A Witch Trial At Mount Holly

A witch trial that occurred on October 12, 1730, and documented in a local paper on October 22, 1730 portrays the classic paranoia and senselessness that accompanies colonial superstition. The two accused, a man and a woman, are expected to be lighter than a Bible in order to be innocent. Their weight in comparison to the Bible is tested on both scales and in a sink or float test while tied to the book. Not only are these tests ridiculous - a full grown human will obviously weigh more than a Bible regardless of the involvement of witchcraft - but they lessen my respect for colonial America. I am not so much disappointed in the existence of this witch trial in general, because witch trials, however ridiculous, are a part of our country's history and I have come to accept and expect it in the New England colonies throughout this time period. I am disappointed, if in anything, in the let down of the event. If one is going to be ridiculously zealous, then at least go all the way. Make a bigger fuss and even more baseless assertions. Do not be civilized and allow the accused opportunities to appeal to the crowd with "If I am a Witch, it is more than I know"s and "The [other] Accused cursed me"s. And, for the love of God, absolutely do not reschedule the trial because there is belief that the clothes are interfering with the outcome: this is clearly the trickery of the Devil amongst you.