POINTS TO PONDER: Plymouth Gov William Bradford on life in the Commonwealth (courtesy: University of Chicago:
The experience that was had in this common course and condition, tried sundry years and that amongst godly and sober men, may well evince the vanity of that conceit of Plato’s and other ancients applauded by some of later times; that the taking away of property and bringing in community into a commonwealth would make them happy and flourishing; as if they were wiser than God.
For this community (so far as it was) was found to breed much confusion and discontent and retard much employment that would have been to their benefit and comfort.
For the young men, that were most able and fit for labour and service, did repine [feel or express discontent] that they should spend their time and strength to work for other men’s wives and children without any recompense.
The strong, or man of parts [man of talent or gifts], had no more in division of victuals and clothes than he that was weak and not able to do a quarter the other could; this was thought injustice.
The aged and graver men to be ranked and equalized in labours and victuals, clothes, etc., with the meaner and younger sort, thought it some indignity and disrespect unto them.
And for men’s wives to be commanded to do service for other men, as dressing their meat, washing their clothes, etc., they deemed it a kind of slavery, neither could many husbands well brook it.
Upon the point all being to have alike, and all to do alike, they thought themselves in the like condition, and one as good as another; and so, if it did not cut off those relations that God hath set amongst men, yet it did at least much diminish and take off the mutual respects that should be preserved amongst them. And would have been worse if they had been men of another condition.
Let none object this is men’s corruption, and nothing to the course itself. I answer, seeing all men have this corruption in them, God in His wisdom saw another course fitter for them.
Source: Univ of Chicago
Happy Thanksgiving to All!! Thought I would quickly bump the thread to the top. In first gear over here, 2 big garlic heads roasting in the oven for the mashed potatoes, browned giblets and roasted back cooking in water on the stove. Will strain later and add a carton of turkey broth and other goodies. Our bird is always dry brined. This year we tried something different. Hubby spatchcocked the turkey. (spine out out so it spread eagled on a baking sheet) He watched the Good Eats redux show and that’s how Alton Brown does it. I tried a spatchcock chicken on the grill last year after watching an episode of Pioneer Woman. I like the show but not interested in her sweet recipes or the boozy coctails. Have a happy day everyone.