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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0d13eae --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #52027 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/52027) diff --git a/old/52027-0.txt b/old/52027-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 94acc9f..0000000 --- a/old/52027-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8381 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Witchcraft Delusion in New England: Its -Rise, Progress, and Termination (Vol 2 of 3, by Cotton Mather and Robert Calef - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: The Witchcraft Delusion in New England: Its Rise, Progress, and Termination (Vol 2 of 3) - -Author: Cotton Mather - Robert Calef - -Editor: Samuel G. Drake - -Release Date: May 9, 2016 [EBook #52027] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WITCHCRAFT DELUSION *** - - - - -Produced by Dianna Adair, Louise Davies, Eleni Christofaki -and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net (This file was made using scans of -public domain works from the University of Michigan Digital -Libraries.) - - - - - - - - - -Transcriber's Note. - -A list of the changes made can be found at the end of the book. - - Mark-up: _italic_ - ==blackletter== - +spaced text+ - - - - -Woodward's Historical Series. - -No. VI. - - - - - THE - ==Witchcraft Delusion== - IN - NEW ENGLAND: - - ITS - RISE, PROGRESS, AND TERMINATION, - AS EXHIBITED BY - DR. COTTON MATHER, - - IN - _THE WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD_; - - AND BY - MR. ROBERT CALEF, - IN HIS - _MORE WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD_. - - WITH A - ==Preface, Introduction, and Notes==, - BY SAMUEL G. DRAKE. - - IN THREE VOLUMES. - - VOL. II. - - _More Wonders of the Invisible World._ - - PRINTED FOR W. ELLIOT WOODWARD, - ROXBURY, MASS. - MDCCCLXVI. - - - - - _No._ ______ - - - Entered according to Act of Congress in the Year 1865, - By SAMUEL G. DRAKE, - in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States - for the District of Massachusetts. - - EDITION IN THIS SIZE 280 COPIES. - - MUNSELL, PRINTER. - - - - -[Illustration] - -PREFATORY, - -BY THE EDITOR. - - -MY Object in this Edition of Mr. Calef's Work is similar to that in Dr. -Mather's in the preceding Volume, namely, to give a perfectly accurate -Reprint of the Work; so that whoever has Occasion to use or consult -it may do so with entire Confidence. I have therefore reprinted the -original Edition of 1700, with such Notes as was judged might be useful -to a certain Class of Readers. And having mentioned the Notes, I will -say of them here all I have to say about them. There may be those who -have no need of such Additions. They can pass them by unheeded; but it -was thought generally that a few Explanations and Additions would be a -Help to the Party consulting the Work. They have been made as brief as -was thought consistent with the Subject. - -With respect to the original Text, it is given as exactly like the -Original as a much better Type can be made to imitate an old Type of -166 Years ago. As to retaining all the Errors in the original Edition, -it was thought incompatible with the general good Taste of the Age. -Some, of a peculiar Nature, if judged necessary to show a Peculiarity -of the Times, may have been retained, and noted for such Peculiarity; -but a broken or imperfect Letter is discarded as unworthy of Imitation; -so transposed or inverted Letters are set right, as any good proof -Reader would have done, had he noticed them in the Original; but the -Orthography of that Day is scrupulously retained. - -Why there was no Edition of the _More Wonders of the Invisible World_, -for ninety-six Years, will be found elsewhere explained. The Edition -of 1796 is the first American Edition. This bears the following -Imprint: "PRINTED IN LONDON IN the Year 1700. | _Reprinted in_ SALEM, -_Massachusetts_, 1796, | By WILLIAM CARLTON. | _Sold at CUSHING & -CARLTON'S Book Store, at the Bible | and Heart, Essex-Street._" The -Volume is in Duodecimo, and contains 318 Pages. The second Salem -Edition is in the same Form, and contains 309 Pages, exclusive of -the Article headed "GILES CORY," which occupies three Pages; hence -Copies of this Edition contain 312 Pages. Its Imprint--all in small -Capitals--is thus: "Printed in London, A. D. 1700. | Reprinted in -Salem, by John D. and T. C. Cushing, Jr. | for Cushing and Appleton. -1823." The Publishers of this Edition added the Article _Giles Cory_, -at the Suggestion of MR. DAVID PULSIFER, then employed in the Office -where the _Witchcraft Records_ were kept, as he many Years ago informed -me. - -The second Salem Edition appears to have been copied from the -first--that of 1796. In some Instances slight Departures are made -from the Copy; and in all these, such Departures are also Departures -from the Original. As late as 1796, it might be expected that some -Uniformity would have been observed, as long as no Exactness was -intended in respect to the kind of Type used in reprinting an old -Work--Uniformity in denoting Quotations; but there is no Exactness -in this respect in either Edition. In the first, as will be seen, -sometimes Brackets are used to distinguish Quotations, but generally -italic Type is employed for that Purpose. In the second, inverted -Commas are generally used, sometimes Brackets. I have followed the -Original, bracketing and italicising as I find it. Inverted Commas to -denote Extracts, Quotations and the possessive Case of Nouns have been -introduced by Writers and Printers mainly, since the Time of Mr. Calef. - -Nothing appears in the Book to show whether the Author superintended -the printing of it or otherwise. He may have resided in London at the -Time of its Publication, although there are some Considerations that -seem to lead to the Conclusion that it may have passed through the -Press without his Supervision; but, as before observed, Nothing is -known in regard to it, and it is not very probable that Anything more -will ever come to Light; yet equally strange Things as that would be, -have happened. - -Taking Liberties with old Authors is exceedingly distasteful to me, -even where well assured that an Author would have gladly made a Change -himself, had a Defect or Deformity been noticed by him; but I have not -even assumed that Responsibility in Mr. Calef's Work. I have done one -Thing which the Student ought to thank me for, though he may not. I -have placed the Headings of the different Sections at the Commencement -of those Sections, throughout the Work. In the original Edition these -were omitted, probably on the score of Economy. They also stand at the -Commencement of the Book (as in the Original,) entitled "Index." The -Benefit to the Reader, in reprinting the Captions or Contents of a -Section or Chapter over such Section or Chapter will be too apparent to -require Apology. - -The Pagination of the Original is Exactly retained; being placed at the -top inner Margin in Brackets, and in the Page where the original Page -begins and ends, as was done in the previous Volume. - -[Illustration] - - - - -==Pedigree of Calef.==[1] - - - Robert Calef, probably from England, settled in Roxbury, Mass., - previous to 1700; rented Lands in Dorchester, 1709; is styled Clothier; - died 13th April, 1719, aged 71, as by his Grave-stone in the old - Burying-ground, Roxbury. = Mary ... died November 12th, 1719. - ¦ - 1. Joseph, went to Ipswich as early as 1692; a Physician; d. 28th - Dec., 1707, in his 36th Year. = Mary; ... she m., 2dly, Thomas - Choate, of Ipswich. - ¦ - i. Robert, born 12th Dec., 1693, had a Grant of Mill-privilege in - Ipswich, 1715; died 12th July, 1730. = Margaret, da. of Dea. John - Staniford; d. 7th October, 1727. - ¦ - John, b. 1725; Physician of great Respectability; a Loyalist in - the Revolution; d. at St. Andrews, N. B., 1812. = Mary, dau. of - Nathaniel Rogers, of Ipswich. - ¦ - John, Capt. of a Vessel; drowned at Plum Island on his return - Voyage from the W. Indies, 1782. - Margaret, born 15th October, 1748; m. Dr. Daniel Scott, of - Boston. - Mary, bapt. 24th March, 1750; m. Capt. John Dutch, of Ipswich. - Joseph, living in 1754. - - ii. Joseph, b. 20th May, 1695, in Ipswich. Administrator on Estate - of his Grandfather. - - iii. Samuel b. 25th January, 1697; d. Sept. 1st. 1720. - - iv. Ebenezer. - - v. Peter,[2] (perhaps, Physician, of Charlestown,) d. 11th October, - 1735 = Sarah Foster, 19th July, 1723. - ¦ - Joseph, bapt. 3d of May, 1724; a Leather-dresser. - Sarah, Mary, both d. early. - Peter, bapt. 26th Oct., 1729, died 1749. - Mary, bapt. 23d April, 1732, m. Stephen White, in Waltham, 5th - June, 1758. - Parnel, bapt. 16th February, 1734-5, m. Dr. Edward Coffin. - - vi. Mary. - - 2. John, living 1719. - - 3. Jeremiah, living 1719. - - 4. ROBERT, (Author of _More Wonders_, &c.); Merchant, of Boston; died - near the Close of 1722, or early in 1723, aged about 45. His Children - all born in Boston. = Margaret, dau. of James Barton, of Newton, 23d - Dec., 1699. She died before 17th Sept., 1744. - ¦ - i. James, b. 21st Dec., 1702, d. young. - ii. James, b. 24th Feb., 1711-12, d. young. - iii. Robert, b. 9th Mar., 1716/17, d. young. - iv. Elizabeth, b. 7th May, 1704, living in 1722. - v. Mary, born 25th Jan., 1712-13, died young. - vi. Anne, b. 7th July, 1708, m. Green, li. 1722. - ¦ - Thomas Green, living 1740. - Bethiah Green, living 1740. - John Green, living 1740. - Mary Green, living 1740. - Rebeckah Green, living 1740. - - vii. Margaret, b. 4th October, 1710, married Star, li. 1722. - ¦ - Jaspar Star, li. 1740. - Robert Star, li. 1740. - Mary Star, living 1740. - Benjamin Star, li. 1740. - - viii. James,[3] b. 7th Nov. 1714, li. 1744, but not in the Province; - perhaps the Captive of 1757. = Abigail. - ¦ - Samuel, a Captive among the Indians with his Father. - - 5. Martha, m. Solomon Hewes, 28th September, 1700. - - 6. Mary, m. Sam'l Stevens, 9th of October, 1712. - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[1] This Pedigree is given with the Hope that it will tend to interest -some Descendant to investigate the Subject, and to compose a Genealogy -worthy of it. The Compiler of this is not acquainted with any of -the Name, and has here thrown together such Facts as were among his -Memoranda, chiefly made many Years ago. - -[2] Not much Confidence is felt that the Family given to this PETER is -the correct one. - -[3] This _James_ may not be the one mentioned in _N. Eng. Hist. and -Gen. Reg._, xiv, 271; but is supposed to be he. - - - - -[Illustration] - -MEMOIR OF ROBERT CALEF. - - -WHEN any Man has moral Courage enough to speak plainly against any -Vices, Follies, or Superstitions surrounding him, he must not only be -a bold Man, but he does so regardless of the Cost; for all Experience -teaches that whoever undertakes a Reformation of the Kind must -experience a Fate not altogether unlike him who waged War with the -Philistines. - -If the Reformer escapes the Fury of the Deluded, and lives out his -natural Time, he often loses his social standing; is maligned, scoffed, -and scorned by all whom he exposed, and a Multitude of those who follow -them as their Leaders without knowing wherefore. It is much the same -now. The Reformer or Corrector of Opinion is hissed and slandered in -Proportion to the Effort he makes. That is to say, he is dealt with -by Society leniently if he tells the Truth with a Sort of Proviso; -maintains his Position without Firmness, and gains but few Followers. - -Little is known of Robert Calef, aside from his single Book, and what -his Enemies have thought proper to say about him in a bitter Spirit -of Detraction. He was certainly a Man of good Education; but how he -acquired it, where and when, no Mention is found. Dr. Mather, in his -Rejoinder to the _More Wonders_, assails him at every Point; but his -Attainments in Literature he probably viewed as not vulnerable, as he -has made no Attack on that Quarter. It is true he accuses him of being -assisted in his Labors, but gives no Clue by which such Assistance may -be known. - -Notwithstanding Mr. Calef had, by his Independence in freely arraigning -the absurd Proceedings against those charged with imaginary Crimes, -he was not without some Popularity in Boston, his Place of Residence, -at the Period of those Prosecutions; for in the Records of the Town -are found the following Entries concerning him: April 16th, 1694, "Mr. -Robert Calfe was chosen Hayward & Fence-viewer, in the Room of Mr. -Edward Wyllys, who refused to serve." May 12th, 1702, he was added to -the Number of the Overseers of the Poor. On the 19th of April, 1704, -Thanks were voted him for his Services in that Office. On March 12th, -1704-5, it was ordered that Mr. Calef be not charged with Interest on -Moneys remaining in his Hands. The next Year, March 10th, 1706-7, he -was chosen one of the Assessors, but declined the Service. - -The Time of the Emigration of the Family of Calef, or Calfe, to this -Country has not been ascertained, nor has there been published any -considerable Memorial of it. The Name is an old English one; and were -Time bestowed upon it, many Items might doubtless be found in old -Authors of Persons who have borne it. At Present but a Reference or -two must suffice. In the Time of Henry III (1216-1270), a Sir John -_Calfe_ flourished, on whom a curious Epitaph may be seen in _Camden's -Remains_. Another John Calfe has an Inscription to his Memory in St. -Nicholas's Church, London, giving 1426 as the Year of his Decease. - -It is not very remarkable that so little is known of Robert Calef, when -it is considered that he had almost the entire Community against him. -And less is learned about him than might be expected in the Perusal of -his own Book. That his Character was above Reproach is evident from -the Replies of Dr. Mather and his Friends, to his Questions respecting -the Proofs of Witchcraft. It helps one's Cause but very little, merely -to call his Antagonist "a Lyar;" and this appears to have been the -heaviest Argument brought against Mr. Calef in Answer to his Statements. - -In Dr. Mather's Account of the _Afflictions_ of Margaret Rule, he -thus refers to those who differ from him; undoubtedly having special -Reference to Mr. Calef: "Yea, to do like Satan himself, by sly, base -unpretending Insinuations, as if I wore not the Modesty and Gravity -which became a Minister of the Gospel, I could not but think myself -unkindly dealt withal, and the Neglects of others to do me Justice -in this Affair has caused me to conclude this Narrative in _another -hearing_ of such monstrous Injuries." - -By "another hearing," is meant that he had or would take legal Steps to -silence his Opponent; for about the same Time the Doctor was so annoyed -by certain Queries sent him by Mr. Calef, that he returned him Word by -his (Mr. Calef's) Bearer, that he would have him arrested for Slander, -as he was "one of the worst of Lyars." This the Doctor proclaimed also -in his Pulpit. Yet Mr. Calef was always respectful in his Language in -return, for anything that appears to the contrary. - -On the 29th of September, 1693, Mr. Calef addressed Dr. Mather a -Note, requesting that he would meet him at either of the Booksellers, -Richard Wilkins or Benjamin Harris. Mr. Calef desired this Meeting that -they might examine together the Memoranda of what he had noted after -visiting the "possessed" or bewitched Person, Margaret Rule. At that -Visit were also both the Doctors Mather, Father and Son. Meantime Mr. -Calef was complained of and taken into Custody, on the Charge of having -committed a scandalous Libel on Mr. Mather the younger; the Complaint -being made by both. Mr. Calef states that he did not remember that he -had been charged with Untruth in his Report of the Examination of -Margaret; but it was asserted that he had wronged Dr. Mather by his -Omissions. To which Mr. Calef replied, that he had reported only what -_he_ saw and heard himself. - -As to the Prosecution for Libel, Mr. Calef says he was taken to the -Court of Sessions, and after waiting a while for his Accusers, none -appeared. He was therefore dismissed. He had had a Promise from Dr. -Mather to meet him to compare Notes, but it does not appear that any -Time was stated; and after several Months had elapsed Mr. Calef wrote, -requesting him to fix upon a Time and Place of Meeting. A Meeting -however never occurred, of the Kind desired; but, as the only Means of -getting the Doctor's Views of what he had written, he sent him a Copy -of his Notes on Margaret Rule's Exhibitions, two of which he seems -to have witnessed. On the 15th of January, 1693-4, the Doctor wrote -him a long Letter, in which he says: "I have this to say, as I have -often already said, that do I scarcely find any one Thing in the whole -Paper, whether respecting my Father or self, either fairly or truly -represented." The _Fairness_ on both Sides may be judged of, as both -Papers will be found in the ensuing Work, Pages 13-22. - -The Doctor sent the Author, accompanying his Letter, Copies of three -Depositions, or Statements from several Persons, to the Effect that -what he had stated regarding the strange Conduct of Margaret Rule -was true; especially as to the Fact, that she was by invisible Hands -raised from her Bed up to the Garret Floor, and that strong Men, the -Bystanders, could not hold her down. The Height of the Room is not -mentioned; but one Witness, Samuel Aves, says it was "a great Way;" -that she was lifted "towards the Top of the Room." Three others said, -this was "in Substance true." Also, Thomas Thornton, a Paver, said she -was lifted up, "so as to touch the Garret Floor;" to which William -Hudson assented in "Substance." All of which Testimonies, Mr. Calef -ventured to insinuate was about as true, as a Report would be that -Iron would swim on Water; that if that Rising in the Air without Hands -actually took place, it was a Miracle, and if a Miracle it was wrought -by the Devil. And yet it seems that Mr. Calef believed none but God -himself could work Miracles. - -Between the Date of his last Letter and the 19th of February, 1693-4, -instead of answering Mr. Calef's Letter, Dr. Mather sent him Word -that his Library was open to him, intimating that he might find there -Answers to any and all of his Objections and Difficulties. But Mr. -Calef did not avail himself of the Kindness thus tendered, though he -thanked him by Letter, and at the same Time complained that he had -not written him, pointing out what he conceived to be Errors in his -former Communications; adding, "if you think Silence a Virtue in this -Case, I shall (I suppose) so far comply with it as not to loose you -any more Time to look over my Papers." This however did not end the -Correspondence; for on the 16th of April following he addressed a -Letter to the Doctor, calling his Attention to certain Passages in the -_Wonders of the Invisible World_, and some other "late Books of his and -his Relations." After stating a few of the Author's strange Assertions, -such as that the Devil causes Wars, Plagues, and other Calamities; -that the Devil is a great Linguist; that Suicides "are the Effects of -a cruel & bloody Witchcraft," and several other similar Quotations. -In closing this Letter, he remarks that he is only performing what he -believes to be his Duty; that he is far from doing it to gain Applause, -or from a Love of Contention; that, on the other Hand, he expected to -make many Enemies by it. - -The next Letter which he wrote to Mr. Mather was dated March the -1st, 1694-5. In this he says he had waited more than a Year "for the -Performance of a reiterated Promise" from him, to reply to Arguments -which he had sent for his Refutation or Approval. Instead of that -promised Answer, he had received, through the Hand of a third Person, -"four Sheets of recinded Papers." These were delivered under an -Injunction that no Copy was to be taken of them, and he was allowed to -keep them but a Fortnight. He has given some Account of those "four -Sheets," and observes that he does not wonder at not being allowed -to copy them, as they contained so much "crude Matter and impertinent -Absurdities." Among other Things, he sent Mr. Calef Baxter's _World -of Spirits_, characterizing it an _ungainsayable_ Book; upon which -Mr. Calef remarks, as aptly as significantly, that he knows of no -"ungainsayable" Book but the Bible, and thinks no other Man who had -ever read it would so style it except its Author. He is probably -correct when he attributes to Mr. Baxter the Weakness incident to old -Age, in allowing his Name to appear as the Author of _The Certainty of -the World of Spirits_. But his own Words are more to the Point: "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 Imbecility, let them be detected that they may -proceed no further." - -The Experience of Mr. Calef was similar, probably, to that of -most Reformers, both before and since his Time. To combat similar -Superstitions at this Day would be nearly or quite as hazardous as it -was then. Indeed, there have been Cases within some thirty Years in New -England, in which Individuals have fared much worse than Robert Calef -did in Boston more than an hundred Years before, and for no offence -worthy of Notice; neither had an Eighth of the Community a Voice in -this Persecution, while in Mr. Calef's Case nine Tenths of the whole -People probably were crying out against him. The Villainy of a single -Lawyer, and the Imbecility of a Judge may sometimes succeed in ruining -for a Time the Character of any Citizen. - -Mr. Calef seems to have been almost alone in the Warfare he had -undertaken. "How Few," he says, "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." - -Owing to the peculiar State of the Times when Mr. Calef wrote, he felt -himself obliged to admit a great Deal that a Writer at a later Day -would not have found it Necessary. This will account for some heavy -Papers introduced into the Body of his Work. He had a most difficult -Task to perform. Like the Mariner in a Tempest upon a Lee Shore, he -needed an Eye on every Point of the Compass, and a deep Sea Lead ever -in Hand. - -What Overtures, if any, he made to Printers in Boston to print his -Books, are unknown. It is pretty certain, however, that no One would -have dared to undertake it. And what Agency, if any, he employed to -have it done Abroad, is equally unknown. But one Thing is known; no -Bookseller had the Hardihood to offer it for Sale, or dared to give -it Shop-room. He had a few Friends who stood by him, ready to shield -him, as far as was consistent with their own Safety, but none had the -Boldness to come out so openly as he did. Some wrote strongly against -the Delusion, but not for Publication; as Brattle of Cambridge, Cary -of Charlestown, and Robert Paine. The Work of the last named Gentleman -has not been made public, and remains in private Hands. It is said to -be a most masterly Refutation of the Arguments made use of against -Witches, written in the Time of the Trials. But it seems, on a careful -Perusal of Mr. Calef's _More Wonders_, that not much more can be said -(admitting or deferring to a Sort of Authority which cannot be argued -from,) to show the utter Absurdity of the Proceedings on the Witch -Trials. He has, it must be admitted, exhausted the Subject. It is very -easy, it is true, to say the same Thing, using different and more -elegant Language, according to the present Standard of Elegance; but -for close and succinct Argument, the Author has not been surpassed -by his Successors. His Statement of Apology for those poor People -who had confessed themselves Witches, and accused others, is highly -satisfactory. - -Mr. Calef possessed more than ordinary Attainments in Literature; he -was no Stranger to legal Forms; and as to theological Learning, was, -for Soundness of Argument, quite superior to those who were in the -Field against him. These Facts excite a Desire to know more of his -History; for all that has been learned about him, is that he was a -"Merchant of Boston," and that he was a Dealer in woolen Goods; and -hence the Attempt of a narrow minded Opposition to class him among -the Ordinary and Illiterate of the Time. They also descended to vulgar -Epithets, calling him a _Calf_; his Book they call a "Firebrand, thrown -by a Mad-man;" and, "it was highly rejoycing to us, when we heard that -our Booksellers were so well acquainted with the Integrity of our -Pastors, as not one of them would admit of those Libels to be vended -in their Shops." This was the Language of the Men who published "Some -few Remarks, upon a _Scandalous Book_ ... written by one Robert Calef," -with the Motto--"Truth will come off Conqueror." This Publication -is dated "January 9th, 1700-1," and purports to have been drawn up -by Obadiah Gill, John Barnard, John Goodwin, William Robie, Timothy -Wadsworth, Robert Cumbey, and George Robinson; none of whom were Men -of special Note then or afterwards. It should be observed, however, -that they were Members of the Old North Church. Any further Notice of -the Answer to the _More Wonders_ is unnecessary here; but it will be -used in the Notes occasionally, that the "_Slandered_" may speak for -themselves. - -It was probably about the Time of the Issue of the _Some Few Remarks_ -that the _More Wonders_ was caused to be burnt in the College Yard at -Cambridge, by Order of the President, Dr. Increase Mather. The Burning -was doubtless performed with much of Ceremony and Formality, but there -does not appear to have been any Record made of it upon the College -Books; or if so, the Historians of the Institution have not mentioned -it. This Kind of _Argument_ against what is set forth in a Book, is -about as effectual as that employed against the Tide of the Ocean by -an eastern Monarch. That the President of the College had no great -Faith in his _Argument_, is pretty clear, or so much Pains would not -have been taken by him in making another Book to refute the Arguments -contained in the one he had burned. - -The precise Date of Mr. Calef's Death is not upon any Records which -have been examined; and the last Time he appears to have transacted -any Business requiring his Signature, was at the Registry of Deeds, -then under the official Management of John Ballantine, Esq., when he -released a Mortgage which he held of certain Lands in Roxbury; which -Mortgage was given by Joseph Holland and his Wife Elizabeth, and -dated the 11th of March, 1720. [Of course, 1721, N. S.] The Release -was signed by the Mortgagor, April 11th, 1722. His Signature on this -Occasion has been copied, and is here presented. - -[Illustration: Robert Calfe] - -But a short Time previous to this Transaction he deeded certain -Property to his Children. In this Instrument, dated February 10th, -1721, [1722, N. S.,] he styles himself Clothier, and names Children, -Elizabeth, Ann, Margaret and James. Two Houses and Land; one in present -Possession of James Smith; the other in his own Possession; bounded N. -W. upon----Street, N. E. upon Thomas Wheeler, S. E. upon William Gold, -and S. W. upon Bond Street; also one Tract of Land in Brookline; also a -Mortgage from James Barton, Ropemaker, reserving to himself and his now -married Wife the Use of the Premises during their Lives. - -The following is an Abstract of his Will: - -"I Robert Calfe of Boston, being now in sound Body and Minde doe make -this my last Will [and] appoint my well beloved Wife Executrix. After -funerall Charges and all Other my just Debtts being paide, my Will is -that my Wife [have] all my Estate during her Widdowhood; and in Case -she see Caus to alter her Condition by Marraig, that then she shall -quitt her Administership, and the Improvement of the Estate, wholey to -be for the Bennefitt of my Children; only two hundred Pounds I will -unto her upon her Marraig, and the whoolly Remainder to be disposte of -as followe: Son James £100, when of Age more then any of the Rest of -my Children: And allso I give £200 ought of said Estate for defraying -the Charges of bringing him up to the Collig, if he inclines to -Larning, but if not then to be equaley divided among him and the Rest -of my Children, viz. Elizabeth, Ann and Margaret, together with what -Children it shall plees God to give me by my present Wife: And it is -my Will that my Daughters, Elizabeth, Ann and Margaret have an equall -Proportion of all my Estate, Personall and Reall, only what is before -excepted unto my Son James, and that they be paid upon Marraig or at -the Discretion of my Executrix, if she remain a Widow, and if it please -God to take away my Children by Death before of Age or without Issue -the whole of my Estate to return to my Wife or to her Dispose. - -_2d of Jan., 1720._ - -[Illustration: Signature] - -In Presence of Samˡˡ Wentworth, John Alden, Jr. and John Tyler. - -Margaret Calfe presented the within Will for Probat and John Alden, -Junʳ and John Tyler made Oath, &c. and they together with Samˡ -Wentworth, who is now out of the Province set to their Hands as -Witnesses in the Testator's Presence. Boston, Feb. 18th, 1722-3. - - SAMUEL SEWALL J Probᵗ" - -The Testator was too ill, it is probable, to draw up his Will himself, -or one so unclerical would not have appeared. The Circumstances, -however, under which it was made, are entirely conjectural. His Wife -was living, a Widow, till about 1744; as in September of that Year her -Will was proved. It was made four Years before, namely, September 17th, -1740. The Items of Interest in it here follow: - -"To Grandson Thomas Green £60; to Margaret Green £20, and a silver -Porringer which her Father now has. To Ann Green £30, and a gold -Necklace. To Bethiah Green £20. To John Green £20. To Mary Green £20, -and to Rebeckah Green £30; all the Children of my Daughter Ann Green -deceased. To Daughter Margaret Star's four Children, namely, to Joseph, -£20; Robert, £20; Mary, £20; and Benjamin Star, £20. Clothing to be -divided between Daughter Star, and Grand Daughter, Ann Green. The -Remainder of Estate to be divided between Daughter Margaret Star and -Son James Calf; said Son to be Executor if in the Province; otherwise, -Cousin Thomas Simpkins. - -_Dated_, January 2d, 1720. _Signed_, - - MARGARET CALF. - -Witnesses--Abigail West, Barnabas Gibbs, John Swinnerton." - -It was presented for Probate by Thomas Simpkins; James Calf being out -of the Province. - -In the General Court Records Notice is given, under Date June 25th, -1723, of a "Petition of Margaret Calef, Widow, and sole Executrix of -the last Will of Robert Calef, late of Boston, Merchant, deceased," -praying for Leave to sell a seventh Part of a House and Land in -Roxbury, of which said Robert Calef died seized. The Father of Mr. -Calef, also named Robert, had died intestate, April 13th, 1719, and -his Wife on the 12th of November following. In the Settlement of his -Estate, it is stated that the "Housing and Lands lying in Roxbury, -cannot be divided without Prejudice and Injury;" hence the Petition -before mentioned. - -A few Items here follow, given for the Benefit of those who may -hereafter desire to investigate the History of the Calef Family; - -Dr. Joseph Calef died at Ipswich, Dec. 31st, 1707, leaving a Wife, and -Children, Robert, Joseph, Samuel, Ebenezer, Peter and Mary. This was, -doubtless the Emigrant to Ipswich, where, in 1692, he had a Grant for -a Fulling-mill. Joseph Calef was a Scout in Capt. John Goff's Company -in 1746. Mary, Widow of Joseph Calef, married Thomas Choate of Ipswich; -Date of Marriage is not stated. Joseph Calef was of Boston, 1746, in -which Year he petitioned, with others, for the Paving of Atkinson -Street. - -James Calef and his Son Samuel were Captives among the Indians and -French; were taken at Fort William Henry, in August, 1757. Abigail, the -Wife of James and Mother of Samuel, made Application in their behalf -to the Authorities of the Province. No Mention is made of their place -of Residence. Dr. John Calef, of Ipswich, married Margaret, Daughter -of Nathaniel and Mary (Leverett) Rogers, of the same Town. He was born -1725. - -After the bloody Fight at Pequawket, Governor Dummer wrote to Eleazer -Tyng: "Send down to me forthwith by the Bearer hereof, Mr. Calef, the -most intelligent Person among Lovell's Men returned, that I may have a -perfect Account of that Action." What Mr. Calef this was, does not with -certainty appear. - -A Mrs. Mary Calfe died at Concord, N. H., August 10, 1817, aged -ninety-eight Years. Her first Husband was Samuel Bradley, who was -killed by the Indians, August 11th, 1746. She afterwards married Robert -Calfe, Esq., of Chester, in the same State. This is on the Authority of -Mr. Bouton, in his _History of Concord_, who, in another Place, says -Calfe's Name was Richard. Whether Richard or Robert, he was probably a -Descendant of James, the only surviving Son of Robert, the "Merchant of -Boston." The maiden Name of Mrs. Calfe was Folsom. - -When the Federal Constitution of New Hampshire was adopted (1788,) -John Calfe, Esq., was chosen Secretary of the Convention. He was also -Secretary in 1791, when the Constitution was revised. His Son Joseph -died at Hampstead, N. H., August 6, 1854, aged 79. A John Calef was -in the Old Mill Prison, England, 1789. Jeremiah Calef, a Native of -Exeter, N. H., died at Northfield, 23d February, 1856, aged 73 Years, -10 Months. James, an only Brother of Jeremiah, died at Sanbornton, 30th -March, 1856, aged 71. - -Robert Calef was an eminent Ship-master between Boston and London -before the Revolution. His Arrival on one Occasion is thus noticed in -the _Gazette and News-Letter_ of April 5th, 1764: "In Captain Calef -came Passengers, the Captains, Edward Wendell, John Marshall, and -Doctor Marshall of this Town. Mrs. McTaggart, and her Son Gray of this -Town, died of the Smallpox in London." The Autographs of several of -the Name of Calef (always so spelt) are in the Writer's Possession -from 1755 to 1780. In 1755, Joseph was engaged in supplying Ships -with Water. In 1767, Joseph Calef, probably the same, was largely -in the leather Trade. He was a Tanner, and his Tan-yard was in the -Neighborhood of the Old Boston Theatre. - -What Time the Family of Robert Calef came to this Country has not been -ascertained. It was probably in the latter Half of the seventeenth -Century, and our Author may have had his Education before his -Emigration. This View may be considered probable, from a Passage in his -Preface to the _More Wonders_, &c. - -After the Above was written, it came to my Notice, that in a Volume -issued by the _Mass. Hist. Soc._, were some Extracts from the _Diary_ -of Cotton Mather. Also the following, concerning Robert Calef, in a -Memorandum-book of Dr. Belknap: "Robert Calef, Author of _More Wonders -of the Invisible World_, was a Native of England; a young Man of -good Sense, and free from Superstition; a Merchant in Boston. He was -furnished with Materials for his Work by Mr. Brattle, of Cambridge; and -his Brother, of Boston; and other Gentlemen, who were opposed to the -_Salem_ Proceedings. E. P." [Ebenezer Pemberton?] - -[Illustration] - - - - -MORE WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD: - -Or, The Wonders of the ==Invisible World,== Display'd in Five Parts. - - Part I. An Account of the Sufferings of _Margaret Rule_, Written by - the Reverend Mr. C. M. - - P. II. Several Letters to the Author, _&c._ And his Reply relating - to Witchcraft. - - P. III. The Differences between the Inhabitants of _Salem_ Village, - and Mr. _Parris_ their Minister, in _New-England_. - - P. IV. Letters of a Gentleman uninterested, Endeavouring to prove - the received Opinions about Witchcraft to be Orthodox. With short - Essays to their Answers. - - P. V. A short Historical Accout of Matters of Fact in that Affair. - -To which is added, A Postscript relating to a Book intitled, - _The Life of Sir_ +WILLIAM PHIPS+. - -Collected by _Robert Calef_, Merchant, of _Boston_ in _New-England_. - -Licensed and Entred according to Order. - -_LONDON:_ - -Printed for _Nath. Hillar_, at the _Princes-Arms_, in -_Leaden-Hall-street_, over against St. _Mary-Ax_, and _Joseph Collyer_, -at the _Golden-Bible_ on _London-Bridge_. 1700. - - - - -[Illustration] - -[1] The Epistle to the READER. - -And more especially to the Noble _Bereans_[4] of this _Age_, wherever -Residing. - - -Gentlemen, - -_YOU that are freed from the Slauery of a corrupt Education; and that -in spite of human Precepts, Examples and Precsidents, can hearken to -the Dictates of Scripture and Reason:_ - -_For your sakes I am content, that these Collections of mine, as also -my Sentiments should be exposed to publick view; In hopes that having -well considered, and compared them with Scripture, you will see reason, -as I do, to question a belief so prevalent (as that here treated of) as -also the practice flowing from thence; they standing as nearly connext -as cause and effect; it being found wholly impracticable, to extirpate -the latter without first curing the former._ - -_And if the Buffoon or Satyrical will be exercising their Talents, or -if the Bigots wilfully and blindly reject the Testimonies of their own -Reason, and more sure word, it is no more than what I expected from -them._ - -_But you Gentlemen, I doubt not are willing to Distinguish between -Truth and Error, and if this may be any furtherance to you herein, I -shall not miss my Aim._ - -_But if you find the contrary, and that my belief herein is any way -Heterodox, I shall be thankful for the Information to any Learned or -Reverend Person, or others, that shall take that pains to inform me -better by Scripture, or sound Reason, which is what I have been long -seeking for in this Country_ in vain.[5] - -_In a time when not only_ England _in particular, but almost all_ -Europe _had been labouring against the Usurpations of Tyranny and -Slavery. The_ English, America _has not been behind in a share in -the Common calamities; more especially_ New-England, _has met not -only with such calamities as are common to the rest, but with several -aggravations enhansing such Afflictions, by the Devastations and -Cruelties of the Barbarous_ Indians _in their Eastern borders, &c._ - -_But this is not all, they have been harrast (on many accounts) by a -more dreadful Enemy, as will herein appear to the considerate._ - -P. 66. Were it as we are told in _Wonders of the Invisible World_, that -the Devils were walking about our Streets with lengthned Chains making -a dreadful noise in our Ears, and Brimstone, even without a Metaphor, -was making a horrid and a hellish stench in our Nostrils.[6] P. 49. - -And That the Devil exhibiting himself ordinarily as a black-Man, -had decoy'd a fearful knot of Proud, Froward, Ignorant, Envious and -Malitious Creatures, to list themselves in his horrid Service, by -entring their Names in a Book tendered unto them; and that they have -had their Meetings and Sacraments, and associated themselves to destroy -the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, in these parts of the World; -having each of them their Spectres, or Devils Commissionated by them, -and [2] representing of them to be the Engines of their Malice, by -these wicked Spectres, siezing poor People about the Country, with -various and bloody Torments. And of those evidently preternatural -Torments some to have died. And that they have bewitched some even -so far, as to make them self destroyers, and others in many Towns, -here and there languish'd under their evil hands. The People, thus -afflicted, miserably scratch'd and bitten; and that the same Invisible -Furies did stick Pins in them, and scal'd them, distort and disjoint -them, with a Thousand other Plagues; and sometimes drag them out of -their Chambers, and carry them over Trees, and Hills Miles together, -many of them being tempted to sign the Devils Laws. - -P. 7. _Those furies whereof several have killed more People perhaps -than would serve to make a Village. If this be the true state of the -Afflictions of this Country, it is very deplorable, and beyond all -other outward Calamities miserable. But if on the other side, the -Matter be as others do understand it, That the Devil has been too hard -for us by his Temptations, signs, and lying Wonders, with the help of -pernicious notions, formerly imbibed and professed; together with the -Accusations of a parcel of possessed, distracted, or lying Wenches, -accusing their Innocent Neighbours, pretending they see their Spectres_ -(i. e.) _Devils in their likeness Afflicting of them, and that God in -righteous Judgement, (after Men had ascribed his Power to Witches, of -commissionating Devils to do these things) may have given them over to -strong delusions to believe lyes. &c And to let loose the Devils of -Envy, Hatred, Pride, Cruelty and Malice against each other; yet still -disguised under the Mask of Zeal for God, and left them to the branding -one another, with the odious Name of Witch; and upon the Accusation -of those above mentioned, Brother to Accuse and Prosecute Brother, -Children their Parents, Pastors and Teachers their immediate Flock -unto death; Shepherds becoming Wolves, Wise Men Infatuated; People -hauled to Prisons, with a bloody noise pursuing to, and insulting over, -the (true) Sufferers at Execution, while some are fleeing from that -called Justice, Justice itself fleeing before such Accusations, when -once it did but begin to refrain further proceedings; and to question -such Practises, some making their Escape out of Prisons, rather than -by an obstinate Defence of their Innocency, to run so apparent hazard -of their Lives; Estates seized, Families of Children and others left -to the Mercy of the Wilderness (not to mention here the Numbers -prescribed, dead in Prisons, or Executed, &c.)_ - -_All which Tragedies, tho begun in one Town, or rather by one Parish, -has Plague-like spread more than through that Country. And by its Eccho -giving a brand of Infamy to this whole Country, throughout the World._ - -_If this were the Miserable case of this Country in the time thereof, -and that the Devil had so far prevailed upon us in our Sentiments and -Actions, as to draw us from so much as looking into the Scriptures for -our guidance in these pretended Intricacies, leading us to a trusting -in blind guides, such as the corrupt practices of some other Countries -or the bloody Experiments of Bodin,[7] [3] and such other Authors. Then -tho our Case be most miserable, yet it must be said of_ New-England, -_Thou hast destroyed thyself, and brought this greatest of Miseries -upon thee._ - -_And now whether the Witches (such as have made a compact by -Explicit Covenant with the Devil, having thereby obtained a power to -Commissionate him) have been the cause of our miseries._ - -_Or whether a Zeal governed by blindness and passion, and led by -president, has not herein precipitated us into far greater wickedness -(if not Witchcrafts) than any have been yet proved against those that -suffered._ - -_To be able to distinguish aright in this matter, to which of these -two to refer our Miseries is the present Work. As to the former, I -know of no sober Man, much less Reverend Christian, that being ask'd -dares affirm and abide by it, that Witches have that power;_ viz. _to -Commissionate Devils to kill and destroy. And as to the latter, it were -well if there were not too much of truth in it, which remains to be -demonstrated._ - -_But here it will be said, what need of Raking in the Coals that lay -buried in oblivion. We cannot recal those to Life again that have -suffered, supposing it were unjustly; it tends but to the exposing the -Actors, as if they had proceeded irregularly._ - -_Truly I take this to be just as the Devil would have it, so much to -fear disobliging men, as not to endeavour to detect his Wiles, that -so he may the sooner, and with the greater Advantages set the same on -foot again (either here or elsewhere) so dragging us through the Pond -twice by the same Cat.[8] And if Reports do not (herein) deceive us, -much the same has been acting this present year in_ Scotland. _And what -Kingdom or Country is it, that has not had their bloody fits and turns -at it. And if this is such a catching disease, and so universal, I -presume I need make no Apology for my Endeavours to prevent, as far as -in my power, any more such bloody Victims or Sacrifices; tho indeed I -had rather any other would have undertaken so offensive, tho necessary -a task; yet all things weighed, I had rather thus Expose myself to -Censure, than that it should be wholly omitted. Were the notions in -question, innocent and harmless, respecting the glory of God, and -well being of Men, I should not have engaged in them, but finding -them in my esteem, so intollerably destructive of both. This together -with my being by Warrant called before the Justices, in my own Just -Vindication, I took it to be a call from God, to my Power, to Vindicate -his Truths against the_ Pagan _and_ Popish _Assertions, which are so -prevalent; for tho Christians in general do own the Scriptures to be -their only Rule of Faith and Doctrine, yet these Notions will tell us, -that the Scriptures have not sufficiently, nor at all described the -crime of Witchcraft, whereby the culpable might be detected, tho it be -positive in the Command to punish it by Death; hence the World has been -from time to time perplext in the prosecution of the several Diabolical -mediums of Heathenish and Popish Invention, to detect an Imaginary -Crime (not but that there are Witches, such as the Law of God [4] -describes)[9] which has produced a deluge of Blood; hereby rendering -the Commands of God not only void but dangerous._ - -_So also they own Gods Providence and Government of the World, and -that Tempests and Storms, Afflictions and Diseases are of his sending; -yet these Notions tell us, that the Devil has the power of all these, -and can perform them when commission'd by a Witch thereto, and that he -has a power at the Witches call to act and do, without and against the -course of Nature, and all natural causes, in afflicting and killing of -Innocents; and this is that so many have died for._ - -_Also it is generally believed, that if any Man has strength, it is -from God the Almighty Being: but these notions will tell us, that -the Devil can make one Man as strong as many, which was one of the -best proofs, as it was counted, against Mr._ Burroughs _the Minister; -tho his contemporaries in the Schools during his Minority could have -testified, that his strength was then as much superior to theirs as -ever[10] (setting aside incredible Romances) it was discovered to be -since. Thus rendering the power of God, and his providence of none -Effect._ - -_These are some of the destructive notions of this Age, and however -the asserters of them seem sometimes to value themselves much upon -sheltring their Neighbors from Spectral Accusations. They may deserve -as much thanks as that Tyrant, that having industriously obtained an -unintelligible charge against his Subjects, in matters wherein it was -impossible they should be Guilty, having thereby their lives in his -power, yet suffers them of his meer Grace to live, and will be call'd -gracious Lord._ - -_It were too_ Icarian[11] _a task for one unfurnish'd with necessary -learning, and Library, to give any Just account, from whence so great -delusions have sprung, and so long continued. Yet as an Essay from -those scraps of reading that I have had opportunity of; it will be -no great venture to say, that Signs and Lying Wonders have been one -principal cause._ - -_It is written of_ Justin Martyr,[12] _who lived in the second -Century, that he was before his conversion a great Philosopher; first -in the way of the_ Stoicks, _and after, of the_ Peripateticks, _after -that of the_ Pythagorean, _and after that of the_ Platonists _sects; -and after all proved of Eminent use in the Church of Christ; yet a -certain Author speaking of one_ Apollonius Tyaneus[13] _has these -words_ [That the most Orthodox themselves began to deem him vested with -power sufficient for a Deity; which occasioned that so strange a doubt -from _Justin Martyr_, as cited by the learned _Gregory_, Fol. 37. Ει -Θεοςζσι _&c._ If God be the creator and Lord of the World, how comes it -to pass that _Apollonius_ his _Telisms_, have so much over-ruled the -course of things! for we see that they also have stilled the Waves of -the Sea; and the raging of the Winds, and prevailed against the Noisome -Flies, and Incursions of wild Beasts,] _&c. If so Eminent and Early -a Christian were by these false shews in such doubt, it is the less -wonder in our depraved times, to meet with what is Equivalent thereto: -Besides this a certain Author informs me, that_ [Julian _(afterwards -called the Apostate) being instructed in the Philosophy and Disciplines -of the Heathen, by_ Libarius _his Tutor, by this [5] means he came to -love Philosophy better than the Gospel, and so by degrees turn'd from -Christianity to Heathenism.]_ - -_This same_ Julian _did, when_ Apostate, _forbid that Christians -should be instructed in the Discipline of the_ Gentiles, _which -(it seems)_ Socrates _a Writer of the Ecclesiastical History, does -acknowledge to be by the singular Providence of God; Christians having -then begun to degenerate from the Gospel, and to betake themselves to -Heathenish learning. And in the_ Mercury _for the Month of_ February, -1695, _there is this Account_ [That the Christian Doctors conversing -much with the writings of the _Heathen_, for the gaining of Eloquence. -A Counsel was held at _Carthage_, which forbad the reading of the Books -of the _Gentiles_.] - -_From all which it may be easily perceived, that in the Primitive times -of Christianity, when not only many Heathen of the Vulgar; but also -many learned Men and Philosophers had imbraced the Christian Faith; -they still retained a love to their Heathen-learning, to which as -one observes being transplanted into a Christian soils, soon proved -productive of pernicious weeds, which over-ran the face of the Church, -hence it was so deformed as the Reformation found it._ - -_Among other pernicious Weeds arising from this Root, the Doctrine of -the power of Devils and Witchcraft as it is now, and long has been -understood, is not the least; the Fables of_ Homer, Virgil, Horace -_and_ Ovid, &c. _being for the Elegancy of their Language retained then -(and so are to this day) in the schools; have not only introduced, but -established such Doctrines to the poisoning the Christian World.[14] -A certain Author expresses it thus [that as the Christian Schools at -first brought Men from Heathenism to the Gospel, so these Schools carry -Men from the Gospel to Heathenism, as to their great perfection] and -Mr._ I. M. _in his_ Remarkable Providences, _gives an account that (as -he calls it) an old Counsel did Anathematize all those that believed -such power of the Devils, accounting it a Damnable Doctrine.[15] But -as other Evils did afterwards increase in the Church (partly by such -Education) so this insensibly grew up with them, tho not to that -degree, as that any Counsel I have ever heard or Read of has to this -day taken off those_ Anathema's; _yet after this the Church so far -declined, that Witchcraft became a Principal, Ecclesiastical Engine -(as also that of Heresy was) to root up all that stood in their way; -and besides the ways of Tryal, that we have still in practice, they -invented some, which were peculiar to themselves; which whenever they -were minded to improve against any Orthodox believer, they could easily -make Effectual: That Deluge of Blood which that_ Scarlet Whore _has to -answer for, shed under this notion, how amazing is it._ - -_The first in_ England _that I have read of, of any note since the -Reformation, that asserts this Doctrine, is the famous Mr._ Perkins, -_he (as also Mr._ Gaul, _and Mr._ Bernard, _&c.) seems all of them to -have undertaken one Task. They taking notice of the Multiplicity of -irregular ways to try them by, invented by Heathen and Papists, made -it their business and main work herein to oppose such as they saw to -be pernicious. And if they did not look more narrowly into it, but -followed the first,_ viz. _Mr._ Perkins _whose Education (as theirs -also) had forestall'd him into such belief, whom they readily followed, -it cannot be wondered at: And that they were men liable to Err, and -so not to be trusted to as perfect guides, will manifestly appear to -him that shall see their several receits laid down to detect them by -their Presumptive and Positive ones. And consider how few of either -have any foundation in Scripture or Reason; and how vastly they differ -from each other in both, each having his Art by himself, which Forty or -an Hundred more may as well imitate, and give theirs,_ ad infinitum, -_being without all manner of proof. [6] But tho this be their main -design to take off People from those Evil and bloody ways of trial -which they speak so much against. Yet this does not hinder to this day, -but the same evil ways or as bad are still used to detect them by, and -that even among Protestants; and is so far justified, that a Reverend -Person has said lately here, how else shall we detect Witches?[16] And -another being urged to prove by Scripture such a sort of Witch as has -power to send Devils to kill men, replied that he did as firmly believe -it as any article of his Faith. And that he (the Inquirer) did not go -to the Scripture; to learn the Mysteries of his trade or Art. What can -be said more to Establish there Heathenish notions and to villifie -the Scriptures, our only Rule; and that after we have seen such dire -effects thereof, as has threatned the utter Extirpation of this whole -Country._ - -_And as to most of the Actors in these Tragedies, tho they are so far -from defending their Actions that they will readily own, that undue -steps have been taken, &c. yet it seems they choose that the same -should be Acted over again, inforced by their Example, rather than that -it should Remain as a Warning to Posterity, as herein they have mist -it. So far are they from giving Glory to God, and taking the due shame -to themselves._ - -_And now to sum up all in a few words, we have seen a Biggotted Zeal, -stirring up a Blind, and most Bloody rage, not against Enemies, or -Irreligious proffligate Persons. But (in Judgment of Charity, and -to view) against as Vertuous and Religious as any they have left -behind them in this Country, which have suffered as Evil doers (with -the utmost extent of rigour, not that so high a Character is due to -all that Suffered) and this by the Testimony of Vile Varlets as not -only were known before, but have been further apparent since by their -Manifest Lives, whordoms, incest, &c. The accusations of these, from -their Spectral Sight, being the chief Evidence against those that -Suffered. In which Accusations they were upheld by both Magistrates and -Ministers, so long as they Apprehended themselves in no Danger.[17]_ - -_And then tho they could defend neither the Doctrine, nor the Practice, -yet none of them have in such a publick manner as the case Requires, -testified against either; tho at the same time they could not but be -sensible what a Stain and lasting Infamy they have brought upon the -whole Country, to the indangering the future welfair not only of this -but of other places, induced by their Example; if not, to an intailing -the Guilt of all the Righteous Blood that has been by the same means -Shed, by Heathen or Papists, &c. upon themselves, whose deeds they have -so far justified, occasioning the great Dishonour and Blasphemy of the -Name of God, Scandalizing the Heathen, hardning of Enemies; and as a -Natural effect thereof, to the great Increase of Atheism._ - -_I shall conclude only with acquainting the Reader, that of these -Collections, the first containing more Wonders of the Invisible World, -I received of a Gentleman, who had it of the Author, and communicated -it to use, with his express consent, of which this is a true Copy.[18] -As to the letters, they are for Substance the same I sent, tho with -some small Variation or Addition. Touching the two Letters from a -Gentleman at his request, I have forborn naming him. It is great Pity -the matters of Fast, and indeed the whole, had not been done by some -abler hana better Accomplished and Advantages with both natural and -acquired Judgments, but others not Appearing, I have inforc'd myself to -do what is done, my other occasions Will not admit any further Scrutiny -therein._ - - _R. C._ - -_Boston in New-England, Aug_ 11. 