Miles Standish was one of the Pilgrims who founded Plymouth Rock, a British colony that would be a progenitor to the United States of America. He was a kind and courageous warrior. Standish was known for fighting against evil, yet never allowing appearances to beguile him away from righteousness. When life beckoned him to fulfill needs and roles he did not sign up for, no complaint was found on his lips, for he was always ready to lend a hand toward doing good deeds.
Origins and Colonization
Miles Standish was born in either 1584 or 1587, most likely in Lancashire, England. However, it is also debated he was born on the Isle of Man. Regardless, he eventually fought the Spanish Catholics during their invasion of the Netherlands in the Eighty Year War. English troops had been sent to support Dutch Protestants during the conflict.
Stationed somewhere in Holland, this is how Standish became acquainted with John Robinson and other would-be Pilgrims prior to the voyage that would establish Plymouth Rock. When the time came, Standish went out to Cape Cod as their military captain. He was responsible for surveying the land; deciding where to establish the colony; and preparing for its defense against foreign and native threats. He helped design and build fortifications; install cannons; and organize trade routes and security, amid many other important duties.
Service In the New World
Standish is reported to have become a practicing Christian either on the journey to the New World or shortly after arriving. He was also one of the few colonists who did not become sick during the first winter at Plymouth Rock. Despite being brought on as a military captain for the colony, Standish was applauded for jumping into the role of a bedside caretaker during the harsh and desperate season. He is noted as working tirelessly to feed and nurse the sick colonists back to health in that trying time, all while maintaining a cheery attitude and a smile on his face.
Standish was also reportedly well-versed in several languages. This made him an important liaison between the English and natives. It was also critical due to the close contact with colonies of hostile foreign powers such as the French and Spanish. Some of the pivotal actions taken by Standish during his time with the Plymouth Rock colony involved launching strikes against hostile natives planning to eradicate the colony, securing trade routes, taking down a rival colony run by an alcoholic, and bringing criminals into custody. He was critical to the survival of Plymouth Rock in many ways, and thus to the eventual birth of the United States of America.
Some of Standish’s peers reportedly thought he was too quick to use force, and his enemies were noted to describe him as hot-tempered. However, the reliability of these claims is questionable due to both the sources of them and in light of the fact that Standish was recorded using diplomacy to resolve numerous situations. Of course, enemies would speak ill of him and view him as reckless when they are the ones forcing such a response out of him. Never would such foes have a chance to see otherwise. Also, some of his “peers” who deemed Standish too quick to use force may have been unacquainted with the application of force in general, and thus unable to adequately assess when it may or may not be necessary. Therefore, their perspective on such things may be inappropriately skewed.
Inspiring Character
Three things that endear me most to Miles Standish are his selflessness and willingness to do all he could, even beyond what he was enlisted to do; his composure under pressure and resistance to the provocations of personal attacks on his immutable characteristics; and his courage to face confrontation when no other options were afforded to him.
As mentioned, when the people of Plymouth Rock suffered an outbreak of illness and food shortages, Miles Standish was one of the few people to remain healthy and strong. Despite being enlisted as a soldier to guard the colony, he happily jumped into the role of a nurse to help the other colonists survive the winter and get back on their feet. William Bradford claimed that, among others, Standish cared for the sick and “spared no pains, night nor day, but with abundance of toil… willingly & cheerfully, without any grudging in the least, showing herein [his] true love unto [his] friends & bretheren.”
This reminds me of the words of the Holy Spirit, written through Paul in Colossians 3:23-24. “[W]hatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Though Miles Standish was a warrior drawn into the role of a healer, he did so with all exuberance and good cheer, as it was the task set before him which needed doing in that time.
When Standish was sent to apprehend Thomas Morton of Merry Mount, the latter was incapacitated from drunkenness at the moment Standish arrived. Finding Morton inebriated, Standish took the man in without incident, enduring and deflecting the drunkards derogatory remarks. This is noteworthy, as if Standish’s critics were correct that he was prone to use force when it was unnecessary, this would have been the perfect opportunity to do so. Cutting down a drunken fool who could barely stand would be child’s play for a man of Standish’s skill. Yet, he instead brought in his mark without any casualties.
Lastly, Standish is described by many different historical figures as being short in stature. Oftentimes, he is spoken of in a cruel way on account of his height, being called names such as “Captain Shrimp” by hostile Englishmen. His peers even spoke of him appearing as a “silly boy,” and natives were noted to doubt his ability and courage based on his appearance before coming to respect him following his actions. Standish never allowed such things to affect his job. He is described as never looking for conflict, nor avoiding it when it became necessary. Though everyone looked down on him initially, often quite literally, he won over the admiration of allies and enemies alike through hard work. That is perhaps his most commendable aspect.
A Life Well Lived
Miles Standish lived an incredible life, and this is only a brief snapshot of some of his accomplishments. He was a kind, caring, and courageous man, always working for the betterment of others, be they friend or foe. Standish is noted as having led expeditions against native tribes who were hostile to the English at times, and also caring for natives at others. The manner in which he dealt with those he encountered always depended on them, rather than on him. As for Standish, he seems to always have treated others with the utmost dignity, respect, and love that they afforded for him to give.
I certainly hope to be the same kind of man who will destroy an enemy swiftly and efficiently if he leaves me no other choice, but who will nurse him back to health if he will relent before it is too late. As for my allies, I would hope I live a life where I am also seen much the same way; as a man who has proven his integrity against any doubts others may have initially harbored. May we all conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the lives God has purchased for us (Philippians 1:27).
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