What kind of character did the Pilgrim Church embrace? It is apparent that Pastor Robinson and William Brewster did embrace and teach good character. In addition it is clear that they demonstrated it as an example as well.
When the Pilgrim Church emigrated from Amsterdam to Leyden, they had to ask permission from the civil authorities to do so. One promise they made was to “earn their living by carrying on their various trades, without in the least being a burden to anyone.”
Not only did they have to learn new trades such as textiles; they had to demonstrate through their work ethic that they should be hired. They were not to expect work by entitlement but rather by their character. The testimony of their conduct and character provides an example for all of us today.
Consider what Bradford writes about their work ethic that caused even the Dutch to hire foreigners who had entered their city lawfully but were very poor and needy.
Though many of them were poor, yet there was none so poor but if they were known to be of that congregation the Dutch (either bakers or others) would trust them in any reasonable matter when they wanted money, because they had found by experience how careful they were to keep their word, saw them so painful and diligent in their callings. Yea, they would strive to get their custom and to employ them above others in their work, for their honesty and diligence.
