The Social Structure Of Early Massachusetts (February 1958 | Volume: 9, Issue: 2)

The Social Structure Of Early Massachusetts

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Authors: Gilman M. Ostrander

Historic Era:

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February 1958 | Volume 9, Issue 2

Text Complexity Grade Level

9
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Settlers of Massachusetts Were of two sets: Those by Grace of God elected; Those rejected. One good way to tell the sainted From the tainted Was that those whose prayers were heeded Had succeeded. As a rule it therefore followed That the hallowed Were the favored upper classes, Not the masses. Quite a number of the lowly Acted holy, Hoping they had been elected Unsuspected. Others reasoned, after learning Hell-fire burning Was to be their fate forever, —Now or never. They were common people which is Why so many turned out witches.