Memorable providences, relating to witchcrafts and possessions. A faithful account of many wonderful and…

Temptations to Self-Murder, may likewise be fierce upon some unhappy people here. Tis almost unaccountable, that at some times in some places here, melancholy distempered Ragings toward Self-Murder, have been in a manner Epidemical. And it would make ones hair stand, to see or hear what manifest Assistance the Devils have given to these unnatural Self-executions when once they have been begun. Tis too evident, that persons are commonly bewitched or possessed into these unreasonable Frenzies. But What shall these hurried people do? My Advice is,

Temptations to Self-Murder, may likewise be fierce upon some unhappy people here. Tis almost unaccountable, that at some times in some places here, melancholy distempered Ragings toward Self-Murder, have been in a manner Epidemical. And it would make ones hair stand, to see or hear what manifest Assistance the Devils have given to these unnatural Self-executions when once they have been begun. Tis too evident, that persons are commonly bewitch't or possess't into these unreasonable Phrensies. But What shall these hurried people do? My Advice is,

Don't Conceal, much less Obey the motions of your Adversary. Failing in this, made a poor man, after a faithful sermon in a Neighbouring Town, presently to drown himself in a pit that had not two foot of water in it. If you will not Keep, that is the way not to Take the Devil Counsel. Let not him tie your Tongues, and it is likely he will not gain your Souls. Complain to a good God of the Dangers in which you find your selves; cry to Him, Lord, I am oppressed, undertake for me. Complain also to a wise Friend. Let some prudent and faithful Neighbour understand your Circumstances: Tis possible you may thereby escape the Snares with which the cruel Fowlers of Hell hope to trepan you into their dismal Clutches for evermore. ⟨p. 20⟩Your Neighbours may do much for you, and may prove your Keepers if God shall please. It may be the unkindness of some Friend, may have thrown you into your present Madness. Now the Kindness of some Friend may prove the Antidote. Many times, a Natural Distemper, is that by which the Devil takes advantage to get the souls of Self-Destroyers into his bloody hands. In this case, for the tempted persons to disclose their Griefs, will be the way to obtain their cures. Their Neighbours ought now to consult a skilful Physician for them; and oblige, yea, constrain them to follow his Directions. When the Humours on & by which the Devil works, are taken away, perhaps he may be starved out of doors. Many times, again, The sin of Slothfulness gives the Devil opportunity to procure the Self-Destruction of the sluggard. In this case too, the Tempted person may be succoured by the standers-by becoming sensible of their Circumstances. Their Neighbours may now compel them to follow their business. A Calling, the Business of a Calling, is an Ordinance of God, sanctified by Him to deliver us from the evil spirits that enter into the empty house,