He was the Right Man

Monument of Sarah Leavitt

What did pioneer Sara Leavitt claimed gave her the cholera?

a.      She ate raw peas

b.      She drank water from the Missouri River

c.       She ate two day old oatmeal

d.      She took some bad medicine

Yesterday’s answer

D.   The Reverend John Lothrop

He [John Lothrop] was a young minister of the Church of England, happily married, with beautiful children. He labored faithfully until in his conscience he could no longer approve the things he must teach. He resigned his position, left the church, and in 1623 became pastor of the first Independent Church of London.

   For righteousness’ sake, persecution raged against him and his little bland of devoted followers. They were forced to meet secretly to escape the anger of the opposing bishop. One day as they met in worship, they were discovered by agents of the bishop, who suddenly invaded their meeting place, seized forty-two of their number, and sent them in fetters to the old clink prison in Newgate. Finally, all were released but Mr. Lothrop. He was deemed too dangerous to be set at liberty.

   During these months of his imprisonment, a fatal sickness had seized upon his wife, and she was about to die. Upon his urgent entreaty, the bishop consented for him to visit his dying wife if he would promise to return. He reached home in time to give her his blessing, and she passed away. True to his promise he returned to prison.

   His poor orphaned children wandered about in helpless misery until someone suggested they appeal to the bishop at Lambeth. One can picture the mournful procession as they came before him and made known their plight. “Please sir,” they cried piteously, “release our father or we too will die.” The bishop’s heart softened and was touched with pity, and he granted to John Lothrop his freedom if he would promise to leave the country and never return.

   Gathering round him his children and thirty-two members of his congregation, he sailed to America. Settling in New England, where he was warmly welcomed, he soon became one of the great Puritan religious leaders of his day. No pastor was more loved by his people, and none had a greater influence for good. He fearlessly proclaimed views far in advance of his time.

Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Chronicles of Courage (Salt Lake City: Utah Printing Company, 1991), 2:94-95.