THE AGE OF FAITHTHE AGE OF FAITHTHE PURITANSTHE PURITANS

Advanced Composition & NovelAdvanced Composition & Novel

Mrs. LutesMrs. Lutes

Who Were These Puritans?Who Were These Puritans? The Puritans were part of a large religious and social The Puritans were part of a large religious and social movement that began in England during the 1500s movement that began in England during the 1500s and lasted into the first half of the 1600s, when it and lasted into the first half of the 1600s, when it spread to America.spread to America.

PuritanPuritan is a broad term, referring to any of a number is a broad term, referring to any of a number of Protestant sects that sought to “purify” the of Protestant sects that sought to “purify” the established Church of England, which they had established Church of England, which they had perceived to be corrupt. They believed that too much perceived to be corrupt. They believed that too much power rested with the church hierarchy and that the power rested with the church hierarchy and that the people should have more involvement in church people should have more involvement in church matters. They wanted to return to the simple forms matters. They wanted to return to the simple forms of worship and church organization as described in the New of worship and church organization as described in the New

Testament. Ceremonies should, the Puritans believed, be simplified Testament. Ceremonies should, the Puritans believed, be simplified to stress Bible reading and individual prayer instead of church to stress Bible reading and individual prayer instead of church doctrine. They should not include priests’ fancy vestments, ornate doctrine. They should not include priests’ fancy vestments, ornate churches, incense, music, or elaborate rituals. They also believed churches, incense, music, or elaborate rituals. They also believed that achieving religious virtue came from self-examination and pure that achieving religious virtue came from self-examination and pure devotion.devotion.

Because they refused to conform to the state church’s beliefs and Because they refused to conform to the state church’s beliefs and practices, the Puritans were also called “Nonconformists” or practices, the Puritans were also called “Nonconformists” or “Dissenters.”“Dissenters.”

SeparatistsSeparatists Since the time of King Henry VIII (who reigned from 1509 to 1547), the English Since the time of King Henry VIII (who reigned from 1509 to 1547), the English

church had been virtually inseparable from the government; the Puritans thus church had been virtually inseparable from the government; the Puritans thus represented a threat to the political stability of the nation.represented a threat to the political stability of the nation.

““I will I will makemake them conform,” King James I had said of the Puritans in 1604, “or I them conform,” King James I had said of the Puritans in 1604, “or I will harry them out of the land.” As it turned out, it was in the end the Puritans will harry them out of the land.” As it turned out, it was in the end the Puritans who harried the royal family out of the land: forty-five years later, they who harried the royal family out of the land: forty-five years later, they beheaded James’s son Charles I and forced Charles II into exile in France.beheaded James’s son Charles I and forced Charles II into exile in France.

Even so, many Puritans suffered persecution. Some of them left England, at Even so, many Puritans suffered persecution. Some of them left England, at first for Holland. But fearing that they would eventually lose their identity as a first for Holland. But fearing that they would eventually lose their identity as a religious community living as strangers in a foreign land, a group of about a religious community living as strangers in a foreign land, a group of about a hundred Puritans set sail in 1620 for the New World and established their hundred Puritans set sail in 1620 for the New World and established their colony at Plymouth. There they hoped to realize their dream of building a new colony at Plymouth. There they hoped to realize their dream of building a new secular society patterned after God’s word. This group later became known as secular society patterned after God’s word. This group later became known as Separatists, as opposed to the Puritans who would establish the Massachusetts Separatists, as opposed to the Puritans who would establish the Massachusetts Bay Colony.Bay Colony.

The Separatists originally wanted to live in seclusion and so wanted to settle in The Separatists originally wanted to live in seclusion and so wanted to settle in a forbidding place so that only like-minded people would join them, people a forbidding place so that only like-minded people would join them, people willing to sacrifice everything in order to be able to practice their religion as willing to sacrifice everything in order to be able to practice their religion as they chose.they chose.

Non-SeparatistsNon-Separatists Like the Separatists of Plymouth, Non-Separatist Puritans left Europe for the freedom Like the Separatists of Plymouth, Non-Separatist Puritans left Europe for the freedom

to practice their religion. However, the Puritan leaders who guided settlers to the to practice their religion. However, the Puritan leaders who guided settlers to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1629 also believed that they had a chance to establish Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1629 also believed that they had a chance to establish an entirely new kind of society, based on religious principles, that would prepare the an entirely new kind of society, based on religious principles, that would prepare the way for the second coming of Christ and the end of the world.way for the second coming of Christ and the end of the world.

