Communities of Faith
Pastor of Pilgrims
John Robinson was a pivotal figure in the life of the Pilgrims, guiding their spiritual journey from England to the New World. Born in 1576, Robinson's early ministry was marked by his dedication to religious reform, which eventually led him to join the Separatist movement. The Pilgrims' story began in the small village of Scrooby, England, where Robinson and his followers sought to practice their faith free from persecution. In 1608, to escape the oppressive laws of the English Church, the group fled to Amsterdam. However, the bustling port city's distractions soon prompted another move, this time to Leiden, a quieter town in the Netherlands. Here, Robinson's leadership flourished. He was known for his wise counsel and deep theological insights, which he shared both in sermons and writings. During their 12 years in Leiden, the Pilgrims built a close-knit community, but economic hardships and the threat of losing their English identity pushed them to seek a new life across the Atlantic.
In 1620, a portion of Robinson's congregation sailed on the Mayflower, leaving Leiden's safety behind for the uncertain promise of Plymouth. Robinson remained in Leiden to continue leading the remaining congregation, offering spiritual support from afar. Under his guidance and the steadfast faith of the Pilgrim settlers, Plymouth Colony gradually took root, despite immense hardships. Robinson's influence extended across the ocean, as his teachings continued to inspire the colony's leaders and shape their governance. His vision of a community grounded in faith, cooperation, and self-governance became the cornerstone of Pilgrim society. John Robinson's legacy endures as a testament to his enduring faith and the indomitable spirit of the Pilgrims.
Covenants of Faith
During the early years of the Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther produced catechisms for both adult and juvenile believers in his budding movement. In the Roman Catholic church, catechizing had been an essential part of a priest’s education. The question-and-answer format of a catechism made it an obvious tool for the easy memorization of doctrinal points. By the early 17th-century, adult catechisms were uncommon in England but conduct books like William Gouge’s Of Domestical Duties exhorted parents to constantly catechize children and servants. For Reformed Christians in Plymouth, John Robinson’s An Appendix to Mr. Perkins’ Six Principles of Christian Religion was particularly important for understanding how a church covenant guided Christian life. He asked, “What is the church?” The answer was, “A company of faithful and holy people with their seed, called by the Word of God into public covenant with Christ and amongst themselves, for mutual fellowship in the use of all the means of God’s glory and their salvation.” The Separatists believed very strongly in the power of the congregation. In matters affecting the entire church, the while congregation would decide.