3.2 The Sermons of Cotton Mather and Increase Mather

Puritan sermons were the cornerstone of colonial American life and literature. These weekly addresses shaped the moral and spiritual landscape, influencing writing styles and establishing a tradition of didactic literature that aimed to teach and inspire righteous living.

The Mathers, Cotton and Increase, were influential Puritan preachers with distinct styles. Cotton was known for his elaborate metaphors, while Increase favored direct exposition. Both used rhetorical devices like metaphors, repetition, and rhetorical questions to reinforce Puritan values and shape colonial society.

Puritan Sermons and the Mathers

Role of sermons in Puritan literature

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• Sermons central part of Puritan religious and social life
  • Delivered weekly, sometimes multiple times a week, providing regular spiritual guidance and instruction
  • Served as primary means of religious education and moral direction for the community
• Sermons significantly influenced colonial American literature
  • Shaped style and content of early American writing with religious themes and moral messages
  • Established tradition of didactic and moralistic literature that aimed to teach and inspire righteous living
  • Influenced development of the jeremiad, a type of sermon lamenting societal decline and calling for repentance and renewal ("Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" by Jonathan Edwards)

Preaching styles: Cotton vs Increase Mather

• Cotton Mather (1663-1728)
  • Known for erudition and use of elaborate metaphors and analogies to illustrate spiritual concepts
  • Emphasized importance of personal piety and moral living as evidence of salvation
  • Frequently addressed social and political issues in sermons, offering guidance and commentary ("Magnalia Christi Americana")
  • Famous works include "Bonifacius, or Essays to Do Good" which encouraged practical application of Christian principles
• Increase Mather (1639-1723)
  • Father of Cotton Mather and influential figure in his own right
  • Preaching style more direct and less ornate than his son's, focusing on clear exposition of doctrine
  • Focused on theological principles and importance of adhering to Puritan beliefs and practices
  • Played significant role in political and social life of Massachusetts Bay Colony as minister and president of Harvard College
  • Notable works include "Cases of Conscience Concerning Evil Spirits" which addressed Salem Witch Trials and "An Essay for the Recording of Illustrious Providences" recounting divine interventions

Rhetorical devices in Puritan sermons

• Metaphors and analogies make abstract spiritual concepts more relatable and understandable to congregation
  • Comparing the Christian life to a journey or battle to illustrate challenges and rewards
  • Using everyday objects or experiences as symbols of spiritual truths (a rock representing Christ's steadfastness)
• Repetition emphasizes key points and creates a sense of urgency and importance
  • Repeating phrases or ideas throughout sermon to drive home central message
  • Using parallel structure to reinforce connections between ideas and create memorable rhythm
• Rhetorical questions engage audience and encourage self-reflection and introspection
  • Asking congregation to consider their own spiritual state or actions in light of sermon's message
  • Using questions to prompt deeper thinking about implications and applications of biblical truths
• Persuasive techniques employed by Puritan preachers
  • Appeals to authority by citing biblical passages and theological works to support arguments and lend credibility
  • Vivid imagery evokes emotional responses and makes spiritual concepts more tangible and impactful
  • Fear and guilt motivate congregation to repent and live morally, warning of consequences of sin and disobedience

Impact of Mathers' sermons on society

• Reinforced Puritan religious beliefs and values in the community
  • Emphasized importance of personal piety and moral living as signs of genuine faith and salvation
  • Encouraged strict adherence to religious and social codes as means of pleasing God and ensuring social harmony
• Influenced social and political discourse in Massachusetts Bay Colony
  • Addressed contemporary issues and controversies from spiritual perspective, offering guidance and shaping public opinion
  • Commented on matters such as witchcraft trials, colonial governance, and relations with Native Americans ("The Day of Trouble is Near")
• Contributed to development of distinct Puritan identity and sense of community
  • Helped unify Puritan settlers around shared beliefs and values rooted in Calvinist theology and covenant theology
  • Fostered sense of exceptionalism and divine mission among Puritans as chosen people called to build godly society in New England ("A City Upon a Hill" by John Winthrop)