1697. - -[Illustration] - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[4] In both the second and third Editions this Name is printed -_Barons_. The Printer probably not knowing what else to make of it. -The Inhabitants of ancient _Berœa_ were called _Berœans_. The present -_Aleppo_ occupies the Site. For the Point, see _Acts_, xvii, 11. - -[5] This is the Remark that led me to think the Author was not a Native -of New England. An Extract by Dr. Belknap, noted in the accompanying -Memoir is corroborative of the Conjecture. - -[6] See Vol. I, Pages 121-2. Cotemporary with the Author, we find that -eminent Divine, Michael Wigglesworth, thus poetically impressing upon -the Readers of his Poem the Horrors spoken of in the Text: - - Whom having brought as they are taught, - Unto the Brink of Hell, - (That Dismal Place far from Christs Face, - Where Death and Darkness dwell: - Where Gods fierce Ire kindleth the Fire, - And Vengeance feeds the Flame - With Piles of Wood, and Brimstone Flood, - That none can quench the same. - - _Day of Doom, Stanza 208._ - -[7] John Bodin was a Frenchman of great Learning, born at Angers 1530. -Some of his Historical Works were formerly in great Repute in England -as well as in France. His Work referred to above was published at Paris -in 1579, under the Title _La Démonomanie, ou Traite des Sorciers_, in -4to. It is full of all those Superstitions for which the Age in which -the Author lived is celebrated. See Camerarius, _Living Library_, Page -2, Edition 1625, _Fol._ See also Mr. Fowler's interesting Note to the -last Salem Edition of _Salem Witchcraft_, P. ix. - -[8] That is by the same Cord, or Rope. In nautical Usage, a Rope to -do or perform a certain Service. The Anchor was formerly hoisted to -the Head of a certain bow Timber to which it was fastened by the _Cat_ -Rope; hence the Timber is called the _Cat-head_. - -[9] It will elsewhere be seen that the Author makes it pretty clear, -that to discover Witches by that Law, or who they are, has never been -done. It was therefore easy to argue that Witches never would be -discovered by it. In other Words where nothing is looked for nothing -will be found. This Subject will be found discussed elsewhere. - -[10] Samuel Webber, aged about 36, testified that some seven or eight -Years ago he lived at Casco Bay, where Mr. B. was Minister. Having -heard much of his great Strength, and coming to his House, and in -Discourse about it, he told the said Webber that he had put his Fingers -into the Bung of a Barrel of "Malases" and lifted it up and carried it -round him. See _Records of Salem Witchcraft_ (by Woodward) ii, 113. See -also sundry other Testimonies about Mr. Burroughs's great Strength, -_ib._, 123-5. Also (Vol. I, 153,) _The Wonders of the Invisible World_. - -[11] The Author's classical Learning was probably not very extensive. -The Use of this mythical Name however may have been according to its -Acceptation in his Time. - -[12] The Reader will not find, as he has a Right to expect, this Name -in the common Biographical Works. In the large Work of _Chaudon et -Delandine_ is a satisfactory Article under the Head JUSTIN; who was a -Martyr of the second Century; yet we meet with the Name constantly in -History, as _Justin Martyr_; Martyr being added to his proper Name, to -denote that he had suffered Martyrdom. He is also styled _St. Justin_. - -[13] Apollonius _Thyaneus_, according to Lempriere. A Pythagorian -Philosopher, well skilled in the Arts of Magic; who, "one Day -haranguing the Populace at Ephesus, he suddenly exclaimed: 'Strike the -Tyrant, strike him; the Blow is given, he is wounded and fallen!' At -that very Moment the Emperor Domitian had been stabbed at Rome. The -Magician acquired much Reputation when the Circumstance was known." - -[14] Although the Stories and Fables of former Ages may, and doubtless -did, at the Period under Consideration, have a bad Influence upon -the Minds of Scholars, they ought to have none in these Times. This, -however, will depend on the Intelligence of Teachers. - -[15] It is only necessary to observe that the Title of Dr. I. Mather's -Work is _An Essay for the Recording of Illustrious Providences_, &c., -which was printed in a 12mo. 1684. This Work was elegantly reprinted -in a Crown 12mo or a 16mo. by John Russell Smith, London, 1856. This, -I think, is the first Time the Work was ever reprinted. It shows the -Author not less superstitious than his very credulous Son. - -[16] It would perhaps be fruitless to attempt a Conjecture as to who -were the Persons referred to, the Majority of the Community being of -the same Faith. - -[17] It seems that for some Time it never occurred to the Rulers that -_they_ might be taken for Witches; or "cried out upon," as the Phrase -used to be. - -[18] Who the Gentleman was that received the Paper from Dr. Mather -does not appear. At the Time it was obtained, the Author (Dr. Mather) -probably had no Apprehension that any Exposition was to follow. The -very vague Note in _Proceedings Mass. Hist. Society_ for 1858, p. 288, -enlightens the Reader but little. It is said in that Note--"He [Mr. -Calef] was furnished with Materials for his Work by Mr. Brattle, of -Cambridge; and his Brother of Boston; and other Gentlemen, who were -opposed to the _Salem_ Proceedings." This Extract is signed E. P.; but -the Editor of the Article referred to makes no Conjecture as for whom -the Initials stand. Perhaps they mean Ebenezer Pemberton, though that -Gentleman was comparatively a young Man in 1697; old enough, however, -to have been interested in these Affairs. - - - - -[Illustration] - -[7] The INDEX. - - - PART I. - - _ANOTHER Brand plucked out of the Burnings or More Wonders of the - Invisible World; written_ by Mr. C. M. relating to the Afflictions - of Margaret Rule. Page 1 - - PART II. - - _A Letter to Mr._ C. M. _containing a Narrative of two Visits given - by him and others to_ Margaret Rule. p. 13 - - _With a repetition of a former Letter sent to him, to offer a Meeting - with him._ p. 16 - - _As also the repetition of a former Letter, requesting Information in - some Doctrinalls relating to Witchcraft._ _Ibid_ - - _A Letter of Mr._ C. M. _wherein he declines speaking to those - Doctrinalls; Denying some parts of the Narrative, and defending - others. The feeling the Imp owned_, &c. p. 19 - - _The Copy of a Paper Subscribed by several, testifying Margaret - Rule's being held up by Invisible Hands from the Bed._ p. 22 - - _A Letter to Mr._ C. M. _relating to the Narrative, again Praying, an - Answer to the Doctrinalls._ p. 23 - - _The Copy of a Paper shewing what Sense the Indians had of the - Actions here, and what esteem they had thereby taken up of our - Ministers._ p. 25 - - _A Letter to Mr._ C. M. _again repeating several Fundamental - Doctrinalls, opposite to the Doctrine of Witchcraft, as now - understood, praying his Confirmation or Confutation thereof._ p. 26 - - _A Letter to Mr_ C. M. _(after minding him of his promise,_ viz. _To - give an Answer about Doctrinalls) several Passages quoted in his, - and his Relations Books, that need explaining._ p. 27 - - _A Letter to Mr_ B. _relating to the belief of Mr._ C. M. _which he - forbad to be Coppyed._ p. 30 - - [8] _A Letter to the Ministers repeating those Doctrinalls, sent to - Mr._ C. M. _for his Explanation, with the Summary of his Belief, - contained in those Papers, forbidden to be Coppied; as also other - Doctrinalls opposite thereto, beseeching them to give their - Confirmation or Confutation thereof._ p. 33 - - _A Letter to Mr_ S. W. _relating to a Dialogue Written by him about - Witchcraft, and to a Paper set forth by the President, &c. of the - University, about Possessions and Enchantments._ p. 38 - - _A Letter to Mr_ C. M. _relating to the Doctrinalls contained in a - Book of Mr._ R. B. _Printed in_ London 1691. _Some of the Heathen - Poets Quoted as the Fountain or Original of such Doctrinalls._ p. 43 - - _A Letter to the Ministers mentioning the Doctrine of the Manishees, - Demonstrating that the present Age is not free from that Infection, - repeating necessary Articles of Faith opposite thereto._ p. 48 - - _A Letter to Mr._ B. W. _relating to the Witches Covenant._ p. 52 - - PART III. - - _The Reasons given by some of the People why they withdrew from - Communion, &c. with the Church at_ Salem-Village, _and from hearing - Mr._ Parris _their Minister, in whose House the Tragedies of - Witchcraft begun._ p. 55 - - _Mr._ Samuel Parris's _Acknowledgement._ p. 57 - - _The Advice and Determination of the Elders and Messengers, met at_ - Salem-Village, _to Compose the Differences there._ p. 59 - - _A Letter from the People of the Village to those Elders and - Messengers of the several Churches._ p. 61 - - _A state of the Controversie between Mr._ Parris _and his People._ - p. 62 - - _A Remonstrance, with further Reasons given in by the Attorneys for - the People of the Village to the Arbitrators, against Mr._ Parris. - p. 63 - - PART IV. - - _A Letter of a Gentleman endeavouring to prove the received opinions - about Witchcraft._ p. 64 - - _An Essay to the Answer thereof._ p. 77 - - _A Second Letter of the Gentleman's further urging such Doctrines._ - p. 83 - - _A Rejoinder to the former Answer._ p. 87 - - PART V. - - _An Account of the matters of Fact at_ Salem-Village, _&c._ p. 90 - - _The Examination of Mrs._ Cary. p. 95 - - _The Examination of Mr_ John Aldin. p. 98 - - Bishop _alias_ Oliver _Condemned_. p. 100 - - _An Abstract of the Ministers Advice to the Governour._ p. 101 - - [9] Sarah Good, Rebecca Nurse, Sus. Martin, Eliz. How and Sarah - Wildes _Condemned_. p. 101 - - _The Declaration of the Foreman of the Jury, relating to words spoken - by_ Rebecca Nurse. p. 102 - - Rebecca Nurses _Interpretation of these words_. p. 103 - - _Mr_ George Burroughs, John Procter, Eliz. Procter, John Willard, - George Jacobs and Martha Carryer _Condemned_. _Ibid._ - - _A Letter of_ John Procter _to the Ministers._ p. 104 - - _A Letter of_ Margaret Jacobs _to her Father._ p. 105 - - Martha Cary, Mary Easty, Alice Parker, Ann Pudeater, Dorcas Hore, - Mary Bradbery, Margaret Scot, W. Red, Samuel Wardwel, Mary Parker, - Abigail Falkner, Rebecca Emes, Mary Lacy, Ann Foster, _and_ Abigail - Hobs _Condemned_. p. 106 - - Giles Cary _Prest to Death_. Ibid. - - _A Petition of_ Mary Easty _to the Judge._ p. 107 - - _A Declaration of some that had confest themselves Guilty_ (at - Andover.) p. 111 - - _The Preface of Mr._ C. M. _in Wonders of the Invisible World, to his - Account of the Tryals of five of those that were Executed at_ Salem. - p. 113 - - The whole of his said Account, with one Indictment added to each - Tryal, _viz._ - - _The Tryal of_ Mr. Burroughs. p. 114 - - _The Tryal of_ Bridget Bishop. p. 120 - - _The Tryal of_ Susanna Martin. p. 126 - - _The Tryal of_ Elizabeth How. p. 133 - - _The Tryal of_ Martha Carryer. p. 136 - - _The Tryal of_ Wardwes _Wife at the first Superior Court in_ Salem. - p. 141 - - _The Tryal of_ Sarah Daston _at_ Charlestown. Ibid. - - _The Tryal of_ Mary Watkins _at_ Boston. p. 142 - - _The Tryal of_ Mr. Bennom _at_ Hartford, _in the Collony of - Connecticut._ Ibid. - - _A Proclamation for a Fast in the Province of_ Massachuset. p. 143 - - _The Acknowledgement of several Jury-Men, relating to the Condemning - of some for Witches._ p. 144 - - _A Postscript relating to a Book Intituled,_ The Life of Sir _W. - Phips._ p. 145 - - _Therein an Objection Answered, viz. But what are there no Witches?_ - p. 155 - - -[Illustration] - -[10] _SIR,_ - -_I NOW lay before you a very Entertaining Story,[19] a Story which -relates yet more_ Wonders of the Invisible World, _a Story which -tells the Remarkable Afflictions and Deliverance of one that had been -Prodigiously handled by the_ Evil Angels. _I was myself a daily_ -Eye Witness _to a large part of these Occurrences, and there may be -produced Scores of Substantial_ Witnesses _to the most of them; yea, I -know not of any one Passage of the Story but what may be sufficiently -attested. I do not Write it with a design of throwing it presently into -the Press, but only to preserve the Memory of such Memorable things, -the forgetting whereof would neither be_ pleasing _to God, nor useful -to Men; as also to give you, with some others of peculiar and obliging -Friends, a sight of some_ Curiosities, _and I hope this Apology will -serve to Excuse me, if I mention, as perhaps I may, when I come to a -tenth Paragraph in my Writing, some things which I would have omitted -in a farther Publication._ - - Cotton Mather. - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[19] This singular "Story" does not appear to have been published by -its Author, nor have I any other History of it than is found in these -Pages. Nor do I find anything of a Family of the Name of Rule. Neither -Farmer nor Savage have it in their genealogical Works. Yet there was -a Family living for some Time at the North End of the Name of _Rule_. -They may not have been long resident. See Note 33. - - - - -[Illustration] - - [1] ANOTHER BRAND Pluckt out of the BURNING, Or, More Wonders of the - Invisible World. - - -Part I. Section I. - -_The Afflictions of_ MARGARET RULE. - -WIthin these few years there died in the _Southern Parts_ a Christian -_Indian_, who notwithstanding some of his _Indian_ Weakness, had -something of a better Character of vertue and Goodness, than many of -our People can allow to most of their Country-men, that profess the -_Christian Religion_.[20] He had been a Zealous Preacher of the Gospel -to his Neighbourhood, and a sort of _Overseer_, or _Officer_, to whose -Conduct was owing very much of what good order was maintained among -those Proselited _Savages_. This Man returning home from the Funeral of -his Son, was complemented by an _Englishman_, expressing _Sorrow for -his Loss_; now, tho' the _Indians_ use upon the Death of Relations, -to be the most Passionate and Outragious Creatures in the World, yet -this Converted _Indian_ Handsomly and Chearfully replid, _Truly I am -sorry, and I am not sorry; I am sorry that I have Buried a dear Son; -but I am not sorry that the will of God is done. I know that without -the will of God my son could not have died, and I know that the will_ -[2] _of God is always just and good, and so I am satisfied._ Immediately -upon this, even within a few hours, he fell himself Sick of a Disease -that quickly kill'd him; in the time of which Disease he called his -Folks about him, earnestly perswading them to be Sincere in their -_Praying unto God_, and beware of the _Drunkenness_, the _Idleness_, -the _Lying_, whereby so many of that Nation disgrac'd their Profession -of Christianity; adding, that he was ashamed, when he thought how -little Service he had hitherto done for God; and that if God would -prolong his Life he would Labour to do better Service, but that he was -fully sure he was now going to the Lord _Jesus Christ_, who had bought -him with his own Precious _Blood_; and for his part, he long'd to Die -that he might be with his Glorious Lord; and in the mid'st of such -passages he gave up the Ghost, but in such repute, that the _English_ -People of good Fashion did not think much of Travelling a great way to -his _Interment_. Lest my Reader do now wonder why I have related this -piece of a Story, I will now hasten to abate that Wonder, by telling -that whereto this was intended, but for an _Introduction_: know then, -that this remarkable _Indian_ being a little before he Died at work in -the Wood making of Tarr, there appeared unto him a _Black Man_, of a -Terrible aspect, and more than humane Dimensions, threatning bittterly -to kill him if he would not promise to leave off _Preaching_ as he did -to his Countrey-Men, and promise particularly, _that if he preached any -more, he would say nothing of Jesus Christ unto them?_ The _Indian_ -amaz'd, yet had the courage to answer, _I will in spite of you go on -to preach_ Christ _more than ever I did, and the God whom I serve will -keep me that you shall never hurt me._ Hereupon the Apparition abating -somewhat of his fierceness, offered to the _Indian_ a _Book_ of a -considerable thickness and a _Pen and Ink_, and said, that if he would -now set his hand unto that _Book_, he would require nothing further of -him; but the Man refused the motion with indignation, and fell down -upon his knees into a Fervent and Pious Prayer unto God, for help -against the _Tempter_, whereupon the _Demon_ Vanish't. - -This is a Story which I would never have tendered unto my Reader, if I -had not Receiv'd it from an honest and useful _English Man_,[21] who -is at this time a Preacher of the Gospel to the _Indians_; nor would -the probable Truth of it have encouraged me to have tendered it, if -this also had not been a fit introduction unto yet a further Narrative. - -_Sect._ 2. 'Twas not much above a year or two, after this Accident (of -which no manner of Noise has been made) that there was a Prodigious -descent of _Devils_ upon divers places near the Centre of this -Province; wherein some scores of _Miserable People_ were Troubled by -horrible appearances of a _Black-Man_, accompanied with _Spectres_, -wearing these and those Humane Shapes, who offer'd them a _Book_ to be -by them sign'd, in token of their being Listed for the Service of the -_Devil_, and upon their [3] denying to do it, they were _dragoon'd_ -with a thousand Preternatural Torments, which gave no little terror -to the beholders of these unhappy _Energuments_. There was one in -the _North_ part of _Boston_ seized by the _Evil Angels_ many Months -after the General Storm of the late _Inchantments_ was over, and when -the Countrey had long lain pretty quiet, both as to Molestations and -Accusations from the INVISIBLE WORLD, her Name was _Margaret Rule_, -a Young Woman, She was born of sober and honest Parents, yet Living, -but what her own Character was before her Visitation, I can speak with -the less confidence of exactness, because I observe that wherever the -_Devils_ have been let loose to worry any Poor Creature amongst us, a -great part of the Neighbourhood presently set themselves to inquire and -relate all the little Vanities of their Childhood, with such unequal -exaggerations, as to make them appear greater Sinners than any whom -the Pilate of _Hell_ has not yet Preyed upon: But it is affirm'd, -that for about half a year before her Visitation, she was observably -improved in the hopeful symptoms of a new Creature; She was become -furiously concern'd for the everlasting _Salvation_ of her Soul, and -careful to avoid the snares of _Evil Company_. This Young Woman had -never seen the affliction of _Mercy Short_,[22] whereof a Narrative has -been already given, and yet about half a year after the glorious and -signal deliverance of that poor Damsel, this _Margaret_ fell into an -affliction, marvellous, resembling hers in almost all the circumstances -of it, indeed the Afflictions were so much alike, that the relation I -have given of the one, would almost serve as the full History of the -other, this was to that, _little more than the second part to the same -Tune_; indeed _Margarets_ case was in several points less remarkable -than _Mercies_, and in some other things the Entertainment did a little -vary. - -_Sect._ 3. 'twas upon the _Lords Day_ the 10th of _September_, in -the Year 1693. that _Margaret Rule_, after some hours of previous -disturbance in the Publick Assembly, fell into odd _Fits_, which -caused her Friends to carry her home, where her _Fits_ in a few -hours grew into a Figure that satisfied the Spectators of their -being preternatural; some of the Neighbours were forward enough to -suspect the rise of this Mischief in an House hard-by, where lived a -Miserable Woman, who had been formerly Imprisoned on the suspicion -of _Witchcraft_, and who had frequently Cured very painfull Hurts -by muttering over them certain _Charms_, which I shall not indanger -the Poysoning of my Reader by repeating. This Woman had the Evening -before _Margaret_ fell into her Calamities, very bitterly treated her, -and threatn'd her; but the hazard of hurting a poor Woman that might -be innocent, notwithstanding _Surmizes_ that might have been more -strongly grounded than those, caus'd the pious People in the Vicinity -to try rather whether incessant _Supplication_ to God [4] _alone_, -might not procure a quicker and safer Ease to the _Afflicted_, than -hasty Prosecution of any suppos'd Criminal, and accordingly that -_unexceptionable course_ was all that was ever followed; yea, which I -look'd on as a token for good, the Afflicted Family was as averse as -any of us all to entertain thoughts of any other course. - -_Sect._ 4. The Young Woman was assaulted by Eight cruel _spectres_, -whereof she imagin'd that she knew _three_ or _four_, but the rest -came still with their _Faces cover'd_, so that she could never have -a distinguishing view of the countenance of those whom she thought -she knew; she was very careful of my reitterated charges _to forbear -blazing the names_, lest any good Person should come to suffer any -blast of Reputation thro' the cunning Malice of the great Accuser; -nevertheless having since privately named _them_ to myself, I will -venture to say _this_ of them, that they are a sort of _Wretches_, -who for these many years have gone under as Violent _Presumptions_ of -_Witchcraft_, as perhaps any creatures yet living upon earth; altho' -I am farr from thinking that the Visions of this Young Woman were -Evidence enough to prove them so. These cursed _Spectres_ now brought -unto her a _Book_ about a _Cubet_ long, a _Book Red_ and _thick_, -but not very broad, and they demanded of her that she would set _her -Hand_ to that _Book_, or touch it at least with her _Hand_, as a Sign -of her becoming a Servant of the _Devil_, upon her peremptory refusal -_to do_ what they asked, they did not after renew the profers of the -_Book_ unto her, but instead thereof, they fell to Tormenting of her in -a manner too Hellish to be sufficiently described, in those Torments -confining her to her _Bed_, for just _Six weeks_ together. - -_Sect._ 5. Sometimes, but not always together with the _Spectres_, -there looke't in upon the Young Woman (according to her account) _a -short and a Black Man_, whom they call'd their Master--a Wight exactly -of the same Dimensions and Complexion and voice, with the _Divel_ that -has exhibited himself unto other infested People, not only in other -parts of this Country but also in other Countrys, even of the _European -World_, as the relation of the Enchantments there inform us, they all -profest themselves Vassals of this _Devil_, and in obedience unto him -they address themselves unto various ways of Torturing her; accordingly -she was cruelly _pinch'd with Invisible hands_, very often in a Day, -and the black and blew marks of the pinches became immediately visible -unto the standers by. Besides this, when her attendants had left her -without so much as one pin about her, that so they might prevent some -fear'd inconveniencies; yet she would ever now and then be miserably -hurt with Pins which were found stuck into her Neck, Back and Arms, -however the Wounds made by the Pins would in a few minutes ordinarily -be cured; she would also be strangely distorted in her Joynts, and -thrown into such exorbitant _Convulsions_ as [5] were astonishing unto -the Spectators in General; They that could behold the doleful condition -of the poor Family without sensible compassions, might have Intrals -indeed, but I am sure they could have no true _Bowels_ in them. - -_Sect._ 6. It were a most Unchristian and uncivil, yea a most -unreasonable thing to imagine that the Fitt's of the Young Woman -were but meer _Impostures_: And I believe scarce any, but People -of a particular _Dirtiness_, will harbour such an Uncharitable -Censure,[23] however, because I know not how far the _Devil_ may drive -the Imagination of poor Creatures when he has possession of them, that -at another time when they are _themselves_ would scorn to _Dissemble_ -any thing. I shall now confine my Narrative unto passages, wherein -there could be no room left for any Dissimulation. Of these the first -that I'll mention shall be this; From the time that _Margaret Rule_ -first found herself to be formally besieged by the _Spectres_ untill -the Ninth Day following, namely from the Tenth of _September_ to -the Eighteenth, she kept an entire Fast, and yet she was unto all -appearance as Fresh, as Lively, as Hearty, at the Nine Days End, as -before they began; in all this time, tho' she had a very eager _Hunger_ -upon her Stomach, yet if any refreshment were brought unto her, her -Teeth would be set, and she would be thrown into many Miseries, Indeed -_once or twice or so_ in all this time, her Tormentors permitted her -to swallow a Mouthful of somewhat that might increase her Miseries, -whereof a Spoonful of _Rum_ was the most considerable; but otherwise, -as I said, her _Fast_ unto the _Ninth day_ was very extream and rigid: -However, afterwards there scarce passed a day wherein she had not -liberty to take something or other for her _Susttentation_, And I -must add this further, that this business of her _Fast_ was carried -so, that it was impossible to be dissembled without a _Combination_ -of Multitudes of People unacquainted with one another to support the -_Juggle_, but he that can imagine such a thing of a Neighbourhood, so -fill'd with Vertuous People is a _base man_, I cannot call him any -other. - -_Sect._ 7. But if the Sufferings of this Young Woman were not -_Imposture_, yet might they not be pure Distemper? I will not here -inquire of our _Saducees_ what sort of Distemper 'tis shall stick the -Body full of _Pins_, without any Hand that could be seen to stick them; -or whether all the _Pin-makers_ in the World would be willing to be -Evaporated into certain ill habits of Body producing a _Distemper_, -but of the _Distemper_ my Reader shall be Judge when I have told him -something further of those unusual Sufferings. I do believe that the -_Evil Angels_ do often take Advantage from _Natural Distempers_ in the -Children of Men to annoy them with such further Mischiefs as we call -_preternatural_. The Malignant _Vapours_ and _Humours_ of our Diseased -Bodies may be used by _Devils_ thereinto insinu[6]ating as engine -of the Execution of their Malice upon those Bodies; and perhaps for -this reason one Sex may suffer more Troubles of some kinds from the -_Invisible World_ than the _other_, as well as for _that reason_ for -which the Old _Serpent_ made where he did his _first Adddress_. But I -Pray what will you say to this, _Margaret Rule_ would sometimes have -her Jaws forcibly pulled open; whereupon something _Invisible_ would -be poured down her throat; we all saw her swallow, and yet we saw her -try all she could by Spitting, Coughing and Shriking, that she might -not swalow, but one time the standers by plainly saw something of -that odd _Liquor_ itself on the outside of her _Neck_; She cried out -of it as of _Scalding Brimstone_ poured into her, and the whole House -would Immediately scent so hot of _Brimstone_ that we were scarce able -to endure it, whereof there are scores of Witnesses; but the Young -Woman herself would be so monstrously _Inflam'd_ that it would have -broke a Heart of Stone to have seen her Agonies, _this_ was a thing -that several times happen'd and several times when her Mouth was thus -pull'd open, the standers by clapping their Hands close thereupon the -distresses that otherwise followed would be diverted. Moreover there -was a _whitish powder_ to us _Invisible_ somtimes cast upon the _Eyes_ -of this Young Woman, whereby her _Eyes_ would be extreamly incommoded, -but one time some of this _Powder_ was fallen actually _Visible_ upon -her Cheek, from whence the People in the Room wiped it with their -Handkerchiefs, and somtimes the Young Woman would also be so bitterly -scorched with the unseen Sulphur thrown upon her, that very sensible -_Blisters_ would be raised upon her Skin, whereto her Friends found it -necessary to apply the _Oyl's_ proper for common _Burning_, but the -most of these Hurts would be cured in two or three days at farthest: I -think I may _without Vanity_ pretend to have read not a few of the best -System's of _Physick_[24] that have been yet seen in these _American_ -Regions, but I must confess that I have never yet learned the Name of -the Natural Distemper, whereto these odd symptoms do belong: However -I might suggest perhaps many a _Natural Medicine_, which would be of -singular use against many of them. - -_Sect._ 8. But there fell out some _other matters_ far beyond the reach -of _Natural Distemper_: This _Margaret Rule_ once in the middle of the -Night Lamented sadly that the _Spectres_ threat'ned the Drowning of a -Young Man in the Neighbourhood, whom she named unto the Company: well -it was afterwards found that at that very time this Young Man, having -been prest on Board _a Man of War_ then in the Harbour, was out of some -dissatisfaction attempting to swim ashoar, and he had been _Drowned_ -in the attempt, if a Boat had not seasonably taken him up; it was by -computation a minute or two after the Young Womans discourse of the -_Drowning_, that the Young Man took the Water; At another time she told -us that [7] the _Spectres_ bragg'd and laughed in her hearing about an -exploit they had lately done, by stealing from a Gentleman his _Will_ -soon after he had written it; and within a few hours after she had -spoken this there came to me a Gentleman with a private complaint, that -having written his _Will_, it was unaccountably gone out of the way, -_how_ or _where_ he could not Imagine; and besides all this, there were -wonderful _Noises_ every now and then made about the Room, which our -People could Ascribe to no other Authors but the _Spectres_, yea, the -Watchers affirm that they heard those fiends clapping of their hands -together with an _Audibleness_, wherein they could not be Imposed upon: -And once her Tormentors pull'd her up to the _Cieling_ of the Chamber, -and held her there before a very Numerous Company of _Spectators_, -who found it as much as they could _all do_ to pull her down -again.[25] There was also another very surprising circumstance about -her, agreeable to what we have not only _read_ in several Histories -concerning the _Imps_ that have been Imployed in _Witchcraft_; but -also known in some of our own afflicted: _We once thought we perceived -something stir upon her pillow at a little distance from her, whereupon -one present laying his hand there, he to his horror_ apprehended that -_he felt,_ tho' none could see it, _a living Creature,_ not _altogether -unlike a Rat, which nimbly escap'd from him:_ and there were diverse -other Persons who were thrown into a great consternation by feeling, as -they Judg'd, at other times the same _Invisible Animal_. - -_Sect._ 9. As it has been with a Thousand other _Inchanted_ People, so -it was with _Margaret Rule_ in this particular, that there were several -words which her _Tormentors_ would not let her hear, especially the -words Pray or Prayer, and yet she could so hear the letters of those -words distinctly mentioned as to know what they ment. The standers by -were forced sometimes thus in discourse to spell a word to her, but -because there were some so ridiculous as to count it a sort of _Spell_ -or a _Charm_ for any thus to accommodate themselves to the capacity of -the Sufferer, little of this kind was done. But that which was more -singular in this matter, was that she could not use these _words_ in -those penetrating discourses, wherewith she would sometimes address -the _Spectres_ that were about her. She would sometimes for a long -while together apply herself to the _Spectres_, whom she supposed the -_Witches_, with such _Exortations to Repentance_ as would have melted -an Heart of _Adamant_ to have heard them; her strains of Expression -and Argument were truly Extraordinary; A person perhaps of the best -Education and Experience and of _Attainments_ much beyond hers could -not have exceeded them: nevertheless when she came to these Words -_God_, _Lord_, _Christ_, _Good_, _Repent_, and some other such, her -Mouth could not utter them, whereupon she would sometimes in an Angry -_Parenthesis_ complain of their Wickedness in stopping that _Word_, but -she would then go [8] on with some other _Terms_ that would serve to -tell what she ment. And I believe that if the most suspicious Person -in the world had beheld all the Circumstances of this matter, he would -have said it could not have been dissembled. - -_Sect._ 10. Not only in the _Swedish_, but also in the _Salem_ -Witchcraft the Inchanted People have talked much of a _White Spirit_ -from whence they received marvellous Assistances in their Miseries; -what lately befel _Mercy Short_[26] from the Communications of such a -_Spirit_, hath been the just Wonder of us all, but by such a _Spirit_ -was _Margaret Rule_ now also visited. She says that she could never see -his _Face_; but that she had a frequent view of his bright, Shining and -glorious Garments; he stood by her _Bed-side_ continually heartning -and comforting of her and counselling her to maintain her Faith and -hope in God, and never comply with the temptations of her Adversaries; -she says he told her, that _God had permitted her afflictions to -befall her for the everlasting and unspeakable good of her own soul, -and for the good of many others, and for his own Immortal Glory, and -that she should therefore be of good Chear, and be assured of a speedy -deliverance_; and the wonderful resolution of mind wherewith she -encountered her Afflictions were but agreeable to such expectations. -Moreover a Minister having one Day with some Importunity Prayed for -the deliverance of this Young Woman, and pleaded that she belong'd -to his Flock and charge; he had so far a right unto her as that he -was to do the part of a Minister of our Lord for the bringing of her -home unto God; only now the _Devil_ hindred him in _doing_ that which -he had a _right_ thus to do, and whereas He had a _better Title_ unto -her to bring her home to _God_ than the _Divel_ could have unto her to -carry her away from the _Lord_, _he_ therefore humbly applied himself -unto _God_, who alone could right this matter, with a suit that she -might be rescued out of _Satans Hands_; Immediately upon this, tho' -she heard nothing of this transaction she began to call that Minister -her _Father_, and that was the Name whereby she every day before all -sorts of People distinguished him: the occasion of it she says was -_this_, the _white Spirit_ presently upon this transaction did after -this manner speak to her, _Margaret, you now are to take notice that_ -(such a Man) _is your Father, God has given you to him, do you from -this time look upon him as your Father, obey him, regard him as your -Father, follow his Counsels and you shall do well_; And tho' there -was one passage more, which I do as little know what to make of as -any of the rest, I am now going to relate it; more than three times -have I seen it fulfilled in the Deliverance of Inchanted and Possest -Persons, whom the Providence of God has cast into my way, that their -Deliverance could not be obtained before the _third Fast_ kept for -them, and the third day still obtain'd the Deliverance, altho' I -have thought of _beseeching of the Lord thrice, when buffered by -Sa[9]tan_, yet I must earnestly Intreat all my Readers to beware of -any superstitious conceits upon the Number _Three_, if our God will -hear us upon once Praying and Fasting before him 'tis well, and if he -will not vouchsafe his _Mercy_ upon our _thrice_ doing so, yet we must -not be so discouraged as to throw by our Devotion but if the Soveraign -_Grace_ of our God will in any particular Instances count our Patience -enough tryed when we have Solemnly waited upon him for any determinate -Number of times, who shall say to him, what doest thou, and if there -shall be any Number of Instances, wherein this Grace of our God has -exactly holden the same course, it may have a room in our humble -_Observations_, I hope, without any Superstition; I say then that -after _Margaret Rule_ had been more than five weeks in her Miseries, -this _White Spirit_ said unto her, _Well this day such a Man_ (whom he -named) _has kept a third day for your deliverance, now be of good cheer -you shall speedily be delivered_. I inquired whether what had been said -of that Man were true, and I gained exact and certain information that -it was precisely so, but I doubt lest in relating this Passage that I -have used more openness than a Friend should be treated with, and for -that cause I have concealed several of the most _memorable things_ that -have occurred not only in this but in some former Histories, altho -indeed I am not so well satisfied about the true nature of this _white -Spirit_, as to count that I can do a Friend much Honour by reporting -what notice this _white Spirit_ may have thus taken of him. - -_Sect._ 11. On the last day of the Week her Tormentors as she thought -and said, approaching towards her, would be forced still to recoil -and retire as unaccountably unable to meddle with her, and they would -retire to the Fire side with their Poppets; but going to stick Pins -into those Poppets, they could not (according to their visions) make -the Pins to enter, she insulted over them with a very Proper derision, -daring them now to do their worst, whilst she had the satisfaction to -see their _Black Master_ strike them and kick them, like an _Overseer_ -of so many _Negro's_, to make them to do their work, and renew the -marks of his vengeance on them, when they failed of doing of it.[27] At -last being as it were tired with their ineffectual Attempts to mortifie -her they furiously said, _Well you shant be the last_. And after a -pause they added, _Go, and the Devil go with you, we can do no more_; -whereupon they flew out of the Room, and she returning perfectly to -herself most affectionately gave thanks to God for her deliverance; -her Tormentors left her extream _weak and faint_, and overwhelmed with -_Vapours_, which would not only cause her sometimes to Swoon away, but -also now and then for a little while discompose the reasonableness -of her Thoughts; Nevertheless her former troubles returned not, but -we are now waiting to see the good effects of those troubles upon the -Souls of all concern'd, And now I suppose that some of our Learned -_wit[10]lings_ of the _Coffee-House_, for fear lest these proofs of an -_Invisible-world_ should spoil some of their sport, will endeavour to -turn them all into sport, for which _Buffoonary_ their only pretence -will be, _they cant understand how such things as these could be done_ -whereas indeed he that is but Philosopher enough to have read but one -_Little Treatise_, Published in the Year 1656, by no other Man than -the Chyrurgion of an _Army_, or but one Chap. of _Helmont_,[28] which -I will not quote at this time too particularly, may give a far more -intelligible account of these _Appearances_ than most of these _Blades_ -can give _why_ and how their _Tobacco_ makes 'em Spit; or which way the -flame of their Candle becomes illuminating, as for that _cavil, the -world would be undone if the Devils could have such power as they seem -to have in several of our stories_,[29] it may be Answered that as to -many things the _Lying Devils_ have only known them to be done, and -then pretended unto the doing of those things, but the true and best -Answer is, that by these things we only see what the _Devils_ could -have _powers_ to do, if the great God should give them those powers, -whereas now our Histories affords a _Glorious Evidence for the being -of a God_, the World would indeed be _undone_, and horribly _undone_, -if these Devils, who now and then get liberty to play some very -mischievous pranks, were not under a daily restraint of some _Almighty -Superior_ from doing more of such Mischiefs. Wherefore instead of all -Apish _flouts_ and _jeers_ at Histories, which have such undoubted -confirmation, as that no Man that has breeding enough to regard the -Common Laws of _Humane Society_, will offer to doubt of 'em, it becomes -us rather to adore the goodness of God, who does not permit such things -every day to befall us _all_, as he sometimes did permit to befall some -few of our miserable Neighbours. - -_Sect._ 12. And what after all my unwearied Cares and Pains, to rescue -the _Miserable_ from the Lions and Bears of _Hell_, which had siezed -them, and after all my Studies to disappoint the Devils in their -designs to confound my Neighbourhood, must I be driven to the necessity -of an _Apology_? Truly the hard _representations_ wherewith _some Ill -Men have reviled my conduct_, and the Countenance which other Men have -given to these representations, oblige me to give Mankind some account -of my Behaviour; No Christian can, I say none but evil workers can -criminate my visiting such of my poor flock as have at any time fallen -under the terrible and sensible molestations of _Evil Angels_; let -their Afflictions have been what they will, I could not have answered -it unto my Glorious _Lord_, if I had withheld my just _Counsels_ and -_Comforts_ from them; and if I have also with some exactness observ'd -the methods of the _Invisible World_, when they have thus become -observable, I have been but a Servant of Mankind in doing so; yea no -less a Person than the _Venerable Baxter_, has more than once or twice -in the most Publick manner invited Mankind to thank [11] me for that -_Service_. I have not been insensible of a greater danger attending -me in this fulfilment of my Ministry, than if I had been to take Ten -Thousand steps over a Rocky Mountain fill'd with _Rattle-Snakes_; -but I have consider'd, he that is wise will observe things, and the -_Surprising Explication_ and confirmation of the _biggest part_ of the -_Bible_, which I _have seen_ given in these things, has _abundantly -paid me_ for observing them. Now in my visiting of the Miserable, I -was always of this opinion, that we were Ignorant of what _Powers_ -the _Devils_ might have to do their mischiefs in the shapes of some -that had never been explicitly engaged in _Diabolical Confederacies_, -and that therefore tho' many _Witchcrafts_ had been fairly detected -_on Enquiries_ provoked and begun by _Specteral Exhibitions_, yet we -could not easily be too jealous of the _Snares_ laid for us in the -_devices of Satan_; the World knows how many _Pages_ I have Composed -and Published, and particular gentlement in the Government know how -many _Letters_ I have written to prevent the excessive Credit of -_Specteral Accusations_, wherefore I have still charged the _Afflicted_ -that they should _Cry_ out of no body for Afflicting of 'em. But that -if this might be any Advantage they might _privately_ tell their minds -to some one Person of _discretion_ enough to make no _ill use_ of their -communications, accordingly there has been this effect of it, that the -Name of _No one_ good Person in the World ever came under any blemish -by means of any _Afflicted_, Person that fell under _my_ particular -cognizance, yea no one Man, Woman or Child ever came into any troube -for the sake of any that were _Afflicted_ after I _had once begun_ to -look after 'em; how often have I had this thrown into my dish, that -many years ago I had an opportunity to have brought forth such People -as have in the late storm of _Witchcraft_ been complain'd of, but -that I smother'd all, and after that storm was rais'd at _Salem_, I -did myself offer to provide Meat, Drink and Lodging for no less than -Six of the Afflicted, that so an Experiment might be made, whether -_Prayer_ with _Fasting_ upon the removal of the distressed might not -put a Period to the trouble then rising, without giving the _Civil -Authority_ the trouble of prosecuting those things which nothing but a -Conscientious regard unto the cries of Miserable Families, could have -overcome the Reluctancies of the Honourable Judges to meddle with;[30] -In short I do humbly but freely affirm it, there is not that Man living -in this World who has been more desirous than the poor Man I _to -shelter_ my Neighbours from the Inconveniences of _Specteral Outcries_, -yea I am very jealous I have done so much _that way as to Sin_ in what -I have done, such have been the Cowardize and Fearfulness whereunto my -regard unto the dissatisfactions of other People has precipitated me. -I know a Man in the World, who has thought he has been able to Convict -some such _Witches_ as ought to Dye, but his respect unto the Publick -_Peace_ has caused him rather to try whether _He_ [12] _could not renew -them by repentance_: and as I have been Studious to defeat the _Devils_ -of their expectations to set people together by the Ears, thus, I have -also checked and quell'd those forbidden curiosities, which would have -given the _Devil_ an invitation to have tarried amongst us, when I have -seen wonderful _Snares_ laid for _Curious_ People, by the secret and -future things discovered from the _Mouths of Damsels possest with a -Spirit of divination_; Indeed I can recollect but one thing wherein -there could be given so much as a Shadow of Reason for _Exceptions_, -and that is my allowing of so many to come and see those that were -_Afflicted_,[31] now for that I have this to say, that I have almost _a -Thousand times_ intreated the Friends of the Miserable, that they would -not permit the Intrusion of any Company, but such as _by Prayers_ or -other ways might be helpful to them; Nevertheless I have not absolutely -forbid all Company from coming to your Haunted Chambers, partly because -the Calamities of the Families were such as required the Assistance of -_many friends_; partly because I have been willing that there should -be _disinterested Witnesses_ of all sorts, to confute the Calumnies -of such as would say _all was but Imposture_; and partly because I -saw God had Sanctified the Spectacle of the Miseries on the Afflicted -unto the Souls of many that were Spectators, and it is a very Glorious -thing that I have now to mention--The Devils have with most horrendous -operations broke in upon our Neighbourhood, and God has at such a -rate over-ruled all the Fury and Malice of those Devils, that all the -Afflicted have not only been _Delivered_, but I hope also savingly -brought home unto God, and the Reputation of _no one_ good Person in -the World, has been damaged, but instead thereof the Souls of many, -especially of the rising Generation, have been thereby awaken'd unto -some acquaintance with _Religion_, our young People who belonged unto -the _Praying Meetings_ of both Sexes, a part would ordinarily spend -whole _Nights_ by whole Weeks together in _Prayers_ and Psalms upon -these occasions, in which Devotions the Devils could get nothing but -like _Fools a Scourge for their own Backs_, and some scores of other -young People who were strangers to real Piety, were now struck with -the lively demonstrations of _Hell_ evidently set forth before their -Eyes, when they saw Persons cruelly Frighted, wounded and Starved by -Devils and Scalded with burning _Brimstone_, and yet so preserved in -this tortured estate as that at the end of one Months wretchedness -they were as able still to undergo another, so that of these also it -might now be said, Behold they Pray in the whole--the Devil got just -nothing; but God got praises, Christ got Subjects, the Holy Spirit -got _Temples_, the Church got _Addition_, and the Souls of Men got -everlasting _Benefits_; I am not so vain as to say that any _Wisdome_ -or _Vertue_ of mine did contribute unto this good order of things: But -I am so just, as to say I did not hinder this Good.[13] When therefore -there have been those that pickt up little incoherent scraps and bits -of my _Discourses_ in this fruitful discharge of my Ministry, and so -traversted 'em in their abusive _Pamphlets_, as to perswade the Town -that I was their _common Enemy_ in those very points, wherein, if -in any one thing whatsoever I have sensibly approved myself as true -a Servant unto 'em as possibly I could, tho my Life and Soul had -been at Stake for it. Yea to do like _Satan_ himself, by sly, base, -unpretending _Insinuations_, as if I wore not the Modesty and Gravity -which became a Minister of the Gospel, I could not but think myself -unkindly dealt withal, and the neglects of _others_ to do me _justice_ -in this affair has caused me to conclude this Narrative with complaints -in _another hearing_ of such Monstrous Injuries.[32] - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[20] There were two noted Christian Indians on Martha's Vineyard a -little previous to the Time the Above was written; viz., _Hiacoomes_ -and _John Tokinosh_. It is to one of these, probably, that the Writer -refers. See _Book of the Indians_, B. ii, 118; or p. 182, Edition 1851. -See also Appendix to _Elect. Serm._ of 1698, p. 90, _et seq._ - -[21] Perhaps Capt. Thomas Tupper. See _Noyes's Election Sermon_, 1698, -p. 95. There were also _Eldad_ and Samuel T.--Sewall's _MSS._ - -[22] Nothing is learned of this Person beyond what is to be found in -this Work. There were Persons early at Newbury of the same Name. - -[23] If the learned Author were living at this Day he would doubtless -gladly blot out many Pages of his own Matter, as being a more _dirty_ -Work than any he then complained of. - -[24] It would be curious, if not admirable, at this Day could we know -what medical Books the Doctor did possess at that Time. Doubtless Galen -and Paracelsus were conspicuous on his Shelves. - -[25] Mr. Calef has not commented so severely on this Part of the Story -as it merited, and as he might have done with propriety. - -[26] Mr. Savage has found quite a Number of _Short_ Families, but gives -us no _Mercy_ with them. See his _Genealogical Dictionary_. - -[27] This Relation is pretty nearly equal to anything told of the -Swedish Witches by Dr. Horneck. This Author will be further noticed. - -[28] Jean-Baptiste Van-Helmont, a Resident of Brussels, born in 1577. -He was so noted a Physician and Naturalist, that he was reputed a -Magician, for which he was thrown into Prison. He made his Escape and -fled into Holland, where he died in 1644. - -[29] The Writer nowhere informs us how much Power the Devil has. By -some of his Assertions it seems that it is unlimited. Indeed he (Dr. -Mather) has told us that this Continent in reality belonged to the -Devil. If that was actually the Case, it certainly was an infringement -on his Rights for Europeans to intrude themselves here at all. - -[30] This will be found remarked upon hereafter. The Author makes a -large Handle of Mr. Baxter's Commendations of his Story of the Goodwin -Children; which Story he afterwards printed in the _Magnalia_, Book -vi, 71, &c.; and adds: "When it was reprinted at London, the famous -Mr. Baxter prefixed a Preface unto it, wherein he says, '_This great -Instance comes with such convincing Evidence, that he must be a very -obdurate Sadducee, that wilt not believe it._'"--_Ibid.,_ 75. - -[31] It was besides hinted that there were Times when the Numbers -admitted to the Afflicted were not above the _singular_ Number. -But this was doubtless a mischievous Attempt of the _Sadducees_ to -implicate some one who might be rather zealous to detect _Witchcraft_ -when alone with the Afflicted. The Doctor was very indignant at this, -as will appear. - -[32] It would have been highly gratifying had the Author informed his -Readers what he meant by "the neglect of others." The "another hearing" -will be found explained by and by. - - - - -PART II. - - - _A Letter to Mr. C. M._ - - _Boston_, Jan. 11_th_, 1693. - -Mr. _Cotton Mather_, - -_REverend Sir_, I finding it needful on many accounts, I here present -you with the Copy of that Paper, which has been so much Misrepresented, -to the End that what shall be found defective or not fairly -Represented, if any such shall appear, they may be set right, which -Runs thus. - - September _the_ 13_th_, 1693. - -_IN the Evening when the Sun was withdrawn, giving place to Darkness to -succeed, I with some others were drawn by curiosity to see_ Margaret -Rule, _and so much the rather because it was reported_ Mr. M---- _would -be there that Night: Being come to her Fathers House[33] into the -Chamber wherein she was in Bed, found her of a healthy countenance of -about seventeen Years Old, lying very still, and speaking very little, -what she did say seem'd as if she were Light-headed. Then Mr._ M---- -_Father and Son[34] came up and others with them, in the whole were -about 30 or 40 Persons, they being sat, the Father on a Stool, and the -Son upon the Bedside by her, the Son began to question her_, Margaret -Rule, _how do you do_? then a pause without any answer. Question. _What -do there a great many Witches sit upon you? Answer._ Yes. Q. _Do you -not know that there is a hard Master?_ Then she was in a Fit; _He laid -his hand upon her Face and Nose, but, as he said, without perceiving -Breath; then he brush'd her on the Face with his Glove, and rubb'd her -Stomach (her breast not covered with the Bedcloaths) and bid others -do so too, and said_ [14] _it eased her, then she revived._ Q. _Don't -you know there is a hard Master?_ A. _Yes._ Reply; _Don't serve that -hard Master, you know who._ Q. _Do you believe? Then again she was in -a Fit, and he again rub'd her Breast_, &c. (_about this time_ Margaret -Perd[35] _an attendant assisted him in rubbing of her. The Afflicted -spake angerely to her saying don't you meddle with me, and hastily put -away her hand_) _he wrought his Fingers before her Eyes and asked her -if she saw the Witches_? A. _No._ Q. _Do you believe?_ A. _Yes._ Q. -_Do you believe in you know who?_ A. _Yes._ Q. _Would you have other -people do so too, to believe in you know who?_ A. _Yes._ Q. _Who is -it that Afflicts you?_ A. _I know not, there is a great many of them_ -(_about this time the Father question'd if she knew the Spectres? An -attendant said, if she did she would not tell; The Son proceeded._) -Q. _You have seen the Black-man, hant you?_ A. _No._ Reply, _I hope -you never shall._ Q. _You have had a Book offered you, hant you?_ A. -_No._ Q. _The brushing of you gives you ease, don't it?_ A. _Yes. She -turn'd herselfe and a little Groan'd._ Q. _Now the Witches Scratch you -and Pinch you, and Bite you, don't they?_ A. _Yes, then he put his -hand upon her Breast and Belly_, viz. _on the Cloaths over her, and -felt a Living thing, as he said, which moved the Father also to feel, -and some others_. Q. _Don't you feel the Live thing in the Bed?_ A. -_No._ Reply, _that is only Fancie_. Q. _the great company of People -increase your Torment, don't they?_ A. _Yes. The People about were -desired to withdraw. One Woman said, I am sure I am no Witch, I will -not go; so others, so none withdrew._ Q. _Shall we go to Prayers, Then -she lay in a Fit as before. But this time to revive her, they waved -a Hat and brushed her Head and Pillow therewith._ Q. _Shall we go to -PRAY_, &c. _Spelling the Word._ A. _Yes. The Father went to Prayer -for perhaps half an Hour,[36] chiefly against the Power of the Devil -and Witchcraft, and that God would bring out the Afflicters: during -Prayer-time, the Son stood by, and when they thought she was in a Fit, -rub'd her and brush'd her as before, and beckned to others to do the -like, after Prayer he proceeded_; Q. _You did not hear when we were -at Prayer, did you?_ A. _Yes. You dont hear always, you dont hear -sometimes past a Word or two, do you?_ A. _No. Then turning him about -said, this is just another_ Mercy Short: Margaret Perd _reply'd, she -was not like her in her Fits_. Q. _What does she eat or drink?_ A. -Not eat at all; but drink Rum. _Then he admonished the young People -to take warning_, &c. _Saying it was a sad thing to be so Tormented -by the Devil and his Instruments_: A _Young-man present in the habit -of a Seaman, reply'd this is the Devil all over, Than the Ministers -withdrew. Soon after they were gone the Afflicted desired the Women -to be gone, saying, that the Company of the Men was not offensive to -her, and having hold of the hand of a Young-man, said to have been her -Sweetheart formerly, who was withdrawing; she pull'd him again into his -Seat, saying he should not go to Night._ - - - [15] September _the_ 19_th_, 1693. - -_THIS Night I renew'd my Visit, and found her rather of a fresher -Countenance than before, about eight Persons present with her, she was -in a Fit Screeming and making a Noise: Three or four Persons rub'd -and brush'd her with their hands, they said that the brushing did put -them away, if they brush'd or rub'd in the right place; therefore they -brushed and rubbed in several places, and said that when they did it in -the right place she could fetch her Breath, and by that they knew. She -being come to herself was soon in a merry talking Fit. A Young-man came -in and ask'd her how she did? She answered very bad, but at present a -little better; he soon told her he must be gone and bid her good Night, -at which she seem'd troubled, saying that she liked his Company; and -said she would not have him go till she was well; adding, for I shall -Die when you are gone. Then she complained they did not put her on a -clean Cap, but let her ly so like a Beast, saying she should lose her -Fellows. She said she wondered any People should be so Wicked as to -think she was not Afflicted, but to think she Dissembled, A Young-woman -answered Yes, If they were to see you in this merry Fit, they would -say you Dissembled indeed; She reply'd, Mr._ M---- _said this was her -laughing time, she must laugh now: She said Mr._ M---- _had been there -this Evening, and she enquired, how long he had been gon? She said he -stay'd alone with her in the room half an Hour, and said that he told -her there were some that came for Spies, and to report about Town that -she was not Afflicted. That during the said time she had no Fit, that -he asked her if she knew how many times he had Prayed for her to day? -And that she answered that she could not tell; and that he reply'd he -had Prayed for her Nine times to Day; the Attendants said that she -was sometimes in a Fit that none could open her Joints[37] and that -there came an Old Iron-jaw'd Woman and try'd, but could not do it; -they likewise said, that her Head could not be moved from the Pillow; -I try'd to move her head, and found no more difficulty than another -Bodies (and so did others) but was not willing to offend by lifting it -up, one being reproved for endeavouring it, they saying Angrily you -will break her Neck. The Attendants said Mr._ M---- _would not go to -Prayer with her when People were in the Room, as they did one Night -that Night he felt the Live-Creature._ Margaret Perd _and another, said -they smelt brimstone;[38] I and others said we did not smell any; then -they said they did not know what it was: This_ Margaret _said, she -wish'd she had been here when Mr._ M---- _was here, another Attendant -said, if you had been here you might not have been permitted in, for -her own Mother was not suffered to be present._ - -Sir, after the sorest Affliction and greatest blemish to Religion -that ever befel this Countrey, and after most Men began to Fear that -some undue steps had been taken, and after His Excellency (with their -Majestyes Approbation as is said) had put a stop to Executions, and Men -began [16] to hope there would never be a return of the like; finding -these Accounts to contain in them something extraordinary, I writ them -down the same Nights in order to attain the certainty of them, and soon -found them so confirmed that I have (besides other Demonstrations) -the whole, under the Hands of two Persons are ready to attest the -Truth of it, but not satisfied herewith; I shewed them to some of -your particular Friends, that so I might have the greater certainty: -But was much surprised with the Message you sent me, that I should be -Arrested for Slander, and at your calling me one of the worst of Lyars, -making it Pulpit-news with the Name of _Pernicious Libels_, &c. This -occasion'd my first Letter. - - - September _the_ 29_th_, 1693. - -Reverend SIR, - -I _Having written from the Mouths of several Persons, who affirm they -were present with_ Margaret Rule, _the_ 13th _Instant, her Answers and -Behaviour,_ &c. _And having shewed it to several of my Friends, as also -yours, and understanding you are offended at it; This is to acquaint -you that if you and any one particular Friend, will please to meet me -and some other Indifferent Person with me, at Mr._ Wilkinss, _or at_ -Ben Harriss,[39] _you intimating the time, I shall be ready there to -read it to you, as also a further Account of proceedings the_ 19th -_Instant, which may be needful to prevent Groundless prejudices, and -let deserved blame be cast where it ought_; _From_, - - _Sir, yours in what I may_, R. C. - -The effects of which, Sir, (not to mention that long Letter only once -read to me) was, you sent me word you would meet me at Mr. _Wilkins's_ -but before that Answer, at yours and your Fathers complaint, I was -brought before their Majesties Justice, by Warrant, as for Scandalous -_Libels_ against yourself, and was bound over to Answer at Sessions; -I do not remember you then objected against the Truth of what I had -wrote, but asserted it was wronged by omissions, which if it were so -was past any Power of mine to remedy, having given a faithful account -of all that came to my knowledge; And Sir, that you might not be -without some Cognizance of the reasons why I took so much pains in it, -as also for my own Information, if it might have been, I wrote to you -my second Letter to this effect. - - - November _the_ 24_th_, 1693. - -Reverend SIR, - -_HAVING expected some Weeks, your meeting me at Mr._ Wilkins _according -to what you intimated to me_, J. M---- _and the time drawing near for -our meeting elsewhere, I thought it not amiss to give you a Summary of -my thoughts in the great concern, which as you say has been agitated -with so much [17] heat. That there are Witches is not the doubt, the -Scriptures else were in vain, which assign their Punishment to be by -death; But what this Witchcraft is, or wherein it does consist, seems -to be the whole difficulty: And as it may be easily demonstrated, -that all that bear that Name cannot be justly so accounted, so that -some things and Actions not so esteemed by the most, yet upon due -examination will be found to merit no better Character_. - -_In your late Book you lay down a brief Synopsis of what has been -written on that Subject, by a_ Triumvirate _of as Eminent Men as ever -handled it_[40] (_as you are pleas'd to call them_) viz. _Mr._ Perkins, -Gaule, _and_ Bernard _consisting of about 30 Tokens to know them by, -many of them distinct from, if not thwarting each other: Among all of -which I can find but one decisive_, Viz. _That of Mr._ Gaule, _Head_ -IV. _and runs thus; Among the most unhappy Circumstances to convict -a Witch, one is a maligning and oppugning the Word, Work, or Worship -of God, and by any extraordinary Sign seeking to seduce any from it, -see_ Deu. 13. 