William Bradford Quotes & Sayings

And I may not omit here a special work of God's providence. There was a proud and very profane young man [aboard the Mayflower], one of the seamen, of a lusty, able body, which made him the more haughty; he would always be contemning the poor people in their [sea]sickness, and cursing them daily with grievous execrations, and did not let to tell them, that he hoped to help cast half of them overboard before they came to their journey's end, and to make merry with what they had; and if he were by any gently reproved, he would curse and swear most bitterly.
But it pleased God before they came half seas over, to smite this young man with a grievous disease, of which he died in a desperate manner, and so was himself the first that was thrown overboard. Thus his curses light on his own head; and it was an astonishment to all his fellows, for they noted it to be the just hand of God upon him. — William Bradford

But it pleased God to visit us then with death daily, and with so general a disease that the living were scarce able to bury the dead. — William Bradford

We could not now take time for further search or consideration, our victuals being much spent, especially our beer. — William Bradford

And for the season it was winter, and they that know the winters of that country know them to be sharp and violent, and subject to cruel and fierce storms. — William Bradford

Having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one of another, covenant and combine our selves together ... — William Bradford

Thus out of small beginnings greater things have been produced by His hand that made all things of nothing, and gives being to all things that are; and, as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone unto many ... — William Bradford

As one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone unto many, yea in some sort to our whole nation. — William Bradford

The great hope, and for the propagating and advancing the gospel of the kingdom of Christ in those remote parts of the world — William Bradford

Our fathers were Englishmen which came over this great ocean, and were ready to perish in this wilderness. — William Bradford

May not and ought not the children of these fathers rightly say: Our fathers were Englishmen which came over this great ocean, and were ready to perish in this wilderness but they cried unto the Lord, and He heard their voice, and looked on their adversity, &c. Let them therefore praise the Lord, because He is good, and His mercies endure forever. Yea, let them which have been redeemed of the Lord, shew how He hath delivered them from the hand of the oppressor. When they wandered in the; desert wilderness out of the way, and found no city to dwell in, both hungry, and thirsty, their soul was overwhelmed in them. Let them confess before the Lord His loving kindness, and His wonderful works before the sons of men. — William Bradford

The LORD is the help of my life — William Bradford

Behold, now, another providence of God. A ship comes into the harbor. — William Bradford

The loss of ... honest and industrious men's lives cannot be valued at any price. — William Bradford

All great and honorable actions are accompanied with great difficulties, and both must be enterprised and overcome with answerable courage. — William Bradford

Though I bequeath you no estate, I leave you in the enjoyment of liberty. — William Bradford