lying in ruins. Out of all that Squanto experienced thus far, this was probably the hardest blow yet. Unbeknownst to him, after being kidnapped, a plague swept through his tribe and wiped out every single member of his village.

Squanto wandered aimlessly for a time, but eventually found refuge with another more peaceful tribe that was led by the chieftain Massasoit. While adjusting to living after the manner of this tribe, one day Samoset brought news to him concerning a band of folks that were hard pressed to stay alive. It was at this point God's purpose for Squanto became apparent. The arrival of the Englishmen became for Squanto his purpose, vision, and mission in life. To him, the Pilgrims were lost in the wilderness and they desperately needed someone to show them the ways of the wild. Of course, once the Pilgrims learned Squanto's testimony, they believed he was their Joseph. Just like Joseph was sold into slavery and suffered many hardships and injustices to preserve life for Israel, Squanto was America's Joseph to the Pilgrims.

From the moment Squanto entered the Pilgrims' lives by stating in their English tongue "welcome," he mentored them with the necessary means to survival. He taught them how to fish, plant corn, stalk deer, plant pumpkins, refine maple syrup from maple trees, discern which herbs were good for food or medicine, and which were the best berries for consumption. Besides all these manifold benefits, Squanto introduced them to the pelt of the beaver. It was this new development that improved their economic condition, just as the prior help improved their health and physical condition.

As great as these improvements were, however, the Pilgrims still suffered hardships. Governor Carver was suddenly struck down. He died three days later. William Bradford was unanimously chosen to replace him as Governor. Soon after, another temptation came that would throw the colony into despair. Captain Jones who transported the Pilgrims in the Mayflower to these shores decided to return to England. Captain Jones before he left begged the Pilgrims to return with him because he greatly feared for their future. And though the offer was contemplated, not one of the Pilgrims budged. Their perseverance in the midst of sickness, deprivation, and death had forged a special bond in the love of Jesus Christ that the Pilgrims were not willing to abandon.

The summer of 1621 proved to be a blessing for the Pilgrims. Buildings were being erected and trade expeditions led by Squanto proved advantageous. The fall harvest was beyond their expectations. With such favor finally manifesting, the Pilgrims were overflowing with gratitude. Almighty God had carried them through dark, difficult days. He had raised up Squanto to help them not only survive, but to actually begin to thrive. As a result, Governor Bradford called for a day of public Thanksgiving. Massasoit was invited and he brought about 90 Indians with him. Though somewhat daunting, the Pilgrims did not despair, but prayed to God for provisions. Happily, the Indians did not come empty handed. Massasoit sent out braves to hunt before they came. For three days they feasted together. Elder William Brewster began the festivities with a heart-felt prayer of much thanks to the God of their pilgrimage. The Pilgrims and Indians enjoyed competitive races and wrestling matches through out their time together. It was this event that eventually established our national holiday known as Thanksgiving.

Perhaps before you eat and give thanks on Thursday, some portion of this testimony along with our previous message on Thanksgiving can be imparted to your family. The Pilgrim's example of facing adversity and overcoming through the love of Christ is legendary. We need to train ourselves and posterity to emulate them, especially in these days that we face.

THANKSGIVING SERMON

“As for me, says the Lord, this is My covenant with them: My Spirit who is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your descendants, nor from the mouth of your descendants’ descendants, says the Lord, from this time and forevermore.” (Isaiah 59:21)

If one would ask the typical American why the Pilgrims braved a dangerous journey to come to the shores of America, most would declare, “They came to escape religious persecution or they desired the freedom to worship God according to the Bible.” Though these perspectives have sentimental value for Christians in America, it does not square with the actual history the Pilgrims themselves recorded for posterity. The journal of William Bradford provides a more accurate depiction. It journals the Pilgrims determination to face unimaginable hardships to traverse the stormy seas of the Atlantic to come to the New World.

As you read this article, you will come face to face with the true reasons for their astonishing undertaking. You will learn of their perilous expedition that led to the Mayflower Compact and the first pure Christian settlement at Plymouth. It’s my sincere prayer that once you read for yourselves their blessed testimony that you too will make a similar commitment as our Christian forefathers made in establishing this Christian Republic. For what established this blessed nation and prospered her is the very solution that will eventually restore her to the God-ordained vision and the destiny it holds for us as a people.