1, 2. Mat. 24. 24. Acts. 13. 8, 10. 2. Tim. 3. 8. _Do but -mark well the places, and for this very property of thus opposing and -perverting, they are all there concluded Arrant and absolute Witches._ - -_This Head as here laid down and inserted by you, either is a Truth -or not, if not, why is it here inserted from one of the_ Triumvirate -_if it be a Truth. as the Scriptures quoted will abundantly testifie, -whence is it that it is so little regarded, tho it be the only Head -well proved by Scripture, or that the rest of the_ Triumvirate _should -so far forget their Work as not to mention it. It were to be unjust -to the Memory of those otherwise Wise Men, to suppose them to have -any Sinister design; But perhaps the force of a prevailing opinion, -together with an Education thereto Suited, might overshadow their -Judgments, as being wont to be but too prevalent in many other cases. -But if the above be Truth, then the Scripture is full and plain, What -is Witchcraft? And if so, what need of his next Head of Hanging of -People without as full and clear Evidence as in other Cases? Or what -need of the rest of the Receipts of the_ Triumvirate? _what need of -Praying that the Afflicted may be able to discover who 'tis that -Afflicts them? or what need of Searching for Tet's for the Devil to -Suck in his Old Age, or the Experiment of saying the Lord's Prayer_, -&c. _Which a multitude more practised in some places Superstitiously -inclin'd. Other Actions have been practised for easing the Afflicted, -less justifiable, if not strongly savouring of Witchcraft itself_, -viz. _Fondly Imagining by the Hand, &c. to drive off Spectres, or to -knock off Invisible Chains, or by striking in the Air to Wound either -the Afflicted or others_, &c. _I write not this to accuse any, but that -all may beware believing, That the Devil's 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 [18] bounds to -his rage, and that only can Commissionate him to hurt or destroy any_. - -_These last, Sir, are such Foundations of Truth, in my esteem, that -I cannot but own it to be my duty to ascert them, when call'd, tho' -with the hazard of my All.[41] And consequently to detect such as -these, That a Witch can Commissionate Devils to Afflict Mortals, That -he can at his or the Witches pleasure Assume any Shape, That Hanging -or Drawing of Witches can lessen his Power of Afflicting, or restore -those that were at a distance Tormented, with many others depending on -these; all tending, in my esteem, highly to the Dishonour of God, and -the Indangering the well-being of a People, and do further add, that -as the Scriptures are full that there is Witchcraft_, (ut sup.) _so -'tis as plain that there are Possessions, and that the Bodies of the -Possest have hence been not only Afflicted, but strangely agitated, if -not their tongues improved to foretell futurities, &c. and why not to -accuse the Innocent, as bewitching them; having pretence to Divination -to gain credence. This being reasonable to be expected, from him who -is the Father of Lies, to the end he may thereby involve a Countrey in -Blood, Mallice, and Evil, surmising which he greedily seeks after, and -so finally lead them from their fear and dependance upon God to fear -him, and a supposed Witch thereby attaining his end upon Mankind; and -not only so, but Natural Distemper, as has been frequently observed by -the Judicious, have so operated as to deceive, more than the Vulgar, -as is testified by many Famous Physicians, and others. And as for that -proof of Multitudes of Confessions, this Countrey may be by this time -thought Competent Judges, what credence we ought to give them, having -had such numerous Instances, as also how obtain'd_. - -_And now Sir, if herein be any thing in your esteem valuable, let me -intreat you, not to account it the worse for coming from so mean a -hand; which however you may have receiv'd Prejudices_, &c. _Am ready -to serve you to my Power; but if you Judge otherwise hereof, you may -take your own Methods for my better Information. Who am, Sir, yours to -command, in what I may_, - - _P. C._[42] - -In Answer to this last, Sir, you replyed to the Gentleman that -presented it, that you had nothing to Prosecute against me; and said -as to your Sentiments in your Books, you did not bind any to believe -them, and then again renew'd your promise of meeting me, as before, -tho' not yet performed. Accordingly, tho' I waited at Sessions, there -was none to object ought against me, upon which I was dismissed. This -gave me some reason to believe that you intended all should have been -forgotten; But instead of that, I find the Coals are fresh blown up, I -being supposed to be represented, in a late Manuscript, _More Wonders -of the, &c._ as traversing your Discourse in your Faithful discharge -of your Duty, _&c._ And such as see not with the Authors Eyes, rendred -_Saducees_ and _Witlins_,[43] _&c._ and the Arguments that square not -with the Sentiments [19] therein contain'd, Buffoonary; rarely no -doubt, agreeing with the Spirit of Christ, and his dealings with an -unbelieving _Thomas_, yet whose infidelity was without compare less -excusable, but the Author having resolved long since, to have no more -than one single Grain of Patience, with them that deny, _&c._ the -Wonder is the less. It must needs be that offences come, but wo to -him by whom they come. To vindicate myself therefore from such false -Imputations, of _Satan-like_ insinuations, and misrepresenting your -Actions, _&c._ and to vindicate yourself, Sir, as much as is in my -power from those suggestions, said to be insinuated, as if you wore -not the Modesty, and Gravity, that becomes a Minister of the _Gospel_; -which it seems, some that never saw the said Narratives, report them -to contain; I say, Sir, for these reasons, I here present you with the -first Coppy that ever was taken, _&c._ And purpose for a Weeks time to -be ready, if you shall intimate your pleasure to wait upon you, either -at the place formerly appointed, or any other that is indifferent to -the End; that if there shall appear any defects in that Narrative, they -may be amended. - -Thus, Sir, I have given you a genuine account of my Sentiments and -Actions in this Affair; and do request and pray, that if I err, I may -be shewed it from _Scripture_, or sound _Reason_, and not by quotations -out of _Virgil_, nor _Spanish Rhetorick_.[44] For I find the _Witlings_ -mentioned, are so far from answering your profound questions, that they -cannot so much as pretend to shew a distinction between Witchcraft in -the Common notion of it, and Possession; Nor so much as to demonstrate -that ever the _Jews_ or primitive _Christians_ did believe, that a -Witch could send a Devil to Afflict her Neighbours; but to all these, -Sir, (ye being the Salt of the Earth, _&c._) I have reason to hope for -a Satisfactory Answer to him, who is one that reverences your Person -and Office; And am, Sir, yours to Command in what I may, - - R. C. - - -[_A letter of Mr. C. M.] - - _Boston, January the_ 15_th_, 169¾. - -_Mr._ R. C. - -WHEREAS you intimate your desires, that what's not fairly (I take it -for granted you mean truly also,) represented in a Paper you lately -sent me, containing a pretended Narrative of a Visit by my Father and -self to an Afflicted Young woman, whom we apprehended to be under a -_Diabolical Possession_, might be rectified: I have this to say, as -I have often already said, that do I scarcely find any one thing in -the whole Paper, whether respecting my Father or self, either fairly -or truly represented. Nor can I think that any that know my Parents -Circumstances, but must think him deserving a better Character by far, -than this Narrative can be thought to give him. When the main design we -managed in [20] Visiting the poor Afflicted Creature, was to prevent -the Accusations of the Neighbourhood; can it be fairly represented -that our design was to draw out such Accusations, which is the -representation of the Paper. We have Testimonies of the best Witnesses -and in Number not a few, That when we asked _Rule_ whether she thought -she knew who Tormented her? the Question was but an Introduction to -the Solemn charges which we then largely gave, that she should rather -Dye than tell the Names of any whom she might Imagine that she knew. -Your Informers have reported the Question, and report nothing of what -follows, as essential to the giving of that Question: And can this be -termed a piece of fairness? Fair it cannot be, that when Ministers -Faithfully and Carefully discharge their Duty to the Miserable in their -Flock, little bits, scraps and shreds of their Discourses, should be -tackt together to make them contemtible, when there shall be no notice -of all the Necessary, Seasonable, and Profitable things that occurr'd, -in those Discourses; And without which, the occasion of the lesser -Passages cannot be understood; and yet I am furnished with abundant -Evidences, ready to be Sworn, that will possitively prove this part of -unfairness, by the above mention'd Narrative, to be done both to my -Father and self. Again, it seems not fair or reasonable that I should -be expos'd, for which your self (not to say some others) might have -expos'd me for, if I had not done, _viz._ for discouraging so much -Company from flocking about the Possest Maid, and yet, as I perswade -myself, you cannot but think it to be good advice, to keep much Company -from such haunted Chambers; besides the unfairness doth more appear, in -that I find nothing repeated of what I said about the advantage, which -the Devil takes from too much Observation and Curiosity.[45] - -In that several of the Questions in the Paper are so Worded, as to -carry in them a presupposal of the things inquired after, to say -the best of it is very unfair: But this is not all, the Narrative -contains a number of Mistakes and Falshoods; which were they wilful and -design'd, might justly be termed gross Lies. The representations are -far from true, when 'tis affirm'd my Father and self being come into -the Room, I began the Discourse; I hope I understand breeding a little -better than so: For proof of this, did occasion serve, sundry can -depose the contrary. - -'Tis no less untrue, that either my Father or self put the Question, -how many Witches sit upon you? We always cautiously avoided that -expression; It being contrary to our inward belief: All the standers -by will (I believe) swear they did not hear us use it (your Witnesses -excepted) and I tremble to think how hardy those woful Creatures must -be, to call the Almighty by an Oath, to so false a thing. As false a -representation 'tis, that I rub'd _Rule's_ Stomach, her Breast not -being covered. The Oath of the nearest Spectators, giving a true -account of that matter [21] will prove this to be little less than a -gross (if not a doubled) Lie; and to be somewhat plainer, it carries -the Face of a Lie contrived on purpose (by them at least, to whom you -are beholden for the Narrative) Wickedly and Basely to expose me. For -you cannot but know how much this representation hath contributed, to -make People believe a Smutty thing of me; I am far from thinking, but -that in your own Conscience you believe, that no indecent Action of -that Nature could then be done by me before such observers, had I been -so Wicked as to have been inclin'd to what is Base. It looks next to -impossible that a reparation shoud be made me for the wrong done to, I -hope, as to any Scandal an unblemish'd, tho' weak and small Servant of -the Church of God. Nor is what follows a less untruth, that 'twas an -Attendant and not myself who said, if _Rule_ knows who Afflicts her, -yet she wont tell. I therefore spoke it that I might encourage her to -continue in that concealment of all Names whatsoever; to this I am able -to furnish myself with the Attestation of Sufficient Oaths. 'Tis as far -from true, that my apprehension of the Imp, about _Rule_, was on her -Belly, for the Oaths of the Spectators, and even of those that thought -they felt it, can testify that 'twas upon the Pillow, at a distance -from her Body. As untrue a Representation is that which follows, _Viz._ -That it was said unto her, that her not Apprehending of that odd -palpable tho' not visible, Mover was from her Fancy, for I endeavoured -to perswade her that it might be but Fancy in others, that there was -any such thing at all. Witnesses every way sufficient can be produced -for this also. 'tis falsely represented that my Father felt on the -Young-woman after the appearance mentioned, for his hand was never near -her; Oath can sufficiently vindicate him. 'Tis very untrue, that my -Father Prayed for perhaps half an Hour, against the power of the Devil -and Witchcraft, and that God would bring out the Afflictors. Witnesses -of the best Credit, can depose, that his Prayer was not a quarter of -an Hour, and that there was no more than about one clause towards the -close of the Prayer, which was of this import; and this clause also -was guarded with a singular wariness and modesty, _viz._ If there were -any evil Instruments in this matter God would please to discover them: -And that there was more than common reason for that petition I can -satisfie any one that will please to Inquire of me. And strange it is, -that a Gentleman that from 18 to 54 hath been an Exemplary Minister -of the Gospel; and that besides a station in the Church of God, as -considerable as any that his own Country can afford, hath for divers -years come off with honour, in his Application to three Crown'd Heads, -and the chiefest Nobility of three Kingdoms, knows not yet how to make -one short Prayer of a quarter of an hour, but in _New-England_ he must -be Libell'd for it. There are divers other down-right mistakes, which -you [22] have permitted yourself, I would hope, not knowingly, and with -a Malicious design, to be receiver or Compiler of, which I shall now -forbear to Animadvert upon. As for the Appendix of the Narrative I do -find myself therein Injuriously treated, for the utmost of your proof -for what you say of me, amounts to little more than, _viz._ Some People -told you, that others told them, that such and such things did pass, -but you may assure yourself, that I am not unfurnish'd with Witnesses, -that can convict the same. Whereas you would give me to believe the -bottom of these your Methods, to be some dissatisfaction about the -commonly receiv'd Power of _Devils_ and _Witches_; I do not only with -all freedom offer you the use of any part of my Library, which you may -see cause to peruse on that Subject, but also if you and any else, whom -you please, will visit me at my Study, yea, or meet me at any other -place, less inconvenient than those by you propos'd; I will with all -the fairness and calmness in the World dispute the point. I beg of God -that he would bestow as many Blessings on you, as ever on myself, and -out of a sincere wish, that you may be made yet more capable of these -Blessings, I take this occasion to lay before you the faults (not few -nor small ones neither) which the Paper contained, you lately sent -me, in order to be Examined by me. In case you want a true and full -Narrative of my Visit, whereof such an indecent Traversty (to say the -best) hath been made, I am not unwilling to communicate it, in mean -time must take liberty to say, 'Tis scarcely consistent with Common -Civility, much less Christian Charity, to offer the Narrative, now -with you, for a true one, till you have a truer, or for a full one, -till you have a fuller. Your Sincere (tho' Injur'd) Friend and Servant, - - C. _MATHER_. - - -_The Copy of a Paper Receiv'd with the above Letter._ - -I DO Testifie that I have seen _Margaret Rule_ in her Afflictions from -the Invisible World, lifted up from her Bed, wholly by an Invisible -force, a great way towards the top of the Room where she lay; in her -being so lifted, she had no Assistance from any use of her own Arms or -Hands, or any other part of her Body, not so much as her Heels touching -her Bed, or resting on any support whatsoever. And I have seen her thus -lifted, when not only a strong Person hath thrown his whole weight a -cross her to pull her down; but several other Persons have endeavoured, -with all their might, to hinder her from being so raised up, which -I suppose that several others will testifie as well as myself, when -call'd unto it. Witness my Hand, - - _SAMUEL AVES._[46] - - -WE can also Testifie to the substance of what is above Written, and have -several times seen [23] _Margaret Rule_ so lifted up from her Bed, as -that she had no use of her own Lims to help her up, but it was the -declared apprehension of us, as well as others that saw it, impossible -for any hands, but some of the Invisible World to lift her. - - _ROBERT EARLE._[47] - _Copia_ _JOHN WILKINS._ - _DAN. WILLIAMS._ - - -WE, whose Names are under-writted do testifie, That one Evening when -we were in the Chamber where _Margaret Rule_ then lay, in her late -Affliction, we observed her to be, by an Invisible Force, lifted up -from the Bed whereon she lay, so as to touch the Garret Floor, while -yet neither her Feet, nor any other part of her Body rested either on -the Bed, or any other support, but were also by the same force, lifted -up from all that was under her, and all this for a considerable while, -we judg'd it several Minutes; and it was as much as several of us could -do, with all our strength to pull her down. All which happened when -there was not only we two in the Chamber, but we suppose ten or a -dozen more, whose Names we have forgotten, - - _Copia_ _THOMAS THORNTON_.[48] - -William Hudson[49] _Testifies to the substance of_ Thorntons -_Testimony, to which he also hath set his Hand_. - - -[_A Letter to Mr._ C. M.] - - _Boston, January_ 18, 1693. - - Mr. _Cotton Mather_, - -_Reverend SIR_, - -YOURS of the 15_th_ Instant, I receiv'd yesterday; and soon found I -had promised myself too much by it, _viz_, Either concurrence with, -or a denial of those Fundamentals mentioned in mine, of _Novemb._ -the 24_th._ finding this waved by an Invitation to your Library, -_&c._ I thank God I have the Bible, and do Judge that sufficient to -demonstrate that cited Head of Mr. _Gaule_, to be a Truth, as also -those other Heads mentioned, as the Foundations of Religion. And in my -apprehension, if it be asked any Christian, whether God governs the -World, and whether it be he only can Commissionate Devils, and such -other Fundamentals, He ought to be as ready as in the Question, who -made him? (a little Writing certainly might be of more use, to clear -up the controverted points, than either looking over many Books in a -well furnish'd Library, or than a dispute, if I were qualified for it; -the Inconveniencies of Passion being this way best avoided) And am not -without hopes that you will yet oblige me so far, as to consider that -Letter, and if I Err, to let me see it by Scripture, _&c._ - -Yours, almost the whole of it, is concerning the Narrative I sent -to you, and you seem to intimate as if I were giving Characters, -Reflecti[24]ons, and Libell's, _&c._ concerning yourself and Relations; -all which were as far from my thoughts, as ever they were in writing -after either yourself, or any other Minister. In the front you declare -your apprehension to be, that the Afflicted was under a Diabolical -Possession, and if so, I see not how it should be occasion'd by any -Witchcraft (unless we ascribe that Power to a Witch, which is only -the Prerogative of the Almighty, of Sending or Commissionating the -Devils to Afflict her.) But to your particular Objections against -the Narrative; and to the first my intelligence not giving me any -further, I could not insert that I knew not. And it seems improbable -that a Question should be put, whether she knew (or rather who they -were) and at the same time to charge her, and that upon her Life, -not to tell, and if you had done so, I see but little good you could -promise yourself or others by it, she being Possest, as also having it -inculcated so much to her of Witchcraft. And as to the next Objection -about company flocking, _&c._ I do profess my Ignorance, not knowing -what you mean by it. And Sir, that most of the Questions did carry with -them a presupposing the things inquired after, is evident, if there -were such as those relating to the _Black-man_ and a Book, and about -her hearing the Prayer, _&c._ (related in the said Narrative, which -I find no Objection against.) As to that which is said of mentioning -yourself first discoursings and your hopes that your breeding was -better (I doubt it not) nor do I doubt your Father might first apply -himself to others; but my intelligence is, that you first spake to the -Afflicted or Possessed, for which you had the advantage of a nearer -approach. The next two Objections are founded upon mistakes: I find -not in the Narrative any such Question, as how many Witches sit upon -you? and that her Breast was not covered, in which those material -words, (with the Bed-Cloaths) are wholly omitted; I am not willing to -retort here your own Language upon you; but can tell you, that your -own discourse of it publickly, at Sir _W. P_'s Table, has much more -contributed to, _&c._ As to the Reply, if she could she would not tell, -whether either or both spake it it matters not much. Neither does the -Narrative say you felt the live thing on her Belly; tho I omit now to -say what further demonstrations there are of it. As to that Reply, that -is only her fancy, I find the word (her) added. And as to your Fathers -feeling for the live Creature after you had felt it, if it were on the -Bed it was not so very far from her. And for the length of his Prayer, -possibly your Witnesses might keep a more exact account of the time -than those others, and I stand not for a few Minutes. For the rest of -the Objections I suppose them of less moment, if less can be (however -shall be ready to receive them, those matters of greatest concern I -find no Objections against) these being all that yet appear, it may be -thought that if the Narrative be not [25] fully exact, it was as near -as Memory could bear away; but should be glad to see one more perfect -(which yet is not to be expected, seeing none writ at the time.) You -mention the appendix, by which I understand the Second Visit, and if -you be by the possessed belyed (as being half an hour with her alone -(excluding her own Mother) and as telling her you had Prayed for her -Nine times that day, and that now was her Laughing time, she must Laugh -now) I can see no Wonder in it; what can be expected less from the -Father of Lies, by whom, you Judge, she was possest. - -And besides the above Letter, you were pleased to send me another -Paper containing several Testimonies of the Possessed being lifted up, -and held a space of several Minutes to the Garret floor, _&c._ but -they omit giving the account, whether after she was down they bound -her down: or kept holding her: And relate not how many were to pull -her down, which hinders the knowledge what number they must be to be -stronger than an Invisible Force. Upon the whole, I suppose you expect -I should believe it; and if so, the only advantage gain'd, is that -which has been so long controverted between Protestants and Papists, -whether miracles are ceast, will hereby seem to be decided for the -latter; it being, for ought I can see, if so, as true a Miracle as for -Iron to swim, and that the Devil can work such Miracles. - -But Sir, leaving these little disputable things, I do again pray that -you would let me have the happiness of your approbation or confutation -of that Letter before referred to. - - And now, Sir, that the God of all Grace may enable us Zealously - to own his Truths, and to follow those things that tend to Peace, - and that yourself may be as an useful Instrument in his hand, - effectually to ruin the remainders of Heathenish and Popish - Superstitions, is the earnest desire and prayer of yours to - command, in what I may. R. C. - -_Postscript_--Sir, I here send you the Coppy of a paper that lately -came to my Hands, which tho' it contains no Wonders, yet is remarkable, -and Runs thus. - - -An account of what an _Indian_ told Captain _Hill_,[50] at _Saco-Fort_. - -THE Indian _told him that the_ French _Ministers were better than the -English, for before the_ French _came among them there were a great -many Witches among the_ Indians, _but now there were none, and there -were much Witches among the_ English _Ministers, as_ Burroughs, _who -was Hang'd for it_. - -Were I disposed to make reflections upon it, I suppose you will Judge -the Field large, enough, but I forbear, as above. R. C. - - - [26] _Boston Feb. the_ 19_th_, 1693. - -Mr. _Cotton Mather_, - -Reverend Sir, Having received as yet no Answer to mine of _Novemb._ -the 24th. except an offer to peruse Books, _&c._ relating to the -Doctrinals therein contain'd: Nor to my last of _January_ the -18th. In which I did again pray that if I err'd I might be shewed it -by Scripture, _Viz._ in believing that the Devils bounds are sett, -which he cannot pass; that the Devils are so full of Malice that it -cant be added to by Mankind: That where he hath power he neither can -nor will omit Executing it; That it's only the Almighty that sets -bounds to his rage, and that only can commissionate him to hurt or -destroy any; And consequently to detest as erroneous and dangerous, -the belief that a Witch can Commissionate Devils to Afflict Mortals; -That he can at his or the Witches pleasure assume any shape: That -Hanging or Chaining of Witches can lessen his Power of Afflicting, and -restore those that were, at a distance, Tormented by him. And whether -Witchcraft ought to be understood now in this Age, to be the same that -it was when the Divine Oracles were given forth, particularly, those -quoted by Mr. _Gaule_ in that cited Head (_Wonders of the Invisible -World_;[51] Mr. _Gaules_ IV. Head, to discover Witches) which do so -plainly shew a Witch, in Scripture-sense to be one that maligne, _&c._ -And that pretend to give a Sign in order to seduce, _&c._ For I have -never understood in my time, any such have Suffered as Witches, tho' -sufficiently known; But the only Witch now inquired after, is one -that is said to become so by making an Explicit Covenant with the -Devil, _i. e._ the Devil appearing to them, and making a compact -mutually, promising each to other, testified by their signing his Book, -a material Book, which he is said to keep and that thereby they are -Intituled to a power, not only to Afflict others, but such as is truly -exorbitant, if not highly intrenching upon the prerogative of him, who -is the Soveraign being; For who is he that saith, and it cometh to -pass, when the Lord commandeth it not. - -Such explicit Covenant being as is said in this Age reckoned essential -to compleat a Witch: Yet I finding nothing of such covenant (or power -thereby obtain'd) in Scripture, and yet a Witch therein so fully -describ'd, do pray that if there be any such Scriptures I may be -directed to them, for as to the many Legends in this case I make no -account of them; I Read indeed of a Covenant with Death and with Hell, -but suppose that to be in the Heart (or _Mental_) only, and see not -what use such explicit one can be of between Spirits, any further than -as 'tis a Copy of that _Mental_ which is in the Heart. The dire effects -and consequences of such notion may be found written in indelible -_Roman_ Characters of Blood in all Countryes where they have prevail'd, -and what can less be [27] expected when Men are Indicted for that, -which, as 'tis impossible to prove so, for any to clear himself of, -_Viz,_ Such explicit Covenant with the Devil, and then for want of -better Evidence, must take up with such as the Nature of such secret -Covenant can bear, as Mr. _Gaule_ hath it, _i. e._ Distracted Stories, -and strange and Foreign Events, _&c._ Thereby endeavouring to find it, -though by it's but supposed effects; By the same Rules that one is put -to purge himself of such Compact, by the same may all Mankind.[52] - -This then being so Important a case, it concerns all to know what -Foundations in Scripture is laid for such a Structure; For if they -are deficient of that Warrant, the more Eminent the Architects are -the more dangerous are they thereby rendered, _&c._ These are such -considerations as I think will vindicate me in the esteem of all Lovers -of Humanity, in my endeavours to get them cleared. And to that End, -do once more pray, that you would so farr oblige me as to give your -Approbation or Confutation of the above Doctrinals; But if you think -silence a Vertue in this case, I shall (I suppose) so far comply with -it as not to loose you any more time to look over my papers. And if -any others will so far oblige me, I shall not be ungrateful to them; -Praying God to guide and prosper you, I am, Sir, yours to my power, - - R. C. - - (_He that doth Truth, cometh to the Light._) - - - Boston April _the_ 16_th_, 1694. - - Mr. _Cotton Mather_. - -Reverend Sir, - -HAVING as yet Received no Answer to my last, touching the Doctrinals -therein referred to, tho' at the delivery of it, you were pleased to -promise the Gentleman that presented it, that I should have it, and -after that you acqainted the same Gentleman that you were about it. The -length of time since those promises, makes me suppose you are preparing -something for the Press (for I would not question your veracity) do -think it may not be amiss, when you do any thing of that Nature for the -publick view, that you also explain some passages of some late Books of -yours and your Relations, which are hard to be understood, to Instance -in a few of many Wonders of the _Invisible World_, pag. 17. [Plagues -_are some of these woes with which the Devil causes our Trouble_, pag. -18. _Hence come such Plagues as that besom of destruction which within -our Memory swept away such a throng of People from one_ English city, -_in one Visitation. Wars are some of those woes with which the Devil -causes our Trouble_, pag. 16. _Hence 'tis that the Devil like a Dragon -keeping a Guard upon such Fruits as would refresh a Languishing World, -has hindered Mankind for many Ages from hitting upon those usefull -Inventions. The benighted World must Jogg on for thousands of Years, -without the knowledge of the Load-stone, Printing and Spectacles_, -pag. 10, _It is_ [28] _not likely that every Devil does know every -Language. 'Tis possible the Experience, or if I may call it so, the -Education of all Devils is not alike; Cases of conscience_, page 63. -_The Devil has inflicted on many the Disease call'd_ Lycanthropia.[53] - -Memor. provid. Relat. to Witch. Disc. on Wit. pag. 24. _I am also -apt to think that the Devils are seldom able to hurt us in any of -our exteriour concerns, without a Commission from some of our fellow -Worms. When foul Mouth'd Men shall wish harm to their Neighbours, -they give a Commission to the Devil to perform what they desire, and -if God should not Mercifully prevent, they would go thro' with it; -Hear this you that in wilde Passion will give every thing to the -Devil; Hear it you that bespeak a Rot, a Pox, or a Plague, on all that -shall provoke you; I here Indict you as Guilty of Hellish Witchcraft -in the Sight of God._ More Wonders of the Invisible World, _pag._ -49. _They each of them have their Spectres or Devils Commissioned by -them and representing of them_, pag. 14. _But such a permission from -God for the Devil to come down and break in upon Mankind must often -times be accompanied with a Commission from some of Mankind itself_, -Inchantments Encountered. _These Witches have driven a Trade of -Commissionating their confederate Spirits, to do all sorts of Mischiefs -to their Neighbours_, pag. 50. _They have bewitched some even so -farr, as to make them Self-destroyers, pag._ 144. _As I am abundantly -satisfied, that many of the Self-murders committed here, have been the -effects of a cruel and Bloody Witchcraft, letting fly_ Dæmons _upon -the Miserable Seneca's, pag._ 51. _We have seen some of their Children -so Dedicated to the Devil, that in their Infancy the Imps have sucked -them_. Cases of conscience, _pag._ 24. _They bequeath their_ Dæmons _to -their Children as a Legacy, by whom they are often assisted to see and -do things beyond the Power of Nature, pag._ 21. _There are in Spain a -sort of People call'd_ Zahurs,[54] _that can see into the Bowels of -the Earth_. [_On_ Tuesdays _and_ Fridays,] (and to add) that in pag. -49. The words are [_For the Law of God allows of no Revelation from -any other Spirit but himself, Isa._ viii. 19. _It is a Sin against God -to make use of the Devils help, to know that which cannot be otherways -known; and I testify against it as a great transgression, which may -Justly provoke the Holy one of_ Israel, _to let loose Devils on the -whole Land_.] Altho the Devils Accusation may be so far regarded, as -to cause an inquiry into the Truth of things, _Job._ i. 11, 12, and -ii, 5, 6. _Yet not so as to be an Evidence or Ground of Conviction, -for the Devils Testimony ought not to be taken in WHOLE Nor In PART._] -It is a known Truth, that some unwary expressions of the primative -Fathers, were afterwards improved for the Introducing and establishing -of Error, as their calling the Virgin _Mary_, the Mother of God, _&c._ -Hence occasion and Advantage was taken to propagate the Idolizing of -her (the like might be said of the _Eucha[29]rist_, these assertions, -above rehearsed, being apparently liable to a like Male Construction, -and no less dangerous, are therefore as I said highly needful to be -explain'd, and that in a most publick manner. For were they to be -understood Litterally and as they are spoken, it must seem as if the -Authors were Introducing among Christians very dangerous Doctrines, -such, as were they asserted by the best of Men, yet ought to be -rejected by all, _&c. Viz._ That 'tis the Devil that brings the most of -Evils upon Mankind, by way of Infliction, that do befall them; And that -the Witch can commissionate him to the performance of these, with many -others as dangerous Doctrines, and such as seem in their tendency to -look favourably upon the Antient _Pagan_ Doctrine of this countrey, who -did believe that God did hurt to none, but Good to all, but that the -Devil must be pleas'd by Worshipping, _&c._ From whom came all their -Miseries, as they believed. For what were all this but to Rob God of -his Glory in the highest manner, and giving it to a Devil and a Witch; -Is it not he that has said shall there be Evil in a City and the Lord -hath not done it? But if any are fond of their own notions because -some Eminent Men have before now asserted them; they may do well to -compare them with that excellent saying, _Wonders of the Invisible -World_, pag. 7. [_About this Devil there are many things, whereof we -may reasonably and profitably be inquisitive, such things I mean as are -in our Bibles reveal'd to us; according to which if we do not speak -on so dark a Subject, but according to our own uncertain and perhaps -Humoursom Conjectures, there is no Light in us._ Or that other, pag. -75. _At every other Weapon the Devil will be too hard for us._] For -'tis most certain that other Notions, Weapons and Practices have been -taken up with; And that the event has been answerable, the Devil has -been too hard for such as have so done. I shall forbear to instance -from the Dogmatical part, and shall mention some practices that as much -need explaining. _Mem. provid. Relat. to Witch. pag._ 29, 30, 31.[55] -Where account is given that it was Pray'd for that the afflicted might -be able to declare, whom she apprehended herself Afflicted by, together -with the Immediate answer of such Prayer. To this you once Reply'd when -it was mentioned to you, that you did not then understand the wiles of -_Satan_. - -To which I have nothing to object, but it might be a good -Acknowledgment; But considering that the Book is gone forth into all -the World, cannot but think the Salve ought to be proportion'd to the -Sore, and the notice of the Devils wiles as Universal, as the means -recommending them. Another Practice is _pag._ 20, 21. [_There was one -singular passion that frequently attended her, an Invisible Chain would -be clapt about her, and she in much pain and fear cry out when they -began to put it on, once I did with my own hand knock it off as it -began to be fastened about her._] [30] If this were done by the power -or Vertue of any ord'nance of Divine Institution, it is well, but would -have been much better if the Institution had been demonstrated, or was -there any Physical Vertue in that particular Hand. But supposing that -neither of these will be asserted by the Author, I do think it very -requisite, that the World may be acquainted with the Operation, and -to what Art or Craft to refer their Power of Knocking off _Invisible -Chains_. - -And thus, Sir, I have Faithfully discharged (what in this I took to be -my Duty) and am so far from doing it to gain applause, or from a Spirit -of Contradiction, that I expect to procure me many Enemies thereby, -(but as in case of a Fire) where the Glory of God, and the Good and -Wellfare of Mankind are so nearly concern'd, I thought it my duty to be -no longer an Idle Spectator; And can, and do say, to the Glory of God, -in this whole Affair, I have endeavoured a Conscience voide of offence, -both towards God and towards Man; And therein at the least have the -advantage of such as are very Jealous they have done so much herein, -as to Sin in what they have done, _viz._ In sheltring the Accused, -such have been the Cowardice and Fearfulness, whereunto the regard to -the Dissatisfaction of other People have precipitated them; Which by -the way must needs acquaint all, that for the future other measures -are resolved upon (by such) which how Bloody they may prove when -opportunity shall offer, is with him who orders all things, according -to the counsel of his own Will: And now that the Song of Angels may be -the Emulation of Men, is the earnest Desire, and Prayer, of Sir, Yours -to Command in what I may, - - R. C. - -_Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth Peace and good Will towards -Men._ - - -[_A Letter to Mr._ B.] - _Boston, March the_ 1_st._ 1694. - -Mr. B.[56] _Worthy Sir_, - -AFTER more than a Years waiting for the performance of a reiterated -promise from one under singular obligations, and a multitude of -advantages to have done it sooner, The utmost compliance I have mett -with, is (by your Hands) the sight of four Sheets of recinded Papers, -but I must first be obliged to return them in a Fortnight, and not -Copied, which I have now complied with: And having read them am not at -all Surprized at the Authors Caution in it, not to admit of such crude -matter and impertinent absurdities, as are to be found in it to spread. -He seems concern'd that I take no notice of his several Books, wherein, -as he saith, he has unanswerably proved things to which I might reply, -that I have sent him letters of quotations out of those Books, to know -how much of them he will abide by, for I thought it hard to affix -their [31] Natural consequences till he had opportunity to explain -them. And saith that he had sent me (Mr. Baxters _World of Spirits_) -an ungainsayable Book, _&c._ (tho I know no ungainsayable Book, but -the Bible) which Book I think no Man that has read it, will give such -a Title to but the Author, he speaks of my reproaching his publick -Sermons, of which I am not conscious to myself, unless it be about his -interpretation of a _Thunder Storm_ (that broke into his House) which -favoured so much of Enthusiasm.[57] - -As to those papers, I have (as I read them) noted in the Margin where, -in a hasty reading, I thought it needful, of which it were unreasonable -for him to complain; seeing I might not take a Copy, thereby to have -been inabled, more at leasure to digest what were needfull to be said -on so many Heads; and as I have not flatter'd him, so for telling what -was so needful, with the hazard of making so many Enemies by it, I have -approved myself one of his best Friends: And besides his own sense -of the weakness of his Answer, testified by the prohibition above, -he has wholly declined answering to most of those things that I had -his promise for, and what he pretends to speak to, after mentioning, -without the needful Answer or Proof drops it. - -His first main Work is after his definition of a Witch, which he never -proves (without saying any thing to Mr. _Gauls_ Scriptural description, -tho' so often urged to it, and tho' himself has in his Book recommended -and quoted it) is to magnifie the Devils Power, and that as I think -beyond and against the Scripture, this takes him up about 11 _Pages_, -and yet in _Page_ 22 again returns to it, and as I understand it, takes -part with the _Pharisees_ against our Saviour in the Argument, for they -charge him that he cast out Devils thro' _Beelzebub_, Our Saviours -Answer is, _Mat._ xii. 25. _Every Kingdom divided against itself is -brought to desolation; and every City or House divided against itself, -shall not stand, and if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against -himself, how shall then his Kingdom stand_: And yet notwithstanding -this Answer together with what follows, for further Illustration, our -Author is it seems resolved to assert that our Saviour did not in this -Answer deny that many did so, (_viz._) cast out Devils by _Beelzebub_, -and _Page_ 23 grants that the Devils have a Miraculous Power, but -yet must not be call'd miracles, and yet can be distinguished, as he -intimates, only by the Conscience or Light within, to the no small -scandal of the Christian Religion. - -Tho' our Saviour and his Apostles accounts this the chief or principal -proof of his Godhead, _John_ xx. 30, 31. _John_ x. 37, 38. _John_ v. -30. _Mark_ xvi. 17, 18. _Acts_ ii. 22. and iv. 30. with many others -and that Miracles belong only to God, who also Governs the World, -_Psal._ cxxxvi. 4. _Jer._ xiv. 22. _Isa._ xxxviii. 8. _Psal._ lxii. -11. _Lam._ iii. 37. _Amos_ iii. 6. [32] But to forbear quoting that -which the Scripture is most full in, do only say that he that dares -assert the Devil to have such a Miraculous Power had need have other -Scriptures than ever I have seen. In _Page_ 12. our Author proceeds -and states a question to this effect, If the Devil has such Powers, -and cant exert them without permission from God, what can the Witch -contribute thereunto? Instead of an Answer, to this weighty objection, -our Author first concedes that the Devil's do ordinarily exert their -Powers, without the Witches contributing to it, but yet that to the end -to increase their guilt he may cheat a Witch, by making her believe -herself the Author of them.[58] His next is, if Witchcraft be, as I -suppose it is, the skill of applying the Plastic Spirit of the World, -_&c._ then the consent of the Witch doth naturally contribute to -that mischiefs that the Devil does. And his last answer runs to this -effect, Is it not the Ordination of God, that where the Devil can get -the consent of a Witch for the hurting of others, the hurt shall as -certainly be as if they had set Mastiff Dogs upon them, or had given -them Poyson into their Bowels; and Gods Providence must be as great in -delivering from one as from the other, and this it seems is not only -his Belief, but the most Orthodox and most learned answer that our -Author could pitch upon. If Witchcraft be as I suppose it is, _&c._ -and is it not the Ordination of God, that, _&c._ What is all this but -precarious, and begging the question, and a plain dropping the Argument -he cannot manage; however, to amuse the Ignorant, and to confound -the Learned, he hooks in a cramp word, if not a nonentity, (_viz._) -_Plastic_ Spirit of the World, for who is it either knows that there is -a _Plastic Spirit_, or what it is, or how this can any way serve his -purpose.[59] - -He then proceeds to _Scripture_ Instances of Witches, _&c._ and where -I thought it needful, I have, as I said, shewed my dissent from his -Judgment: He accounts it unreasonable to be held to the proof of his -definition of a Witch, which he makes to consist in a Covenant with the -Devil, and chuses rather a tedious process about a Pistol to defend -him from it, which indeed is one particular way whereby Murder has -been Committed, and so the Dore becomes Culpable; But his definition -of a _Witch_, which as I said, still remains to be proved, is to this -effect, That a _Witch_ is one that Covenants with, and Commissions -_Devils_ to do mischiefs, that she is one in Covenant, or that by -Vertue of such Covenant she can Commissionate him to Kill. The not -bringing Scripture to prove these two, is a sufficient demonstration -there is none; and so that our Author leaves off just where he began, -_viz._ in a bare Assertion, together with his own Biggoted experiences, -hinting also at multitudes of Histories to confirm him in the belief of -his definition. Here being all that I take notice of to be considerable. - -[33] And now, Sir, if you think fit to improve your Friendship with -the Author for the Glory of God, the Sovereign Being, the good and -welfare of _Mankind_, and for his real and true Interest, as you see -it convenient, put him in mind, That the Glory of God is the end -why _Mankind_ was made, and why _He_ hath so many Advantages to it. -That the Flames we have seen threatning the utter extirpation of the -Country, must own their Original to these dangerous Errors (if not -heresies) which if they remain Unextinguished, may and most likely will -be acted over again. - -That 'tis more Honour to own an Error in time, than tenaciously after -full Conviction to retain it. But if our Author will again Vindicate -such matters, please to acquaint him, that I shall not any more receive -his Papers, if I may not Copy and use them; and that when he does, -instead of such abstruse matters, I still pray his determination in -those things I have his promise for. And thus begging Pardon for thus -long detaining of you, I am, Sir, your to Command, - - R. C. - - - Boston, March 18, 1694. - -_To the Ministers, whether_ English, French, _or_ Dutch, - -I Having had not only occasion, but renewed provocation to take a view -of the Mysterious Doctrines, which have of late been so much contested -among us, could not meet with any that had spoken more, or more plainly -the sense of those Doctrines (relating to the _Witchcraft_) than the -Reverend Mr. _C. M._ but how clearly and consistent, either with -himself or the truth, I medle not now to say, but cannot but suppose -his strenuous and Zealous asserting his opinions, has been one cause of -the dismal Convulsions we have here lately fallen into; Supposing that -his Books of _Memorable Providences_, relating to Witchcraft, as also -his _Wonders of the Invisible World_, did contain in them things not -warrantable, and very dangerous, I sent to him a Letter of Quotations -out of those Books, _&c._ - -That so, if it might have been, I might understand what tollerable -Sense he would put upon his own words, which I took to be a better way -of Proceeding, than to have affixed what I thought to be their natural -consequences, and lest I might be Judged a Sceptic I gave him a full -and free account of my belief relating to those Doctrines, together -with the grounds thereof; And prayed him that if I err'd I might be -shewed it by Scripture, and this I had his reiterated promise for. But -after more than a Years waiting for the performance thereof, all that -is done in compliance therewith, is that in _Feb._ last, he sent me -four sheets of his writing as his belief, but before I might receive -it I must engage to deliver it back in a Fortnight and not Copy'd.[60] -A Summary account [34] of which I shall give you, when I have first -acquainted you what the Doctrines were which I sent to him for his -concurrence with, or confutation of, and to which I had his promise, as -above. - -These by way of Question, (_Viz._) whether that fourth Head cited and -recommended by himself (In _Wonders of the Invisible World_, of Mr. -_Gauls_) ought to be believed as a truth, which runs thus; Among the -most unhappy circumstances to Convict a Witch, one is a Maligning -and Oppugning the Word, Work, and Worship of God, and seeking by any -Extraordinary sign to seduce any from it, _Deut._ xiii. 1, 2. _Mat._ -xxiv. 24. _Acts_ xiii. 8, 10. 2 _Tim._ iii. 8. do but mark well the -places, and for this very property of thus oppugning and perverting, -they are all there concluded arrant and absolute Witches. - -And if in Witchcraft the Devil by means of a Witch does the Mischief, -how 'tis possible to distinguish it from Possession, both being said to -be performed by the Devil, and yet without an Infallible distinction -there can be no certainty in Judgment. And whether it can be proved -that the _Jewish_ Church in any Age before, or in our Saviours time, -even in the time of their greatest Apostacy did believe that a Witch -had power to Commissionate Devils to do Mischief. - -So much to the Questions. These were sent as my belief: That the devils -bounds are sett, that he cant pass; That the devils are so full of -Malice, that it cant 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 or destroy. And now I shall give you the Summary account of his -four sheets above mentioned, as near as memory could recollect, in Ten -Particulars. - -1. That the Devils have in their Natures a power to work Wonders and -Miracles; particularly that the _Pharisees_ were not mistaken in -asserting that the Devils might be cast out by _Beelzebub_; and that -our Saviours Answer does not oppose that assertion; and that he hath -the Power of Death, that he can make the most Solid things Invisible; -and can Invisibly bring poyson and force it down Peoples Throats.[61] - -2. That to assert this Natural, wonderful Power of the Devil, makes -most for the Glory of God, in preserving Man from its effects, - -3. Yet this Power is restrained by the Almighty, as pleaseth him. - -4. That a Witch is one that makes a Covenant with the Devil. - -5. That by vertue of such a Covenant, she arrives at a Power to -Commissionate him. - -6. That God has ordain'd, that when the Devil is call'd upon by the -Witch, tho' he were before restrained by the Almighty, the desired -mischiefs ordinarily shall as certainly be performed, as if the Witch -had [35] lodged poyson in the Bowels of her Neighbour, or had set -Mastiff Dogs on them. - -7. That the Witche's Art of applying the _Plastic Spirit of the World_ -to unlawful purposes, does Naturally contribute to the mischiefs done -by the Devil. - -8. That that God which restrain'd an _Abimelich_ and a _Laban_ from -hurting, does also restrain the Witch from Calling upon or Improving -the Devil, when he will not have his Power so exerted. - -9. That to have a Familiar Spirit, is to be able to cause a Devil to -take bodily shapes, whereby either to give responses, or to receive -orders for doing mischief. - -10. That this is the Judgment of most of the Divines in the Countrey, -whether _English_, _Dutch or French_.[62] - -This as I said, I took to be most material in the four sheets sent to -me as his belief, and is also all the performance he has yet made of -his several promises; which ten Articles being done only by memory, -lest thro' mistake or want of the Original, I might have committed -any errors, I sent them to him that, if there were any, they might be -rectified: But instead of such an Answer, as might be expected from a -Minister and a learn'd Gentleman, one Mr. _W----_ shewed me a Letter -writ by Mr. _C. M----_ to himself, which I might read, but neither -borrow nor Copy, and so, if I were minded, could give but a short -account of it. - -And passing over his hard Language, which, as I am conscious to myself; -I never deserv'd, (relating to my writing in the margin of the four -sheets; and to these ten Articles) so I hope I understand my Duty, -better than to imitate him in retorting the like. Among his many words -in his said Letters, I meet with two small Objections; one is against -the word (_Miracle_) in the first Article, the word, I say, not the -matter, for the works he attributes to the Devil are the same in their -being above or against the Course of Nature and all Natural causes, -yet he will not admit of these to be call'd Miracles. And hence he -reckon's it the greatest difficulty he meets with in this whole affair, -to distinguish the works of the Devil from Miracles. And hence also -he concedes to the Devil the Power to make the most Solid things -Invisible, and Invisibly to bring Poyson and force it down Peoples -Throats, _&c._ Which I look upon to be as true Miracles as that. 2 -_Kings_ vi. 18. and this is the sense I understand the word in, and -in this sense, he himself in the four sheets admits it; for he has -an objection to this effect, _Viz._ [If the Devils have such power, -_&c._ then miracles are not ceas'd; and where are we then? (his Answer -is) Where! even just where we were before, say I] so that it seems -the only offence here is at my using his words. His second objection -(for weight) is against the whole ninth Article, and wonders [36] how -'tis possible for one Man so much to misunderstand another; Yet as I -remember, he speaking of the Witch of _Endor_ in the said four sheets -says, she had a familiar Spirit, and that [a Spirit belonging to the -Invisible World, upon her calling appear'd to _Saul_] _&c._ and if so -'tis certain he gave responses, he also tells of _Balaam_, that it was -known that he could set Devils on People to destroy them, and therefore -how this objection should bear any Force I see not; The rest of the -objections are of so small weight that once reading may be sufficient -to clear them up, and if this be not so, he can, when he pleases, -by making it Publick together with the Margins I writ, Convince all -People of the truth of what he asserts; But here 'tis to be noted, that -the 2_d._ 3_rd._ 4_th._ and 5_th_ Articles he concedes to, as having -nothing to object against them, but that they are his belief; and that -the 6_th._ and 7_th._ he puts for Answer to an objection which he thus -frames, _Viz._ If the Devil have such powers but cannot exert them but -by permission from God, what can the Witch contribute thereto. And thus -I have faithfully performed what I undertook, and do solemnly declare, -I have not intentionally in the least wronged the Gentleman concern'd, -nor design'd the least blemish to his Reputation; but if it stands in -competition with the Glory of God, the only Almighty Being, his truths -and his Peoples welfare, I suppose these too valuable to be trampled on -for his sake, tho' in other things I am ready to my power (tho' with -denying some part of my own interest) to serve him. Had this Gentleman -declin'd or detracted his four sheets, I see not but he might have done -it, and which I think there was cause enough for him to have done, but -to own the four sheets, and at the same time to disown the Doctrine -contain'd in them, and this knowing that I have no Copy, renders the -whole of the worse aspect. - -And now I shall give you a further account of my Belief, when I have -first premised, that 'tis a prevailing Belief in this Countrey, and -elsewhere, that the Scriptures are not full in the Description of, and -in the way and means how to detect a Witch, tho' positive in their -Punishment to be by Death; and that hence they have thought themselves -under a necessity of taking up with the Sentiments of such Men or -Places that are thought worthy to give rules to detect them by: And -have accordingly practised, _viz._ In searching for Tets for the Devil -to suck; Trying whether the suspected can say the Lords Prayer; And -whether the Afflicted falls at the sight, and rises at the touch of the -supposed Witch; As also by the Afflicted or Possessed giving account -who is the Witch. - -Touching these my belief is, that 'tis highly Derogatory to the wisdom -of the Wise Lawgiver, to ascert, That he has given a Law by _Moses_, -the Penalty whereof is Death; and yet no direction to his People, -whereby to know and detect the culpable, till our _Triumvirate_ Mr. -[37] _Perkins_, _Gaul_ and _Bernard_, had given us their receits, -and that that fourth Head of Mr. _Gauls_, being so well prov'd by -Scripture is a truth, and contains a full and clear Testimony, who -are Witches culpable of Death, and that plainly and from Scripture, -yet not excluding any other branch, when as well proved by that -infallible rule. And that the going to the Afflicted or Possessed, to -have them Divine who are Witches by their Specteral sight, is a great -wickedness, even the Sin of _Saul_ (for which he also Died) but with -this difference, the one did it for Augury, or to know future Events, -the other in order to take away Life; and that the searching for Tets, -the experiment of their saying the Lords Prayer; the falling at the -sight and rising at the touch of the supposed Criminal, being all of -them foreign from Scripture, as well as reason, are abominations to -be abhor'd and repented of. And that our _Salem_ Witchcraft, either -respecting the Judges and Juries, their tenderness of Life, or the -Multitude and pertinency of witnesses, both Afflicted and Confessors, -or the Integrity of the Historians, are as Authentic, and made as -certain as any ever of that kind in the World; and yet who is it that -now sees not through it, and that these were the Sentiments that have -procured the sorest Affliction, and most lasting infamy that ever befel -this Country, and most like so to do again, if the same notions be -still entertain'd and finally that these are those last times, of which -the Spirit speaks expressly, _Tim._ iv. 1. _And now ye that are Fathers -in the Churches, Guides to the People, and the Salt of the Earth_. - -I beseech you consider these things; and if you find the Glory of God -diminisht by ascribing such power to Witches and Devils; His truths -oppos'd by these notions; and his People aspersed in their Doctrines -and Reputations, and indangered in their Lives; I dare not dictate to -you, you know your duty as Watchmen, and the Lord be with you. - -But if you find my belief contrary to sound Doctrine, I intreat you to -shew it me by the Scripture; And in the mean time blame me not if I -cannot believe that there are several Almighties; for to do all sorts -of wonders, beyond and above the Course of Nature, is certainly the -work of _Omnipotency_. So also, he that shall Commissionate or Impower -to these, must also be Almighty; and I think it not a sufficient -_salvo_, to say they may be restrain'd by the most High; and hope -you will not put any hard Construction on these my Endeavours to get -information (all other ways failing) in things so needful to be known; -praying the Almightys Guidance and protection, I am - - Yours to the utmost of my Power, - - R. C. - - -[_A Letter to Mr._ S. W.] - [38] Boston, _Sept. the_ 20_th_, 1695. - - Mr. _Samuel Willard_. - -_Reverend Sir_, - -MY former of _March_ the 18th. directed to the Ministers (and which was -lodg'd with yourself) containing several Articles, which I sent as my -belief, praying them if I erred to shew it me by Scripture, I have as -yet had no Answer to, either by word or writing, which makes me gather -that they are approved of as _Orthodox_, or at least that they have -such Foundations, as that none are willing to manifest any opposition -to them: And therefore with submission, _&c_. I think that that late -seasonable and well-design'd Dialogue intituled, _Some miscellany -Observations,[63] &c._ of which yourself is the suppos'd Author (and -which was so serviceable in the time of it) is yet liable to a male -construction, even to the endangering to revive what it most opposes, -and to bring those practices again on Foot, which in the day thereof -were so terrible to this whole Countrey: The words which I suppose so -liable to Misconstruction, are _pag._ 14. B. _Who informed them?