Living with death and dying with God in the new world : the reflections of Samuel Sewall and William Byrd II : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

摘要

The diaries and other writings of William Byrd II of Virginia and Samuel Sewall of Massachusetts provide today's reader with much knowledge about late seventeenth century and early eighteenth century life in England's American colonies. In particular, this project examines how the lives and worldviews of these two men were affected by regional differences, with a focus on how life, death, medicine, disease and faith are reflected in their writings. First, brief biographies of both men are given, followed by an explanation of the cultural context and socio-economic position of each man. This introductory information is followed by an overview of medical practices of the colonial world, reflections from Byrd and Sewall on the subject, and their dietary and exercise practices. Next, after a summary of types of colonial medical practitioners, there are given personal anecdotes from both men on the subject, with special emphasis on folk medicine and the search for a panacea in the early-modern world. Following this, the reality of death in the lives of Byrd and Sewall, who both lost wives and children prematurely, is discussed. Finally, a look at both men's reflections on their own mortality, with emphasis on their reliance on religion, is offered. Ultimately, Byrd and Sewall's similar yet contrasting views on God and his role, both direct and indirect, in the bodies of humanity offers some insight into the differences in regional colonial cultures and the worldview of seventeenth and eighteenth century British colonial Americans.