"If any come to my house to be instructed in the ways of God what rule have I to put them away? Do you think it not lawful for me to teach women and why do you call me to teach the court?"

Anne Hutchinson's quote is a powerful statement concerning the right to religious liberty and the obstacles of gender functions within the context of 17th-century Puritan society. Hutchinson, a prominent figure in early colonial America, became a noteworthy sign for religious dissent and the defend women's impact in theological discussions.

In this quote, Hutchinson is reacting to criticism and questioning surrounding her practice of hosting spiritual conferences in her home, where both men and women gathered to go over doctrinal problems. By stating, "If any come to my house to be instructed in the ways of God, what rule have I to put them away?" Hutchinson is asserting her right to share her religious insights and to invite anybody looking for spiritual guidance into her home. This challenges the dominating standards of her time, which largely limited spiritual teaching to ordained male ministers.

Hutchinson's question, "Do you think it not lawful for me to teach women?" straight confronts the gender biases fundamental in the society and religious governance of the time. Her rhetorical concern suggests that if it is legal and acceptable for her to inform females, there must be no issue in her conducting meetings. The last part, "and why do you call me to teach the court?" mean the paradox of being questioned or put on trial for her religious gatherings, while simultaneously being acknowledged for her knowledge and influence. This could be checked out as a critique of the court's inconsistency and the wider societal standards that enabled her voice to be taken seriously just in the context of resolving charges versus her.

In general, Hutchinson's statement is a bold defiance against the religious and gender restraints of her time. It highlights her function as an early supporter for religious liberty and females's rights, pushing back against societal standards that restricted both spiritual expedition and female agency. Her words resonate as an early require equality and challenge in a stiff, patriarchal structure.