![James Allen,
Fellows.
Char. Morton,
Sam. Willard,
Cotton Mather,
John Leverett,
Will. Brattle,
Neh. Walter,
Cambr. March 5, 169Ā¾
Here being an Encouragement to all good Men, to send in such
remarkables as are therein expressed, I have sent the following, not
that I think them a more sensible demonstration of the being of a
future State (with Rewards and Punishments) or of Angels good and
bad, &c. than the Scriptures of truth hold forth, &c. Or than any of
those other demonstrations God hath given us; for this were
Treacherously and Perfidiously to quit the Post to the Enemy, the
Sadducee, Deist, and Atheist would hereby be put in a condition so
Triumphantly to deny the Existence and Agency thereof. As that a
few Stories told (which at best must be owned to be fallible and
liable to misrepresentations) could not be thought Infallibly sufficient
to demonstrate the truth against them. I have heard that in Logick a
false Argument is reckon'd much worse than none: Yet supposing
that a Collection of Instances may be many ways useful, not only to
the present but succeeding Ages, I have sent you the following
remarkables, which have lately occurred, the certainty of which, if
any scruple it, will be found no hard matter to get satisfaction
therein: But here, not to insist on those less occurrents, as the
sudden Death of one of our late Justices,[66] and a like Mortallity
that fell upon the two Sons of another of them, with the Fall of a
Man that was making provision to raise the New Northern Bell,
which, when it was up, the first person, whose death it was to
signifie, was said to be a Child of him, who by Printing and speaking,
had had as great hand in procur[41]ing the late Actions as any, if
not the greatest; and the Splitting the Gun at Salem, where that](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/10274-250417121259-af97d0c7/85/Basics-of-Hydraulic-Systems-1st-Edition-Qin-Zhang-22-320.jpg)
![furious Marshal, and his Father, &c. was rent to pieces,[67] &c. As to
all these it must be owned, that no man knows love or hatred by all
that is before him, much less can they be more sensible
demonstrations of the Existence or Agency of the Invisible World,
than the scriptures of Truth afford, &c. tho' the Rich Man in the
Parable might think otherwise, &c. who was seeking to send some
more sensible Demonstrations thereof to his Brethren, &c. In that
Tremendous Judgment of God upon this Countrey, by the late
amazing Prosecution of the People here, under the Notion of
Witches; whereby 20 Suffered as Evil doers (besides those that died
in Prison) about ten more Condemned, and a hundred Imprisoned,
and about two hundred more Accused, and the Countrey generally in
fears, when it would come to their turn to be Accused; and the
Prosecution and manner of Tryal such, that most would have chosen
to have fallen into the hands of the Barbarous Enemy, rather than
(under that notion) into the hands of their Brethren in Church
Fellowship; and in short, was such an Affliction as far exceeded all
that ever this Countrey hath laboured under.
Yet in this Mount, God is seen; when it was thus bad with this
distressed People, a full and a sudden stop is put, not only without,
but against the Inclination of many, for out of the Eater came forth
Meat: Those very Accusers which had been improved as Witnesses
against so many, by the Providence of the most High, and perhaps
blinded with Malice, are left to accuse those in most High esteem,
both Magistrates and Ministers, as guilty of Witchcraft, which
shewed our Rulers, that necessity lay upon them, to confound that
which had so long confounded the Countrey, as being unwilling
themselves to run the same Risque, this that was in the Event of it
to this Countrey, as Life from the Dead, is most easie with him, in
whose Hands are the Hearts of all Men, and was a very signal
deliverance to this whole Countrey. No less Observable was it, that
tho' at the time when the Devils Testimony, by the Afflicted, was first
laid aside, there were great Numbers of (real or pretended) Afflicted:
Yet when this was once not Judged of Validity enough to be any
longer brought into the Court against the Accused as Evidence, the](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/10274-250417121259-af97d0c7/85/Basics-of-Hydraulic-Systems-1st-Edition-Qin-Zhang-23-320.jpg)
![Affliction generally ceased, and only some remainders of it in such
places, where more Encouragement was given to the Actors, God
seeming thereby plainly to Decipher that Sin of going to the Devil,
&c. as the rise and foundation of those Punishments.
And thus, Reverend Sir, I have, as I understand it, performed my
Duty herein, for the Glory of God, and the well-being of Men. And for
my Freedome used in this, and former Writings, relating to the
Actors in this Tragedy, I shall not Apologize, but give you the words
of one to [42] whom some can afford the title of Venerable (when
he is arguing for that which they have undertaken to ascert, tho' at
other times, more Diminutive Epithete, must serve) it is the
Reverend Mr. R. Baxter in his Book, the Cure of Church Divisions, p.
257, 258. But (I pray you mark it) the way of God is to shame the
Sinner, how good soever in other respects, That the sin may have
the greater shame, and Religion may not be shamed, as if it allowed
men to sin; Nor God the Author of Religion be Dishonoured; Nor
others be without the Warning; But the way of the Devil is, to hide
or justifie the sin, as if it were for fear of Disparaging the goodness
of the Persons that committed it; that so he may hereby Dishonour
Religion and Godliness itself, and make men believe it is but a Cover
for any Wickedness, and as consistent with it, as a looser Life is, and
that he may keep the Sinner from Repenting, and blot out the
Memory of that warning, which should have preserved After-Ages
from the like falls. Scripture shameth the Professors, (tho' a David, a
Solomon, Peter, Noah, or Lot) that the Religion profest may not be
shamed but vindicated: Satan would preserve the Honour of
Professors, that the Religion professed may bear the shame; and so
it may fall on God himself.
And now that all that have had a hand in any horrid and bloody
practices may be brought to give glory to God, and take the due
shame to themselves; and that our Watchmen may no longer seek
to palliate (much less give thanks for) such, &c. (thereby making
them their own) and that the people may no longer perish for want
of knowledge in the midst of such means of light; Nor God be any](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/10274-250417121259-af97d0c7/85/Basics-of-Hydraulic-Systems-1st-Edition-Qin-Zhang-24-320.jpg)
![A Letter to Mr. C. M.
H
I
Mr. Cotton Mather.
Reverend Sir,
AVING long since sent you some doctrinals as to my belief,
together with my request to you, that if I erred you would be
pleased to shew it me by scripture, viz. That the Devils bounds are
set which he cannot pass; That the Devils are so full of malice that it
cannot be added to by mankind; That where he hath power he
neither can nor will omit executing it; That 'tis only the Almighty that
sets bounds to his rage, and that only can commissionate him to
hurt and destroy, &c. But instead of such an Answer as was
promised, and justly expected, you were pleased to send me a Book,
which you since call'd an ungainsayable one; which Book till lately I
have not had opportunity so fully to consider. And to the end you
may see I have now done it, I have sent to you some of the
remarkables contained in the said Book, Intituled,
[43] The Certainty of the World of Spirits, written by
Mr. R. B.[68]
London, Printed. 1691.
T is therein conceded (Preface) That to see Devils and Spirits
ordinarily would not be enough to convince Atheists. Page 88.
Atheists are not to be convinced by stories, their own senses are not
enough to convince them any more than sense will convince a Papist
from Transubstantiation. (D. Laderd.) P. 4. No Spirit can do any thing
but by God's will and permission. (Preface) 'Tis the free will of Man
that gives the Devils their hurting power: And without our own
consent they cannot hurt us. (It is asserted. P. 222, 223,) That it is a
perverse opposition of Popery which causes many Protestants not to
regard the benefits we receive by Angels. And Ministers are faulty,
that do not pray and give thanks to God for their Ministry; and that
neglect to teach Believers, what love and what thanks they owe to
Angels. P. 225. Most good people look so much to God and to
Ministers, that they take little notice of Angels, which are God's great
Ministers. P. 234. The Author dares not, as some have done, judge
the Catholick Church to become Anti-Christian Idolaters, as soon as](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/10274-250417121259-af97d0c7/85/Basics-of-Hydraulic-Systems-1st-Edition-Qin-Zhang-26-320.jpg)
![they gave too much Worship to Saints and Angels. P. 7. The Blessed
Souls shall be like the Angels, therefore may appear here, P. 3, 4.
'Tis hard to know whether it be a Devil or a human Soul that
appears, or whether the Soul of a good or a bad person. P. 61. or
the Soul of some dead friend that suffers, and yet retains love, &c. P.
222. No doubt the Souls of the wicked carry with them their former
inclinations of Covetousness, Revenge, &c. P. 7. When Revengeful
things are done, as on Murderers, Defrauders, &c. it seems to be
from the revengeful wrath of some bad Soul, if it be about Money or
Lands, then from a Worldly minded one; some significations of God's
mercy to wicked Souls after this Life. P. 4. 'Tis a doubt whether
besides the Angels (good and bad) and the Souls of men, there is
not a third sort, call'd Faries and Goblins. It is unsearchable to us
how far God leaves Spirits to freewill in small things, suspending his
predetermining motion.
P. 246. The Devils have a Marvellous power, if but a silly wretched
Witch consent. P. 10. 202. The stories of Witches and Spirits are
many ways useful, particularly to convince Atheists, and confirm
Believers, and to prove the Operation of Spirits. P. 232. To help men
to understand that Devils make no small number of Laws, and Rulers
in the World, and are Authors of most of the Wars, and of many
Sermons, and of Books that adorn the Liberaries of learned men. P.
