MATHER, INCREASE, D.D., the father of the preceding, was born at Dorchester, Massachusetts, in June 1639. He was enrolled at the age of twelve a student of Harvard College, where he graduated in 1656, and immediately proceeded to Dublin to complete his studies at Trinity College. Soon after his return to America in 1661 he was chosen minister of the North Church, Boston. The native energy and unflagging zeal of Increase Mather had now obtained full scope. He discharged his ministerial duties with fidelity, spent the greater part of the day in his study, published numerous sermons and other works, and was the acknowledged leader in the political discussions of the community. In 1685 he was appointed president of Harvard College; and in 1688 he was despatched to England as agent for the province, to procure redress of grievances. On his return his services were rewarded with the thanks of the
House of Representatives. In 1701 he resigned his presidency, as he thought that its duties were incompatible with those of his pastorate. He died at Boston in August 1723. The best known works of Increase Mather are,—History of the Wars with the Indians in New England, London 1676; and Remarkable Providences, reprinted as a volume of Russell Smith's Library of Old Authors, Svo, 1856.