It's been since Christmas day that I last blogged about anything. There isn't really any reason for it except that I let other things consume my time and there just really hasn't been anything that I've desired to write about. Well, let me rephrase that; nothing that I can put out there for people to read about. I am reading a little about Isaac Backus though. Mr. Backus lived from 1724-1806 and was an early historian and a champion of religious liberty among Baptists. I just read a letter that his mother had sent to him while she was in prison for not paying a minister's tax. After reading it I immediately thought about how the modern church in America isn't being persecuted for taking a stand for what she believes in, but rather is to occupied with the goings on within her own four walls. I encourage you to read the following letter from Elizabeth Backus and I hope that it will stir you to remember some of the trials the early church went through so that we could have our religious freedoms today; as well as take them for granted.
My Dear Son:
I have heard something of the trials amongst you of late, and I was grieved, till I had strength to give up the case to God, and leave my burthen there. And now I would tell you something of our trials. Your brother Samuel lay in prison twenty days. October 15, the collectors came to our house, and took me away to prison about nine o'clock, in a dark rainy night. We lay in prison thirteen days, and then set liberty, by what means I know not. Whilst I was there a great many people came to see me; and some said one thing and some another. O the innumerable snares and temptations that beset me, more that I ever thought on before! But, O the condescension of heaven! Though I was bound when I was cast into this furnace, yet was I loosed, and found Jesus in the midst of the furnace with me. O then I could give up my name, estate, family life and breath, freely to God. Now the prison looked like a palace to me. I could bless God for all the laughs and scoffs made at me. O the love that flowed out to all mankind! Then I could forgive as I would desire to be forgiven, and love my neighbor as myself. Deacon Griswold was put into prison the 8th of October, and yesterday old brother Grover, and [they] are in pursuit of others; all which calls for humiliation. This church has appointed the 13th of November to be spent in prayer and fasting on that account. I do remember my love to you and your wife, and the dear children of God with you, begging your prayers for us in such a day of trial. We are in tolerable health, expecting to see you.
These from your loving mother,
Elizabeth Backus
In Christ Alone,
Mr. V.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
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