First of all, the main reason why the Pilgrims did not come to America to escape religious persecution was the fact that they had already been afforded religious freedom in Holland. They escaped the religious persecution in England and were allowed to practice the Christian religion according to the Scriptures and their conscience without interference from the State. Why then, if they found what they needed in Holland would they endanger themselves and their families to come and settle in the New World? According to Bradford, there were a host of considerations that provoked the decision to embark on the hazardous trip. Some of the reasons stem from their desire to preserve their own language and customs of life, while others involved their livelihood. It was difficult finding similar employment that they were accustomed to in England. Therefore, their work was hard and took its toll upon the health and well-being of not only the adults, but the children as well. The following quote from William Bradford summarizes these harsh working conditions and also provides a glimpse to the main purpose for coming to America.

“Thirdly; as necessity was a taskmaster over them, so they were forced to be such, not only to their servants, but in a sort, to their dearest children; the which as it did not a little wound the tender hearts of many a loving father and mother, so it produced likewise sundry sad and sorrowful effects. For many of their children, that were of best dispositions and gracious inclinations, having learned to bear the yoke in their youth, and willing to bear part of their parents burden, were, oftentimes, so oppressed with their heavy labors, that their minds were free and willing, yet their bodies bowed under the weight of the same, and became decrepit in their early youth in that country, and the manifold temptations of the place, were drawn away by evil examples into extravagant and dangerous courses, getting the reigns off their necks, and departing from their parents. Some became soldiers, others took up them far voyages by sea, and other some worse courses, tending to dissoluteness and the danger of their souls, to the great grief of their parents and dishonor of God. So that they saw their posterity would be in danger to degenerate and be corrupted.”

Notice that the Pilgrim’s great dilemma was not religious persecution, but to their great grief and dishonor of God, they were losing their children to the pagan culture of Holland. Think about the implications here. They were free to worship God as they wished, but at the same time, the Spirit of the Age and the idols of the land were capturing the soul of their offspring. Now, put yourself in their shoes. What would you do Ma and Pa Christian? Especially, when you have to weigh the choices, which were: A) We can stay here and enjoy religious freedom while we continue to lose our children; or B) we can pack up all that we have and face various hardships by going to the New World.

In Bradford’s journal, these various hardships were detailed, which included a journey by sea. Statistically, it could mean some of them would perish just by crossing the ocean. They wrestled with the knowledge that they would eat food and drink water that was foreign to their system, which could lead to sickness, disease, and death. They faced the uncertainty of how to tame and cultivate an unknown land, especially in the winter season. Finally, they suspected they could encounter hostile Indians who were not only unfriendly and mistrusting, but Indians that were of a savage nature, which, if they gained the upper hand would not only kill them, but would do so in a slow sadistic manner. Savages that not only dismembered the body, but cooked parts of it, and ate it in front of you while you slowly died. Gee, with these kind of options available, it is easy to see why they wanted to come to these shores. The following quote by Bradford reveals the excruciating struggle, the troubling thoughts, and the grim prospects the Pilgrims would certainly endure as they contemplated whether or not to take the voyage across the sea.

“The place they had thoughts on was some of those vast and unpeopled countries of America, which are fruitful and fit for habitation, being devoid of all civil inhabitants, where there are only savages and brutish men, which range up and down, little otherwise then the wild beasts of the same. This proposition being made public and coming to the scanning of all, it raised many variable opinions amongst men, and caused many fears and doubts amongst themselves. Some, from their reasons and hopes conceived, labored to stir up and encourage the rest to undertake and prosecute the same; others, again, out of their fears, objected against it, and sought to divert from it, alleging many things, and those neither unreasonable nor unprobable; as that it was a great design and subject to many unconceivable perils and dangers; as, besides the casualties of the seas (which none can be freed from) the length of the voyage was such, as the weak bodies of women and other persons worn out with age and travail (as many of the were) could never be able to endure. And yet if they should, the miseries of the land which they should be exposed unto, would be too hard to be born; and likely, some or all of them together, to consume and utterly to ruinate them. For there they should be liable to famine, and nakedness, and the want, in a manner, of all things. The change of air, diet, and drinking water, would infect their bodies with sore sickness, and grievous diseases. And also those which should escape or overcome these difficulties, should yet be in continual danger of the savage people, who are cruel, barbarous, and most treacherous, being most furious in their rage, and merciless where they overcome; not being content only to kill, and take away life, but delight to torment men in the most bloody manner that may be; flaying some alive with the shells of fishes, cutting of the members and joints of others by piecemeal and broiling on the coals, eat the collops of their flesh in their sight whilst they live; with other cruelties horrible to be related. And surely it could not be thought but the very hearing of these things could not but move the very bowels of men to grate within them, and make the weak to quake and tremble.”

