On 31 December 1852, Nightingale reflected on the past year:
“The last day of the old year. I am so glad this year is over. Nevertheless it has not been wasted, I trust. I have remodelled my whole religious belief from beginning to end. I have learnt to know God. I have recast my social belief; have them both written for use, when my hour is come.”
The tangible result was a booklet entitled 'Begin. Dedication. To the Artizans of England'. Thus far, this booklet was never published. So, why publish it now?
First, anyone who wants to understand Nightingale's life and work cannot ignore her theology. For that reason alone, it is worthwhile to finally bring her first theological work, however small, to light.
Second, anyone who wants to understand Nightingale's theology cannot ignore 'To the Artizans of England' for, in this book, Nightingale lays the foundation for her theology.
And third, Nightingale outlines a conception of God’s moral government, which shows that she was far ahead of her time. It is therefore not inconceivable that many present-day readers will recognize more in Nightingale’s theology than they had anticipated.
