Increase Mather

Increase Mather (June 21 (O.S.), 1639 – August 23 (O.S.), 1723) was a Puritan theologian, astronomer and historian active in New England principally as a clergyman, serving as the sixth president of Harvard College from 1685 to 1701. Mather conducted extensive research into biblical prophecy, astronomical phenomena, and New England history. During Mather's tenure at Harvard, which coincided with the notorious Salem witch trials, he was influential in the administration of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Early life and education

The New England Mathers originally came from the parish of Winwick near Liverpool, in Lancashire, England. Increase Mather was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts Bay Colony, on June 21, 1639, to the Rev. Richard Mather and Kathrine Holt Mather, following their participation in the Great Migration from England due to their nonconformity to the Church of England.

The stated reason for his first name was "…the never-to-be-forgotten increase, of every sort, wherewith God favoured the country about the time of his nativity." The name "Increase" is a literal translation of the Hebrew "Yosëf" (Joseph). He was the youngest of six brothers, the others being Samuel, Nathaniel, Eleazar, Joseph, and Timothy. The first three of these also became ministers.

In 1651, Mather was admitted to Harvard College, where he roomed with and studied under Robert Massey. In 1656, aged 17, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and began to train for the ministry, giving his first sermon on his 18th birthday. He quickly left Massachusetts and went to Ireland, where he studied at Trinity College, Dublin, for a Master of Arts degree. During his time at Trinity College he was licensed as a Commonwealth Minister by Oliver Cromwell to the joint charge of St Tida's Church, Ballyscullion, and St Swithan's Church, Magherafelt. He graduated in 1658.