TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Page.
Introduction.[1]
I.
The connection of the Mathers with theSuperstitions of their time.[1]
II.
The Goodwin Children. Some GeneralRemarks upon the Criticisms of theNorth American Review.[4]
III.
Cotton Mather and the Goodwin Children.John Baily. John Hale.Goodwin's Certificates.Mather's idea of Witchcraft as a Warwith the Devil. His use of Prayer.Connection between the Case ofthe Goodwin Children and SalemWitchcraft.[6]
IV.
The Relation of the Mathers to theAdministration of Massachusetts, in1692. The New Charter. The Governmentunder it arranged by them.Arrival of Sir William Phips.[12]
V.
The Special Court of Oyer and Terminer.How it was established. Whoresponsible for it. The Governmentof the Province concentrated in itsChief-justice.[15]
VI.
Cotton Mather's connection with theCourt. Spectral Evidence. Letterto John Richards. Advice of theMinisters.[19]
VII.
Advice of the Ministers, furtherconsidered. Cotton Mather's Plan fordealing with Spectral Testimony.[23]
VIII.
Cotton Mather and Spectral Evidence.[30]
IX.
Cotton Mather and the PreliminaryExaminations. John Proctor. GeorgeBurroughs.[32]
X.
Cotton Mather and the WitchcraftTrials. The Executions.[38]
XI.
Letter to Stephen Sewall. "Wondersof the Invisible World." Its originand design. Cotton Mather's accountof the Trials.[44]
XII.
"Wonders of the Invisible World,"continued. Passages from it. "Casesof Conscience." Increase Mather.[50]
XIII.
The Court of Oyer and Terminer broughtto a sudden end. Sir William Phips.[54]
XIV.
Cotton Mather's Writings subsequent tothe Witchcraft Prosecutions.[57]
XV.
History of Opinion as to Cotton Mather'sconnection with Salem Witchcraft.Thomas Brattle. The peopleof Salem Village. John Hale.John Higginson. Michael Wigglesworth.[61]
XVI.
History of Opinion as to Cotton Mather,continued. Francis Hutchinson. DanielNeal. Isaac Watts. Thomas Hutchinson.William Bentley. JohnEliot. Josiah Quincy.[68]
XVII.
The Effect upon the Power of the Mathers,in the Public Affairs of theProvince, of their Connection withWitchcraft.[70]
XVIII.
Cotton Mather's Writings and Character.[74]
XIX.
Robert Calef's Writings and Character.[77]
XX.
Miscellaneous Remarks. Conclusion.[84]