Cotton Mather fu un influente ministro puritano del New England e un autore eccezionalmente prolifico. Le sue opere letterarie onnipresenti lo hanno consacrato come uno dei leader religiosi più influenti d'America. Mather ha stabilito il tono morale della nazione e ha lanciato l'appello per un ritorno alle radici teologiche del puritanesimo. Cercò di guidare la seconda e la terza generazione di puritani che avevano lasciato l'Inghilterra.
Cotton Mather wrote Directions for a Candidate of the Ministry (Manuductio ad Ministerium) in 1726 after a lifetime of ministry experience. Geared toward younger pastors-in-training, Mather skillfully approaches every aspect of the pastorate with precision and care. For more than a century, this volume was required reading for every candidate of ministry, and still has much to offer in our day.
The book delves into Cotton Mather's complex role in the Salem witch trials, highlighting his defense of the court's decisions in "Wonders of the Invisible World." Mather examines six notorious witchcraft cases, supported by Lt. Governor William Stoughton, and explores the theme of Satan's influence as evidence of Christ's imminent return. Despite his defense of the trials, Mather expresses discomfort with the court's methods, leading to a lasting controversy surrounding his work, which he himself described as "that reviled Book."
And Wonders Of The Invisible World (1861)
Focusing on the Salem Witch Trials, this historical account by Robert Calef delves into the events, testimonies, and confessions surrounding the infamous witch hunts of the late 17th century in Massachusetts. It examines the social, political, and religious factors that fueled the hysteria, providing valuable insights into the persecution of innocents. As a significant resource on witchcraft history and early American legal practices, this work is essential for understanding the era's widespread paranoia. The book is a facsimile reprint, preserving its original content.
An authoritative selection of the writings of one of the most important early American writers
The book explores the life and death of Nathanael Mather, illustrating his piety and the exemplary nature of his walk with God. It includes discourses on the essence, rewards, and timing of a devout life, serving as a model for readers. The work is attributed to Cotton Mather, with contributions from Samuel Mather. Additionally, it is part of the Sabin Americana collection, which provides a rich historical context of the Americas from the late 15th century to the early 20th century, featuring diverse genres and documents that reflect societal and cultural dynamics of the time.
The American Philosophy and Religion series by Applewood offers a collection of primary sources that illuminate the thoughts and beliefs of historical Americans. This compilation serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and general readers interested in understanding the philosophical and religious landscape of America's past. Through these reissued works, readers can engage with the foundational ideas that have shaped American culture and thought.
America's First Bible Commentary. A Synoptic Commentary on the Old and New Testaments. Volume 3: Joshua - 2 Chronicles. Joshua - 2 Chronicles
The third volume of Cotton Mather's Biblia Americana offers a comprehensive commentary on biblical texts, specifically focusing on Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles. Mather's work merges biblical scholarship with scientific inquiry and religious reflection, showcasing the impact of Enlightenment thought and the early roots of historical biblical criticism in New England. Through approximately 1250 illustrations, he explores themes such as idolatry, parallels with pagan cultures, and significant biblical events, establishing himself as a pivotal figure in American religious history.
In this fascinating account of witches and devils in colonial America, the renowned and influential minister of Boston's Old North Church attempts to justify his role in the Salem witch trials. A true believer in the devil's battle to get converts in Salem and other Massachusetts towns during the late seventeenth century, Mather also believed the fantastic accusations of those who accused their neighbors of witchcraft. The theologian's book, first published in 1692, provides readers with guidelines for discovering witches, explanations for how good Christians are tempted by the devil to become witches, and methods of resisting such temptation. The great Boston minister also provides testimony from a number of similar trials, describes instances of witchcraft in other countries, and explains the devil's predicament in dealing with Christianity. Essential reading for students of the Salem witch trials, On Witchcraft will intrigue anyone interested in early American social and cultural history.
With our American Philosophy and Religion series, Applewood reissues many primary sources published throughout American history. Through these books, scholars, interpreters, students, and non-academics alike can see the thoughts and beliefs of Americans who came before us.
With Interspersed And Instructive Reflections On The Discipline Of The Primitive Churches (1726)
This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.