Mather Byles
Mather Byles (born 26 March 1706 – 5 July 1788) was an American clergyman active in British North America.Byles was descended, on his mother's side, from John Cotton and Richard Mather, and was a grandson of Increase Mather and nephew of Cotton Mather. As a young man, he corresponded with Alexander Pope and Isaac Watts.
He graduated at Harvard University in 1725, received his A.M. degree there in 1728 and in 1733 he became pastor of the Hollis Street Church (Congregational), Boston. In 1765 he received a degree of Doctor of Divinity from the University of Aberdeen.
Byles held a high rank among the clergy of the province and was noted for his scholarly and well-written sermons, as well as his ready wit. He often exchanged poetic satires and parodies with another Boston wit of that time, Joseph Green. At state funerals, he was often a picked to give the sermon.
He published a book of verse, ''Poems on Various Occasions'' in 1744. In 1773, he was chosen to be one of the eminent Boston literary intellectuals to examine Phillis Wheatley in order to determine if the black woman was actually the author of a proposed book of poems. (He and the rest of the panel determined that she was.)
At the outbreak of the American Revolution, Byles was outspoken in his advocacy of the royal cause, and after the British evacuation of Boston his connection with his church was dissolved.
Byles remained in Boston, however, and subsequently (1777) was arrested, tried and sentenced to deportation. This sentence was later changed to imprisonment in his own house. (He called the sentry stationed outside the house his "Observe-a-Tory".) He was soon released, but never resumed his pastorate.
He is known for saying "Which is better - to be ruled by one tyrant three thousand miles away or by three thousand tyrants one mile away?" A variation of the quote is spoken by Mel Gibson in ''The Patriot''.
Byles died in Boston on 5 July 1788, aged 82.
Besides many sermons Byles published ''A Poem on the Death of George I'' (1727). Provided by Wikipedia
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The character of the perfect and upright man : his peaceful end described ; and our duty to observe it laid down. : In a discourse on Psalm XXXVII. 37. / by Byles, Mather, 1707-1788
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The character of the perfect and upright man : his peaceful end described ; and our duty to observe it laid down, in a discourse on Psalm XXXVII. 37. : To which is added, an exempl... by Byles, Mather, 1707-1788
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The comet : a poem. by Byles, Mather, 1707-1788
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A discourse on the present vileness of the body, and its future glorious change by Christ. : To which is added, a sermon on the nature and importance of conversion. : Both occasion... by Byles, Mather, 1707-1788
Published 1732Other Authors: “…Byles, Mather, 1707-1788…”
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The flourish of the annual spring : improved in a sermon preached at the ancient Thursday lecture in Boston, May 3. 1739. / by Byles, Mather, 1707-1788
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The flourish of the annual spring : improved in a sermon preached at the Thursday lecture in Boston, May 3. 1739. / by Byles, Mather, 1707-1788
Published 1769Other Authors: “…Byles, Mather, 1707-1788…”
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The glories of the Lord of Hosts, and the fortitude of the religious hero. : a sermon preached to the Ancient and Honourable Artillery Company June 2. 1740. Being the anniversary o... by Byles, Mather, 1707-1788
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The glories of the Lord of Hosts, and the fortitude of the religious hero. : a sermon preached to the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company June 2. 1740. Being the anniversary of... by Byles, Mather, 1707-1788
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The glorious rest of heaven. : a sermon at the Thursday-Lecture in Boston, Jan. 3. 1744,5. / by Byles, Mather, 1707-1788
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God the strength and portion of His people, under all the exigences of life and death : a funeral sermon on the Honourable Mrs. Katherine Dummer, the lady of His Honour William Dum... by Byles, Mather, 1707-1788
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The man of God throughly [sic] furnished to every good work. : a sermon preached at the ordination of the Reverend Mr. Mather Byles, to the pastoral office in the First Church of C... by Byles, Mather, 1707-1788
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On the death of the Queen. : a poem. Inscribed to His Excellency Governour Belcher. / by Byles, Mather, 1707-1788
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13
A poem presented to His Excellency William Burnet, Esq ; on his arrival at Boston, July 19. 1728. / by Byles, Mather, 1707-1788
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Poems. : the conflagration, applied to that grand period or catastrophe of our world, when the face of nature is to be changed by a deluge of fire, as formerly it was by that of wa... by Byles, Mather, 1707-1788
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Poems on several occasions. / by Byles, Mather, 1707-1788
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16
The prayer and plea of David, to be delivered from blood-guiltiness : improved in a sermon at the ancient Thursday-lecture in Boston, May 16th 1751. Before the execution of a young... by Byles, Mather, 1707-1788
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A sermon on the nature and necessity of conversion. / by Byles, Mather, 1707-1788
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The visit to Jesus by night. : an evening lecture. / by Byles, Mather, 1707-1788
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A poem on the death of His late Majesty King George, of glorious memory : and the accession of our present sovereign King George II. to the British throne. By Mr. Byles. [Three lin... by Byles, Mather, 1707-1788
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The vanity of every man at his best estate : a funeral sermon on the Honorable William Dummer, Esq. late lieutenant governor and commander in chief, over the province of the Massac... by Byles, Mather, 1707-1788
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