USE of the Second proposition.: Memorable providences relating to witchcrafts and… by Cotton Mather | AskReformation

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:249p. 23–24

Avoid those Ill Frames which are a Step to Witchcraft. There are especially Two ill Frames which do lead people on to the worst Witchcraft in the world. Shun a Frame of Discontent. When persons are discontented with their own state; When persons through discontent at their Poverty, or at their Misery, shall be always murmuring and repining at the Providence of God, the Devils do then invite them to an Agreement with, and a Reliance on them for Help. Down right Witchcraft is the up-shot of it. We find in Luc. 4. 2. our Lord, hungered, and then the Devil came in an audible or a visible manner to Him, tho he had been more spiritually long before assaulting of Him. They are needy persons whom Devils make the most likely attempts upon. And some persons are not only Hungry, but Angry too; but then every Fret, every Fume is as it were a Call to the Devils; it calls to them, Come and help me. Shun also a Frame of Ill-Wishing. There is a Witchcraft begun in the ⟨p. 24⟩Imprecations of wicked people. Many profane persons will wish the Devil to take this & that, or, the Devil to do this & that; and when they call, at last he comes, or at least the Devil do's what they wish Observe this, We are by our Sins worthy to have Mischiefs befalling us every day; and the Devils are always ready to inflict what we deserve. I am also apt to think that the Devils are seldom able to hurt us in any of our exterior Concerns without a Commission from some of our fellow-worms. It is intimated in Gen. 4. 9. That every man is his Brother's Keeper: We are by our good Wishes to keep our Brethren from the Inroads of Ill spirits. But when foul-mouthed men shall wish harm unto their Neighbours, they give a Commission unto the Devils to perform what they desire; and if God should not mercifully prevent it, they would go thorough with it. Hear this, you that in wild passions will give every thing to the Devil: Hear it, you that will bespeak a Rot, a Pox, and a Plague upon all that shall provoke you I here Indict you as guilty of hellish Witchcraft in the sight of God. 'Tis the little Wapping of smell dogs that stirs up the cruel Mastiffs to fall upon the Sheep in the Field.

Avoid those Ill Frames which are a Step to Witchcraft. There are especially Two ill Frames which do lead people on to the worst Witchcraft in the world. Shun a Frame of Discontent. When persons are discontented with their own state; When persons through discontent at their Poverty, or at their Misery, shall be alwaies murmuring and repining at the Providence of God, the Devils do then invite them to an Agreement with, and a Reliance on them for Help. Down right Witchcraft is the up-shot of it. We find in Luc. 4. 2. our Lord, hungred, and then the Devil came in an audible or a visible manner to Him, tho he had been more spiritually long before assaulting of Him. They are needy persons whom Devils make the most likely attempts upon. And some persons are not only Hungry, but Angry too; but then every Fret, every Fume is as it were a Call to the Devils; it calls to them, Come and help me. Shun also a Frame of Ill-Wishing. There is a Witchcraft begun in the ⟨p. 24⟩Imprecations of wicked people. Many profane persons will wish the Devil to take this & that, or, the Devil to do this & that; and when they call, at last he comes, or at least the Divel do's what they wish Observe this, We are by our Sins worthy to have Mischiefs befalling us every day; and the Devils are alwaies ready to inflict what we deserve. I am also apt to think that the Devils are seldome able to hurt us in any of our exteriour Concerns without a Commission from some of our fellow-worms. It is intimated in Gen. 4. 9. That every man is his Brother's Keeper: We are by our good Wishes to keep our Brethren from the Inroads of Ill spirits. But when foul-mouth'd men shall wish harm unto their Neighbours, they give a Commission unto the Devils to perform what they desire; and if God should not mercifully prevent it, they would go thorough with it. Hear this, you that in wild passions will give every thing to the Devil: Hear it, you that will bespeak a Rot, a Pox, and a Plague upon all that shall provoke you I here Indict you as guilty of hellish Witchcraft in the sight of God. 'Tis the little Wapping of smell dogs that stirs up the cruel Mastives to fall upon the Sheep in the Field.

:253p. 25–26

First, There are some that make use of wicked Charms for the curing of Mischiefs. It is too common a thing for persons to oppose Witchcraft it self with Witchcraft. When they suppose one to be bewitched, they do with Burnings, and Bottles, and Horseshoes, and, I know not what, magical Ceremonies endeavour his Relief. Mark what I say: To use any Remedy, the force of which depends upon the Compact of the Devils with the Witches, is to involve ones self in the cursed. Compact it is, as it were, to say, O Devil, Thou hast agreed with such a person that they shall be exposed unto Torments by the use of such or such a Ceremony, we do now use the Ceremony, and expect thy blessing upon it. This is the Language foamed out by this foolish Magic. Do's not thy Conscience tremble at such Iniquity and Impiety? This may be to heal a Body, but it ⟨p. 26⟩is to destroy a soul. These persons give themselves to the Devils to be delivered from the Witches. And the people that are eased & helped by such means, they say, do usually come to unhappy Ends. Let me say as in 2. King. 1. 3. Is there not a God in Israel, that you go to Beelzebub? What? will not Prayer and Faith do, but must the Black Art be used against our enemies?

