Humble Origins and the Hand of Providence

Our first two permanent English colonies: Jamestown and Plymouth had many similarities. This book will focus on events leading up to their arrival and the first three years, as the Pilgrims settled in.

After reading eyewitness accounts of the colonists of Jamestown and the Pilgrims of Plymouth, I am writing an account of how each group cultivated civilization in the wilderness. Most important, in Mourt’s Relation and Of Plymouth Plantation both authors constantly acknowledge the Hand of Providence intervening to protect and provide for them.

Two main themes to emerge are: The Pilgrims were humble people who worked diligently and tirelessly. They persisted in the face of insurmountable odds. The gracious Hand of Providence protected, provided for and guided them. Skeptics may choose to undermine the original eyewitness accounts. Yet eyewitness accounts are the most credible sources of what actually happened. John Smith, Edward Winslow and William Bradford faithfully documented what they saw, heard and experienced. When in doubt with conflicting letters or other sources, these three authors will have the final word.

The legacy left by these faithful people is undeniable. Even though they landed 400 years ago, Humble Origins reveals their incredible legacy which still encourages and inspires us today.