Selected Spiritual Writings of Anne Dutton: Eighteenth Century, British Baptist, Woman Theologian: Letters, vol. 1.

Selected Spiritual Writings of Anne Dutton: Eighteenth Century, British Baptist, Woman Theologian. VoL 1: Letters. Compiled and with Introduction by Joann Ford Watson. Macon, GA: Mercer University Press, 2003. 408 pp.

Any contribution that brings the life and thought of a woman out of the shadows of historical obscurity is a valuable contribution. And to exhibit the literary legacy of an eighteent-century female theologian through primary source material is a gift indeed! Much still remains to be learned about the influence of women in religious history, and this volume offers through Anne Dutton's letters a myriad of windows through which to glimpse what was happening in eighteenth century England and particularly what theological issues were being debated. Although reading a letter is somewhat like listening to only half of a telephone conversation, much insight can still be gleaned, especially if the other half of the conversation can be found in other collections of letters. And Dutton was not on the sidelines of the religious conversations of the day. These letters demonstrate that she was an informed and articulate theologian who was in the thick of the debate.

Anne Dutton was an English woman who became known on both sides of the Atlantic for her letters, tracts, poems, and hymns. This volume of her letters includes correspondence with such historic figures as George Whitefield and John Wesley. Dutton agreed with Whitefield's Calvinist theology, and the biographical introduction seems to imply that they became friends. Whitefield even helped to promote and publish her writings. The disappointment in light of this revelation is that there is only one letter to Whitefield available for this volume. Dutton vehemently disagreed with Wesley's Armenian views and told him so in no uncertain terms. This volume includes several letters to Wesley, and they are fascinating to read. Dutton's keen intellect and passion for scripture is readily evident in these letters, and one cannot help but be inspired by her persuasive writing skills whatever his or her personal theological views on the subject.

This volume includes a useful, though somewhat stilted, biographical introduction with annotated footnotes and many direct quotes. It does not fulfill the need for an engaging, free-flowing narrative of Dutton's life, but it does set the stage adequately for the reader to appreciate the context of the letters. The first eighty-five pages contain the letters to Whitefield and Wesley. Next, letters to friends and relatives on spiritual subjects are included. Mercer has given us a valuable primary resource for anyone interested in women's studies, Baptist history, eighteenth-century historical theology, or John Wesley and George Whitefield.--Reviewed by Deirdre LaNoue, adjunct professor and author, Irving, Texas.