East Anglia - The role of John Gaule

Question 1

What book did Gaule write?

Answer 1

‘Select Cases of Conscience touching Witches and Witchcrafts’ 1646

Question 2

What were his three criticisms of Hopkins?

Answer 2

-He affirmed his belief in witches but questioned the methods of Hopkins and Stearne
-He pleaded for common sense following an accusation, stressing that witchfinding should be carried out in a meticulous way
-Alleged that the craze for witchfinding was becoming idolatrous, complaining that people in East Anglia were praising witchfinders more than they praised God, Christ and the Bible

Question 3

Analysis: To what extent are Gaule’s objections religious rather than scientific or economic?

Answer 3

Gaule’s concerns are centred around religion as he does not deny the existence of witches but believes other methods should be used and claimed that he didn’t agree with how it was compared to religion