Increase Mather

Increase Mather was a prominent Puritan minister and author in Massachusetts Bay Colony, known for his influential writings and role in shaping the Congregationalist church. He was the son of Richard Mather and Katherine Holt, and the father of Cotton Mather, who would also become a notable Puritan minister. Increase Mather's life and work were closely tied to the Harvard University community, where he served as a fellow and later as the president of the institution. His writings and teachings were widely respected by his contemporaries, including John Winthrop and John Cotton.

● Early Life and Education

Increase Mather was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts, to a family of Puritan ministers, including his father Richard Mather and his grandfather John Cotton. He attended Boston Latin School and later enrolled in Harvard University, where he graduated in 1656 and went on to earn his master's degree in 1658. During his time at Harvard University, Mather was influenced by the teachings of John Norton and Jonathan Mitchell, who were both prominent Puritan ministers and scholars. Mather's education also included studies at Trinity College, Dublin, where he was exposed to the works of William Perkins and William Ames.

● Career

Increase Mather's career as a minister began in 1661, when he was ordained as the pastor of the North Church in Boston, Massachusetts. He served in this position for over 60 years, during which time he became a respected leader in the Congregationalist church and a prominent figure in Massachusetts Bay Colony. Mather's ministry was marked by his involvement in various Puritan organizations, including the Cambridge Synod and the Boston Association of Ministers. He was also a fellow of Harvard University and served as the institution's president from 1681 to 1684, succeeding John Rogers and preceding John Leverett. During his presidency, Mather worked closely with other notable figures, including Samuel Sewall and Joshua Moody.

● Writings and Publications

Increase Mather was a prolific author, and his writings covered a range of topics, including theology, history, and science. Some of his notable works include Remarkable Providences, Illustrative of the Earlier Days of American Colonisation and A Brief History of the Warr with the Indians in New-England. Mather's writings were widely read and respected by his contemporaries, including John Eliot and Samuel Danforth. He was also a strong advocate for the importance of education and the role of Harvard University in promoting learning and scholarship. Mather's writings often referenced the works of other notable authors, including John Calvin and William Perkins.

● Role

in the Salem Witch Trials Increase Mather played a significant role in the Salem witch trials, although his involvement was complex and multifaceted. In his book Memorable Providences, Relating to Witchcrafts and Possessions, Mather argued that witchcraft was a real and present danger, but he also cautioned against the use of spectral evidence in trials. Mather's son, Cotton Mather, was also involved in the trials, and his writings on the subject were widely read and influential. However, Increase Mather's own views on the trials were more nuanced, and he later expressed regret over the executions of the accused witches. Other notable figures, including William Stoughton and Samuel Sewall, also played important roles in the trials.

● Personal Life and Legacy

Increase Mather was married to Maria Cotton, and the couple had several children, including Cotton Mather. Mather's personal life was marked by his strong commitment to his faith and his family, as well as his dedication to his work as a minister and author. After his death in 1723, Mather's legacy as a prominent Puritan minister and author was cemented, and his writings continue to be studied by scholars today, including those at Harvard University and Yale University. Mather's influence can also be seen in the work of later authors, including Jonathan Edwards and Charles Chauncy. Category:American Puritans