16Nov 07
Faithful John Tilley
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John Tilley (1571-1620) was a man of humble beginnings and an abrupt end. Little is known of his accomplishments in life; but with little doubt, Mr. Tilley recognized hand of God at work. He was the eldest of 8 children and lived in the small town of Henlow, Bedfordshire, England. He married his wife Joan in 1596. They had 6 children together and saw 5 of them reach adulthood.
As a part of the Seperatist movement, the Tilley family underwent much persecution. Their faithful Pastor John Robinson inspired the often weary, but visionary souls of the pilgrims. When the time came for the pilgrims to leave the continent of Europe, John Tilley, his wife, and youngest daughter Elizabeth joined 41 pilgrims on the long 60+ day voyage.
He was one of 41 men to sign the Mayflower Compact aboard the battered ship. Little did he understand the legacy he took part in leaving to the world by his signature. Sadly, both Mr. & Mrs. Tilley passed away the first bitter, cold winter that claimed nearly half of the 102 Mayflower passangers. Parentless, young Elizabeth Tilley went to live with Rev. & Mrs. Carver only to be turned out once again when this dear couple passed away the following year. Nevertheless, God had His hand upon the orphaned child and providentially orchestrated a marriage between her and John Howland.
As the upcoming report on John Howland will reveal, their marriage would eventually impact the lives of those living in the 21st generation today. John Tilley had every right to live a comfortable life as a member of the Churc of England. He could of even stayed in the careless town of Leyden, Holland where worship of God was tolerated by the government but undermined by the culture. Praise the Lord; however, that this Patriarch of faith with a multi-generational vision stayed the course.
Herein is one who,
overcame
by the blood of the Lamb,
the word of his testimony; and loved not his life unto the death (Rev. 12:11). This legacy was passed on to his daughter Elizabeth who left, within her will, this charge to her children, It is my will and charge to all my children that they walke in ye feare of ye Lord and in Love and Peace towards each other.
See this article and more in Project: Remember.
I pray that I will leave that kind of legacy to all my children!
I just love reading stories from the history of our nation that reveal the divine hand of Providence at work. Thanks for sharing this. I’m looking forward to reading the sequel on John Howland!
We read this narrative while we prepared dinner tonight and we were inspired!
Looking at the old story of the Pilgrims from this new perspective helped us to see beyond the turkey and stuffing to the real meat of the Thanksgiving season.
It was touching to read about a couple with a multi-generational vision who were willing to sacrifice the comforts of the easy road to raise up godly children.
It also makes us very grateful for many religious freedoms that we do enjoy in our country today. Thanks for your post!
Is this the same John Howland who disobeyed the direct order of the captian of the shop to remain below deck the Mayflower and was swept overboard? God’s providential hand put a rope into his hand as he was in the ocean in the midst of a raging storm. Once again, God intervened and a sailor heard his cries for help and he was pulled aboard ship.
I often wondered what happened to him. It is neat to read “the rest of the story.” I would like to learn more about Mr. Howland.
It is so encouraging to see how people respond to Gods mercy in the midst of their disobedience and how that has a lasting impact for Gods glory. Thank you for sharing!