6. 102. The Devil's lying with the Witch is not to be denied, and is
more to Exercise the Lust of the Witch than of the Devil, who can
also bring in another Witch with[44]out opening the door, and so
perform it by one Witch with another. P. 105. Witches can raise
Storms, sell Winds, &c. as is commonly affirmed. P. 107. In America
'tis a common thing to see Spirits day and night. P. 95, 96, 97, 110.
Stories of a Child that could not be cured of Witchcraft, because the
Ember[69]-weeks were past, Vomited a Knife a span long, Cart Nails,
&c. neither eat nor drank fifteen days and nights together; a long
piece of Wood, four Knives, and two sharp pieces of Iron, ev'ry one
above a span long, taken out of the Stomach, &c. Hair, Stones,
Bones, Vomited, &c. 1000 l. of Blood lost by one person in a years
time.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/10274-250417121259-af97d0c7/85/Basics-of-Hydraulic-Systems-1st-Edition-Qin-Zhang-27-320.jpg)
![P. 250. A story that makes the Author think it possible that such
great things (as he mentions) should be gotten down and up
Peoples Throats.
P. 164. Partial credibility spoils many a good story.
P. 125. The Devil's substance enters into the possessed.
P. 174. Distracted are possessed.
P. 149. A sick Woman while she lay in bed went to see her Children.
P. 153. A Dog appeared like a Fly or a Flea.
P. 165. Some knowing Agents directs Thunder storms, tho' the
Author knows not who, and that they so often fall on Churches he
knows not why.
P. 2, 80. Mr. J. M. and Mr. C. M. Recommended together with Bodin,
&tc.
P. 237. A Crispian, if through Ignorance he believes not what he
saith, may be a Christian.
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](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/10274-250417121259-af97d0c7/85/Basics-of-Hydraulic-Systems-1st-Edition-Qin-Zhang-28-320.jpg)
![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.
But that which is yet more strange to me, is that Mr. B his Friends
did not advise him better, than in his declined Age to emit such
crude matter to the public. As to the sometime Reverend Author, let
his works praise the Remembrance of him; but for such as are either
Erroneous and foisted upon him, or the effect of an aged Imbecillity,
let them be detected that they may proceed no further.[70]
I am not ignorant that the manner of Education of Youth in, I think,
almost all Christian Schools hath a natural tendency to propagate](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/10274-250417121259-af97d0c7/85/Basics-of-Hydraulic-Systems-1st-Edition-Qin-Zhang-29-320.jpg)
![those Doctrines of Devils heretofore (solely) profest among Ethnicks,
[71] and particularly in matters of Witchcraft, &c. For notwithstanding
the Council of Carthage their taking notice that the Christian Doctors
did converse much with the writings of the Heathens for the gaining
of Eloquence, forbad the reading of the Books of the Gentiles; yet it
seems this was only a Bill without a penalty, which their successors
did not look upon to be binding. He that should in this age take a
view of the Schools, might be induced to believe that the ages since
have thought, that without such Heathen Learning a man cannot be
so accomplish'd, as to have any pretence to Academick Literature:
and that the vulgar might not be without the benefit of such
Learning, some of their Dis[46]ciples have taught them to speak
English, which has given me the opportunity to send you these
following Verses.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/10274-250417121259-af97d0c7/85/Basics-of-Hydraulic-Systems-1st-Edition-Qin-Zhang-30-320.jpg)
![Lib. 14.
To Rhegium opposite to Zanle's shore,
And treads the troubled Waves, that loudly roar;
Running with unwet Feet on that profound,
As if Sh' had trod upon the solid ground.
[47] This with portentous poyson she pollutes,
Besprinkled with the juice of wicked roots,
In words dark, and perplext nine times thrice,
Inchantments mutters with her wicked voice, &c.
These Fables of the Heathens (tho' in themselves of no more validity
than the idle Tales of an Indian, or the Discourses of a known
Romancer) are become the School-learning, not to say the Faith of
Christians, and are the Scriptures brought (instead of that most sure
Word) if not to prove Doctrine, yet as illustrations thereof. Cases of
Conscience concerning Witch pag. 25. Remarkable Providences pag.
250. (This perhaps might be the cause that in England a people
otherways sober and Religious) have for some Ages (in a manner
wholly) refused admitting those so educated to the work of the
Ministry. Such education and practice, have so far prevailed that it
has been a means of corrupting the Christian world, almost to that
degree as to be ungainsayable; for tho' there is Reason to hope that
these Diabolical principles have not so prevail'd (with multitudes of
Christians) as that they ascribe to a Witch and a Devil the Attributes
peculiar to the Almighty; yet how few are willing to be found
opposing such a torrent, as knowing that in so doing they shall be
sure to meet with opposition to the utmost, from the many, both of
Magistrates, Ministers and People; and the name of Sadducee,
Atheist, and perhaps Witch too cast upon them most liberally, by
men of the highest profession in Godliness. And if not so learned as
some of themselves, then accounted only fit to be trampled on, and
their Arguments (tho both Rational and Scriptural) as fit only for
contempt. But tho this be the deplorable Dilemma; yet some have
dared from time to time (for the glory of God, and the good and
safety of Mens lives, &c.) to run all these Risques. And that God who
has said, My glory I will not give to another, is able to protect those](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/10274-250417121259-af97d0c7/85/Basics-of-Hydraulic-Systems-1st-Edition-Qin-Zhang-33-320.jpg)
![C
that are found doing their duty herein against all opposers; and
however other ways contemptible can make them useful in his own
hand, who has sometimes chosen the weakest Instruments, that his
power may be the more Illustrious.
And now, Reverend Sir, if you are conscious to yourself, that you
have in your principles, or practices been abetting to such grand
Errors, I cannot see how it can consist with sincerity to be so
convinc'd in matters so nearly relating to the glory of God, and lives
of Innocents; and at the same time so much to fear disparagement
among Men, as to stifle Conscience, and dissemble an approving of
former sentiments; you know that word, he that honoureth me I will
honour, and he that despiseth me shall be lightly esteemed. But if
you think that in these matters you have done your duty, and taught
people theirs; and that the Doctrines cited from the mentioned [48]
Book are ungainsayable: I shall conclude in almost his words, He
that teaches such Doctrine, if through Ignorance he believes not
what he saith, may be a Christian: But if he believes them, he is in
the broad path to Heathenism, Devilism, Popery or Atheism. It is a
solemn caution, Gal. i. 8. But tho we or an Angel from Heaven
preach any other Gospel unto you than that which we have
preached unto you, let him be accursed. I hope you will not
misconstrue my Intentions herein, who am, Reverend Sir, Yours to
command, in what I may,
R. C.
To the Ministers in and near Boston, January 12,
1696.
HRISTIANITY had been but a short time in the World, when
there was raised against it, not only open profest Enemies; but
secret and imbred underminers, who sought thereby to effect that
which open force had been so often baffled in.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/10274-250417121259-af97d0c7/85/Basics-of-Hydraulic-Systems-1st-Edition-Qin-Zhang-34-320.jpg)
![And notwithstanding that primitive purity and sincerity, which in
some good measure was still retained; yet the cunning deceivers
and Apostate Hereticks found opportunity to beguile the unwary, and
this in fundamentals.
Among others which then sprung up, with but too much advantage
in the third Century, the Maniche[72] did spread his Pestiferous
sentiments, and taught the Existence of two Beings, or Causes of all
things, viz. a good and a bad: but these were soon silenced by the
more Orthodox Doctors, and Anathematized by General Councels.
And at this day the American Indians, another sort of Maniche,
entertaining (thus far) the same belief, hold it their prudence and
interest to please that evil Being, as well by perpetrating other
Murders, as by their Bloody Sacrifices, that so he may not harm
them. The Iron teeth of time have now almost devoured the name
of the former, and as to the latter, it is to be hoped that as
Christianity prevails among them, they will abhor such abominable
belief.[73]
And as those primitive times, were not priviledged against the
spreading of dangerous Heresie, so neither can any now pretend to
any such Immunity, tho' professing the enjoyment of a primitive
purity.
Might a Judgment be made from the Books of the modern learned
Divines, or from the practice of Courts, or from the Faith of many,
who call themselves Christians, it might be modestly, tho' sadly
concluded, that the Doctrine of the Maniche, at least great part of it,
is so far from being forgotten that 'tis almost every where profest.
We in these ends of the Earth need not seek far for Instances, in
each respect to demonstrate this. The Books here Printed, and
recommended not only by the respective Authors, but by many of
their Brethren, do set forth that the Devil inflicts Plagues,a Wars,b
Diseases,c Tempestsd and can render the most solid things invisible,e
and can do things above and against the course of Nature, and all
natural causes.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/10274-250417121259-af97d0c7/85/Basics-of-Hydraulic-Systems-1st-Edition-Qin-Zhang-35-320.jpg)
![[49] Are these the Expressions of Orthodox believers? or are they
not rather expressions becoming a Maniche, or a Heathen, as
agreeing far better with these than with the sacred Oracles our only
rule; the whole current whereof is so Diametrically opposite thereto,
that it were almost endless to mention all the Divine cautions against
such abominable belief; he that runs may read, Psal. lxii. 11, and
cxxxvi. 4. Lam. iii. 37. Amos iii. 6. Jer. iv. 22. Psal. lxxviii. 26, and
clxviii. 6. 8. Job xxxviii. 22. to the 34 v.
