Cotton Mather

Definition

Cotton Mather was a prominent New England Puritan minister, author, and pamphleteer who played a significant role in the early 18th century, particularly noted for his involvement in the Salem witch trials and his writings on theology and medicine. His works reflect the Puritan emphasis on moral responsibility, divine providence, and the need for community vigilance against sin, showcasing how these beliefs influenced colonial writing and the creation of religious texts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cotton Mather was born in 1663 in Boston, Massachusetts, into a prominent Puritan family, with his father also being a well-known minister.
2. He authored over 400 works, including 'Wonders of the Invisible World,' which defended the Salem witch trials and aimed to provide a theological rationale for the events.
3. Mather was also an early advocate for inoculation against smallpox, promoting medical practices that were controversial at the time but eventually accepted.
4. His writings often reflect a dual emphasis on faith and reason, seeking to reconcile scientific inquiry with Puritan beliefs.
5. Mather's influence waned after his death in 1728 as Enlightenment ideas began to take hold in New England, leading to a shift away from strict Puritan doctrines.

Review Questions

• How did Cotton Mather’s writings reflect Puritan theology and its influence on early American literature?
  • Cotton Mather’s writings encapsulated core Puritan theological concepts such as divine providence and moral accountability. His works often underscored the importance of community morality and vigilance against sin, which were central tenets of Puritan belief. By embedding these themes in his sermons and publications, Mather not only reinforced the prevailing religious sentiments but also shaped the literary landscape of early America through his articulate defense of these values.
• Discuss Cotton Mather's role in the Salem witch trials and how it impacted public perception of Puritanism.
  • Cotton Mather played a significant role during the Salem witch trials by publishing works that justified the proceedings, such as 'Wonders of the Invisible World.' His writings contributed to an environment where accusations were rampant and public fear prevailed. This involvement both highlighted the extremes of Puritanical fervor and ultimately led to a more skeptical view of Puritanism as a rigid system that could incite injustice and hysteria in communities.
• Evaluate Cotton Mather's contributions to both religion and medicine, considering how these aspects intersected during his lifetime.
  • Cotton Mather’s contributions significantly bridged the gap between religion and medicine during a time when both were deeply intertwined. His advocacy for smallpox inoculation demonstrated an early form of public health intervention that challenged traditional views on disease and healing. This intersection reflects a progressive aspect of Mather's character; while grounded in Puritan theology which emphasized divine will, he also recognized the value of scientific inquiry as a means to fulfill moral obligations to protect one's community from harm. This duality illustrates the evolving landscape of thought during the early 18th century.

Related terms

Puritanism: A religious reform movement that arose within the Church of England in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, emphasizing strict moral conduct, predestination, and a personal relationship with God.

Salem Witch Trials: A series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts between February 1692 and May 1693, where Mather's writings played a controversial role.

The Great Awakening: A period of religious revival in the American colonies during the 1730s and 1740s that emphasized personal faith, emotional experiences, and a direct relationship with God.