Miles Standish: Puritan Captain

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The true story of Thanksgiving in America is apparently in short supply, and the history of the Pilgrims who settled in the Plymouth colony. Did they commit genocide? Did they steal the Indians’ land?

Find out from firsthand accounts about the reasons this bunch of Pilgrims came to America, how they found their settlement site, the truth about their relations with the Wompanoag Indians (as well as other tribes), and how these European settlers differed from so many others.

Originally published in 1872, author John S. C. Abbott weaves the story of the original Plymouth Colony in 1620. The history of this little settlement is full of adventure, sadness, and miracles, and lays the foundation for what would become the United States of America. Drawing liberally from the firsthand accounts of William Bradford, William Brewster, Edward Winslow, John Robinson, Abbott puts the details into a wonderful chronological narrative, from the persecution of the Puritans in England to the death of their beloved Captin, Miles Standish. This is a must-read for any student of history, and anyone who wants to get the facts from those who made history.

ALSO AVAILABLE: A free study guide download to use in your homeschool!

I create my study guides for the way I homeschool: large family-group style, with all of my kids learning together as much as possible. With a book like this, I read the story aloud to all ages. We will follow the rabbit trails together. Younger kids may do less, while older kids will certainly do more. Each chapter will look a bit different throughout the guide, depending on the topics. Since this is a historical narrative, I follow the flow of the timeline. Homeschooling allows for so much flexibility in ages and grade levels, and I want you to have that flexibility with this guide! So it’s up to you to choose which activities to use in your home.

Free Study Guide Download available HERE.

Check out the Bonus Links page for the study guide HERE.

 

About the author, John S. C. Abbott:

Abbott was born in Brunswick, Maine in 1805. He was an author (like his brother Jacob) as well as pastor and historian. John first trained to be a pastor, but after the success of his first book, he retired and became a prolific writer. His works include many histories, including The History of the Civil War in America, The History of Napoleon Bonaparte, Kings And Queens, The French Revolution of 1789, The Empire Of Russia: Its Rise And Present Power, Austria: Its Rise And Present Power, History of the Habsburg Empire,  and Italy, among others. He and his wife Jane had nine children. He died in 1877.

 

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Description

 

Excerpts:

Excerpts:

At an early hour all the passengers of the Mayflower were assembled upon the deck of their little ship, bowed down by emotions not easily described. Men, women and children, all were there, oppressed by thoughts too deep for utterance. Elder Brewster conducted their morning devotions as the wintry gale breathed forth its requiem through the icy shrouds. Sublime as was the hour, not one of those men of martyr spirit could have had any true conception of its grandeur. They could not have been conscious that then and there they were laying the foundations of one of the mightiest empires upon which the sun has ever shone.

William Hilton, in a letter addressed to his friends at home, immediately after his arrival, having written in glowing terms of the richness of the country and the prospects of the colony, adds:

“We are all freeholders. The rent day doth not trouble us; and all those good blessings we have of which and what we list in their seasons for taking. Our company are, for the most part, very religious, honest people. The word of God is sincerely taught to us every Sabbath; so that I know not anything a contented mind can here want. I desire your friendly care to send my wife and children to me, where I wish were all the friends I have in England.”

 

Their mode of assembling for public worship is described by Isaac de Rassieres, who visited Plymouth in 1627:

“They assemble,” he writes, “by beat of drum, each with his musket or firelock, in front of Captain Standish’s door. They have their cloaks on, and place themselves in order, three abreast, and are led by a sergeant without beat of drum. Behind comes the Governor, in a long robe. Beside him, on the right hand, comes the preacher, with his cloak on; and on the left hand the Captain, with his side arms and cloak on, and with a small cane in his hand. And so they march in good order, and each sets his arms down near him.”

 

A very pleasing account is given by Prince, of the mode in which public worship was conducted by these Christians, who were anxious in all things to be conformed to the habits of the disciples in apostolic days. The customs they observed have been transmitted to the present times in our meetings for conference and prayer. On Thursday, the 25th of October, 1632, Governor Winthrop, with Mr. Wilson, who was pastor of the church in Boston, with several other Christian friends, made a visit to Plymouth. They were received with great hospitality. Governor Bradford, Rev. Mr. Brewster, the ruling elder, and several others of the prominent men of Plymouth, came some distance out from the village to meet their friends, who probably travelled on foot. They were conducted to the house of Governor Bradford, where most of them were entertained during their stay. They were, however, every day invited to dinner parties at the houses of the more opulent of the villagers.

On Sunday the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was administered, in the morning. The service occupied the whole time. In the afternoon devotions, the service was opened by Mr. Roger Williams, who propounded a question of theology, or of conscience, upon which he made sundry remarks. Rev. Mr. Smith, pastor of the Boston church, then spoke briefly upon the subject. Mr. Williams again spoke, quoting freely from the Bible in explanation of the question which he had proposed. Then Governor Bradford, who had studied Hebrew, and was familiar with all scriptural antiquities, expressed his views upon the subject. He was followed by Elder Brewster. His reputation, as a man of profound learning, caused all to listen attentively when he spake. Then, by special invitation from the Elder, Governor Winthrop spoke upon the question, followed by Mr. Wilson, pastor of the church in Boston. Deacon Fuller, who was also the physician of the colony at Plymouth, then called for the contribution for the support of public worship and of the poor. The Governor, and all the rest of the congregation rose from their seats and went to the deacon’s seat to deposit their gifts. The exercises were closed with the benediction.

 

Additional information

Weight 14 oz
Dimensions 6 × 9 × 1 in

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