Unlike the separatists, who originally wanted to live in seclusion, the Puritans viewed Unlike the separatists, who originally wanted to live in seclusion, the Puritans viewed their journey as a very public experiment in theocracy (the government of a state by their journey as a very public experiment in theocracy (the government of a state by divine guidance).divine guidance).

The Puritan settlers envisioned their migration to America as an “errand into the The Puritan settlers envisioned their migration to America as an “errand into the wilderness.” They viewed the wilderness as dangerous and filled with savage peoples, wilderness.” They viewed the wilderness as dangerous and filled with savage peoples, but they believed it was their duty to clear the land and create a paradise, a Garden of but they believed it was their duty to clear the land and create a paradise, a Garden of Eden or a New Jerusalem. Like the Jews of the Old Testament, they were God’s chosen Eden or a New Jerusalem. Like the Jews of the Old Testament, they were God’s chosen people, they believed, whose duty was to prevail.people, they believed, whose duty was to prevail.

John Winthrop, governor of the colony, outlined the Puritan vision for America: John Winthrop, governor of the colony, outlined the Puritan vision for America: “the Lord will be “the Lord will be our God and delight to dwell among us, as his own people and will command a blessing upon us in our God and delight to dwell among us, as his own people and will command a blessing upon us in all our ways, so that we shall see much more of His wisdom, power, goodness, and truth than all our ways, so that we shall see much more of His wisdom, power, goodness, and truth than formerly we have been acquainted with, we shall find that the God of Israel is among us . . . [and] formerly we have been acquainted with, we shall find that the God of Israel is among us . . . [and] that men shall say of succeeding plantations [settlements]: the Lord make it like that of New that men shall say of succeeding plantations [settlements]: the Lord make it like that of New England: for we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill, the eyes of all people are England: for we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill, the eyes of all people are upon us. upon us.

Basic Puritan BeliefsBasic Puritan Beliefs Human beings exist for the glory of God.Human beings exist for the glory of God. All of human time is a progression toward the fulfillment of God’s design on All of human time is a progression toward the fulfillment of God’s design on earth. earth. The Bible is the sole expression of God’s will and one of the means by The Bible is the sole expression of God’s will and one of the means by which God reveals His purpose to humanity. which God reveals His purpose to humanity. They believed that God revealed His purpose for humanity also by Divine They believed that God revealed His purpose for humanity also by Divine Providence—the idea that God’s plan for the universe was by definition Providence—the idea that God’s plan for the universe was by definition good and that He directly intervenes in human affairs. Thus, no matter good and that He directly intervenes in human affairs. Thus, no matter what happened to an individual or community, it was the duty of a saint to what happened to an individual or community, it was the duty of a saint to find the good in it.find the good in it. Puritans also believed that God’s plan for the universe could be discerned in Puritans also believed that God’s plan for the universe could be discerned in His creation; that is, through the observation of nature, one could come to His creation; that is, through the observation of nature, one could come to understand God and His plan. understand God and His plan. God’s hand is present in every human event, no matter how insignificant.God’s hand is present in every human event, no matter how insignificant. God rewards the good and punishes the wicked.God rewards the good and punishes the wicked. They thought of themselves as soldiers in a war against Satan— the Arch-Enemy—They thought of themselves as soldiers in a war against Satan— the Arch-Enemy—

who planned to ruin the kingdom of God on Earth by sowing discord among those who planned to ruin the kingdom of God on Earth by sowing discord among those who professed to be Christians.who professed to be Christians.

