Michael Wigglesworth

Michael Wigglesworth (* October 18, 1631 probably in Yorkshire, England; † June 10, 1705 in Malden, Massachusetts ) was a New England theologian, preacher and poet.

Life

His family emigrated to New England from 1638, as it had exposed because of their Puritan faith increasing persecution. Spent his youth Wigglesworth in New Haven. 1648-51 he studied theology at Harvard and taught there until 1654th His students included Increase Mather. In 1653 he became a minister in the church of Charlestown; from 1656 until his death he preached in Malden. However, his weak constitution kept him frequently from the pulpit. In 1663 he stayed for curative treatments in Bermuda, where he began to deal with medicine. He subsequently practiced in Malden as a doctor.

1662 he published the long poem The Day of Doom; or, A Description of the Great and Last Judgment, which became the first bestseller in America. It provides a description of the Last Judgment and, as a statement of orthodox Calvinist beliefs represents the 1800 copies of the first edition sold within one year, and until 1751 it experienced seven American and two English editions. In addition to the Bible and John Bunyan's The Pilgrim 's Progress was the most widely read book in New England. In many strict Puritan households it was even the only literary work that was ever admitted. At least in rural areas had to learn by heart until around the time of the American Revolutionary School Children The Day of Doom. The Day of Doom is notorious for its from a secular perspective inhuman -looking stance, but quite in keeping with the conviction of his Puritan contemporaries. So it can be about God knowing that he is in store for them the most comfortable room in hell the dead unbaptized children.

At Wigglesworth's other works include, among other poems, religious content, the jeremiad God's Controversy with New England, but which was not printed until 1871, and the tract Meat out of the Eater, or Meditations Concerning the Necessity, End, and Usefulness of Affliction to God 's Children ( 1669). In the 20th century also parts of his diary were published.