An essay for the recording of illustrious providences

CHAP. VII.

Concerning Apparitions. That they are not so frequent in places where the Gospel prevaileth as in dark corners of the Earth. That good Angels do sometimes visibly appear. Confirmed by several Histories. That Caco-daemons oftentimes pretend to be good Angels. That Satan may appear in the likeness of Holy men; proved by notable Instances. Concerning the appearance of Persons Deceased. The procuring cause thereof is usually some sin committed. Some late remarkable Examples. Of Mens Covenanting to appear after their Death. It is an heavy judgement when places are infested with such doleful Spectres.

As yet no place, nor a•• person in New England (excepting the Instances before mentioned) have been troubled with Apparitions: Some indeed have given out, that I know not what Spectres were seen by them; but upon enquiry, I cannot find that there was any thing therein, more than Fancy, and frightful Apprehensions without sufficient ground. Nevertheless, that Spirits have sometimes really (as well as imaginarily) appeared to Mortals in the World, ⟨p. 203⟩is amongst sober Men beyond controversy. And that such things were of old taken notice of, we may rationally conclude from that Scripture, Luk. 24. 37. where it is said, that the Disciples were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a Spirit. It is observable, that such frightful Spectres do most frequently show themselves in places where the light of the Gospel hath not prevailed. Some have propounded it as a question worthy the inquiring into; What should be the reason that Daemons did ordinarily infest the Gentiles of old, as also the East and West Indians of later times, and that Popish Countries are still commonly and grievously molested by them; but in England, and Scotland, and in the united Provinces, and in all Lands where the Reformed Religion hath taken place, such things are more rare. Popish Authors do acknowledge that as to matter of fact it is really thus; and the reason which some of them assign for it, is, that the Devils are so sure of their Interest in Heretical Nations, as that they pass over them, and come & molest Papists, whom they are most afraid of losing. But they should rather have attributed it to the Light of the Gospel, and the power of Christ going along therewith. Justin Martyr, Tertullian, and others observe