These places with a multitude more, do abundantly testifie that the
Assertors of such power to be in the evil Being, do speak in a dialect
different from the scriptures, (laying a firm foundation for the
Indians adorations, which agrees well with what A. Ross[74] sets
forth, in his Mistag. Poetic, p. 116, that their ancients did Usurp the
furies and their God Averinci, that they might forbear to hurt them.)
And have not the Courts in some parts of the World by their practice
testified their concurrence with such belief, prosecuting to Death
many people upon that notion, of their improving such power of the
Evil one, to the raising of Storms; afflicting and killing of others, tho
at great distance from them; doing things in their own persons
above humane strength, destroying of Cattle, flying in the Air,
turning themselves into Cats or Dogs, &c. Which by the way must
needs imply some thing of goodness to be in that evil Being, who,
tho he has such power, would not exert it, were it not for this
people, or else that they can some way add to this mighty power.[75]
And are the people a whit behind in their beliefs? is there any thing
(abovementioned,) their strong Faith looks upon to be too hard for
this evil Being to effect?
Here it will be answered, God permits it. Which answer is so far an
owning the Doctrine, that the Devil has in his nature a power to do
all these things, and can exert this power, except when he is
restrained, which is in effect to say that God has made Nature to
fight against itself. That he has made a Creature, who has it in the
power of his Nature to overthrow Nature, and to act above and](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/10274-250417121259-af97d0c7/85/Basics-of-Hydraulic-Systems-1st-Edition-Qin-Zhang-36-320.jpg)
![against it. Which he that can believe may as well believe the
greatest contradiction. That Being which can do this in the smallest
thing, can do it in the greatest. If Moses with a bare permission
might stretch forth his Rod, yet he was not able to bring Plagues
upon the Egyptians, or to divide the Waters, without a Commission
from the most high; so neither can that evil Being perform any of
this without a Commission from the same power. The Scripture
recites more Miracles wrought by Men than by Angels good and bad;
Tho this Doctrine be so dishonourable to the only Almighty Being, as
to ascribe such Attributes to the Evil one, as are the Incommunicable
prerogative of him, who is the alone Sovereign Being; yet here is not
all: But as he that Steers by a false Compass, the further he Sails the
more he is out of his way; so though there is in some things a
variation [50] from, there is in others a further progression in, or
building upon the said Doctrine of the Maniche.
Men in this Age are not content barely to believe such an exorbitant
power to be in the nature of this evil Being; but have imagined that
he prevails with many to sign a Book, or make a contract with him,
whereby they are inabled to perform all the things abovementioned.
Another Account is given hereof, viz. that by vertue of such a
Covenant they attain power to Commissionate him. And though the
two parties are not agreed which to put it upon, whether the Devil
impowers the Witch, or the Witch commissionate him; yet both
parties are agreed in this, That one way or other the mischief is
effected, and so the Criminal becomes culpable of Death. In the
search after such a sort of Criminals, how many Countries have
fallen into such Convulsions. That the Devastations made by a
Conquering Enemy, nor the Plague itself, has not been so
formidable.
That not only good persons have thus been blemish'd in their
Reputations, but much innocent Blood hath been shed, is testified
even by those very Books, Cases of Conscience, p. 33. Remarkable
provid. p. 179. Memor. provid. p. 28.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/10274-250417121259-af97d0c7/85/Basics-of-Hydraulic-Systems-1st-Edition-Qin-Zhang-37-320.jpg)
![And (to add) what less can be expected, when Men having taken up
such a belief, of a covenanting, afflicting and killing Witch; and
comparing it with the Scripture, finding no footsteps therein of such
a sort of Witch, have thereupon desperately concluded; that tho the
Scripture is full in it, that a Witch should not live; yet that it has not
at all described the crime, nor means whereby the culpable might be
detected.
And hence they are fallen so far as to reckon it necessary to make
use of those Diabolical and Bloody ways, always heretofore practiced
for their Discovery. As finding that the Rules given to detect other
crimes, are wholly useless for the Discovery of such.
This is that which has produced that deluge of Blood mentioned, and
must certainly do so again, the same belief remaining.
And who can wonder, if Christians that are so easily prevailed with to
lay aside their Swords as useless, and so have lost their Strength (if
with Samson) they are led blindfold into an Idol Temple, to make
sport for Enemies and Infidels, and to do abominable actions, not
only not Christian, but against even the light of Nature and Reason.
And now Reverend Fathers, you who are appointed as Guides to the
People, and whose Lips should preserve Knowledge; who are set as
Shepherds, and as Watchmen, this matter appertains to you. I did
write to you formerly upon this head, and acquainted you with my
Sentiments, requesting that, if I erred, you would be pleased to
shew it me by Scripture; but from your silence, I gather that you
approve thereof. For I may reasonably presume, that you would
have seen it your duty to have in[51]formed me better, if you had
been sensible of any Error. But if in this matter you have acquitted
yourselves, becoming the Titles you are dignified with, you have
cause of rejoicing in the midst of the calamities that afflict a sinning
world.
Particularly, if you have taught the People to fear God, and trust in
him, and not to fear a Witch or a Devil. That the Devil has no power
to afflict any with Diseases, or loss of Cattle, &c. without a
Commission from the most high. That he is so filled with malice, that](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/10274-250417121259-af97d0c7/85/Basics-of-Hydraulic-Systems-1st-Edition-Qin-Zhang-38-320.jpg)
![Cases of
Conscience, ult.
Vid. The
Proclamation for a
Fast, to be the 14
Inst. as set forth by
Authority.
Vid. The
Declaration, as
drawn by the
Deputies with the
Assistance of the
Ministers; but
receiv'd a
Nonconcurrence.
have then well acquitted yourselves (in time of General Defection) as
faithful Watchmen. But if instead [52] of this, you have some by
word and writing propagated; others recommended such writings,
and abetted the false Notions, which are so prevalent in this
Apostate Age, it is high time to consider it. If
when Authority found themselves almost non-plust
in such prosecutions, and sent to you for your
Advice what they ought to do, and you have then thanked them for
what they had already done (and thereby encouraged them to
proceed in those very by Paths already fallen into) it so much the
[more] nearly concerns you, Ezek. xxxiii. 2, to 8.
To conclude, this whole People are invited and
commanded to humble their Souls before God, as
for other causes, so for the Errors that may have
been fallen into in these prosecutions on either
hand, and to pray that God would teach us what
we know not, and help us wherein we have done amiss, that we
may do so no more.
This more immediately concerns yourselves, for 'tis not supposed to
be intended, that God would shew us these things by Inspiration.
But that such who are called to it, should shew the mind of God in
these things on both hands; i. e. whether there has been any Error
in Excess or Deficiency, or neither in the one nor the other. And if
you do not thus far serve the publick you need not complain of great
Sufferings and unrighteous Discouragements; if
People do not applaude your conduct, as you
might otherways have expected. But if you
altogether hold your peace at such a time as this
is; your silence at least seemingly will speak this
Language; that you are not concerned tho' Men
ascribe the power and providence of the Almighty
to the worst of his Creatures. That if other Ages or
Countries improve the Doctrines and Examples given them, either to
the taking away of the Life or Reputations of Innocents you are well
satisfied. Which that there may be no shadow of a Reason to believe](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/10274-250417121259-af97d0c7/85/Basics-of-Hydraulic-Systems-1st-Edition-Qin-Zhang-40-320.jpg)
![A Letter to Mr. B. W.
A
but that your conduct herein may remove all such Jealousies; and
that God be with you in declaring his whole mind to the People, is
the earnest desire and prayer of, Reverend Sirs,
Yours to my utmost,
R. C.
a Wonders of the Invisible World, p. 17, 18.
b p. 18.
c Cases of Conscience, p. 63.
d Remarkable providences, p. 124.
e Wonders of the Invisible World, p. 141.āNotes in
the Original.
Mr. Benjamin Wadsworth.[76]
Reverend Sir,
FTER that dreadful and severe Persecution of such a Multitude
of People, under the notion of Witches, which in the day
thereof, was the sorest tryal and affliction that ever befel this
Country. And after [53] many of the principal Actors had declared
their fears and jealousies, that they had greatly erred in those
Prosecutions. And after a Solemn day of Fasting had been kept, with
Prayers that God would shew us what we knew not; viz. what errors
might therein have been fallen into, &c. And after most People were
convinc'd of the Evil of some, if not of most of those Actions. At such
a time as this it might have been justly expected that the Ministers
would make it their work to Explain the Scriptures to the People; and
from thence to have shown them, the evil and danger of those false
Notions, which not only gave some occasion; but in a blind Zeal
hurried them into those unwarrantable practices, so to prevent a
falling into the like for the future.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/10274-250417121259-af97d0c7/85/Basics-of-Hydraulic-Systems-1st-Edition-Qin-Zhang-41-320.jpg)
![But instead of this, for a Minister of the Gospel (Pastor of the old
Meeting[77]) to abet such Notions; and to stir up the Magistrates to
such Prosecutions, and this without any cautions given, is what is
truly amazing, and of most dangerous consequence.
