Abstract
AbstractThis article considers a key motif for early modern religious writing – the saintly or morally exemplary child – as depicted in both the narratives of actual children's lives and in Defoe's The Family Instructor. Its function in Dissenters’ writing poses fundamental questions concerning the spiritual ‘usefulness’ of reading about others’ lives and the interrelationship between ‘religious’ writing and more imaginative or ‘literary’ texts. The question of authenticity in depictions of children's piety, and the profiles of influential and prolific Dissenting ministers who deploy the saintly child motif, including James Janeway and Thomas Brooks, are also considered.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.