As a result of the witchcraft hysteria begun in Salem Village, Massachusetts, in February 1692, a total of 19 people were executed for being witches. In addition, another accused individual was executed for refusing to submit to a trial, and several others died while in prison awaiting trial or execution. Accusations began from the home of Rev. Samuel Parris, who since November 19, 1689, was pastor of the Salem Village Church. Weeks prior to the witchcraft delusions, Parris had started a dispute with his congregation over his demand of receiving a stipulated 30 cords of wood per year. The reverend's 9-year-old daughter Elizabeth and 12-year-old nice Ann Putnam were the first to be "bewitched," and his Caribbean slave woman Tituba was one of the first to be accused and arrested.  After examinations by ministers and doctors of the strange behavior exhibited by the girls, it was determined that they were afflicted by witches.  Three women were subsequently accused of the capital crime of witchcraft. They were arrested, examined by the Salem Town magistrates and held in prison. Tituba confessed and accused the other women arrested with her. In 1695, the elders of Salem’s churches met to consider to role of Pastor Samuel Parris in the witchcraft hysteria.

The elders and messengers of the churches--met in council at Salem Village, April 3, 1695, to consider and determine what is to be done for the composure of the present unhappy differences in that place,--after solemn invocation of God in Christ for his direction, do unanimously declare and advise as followeth:--

I. We judge that, albeit in the late and the dark time of the confusions, wherein Satan had obtained a more than ordinary liberty to be sifting of this plantation, there were sundry unwarrantable and uncomfortable steps taken by Mr. Samuel Parris, the pastor of the Church in Salem Village, then under the hurrying distractions of amazing afflictions; yet the said Mr. Parris, by the good hand of God brought unto a better sense of things, hath so fully expressed it, that a Christian charity may and should receive satisfaction therewith.

II. Inasmuch as divers Christian brethren in the church of Salem Village have been offended at Mr. Parris for his conduct in the time of the difficulties and calamities which have distressed them, we now advise them charitably to accept the satisfaction which he hath tendered in his Christian acknowledgments of the errors therein committed; yea, to endeavor, as far as 'tis possible, the fullest reconciliation of their minds unto communion with him, in the whole exercise of his ministry, and with the rest of the church (Matt. vi. 12-14; Luke xvii. 3; James v. 16). . . .

V. Having observed that there is in Salem Village a spirit full of contentions and animosities, too sadly verifying the blemish which hath heretofore lain upon them, and that some complaints brought against Mr. Parris have been either causeless and groundless, or unduly aggravated, we do, in the name and fear of the Lord, solemnly warn them to consider, whether, if they continue to devour one another, it will not be bitterness in the latter end; and beware lest the Lord be provoked thereby utterly to deprive them of those which they should account their precious and pleasant things, and abandon them to all the desolations of a people that sin away the mercies of the gospel (James iii. 16; Gal. v. 15; 2 Sam ii. 26; Isa. v. 4, 5, 6; Matt. xxi. 43).

VI. If the distempers in Salem Village should be (which God forbid!) so incurable, that Mr. Parris, after all, find that he cannot, with any comfort and service, continue in his present station, his removal from thence will not expose him unto any hard character with us, nor, we hope, with the rest of the people of God among whom we live (Matt. x. 14; Acts xxii. 18).

All which advice we follow with our prayers that the God of peace would bruise Satan under our feet. Now, the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means.

Increase Mather, Moderator.

Joseph Bridgham.

Samuel Checkley.

William Torrey.

Joseph Boynton.

Richard Middlecot.

John Walley.

Jer: Dummer.

Nehemiah Jewet.

Ephraim Hunt.

Nathll. Williams.

Samuel Phillips.

James Allen.

Samuel Torrey.

Samuel Willard.

Edward Payson.

Cotton Mather.