It is a truth, Witchcraft is, in the Text then insisted on, reckon'd up
as a manifest work of the Flesh. Viz. Gal. v. 19. But it is as true, that
in recounting those other Works (which are indeed Manifest Fleshly
Works) the Magistrate was not stirred up against those others; but
as if the rest were either not to be taken notice of by him, or as if all
Zeal against Murder, Adulteries, &c. was swallowed up, and over-
shadowed by this against Witchcraft.
The description that was then given, was that they were such as
made a Covenant with the Devil, and sold themselves to the evil
Angels. It seems faulty, that when such Minister is inquired of, and
requested to give the Reasons, or Grounds in Scripture of such
Description; for such Minister to assert that it is the Inquirers work
to disprove it. And his saying further, in answer that there are many
things true, that are not asserted in Scripture; seems to speak this
Language, viz. that the Law of God is imperfect, in not describing
this Crime of Witchcraft, though it be therein made Capital.
These perfect Oracles inform us, concerning Ahab, that he sold
himself to work Wickedness; which may signifie to us, that great
height of Wickedness he had arrived at; which yet might be, without
his being properly, or justly accounted a Witch; any more than those
that are said to have made a Covenant with Death, and with Hell,
&c. Can it be thought that all those, or such as are there spoken of,
are Witches, and ought to suffer as Witches?
As the Servants and People of God, have made a Solemn explicit
Covenant with him, Josh. xxiv. 25. Nehem. ix. 38. &c. So no doubt a
Covenant has been made by Heathen Indian Nations to serve, and
adore the Devil; yet even for this, it were very hard to affix the
Character of [54] a Witch upon each of those Heathen that so do:
And accordingly to Execute them as such. It is also possible, that
some that have been called Christians, have sealed a Writing, sign'd](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/10274-250417121259-af97d0c7/85/Basics-of-Hydraulic-Systems-1st-Edition-Qin-Zhang-42-320.jpg)
Basics of Hydraulic Systems 1st Edition Qin Zhang
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- 5. Basics of Hydraulic Systems 1st Edition Qin Zhang Digital Instant Download Author(s): Qin Zhang ISBN(s): 9781420070989, 1420070983 Edition: 1 File Details: PDF, 12.51 MB Year: 2009 Language: english
- 7. Hydraulics Training Manual 1 BASIC HYDRAULICS AND HYDRAULIC PLUMBING
- 8. TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page Subcourse Overview ................................................. i Administrative Instructions ....................................... iv Grading and Certification Instructions ............................ iv Lesson 1: Basic Hydraulics ....................................... 1 Practice Exercise ..................................... 19 Answer Key and Feedback ............................... 22 Lesson 2: Hydraulic Plumbing .................................... 25 Practice Exercise ..................................... 69 Answer Key and Feedback ............................... 71 Appendix A: Proof Testing of Hose Assemblies ...................... 72 Appendix B: Glossary .............................................. 73 Examination ....................................................... 78 Student Inquiry Sheet iii AL0907
- 9. THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK iv AL0907
- 10. LESSON 1 BASIC HYDRAULICS STP TASK: 551-758-1071 OVERVIEW LESSON DESCRIPTION: In this lesson you will learn the definition of hydraulics, its basic applications and characteristics, and the types of hydraulic fluid used. LEARNING OBJECTIVE: ACTION: After this lesson you will demonstrate a knowledge of the principles of hydraulics, its characteristics and applications, and the fluids used in the system. CONDITIONS: You will study the material in this lesson in a classroom environment or at home. STANDARD: You will correctly answer all the questions in the practice exercise before you proceed to the next lesson. REFERENCES: The material contained in this lesson was derived from the following publications, FM 1-509, FM 10-69, and TM 1-1500-204-23 Series INTRODUCTION Hydraulics has proven to be the most efficient and economical system adaptable to aviation. First used by the ancient Greeks as a means of elevating the stages of their amphitheaters, the principles of hydraulics were explained scientifically by the seventeenth century scholars Pascal and Boyle. The laws 1 AL0907
- 11. discovered by these two men regarding the effects of pressure and temperature on fluids and gases in confined areas form the basis of the principle of mechanical advantage; in other words, the "why and how" of hydraulics. This chapter explains to you the basic applications of hydraulics in Army aviation and the characteristics of these systems. The explanations include detailed definitions of the terminology peculiar to hydraulics with which you must be familiar to fully understand this subject. In aviation, hydraulics is the use of fluids under pressure to transmit force developed in one location on an aircraft or other related equipment to some other point on the same aircraft or equipment. Hydraulics also includes the principles underlying hydraulic action and the methods, fluids, and equipment used in implementing those principles. HYDRAULIC AND HYDRAULICS The word "hydraulic" is derived from two Greek words: "hydro" meaning liquid or water and "aulos" meaning pipe or tubing. "Hydraulic," therefore, is an adjective implying that the word it modifies is in some major way concerned with liquids. Examples can be found in the everyday usage of "hydraulic" in connection with familiar items such as automobile jacks and brakes. As a further example, the phrase "hydraulic freight elevator" refers to an elevator ascending and descending on a column of liquid instead of using cables and a drum. On the other hand, the word "hydraulics" is the generic name of a subject. According to the dictionary "hydraulics" is defined as a branch of science that deals with practical applications (such as the transmission of energy or the effects of flow) of a liquid in motion. USES OF HYDRAULICS ON ARMY AIRCRAFT On fixed-wing aircraft, hydraulics is used to operate retractable landing gear and wheel brakes and to control wing flaps and propeller pitch. In conjunction with gases, hydraulics is used in the operation of-- ā¢ Rotor and wheel brakes. ā¢ Shock struts. ā¢ Shimmy dampers. ā¢ Flight control systems. 2 AL0907
- 12. ā¢ Loading ramps. ā¢ Folding pylons. ā¢ Winch hoists. CHARACTERISTICS OF HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS Hydraulic systems have many desirable features. However, one disadvantage is the original high cost of the various components. This is more than offset by the many advantages that make hydraulic systems the most economical means of power transmission. The following paragraphs discuss some of the advantages of hydraulic systems. Efficiency. Discounting any losses that can occur in its mechanical linkage, practically all the energy transmitted through a hydraulic system is received at the output end -- where the work is performed. The electrical system, its closest competitor, is 15 percent to 30 percent lower in efficiency. The best straight mechanical systems are generally 30 percent to 70 percent less efficient than comparable hydraulic systems because of high inertia factors and frictional losses. Inertia is the resistance to motion, action, or change. Dependability. The hydraulic system is consistently reliable. Unlike the other systems mentioned, it is not subject to changes in performance or to sudden unexpected failure. Control Sensitivity. The confined liquid of a hydraulic system operates like a bar of steel in transmitting force. However, the moving parts are lightweight and can be almost instantaneously put into motion or stopped. The valves within the system can start or stop the flow of pressurized fluids almost instantly and require very little effort to manipulate. The entire system is very responsive to operator control. Flexibility of Installation. Hydraulic lines can be run almost anywhere. Unlike mechanical systems that must follow straight paths, the lines of a hydraulic system can be led around obstructions. The major components of hydraulic systems, with the exception of power- driven pumps located near the power source, can be installed in a variety of places. The advantages of this feature are readily recognized when you study the many locations of hydraulic components on various types of aircraft. Low Space Requirements. The functional parts of a hydraulic system are small in comparison to those of other systems; therefore, the total space requirement is comparatively low. 3 AL0907
- 13. These components can be readily connected by lines of any length or contour. They can be separated and installed in small, unused, and out-of-the-way spaces. Large, unoccupied areas for the hydraulic system are unnecessary; in short, special space requirements are reduced to a minimum. Low Weight. The hydraulic system weighs remarkably little in comparison to the amount of work it does. A mechanical or electrical system capable of doing the same job weighs considerably more. Since nonpayload weight is an important factor on aircraft, the hydraulic system is ideal for aviation use. Self-Lubricating. The majority of the parts of a hydraulic system operate in a bath of oil. Thus, hydraulic systems are practically self-lubricating. The few components that do require periodic lubrication are the mechanical linkages of the system. Low Maintenance Requirements. Maintenance records consistently show that adjustments and emergency repairs to the parts of hydraulic systems are seldom necessary. The aircraft time-change schedules specify the replacement of components on the basis of hours flown or days elapsed and require relatively infrequent change of hydraulic components. FORCE The word "force," used in a mechanical sense, means a push or pull. Force, because it is a push or pull, tends to cause the object on which it is exerted to move. In certain instances, when the force acting on an object is not sufficient to overcome its resistance or drag, no movement will take place. In such cases force is still considered to be present. Direction of Force. Force can be exerted in any direction. It may act downward: as when gravity acts on a body, pulling it towards the earth. A force may act across: as when the wind pushes a boat across the water. A force can be applied upwards: as when an athlete throws (pushes) a ball into the air. Or a force can act in all directions at once: as when a firecracker explodes. Magnitude of Force. The extent (magnitude) of a given force is expressed by means of a single measurement. In the United States, the "pound" is the unit of measurement of force. For example, it took 7.5 million pounds of thrust (force) to lift the Apollo moonship off its launch pad. Hydraulic force is measured in the amount of pounds required to displace an object within a specified area such as in a square inch. 4 AL0907
