Diary of Cotton Mather, 1681-1708 #225433

SO far as it has been preserved, this Diary is now printed for the first time. It is far from complete, and the record for some of the most important years of the diarist's life has been lost or destroyed. It is an account edited by himself, and comprises therefore only what he wished to have preserved for the benefit of his children. Such care also precludes the idea that Mather was not preparing a calendar of events and a record Of feelings for posterity, and there fore for publication. Enough of the Diary, perhaps more than enough, remains to develop and illustrate his career, and to enable the reader to measure the man in his intentions and in his actions. While describing these he has pre pared, not consciously, the material for a better compre hension of the position' Of church affairs in Massachusetts during his ministrations.