Chapter one of History Of Plymouth Plantation
has several parts. First, Bradford recounts the work of Satan first in the
world and finally in England. He discusses the major movements of Christianity as well
as the acts of Satan from earliest times to more recent times in England--starting with
the reign of the Tudors. This section is more about the works of Satan as he tried
(mostly successfully) to undermine major movements of
Christianity.
The second part of the chapter narrows down
to focus on the group who will eventually be the Pilgrims on the Mayflower. Bradford
details their hardships and persecutions after
many became inlightened by the word of God, and
had their ignorante and sins discovered unto them, and begane by his grace to reforme
their lives, and make consciente of their wayes, the worke of God was no sooner manifest
in them, but presently they were both scoffed and scorned by the prophane multitude, and
the ministers urged with the yoak of subscription, or ele must be
silenced.
In short, they
recognized their need for salvation and God's grace, and they repented. Once they did,
however, they were persecuted by those who were not believers. One could make the case,
based on Bradford's previous section, that Satan was once again doing his work of
tormenting Christians and trying to hinder
Christianity.
Your question about loving chastisement is
only a small portion of the chapter, and I alluded to it above. These were people who
were convicted by God's spirit and their sins were revealed to them. When that
happened, their response was to reform their lives and examine their own consciences.
Bradford's writing suggests a loving God who will not tolerate sin but who will
demonstrate grace when there has been repentance.
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