In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
The story of the early Separatists of England is not taught. In fact many are now teaching that these people came to these virgin soils for political reasons. Yet, a simple examination of English History tells us otherwise. Beginning with John Wycliffe a movement to bring the Bible into public view was instituted. Mind you, many could not read and so John began educating the people. He did not teach them what the papacy wanted taught. He taught the Word of God. By the time the period known as the Reformation rolled around the established people of England wanted the sacred right to read the Bible for themselves. Thus the endeavors of men like Tyndale encouraged the people to read for themselves the Word of God.
When the Church of England was created, there were already many like the Cathari who wanted purity in the worship of God. Some actually became part of the later Separatist who wanted to worship God with purity. Because of their common stance against the Catholic Church and the Church of England, they were declared enemy of the state and were hunted and hounded. There was a delicate balance between Catholic and COE leaders and the few who stood against either were considered dangerous. For that reason many were imprisoned. Many were killed and many hid.
These believers loved their native country, but in order to serve God without fear determined that some would go to Holland. Holland offered the Separatist refuge, so in 1608 a group when to this place to worship without fear. Here they remained and were known for their positive influence, industriousness and peacefulness. England actually demanded these people be returned, but the Dutch refused. They would have stayed, that is, until the leaders began seeing the negative impact of Dutch life on their children. While they had peace they did not have true religious freedom.
Now, the leadership of the Separatist determined to look for someplace else to worship. The question was, “Where can we go?”
Leave a Reply