- 14. PRESSURE The word "pressure," when used in conjunction with mechanical and hydromechanical systems, has two different uses. One is technical; the other, nontechnical. These two uses can be easily distinguished from each other by the presence or absence of a number. In technical use, a number always accompanies the word "pressure." In nontechnical use no number is present. These definitions are further explained in the following paragraphs. Technical. The number accompanying pressure conveys specific information about the significant strength of the force being applied. The strength of this applied force is expressed as a rate at which the force is distributed over the area on which it is acting. Thus, pounds per square inch (psi) expresses a rate of pressure just as miles per hour (mph) does of speed. An example of this is: "The hydraulic system in UH-1 aircraft functions at 1500 psi." Nontechnical. The word "pressure," when used in the nontechnical sense simply indicates that an unspecified amount of force is being applied to an object. Frequently adjectives such as light, medium, or heavy are used to remove some of the vagueness concerning the strength of the applied force. PRESSURE MEASUREMENT When used in the technical sense, pressure is defined as the amount of force per unit area. To have universal, consistent, and definite meaning, standard units of measurement are used to express pressure. In the United States, the pound is the unit of measurement used for force, and the square inch is the unit for area. This is comparable with the unit of measurement used for speed: the mile is the unit of measurement for distance, and the hour is the measurement for time. A pressure measurement is always expressed in terms of both units of measurement just explained: amount of force and unit area. However, only one of these units, the amount of force, is variable. The square inch is used only in the singular -- never more or less than one square inch. A given pressure measurement can be stated in three different ways and still mean the same thing. Therefore, 50 psi pressure, 50 pounds pressure, and 50 psi all have identical meanings. 5 AL0907
- 15. Examples of Pressure Measurement. A table with a 10-inch by 10- inch flat top contains 100 square inches of surface. If a 100-pound slab of exactly the same dimensions is placed on the table top, one pound per square inch pressure is exerted over the entire table surface. Now, think of the same table (100 square inches) with a 100-pound block instead of the slab resting on its top. Assume this block has a face of only 50 square inches contacting the table. Because the area of contact has been cut in half and the weight of the block remains the same, the pressure exerted on the table doubles to 2 psi. As a final example, suppose a long rod weighing 100 pounds with a face of 1 square inch is balanced upright on the table top. The pressure now being exerted on the table is increased to 100 psi, since the entire load is being supported on a single square inch of the table surface. These examples are illustrated in Figure 1-1. Force-Area-Pressure Formulas. From the preceding discussion, you can see that the formula to find the pressure acting on a surface is "pressure equals force divided by area." If "P" is the symbol for pressure, "A" the symbol for area, and āF" the symbol for force, the formula can be expressed as follows: By transposing the symbols in this formula, two other important formulas are derived: one for area; one for force. Respectively, they are-- However, when using any of these formulas, two of the factors must be known to be able to determine the third unknown factor. 6 AL0907
- 16. Figure 1-1. Measuring Pressure. 7 AL0907
- 17. The triangle shown in Figure 1-2 is a convenient memory device for the force-area-pressure formulas. It helps you recall the three factors involved: F, A, and P. Because the F is above the line in the triangle, it also reminds you that in both formulas indicating division, F is always divided by one of the other two factors. Figure 1-2. Relationship of Force, Area, and Pressure. TRANSMISSION OF FORCE Two means of transmitting force are through solids and through liquids. Since this text is on hydraulics, the emphasis is on fluids. Force transmission through solids is presented only as a means of comparison. Transmission of Force Through Solids. Force applied at one point on a solid body follows a straight line undiminished to an opposite point on the body. This is illustrated in Figure 1-3. Transmission of Force Through Confined Liquids. Applied forces are transmitted through bodies of confined liquids in the manner described by Pascal's Law. This law of physics, formulated in the seventeenth century by the French mathematician Blaise Pascal, states: pressure applied to any part of a confined liquid is transmitted without change in intensity to all parts of the liquid. This means that wherever it is applied on the body of liquid, pressure pushes equal force against every square inch of the interior surfaces of the 8 AL0907
- 18. liquid's container. When pressure is applied to a liquid's container in a downward direction, it will not only act on the bottom surface; but on the sides and top as well. Figure 1-3. Transmission of Force Through Solids. The illustration in Figure 1-4 helps to better understand this explanation. The piston on the top of the tube is driven downward with a force of 100 psi. This applied force produces an identical pressure of 100 psi on every square inch of the interior surface. Notice the pressure on the interior surface is always applied at right angles to the walls of the container, regardless of its shape. From this it can be seen that the forces acting within a body of confined liquid are explosive in pattern. If all sides are equal in strength, they will burst simultaneously if sufficient force is applied. 9 AL0907
- 19. Figure 1-4. Transmission of Force Through Confined Liquids. CHARACTERISTICS OF FLUIDS The vast difference in the manner in which force is transmitted through confined liquids, as compared with solid bodies, is due to the physical characteristics of fluids -- namely, shape and compressibility. Liquids have no definite shape; they readily and instantly conform to the form of the container. Because of this characteristic the entire body of confined fluid tends to move away from the point of the initial force in all directions until stopped by something solid such as the walls of the container. Liquids are relatively incompressible. That is, they can only be compressed by approximately 1 percent of their volume. Because liquids lack their own shape and are incompressible, an applied force transmitted through a body of liquid confined in a rigid container results in no more compression than if it were transmitted through solid metal. 10 AL0907
- 20. Movement of Fluid Under Pressure. Force applied to a confined liquid can cause the liquid to move only when that force exceeds any other force acting on the liquid in an opposing direction. Fluid flow is always in the direction of the lowest pressure. If the opposing forces are equal, no movement of fluid takes place. Fluid under pressure can flow into already filled containers only if an equal or greater quantity simultaneously flows out of them. This is an obvious and simple principle, but one that is easily overlooked. Effects of Temperature on Liquids. As in metals, temperature changes produce changes in the size of a body of liquid. With the exception of water, whenever the temperature of a body of liquid falls, a decrease (contraction) in size of the body of fluid takes place. The amount of contraction is slight and takes place in direct proportion to the change in temperature. When the temperature rises, the body of liquid expands. This is referred to as "thermal expansion." The amount of expansion is in direct proportion to the rise in temperature. Although the rate of expansion is relatively small, it is important; some provision is usually necessary in a hydraulic system to accommodate the increase in size of the body of liquid when a temperature rise occurs. MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE By simple definition, mechanical advantage is equal to the ratio of a force or resistance overcome by the application of a lesser force or effort through a simple machine. This represents a method of multiplying forces. In mechanical advantage, the gain in force is obtained at the expense of a loss in distance. Discounting frictional losses, the percentage gain in force equals the percentage loss in distance. Two familiar applications of the principles of mechanical advantage are the lever and the hydraulic jack. In the case of the jack, a force of just a pound or two applied to the jack handle can raise many hundreds of pounds of load. Note, though, that each time the handle is moved several inches, the load is raised only a fraction of an inch. Application in Hydraulics. The principle used in hydraulics to develop mechanical advantage is simple. Essentially it is obtained by fitting two movable surfaces of different sizes to a confining vessel, such as pistons within cylinders. The vessel is filled with fluid, and force (input) is applied to 11 AL0907
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- 22. James Allen, Fellows. Char. Morton, Sam. Willard, Cotton Mather, John Leverett, Will. Brattle, Neh. Walter, Cambr. March 5, 169Ā¾ Here being an Encouragement to all good Men, to send in such remarkables as are therein expressed, I have sent the following, not that I think them a more sensible demonstration of the being of a future State (with Rewards and Punishments) or of Angels good and bad, &c. than the Scriptures of truth hold forth, &c. Or than any of those other demonstrations God hath given us; for this were Treacherously and Perfidiously to quit the Post to the Enemy, the Sadducee, Deist, and Atheist would hereby be put in a condition so Triumphantly to deny the Existence and Agency thereof. As that a few Stories told (which at best must be owned to be fallible and liable to misrepresentations) could not be thought Infallibly sufficient to demonstrate the truth against them. I have heard that in Logick a false Argument is reckon'd much worse than none: Yet supposing that a Collection of Instances may be many ways useful, not only to the present but succeeding Ages, I have sent you the following remarkables, which have lately occurred, the certainty of which, if any scruple it, will be found no hard matter to get satisfaction therein: But here, not to insist on those less occurrents, as the sudden Death of one of our late Justices,[66] and a like Mortallity that fell upon the two Sons of another of them, with the Fall of a Man that was making provision to raise the New Northern Bell, which, when it was up, the first person, whose death it was to signifie, was said to be a Child of him, who by Printing and speaking, had had as great hand in procur[41]ing the late Actions as any, if not the greatest; and the Splitting the Gun at Salem, where that
