SOURCE: "Dolefull Witchcraft," in Increase Mather: The Foremost American Puritan, 1925. Reprint by Russell & Russell, 1966, pp. 287-316.

In the following excerpt from a work first published in 1925, Murdock recounts Mather's involvement in the witch trials and argues that Mather has been unfairly labeled throughout history as a proponent of the executions when he was instead a voice for temperance and moderation.

A month after his arrival home, Mather wrote to the Earl of Nottingham, thanking him for his efforts toward securing the charter, and assuring him "that the Generallity of their Maj^ties Subjects (so far as I can understand) doe with all thank-fulness receive the favours which by the new Charter are granted to them." The General Court ordered a day of thanksgiving for the safe installation of the new government, and the return of "Mr. Increase Mather."¹ Thus far the new régime seemed welcome and secure...