This is a story about one of over a thousand clergymen turned out of the Church of England in 1622 for refusing to comply with its demands. They endured persecution, betrayal and sometimes imprisonment - which is why they were said to have been 'active in their own ruin'. It is largely based on the life of the rector of Brightling in East Sussex who, after his ejection, remained in the parish, caring for the people after plague had spread from London and his successor had fled. It shows how the life and loves of a whole family were affected by the nationwide upheaval.