- 23. furious Marshal, and his Father, &c. was rent to pieces,[67] &c. As to all these it must be owned, that no man knows love or hatred by all that is before him, much less can they be more sensible demonstrations of the Existence or Agency of the Invisible World, than the scriptures of Truth afford, &c. tho' the Rich Man in the Parable might think otherwise, &c. who was seeking to send some more sensible Demonstrations thereof to his Brethren, &c. In that Tremendous Judgment of God upon this Countrey, by the late amazing Prosecution of the People here, under the Notion of Witches; whereby 20 Suffered as Evil doers (besides those that died in Prison) about ten more Condemned, and a hundred Imprisoned, and about two hundred more Accused, and the Countrey generally in fears, when it would come to their turn to be Accused; and the Prosecution and manner of Tryal such, that most would have chosen to have fallen into the hands of the Barbarous Enemy, rather than (under that notion) into the hands of their Brethren in Church Fellowship; and in short, was such an Affliction as far exceeded all that ever this Countrey hath laboured under. Yet in this Mount, God is seen; when it was thus bad with this distressed People, a full and a sudden stop is put, not only without, but against the Inclination of many, for out of the Eater came forth Meat: Those very Accusers which had been improved as Witnesses against so many, by the Providence of the most High, and perhaps blinded with Malice, are left to accuse those in most High esteem, both Magistrates and Ministers, as guilty of Witchcraft, which shewed our Rulers, that necessity lay upon them, to confound that which had so long confounded the Countrey, as being unwilling themselves to run the same Risque, this that was in the Event of it to this Countrey, as Life from the Dead, is most easie with him, in whose Hands are the Hearts of all Men, and was a very signal deliverance to this whole Countrey. No less Observable was it, that tho' at the time when the Devils Testimony, by the Afflicted, was first laid aside, there were great Numbers of (real or pretended) Afflicted: Yet when this was once not Judged of Validity enough to be any longer brought into the Court against the Accused as Evidence, the
- 24. Affliction generally ceased, and only some remainders of it in such places, where more Encouragement was given to the Actors, God seeming thereby plainly to Decipher that Sin of going to the Devil, &c. as the rise and foundation of those Punishments. And thus, Reverend Sir, I have, as I understand it, performed my Duty herein, for the Glory of God, and the well-being of Men. And for my Freedome used in this, and former Writings, relating to the Actors in this Tragedy, I shall not Apologize, but give you the words of one to [42] whom some can afford the title of Venerable (when he is arguing for that which they have undertaken to ascert, tho' at other times, more Diminutive Epithete, must serve) it is the Reverend Mr. R. Baxter in his Book, the Cure of Church Divisions, p. 257, 258. But (I pray you mark it) the way of God is to shame the Sinner, how good soever in other respects, That the sin may have the greater shame, and Religion may not be shamed, as if it allowed men to sin; Nor God the Author of Religion be Dishonoured; Nor others be without the Warning; But the way of the Devil is, to hide or justifie the sin, as if it were for fear of Disparaging the goodness of the Persons that committed it; that so he may hereby Dishonour Religion and Godliness itself, and make men believe it is but a Cover for any Wickedness, and as consistent with it, as a looser Life is, and that he may keep the Sinner from Repenting, and blot out the Memory of that warning, which should have preserved After-Ages from the like falls. Scripture shameth the Professors, (tho' a David, a Solomon, Peter, Noah, or Lot) that the Religion profest may not be shamed but vindicated: Satan would preserve the Honour of Professors, that the Religion professed may bear the shame; and so it may fall on God himself. And now that all that have had a hand in any horrid and bloody practices may be brought to give glory to God, and take the due shame to themselves; and that our Watchmen may no longer seek to palliate (much less give thanks for) such, &c. (thereby making them their own) and that the people may no longer perish for want of knowledge in the midst of such means of light; Nor God be any
- 25. longer dishonoured by false sentiments in these matters, is the earnest desire and prayer of, Sir, yours to my power. R. C.
- 26. A Letter to Mr. C. M. H I Mr. Cotton Mather. Reverend Sir, AVING long since sent you some doctrinals as to my belief, together with my request to you, that if I erred you would be pleased to shew it me by scripture, viz. That the Devils bounds are set which he cannot pass; That the Devils are so full of malice that it cannot be added to by mankind; That where he hath power he neither can nor will omit executing it; That 'tis only the Almighty that sets bounds to his rage, and that only can commissionate him to hurt and destroy, &c. But instead of such an Answer as was promised, and justly expected, you were pleased to send me a Book, which you since call'd an ungainsayable one; which Book till lately I have not had opportunity so fully to consider. And to the end you may see I have now done it, I have sent to you some of the remarkables contained in the said Book, Intituled, [43] The Certainty of the World of Spirits, written by Mr. R. B.[68] London, Printed. 1691. T is therein conceded (Preface) That to see Devils and Spirits ordinarily would not be enough to convince Atheists. Page 88. Atheists are not to be convinced by stories, their own senses are not enough to convince them any more than sense will convince a Papist from Transubstantiation. (D. Laderd.) P. 4. No Spirit can do any thing but by God's will and permission. (Preface) 'Tis the free will of Man that gives the Devils their hurting power: And without our own consent they cannot hurt us. (It is asserted. P. 222, 223,) That it is a perverse opposition of Popery which causes many Protestants not to regard the benefits we receive by Angels. And Ministers are faulty, that do not pray and give thanks to God for their Ministry; and that neglect to teach Believers, what love and what thanks they owe to Angels. P. 225. Most good people look so much to God and to Ministers, that they take little notice of Angels, which are God's great Ministers. P. 234. The Author dares not, as some have done, judge the Catholick Church to become Anti-Christian Idolaters, as soon as
- 27. they gave too much Worship to Saints and Angels. P. 7. The Blessed Souls shall be like the Angels, therefore may appear here, P. 3, 4. 'Tis hard to know whether it be a Devil or a human Soul that appears, or whether the Soul of a good or a bad person. P. 61. or the Soul of some dead friend that suffers, and yet retains love, &c. P. 222. No doubt the Souls of the wicked carry with them their former inclinations of Covetousness, Revenge, &c. P. 7. When Revengeful things are done, as on Murderers, Defrauders, &c. it seems to be from the revengeful wrath of some bad Soul, if it be about Money or Lands, then from a Worldly minded one; some significations of God's mercy to wicked Souls after this Life. P. 4. 'Tis a doubt whether besides the Angels (good and bad) and the Souls of men, there is not a third sort, call'd Faries and Goblins. It is unsearchable to us how far God leaves Spirits to freewill in small things, suspending his predetermining motion. P. 246. The Devils have a Marvellous power, if but a silly wretched Witch consent. P. 10. 202. The stories of Witches and Spirits are many ways useful, particularly to convince Atheists, and confirm Believers, and to prove the Operation of Spirits. P. 232. To help men to understand that Devils make no small number of Laws, and Rulers in the World, and are Authors of most of the Wars, and of many Sermons, and of Books that adorn the Liberaries of learned men. P. 6. 102. The Devil's lying with the Witch is not to be denied, and is more to Exercise the Lust of the Witch than of the Devil, who can also bring in another Witch with[44]out opening the door, and so perform it by one Witch with another. P. 105. Witches can raise Storms, sell Winds, &c. as is commonly affirmed. P. 107. In America 'tis a common thing to see Spirits day and night. P. 95, 96, 97, 110. Stories of a Child that could not be cured of Witchcraft, because the Ember[69]-weeks were past, Vomited a Knife a span long, Cart Nails, &c. neither eat nor drank fifteen days and nights together; a long piece of Wood, four Knives, and two sharp pieces of Iron, ev'ry one above a span long, taken out of the Stomach, &c. Hair, Stones, Bones, Vomited, &c. 1000 l. of Blood lost by one person in a years time.
- 28. P. 250. A story that makes the Author think it possible that such great things (as he mentions) should be gotten down and up Peoples Throats. P. 164. Partial credibility spoils many a good story. P. 125. The Devil's substance enters into the possessed. P. 174. Distracted are possessed. P. 149. A sick Woman while she lay in bed went to see her Children. P. 153. A Dog appeared like a Fly or a Flea. P. 165. Some knowing Agents directs Thunder storms, tho' the Author knows not who, and that they so often fall on Churches he knows not why. P. 2, 80. Mr. J. M. and Mr. C. M. Recommended together with Bodin, &tc. P. 237. A Crispian, if through Ignorance he believes not what he saith, may be a Christian. 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
- 29. 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. But that which is yet more strange to me, is that Mr. B his Friends did not advise him better, than in his declined Age to emit such crude matter to the public. As to the sometime Reverend Author, let his works praise the Remembrance of him; but for such as are either Erroneous and foisted upon him, or the effect of an aged Imbecillity, let them be detected that they may proceed no further.[70] I am not ignorant that the manner of Education of Youth in, I think, almost all Christian Schools hath a natural tendency to propagate
- 30. those Doctrines of Devils heretofore (solely) profest among Ethnicks, [71] and particularly in matters of Witchcraft, &c. For notwithstanding the Council of Carthage their taking notice that the Christian Doctors did converse much with the writings of the Heathens for the gaining of Eloquence, forbad the reading of the Books of the Gentiles; yet it seems this was only a Bill without a penalty, which their successors did not look upon to be binding. He that should in this age take a view of the Schools, might be induced to believe that the ages since have thought, that without such Heathen Learning a man cannot be so accomplish'd, as to have any pretence to Academick Literature: and that the vulgar might not be without the benefit of such Learning, some of their Dis[46]ciples have taught them to speak English, which has given me the opportunity to send you these following Verses.
