N00392:140
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 persons in New-England. Particularly, a narrative of the marvellous trouble and relief [sic] 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 that 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 [sic]. / Written by Cotton Mather, Minister of the Gospel. ; 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 possessed persons in New-England. Particularly, a narrative of the marvellous trouble and releef [sic] 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 that 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 [sic]. / Written by Cotton Mather, Minister of the Gospel. ; And recommended by the Ministers of Boston and Charleston.
Boston: printed by R.P. i.e, 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.
Had there been Diligence enough used by them that have heard and […] amazing Instances of Witchcraft, our Number of Memorable Providences under this Head, had reached beyond the Perfect. However, before have done Writing, I will insert an Example or two, communicated unto me by a Gentle man of sufficient Fidelity to make a Story of his Relating Credible. The Things were such as happened in the Town whereof himself is Minister; and they are but some of more which he favoured me with the Communication of. But, it seems, I must be obliged, to conceal the Names of the parties concerned, lest some should he Offended, the None could be Injured by the mention of them.
HAd there been Diligence enough used by them that have heard and 〈…〉 amazing Instances of Witchcraft, our Number of Memorable Providences under this Head, had reached beyond the Perfect. However, before have done Writing, I will insert an Exemple or two, communicated unto me by a Gentle man of sufficient Fidelity to make a Story of his Relating Credible. The Things were such as happened in the Town whereof himself is Minister; and they are but some of more which he favoured me with the Communication of. But, it seems, I must be obliged, to conceal the Names of the parties concerned, lest some should he Offended, the None could be Injured by the mention of them.
¶ In a Town which is none of the youngest this Country, there dwelt a very Godly at honest Man. who upon some Provocation, received very Angry and Threatening Expression from two women in the Neighbourhood; so upon this, diverse of his Cattle in a strange manner dyed; and the man himself sometimes was haunted with lights of the women as he thought encountering of him. He grew indisposed in his Body very unaccountably; and one day repaired unto a Church Meeting then held in the place, with a Resolution there to declare what he had ⟨p. 73⟩met withal. The man was one of such Figure and Respect among them, that the Pastor singled out him for to pray in the Assembly before their breaking up. He prayed with a more than usual measure of both Devotion and Discretion, but just as he was coming to that part of his Prayer, wherein he intended to petition Heaven for the Discovery of Witchcrafts which had been among them, he sank down Speechless and Senseless; and was by his Friends carried away to a Bed; where he lay for two or three hours in horrible Distress, fearfully starting, and staring and crying out Lord, I am stabbed! and now looking whilst to and fro, he said, O here are wicked persons among us, even among US; and he complained, I came hither with a full purpose to tell what I know, but now (said he) I lie like a Fool! Thus he continued until the Meeting was over, and then his Fits left him; only he remained very sore. One or two more such Fits he had after that; but afterwards a more private sort of Porture was employed upon him. He was advised by a worthy man […] apply himself unto a Magistrate; and warned, That he would shortly be murdered, if he did not. He took not the Counsel; […] languished for some Weeks; yet able to Walk and Work; but Then, he had his Breath and […] suddenly taken taken away from him, in a manner of which no full Account could be given.