Puritans also tended to engage in a kind of biblical interpretation called typology. Puritans also tended to engage in a kind of biblical interpretation called typology. Through typology, Puritan theologians and ministers would analyze a “type”– a Through typology, Puritan theologians and ministers would analyze a “type”– a person, event, or concept from the Old Testament—as a foreshadowing of the New person, event, or concept from the Old Testament—as a foreshadowing of the New Testament “anti-type,” or the fulfillment of the promise of the type. For example, Testament “anti-type,” or the fulfillment of the promise of the type. For example, one could interpret the story of Jonah’s three days in the belly of a whale as a type of one could interpret the story of Jonah’s three days in the belly of a whale as a type of Christ’s three days in the grave. Thus, the story of Jonah prefigures Christ’s Christ’s three days in the grave. Thus, the story of Jonah prefigures Christ’s resurrection. This kind of interpretive strategy was later expanded to include using resurrection. This kind of interpretive strategy was later expanded to include using Old Testament events to forecast or explain current events, as when Puritan Old Testament events to forecast or explain current events, as when Puritan ministers interpreted their journeys to America as parallel to—or a type of—the ministers interpreted their journeys to America as parallel to—or a type of—the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt.exodus of the Israelites from Egypt.

Five Tenets Essential to Puritan BeliefFive Tenets Essential to Puritan Belief TTotal Depravity—the idea that humankind, as a result of the sin of Adam otal Depravity—the idea that humankind, as a result of the sin of Adam

and Eve, has been completely corrupted by sin.and Eve, has been completely corrupted by sin.

UUnconditional Election—also called Predestination—the idea that from the nconditional Election—also called Predestination—the idea that from the beginning of time God has decided which humans will be saved and which beginning of time God has decided which humans will be saved and which condemned to damnation. Those who will be saved were called the Elect condemned to damnation. Those who will be saved were called the Elect or the Saints. Nothing the individual did or can do will influence God’s or the Saints. Nothing the individual did or can do will influence God’s choice.choice.

LLimited Atonement—the idea that Christ’s death on the cross atoned only imited Atonement—the idea that Christ’s death on the cross atoned only for the Elect, not for all sinners.for the Elect, not for all sinners.

IIrresistible Grace—the idea that when God—in the person of the Holy Spiritrresistible Grace—the idea that when God—in the person of the Holy Spirit—calls to a member of the Elect, that person cannot resist the grace that is —calls to a member of the Elect, that person cannot resist the grace that is offered. Though the person may continue to sin, he or she will be offered. Though the person may continue to sin, he or she will be continually drawn by grace to a complete conversion.continually drawn by grace to a complete conversion.

PPerseverance of the Saints—the idea that those who are saved are saved erseverance of the Saints—the idea that those who are saved are saved forever and cannot be lost.forever and cannot be lost.

TULIPTULIP

Unconditional ElectionUnconditional Election

Puritans did not know who was saved and who was damned. Puritans did not know who was saved and who was damned. They did believe that you must have a conversion experience They did believe that you must have a conversion experience in order to be accepted by God. In this conversion experience in order to be accepted by God. In this conversion experience God would pour His grace into your heart, and you could God would pour His grace into your heart, and you could feelfeel this grace arriving in an intensely emotional fashion. Your this grace arriving in an intensely emotional fashion. Your outward behavior of godliness and righteousness would be outward behavior of godliness and righteousness would be continuing proof that you were a member of the Elect. People continuing proof that you were a member of the Elect. People hoping to be among the saved examined their inner lives hoping to be among the saved examined their inner lives closely for signs of grace, and they tried to behave in as closely for signs of grace, and they tried to behave in as exemplary a manner as possible. exemplary a manner as possible.

Puritans were always looking for signs, and since they believed Puritans were always looking for signs, and since they believed that God’s hand was present in every human event, that God’s hand was present in every human event, everything could emblemize something. Puritans read their everything could emblemize something. Puritans read their lives the way a lives the way a

literary critic reads a book, examining the significance of each literary critic reads a book, examining the significance of each event. Adrienne Rich observes that seventeenth-century event. Adrienne Rich observes that seventeenth-century Puritan life was perhaps “the most self-conscious ever lived”; Puritan life was perhaps “the most self-conscious ever lived”; that “faith underwent its hourly testing, the domestic that “faith underwent its hourly testing, the domestic mundanities were episodes in the drama; the piecemeal mundanities were episodes in the drama; the piecemeal thoughts of a woman stirring a pot, clues to her ‘justification’ thoughts of a woman stirring a pot, clues to her ‘justification’ in Christ.”in Christ.”

Byproducts of Puritan BeliefsByproducts of Puritan Beliefs

Puritans believed in living a virtuous, self-examined life.Puritans believed in living a virtuous, self-examined life.