- 31. Virg. Bucolicks. Eclog. 13.ā Eclog. 8.ā
- 32. Ovid's Metamorphosis. Lib. 7. Sure love is not the cause their bones appear. Some eyes bewitch my tender Lambs I fear. For me these Herbs in Pontus Maris chose. There ev'ry powerful Drug in plenty grows; Transform'd to a Wolf, I often MƦris saw, Then into shady Woods himself withdraw: Oft he from deepest Sepulchers would Charm Departed Souls. And from anothers Farm, Into his own ground Corn yet standing take. Now from the Town my Charms bring Daphnis back. Vanquisht with charms from Heaven the Moon Descends. Circe with charms transform'd Ulysses friends: Charms in the Field will burst a Poysonous Snake, Now from the Town, &c. Her Arms thrice turns about, thrice wets her crown With gather'd dew, thrice yawns, and kneeling down; Oh Night! thou friend to secrets you clear fires, That with the Moon succeed when day retires. Great Hecate, thou know'st and aid Imparts, To our design, your Charms and Magick Arts: And thou, oh Earth, that to Magicians yields Thy powerful simples: Airs, Winds, Mountains, Fields, Soft murmuring Springs, still Lakes and Rivers clear, You Gods of Woods, you Gods of night appear; By you at will, I make swift Streams retire, To their first Fountain, while their Banks admire. Seas toss and smooth; clear Clouds with Clouds deform, Storms turn to Calms, and make a Calm a Storm, With Spells and Charms, I break the Vipers Jaws, Cleave solid Rocks, Oaks from their fisures draw; Whole Woods remove, the Airy Mountains shake; Earth forc'd to groan, and Ghosts from Graves awake. āā her Journey takes,
- 33. Lib. 14. To Rhegium opposite to Zanle's shore, And treads the troubled Waves, that loudly roar; Running with unwet Feet on that profound, As if Sh' had trod upon the solid ground. [47] This with portentous poyson she pollutes, Besprinkled with the juice of wicked roots, In words dark, and perplext nine times thrice, Inchantments mutters with her wicked voice, &c. These Fables of the Heathens (tho' in themselves of no more validity than the idle Tales of an Indian, or the Discourses of a known Romancer) are become the School-learning, not to say the Faith of Christians, and are the Scriptures brought (instead of that most sure Word) if not to prove Doctrine, yet as illustrations thereof. Cases of Conscience concerning Witch pag. 25. Remarkable Providences pag. 250. (This perhaps might be the cause that in England a people otherways sober and Religious) have for some Ages (in a manner wholly) refused admitting those so educated to the work of the Ministry. Such education and practice, have so far prevailed that it has been a means of corrupting the Christian world, almost to that degree as to be ungainsayable; for tho' there is Reason to hope that these Diabolical principles have not so prevail'd (with multitudes of Christians) as that they ascribe to a Witch and a Devil the Attributes peculiar to the Almighty; yet how few are willing to be found opposing such a torrent, as knowing that in so doing they shall be sure to meet with opposition to the utmost, from the many, both of Magistrates, Ministers and People; and the name of Sadducee, Atheist, and perhaps Witch too cast upon them most liberally, by men of the highest profession in Godliness. And if not so learned as some of themselves, then accounted only fit to be trampled on, and their Arguments (tho both Rational and Scriptural) as fit only for contempt. But tho this be the deplorable Dilemma; yet some have dared from time to time (for the glory of God, and the good and safety of Mens lives, &c.) to run all these Risques. And that God who has said, My glory I will not give to another, is able to protect those
- 34. C that are found doing their duty herein against all opposers; and however other ways contemptible can make them useful in his own hand, who has sometimes chosen the weakest Instruments, that his power may be the more Illustrious. And now, Reverend Sir, if you are conscious to yourself, that you have in your principles, or practices been abetting to such grand Errors, I cannot see how it can consist with sincerity to be so convinc'd in matters so nearly relating to the glory of God, and lives of Innocents; and at the same time so much to fear disparagement among Men, as to stifle Conscience, and dissemble an approving of former sentiments; you know that word, he that honoureth me I will honour, and he that despiseth me shall be lightly esteemed. But if you think that in these matters you have done your duty, and taught people theirs; and that the Doctrines cited from the mentioned [48] Book are ungainsayable: I shall conclude in almost his words, He that teaches such Doctrine, if through Ignorance he believes not what he saith, may be a Christian: But if he believes them, he is in the broad path to Heathenism, Devilism, Popery or Atheism. It is a solemn caution, Gal. i. 8. But tho we or an Angel from Heaven preach any other Gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. I hope you will not misconstrue my Intentions herein, who am, Reverend Sir, Yours to command, in what I may, R. C. To the Ministers in and near Boston, January 12, 1696. HRISTIANITY had been but a short time in the World, when there was raised against it, not only open profest Enemies; but secret and imbred underminers, who sought thereby to effect that which open force had been so often baffled in.
- 35. And notwithstanding that primitive purity and sincerity, which in some good measure was still retained; yet the cunning deceivers and Apostate Hereticks found opportunity to beguile the unwary, and this in fundamentals. Among others which then sprung up, with but too much advantage in the third Century, the Maniche[72] did spread his Pestiferous sentiments, and taught the Existence of two Beings, or Causes of all things, viz. a good and a bad: but these were soon silenced by the more Orthodox Doctors, and Anathematized by General Councels. And at this day the American Indians, another sort of Maniche, entertaining (thus far) the same belief, hold it their prudence and interest to please that evil Being, as well by perpetrating other Murders, as by their Bloody Sacrifices, that so he may not harm them. The Iron teeth of time have now almost devoured the name of the former, and as to the latter, it is to be hoped that as Christianity prevails among them, they will abhor such abominable belief.[73] And as those primitive times, were not priviledged against the spreading of dangerous Heresie, so neither can any now pretend to any such Immunity, tho' professing the enjoyment of a primitive purity. Might a Judgment be made from the Books of the modern learned Divines, or from the practice of Courts, or from the Faith of many, who call themselves Christians, it might be modestly, tho' sadly concluded, that the Doctrine of the Maniche, at least great part of it, is so far from being forgotten that 'tis almost every where profest. We in these ends of the Earth need not seek far for Instances, in each respect to demonstrate this. The Books here Printed, and recommended not only by the respective Authors, but by many of their Brethren, do set forth that the Devil inflicts Plagues,a Wars,b Diseases,c Tempestsd and can render the most solid things invisible,e and can do things above and against the course of Nature, and all natural causes.
- 36. [49] Are these the Expressions of Orthodox believers? or are they not rather expressions becoming a Maniche, or a Heathen, as agreeing far better with these than with the sacred Oracles our only rule; the whole current whereof is so Diametrically opposite thereto, that it were almost endless to mention all the Divine cautions against such abominable belief; he that runs may read, Psal. lxii. 11, and cxxxvi. 4. Lam. iii. 37. Amos iii. 6. Jer. iv. 22. Psal. lxxviii. 26, and clxviii. 6. 8. Job xxxviii. 22. to the 34 v. These places with a multitude more, do abundantly testifie that the Assertors of such power to be in the evil Being, do speak in a dialect different from the scriptures, (laying a firm foundation for the Indians adorations, which agrees well with what A. Ross[74] sets forth, in his Mistag. Poetic, p. 116, that their ancients did Usurp the furies and their God Averinci, that they might forbear to hurt them.) And have not the Courts in some parts of the World by their practice testified their concurrence with such belief, prosecuting to Death many people upon that notion, of their improving such power of the Evil one, to the raising of Storms; afflicting and killing of others, tho at great distance from them; doing things in their own persons above humane strength, destroying of Cattle, flying in the Air, turning themselves into Cats or Dogs, &c. Which by the way must needs imply some thing of goodness to be in that evil Being, who, tho he has such power, would not exert it, were it not for this people, or else that they can some way add to this mighty power.[75] And are the people a whit behind in their beliefs? is there any thing (abovementioned,) their strong Faith looks upon to be too hard for this evil Being to effect? Here it will be answered, God permits it. Which answer is so far an owning the Doctrine, that the Devil has in his nature a power to do all these things, and can exert this power, except when he is restrained, which is in effect to say that God has made Nature to fight against itself. That he has made a Creature, who has it in the power of his Nature to overthrow Nature, and to act above and
- 37. against it. Which he that can believe may as well believe the greatest contradiction. That Being which can do this in the smallest thing, can do it in the greatest. If Moses with a bare permission might stretch forth his Rod, yet he was not able to bring Plagues upon the Egyptians, or to divide the Waters, without a Commission from the most high; so neither can that evil Being perform any of this without a Commission from the same power. The Scripture recites more Miracles wrought by Men than by Angels good and bad; Tho this Doctrine be so dishonourable to the only Almighty Being, as to ascribe such Attributes to the Evil one, as are the Incommunicable prerogative of him, who is the alone Sovereign Being; yet here is not all: But as he that Steers by a false Compass, the further he Sails the more he is out of his way; so though there is in some things a variation [50] from, there is in others a further progression in, or building upon the said Doctrine of the Maniche. Men in this Age are not content barely to believe such an exorbitant power to be in the nature of this evil Being; but have imagined that he prevails with many to sign a Book, or make a contract with him, whereby they are inabled to perform all the things abovementioned. Another Account is given hereof, viz. that by vertue of such a Covenant they attain power to Commissionate him. And though the two parties are not agreed which to put it upon, whether the Devil impowers the Witch, or the Witch commissionate him; yet both parties are agreed in this, That one way or other the mischief is effected, and so the Criminal becomes culpable of Death. In the search after such a sort of Criminals, how many Countries have fallen into such Convulsions. That the Devastations made by a Conquering Enemy, nor the Plague itself, has not been so formidable. That not only good persons have thus been blemish'd in their Reputations, but much innocent Blood hath been shed, is testified even by those very Books, Cases of Conscience, p. 33. Remarkable provid. p. 179. Memor. provid. p. 28.
