The colony they founded was a strict society. For example, you couldn't kiss your own child on Sabbath or fasting day. There were other strict policies such as the restriction of instruments; in some villages you could only play the Trumpet, Irish Drum or the Jews Harp. In some villages you couldn't play or dance to an instrument at all. Other oddities occurred like no playing on the Sabbath or Fasting day and if you whispered, talked or played during the sermon (which is a long period of preaching time) you were to be hit on the head with the tithing man's staff, which had a knob at one end and a squirrel's tail at the other. Sometimes even whips were allowed in churches if the boys where to misbehave to much. Both these punishments brought pain and tears. Isn't the Lords day (Every day) supposed to be cheerful and relaxing?!?
Rigid rules and harsh discipline helped lay the foundation for various troubles in the settlement. Two people, Anne Hutcheson and Roger Williams were exiled for challenging the Governors. Roger Williams was put on trial in Salem and expelled from the colony. This was a blessing in disguise, soon after Roger founded Rhode Island which was a safe haven for those who where religiously persecuted. Many Quakers showed up there because they where being persecuted by Puritans, which I remind you ran away from persecution themselves.
Another ironic occurrence was the Salem which trials, twenty four people where accused of being a witch. Nineteen were put to death plus two dogs who were accused of being bewitched. It all started with two girls acting out in rebellion, this caused a stir in the community. These girls where always whispering but that wasn't all, their caretaker Tituba was a native from the Caribbean Islands, it was not uncommon in this area for people to dabble with witchcraft. After reviewing the incident, in hind sight the parents should have used discernment to handle the situation. they needed to look at a possible compromise regarding strict rules on the behavior of children, discipline the girls in a loving manner and remove the influence of Tituba. This may have stopped the murderous chain reaction that was unnecessary.
At this point, Puritans are looking pretty bad but one man that was a big part of the settlement had great intentions even though it failed to turn out that way. John Winthrop was a Puritan judge and he wanted the city to be ran by God which is the one and only right way, he wanted the city to be an example to the world. Some people felt the same. In fact, I agree with John Winthrop's 'City Upon A Hill' document. It is important for us to study history, to see the faults and successes and to learn from their mistakes. This lesson might save us from revisiting irony ourselves.
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| John Winthrop Photo by: Cliff1066 |
Good Bible Verses for Thought:
Ephesians 6:4
"Father's do not exasperate your children to anger, instead bring them up in the training of the Lord."
Proverbs 12:1
"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid."
Philippians 9:1
"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more in knowledge and depth of insight."
Mom's Note: I find this study interesting. I learned that when man tries to do the Holy Spirit's work, it ends in disaster and letting the Holy Spirit be the Head of the body seems to be a difficult task for Human's to allow.
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