A50139:254
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.
Avoid all those Ill-Charms which are a piece of Witchcraft: The Devils have pretty Ra•••s, as well as fiery Arrows they that use the Ra•••es, ⟨p. 25⟩will come at length to use the Arrows too. Do not play on the Brink of the pit, lest you tumble in. It was complained in 2. King. 17. 9. The Children of Israel did secretly those things that are not right against the Lord their God. Even so it may be said, that people among us do secretly and frequently those things that have a sort of Witchcraft in them.
There are manifold Sorceries practised among them that make a profession of Christianity against which I would this day bear a witness in the Name of the most holy Lord.
First, There are some that make use of wicked Charms for the curing of Mischiefs. It is too common a thing for persons to oppose Witchcraft it self with Witchcraft. When they suppose one to be bewitched, they do with Burnings, and Bottles, and Horseshoes, and, I know not what, magical Ceremonies endeavour his Relief. Mark what I say: To use any Remedy, the force of which depends upon the Compact of the Devils with the Witches, is to involve ones self in the cursed. Compact it is, as it were, to say, O Devil, Thou hast agreed with such a person that they shall be exposed unto Torments by the use of such or such a Ceremony, we do now use the Ceremony, and expect thy blessing upon it. This is the Language foamed out by this foolish Magic. Do's not thy Conscience tremble at such Iniquity and Impiety? This may be to heal a Body, but it ⟨p. 26⟩