N00392:297
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.
One would think. That if an Historian, did but secure his Veracity from being Impeached, most of his other faults were pardonable; and so truly they would be accounted, by any, besides Quakers, who are a people by themselves. But my Father had published a Book entitled, Illustrious Providences; in one part of which, he has a Narrative of several very marvellous Occurrences, that certain deluded and possessed Quakers, in this Country were concerned in. The matter of Fact, never could be disputed; yet one Keith a Quaker, who had been compassing […] to make proselytes, visits New-Eng. in his Progress, where meeting with small Applause, & less ⟨p. 3⟩Success, instead of Converts, he picks up what Quarrels our Country could afford him, and among the Rest, this book of Providences. At his Return to Pen-silvania, he blesses the world with a […] Volume of Heresies and Blasphemies against the Protestant Religion, the principle Articles whereof, he endeavours to undermine, with some further Improvements of Nonsense, than the Abilities of the Quakers had heretofore help of 'em to; but, tho tis almost pity that any Eagle (pardon the Comparison, he himself calls us Night-birds) should lose his time, by attending the motions of such a Fly; yet I suppose, he will not be long, without the Castigations of a full, tho' short Answer to the Impertinences with which he has been craftily assuming to spoil out vines. He entitles his Harangues, The Churches in New-England brought to the Test; and it might be expected; that one so willing to be a Servant of those Churches as Increase Mather, would not escape the Vengeance of those whom these Churches are an eye-sore unto. Accordingly, the Title-page of his Discourses (for truly Reader,) he will not now give us a Silent Meeting) promises to us, An Answer to the gras• Abuses, Lies and Slanders of Increase Mather […] which he afterwards detects, just as one of his predecessors after a Con•errat on with […] Trampled upon Hate's pride; while […] instance in any one Abuse Eye, o• stander ⟨p. 4⟩of Increase Mather, without committing more than a few himself. However, he is pleased to say, when he comes to talk, Let any of his kindred answer for him in his absence;