Governor Bradford's first dialogue : $b A dialogue, or the sum of a conference between some young men born in New England and sundry ancient men that came out of Holland and old England, anno Domini 1648.

"Governor Bradford's First Dialogue: A Dialogue, or the Sum of a Conference Between Some Young Men Born in New England and Sundry Ancient Men that Came Out of Holland and Old England" is a historical account written by William Bradford during the mid-17th century. The book serves as a record of discussions addressing theological differences, the nature of church governance, and the experiences of early English Separatists and Independents. The dialogue captures the spirit of inquiry and debate among early New England settlers regarding their religious beliefs and practices. In the dialogue, young men sought clarity on various aspects of their faith as they interacted with older, experienced members of the church. Key topics include the distinctions between the Church of England and Separatist practices, the nature of church governance, and the implications of church membership and prophecy. The discussions reveal the evolving beliefs and practices of the early American church, the struggles faced by its members under persecution, and the historical context of their separation from established church structures. Throughout the dialogue, there is a palpable sense of reverence for the past and a commitment to understanding and articulating the tenets of their faith amidst a rapidly changing world. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Bradford was an English Puritan Separatist originally from the West Riding of Yorkshire in Northern England. He moved to Leiden in Holland in order to escape persecution from King James I of England, and then emigrated to the Plymouth Colony on the Mayflower in 1620. He was a signatory to the Mayflower Compact and went on to serve as Governor of the Plymouth Colony intermittently for about 30 years between 1621 and 1657. He served as a commissioner of the United Colonies of New England on multiple occasions and served twice as president. His journal Of Plymouth Plantation covered the years from 1620 to 1646 in Plymouth.