Can we truly comprehend the incredible sacrifices, dangers, and toils these brave Pilgrims faced in order to raise their children in the fear and admonishment of the Lord? Can we appreciate the great lengths these committed parents went through to protect their children from the corrupting presence of a pagan culture? I think not! Especially when one considers that the vast majority of Christians in America still surrender their children to the humanistic temples otherwise known as our government sponsored schools to disciple them in anti-Christ pagan philosophies. Schools that will never teach what this article has revealed concerning the establishment of the first pure Christian Community on these blessed shores. In fact, if there is any mention of Thanksgiving, our young people are taught the Pilgrims gave thanks to the Indians for teaching them how to plant corn. No mention of thanking God! What a national travesty and betrayal against our God and the memory of those who paid with their lives the founding of America! (In fact, one school this year designated this year of Thanksgiving as a day of mourning.)

This Thanksgiving as you gather with family take time to undo this ungratefulness. Thank God for the Pilgrims who endured unspeakable tribulations to raise godly families that would translate into a Christian Republic. Thank God for the blessed nation they bequeathed to us. Thank Him for the unprecedented freedom, liberty, and His bountiful blessings this holiday season. Consider as well, following the example of the Pilgrims by separating your children unto God from the corrupting influence of the government schools, and the pop, peer-oriented youth culture. We must come out of Babylon and live exclusively for the Kingdom of God. For the sake of your precious children, make the necessary sacrifices to pass on covenantal faithfulness to them. Pull your children and your grandchildren out of public schools and home educate them (contact us, if you need help), and worship God together as a family in your local Church. In so doing, you will be following the path of those who have gone before us and it will provide the first steps of reformation our nation so desperately needs.

In closing, I will leave you with another poignant quote by William Bradford. It highlights the founding vision and still awaited destiny of America. It affirms the faithfulness of the Pilgrims who threw themselves on the “barbed wire of life” and challenged their children to run right over their backs to fulfill their God-ordained purpose. It truly captures the Christian virtue stated by our Lord when he declared, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends (John 15:13).” Bradford writes, “Lastly, (and which was not the least), a great hope and inward zeal they had of laying some good foundation, or at least to make some way thereunto, for the propagating and advancing of the kingdom of Christ in those remote parts of the world; yea, though they should be but even as stepping-stones unto others for the performing of so great a work.”

There is a Christian song that sums up the heartfelt commitment of those courageous souls who went before us to carve out the Kingdom of God upon these shores. It is called, “May All Who Come Behind Us Find Us Faithful.” The words capture the essence this Thanksgiving sermon has sought to communicate. “Let those who come behind us find us faithful, may the fire of our devotion light their way. May the foot prints that we leave, lead them to believe and the lives we live inspire them to obey.” May all those who read these words pray to live out its message and meaning for future generations. May we understand, like the Pilgrims of old, that what we do with their example now will determine whether or not our posterity will bless or curse our memory. May we be found faithful.
At 4:04 PM, Anonymous said…

Dear Melissa,

I loved your blog. I had trouble trying to post a comment and so I am sending this one directly to you. I love the real stories of the first Thanksgiving but it is the second Thanksgiving that has my heart.

The first Thanksgiving was held in October. In November of that year the ship Fortune arrived with 35 more colonists. In the celebration of their safe arrival, no one considered the newcomers hadn't brought a bit of equipment, food, clothing, tools or bedding with them. The morning following their arrival, Bradford, Brewster and Winslow took careful inventory and the decision was made that the entire colony would have to go on half-rations through the winter to ensure enough food to see them through to the summer season when fish and game would be plentiful.

