ABSTRACT
The Reverend Cotton Mather, sometimes referred to as the last of the great Puritan divines, played his physical role on the same small stage as his grandfather’s star pupil, Anne Hutchinson. Both Mather and Hutchinson were tragically affected by their religious activities. Cotton is generally recognized by his biographers, friends and foes alike, as an intellectual and religious prodigy. Mather’s childhood and adult environment was the kind that could be recommended for the development of a self-directed learner. First, he had a good role model whom he seems to have adored throughout his life. Second, Increase Mather had developed one of the outstanding libraries in New England. Mather’s writing activities, which were often carried out at the end of a busy day of visitation and public preaching, continue to be noteworthy. His publications number more than 400 and include topics other than his sermons and religious works.
