Mather, Cotton

Ms., 1663-1728. Son of I. Mather, infra. A famous Congregational clergyman of Boston, pastor of the North Church, 1683-1728, and his father’s colleague for the greater part of that period. He was a prolific author, publishing nearly four hundred works, large and small, but it is upon the Magnalia Christ i American a that his reputation rests. Among other works are Wonders of the Invisible World; Christian Philosopher; Psalterium Americanum; Manductio ad Ministerium; Memorable Providences Relating to Witchcraft; E ays to Do Good; The Armour of Christianity; Batteries Upon the Kingdom of the Devil; Death made Easie and Happy. His style is disfigured by pedantry and strained analogies, and is at all times far removed from simplicity, but the author is neverthele easily seen to be intensely in earnest in his endeavours to be of service to his generation. See Lives by S. Mather, 1729, W. B. O. Peabody, A. P. Marvin, 1889, B. Wendell, 1892; North American Review, July, 1840, April, 1869; Tyler’s American Literature; Pond’s The Mather Family; Old Colony Days, by Mrs. May Alden Ward.