N00392:271
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.
Let them that have been guilty of Explicit Witchcraft, now also repent of their monstrous and horrid evil in it. If any of you have (I hope none of you have) made an Express Contract with Devils, know that your promise is better broke than Kept; it concerns you that you Turn immediately from the power of Satan unto God. ⟨p. 31⟩Albeit your sin be beyond all Expression or Conception Heinous, yet it is not unpardonable. We read of Manasseh in 2. Chron. 33. •6. He used Enchantments, & used Witchcraft, and deal• with a Familiar Spirit, and wrought much Evil in the sight of the Lord. But that great Wizard found Mercy with God, upon his deep Humiliation for it: Such a Boundless thing is the Grace of our God! The Prey of Devils, may become the Joy of Angels: The Confederates of Hell, may become the Inhabitants of Heaven, upon their sincere Turning unto God. A Witch may be penitent in this, and glorious in another world. There was one Hartford here, who did with much Brokenness of heart own her Witchcraft, and leave her Master, and expire depending on the Free-Grace of God in Christ, and on that word of His, Come to me, ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest; and on that, There is a fountain open for sin and for uncleanness. Come then, Renounce the Slavery and the Interest of the Devils, Renounce your mad League with 'em Come and give up your selves unto the Lord Jesus Christ, loathing your selves exceedingly for your so siding with the black enemies of His Throne. O come away from the doleful estate you are in. Come away from serving of the Devils that have ensnared your Souls. What Wages have you from those Hellish I ask-masters? Alas you are here among the poor, and •ile, and ⟨p. 32⟩reg•d Beggars upon Earth. When did Witchcraft ever make any person Rich? And hereafter you must be Objects for the intolerable insolence and Cruelty of those Cannibals, and be, broken sore in the place of Dragons for evermore. Be take your selves then to Instant and Constant Prayer, and unto your old filthy Rulers now say, "Depart from me, ye Evil Spirits, for I will keep the Commandments of God.