The Witchcraft Delusion in New England: Its Rise, Progress, and Termination (Vol. 2 of 3)Mather, Cotton
History
The Witchcraft Delusion in New England: Its Rise, Progress, and Termination (Vol. 2 of 3)
Mather, Cotton
Witchcraft -- New England
To which I have nothing to object, but it might be a good
Acknowledgment; But considering that the Book is gone forth into all
the World, cannot but think the Salve ought to be proportion'd to the
Sore, and the notice of the Devils wiles as Universal, as the means
recommending them. Another Practice is _pag._ 20, 21. [_There was one
singular passion that frequently attended her, an Invisible Chain would
be clapt about her, and she in much pain and fear cry out when they
began to put it on, once I did with my own hand knock it off as it
began to be fastened about her._] [30] If this were done by the power
or Vertue of any ord'nance of Divine Institution, it is well, but would
have been much better if the Institution had been demonstrated, or was
there any Physical Vertue in that particular Hand. But supposing that
neither of these will be asserted by the Author, I do think it very
requisite, that the World may be acquainted with the Operation, and
to what Art or Craft to refer their Power of Knocking off _Invisible
Chains_.
And thus, Sir, I have Faithfully discharged (what in this I took to be
my Duty) and am so far from doing it to gain applause, or from a Spirit
of Contradiction, that I expect to procure me many Enemies thereby,
(but as in case of a Fire) where the Glory of God, and the Good and
Wellfare of Mankind are so nearly concern'd, I thought it my duty to be
no longer an Idle Spectator; And can, and do say, to the Glory of God,
in this whole Affair, I have endeavoured a Conscience voide of offence,
both towards God and towards Man; And therein at the least have the
advantage of such as are very Jealous they have done so much herein,
as to Sin in what they have done, _viz._ In sheltring the Accused,
such have been the Cowardice and Fearfulness, whereunto the regard to
the Dissatisfaction of other People have precipitated them; Which by
the way must needs acquaint all, that for the future other measures
are resolved upon (by such) which how Bloody they may prove when
opportunity shall offer, is with him who orders all things, according
to the counsel of his own Will: And now that the Song of Angels may be
the Emulation of Men, is the earnest Desire, and Prayer, of Sir, Yours
to Command in what I may,
R. C.
_Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth Peace and good Will towards
Men._
[_A Letter to Mr._ B.]
_Boston, March the_ 1_st._ 1694.
Mr. B.[56] _Worthy Sir_,
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