The Course of Empire Destruction Thomas Cole

The Course of Empire: Destruction, Thomas Cole

King Philip's War had a profound effect on the Puritan ministry, who felt that the near-disaster indicated divine displeasure with New England. It had been, as they put it, 'So Dreadful a Judgment.'

The ravages of King Philip's War, and the break-up of families it brought about produced the widespread feeling that the godly people of New England had somehow become corrupted and were being punished in consequence.

Cotton Mather regarded the empirical study of nature as a form of worship. For him, his numerous scientific interests were an extension of his religious beliefs.

He stood for the proposition that, in America, religion was the friend of enlightenment.

In essence Magnalia Christi Americana is an epic history of the New England religious experiment - the attempt to create the Kingdom of God in the New World. 'I write the wonders of the Christian religion, flying from the depravations of Europe to the American strand.' 'Religion brought forth prosperity, and the daughter destroyed the mother.' 'There is danger lest the enchantments of this world make them forget their errand into the wilderness.'

Charles Ives, Symphony 4
II Comedy Allegretto