PDF The Trials of Anthony Burns: Freedom and Slavery in Emerson’s Boston by Albert J. von Frank in History

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In this pathbreaking book; Rebecca Larson restores a group of remarkable women to the American historical landscape. From Ann Moore; whose religious vision impelled her to preach to the British military during the French and Indian War; advising them to rely not on physical weapons and warfare but upon God; to Mary Weston; whose visit in the 1750s to Charleston; South Carolina; prompted the colonial legislature to adjourn in order to attend the noted preacher's meeting; to the celebrated Rachel Wilson; whose eloquence and piety drew crowds during her ministerial tour of the colonies in 1768 to 1769; Larson broadens our conception of women's activities before the American Revolution.More than a thousand Quaker women ministers were active in the Anglo-American world during this era; when Quakers formed the third-largest religious group in the colonies. Some circulated throughout British North America; others crossed the Atlantic to deliver their inspired messages. In this astonishing public role; they preached in courthouses; meeting-houses; and private homes to audiences of men and women; to those of other faiths as well as to Quakers; to Native Americans and to slaves. At times they crossed paths with prominent figures such as Patrick Henry and Henry Laurens.Larson offers striking insights on the ways in which this public; authoritative role for women affected the formation of their identities; their families; and their society. How did these spiritual leaders negotiate the challenges of marriage and childbearing while travelling thousands of miles on religious journeys? Some even traveled during pregnancy; leaving small children at home to be cared for by their husbands or the Quaker community. Through their interweaving narratives we hear long-silenced; forgotten voices that deepen our understanding of the once thriving transatlantic Quaker culture that balanced mysticism with pragmatism; recognizing female as well as male spiritual leaders.Daughters of Light is an important contribution to the history of women and religion in early America.