From the journal of William
Bradford... |
Describing the Pilgrims’ move to the city of Leiden in Holland
in 1609 :
"For these & some other reasons they removed to Leyden, a fair &
bewtifull citie, and of a sweete situation, but made more famous by ye universitie
wherwith it is adorned, in which of late had been so many learned man. But wanting that
traffike by sea which Amerstdam injoyes, it was not so beneficiall for their outward means
of living & estats. But being now hear pitchet they fell to such trads &
imployments as they best could; valewing peace & their spirituall comforte above any
other riches whatsoever. And at lenght they came to raise a competente & comforteable
living, but with hard and continuall labor.
"Being thus settled (after many difficulties) they continued many years in a
comfortable condition, injoying much sweete & delightefull societies & spirituall
comforte togeather in ye wayes of God, under ye able ministrie, and prudente governmente
of Mr. John Robinson, & Mr. William Brewster, who was an assistante unto him in ye
place of an Elder, unto which he was now called & chosen by the church. So as they
grew in knowledge & other gifts & graces of ye spirite of God, & lived
togeather in peace, & love, and holiness; and many came unto them from diverse parts
of England, so as they grew a great congregation. And if at any time any differences
arose, or offences broak out (as it cannot be, but some time ther will, even amongst ye
best of men) they were ever so mete with, and nipt in ye head betims, or otherwise so well
composed, as still love, peace, and communion was continued; or else ye church purged ot
those that were incurable & incorrigible, when, after much patience used, no other
means would serve, which seldom came to pass." |
