CharactersNarrator
Increase Mather
Maria (Cotton) Mather
Young/Old Cotton Mather
Urian Oakes
Elijah Corlet
Friend 1
Friend 2
Angel
Judge Richards
Samuel Mather
Abigail Mather
Jerusha Mather
ACT ONE
Scene I
Narrator We begin our tale in a house upon a steep hill, overlooking the quiet Hamlet of Boston. It is a frosty February morning in 1663, a little after ten, and the prestigious minister of the Old North Church, Increase Mather, and his lovely wife, Maria, are rejoicing over the birth of their first child.Setting: Boston, Massachusetts. February 12, 1663, 10:15 a.m.
Increase (overwhelmed by joy and excitement) Oh, dear Maria, I am most gratified that after only eleven months of being brought into the married state, we have been granted a son.
Maria Yes, my husband, but who shall we call him after?
Increase Hmm . . . let me ponder . . . Ah yes, Cotton, after your father Mr. John Cotton for he is the most "eminent man of God that ever New England saw" (Silverman 6). Quick! Let us get him to the church for the rites of Baptism! (Off they trot to the Church to bring Cotton into the federal covenant.)
Scene II
Narrator Not much is known about Cotton's early childhood except for that which Increase Mather includes in his diary entries concerning his son's future in the ministry he was "designed" for. There also exists a few letters from Cotton to his son Samuel which he writes in his later years. Young Cotton is a prodigy and he "precociously" excels in both his schooling, including ancient languages, and in the piety of life. He often takes sermon notes in Latin just to humor himself. However, at times this child's precociousness, combined with his stammering speech impediment, often become a burden to others . . .Setting: A seventeenth century "playground".
Young Cotton (stammering) I say, my fellow playmates -- you must quit your evil ways .. . no more pulling of pigtails or throwing dirt. Here, I have composed some prayers of re--rr--repent--tt--tance for you to pray.
Friend 1 Oh, knock it off Mather or you'll lose a tooth!
Friend 2 You cotton-pickin' goody two-shoes! Why, I oughta' . . .
Friend 3 Come on guys, let's teach him how to pray!(A scuffle ensues ending with a rather bruised and sullen . . . but still pious Cotton.)
Scene III
Narrator At the age of twelve, our young fabric -- oh, I mean Cotton enters Harvard and like all students at the time had to earn his degree by "reading the original of the Old and New Testament into the Latin tongue and resolving them logically" (Wendell 27). At this point in Cotton's life he feels the pressures of his ministerial ancestry bearing heavily upon his shoulders. These stresses may cause the inconsistency in speech -- or his stutter to develop -- much to Increase Mather's chagrin. Issues are arising at Harvard concerning student "hazing" and the college shuts down for a while so Cotton pursues his studies at home (Levin 221).The family kneels in prayer one evening with hopes for a remedy to young Cotton's stammer. This not forth-coming, Cotton returns to school withprospects as a minister greatly diminishing, so he begins medical studies. Due to the speech impediment (of which he is highly self-conscious) he becomes a prolific writer; this lack of self assurance follows him into adulthood. However, the famous and sympathetic, Elijah Corlet, his Harvard teacher aims at curing the stammer . . .Setting: 1678, a Harvard dormer, Cotton sits alone dejectedly. ( Enter Elijah Corlet.)
Elijah Well my boy, it seems we have come upon a stuttering, or uh . . . I mean a stumbling block for you in your choice of occupation.
Cotton Y--y--yes s--s--sir. A great problem.
Elijah "My friend, I now visit you for nothing, but only to talk with you about the infirmity in your speech, and offer you my advice about it; because I suppose `tis a thing that greatly troubles you" (Silverman 17). I believe you must speak slowly and deliberately as if on the verge of song.(Very deliberately and slowly reading a line from Homer's Odyssey) "But the ease of sleep came not upon Zeus who was pondering in his heart how he might bring honor to Achilleus" (Homer 1-2). You see how it is?
Cotton Y--e--s s--i--r (very slowly).
