A Lesson from the Puritains

"Yet seeing themselves thus molested, and that there was no hope of their continuance there, by a joint consent they resolved to go into the Low Countries, where they heard was freedom of religion for all men...But to go into a country they knew not (but by hearsay), where they must learn a new language, and get their livings they knew not how... it was by many thought an adventure almost desperate, a case in tolerable and a misery worse than death... But these things did not dismay them...for their desires were set on the ways of God, and to enjoy his ordinances; but they rested on his providence..." -William Bradford, Of Plymouth Plantation

Wow. This was a group of people who, being tirlessly persecuted for their beliefs, were willing to leave their lives and homes in England and go to a unknown land; to strangers. And yet, continues Bradford, "these things did not dismay them." Why? "For their desires were set on the ways of God." What faith!