Poor people Quote by William Bradford
““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.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford, 1651
Divine justice punishes arrogance and cruelty, delivering retribution to the oppressor.
In simple terms: God punishes the proud and cruel.
Beware pride and treat others kindly.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- ship life
- leadership
- conflict resolution
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does pride affect your treatment of others?
- What signs of justice do you see in daily life?
Divine intervention is a matter of faith, not provable fact.