How Did Religion Influence The Lives Of Children In Puritan New England
Modern society is protected by governing bodies that have created rules and regulations such as labor laws, and human rights acts to protect its citizens. Life in Puritan New England more specifically the lives of children in Puritan New England differ greatly when compared to lives of children in today’s society. The lives and experiences of children in Puritan New England were heavily influenced by religion, focused on community, and a part of a very stringent society.
First lives of children in Puritan New England were greatly influenced by religion. Religion ruled several aspects of day to day life. Religion weighed heavily on the minds of children, as we read in a letter from Samuel Mather to his father he writes “Though I am Thus …show more content…
In Massachusetts court records form 1648 it was ruled that if any child who was at least sixteen years of age and of sufficient understanding, shall curse or smite their natural father or mother; he or they would be put to death: unless it could be proven that the parents have unchristianly negligent in their education (Massachusetts Court Records Source 4). If a son would not obey his father or mother he would be taken to the Magistrate where they would testify as to his wrong doings. They would also testify how their son would not obey even after he had been punished. If the court felt he was guilty of all the grievances listed by his parents he would be put to death. To ensure that parents were not being too lenient with their children or servants, or not fulfilling their duties in rearing their children properly each Common-wealth appointed Selectmen. These Selectmen would watch their neighbors closely to ensure that the people of the Common-wealth were not being treated inhumanly. They also made sure that these servants and children were learning the English language, Capital laws, and at least once a week principals of Religion (Massachusetts Court Records Source 4). It was said by Benjamin Wadsworth that children should not be left to themselves, to a loose end, to do as they please (Wadsworth Source 9). It was imperative especially in Puritan New England that children be raised to obey their Lord, their father and their mother. This message can be found in several of the sources in one form or
First lives of children in Puritan New England were greatly influenced by religion. Religion ruled several aspects of day to day life. Religion weighed heavily on the minds of children, as we read in a letter from Samuel Mather to his father he writes “Though I am Thus …show more content…
In Massachusetts court records form 1648 it was ruled that if any child who was at least sixteen years of age and of sufficient understanding, shall curse or smite their natural father or mother; he or they would be put to death: unless it could be proven that the parents have unchristianly negligent in their education (Massachusetts Court Records Source 4). If a son would not obey his father or mother he would be taken to the Magistrate where they would testify as to his wrong doings. They would also testify how their son would not obey even after he had been punished. If the court felt he was guilty of all the grievances listed by his parents he would be put to death. To ensure that parents were not being too lenient with their children or servants, or not fulfilling their duties in rearing their children properly each Common-wealth appointed Selectmen. These Selectmen would watch their neighbors closely to ensure that the people of the Common-wealth were not being treated inhumanly. They also made sure that these servants and children were learning the English language, Capital laws, and at least once a week principals of Religion (Massachusetts Court Records Source 4). It was said by Benjamin Wadsworth that children should not be left to themselves, to a loose end, to do as they please (Wadsworth Source 9). It was imperative especially in Puritan New England that children be raised to obey their Lord, their father and their mother. This message can be found in several of the sources in one form or