Believing so firmly in the Bible, they would read and re-read it over and over again. Many would discuss its meaning and use it as a guide for everyday life. For the Pilgrim, who was originally known as Separatist; and the Puritans the Bible told of every day details on how to perform education, commerce, cure the sick and even how to govern. .
As the pilgrim continued on, they left the Church of England, stating that it was beyond repair and set out for Holland. In Holland they managed to eke out meager lives but held to their faith. One of the young en who traveled to Holland was a man by the name of William Bradford. Bradford had joined the puritans because of his dislike for the rules of the Church of England. .
Also at this time, the King of England, James the first, gave charter to two companies so that they establish colonies in the Americas. The year was 1606 when the first group landed in Jamestown. In this group emerged a leader, Captain James Smith, due to his leadership the colony began to survive. Harvey returned to England in 1609, Smith would return again to America. .
While in America, Smith began to write the stories and details of his adventure in Virginia. Through his detailed description of the land and its people, a portrait of America began to take shape. Harvey put his finding in print. A new group became interested in a land where freedom could be found.
Captain Smith was also responsible for putting some of the Indian myths and tales in print. Up until this time, the Indian had no formal writing of their tales. These myths, legends, tales, and lyrics all were passed down through an oral history. As can be expected a very diverse culture was found. These tribes maintained their own religions, worshipping gods, animals, plants or sacred persons. They employed a system of government that ranged from democracies to councils of elder to theocracies. The stories that they told, glow with reverence for nature as a spiritual as well as a physical mother.
