Summary of Chapter Eight
“Departure from Southampton, and the Delay of both Ships at Dartmouth and Plymouth: August and September, 1620.”

Chapter 8 details the troubles the Pilgrims face when one of their ships proves not to be seaworthy. This chapter also reveals that several of the men the Pilgrims had trusted -- including one of their ship’s captains, and two of their business partners -- were proven to be dishonest and self-serving. As a result of these events, the travelers’ supplies were greatly diminished, and a number of the pilgrims were unable to proceed with the voyage.


Questions for discussion:
1. How do you all like the way Bradford summarizes the events in a chapter and gives the dates the events took place in the beginning of each chapter?

2. Why did the Pilgrims need to return to England after they had already begun to sail for America?

3. What did Bradford say caused the problems with the smaller boat?

4. Bradford compares the Pilgrims’ to Gideon’s army. Briefly summarize the part of Gideon’s story when God divides his army. (Judges 7 --http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=7&chapter=7&version=31&context=chapter )

5. Considering all the hardships the Pilgrims had to endure before they even left British waters, do you find a new respect for them? Do you have any other thoughts about the Pilgrims?

6. Based on what we have read so far, share your thoughts on any or all of these men
A. John Robinson
B. William Brewster
C. Robert Cushman
D. Thomas Weston
E. Mr. Martin
F. The captain and crew of the Pilgrims’ smaller ship

Here’s a thought question. You don’t have to answer, just think about it.

The captain and crew of the smaller ship didn’t do what they did for the express purpose of injuring the pilgrims. However, because of the crew’s actions, the pilgrims lost time and money, which may have eventually cost some of them their lives. Can you think of a time where you have seen the selfish actions of one person harm another, even if the careless person did not set out to hurt the second person? How can you choose to change your own life in order to be a help rather than a harm to others?

If you have any additional thoughts or questions to share on any of the chapters feel free to post them!