Elijah Very good lad, I am proud of your astuteness! "Make what you speak be worth waiting for, and remember that for the rest of your life you will have to beware of speaking too fast" (Levin 223).
Scene IV
Narrator With this new lease on speech, Mather graduates from Harvard in the spring of 1678 at the age of fifteen with three other classmates. Inum the commencementus speechum of Urianus Oakesus (delivered in Latinibus) Cottonus's futureum is regaledus.Setting: commencement ceremonies at Harvard 1678.
Urian Oakes "Quantum Nomen' What a name --or actually what names! I do not despair in that this youth, Cotton and Mather shall in fact as in names coalesce and revive!" (Silverman 23)
ACT TWO
Scene I
Narrator On August 22, 1680, when Cotton is 18 years old, he gives his first public sermon at his Granddad Richard Mather's church in Dorchester and things take off from there. He is greatly acclaimed throughout the region, and by February 1681 he is helping his pops out at the local church. In 1685, Cotton has a rather ethereal experience. With his growing prominence in the church and increasing piety, Cotton often meditates. On one such day he has a heavenly visitor . . .Setting: Private study, early on a brisk sunny morn. Mather is lying on his floor in fast and meditation -- suddenly an angel appears with shining face, a man's beardless features.
Angel Linen . . . oops, I mean Cotton!
Cotton Jesus, Mary, Joseph! Who are you?
Angel Cotton, don't blaspheme! "I've been sent by the Lord Jesus to bear a clear answer to the prayers of a certain youth and to bear back his words in reply. I do declare that fate of this youth should find full expression for what in him is best." Be sure to look up the words of Ezekiel 31:3,4,5,7, and 9. This youth will have great influence in both reason and in the books he should publish -- not only in America but in Europe. He will do great works for the church of Christ with things already in progress (Wendell 48). That is all, I must now depart. (Exit Angel)
Cotton What in the world was that! What does it mean? Lord protect me from the Devil's wiles. I beseech thee, deliver and defend thy most unworthy servant! (Wendell 48)
Scene II
Narrator In 1686 Cotton begins to respond to the pings of spring and decides to go a'courtin'! The woman he finds is the lovely Abigail Philips whom he decides has a good enough lineage and proper piety for a minister's wife. However, just as they are settling down to married life, political trouble starts to brew in Boston. A new form of government and revoke of the Massachusetts Bay Colony charter has been augmented. Cotton Mather and his father become deeply embroiled in the brawl -- which ends in the overthrow of English governor Andros. In 1688 the Glorious Revolution occurs in England and a new charter is drawn up approving toleration of all Protestant religions--as in Cotton's speech of 1692 which also is met with disapproval from older Congregationalists, but embraced by most.
Cotton We must be loyal to our Native England and support its decision to create a new form of government for us. The English government is a small thing -- it cannot infringe too greatly on the workings of the state. God still rules all -- at any rate, so there is no need to get all in a huff over the laws of men.
Friend 1 Yes, but Mr. Mather, our rights to a clean, pure, church society should be fulfilled, not allowing these misfits and heretics to ruin the state of the church!
Cotton You are not seeing the whole picture! The New England of our forefathers has drastically changed and we must change with it. The Cambridge Platform was appropriate for that time, but now we need something more -- the half-way covenant.
Friend 2 You can't go baptizing unregenerate babies! The church will be infested with corruption!
Cotton For us the Congregational Way is best, but it is not the only way -- other Protestant sects when together in common piety, raise up prayers together. With the half-way covenant we will be able to bring more to Christ and keep our political control strong. It is best to work this way -- so buck up boys!!
Scene III -- The Salem Saga
Narrator Cotton's popularity still ranks high in esteem when troubles begin to hit Salem in early 1692. In prior years he has taken a demon--possessed girl, Martha Goodwin, into his home to help her overcome her malady while documenting the supernatural occurrences that befall her. When the Salem girls begin to act in the same matter, he is sure that evil lurksin the boughs. But as more and more people are accused of witchcraft, Mather's dislike for the judicial proceedings grows -- nevertheless his lack of confidence leaves his words ambivalent and open to interpretation by his compatriot the Judge John Richards.Setting: A private sitting room
Richards (pacing to and fro) What a muck this situation has become! I am quite sure there is something rotten in the state of Salem! Those poor children aretortured and it does say " thou shalt not suffer a witch to live" in the Good Book. I feel I have no choice in the matter.
Cotton But please remember that spectral evidence and certain deformities of the body do not preclude witchcraft -- there must be a written and true confession! . . .but , of course I will leave the decision in your "most worthy hands," these are but my own "poor thoughts" (Silverman 101). You are of course, more qualified. I suppose I shall hold my peace . . .
Narrator This "ambidextrous" behavior leaves Cotton very unpopular with the people. He is perceived as either insensitive or weak-willed, his words on the trials and of the hangings neither a real defense or rebuff. However, out of this saga, Cotton writes Wonders of the Invisible World for which he receives acclaim in Europe but disapproval at home-- especially from Increase Mather who dislikes publications in general as prideful endeavors.
Scene IV
Narrator In his earlier writings, Cotton does not mention his "consort" the pious and devout Abigail -- although he obviously loves her. She bears him five children, only four of which survive infancy --including Increase II, Katherine, Abigail, and Hannah. In 1702 she miscarries a baby and her health begins to decline. Cotton's diary entries become devoted to her and he prays fervently with a "particular faith" for her return to health (Wendell 141). She lies wasting for seven months. In November she takes a turn for the worst.Setting: December 1, 1702. The Mather bedroom, late at night, Cotton is praying with his wife.
Cotton Dearest wife, tell me faithfully what fault you have seen in my conversations? How may I fix it?
Abigail Cotton, I know of nothing that I would wish to fix about you.
Cotton Are you very sure, my dear?
Abigail Yes, my Cotton, through watching you I have become nearer to God. It is because of your actions, I may see Heaven.
Cotton I must leave you to God now, dearest. (He puts down her hand and resigns her to God.)
Abigail Yes Cotton, I will not call for thee anymore. "Heaven, Heaven will make amends for all" (Mather 449). (She dies.)
Cotton I had been married unto her just sixteen years when God began to take her from me. (Cotton exits.)
Scene V
Narrator The death of Cotton's wife is not the only problem he faces. His children have contracted smallpox and sickness looms over their household. In addition to this, the very unpopular Joseph Dudley, a new governor, comes to Boston. Although Cotton claims him as a friend prior to his arrival, immediately tensions between the two men arise. Cotton has written a book called Magnalia , a history of American Puritan society and has sent it to Dudley in England for publication. The document is censored and edited by Dudley -- a cause of grievance for Cotton. When Dudley makes his appearance in New England the troubles multiply.Setting: The Mather sitting room, both Cotton and Increase are sipping tea. 1708.
Cotton I must say that Joseph Dudley is the equivalent of Demon Spawn. He's most insufferable. Did you know he has been dealing with our rivals at Brattle Street Church?!
Increase I had heard as much, but let me just tell you even more! He has "converted to Episcopalianism" too! (Silverman Letters 57)
Cotton (angrily) I had no idea. And here I had just mentioned their disgusting Episcopalian gentility. I still cannot believe the freedom with which they offer Baptism and the Lord's Supper. It's completely insupportable!
Increase I know this, my son! Oh, and I am most heartily sorry that you were not given the proposed presidency at Harvard as you should have.
Cotton Thank you father, but I could not compete with the decision to place John Leverett, that "religious liberal" in the position -- especially with Dudley in office.
Increase Yes, well, he is a regular Ahab now isn't he. Hopefully he will fall upon his face in one of his silly schemes.
Cotton Although I shall love my enemy, I can honestly and regrettably say I agree.
Narrator Although the onset of Indian Wars makes Dudley increasingly unpopular, he maintains his high handed administration for another eight years -- angering Cotton and Increase all the while. Anglicanism has taken a strong lead role in the New England region, and the Puritan values that have so long been the way of life, are at risk. This marks a definite shift in the values of those in charge. A more tolerant society is emerging -- more so even than Cotton Mather had originally asked for in his sermon of 1692.
