A50139:261
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.
Suppose that a Person bewitched should pretend to see the Apparition of such or such an one, yet this may be no infallible Argument of their being Naughty people, it seems possible that the Devils may so traduce the most Innocent, the most praise-worthy. Why may not spiritual Devils, as well as Devils Incarnate get leave to do it? There was at Groton, a while since, a very memorable Instance of such a thing; and what should hinder them that can Imitate the Angels of Light but that they may likewise personate the Children of Light, in their Delusions?
II. To them that have been seduced into the Sin of Witchcraft. And under this Rack, there are two sorts of persons to be addressed unto.
First. Let them that have been guilty of Implicit Witchcraft, now repent of their monstrous and horrid evil in it. I fear that I speak to some Scores, that may lay their hands on their mouths, and cry, Guilty, Guilty! before the Lord, in this particular. Let these now Confess and bewail their own sin in the fight of God; and as it was said in Hos. 14. 8. What have I any more to do with Idols? Thus let them say, What have I any more to do with Devils? The things that you have done, have been payments of Respects unto Devils; and it becomes you to abhor your selves in dust and ashes for your Folly. The great and terrible God says of you, as in Deut. 32. 21. They have provoked me to anger with their Vanities. Let the things that did provoke Him to anger, now provoke you to sorrow. Retire this evening, and humble your selves very deeply, in that you have been so foolish and unwise. Lament all your Acquaintance with Hell; and let your Acquaintance with God be more. Let your Lamentations be more than ever your Divinations were.