A50139:281
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
Discourses › A DISCOURSE on WITCHCRAFT. › Proposition 3 › USE of the Third Proposition.
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.
Secondly. Beware of that Rebellion against God particularly, which the Devils are most gratified withal. It is said in Eph. 4. 40. Grieve not the holy Spirit of God. The unclean devils are pleased most with such things as that Holy Spirit is most grieved with. Sometimes the Devils have been forced as it were, to discover their own Inclinations: through the mouths of possessed persons, they have declared what was very grateful to them. The Children that have lately been under a diabolical Fascination in this Town, have given us diverse Intimations, which we might make useful Observations on. I observed, that tho they had much delight in prayer when they were well; yet when they were ill, they could not endure it. The Demons would make them sing, & roar, and ⟨p. 39⟩stop their ears, and plague them, and at last lay them for dead, if any prayer were in the Room. Whence it may be inferred, That you who can go without Prayer from day to day, do just as the Devils would have you. The Devils have an horrible Rendezvous in that Family, in that Closet, where Prayer is not maintained. I observed, that tho the Word of God were their Companion & Counsellor at other times, yet now they would fall into Convulsions, if one did but look into a Bible. Whence it may be supposed that you who read not the Scripture, for the most part every day, do humour the devils in it. The Devils are glad to see the Bibles that have dust upon them. I observed, that Heretical, or Superstitious or profane Books, might be perused by some of them, when serious & Orthodox Books would put out their Eyes. Whence it may be suggested, That you who converse much with ill books, do as the devils would: The Devils would willingly be where Jest-books, & Play-books, & Romances, and Heresies or Superstitions are made a Library. I observed, that tho they were exemplary for Honesty & Sobriety, yet now their Wishes to steal & be drunk, were frequently expressed; and sometimes they were made very drunk tho no intoxicating Drink had bin in the least an occasion of it. Whence it may be gathered, That the Drunkard has a devil in him, the Stealer has a devil in him. The Devils have sport enough, when they ⟨p. 40⟩see a man Reeling in the streets; the devils are the Comrades of them that go to take what is none of their own.
Secondly. Beware of that Rebellion against God particularly, which the Devils are most gratified withal. It is said in Eph. 4. 40. Grieve not the holy Spirit of God. The unclean devils are pleased most with such things as that Holy Spirit is most grieved with. Sometimes the Devils have been forced as it were, to discover their own Inclinations: thro the mouths of possessed persons, they have declar'd what was very grateful to them. The Children that have lately been under a diabolical Fascination in this Town, have given us diverse Intimations, which we might make useful Observations on. I observed, that tho they had much delight in prayer when they were well; yet when they were ill, they could not endure it. The Damons would make them sing, & roar, and