travelling in England and Ireland, he returned to 'America. Having previously commenced the study of divinity, on his return, he was invited to preach at North church, in Boston, and was ordained pastor of that church in 1664.

In 1683, when king Charles II. expressed his wish that the charter of Massachusetts might be resigned into his hands, Dr. Mather zealously opposed a compliance with his majesty's pleasure, and used all his influence to persuade the people not to surrender their charter, and published his reasons. In 1688, he sailed for England as agent of the province, to procure a redress of grievances. After several years of important services, he returned with a new charter, May 14, 1692. During the witchcraft delusion, he opposed the violent measures which were adopted.

He wrote a book to prove that the devil might appear in the shape of an innocent man, by means of which a number of persons, convicted of witchcraft, escaped the execution of the sentence. After the death of Mr. Oakes, in 1681, the care of Harvard college devolved upon him, and over which he presided until September 6, 1701, when he resigned in consequence of an act of the general court, requiring the president to reside at Cambridge. He was unwilling to leave his church, though his son, Dr. Cotton Mather, had been settled as his colleague for several years.

He was called the father of the New-England clergy, and his name and character were held in high veneration, not only by those who knew him, but by succeeding generations.

After a long life of benevolent exertion, he died in Boston, August 23, 1723, in the eighty-fifth year of his age.

He was a man of great learning, and of extensive influence. Sixteen hours every day were commonly spent in his study. Soon after his return from England, he procured an act, authorizing the

college to create bachelors and doctors of theology; which power was not given by its former charter. As a president, he was careful not only to give the students direction in their literary pursuits, but also impart to them with the affection of a parent, the importance of renouncing sin, and embracing the gospel of Christ. Such was his benevolence, that he devoted a tenth part of all his income to charitable purposes.

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His theological and philosophical publications amount to the number of eighty-five. Among which are the following: "History of the War with the Indians," 1676; "Cometographia, or a Discourse concerning Comets," 1683; The Doctrine of Divine Providence," 1684; "De Successu Evangelii upud Indos," 1688; "On the future Conversion of the Jews, confuting Dr. Lightfoot and Mr. Baxter," 1709; "Diatribe de Signo Filii Hominis, et de secundo Messiæ adventu;" and "Elijah's Mantle," 1722.

MATHER, COTTON, DD. F. R. S. an eminent divine and philosopher, was born in Boston, February 12, 1663. He was distinguished for early piety, and at the age of fourteen, he strictly kept days of secret fasting and prayer. At the age of fifteen he graduated at Harvard college, having made uncommon proficiency in his studies. At this early period of his life he drew up systems of the sciences, and wrote remarks upon the books which he read, and thus matured his understanding. At the age of seventeen he approached the Lord's table, with affectionate reliance upon Jesus Christ for salvation. Having been occupied for some time in the study of theology, he was ordained minister of the North church in Boston, as colleague with his father, Dr. Increase Mather, May 13, 1684. Here

he passed his days, unwearied and unceasing in his exertions to promote the glory of his Maker, and the highest welfare of his brethren. He died in the assurance of christian faith, February 13, 1728, aged 65 years.

Dr. Mather was a man of unequalled industry, of vast learning, of unfeigned piety, and of most disinterested and expansive benevolence. He was . also distinguished for his credulity and his pedantry. No No person in America had so large a library, or had read so many books, or retained so much of what he read. So precious did he consider time, that to prevent visits of unnecessary length, he wrote over his study-door in capital letters, "be short." His social talents and his various knowledge, rendered his conversation interesting and instructive. Every morning he usually read a chapter of the Old Testament in Hebrew, and another in French, and a chapter of the New Testament in Greek. Besides the French, he understood also the Spanish and Iroquois, and in these languages he published treatises.

He was a most voluminous writer; his works amount to three hundred and eighty-two. As he published his works of piety, he put them into the hands of persons to whom he thought they would be useful; and he received the benedictions of many dying believers, who spoke of his labours as the means of their salvation.

Among the works best known, are his "Magnalia Christi Americana," two volumes octavo, new edition. 66 Essays to do Good." Dr. Franklin ascribed all his usefulness in the world to his reading this book in early life. It has been reprinted in England and America a number of times. "Christian Philosopher," 1721; "Life of Increase Mather;" "Ratio disciplinæ Fratrum," Nov. — Anglorum;" "Biblia Americana." This learned work, which it was once proposed to publish in three folio

volumes, is now in the library of the Massachusetts historical society.

His literary distinctions were chiefly from abroad. The university of Glasgow presented him with a diploma of doctor in divinity; and his name is on the list of the fellows of the royal society in London.

MADISON, JAMES, fourth president of the United States, was born in Orange county, Virginia, March 5, 1750. At the age of sixteen, he entered Princeton college, and received the honours of that seminary in the year 1769. On his return to Virginia, he immediately commenced the study of the law, in the office of the late chancellor Wythe. Previous to the year 1775, he discharged the duties of several important offices with superior talents and fidelity, and in the autumn of that year, was elected a member of the legislature of Virginia. Although very young, his profound views of the interests of his country were far in advance of his years, and not behind the older members of that enlightened body. He was soon after elected a member, and took his seat in the old congress, where he shone conspicuous for the boldness of his views, and the force and vigour of his eloquence. After the peace of 1783, the United States were left without any efficient government, and connected only by the articles of confederation. Each state was an independent sovereignty, and pursued its own separate plans of policy. The necessity of an efficient government was apparent, and it was therefore deemed necessary by the friends of freedom to frame a new constitution. To carry this into effect, delegates were appointed from the several states to meet at Philadelphia, in the year 1787. Of this ever memorable convention Mr. Madison

was a member, and assisted in framing that charter of our liberties-the boast of political science-and to which he afterwards affixed his name, as one of the deputies from Virginia.

Immediately on his return home, he was elected a delegate to the Virginia convention, which met at Richmond in the year following, to decide on the fate of that instrument.

This convention was composed of some of the ablest men that Virginia has ever produced, for genius, talents, and eloquence. In this enlightened body, the new constitution had its friends and its enemies. Among the former, none were more conspicuous, and none more ably contributed to its adoption than Mr. Madison. Soon after the publication of the constitution, he, conjointly with general Hamilton and Mr. Jay, commenced the publication of the Federalist, in the city of NewYork, which had a powerful influence in procuring the adoption of that instrument in that and other states. Of this celebrated work, he wrote Nos. 10, 14, 18, 19, 20, 37 to 58, inclusive, 62, 63, and 64. His style is chaste, his logic concise, cogent, and impressive.

He afterwards represented his state in congress, until the year 1800, when he retired from public life. In 1801, he was called by president Jefferson to the office of secretary of state; and in the year 1809, he succeeded his predecessor in the presidential chair.

Of the ability and wisdom of his administration, for two successive terms, ages will testify; and its glorious events will form a distinguished epoch in the historical annals of our country.

His life has been no less distinguished for superiority of intellect, and an undeviating zeal in promoting the true interest of his country, than for an integrity which has never been shaken, and a benignity which has never failed to shed its cheering rays in every circle in which he moves.