A50139:172
Memorable providences relating to witchcrafts and possessions a faithful account of many wonderful and…
Memorable providences relating to witchcrafts and possessions a faithful account of many wonderful and surprising things that have befallen several bewitched and possessed person in New-England, particularly a narrative of the marvellous trouble and relief experienced by a pious family in Boston, very lately and sadly molested with evil spirits : whereunto is added a discourse delivered unto a congregation in Boston on the occasion of that illustrious providence : as also a discourse delivered unto the same congregation on the occasion of an horrible self-murder committed in the town : with an appendix in vindication of a chapter in a late book of remarkable providences from the calumnies of a Quaker at Pen-silvania / written by Cotton Mather ... and recommended by the ministers of Boston and Charleston.Memorable providences relating to witchcrafts and possessions a faithful account of many wonderful and surprising things that have befallen several bewitched and possesed person in New-England, particularly a narrative of the marvellous trouble and releef experienced by a pious family in Boston, very lately and sadly molested with evil spirits : whereunto is added a discourse delivered unto a congregation in Boston on the occasion of that illustrious providence : as also a discourse delivered unto the same congregation on the occasion of an horrible self-murder committed in the town : with an appendix in vindication of a chapter in a late book of remarkable providences from the calumnies of a Quaker at Pen-silvania / written by Cotton Mather ... and recommended by the ministers of Boston and Charleston.
Boston: printed by R.P., 1689
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
First. Beware of Discontent. The devils are are wonderfully discontented Spirits; and none more than discontented Persons, lie open to their Invasion and Annoyance. The discontented man is angry at God; it is a rage at God, it is a Fret as God, which discomposes him. We are told about the man that is angry at his Neighbour, in Eph. 4. 27. He gives place to the devil. How much more may this be said about the man who is angry at his maker? The devil finds a place in ⟨p. 15⟩the soul of such a man. Be not Angry at any Poverty, be not Angry at any Calumny, be not Angry at any Affliction whatsoever. Discontent opens the doors of the soul for all the devils of Hell to enter in.
First. Beware of Discontent. The devils are are wonderfully discontented Spirits; and none more than discontented Persons, ly open to their Invasion and Annoyance. The discontented man is angry at God; it is a rage at God, it is a Fret as God, which discomposes him. We are told about the man that is angry at his Neighbour, in Eph. 4. 27. He gives place to the devil. How much more may this be said about the man who is angry at his maker? The devil finds a place in ⟨p. 15⟩the soul of such a man. Be not Angry at any Poverty, be not Angry at any Calumny, be not Angry at any Affliction whatsoever. Discontent opens the doors of the soul for all the devils of Hell to enter in.
Secondly. Beware of Idleness, If thou art Idle, know that the devil is not so; the Idle soul is an empty House; there happens to it that thing in Mat. 12. 44. The unclean spirit walks to and fro, and comes and finds the house empty, then goeth. He and taketh with himself seven other spirits, more wicked than himself, and they enter in. When the Devil finds an Idle person, he as in were, calls to more of his crew, Come here! come here! A brave prize for us all! When was a David made a prize for a devil? It was when he rose from his Couch in the Afternoon, and walked in his Balcony, as one that had nothing at all to do. Of Idleness comes no goodness.