On 'Of Plymouth Plantation'

I read through Of Plymouth Plantation once before, and as my memory is not always sufficient, I decided to read through it again. I wish all history books were written like it. Bradford was a straightforward writer who did not attempt to make the history of his settlement anything more than it was. In spite of that fact, his constant reliance on God shines through, and he is not averse to giving advice to those who come after, knowing that experience learned from God is not in vain (as some who take humility to un-christian bounds think).
I'm somewhere near page 240. I have learned this so far:

A. Take heed lest we fall. Several men who survived the "starving time" and were close confidants of Bradford and other worthies fell into a snare when God blessed the general faithfulness of these Pilgrims with riches (such as Isaac Allerton). The tightly-knit church began to disperse when maximizing their material wealth became more important than fellowship, accountability, guidance, and mutual edification.

B. Don't give unworthy trust; know that a man only stands as God permits him. It is a pain to note how Bradford and the council sometimes did not operate with wisdom, but permitted unrighteous or back-sliding men to take advantage of them time and again.

C. Uphold the law. "Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." It is good that Bradford mixed a great measure of mercy with his judgment, but the extent to which he did so caused a great deal of harm to his community, as in the events surrounding Mr. Morton. His judicial pattern is much more lenient than the pattern upheld in Exodus - Deuteronomy and Romans 13. (To prevent an unnecessary effusion of commentary, know that I believe repentance a part of justice in certain instances, but trust must come with a re-assigning of authority.)

D. Tell the truth. The many letters inserted into the narrative are instructive. At the end of the day, I wish the writers would make less room for proclaiming how they were "unfeigned friends", "dear friends", etc, but rather told the truth and worked hard for the benefit of their friends. Proverbs 20:6 comes to mind: "Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?"

Of Plymouth Plantation is good history. I commend the book for all those who have not read it.