Puritans came to value virtues of industriousness,Puritans came to value virtues of industriousness, temperance, sobriety, and simplicity.temperance, sobriety, and simplicity.

They felt that qualities that led to economic success They felt that qualities that led to economic success were virtuous.were virtuous.

Reading the Bible was a necessity, as was the ability to Reading the Bible was a necessity, as was the ability to understand closely reasoned theological debates.understand closely reasoned theological debates.

They put great emphasis on education in order to They put great emphasis on education in order to combat the influence of “ye ould deluder, Satan.” In fact, Harvard was founded in combat the influence of “ye ould deluder, Satan.” In fact, Harvard was founded in

1636 to train ministers.1636 to train ministers.

Since a covenant or contract existed between God and humanity, this should be Since a covenant or contract existed between God and humanity, this should be used as a model for social organization as well—people should enter freely into used as a model for social organization as well—people should enter freely into agreements concerning their marriages, creation of churches, formation of towns, agreements concerning their marriages, creation of churches, formation of towns, and establishment of governments.and establishment of governments.

FamilyFamily The family was the cornerstone of the society whereThe family was the cornerstone of the society where the closest scrutiny and continuous religiousthe closest scrutiny and continuous religious instruction occurred.instruction occurred. All the homes had a farm, and every member of the All the homes had a farm, and every member of the family who was able to work had chores to complete family who was able to work had chores to complete every day.every day. A hierarchy existed within a family so that all wouldA hierarchy existed within a family so that all would know their places, thus avoiding competition andknow their places, thus avoiding competition and arguments.arguments. The husband was at the head and represented the The husband was at the head and represented the family unit in all public and church affairs. Men family unit in all public and church affairs. Men caught food and did the planting. The husband also was responsible for caught food and did the planting. The husband also was responsible for

raising the children in a strict fashion that would suppress their naturally raising the children in a strict fashion that would suppress their naturally sinful instincts. sinful instincts.

The wife deferred to her husband and supervised the private household The wife deferred to her husband and supervised the private household affairs. She tended to the children, cooked and completed other chores affairs. She tended to the children, cooked and completed other chores such as making candles, clothes, and soap.such as making candles, clothes, and soap.

Children were expected to complete chores, attend church, and prepare Children were expected to complete chores, attend church, and prepare themselves for a battle with Satan through Biblical study. Therefore, themselves for a battle with Satan through Biblical study. Therefore, imaginative play was viewed as a distraction and a means for Satan to imaginative play was viewed as a distraction and a means for Satan to tempt youth. Displays of emotion were discouraged and disobedience was tempt youth. Displays of emotion were discouraged and disobedience was severely punished. Whereas girls typically fulfilled household severely punished. Whereas girls typically fulfilled household responsibilities, boys were allowed to hunt and explore the outdoors.responsibilities, boys were allowed to hunt and explore the outdoors.

If any stepped out of their prescribed roles, it was believed that they would If any stepped out of their prescribed roles, it was believed that they would be vulnerable to the temptations of Satan. be vulnerable to the temptations of Satan.

CommunityCommunity The townsfolk carefully monitored activities within The townsfolk carefully monitored activities within

the households to insure that the family the households to insure that the family maintained the harmony that characterized God’s maintained the harmony that characterized God’s original creation.original creation.

Every individual depended on one another because Every individual depended on one another because they held firm in their belief that as a unit they they held firm in their belief that as a unit they could survive, but alone in the wilderness, they could survive, but alone in the wilderness, they were doomed. If one person’s farm was were doomed. If one person’s farm was accidentally burned, the others would help rebuild accidentally burned, the others would help rebuild and recuperate what was lost.and recuperate what was lost.

Life was centered upon religion, and every Sunday Life was centered upon religion, and every Sunday the entire community would gather at the church the entire community would gather at the church for an entire day of worship.for an entire day of worship.

Social HierarchySocial Hierarchy Because Puritan life was interdependent, the most important thing Because Puritan life was interdependent, the most important thing

a Puritan could do was to remember his or her role as a member a Puritan could do was to remember his or her role as a member of the community. Puritan society was strict and anyone that of the community. Puritan society was strict and anyone that challenged the everyday norms or tried to think or act only for challenged the everyday norms or tried to think or act only for themselves or their own family could be subject to punishment. themselves or their own family could be subject to punishment.

