Stop the Fire by Wetting the Match
There is one question pressing on the forefront of my mind: was it worth it? I pray for understanding and peace as I pack my things and ready my children to go to an unknown place. The only thing I know for sure is that I do not regret the weekly meetings I held to teach the women. I do not regret encouraging them to use their intellect. I do not regret spreading the Lord’s covenant of grace. I may be banished from Massachusetts, but the religious leaders cannot undo what has already been said.
My trial was simultaneously the high and low point of my ministry: I was called before the court for heresy, an abominable charge, for every word that had come out of my mouth was the truth. I cannot help their ignorance to these matters and the threat they felt from a woman; however, I made a stand. They called me before a judge and anticipated that I would crumble under the vicious attacks made by the religious leaders, but I did not, for my work is rooted in scripture, and I am not foolish. Their malicious attacks did not cause me to falter, for I anticipated this a long time ago. From my first sermon I knew the men holding power would feel threatened, so I have been building my courage ever since, and now my test has arrived. Like Job, I will stand tall for my virtues, and I will never falter. As a result of my fierce determination, the religious leaders at my trial were taken aback and even intimidated—this woman, this single woman is a threat. Her words are incendiary. Her words are dangerous.
These high and mighty leaders are so terrified by something they once claimed was intelligently inept, incapable of a true spiritual connection with God, unable to do anything more complex than cross-stitching—so they must know. They must know the truth, and therefore they will suppress it with every ounce of strength they possess. They portray themselves as superior and masterfully in charge, but I know better. I can smell their fear for the revolutions lying beneath my words. I may only be a spark, but the women are kindling, and a wildfire cannot be stopped. Our entire social framework will crumble, and we will descend into anarchy. We must send her away. Anne Hutchinson must be stopped.