The notebook contains the manuscript sermons Parris preached before, during, and after the 1692-1693 witchcraft controversy. His sermons responded to contemporary controversies within the town, exemplified his preoccupation with the presence of hidden evil in the church, and contained frequent references to the struggle between the forces of Christ and Satan and his insistence upon the imminent invasion of "devils." See Larry Gragg, The Quest for security: the life of Samuel Parris, 1653-1720 (New York: Greenwood Press, 1990) for a detailed account of the circumstances surrounding the text of his sermons.
Book plate of Thomas Robbins on front paste down; number 2768, price 0.50. 1838. Inscribed on front paste down: The Gift of Mr. Noyes Parris (son of the author) to Ebenr. Parkman at the Rev. Mr. Swifts May 14, 1729. Inscribed on front fly leaf: This book was given to Jona Moore by his Father in Law the Rev. Mr. Ebr. Parkman of Westborough, & by the said Moore is now given to his daughter in law S[ ] Janna Parkman Barstow, Granddaughter of the said Rev. Ebenezer Parkman, witness Jona Moore May 4, 1812. Inscribed on verso of fly leaf: Presented by S.P. Barstow to Rev. Thomas Robbins by Mrs. Barstow of New York, Aug. 1838 .
Note
Title from cover.
Reproduction Note
Photocopy. High Wycomb, England ; Ann Arbor, Michigan : University Microfilms, [1998]
Location of Originals
original manuscript, Rev. Samuel Parris sermons Connecticut Historical Society; One Elizabeth Street, Hartford, CT 06105
Source of Acquisition
Purchased from University Microfilms, [1998]
Biographical or Historical Sketch
Samuel Parris was the minister in Salem Village [now Danvers], Massachusetts, during the witchcraft controversy. His preaching shaped the village's interpretation of the "afflictions." The son of a wealthy British merchant, Parris dropped out of Harvard College in 1673, failed at running an inherited Barbados plantation, and decided to seek a clerical position in 1685. After prolonged negotiations, he accepted a call to Salem Village in 1689. His six years there were marked by haggling over delinquent salaries, the provision of firewood, and the transfer of land to Parris for a parsonage.