- 38. And (to add) what less can be expected, when Men having taken up such a belief, of a covenanting, afflicting and killing Witch; and comparing it with the Scripture, finding no footsteps therein of such a sort of Witch, have thereupon desperately concluded; that tho the Scripture is full in it, that a Witch should not live; yet that it has not at all described the crime, nor means whereby the culpable might be detected. And hence they are fallen so far as to reckon it necessary to make use of those Diabolical and Bloody ways, always heretofore practiced for their Discovery. As finding that the Rules given to detect other crimes, are wholly useless for the Discovery of such. This is that which has produced that deluge of Blood mentioned, and must certainly do so again, the same belief remaining. And who can wonder, if Christians that are so easily prevailed with to lay aside their Swords as useless, and so have lost their Strength (if with Samson) they are led blindfold into an Idol Temple, to make sport for Enemies and Infidels, and to do abominable actions, not only not Christian, but against even the light of Nature and Reason. And now Reverend Fathers, you who are appointed as Guides to the People, and whose Lips should preserve Knowledge; who are set as Shepherds, and as Watchmen, this matter appertains to you. I did write to you formerly upon this head, and acquainted you with my Sentiments, requesting that, if I erred, you would be pleased to shew it me by Scripture; but from your silence, I gather that you approve thereof. For I may reasonably presume, that you would have seen it your duty to have in[51]formed me better, if you had been sensible of any Error. But if in this matter you have acquitted yourselves, becoming the Titles you are dignified with, you have cause of rejoicing in the midst of the calamities that afflict a sinning world. Particularly, if you have taught the People to fear God, and trust in him, and not to fear a Witch or a Devil. That the Devil has no power to afflict any with Diseases, or loss of Cattle, &c. without a Commission from the most high. That he is so filled with malice, that
- 39. whatever Commission he may have against any, he will not fail to execute it. That no mortal ever was, or can be able to Commissionate him, or to lengthen his Chain in the least, and that he who can Commissionate him is God; and that the Scriptures of truth not only assign the punishment of a Witch; but give sufficient Rules to detect them by, and that (according to Mr. Gauls fourth head,) a Witch is one that hates and opposes the word, work, and worship of God, and seeks by a sign to seduce therefrom. That they who are guilty according to that head, are guilty of Witchcraft, and by the Law given by Moses, were to be put to Death. If you have taught the People the necessity of Charity, and the evil of entertaining so much as a jealousie against their Neighbours for such crimes upon the Devils suggestions to a person pretending to a Spectral (or Diabolical) sight; who utter their Oracles from Malice, frensie, or a Satanical Delusion; that to be inquisitive of such, whose Spectres they see, or who it is that afflicts? In order to put the accused persons life in question, is a wickedness beyond what Saul was guilty of in going to the Witch. That to consult with the dead, by the help of such as pretend to this Spectral sight, and so to get Information against the life of any person, is the worst sort of Necromancy. That the pretending to drive away Spectres, i. e. Devils, with the hand, or by striking these to wound a person at a distance, cannot be without Witchcraft, as pretending to assign in order to deceive in matters of so high a Nature. That 'tis Ridiculous to think by making laws against feeding, imploying, or rewarding of evil Spirits, thereby to get rid of them. That their natures require not sucking to support it. That it is a horrid Injury and Barbarity to search those parts, which even Nature itself commands the concealing of, to find some Excrescence to be called a Tet for those to suck; which yet is said sometimes to appear as a Flea-bite. Finally if you have taught the People what to believe and practice, as to the probation of the Accused, by their saying, or not saying the Lord's Prayer; and as to praying that the Afflicted may be able to accuse; And have not shunned in these matters to declare the whole mind of God; you
- 40. Cases of Conscience, ult. Vid. The Proclamation for a Fast, to be the 14 Inst. as set forth by Authority. Vid. The Declaration, as drawn by the Deputies with the Assistance of the Ministers; but receiv'd a Nonconcurrence. have then well acquitted yourselves (in time of General Defection) as faithful Watchmen. But if instead [52] of this, you have some by word and writing propagated; others recommended such writings, and abetted the false Notions, which are so prevalent in this Apostate Age, it is high time to consider it. If when Authority found themselves almost non-plust in such prosecutions, and sent to you for your Advice what they ought to do, and you have then thanked them for what they had already done (and thereby encouraged them to proceed in those very by Paths already fallen into) it so much the [more] nearly concerns you, Ezek. xxxiii. 2, to 8. To conclude, this whole People are invited and commanded to humble their Souls before God, as for other causes, so for the Errors that may have been fallen into in these prosecutions on either hand, and to pray that God would teach us what we know not, and help us wherein we have done amiss, that we may do so no more. This more immediately concerns yourselves, for 'tis not supposed to be intended, that God would shew us these things by Inspiration. But that such who are called to it, should shew the mind of God in these things on both hands; i. e. whether there has been any Error in Excess or Deficiency, or neither in the one nor the other. And if you do not thus far serve the publick you need not complain of great Sufferings and unrighteous Discouragements; if People do not applaude your conduct, as you might otherways have expected. But if you altogether hold your peace at such a time as this is; your silence at least seemingly will speak this Language; that you are not concerned tho' Men ascribe the power and providence of the Almighty to the worst of his Creatures. That if other Ages or Countries improve the Doctrines and Examples given them, either to the taking away of the Life or Reputations of Innocents you are well satisfied. Which that there may be no shadow of a Reason to believe
- 41. A Letter to Mr. B. W. A but that your conduct herein may remove all such Jealousies; and that God be with you in declaring his whole mind to the People, is the earnest desire and prayer of, Reverend Sirs, Yours to my utmost, R. C. a Wonders of the Invisible World, p. 17, 18. b p. 18. c Cases of Conscience, p. 63. d Remarkable providences, p. 124. e Wonders of the Invisible World, p. 141.āNotes in the Original. Mr. Benjamin Wadsworth.[76] Reverend Sir, FTER that dreadful and severe Persecution of such a Multitude of People, under the notion of Witches, which in the day thereof, was the sorest tryal and affliction that ever befel this Country. And after [53] many of the principal Actors had declared their fears and jealousies, that they had greatly erred in those Prosecutions. And after a Solemn day of Fasting had been kept, with Prayers that God would shew us what we knew not; viz. what errors might therein have been fallen into, &c. And after most People were convinc'd of the Evil of some, if not of most of those Actions. At such a time as this it might have been justly expected that the Ministers would make it their work to Explain the Scriptures to the People; and from thence to have shown them, the evil and danger of those false Notions, which not only gave some occasion; but in a blind Zeal hurried them into those unwarrantable practices, so to prevent a falling into the like for the future.
- 42. But instead of this, for a Minister of the Gospel (Pastor of the old Meeting[77]) to abet such Notions; and to stir up the Magistrates to such Prosecutions, and this without any cautions given, is what is truly amazing, and of most dangerous consequence. It is a truth, Witchcraft is, in the Text then insisted on, reckon'd up as a manifest work of the Flesh. Viz. Gal. v. 19. But it is as true, that in recounting those other Works (which are indeed Manifest Fleshly Works) the Magistrate was not stirred up against those others; but as if the rest were either not to be taken notice of by him, or as if all Zeal against Murder, Adulteries, &c. was swallowed up, and over- shadowed by this against Witchcraft. The description that was then given, was that they were such as made a Covenant with the Devil, and sold themselves to the evil Angels. It seems faulty, that when such Minister is inquired of, and requested to give the Reasons, or Grounds in Scripture of such Description; for such Minister to assert that it is the Inquirers work to disprove it. And his saying further, in answer that there are many things true, that are not asserted in Scripture; seems to speak this Language, viz. that the Law of God is imperfect, in not describing this Crime of Witchcraft, though it be therein made Capital. These perfect Oracles inform us, concerning Ahab, that he sold himself to work Wickedness; which may signifie to us, that great height of Wickedness he had arrived at; which yet might be, without his being properly, or justly accounted a Witch; any more than those that are said to have made a Covenant with Death, and with Hell, &c. Can it be thought that all those, or such as are there spoken of, are Witches, and ought to suffer as Witches? As the Servants and People of God, have made a Solemn explicit Covenant with him, Josh. xxiv. 25. Nehem. ix. 38. &c. So no doubt a Covenant has been made by Heathen Indian Nations to serve, and adore the Devil; yet even for this, it were very hard to affix the Character of [54] a Witch upon each of those Heathen that so do: And accordingly to Execute them as such. It is also possible, that some that have been called Christians, have sealed a Writing, sign'd
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