It was the thought of “Religious Liberty” that drove the Pilgrim Fathers and their successors from the shores of England to the shores of America in the 15th and 16th centuries. It is strange, however that very often, they who seek one thing for themselves will deny it to another. Such was the case concerning the Congregationalists, and when they drew up their “Standing Order” in New England, demanding the payment of a tax to support their Ministers, many believers suffered great hardships at their hands, having their properties sold over their heads to meet the debt. As so often happens, however, out of the grief of such hardship, great gladness was reaped by those who suffered. The following are some lines taken from a letter from Elizabeth Bacus, a Baptist, to her son Isaac, who was one of the leading Baptist pastors in the State at that time.
“My Dear Son,
I have heard something of the trials amongst you of late, and I was grieved, till I had strength to give up the case to God, and leave my burden there. And now I would tell you something of our trials.
Your brother Samuel lay in prison twenty days. October 15th, the collectors came to our house, and took me away to prison, about nine o'clock, in a dark, rainy night. Brothers Hill and Sabins were brought there the next night. We lay in prison thirteen days, and were then set at liberty, by what means I know not. O the innumerable snares and temptations that beset me! More than I ever thought of before. But Oh, the condescension of Heaven! Though I was bound when I was cast into this furnace, yet I was loosed and found Jesus in the midst of the furnace with me. Oh, then I could give up my name, estate, family, life and breath, freely to God. Now the prison looked like a palace to me. I could bless God for all the laughs and scoffs made at me. Oh, the love that flowed out to all mankind! Then I could forgive, as I would desire to be forgiven, and love my neighbour as myself. Deacon Girswold was put in prison the 8th October; and yesterday old brother Grover; and they are in pursuit of others, all which calls for humiliation.
I do remember my love to you and your wife, and the dear children of God with you, begging your prayers for us in such a day of trial. We are all in tolerable health, expecting to see you. These from your loving mother,
Elizabeth Backus.”
This Page Title – From Grief to Gladness - a letter from Elizabeth Backus to her son The Wicket Gate Magazine "A Continuing Witness". Internet Edition number 82 – placed on line November 2010 Magazine web address – www.wicketgate.co.uk |