... Church should consist of "visible saints", i.e., those persons able to prove that they were among God's elect. Five assumptions developed at the Synod of Dort bound the Puritans together. These assumptions included belief in unconditional election (grace), limited atonement, the total depravity of man, the irresistibility of grace, and final perseverance of the saints. The attitudes of the Massachusetts colonists originated from ... aspects of the behavior of the colony's citizens, punishing those who would curse, swear, commit adultery or practice witchcraft. Failure to attend assembli...

• Word Count: 1292
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate