Increase Mather (1639–1723) was an American Congregational theologian, author, and educator. He was a dominant influence in New England’s Councils during the crucial period when leadership passed into the first native-born generation’s hands in the Massachusetts colony. He was the youngest son of the Puritan minister Richard Mather and the father of clergyman Cotton Mather.
Born in Dorchester, Massachusetts Bay Colony, Mather graduated from Harvard in 1656 and again from Trinity College, Dublin, in 1658. His first charge was Great Torrington in Devon. From 1664, he served as the pastor of the Second Church, Boston. He was also president of Harvard 1685–1701.
Sent to England in 1689 to lay colonial grievances before the king, Mather obtained a new charter from William III. He published 136 works, including The Day of Trouble is Near (1674,) History of the War with the Indians (1676,) and Remarkable Providences (1684.)
Mather’s Case of Conscience Concerning Evil Spirits Personating Men (1693) helped calm the atmosphere during the witch-hunts of 1692.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Increase Mather
The horse does abominate the camel; the mighty elephant is afraid of a mouse; and they say that the lion, which scorneth to turn his back upon the stoutest animal, will tremble at the crowing of a cock.
—Increase Mather
Topics: Fear
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