The Puritans and Massachusetts 1630 P1

The Puritans, whose religious beliefs were similar to those of the Pilgrims, did not come to America when the Pilgrims did. Instead, they remained behind in England, spending several more years attempting to reform (that is, “Purify”) the corrupt practices of the State-established Church of England (from which they get their name “Puritans”) They had little success.

In fact, for attempting to change the corrupt church, the Puritans were severely persecuted and tortured by the king, including having their noses slit, ears cut off, or a brand placed on them for not adhering to State-established Anglican teachings. Finally deciding they could not clean up that church, many of them decided to move to America and set up their own example of an uncorrupted church. Their original charter (1629) affirmed their desire to be so religiously, peaceably, and civilly governed, as their good life and orderly conversation (that is, their Godly lifestyle) may win and incite the natives of the country to the knowledge and obedience of the only true God and Savior of mankind and the Christian faith, which…is the peaceful end of this plantation (colony.)

Content Sourced from The American Story, The Beginnings. By: David Barton and Tim Barton