Primary sourceBook1858 reprint (sermon originally 1621)
The First Sermon Ever Preached in New England
Robert Cushman · 1858 reprint (sermon originally 1621)
An 1858 reprint of Robert Cushman's 1621 sermon, the earliest surviving sermon delivered in the Pilgrim colony where Squanto lived and worked.
Shows the religious culture of the Plymouth colonists among whom Squanto lived and worked as interpreter.
PDF · 62 pagesAbout this source
What it is
This book reproduces a sermon by Robert Cushman, delivered in 1621 and described as the first sermon ever preached in New England and the oldest surviving American discourse. This particular copy is an 1858 reprint, scanned and placed online by a digital archive.
Why it matters
Cushman was a Pilgrim leader and the sermon shows the religious beliefs that shaped the Plymouth settlers' worldview. It also includes an account of the Indians the colonists encountered, giving insight into how the Pilgrims understood and described the Native peoples around them, including people like Squanto.
Look closer
- Why would preserving and reprinting an old sermon matter to later generations?
- What does the sermon's description of
This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Tisquantum (Squanto) on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.
More Tisquantum (Squanto) sources
Meet the AI Tisquantum (Squanto) →
BookPrimary source
Mourt's Relation
Edward Winslow · 1622
Primary source
Good Newes from New England
Edward Winslow · 1624
BookPrimary source
The Generall Historie of Virginia, New-England, and the Summer Isles
John Smith · 1624
BookPrimary source
A Description of New England
John Smith · 1616
DocumentPrimary source
Mayflower Compact
1620
Ready when you are
Start chatting with Tisquantum (Squanto) now.
20 messages free · No credit card · Available in 50+ languages.