There was a social hierarchy that was strictly respected in every There was a social hierarchy that was strictly respected in every community.community.

Most of the people who came to America to settle in the colonies Most of the people who came to America to settle in the colonies came as indentured servants, and these were the people who came as indentured servants, and these were the people who made up the majority of the society. They were to fulfill the term made up the majority of the society. They were to fulfill the term of their servitude before being set free to establish a home and of their servitude before being set free to establish a home and life for themselves. Because there was no stigma of shame life for themselves. Because there was no stigma of shame associated with indentured servitude, most had no problem associated with indentured servitude, most had no problem building homes and joining a community after being freed of their building homes and joining a community after being freed of their service. service.

The other part of the community was made up of free citizens, day The other part of the community was made up of free citizens, day

laborers, and day farmers—working class. They could voice their laborers, and day farmers—working class. They could voice their opinions, (in a non-threatening way, of course) and be active opinions, (in a non-threatening way, of course) and be active citizens of society. However, they would always have to keep in citizens of society. However, they would always have to keep in mind those who held a higher rank.mind those who held a higher rank.

Social Hierarchy (cont’d)Social Hierarchy (cont’d)

The upper class consisted of the rich, and The upper class consisted of the rich, and their presence was palpable. They their presence was palpable. They enjoyed political power and respect, and enjoyed political power and respect, and indulged in the fineries of beautiful clothes indulged in the fineries of beautiful clothes and other luxuries, while always staying and other luxuries, while always staying within the boundaries of Puritan codes. within the boundaries of Puritan codes. Because these aristocrats were the people Because these aristocrats were the people who made the laws and provided order, who made the laws and provided order, the middle and lower class citizens were the middle and lower class citizens were careful to ignore an aristocrat’s crime or careful to ignore an aristocrat’s crime or transgression. In this way, the aristocrats transgression. In this way, the aristocrats and clerics were held above the law.and clerics were held above the law.

Social Hierarchy (cont’d)Social Hierarchy (cont’d) Despite this rigid social ladder, women still had no official status in Despite this rigid social ladder, women still had no official status in

the society. Despite being seen as spiritually equal to men in the the society. Despite being seen as spiritually equal to men in the eyes of Puritan religious standards, women were subordinate to eyes of Puritan religious standards, women were subordinate to men in every way, and were expected to bow their heads to their men in every way, and were expected to bow their heads to their husbands and fathers. Women could not own property, unless husbands and fathers. Women could not own property, unless they were widows who had not remarried, and they had to keep they were widows who had not remarried, and they had to keep their arms and hair covered. Women were hard-working and their arms and hair covered. Women were hard-working and strong despite the fact that they were mostly viewed as property strong despite the fact that they were mostly viewed as property belonging to their husbands and gossips that constantly caused belonging to their husbands and gossips that constantly caused trouble. The weaker sex in this male-dominated society, women trouble. The weaker sex in this male-dominated society, women were also thought to be more susceptible to the temptation of the were also thought to be more susceptible to the temptation of the devil. However, there were some times when women had some devil. However, there were some times when women had some influence on the way society was run, especially when a group of influence on the way society was run, especially when a group of women gathered to express their concerns to their influential women gathered to express their concerns to their influential husbands.husbands.

Upper Class—judges, preachers, and the wealthyUpper Class—judges, preachers, and the wealthyMiddle Class—gentlemen, free citizens, and day Middle Class—gentlemen, free citizens, and day

laborerslaborersLower Class—indentured servants and vagabondsLower Class—indentured servants and vagabonds

ChurchChurch Churches were at the center of Puritan society. Believers Churches were at the center of Puritan society. Believers settled close together in towns so that they could attend settled close together in towns so that they could attend church at least twice a week and gather for prayers and church at least twice a week and gather for prayers and theological discussions in private homes. Living in close theological discussions in private homes. Living in close proximity also allowed them to scrutinize each other’s proximity also allowed them to scrutinize each other’s behavior and help everyone to lead the moral lives that behavior and help everyone to lead the moral lives that would please God.would please God.

