Meaning:
The quote "But now having seen him which is invisible I fear not what man can do unto me." is attributed to Anne Hutchinson, a prominent figure in early American colonial history. Anne Hutchinson was a Puritan woman who played a significant role in the religious and social movements of the 17th century in New England. She was a key figure in the Antinomian Controversy, which was a theological and political crisis that shook the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
The quote reflects Hutchinson's strong religious convictions and her belief in the supremacy of divine protection over human actions. It encapsulates her unwavering faith and fearlessness in the face of persecution and opposition from the male-dominated religious and political authorities of her time.
Anne Hutchinson's life and legacy are closely tied to her religious beliefs and the challenges she faced as a result of her outspoken views. She was known for her unconventional ideas and interpretations of religious doctrine, which often put her at odds with the established Puritan hierarchy. Hutchinson held regular meetings in her home to discuss and debate religious teachings, attracting a following of both men and women who were drawn to her dynamic and persuasive leadership.
However, her growing influence and unorthodox views led to conflict with the Puritan leaders, including Governor John Winthrop, who saw her ideas as a threat to the religious and social order of the colony. Hutchinson's assertion of direct personal revelation from God and her criticism of the colony's ministers and their teachings caused a stir in the community and ultimately led to her trial for heresy and sedition.
In 1637, Anne Hutchinson was banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony and excommunicated from the Puritan church. She, along with her supporters, moved to Rhode Island and later to New Netherland (now the Bronx, New York), where she and several of her children were killed in an attack by Native Americans in 1643.
The quote reflects Hutchinson's unwavering faith and resolute spirit in the face of adversity. It suggests that her spiritual experiences and her intimate connection with the divine provided her with a sense of fearlessness and invincibility in the face of human threats and persecution. This sentiment captures her unyielding belief in the protective power of her faith and her personal relationship with God, which sustained her through the trials and tribulations she faced.
The quote also serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Anne Hutchinson as a symbol of religious dissent, individualism, and the struggle for religious freedom in early America. Her courage and resilience in the face of persecution continue to inspire and resonate with those who value freedom of thought and expression.
In conclusion, the quote "But now having seen him which is invisible I fear not what man can do unto me." embodies Anne Hutchinson's steadfast faith and indomitable spirit in the face of opposition and persecution. It reflects her unwavering belief in the protective power of her relationship with the divine and serves as a testament to her enduring legacy as a symbol of religious dissent and the struggle for religious freedom in early America.