Aresult of the declining role of religion in puritan society during the late 1600s was the. a- frame of government.. b- trial of peter zenger.. c- salem witch trials.. d- policy of salutary neglect.

C. Salem Witch Trials

 The Puritans believed that the Devil was as real as God and that those members of society who were the weakest at upholding Puritan values and morals, specifically women and children, would be selected to carry out his work. Witches were believed to do just this, and therefore were deemed punishable under Puritan Law (“Salem Witch Trials”). The accused women mentioned above had failed to uphold the community values, and were therefore easy targets for the Devil and witchcraft.