Proceedings of the American Antiquarian Society (Volume 20) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1911 Excerpt: ... THE LIBRAKIES OF THE MATHERS BY JULIUS HERBERT TUTTLE The history of the Mather Libraries began about 1610, with the early collection of books by Richard Mather, the first of the family to settle in New England. Two centuries elapsed, when in 1814 the so-called "remains of the old Library of the Mathers" were given to the Antiquarian Society. On the death of Samuel Mather, great-grandson of Richard, in 1785, all hope that the library would be preserved in the hands of the ministers of the family was ended; but it remained in possession of Samuel's children until it was dispersed. This instance of the descent of ministers' libraries for so long a period in one family is remarkable. The Reverend John Higginson, in 1697, said, that the Lord hath blessed the family of the Mathers amongst us, with a singular blessing, in that no less than ten of them, have accepted of him, to serve the Lord and his people in the ministry...though some have fallen asleep, yet the greatest part remain unto this day; I do not know the like in New England, and perhaps it will be found rare to parallel the same in our countries.1 The ministers of New England in Colonial days were the learned men. The libraries of that period, large or small, were mostly in their possession. These men were spoken of as "learned, prudent, and holy beyond the common rates," who "honored study and revered the symbols and instruments of learning." They were "trained to the use of books, and accustomed to express themselves fluently by voice and pen." The working tools of their profession were the ancient classics, and works of the "Fathers," arid of the "Schoolmen." iMather's Magnalia, 1.17. Between 1630 and 1690, it is thought that there were as many graduates of Cambridge and of Oxford in New England as...