Thus they entered a 'starving' time that winter of 1621-22 with all the extra people to feed and shelter and they were ultimately reduced to a daily ration of five kernels of corn a piece. It is almost inconceivable how life could be supported on five kernels of corn. The Colonists had a choice, they could either give in to despair and bitterness, even reject those who arrived with nothing, or they could go deeper into Christ. They chose Christ and, in contract to what happened at Jamestown, not one of the Colonists died of starvation.

In God's mercy he sent a ship to them. It was on them way back to England from Virginia and had no food, but it had trading goods, beads, knives, trinkets, the Pilgrims could trade for corn and they were able to thank God for seeing them through the winter.

There is no mention of a day of Thanksgiving being declared in 1622, however, in April of 1623, the Pilgrims went out to plant their corn and were listless. They needed twice as great a yield as the first harvest and they didn't want a repeat of their second summer (they were too busy building houses and planting gardens to give the common cornfields the attention they needed) so the principal men of the colony decided to have an additional planting. For this planting there would be lots parceled out with the understanding the corn grown on these lots would be for the planters own private use.

People went willingly to the fields now to plant an abundance of corn but it became apparent during this second planting that a dry spell which had begun between the two plantings was turning into a drought. Week after week (it continued for twelve weeks) no rain came and not even the oldest Indians could remember anything like it.

It appears, if we examine our own hearts, that the Pilgrims were not only busy planting as much as possible in their fields to ensure never going hungry again, but they were likely planning what they would trade their corn for and not helping their neighbor who might not be planting as much as they were. It seems their eyes had turned to themselves (greed) and away from God.

Edward Winslow described the drought and what followed (I paraphrase): scarce rain fell so the stalk of the first planting began to send the ear before it came to half growth and the second planting was not likely to yield at all. Beans also stood at a stay many being parched away as though scorched before the fire. Hopes were overthrown and we were discouraged, our joy turned to morning because God, once our shield and supporter, now seemed to arm Himself against us and who can withstand the fierceness of His wrath? These and like considerations moved not only every good man privately to examine his own estate between God and his conscience and to humiliation before Him but to also humble ourselves together before the Lord by fasting and prayer. To that end a day was appointed by public authority and set apart from all other employments.

The mercy of our God who was ready to hear! We assembled in the morning and they heavens were clear and the drought a like to continue as it ever was, yet before our departure (they gathered and prayed for 8 or 9 hours) the weather was overcast, clouds gathered on all sides. The next morning a soft, sweet and moderate shower of rain fell, continuing some fourteen days and mixed with seasonable weather it was hard to say whether our withered corn or drooping affections were most quickened or revived such was the bounty and goodness of our God!

Bradford writes that the rain came so soft and slow, with no wind or violence, that it thoroughly wet and soaked the ground (not making ruts or running away in streams on a thoroughly hard packed, very dry ground). The Indians were astonished by this. Their rain dances and incantations had little effect but Winslow notes the Indians admired goodness of God toward his Pilgrims that showed a great change in their crops in a short time (crops revived and provided plenty). The Indians conjurations produced storms and tempests that often flattened their crops while the Pilgrims genuine repentance and supplications brought a gentle, soaking rain.

The yield that year was so abundant the Pilgrims had a surplus of corn which they were able to trade with the northern Indians who had not had a good growing season. A second Day of Thanksgiving was planned, Massasoit was again the guest of honor and he brought his principal wife, three sachems and 120 braves! They also brought venison and turkey as well.

The first course served: on an empty plate in front of each person were five kernels of corn...lest anyone should forget.

While the first Day of Thanksgiving is wonderful and a miracle, the second (held two years after the first) was a celebration of the Pilgrims return to God, remembering that, while hungry, they survived the winter they shared openly with the 35 arrivals. They celebrated a God whose love and care brought them gently to repentance from their greed and self-centered pursuits and showed them mercy and restoration when they bowed humbly before Him to ask forgiveness. They set out five kernels of corn on each plate (Indians as well) in remembrance of who and what their God is and what He is capable of. This is the Thanksgiving that has my heart. I tell the story every year so we remember in our own lives what He has done for us and what a mighty God we serve.

-

An Eagle's Nest Homeschool and Travel Resources

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Giving Thanks:

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