First, There are some that make use of wicked Charms for the curing of Mischiefs. It is too common a thing for persons to oppose Witchcraft it self with Witchcraft. When they suppose one to be bewitched, they do with Burnings, and Bottles, and Horshoes, and, I know not what, magical Caeremonies endeavour his Relief. Mark what I say: To use any Remedy, the force of which depends upon the Compact of the Devils with the Witches, is to involve ones self in the cursed. Compact it is, as it were, to say, O Devil, Thou hast agreed with such a person that they shall be expos'd unto Torments by the use of such or such a Caeremony, we do now use the Caeremony, and expect thy blessing upon it. This is the Language foamed out by this foolish Magic. Do's not thy Conscience tremble at such Iniquity and Impiety? This may be to heal a Body, but it ⟨p. 26⟩is to destroy a soul. These persons give themselves to the Devils to be deliver'd from the Witches. And the people that are eas'd & helped by such meanes, they say, do usually come to unhappy Ends. Let me say as in 2. King. 1. 3. Is there not a God in Israel, that you go to Belzebub? What? will not Prayer and Faith do, but must the Black Art be used against our enemies?

:255p. 27–28

Secondly. There are some that make Use of wicked Charms, for the Finding of Secrets. The Lord hath told us, in Deut. 29. 29. Secret things belong to God. But these impious people must needs have a Taste of them. They will ask the Devils to inform their minds, and resolve their doubts. This is the Witchcraft of them, that with a Sieve, or a Key will go to discover how their lost Goods are disposed of. This is the Witchcraft of them that with Glasses and Basins will go to discover how they shall be Related before they die. They are a sort of Witches that thus employ themselves. And this is the Witchcraft of the Judicial Astrologer. That Astrologer is a Cousin-German to a Conjurer. I think I know his Rules, and I am satisfied that his Judgment must at last be determined by his Impulse, or it is not worth an hundredth part of what the silly Enquirer pays him for it: and from whom, from what shall that Impulse come? Behold the Energy of Devils in it. It is likewise a sort of Sorcery, for persons to let their Bibles fall open, on purpose to determine what the state of their souls is, from the first word they light upon. And some among us, they say, are so extremely sinful, as to consult one whom they count a Conjurer, when they would understand what they know not otherwise. 'Tis horrible, that in this Land of Uprightness there should be any such Prank of wickedness. I do earnestly ⟨p. 28⟩testify unto you that these things are abominables the voice of our God is, O do them not, my soul hates them. I do warn and charge you, Shun these execrable things, lest you he left unto the furthest Witchcraft committed by the abhorted of the Lord.

Secondly. There are some that make Use of wicked Charms, for the Finding of Secrets. The Lord hath told us, in Deut. 29. 29. Secret things belong to God. But these impious people must needs have a Tast of them. They will ask the Devils to inform their minds, and resolve their doubts. This is the Witchcraft of them, that with a Sieve, or a Key will go to discover how their lost Goods are disposed of. This is the Witchcraft of them that with Glasses and Basons will go to discover how they shall be Related before they dy. They are a sort of Witches that thus employ themselves. And this is the Witchcraft of the Iudicial Astrologer. That Astrologer is a Cousin-German to a Conjurer. I think I know his Rules, and I am satisfied that his Iudgment must at last be determined by his Impulse, or it is not worth an hundredth part of what the silly Enquirer payes him for it: and from whom, from what shall that Impulse come? Behold the Energy of Devils in it. It is likewise a sort of Sorcery, for persons to let their Bibles fall open, on purpose to determine what the state of their souls is, from the first word they light upon. And some among us, they say, are so extremely sinful, as to consult one whom they count a Conjurer, when they would understand what they know not otherwise. 'Tis horrible, that in this Land of Vprightness there should be any such Prank of wickedness. I do earnestly ⟨p. 28⟩testifie unto you that these things are abominables the voice of our God is, O do them not, my soul hates them. I do warn and charge you, Shun these execrable things, lest you he left unto the furthest Witchcraft committed by the abhorted of the Lord.