ACT THREE
Scene I
Narrator In the following years, Cotton remarries, this time a widow named Elizabeth Hubbard. Together they have six children, among them his son Samuel, but their happiness does not last. The winter of 1713 brings a devastating epidemic of measles in with the cold. In church, Cotton focuses several of his sermons on the subject of affliction and in his home he speaks to his family in a way that would prepare them for death. The horrible affliction of death strikes the Mather household and after ten years of marriage snatches the breath of life from Elizabeth, three of the children and the maid-servant. Cotton finds that no amount of preparation can ever prepare him for the sadness he has in his heart.Setting: Cotton is praying fervently in his study
Cotton O Sovereign God! I hath prayed "so the Wrath of Heaven may inflict no sad Thing on my Family." I praise thee for keeping death from Creasy, but "Help Lord, and look mercifully on my poor, sad, sinful family, for the sake of the Great Sacrifice!"
Narrator Aside from the death of his wife Elizabeth and the newborn twins, and in addition to the deaths of five of his children from the earlier marriage, the death of his daughter Jerusha is almost too terrible to bear. Jerusha, only two years and seven months old asks her father to pray with her as she lays dying. In her last hours she cannot speak, but a minute before the Lord calls her home she softly says these words:
Jerusha I am going to be with Jesus, Papa.
Narrator These tragedies in his family inspire Cotton Mather to write medical instructions on how to care for the measles and how to recognize the symptoms thereof.
After the death of his second wife, Cotton pursues Miss Lydia George, a beautiful and wealthy woman. He was very much in love with her -- in a sensual way, unlike Abigail and Elizabeth. She refuses his marriage proposals at first, but then on July 5, 1715, they marry. Mather believes Lydia could do no wrong. She remains faithfully by his side until his dying day.
Scene II
Narrator Increase Mather, the "designer" of our famous fabric, is a significant figure in Cotton's life. Working side by side with his son for a better part of their lives, these two have a bond of strong friendship. Cotton admires his father with every fiber of his being although he does not always follow his advice. In the summer of 1723 his father's threat of abandonment finally becomes reality.Setting: Increase Mather's bedroom. Noontime. Cotton sits at his father's bedside.
Increase Cotton, you have always been a great swab . . . I mean son to me, but now I must leave you. "It is now revealed from Heaven to me, that I shall quickly, quickly, quickly be fetched away to Heaven, and that I shall die in the arms of my son" (Silverman 369).
Cotton Sir I believe that time has arrived. "The messenger has now come to tell you: This day thou shalt be in paradise. Do you believe it, Sir, and rejoice in the views and hopes for it?" (369)
Increase "I do! I do! I do!" (dies in Cotton's arms) (369)
Narrator Because Increase was larger than life to him, Cotton feels the pain of his death sorely. And yet because he does not want his sorrow publicized, he speaks dispassionately about his father to their congregation. Now he truly is on his own.
Scene III 1724-1728
Narrator The last three years of Cotton Mather's life are not as well recorded as were his thriving younger years. His works in publication are few in number, but the scriptural truths of godliness and the scientific findings he has written about were yet being examined and read. His inoculation writings are becoming increasingly popular. Though our friend Cotton remains a controversial character, he manages to leave behind little controversial political writings. In 1726 daughter Elizabeth falls ill and passes away leaving only Samuel and Hannah out of the 15 children. In December of 1727 Cotton falls ill and he acquires a bad asthma-like cough and a fever. On Tuesday, February 13, 1728 Cotton Mather dies. At the deathbed. . .
Samuel Father, I ask of you, "what sentence or word . . . would you have me think on constantly, for I ever desire to have you before me and hear you speaking to me."
Cotton "Remember only that one word Fructuosus." (Wendell 207)
Narrator After Cotton's soul departs from his earthly vessel Samuel thinks aloud:
Samuel My father's dying word to me is "fruitful". May I live my life so that the fruit I bear would please him and honorably observe the Mather name. And may I follow his example and that especially of our Lord and Savior.
My dear father, may your soul be at peace in His Kingdom.