In Cotton Mather's Diary entries he addresses a woman who seeks to marry Mather, he refuses her proposal believing it will upset Jesus but he chooses to "save" her by attempting to convert her to his religion. Mather mentioned various of times that he would cry, and beg God to save the gentlewoman and the people of his town. This concern over his community reminds me of Jonathan Edwards' Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God because Edwards was also concerned for his community because he believed they were drifting away from religion and would all be cast into hell unless they repented.
Mather's diary entries reflect his inner fear of being cast into hell. Contrary to today's image of God as an "all loving, forgiving" God, back then God seemed to be not so loving or forgiving of you. Instead of spreading love into his worshipers he "spread" fear amongst the people, maybe so people would have a reason to follow the religion.
Although it is interesting to read someones diary and see just exactly what is going on in their head, I believe Mather must have had some sort of mental disorder.
Questions: Why would marrying the gentlewoman upset his parents? I think once you reach Mather's age you are allowed to make your own life choices and your parents can deal with it. Why is Mather's so afraid that he will be sent to hell if he is a devout man of God?
Mather's diary entries reflect his inner fear of being cast into hell. Contrary to today's image of God as an "all loving, forgiving" God, back then God seemed to be not so loving or forgiving of you. Instead of spreading love into his worshipers he "spread" fear amongst the people, maybe so people would have a reason to follow the religion.
Although it is interesting to read someones diary and see just exactly what is going on in their head, I believe Mather must have had some sort of mental disorder.
Questions: Why would marrying the gentlewoman upset his parents? I think once you reach Mather's age you are allowed to make your own life choices and your parents can deal with it. Why is Mather's so afraid that he will be sent to hell if he is a devout man of God?