Magnalia Christi Americana: Or the Ecclesiastical History of New-England, Vol. 1 (Classic Reprint)

The Publisher of this second Edition of Dr. Mather s Magnalia, has long been Benaibw of the great demiind for the Work, both by literary men and all others who wish to be iie(ipaiiited with the early history of our country. The first Edition was published in London in the year 1703, in a Folio Volume of 788 pages. A considerable number of Copies were soon brought into New-E ngland; yet, as many of these are lost, and the work is not to be obtained in England but with difficulty, it h.is become very scarce. In some instances it has been sold at a great price, but, in most cases, those who have been desirous to possess, or even to read the volume, have been unable to procure it The Magnalia is a standard work with American Historians, and must ever continue to be such, especially, respecting the affairs of New England To tins portion of our country, always distinguished for emigra Hons, a great pnrt of the population of New-Y ork, the most impoilant state in the American confederal y, and of all thew estorn states north of the Ohio, will always trace their orin. Nor will tlie lapse of ages diminish their respect for the land of their forefathers. The work now presented to the A meriean public contains the history of tlie Fathers of New-E ngland, for about eighty years, in the most authentic form. No man since Dr. Mather stime, bos had so good an opportunity as he enjoyed to consult the most authentic documents. The greater part of his facts could be attested by living witnesses and the shortest tradition, or taken from written testimonies, many of which have since perished. The situation and character of the author afforded hitn the most favourable opportunities to obtain the documenta necessary for his undertaking. And no historian would pursue a similar design witii greater industry and zeal. The author has been accused of credulity. This charge, however, wi
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