Memorable providences relating to witchcrafts and possessions a faithful account of many wonderful and…

Sr.

BY the special Disposal and Providence of the Almighty God, there now comes abroad into the world, a little History of several very astonishing Witchcrafts and Possessions, which partly my own Ocular Observation, & partly my undoubted Information, hath enabled me to offer unto the public Notice of my Neighbours. It must be the Subject, and not the Manner or the Author of this Writing, that has made any people desire its Publication; For there are such obvious Defects in Both, as would render me very unreasonable if I should with about This or Any Composure of mine, O That it were printed in a book! But tho there want not Faults in the Discourse, to give me Discontent enough, my Displeasure at them will be recompensed by the Satisfaction I take in my Dedication of it; which I now, no less properly than cheerfully make unto Your Self; whom I reckon among the Best of my Friends, and the Ablest of my Readers. Your Knowledge has Qualified You to make those Reflections on the following Relations, which few can Think, and tis not fit that all should See. How far the Platonic Notions of Daemons which were, it may be, much more espoused by those primitive Christians and Scholars that we call The Fathers, than they seem countenanced in the ensuing Narratives; are to be allowed by a serious man, your Scriptural Divinity, joined with Your most Rational Philosophy, will help You to ⟨image 3⟩judge at an uncommon rate. Had I on the Occasion before me handled the Doctrine of Daemons, or launched forth into Speculations about magical Mysteries, I might have made some Ostentation, that I have read something & thought a little in my time; but it would neither have been Convenient for me, nor Profitable for those plain Folks, whose Edification I have all along aimed at. I have therefore here but briefly touched every thing with an American Pen; a Pen which your Desert likewise has further Entitled You to the utmost Expressions of Respect & Honour from. Though I have no Commission, yet I am sure I shall meet with no Crimination, if I here publicly wish You all manner of Happiness, in the Name of the great Multitudes whom you have laid under everlasting Obligations. Wherefore in the name of the many hundred Sick people, whom your charitable and skilful Hands have most freely dispensed your no less generous than secret Medicines to;