Puritan churches were simple, plain, square buildings. Puritan churches were simple, plain, square buildings. There were no steeples, stained-glass windows, or There were no steeples, stained-glass windows, or ornaments of any kind. Worshippers sat on hard, wooden ornaments of any kind. Worshippers sat on hard, wooden benches facing the minister, who often stood on a raised benches facing the minister, who often stood on a raised platform. Pews were assigned by the family’s rank in platform. Pews were assigned by the family’s rank in society. The main feature of worship services was the sermon, which society. The main feature of worship services was the sermon, which

usually lasted about two hours.usually lasted about two hours.

Only those who had been saved and were members could take the Only those who had been saved and were members could take the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.

There were no formal religious holidays, not even Christmas or Easter. The There were no formal religious holidays, not even Christmas or Easter. The Puritans viewed these holidays as a whitewashing of heathen partying with Puritans viewed these holidays as a whitewashing of heathen partying with a Christian hue.a Christian hue.

GovernmentGovernment They believed that the sinful state of humanity They believed that the sinful state of humanity made governments necessary, and the foundation made governments necessary, and the foundation of all governmental laws was the inflexible law of of all governmental laws was the inflexible law of God. There was not even a written code of laws God. There was not even a written code of laws until 1641 because it was assumed that the Bible until 1641 because it was assumed that the Bible contained all the laws that were necessary. contained all the laws that were necessary.

All government was in the hands of the saints All government was in the hands of the saints because they alone could understand and follow because they alone could understand and follow God’s will.God’s will.

Church membership was required of all adult men who wished to vote and Church membership was required of all adult men who wished to vote and hold political office.hold political office.

Female saints were excluded because they had men to represent their Female saints were excluded because they had men to represent their families.families.

Decisions were made in town meetings, which adopted the consensus of the Decisions were made in town meetings, which adopted the consensus of the community, which they hoped was close to God’s will. Town meetings were community, which they hoped was close to God’s will. Town meetings were held in the church. Here, they made laws, established taxes, and assigned held in the church. Here, they made laws, established taxes, and assigned specific tasks to members of the community.specific tasks to members of the community.

The colony government was to pass laws to insure that all would walk in the The colony government was to pass laws to insure that all would walk in the path of righteousness and to punish those who strayed. If the government path of righteousness and to punish those who strayed. If the government failed to maintain proper standards, God would, they believed, punish the failed to maintain proper standards, God would, they believed, punish the whole society.whole society.

Crime and Punishment in Puritan SocietyCrime and Punishment in Puritan Society Because the American Puritan society was so new and fragile, certain Because the American Puritan society was so new and fragile, certain

social expectations were placed on all citizens. Any deviation from the social expectations were placed on all citizens. Any deviation from the newly established laws and codes was seen as a form of dissension against newly established laws and codes was seen as a form of dissension against the community as well as the rules set forth by God. In the eyes of the the community as well as the rules set forth by God. In the eyes of the magistrates who ruled the Puritan society, the tight-knit community they magistrates who ruled the Puritan society, the tight-knit community they had created could not afford to let things get out of control.had created could not afford to let things get out of control.

Those who committed crimes or were seen as dissenters were punished Those who committed crimes or were seen as dissenters were punished severely and publicly. Punishments centered mostly on public humiliation severely and publicly. Punishments centered mostly on public humiliation and the idea of vengeance. Most punishments were settled with an “eye and the idea of vengeance. Most punishments were settled with an “eye for an eye,” so if a person stole a loaf of bread, he might be for an eye,” so if a person stole a loaf of bread, he might be

branded with the letter branded with the letter TT for “thief” on his for “thief” on his hand. Most towns were required to have hand. Most towns were required to have branding irons as a basic form of branding irons as a basic form of punishment. Persons who were not given punishment. Persons who were not given the maximum punishment for their crime the maximum punishment for their crime might be forced to stand in front of the might be forced to stand in front of the community and confess their sins, or to community and confess their sins, or to wear a sign specifying their transgression, wear a sign specifying their transgression, as seen in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s as seen in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet LetterThe Scarlet Letter..

Crime and Punishment (continued)Crime and Punishment (continued) One of the most popular forms of punishment was to be One of the most popular forms of punishment was to be placed on the pillory, trapping the person in a large placed on the pillory, trapping the person in a large wooden stockade for a set number of hours. Often, the wooden stockade for a set number of hours. Often, the person would also have their ears nailed to the stockade person would also have their ears nailed to the stockade while people threw food, trash, and anything they could while people threw food, trash, and anything they could get their hands on at the prisoner. get their hands on at the prisoner.

