"My faith grew strong, and I sent a letter (as I was ordered) to the Rev. Dignitary of the Cathedral of Exeter. I was assured, before I sent it, he would not answer it"
About this Quote
Joanna Southcott’s words convey a profound sense of conviction and divine guidance intertwined with the anticipation of human skepticism and institutional rigidity. Her statement that her faith “grew strong” before she sent the letter implies that she perceived her actions as inspired or supported by a higher power, possibly as a direct result of prayer or spiritual experience. This growing faith points to a transformation within herself, a spiritual awakening that emboldened her to act according to what she believed were divine instructions rather than merely personal ambition or social pressure.
She mentions that she “sent a letter (as I was ordered) to the Rev. Dignitary of the Cathedral of Exeter,” emphasizing the notion of obedience to a command that is not her own: the parenthetical, “as I was ordered,” suggests she felt compelled by a higher authority, either God or a guiding spiritual force. The act of sending a letter, specifically to a high-ranking church official, highlights Southcott’s desire for her revelations or concerns to be acknowledged at the highest ecclesiastical levels, challenging the established hierarchy to recognize what she saw as divinely mandated truth.
Her prior assurance that “he would not answer it” reflects both her understanding of the religious and social context of her time and a possibly prophetic insight. Southcott anticipates, perhaps sadly, the closed-mindedness and skepticism of the Church’s leadership, who, rooted in tradition and wary of challenges to their authority, would be unlikely to respond to a ‘visionary’ or self-proclaimed prophet outside of official channels. Yet, this expectation does not deter her; instead, the unlikelihood of a reply seems to further validate her sense of purpose. By fulfilling the divine instruction in spite of anticipated rejection, she demonstrates steadfastness, illustrating the courage of prophetic obedience in the face of spiritual isolation and institutional disregard. Her willingness to act without hope of human affirmation underscores the depth of her faith and her commitment to her calling.
About the Author