Old Comers, New Problems

Today is the 400th anniversary of the departure of the Pilgrim Fathers, once more commonly known as Old Comers or the Forefathers. Many were members of separatist or congregational churches, much like our own, with others accompanying the voyage to trade and defend them in the new world. In America, they hoped for the benefits of European civilisation without the claustrophobic regulation of religion. For the right to gather together as born-again believers without the approval of politically-appointed bishops, they fled first to Holland and then to America.

As religious freedom continues to be stifled throughout the world, and gospel liberty once more flinches under the threat of state regulation at home, I thank God for these brave brethren who bolted west to practise Bible Christianity.

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