the "bible" of secular courts holding witch trials (Trevor-Roper, 1969, p. 24)The large-scale European extermination of individuals charged with Witchcraft or other heresies reached its apogee between 1550 and 1650 these years are what have popularly become known as "the Burning Times". Most victims of the Burning Times seem to have been: midwives, native healers, single women who lived alone, and/or who owned property, people against whom neighbors had a grudge or practitioners of ancient pagan rituals. Other victims often accused individuals, usually while under torture. Others accused may have also simply been people who were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Women bore the brunt of these accusations because they were though to be morally weaker than men and driven by carnal lust. Weak morals and lusty appetites made them more susceptible to being bent by the Devils will (Levack, 1987, p.126).During the Burning Times, many books were written both arguing for and against the widespread witch trials. Many of those who spoke out against the trials were accused and condemned a Witches or witch sympathizers themselves. Many wrote anonymously in order to evade suspicion. In 1684 The last accused Witch was executed in England, although executions throughout mainland Europe, North America, and South America continued until the mid 1800's.The witch-hunt over North America and Europe not only saw the death of millions of women but also served to set new standards for how women were treated in society. Women became marginalized members of society. A woman's place was in the home of her lord and master, be that her husband or father. A woman's function and role in life was to be the vessel for her husband's sons and the "keeper of his castle". She was bound to love, honor, and obey her husband in all things until the day she died. If a woman chose not to conform to the roles of wife, mother, or daughter she was considered a harlot and brand...
