Essay Questions

According to Cotton Mather, what is the main reward for doing good?

The author focuses on the rewards accorded to those who do good in society. According to the author, it is only God who rewards those who are virtuous. However, the author is categorical that doing good is an uphill task because it entails self-sacrifice, denial, and others' interests first. The best reward a righteous man gets is honor before God's eyes. Therefore, God expects human beings to be mindful of others and do what is right always.

How do the cherubs symbolize Mather’s success in the writing career?

The author believes in Angeles, and he trusts them as the messengers of God. According to Mather, he listened to angels, and the assured him of success in his career. Therefore, Mather was motivated to write because the angels told him that his literary work could be widely read and accepted in Europe and other parts of the world. Therefore, Mather attributes his success in the writing career to angels.

What is the bottom line of good and evil as described in ‘The Essays of Cotton Mather’?

The author takes time to study why people do good and evil facts. According to the conclusion of the author, people do good because they want to avoid being punished. Sometimes, it is difficult to conclude that someone is righteous simply because he does good acts. Consequently, many people do not want to be punished and adhere to the laid down rules and regulations. On the other hand, those who engage in evil acts are tactical because they act diligently to avoid punishment. Therefore, doing good or evil is an act aimed at avoiding the penalty.