Meaning: The quote "Will it please you to answer me this and to give me a rule for then I will willingly submit to any truth" is attributed to Anne Hutchinson, a prominent figure in early American history and a key figure in the development of religious freedom in the American colonies.

Anne Hutchinson was born in England in 1591 and later immigrated to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1634 with her husband and children. She quickly became known for her strong religious beliefs and her outspoken and charismatic nature. Hutchinson held religious meetings in her home, where she discussed sermons and held her own interpretations of religious teachings. She gained a significant following, which led to her being seen as a threat to the established religious and political authorities of the time.

The quote reflects Hutchinson's unwavering commitment to seeking truth and understanding in matters of faith and doctrine. It captures her willingness to engage in open dialogue and debate in her pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Throughout her life, Hutchinson challenged the traditional views and practices of the Puritan Church, particularly with regard to the role of women in religious leadership and the idea of predestination.

Hutchinson's beliefs and teachings ultimately brought her into conflict with the Puritan leaders of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, particularly Governor John Winthrop. In 1637, she was put on trial for heresy and sedition, facing charges of undermining the authority of the clergy and promoting dissent. During her trial, Hutchinson eloquently defended her religious beliefs, asserting her right to communicate directly with God and challenging the authority of the male-dominated clergy.

The quote can be interpreted as a plea for a fair and reasoned response to her theological inquiries, as well as a demonstration of her commitment to embracing truth in all its forms. Hutchinson's insistence on receiving a rule or guideline for her beliefs and actions reflects her desire for clarity and understanding, as well as her willingness to submit to the truth once it was established. This sentiment encapsulates her unwavering dedication to her faith and her fearless pursuit of religious freedom and autonomy.

Although Hutchinson was ultimately banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony and excommunicated from the Puritan Church, her legacy as a champion of religious freedom and individual expression has endured. Her courageous stand against the religious and political authorities of her time paved the way for greater religious tolerance and freedom in the American colonies and contributed to the development of the principles of religious liberty enshrined in the United States Constitution.

In conclusion, Anne Hutchinson's quote serves as a powerful expression of her unwavering commitment to seeking truth and understanding in matters of faith and doctrine. It reflects her willingness to engage in open dialogue and debate in her pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and her courageous defiance of the religious and political authorities of her time. Hutchinson's enduring legacy as a champion of religious freedom and individual expression continues to inspire those who value the principles of religious tolerance and autonomy.