Robinson’s Earnest Request for Sanctuary

John Robinson’s church in Nottinghamshire could no longer tolerate the continual government harassment. Authorities demanded church leaders either conform or lose their pastoral positions. Church members were constantly under surveillance, and considered as criminals. They faced arrests, fines, and even threats of execution for unauthorized church meetings. “They could no longer continue in that condition,” said William Bradford. 

After countless secret meetings, they planned to escape to Holland, where there “was freedom of religion for all,” and many Separatist families who were “persecuted for the same cause” in England were already living there. After some frightful failed attempts to leave, many church members finally reached the safety of Holland. 

On December 2, 1609, Pastor Robinson petitioned Leiden officials, asking permission to move his church there. About one hundred people  requested “to come to live in this city by the first of May,” Robinson said, “without being a burden in the least to anyone.” It was a difficult decision for Leiden’s officials. They were under pressure from King James, who said the religious fugitives were in violation of English law, should not be allowed sanctuary in Holland, and should be surrendered into English custody. 

Two months later, Pastor Robinson received an answer from Leiden officials. The letter said they “refuse no honest persons entry to come and have their residence” so long as they “behave themselves honestly, and submit to all the laws." So Pastor Robinson moved his desperate flock to Leiden, where they lived ten years before their famous Mayflower voyage. 

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“Our soul is escaped, even as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are delivered.”

(Psalm 124:7; 1599 Geneva Bible)

A Shepherd Rests in Holland

Captivated by the Puritan spirit at Cambridge University, John Robinson's convictions strengthened under the mentorship of the bold Separatist leader, Richard Clifton. And when Clifton went to Holland, Robinson and his flock soon followed. 

Away from King James' religious constraints and the unyielding Anglican church, Robinson's theology matured at Leiden University while faithfully leading a passionate community of English Separatists. His care for his congregation, theological depth, and heartfelt devotion earned him their love and admiration.

When rumors of war with Spain arose, Robinson was at the center of their plans to flee to the American continent. There they could plant a colony of like-minded Separatists, a community that championed holiness, faithfulness, and morality. As plans unfolded, they faced the harsh reality that not everyone could go. Robinson would stay with the remainder of the church and join his dear friends later in New England. This never happened. 

Nearly five years later, in late February, Robinson fell seriously ill but found the strength to preach one last time. One week later, on March 1, 1625, the fifty-year-old pastor died in Leiden, leaving a brokenhearted congregation. 

The Pilgrims of Plymouth, still anticipating Robinson's arrival, were devastated when they learned of his death. Governor William Bradford noted that Robinson's "adversaries had been long and continually plotting how they might hinder his coming here, but the Lord had appointed him a better place." A public plaque marks the site of Robinson's home in the city of Leiden, where he is now buried. 

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“Now we beseech you brethren, that ye acknowledge them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you. That ye have them in singular love for their work’s sake.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; 1599 Geneva Bible)