But the Puritans also created far harsher punishments. But the Puritans also created far harsher punishments. A woman accused of being indecently dressed might be A woman accused of being indecently dressed might be stripped down to her waist and whipped until her back stripped down to her waist and whipped until her back dripped with blood. Others were dragged by their ankles dripped with blood. Others were dragged by their ankles all over town, pierced through the tongue, or maimed in all over town, pierced through the tongue, or maimed in some other way. some other way.

For women who gossiped, the two most likely For women who gossiped, the two most likely punishments were the ducking stool or the brank. The punishments were the ducking stool or the brank. The ducking stool was a chair attached at the end of two beams that could be ducking stool was a chair attached at the end of two beams that could be

extended over a river or pond so that the criminal could be dunked extended over a river or pond so that the criminal could be dunked repeatedly into the water. The brank was a cage that fit over the head, repeatedly into the water. The brank was a cage that fit over the head, holding the tongue by either clamping it or puncturing it so that the holding the tongue by either clamping it or puncturing it so that the accused gossip could not speak.accused gossip could not speak.

Crime and Punishment (cont’d)Crime and Punishment (cont’d)

There was only one way that a person could escape severe punishment—to There was only one way that a person could escape severe punishment—to declare “benefit of clergy,” which was originally started so that the declare “benefit of clergy,” which was originally started so that the clergymen might have an upper hand (since they were one of the few clergymen might have an upper hand (since they were one of the few groups that could read). “Benefit of clergy” simply meant that the accused groups that could read). “Benefit of clergy” simply meant that the accused would have to read a passage from the Bible, with no mistakes, in front of would have to read a passage from the Bible, with no mistakes, in front of the magistrates and congregation. However, because the Bible passage the magistrates and congregation. However, because the Bible passage was almost always the same, people started to memorize the passage and was almost always the same, people started to memorize the passage and hope that they knew it well enough to please the judges into reducing their hope that they knew it well enough to please the judges into reducing their sentence or pardoning them completely.sentence or pardoning them completely.

Crime and Punishment (continued)Crime and Punishment (continued) Far worse than the fear of any punishment, however, was the underlying fear Far worse than the fear of any punishment, however, was the underlying fear

that gripped the Puritans: the fear of the devil. that gripped the Puritans: the fear of the devil.

Because the society was so fragile and small, citizens were vulnerable and Because the society was so fragile and small, citizens were vulnerable and felt that they needed to take serious actions in order to defend themselves felt that they needed to take serious actions in order to defend themselves and keep their society “on the straight and narrow.” and keep their society “on the straight and narrow.”

Their survival rested heavily on the graciousness of God, and Puritans Their survival rested heavily on the graciousness of God, and Puritans believed that anything that could not be explained or solved with their believed that anything that could not be explained or solved with their commonly used tools and cures was certainly the work of the devil. A sick commonly used tools and cures was certainly the work of the devil. A sick child who could not be medically cured was said to have been seized by the child who could not be medically cured was said to have been seized by the devil. Dying crops were blamed on the devil. Unfortunate and circumstantial devil. Dying crops were blamed on the devil. Unfortunate and circumstantial problems or issues were believed to be God’s punishment or the devil at work problems or issues were believed to be God’s punishment or the devil at work in their community. in their community.

While some people tried to find other explanations and resolutions to While some people tried to find other explanations and resolutions to problems that could not be easily explained, they were often accused of problems that could not be easily explained, they were often accused of conspiring with the devil and ended up being accused and often convicted of conspiring with the devil and ended up being accused and often convicted of witchcraft, which was punishable by death. In Salem, the hysteria and fear of witchcraft, which was punishable by death. In Salem, the hysteria and fear of the devil became so out of hand that the Salem Witch Trials ensued and the devil became so out of hand that the Salem Witch Trials ensued and resulted in the deaths of many innocent people.resulted in the deaths of many innocent people.

Puritan LiteraturePuritan Literature Puritan literature was created as a means to record forms of revelation and Puritan literature was created as a means to record forms of revelation and

provide spiritual enlightenment, instruction, and self-examination.provide spiritual enlightenment, instruction, and self-examination. The types of literature handed down to us by our Puritan forbears are The types of literature handed down to us by our Puritan forbears are

sermons, history, personal journals, and devotional poetry.sermons, history, personal journals, and devotional poetry. Fiction, including drama, was regarded as trivial and corrupting.Fiction, including drama, was regarded as trivial and corrupting.

