Page "Cotton Mather" Paragraph 33

Generally, Puritan pastors favored the inoculation experiments.

Puritan theology, with God as Creator and the laws of nature as God's " second causes " encouraged such experimentation.

Therefore, while God's authority was absolute, God was also authoritative over the laws of nature which were God's " other book.

" However, and Williams questioned whether the smallpox " is not one of the strange works of God ; and whether inoculation of it be not a fighting with the most High.

" He also asked his readers if the smallpox epidemic may have been given to them by God as " punishment for sin ," and warned that attempting to shield themselves from God's fury ( via inoculation ), would only serve to " provoke him more.

" The Puritans found meaning in affliction, and they did not yet know why God was showing them disfavor through smallpox.

Not to address their errant ways before attempting a cure could set them back in their " errand.