After enduring religious persecution in their native England and
for twelve years in Holland, the pilgrims sailed for America. They were modest
men and women with a great hope and inward zeal. They rested in the providence
of God that He was leading them to a land of religious freedom to advance the
gospel of the kingdom of Christ.
The voyage of the Mayflower took twice as long as Christopher
Columbus' voyage, enduring several wintry storms. After arriving in their new
land, they faced disease, famine, bitter cold and many dangers. However, when
the Mayflower made its return voyage, none of the pilgrims returned with it.
Their first harvest occurred in the autumn of 1621. Their own seed
had barely grown, but the Indians had shown them how to plant corn which
yielded a huge harvest. On the first Thanksgiving, they celebrated God's
goodness to them with a party of ninety Indians. Their Thanksgiving feast
lasted three days and included a festival of sports.
Thanksgiving Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln
"Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United
States, do hereby appoint and set apart the last Thursday in November next as a
day which I desire to be observed by all my fellow-citizens, wherever they may
be then, as a day of thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God, the beneficent
Creator and Ruler of the Universe. And I do further recommend to my
fellow-citizens aforesaid, that on the occasion they do reverently humble
themselves in the dust, and from thence offer up penitent and fervent prayers
and supplications to the great Disposer of events for a return of the
inestimable blessings of peace, union, and harmony throughout the land which it
has pleased Him to assign as a dwelling-place for ourselves and for our
posterity throughout all generations."
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving... be thankful unto Him,
and bless His name. Psalm 100:4
