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The following conversation takes place in July of 1637, a month before Anne Hutchinson was put into trial. John Winthrop, governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony, has called a conference to discuss Hutchinson’s teachings at the courthouse. Mr. Winthrop: I have called you here in this room today to discuss your troubled behavior and actions that have negatively influenced the commonwealth and the churches here. What you have done is not tolerable in the sight of God. Mrs. Hutchinson: Yes, you have called me here and I am here. But what have I done wrong, Mr. Governor? Mr. Winthrop: Please, I do not like to repeat myself. We both know very well what you have done here in Massachusetts Bay. Mrs. Hutchinson: I am living my freedom of religion in America that is all I know and, that is all I have done. I don’t suppose there is anything wrong with that? Mr. Winthrop: That is where you are definitely wrong. Freedom of religion does not consist of a married woman holding sermons in her own home. Preaching is a minister’s job and is not fitting for someone of your sex. You are a woman and you are only supposed to be maintaining your household for your husband. Mrs. Hutchinson: Yes, I am a woman and I know that very well. However, just because I am a woman you think I am my husband’s property, and my only right is to do what he tells me to. Is that right, Sir? Mr. Winthrop: Yes, I could not have said it better myself. Mrs. Hutchinson: Now how can my only right be to obey my husband when I have to care for my son’s knowledge in school, manage our life savings, and hand make most of the supplies we use at home. I have all the said responsibilities in the household and yet I get nothing in return. Now any person with common sense would see that as being very corrupt.
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