Cotton Mather (1663 - 1728)
by James P.
Background
Born on Feb 12, 1663 into a family of renown New England Puritan minister. He went to school in Harvord at the age of 12 and felt his calling to the clergy at the age of 18.
He was delayed in his pursuit for his "calling" but stood back up and reached his dream.
Salem Witch Trials
Cotton Mather and his fellow New Englanders believed that God directly intervened in the establishment of the colonies and that the New World was Devil's territory. Cotton's account on the Salem Witch Trials enforced the perspective of the New Englanders on the idea that they are the "chosen" generation of men. The witch trials offered a window into the anxieties and social tensions that accompainied New England's increasing intergration into the Atlantic economy. Cotton Mather was a Puritan minister in Boston, Massachusetts during the Colonial era. Mahter was an adviser to judges during the Salem Witch Trials. Through his writing on witch craft, it resulted in the Salem Witch Trials.
Quotes
"If in the midst of the many Dissatisfaction among us, the publication of these Trials may promote such a pious Thankfulness unto God, for Justice being so far executed among us, I shall Re-joyce that God is Glorified..."