:256p. 28–29¶2

2. Take heed that you do not wrongfully accuse any other person, of this horrid and monstrous evil. It is the Character of a Godly man, in Psal. 15. 3. He taketh not up a Reproach against his Neighbour. What more dirty Reproach than that of Witchcraft can there be? Yet it is most readily dast upon worthy persons, when their is hardly a shadow of any reason for it. An Ill-look, or a cross word will make a Witch with many people who may on more ground be counted so themselves. There has been a fearful deal of Injury done in this way in this Town, to the Good-name of the most credible persons in it. Persons of more Goodness and Esteem than any of their calumnious Abusers have been defamed for Witches about this Country, A Country full of lies. I beseech you, Let all Back-biting, and all Evil-surmising be put away from among you: do not, on small grounds Fly-blow the precious ointment of the good-name that thy Neighbour should have. On the least provocation, I will never believe but such an one is a witch —that is presently the Sentence of some that ⟨p. 29⟩might speak more warily than so. Alas, thou mightest with as much Honesty break open the House, or take away the purse of thy Neighbour: His Good Name is of more Account. They that indulge themselves in this course of Evil-Judging, are usually paid home for it before they die; the just God sue's them in an Action of Defamation, and makes their Names to be up too, before they leave world.

2. Take heed that you do not wrongfully accuse any other person, of this horrid and monstrous evil. It is the Character of a Godly man, in Psal. 15. 3. He taketh not up a Reproach against his Neighbour. What more dirty Reproach than that of Witchcraft can there be? Yet it is most readily dast upon worthy persons, when their is hardly a shadow of any reason for it. An Ill-look, or a cross word will make a Witch with many people who may on more ground be counted so themselves. There has been a fearful deal of Injury done in this way in this Town, to the Good-name of the most credible persons in it. Persons of more Goodness and Esteem than any of their calumnious Abusers have been defamed for Witches about this Countrey, A Countrey full of lyes. I beseech you, Let all Back-biting, and all Evil-surmising be put away from among you: do not, on small grounds Fly-blow the precious ointment of the good-name that thy Neighbour should have. On the least provocation, I will never beleeve but such an one is a witch —that is presently the Sentence of some that ⟨p. 29⟩might speak more warily than so. Alas, thou might'st with as much Honesty break open the House, or take away the purse of thy Neighbour: His Good Name is of more Account. They that indulge themselves in this course of Evil-Iudging, are usually paid home for it before they dy; the just God sue's them in an Action of Defamation, and makes their Names to be up too, before they leave world.

:260p. 30

First. Let them that have been guilty of Implicit Witchcraft, now repent of their monstrous and horrid evil in it. I fear that I speak to some Scores, that may lay their hands on their mouths, and cry, Guilty, Guilty! before the Lord, in this particular. Let these now Confess and bewail their own sin in the fight of God; and as it was said in Hos. 14. 8. What have I any more to do with Idols? Thus let them say, What have I any more to do with Devils? The things that you have done, have been payments of Respects unto Devils; and it becomes you to abhor your selves in dust and ashes for your Folly. The great and terrible God says of you, as in Deut. 32. 21. They have provoked me to anger with their Vanities. Let the things that did provoke Him to anger, now provoke you to sorrow. Retire this evening, and humble your selves very deeply, in that you have been so foolish and unwise. Lament all your Acquaintance with Hell; and let your Acquaintance with God be more. Let your Lamentations be more than ever your Divinations were.

First. Let them that have been guilty of Implicit Witchcraft, now repent of their monstrous and horrid evil in it. I fear that I speak to some Scores, that may lay their hands on their mouths, and cry, Guilty, Guilty! before the Lord, in this particular. Let these now Confess and bewail their own sin in the fight of God; and as it was said in Hos. 14. 8. What have I any more to do with Idols? Thus let them say, What have I any more to do with Devils? The things that you have done, have been payments of Respects unto Devils; and it becomes you to abhor your selves in dust and ashes for your Folly. The great and terrible God sayes of you, as in Deut. 32. 21. They have provoked me to anger with their Vanities. Let the things that did provoke Him to anger, now provoke you to sorrow. Retire this evening, and humble your selves very deeply, in that you have been so foolish and unwise. Lament all your Acquaintance with Hell; and let your Acquaintance with God be more. Let your Lamentations be more than ever your Divinations were.

:261p. 30–32

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 Task-masters? Alas you are here among the poor, and vile, and ⟨p. 32⟩ragged Beggars upon Earth. When did Witchcraft ever make any person Rub? And hereafter you must be Objects for the intolerable in silence 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 Spirit, for I will keep the Commandments of God.

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 Menasseh in 2. Chron. 33. •6. He used Enchantments, & used Witchcraft, and deale with a Famillar Spirit, and wrought much Evil in the sight of the Lord. But that great Wizzard 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 Ioy 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 Iesus 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 Task-masters? Alas you are here among the poor, and vile, and ⟨p. 32⟩ragged Beggars upon Earth. When did Witchcraft ever make any person Rub? And hereafter you must be Objects for the intolerable in silence 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 Spirit, for I will keep the Commandments of God.