Elizabeth Bathurst (1655-1685)[1] was an English Quaker preacher and theologian, and the author of one of the few early systematic accounts of Quaker beliefs.
Elizabeth Bathurst | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1655 |
| Died | 1685 |
| Notable work | Truth's Vindication (1679) |
| Theological work | |
| Tradition or movement | Quakerism |
Life
Bathurst was born in London, the eldest child of Charles Bathurst.[2] She and her siblings became Quakers in 1678. Soon after her conversion to Quakerism, she interrupted worship at Samuel Annesley's Presbyterian chapel in London, speaking against the doctrine of reprobation.[3] Later, she undertook several preaching tours, and was imprisoned at least once in the Marshalsea prison.
Bathurst was recognised during her lifetime by the Quaker community as a gifted preacher.[1] George Whitehead, who discussed her major work with her before its publication, commented on her "excellent gift, both of understanding, life and utterance".[4] She has been described by historian Sarah Apetrei as "by far the most theologically sophisticated" of the numerous women leaders among early Quakers.[3]
According to her father's account of her life, Bathurst suffered "great weakness of body" from infancy.[4]
Writings
Bathurst's major work was Truth's Vindication: Or, A Gentle Stroke to Wipe Off The Foul Aspersions, False Accusations and Misrepresentations, Cast Upon the People of God, call'd Quakers (first published 1679).[4] It explains and defends the distinctive Quaker account of salvation, focusing in particular on the universal offer of salvation and the infallible guidance of the Holy Spirit.[5] Truth's Vindication was reprinted six times by Quaker publishers[6] - notably in a posthumous (1691) edition by Tace Sowle, as her first project after she took over her father's publishing firm.[2]
She also wrote The Sayings of Women... in several places of the Scriptures, presenting a theological defence of women's authority to preach and teach.[7]