Cotton Mather, a prominent figure in colonial America, was known for his involvement in the Salem witch trials and his beliefs in magic. Born in 1663, Mather came from a family of influential Puritan ministers and grew up in a highly religious environment. His father, Increase Mather, was the president of Harvard College and a respected theologian. Cotton Mather's interest in magic stemmed from his belief in supernatural forces and his desire to understand and harness their power. He was a firm believer in the existence of witches and the devil, and he saw it as his duty to combat these forces through his preaching and writings. His most notable work on the subject was "Memorable Providences, Relating to Witchcraft and Possessions," which was published in 1689 and described several cases of alleged witchcraft in New England.
His most notable work on the subject was "Memorable Providences, Relating to Witchcraft and Possessions," which was published in 1689 and described several cases of alleged witchcraft in New England. In addition to his writings, Mather was actively involved in the Salem witch trials of 1692. He served as an advisor to the court and played a key role in the trials, urging the judges to accept spectral evidence and advocating for harsh punishments for those accused of witchcraft.
Cotton Mather and the Preternatural
Boston minister Cotton Mather (1663-1728) may have used preternature more than any other early modern writer in the British Atlantic world. Mather employed the term preternatural frequently in his description of the events at Salem which he published in his massive treatise Magnalia Christi Americana in 1702. In fact, he wrote “preternatural” six times in a single page of text. The above image contains five uses of the term within two paragraphs.
He noted that the troubles in Salem began with people afflicted with “Preternatural Vexations upon their Bodies, and a variety of cruel Torments, which were evidently inflicted from the Dæmons, of the Invisible World.” Mather explained the distinction between natural and preternatural in his discussion of how the afflicted were bewitched. He wrote:
“it was found, that various kinds of natural Actions, done by many of the accused in or to their own Bodies, as Leaning, Bending, Turning Awry, or Squeezing their Hands, or the like, were presently attended with the like things preternaturally done upon the Bodies of the afflicted, though they were so far asunder, that the afflicted could not at all observe the accused.“
-Cotton Mather, Magnalia Christi Americana, Book II, p. 60.
He used preternatural in this treatise to mean something that was extraordinary and beyond the powers of nature, caused by invisible forces, and associated with diabolic witchcraft. Mather addressed the skeptics of such “odd Phænomena” by instructing them that there were “Hundreds of the most sober People” who had witnessed these events. Mather’s works show how the preternatural could function as both a category of thought and a set of interrelated beliefs about how the invisible world operated, and he made significant contributions to the transatlantic debate over preternature from his home in New England.
Having authored approximately 450 books and a quite a number of pamphlets, Cotton Mather became one of influential religious leaders in America during his time.
Mather believed that the trials were necessary to purge the community of evil and defend the Puritan faith. However, Cotton Mather's involvement in the witch trials and his beliefs in magic have been highly controversial. Some view him as a religious zealot who fueled the hysteria and persecution of innocent people during the trials. Others see him as a product of his time, where beliefs in witchcraft and supernatural powers were widespread. Regardless of one's opinion, Mather's actions and beliefs during this period are a reflection of the prevailing views and anxieties of colonial America. While Mather's beliefs in magic were controversial, it is also important to note that he made significant contributions to the fields of science and medicine. He was a proponent of smallpox inoculation, conducting experiments and publishing papers on the subject. He also advocated for education and was instrumental in the establishment of several schools, including the College of William and Mary in Virginia. In conclusion, Cotton Mather was a complex figure in colonial America, known for his involvement in the Salem witch trials and his beliefs in magic. While his actions during the trials are contentious, it is important to recognize his contributions to science, medicine, and education. Mather's legacy serves as a reminder of the complexities of history and the diverse perspectives that shape our understanding of the past..
Reviews for "The Role of Magic in Cotton Mather's Political Thought and Activism"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I found "On the topic of magic cotton mather" to be quite disappointing. The writing was dull and the characters lacked depth. The plot seemed to drag on and I didn't feel invested in the story at all. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and I wouldn't recommend it.
2. John - 1 star - I really didn't enjoy reading "On the topic of magic cotton mather". The language was convoluted and difficult to understand. The author seemed to focus more on unnecessary descriptions and metaphors rather than creating a compelling story. I struggled to get through the book and found myself skimming through large sections. It was a frustrating reading experience.
3. Emily - 2 stars - "On the topic of magic cotton mather" failed to capture my interest. The pacing was slow and there were too many subplots that didn't add anything to the overall story. The main character was unlikeable and I couldn't connect with any of the other characters either. The book felt disjointed and I struggled to find a reason to continue reading. It was a disappointing read for me.