_ S. -_the Spectre_. B. _very good, and that's the Devil turned Informer. How -are good Men like to fare against whom he hath particular Malice_! - -_It is but a Presumption, and Wise Men will weigh Presumptions against -Presumptions. There is to be no Examination without grounds of -Suspicion. Some Persons Credit ought to be accounted too good to be -undermined so far as to be suspected on so flight a ground: and it is -an Injury done them to bring them upon Examination, which renders them -openly Suspected. I will not deny but for Persons already suspected -and of Ill fame, it may occasion their being examin'd_. In which -these words ('tis but a presumption, _&c._) (and some Persons credit, -_&c._) (and I will not deny but for Persons already suspected, _&c._) -this I take to be waving to discuss those points, the speaking to -which might at that time have hindered the usefulness and success of -that Book, rather than any declaring the Sentiments of the Author. But -notwithstanding many Persons will be ready to understand this, as if -the Author did wholly leave it with the Justice, to Judge who are Ill -Persons, such as the Devils Accusations may fasten upon; And that the -Devils Accusation of a Person, is a Presumption against them of their -guilt; and that upon such presumptions, they may be had to Examination, -if the Justice counts them Persons of ill fame (for the Author I -suppose knows that the bear Examination will leave such a stain upon -them, and well if their Posterity escape it!) as the length of a Holy -and unblameable Life will be found too short to Extirpate. And if the -Justice may go thus far with the Devils Evidence, then the addition -of a story or two of some Cart overset, or person taken Sick after a -quarrel, might as well be thought sufficient for their Commitment, in -order to [39] their Tryal as 'tis call'd (tho' this too often has been -more like a Stage Play, or a _Tragicomical Scene_) and so that other -ways useful Book, may prove the greatest Snare to revive the same -practices again. - -These things being so liable, as I said, to such male-construction, it -were needful that Men might be undeceiv'd, and the matter more fully -demonstrated, (_Viz._) That the Devils Accusation is not so much as -any presumption against the Life or Reputation of any person, for how -are good Men like to fare, if his malicious accusations may be taken -as a presumption of their Guilt; and that his accusations as they are -no presumption against persons of unspotted Fame, so neither are to be -heard, or any ways regarded against persons tho' otherways of ill Life, -much less for their having long since had their Names abused by his -outcries, or by the Malice of Ill Neighbours; and that Justice knows -no difference of Persons; that if this Evidence be sufficient to bring -one person 'tis so to bring any other to Examination, and consequently -to the utmost extent of odium, which such Examination will certainly -expose them to, for who can know any other, but that as the one may -be Maliciously accused by Devils and a Devilish report gone before -it; so that another who has not been so much as accused before, being -more Cunning or more seeming Religious, might yet be more guilty; the -whole depending upon Invisible Evidence, of which Invisible stuff, tho' -we have had more than sufficient, yet I find (among other Reverend -Persons) your Names to a certain Printed Paper, which runs thus. - - -Certain Proposals[64] _made by the President and Fellows of_ Harvard -College, _to the Reverend Ministers of the Gospel, in the several -Churches of_ New-England. - -_First. To observe and record the more Illustrious Discoveries of the -Divine Providence in the Government of the World, is a design so holy, -so useful, so justly approved, that the too general neglect of it in -the Churches of God, is as justly to be Lamented._ - -2. _For the redress of that neglect, altho' all Christians have a Duty -incumbent on them, yet it is in a peculiar manner to be recommended -unto the Ministers of the_ Gospel, _to improve the special advantages -which are in their Hands, to obtain and preserve the knowledge of such -notable occurrences as are sought out by all that have pleasure in the -great Works of the Lord._ - -3. _The things to be esteemed Memorable, are specially all unusual -accidents in the Heaven, or Earth, or Water, All wonderful -Deliverances of the Distressed, Mercies to the Godly, Judgments on -the Wicked, and more Glorious fulfilments of either the Promises or -Threatnings in the Scriptures of Truth, with Apparitions, Possessions, -Enchantments, and all extraordinary things, wherein the Existence and -Agency of the Invisible World is more sensibly demonstrated._ - -[40] 4. _It is therefore Proposed, That the Ministers throughout this -Land, would manifest their regards unto the Works of the Lord, and -the Opperation of his hands, by reviving their cares to take Written -Accounts of such_ Remarkables: _But still well Attested with credibled -and sufficient Witness._ - -5. _It is desired that the Accounts, thus taken of these Remarkables, -may be sent in unto the_ President,[65] _or the Fellows of the -Colledge, by whome they shall be carefully reserved for such a use to -be made of them, as may by some fit Assembly of Ministers be Judged -most conducing to the Glory of God, and the Service of his People._ - -6. _Tho' we doubt not, that love to the Name of God will be motive -enough unto all good Men, to Contribute what Assistance they can unto -this Undertaking; yet for further Incouragement, some singular Marks of -Respects shall be studied for such good Men, as will actually assist -it, by taking pains to Communicate any Important Passages proper to be -inserted in this Collection._ - - _Increase Mather_, President. - _James Allen_, } - _Char. Morton_, } - _Sam. Willard_, } - _Cotton Mather_, } Fellows. - _John Leverett_, } - _Will. Brattle_, } - _Neh. Walter_, } - -Cambr. March 5, 169¾ - - -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 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 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 longer dishonoured by -false sentiments in these matters, is the earnest desire and prayer of, -Sir, yours to my power. - - R. C. - - -[_A Letter to Mr._ C. M.] - - _Mr. Cotton Mather._ - -_Reverend Sir_, - -HAVING 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. - -IT _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 -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. - -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 -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 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. - -[Virg. Bucolicks. Eclog. 13.--Eclog. 8.--] - - _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_ Mæris _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._ - -[Ovid's Metamorphosis. Lib. 7.] - - _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. - ---- her Journey takes,_ - -[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 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. - -CHRISTIANITY _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_. - -_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_,⒜ Wars,⒝ Diseases,⒞ Tempests⒟ and can -render the most solid things invisible,⒠ and can do things above and -against the course of Nature, and all natural causes. - -[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 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. - -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 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. - -[_Cases of Conscience, ult._] - -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 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. - -[Vid. _The Proclamation for a Fast, to be the 14 Inst. as set forth by -Authority._] - -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. - -[Vid. _The Declaration, as drawn by the Deputies with the Assistance of -the Ministers; but receiv'd a Nonconcurrence._] - -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 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. - - - ⒜ Wonders of the Invisible World, p. 17, 18. - ⒝ p. 18. - ⒞ Cases of Conscience, p. 63. - ⒟ Remarkable providences, p. 124. - ⒠ Wonders of the Invisible World, p. 141.-- - _Notes in the Original_. - - -[_A Letter to Mr._ B. W.] - - Mr. _Benjamin Wadsworth_.[76] - -_Reverend Sir_, - -AFTER 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. - -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 with -their own Blood, or otherways, thereby Covenanting to be the Devil's -Servants, _&c._ but from far other grounds, or inducements than what -sways with the _Indians_; these Heathen hoping to please him, that so -he may not harm them. But these having been Educated and Confirmed -in the Belief, that by vertue of such Covenant, they shall have a -Knowledge and Power more than Humane, assisting of them; this may have -prevail'd with some to so horrible a wickedness; for none can seek Evil -for Evils sake; but as the Serpent in his first tempting Man, made use -of the knowledge of Good and Evil; so to teach Men that such effects do -usually follow such Covenant, is properly the work of the Serpent; for -without this, what inducement, or temptation could they have to make -such a Covenant? - -These having thus chosen a false God, may well be accounted the worst -sort of Idolaters. Yet it does not hence follow that in a Scripture -sense, they are thereby become Witches, till they have, or rather till -they pretend to have assistances answerable; and do thereby endeavour -to deceive others, which endeavours to deceive, by a sign may be -without any previous Covenant. - -But supposing none of all those several sorts of Covenants was -intended, it remains that the Covenant, that was understood to be -intended, in that Discourse at Old Meeting, is agreeable to the late -dangerous Notion that has so much prevailed, _viz._ That the Devil -appears to the persons, that they and the Devil make mutual engagements -each to other, confirmed by signing to the Devil's Book; and are -from hence inabled, not only to know futurities, and things done at -distance; but are also thereby empowered to do harm to the Neighbours, -to raise Storms, and do things above and against a course of Nature: -This being the notion that has occasioned the shedding so much Blood in -the World, it may be thought to need explaining. - -For as Reason knows nothing of an Afflicting, Covenanting Witch; so it -seems as Forreign from Scripture in general, as it is from the Text -then insisted on; which speaks of such wickednesses as are manifestly -the works of the flesh: but such Communication with Spirits, the -flesh doth manifestly dread even as death itself. Therefore the usual -Salvation of the Holy Angels to the best of Men was, fear not; and -experience shews, that the most wicked, are most afrighted at the -apprehensions of the appearances of Devils; therefore such an explicit -Covenanting cannot be a manfest work of the Flesh. - -[55] Yet this is manifest, that the belief of the Witches power to -do the things above mentioned, is an ancient belief of the Heathen. -And that from them it was received by the Papists, as a part of their -Faith, who have since improved upon it, and brought in the notion of -a Covenant. But it seems yet a further improvement lately made by -Protestants, that such Witches can Commissionate Devils to do those -mischiefs, thereby setting the Witch in the place of God; for tho few -of the Papists are known to be thus absurd; yet when such Doctrines -have been Preached, and Printed in _New England_, they have met with -none to oppose; but many to incourage them.[78] Other considerable -additions or new improvements have been made here; as the art to knock -off invisible chains with the hand, to drive away Spectres (_i. e._ -Devils) by brushing, spelling words to the Afflicted, _&c._ What has -followed upon these notions, and upon such improvements, is needless -here to repeat, it were unaccountable to recount the effusion of Blood -that has been hereby occasioned, such remaining Scars, and such yet -bleeding wounds as are to be found; which none can wholly pretend -ignorance of. - -And if Blood shall be required of that Watchman that seeth the Sword -a coming, and gives not the needful warning; how much more of such as -join with the Enemy, to bring in the Sword to destroy them, over whom -he was placed a Watchman. - -And if the law of God be perfect, and exceeding broad, as being given -forth by the Omnicient Law-giver; it is exceeding high presumption and -arrogance, and highly destructive to the lives of Innocents, for any to -pretend to give another, and a pretended better description of a crime -made thereby Capital, with new rules to try such offenders by. - -_Reverend Sir, the matter being of such high concern requires (and it -is again prayed) that you would be pleased to consider, and give the -grounds from Scripture, or Reason of such Definition, or else that you -would explode it, as inconsistent with both. From, Reverend Sir, Yours -to my utmost._ - - R. C. - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[33] The Family of Rule appear to have resided at the North End of -the Town. Where they came from, or what became of them does not -appear. They were, perhaps, transient Sojourners here. Mr. Mather says -Margaret's Parents were sober and honest, and living at the Time in -Boston. See _ante._ - -[34] Increase and Cotton Mather. - -[35] A Name not met with beyond this Affair. - -[36] The Doctor was greatly disturbed at this Statement of the Length -of the Prayer; averring that it was not above a quarter of an Hour. - -[37] The general Inference would naturally be that the Doctor's Prayers -were not very effective. - -[38] His Satanic Majesty was supposed to be very near, or the Scent -of his Dominions would not have been perceptible. It may be that he -did not make his Appearance, owing to the Presence of some obdurate -Unbelievers. See _Note_ 6. - -[39] Richard Wilkins and Benjamin Harris were Booksellers and -Publishers in Boston at this Period. They are duly noticed in the -_History and Antiquities of Boston_, out of Dunton's _Life and Errors_. -Harris printed _The Wonders of the Invisible World_, as will be seen on -reference to the Title-page. See Thomas's _Hist. Printing_, ii, 412. - -[40] See Vol. I, Page 37. - -[41] The Author seemed to be fully aware of the Danger of asserting -the plain Truth. It probably was a means of his ruin, as to any -considerable Fortune. See _Introductory Memoir_. - -[42] A misprint. R. C. was intended. The Correction is made in the -Salem Editions. - -[43] Epithets applied by Mr. Mather to those who dissented from him. -"Flashy and fleeting Witlings."--_Remarkables_ of Dr. I. M., 164. - -[44] Whittier had, no doubt, been reading Calef recently, when he wrote: - - "To garnish the Story, with hear a streak - Of Latîn, and there another of Greek: - And the Tales he heard and the Notes he took - Behold are they not in his Wonder-Book?" - -[45] With this View of the Devil, the Author was certainly, according -to his own Account, more in the Way of becoming one of his deluded -Followers than any other: "Tis a most commendable Cautiousness," he -tells us elsewhere, "to be very shy lest the Devil get so far into our -Faith, as that for the sake of many Truths which we find he tells us, -we come at length to believe any Lies, wherewith he may abuse us!" -Faith can hardly remove such a Mountain. - -[46] A Family of this Name is supposed to have lived at the Corner -of Lynn Street and Henchman's Lane, as that Corner for a long Period -was known as _Aves's Corner_. Savage had never read of _Samuel Aves_. -Whether he was of the Family of _John Aves_, banished for attempting to -burn the Town in 1679, is not known.--_Hist. Boston_, 431. - -[47] Robert Earl was the Prison-keeper or Jailor of the Town at an -early Period. John Wilkins was probably the Freeman of 1673. Of -Williams, no certain Trace is found. Their Obscurity will probably -shield them from further Exposure. - -[48] Son of Timothy Thornton. His Occupation was that of a Paver. - -[49] Perhaps Son of the first William Hudson, one of the first Settlers -of Boston. - -[50] Captain _John Hill_, of whom Dr. Usher Parsons has given an -interesting and ample Account in the _N. E. Hist. and Gen. Reg._ for -April and July, 1858. - -As a Contrast to the next Sentence of the Text take this: "Some of -the Indian Pawawes (_i. e._, Wizzards) in this Country, have received -the Gospel, and given Good Evidence of a True Conversion to God in -Christ, have, with much Sorrow of Heart, declared how they had, whilst -in their _Heathenism_ by the Hands of Evil Angels Murdered their -Neighbors."--Dr. I. Mather, _to the Reader in Angelographia_. In the -valuable Collection of Dr. J. S. H. Fogg, of S. Boston, are many of the -Papers of Capt. Hill, of much Interest on the Period referred to. - -[51] See Vol. I, Page 37, of these Volumes. - -[52] The Absurdity of the Practice of the Courts then in Use, in their -shocking Abuses of accused Persons, will be found in all its Deformity, -on perusing the Trials of those Days. The Practice of insulting and -browbeating those on Trial was according to the Custom of the English -Courts of those Days, and for a long Time after. - -[53] Nothing was more common among those who imagined themselves -bewitched, than the Notion that they were transformed into Cats, and -other Animals; and that in those Shapes they attended Witch Meetings. -At such Meetings the Devil was always present, and acted as Master of -Ceremonies. A very sure Evidence of Insanity. - -[54] Called in Captain John Stevens's _Spanish and English Dictionary_, -_Cahori_, which is defined, "one that pretends to see into the Bowels -of the Earth, through Stone Walls, or into a Man's Body; a Cheat put -upon the Ignorant." There is something very similar in our Times, even -leaving out the Founder of the Mormon Sect. - -[55] This Work, here often referred to, was printed in 1689. Its more -extended Title is, _Memorable Providences relating to Witchcraft and -Possessions_, in a 16mo. But few Copies are known to exist. - -[56] I suppose Mr. Thomas Brattle, the then Treasurer of Harvard -College. He was a principal Founder of the Church in Brattle Square, -known by his Name. He wrote an Account of the Witchcraft of 1692, which -laid in Manuscript about one hundred Years, when Dr. Belknap caused it -to be printed in Part, in the _Colls. Ms. H. Society_, v, 61-80. Mr. -Brattle was a Scholar, a Graduate of Harvard College, and, like Mr. -Calef, a Merchant of Boston. His Communications to the Royal Society of -London procured him the Title of F. R. S. - -It is possible that the Initial (Mr. B----) may stand for Gov. -Bradstreet; but I presume Mr. Brattle is meant. - -[57] It must have been difficult for a common-sense Man, as Mr. Calef -was, to hear such Matters treated seriously in the Pulpit, and keep -his Risibility under complete Controll. If Thunder and Lightning -were the Work of the Devil, as it seems Mr. Mather believed, it is -not very strange that he should discover some very odd Pranks in -their Operations. The Father (Dr. I. Mather) relates, among his -_Philosophical Meditations_, that as "a Man was walking, in August, -1682, in the Field, near Darking in England, he was struck with a -Clap of Thunder; on being taken up, his dead Body was found exceeding -hot, and withall smelling strong of Sulphur, insomuch that they were -forced to drop him, and let him ly a considerable Time ere he could be -removed. It is reported that sometimes Thunder and Lightning has been -generated out of the sulphurous and bituminous Matter which the firey -Mountain Ætna hath cast forth." - -[58] There seems always to have been great Confusion, and no less -Perplexity, among Believers in Witchcraft respecting the Parts to be -assigned to the Devil and the Witch respectively. Sometimes they assure -us that the Devil commissions the Witch, and sometimes that the Witch -governs the Devil. Hence, even Believers are very much puzzled to know -_what to believe_. See Vol. I, _Introd._, Pages xviii, xix. - -[59] It would no doubt puzzle the Devil himself to explain that Term, -_Plastic Spirit_. It appears to have been made use of for the same -Reason that a certain Fish discolors the Water when pursued by an Enemy. - -The following Ideas respecting the Devil then entertained may not be -out of Place in this Connection: "The Devil is the oldest Sinner, and -the most cursed Creature in all the World. It is said, Isa. 65, 20. -_That the Sinner of an hundred Years shall be accursed._ But then what -shall the Sinner be that is more than 5000 Years old? The Devil and all -the Angels that sinned with him, are Sinners of above 5000 Years old, -and will therefore become the most accursed and damned Creatures in the -whole Universe at the Great Day."--Dr. I. Mather, _Angelographia_, 120. - -[60] In Answer to this, the Dr. says: "The Reason that made me -unwilling to trust any of my Writings in the Hands of this Man, was -because I saw the _Weaver_ (though he presumes to call himself a -_Merchant_) was a Stranger to all the Rules of Civility." This is the -Kind of Answer which every impartial Reader will decide, redounds -entirely to the Credit of Mr. Calef, and that _Civility_ is also -altogether on his Side. Yet, in an Air of Triumph the Doctor adds: "The -_Antiscriptural Doctrines_ espoused by this Man do also call for no -further Answer." - -[61] In this Connection it may be interesting to have the Views of Dr. -Increase Mather respecting the Attributes of the Devil. - -"There were many of them [the Devils Angels] that were concerned in -that first Transgression and Rebellion against the Lord. It is said, -Ephes. 2. 3. That the Devil is _the Prince of the Power of the Air_. -So that there is a _Power_, an _Host_, a vast _Army_ of those Evil -Spirits, that did joyn with the Devil, in setting themselves against -the Great God. How many, is not for us to say, the Written Word of -God not speaking anything as to the Quantity of their Number; only it -is manifest from the Scripture, that there are far more Angels that -have sinned, far more Devils than there are Men in all the World. -There is not a Man in the whole World but there are Devils to tempt -him continually. And if so, they must needs be more in Number than Men -are. We read in the Gospel of no less than a Legion of Devils in one -poor miserable Man. Luk. 8, 30. You read there of a possesed Man, and -Christ demanded of the Evil Spirit what his Name was: The chief Devil -among them made Answer, _It is Legion for we are many_. A Legion is six -Thousand six Hundred and Sixty-six. Now then, if the Devil has such -vast Numbers of Infernal Spirits under him; if he has such Troops of -them, as that he can spare no less than a Legion to afflict, and as -it were to keep Garrison in one poor miserable Man: what prodigious -Numbers of Evil Angels must there needs be."--_Angelographia_, 111-112. -See also _The Devil Discovered_, Vol. I, 217-247. - -[62] Dr. Mather's Animadversions on these "_Ten Articles_" should -be read in Connection: "When he sent about unto all the Ministers a -_Libellous Letter_ against myself, falsely charging me with writing in -a Manuscript of mine _Ten Articles_ (which are of his own drawing up) -whereof the chief are of his _own pure Invention_, there was not one of -all those reverend Persons, who thought him worthy of an Answer. And -now his Book is come abroad, I cannot hear (and many observe the Like) -of so much as one vertuous and sensible Man, but let their Opinions -about the _Salem_ Troubles be what they will, they detest it, as, a -_Vile Book_; as being an intire Libel upon the whole _Government_ and -_Ministry_ in the Land; yea, they think it beneath a Minister of the -Gospel to bestow the Pains of an _Answer_ upon it. The Book serves but -as an Engine to discover (by their approbation of it) a few Persons in -the Land that will distinguish themselves by an exalted _Malignity_." -_Some Few Remarks on a Scandalous Book_, 34-5. - -[63] The Supposition was correct. There was an Edition of the Work -referred to, printed in Philadelphia in 1692, in a small Quarto of -16 Pages. Upon this Letter and the Work of Mr. Willard Dr. Mather -remarks, evidently under great Excitement and Indignation as respects -the Former: "I remember that when this miserable Man sent unto an -eminent Minister in the Town, a _Libellous Letter_, reflecting both on -a Judicious Discourse written by him, and on the Holy Proposals made -by the Præsident and Fellows of _Harvard-College_, about _recording of -Remarkable Providences_, and when he demanded and expected an Answer -to his Follies, that Reverend Person only said _Go tell him That the -Answer to him and his Letter is in the Twenty Sixth of the Proverbs, -and the Fourth_." - -Mr. Willard's Silence was undoubtedly owing to a very different Cause -than that given by Dr. Mather. It is fairly inferable that Mr. Willard -was too good a Logician not to see that Mr. Calef's Argument did -not admit of Refutation, and that his own Reputation would be best -conserved by Silence. - -[64] Concerning this curious Paper, Quincy, in _Hist. Harvard College_, -remarks: "As the Belief in the Agency of the Invisible World began to -lessen, and some of those, who were the chief Actors in the Tragedy, to -feel the Weight of public Indignation pressing upon them, they being -Members of the Corporation, brought this Body into the Field for the -Purpose of giving Countenance to that Belief, and of sustaining this -decaying Faith." This was "prepared by both the Mathers, and signed -by the whole Board, and circulated throughout New England."--Vol. I, -_Page_ 62. The Signers will all be found duly noticed in Dr. Allen's -_Biographical Dictionary_. - -[65] It will be remembered that the President (Mather) had published a -Volume of _Remarkable Providences_, which, doubtless, met with a ready -Sale, and induced a Desire for another. - -[66] To which of the Justices the Author refers is not certain, as Mr. -Danforth and Mr. Saltonstall, two of them, were dead when he wrote. The -Latter died in 1694, and the Former in 1699. - -[67] "That furious Marshal" was _George Herrick_, who, in October, -1692, stated, that "for nine Months his whole Time had been consumed -as Marshal and Deputy Sheriff, in Cases of Witchcraft."--Felt, _Annals -of Salem_, ii, 480. The Death of George Herrick is noticed in the -Herrick Genealogy, as having occurred in 1695, but nothing is said of -any Casualty. Mr. Savage supposes Him to be the same who came over in -1685, in the Ship with John Dunton, who, John says saved his Life at -Sea.--_Life and Errors_, 126-7. - -[68] Richard Baxter. William Bates, D.D., preached an excellent Sermon -on the Death of the great Divine, and gives an Account of his Books, -but says nothing of that whose Title is given above; doubtless for -the same Reason mentioned by our Author, namely: that it was written -or assented to by him in his Dotage. Dr. Bates was a Friend and -Acquaintance of Dr. Increase Mather. In his Sermon, above cited, he -says: "I went to Mr. Baxter with a very worthy Friend, Mr. Mather, of -New England, the Day before he died; and, speaking some comforting -Words to him, he replied, 'I have Pain; there is no arguing against -Sense; but I have Peace.' To Mr. Mather, he said, 'I bless God that you -have accomplisht your Business, the Lord prolong your Life.'"--_Page_ -129-30. See Page 11 of this Volume for the Author's sensible Remarks on -Mr. Baxter's Book. - -[69] The Days of certain Weeks set apart by the Roman Catholic Church -for Fasting and Prayer, in the four Seasons of the Year. Wednesday, -Friday and Saturday after the first Sunday in Lent, the Feast of -Whitsuntide, the 14th of September, and the 13th of December, are the -_Ember-days_; and the Weeks in which they occur are _Ember-weeks_. -"Ember-days were so called, from the Word Ember, _i. e._, Ashes; -because in old Times the Fathers us'd to sprinkle themselves with -Ashes; or from the Custom of eating nothing on those Days till Night, -and then only a Cake, baked under the _Embers_, which was thence called -_Ember-bread_."--_Phillips and Kersey_. - -[70] See Note 64. - -[71] The _Ethnics_ or _Ethnicks_. The Gentiles of ancient Times were -denominated _Ethnics_. All Unbelievers in the Religion of the Jews and -Christians. - -[72] A Sect of Philosophers who took their Name from a Person named -_Manichæus_, or Manes. Manes flourished about A.D. 277, and his -Doctrine or Philosophy spread chiefly in Arabia, Egypt and Africa. He -taught that Light was the Origin of all Good, and that in Darkness -originated all Evil. _Maniche_ is not unlike _God_ among the Indians. - -[73] Had the Author lived to this Time he would have seen that his -Hopes were much further from being realized than he could have -anticipated. Many Years ago, a noted Indian Chief, on being importuned -respecting Christianity, and urged to adopt it in his Tribe, replied -that "It might do for White People, but it did not suit Indians." - -[74] Alexander Ross, a Scotchman, a very voluminous Author, though a -Prelate and possessed of much and varied Learning, is meagrely noticed -in Biographical Works. He continued Sir Walter Ralegh's History of the -World, in a large folio; wrote "a View of the Religions of the World;" -"Virgilii Evangelisantis Christiados, Librii xiii," &c. little known. -The Work referred to in the Text is entitled "Mystagogus Poeticus, -or the Muse's Interpreter: Explaining the Historical Mystteries, and -Mystical Histories of the Ancient Greek and Latin Poets," &c. a fifth -Edition of which was published in 1672. Notwithstanding his immense -literary Labours, he is unknown to Thousands of the present Day, beyond -those _anachronismical_ Lines in Hudibras: - - "There was an ancient sage Philosopher - That had read Alexander Ross over." - -[75] Some Person once put into the Hands of the since famous James -Howell a Manuscript, attempting to disprove the Existence of Witches. -In writing to his Friend, Sir Edward Spencer, soon after, Howell -said: "I will not say that this Gentleman is so perverse; but to deny -there are any Witches, to deny that there are not ill Spirits which -seduce, tamper and converse in divers Shapes with human Creatures, -and impel them to Actions of Malice, I say, that he who denies there -are such busy Spirits, and such poor passive Creatures upon whom they -work, which commonly are called Witches; I say again, that he who -denies there are such Spirits, shews that he himself hath a Spirit of -Contradiction in him, opposing the current and consentient Opinion of -all Antiquity." James wrote this Nonsense in 1647. Most certainly if -our Affairs are to be measured by the Laws and Usages of Antiquity, -all Advancement in Knowledge is a Crime; and instead of being -tolerated, should be prevented by the same sanguinary Laws then in use. -Fortunately some Improvement is discernible. - -[76] Mr. Wadsworth was Minister of the First Church in Boston from -1696 to 1725, when he became President of Harvard College. He was Son -of Capt. Samuel Wadsworth of Milton, who fell in the bloody Fight at -Sudbury, April the 21st, 1676. And here it may be noted that President -Wadsworth, praiseworthily and in filial Duty, erected a Monument to his -father's Memory, at Sudbury, on the Site of the fierce Conflict, in -which he ended his Life; but from some Cause easily explained, fixed -the Date of his father's Death on April 18th; See _N. E. Hist. and Gen. -Reg._ for 1853, p. 221, where the Cause of the Error is explained. -There has been a feeble Attempt to maintain the old Date, because it -happened ignorantly to be placed upon a new Monument which replaced the -old One in 1852. This Attempt has been admitted into the Register for -1866, page 135-141, as unaccountably as the Date on the New Monument. - -President Wadsworth, though a Believer in Witchcraft, did not encourage -the Proceedings and Prosecutions. - -[77] The Author undoubtedly refers to Dr. Mather the Younger, though -his Meaning is left rather obscure. The _Old Meeting_ may be supposed -to mean that of the oldest Church; but of that, Mr. Wadsworth himself -was the Minister. - -[78] The Defenders of Dr. Mather's _Wonders_, &c., remark: "After that -those our Honourable Judges (fearing least wrong Steps might have been -taken) had thus set apart a Day for solemn Humiliation before the Lord, -humbly Imploring His Pardon for what might have been done amiss; for -him to repeat that Matter, and set it out with imperfect Relations and -odious Aggravations, thereby intending to render the Land, and the -Judges obnoxious (tho all the Learning that he and wiser Men than he, -pretend unto, is insufficient to dive to the Bottom of the Matter,) -and for him to speak as he does of the Honorable Persons, as _Men -obstinate in an Error, and involved in the Guilt of the Blood shed by -Pagans and Papists before them_: what shall we think of it, but that -'tis inhumane, and fit for none but a _Servant_ of the worst Master? -One would have thought, that the _Fear of God_ (if he has any) should -have darted that Scripture into his Mind, Exod. 22. 28. _Thou shalt -not speak Evil of the Ruler of thy People._"--_Answer to a Scandalous -Book_, &c. Paternity of Extract unmistakable. - - - - -PART III. - -_An Account of the Differences in_ SALEM _Village_. - - -THE Reasons why we withdraw from Communion with the Church of _Salem_ -Village, both as to hearing the word Preached, and from partaking with -them at the Lord's Table, are as followeth. - -Why we attend not on publick Prayer, and preaching the word, there are, - -[56] 1. _The Distracting, and Disturbing tumults, and noises made by -the persons under Diabolical Power and delusions; preventing sometimes -our hearing, understanding, and profiting by the word preached. We -having after many Trials, and Experiences found no redress in this -matter, accountea ourselves under a necessity to go where we might hear -the word in quiet._ - -2. _The apprehension of danger of ourselves, being accused as the -Devil's Instruments, to afflict the persons complaining, we seeing -those that we have reason to esteem better than ourselves thus accused, -blemished, and of their lives bereaved: for seeing this, thought it our -prudence to withdraw._ - -3. _We found so frequent and positive preaching up some Principles and -Practices by Mr._ Parris,[79] _referring to the dark and dismal mystery -of Iniquity working among us, was not profitable, but offensive_. - -4. _Neither could we in Conscience join with Mr._ Parris, _in many of -the Requests which he made in Prayer, referring to the trouble then -among us and upon us; therefore thought it our most safe and peaceable -way to withdraw_. - - _The Reasons why we hold not Communion with them at the Lord's - Table, are because we find ourselves justly aggrieved, and - offended with the Officer, who does administer, for the Reasons - following._ - -1. _From his declared and published Principles, referring to our -molestations from the Invisible World: Differing from the Opinion of -the generality of the Orthodox Ministers of the Country._ - -2. _His easie and strong Faith and Belief of the before-mentioned -Accusations, made by those called the Afflicted._ - -3. _His laying aside that grace (which above all we are to put on,) -viz. Charity towards his Neighbours, and especially those of his -Church, when there is no apparent reason, but for the contrary._ - -4. _His approving and practicing unwarrantable and ungrounded methods, -for discovering what he was desirous to know, referring to the -bewitched, or possessed persons, as in bringing some to others, and -by them pretending to inform himself and others, who were the Devil's -instruments to afflict the sick and maimed._ - -5. _His unsafe unaccountable Oath, given by him against sundry of the -accused._ - -6. _His not rendering to the World so fair (if so true) account of what -he wrote on Examination of the afflicted._ - -7. _Sundry unsafe (if sound points of Doctrine delivered in his -Preaching) which we find not warrantable (if Christian.)_ - -8. _His persisting in these Principles, and justifying his Practice; -not rendering any satisfaction to us, when regularly desired, but -rather offending, and dissatisfying ourselves._ - -[57] We whose Names are under written, heard this Paper read to our -Pastor, Mr. _Samuel Parris_, the 21_st_ of _April_, 1693. - - _Nathaniel Jigarson_,[80] - _Edward Pulman_, - _Aaron Way_, - _William Way_, - _Peter Cloyce_, Seniour. - _Samuel Nurce_, - _John Jarboll_, - _Thomas Wilkins_. - - -_Mr._ Parris's _Acknowledgment_. - -FOR as much as it is the undoubted duty of all Christians to pursue -Peace, _Psal._ xxxiv. 14. even to a reaching of it, if it be possible, -_Amos_ xii. 18, 19. And whereas through the righteous, Sovereign, and -awful Providence of God, the grand Enemy to all Christian Peace, has -been of late tremendously let loose in divers places hereabout, and -more especially among our sinful selves, not only to interrupt that -partial peace which we did sometimes enjoy, but also through his wiles -and temptations, and our weakness, and corruptions, to make wider -breaches, and raise more bitter Animosities between too many of us. In -which dark and difficult dispensations, we have been all or most of us -of one mind for a time; and afterwards of differing apprehensions. And -at last we are but in the dark, upon serious thoughts of all; and after -many Prayers, I have been moved to present to you (my beloved Flock) -the following particulars, in way of Contribution towards a regaining -of Christian Concord; if so be we be not altogether unappeaseable, -irreconcileable, and so destitute of that good Spirit, which is first -pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, _James_ iii. -17. viz. - -1. In that the Lord ordered the late horrid calamity[81] (which -afterward plague-like spread in many other places) to break out first -in my Family, I cannot but look upon as a very sore rebuke, and -humbling providence, both to myself and mine, and desire some may -improve it. - -2. In that also in my Family were some of both parties, _viz._ Accusers -and Accused, I look also upon as an aggravation of that rebuke, as an -addition of Wormwood to the Gall. - -3. In the means which were used in my Family, though totally unknown -to me or mine (except Servants) till afterwards, to raise Spirits and -Apparitions in no better than a Diabolical way, I do also look upon -as a further rebuke of Divine Providence. And by all, I do humbly own -this day before the Lord and his People, that God has been righteously -spitting in my face, _Numb._ xii. 14. And I desire to lye low under -all this reproach, and to lay my hand on my mouth. - -[58] 4. As to the management of these Mysteries, as far as concerns -myself, I am very desirous upon further light to own any errors I have -therein fallen into, and can come to a discerning of; in the mean while -I do acknowledge upon after-considerations, that were the same troubles -again, (which the Lord of his rich mercy forever prevent) I should not -agree with my former apprehensions in all points. As for Instance, - -1. I question not but God sometimes suffers the Devil, as of late, to -afflict in shape of not only Innocent, but Pious persons, or so to -delude the Senses of the afflicted, that they strongly conceit their -hurt is from such persons, when indeed it is not. - -2. The improving of one afflicted to inquire by who afflicts the other, -I fear may be, and has been unlawfully used to Satan's great Advantage. - -3. As to my writing, it was put upon me by Authority, and therein I -have been very careful to avoid the wronging of any. - -4. As to my Oath I never meant it, nor do I know how it can be -otherwise construed, than as vulgarly, and every one understood, yea, -and upon inquiry it may be found so worded also. - -5. As to any passage in preaching, or praying in the sore hour of -distress and darkness, I always intended but due Justice on each -hand, and that not according to Men but God; who knows all things -most perfectly; however through weakness, or sore exercise, I might -sometimes, yea and possibly sundry times unadvisedly express myself. - -6. As to several that have confessed against themselves, they being -wholly strangers to me, but yet of good account with better Men than -myself, to whom also they are well known, I do not pass so much as a -secret condemnation upon them. But rather seeing God hath so amazingly -lengthened out Satan's Chain, in this most formidable outrage, I much -more incline to side with the Opinion of those that have grounds to -hope better of them. - -7. As to all that have unduly suffered in these matters, either in -their Persons or Relations, through the clouds of human weakness, and -Satan's wiles and sophistry, I do truly sympathize with them, taking -it for granted, that such as know themselves clear of this great -transgression, or that have sufficient grounds so to look upon their -dear Friends, have hereby been under those sore tryals and temptations, -that not an ordinary measure of true grace would be sufficient to -prevent a bewraying of remaining corruption. - -8. I am very much in the mind, and abundantly perswaded that God for -holy ends (though for what in particular, is best known to himself) has -suffered the Evil Angels to delude us on both hands; but how far on -the one side, or the other, is much above me to say, and if we cannot -reconcile till we come to a full discerning of these things, I fear we -shall never come to an agreement, or at soonest not in this World. - -[59] Therefore in fine, the matter being so dark and perplexed, as -that there is no present appearance, that all God's Servants should be -altogether of one mind in all circumstances, touching the same; I do -most heartily, fervently, and humbly beseech pardon of the merciful -God, through the Blood of Christ for all my mistakes and trespasses in -so weighty a matter. And also all your forgiveness of every offence, in -this or other affairs, wherein you see or conceived that I have erred -and offended, professing in the presence of the Almighty God, that what -I have done has been as for substance as I apprehended was [my] duty, -however thro' weakness, Ignorance, _&c._ I may have been mistaken. I -also thro' grace promising each of you the like of me; so again I beg, -intreat, and beseech you, that Satan, the Devil, the roaring Lion, the -old Dragon, the Enemy of all Righteousness, may no longer be served -by us, by our Envy and Strifes, where every evil work prevails whilst -these bear sway, _James_ iii. 14, 15, 16. But that all from this day -forward may be covered with the mantle of love, and we may on all hands -forgive each other heartily, sincerely and thoroughly, as we do hope -and pray, that God for Christ's sake would forgive each of ourselves, -_Mat._ xviii. 21. to the end. _Colos._ iii. 12, 13. _Put on therefore -(as the elect of God, holy and beloved) bowels of mercies, kindness,_ -_humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; Forbearing one another, -and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any, -even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye._ Eph. iv. 31, 32. _Let all -bitterness, and anger, and clamour, and evil-speaking be put away from -you with all malice. And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, -forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake, hath forgiven -you._ Amen. Amen. - - Samuel Parris. - -Given to the Dissenting Brethren, for their consideration of, at their -request. _Nov._ 26, 1694. - - - _The Elders and Messengers of the churches met at_ Salem _Village_, - April 3, 1695, _to consider and determine what is to be done, for - the composure of the present unhappy differences in that place. - After solemn invocation of God in Christ for his direction, do - unanimously declare, as followeth_, viz. - -1. WE judge that all be it in the late and dark time of the confusions, -wherein Satan had obtained a more than ordinary liberty, to be sifting -of this Plantation, there were sundry unwarrantable, and uncomfortable -steps, taken by Mr. _Samuel Parris_, the Pastor of the Church in -_Salem_ Village, then under the hurrying distractions of amazing -Afflictions; yet the said Mr. _Parris_, by the good hand of God brought -unto a better sense of things, hath so fully exprest it, that a -Christian charity may and should receive satisfaction therewith. - -[60] 2. Inasmuch as diverse Christian Brethren, in the Church of -_Salem_ Village, have been offended at Mr. _Parris_, for his conduct -in the time of their difficulties, which have distressed them; we -now advise them Charitably to accept the satisfaction which he hath -tendered in his Christian acknowledgment of the Errors therein -committed; yea to endeavour, as far as it is possible, the fullest -reconciliation of their minds unto Communion with him, in the whole -Exercise of his Ministry, and with the rest of the Church, _Matt._ vi. -12, 14. _Luke_ xvii. 3. _James_ v. 16. - -3. Considering the extream tryals and troubles, which the dissatisfied -Brethren in the Church of _Salem_ Village have undergone, in the day of -sore temptation, which hath been upon them; we cannot but advise the -Church to treat them with bowels of much compassion, instead of all -more critical, or rigorous proceedings against them for the Infirmities -discovered by them, in such an heart-breaking day; and if after a -patient waiting for it, the said Brethren cannot so far overcome the -uneasiness of their Spirits, in the remembrance of the disasters that -have hapned, as to sit under his Ministry; we advise the Church with -all tenderness to grant them admission to any other Society of the -Faithful, whereunto they may be desired to be dismist. _Gal._ vi. 1, 2. -_Psal._ ciii. 13, 14. _Job_ xix. 21. - -4. Mr. _Parris_ having (as we understand) with much fidelity and -integrity acquitted himself, in the main course of his Ministry, -since he hath been Pastor of the Church of _Salem_ Village; about his -first call whereunto, we look upon all contestations now to be both -unreasonable and unseasonable: And our Lord having made him a blessing -to the Souls of not a few, both old and young in this place, we advise -that he be accordingly respected, honour'd and supported, with all the -regards that are due to a painful Minister of the gospel. 1 _Thes._ v. -12, 13. 1 _Tim._ v. 17. - -5. Having observed that there is in _Salem_ Village, a Spirit full -of contention and animosity, too sadly verifying the blemish which -hath heretofore lain upon them: And that some complaints against -Mr. _Parris_ have been either causeless, or groundless, or unduly -aggravated; we do in the name and fear of the Lord solemnly warn them -to consider, whether if they continue to devour one another it will -not be bitterness in the latter end, and beware lest the Lord be -provoked thereby utterly to deprive them of those (which they should -count) their precious and pleasant things, and abandon them to all -the desolations of a People that sin away the Mercies of the Gospel. -_James_ iii. 16. _Gal._ v. 15. 2 _Sam._ ii. 26. _Isa._ v. 45. _Mat._ -xxi. 43. - -6. If the Distempers in _Salem_ Village should be (which God forbid) -so incurable, that Mr. _Parris_ after all find that he cannot with any -comfort and service continue in his present Station, his removal from -thence will [61] not expose him to any hard Character with us; nor we -hope with the rest of the People of God, among whom we live. _Matt._ x. -14. _Acts_ xxii. 18. All which advice we follow, with our Prayers that -the God of Peace would bruise Satan under our Feet; now the Lord of -Peace himself give you Peace always by all means. - - _Jos. Bridgham_,[82] - _Samuel Chickley_, - _William Tory_, - _Jos. Boynton_, - _Richard Middlecutt_, - _John Walley_, - _Jer. Dummer_, - _Neh. Jewitt_, - _Ephr. Hunt_, - _Nath. Williams_, - _Incr. Mather_, - _Samuel Phillips_, - _James Allen_, - _Samuel Tory_, - _Samuel Willard_, - _Edward Paison_, - _Cotton Mather_. - - - To the Reverend Elders of the Three Churches of Christ, at - _Boston_, with others the Elders and Brethren of other Churches, - late of a Council at _Salem_ Village. - -WE _whose Names are hereunto Subscribed, are bold once more to trouble -you with our humble Proposals. That whereas there has been long and -uncomfortable differences among us, chiefly relating to Mr._ Parris; -_and we having, as we apprehend, attended all probable means for a -composure of our troubles; and whereas we had hopes of an happy Issue, -by your endeavors among us, but now are utterly frustrated of our -Expectations, and that instead of uniting, our rent is made worse, and -our breach made wider._ - -_We humbly Query, Whether yourselves being streightned of time, might -not omit such satisfactory liberty of debating the whole of our -Controversie; whereby yourselves had not so large an opportunity of -understanding the Case; nor the offended so much reason to be satisfied -in your advice: We therefore humbly propose, and give full liberty of -proving and defending of what may be charged on either hand, leaving -it to yourselves to appoint both time and place._ - -1. _That if yourselves please to take the trouble with patience once -more to hear the whole Case._ - -2. _Or that you will more plainly advise Mr._ Parris, (_the Case being -so circumstanced, that he cannot with comfort or profit, to himself -or others, abide in the Work of the Ministry among us_) _to cease -his labours, and seek to dispose himself elsewhere, as God in his -Providence may direct: and that yourselves would please to help us in -advising to such a choice, wherein we may be more unanimous; which we -hope would tend much to a composure of our differences._ - -3. _Or, that we may without any offence take the liberty of calling -some other proved Minister of the Gospel, to Preach the Word of God -to us and ours:_ [62] _and that we may not be denied our proportionable -privilege, in our publick disbursments in the place._ - -So leaving the whole case with the Lord and yourselves, we Subscribe -our Names. Signed by 16 young Men, from 16 upwards; and 52 Housholders, -and 18 Church Members. This was delivered to the Ministers, _May_ 3, -1695.[83] - - -_The Copy of a Paper that was handed about touching those Differences._ - -AS to the contest between Mr. _Parris_ and his Hearers, _&c._ it may -be composed by a Satisfactory Answer, to _Levit._ xx. 6. _And the Soul -that turneth after such as have familiar Spirits, and after Wizzards, -to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that Soul; -and will cut him off from among his People._ 1 Chron. x. 13, 14. _So -Saul died for his transgression, which he committed against the Lord, -even against the word of the Lord, which he kept not, and also for -asking Counsil of one that had a familiar Spirit to inquire of it. And -inquired not of the Lord, therefore he slew him, &c._[84] - - - Some part of the Determination of the Elders and Messengers of the - Churches, met at _Salem_ Village, _April_ 3, 1695, relating to - the Differences there. - -IF _the Distemper in_ Salem _Village should be_ (which God forbid) -_so incurable that Mr._ Parris _after all, find that he cannot with -any comfort and service continue in this present station, his removal -from thence will not expose him to any hard Character with us (nor we -hope) with the rest of the People of God, among whom we live_, Mat. x. -14. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words; when you -depart out of that house, or city, shake off the dust of your feet, -_&c._ Acts xxii. 18. _All which Advice we follow with our Prayers, that -the God of Peace would bruise Satan under our feet, Now the Lord of -Peace give you Peace always, by all means, &c._ - -_Quest._ Whether Mr. _Parris_ his going to _Abigail Williams_[85] (and -others) whom he supposed to have a Spectral sight (to be informed who -were Witches and who afflicted those pretended sufferers by Witchcraft) -in order to their being questioned upon their lives for it, were not a -turning after such as had familiar Spirits; and a greater wickedness -than _Saul_ was guilty of (in that he did not intend thereby bodily -hurt to any others.) - -And whether in a crime of such a high nature, the making a slender and -general confession, without any proposals of reparations, or due time -of probation, ought so far to be accounted sufficient, from such a -Pastor to his People. - -[63] And whether such as were accused, or the surviving Friends and -Relations of those that were any ways sufferers, by Accusations so by -him proved, are in duty and conscience bound to continue their respect, -honour and support to him, in the Ministry, after such known departures -from the Rule of Gods word, and after such dire effects as followed -thereupon, under the penalty _of the dust shaken from his feet_, -testifying against them, even so as to render them in a worse case than -those of _Sodom_ and _Gomorrah_. - - - _To the Honourable_ Wait Winthrop,[86] Elisha Cook,[87] _and_ - Samuel Sewall, _Esquires, Arbitrators indifferently chosen, - between Mr._ Samuel Parris, _and the inhabitants of_ Salem - _Village_. - -THE Remonstrances of several aggrieved persons in the said Village, -with further reasons why they conceive they ought not to hear Mr. -_Parris_, nor to own him as a Minister of the Gospel, nor to contribute -any support to him as such, for several Years past; humbly offered as -fit for consideration. - -We humbly conceive that having in _April_ 1693, given our Reasons -why we could not join with Mr. _Parris_ in Prayer, Preaching, or -Sacraments. If these Reasons are found sufficient for our withdrawing, -(and we cannot yet find but they are) Then we conceive ourselves -virtually discharged, not only in Conscience, but also in Law; -which requires maintenance to be given to such as are Orthodox, and -blameless. The said Mr. _Parris_ having been teaching such dangerous -Errors, and preached such scandalous Immoralities, as ought to -discharge any (tho ever so gifted otherways) from the work of the -Ministry. - -Particularly in his Oath against the lives of several, wherein he -swears that the Prisoners with their looks knock down those pretended -sufferers. We humbly conceive, that he that Swears to more than he is -certain of, is equally guilty of Perjury, with him that Swears to what -is false. And tho they did fall at such a time, yet it could not be -known that they did it, much less could they be certain of it; yet did -Swear positively against the lives of such, as he could not have any -knowledge but they might be Innocent. - -His believing the Devil's Accusations, and readily departing from -all Charity to persons, tho of blameless and godly lives, upon such -suggestions, his promoting such Accusations, as also his partiality -therein, in stifling the Accusations of some, and the same time -vigilantly promoting others; as we conceive are just causes for our -refusal, _&c._ - -That Mr. _Parris's_ going to _Mary Walcut_,[88] or _Abigail Williams_, -and directing others to them, to know who afflicted the People in their -illnesses; [64] we understand this to be a dealing with them that have -a familiar spirit, and an implicit denying the providence of God, which -alone, as we believe, can send Afflictions, or cause Devils to Afflict -any; this we also conceive sufficient to justifie such refusal. - -That Mr. _Parris_ by these Practices and Principles, has been the -beginner and procurer of the sorest Afflictions, not to this Village -only, but to this whole Country, that did ever befal them. - -We the Subscribers, in behalf of ourselves, and of several others -of the same mind with us (touching these things) having some of us -had our Relations by these practices taken off by an untimely Death; -others have been imprisoned, and suffered in our Persons, Reputations, -and Estates; submit the whole to your Honours decision, to determine -whether we are or ought to be any ways obliged to honour, respect -and support such an Instrument of our miseries; praying God to guide -your Honours, to act herein, as may be for his Glory, and the future -settlement of our Village, in Amity and Unity. - - JOHN TARBALL,[89] } - SAMUEL NURSE, } Attornies for the people - JOS. PUTNAM, } of the Village. - DAN. ANDREW, } - - Boston, July 21, 1697. - -According to the order of the aforesaid arbitrators, the said Mr. -_Parris_, had some of his arrears paid him, as also a sum of money -for his repairs of the ministerial house of the said Village, and is -dismissed therefrom. - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[79] A brief Article on this deluded Man will be seen in Dr. Allen's -_Amer. Biog. Dictionary_. He will be found further noticed in these -Pages. He possesed considerable Ability, but was very weak minded. - -[80] Perhaps a typographical Error. Nathaniel _Ingerson_ or _Ingersoll_ -is undoubtedly meant. Edward Pulman is Edward _Putman_; Nurce is since -_Nourse_; Jarboll is _Tarbell_. - -[81] This flatly contradicts those who have charged all to the Devil. - -[82] Joseph Bridgham was probably the Son of Henry, of Dorchester, and -afterwards of Boston, born in 1651. He was a Member of the Artillery -Company, Representative, and in other Walks a prominent Man. He died -about 1709. Samuel _Checkley_ was the Minister of the New South Church, -Boston. Jeremiah Dummer was the well known Author, the _Defence of the -New England Charters_. Nehemiah _Jewett_, I suppose, was of Ipswich, a -Representative, and, at one Time, Speaker of the House, and died about -1720. James Allen was Minister of the First Church, Boston. Samuel -_Torrey_ was Minister of Weymouth, and died in 1707. William _Torrey_ -was also of Weymouth, and Brother of the Rev. Samuel. Joseph Boynton -was of Rowley. Richard _Middlecott_ was of Boston. John Walley was -probably the Major Walley who shared the Disgrace of the ill advised -and iller executed Expedition against Canada, under Sir William Phips. -Hunt was another of Phips's Colonels, &c., was of Weymouth, and died -1713. Williams was probably the _Nathaniel_ Williams, of Boston, -a Commissary in Philip's War. _Samuel_ Phillips was the Minister -of Rowley, perhaps, who died in 1696. _Samuel_ Willard, of the Old -South, Author of _A Body of Divinity_, and other theological Work, -Vice-President of Harvard College, &c.; he died in 1707. See Note -_ante. Edward_ Payson was Minister of Rowley, and was Father of -seventeen Children, and died 1732. - -[83] Whether the Original manuscript of this Paper is in existence I -have not learned. The Names of the Signers would be of much interest -at this Time, and the Historian of Salem should not cease his Labours -until it is found, if anywhere preserved. - -[84] One who was as firm a Believer as Dr. Mather in Witch Mysteries, -remarks in Justification of what was done--"That I may satisfy such -as are not resolved to the Contrary; that there may be (and are) -such Operations of the Powers of Darkness on the Bodies and Minds -of Mankind; by Divine Permission; and that those who sate Judges -in those Cases, may by the serious Consideration of the formidable -Aspect and perplexed Circumstances, of that Afflictive Providence; be -in some measure excused; or at least be less censured, for passing -Sentence on several Persons, as being the Instruments of _Satan_ in -those Diabolical Operations, when they were involved in such a Dark -and Dismal scene of Providence, in which _Satan_ did seem to Spin a -finer Thred of Spiritual Wickedness than in the ordinary methods of -Witchcraft; hence the Judges desiring to bear due Testimony, against -such Diabolical Practices, were inclined to admit the validity of such -a sort of Evidence, as was not so clearly and directly demonstrable -to Human Senses, as in other Cases is required or else they could not -discover the Mysteries of Witchcraft; I presume not to impose upon my -_Christian_ or _Learned_ Reader; any opinion of mine, how far _Satan_ -was an Instrument in God's Hand, in those amazing Afflictions, which -were on many Persons there, [at Salem] about that time; but I am -certainly convinced, that the Great GOD was pleased to lengthen his -Chain to a very great Degree, for the hurting of _Some_ and reproaching -of _Others_, as far as he was permitted to do so."--Lawson, _pages_ -93-4. - -From this Author's uncertain view of the Operations of the Devil -(which was the View of a great majority of the World), it is not at -all strange that some among the very Conscientious people inquired as -to the Difference between the Malignant and Supreme Power; that is, if -the Supreme controlled the Malignant, there was no question to whom -the Consequences were to be charged; and hence it is in no wise to be -wondered at that some in their Simplicity could not understand what use -there was for any Devil at all, mutch less for Witches. - -[85] Mr. Lawson says she was "about twelve Years of Age."--_Brief and -True Nar._, P. 3. Much more concerning her will be found. - -[86] _Wait Still_ was his full Name. He was Son of Gov. John Winthrop, -of Connecticut; died in Boston about 1717. - -[87] Mr. Cook was one of the very distinguished Men of the Period -under Notice. He wrote his Name _Cooke_. I need only refer to Allen's -_Biographical Dictionary_ and the _Hist. and Antiq's of Boston_ for an -Account of him. He agreed with Mr. Calef about the New Charter. - -[88] She was a Daughter, I suppose, of Jonathan Walcut, by Wife Mary, -Daughter of John Sibley. Walcut was an early Salem Family, some of whom -went to Rhode Island, where Descendants are yet found. - -[89] Tarball and Nurse are the same mentioned at Note 80. The others -will be noticed onward, in the Account of the Trials. - - - - -PART IV. - - - _A Letter of a Gentleman[90] endeavouring to prove the received - Opinions about Witchcraft._ - - -_SIR_, - -I Told you, I had some thoughts concerning Witchcraft, and an Intention -of conferring with the Gentleman,[91] who has published several -Treatises about Witchcraft, and persons afflicted by them, lately -here in _New-England_; but since you have put those three Books into -my hands, I find myself engaged in a very hard Province, to give you -my opinion of them. I plainly foresee, that should this scribling of -mine come to [65] publick view, it would displease all Parties, but -that is the least; moreover it is so far out of my Road to set my -thoughts to consider a matter on every side, which in itself is so -abstruce, and every step I advance therein, if I miss truth (which -is a narrow and undivided line) I must tumble down headlong into the -Gulph of dangerous error; yet notwithstanding I have forced myself to -send these few lines, if so be I may clear to you a truth, you now -seem to be offended at, because of the ill consequences, which (you -think) lately have and again may be drawn from it, by the ill conduct -of some Men. I am not ignorant that the pious frauds of the Ancient, -and the inbred fire (I do not call it pride) of many of our Modern -Divines have precipitated them to propagate, and maintain truth as -well as falsehood, in such an unfair manner, as has given advantage -to the Enemy, to suspect the whole Doctrine, these Men have profest -to be nothing but a meer trick. But it is certain, that as no lover -of truth will justifie an Illegitimate Corollary, tho drawn from a -true Proposition; so neither will he reject a truth, because some or -many Men take unfair mediums to prove it, or draw false consequences -from it: The many Heresies among Christians, must not give a mortal -wound to the Essence of the Christian Religion; neither must any one -Christian Doctrine be exterminated, because Evil Men make use of it, -as a Cloak to cover their own self-ends; particularly, because some -men perhaps among all sorts of Christians, have under pretence of -Witchcraft coloured their own Malice, Pride and Popularity; we must -not therefore conclude (first) that there are no Witches (2.) or that -Witches cannot be Convicted by such clear and undeniable proof, as -the Law of God requires in the case of Death (3.) Or that a Witch so -Convicted ought not to be put to death. 1. That there are Witches is -manfest from the precept of _Moses_, _Thou shalt not suffer a Witch -to live_. Exod. xxii. 18. for it is certain God would not have given -a vain and unintelligible Law, as this must be of putting Witches to -death, if there are no Witches. But you object that this doth not -answer our Case, for we have formed another Idea of Witches than what -can be gathered from Scriptures; you quote four places, _viz. Deut._ -xiii. _Mat._ xxiv. _Acts_ xiii. 2. _Tim._ iii. from all which you -infer that Witchcraft is a maligning and oppugning the Word, Works and -Worship of God; and by an extraordinary sign, seeking to seduce any -from it, and this you readily grant. But then you say, What is this to -Witches now a days? who are said to have made an explicit Covenant with -the Devil, and to be impowered by him, to the doing of things strange -in themselves, and besides their natural course. This you say does not -follow, and herein indeed consists the whole Controversie. Therefore it -is necessary, that first of all we clear this point, laying aside those -prejudices we may have from the fatal application of this Doctrine, -[66] to some (who were in your judgment) really at least in Law, and -before Men Innocent. In a word, we are seeking after truth, and truth -shall and will be truth, in spite of Men and Devils. I do not repeat -this caution to forestall you, to believe the Doctrine of Witchcraft, -as it is above defined, without inquiring into the reason and truth -of it; only I desire you to enquire into it, as a thing doubtful. For -no Man can be certain of a Negative, unless either the Affirmative -imply a contradiction, or he can prove it by certain testimony, to -neither of which you pretend; only you alledge it cannot be proved by -Scripture, _i. e._ you cannot prove it, nor have seen it proved by any -other you have read on that Subject. I am not so vain as to think I can -do better than the learned Authors you have consulted with (though I -know not what they have done, for I had no other Book but the Bible, -to make use of on this occasion;) but because I am satisfied myself, I -am willing to communicate my Reasons, which I divide into Three heads. -1. The appearance of Angels. 2. The nature of Possession. 3 and the -scripture notion of Witchcraft. 1. Good Angels did appear to _Abraham_, -and did eat, _Gen._ xv. it seems he wash'd their Feet, it is certain -he saw and heard them, therefore there is no impossibility in Angels -being conversant with men. God is true, and whatever is contained in -Sacred Writ is true; if we poor shallow Mortals do not comprehend the -manner how, that argues only our weakness and ignorance in this dark -Prison of Flesh, wherein we are inclosed, during our abode in this -vale of misery, but doth not in the least infringe the verity of the -Scripture; it is sufficient that we undoubtedly know they have appeared -unto Men in bodily shape, and done their Errand they were sent on from -God. Now if good Angels have appeared, why may not bad? Surely the -Devils, because fallen and Evil, have not therefore lost the Nature -of Angels, neither is there any contradiction in their appearing in -a bodily shape, now after any more than before their Fall. But you -will say you must allow of the appearances of Good Angels, because of -the Scripture testimony; but not of bad, seeing there is no place of -Scripture that clearly proves it. _Mat._ 4. The words in the Gospel -do as plainly signifie the Devils outward appearance to our Saviour, -when he was tempted, as can be express'd, _and when the tempter came -to him he said_--_but he answered_--the same form St. _Luke_ useth to -signifie the appearance of _Moses_ and _Elias_, in the transfiguration, -_And behold there talked with him two men_: for what follows, ver. -31, _who appeared_ is used to signifie (not their appearance, but) -the manner of their appearance _in great Glory_. But you'l urge -that 'tis very easie to be understood, that _Moses_ and _Elias_ did -appear, because they had human bodies; but that it is unintelligible -to you, how the Devil being a Spirit can appear, a Spirit, _i. e._ a -substance void of all dimensions; therefore the words in [67] the -History must not be taken in a literal Sense. Do not mistake; tho some -Philosophers are of opinion (which whether true or false, is all one to -our present Argument) that a Spirits substance is extended, and hath -besides length, breadth and depth, a fourth dimension, _viz._ essential -spissitude; yet the same do not say, that pure substance is perceptible -by our bodily senses; on the contrary, they tell us, that Spirits are -cloathed with vehicles, _i. e._ they are united to certain portions -of matter, which they inform, move and actuate. Now this we must not -reject as impossible, because we cannot comprehend the formal reason, -how a Spirit acts upon matter: For who can give the Reason, that upon -the Volition of the human Soul, the Hand should be lifted up, or any -ways moved? for to say the Contraction of the Muscles is the Mechanick -cause of voluntary motion, is not to solve the Question which recurs, -why upon Volition should that Contraction ensue which causes that -motion? all that I know the wisest Man ever said upon this head, is, -that it is the will of the Creator; who hath ordered such a species of -thinking Creatures, by a Catholick Law to be united to such portions of -matter, so and so disposed, or, if you will in the vulgar Phrase, to -Organiz'd bodies, and that there should be between them and the several -bodies, they are united to, a mutual re-action and passion: Now you see -how little we know of the reason, of that which is most near to us, -and most certain, _viz._ The Souls informing the Body, yet you would -think it a bad Argument, if one should, as some have done, include -from this our Ignorance, that there was nothing in us but matter, it -is no otherways to deny a Spirits acting a Vehicle. The plainest and -most certain things when denied are hardest to be proved, therefore the -Axiom saith well, _contra principa, &c._ There are some certain truths -which are rather to be explained to young beginners than proved, upon -which yet all Science is built, as every whole is more than his part, -and of this sort I take these two following. 1. That there are two -substances, _Corpus & Mens_, Body and Spirit, altogether different, -for the Ideas we have of them are quite distinct. 2. That a Spirit can -Actuate, Animate, or inform a certain portion of matter, and be united -to it: from whence it is very evident, that the Devil united to a -portion of matter (which hereafter I'll call a Vehicle) may fall under -the cognizance of our Senses, and be conversant with us in a bodily -shape. Where then is the reason or need to run to a Metaphorical, and -forced Interpretation, when the words are so plain, and the literal -sense implieth no contradiction, nor any greater difficulty than (as -has been said) what ariseth from the Union of the Soul and Body, which -is most certain. Now after all to say, God _will not_ permit the Devil -so to appear, is to beg the question without saying any thing to -the preceeding Argument, and it is against the sense of almost all -mankind; [68] for in all Ages, and all places there have been many -Witnesses of the appearances of _Dæmons_, all of whom that taught any -thing contrary to the right Worship of the true God, were certainly -evil ones: and it were most presumptuous, barely to assert that all -these witnesses were always deceived, and it is impossible they could -all agree to deceive. 2. We come to consider the nature of Possession. -The Man possest, _Luk._ viii. 27. had a Power more than Natural, for -he break the bands, which he could not have done by his own strength: -Now from whom had he this Power? The Scripture saith, he had Devils -along time, and oftentimes it had caught him, _&c._ he was kept bound -with Chains and in Fetters, and he break the bands, and was driven of -the Devil into the Wilderness; this Power then was immediately from the -Devil, and whatsoever possessed persons does, or suffers things beyond -his natural power; he is inabled by the _Dæmon_ so to do: or to speak -more properly, it is the _Dæemon_ who acteth the same, as is plain from -St. _Mark's_ Relation of this passage, v. 5. 2. A Man with an unclean -Spirit, v. 3. 2. and no Man could bind him, no, not with Chains, 6. v. -but when he saw Jesus afar off he ran and worshiped him, and the same -He. v. 7. said I adjure thee by God that thou torment me not, and _v._ -10. My name is _Legion_, for we are many, _v._ 11. and he besought -him much, that he would not send _them_ away out of the Countrey: -it is manifest from hence, that it was not the poor Man who was -possest, but the Devils who possessed him, by whom the Chains had been -pluck'd asunder, and the Fetters broken in pieces; now here is Divine -testimony, that the Devils have actuated a Humane body to the doing -of things beyond the Natural strength of that Body, as it was simply -united to its humane Soul; how much more then can the Devil actuate any -other proportion of simple Matter, Earth, Air, Fire or Water; and make -it a fit organ for himself to act in. - -_But enough of this already, let us rather enquire how the Devil enters -into the body of the possestt, to move it at his pleasure; this I think -he cannot do as a meer Spirit, or by any never so strict Union with -the Humane Soul, for in that case he is only a tempter or seducer; -and nothing above humane strength can be done: But here there being -something performed (the bonds broken) by a force which could not -proceed from humane strength, it necessarily follows that the Devils -entered into the possest, otherways qualified than as a meer Spirit, he -did not enter without some portion of matter, to which he was united -by the Intermedium whereof he acted upon and actuated the humane body. -Again if it is said that the Devil entered as a meer Spirit, and -immediately aced upon and moved that body; it follows the Devil hath a -Vehicle, a certain portion of matter (that Body) to actuate and dispose -of at will; which is absurd._ 1. _Because it asserts what it seems to -deny, viz. the Devils having a Vehicle to act immediately upon, and to -be united to a portion of matter (as_ [69] _has been said before) is -the same thing._ 2. _It fights against the Catholick Law of the Union -of Soul and Body, by which the Omnipotent hath ordained the voluntary -motion of a humane body to depend upon the Will of its humane Soul, and -those that are not voluntary to proceed either from its own Mechanison, -or from material force, hence we may certainly conclude, that it is by -the Intervening of the Devils Vehicle, that he enters into the Body of -the possest. But what if you and I cannot agree about this Notion of -Possession, must we therefore reject the truth itself, and run to a far -fetched and intolerable sense of the words: No, our opinions do not -alter the Nature of things, it is certain there were persons possest, -and it is as certain that the Devil enteed into them, either with or -without a Vehicle, it is all one which part of the contradiction you -take, the consequence is the same, viz._ - -_That the Devil doth act immediately upon matter, there is another -acceptation of the word possession in Scripture, Acts_ xvi. 16, _where -one is said to be possest with a Spirit of Divination,_ (πνεῦμα -Πύθωνος) _the word commonly used to the Priestess of_ Apollo, _who gave -responses; and it seems this Damsel was such an one, for she brought -her Masters much Money, or gain by soothsaying. Now if the History of -them be true that they were demented, and knew not themselves what they -uttered,_ donec erant Deo plenæ, (_as they word it_) _their case is -not different, but the same with the foregoing; but if they understood -what they spoke, then had they familiar Spirits, whereof there is -frequent mention made in the Old Testament, and one good King is -commended for having cut off them that had such, therefore I think the -meaning of the word was very obvious in his time, neither was it ever -controverted, being joyned with any other name than spirit Familiar, -one of our own Family, that is oft, every day conversant with us, and -almost ever ready upon call to attend us. But the consideration of -them, who have familiar Spirits falleth under the head of Witchcraft, -which we are to consider in the third place. 3. Witchcraft, to inquire -into the Scripture Notion of it, and compare whether it be the same -with that above defined; the Cabalistick learning would be of great use -in this search, and afford us much light; there is little doubt but -that there are many great truths not commonly known._ (Non est Religio -ubi omnia patent.) _And our Saviour expressly cautions his Disciples -that they do not throw their Pearl before Swine; therefore it is no -wonder that some Doctrines, tho' unquestionably true are not so fully -described, because the Authors who treat of them are afraid, lest evil -Men should be the more depraved by being informed; but I am in no such -fear; nor can I give you any other thoughts but what are obvious to any -Man, from the plain sense of the Scripture. Our definition we'l divide -into two Propositions, and handle them severally._ 1. _Proposition. -The Witch is impower'd by the Devil to do things strange in themselves, -and beside their natural course._ 2. _Prop. The manner how the Witch is -impowered to do those strange things, is by Explicit Com[70]pact, or -Covenant with the Devil. For clearing of the first, we will consider -the four places above cited, wherein a Witch is called a false Prophet, -a false Christ, a Sorcerer, a resister of the truth, and is said to -shew signs to seduce the People to seek after other Gods: whence let -us note, 3 things._ 1. _That those terms Witch, false Christ, false -Prophet, and Sorcerer, are all Synonimous; i. e. signifie the same -thing._ 2. _That a Witch doth do things strange in themselves, and -beyond their Natural course: for it were most ridiculous, to alledge -that our blessed Saviour, when he said,_ there shall arise false -Christs, and shall shew great signs and wonders, in so much that (if it -were possible) they should deceive the very Elect _meant that cunning -cheats should arise and shew Legerdemain tricks; the words will in no -wise bear it, and I believe you are from interpreting them, so it is -manifest, they signifie not a feign'd, but a real doing of things, -beyond their Natural course; therefore the Sorceries of_ Elimas[92] -_and_ Simon _were not simple delusions, but real effects that could not -have been produced by Physical causes in the ordinary course of nature. -3. That the end of the Witches shewing these signs, is to seduce the -People to seek after other Gods, from which premises I infer, that -the Witches have the power of doing those wonders, or strange things -immediately from the Devil: they are without the reach of Nature, -and therefore above humane power, and no meer Man can effect them; -the Witch then who does them must have the power of doing them from -another; but who is the other? God will not give his testimony to a -lye, and to say God did at any time impower a Witch to work wonders to -gain belief to the Doctrine of Devils were with one breath to destroy -root and branch of all revealed Religion; no, it cannot be, it is only -God's permission, who proveth his People, whether they love him with -all their heart, and with all their Soul. Therefore the Witch has a -power of doing Wonders, or strange things immediately from the Devil._ -2. _Proposit. we'll subdivide into these two._ 1. _That there is an -express Covenant between the Witch and the Devil._ 2. _That 'tis not -reasonable to suppose this Covenant to be transacted mentally._ 1. -_The Devil cannot communicate this power, by never so strict a Union -with the Soul of the Witch; for in that case he is only a tempter, and -nothing above humane power can be done, as has been already proved; -therefore the Devil who improves the Witch to do things above humane -power, must either appear in an External shape, and instruct him how, -and upon what terms he will inable him to do those Wonders; or else he -must enter into the body of the Witch and possess it. The Demoniacs in -the Gospel are such whom the Devils invade, by main force, their Soul -having no further command of their bodies, which are subjected to the -Will of the Devils; whose end is to wound and torment those miserable -Creatures, to throw them into the fire, and into the water; but the -Witch, who likewise is possessed, is not treated in such an outrageous -manner; his_ Dæmon _is tame and familiar unto him, and suffers him for_ -[71] _a time to live quietly, without any further molestation, then -prompting him to do his utmost endeavour to withdraw Men from God; he -is not bereaved of his Senses as the poor lunatick, but is conscious of -all he does, and willeth all his crimes, he receiveth power from the -Devil to do wonders, and doth them to serve the Devils turn. Therefore -there must be a Covenant, an express Covenant between the Devil and -him, viz. that he shall obey the Devil and serve him, and that the -Devil shall both enable him so to do, and also reward him for so doing; -for if there is no contract between them, How comes the Witch to know -he has a supernatural power? or how can he so peremptorily pretend to -do that which is so much above his natural power, not knowing he has -a supernatural one inabling him to do the same: There can be no doubt -but there was a very intimate commerce between Satan and him; who is -call'd by_ St. Paul _thou child of the Devil (not as other unholy men) -but in an especial manner, as being the Enemy of all righteousness, who -would not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord, it is not to -be supposed that he enter'd into this so near a Relation with Satan, -with which he is stigmatized, that others may beware of him, without -his own knowledge and consent; and is not this a Covenant, an express -Covenant on his part to serve the Devil incessantly, and on the Devils -to impower him to act his Sorceries wherewith he bewitched the People; -now I think, I have from Scripture fully satisfied you of the truth of -what I offered, in a Discourse at---- but since you have told me an -Explicit Covenant with the Devil, signifying the Devil's appearing in a -bodily shape to the Witch, and their signing an express Covenant, which -you say cannot be proved from Scripture. It were most unreasonable to -imagine that the ceremonies of this hellish mystery are particularly -set down in the word of God; therefore we must gather by Analogy and -Reason the manner how this express Covenant is transacted: and to that -end I'le set down these following Considerations._ - -1. Under the Law God did ordain his People in all their matters to have -recourse immediately to himself, and depend upon him for Counsil, which -they were ready to obey, with full assurance of aid and protection from -him against their Enemies; this the Devil imitateth by setting up of -Oracles among the Heathen, to which all the Kings, Nations, and mighty -Conquerors, upon Earth did come, and paid their humblest adoration to -the God (as the Devil blasphemously call'd himself) of the Temple, -in which they were imploring his direction and assistance in their -doubtful and prosperous affairs. Again, God instituted Sacrifices to -put Men in mind of their duty to their Creator, to whom they owe all -things, even themselves; but the Devil is not contented with the bare -imitation hereof; the acknowledgment and worship he receiveth from the -deluded World is not enough, tho' they offer up unto him innumerable -Hecatombs, unless they cause their Children to pass through the [72] -fire unto him, to whom no sacrifice is so well pleasing as that of -humane blood. And there is no reason to think, that now under the -Œconomy of the Gospel, the Devil hath left off to vie with God, and -thereby to ensnare Men. No, it is rather to be feared that his Kingdom -doth now more prevail, for by how much the light is greater; so much -greater is their condemnation, who do not receive it: it is reasonable -to suppose that (seeing the Son of God, when he came to transact with -Men, the wonderful Covenant of their Redemption, took upon him their -Nature, and was perfect Man) the Devil likewise doth counterfeit the -same, in appearing in an humane shape to them, who receive him, and -confederate themselves with him, and become his Vassals. - -2. Consider, It is not probable that those false Apostles mention'd, -2 _Cor._ xi. 13. erred only in Ceremonies or Circumstances, or that -their Errors, tho' great, did proceed rather from their Ignorance, than -from the perverseness of their minds. 1 _Cor._ iii. 15. For, for such -we may have charity and hope, that God will be merciful unto them, if -they sincerely do the best they know, tho' they dissent in some, nay -many things, from the practices and belief of the Christian Church; -but those St. _Paul_ threatens with a heavy curse, that their end shall -be according to their works; therefore it seems they immediately struck -at the very root and being of the Christian Religion, and were the -same with them spoken of, 2 _Tim._ iii. 6. but with this difference, -that they did not resist, but beholding the Miracles and Signs which -were done by the true Apostle of our Lord, wondered and believed also, -and were Baptized; yet being Sorcerers they were unwilling to lose -that great esteem they had obtained; as it is related of _Simon_, who -had bewitched the People of _Samaria_, giving out that he himself was -some great one, to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the -greatest, saying, this Man is the great Power of God, therefore he -could not brook that _Peter_ or _John_ should have a greater Power than -himself; but offered them Money, that on whomsoever he laid hands, he -(that person) should receive the Holy Ghost; which shews him, who thus -designed to make Merchandize of the B. Spirit, tho' Baptized, to have -been no true believer, but still a Sorcerer in the Gall of bitterness, -and in the bond of Iniquity; such were those deceitful workers, who -not being able barefaced to resist, did put on Christianity as a Mask, -that they might undermine the truth, and introduce the Doctrines of -Devils. _Samaria_ and _Paphos_, were not the only two places where -the Devil had such Agents, there was no part of the Earth where his -Kingdom was not Established, and where he had not his Emissaries before -the preaching of the Gospel; and since the Text telleth us he hath his -Ministers, who do imitate their Master, by being transformed into the -Apostles of Christ, as he himself is transformed into an [73] Angel -of light: whose design in being thus transformed, cannot be to impose -upon the Almighty; for whatever shape he appears in, he cannot hide his -ugliness from the Eyes of him who is Omniscent, therefore he appeareth -thus in the shape of an Angel of light, either to tempt and seduce the -blessed Spirits to rebel against God, or to ensnare wicked Men, who by -their hainous crimes (being lovers of themselves, covetous, boasters, -proud blasphemers) were before disposed to be fit Instruments to serve -him and to enter into league with him. Surely I, who am ignorant of the -Laws by which the Intellectual World is govern'd, dare not affirm that -it is impossible for Satan so to appear, as to hide his deformities -from the good Angels, and under that vail to tempt them: But certain -I am that it is more consonant to Reason, to think that the Apostles -intention here was to teach that the Devil appear'd as a glorified -Angel unto Men to gain Ministers, whom he might imbue with the Poyson -of his Black-Art, and (when he had gotten full possession of them) -instruct them by his own Example to transform themselves into the -Apostles of Christ, that under that Vizard they might with the greater -Advantage promote his ends, and join with him in doing the utmost -despite to the Spirit of Grace. - -3. Consideration, It is against the Nature of this Covenant, that it -should be consummated by a mental Colloquy, between the Devil and the -Witch. I know not how many Articles it consists of, but it is certain -from what has been already proved, that the renouncing of Christ to be -the Son of God, and owning the Devil to be, and worshipping him as God, -are the two chief, to which our Saviour who was accused of casting out -Devils by Beelzebub (_i. e._) of being confederated with Beelzebub, -was tempted to consent: _If thou be the Son of God command that these -stones be made bread_: And again, _throw thyself down from hence, for -it is written, he will give his Angels charge over thee; and again all -these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me_: -Whence it is evident that here the Devil Laboured to insinuate into -our Lord, either to do things rash and unwarrantable, or to suspect -his Sonship, revolt from God his father, and worship Satan, that he -might obtain the glory of the World. Now it has been already said, that -when Jesus was tempted, the Devil appeared unto him in a bodily shape; -therefore it is agreeable to Reason, that he doth appear in the same -manner to all them, whom he also tempteth to worship him; moreover the -form of renouncing a Covenant ought to bear resemblance to the form of -entring into the same Covenant; therefore Men who are received into the -Mystical Body of Christ by God's Minister, who in God's stead expressly -covenanteth with and then Administereth the Sacrament of Baptism unto -them, must in the like manner go out of, or renounce the said Covenant; -and of them there are [74] two sorts, one who through the perverseness -of their own hearts, the lucre of the world, the fear of Men more -than of God, abjure their Saviour, turn Apostates, Turks, or Pagans; -The other sort is of them who do contract with the Devil to be his -Subjects, in the imitation of whom, it is not to be supposed that the -Devil will omit any material Circumstances, which tend both to bring -them into and confirm them in his Service. To effect which his outward -appearance, when he receives his Catechumens is of greater force than -any mental contract, for many wicked men who have denied God and Christ -not only in their practice, but also blasphemously in profession, yet -have repented, and at last obtained some hope of mercy; I dare not say -it is impossible for a Witch to repent and find mercy, the secrets of -the Almighty are too high for me; but it is certain, these wretches -are strangely hardned, by what passes between them and the Devil, in -a bodily shape, particularly their worshipping him, which necessarily -implies his outward appearance unto them; for no man can apete Evil as -Evil, because the Law of self-preservation deeply rooted in all men, -determineth their wills to pursue that which seems good, and fly from -that which seems evil unto them, but the inbred notions that every man -has of the Devil, is that he is an Enemy and destroyer of mankind, -therefore every man hath a Natural aversion from him, and consequently -cannot formally worship him as such, because the object of worship -must be esteemed to be propitious and placable by the worshippers, -otherwise if fear alone be the adequate cause of Adoration, it follows -that the Devils and damned in Hell do worship God, which is contrary -to Scripture, which saith they blasphemed, because of their pains, -whence it follows that they who worship the Devil must have changed -the innate Idea that they had of him, _viz._ that he is an implacable -Worrier of Men, and take him to be benign at least to his own; but -this change cannot be wrought by any suggestion of Satan unto the -minds of Men, whom indeed he mentally tempteth to Lust, Pride and -Malice; but it is his greatest Artifice to cause his Insinuations to -arise in the hearts of Men, as their own natural thoughts, and if -conscience discovers their Author and opposes them, then he varnishes -them over with the specious colours of pleasure, honour and glory; and -so represents them as really good, to be willed and desired by the -Soul, which judgeth of all things without according to the Ideas she -hath of them; but because most objects have two, and some many faces, -and she not always attends, therefore she often errs in her choice, -nevertheless it is impossible for her to apete an object, whose simple -Idea is Evil; but the Idea we have of the Devil is such, for we cannot -represent him in our minds any otherwise than the great destroyer of -Men, therefore no mental temptation can make us believe this our grand -Enemy to be [75] ever Exorable by, or in any measure favourable to us, -whence it evidently follows, that the Devil to work this change of -opinion his worshippers have of him, must appear unto them in a bodily -shape, and impose upon them, whom because of their great Corruption and -Sinfulness, God hath wholly left and given up [to] strong delusions -that they should believe a lye, and the Father of lyes; who now -appearing in a humane shape, telleth them that he is no such Monster, -as he has been represented to them by his Enemy, who calls himself God, -which Title of right belongs to him, and that he (if they contract to -be his Servants) will both amply reward them by giving them power to -do many things very suitable to their abominable depraved Nature, that -the Christians, whatever opinion they may pretend to have of their -God, cannot so much as pretend to, and also that he will protect and -defend them against him, whom heretofore they have mistaken for the -Almighty, and his pretended Son Christ, whom they must abjure ere they -can be received by or expect any benefit from him. Upon no other -consideration is it possible for any man to worship the Devil; for the -Atheists, who deny the being of a God, do likewise deny the existence -of any Spirit good or bad; therefore their drinking the Devils health, -even upon their knees (tho' a most horrid Crime) cannot be construed -any part of worship paid to him, whom they assert to be a Chimera, a -meer figment of Statesmen to keep the vulgar in awe. Now I have evinced -to you that there are Witches, that the Witch receiveth power from the -Devil to do strange things, that there is an express Covenant between -the Devil and the Witch, that this Covenant cannot be transacted -mentally, but that the Devil must appear in a bodily shape to the -Witch; therefore I conclude, that a Witch in the Scripture is such, who -has made an Explicit Covenant with the Devil, and is impowered by him -to do things strange in themselves, and beside their natural course. - -2. I perswade myself you do not expect from me any Essay concerning -the methods, how Witches may or ought to be convinced; I wish that -those Gentlemen, whose Eminent station both inables them to perform -it, and likewise makes it their duty so to do, may take this Province -upon them, and handle it so fully as to satisfie you herein. I once -intended to have provided some materials for this Work, by defining -four principal things relating to Witchcraft, viz. 1. Witch-fits. 2. -The Imps that are said to attend on the Witch. 3. The transportation -of the Witch through the Air. 4. Lastly, the invisibility of the Witch; -but upon second thoughts that it was foreign from my purpose, who am -not concerned to compose a just Treatise of Witchcraft, which would -require more vacant time, than my present Circumstances will allow, -only I did promise you to give you my Opinion privately; therefore I'le -[76] venture to make use of an Argument, which sheweth neither Art nor -Learning in the Author, and it is this, that seeing there are Witches, -and that the Law of God doth command them to be put to death; therefore -there must be means to convict them, by clear and certain Proof, -otherwise the Law were in vain; for no Man can be justly condemned, who -is not fairly convicted by full and certain Evidence. - -III. In the last place we are to inquire whether a Witch ought to be -put to death or no? you Answer in the _Negative_; because you say that -that Law, thou shalt not suffer a Witch to live, is _Judicial_, and -extendeth only to the People of the _Jews_; but our Saviour, or his -Apostles have not delivered any where any such command, therefore they -ought to be suffered to live, this indeed seems somewhat plausible at -first view, but upon through Examination hath no weight in it at all -for these Reasons, 1. All Penal Laws receive their Sanction from him -or them, who have the Sovereign Power in any state, as thou shalt not -commit Adultery, is a Moral-law, and obligatory over the Consciences of -Men in all places and Ages; but the Adulterers shall be put to death is -a judicial law, and in force only in that state, where it is enacted -by the Sovereign. 2. The Government of the _Jews_ was a Theocracy, and -God himself did condescend to be their King, not only as he is King of -Kings; for in that sense he is, always was, and ever will be supreme -Lord, and Governour of all his Creatures; but in an especial manner to -give them Laws for the Government of their State, and to protect them -against their Enemies; in one word to be immediately their Sovereign. -3. Our Saviour's Kingdom was not of this World, he was no Judge to -divide so much as an Inheritance between two Brethren; nay, he himself -submitted patiently to the unjust Sentence of the Governour of the -Country in which he lived; therefore both the rewards and punishments -annexed to his Laws are Spiritual, and then shall have their full -accomplishment, when the Son of Man at the last day shall pronounce, -_Come unto me ye blessed, and depart ye cursed into Everlasting fire_. -4. That Soveraigns, who have received the Gospel of our Lord, have -not therefore lost their Power of enacting Laws for the ruling and -preserving their People, and punishing Malefactors even with Death; so -that the Criminal is as justly condemned to die by our Municipal, as he -was heretofore by the Judicial Law among the Jews: How much more then -ought our Law to advert against the highest of all Criminals, those -execrable Men and Women, who tho yet alive, have listed themselves -under Satan's banner, and explicitly Sworn Allegiance to him, to fight -against God and Christ; indeed all unholy Men afford great matter -to the Devils of Blaspheming, but these wretches have confederated -themselves with the Devils, to blaspheme and destroy all they can; -and do you think that these common [77] Enemies of God and Mankind -ought to be suffered to live in a Christian Common wealth, especially -considering that we have a President of putting them to death from -God himself, when he acted as King over his own peculiar People. But -methinks I hear you saying, all this doth not satisfie me, for I am -sure nothing can be added to the Devils malice, and if he could, -he certainly would appear and frighten all Men out of their wits. -I answer, 1. We must not reject a truth, because we cannot resolve -all the Questions that may be proposed about it; otherwise all our -Science must be turned into Scepticism, for we have not a comprehensive -knowledge of any one thing. 2. When you say, that if the Devil could, -he would appear and frighten all Men; the Lawful consequence is not -that he cannot appear at all, for we have undoubtedly proved the -contrary; but that we are Ignorant of the bounds that the Almighty -hath set to him, whose malice indeed, if he were not restrain'd, is so -great as to destroy all Men; but the goodness of our God is greater, -who hath given us means to escape his fury, if we will give earnest -heed to the Gospel of our Saviour, which only is able to comfort us -against the sad and miserable condition of our present state, for not -only the Devils, but likewise all do conspire against us to work our -ruine. The deluge came and swept away all the race (save eight persons) -of mankind: the Fire will in time devour what the Water has left, and -all this cometh to pass because of Sin; but we who have received the -Lord Jesus, look for new Heavens, and a new Earth, wherein dwelleth -Righteousness. Therefore he, if we purifie ourselves as he is pure, -will save us (for when he appears we shall be made like unto him; to -whom be Glory for ever, _Amen_) from the great destruction that must -come upon all the World, and the Inhabitants thereof. Farewell. - -_March,_ 8_th_ 169¾. - - - Boston, _March_ 20, 1693. - -_Worthy Sir_, - -_THE great pains you have taken for my Information and Satisfaction in -those controverted points relating to Witchcraft, whether it attain -the end or not, cannot require less than suitable acknowledgments and -gratitude, especially considering you had no particular obligation -of office to it, and when others, whose proper Province it was had -declined it. It is a great truth, [that the many Heresies among -the Christians (nor the lying Miracles, or Witchcrafts used by some -to induce to the worship of Images, &c.) must not give a Mortal -wound to Christianity or Truth;] but the great question in these -con[78]troverted points still is, what is truth. And in this search -being agreed in the Judge or Rule, there is great hopes of the -Issue. That there are Witches is plain from that Rule of Truth, the -Scriptures, which commands their punishment by Death. But what that -Witchcraft is, or wherein it does consist is the whole difficulty. -That head cited from Mr._ Gaule,[93] _and so well proved thereby (not -denied by any) makes the work yet shorter; so that it is agreed to -consist in a Malignity, &c. and seeking by a sign to seduce, &c. not -excluding any other sorts or branches, when as well proved by that -infallible Rule. That good Angels have appeared, is certain, tho that -instance of those to_ Abraham _may admit of a various construction; -some Divines supposing them to be the Trinity, others that they were -Men-messengers, as_ Judges ii. 1. _and others that they were Angels; -but tho this as I said might admit of a debate, yet I see no question -of the Angel Gabriel's appearance, particularly to the B. Virgin; for -tho the Angels are Spirits, and so not perceptible by our bodily Eyes -without the appointment of the most high, yet he who made all things by -his word in the Creation, can with a word speak things into Being. And -whether the Angels did assume matter (or a Vehicle) and by that appear -to the bodily Eye; or whether by the same word there were an Idea -fram'd in the mind, which needed no Vehicle to represent them to the -Intellects, is with the All-wise, and not for me to dispute. If we poor -shallow Mortals do not comprehend the manner how, that argues only our -weakness. Two other times did this glorious Angel appear._ Dan. viii. -16. Dan. ix. 21. _The first of these times was in Vision, as by the -text and context will appear. The second was the same as at the first; -which being considered, as it will ascertain that Angels have appear'd; -so that 'tis at the will of the Sender how they shall appear, whether -to the bodily Eye, or Intellect only._ Mat. i. 20. _The appearance of -the Angel to Joseph was in a Dream, and yet a real appearance; so was -there a real appearance to the Apostle, but whether in the body or out -of the body he could not tell; and that they are sent and come not -of their own motion._ Luke i. 26. _And in the sixth Month the Angel -Gabriel was sent from God._ Dan. ix. 23. _At the beginning of thy -supplication the commandment came forth, and I am come,_ v. 21. _Being -caused to fly swiftly, &c. but from these places may be set down as -undoubted truths or conclusions,_ - -1. _That the glorious Angels have their Mission and Commission from the -most high._ - -2. _That without this they cannot appear to mankind. And from these two -will necessarily flow a third._ - -3. _That if the glorious Angels have not that power to go till -commissioned, or to appear to Mortals, then not the fallen Angels; -who are held in Chains of darkness, to the Judgment of the great day. -Therefore to argue, that because the good Angels have appeared, the -evil may or can, is to me as if--_ [79] _because the dead have been -raised to life by Holy Prophets, therefore Men, wicked Men can raise -the dead. As the sufferings, so the temptations of our Saviour were -(in degree) beyond those common to Man; he being the second Adam, or -publick head, the strongest assaults were now improved; and we read -that he was tempted, that he might be able to succour those that are -tempted, as also that he was led of the Spirit into the Wilderness, -that he might be tempted, &c. But how the tempter appeared to him who -was God Omniscient; whether to the bodily Eye or to the Intellect, is -as far beyond my cognizance as for a blind Man to judge of Colours. But -from the whole set down this fourth conclusion_, - -4. _That when the Almighty free Agent has a work to bring about for -his own glory, or Man's good; he can Imploy not only Blessed Angels, -but the evil ones in it, as 2 Cor. xii. 7._ And lest I should be -exalted above measure, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the -Messenger of Satan to buffet me. 1. Sam. 10. xiv, xv, xxiii. _An evil -Spirit from the Lord troubled him. It is a great truth, we understand -little, very little, and that in common things, how much less then in -spirituals, such as are above humane cognizance. But tho' upon the -strictest Scrutiny in some natural things, we can only discover our -own Ignorance, yet we must not hence deny what we do know, or suffer a -Rape to be committed upon our Reason and Senses in the Dark; and say -that the Devil by his ordinary Power can act a Vehicle (i. e.) some -matter distinct from himself, who is wholly a Spirit, and yet this -matter not to be felt nor heard, and at the same time to be seen; or -may be felt, and not heard nor seen, &c. seems to me to be a Chimera, -invented at first to puzzle the belief of reasonable Creatures, and -since Calculated to a Roman Latitude, to uphold the Doctrine of -Transubstantiation; who teach, that under the Accidents of Bread, is -contained the Body of our Saviour, his humane Body, as long, and as -broad, &c. for here the Power of the Almighty must not be confined to -be less than the Devil's, and 'tis he that has said,_ hoc est meum -Corpus. _As to the consent of almost all Ages, I meddle not now with -it, but come to the fifth Conclusion._ - -5. _That when the Divine Being will imploy the Agency of Evil Spirits -for any service, 'tis with him the manner how they shall exhibit -themselves, whether to the bodily Eye, or Intellect only; and whether -it shall be more or less formidable--To deny these three last were to -make the Devil an Independent Power and consequently a God. As to the -nature of possessions by Evil Spirits, for the better understanding -of it, it may be needful to compare it with its contraries; and to -instance in_ Samson, _of whom it was foretold, that he should begin to -deliver_ Israel, and how was he inabled to this work? Judges xiii. 25. -_The Spirit of the Lord began to move him at times in the Camp, &c. -ch._ xv. 13, 14. v. and they bound him with two new cords, and brought -him up from the rock, and when they came to Lehi, [80] the Philistines -shouted against him, and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, -and the cords that were upon his Arms became as Flax, that was burnt -with fire, and his bands loosed from his hands, _&c. I might instance -further, but this may suffice to show that he had more than a natural -strength, as also whence his strength was, viz. he was impowered by the -Spirit from God. And now will any say, that it was not Samson, but the -Spirit that did these things, or that there being things done, bonds -broken, &c. by a force that could not proceed from human strength, and -that therefore the Spirit entered into him otherwise qualified than as -meer Spirit; or that the Spirit entered not without some Portion of -Matter, and by the Intermediation thereof acted_ Samson's _body. If any -say this and more too, this doth not alter the truth, which remains, -viz. that the Spirit of God did inable_ Samson _to the doing of things -beyond his Natural strength. And now what remains but upon parity of -Reason, to apply this to the case of Possession, which may be summ'd up -in this sixth Conclusion._ - -6. _That God for wise ends, only known to himself, may and has -impowered Devils to Possess and strangely to act humane Bodies, even -to the doing of things beyond the Natural strength of that body. And -for any to tell of a Vehicle, or matter used in it, I must observe -that General Rule_, Colos. ii. 8. Beware lest any spoil you through -Philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of Men, after the -Rudiments of the World, and not after Christ. _To come next to that -of Witchcraft, and here taking that cited head of Mr._ Gaul, _to be -uncontroverted, set it as a seventh Conclusion_. - -7. _That Witchcraft consists in a maligning and oppugning the Word, -Work and Worship of God, and seeking by any extraordinary sign to -seduce any from it. Deut._ xiii. 12. _Matt._ xxiv. 24. _Acts_ xiii. 8. -10. 2 _Tim._ iii. 8. _Do but mark well the places, and for this very -property of thus opposing and perverting, they are all there concluded -arrant and absolute Witches; and it will be easily granted, that the -same that is call'd Witch, is call'd a false Christ, a false Prophet, -and a Sorcerer, and that the terms are Synonimous; and that what the -Witches aim at is, to seduce the People to seek after other Gods. -But here the Question will be, whether the Witch do really do things -strange in themselves, and beyond their natural course, and all this by -a Power immediately from the Devil. In this inquiry, as we have nothing -to do with unwritten verities, so but little with Cabalistick Learning, -which might perhaps but lead us more astray, as in the Instance of -their charging our Saviour with casting out Devils by Beelzebub, his -Answer is, if Satan be divided against himself, his Kingdom hath an -end: But seeing all are agreed, set this eighth Conclusion._ - -8. _That God will not give his testimony to a lye. To say that God -did at any time impower a Witch to work Wonders, to gain belief to the -Doctrine of Devils, were with one breath to destroy root and branch -of all revealed Re[81]ligion. And hence 'tis clear the Witch has no -such wonder-working power from God; and must we then conclude she has -such a Miraculous Power from the Devil; if so, then it follows that -either God gives the Devil leave to impower the Witch to make use of -this Seal, in order to deceive, or else that the Devil has this Power -independent of himself;[94] to assert the first of these were in effect -to say, that tho God will not give his testimony to a lye, yet that he -may impower the Devil to set to God's own Seal, in order to deceive; -and what were this but to overthrow all revealed Religion. The last -if asserted must be to own the Devil to be an unconquered Enemy, and -consequently a Sovereign Deity, and deserving much thanks, that he -exerts his Power no more. Therefore in this Dilemma it is Wisdom for -shallow Mortals to have recourse to their only guide, and impartially -to inquire, whether the Witches really have such a Miraculous or -Wonder-working Power? And 'tis remarkable that the Apostle,_ Gal. v. -20. _reckons up Witchcraft among the Works of the flesh, which were it -indeed a Wonder-working Power, received immediately from the Devil, -and wholly beyond the Power of Nature; it were very improper to place -it with Drunkennness, Murthers, Adulteries, &c. all manifest fleshly -works. 'Tis also remarkable, that Witchcraft is generally in Scripture -joined with spiritual Whordom, i. e. Idolatry. This thence will plainly -appear to be the same, only pretending to a sign, in order to deceive, -seems to be yet a further degree, and in this sense_ Manassah _and_ -Jezebel, 2 _Chron._ xxxiii. 6. 