This number of THE MINISTRY commemorates the founding of the first permanent American settlement in the United States, at Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607. We live in an age of anniversaries, some very important and others woefully commercialized. Because this 350th anniversary of Jamestown has some lessons for Adventism, let us draw from it a number of practical points. We would suggest to our large group of overseas shepherdesses that there are Jamestowns in all lands where the wheels of progress have not been standing still. This is not a research project, but rather a heart-to-heart talk with our ministerial women. Some of them enjoy history; most of them enjoy their homes much more. Just by way of suggestion, some shepherdesses may be looking for a new hobby. Why not check on the work of women in ancient and medieval history? But in this article we shall confine ourselves to pioneer American women.
Settlements such as those at Jamestown, Plymouth, New Amsterdam, and "Pen's Woods" (Pennsylvania) suggest adventure and sacrifice. Women have always played their part. When Jamestown was settled, men had preceded their wives. The women did not sail to unknown shores without some assurance that a crude home would be awaiting them. But the history of those who came to America in the Mayflower is quite different. The women and children arrived with the men. The party landed on a bleak New England shore and immediately faced a stern winter. Why did these Pilgrims leave their European homeland? They sought a land where they could worship God according to the dictates of their conscience. More specifically, they sought a country without a king and a religion without a pope. These two principles were later incorporated into the American Constitution. Books have been written revealing the early struggles of these pioneer men and women who laid a solid foundation for government and for the faith. Parents today will do well to impress upon young minds the meaning of these conflicts.
We may wonder how these pioneer women could face the insecurity of their day, for there were few medical advisors, and sickness and plague would frequently lay low the weak. There were no hospitals to which the mothers could take their sick children; they had to be cared for at home, Automatic heating plants were not even dreamed of, much less air conditioners. Often those who had passed through the rigors of winter lacked the strength to plant the family garden in the spring. Public relations, as we understand it today, simply meant administering the milk of human kindness by lending a neighborly helping hand. The home as well as the farm had to be self-contained, with every member of the family doing his share. There was teamwork without the interference of union laws. Truly, our advanced age might well learn from the past. Fortunately, parents seemed to know where their children were every hour of the day. Fathers could account for their boys, and mothers for their girls. Both parents had to go to work, but at home. And the home supplied enough practical instruction to make stanch citizens.
Shepherdesses were but few in pioneer America. The problem of modernizing a manse simply did not exist. Wives would offer companionship to their husbands at the spinning wheel or the cobbler's bench; the family, young and old, had to be clothed and shod. There was no emotional problem in that respect. Nor was the problem of family finance too complicated. Sharing took care of what barter and trade failed to supply. Ministerial duties were added to home responsibilities, for each was a part of the struggle for existence. The "parson" had a wide area for his parish. His wife was his assistant. She needed to be a skilled Bible teacher for the youth, and to be able to recite many a psalm to the discouraged and bedridden. Visiting the sick brought common sense into action more than psychology. Her treatments were supplemented with homemade bread and crocks of wild berry juice. Colonial shepherdesses could discuss herbs more intelligently than we discuss vitamins today. There was Christian grace and interest, with simple deeds of loving-kindness.
Our Need of the Pioneer Spirit
Will you agree with me that in our day we are greatly privileged? Modern shepherdesses may mark a long list of things they "really should have," but try listing the wishes you may someday realize, and which the majority of women in the world may never hope to have. The American way of life began in simplicity, and Adventism began in the same way. Behind our present denominational attainment, spiritual and material, lies the story of struggle, toil, and sacrifice. But humble beginnings and days of small things are always rich in experience. There must be vision behind true purpose. The pioneer women served to please God first. They were more familiar with God's Book than with the pocketbook. The Bible was always within their reach: it was the source of all counsel, the yardstick for every social problem. The Book provided security—more than our bankbooks do today. Reminders of God's constant love and care kept frustrations out of the family. The "thee's" and "thou's" sounded less self-centered than the pronouns of our day. Our womanly conversation may now center around nylons, orlons, or dacrons. Just how would these material things have fitted into their simple homespun exchanges? Thoughtfully, sisters, was their philosophy warped or sound? Shall we keep our own philosophy of life within God's pattern?
But we must be practical. We cannot go back to the pioneering days when these colonial women set our modern shepherdesses such a noble example. And who would want to? We have become accustomed to a higher standard of living, and would be very much out of step if we were to follow their pattern in detail. But may we not learn from them lessons of self-denial and sacrifice? As Adventism today maintains its simple charm of contentment, woman's work will experience new power. And when those not of our faith see that God comes first in our lives, they will realize that our faith is genuine. Religion today is decked in the tinsel of popularity. A desire to be in the headlines possesses the minds of many who call themselves Christians. The church wants to make news with glamour instead of goodness and truth. God is preparing to bring His men and women into the spotlight. Are you preparing yourself, your family, your church, your institution, for that great day when the saints go marching home? Let our Adventist shepherdesses seriously consider the power of influence that has been committed to them. Shall we not give heed to the relative value we attach to eternal and mundane things?
