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
In this, Sir, I suppose that if I have not wronged the sense of the
Author in the places quoted (which I trust you shall not find I have
done) I can't be thought accountable for the Errors or Contradictions
to himself or to the truth, if any such be found, particularly what
he grants in the Preface (of the freewill of Man, giving the Devil
his hurting power.) This being not only more than those call'd
Witch-Advocates would desire to be conceded to them: But is a palpable
and manifest overturning the Authors design in all his Witch stories.
For who would consent to have the Devil afflict himself? As also his
concession [that no Spirit can do any thing but by God's will and
permission,] I cannot perswade myself but you must be sensible of their
apparent contradictoriness to the rest. Others there are of a very
ill aspect, as _p._ 234. the Catholicks are much encouraged in their
Adoration of Angels and Saints. If that were so Innocent as not to
render them Anti-christian Idolaters; and that _p._ 4. if admitted,
will seem to lay an ungainsayable foundation for the _Pagan_, _Indian_,
and _Diabolists_ Faith; by telling us it is beyond our search to know
how far God leaves the Devils to free-will, to do what they please,
in this World, with a suspension of God's Predetermination; which if
it [45] were a truth, what were more rational than to oblige him that
has such power over us. The Atheists also would take encouragement
if it were granted that we cannot know how far God suspends his
predetermining motion, he would thence affirm, we as little know that
there is a predetermining motion, and consequently whether there be
a God, and _p._ 165. would abundantly strengthen them, when such a
Learned, experienced, and highly esteemed Christian shall own that he
knows not who 'tis that governs the Thunderstorms; for it might as well
discover ignorance, who 'tis that disposes of Earthquakes, Gun-shot,
and afflictions that befall any, with the rest of Mundane Events. I
design not to remark all that in the Book is remarkable, such as the
departed Souls wandering again hither to put men upon revenge, _&c._
savouring so much of _Pithagoras_ his Transmigration of Souls, and the
Separation of the Soul from the Body without death, as in the case
of her that went to see her Children, while yet she did not stir out
of her Bed, which seems to be a new speculation; unless it determins
in favour of Transubstantiation, that a Body may be at the same time
in several places. Upon the whole it is ungainsayable, That that
Book, though so highly extol'd, may be justly expected to occasion
the staggering of the weak, and the hardening of unbelievers in their
Infidelity. And it seems amazing, that you should not only give it
such a recommend, but that you should send it to me, in order (as I
take it) to pervert me from the belief of those fundamental Doctrinals
(above recited) Though I account them more firm than Heaven and Earth.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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