2 _Kings_ ix. 22. used Witchcraft and -Whoredoms, Nahum_ iii. 4. _The Idolatrous City is called Mistress of -Witchcrafts. But to instance in one place instead of many, that_ 2 -_Thes._ ii. _from the_ 3 _to the_ 12 v. _particularly_ 9 _and_ 10 v. -Even him whose coming is after the working of Satan, with all power and -signs, and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness. And for this -cause God shall send them strong delusions that they should believe a -lye, that they all might be damned, who believe not the truth, _&c. -This, that then was spoken in the Prophesie of that man of Sin, that -was to appear, how abundantly does History testifie the fulfilment -of it; particularly to seduce to the Worship of Images: Have not the -Images been made to move? to smile, &c. too tedious were it to mention -the hundredth part of what undoubted History doth abundantly testifie. -And hence do set down this nineth Conclusion._ - -9. _That the Man of Sin, or Seducer, &c. makes use of lying wonders -to the end to deceive, and that God in Righteous Judgment_, may send -strong delusions that they should believe a lye, that they might be -damn'd, who believe not the truth, _&c._ - -_'Tis certain that the Devil is a proud Being, and would be thought to -have a Power equal to the Almighty; and it cannot but be very grateful -to him to see Mortals charging one another of doing such works by the -Devil's Power, as in truth is the proper prerogative of the Almighty, -Omnipotent Being. The [82] next head should have been about an Explicit -Covenant, between the Witch and the Devil, &c. But in this, the whole -of it, I cannot perswade myself but you must be sensible of an apparent -leaning to Education (or tradition) the Scriptures being wholly silent -in it; and supposing this to fall in as a dependent on what went -before shall say the less to it; for if the Devil has no such Power -to communicate, upon such compact, then the whole is a fiction; tho I -cannot but acknowledge you have said so much to uphold that Doctrine, -that I know not how any could have done more; however, as I said, I -find not myself ingaged (unless Scripture proof were offered) to meddle -with it. For as you have in such cases your Reason for your guide, so -I must be allowed to use that little that I have, do only say that as -God is a Spirit, so he must be worship'd in spirit and truth. So also -that the Devil is a Spirit, and that his rule is in the hearts of the -Children of Disobedience, and that an Explicit Covenant of one Nature -or another can have little force, any further than as the heart is -engaged in it. And so I pass to the last, viz. Whether a Witch ought -to be put to death. And without accumulation of the offence do Judge, -that where the Law of any Countrey is to punish by death such as seduce -and tempt to the worship of strange Gods (or idols, or Statues) by as -good Authority may they (no doubt) punish these as Capital Offenders, -who are distinguished by that one remove, viz. to their seducing is -added a sign, i. e. they pretend to a sign in order to seduce. And thus -worthy Sir, I have freely given you my thoughts upon yours, which you -so much obliged me with the sight of and upon the whole, tho I cannot -in the general but commend your Caution in not asserting many things -contended for by others; yet must say, that in my esteem there is -retain'd so much as will secure all the rest; (to instance) if a Spirit -has a Vehicle, i. e. some portion of matter which it acts, &c. hence as -necessarily may be inferred that Doctrine of_ Incubus _and_ Succubus, -_and why not also that of Procreation by Spirits both good and bad? -Thus was_ Alexander _the_ Great, _the_ Brittish Merlin,[95] _and_ -Martin Luther, _and many others said to be begotten. Again if the Witch -has such a Wonder-working Power, why not to afflict? will not the Devil -thus far gratifie her? And have none this Miraculous Power, but the -Covenanting Witch? then the offence lyes in the Covenant, then 'tis -not only hard, but Impossible to find a Witch by such Evidence as the -Law of God requires; for it will not be supposed that they call Witness -to this Covenant; therefore it will here be necessary to admit of such -as the nature of such Covenant will bear (as Mr._ Gaul _hath it in his -5th head, i. e.) the testimony of the afflicted, with their Spectral -sight, to tell who afflicts themselves or others; the experiment of -saying the Lords Prayer, falling at the sight, and rising at the touch, -searching for Tets (i. e. Excrescencies of Nature) strange and foreign -stories of the Death of some Cattle, or over-setting some Cart; and -what can Juries have better to guide them to find out this Covenant by._ - -[83] _'Tis matter of lamentation, and let it be for a lamentation, -to consider how these things have open'd the Floodgates of Malice, -Revenge, Uncharitableness, and Bloodshed, what Multitudes have been -swept away by this Torrent._ - -_In_ Germany, _Countries depopulated; In_ Scotland _no less than 4000 -have said to have suffered by Fire and Halter at one heat._[96] - -_Thus we may say with the Prophet_, Isa. lix. 10. We grope for the -Wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no Eyes: we stumble -at Noon-day as in the Night, we are in desolate places as dead Men: -_and this by seeking to be wise above what is written, in framing to -ourselves such crimes and such Ordels (or ways of Tryal) as are wholly -foreign from the direction of our only guide, which should be a light -to our feet, and a Lanthorn to our paths; but instead of this, if we -have not followed the direction we have followed the Example of_ Pagan -_and Papal_ Rome, _thereby rendering us contemptable, and base before -all People, according as we have not kept his ways, but have been -partial in his Law._ - -And now that we may in all our sentiments and ways, have regard to his -testimonies, and give to the Almighty the glory due to his Name, is the -earnest desire and Prayer of, Sir, - - Yours to Command, R. C. - - - _A second Letter of a Gentleman,[97] endeavouring to prove the - received Opinions about Witchcraft._ - -SIR, - -SINCE your design of giving Copies of our Papers (if not to the publick -at least) out of your hands, I find myself obliged to make a Reply -to your Answer, lest silence should be construed an Assent to the -positions whereby (I think) truth would be scandaliz'd. I remember -that some have taught that it is not certain there is any such thing -really in being as matter; because the Ideas which we have of our own, -and all other bodies, may be caused to arise in us by God, without -the real existence of the objects they represent. But this opinion is -not only absurd and false, but likewise Atheistical, destroying the -veracity of the Almighty, whom it asserts to have determined us by a -fatal necessity to believe things to be, which are not; and I wonder -that you should allude unto it, because that Angels have appeared in a -Dream, in a vision; for we dream also of Trees, Birds, &c. are there -therefore no such things in nature, because we sometimes Dream to -see and hear them, when we are asleep? St. _Paul_ in his Vision was -so far from believing the Objects that were represented to him, to -come by the intermedium of his Senses, that he declares, he [84] does -not know whether he was in the body, or out of the body; therefore -the Instance is in no wise proper. For _Abraham_ and the B. Virgin -did see and hear; and if there were not such things really, as were -represented to them by their Senses, they were deluded, by being made -to believe they saw and heard what was not. There is none who denieth -God causing thoughts to arise in Mens minds: but thence to infer he -maketh Objects which are not, by forming their Ideas in our minds, to -appear to us through the Ministry of our Senses as though they were, is -a piece not only of vain, but very dangerous Philosophy. It is true, -the good Angels will not appear without the appointment of God, they -will not do any one Action, but according to the laws he has prescribed -to them. But you say they cannot (which does not follow from your -premises) supposing their not appearing to proceed from the defect of -their power, and not the rectitude of their will, which fallacy has -deceived you into a third Conclusion. For the fallen Angels are not so -held under Chains of darkness; but that they can and do go to [and] -fro on the earth seeking whom they may devour. Before their fall they -could have appeared if sent, and would not then do any thing without a -Divine Command But now they have rebell'd against God, and do all they -can to despise him, therefore their not appearing now (if it were true -they never did, they never shall appear) must proceed from a restraint -they are under, which is accidental, not Essential to their nature; so -that the true Conclusion is, the fallen Angels, while they are under -forcible restraint from God to the contrary cannot appear. But what -this (being cleared from the Ambiguity you express it in) maketh to the -purpose I know not, unless God had promised for a determinate time to -detain them under this restraint. I do not understand what you intend -by the dead being raised by Holy Men; the most natural inference is, -that in imitation of them wicked men by their Inchantments calling on -a _Dæmon_ to appear in the shape of the dead, will pretend that they -also can raise the dead. The _Romanists_ are much obliged to you for -making Transubstantiation (so much contended for by them) to be of as -old a date as the appearance of Devils, and that the one implieth no -more contradiction than the other: If so we do well to think seriously -whether we are not guilty of great sin in separating from them; for -certainly whatever private Mens Notions in this Age may be, yet it is -matter of great moment, that all Antiquity (the _Saducees_ the Elder -Brethren of our Hobbists[98] excepted) hath believed the appearance -of Evil Spirits and their Illusions. I should be too officious if -I offered to explain, how matter, real matter may fall under the -cognisance of one of our senses, and not the rest. It is for you to -shew the impossibility thereof, if you will build any thing upon your -Assertion, to prove which your first Argument is (it seems to me) a -Chimera, which [85] is not enough, when there are many to whom it seems -to be a truth: Your second is very dangerous, and highly derogatory of -the honour of God, between whom and the Devil you make comparison more -than once as the power of the Almighty must not be confined to be less -than the Devils. And again, to deny these three last were to make the -Devil an Independent Power and consequently a God. These expressions -(which cannot but be very pleasing to the Devil, who vainly boasts -himself to be a Being without dependance) are altogether groundless, -and very unmeet to proceed from a Christian: Consider what you are -a doing, to establish a Doctrine (the contrary whereof the greatest -part of mankind does believe) you run upon such precipices, as if you -are mistaken, and that is not impossible, must totally destroy all -Religion, Natural and Revealed; for suppose it were generally believed -according to you, that the Devil cannot appear, because if he could he -must be a God, independent, an unconquer'd enemy, and he doth appear -to us as we hear he hath to multitudes, both of the past and present -ages: In such a case what remains for us to do; but to fall down and -worship him. Upon the head of possession, you have recourse to that -instance of _Samson_, who was impowered by God, to the doing of things -beyond the Natural strength of common Men, and thence you say, we may -least learn the Nature of Possession by evil Spirits, this comparison -is indeed very odious, and I had rather think you have fallen into it -unawares; for what greater Blasphemy than that God and the Devil do act -the bodies, which the one and the other do possess in the same manner; -if the hypothesis I laid down had not pleased you, yet you ought not -(for fear of being deceiv'd by vain Philosophy, to have run so horrible -an extream, as to assimulate God's manner of working to the Devils, -which necessarily implies, that either their Powers are equal, or at -least that they do not differ in kind but in degree only; than which -nothing can be more impious or absurd; for the most possibly perfect -Creature, is infinitely distant from the Creator, and there can be no -Comparison between them. On the head of Witchcraft, you acknowledge the -Witch has not his Wonder-working Power from God; but then you say, the -Devil has no such power to give; for if he had, he must be----This way -of reasoning as I noted before, is very dangerous, and I think ought -not to be used; besides there is a great fallacy in your Dilemma; which -because I perceive, you lay the whole weight of the matter upon it, I -will evince unto you. The Devil tho superlatively Arrogant and Proud, -nevertheless depends on the first cause for his being, and all his -Powers, without whose Influx he or any other Creature cannot subsist -a moment, but must either return to their primitive Nothing, or be -continually preserved by the same Power, by the which they were at -first produced; therefore the [86] Beings and Powers of all Creatures -(because they immediately flow from God) are good, and consequently the -simple Actions, as they proceed from those Powers, are in their own -nature likewise good, the Evil proceeding only from the Rebellious will -of the Creature, wherefore 'tis no Paradox, but a certain truth, that -the same action in respect to the first cause is good, but in respect -of the second is Evil; for instance, the act of Copulation is in itself -good, instituted by God, and may be willed and desired by the Soul, -which sinneth not for exerting the simple act; but for exerting it -contrary to the Laws prescribe'd by God: as in Wedlock and Adultery -there is the same special natural Action, which consider'd simply, -as flowing from a Power given to Man by God is certainly good; but -considered with relation to the rebellious will of the Adulterer (who -lieth with his Neighbours Wife, whom he is forbad to touch) is a very -great Evil. We may say the same of all humane Actions, the Executioner -and the Murtherer do the same natural Act of striking and killing: The -difference consists in the rectitude of the ones and depravation of -the others will. These things premised, what more reason have we to -conclude that the Devil (because he shews signs and wonders to gain -belief to lyes, which is very contrary to the will of God) must be -therefore an Independent Power; than that the Adulterer, the Murtherer, -or any other sinner (because their Actions being Evil, of which God -cannot be the cause) must be Independent beings: The deceit of the last -is very palpable, and I doubt not you will readily acknowledge it, -for it is obvious from what has been said to the meanest Capacity, to -distinguish between the Action itself, which is good, and flows from -God, and the Circumstances of the Action, the choice whereof proceeds -from the Iniquity of the Will, wherein doth solely consist the Sin; the -parallel is so exact, that I cannot see the least shadow of reason, -why we ought not in like manner to distinguish whatever effect is -produced by the Devil; to whom (as to Man) God having given Powers, and -a Will to Rule them Powers, is truly and properly the cause of all the -Actions (in a Natural, but not Moral Sense) that flow from the Powers -he has given. Therefore the Wonder-working Power of the Devil, and the -effects thereof, considered as Acts of one of God's Creatures, are not -Evil but Good; the using that Power (which proceeds from the Rebellion -of Satan) to bear testimony to a lye, is that one, which constitutes -the Evil thereof. - -And now I have done with your Argument, wherein you have indeed shewn -great skill and dexterity in turning to your Advantage, what being -fairly stated makes against you, as the Appearance of Angels, _&c._ -observing nicely the rules of Art, and particularly that grand one -of concealing, nay dissembling the same Art, as when you quote that -Scripture [87] concerning vain Philosophy (of which tho altogether -foreign from the matter in hand yet) you intend to serve yourself -with the Unthinking, who measure the Sense of words by their Jingle, -not knowing how to weigh the things they signifie, and truly herein -your end is very Artificial; for you intend both to throw dirt at -them that differ from you, and at the same time to cover yourself -with such a subtle web, through which you may see, and not be seen. -What follows, is rather a Rhetorical Lecture, such as the Patriots of -Sects (who commonly Explain the Holy Scriptures according to their own -Dogma's, and so obtrude humane Invention for the pure word of God) use -with their Auditors, to recommend any Principle they have a mind to -establish, than an Impartial and through disquisition of a controverted -point; wherefore I do not think myself obliged to take any further -notice of it; especially seeing truth, which for the most part is -little regarded in such florid Discourses, and not any prejudice of -Education, Interest, or Party, did set me about this subject. I have -never been used to Complement in points of Controversy, therefore I -hope you'l not be angry, because I have given you my thoughts naked and -plain. I have not the least motion in my mind of accusing you of any -formal design to injure Religion; I only observe unto you, that your -over eager contention to maintain your Principle, has hurried you to -assert many things of much greater danger, both in themselves and their -consequences, than those you would seem to avoid; which do amount to no -more than that, Men being (in the ordinary course of Providence) the -Depositories of both Divine and Humane Laws, may (instead of using them -to preserve) pervert them to destroy; which indeed is very lamentable. - -But it is the inevitable consequent of our depraved nature, and cannot -be wholly remedied, till Sin, and the grand Author of Sin, the Devil, -be entirely conquered, and God be all in all; to whom, with the Son, -and Holy Ghost, be glory for ever, _Amen_. - - Sir, your Affectionate Friend to serve you. - - _Boston,_ July 25, 1694. - - - _Boston, August_ 17, 1694. - -_Worthy Sir_, - -YOURS of _July_ 25, being in some sort surprising to me, I could do no -less than say somewhat, as well to vindicate myself from those many -Reflections, mistakes and hard censures therein; as also to vindicate -what I conceive to be Important truth, and to that end find it needful -to repeat some part of mine, _Viz._ Conclusion. - -[88] 1. That the glorious Angels have their Mission and Commission from -the most High. - -2. That without this they cannot appear to mankind. - -3. That if the glorious Angels have not that power to go till -commission'd, or to appear to Mortals, then not the fallen Angels, who -are held in Chains of Darkness to the Judgment of the great Day. - -4. That when the Almighty free Agent has a work to bring about for his -own glory, or Mans good, he can employ not only the Blessed Angels, but -evil ones in it. - -5. That when the Divine Being will imploy the Agency of Evil Spirits -for any service, 'tis with him the manner how they shall exhibit -themselves, whether to the bodily Eye, or Intellect only, or whether it -shall be more or less formidable. - -To deny these three last, were to make the Devil an Independent Power, -and consequently a God. - -The bare recital of these is sufficient to vindicate me from that -reitterated charge, of denying all appearances of Angels or Devils. - -That the good Angels cannot appear without Mission and Commission -from the most high, is you say more than follows from the premises; -but if you like not such Negative deduction, though so natural, it -concerns you (if you will assert this Power to be in their Natures, -and their non appearance only to proceed from the rectitude of their -wills, and that without such Commission they have a Power to appear -to Mortals, and upon this to build so prodigious a Structure, _&c._) -very clearly to prove it by Scripture, for Christians have good reason -to take the Apostles warning (if some Philosophers have taught that -Man is nothing but matter. And others that 'tis not certain there is -any Matter at all) _to take heed least they should be spoiled through -vain Philosophy, &c._ but that this should be alluded to by such as -never heard of either Notion, or that it was asserted that those real -appearances to _Joseph_, and to the Apostle, was through the Ministry -of the Senses, is as vain as such Philosophy. As to the Dead being -raised, had I used Art or Rhetorick enough to explain my meaning to -you, I needed not now to rejoin. That 'tis as good an Argument to say, -that because Holy Prophets have raised the dead, therefore wicked Men -have a Power to raise the dead: As 'tis to say, because good Angels -have appeared, therefore the Evil have a Power to appear; for who can -doubt, but if the Almighty shall Commissionate a wicked Man to it, he -also shall raise the dead, as is intimated, _Mat._ vii. 22. _And in -thy name done many wonderful Works._ As to comparisons being odious, -particularly that concerning _Samson_, I think it needful here to add -these Scriptures further to confirm the fourth Conclusion. 2 _Sam._ -xxiv. 1. compared with 1 _Chron._ xxi. 1. _In one 'tis God moved, &c. -and in the o[89]ther Satan provoked_ David _to number the People_. 2 -Chron. xviii. 21. _And the Lord said, thou shalt intice him, and thou -shalt also prevail, go out and do even so_; all which, with many more -that might be produc'd, as they will shew the truth of the Conclusion; -so that 'tis no odious comparison to say, that as the Almighty can make -use of Good, so also of Evil Spirits, for the accomplishing of his -own wise ends, and can impower either without the help of a Vehicle. -For possessions must be numbred among Gods afflictive dispensations, -who also orders all the Circumstances thereof. But if any object God -is not the Author of Evil, _&c._ you have furnish'd me with a very -learned Answer, by distinguishing between the Act and the Evil of -the Act, and to which 'tis adapt, but will no wise sute where it is -placed, till it be first proved that the Devil hath of himself such -Power not only of appearing at pleasure, but of working Miracles, -and to the Almighty reserved only the power of restraining; for -till this be proved the Dilemma must remain stable. He that asserts -that--Because good Angels have appeared, that therefore the fallen -Angels have a Power of themselves to appear to Mortals; And that they -cannot be employed by the Almighty; nor that he does not order the -manner and Circumstances of such appearance, what doth he less than -make the Devil an Independent Power, and consequently a God! So he that -asserts that the Devil hath a Power of himself, and Independent to -work Wonders, and Miracles, and to impower Witches to do like in order -to deceive, _&c._ What doth he less than own him to be an unconquered -Enemy, and consequently a Sovereign Deity![99] and who is it that is -culpable? he that ascribes such Attributes to the Evil one, or he that -asserts that the so doing gives him (or ascribes to him) such Power -as is the prerogative of him only who is Almighty? and here Sir, it -highly concerns you to consider your foundations, what proof from -Scripture is to be found for your Assertions, and who it is you are -contending for. For hitherto nothing like a proof hath been offer'd -from Scripture, which abounds so with the contrary, that he that runs -may read, _As shall there be evil in the City, and the Lord hath not -done it? who is he that saith, and it cameth to pass when the Lord -commandeth it not_. Who among the Gods of the Heathen (of which the -Devil is one) can give Rain, _&c._ - -But I shall not be tedious in multiplying proofs, to that which all -seem to own. For as to that stale plea of Universality, do say that -I have read of one, if not several, general Councels, that have not -only disapproved, but Anathematiz'd them that have ascribed such -Power to the Devils. And several National Protestant Churches at this -day in their Exhortation before the Sacrament (among other Enormous -Crimes) admonish all that believe any such Power in the Witch, _&c._ to -withdraw as unmeet to partake at the Lord's Table. - -[90] And I believe Christians in general, if they were asked, would own -that what Powers the Devil may at any time have to appear, to afflict, -destroy, or cause tempests, _&c._ must be by Power or Commission from -the Sovereign Being. And that having such a Commission, not only Hail, -but Frogs, Lice, or Flies shall be impowered to plague a great King and -Kingdom. And if so, this Sandy Structure of the Devils appearance, -and working Wonders at pleasure, and of Impowering Witches to afflict, -_&c._ (for to this narrow Crisis is that whole Doctrine reduc'd) the -whole disappears at the first shaking.[100] - -Thus worthy Sir, I have given you my sentiments, and the grounds -thereof, as plainly and as concise as I was able, tho 'tis indeed a -subject that calls for the ablest Pens to discuss, acknowledging myself -to be insufficient for these things; however I think I have done but -my duty for the glory of God, the Sovereign Being; and have purposely -avoided such a reply as some parts of yours required. - -And pray that not only you and I, but all mankind may give to the -Almighty the glory due unto his name. From, Sir, Yours to Command, - - R. C. - -_Witchcraft is manifestly a Work of the Flesh._ - - [END OF VOL. II.] - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[90] The only Mention of the Author of these Letters I have met with is -contained in the Answer to the _More Wonders_, by Dr. Mather, and is -in this Passage: "The _Anti-scriptural Doctrines_ espoused by this Man -[Calef] do also call for no _further Answer_; for a certain _Scotchman_ -(one Stuart) of no very great Circumstances, aboard one of our Frigates -then in our Harbour, sent him _Two Letters_, which he has been so silly -as to insert in his wretched Volume." This "one Stuart" was, perhaps, -Chaplain on board the Man-of-war. The Doctor thinks Mr. Calef was very -silly to print the Letters, because they were, in his Judgment, a -complete Vindication of Witchcraft. Mr. Calef was willing all should be -said on that side that could be said. He felt fully convinced that, - - "Falsehoods which we spurn To-day - Were the Truths of Long-ago; - Let the dead Bough fall away, - Fresher shall the living grow." - - WHITTIER. - -[91] Doctor Mather. - -[92] See _Remarkable Providences_, 128, by Dr. I. Mather. - -[93] See _Volume_ I, _Pages_ 39-41. - -[94] See concluding Part of _Note_ 84. - -[95] If not a mythical Character, he is surrounded with much Mystery. -There, however, seems to have been, at some remote Period, a Man named -_Ambrose Merlin_, living in Carmarthenshire, in Wales; and it will pay -the Reader well to turn to Thomas Fuller, and see what he says about -him in his _Worthies_, Vol. III, 524. Among other things he says: -"His Extraction is very Incredible, reported to have an Incubus to -his Father, pretending to a Pedigree older than Adam, even from the -Serpent himself. But a learned Pen demonstrateth the Impossibility of -such Conjunctions. And let us not load Satan with groundless Sins, -whom I believe the Father of Lies, but no Father of Bastards." A witty -Conceit, but ruinous to the Theory of Witchcraft. - -[96] See Vol. I, _Introduction_, Page xv. The Executions in Scotland -were but few Years before those in New England. - -[97] The same Gentleman mentioned in _Note_ 86, _Page_ 157. - -[98] Thomas Hobbes, a Native of Malmsbury in Wiltshire, England, born -in 1588, and died in 1679. He has been stigmatized as an Unbeliever in -Divine Revelation; was a Man of extensive learning, published Works on -Philosophy, and translated Homer. - -[99] Finding themselves in this Dilemma (many of the Believers in -Witchcraft never having thought of it, it would seem,) the Advocates -must have been sadly puzzled. Nor is it easy to see how, by turning to -Locke, Le Clerc, or Cudworth, they are helped at all. - -[100] Le Clerc has one sensible Remark, among many weak ones, about -the Existence of Witches. He says: "Those Opinions or Diseases of the -Brain which Witches have, who think they go to Feasts and Dancings, -upon their talking of it to others, that are of a timorous Disposition -and weak Brains, bring others into the same Fits of Fury, and, like -a Contagion, spread far and near, infesting many Heads; though it is -observable those Diseases are more frequent amongst the Inhabitants -of Mountains and solitary Places, than amongst those that live in -Cities." It must occur to the judicious Reader, that Mons. Le Clerc -took a roundabout Way to tell him that Witchcraft flourished best -among ignorant People. See _A Compleat History of Magick, Sorcery, and -Witchcraft_, London, 1715, 2 Vols. 12mo. - - - - -INDEX. - - -NOTE.--As the small Roman Numerals in this Index denote both the -Volumes and the Pages of the Introductions, those who consult it -may observe, that when the Introductory Pages are referred to, the -Reference to the Volume is in large or Roman Capitals:--For Example, I, -xx, refer to the first Volume, and to Page 20 of the Introduction to -the same Volume; II, xxii, refer to Volume second, and Page 22 of that -Volume. - - -ABBOT, Benjamin, 195, iii, 116, 117. - -Abbot, Nehemiah, 191. - -Abbot, Sarah, 196, iii, 117. - -Acosta, Joseph, 201. - -Addington, Isaac, 26, iii, 15, 133. - -Ady, ----, a Writer against Witchcraft, iii, 74. - -Alcot, Job, appointed Counsellor, 26. - -Alden, John, Jr., II, xxiv; tried and imprisoned, iii, 26; his -Narrative, 26-8; Bail refused, 30; escapes, _ib._; cleared by -Proclamation, 128. - -Alden, Timothy, iii, 177, 178. - -Allen, James, 108, 151, iii, 40. - -Allen, John, sees one of the Accused fly in the Air, i, 177; his Oxen -bewitched, iii, 93. - -Allen, William, cited, 7. - -Ambrose, Isaac, on the Devil, 56. - -America, a squallid, horid Desart, 13; of what Use is it, 46; some -hopeful Symptoms of, 97; ever to be in the Devil's Hands? _ib._; -Spirits common to be seen Day and Night in, ii, 116. - -Andover, People of, bewitched, iii, 117, 120, 121, 125, 126. - -Andrew, Daniel, ii, 159, iii, 44; Joseph, 105; Sarah, _ib._ - -Andrews, Thomas, iii, 107. - -Andros, Edmund, Sir, I, lxxxi. - -Andrus, Silas, I, xcii. - -Angels, evil ones, ii, 32, 43, 75; Notions concerning, 187-8. - -Apparition, of those Murdered, 34; of the Devil, 79; of Mr. Beacon, -136-7; Accusers at Trials, 155; their Charges confessed, 188-9; -Witnesses, iii, 106. - -Appleton, Samuel, 26, iii, 15. - -Arnold, John, Jailor of Boston, iii, 20, 179. - -Arnold, Margaret, 145. - -Ashurst, Henry, Sir, I, vi; Agent for Massachusetts, iii, 148-9. - -Astrology, injudiciously regarded, 122, 238. - -Atkinson, John, Witness against Martin, 178; Sarah, 184; John's Cow -bewitched, iii, 94; Sarah, is amazed, _at nothing_, 100. - -Attaballipa, his Fate, iii, 138-9. - -Austin, sweet spirited, 27. - -Aves, Samuel, ii, 68. - -Ayer, John, Jr., iii, 196. - - -BACHELOR, John, Apology of, iii, 135. - -Bailey, John, iii, 40; Constable, 113. - -Bailey, N., his Definition of Witchcraft, I, xiii. - -Baker, ----, Sister to Ann Putnam, iii, 11. - -Balch, Benj. Jr., Wife Elizabeth, swears against Mrs. Bishop, iii, 78. - -Ballantine, John, II, xxii. - -Ballard, Joseph, iii, 51; Brother John, _ib._, 113; Operations to -discover Witches, 55; Witnesses, 126. - -Baptism by the Devil, Ceremony of, iii, 113. - -Bare, John, Searcher for Witchteats, iii, 39. - -Barker, Abigail, signed a Recantation, iii, 57. - -Barnard, John, II, xxi; prays at Witch Examinations, iii, 56. - -Barnes, Benjamin, iii, 221. - -Bartel, Robert, Capt., iii, 178. - -Barton, James, II, xxiii. - -Bates, William, Extract from, ii, 113-14. - -Baxter, Richard, I, xx; on Memorable Providences, 10, 141; thanks C. -Mather, ii, 43; quoted, 45; his ungainsayable Book, 86; cure of Church -Divisions, 111; commends I. Mather, 113; his Ideas of a Devil and -Witch, &c., 113-119; his Work the Effect of aged Imbecility, 119. - -Bayley, Mrs., Sister to Ann Putnam, iii, 11. - -Beacon, Joseph, 136, 137. - -Beale, William, swears against Mr. English, iii, 177-86; Son dies, 182, -183. - -Belknap, Jeremy, referred to, ii, 85. - -Belzebub, Works ascribed to, iii, 163. - -Bent, Peter, of Sudbury, iii, 221. - -Benom, Mistress, accused, iii, 130. - -Bent, Mr., ----, iii, 100. - -Bentley, William, D. D., on P. English, iii, 179-81. - -Bereans, reference to, ii, 3. - -Bernard, Richard, on detecting Witches, 45-6; Remarks on, ii, 12; Calef -on, 56; how did the Jews manage without him, iii, 165. - -Bibber, John, Witness against Giles Cory, iii, 172. - -Bibber, Sarah, iii, 8; swears against Mrs. Nurse, 11; against Mr. -Burroughs, 62; against Cory, 170. - -Billerica, People of, bewitched, iii, 118. - -Bishop, Bridget, Trial of, 163; what her Shape did, 164; her Coat torn -while Invisible, 165; her Poppets discovered, 173; Teats found upon -her, 174; accused ten Years before, 208; long reputed a Witch, iii, 31; -Executed, _ib._; Copy of her Indictment, 74; others, 75-6; Trial of, -77-80; why called Oliver, 78; has a preternatural Teat, which vanished, -88. - -Bishop, Edward, iii, 11; and Wife Sarah, committed, 16; why cried out -on, 17; escape from Prison, 49; his Sow bewitched, 81-2. - -Bishop, Samuel, iii, 49; had married a Putnam, _ib._ - -Black-art taught by the Devil, I, xii. - -Black, Mary, arrested, iii, 16. - -Blackmore, Richard, Sir, I, lxxvi. - -Black Pig, one appears to John Louder, iii, 85-6. - -Blazdel, [Henry?] 181, iii, 97. - -Bligh, (Bly,) John, swears against Mrs. Bishop, 167, iii, 81-2, 88. - -Bligh, William, 173, iii, 76, 78, 82, 88. - -Blount, Thomas, Definition of Witchcraft, I, xii-xiii. - -Bocking, Jane, 142. - -Bodin, John, Writer on Demonology, ii, 6, 117. - -Bohun, Edmund, Licencer, I, cii. - -Booth, Elizabeth, iii, 16, 204. - -Boxford, Witchcraft in, iii, 126. - -Boynton, Joseph, ii, 151. - -Bradbury, Mary, condemned, iii, 44. - -Bradford, William, 26. - -Bradley, Samuel, II, xxvii. - -Bradstreet, John, accused, iii, 52; makes his escape, 53. - -Bradstreet, Simon, 26, ii, 85, iii, 52, 145-6; Dudley commits accused, -iii, 52. - -Brattle, Thomas, Letter to, ii, 85-92; William, 108. - -Braybrook, Samuel, iii, 7; accuses Giles Cory, 170. - -Bridges, James, iii, 126. - -Bridgham, Joseph, ii, 151. - -Bridgman, Orlando, Sir, 141. - -Brimstone, horrid Scent of, 121; without a Metaphor, 122; a Flood of, -ii, 4; used in tormenting, ii, 33; scalded with, 47; smelt in Margaret -Rule's Case, 53. - -Brinley, George, I, viii. - -Brown, Hopestill, iii, 221. - -Brown, William, Witness, 182; his Wife sees Susannah Martin vanish, -iii, 99; some Devil bewitches her, _ib._ - -Bunyan, John, I, xxi. - -Burder, George, I, lxxix. - -Burnet, Bishop, 140. - -Burroughs, George, 151; Charges against, 153; childish Accusations -against, 154; alleged Confusion, 155; accused of Murders, 156; Ghosts -of his Wives, 157; his Promises to induce People to become Witches, -158; had the Strength of a Giant, 159; Treatment of his Wives, 160; -puts on Invisibility, 161-2; denies the Existence of Witches, 162; -Executed, 163; his great Strength from the Devil, ii, 9; further -Account of his Execution, iii, 38-9; Confession of one of his Accusers, -43; Indictment, 61; Trial, 63; Brother-in-Law to Mr. Ruck, 72-3; denies -that there are Witches, 74; about his putting on Invisibility, 123; -Cause of his being prosecuted, 210. - -Burrows, [Burroughs] Jeremiah, 84. - -Burton, Robert, I, xxxviii. - -Buxton, John, afflicted, iii, 17. - - -CALEF, Robert, I, xxix, lxxv; his _More Wonders_, &c., lxxvi; a -singular Judgment upon, lxxxvii; little known of him, II, xii; a Sir -John, xiii; his _More Wonders_ burnt, xxi; Will of, xxiii; before -Authority to defend himself, ii, 8; Visit to Margaret Rule, 49; -threatened with Arrest for Slander, 54; proposes an Interview with Mr. -C. Mather, 55; Letter to Mr. C. M., 56-59; prosecuted, 55; explains his -Belief of Witchcraft, 56; on the Power of the Devil, 58; complains of -Mr. M.'s bad Faith, 60; not appeared against at Court, _ib._; another -Letter to C. M., 70-74; the Case of Rule further examined, 72, &c.; -another Letter to C. M., 79-85; his Endeavors to clear the Accused, 78; -expects Enemies, 84; will do his Duty, 85; Letter to Mr. B., 85-92; -Letter to the Ministers, 92-102; charges C. M. with being a Cause of -the Witch Troubles, 92; his Answer, 93; his _More Wonders_ denounced, -96; Letter to S. Willard, 102-105; another to C. M., 113; describes -the Perils to an Opposer of Witchcraft, 122; Letter to the Ministers, -124-34; rebukes the Ministers, 132-3; Letter to Wadsworth, 134-40; -Exposure of C. M.'s bad Logic, 136; Answer to Stuart, 186-198; on -Angels, 187; accused of Blasphemy, 202; another in Answer to Stuart, -207-212; Strictures on I. Mather's Agency, iii, 18 or 19. - -Camerarius, living Library, ii, 6. - -Carlton, William, II, vii. - -Carrier, Martha, Indictment and Trial of, 194, iii, 113-121; horribly -tortures poor People, 115; her Children swear against her, _ib._; -causes Sores, 116; pulls one by his Hair, 117; kills Cattle, 118; -shakes Phebe Chandler, 119; makes Noises in the Air, _ib._; seen at -Witch-meetings, 120; goes through the Air on a Pole, _ib._; at a -diabolical Sacrament, _ib._; a rampant Hag, 121; to be Queen of Hell, -_ib._ - -Carrier, Richard, 197, 199, iii, 117; afflicts one, 118. - -Carrier, Thomas, 194. - -Cary, Mrs., accused, iii, 11; sent to Prison, 20; Barbarity towards, -20-25; escapes to New York, _ib._ - -Cary, Jonathan, [Nathaniel,] iii, 25. - -Cat-rope, described, ii, 7. - -Chamberlain, Edward, I, lxxvi. - -Chandler, Bridget, swears against Mrs. Carrier, iii, 119. - -Chandler, Phebe, 198; shaken by a Witch, iii, 118; her Legs seized on, -119. - -Chandler, Susan, 142. - -Chandler, Thomas, Evidence, iii, 126. - -Chapman, Simon, and Wife, iii, 107. - -Charity, recommended, 28. - -Charles, Second, iii, 143. - -Charlestown, Witchcraft Trials at, iii, 126. - -Charms, by whom practiced, ii, 28. - -Chase, G. W., _History of Haverhill_, iii, 128, 196-7. - -Checkley, Samuel, ii, 151. - -Cheever, Ezekiel, Scribe, iii, 31. - -Chester, Bishop of, I, ix. - -Chips in Wort, defined, iii, 126. - -Choate, Thomas, II, xxvi. - -Christian, Philosopher, I, lxxii-iii. - -Churches, why often struck by Thunder, 68-9; prevent Witchcraft, 130-1. - -Churchill, Sarah, iii, 204. - -Circles.--See WITCH-CIRCLES. - -Clark, Mary, Examination of, iii, 195-7. - -Clark, Samuel, his Story of the Devil's Appearance, 121. - -Clavigero, [Francis Xavier,] 202. - -Cloyce, Peter, protests against Mr. Parris, ii, 143. - -Cloyce, Sarah, iii, 7, 53; Sister Nurse, 11, 13; goes out of Meeting, -14; an excellent Woman, 211. - -Colman, Benjamin, I, xci, xcvi. - -Coman, Richard, 167; swears against Mrs. Bishop, iii, 82. - -Comings.--See CUMMINGS. - -Connecticut, Witchcraft in, iii, 130, 131. - -Cook, Elisha, Judge, ii, 157; Agent to England, iii, 148, 221. - -Cook, John, a Witness, i, 166, iii, 78, 80-1. - -Cooper, Thomas, on Witchcraft, xxxv. - -Corwin, Jonathan, I, vii, 26, iii, 6, 10, 15; examines Giles Cory, 169. - -Corwin, George, Sheriff, iii, 49, 50; buried, 79, 187, 202. - -Cory, Giles, pressed to Death, 209, II, vii, iii, 7, 44-5, 79; his -Examination, 169-173; Site of his Residence, 174. - -Cory, Martha, accused, ii, 7, 9; sent to Prison, 10; sentenced to -Death, iii, 44; executed, 45; Ballad on her and her Husband's Fate, -174-77. - -Cotton, John, I, xxv, lxvi. - -Cox, Mary, Irons for, iii, 20. - -Crosby, [Anthony?] a Doctor, declares Hysterics a Case of Witchcraft, -iii, 100. - -Cullender, Rose, 142. - -Cumbey, Robert, II, xxi. - -Cummings, Josiah, iii, 107. - -Cummings, Isaac, Witness, 192, iii, 105; his Mare dies, 111. - -Curiosities, matchless, 201-210. - -Cushing, John D., II, vii. - - -DAGGET, William, iii, 183. - -Dane, Deliverance, signs a Recantation, iii, 57. - -Dane, Francis, iii, 121; John, his Apology, 135. - -Danforth, Samuel, I, xcvi; Thomas, ii, 109; iii, 15; Judge, 125; -Services, 126; admonishes Mrs. Daston, 128. - -Daniel, Samuel, 26. - -Dastin, Goodwife, iii, 126; cleared, 127; but dies in Prison, 128. - -Davis, Silvanus, 26. - -Dean, John Ward, 13. - -Dee, John, Astrologer, 124. - -Defoe, D., on the Devil, 102. - -Delrio, on Witchcraft, I, xiii, xx. - -Demonology, by King James, I, xx; its Character, xxi, xli-xliii. - -Demons, prestigious ones, iii, 160. - -Denmark, great Discovery of Witches in, 148. - -Desaguliers, J. T., I, lxxvi. - -Devil, I, xi; teaches the Black Art, xii; how he creates Witches, xv; -Nature of his Covenant with, xviii-xix; exists by God's Permission, -xx; the Principal in Witchcraft, but cannot be tried, xxvi; assents -to good Offices, xxxvii; appears personally to Witches, liv; what he -requires of them, lv; coming down in great Wrath, I, 50, 54, 76, 95, -101, 117, 122, 135; owned N. England, 15; an Army of Devils, 17; many -sign his Book, 18; has made a dreadful Knot of Witches, _ib._; his -Juggles feared, 19; bid come out of a Damsel, 20; Speech of, 20-1; -may represent an innocent Person, 21; darting Operations, 24; raises -Storms and Tempests, 25; envies the Prospects of the Country, 26; -made us a troubled Sea, 27; gives us Shakes, _ib._; commissioned by -Witches, 29; tells many Truths, 31; Devil-ridden, 33; always leaves -the Mark of his Covenant, 40; League with, 41; his Existence not -doubted, 55-6; Government among, 57; swarm about us like the Frogs of -Egypt, _ib._; Prince of the Power of the Air, _ib._; Belzebub, 58; -knows every Language, _ib._; Degrees of Devils, 59; horrible Dragon, -60; a Tyger, 61; gets Liberty to make a Descent upon Men, _ib._; -Rendezvous of his Troops, _ib._; his long Journey, 62; a Do-evil, 64; -a Moloch, 65; prevents Discoveries and Inventions, 66; sends Plagues, -and Pestilence, and Wars, 67; a Vulcan, 68; makes a horrible Tempest, -69; uses a hot Iron, 71; his Wrath increases, is Prince of this World, -72; God swears at, 73; his Time almost out, 74; God's Command to, -76; makes Earthquakes, 77; his present Quarters, 79; his World, 80; -incredible Droves of, 81; nibbles at the Heels of Saints, 83; the -World his Country, 85; his Time nearly out, 88-91; his eldest Son, 89; -alarmed at the Settlement of N. England, 94; an Eyesore to, _ib._; an -antagonistic Force, 96; appears as a black Man, 102; his Law Book, 104; -takes on the Likeness of harmless People, 106; permitted by God, 107; -burning and sooty, 109; in God's Chain, 110; baptises, 111; administers -the Sacrament, _ib._; how influenced to come down, 114; the Way to -out-wit him, _ib._; we give Rest to, 115; Sparks of Hell Fire flashing -from every Side of, 115; on a Chimney in Germany, 116; throwing Stones -there, and other Mischief, 117; set on by the Wrath of God, 118; -rattling of his Chains heard, 121; an Asp, 122; infernal Dragon, 124; -flies about as a Bird, 130; Children dedicated to, 131; a Whip for his -Back, 132; forced to fly by a Woman behind the Door, 133; a Prince, a -God, 134; afflicts with Distempers, 148-9; a black Man, 159; described, -171; one in a Meeting-house, 174; performs Baptisms at Newbury Falls, -194; carries some to a Witch-meeting on a Pole, 199; appoints a Queen -of Hell, 200; apishly affects divine Things, 201; his Proceedings among -the Swedes, 216; discovered by the Author, 217; his Power, 218; Dog of -Hell, 219; Serpent upon a Rock, 220; tempts with Friendship, 224; a -speckled Snake when he tempted Eve, 225; shoots cruel Bombs, 227; would -burn all the Bibles, 229; a Throng of in the Author's Meeting-house, -230; he rocks Persons to sleep there, 231; hurried Jesus to the Top of -the Temple, 232; prevents Witches from uttering all the Lord's Prayer, -_ib._; a Nimrod, 233; can attack with Thunder and Lightning; raise -Storms, _ib._; a Goliah; dogs Ministers, bad at quoting Scripture, 234; -quotes it for our Terror, 235; plays the Preacher, 236; consulting -Astrologers is going to the Devil, 238; a Mountebank, 241; to worship -him is Witchcraft, 243; with lengthened Chains, ii, 4; commissioned -by Witches questioned, 7; further discussed, _ib._, 8; his Power to -create Strength? 9; origin of the Belief in such a Character, 11; a -damnable Doctrine, 12; appears to an Indian, 25; prodigious Descent -of, 26; his Size, Complexion and Voice, 29-30; his Power, 41; very -uncertain, 42; "horrendous Operations," 46; got a Scourge for his Back, -47; not commissioned by a Witch, 58; denied, 76; can work Miracles, 74; -his Bounds set, 76; causes Plagues, 79; does not know every Language, -80; his Testimony not to be regarded, 82; the oldest Sinner, 90; -more about his Powers, 94-5; vast Numbers of, _ib._; a Free-willer, -118; commissioned by Contract, 128; only commissioned by God, 130-1; -no Father of Bastards, 196; an independent Power, 201; resembles -an Indian, iii, 70; described, 85; flies over an Apple-tree, 86; -Depredation in a Meeting-house, 89; performs Baptism, 112; his Manner -of Baptising, 113; vanquished by Sir W. Phips, 158; commissioned by -Witches, 162; meets with Astonishment, 209. - -Douglass, William, I, lxix, lxx, iii, 125, 159. - -Downer, Robert, Witness against Mrs. Martin, 180; tormented by her in -the Shape of a Cat, iii, 96. - -Dragon, makes Wars, 67; insinuates Witchcraft, 124; a great Devil, 216; -hard after Ministers, 234; keeping Guard, ii, 79. - -Drake, Nathan, Extracts from, I, xxxiii. - -Dudley, Joseph, iii, 145; presides at the Trial of Glover, 153. - -Dummer, Jeremiah, ii, 151. - -Dunton, John, I, vi, viii, 217, ii, 109. - -Durent, Ann, 142; William, _ib._ - -Dustin, Hannah.--See DASTIN. - - -EAMES, Rebecca, condemned and executed, iii, 45. - -Earl, Robert, on Margaret Rule, ii, 69. - -Earth, recedes from the Sun, 75; filled with firey-flying Serpents, 81. - -Earthquakes, the Work of the Devil, 77, 78; happening all over Europe, -91, 92. - -Easty, Isaac, committed for Witchcraft, iii, 16. - -Easty, Mary, sentenced, iii, 44; her Execution, 46; dies protesting her -Innocence, 46-48; an excellent Woman, 211. - -Elimas, Sorceries of, ii, 171. - -Eliot, Edmund, 181, 182, iii, 97-8. - -Eliot, John I, lxvi. - -Elizabeth, Queen, Witchcraft in her Time, I, xxxix. - -Elliott, Andrew, Apology of, iii, 135. - -Ember-weeks, what they are, ii, 116. - -Enchantments encountered, 9-48. - -Endicott, Zerobbabel, 210. - -English, Mary, committed, iii, 16; escapes, 50, 79; Testimony against, -126-7. - -English, Philip, indicted, iii, 16; escapes from Prison, 50; Account -of, 177; an Episcopalian, 178; dies, 181. - -Ethnics, Gentiles, ii, 119, iii, 164. - -Evelith, Joseph, Apology of, iii, 135. - - -FALKNER, condemned to Death, iii, 45. - -Familiar Spirit, who hath it, iii, 166. - -Farnam, John, iii, 126. - -Farnum, [Varnum?] Ralph, 195. - -Farrare, Thomas, iii, 185. - -Fast, appointed in Reference to Witchcraft, iii, 132. - -Felt, Joseph B., cited, ii, 109, iii, 20, 181. - -Filmer, Robert, Sir, on Witchcraft, I, xvii-xx, xxv. - -Firmin, Giles, 13. - -Fisk, Thomas, Apology of, iii, 36, 135. - -Fisk, William, iii, 135. - -Fletcher, Benjamin, Gov., iii, 25; his Kindness to Fugitives from -Witchcraft Prosecutions, 180. - -Flint, Thomas, a Searcher for Witchteats, iii, 39. - -Flood, a great one in the Connecticut, 29. - -Fogg, John S. H., ii, 75. - -Fools, made able Fortune-tellers, iii, 142. - -Foster, Ann, executed, iii, 45; her Confession, 119-20; Remark upon, -208. - -Foster, Ephraim, Evidence in Wardwell's Case, iii, 126. - -Foster, Hannah, confesses being carried on a Pole to a Witch-meeting, -199. - -Foster, Jacob, iii, 107. - -Foster, John, first Printer in Boston, 26. - -Fowler, Joseph, iii, 8. - -Fowler, Samuel P., ii, 6; his Life of Parris, iii, 198. - -Foy, [John?] Captain, 137. - -Franckius, [Peter?] I, lxxvi. - -Franklin, Benjamin, I, lxxvi-vii. - -Freemen, and Non-freemen, iii, 143. - -Fuller, Goodman, is killed by Witchcraft, iii, 64. - -Fuller, [Jacob?] a Doctor, decides a Case of Hysterics to be -Witchcraft, iii, 100. - -Fuller, John, iii, 11. - -Fuller, Thomas, D. D., I, lxxvi-vii, II, 196. - -Fuller, Thomas, iii, 199. - - -GALLOWS-HILL, where reputed Witches were executed, iii, 45. - -Gallows-Tree, iii, 177. - -Gaul, John, on Detection of Witches, 42-4; his Rules observed, 153; -Remarks upon, ii, 12; Calef on, 56, 70, 178, 197; Mather on, iii, 64. - -Gedney, Bartholomew, I, vii, 26; Judge, iii, 26; Conduct at Capt. -Alden's Trial, 28, 30, 172. - -Gee, Joshua, I, xcvi. - -Germany, the Devil on a Chimney there, 116, 117; Witchcraft in, ii, 197. - -Ghosts of murdered People appear, 155, 156-7, 209, iii, 106. - -Gibbs, Barnabas, II, xxv. - -Gidney, Bartholomew.--See GEDNEY. - -Gill, Obadiah, II, xxi; William, a Searcher for Witchteats, iii, 39. - -Glanville, Joseph, describes Unbelievers in Witchcraft, I, lxi. - -Glover, _Goody_, executed, iii, 153. - -Goblin, one described, iii, 85-6.--See HOBGOBLIN. - -God, swears in loud Thunders at the Devil, 73; more abandons the World -than formerly, 75; bids the Devil make all miserable, 76; permits the -Devil to come upon us, 107; has the Devil in a Chain, 110; his Wrath -sets on the Devil, 118; would have subdued the Devil if called upon, -120; swears in Wrath, 125; clucks to us, 130; a Dog of Hell barking -at him, 219; the Devil superior to, ii, 9; whether he commissions the -Devil, 70; the Mother of, 82; leaves the Devil at free-will, 118; -commissions the Devil, 130-1. - -Godfrey, John, iii, 52. - -Gold, Sam., at Mrs. Bishop's Trial, iii, 78; at Giles Cory's, 170. - -Good, Sarah, accused of being a Witch, iii, 6, 7; her Child also, 11; -Chains for, 20; executed, 33; Horrors attending, 34, 187. - -Good, William, iii, 7. - -Goodall, Goodwife, iii, 8. - -Goodwin, John, Children bewitched, I, lxxxviii; testifies to a Miracle, -II, xxi; Baxter on the Story, 45; farther Note on, iii, 153. - -Gould, William, II, xxiii. - -Gowans, William, I, xciii. - -Gray, Samuel, swears against Mrs. Bishop, 166, iii, 31. - -Green Lane, iii, 115. - -Green, Mary, imprisoned and escapes, iii, 53. - -Green, Thomas, II, xxv. - -Greenslett, John, iii, 64. - -Greenslett, Thomas, swears against Mr. Burroughs, iii, 64. - -Griggs, Dr., iii, 8, 190, 205-6. - - -HADLEY, Deborah, iii, 107. - -Hale, John, prays at Witch Trials, iii, 10; attends Examinations, 22; -his Wife accused, 48; on Mr. Parris's Conduct, 207. - -Hall, Bishop, on the Devil's Prevalency, 112; on Astrology and Magic, -124. - -Hanvoord, Goodman, iii, 11. - -Happy Family, Origin of, 29. - -Hardy, Thomas, his Snare of Devilism, iii, 102. - -Harris, Benjamin, I, vii, II, 55. - -Harrod, John, iii, 11. - -Hathorne, John, I, vii, 26, iii, 6, 9, 15; Inhumanity of, 23; Examinant -of Giles Cory, 169; of Tituba, 187; of Mary Clark, 195. - -Hathorne, Susanna, iii, 195. - -Haverhill, Witchcraft in, iii, 128, 195, 197. - -Hell, Toyls of, 19; Belial of, 22; Mad Dogs of, 27; Philistines of, 27; -Mastives of, 64; lowest Depths of, 77; hellish Rattlesnakes, 80; wild -Beasts of, 86; Ty-dogs of, 108; Adders of, 118; a little Portraiture -of, 131; a Queen appointed for, 200; the Pilate of, ii, 27; Lions and -Bears of, 43; lively Demonstrations of, 47; Covenant with, 136; great -Officers of, iii, 113. - -Hemmingius, Nicholas, 204. - -Herrick, George, ii, 109; Marshal, iii, 11, 17; testifies against Giles -Cory, 172. - -Herrick, Henry, iii, 135. - -Heyman, Samuel, 26. - -Hiacoomes, a Christian Indian, ii, 23. - -Higginson, John, I, vii, 201, 207; Examiner, iii, 126. - -Hill, John, Capt., ii, 75; at Salem, iii, 27. - -Hill, Zeb., a Searcher for Witchteats, iii, 39. - -Hinckley, Thomas, 26. - -Hoar, Dorcas, condemned, iii, 44; Estate seized, 50. - -Hobs, William, committed, iii, 16. - -Hobbes, Thomas, ii, 201. - -Hobbs, Abigail, condemned and executed, iii, 45. - -Hobbs, Deliverance, Witness against Bishop, 165; committed as a Witch, -iii, 16; tormented, 80. - -Hobgoblin, Witchcraft, iii, 137.--See GOBLIN. - -Holland, Joseph, II, xxii. - -Hollingworth, Richard, iii, 179, 182; William, _ib._ - -Holton, Benjamin, iii, 11; Sarah, Witness against Mrs. Nurse, -_ib._--See HOULTON. - -Hopkins, Matthew, 30. - -Horneck, Anthony, 19, 69, 221. - -Horse-shoes, used by Conjurors, iii, 142. - -Houlton, Joseph, iii, 113, 203.--See HOLTON. - -How, Elizabeth, 188, iii, 33; Indictment of, 104; Trial of, 105-113; -Wife of James, _ib._, 107; baptised by the Devil, 112. - -How, John, 190; Witness against his Sister, iii, 109. - -Howe, John, Mr., iii, 139. - -Howell, James, on Witchcraft, ii, 127. - -Hubbard, Elizabeth, iii, 7, 62; swears against Mrs. Bishop, 75-6; -against Carrier, 114; against Giles Cory, 170; has Fits, 192. - -Hudibras, on A. Ross, ii, 126. - -Hudson, William, sees Margaret Rule go up without Hands, ii, 70. - -Hughes, John, iii, 7. - -Huguenots, Note on the, 70. - -Hunnewell, Richard, Lt., iii, 64. - -Hunt, Ephraim, ii, 151. - -Hutchinson, Benj., Complainant, iii, 26. - -Hutchinson, Elisha, 26. - - -IMPS, Employment of, 112; one sinks a Ship, _ib._; one appears like a -Rat, ii, 35. - -Indians, vast Herds of, 65; Efforts of Powawes against the Settlers, -94-5; one of great Strength, 159; under Conduct of the Devil, 207; -Christian, ii, 23; one tempted by the Devil, 25; Witches among, 75; -Reason for, 117-18; Notions of Religion, 125; Covenant to adore the -Devil, 136; practice Witchcraft, iii, 5; resemble the Devil, 70; in -Witchcraft, 185-95; two at Salem, 204. - -Ingersol, John, 163; Nathaniel, ii, 143, iii, 11; Witness, 15, 17, 199. - -Inventions, hindered by the Devil, 66. - -Invisibility of Witches, 204; Mist of, iii, 160. - - -JACOBS, George, Executed, iii, 38; further noticed, 43, 50, 204. - -Jacobs, Margaret, confesses, iii, 43-4; escapes Death, _ib._ - -Jacobs, Mary, one of the Afflicted, iii, 8. - -Jacobs, Thomas, Evidence against Bibber, iii, 8. - -Jackson, Doctor, iii, 183. - -Jamaica, Earthquake at, 78. - -James First, his Demonology, I, xx; his Royal Nonsense, xxii; his Rules -for detecting Witches, _ib._; followed by Cooper, xxxvii; Effect of -James's Book, xli; describes what Witches can do, lii, liii. - -James Second, 10, 92, iii, 131; Knights Sir William Phips, 137, 143. - -Jennings, David, I, lxvii. - -Jesus, on the Top of the Temple, 232; on the Battlements, 233. - -Jewel, Bishop, [John,] I, xxxix. - -Jewett, Nehemiah, ii, 151. - -John, Indian, iii, 3; bewitched, 15; accuses E. Bishop, 17; his Wife -Tituba, 22. - -Johnson, Eliza, iii, 126. - -Johnson, Samuel, defines Witchcraft, xiv. - -Jolliffe, John, Counsellor, 26. - -Judges, remarkably blind, 107; pitiable, 127; defer to Hale's -Decisions, 141; their Reason departed, 174. - -Jurin, James, I, lxxvi. - -Jurors, some acknowledge their Errors, iii, 134-5. - -Justin, Martyr, ii, 10. - - -KEELING, Judge, a wise Decision of, disregarded, 148. - -Kembal, John, Witness against Martin, 180; she bewitches his Cattle, -iii, 96-7; sees a black Cloud, and runs upon Stumps, _ib._; Puppies -appear to him, 98. - -Keney, Henry, testifies against Mrs. Cory, iii, 7. - -Kersey, John, his Definition of Witchcraft, I, xii. - -Keys, used by Conjurors, iii, 142. - -Keysar, ----, Daughter distracted, iii, 16. - -Kimball.--See KEMBLE. - -King, D. P., owned the Site of Giles Cory's House, iii, 74. - -Knowlton, Joseph, and Wife, iii, 107. - - -LACY, Lawrence, Wife bewitched, iii, 120. - -Lacy, Mary, 199; another, 200; Condemned and Executed, iii, 45; her -Confession, 120. - -Lancashire Witches, 158. - -Lane, Francis, Witness, 193, iii, 105; his Rails bewitched, 112. - -Laplanders, Witchcraft among, 22, 108. - -Lawrence, Robert, of Casco, iii, 64. - -Laws, against Witchcraft, remark on, iii, 125; repealed, _ib._ - -Lawson, Dedot, his History, I, iv, vii, 156, 186; endorses the Story -of the Iron Spindle, 205; defends the Proceedings against Witchcraft, -ii, 154-5; at Salem, iii, 7, 12; on Mr. Burroughs, 39; his Wife and -Children killed, 64; Chaplain to Andros's Expedition, _ib._; more about -the Murder of his Family, 68; on the Devil's Baptism, 113. - -Le Clerc, [Jean,] cited, ii, 212. - -Legion, definition of, 56; of Devils, 218, ii, 95. - -Leverett, John, Gov., ii, 108. - -Lewis, Mary, [Mercy,] iii, 26, 75. - -Lewis, Mercy, iii, 8; sees a Man in White, 13; Witness against Mr. -Burroughs, 62, 64; against Mrs. Bishop, 75; against Philip English, -126; against Giles Cory, 170; Account of, 204; why she accused Mr. -Burroughs, 210. - -Leyton, [Thomas,] Mr., of Lynn, iii, 185. - -Loader, [Louder?] John, Evidence against Mrs. Bishop, iii, 76. - -Locker, George, Constable, iii, 187. - -Lothrop, Barnabas, Counsellor, 26. - -Louder, John, 170; sees the Devil, 171; sees a Black Pig, iii, 85. - -Louis, Fourteenth, 93. - -Lynd, Joseph, Counsellor, 26. - - -MANCHESTER, a Spectre worsted there, 206. - -Maniche, an Arabian God, ii, 125, 128. - -Manning, Jacob, Dep. Marshal, arrests Mr. English, iii, 181. - -Marshall, John, II, xxviii. - -Martin, George, iii, 97. - -Martin, Susanna, Trial of, 175; Execution, iii, 33; Indictment against, -89-103; cast into a very singular Confusion, 100; appears to John -Pressy, 101. - -Martyr, Justin, ii, 10. - -Mary, Queen of William Third, 92; Death of, iii, 131. - -Mascon, the Devil of, 59, 70. - -Mason, Stephen, Counsellor, 26. - -Mather, Cotton, why charged with an undue Share of the Persections, I, -iii, lxxiv, lxxxv; his Faith in Witchcraft, v; his unfortunate Book, -xxxiv; Memoirs of, lxv-xcviii; his Defence, 1-4; further Defence of -the Prosecutions, iii, 59-61; Countermines the Plot of the Devil, i, -3; bedeviled, 80; condemns Astrology, 123-4; Pity for the Judges, -127-8; not present at the Witch Trials, 139; Rejoices at the Justice -of the Work against Witches, 140; Horror at the Name of Mr. Burroughs, -152; believes in the Ability of Witches to put on Invisibility, 162, -204; gives Unbelievers three Bones to pick, 205; some Misgivings about -shedding Blood, 207; Argument against Calef, II, xiii-xviii; Story of -Margaret Rule, ii, 21-36; read many Books of Physic, 34; relieves M. -Rule by three Fasts, 39; pains to rescue the Miserable from Lions and -Bears of Hell, 42; thanked by Venerable Baxter, 43; tries to prevent -excessive Credit of spectral Evidence, 44; his own Estimate of his -Labors, 46-7; Complaints, 48; Letters to, 48-62; threatens Calef, -54; has him arrested, 55; fails to meet him, 60; Whittier on, 61; -Letter to Calef, 62-8; brings heavy Charges against him, 64; People -believe smutty Things of him, 65; Defends his Father, 66; offers Mr. -Calef the Use of his Books, 67; Charges of Hellish Witchcraft, 80; -does not understand the Wiles of the Devil, 83; Thunder breaks into -his House, 86; defines a Witch, 90; a Cause of the Convictions, 92; -his Answer, 93; Denial of Statements made by Calef, 96; does not -distinguish between Miracles and Works of the Devil, 97; Arraigned by -R. C. in Argument, 135-6; Messenger, 151; heavy Charges against Calef, -iii, 32; Acquainted with the Wiles of the Devil, _ib._; Conduct at -Mr. Burroughs's Execution, 38; Defence of the Prosecutions, 59-61; -Omissions, iii, 106, 109, 111; an Advocate, 122; his Account of Trials -as faithful as others, 123; his Life of Phips anonymous, and why, 136; -Defends it, 137-8, 140; strenuous for a Reassumption of the Charter, -146; compares Mr. Calef to Satan, 151; the most Active of any in -prosecuting Witches, 154; his contradictory Statements pointed out, -157-8; his Ambidexterity, 154, 159; his Relatives accused, _ib._; -sincere and credulous, 161. - -Mather, Increase, I, vi, xxx; ii, 12; prays with Margaret Rule, 51; -Proceedings against Mr. Calef, 55; cited, 60; defended by his Son, C., -66; on the Devil, 90, 95; _Remarkable Providences_, 106-7; Messenger, -151; Defence about the Charter, iii, 18; Proctor's Appeal to, 40; Cases -of Conscience, 58; Angelographia, 131; his Acts retold by his Son, 136, -141; his Ideas undergo a Change, 142; troubled by Fobb-actions, appears -to King James, 145; his Reason for accepting a new Charter, 149; the -bewitched _Eye_, 160; Moderater of Mr. Parris's Council, 216. - -Mather, Nathaniel, iii, 139. - -Mather, Samuel, Life of his Father, I, lxvii; Funeral Sermon on, xcvii. - -Mead, Matthew, Mr., iii, 139. - -Meeting House, the Devil in one, iii, 89. - -Memorable Providences, approved by Baxter, 10; a Work by I. Mather, ii, -12, 106-7. - -Merlin, Ambrose, ii, 196. - -Mexico, Indians of, 201-2. - -Middlecot, Richard, 26, ii, 151. - -Millenium, near at Hand, 90-1. - -Milton, John, I, xi. - -Ministers, why dogged more by the Devil than others, 234; Stars of -Heaven, in danger of the Dragon's Tail, _ib._ - -Miracles, one witnessed, ii, 74; wrought by Men, 128. - -Mist of Invisibility, iii, 160. - -Moody, Joshua, iii, 40; aids Philip English to escape from Jail, -179-180. - -_More Wonders_, a vile Book, 96. - -Morgan, Samuel, Searcher for Witch teats, iii, 39. - -Mormons, reference to, ii, 81. - -Morton, Charles, ii, 108. - - -NAZIANZEN, the Author like a, 28. - -Newbury-Falls, Baptisms there by the Devil, 194, iii, 112, 197. - -New England, Loyalty and Religion in, 10; no Land so free from Vices, -12; once the Devil's Territory, 15, 120; broken in upon by an Army of -Devils, 17; a Scandal feared from Witchcraft, 19; Province of, 20; -stocked with Rattle-snakes, 25; little Hope of, from the Wrath of the -Devil, 93-4; a howling Wilderness, 94; its Losses by Indians and by -Sea, 95; Decline of Godliness in, 96; poor N. England, 109; People in -the Belly of Hell, 110; pleases the Devil, 122; no People so basely -despise the Gospel, 125; hast destroyed thyself, ii, 6; a Charter -obtained, iii, 142; why Quo Warrantoed, 143; worse circumstanced than -any Corporation in England, _ib._; Revolution in, 144-153; Prodigies -in, not a tenth Part related, 161. - -Necromancy, who are guilty of it, iii, 166. - -Noyes, Nicholas, I, vii, iii, 7, 9; at Alden's Trial, 28; Conduct at -Executions, 34; his Firebrands of Hell, 48; at the Examination of Mary -Clark, 196. - -Nurse, Francis, iii, 7, 198. - -Nurse, Rebecca, iii, 7, 10; Sister Cloyce, 13; executed, 33; her -Explanation, 36, 37; Sister Easty, 46; why accused, 210. - -Nurse, Samuel, ii, 143, 159, 211. - - -OAKES, Thomas, Agent to England, iii, 148. - -Ogilvie, John, Definition of Witchcraft, I, xiv-xvi. - -Old South Church, Boston, iii, 133; Ministers of, in Witchcraft Times, -177. - -Oliver, alias Bishop.