Summary

In “The Children of New Eden,” Caroline Thatcher, her new husband Philip, and her sister Emma leave Dedham with Karl Dietzen’s Children of New Eden congregation in 1696. They walk for weeks on end, searching for a settlement.

Caroline was taken by Karl as soon as she heard his teachings. She soon convinced Philip and Emma to attend his meetings, too. Karl promised his followers that on January 1, 1700, “they [would] all ascend” to heaven on a beam of light (223). Following Karl also meant Caroline could escape her parents’ arranged marriage for her.

The congregation finds a settlement. They stay for the next months. “By winter, Emma is engaged to Karl” (230). After they marry, Emma moves out of Caroline and Philip’s cabin. Caroline is initially grateful for the space. Now she and Philip can have...