Today in Salem: The cobblestones are warm underfoot as the Reverend Cotton Mather walks to his office in the early morning heat. In his pocket, he’s folded and tucked a letter from the Governor’s council, and now he composes an answer as he’s walking.
The letter he’s received is short but clear: What advice can he offer about the witchcraft trials? Five more witches will be hanged next week, and one of them is a minister. The council is uneasy, more than ever. How should the Governor proceed?
Mather gives an exasperated huff as he walks. His opinions haven’t changed, and he’s already expressed them clearly, or so he’d thought. Fine. He will write a letter that’s simple enough for a child to understand.
- The Devil can impersonate anyone, even the Governor himself. (Therefore, do not use spectral evidence alone to prove someone’s guilt.)
- The Devil doesn’t need permission to impersonate someone. (Therefore, believe people who say they didn’t know about their specter.)
- An accused person can be victimized by the Devil, just like an afflicted person can be. (Therefore, do not use the touch test in court, since the Devil can control both parties.)
- For those who are found guilty, consider exile rather than execution. (He himself would
- accept this punishment if his specter was seen.)
He pushes the quill in frustration and winces when the ink splotches. None of this is different from what he’s already said, in person and in writing. Why are they asking again?