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Show The Gift of the Pilgrims It is a well-known fact that the Pilgrim Fathers came to America seeking religious freedom. But the idea that they were sober-faced, graybear-ded graybear-ded religious fanatics is completely erroneous. They were, for the most part, vigorous young men and women in their twenties and thirties, whose devotion to religion did not make them sad or solemn. They appreciated the good things in life. They never turned away from a well-filled platter. They loved to sing and play at sports and games of skill. The Pilgrims liked color in their clothes. A study of their wills have revealed the ownership of such finery as a "salen" suit, "sky colored garters", a "cap with silver lace." There were numerous blue, red, and green cloaks and smocks. William Brewster wore a violet suite for important im-portant occasions. But they never let these pleasures blind them to the spiritual values they needed to survive. When they were preparing to sail to the New World, pessimistic friends drew up a terrifying list of things that could go wrong - the ship might sink, disease might wipe them out, savage Indians In-dians might do likewise, adding hideous tortues lo their fate. The Pilgrims listened to it all and admitted that any one of these things was possible. But that was no reason for refusing to set sail. With the help of God, all the terrors and dangers of the future could be met and overcome by ''answerable courages." As long as America retains this most previous of Pilgrim gifts, we will continue to have cause to give thanks. |