As I read about Cotton Mather and the Salem witch trials it seems tragic how some of the people could accuse others for witchcraft possibly for their own gains. If those accused pleaded guilty they would live; however, all their land would be sequestered by the government. If they pleaded innocent and were found guilty, they were hung.
George Burroughs was also accused of witchcraft. He was known to lie and his son wasn't baptized. He denied being a witch and was accused. On the Gallows George Burroughs recited the Lords prayer. It was said that witches were unable to recite the Lord’s Prayer. Some of the people in the crowd wanted the execution to be stopped. Mather intervened saying that Burroughs had been convicted by a jury. (Even with such an act of innocence it was not enough to save his life.)
It seems if someone wanted power or land they could accuse you or a family member of being a witch.
Mather made me so angry I didn't know what to post. Hate and fear at it's finest!
ReplyDeleteI loved that it mentioned several times. After having a disagreement, or after having a falling out with another person, this person was accused of witchcraft. Oh my... You certainly would be on your best behavior and wouldn't want to upset anyone. If they wanted to buy your land for much less than what it was worth... HEAVEN FORBID... do not disagree. You will soon be on trial for WITCHERY. BOO!
ReplyDeleteSo now that you guys have read the Cotton Mather material, go read The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and tell me if you don't think Irving was poking fun at him through his character Ichabod. Having read the Cotton Mather excerpt I have a new view of the "Legend"- growing up I had always disliked Brom Bones and his arrogance, but maybe he was just not buying in to the "fear" Ichabod was spreading with his tales.
ReplyDeleteSad to say, but this mass hysteria still seems to happen with other issues besides witchcraft today. Once people are worked up about something it is hard to slow the tide.
ReplyDeleteIt seems as though ministers like this Mather guy used the subject of witchcraft as a scare tactic to make his flock stand up and pay attention. "You'd better watch out or your cows and kids will disappear at the hands of witches!" At that point it was chaos, and as some of you guys said, it was probably used as a scapegoat to place blame when someone had a minor disagreement with a neighbor. How sad. I guess I'll go take a ride on my broomstick with my buddy Harry Potter.
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