Elements of Worship
Christianity in Plymouth
Richard Clifton was an English Separatist minister known for his influence on the Pilgrims. Among his significant contributions was shaping the order of worship which the Pilgrims used in their congregation. Clifton's order of worship was distinct in its simplicity and emphasis on the scriptures, mirroring the values of the Separatist movement which sought to purify Christian faith from what they viewed as corrupt and elaborate practices of the English Church at the time.
The service generally began with a call to worship, emphasizing God’s sovereignty and the communal nature of gathering to praise Him. This would be followed by a prayer of adoration, which reflected their deep reverence for God. The congregation would then sing psalms, chosen for their thematic relevance and intended to uplift the spirit. This practice of psalm-singing was a hallmark of the Pilgrims' worship, fostering a deep sense of connection among the community.
The central part of the service was the reading and interpretation of Scripture. Clifton’s order emphasized an expository approach, where a passage of the Bible would be read and its meanings and implications carefully explained by the minister. This focused on understanding God’s word directly from the Bible, a core tenet of Separatist belief. This would often be followed by a prayer of confession and petition, where individuals would seek forgiveness and guidance.
The service would usually conclude with a benediction, a blessing imparted by the minister, sending the congregation forth with God’s grace and protection.
This is how Richard Clifton briefly described his order of worship:
Prayer and giving of thanks by the pastor or teacher.
The Scriptures are read, two or three chapters, as time serves, with a brief explanation of their meaning.
The pastor or teacher then takes some passage of Scripture, and expounds and enforces it.
The sacraments are administered.
Some of the Psalms of David are sung by the whole congregation, both before and after the exercise of the Word.
Collection is then made, as each one is able, for the support of the officers and the poor.
Richard Clifton’s order of worship laid a vital foundation for the Pilgrims as they sought to establish a new society grounded in their religious beliefs. It was a deliberate structure that balanced doctrine, communal engagement, and personal faith, aiming to foster a pious, tight-knit community in a new and challenging environment.
Charity
Deacons were the “hands of the church,” as the Elders were the “eyes.” They collected the offerings and attended to the needs of the poor and the elderly of the congregation. Plymouth Colony had two deacons in the beginning: John Carver and Samuel Fuller. Carver died in the spring of 1621; Fuller survived and continued as deacon until 1633. It is not known if collections were made in the 1620s when there was no minister settled in Plymouth. They were done in Holland, and in 1632 John Winthrop described a Sunday meeting he attended in Plymouth, when a collection was taken: “The deacon, Mr. Fuller, put the congregation in mind of their duty of contribution; whereupon the Governor and all the rest went down to the deacon’s seat and put into a box, then returned.” By this date there was a minister to support and possibly some poor in the colony.