William Bradford

Thesis Statement for an excerpt from Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford

In an excerpt from William Bradford's Of Plymouth Plantation, although the puritan's experience hardship in their voyage to America, in their initial arrival and in their dealings with the Indians, they still maintain their reverence to God and to one another.


My Favorite Passage from an excerpt from "Of Plymouth Plantation" William Bradford



In sundry of these storms the winds were so fierce and the seas so high, as they could not bear a knot of sail, but were forced to hull for divers days together. And in one of them, as they thus lay at hull in a mighty storm, a lusty young man called John Howland, coming upon some occasion above the gratings, was, with a roll of the ship, thrown into sea; but it pleased God that he caught hold of the topsail halyards, which hung overboard and ran out at length. Yet he held his hold (though he was sundry fathoms under water) till he was hauled up by the same rope to the brim of the water, and then with a boat hook and other means got into the ship again and his life saved. And though he was something ill with it, yet he lived many years after and became a profitable member both in church and commonwealth. In all this voyage there died but one of the passengers, which was William But ten, a youth, servant to Samuel Fuller, when they drew near the coast.





I enjoy this passage most because of its relation to the hardships faced on the journey to America alone and its amazing insight into Puritan believes and customs. The Puritans ability to put everything into Gods hands and their unshakable faith come through strong in this passage which contributes to the overall experience of the reader.

Journal Entry

Day 10,

The Voyage long and trying has began to affect some of those on board. The lack of proper food and constant motion of the ship has made some of the others sick as well as took its toll mentally on some of the non-seafaring people. I dare say it has shaken their faith in God to deliver us safely to the land of plenty. The day pressed on as usual uneventful and almost unbearable. The space on the ship is limited at best. There is hardly a place to sit without it being on another person. Today however did carry hope for not only are we nearing closer to land with each day but i have had a chance to continue my conversations with one of the ships crew members. He goes by the name of John Hallock. We have grown fond of each other in a passed few days and he gives some comfort to my restlessness. He tells me of passed voyages and the beauty of Gods great lands. Hallock speaks of endless mountains, beautiful fields and much more. These stories keep my mind at bay from thoughts of despair and hardship. I will continue to pray for our safe deliverance as well as give thanks to God for getting us thus far.