Mary Forster (Quaker) facts for kids
Mary Forster (born around 1620, died 1687) was an English Quaker activist. Quakers are a Christian group known for their peaceful beliefs. Mary wrote an introduction for a book called Guide to the Blind in 1671. Her husband, Thomas Forster, who passed away in 1660, had written the book.
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Mary Forster: A Voice for Women
Mary Forster was a brave woman who spoke up for what she believed in. She wrote a special message called "To the Reader." This message went along with a petition (a formal request) that was sent to the Parliament of England on May 20, 1659.
Women Protest Unfair Taxes
More than 7,000 women signed this petition. They were against "Tithes," which were taxes collected by the church at that time. These taxes felt unfair to many people.
Why Women Spoke Out
It was very unusual for women to get involved in politics back then. Mary Forster explained that God sometimes uses "weak means" (like women speaking up) to achieve big things. She believed it was God's plan.
Supporting Other Quaker Women
Mary also wrote about Anne Whitehead in a book called Piety Promoted (1686). Anne Whitehead is thought to be the first woman to preach among the Quakers in 1655. Mary's writing helped share Anne's story.
Using Their Talents
Mary was one of five women who signed a document called A Living Testimony from... Our Faithful Women's Meeting (1685). In it, she wrote, "We are not to put our Candles under a Bushel, nor to hide our Talents in a Napkin." This means women should not hide their skills or wisdom. They should use their abilities, especially as "Mothers of Children" and "Antient Women in Our Families," to help their communities.
Women's Role in Change
Even though Mary was a strong voice, she still saw women's protests as helping the work of men. She believed women's actions, like protesting tithes, supported the efforts of the Quaker "Brethren" (the men in the Quaker community).
Fighting for Quaker Rights
In her writing Some Seasonable Considerations (1684), Mary Forster focused on a big problem: the ongoing unfair treatment of Quakers. Quakers often faced difficulties because of their beliefs.
Mary Forster's Later Life
We don't know much about Mary Forster's personal life beyond her activism. She passed away in 1687.