Plain StylePlain Style Puritan literature was written in plain style which was Puritan literature was written in plain style which was

characterized by its clarity, straightforwardness, simplicity, characterized by its clarity, straightforwardness, simplicity, accessibility, and lack of ornamentation. In early America, the accessibility, and lack of ornamentation. In early America, the plain style aesthetic had broad cultural relevance, shaping the plain style aesthetic had broad cultural relevance, shaping the language of prose and poetry, the design of furniture and language of prose and poetry, the design of furniture and architecture, painting, and other visual arts. Rejecting ornamental architecture, painting, and other visual arts. Rejecting ornamental flourishes and superfluous decoration as sinful vanity, plain stylists flourishes and superfluous decoration as sinful vanity, plain stylists worked to glorify God in their expressions rather than to show off worked to glorify God in their expressions rather than to show off their own artistry or claim any renown for themselves.their own artistry or claim any renown for themselves.

America Traces its Roots to PuritanismAmerica Traces its Roots to Puritanism Puritanism, to the extent that it focused on self-reliance, hard work, and Puritanism, to the extent that it focused on self-reliance, hard work, and

financial success, proved to be fertile ground for the growth of capitalism.financial success, proved to be fertile ground for the growth of capitalism.

When later romantic writers and transcendentalist philosophers, such as When later romantic writers and transcendentalist philosophers, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, began to advocate pantheism (the idea that Ralph Waldo Emerson, began to advocate pantheism (the idea that equates God with nature and natural forces), they were not far from their equates God with nature and natural forces), they were not far from their Puritan roots, although they did not recognize the link. Although Puritans Puritan roots, although they did not recognize the link. Although Puritans certainly were not Pantheists, both Puritans and Pantheists have the same certainly were not Pantheists, both Puritans and Pantheists have the same tendency to see the universe and all its creatures as symbolic.tendency to see the universe and all its creatures as symbolic.

Americans have, it seems, always regarded themselves much as their Americans have, it seems, always regarded themselves much as their Puritan forbears did, as a people with a special mission ordained by God. Puritan forbears did, as a people with a special mission ordained by God. The concept of Manifest Destiny, a phrase coined in 1845 by John L. The concept of Manifest Destiny, a phrase coined in 1845 by John L. O’Sullivan, for example, was used to justify and ennoble America’s O’Sullivan, for example, was used to justify and ennoble America’s westward expansion. Like the Puritans—who saw themselves not merely westward expansion. Like the Puritans—who saw themselves not merely as settlers in a new land but as chosen people destined to prepare the way as settlers in a new land but as chosen people destined to prepare the way for Christ’s second coming—Americans saw their westward move not as for Christ’s second coming—Americans saw their westward move not as land-grabbing or as a response to an exploding population but as part of land-grabbing or as a response to an exploding population but as part of God’s larger plan for the universe.God’s larger plan for the universe.

PartingParting ThoughtsThoughtsThe Puritans were not machines programmed The Puritans were not machines programmed

for worship and nothing else. Although for worship and nothing else. Although they cannot be separated from their they cannot be separated from their religion, neither can they be fully contained religion, neither can they be fully contained by it. They were complex and complete by it. They were complex and complete human beings who took great joy in their human beings who took great joy in their lives and relationships, while facing lives and relationships, while facing hardships difficult to imagine today. At its hardships difficult to imagine today. At its best, Puritan literature records not merely best, Puritan literature records not merely the moments when the physical and the the moments when the physical and the spiritual worlds cross but rather the spiritual worlds cross but rather the moments when they seem to diverge—moments when they seem to diverge—when love of things of this world threatens when love of things of this world threatens to push out love of eternity.to push out love of eternity.

““A Christian is sailing through this A Christian is sailing through this worldworld

unto his heavenly country. We must, unto his heavenly country. We must, therefore, be here as strangers and therefore, be here as strangers and Pilgrims, that we may plainly declare Pilgrims, that we may plainly declare

thatthatwe seek a city above.”we seek a city above.” Anne BradstreetAnne Bradstreet

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