Many of the original english colonists were religious separatists from the church of england (i. e., the pilgrims in plymouth and the puritans in massachusetts bay colony). why were these groups eager to settle colonies in north america? a. they were seeking religious freedom and financial opportunities. b. the puritan and pilgrim religious doctrines call for isolationism. c. they were being punished by the king of england. d. both the puritans and the pilgrims were slaves of the settlers.