spring of 1690

In the spring of 1690, for example, Salem merchant and militia recruiter Bartholomew Gedney found the village farmers reluctant to leave their fields to go fight Indians, but he did persuade some "stout young men" to take up arms. A much greater loss to the village was the occasional death of some of these young men, as in the summer of 1691 when four died in the fighting. Persistent rumors (one as recent as fall 1691) that French soldiers or Indians had been seen in the vicinity kept the villagers on edge. Weather problems added to the unease in this village, which was so dependent on agriculture. In the summer of 1691, the region suffered through a serious drought, only to be followed by damaging floods in February and March 1692. Whether you collaborate with educated professional writer, it does not ensure excellent outcome.

Despite the bleak prospects for their collective situation, Parris told his congregation not "to be offended at the present low condition of the church in the midst of its enemies." He promised ultimate vindication for the "elect. " They, and he, would overcome the challenges facing them and emerge triumphant because God was with them. "The Church may meet with storms," he explained on February 14, "but it shall never sink. For Christ sits not idle in the Heavens, but takes most faithful care of his little ship (the Church) bound for the port of Heaven, laden with many precious gems & jewels, a treasure purchased by his own inestimable blood."