Hannah More (1745-1833) was born near Bristol, England. She was educated at a school run by her older sisters. She began writing at an early age and by the time she was in her mid-thirties she had published a number of dramas and works of religious fiction. She began writing tracts during the time of the French Revolution, primarily to promote the Christian faith against the agnostic philosophies that were becoming influential. Her tracts were tremendously popular and led to the creation of the Religious Tract Society. Her social views, particularly regarding the plight of poor women and children and the evils of slavery, were influenced by preachers and reform advocates like William Wilberforce and John Newton. She used her wealth to establish schools, press the government for social improvements and set up relief agencies. Her books, poems, and tracts were very popular and her social activism helped improve the lives of the helpless and oppressed.
England
Anselm
Anselm (1033-1109) was born in northern Italy. Anselm moved to England after the death of his mother. He entered a monastery and later became archbishop of Canterbury. His refusal to give the king authority over the church led to his banishment. During this time he wrote Why God Man where he stated that only the death of Christ could cancel the debt of sin. This was in opposition to the common belief at that time that Christ’s death was a ransom paid to Satan. He wrote many other scholarly and devotional works during his lifetime. He wouldn’t allow others, regardless of their authority, to sway him from the truth or from his convictions.