Thanksgiving, Looking Back

     Andree Peterson unpacks the story of Pilgrims vs. Puritans (as edited).

     "It seems a truth of human nature that no sooner does a group split off from another that the splitting group itself splits. Start of the 1600s, there were four main categories of English Christians: those who stayed with Rome (Catholics); those content with the Church of England; those who were not content but stayed to purify it (Puritans), and those who exited (Separatists - the Pilgrims). 

     "When the dust settled, we had the outlines of today's American Christianity. Like the making of laws and sausage, the process wasn't pretty. Separatists felt compelled to shake off a corrupt national church they likened to Babylon. Puritans thought the national church to be redeemable. 

     "This animosity crossed the pond and washed up. In 1607, while the first three Puritan vessels were unloading at Jamestown, Va., the Pilgrims were making their escape across the North Sea to Holland. Their next port would be Cape Cod in 1620, without charter or warrant from any government. But they felt the necessity of civil government and made their own contract on the Mayflower. 

     "A letter by (Puritan) Gov. John Endicott to (Separatist) Gov. William Bradford concludes this Thanksgiving remembrance. 

     "Right worthy Sir: It is a thing not usual that servants to one Master and of the same household should be strangers. I desire it not; nay, to speak more plainly, I cannot be so to you. God's people are marked with one and the same mark, and sealed with one and the same seal, and have, for the main, one and the same heart, guided by one and the same Spirit of truth. 

     "God willing, I purpose to see your face shortly. In the meantime, I humbly take my leave of you, committing you to the Lord's blessed protection and rest. Your assured loving friend and servant. John Endicott."

We'll discuss the CIA next week.