Cotton Mather
'Useful Remarks' recounts the execution of twenty-six pirates in Newport, Rhode Island, on July 19, 1723, through the lens of a sermon delivered by the prominent Puritan minister, Cotton Mather. This essay delves into the lives, speeches, letters, and actions of these condemned men, offering a stark moral lesson on the consequences of wickedness. Mather’s work provides a fascinating glimpse into the religious and ethical perspectives of early 18th-century colonial America. The sermon reflects the Puritanical emphasis on divine justice and the importance of repentance in the face of sin. Beyond its theological dimensions, 'Useful Remarks' also serves as a historical document, shedding light on the social and cultural attitudes toward piracy during this era. It remains a valuable resource for understanding the intersection of religion, law, and society in early America.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
