Final answer:
The phrase 'vexed with unclean spirits' refers to suffering from physical or mental ailments, historically believed to involve evil forces or divine displeasure. The provided historical excerpts demonstrate beliefs and reactions to diseases, like plagues, which were often seen as signs of God's displeasure, leading to various societal responses such as persecution of marginalized groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
The multitudes brought sick folks and them which were vexed with unclean spirits. This phrase often refers to physical or mental suffering caused by an evil influence, typically in a biblical or historical setting. In historical contexts, such afflictions were sometimes believed to be a manifestation of divine displeasure or the result of evil forces. Actions such as caring for the sick and afflicted were seen as ways to restore order and seek divine favor.
Throughout history, particularly in the late medieval Christian Europe, diseases like plagues were often interpreted as signs of God's displeasure. People sought to find ways to appease what they believed to be divine judgement by building churches, venerating saints, or unfortunately, persecuting marginalized groups such as the Jewish community, falsely accusing them of causing such plagues.
In the excerpts provided, suffering and disease are ubiquitous themes, and many of the passages depict historical reactions to widespread sickness. These range from the hopeful recovery witnessed by the Pilgrims, to the darker aspects of persecution during times of plague. All illustrate the human endeavor to understand and cope with devastating illnesses.
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