Joseph Banvard

Priscilla or Trials for the Truth Joseph Banvard

Set in the seventeenth century American New England Puritan colony, this book is a tale of adventure and evangelism based on historical fact. The escapade begins in England, where many Puritans facing oppression from the established church, set out for refuge in America. One such family is the Eaton family. However, due to a series of mishaps and confusion which occur at the point of departure, their daughter Priscilla is left behind. The resourceful girl finds a way to leave for America on her own, where she hopes to find her family. Her trials are many, including being captured by Algonquin natives, but through it all she learns valuable lessons in trust and faith. This work is not one of mere fiction. Though a vein of imagination pervades it, it is only like a silken thread, on which are strung golden beads of truth. In this account of the treatment of Puritans by the Episcopal hierarchy of England, and of the Baptists by the Puritans of New England, the author relied upon authentic records of that period. His information was derived, in part, from the narratives of those who suffered persecution, and partly from the general histories of that age. It is an old classic that is well-worth introduction to modern bookshelves, and a powerful lesson in separation of church and state.