The Sin and Danger of Self-Love
In modern times I suppose “Self-Love” might sound like something else. But to the early settlers of Plymouth, Massachusetts (yes, who had the first Thanksgiving), it was another way of saying “selfish.” “The Sin and Danger of Self-Love” was a sermon delivered to the settlers by Robert Cushman - a Separatist who fled England and settled in Holland for religious differences, and eventually organized the Mayflower (ship that brought the Separatists, newly dubbed Pilgrims, to America). He’s also an ancestor of mine, which is how I came upon his sermon before analyzing it in American Literature class as a perfect example of the Jeremiad.
Cushman never made it to Plymouth in 1620 with the Mayflower crew. He was aboard another ship that had to return to Europe (it was leaking, I guess). And when he did arrive the next year, it wasn’t his objective to stay. It seems one of his objectives was to deliver this sermon, so pertinent because in their new environs, the Pilgrims were suffering. Not only were they struggling to find food, but they were also coveting it. They weren’t sharing. They were failing to support each other. Cushman’s objective was to point out the flaws in their behaviors and remind them what a good Christian would do.
I’m not sure if historians even know when the first Thanksgiving was, though 1621 is a date thrown around quite a bit. I’m not sure if they even know exactly what time of year it occurred, though the medley of foods consumed today are based on a fall feast. And so I don’t know if the “day of thanks” happened after Cushman delivered his sermon - a sign the Pilgrims took his lessons to heart; or before - which would imply that day was not marked by the peace, gratitude and generosity we teach our children.
Whatever the case, it’s all a lot to think about, poke at, hate, condemn, forgive, enjoy…
1 Corinthians 10:24. Let no man seek his own: But every man another’s wealth.
You can read “The Sin and Danger of Self-Love” here » (the sermon starts on pg 11)
