Noah's+Paper

Voice of a Puritan

We came to this city in 1620, some two, three years ago, in mutual agreement for this new place to be our home, and our promise land. Very few came with us on our initial journey, and even fewer came by later, seeing that even here we could not escape our spiritual persecution. They sat, rather to face the judgment and execution of an unjust monarch, then hard fare, and modest labor. Many chose, even here, in this time of prosperity, to release themselves of this bondage, the pressure of the Lord, to do right by him, and live their lives the way he know fit, being too much of a struggle against the great and unruly oppression.  However as time passed, the few of us that did accept this new task, grew to appreciate it greatly. Neither the minimal sum of our youth, nor the rapidly growing amount of wise men of age, fell beneath this persecution. We came together, through each other; we grew stronger, creating a community for ourselves. That being said, I am not to say that there were not many a time when we felt the pressure of outside forces; creeping in to dislodge us from this new land. As well as the times when one would fall, burdened by the crosses we all must bear, and the, although minimal, ever present fear of danger. Yes this city, new land, and opportunities come to us as a God send, but no I would not be telling the whole truth if I did not reveal the persistent danger of our determination and love of our God.  Suffering is not always bad though, one who is under constant consequence has only so long before he shows the truth of his sincerity, and the secrets that he withholds. Men who might otherwise go unnoticed by our community are brought to light under the pressure of our enemies. Because of this pressure, we have found many imaginary personas, secret traitors to our community, and hidden Tories; here to reap the benefits of our communal, without the sacrifice of himself to us and our God. We have found many traitors amongst us, brought them before the community, and in doing so put an end to their conspiracies.  I bring to issue, the noticed effect of our movement on our children. Under the weight of their heavy labors, bearing the yoke of our burdens our children have begun to diminish, the few that have stayed with us have become decrepit, very early on in their youth. For those that have left, I wish only prosperity and that the love of God will finds its way to you. Many have become soldiers; some took to the seas – endless voyages of a pioneer. Others however, have left our community in search of new and far superior ways to serve our God, the most common being the absolute commitment to the missions. Spreading the word of God, to our allies and enemies alike, sharing his grace and kingdom for all those who are willing to listen.  Within recent months we as a community have come together twice now, to take time in seeking a resolution to our ultimate problem. We have yet to find a land we can call our own, one where we can grow and prosper, plant the seeds of our offspring, knowing well that they will take to our way of life, with little to no influence from the outside world. As of now we have yet to set our sights on a new world. Instead resulting to make the best out of the gracious opportunity, God has presented us. I do not personally believe as a man of high moral, and of great theological education, that there is anywhere else for us in this world. God has given us this land and opportunity, the state of Holland, while problematic can be adjusted and adhered to. I do not believe that a man and entity as great as himself would lead us into any wrong doing. We are here and here to stay. Holland forever be our home, God bless its people, our community, and our children.