Greek Orthodox tradition tells of Saint Nicholas being born around AD 280, the only child of a wealthy, elderly couple who lived in Patara, Asia Minor (present-day Turkey) ... Hegenerously gave to the poor, but he did so anonymously, as he wanted the glory to go to God. About this time, in the 3rd century, the pietist-monastic movement spread, where sincere converts to Christianity would give away all their money and possessions, then withdraw from the world to live in a cave as a hermit or join a monastery ...
In 17th century England, John Bunyan was in a farm house near Bedford, England, when it was raided by the police.He was bound, arrested, and dragged away, all because he was having an unauthorized religious meeting and for preaching without the permission of the government.
Harvard President Samuel Langdon then gave an address, June 5, 1788, titled: "The Republic of the Israelites an Example to the American States," stating: "Instead of the twelve tribes of ISRAEL, we may substitute the thirteen states of the American union, and see this application plainly ... The ISRAELITES may be considered as a pattern to the world in all ages ... Government ... on republican principles."
