Puritan Writing · English Literature

Which Puritan writer is known for his 'Diary,' which offers a rare look at daily life and his eventual repentance for his role in the Salem Witch Trials?

  1. Samuel Sewall, the Boston merchant-judge
  2. Michael Wigglesworth, poet of The Day of Doom
  3. John Cotton, the Boston minister
  4. Thomas Hooker, founder of Connecticut
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Correct answer: Samuel Sewall, the Boston merchant-judge

Samuel Sewall's diary is a key historical document. He is also notable for being the only Salem judge to publicly apologize for his role in the executions and for writing 'The Selling of Joseph', an early anti-slavery tract.

Difficulty: Medium Question 15 of 20

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