--See BISHOP, BRIDGET. - -Orton, Job, on W. Perkins, 38. - -Osborn, Sarah, accused, iii, 6, 7; Iron Chains prepared for, 20; -accused by Tituba, 188. - -Osgood, Mary, Recantation of, iii, 57. - - -PACY, Deborah, afflicted, 142. - -Pacy, Elizabeth, afflicted, 142. - -Paganism, Popery, 52. - -Palmer, John, his Book on N. England, iii, 144. - -Paracelsus, [Auroleus,] I, xxxviii, 68. - -Parker, Alice, a Witch, 208; Sentence to die, iii, 44. - -Parker, Mary, condemned and executed, iii, 45. - -Parris, Elizabeth, iii, 8, 209. - -Parris, Noyes, iii, 221. - -Parris, Samuel, Protest against, ii, 141-3; long and humble -Acknowledgment, 143-8; Ministers and Elders of the Churches recommend -his Acknowledgment be accepted, 149-51; further Protest against, 152-3; -the Elders' Plea for, 155-6; accused of swearing falsely, 158; his -Account of the Beginning of the Troubles, iii, 3-4; swears against -Rebecca Nurse, 11; preaches, 14; appointed Scribe at the Examinations, -15; Examinations at his House, 22; swears against Mrs. Bishop, 75; -Scribe at How's Trial, 105; at other Times, 127; at Cory's Examination, -173; Account of, 198-222; Family of, 203-4, 209; not an Enemy to Mr. -Burroughs, 210; not a swift Witness, _ib._; how his Name comes to be -frequent in the Trials, 211; cleared by a Council, 217; but dismissed, -218; Epitaph on his Wife, 221; his Death, _ib._ - -Parris, Samuel, Deacon, iii, 221. - -Parris, Thomas, iii, 198, 222. - -Payne, Robert, Juror, iii, 127, 185. - -Payson, Edward, ii, 151; pleads for Mrs. How, iii, 106. - -Peabody, John, Apology of, iii, 135. - -Peach, Bernard, a Witness against Mrs. Martin, 178-9; bites a Witch, -iii, 94, 95. - -Peasley, Joseph, Constable, iii, 196. - -Pemberton, Ebenezer, ii, 15. - -Pennington, Thomas, I, ix. - -Perd, Margaret, ii, 50, 51; smells Brimstone, 53. - -Perkins, Thomas, Apology of, iii, 135. - -Perkins, William, defines Witchcraft, I, xiii; his Rules questioned, -xxxiii; Notice of, 37; his Doctrine of Witchcraft, ii, 12; Mr. Calef -on, 56, iii, 165. - -Perley, John, 193-4; Fence Rails bewitched by, iii, 111; Apology of, -135; Samuel and Wife, 105, 106. - -Perley, Timothy, Witness, 192. - -Pharaoh, Old, accused of Witchcraft, iii, 126-7. - -Philistines of Hell, 27. - -Phillips, Edward, I, xi; John, 26; Samuel, ii, 151; Evidence for Mrs. -How, iii, 106. - -Phips, William, arrives, 25, iii, 18; orders Irons for the Accused, -20; orders the Trials for Witchcraft published, 58; called Home, 130; -how became Governor, 137; finished his Life and Government together, -_ib._; a Pizarro, 138; harsh Temper, 141; had his Fortune told, 154; -vanquishes the Devil, 158; his Relatives accused, 159. - -Pike, Robert, 26, iii, 103. - -Pithagoras, Doctrine of, ii, 118. - -Pitman, Thomas, 206. - -Pizarro, Sir W. Phips compared to, iii, 138. - -Plagues, caused by the Devil, ii, 79. - -Plastic Spirit of Witches, 204, ii, 88; a Nonentity hooked in, 90; -Mischief to the Devil, 96. - -Plynyism, what it is, 204. - -Pope, Joseph, and Wife, iii, 8, 203. - -Popery, revived Paganism, 52. - -Poppets, used by Spectres, ii, 40, iii, 82; some found and described, -88; Remark upon, 124. - -Porter, Benjamin, iii, 11. - -Post, Mary, Evidence against Mary Clark, iii, 197. - -Prayers, the great Artillery of Heaven, 132; a Whip for the Devil's -Back, _ib._ - -Prescot, Peter, Dr., 196, iii, 116. - -Pressy, John, Witness against Martin, 184; sees a great Light, iii, -100; his Heels are struck up, 101; Loss of Cows, _ib._ - -Preston, Samuel, 198; his Cow bewitched, iii, 118. - -Preston, Thomas, iii, 203. - -Prince, Thomas, I, xc, xci, xcv. - -Printing, not sooner discovered owing to the Devil, 66. - -Procter, Elizabeth, iii, 7; John, _ib._; Mrs., cried out on, 15; John, -executed, 38; Barbarity to his Family, 40; his Letter to Ministers, -40-2; his Course to prevent Witchcraft, 204. - -Procter, William, made to confess by Torture, iii, 41. - -Prodigies, in N. England, not a tenth Part related, iii, 161. - -Pudeater, Ann, sentenced to be executed, iii, 44. - -Pulsifer, David, 13, II, vii, III, 169. - -Putnam, Ann, iii, 7, 8, 9; Witness against Mrs. Nurse, 11; against Mr. -Burroughs, 39, 62, 63; against Mrs. Bishop, 75; against Giles Cory, -170; against Mary Clark, 197; why she became an Accuser, 210. - -Putnam, Edward, ii, 143, iii, 7. - -Putnam, John, Witness against Mrs. Nurse, iii, 11; Mrs. Dastin, 128; of -Parris's Society, 198. - -Putnam, Joseph, ii, 159. - -Putnam, Thomas, iii, 7; swears against Mrs. Nurse, 11; Mrs. Bishop, 75; -Mrs. Daston, 128. - - -QUINCY, Josiah, on "Certain Proposals," ii, 106; one-sided and -dogmatical, iii, 19; on I. Mather's Diary, 136. - - -RAVEN, Story of one speaking, 33. - -Rawson, Edward, iii, 16, 52, 197. - -Rea, Joshua, iii, 198. - -Redd, Willmet, condemned to die, iii, 45. - -Reed, Richard, iii, 184. - -Rice, Nicholas, iii, 29. - -Rice, Sarah, sent to Prison, iii, 29. - -Richards, John, 26, iii, 30; Judge, 125, 128. - -Ring, Jervis, 185; suffers from Nightmare, iii, 103. - -Ring, Joseph, 186; carried about by Demons, iii, 102; in a Snare of -Devilism, _ib._; hurried through the Air, _ib._; taken to Hellish -Meetings, 102-3. - -Ring, Robert, an Error, 186. - -Robie, William, II, xxi. - -Robinson, George, II, xxvii. - -Roggers, John, Witnesses against Martha Carrier, 197; of Billerica, -iii, 118; killed by Indians, _ib._ - -Ross, Alexander, Hudibras on, ii, 126. - -Ruck, John, Foreman of Jury, 161, iii, 35, 72-3. - -Russell, James, 26, iii, 15. - -Rule, Margaret, Story of, ii, 21; seized by evil Angels, 26; fell into -odd Fits, 28; assaulted by eight cruel Spectres, _ib._; bring her a -red Book to sign, 29; her Tortures described, 30; fasts nine Days, 31; -stuck full of Pins, 32; Liquor poured down her Throat "as of scalding -Brimstone," 33; her Hurts soon cured, 34; taken up to the Ceiling and -held there, 35; her Minister interferes, 38; gets the better of the -Devil, 40; visited by Mr. Calef, 49; his Report of her Case, 49-54; a -Sweetheart in it, 51-2; Aves's Testimony concerning, 68; others, 69-70. - -Rum, used in a Case of Witchcraft, ii, 51. - - -SABBATH, begins at Sunset, Saturday, 223. - -Sadducees, unbelievers in Witchcraft, 32; Baxter on, ii, 45; -Mischievous, 46; Witlings, 60, 61; Atheists, 108; Infidels, iii, 162, -163. - -Safford, Joseph, Witness, 189, iii, 105, 108-9. - -Salem Village, Church Difficulties, ii, 140-3. - -Saltonstall, Nathaniel, 26, ii, 109, iii, 30. - -Sanderson, Robert, Deacon, iii, 207. - -Sargent, Peter, 26. - -Satan.--See DEVIL. - -Sayer, Samuel, Apology of, iii, 135. - -Scotland, Witchcraft in, ii, 7, 197. - -Scott, Margaret, condemned to Death, iii, 44. - -Scott, Reginald, writes against Witchcraft, I, xxxix; Extracts from, -xlv-vii; has taken great Pains, lix. - -Scottow, Joshua, iii, 64. - -Scribonius, Note upon, 1. - -Sergeant, Mr. [Peter,] iii, 31. - -Sewall, Samuel, 26, 209; subscribes to the Truth and Accuracy of -Mather's _Wonders_, 211, iii, 59; Judge, II, xxiv, 157, iii, 15, 31; -Appointment of Judge, 125; Services, 126, 128; in Sorrow for the Part -he took those accused of Witchcraft, 133; a Referee in Mr. Parris's -Case, 221. - -Sewall, Stephen, Captain, iii, 209. - -Sharp, [James,] D. D., iii, 151. - -Shattock, Samuel, 168; swore against Mrs. Bishop, iii, 76; Wife Sarah, -also, _ib._, 83-4; Remarks on his Evidence, 123. - -Sheldon, Susanna, 200; swears against Mr. Burroughs, iii, 66-7; against -Mrs. Bishop, 78; against Mrs. Carrier, 120; against Mary Clark, 196; -Account of, 204. - -Shepard, John, iii, 53; Rev. Mr., 185. - -Sheppard, Rebekah, iii, 11. - -Sherrin, John, iii, 105. - -Sherringham, Robert, 150. - -Sherwin, _Goodwife_, 191. - -Short, Mercy, ii, 27, 37, 51. - -Sibley, John L., I, viii; Mary, iii, 3, 206. - -Sieves, used to conjure with, iii, 142. - -Sikes, Victory, Corporal, iii, 219. - -Simpkins, Thomas, II, xxv. - -Slavery, a Divine Institution, xvi; Effect of its Denunciation, 12-13. - -Smith, James, II, xxiii, III, 203. - -Snow, falls as Wool, I, lxxiii; some red, lxxiv. - -Soam, John, his Cart bewitched, 149. - -Sobieski, John, King, 91. - -_Some Few Remarks_, an Answer to Calef, II, xxi. - -Sorceries, 122, 123; little ones, iii, 142; how known, 165. - -Sow, one bewitched, iii, 109. - -Spectacles invented, 66. - -Spectral Sight, Pretenders to, iii, 166. - -Spectres, how allayed, 30, 31, 35, 103-4; take the Name and Shape of -Accused, 106; call upon People before Death, 109; pranks with an Iron -Spindle, 205; severe Scuffle with one, 206; "Eight Cruel ones" assault -Margaret Rule, ii, 28; "Cursed ones" bring a Book to sign, 29; Threats -of, 34; they steal a Will, _ib._; heard to clap their Hands, 35; -Caution about, 44; one cruelly assaults a Person, [Margaret Rule,] iii, -160. - -Spencer, Edmund, a Witch described by. I, xlix. - -Spencer, Richard, Witness, 150. - -Spindle, Story of one, 205, iii, 160. - -Spirits, white ones, ii, 37; one appears to Margaret Rule, 39. - -Sprague, Martha, bewitched, iii, 126. - -Stacy, William, 172, iii, 86-7, 76. - -Star, Margaret, II, xxv. - -Stephens, Lieutenant, iii, 53; Sister of, 54. - -Stoughton, William, commends the _Wonders_, &c., 5-6; of unspotted -Fidelity, 26; declares Mather's Wonders true, 211; commissions Judges, -iii, 30; attests to the Truth of Mather's _Wonders_, 59; signs the -Death Warrant of Mrs. Bishop, 80; his Appointment, 125; Services, 126. - -Stuart, one, Letter in Defence of Witchcraft, ii, 160-186; another, -198-207; on Blasphemy, 202. - -Swan, Timothy, afflicted, iii, 196. - -Swedeland, Witchcraft in, 108, 211. - -Swinnerten, John, II, xxv. - -Sydney, Henry, Lord, iii, 149. - -Symons, Edward, 9. - - -TALBOT, Lord, causes the Repeal of Witchcraft Laws, iii, 125. - -Tarbell, John, ii, 143, 159, iii, 199, 211, 215. - -Taylor, Zachary, A. M., I, ix. - -Teats, on Witches, ii, 57.--See WITCHTEATS. - -Thacher, Peter, I, xcvii. - -Thompson, Agnes, Confession of, I, xli-ii. - -Thornton, Thomas, testifies to the Performances of Margaret Rule, ii, -69-70. - -Thyaneus, Appolonius, ii, 70. - -Tillotson, Archbishop, 56; aids Dr. Mather, iii, 149. - -Tituba, practices Witchcraft, iii, 6; Note on her Examination, 22; -Examination in full, 178-95; a South American Indian, 200. - -Tockinosh, John, ii, 23. - -Tompson, Benjamin, I, xcv. - -Toothaker, Allin, 196; Family of, 197; abused by a Witch, iii, 117. - -Torry, Samuel, ii, 151; William, _ib._ - -Transubstantiation, as old as the Devil, ii, 200-1. - -Trask, John, his Wife killed by Witchcraft, iii, 79. - -Trithemius, Fancies of, iii, 164. - -Tupper, Samuel, ii, 26; Thomas, _ib._ - -Tyler, Hannah, Recantation of, iii, 57. - -Tyler, Jobe, Deposition concerning Witchcraft, iii, 52. - -Tyler, John, II, xxiv. - -Tyler, Mary, signs a Recantation, iii, 57, 197. - -Tyng, Eleazer, II, xxvii. - - -USHER, Hezekiah, accused, iii, 196. - - -VAN Helmont, Jean, Baptist, ii, 41. - -Varnum, [Farnum,] Ralph, 195. - -Vibber.--See BIBBER. - -Virgin Mary, Mother of God, ii, 82. - -Vitzlipultzli, an Indian Idol, 201. - - -WADSWORTH, Benjamin, Letter to, ii, 134, 135; Timothy, xxi. - -Walcutt, John, Witness, iii, 113. - -Walcutt, Jonathan, iii, 15; Mary, ii, 158, iii, 8, 26, 62, 170, 195, -205. - -Waldron, Abigail, iii, 79. - -Waldron, Nathaniel, iii, 79. - -Waldron, William, I, xcvii. - -Waller, Edmund, I, lxxxi. - -Walley, John, i, 26, ii, 151. - -Walter, Nehemiah, ii, 108. - -Ward, Nathaniel, i, 13. - -Wardwell, Samuel, condemned, iii, 45; Scene at his Execution, 46, 57; -his Wife executed, 125; he covenants with the Devil, 126. - -Warner, Daniel, testifies in Favor of Mrs. How, iii, 107. - -Warren, Mercy, an Accuser, iii, 16, 26, 62, 204. - -Watkins, Mary, had been a Servant, iii, 128; sold into Slavery, 129. - -Watts, Isaac, I, lxvii, lxxvi. - -Way, Aaron, ii, 143; William, _ib._ - -Webber, Samuel, swears in Mr. Burroughs's Case, ii, 9, iii, 63. - -Webster, Noah, Definition of Witchcraft, I, xiv. - -Welch, Edward, a Searcher for Witchteats, iii, 39. - -Wendell, Edward, II, xxvii. - -Wentworth, Samuel, II, xxiv. - -West, Abigail, II, xxv. - -West, Thomas, Searcher for Witchteats, iii, 39. - -Wheeler, Thomas, II, xxiii. - -Whetford, ----, 208. - -Whiston, William, I, lxxvi. - -Whittier, J. G., on C. Mather, ii, 61, 160, iii, 163, 167, 174. - -Wigglesworth, M., his Day of Doom, ii, 4. - -Wild, John, iii, 16; his Wife Sarah, _ib._; executed, iii, 33. - -Wild, ----, Captain, i, 137. - -Wilds, Ephraim, Constable, iii, 105. - -Wilkins, John, on Margaret Rule, ii, 69. - -Wilkins, Richard, ii, 55, 56. - -Wilkins, Thomas, ii, 143, iii, 216. - -Willard, John, executed, iii, 38, 39; Escape and Capture, 40. - -Willard, Samuel, Letter to, ii, 102, 151; cried out of, iii, 37; appeal -to by Procter, 40; his Agency in the Escape of Mr. English, 177-8. - -Willard, Simon, testifies in Mr. Burroughs's Case, iii, 64. - -William and Mary, I, lxxxiv, 25; Death of Mary, iii, 131. - -Williams, Abigail, ii, 156, 158, iii, 7, 8, 9; at the Devil's -Sacrament, 13; cries out on Capt. Alden, 26; of Mrs. Bishop, 75; -Mr. Cory, 170, 179; Account of, 204; one of the Originators of the -Witchcraft Delusion, 209. - -Williams, Daniel, on Margaret Rule, ii, 69. - -Williams, Nathaniel, a Committee on Salem Affairs, ii, 151. - -Williams, Thomas, opposes Mr. Parris, iii, 212. - -Wilson, John, of Boston, 7. - -Wilson, Sarah, accused, iii, 57. - -Winchell, David, Sergent, iii, 219. - -Winsor, Hannah, iii, 26. - -Winthrop, Adam, Counsellor, 26. - -Winthrop, Wait, 26, ii, 157, iii, 30; Judge, 125, 221. - -Witchcraft, Cause of its Decline, I, iv; Works upon, v-x; Definitions -of, xi-xvi; taught in the Bible, xvi; how People's Eyes were opened, -xvii; how carried on, xxii; Practiced through Images or Pictures, -_ib._; Laws respecting, xxiv-v; the Bible upon, xvi, xxvii; Ideas -respecting, xxviii; opposed only by Infidels, xxix; Origin of, xxxi; -the Question which stayed its Progress, xxxii; Works upon, xxxiv-viii; -Law against, xxxix, xliii; not Spiritualism, lx; at the present Day, -lxxv; came near blowing up all the Churches, 17; Storms of, 20; thorny -Business, 29; will not be shammed, 34; disposed of, 42; in Lapland, -68-9; flourishes where are no Churches, 130-1; to worship the Devil, -243; a Relict of Heathen Learning, ii, 11; a principal ecclesiastical -Engine, 12; further defined, 56-7; how Prosecutions were eventually -checked, 110-11; sensible and evident, 105; Laws made against, iii, -124; repealed in England, 125; a Hobgoblin Monster, 137. - -Witchteats, for the Devil to suck, ii, 57, 100; a horrid Barbarity to -search for, 132; Excrescences, iii, 124. - -Witches, how made, I, xv; Nature of their Covenant with the Devil, -xxiii; the Devil a Slave to, xix; exist by God's Permission, xx; how to -detect, xxiii; vast Numbers executed, xv, xxvii; Punishment impossible, -xxxi; good Witches, xxxvii; one described by Spencer, xlix; different -Kinds, l, lii; how they contract with the Devil, liv-v; Manner of -living, lvi-viii; the Devil has made a dreadful Knot of, 18; prodigious -Meetings of, 19; commission the Devil, 29; Way of discovering, 37; -Confessions and Practices, 103; fairly executed, 107; Executions of, -in Suffolk and Essex, 112; thorny Business, 114; firey Serpents, 124; -in Denmark, 148; Witches impeach Witches, 157; Symptoms of Guilt, 162; -Conduct after the Manner of Congregational Churches, 202-3; by applying -the _Plastic Spirit_, render themselves and Tools invisible, 204; Cause -of Suicides, 207; nineteen executed, 217; can't say the Lord's Prayer, -232; their Power to commission Devils Questioned, ii, 7; Scriptures -do not describe it, _ib._, 8; commission Devils? 76; drive a Trade of -commissioning, 80-1; let fly Demons, 81; turn into Cats, Dogs, and -Cattle, 127; a Witch not known to Reason, 138; can commission Devils, -139; of Lancashire, reference to, iii, 69; steal Liquor, 110; some goe -on a Pole to a Witch-meeting, 120. - -Witch-Circles, held by young Girls, iii, 208; Origin of the Salem -Troubles, _ib._, 209-10. - -Witch-Hill, where the Execution of those accused of Witchcraft were -executed, iii, 45. - -Wizard, a Witch, I, xii, xxxviii; reveals the Witch by the Devil's -Help, 40; the Soul that goeth a whoring after, ii, 154. - -Wood, Martha, Witness, 192, iii, 110. - -Woodbury, Abigail, iii, 79. - -Woodward, John, I, lxxvi. - -Woodward, W. E., I, viii, x-xvi. - -Wolcott.--See WALCUTT. - -Wool, Pall of, as Snow, I, lxxiii. - -Wyllys, Edward, II, xii. - - - - -Transcriber's Note. - -Variable spelling and hyphenation have been retained. Minor punctuation -inconsistencies have been silently repaired. Footnotes were renumbered -and placed at the end of each section. The Index was copied from the -third volume. The entry _Tockinosh, John, ii, 23._ does not correspond -to the text. - - -Corrections. - -The first line indicates the original, the second the correction. - -p. 80: - - with a Cnmmission from some of Mankind - with a Commission from some of Mankind - -p. 116: - - Witchcraft, because the _Emher_ - Witchcraft, because the _Ember_ - -p. 125: - - it is to he hoped that - it is to be hoped that - -p. 193: - - reckons up Withcraft among the Works - reckons up Witchcraft among the Works - -Footnote 72: - - about A.D. 277, and his Docrine - about A.D. 277, and his Doctrine - -Footnote 78: - - of the Hononrable Persons - of the Honorable Persons - -Footnote 89: - - The others will be noticed onward, in the Account o the Trials. - The others will be noticed onward, in the Account of the Trials. - -Footnote 97: - - The same Gentleman mentioned in _Note_ 86, _Page_ 64. - The same Gentleman mentioned in _Note_ 86, _Page_ 157. - - -Errata. - -The first line indicates the original, the second how it should read. - -p. 25: - - threatning bittterly to kill - threatning bitterly to kill - -p. 32: - - which the Old _Serpent_ made where he did his _first Adddress_ - which the Old _Serpent_ made where he did his _first Address_ - -p. 103: - - on so flight - on so slight - - -p. 141: - - found no redress in this matter, accountea ourselves - found no redress in this matter, accounted ourselves - -p. 193: - - it were very improper to place it with Drunkennness - it were very improper to place it with Drunkenness - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Witchcraft Delusion in New -England: Its Rise, Progress, a, by Cotton Mather and Robert Calef - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WITCHCRAFT DELUSION *** - -***** This file should be named 52027-0.txt or 52027-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/2/0/2/52027/ - -Produced by Dianna Adair, Louise Davies, Eleni Christofaki -and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net (This file was made using scans of -public domain works from the University of Michigan Digital -Libraries.) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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margin-bottom: 0em; -text-align: justify; text-indent: 2em; } -.pagenum {display: none;} -.wide {display: none;} -} - - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Witchcraft Delusion in New England: Its -Rise, Progress, and Termination (Vol 2 of 3, by Cotton Mather and Robert Calef - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: The Witchcraft Delusion in New England: Its Rise, Progress, and Termination (Vol 2 of 3) - -Author: Cotton Mather - Robert Calef - -Editor: Samuel G. Drake - -Release Date: May 9, 2016 [EBook #52027] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WITCHCRAFT DELUSION *** - - - - -Produced by Dianna Adair, Louise Davies, Eleni Christofaki -and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net (This file was made using scans of -public domain works from the University of Michigan Digital -Libraries.) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="transnote"> -<h3>Transcriber's Note.</h3> - -<p>A <a href="#Transcribers_Note">list</a> of the changes made can be found at the end of the book.</p> -</div> -<hr class="full" /> -<h1>The -Witchcraft Delusion - -In -New England Vol. II</h1> -<hr class="full" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_titlepage.jpg" width="500" height="773" alt="titlepage" /> -</div> -<hr class="full" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p class="center"><em class="antiqua">Woodward's <br /> - - Historical Series.</em></p> -<p class="center">No. VI. -</p></div> - -<hr class="full" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p class="center"> -THE<br /> -<em class="antiqua"><big>Witchcraft Delusion</big></em><br /> -<small>IN</small><br /> -NEW ENGLAND:<br /> -<br /> -<small>ITS</small><br /> -<span class="smcap">Rise, Progress, and Termination</span>,<br /> -<small>AS EXHIBITED BY</small><br /> -<span class="smcap">Dr.</span> COTTON MATHER,<br /> -<small>IN</small><br /> -<i>THE WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD</i>;<br /> -<small>AND BY</small><br /> -<span class="smcap">Mr.</span> ROBERT CALEF,<br /> -<small>IN HIS</small><br /> -<i>MORE WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD</i>.<br /> -<br /> -<small>WITH A</small><br /> -<em class="antiqua">Preface, Introduction, and Notes</em>,<br /> -<span class="smcap">By</span> SAMUEL G. DRAKE.<br /> -<br /> -IN THREE VOLUMES.<br /> -<br /> -VOL. II.<br /> -<br /> -<i>More Wonders of the Invisible World.</i></p> -<hr class="small" /> -<p class="center"> -PRINTED FOR W. ELLIOT WOODWARD,<br /> -ROXBURY, MASS.<br /> -MDCCCLXVI.<br /> -</p> -</div> - -<hr class="full" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p class="center"> -<i>No.</i>____</p> -<p class="center p6"> -Entered according to Act of Congress in the Year 1865,<br /> -By SAMUEL G. DRAKE,<br /> -in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States<br /> -for the District of Massachusetts.<br /> -</p> -<p class="center p6"> -<span class="smcap">Edition in this size 280 Copies.</span> -</p> -<p class="center p4"> -<span class="smcap">Munsell, Printer.</span> -</p> - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<hr class="full" /> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/illus_005a.jpg" width="400" height="106" alt="decoration" /> -</div> - -<h2 class="break">PREFATORY,<br /> - -<small>BY THE EDITOR</small>.</h2> - -<p> -<img src="images/illus_005b.jpg" width="100" height="101" alt="M" class="floatl" />Y -Object in this Edition -of Mr. Calef's Work is -similar to that in Dr. -Mather's in the preceding -Volume, namely, to give -a perfectly accurate Reprint -of the Work; so that whoever has -Occasion to use or consult it may do so -with entire Confidence. I have therefore -reprinted the original Edition of -1700, with such Notes as was judged -might be useful to a certain Class of -Readers. And having mentioned the -Notes, I will say of them here all I -have to say about them. There may be -those who have no need of such Additions. -They can pass them by unheeded;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">vi</a></span> -but it was thought generally that a few Explanations -and Additions would be a Help -to the Party consulting the Work. They -have been made as brief as was thought -consistent with the Subject.</p> - -<p>With respect to the original Text, it is -given as exactly like the Original as a -much better Type can be made to imitate -an old Type of 166 Years ago. As to -retaining all the Errors in the original -Edition, it was thought incompatible with -the general good Taste of the Age. -Some, of a peculiar Nature, if judged -necessary to show a Peculiarity of the -Times, may have been retained, and -noted for such Peculiarity; but a broken -or imperfect Letter is discarded as unworthy -of Imitation; so transposed or -inverted Letters are set right, as any good -proof Reader would have done, had he -noticed them in the Original; but the -Orthography of that Day is scrupulously -retained.</p> - -<p>Why there was no Edition of the -<i>More Wonders of the Invisible World</i>, for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">vii</a></span> -ninety-six Years, will be found elsewhere -explained. The Edition of 1796 is the first -American Edition. This bears the following -Imprint: "<span class="smcap">Printed in London in</span> the -Year 1700. | <i>Reprinted in</i> SALEM, <i>Massachusetts</i>, -1796, | By WILLIAM CARLTON. -| <i>Sold at</i> <span class="smcap">Cushing & Carlton's</span> -<i>Book Store, at the Bible</i> | <i>and Heart, Essex-Street.</i>" -The Volume is in Duodecimo, -and contains 318 Pages. The second -Salem Edition is in the same Form, and -contains 309 Pages, exclusive of the Article -headed "<span class="smcap">Giles Cory</span>," which occupies -three Pages; hence Copies of this Edition -contain 312 Pages. Its Imprint—all in -small Capitals—is thus: "Printed in -London, A. D. 1700. | Reprinted in Salem, -by John D. and T. C. Cushing, Jr. | -for Cushing and Appleton. 1823." The -Publishers of this Edition added the Article -<i>Giles Cory</i>, at the Suggestion of <span class="smcap">Mr. -David Pulsifer</span>, then employed in the -Office where the <i>Witchcraft Records</i> were -kept, as he many Years ago informed -me.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">viii</a></span> - -The second Salem Edition appears to -have been copied from the first—that of -1796. In some Instances slight Departures -are made from the Copy; and in -all these, such Departures are also Departures -from the Original. As late as -1796, it might be expected that some -Uniformity would have been observed, as -long as no Exactness was intended in -respect to the kind of Type used in -reprinting an old Work—Uniformity in -denoting Quotations; but there is no -Exactness in this respect in either Edition. -In the first, as will be seen, sometimes -Brackets are used to distinguish Quotations, -but generally italic Type is employed for -that Purpose. In the second, inverted -Commas are generally used, sometimes -Brackets. I have followed the Original, -bracketing and italicising as I find it. -Inverted Commas to denote Extracts, -Quotations and the possessive Case of -Nouns have been introduced by Writers -and Printers mainly, since the Time of -Mr. Calef.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ix" id="Page_ix">ix</a></span> - -Nothing appears in the Book to show -whether the Author superintended the -printing of it or otherwise. He may -have resided in London at the Time of -its Publication, although there are some -Considerations that seem to lead to -the Conclusion that it may have passed -through the Press without his Supervision; -but, as before observed, Nothing is known -in regard to it, and it is not very probable -that Anything more will ever come to -Light; yet equally strange Things as that -would be, have happened.</p> - -<p>Taking Liberties with old Authors is -exceedingly distasteful to me, even where -well assured that an Author would have -gladly made a Change himself, had a -Defect or Deformity been noticed by -him; but I have not even assumed that -Responsibility in Mr. Calef's Work. I -have done one Thing which the Student -ought to thank me for, though he may -not. I have placed the Headings of the -different Sections at the Commencement -of those Sections, throughout the Work.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_x" id="Page_x">x</a></span> -In the original Edition these were omitted, -probably on the score of Economy. They -also stand at the Commencement of the -Book (as in the Original,) entitled "Index." -The Benefit to the Reader, in -reprinting the Captions or Contents of a -Section or Chapter over such Section or -Chapter will be too apparent to require -Apology.</p> - -<p>The Pagination of the Original is Exactly -retained; being placed at the top -inner Margin in Brackets, and in the Page -where the original Page begins and ends, -as was done in the previous Volume.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/illus_010.jpg" width="200" height="193" alt="decoration" /> -</div> - -<hr class="full" /> -<div class="chapter"> </div> - -<h2><em class="antiqua">Pedigree of Calef.</em><a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></h2> - - <p>Robert Calef, probably from England, settled in Roxbury, Mass., - previous to 1700; rented Lands in Dorchester, 1709; is styled Clothier; - died 13th April, 1719, aged 71, as by his Grave-stone in the old - Burying-ground, Roxbury. = Mary ... died November 12th, 1719.</p> - - <p class="in2">1. Joseph, went to Ipswich as early as 1692; a Physician; d. 28th - Dec., 1707, in his 36th Year. = Mary; ... she m., 2dly, Thomas - Choate, of Ipswich.</p> - - <p class="in3">i. Robert, born 12th Dec., 1693, had a Grant of Mill-privilege in - Ipswich, 1715; died 12th July, 1730. = Margaret, da. of Dea. John - Staniford; d. 7th October, 1727.</p> - - <p class="in4">John, b. 1725; Physician of great Respectability; a Loyalist in - the Revolution; d. at St. Andrews, N. B., 1812. = Mary, dau. of - Nathaniel Rogers, of Ipswich.</p> - - <ul><li class="in5">John, Capt. of a Vessel; drowned at Plum Island on his return - Voyage from the W. Indies, 1782.</li> - <li class="in5">Margaret, born 15th October, 1748; m. Dr. Daniel Scott, of - Boston.</li> - <li class="in5">Mary, bapt. 24th March, 1750; m. Capt. John Dutch, of Ipswich.</li> - <li class="in5">Joseph, living in 1754.</li></ul> - - <p class="in3">ii. Joseph, b. 20th May, 1695, in Ipswich. Administrator on Estate - of his Grandfather.</p> - - <p class="in3">iii. Samuel b. 25th January, 1697; d. Sept. 1st. 1720.</p> - - <p class="in3">iv. Ebenezer.</p> - - <p class="in3">v. Peter,<a name="FNanchor_2a_2a" id="FNanchor_2a_2a"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> (perhaps, Physician, of Charlestown,) d. 11th October, - 1735 = Sarah Foster, 19th July, 1723.</p> - - <ul><li class="in4">Joseph, bapt. 3d of May, 1724; a Leather-dresser.</li> - <li class="in4"> Sarah, Mary, both d. early.</li> - <li class="in4">Peter, bapt. 26th Oct., 1729, died 1749.</li> - <li class="in4">Mary, bapt. 23d April, 1732, m. Stephen White, in Waltham, 5th - June, 1758.</li> - <li class="in4">Parnel, bapt. 16th February, 1734-5, m. Dr. Edward Coffin.</li></ul> - - <p class="in3">vi. Mary.</p> - - <p class="in2"> 2. John, living 1719.</p> - - <p class="in2">3. Jeremiah, living 1719.</p> - - <p class="in2">4. ROBERT, (Author of <i>More Wonders</i>, &c.); Merchant, of Boston; died - near the Close of 1722, or early in 1723, aged about 45. His Children - all born in Boston. = Margaret, dau. of James Barton, of Newton, 23d - Dec., 1699. She died before 17th Sept., 1744.</p> - - <ul> - <li class="in3">i. James, b. 21st Dec., 1702, d. young.</li> - <li class="in3">ii. James, b. 24th Feb., 1711-12, d. young.</li> - <li class="in3">iii. Robert, b. 9th Mar., 1716/17, d. young.</li> - <li class="in3">iv. Elizabeth, b. 7th May, 1704, living in 1722.</li> - <li class="in3"> v. Mary, born 25th Jan., 1712-13, died young.</li> - <li class="in3">vi. Anne, b. 7th July, 1708, m. Green, li. 1722.</li></ul> - - <ul> - <li class="in4">Thomas Green, living 1740.</li> - <li class="in4">Bethiah Green, living 1740.</li> - <li class="in4">John Green, living 1740.</li> - <li class="in4">Mary Green, living 1740.</li> - <li class="in4">Rebeckah Green, living 1740.</li></ul> - - <p class="in3">vii. Margaret, b. 4th October, 1710, married Star, li. 1722.</p> - - <ul><li class="in4">Jaspar Star, li. 1740.</li> - <li class="in4">Robert Star, li. 1740.</li> - <li class="in4">Mary Star, living 1740.</li> - <li class="in4">Benjamin Star, li. 1740.</li></ul> - - <p class="in3">viii. James,<a name="FNanchor_3a_3a" id="FNanchor_3a_3a"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> b. 7th Nov. 1714, li. 1744, but not in the Province; - perhaps the Captive of 1757. = Abigail.</p> - - <ul> <li class="in4">Samuel, a Captive among the Indians with his Father.</li></ul> - - <p class="in2">5. Martha, m. Solomon Hewes, 28th September, 1700.</p> - - <p class="in2">6. Mary, m. Sam'l Stevens, 9th of October, 1712.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> -<div class="wide"> -<table id="pedigree" summary="pedigree of calef"> -<tr> - - <td colspan="12">Robert Calef, probably from England, settled in Roxbury, Mass., - previous to 1700; rented Lands in Dorchester, 1709; is styled Clothier; - died 13th April, 1719, aged 71, as by his Grave-stone in the old - Burying-ground, Roxbury. - = - Mary ... died November 12th, 1719.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="bt"> </td> -<td class="bt bl"> </td> -<td class="bt"> </td> -<td class="bt bl"> </td> -<td class="bt"> </td> -<td class="bt bl"> </td> -<td class="bt"> </td> -<td class="bt bl"> </td> -<td class="bt"> </td> -<td class="bt bl"> </td> -<td class="bt br"> </td> -<td class="bt"> </td> - -</tr> - -<tr> -<td colspan="2" class="bb">Joseph, went to Ipswich as early as 1692; a Physician; d. 28th Dec., - 1707, in his 36th Year. - = Mary; ... she m., 2dly, Thomas Choate, of - Ipswich.</td> - -<td colspan="2">John, living 1719.</td> -<td colspan="2">Jeremiah, living 1719.</td> - <td colspan="2" class="bb">ROBERT, (Author of <i>More Wonders</i>, &c.); Merchant, of Boston; died - near the Close of 1722, or early in 1723, aged about 45. His Children - all born in Boston. - = Margaret, dau. of James Barton, of Newton, 23d - Dec., 1699. She died before 17th Sept., 1744.</td> - <td colspan="2">Martha, m. Solomon Hewes, 28th September, 1700.</td> -<td colspan="2">Mary, m. Sam'l Stevens, 9th of October, 1712.</td> -</tr> -<tr><td class="br"> </td> -<td> </td> -<td> </td> -<td> </td> -<td> </td> -<td> </td> -<td class="br"> </td> -</tr> -<tr><td class="br"> </td> -<td> </td> -<td> </td> -<td> </td> -<td> </td> -<td> </td> -<td class="br"> </td> -</tr> - -<tr><td class="br" rowspan="8"> </td> -<td class="br"> </td> -<td class="bt"> </td> -<td class="bt"> </td> -<td class="bt bl"> </td> -<td class="bt"> </td> -<td class="bt bl"> </td> -<td class="bt"> </td> -<td class="bt bl"> </td> -<td class="bt"> </td> -<td class="bl"> </td> -<td> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - -<td colspan="2">James, b. 21st Dec., 1702, d. young. -James, b. 24th Feb., 1711-12, d. young. -Robert, b. 9th Mar., 1716/17, d. young. -</td> - -<td colspan="2">Elizabeth, b. 7th May, 1704, living in 1722. - -Mary, born 25th Jan., 1712-13, died young. -</td> - - <td class="bb" colspan="2">Anne, b. 7th July, 1708, m. Green, li. 1722.</td> - - <td class="bb" colspan="2">Margaret, b. 4th October, 1710, married Star, li. 1722.</td> - -<td class="bb" colspan="2">James,<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> b. 7th Nov. 1714, li. 1744, but not in the Province; - perhaps the Captive of 1757. - = Abigail.</td> - </tr> - -<tr> -<td> </td> -<td> </td> - -<td> </td> -<td> </td> -<td class="br" rowspan="3"> </td> -<td> </td> - -<td class="br" rowspan="4"> </td> -<td> </td> - - <td class="br"> </td> -<td> </td> -<td> </td> -<td> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - -<td> </td> -<td> </td> -<td> </td> - -<td> </td> - -<td> </td> -<td> </td> - -<td colspan="2" class="bt">Samuel, a Captive among the Indians with his Father. </td> - -</tr> - -<tr> -<td colspan="2"> </td> -<td colspan="2"> </td> - -</tr> - -<tr> - -<td> </td> -<td class="bt">Thomas Green, living 1740.</td> -<td class="bt">Bethiah Green, living 1740.</td> -<td class="bt">John Green, living 1740.</td> -<td class="bt">Mary Green, living 1740.</td> - <td class="bt"> Rebeckah Green, living 1740.</td> - -</tr> - -<tr> - -<td> </td> -<td> </td> -<td> </td> -<td> </td> -<td> </td> - <td class="bt">Jaspar Star, li. 1740.</td> - <td class="bt">Robert Star, li. 1740.</td> - <td class="bt">Mary Star, living 1740.</td> - <td class="bt">Benjamin Star, li. 1740.</td> -</tr> -<tr><td> </td> - -</tr> - -<tr><td> </td> -<td class="bt bl"> </td> -<td class="bt"> </td> -<td class="bt bl"> </td> -<td class="bt"> </td> -<td class="bt bl"> </td> -<td class="bt"> </td> -<td class="bt bl"> </td> -<td class="bt"> </td> -<td class="bt bl"> </td> -<td class="bt"> </td> -<td class="bl"> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="bb" colspan="2">Robert, born 12th Dec., 1693, had a Grant of Mill-privilege in - Ipswich, 1715; died 12th July, 1730. - = - Margaret, da. of Dea. John - Staniford; d. 7th October, 1727.</td> - - <td colspan="2">Joseph, b. 20th May, 1695, in Ipswich. Administrator on Estate of - his Grandfather.</td> - - <td colspan="2">Samuel b. 25th January, 1697; d. Sept. 1st. 1720.</td> - - <td colspan="2">Ebenezer.</td> - - <td colspan="2" class="bb">Peter,<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> (perhaps, Physician, of Charlestown,) d. 11th October, - 1735. - = Sarah Foster, 19th July, 1723.</td> - - <td colspan="2">Mary.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td> </td> -<td class="bl"> </td> -<td class="bt br"> </td> -<td> </td> -<td> </td> -<td> </td> -<td> </td> -<td> </td> -<td class="br"> </td> -<td> </td> -<td> </td> -<td> </td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td> </td> -<td class="bl"> </td> -<td class="br"> </td> -<td> </td> -<td> </td> -<td class="bt bl"> </td> -<td class="bt"> </td> -<td class="bt"> </td> -<td class="bt"> </td> -<td class="bt br"> </td> -<td> </td> -<td> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - -<td class="bb" colspan="2">John, b. 1725; Physician of great Respectability; a Loyalist in - the Revolution; d. at St. Andrews, N. B., 1812. - = Mary, dau. of - Nathaniel Rogers, of Ipswich.</td> - -<td colspan="2">Joseph, living in 1754.</td> -<td> </td> - -<td>Joseph, bapt. 3d of May, 1724; a Leather-dresser.</td> - -<td>Sarah, Mary, both d. early. </td> -<td>Peter, bapt. 26th Oct., 1729, died 1749.</td> -<td>Mary, bapt. 23d April, 1732, m. Stephen White, in Waltham, 5th - June, 1758. </td> - -<td>Parnel, bapt. 16th February, 1734-5, m. Dr. Edward Coffin.</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td> </td> -<td class="bl"> </td> -<td class="bt"> </td> -<td class="bl bt"> </td> -<td class="bt"> </td> -<td class="bl"> </td> -<td> </td> -<td> </td> -<td> </td> -<td> </td> -<td> </td> -<td> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td colspan="2">John, Capt. of a Vessel; drowned at Plum Island on his return - Voyage from the W. Indies, 1782.</td> -<td colspan="2">Margaret, born 15th October, 1748; m. Dr. Daniel Scott, of Boston.</td> -<td colspan="2">Mary, bapt. 24th March, 1750; m. Capt. John Dutch, of Ipswich.</td> -</tr> -</table> - -</div> - -<div class="footnotes"><h3><b>FOOTNOTES:</b></h3> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> This Pedigree is given with the Hope that it will tend to interest some Descendant to investigate the Subject, and to compose a Genealogy worthy of it. The Compiler of this is not acquainted with any -of the Name, and has here thrown together such Facts as were among his Memoranda, chiefly made many Years ago.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> Not much Confidence is felt that the Family given to this <span class="smcap">Peter</span> is the correct one.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> This <i>James</i> may not be the one mentioned in <i>N. Eng. Hist. and Gen. Reg.</i>, xiv, 271; but is supposed to be he.</p></div></div> - -<hr class="full" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/illus_014a.jpg" width="400" height="104" alt="decoration" /> -</div> - -<h2 class="break">MEMOIR OF ROBERT CALEF.</h2> - -<p> -<img src="images/illus_014b.jpg" width="100" height="94" alt="W" class="floatl" /> -HEN any Man has moral Courage -enough to speak plainly -against any Vices, Follies, or -Superstitions surrounding him, -he must not only be a bold -Man, but he does so regardless -of the Cost; for all Experience -teaches that whoever undertakes a Reformation -of the Kind must experience a Fate not altogether -unlike him who waged War with the Philistines.</p> - -<p>If the Reformer escapes the Fury of the Deluded, -and lives out his natural Time, he often -loses his social standing; is maligned, scoffed, and -scorned by all whom he exposed, and a Multitude -of those who follow them as their Leaders without -knowing wherefore. It is much the same -now. The Reformer or Corrector of Opinion is -hissed and slandered in Proportion to the Effort he -makes. That is to say, he is dealt with by Society -leniently if he tells the Truth with a Sort of -Proviso; maintains his Position without Firmness, -and gains but few Followers.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xii" id="Page_xii">xii</a></span> - -Little is known of Robert Calef, aside from -his single Book, and what his Enemies have -thought proper to say about him in a bitter Spirit -of Detraction. He was certainly a Man of good -Education; but how he acquired it, where and -when, no Mention is found. Dr. Mather, in his -Rejoinder to the <i>More Wonders</i>, assails him at -every Point; but his Attainments in Literature he -probably viewed as not vulnerable, as he has -made no Attack on that Quarter. It is true he -accuses him of being assisted in his Labors, but -gives no Clue by which such Assistance may be -known.</p> - -<p>Notwithstanding Mr. Calef had, by his Independence -in freely arraigning the absurd Proceedings -against those charged with imaginary Crimes, -he was not without some Popularity in Boston, -his Place of Residence, at the Period of those -Prosecutions; for in the Records of the Town -are found the following Entries concerning him: -April 16th, 1694, "Mr. Robert Calfe was chosen -Hayward & Fence-viewer, in the Room of Mr. -Edward Wyllys, who refused to serve." May -12th, 1702, he was added to the Number of the -Overseers of the Poor. On the 19th of April, -1704, Thanks were voted him for his Services in -that Office. On March 12th, 1704-5, it was -ordered that Mr. Calef be not charged with Interest -on Moneys remaining in his Hands. The -next Year, March 10th, 1706-7, he was chosen -one of the Assessors, but declined the Service.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xiii" id="Page_xiii">xiii</a></span> - -The Time of the Emigration of the Family -of Calef, or Calfe, to this Country has not been -ascertained, nor has there been published any -considerable Memorial of it. The Name is an -old English one; and were Time bestowed upon -it, many Items might doubtless be found in old -Authors of Persons who have borne it. At Present -but a Reference or two must suffice. In -the Time of Henry III (1216-1270), a Sir John -<i>Calfe</i> flourished, on whom a curious Epitaph may -be seen in <i>Camden's Remains</i>. Another John -Calfe has an Inscription to his Memory in St. -Nicholas's Church, London, giving 1426 as the -Year of his Decease.</p> - -<p>It is not very remarkable that so little is known -of Robert Calef, when it is considered that he -had almost the entire Community against him. -And less is learned about him than might be -expected in the Perusal of his own Book. That -his Character was above Reproach is evident from -the Replies of Dr. Mather and his Friends, to -his Questions respecting the Proofs of Witchcraft. -It helps one's Cause but very little, merely to call -his Antagonist "a Lyar;" and this appears to have -been the heaviest Argument brought against Mr. -Calef in Answer to his Statements.</p> - -<p>In Dr. Mather's Account of the <i>Afflictions</i> of -Margaret Rule, he thus refers to those who differ -from him; undoubtedly having special Reference -to Mr. Calef: "Yea, to do like Satan himself, by -sly, base unpretending Insinuations, as if I wore not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xiv" id="Page_xiv">xiv</a></span> -the Modesty and Gravity which became a Minister -of the Gospel, I could not but think myself unkindly -dealt withal, and the Neglects of others to -do me Justice in this Affair has caused me to conclude -this Narrative in <i>another hearing</i> of such -monstrous Injuries."</p> - -<p>By "another hearing," is meant that he had or -would take legal Steps to silence his Opponent; -for about the same Time the Doctor was so annoyed -by certain Queries sent him by Mr. Calef, -that he returned him Word by his (Mr. Calef's) -Bearer, that he would have him arrested for Slander, -as he was "one of the worst of Lyars." This -the Doctor proclaimed also in his Pulpit. Yet -Mr. Calef was always respectful in his Language -in return, for anything that appears to the contrary.</p> - -<p>On the 29th of September, 1693, Mr. Calef -addressed Dr. Mather a Note, requesting that he -would meet him at either of the Booksellers, -Richard Wilkins or Benjamin Harris. Mr. Calef -desired this Meeting that they might examine -together the Memoranda of what he had noted -after visiting the "possessed" or bewitched Person, -Margaret Rule. At that Visit were also both the -Doctors Mather, Father and Son. Meantime Mr. -Calef was complained of and taken into Custody, -on the Charge of having committed a scandalous -Libel on Mr. Mather the younger; the Complaint -being made by both. Mr. Calef states -that he did not remember that he had been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xv" id="Page_xv">xv</a></span> -charged with Untruth in his Report of the Examination -of Margaret; but it was asserted that -he had wronged Dr. Mather by his Omissions. -To which Mr. Calef replied, that he had reported -only what <i>he</i> saw and heard himself.</p> - -<p>As to the Prosecution for Libel, Mr. Calef -says he was taken to the Court of Sessions, and -after waiting a while for his Accusers, none appeared. -He was therefore dismissed. He had -had a Promise from Dr. Mather to meet him to -compare Notes, but it does not appear that any -Time was stated; and after several Months had -elapsed Mr. Calef wrote, requesting him to fix -upon a Time and Place of Meeting. A Meeting -however never occurred, of the Kind desired; -but, as the only Means of getting the Doctor's -Views of what he had written, he sent him a -Copy of his Notes on Margaret Rule's Exhibitions, -two of which he seems to have witnessed. -On the 15th of January, 1693-4, the Doctor -wrote him a long Letter, in which he says: "I -have this to say, as I have often already said, that -do I scarcely find any one Thing in the whole -Paper, whether respecting my Father or self, either -fairly or truly represented." The <i>Fairness</i> on -both Sides may be judged of, as both Papers will -be found in the ensuing Work, Pages 13-22.</p> - -<p>The Doctor sent the Author, accompanying -his Letter, Copies of three Depositions, or Statements -from several Persons, to the Effect that -what he had stated regarding the strange Conduct<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xvi" id="Page_xvi">xvi</a></span> -of Margaret Rule was true; especially as to the -Fact, that she was by invisible Hands raised from -her Bed up to the Garret Floor, and that strong -Men, the Bystanders, could not hold her down. -The Height of the Room is not mentioned; but -one Witness, Samuel Aves, says it was "a great -Way;" that she was lifted "towards the Top of -the Room." Three others said, this was "in Substance -true." Also, Thomas Thornton, a Paver, -said she was lifted up, "so as to touch the Garret -Floor;" to which William Hudson assented in -"Substance." All of which Testimonies, Mr. -Calef ventured to insinuate was about as true, as a -Report would be that Iron would swim on Water; -that if that Rising in the Air without Hands -actually took place, it was a Miracle, and if a -Miracle it was wrought by the Devil. And yet -it seems that Mr. Calef believed none but God -himself could work Miracles.</p> - -<p>Between the Date of his last Letter and the -19th of February, 1693-4, instead of answering -Mr. Calef's Letter, Dr. Mather sent him Word -that his Library was open to him, intimating that -he might find there Answers to any and all of his -Objections and Difficulties. But Mr. Calef did -not avail himself of the Kindness thus tendered, -though he thanked him by Letter, and at the -same Time complained that he had not written -him, pointing out what he conceived to be Errors -in his former Communications; adding, "if -you think Silence a Virtue in this Case, I shall (I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xvii" id="Page_xvii">xvii</a></span> -suppose) so far comply with it as not to loose you -any more Time to look over my Papers." This -however did not end the Correspondence; for on -the 16th of April following he addressed a Letter -to the Doctor, calling his Attention to certain -Passages in the <i>Wonders of the Invisible World</i>, and -some other "late Books of his and his Relations." -After stating a few of the Author's strange Assertions, -such as that the Devil causes Wars, Plagues, -and other Calamities; that the Devil is a great -Linguist; that Suicides "are the Effects of a -cruel & bloody Witchcraft," and several other -similar Quotations. In closing this Letter, he -remarks that he is only performing what he believes -to be his Duty; that he is far from doing -it to gain Applause, or from a Love of Contention; -that, on the other Hand, he expected to -make many Enemies by it.</p> - -<p>The next Letter which he wrote to Mr. Mather -was dated March the 1st, 1694-5. In this -he says he had waited more than a Year "for the -Performance of a reiterated Promise" from him, -to reply to Arguments which he had sent for his -Refutation or Approval. Instead of that promised -Answer, he had received, through the -Hand of a third Person, "four Sheets of recinded -Papers." These were delivered under an -Injunction that no Copy was to be taken of them, -and he was allowed to keep them but a Fortnight. -He has given some Account of those -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xviii" id="Page_xviii">xviii</a></span>"four Sheets," and observes that he does not wonder -at not being allowed to copy them, as they -contained so much "crude Matter and impertinent -Absurdities." Among other Things, he sent Mr. -Calef Baxter's <i>World of Spirits</i>, characterizing it -an <i>ungainsayable</i> Book; upon which Mr. Calef -remarks, as aptly as significantly, that he knows -of no "ungainsayable" Book but the Bible, and -thinks no other Man who had ever read it would -so style it except its Author. He is probably -correct when he attributes to Mr. Baxter the -Weakness incident to old Age, in allowing his -Name to appear as the Author of <i>The Certainty -of the World of Spirits</i>. But his own Words -are more to the Point: "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 Imbecility, let them be detected that they -may proceed no further."</p> - -<p>The Experience of Mr. Calef was similar, -probably, to that of most Reformers, both before -and since his Time. To combat similar Superstitions -at this Day would be nearly or quite as -hazardous as it was then. Indeed, there have -been Cases within some thirty Years in New -England, in which Individuals have fared much -worse than Robert Calef did in Boston more -than an hundred Years before, and for no offence -worthy of Notice; neither had an Eighth of the -Community a Voice in this Persecution, while in -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xix" id="Page_xix">xix</a></span>Mr. Calef's Case nine Tenths of the whole People -probably were crying out against him. The -Villainy of a single Lawyer, and the Imbecility -of a Judge may sometimes succeed in ruining for -a Time the Character of any Citizen.</p> - -<p>Mr. Calef seems to have been almost alone in -the Warfare he had undertaken. "How Few," -he says, "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."</p> - -<p>Owing to the peculiar State of the Times -when Mr. Calef wrote, he felt himself obliged -to admit a great Deal that a Writer at a later -Day would not have found it Necessary. This -will account for some heavy Papers introduced -into the Body of his Work. He had a most -difficult Task to perform. Like the Mariner in -a Tempest upon a Lee Shore, he needed an Eye -on every Point of the Compass, and a deep Sea -Lead ever in Hand.</p> - -<p>What Overtures, if any, he made to Printers in -Boston to print his Books, are unknown. It is -pretty certain, however, that no One would have -dared to undertake it. And what Agency, if any, -he employed to have it done Abroad, is equally -unknown. But one Thing is known; no Bookseller -had the Hardihood to offer it for Sale, or -dared to give it Shop-room. He had a few<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xx" id="Page_xx">xx</a></span> -Friends who stood by him, ready to shield him, -as far as was consistent with their own Safety, but -none had the Boldness to come out so openly as -he did. Some wrote strongly against the Delusion, -but not for Publication; as Brattle of Cambridge, -Cary of Charlestown, and Robert Paine. -The Work of the last named Gentleman has not -been made public, and remains in private Hands. -It is said to be a most masterly Refutation of the -Arguments made use of against Witches, written -in the Time of the Trials. But it seems, on a -careful Perusal of Mr. Calef's <i>More Wonders</i>, that -not much more can be said (admitting or deferring -to a Sort of Authority which cannot be -argued from,) to show the utter Absurdity of the -Proceedings on the Witch Trials. He has, it -must be admitted, exhausted the Subject. It is -very easy, it is true, to say the same Thing, using -different and more elegant Language, according -to the present Standard of Elegance; but for close -and succinct Argument, the Author has not been -surpassed by his Successors. His Statement of -Apology for those poor People who had confessed -themselves Witches, and accused others, is highly -satisfactory.</p> - -<p>Mr. Calef possessed more than ordinary Attainments -in Literature; he was no Stranger to -legal Forms; and as to theological Learning, was, -for Soundness of Argument, quite superior to those -who were in the Field against him. These Facts -excite a Desire to know more of his History;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xxi" id="Page_xxi">xxi</a></span> -for all that has been learned about him, is that he -was a "Merchant of Boston," and that he was a -Dealer in woolen Goods; and hence the Attempt -of a narrow minded Opposition to class him -among the Ordinary and Illiterate of the Time. -They also descended to vulgar Epithets, calling -him a <i>Calf</i>; his Book they call a "Firebrand, -thrown by a Mad-man;" and, "it was highly rejoycing -to us, when we heard that our Booksellers -were so well acquainted with the Integrity -of our Pastors, as not one of them would admit -of those Libels to be vended in their Shops." -This was the Language of the Men who published -"Some few Remarks, upon a <i>Scandalous -Book</i> ... written by one Robert Calef," with -the Motto—"Truth will come off Conqueror." -This Publication is dated "January 9th, 1700-1," -and purports to have been drawn up by Obadiah -Gill, John Barnard, John Goodwin, William Robie, -Timothy Wadsworth, Robert Cumbey, and -George Robinson; none of whom were Men of -special Note then or afterwards. It should be -observed, however, that they were Members of -the Old North Church. Any further Notice of -the Answer to the <i>More Wonders</i> is unnecessary -here; but it will be used in the Notes occasionally, -that the "<i>Slandered</i>" may speak for themselves.</p> - -<p>It was probably about the Time of the Issue -of the <i>Some Few Remarks</i> that the <i>More Wonders</i> -was caused to be burnt in the College Yard at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xxii" id="Page_xxii">xxii</a></span> -Cambridge, by Order of the President, Dr. Increase -Mather. The Burning was doubtless performed -with much of Ceremony and Formality, -but there does not appear to have been any Record -made of it upon the College Books; or if so, -the Historians of the Institution have not mentioned -it. This Kind of <i>Argument</i> against what -is set forth in a Book, is about as effectual as that -employed against the Tide of the Ocean by an -eastern Monarch. That the President of the -College had no great Faith in his <i>Argument</i>, is -pretty clear, or so much Pains would not have -been taken by him in making another Book to -refute the Arguments contained in the one he -had burned.</p> - -<p>The precise Date of Mr. Calef's Death is not -upon any Records which have been examined; -and the last Time he appears to have transacted -any Business requiring his Signature, was at the -Registry of Deeds, then under the official Management -of John Ballantine, Esq., when he -released a Mortgage which he held of certain -Lands in Roxbury; which Mortgage was given -by Joseph Holland and his Wife Elizabeth, and -dated the 11th of March, 1720. [Of course, -1721, N. S.] The Release was signed by the -Mortgagor, April 11th, 1722. His Signature on -this Occasion has been copied, and is here presented.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/illus_025.jpg" width="300" height="76" alt="Robert Calfe" /> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xxiii" id="Page_xxiii">xxiii</a></span> - -But a short Time previous to this Transaction -he deeded certain Property to his Children. In -this Instrument, dated February 10th, 1721, -[1722, N. S.,] he styles himself Clothier, and -names Children, Elizabeth, Ann, Margaret and -James. Two Houses and Land; one in present -Possession of James Smith; the other in his own -Possession; bounded N. W. upon——Street, N. -E. upon Thomas Wheeler, S. E. upon William -Gold, and S. W. upon Bond Street; also one -Tract of Land in Brookline; also a Mortgage -from James Barton, Ropemaker, reserving to -himself and his now married Wife the Use of the -Premises during their Lives.