Unit I Journal
Chapter 5
Document 1: “ A spiritual Autobiography” By Anne Bradstreet, ca. 1670
In 1630, Ann Bradstreet arrived in Massachusetts Bay with her parents and young husband. Her father became Deputy Governor of the new colony while her husband was a future Governor. Over the next few decades, Ann would produce some of the most important poetry from all of the colonies. As a puritan, Ann understood that she could not provide salvation for her children. Instead, Ann wrote an account of her religious experiences hoping that her children could benefit from her narrative. There is nothing stronger than a mother’s love for her children.
Document 2: “Anne Hutchinson’s Trial” From Massachusetts Bay, 1637
Anne Hutchinson and fellow admirers followed puritan minister John Cotton to Massachusetts Bay in 1634. In front of about 60 people, Anne began to hold private religious conferences of her interpretations of John Cotton’s sermons. Soon following, Anne had accused all of Boston’s ministers of preaching a covenant of works. Anne was taken to trial, where no jury or counsel was present. Just as Anne was about to break down her interrogators case, she suddenly broke down and admitted to divine relation. She was sentenced to banishment for direct heresy.
Document 3: “An Epistle to Quaker Women” From Lancashire Women’s Meeting, 1675
The Quakers society insisted that women should engage in active roles in their religious life. George Fox encouraged the meeting of women where friends exercised an unusual amount of power over Quaker life. These women also kept in touch with each other through epistles, or circulating letters. Around 1675, a rare complete copy of an epistle was found that elaborated the extensive responsibilities of the women’s meetings. Some of these responsibilities included supervising domestic life, approving marriages, preventing intermarriage, helping the unfortunate, collections, and expenditures. This was one of the first times that...