Exploring American Histories: Printed Page 127
Interpret the Evidence
How do these documents reflect debates over emotionalism and intellectualism in religious life?
What are Tennent’s accusations against Old Light ministers in his sermon “The Danger of an Unconverted Ministry” (Document 4.7)?
What aspects of the Great Awakening did Old Light ministers find threatening?
How do Chauncy’s letter (Document 4.9) and the engraving of Dr. Squintum (Document 4.10) criticize Whitefield? How are his followers portrayed?
Why did James Davenport (Document 4.8) encourage his followers to burn religious books by traditional ministers like Chauncy, and how did the Boston newspaper respond to the resulting bonfires?
Put It in Context
How do these documents help explain the appeal of the Great Awakening to American colonists, particularly non-elites? What legacies—ideas or practices—remained after the revivals ended?