Mather, Cotton
clergyman, author, was born Feb. 12, 1663, in Boston, Mass. Of his many works his Magnalia Christi Americana is the most noted. His connection with the Salem witchcraft is said to be more the fault of the age than the man, as his philanthropy was rare for that age. He was pastor of the North church in 1683-1728, and his father's colleague for the greater part of that period. Among other works are Wonders of the Invisible World; Christian Philosopher; Psalterium Americanum; Manductio ad Ministerium; Memorable Providences Relating to Witchcraft; Essays to Do Good; The Armor of Christianity; Batteries Upon the Kingdom of the Devil; and Death Made Easy and Happy. He died Feb. 13, 1728.