Member-only story

An Eighteenth Century Couple's Spiritual Journey in the Atlantic World: Elizabeth and John Darragh's Quaker Faith and the Transatlantic Revival

Pat Mitchell

·4.6k Followers· Follow

Published in Two Troubled Souls: An Eighteenth Century Couple S Spiritual Journey In The Atlantic World

5 min read · 2 weeks before

194 View Claps

48 Respond

Save

Listen

The Great Awakening, a period of religious revival that swept across the British North American colonies in the mid-18th century, had a profound impact on the lives of many people, including the Quaker couple Elizabeth and John Darragh. Elizabeth and John were devout Quakers who lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They were active in their local Quaker meeting and were well-known for their piety and generosity. In the 1730s, they experienced a profound spiritual awakening that led them to become traveling ministers, preaching the Quaker message throughout the Atlantic World.

Two Troubled Souls: An Eighteenth-Century Couple's Spiritual Journey in the Atlantic World

by Aaron Spencer Fogleman

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8042 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	324 pages

The Darraghs' spiritual journey is a fascinating and inspiring story that sheds light on the role of Quakerism in the Atlantic World. Their experiences also provide a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people who were caught up in the religious turmoil of the 18th century.

Elizabeth and John Darragh's Early Life

Elizabeth Darragh was born in Philadelphia in 1703 to a wealthy Quaker family. Her father, Samuel Carpenter, Jr., was a prominent Quaker merchant who served as mayor of Philadelphia. Elizabeth was raised in a devout Quaker home and was educated by private tutors. She was a bright and inquisitive child who enjoyed reading and learning. In her late teens, Elizabeth began to experience a deep spiritual awakening. She felt drawn to Quakerism and became an active member of her local meeting. She was soon recognized as a gifted speaker and minister, and she began to preach to other Quakers throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Portrait Of Elizabeth Darragh Two Troubled Souls: An Eighteenth Century Couple S Spiritual Journey In The Atlantic World

John Darragh was born in Donegal, Ireland, in 1701. He was raised in a Presbyterian family, but he converted to Quakerism in his early twenties. He emigrated to Philadelphia in 1728, where he met Elizabeth. They were married in 1730 and soon began to travel together as Quaker ministers.

Portrait Of John Darragh Two Troubled Souls: An Eighteenth Century Couple S Spiritual Journey In The Atlantic World — Portrait of John Darragh

The Great Awakening

The Great Awakening was a period of religious revival that swept across the British North American colonies in the mid-18th century. It was characterized by intense emotionalism and a focus on personal conversion. The Great Awakening had a profound impact on Quakerism, leading to a renewed interest in the faith and a surge in new converts. Elizabeth and John Darragh were among those who were deeply affected by the Great Awakening. They traveled throughout the Atlantic World, preaching the Quaker message and encouraging people to experience a personal conversion to Christ.

The Darraghs' Spiritual Journey

The Darraghs' spiritual journey was a complex and evolving process. They were both devout Quakers, but they also embraced some of the more emotional aspects of the Great Awakening. They believed that personal conversion was essential for salvation, and they urged others to seek a direct experience of God. The Darraghs' preaching was often met with resistance, but they persevered, traveling tirelessly to spread their message.

In 1754, the Darraghs traveled to England, where they met with John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. Wesley was impressed by the Darraghs' zeal and dedication, and he encouraged them to continue their work. The Darraghs returned to America and continued to preach the Quaker message, but they also incorporated some of Wesley's ideas into their own teachings.

The Darraghs' Legacy

Elizabeth and John Darragh were two of the most influential Quaker ministers of the 18th century. Their preaching helped to spread the Quaker message throughout the Atlantic World, and they played a key role in the growth of Quakerism in the United States. The Darraghs' legacy continues to this day, as their writings and teachings continue to inspire people around the world.

Elizabeth and John Darragh's spiritual journey is a fascinating story of faith, perseverance, and service. They were two ordinary people who lived extraordinary lives, and their story is a reminder that even the smallest of us can make a difference in the world.

Two Troubled Souls: An Eighteenth-Century Couple's Spiritual Journey in the Atlantic World

by Aaron Spencer Fogleman

5 out of 5