</p> - -<p>The following is an Abstract of his Will:</p> - -<p>"I Robert Calfe of Boston, being now in sound -Body and Minde doe make this my last Will -[and] appoint my well beloved Wife Executrix. -After funerall Charges and all Other my just -Debtts being paide, my Will is that my Wife -[have] all my Estate during her Widdowhood; -and in Case she see Caus to alter her Condition -by Marraig, that then she shall quitt her Administership, -and the Improvement of the Estate, -wholey to be for the Bennefitt of my Children; -only two hundred Pounds I will unto her upon -her Marraig, and the whoolly Remainder to be -disposte of as followe: Son James £100, when -of Age more then any of the Rest of my Children: -And allso I give £200 ought of said Estate -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xxiv" id="Page_xxiv">xxiv</a></span>for defraying the Charges of bringing him up -to the Collig, if he inclines to Larning, but if -not then to be equaley divided among him and -the Rest of my Children, viz. Elizabeth, Ann -and Margaret, together with what Children it -shall plees God to give me by my present Wife: -And it is my Will that my Daughters, Elizabeth, -Ann and Margaret have an equall Proportion of -all my Estate, Personall and Reall, only what is -before excepted unto my Son James, and that -they be paid upon Marraig or at the Discretion -of my Executrix, if she remain a Widow, and if -it please God to take away my Children by Death -before of Age or without Issue the whole of my -Estate to return to my Wife or to her Dispose.</p> - -<p>2<i>d of Jan., 1720.</i> -<img src="images/illus_027.jpg" width="200" height="85" alt="signature" /> -</p> - -<p>In Presence of Sam<sup>ll</sup> Wentworth, John Alden, -Jr. and John Tyler.</p> - -<p>Margaret Calfe presented the within Will for -Probat and John Alden, Jun<sup>r</sup> and John Tyler -made Oath, &c. and they together with Sam<sup>l</sup> -Wentworth, who is now out of the Province set -to their Hands as Witnesses in the Testator's Presence. -Boston, Feb. 18th, 1722-3.</p> - -<p class="right"> -<span class="smcap">Samuel Sewall</span> J Prob<sup>t</sup>" -</p> - -<p>The Testator was too ill, it is probable, to draw -up his Will himself, or one so unclerical would -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xxv" id="Page_xxv">xxv</a></span>not have appeared. The Circumstances, however, -under which it was made, are entirely conjectural. -His Wife was living, a Widow, till -about 1744; as in September of that Year her -Will was proved. It was made four Years before, -namely, September 17th, 1740. The Items -of Interest in it here follow:</p> - -<p>"To Grandson Thomas Green £60; to Margaret -Green £20, and a silver Porringer which -her Father now has. To Ann Green £30, and -a gold Necklace. To Bethiah Green £20. To -John Green £20. To Mary Green £20, and to -Rebeckah Green £30; all the Children of my -Daughter Ann Green deceased. To Daughter -Margaret Star's four Children, namely, to Joseph, -£20; Robert, £20; Mary, £20; and Benjamin -Star, £20. Clothing to be divided between -Daughter Star, and Grand Daughter, Ann Green. -The Remainder of Estate to be divided between -Daughter Margaret Star and Son James Calf; -said Son to be Executor if in the Province; -otherwise, Cousin Thomas Simpkins.</p> - -<p><i>Dated</i>, January 2d, 1720. <i>Signed</i>,</p> - -<p class="right"> -<span class="smcap">Margaret Calf.</span> -</p> - -<p>Witnesses—Abigail West, Barnabas Gibbs, -John Swinnerton."</p> - -<p>It was presented for Probate by Thomas Simpkins; -James Calf being out of the Province.</p> - -<p>In the General Court Records Notice is given, -under Date June 25th, 1723, of a "Petition of -Margaret Calef, Widow, and sole Executrix of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xxvi" id="Page_xxvi">xxvi</a></span> -the last Will of Robert Calef, late of Boston, -Merchant, deceased," praying for Leave to sell a -seventh Part of a House and Land in Roxbury, -of which said Robert Calef died seized. The -Father of Mr. Calef, also named Robert, had -died intestate, April 13th, 1719, and his Wife on -the 12th of November following. In the Settlement -of his Estate, it is stated that the "Housing -and Lands lying in Roxbury, cannot be divided -without Prejudice and Injury;" hence the Petition -before mentioned.</p> - -<p>A few Items here follow, given for the Benefit -of those who may hereafter desire to investigate -the History of the Calef Family;</p> - -<p>Dr. Joseph Calef died at Ipswich, Dec. 31st, -1707, leaving a Wife, and Children, Robert, Joseph, -Samuel, Ebenezer, Peter and Mary. This -was, doubtless the Emigrant to Ipswich, where, -in 1692, he had a Grant for a Fulling-mill. Joseph -Calef was a Scout in Capt. John Goff's -Company in 1746. Mary, Widow of Joseph -Calef, married Thomas Choate of Ipswich; Date -of Marriage is not stated. Joseph Calef was of -Boston, 1746, in which Year he petitioned, with -others, for the Paving of Atkinson Street.</p> - -<p>James Calef and his Son Samuel were Captives -among the Indians and French; were taken -at Fort William Henry, in August, 1757. Abigail, -the Wife of James and Mother of Samuel, -made Application in their behalf to the Authorities -of the Province. No Mention is made of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xxvii" id="Page_xxvii">xxvii</a></span> -their place of Residence. Dr. John Calef, of -Ipswich, married Margaret, Daughter of Nathaniel -and Mary (Leverett) Rogers, of the same -Town. He was born 1725.</p> - -<p>After the bloody Fight at Pequawket, Governor -Dummer wrote to Eleazer Tyng: "Send -down to me forthwith by the Bearer hereof, Mr. -Calef, the most intelligent Person among Lovell's -Men returned, that I may have a perfect Account -of that Action." What Mr. Calef this was, does -not with certainty appear.</p> - -<p>A Mrs. Mary Calfe died at Concord, N. H., -August 10, 1817, aged ninety-eight Years. Her -first Husband was Samuel Bradley, who was killed -by the Indians, August 11th, 1746. She afterwards -married Robert Calfe, Esq., of Chester, in -the same State. This is on the Authority of Mr. -Bouton, in his <i>History of Concord</i>, who, in another -Place, says Calfe's Name was Richard. Whether -Richard or Robert, he was probably a Descendant -of James, the only surviving Son of Robert, the -"Merchant of Boston." The maiden Name of -Mrs. Calfe was Folsom.</p> - -<p>When the Federal Constitution of New Hampshire -was adopted (1788,) John Calfe, Esq., was -chosen Secretary of the Convention. He was -also Secretary in 1791, when the Constitution was -revised. His Son Joseph died at Hampstead, N. -H., August 6, 1854, aged 79. A John Calef was -in the Old Mill Prison, England, 1789. Jeremiah -Calef, a Native of Exeter, N. H., died at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xxviii" id="Page_xxviii">xxviii</a></span> -Northfield, 23d February, 1856, aged 73 Years, -10 Months. James, an only Brother of Jeremiah, -died at Sanbornton, 30th March, 1856, -aged 71.</p> - -<p>Robert Calef was an eminent Ship-master between -Boston and London before the Revolution. -His Arrival on one Occasion is thus noticed in -the <i>Gazette and News-Letter</i> of April 5th, 1764: -"In Captain Calef came Passengers, the Captains, -Edward Wendell, John Marshall, and Doctor -Marshall of this Town. Mrs. M<sup>c</sup>Taggart, and -her Son Gray of this Town, died of the Smallpox -in London." The Autographs of several of -the Name of Calef (always so spelt) are in the -Writer's Possession from 1755 to 1780. In 1755, -Joseph was engaged in supplying Ships with -Water. In 1767, Joseph Calef, probably the same, -was largely in the leather Trade. He was a Tanner, -and his Tan-yard was in the Neighborhood -of the Old Boston Theatre.</p> - -<p>What Time the Family of Robert Calef came -to this Country has not been ascertained. It was -probably in the latter Half of the seventeenth -Century, and our Author may have had his Education -before his Emigration. This View may -be considered probable, from a Passage in his -Preface to the <i>More Wonders</i>, &c.</p> - -<p>After the Above was written, it came to my -Notice, that in a Volume issued by the <i>Mass. -Hist. Soc.</i>, were some Extracts from the <i>Diary</i> of -Cotton Mather. Also the following, concerning<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xxix" id="Page_xxix">xxix</a></span> -Robert Calef, in a Memorandum-book of Dr. -Belknap: "Robert Calef, Author of <i>More Wonders -of the Invisible World</i>, was a Native of England; -a young Man of good Sense, and free from -Superstition; a Merchant in Boston. He was -furnished with Materials for his Work by Mr. -Brattle, of Cambridge; and his Brother, of Boston; -and other Gentlemen, who were opposed to -the <i>Salem</i> Proceedings. E. P." [Ebenezer Pemberton?]</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/illus_032.jpg" width="200" height="147" alt="" /> -</div> - -<hr class="full" /> -<div class="chapter"> </div> -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/illus_p001.jpg" width="400" height="598" alt="more wonders" /> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"> </div> -<div class="bbox"> -<p class="center"> -MORE <br /> -<span class="xlarge">WONDERS</span><br /> -OF THE<br /> -INVISIBLE WORLD:<br /> -<br /> -Or, The Wonders of the<br /> -<em class="antiqua"><span class="large">Invisible World,</span></em><br /> -Display'd in Five Parts.</p> -<p class="hang"> -Part I. An Account of the Sufferings of <i>Margaret Rule</i>, Written -by the Reverend Mr. C. M. </p> - -<p class="hang">P. II. Several Letters to the Author, <i>&c.</i> And his Reply relating -to Witchcraft.</p> - -<p class="hang">P. III. The Differences between the Inhabitants of <i>Salem</i> Village, -and Mr. <i>Parris</i> their Minister, in <i>New-England</i>.</p> - -<p class="hang">P. IV. Letters of a Gentleman uninterested, Endeavouring to -prove the received Opinions about Witchcraft to be Orthodox. -With short Essays to their Answers.</p> - -<p class="hang">P. V. A short Historical Accout of Matters of Fact in that -Affair.</p> - -<p class="center">To which is added, A Postscript relating to a Book intitled, -<i>The Life of Sir</i> <span class="gesperrt">WILLIAM PHIPS</span>.</p> - -<p class="center bt bb">Collected by <i>Robert Calef</i>, Merchant, of <i>Boston</i> in <i>New-England</i>. -</p> -<p class="center bb">Licensed and Entred according to Order.</p> - -<p class="center"><i>LONDON:</i></p> -<p class="hang"> -Printed for <i>Nath. Hillar</i>, at the <i>Princes-Arms</i>, in <i>Leaden-Hall-street</i>, -over against St. <i>Mary-Ax</i>, and <i>Joseph Collyer</i>, at the -<i>Golden-Bible</i> on <i>London-Bridge</i>. 1700. -</p> - -</div> -<hr class="full" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/illus_036.jpg" width="500" height="55" alt="decoration" /> -</div> - -<h2 class="break">[1] The Epistle to the READER.</h2> - -<p class="center"> -<span class="pagenum hidev"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">3</a></span> -And more especially to the Noble <i>Bereans</i><a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> of this <i>Age</i>, wherever -Residing.</p> - -<p>Gentlemen,</p> - -<p class="dropcap">Y<i>OU that are freed from the Slauery of a corrupt Education; -and that in spite of human Precepts, Examples and Precsidents, -can hearken to the Dictates of Scripture and Reason:</i></p> - -<p><i>For your sakes I am content, that these Collections of mine, as also -my Sentiments should be exposed to publick view; In hopes that -having well considered, and compared them with Scripture, you will -see reason, as I do, to question a belief so prevalent</i> (<i>as that here -treated of</i>) <i>as also the practice flowing from thence; they standing -as nearly connext as cause and effect; it being found wholly impracticable, -to extirpate the latter without first curing the former.</i></p> - -<p><i>And if the Buffoon or Satyrical will be exercising their Talents, -or if the Bigots wilfully and blindly reject the Testimonies of their -own Reason, and more sure word, it is no more than what I expected -from them.</i></p> - -<p><i>But you Gentlemen, I doubt not are willing to Distinguish between -Truth and Error, and if this may be any furtherance to you -herein, I shall not miss my Aim.</i></p> - -<p><i>But if you find the contrary, and that my belief herein is any way -Heterodox, I shall be thankful for the Information to any Learned -or Reverend Person, or others, that shall take that pains to inform -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">4</a></span> -me better by Scripture, or sound Reason, which is what I have been -long seeking for in this Country</i> in vain.<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a></p> - -<p><i>In a time when not only</i> England <i>in particular, but almost all</i> -Europe <i>had been labouring against the Usurpations of Tyranny -and Slavery. The</i> English, America <i>has not been behind in a -share in the Common calamities; more especially</i> New-England, -<i>has met not only with such calamities as are common to the rest, but -with several aggravations enhansing such Afflictions, by the Devastations -and Cruelties of the Barbarous</i> Indians <i>in their Eastern -borders, &c.</i></p> - -<p><i>But this is not all, they have been harrast (on many accounts) by -a more dreadful Enemy, as will herein appear to the considerate.</i></p> - -<p>P. 66. Were it as we are told in <i>Wonders of the Invisible -World</i>, that the Devils were walking about our Streets with -lengthned Chains making a dreadful noise in our Ears, and Brimstone, -even without a Metaphor, was making a horrid and a -hellish stench in our Nostrils.<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> P. 49.</p> - -<p>And That the Devil exhibiting himself ordinarily as a black-Man, -had decoy'd a fearful knot of Proud, Froward, Ignorant, -Envious and Malitious Creatures, to list themselves in his horrid -Service, by entring their Names in a Book tendered unto them; -and that they have had their Meetings and Sacraments, and associated -themselves to destroy the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">5</a></span>Christ, in these parts of the World; having each of them their -Spectres, or Devils Commissionated by them, and [2] representing -of them to be the Engines of their Malice, by these -wicked Spectres, siezing poor People about the Country, with -various and bloody Torments. And of those evidently preternatural -Torments some to have died. And that they have bewitched -some even so far, as to make them self destroyers, and -others in many Towns, here and there languish'd under their evil -hands. The People, thus afflicted, miserably scratch'd and bitten; -and that the same Invisible Furies did stick Pins in them, -and scal'd them, distort and disjoint them, with a Thousand other -Plagues; and sometimes drag them out of their Chambers, and -carry them over Trees, and Hills Miles together, many of them -being tempted to sign the Devils Laws.</p> - -<p>P. 7. <i>Those furies whereof several have killed more People perhaps -than would serve to make a Village. If this be the true state of -the Afflictions of this Country, it is very deplorable, and beyond -all other outward Calamities miserable. But if on the other side, -the Matter be as others do understand it, That the Devil has -been too hard for us by his Temptations, signs, and lying Wonders, -with the help of pernicious notions, formerly imbibed and professed; -together with the Accusations of a parcel of possessed, distracted, -or lying Wenches, accusing their Innocent Neighbours, -pretending they see their Spectres</i> (i. e.) <i>Devils in their likeness -Afflicting of them, and that God in righteous Judgement,</i> (<i>after -Men had ascribed his Power to Witches, of commissionating Devils -to do these things</i>) <i>may have given them over to strong delusions to -believe lyes. &c And to let loose the Devils of Envy, Hatred, Pride, -Cruelty and Malice against each other; yet still disguised under the -Mask of Zeal for God, and left them to the branding one another, -with the odious Name of Witch; and upon the Accusation of those</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">6</a></span> -<i>above mentioned, Brother to Accuse and Prosecute Brother, Children -their Parents, Pastors and Teachers their immediate Flock unto -death; Shepherds becoming Wolves, Wise Men Infatuated; People -hauled to Prisons, with a bloody noise pursuing to, and insulting -over, the</i> (<i>true</i>) <i>Sufferers at Execution, while some are fleeing from -that called Justice, Justice itself fleeing before such Accusations, -when once it did but begin to refrain further proceedings; and to -question such Practises, some making their Escape out of Prisons, -rather than by an obstinate Defence of their Innocency, to run so -apparent hazard of their Lives; Estates seized, Families of Children -and others left to the Mercy of the Wilderness</i> (<i>not to mention -here the Numbers prescribed, dead in Prisons, or Executed, &c.</i>)</p> - -<p><i>All which Tragedies, tho begun in one Town, or rather by one -Parish, has Plague-like spread more than through that Country. -And by its Eccho giving a brand of Infamy to this whole Country, -throughout the World.</i></p> - -<p><i>If this were the Miserable case of this Country in the time -thereof, and that the Devil had so far prevailed upon us in our -Sentiments and Actions, as to draw us from so much as looking into -the Scriptures for our guidance in these pretended Intricacies, leading -us to a trusting in blind guides, such as the corrupt practices of -some other Countries or the bloody Experiments of Bodin,</i><a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a> -[3] <i>and -such other Authors. Then tho our Case be most miserable, yet it -must be said of</i> New-England, <i>Thou hast destroyed thyself, and -brought this greatest of Miseries upon thee.</i></p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">7</a></span> -<i>And now whether the Witches</i> (<i>such as have made a compact by -Explicit Covenant with the Devil, having thereby obtained a power -to Commissionate him</i>) <i>have been the cause of our miseries.</i></p> - -<p><i>Or whether a Zeal governed by blindness and passion, and led by -president, has not herein precipitated us into far greater wickedness</i> -(<i>if not Witchcrafts</i>) <i>than any have been yet proved against those -that suffered.</i></p> - -<p><i>To be able to distinguish aright in this matter, to which of these -two to refer our Miseries is the present Work. As to the former, -I know of no sober Man, much less Reverend Christian, that being -ask'd dares affirm and abide by it, that Witches have that power;</i> -viz. <i>to Commissionate Devils to kill and destroy. And as to the -latter, it were well if there were not too much of truth in it, which -remains to be demonstrated.</i></p> - -<p><i>But here it will be said, what need of Raking in the Coals that -lay buried in oblivion. We cannot recal those to Life again that -have suffered, supposing it were unjustly; it tends but to the exposing -the Actors, as if they had proceeded irregularly.</i></p> - -<p><i>Truly I take this to be just as the Devil would have it, so -much to fear disobliging men, as not to endeavour to detect his Wiles, -that so he may the sooner, and with the greater Advantages set the -same on foot again (either here or elsewhere) so dragging us through -the Pond twice by the same Cat.</i><a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> -<i>And if Reports do not</i> (<i>herein</i>) -<i>deceive us, much the same has been acting this present year in</i> Scotland. -<i>And what Kingdom or Country is it, that has not had their -bloody fits and turns at it. And if this is such a catching disease, -and so universal, I presume I need make no Apology for my Endeavours -to prevent, as far as in my power, any more such bloody Victims or -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">8</a></span> -Sacrifices; tho indeed I had rather any other would have undertaken -so offensive, tho necessary a task; yet all things weighed, I had rather -thus Expose myself to Censure, than that it should be wholly omitted. -Were the notions in question, innocent and harmless, respecting the -glory of God, and well being of Men, I should not have engaged in -them, but finding them in my esteem, so intollerably destructive of both. -This together with my being by Warrant called before the Justices, -in my own Just Vindication, I took it to be a call from God, to my -Power, to Vindicate his Truths against the</i> Pagan <i>and</i> Popish -<i>Assertions, which are so prevalent; for tho Christians in general do -own the Scriptures to be their only Rule of Faith and Doctrine, yet -these Notions will tell us, that the Scriptures have not sufficiently, -nor at all described the crime of Witchcraft, whereby the culpable -might be detected, tho it be positive in the Command to punish it by -Death; hence the World has been from time to time perplext in the -prosecution of the several Diabolical mediums of Heathenish and -Popish Invention, to detect an Imaginary Crime</i> (<i>not but that there -are Witches, such as the Law of God</i> [4] <i>describes</i>)<a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a> -<i>which has -produced a deluge of Blood; hereby rendering the Commands of God -not only void but dangerous.</i></p> - -<p><i>So also they own Gods Providence and Government of the World, -and that Tempests and Storms, Afflictions and Diseases are of his -sending; yet these Notions tell us, that the Devil has the power of -all these, and can perform them when commission'd by a Witch -thereto, and that he has a power at the Witches call to act and do, -without and against the course of Nature, and all natural causes, -in afflicting and killing of Innocents; and this is that so many have -died for.</i></p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">9</a></span> -<i>Also it is generally believed, that if any Man has strength, it is -from God the Almighty Being: but these notions will tell us, that -the Devil can make one Man as strong as many, which was one of -the best proofs, as it was counted, against Mr.</i> Burroughs <i>the -Minister; tho his contemporaries in the Schools during his Minority -could have testified, that his strength was then as much superior to -theirs as ever</i><a name="FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a> -(<i>setting aside incredible Romances</i>) <i>it was discovered -to be since. Thus rendering the power of God, and his providence -of none Effect.</i></p> - -<p><i>These are some of the destructive notions of this Age, and however -the asserters of them seem sometimes to value themselves much upon -sheltring their Neighbors from Spectral Accusations. They may -deserve as much thanks as that Tyrant, that having industriously -obtained an unintelligible charge against his Subjects, in matters -wherein it was impossible they should be Guilty, having thereby their -lives in his power, yet suffers them of his meer Grace to live, and -will be call'd gracious Lord.</i></p> - -<p><i>It were too</i> Icarian<a name="FNanchor_11_11" id="FNanchor_11_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a> -<i>a task for one unfurnish'd with necessary -learning, and Library, to give any Just account, from whence so -great delusions have sprung, and so long continued. Yet as an -Essay from those scraps of reading that I have had opportunity of; -it will be no great venture to say, that Signs and Lying Wonders -have been one principal cause.</i></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">10</a></span> - -<i>It is written of</i> Justin Martyr,<a name="FNanchor_12_12" id="FNanchor_12_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a> <i>who lived in the second Century, -that he was before his conversion a great Philosopher; first in the -way of the</i> Stoicks, <i>and after, of the</i> Peripateticks, <i>after that of -the</i> Pythagorean, <i>and after that of the</i> Platonists <i>sects; and after -all proved of Eminent use in the Church of Christ; yet a certain -Author speaking of one</i> Apollonius Tyaneus<a name="FNanchor_13_13" id="FNanchor_13_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a> <i>has these words</i> -[That the most Orthodox themselves began to deem him vested -with power sufficient for a Deity; which occasioned that so -strange a doubt from <i>Justin Martyr</i>, as cited by the learned -<i>Gregory</i>, Fol. 37. Ει Θεοςζσι <i>&c.</i> If God be the creator and -Lord of the World, how comes it to pass that <i>Apollonius</i> his -<i>Telisms</i>, have so much over-ruled the course of things! for we -see that they also have stilled the Waves of the Sea; and the -raging of the Winds, and prevailed against the Noisome Flies, -and Incursions of wild Beasts,] <i>&c. If so Eminent and Early a -Christian were by these false shews in such doubt, it is the less wonder -in our depraved times, to meet with what is Equivalent thereto: -Besides this a certain Author informs me, that</i> [Julian (<i>afterwards -called the Apostate</i>) <i>being instructed in the Philosophy and Disciplines -of the Heathen, by</i> Libarius <i>his Tutor, by this</i> [5] <i>means he came -to love Philosophy better than the Gospel, and so by degrees turn'd -from Christianity to Heathenism.</i>]</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">11</a></span> - - <i>This same</i> Julian <i>did, when</i> Apostate, <i>forbid that Christians -should be instructed in the Discipline of the</i> Gentiles, <i>which</i> (<i>it -seems</i>) Socrates <i>a Writer of the Ecclesiastical History, does acknowledge -to be by the singular Providence of God; Christians having -then begun to degenerate from the Gospel, and to betake themselves -to Heathenish learning. And in the</i> Mercury <i>for the Month of</i> -February, 1695, <i>there is this Account</i> [That the Christian Doctors -conversing much with the writings of the <i>Heathen</i>, for the -gaining of Eloquence. A Counsel was held at <i>Carthage</i>, which -forbad the reading of the Books of the <i>Gentiles</i>.]</p> - -<p><i>From all which it may be easily perceived, that in the Primitive -times of Christianity, when not only many Heathen of the Vulgar; but -also many learned Men and Philosophers had imbraced the Christian -Faith; they still retained a love to their Heathen-learning, to which -as one observes being transplanted into a Christian soils, soon proved -productive of pernicious weeds, which over-ran the face of the -Church, hence it was so deformed as the Reformation found it.</i></p> - -<p><i>Among other pernicious Weeds arising from this Root, the Doctrine -of the power of Devils and Witchcraft as it is now, and long -has been understood, is not the least; the Fables of</i> Homer, Virgil, -Horace <i>and</i> Ovid, &c. <i>being for the Elegancy of their Language -retained then</i> (<i>and so are to this day</i>) <i>in the schools; have not -only introduced, but established such Doctrines to the poisoning the -Christian World.</i><a name="FNanchor_14_14" id="FNanchor_14_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a> -<i>A certain Author expresses it thus</i> [<i>that as -the Christian Schools at first brought Men from Heathenism to the -Gospel, so these Schools carry Men from the Gospel to Heathenism, -as to their great perfection</i>] <i>and Mr.</i> I. M. <i>in his</i> Remarkable -Providences, <i>gives an account that (as he calls it) an old Counsel -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">12</a></span> -did Anathematize all those that believed such power of the Devils, -accounting it a Damnable Doctrine.</i><a name="FNanchor_15_15" id="FNanchor_15_15"></a><a href="#Footnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a> -<i>But as other Evils did -afterwards increase in the Church</i> (<i>partly by such Education</i>) <i>so -this insensibly grew up with them, tho not to that degree, as that any -Counsel I have ever heard or Read of has to this day taken off -those</i> Anathema's; <i>yet after this the Church so far declined, that -Witchcraft became a Principal, Ecclesiastical Engine</i> (<i>as also that -of Heresy was</i>) <i>to root up all that stood in their way; and besides -the ways of Tryal, that we have still in practice, they invented some, -which were peculiar to themselves; which whenever they were -minded to improve against any Orthodox believer, they could easily -make Effectual: That Deluge of Blood which that</i> Scarlet Whore -<i>has to answer for, shed under this notion, how amazing is it.</i></p> - -<p><i>The first in</i> England <i>that I have read of, of any note since the -Reformation, that asserts this Doctrine, is the famous Mr.</i> Perkins, -<i>he</i> (<i>as also Mr.</i> Gaul, <i>and Mr.</i> Bernard, <i>&c.</i>) <i>seems all of them to -have undertaken one Task. They taking notice of the Multiplicity -of irregular ways to try them by, invented by Heathen and Papists, -made it their business and main work herein to oppose such as they -saw to be pernicious. And if they did not look more narrowly into it, -but followed the first,</i> viz. <i>Mr.</i> Perkins <i>whose Education</i> (<i>as theirs -also</i>) <i>had forestall'd him into such belief, whom they readily followed, -it cannot be wondered at: And that they were men liable to -Err, and so not to be trusted to as perfect guides, will manifestly -appear to him that shall see their several receits laid down to detect -them by their Presumptive and Positive ones. And consider how few -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">13</a></span>of either have any foundation in Scripture or Reason; and how -vastly they differ from each other in both, each having his Art by -himself, which Forty or an Hundred more may as well imitate, and -give theirs,</i> ad infinitum, <i>being without all manner of proof.</i> [6] -<i>But tho this be their main design to take off People from those Evil -and bloody ways of trial which they speak so much against. Yet -this does not hinder to this day, but the same evil ways or as bad are -still used to detect them by, and that even among Protestants; and -is so far justified, that a Reverend Person has said lately here, how -else shall we detect Witches?</i><a name="FNanchor_16_16" id="FNanchor_16_16"></a><a href="#Footnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a> -<i>And another being urged to prove -by Scripture such a sort of Witch as has power to send Devils to -kill men, replied that he did as firmly believe it as any article of his -Faith. And that he</i> (<i>the Inquirer</i>) <i>did not go to the Scripture; to -learn the Mysteries of his trade or Art. What can be said more to -Establish there Heathenish notions and to villifie the Scriptures, our -only Rule; and that after we have seen such dire effects thereof, as -has threatned the utter Extirpation of this whole Country.</i></p> - -<p><i>And as to most of the Actors in these Tragedies, tho they are so -far from defending their Actions that they will readily own, that -undue steps have been taken, &c. yet it seems they choose that the -same should be Acted over again, inforced by their Example, rather -than that it should Remain as a Warning to Posterity, as herein -they have mist it. So far are they from giving Glory to God, and -taking the due shame to themselves.</i></p> - -<p><i>And now to sum up all in a few words, we have seen a Biggotted -Zeal, stirring up a Blind, and most Bloody rage, not against -Enemies, or Irreligious proffligate Persons. But (in Judgment of -Charity, and to view) against as Vertuous and Religious as any they -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">14</a></span>have left behind them in this Country, which have suffered as Evil -doers</i> (<i>with the utmost extent of rigour, not that so high a Character -is due to all that Suffered</i>) <i>and this by the Testimony of Vile -Varlets as not only were known before, but have been further apparent -since by their Manifest Lives, whordoms, incest, &c. The -accusations of these, from their Spectral Sight, being the chief Evidence -against those that Suffered. In which Accusations they were -upheld by both Magistrates and Ministers, so long as they Apprehended -themselves in no Danger.</i><a name="FNanchor_17_17" id="FNanchor_17_17"></a><a href="#Footnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a></p> - -<p><i>And then tho they could defend neither the Doctrine, nor the -Practice, yet none of them have in such a publick manner as the -case Requires, testified against either; tho at the same time they -could not but be sensible what a Stain and lasting Infamy they have -brought upon the whole Country, to the indangering the future -welfair not only of this but of other places, induced by their Example; -if not, to an intailing the Guilt of all the Righteous Blood -that has been by the same means Shed, by Heathen or Papists, &c. -upon themselves, whose deeds they have so far justified, occasioning -the great Dishonour and Blasphemy of the Name of God, Scandalizing -the Heathen, hardning of Enemies; and as a Natural effect -thereof, to the great Increase of Atheism.</i></p> - -<p><i>I shall conclude only with acquainting the Reader, that of these -Collections, the first containing more Wonders of the Invisible -World, I received of a Gentleman, who had it of the Author, and -communicated it to use, with his express consent, of which this is a -true Copy.</i><a name="FNanchor_18_18" id="FNanchor_18_18"></a><a href="#Footnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a> -<i>As to the letters, they are for Substance the same I -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">15</a></span>sent, tho with some small Variation or Addition. Touching the -two Letters from a Gentleman at his request, I have forborn -naming him. It is great Pity the matters of Fast, and indeed the -whole, had not been done by some abler hana better Accomplished -and Advantages with both natural and acquired Judgments, but -others not Appearing, I have inforc'd myself to do what is done, -my other occasions Will not admit any further Scrutiny therein.</i></p> - -<p class="right"> -<i>R. C.</i> -</p> - -<p><i>Boston in New-England, Aug</i> 11. 1697.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/illus_048.jpg" width="200" height="84" alt="decoration" /> -</div> - -<div class="footnotes"><h3><b>FOOTNOTES:</b></h3> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> In both the second and third -Editions this Name is printed <i>Barons</i>. -The Printer probably not -knowing what else to make of it. -The Inhabitants of ancient <i>Berœa</i> -were called <i>Berœans</i>. The present -<i>Aleppo</i> occupies the Site. For the -Point, see <i>Acts</i>, xvii, 11.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> This is the Remark that led me -to think the Author was not a Native -of New England. An Extract -by Dr. Belknap, noted in the accompanying -Memoir is corroborative -of the Conjecture.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> -See Vol. <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/files/50204/50204-h/50204-h.htm">I</a>, Pages <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/files/50204/50204-h/50204-h.htm#Page_121">121-2</a>. Cotemporary -with the Author, we find -that eminent Divine, Michael Wigglesworth, -thus poetically impressing -upon the Readers of his Poem the -Horrors spoken of in the Text: -</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div class="i0">Whom having brought as they are taught,</div> -<div class="i2">Unto the Brink of Hell,</div> -<div class="i0">(That Dismal Place far from Christs Face,</div> -<div class="i2">Where Death and Darkness dwell:</div> -<div class="i0">Where Gods fierce Ire kindleth the Fire,</div> -<div class="i2">And Vengeance feeds the Flame</div> -<div class="i0">With Piles of Wood, and Brimstone Flood,</div> -<div class="i2">That none can quench the same.</div> -</div></div> - -<p class="right"> -<i>Day of Doom, Stanza 208.</i> -</p> - </div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> John Bodin was a Frenchman -of great Learning, born at Angers -1530. Some of his Historical Works -were formerly in great Repute in -England as well as in France. His -Work referred to above was published -at Paris in 1579, under the -Title <i>La Démonomanie, ou Traite -des Sorciers</i>, in 4to. It is full of all -those Superstitions for which the Age -in which the Author lived is celebrated. -See Camerarius, <i>Living -Library</i>, Page 2, Edition 1625, <i>Fol.</i> -See also Mr. Fowler's interesting -Note to the last Salem Edition of -<i>Salem Witchcraft</i>, P. ix.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> That is by the same Cord, or -Rope. In nautical Usage, a Rope -to do or perform a certain Service. -The Anchor was formerly hoisted -to the Head of a certain bow Timber -to which it was fastened by the -<i>Cat</i> Rope; hence the Timber is -called the <i>Cat-head</i>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_9_9" id="Footnote_9_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> It will elsewhere be seen that -the Author makes it pretty clear, -that to discover Witches by that -Law, or who they are, has never -been done. It was therefore easy -to argue that Witches never would -be discovered by it. In other Words -where nothing is looked for nothing -will be found. This Subject will -be found discussed elsewhere.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> Samuel Webber, aged about 36, -testified that some seven or eight -Years ago he lived at Casco Bay, -where Mr. B. was Minister. Having -heard much of his great Strength, -and coming to his House, and in -Discourse about it, he told the said -Webber that he had put his Fingers -into the Bung of a Barrel of "Malases" -and lifted it up and carried -it round him. See <i>Records of Salem -Witchcraft</i> (by Woodward) ii, -113. See also sundry other Testimonies -about Mr. Burroughs's great -Strength, <i>ib.</i>, 123-5. Also (Vol. -<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/files/50204/50204-h/50204-h.htm">I</a>, <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/files/50204/50204-h/50204-h.htm#Page_153">153</a>,) <i>The Wonders of the Invisible -World</i>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_11_11" id="Footnote_11_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> The Author's classical Learning -was probably not very extensive. -The Use of this mythical Name -however may have been according -to its Acceptation in his Time.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_12_12" id="Footnote_12_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> The Reader will not find, as he -has a Right to expect, this Name in -the common Biographical Works. -In the large Work of <i>Chaudon et -Delandine</i> is a satisfactory Article -under the Head <span class="smcap">Justin</span>; who was a -Martyr of the second Century; yet -we meet with the Name constantly -in History, as <i>Justin Martyr</i>; -Martyr being added to his proper -Name, to denote that he had suffered -Martyrdom. He is also styled <i>St. -Justin</i>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_13_13" id="Footnote_13_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> Apollonius <i>Thyaneus</i>, according -to Lempriere. A Pythagorian -Philosopher, well skilled in the Arts -of Magic; who, "one Day haranguing -the Populace at Ephesus, he -suddenly exclaimed: 'Strike the -Tyrant, strike him; the Blow is -given, he is wounded and fallen!' -At that very Moment the Emperor -Domitian had been stabbed at -Rome. The Magician acquired -much Reputation when the Circumstance -was known."</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_14_14" id="Footnote_14_14"></a><a href="#FNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> Although the Stories and Fables -of former Ages may, and doubtless -did, at the Period under Consideration, -have a bad Influence upon the -Minds of Scholars, they ought to -have none in these Times. This, -however, will depend on the Intelligence -of Teachers.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_15_15" id="Footnote_15_15"></a><a href="#FNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> It is only necessary to observe -that the Title of Dr. I. Mather's -Work is <i>An Essay for the Recording -of Illustrious Providences</i>, &c., which -was printed in a 12mo. 1684. This -Work was elegantly reprinted in a -Crown 12mo or a 16mo. by John -Russell Smith, London, 1856. This, -I think, is the first Time the Work -was ever reprinted. It shows the -Author not less superstitious than -his very credulous Son.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_16_16" id="Footnote_16_16"></a><a href="#FNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">[16]</span></a> It would perhaps be fruitless to -attempt a Conjecture as to who were -the Persons referred to, the Majority -of the Community being of -the same Faith.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_17_17" id="Footnote_17_17"></a><a href="#FNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">[17]</span></a> It seems that for some Time it -never occurred to the Rulers that -<i>they</i> might be taken for Witches; -or "cried out upon," as the Phrase -used to be.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_18_18" id="Footnote_18_18"></a><a href="#FNanchor_18_18"><span class="label">[18]</span></a> Who the Gentleman was that -received the Paper from Dr. Mather -does not appear. At the Time -it was obtained, the Author (Dr. -Mather) probably had no Apprehension -that any Exposition was to -follow. The very vague Note in -<i>Proceedings Mass. Hist. Society</i> for -1858, p. 288, enlightens the Reader -but little. It is said in that Note—"He -[Mr. Calef] was furnished -with Materials for his Work by -Mr. Brattle, of Cambridge; and his -Brother of Boston; and other Gentlemen, -who were opposed to the -<i>Salem</i> Proceedings." This Extract -is signed E. P.; but the Editor of -the Article referred to makes no -Conjecture as for whom the Initials -stand. Perhaps they mean Ebenezer -Pemberton, though that Gentleman -was comparatively a young -Man in 1697; old enough, however, -to have been interested in -these Affairs.</p></div></div> - -<hr class="full" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/illus_036.jpg" width="500" height="55" alt="decoration" /> -</div> - -<h2 class="break">[7] The <br /> - - <em class="gesperrt">INDEX</em>.</h2> - -<table summary="index"> -<tr> -<td class="center" colspan="2">PART I. </td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="dropcap hang">A<i>NOTHER Brand plucked out of the Burnings or More -Wonders of the Invisible World; written</i> by Mr. C. M. -relating to the Afflictions of Margaret Rule. </td> -<td>Page <a href="#a1a">1</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr><td class="center" colspan="2">PART II.</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>A Letter to Mr.</i> C. M. <i>containing a Narrative of two Visits -given by him and others to</i> Margaret Rule.</td> -<td>p. <a href="#a13a">13</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>With a repetition of a former Letter sent to him, to offer a -Meeting with him.</i></td> - <td>p. <a href="#a16a">16</a></td></tr> -<tr> -<td class="hang"><i>As also the repetition of a former Letter, requesting Information -in some Doctrinalls relating to Witchcraft.</i></td> - <td><i>Ibid</i></td> </tr> -<tr> -<td class="hang"><i>A Letter of Mr.</i> C. M. <i>wherein he declines speaking to those Doctrinalls; -Denying some parts of the Narrative, and defending -others. The feeling the Imp owned</i>, &c.</td> - <td>p. <a href="#a19a">19</a></td> -</tr> -<tr><td class="hang"><i>The Copy of a Paper Subscribed by several, testifying Margaret -Rule's being held up by Invisible Hands from the Bed.</i></td> - <td>p. <a href="#a22a">22</a></td></tr> -<tr> -<td class="hang"><i>A Letter to Mr.</i> C. M. <i>relating to the Narrative, again Praying, -an Answer to the Doctrinalls.</i></td> - <td>p. <a href="#a23a">23</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>The Copy of a Paper shewing what Sense the Indians had of the -Actions here, and what esteem they had thereby taken up of our -Ministers.</i></td> - <td>p. <a href="#a25a">25</a></td></tr> -<tr> -<td class="hang"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">18</a></span> -<i>A Letter to Mr.</i> C. M. <i>again repeating several Fundamental Doctrinalls, -opposite to the Doctrine of Witchcraft, as now understood, -praying his Confirmation or Confutation thereof.</i></td> -<td>p. <a href="#a26a">26</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>A Letter to M</i><sup>r</sup> C. M. <i>(after minding him of his promise,</i> viz. <i>To -give an Answer about Doctrinalls) several Passages quoted in his, -and his Relations Books, that need explaining.</i> </td> -<td>p. <a href="#a27a">27</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>A Letter to M</i><sup>r</sup> B. <i>relating to the belief of Mr.</i> C. M. <i>which -he forbad to be Coppyed.</i></td> - <td>p. <a href="#a30a">30</a></td></tr> -<tr> -<td class="hang">[8] <i>A Letter to the Ministers repeating those Doctrinalls, sent to -Mr.</i> C. M. <i>for his Explanation, with the Summary of his Belief, -contained in those Papers, forbidden to be Coppied; as also -other Doctrinalls opposite thereto, beseeching them to give their -Confirmation or Confutation thereof.</i> </td> - <td>p. <a href="#a33a">33</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>A Letter to M<sup>r</sup></i> S. W. <i>relating to a Dialogue Written by him -about Witchcraft, and to a Paper set forth by the President, &c. -of the University, about Possessions and Enchantments.</i></td> - <td>p. <a href="#a38a">38</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>A Letter to M<sup>r</sup></i> C. M. <i>relating to the Doctrinalls contained in a -Book of Mr.</i> R. B. <i>Printed in</i> London 1691. <i>Some of the -Heathen Poets Quoted as the Fountain or Original of such Doctrinalls.</i></td> - <td> p. <a href="#a43a">43</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>A Letter to the Ministers mentioning the Doctrine of the Manishees, -Demonstrating that the present Age is not free from that -Infection, repeating necessary Articles of Faith opposite thereto.</i></td> - <td>p. <a href="#a48a">48</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>A Letter to Mr.</i> B. W. <i>relating to the Witches Covenant.</i> </td> -<td>p. <a href="#a52a">52</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="center" colspan="2">PART III.</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>The Reasons given by some of the People why they withdrew from -Communion, &c. with the Church at</i> Salem-Village, <i>and from -hearing Mr.</i> Parris <i>their Minister, in whose House the Tragedies -of Witchcraft begun.</i></td> - <td>p. <a href="#a55a">55</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">19</a></span> -<i>Mr.</i> Samuel Parris's <i>Acknowledgement.</i> </td> -<td>p. <a href="#a57a">57</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>The Advice and Determination of the Elders and Messengers, met -at</i> Salem-Village, <i>to Compose the Differences there.</i> </td> - <td>p. <a href="#a59a">59</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>A Letter from the People of the Village to those Elders and Messengers -of the several Churches.</i> </td> - <td>p. <a href="#a61a">61</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>A state of the Controversie between Mr.</i> Parris <i>and his People.</i></td> - <td>p. <a href="#a62a">62</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>A Remonstrance, with further Reasons given in by the Attorneys for -the People of the Village to the Arbitrators, against Mr.</i> Parris.</td> - <td>p. <a href="#a63a">63</a></td></tr> - -<tr> -<td class="center" colspan="2">PART IV.</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>A Letter of a Gentleman endeavouring to prove the received -opinions about Witchcraft.</i> </td> -<td>p. <a href="#a64a">64</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>An Essay to the Answer thereof.</i> </td> - <td>p. <a href="#a77a">77</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>A Second Letter of the Gentleman's further urging such Doctrines.</i> </td> - <td>p. <a href="#a83a">83</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>A Rejoinder to the former Answer.</i></td> - <td>p. <a href="#a87a">87</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="center" colspan="2">PART V.</td> -</tr> -<tr><td class="hang"><i>An Account of the matters of Fact at</i> Salem-Village, <i>&c.</i> </td> - <td>p. 90</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>The Examination of Mrs.</i> Cary.</td> - <td>p. 95</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>The Examination of Mr</i> John Aldin. </td> - <td>p. 98</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang">Bishop <i>alias</i> Oliver <i>Condemned</i>.</td> - <td>p. 100</td></tr> -<tr> -<td class="hang"><i>An Abstract of the Ministers Advice to the Governour.</i></td> - <td>p. 101</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang">[9] Sarah Good, Rebecca Nurse, Sus. Martin, Eliz. How and -Sarah Wildes <i>Condemned</i>.</td> - <td>p. 101</td></tr> -<tr> -<td class="hang"><i>The Declaration of the Foreman of the Jury, relating to words -spoken by</i> Rebecca Nurse.</td> - <td>p. 102</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang">Rebecca Nurses <i>Interpretation of these words</i>. </td> -<td>p. 103</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>M<sup>r</sup></i> George Burroughs, John Procter, Eliz. Procter, John Willard, -George Jacobs and Martha Carryer <i>Condemned</i>.</td> - <td><i>Ibid.</i></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>A Letter of</i> John Procter <i>to the Ministers.</i> </td> -<td> p. 104</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">20</a></span> -<i>A Letter of</i> Margaret Jacobs <i>to her Father.</i> </td> -<td>p. 105</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang">Martha Cary, Mary Easty, Alice Parker, Ann Pudeater, Dorcas -Hore, Mary Bradbery, Margaret Scot, W. Red, Samuel -Wardwel, Mary Parker, Abigail Falkner, Rebecca Emes, -Mary Lacy, Ann Foster, <i>and</i> Abigail Hobs <i>Condemned</i>.</td> - <td>p. 106</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang">Giles Cary <i>Prest to Death</i>. </td> - <td>Ibid.</td></tr> -<tr> -<td class="hang"><i>A Petition of</i> Mary Easty <i>to the Judge.</i></td> - <td>p. 107</td> -</tr> -<tr><td class="hang"><i>A Declaration of some that had confest themselves Guilty</i> (at Andover.) </td> - <td>p. 111</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>The Preface of Mr.</i> C. M. <i>in Wonders of the Invisible World, to -his Account of the Tryals of five of those that were Executed at</i> -Salem.</td> - <td>p. 113</td></tr> - -<tr><td>The whole of his said Account, with one Indictment added -to each Tryal, <i>viz.</i> </td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>The Tryal of</i> Mr. Burroughs.</td> - <td>p. 114 </td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>The Tryal of</i> Bridget Bishop.</td> - <td>p. 120</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>The Tryal of</i> Susanna Martin.</td> -<td> p. 126</td> </tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>The Tryal of</i> Elizabeth How.</td> - <td>p. 133</td> </tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>The Tryal of</i> Martha Carryer.</td> - <td>p. 136</td> </tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>The Tryal of</i> Wardwes <i>Wife at the first Superior Court in</i> Salem.</td> - <td>p. 141</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>The Tryal of</i> Sarah Daston <i>at</i> Charlestown.</td> - <td>Ibid.</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>The Tryal of</i> Mary Watkins <i>at</i> Boston.</td> - - <td>p. 142</td> </tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>The Tryal of</i> Mr. Bennom <i>at</i> Hartford, <i>in the Collony of Connecticut.</i></td> - <td>Ibid. </td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>A Proclamation for a Fast in the Province of</i> Massachuset.</td> -<td>p. 143</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>The Acknowledgement of several Jury-Men, relating to the Condemning -of some for Witches.</i> </td> - <td>p. 144</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>A Postscript relating to a Book Intituled,</i> The Life of Sir <i>W. -Phips.</i> </td> -<td class="tw"> p. 145</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="hang"><i>Therein an Objection Answered, viz. But what are there no -Witches?</i></td> -<td>p. 155</td></tr> -</table> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/illus_054.jpg" width="500" height="37" alt="decoration" /> -</div> - -<p>[10] <i>SIR,</i> -<span class="pagenum hidev"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">21</a></span> -</p> - -<p class="dropcap">I <i>NOW lay before you a very Entertaining -Story,</i><a name="FNanchor_19_19" id="FNanchor_19_19"></a><a href="#Footnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a> -<i>a Story which relates yet more</i> Wonders -of the Invisible World, <i>a Story which -tells the Remarkable Afflictions and Deliverance of -one that had been Prodigiously handled by the</i> Evil -Angels. <i>I was myself a daily</i> Eye Witness <i>to a -large part of these Occurrences, and there may be -produced Scores of Substantial</i> Witnesses <i>to the most -of them; yea, I know not of any one Passage of the -Story but what may be sufficiently attested. I do not -Write it with a design of throwing it presently into -the Press, but only to preserve the Memory of such -Memorable things, the forgetting whereof would -neither be</i> pleasing <i>to God, nor useful to Men; as -also to give you, with some others of peculiar and -obliging Friends, a sight of some</i> Curiosities, <i>and I -hope this Apology will serve to Excuse me, if I -mention, as perhaps I may, when I come to a tenth -Paragraph in my Writing, some things which I -would have omitted in a farther Publication.</i></p> - -<p class="right"> -Cotton Mather. -</p> - -<div class="footnotes"><h3><b>FOOTNOTES:</b></h3> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_19_19" id="Footnote_19_19"></a><a href="#FNanchor_19_19"><span class="label">[19]</span></a> This singular "Story" does -not appear to have been published -by its Author, nor have I any other -History of it than is found in these -Pages. Nor do I find anything of -a Family of the Name of Rule. -Neither Farmer nor Savage have it -in their genealogical Works. Yet -there was a Family living for some -Time at the North End of the Name -of <i>Rule</i>. They may not have been -long resident. See Note <a href="#Footnote_33_33">33</a>.</p></div></div> - -<hr class="full" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/illus_056.jpg" width="500" height="112" alt="decoration" /> -</div> -<h2 class="break bb">[<a id="a1a"></a>1] ANOTHER<br /> - -<big>BRAND</big><br /> - -<small>Pluckt out of the</small><br /> - -<em class="gesperrt">BURNING</em>,<br /> - - Or, More Wonders of the Invisible World.</h2> - -<p class="center">Part I. Section I.</p> - -<p class="center"><i>The Afflictions of</i> MARGARET RULE. - -<span class="pagenum hidev"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">23</a></span> -</p> - -<p class="dropcap">WIthin these few years there died in the -<i>Southern Parts</i> a Christian <i>Indian</i>, who -notwithstanding some of his <i>Indian</i> Weakness, -had something of a better Character of vertue -and Goodness, than many of our People can allow -to most of their Country-men, that profess the -<i>Christian Religion</i>.<a name="FNanchor_20_20" id="FNanchor_20_20"></a><a href="#Footnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a> He had been a Zealous -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">24</a></span>Preacher of the Gospel to his Neighbourhood, -and a sort of <i>Overseer</i>, or <i>Officer</i>, to whose Conduct -was owing very much of what good order -was maintained among those Proselited <i>Savages</i>. -This Man returning home from the Funeral of -his Son, was complemented by an <i>Englishman</i>, -expressing <i>Sorrow for his Loss</i>; now, tho' the -<i>Indians</i> use upon the Death of Relations, to be -the most Passionate and Outragious Creatures in -the World, yet this Converted <i>Indian</i> Handsomly -and Chearfully replid, <i>Truly I am sorry, and I am -not sorry; I am sorry that I have Buried a dear -Son; but I am not sorry that the will of God is -done. I know that without the will of God my son -could not have died, and I know that the will</i> [2] <i>of -God is always just and good, and so I am satisfied.</i> -Immediately upon this, even within a few hours, -he fell himself Sick of a Disease that quickly -kill'd him; in the time of which Disease he -called his Folks about him, earnestly perswading -them to be Sincere in their <i>Praying unto God</i>, and -beware of the <i>Drunkenness</i>, the <i>Idleness</i>, the <i>Lying</i>, -whereby so many of that Nation disgrac'd their -Profession of Christianity; adding, that he was -ashamed, when he thought how little Service he -had hitherto done for God; and that if God -would prolong his Life he would Labour to do -better Service, but that he was fully sure he was -now going to the Lord <i>Jesus Christ</i>, who had -bought him with his own Precious <i>Blood</i>; and for -his part, he long'd to Die that he might be with his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">25</a></span> -Glorious Lord; and in the mid'st of such passages -he gave up the Ghost, but in such repute, that -the <i>English</i> People of good Fashion did not think -much of Travelling a great way to his <i>Interment</i>. -Lest my Reader do now wonder why I have related -this piece of a Story, I will now hasten to -abate that Wonder, by telling that whereto this -was intended, but for an <i>Introduction</i>: know then, -that this remarkable <i>Indian</i> being a little before -he Died at work in the Wood making of Tarr, -there appeared unto him a <i>Black Man</i>, of a Terrible -aspect, and more than humane Dimensions, -threatning <span class="errauthor" title="read: bitterly">bittterly</span> to kill him if he would not -promise to leave off <i>Preaching</i> as he did to his -Countrey-Men, and promise particularly, <i>that if -he preached any more, he would say nothing of Jesus -Christ unto them?</i> The <i>Indian</i> amaz'd, yet had -the courage to answer, <i>I will in spite of you go on -to preach</i> Christ <i>more than ever I did, and the God -whom I serve will keep me that you shall never hurt -me.</i> Hereupon the Apparition abating somewhat -of his fierceness, offered to the <i>Indian</i> a <i>Book</i> of a -considerable thickness and a <i>Pen and Ink</i>, and -said, that if he would now set his hand unto that -<i>Book</i>, he would require nothing further of him; -but the Man refused the motion with indignation, -and fell down upon his knees into a Fervent and -Pious Prayer unto God, for help against the -<i>Tempter</i>, whereupon the <i>Demon</i> Vanish't.</p> - -<p>This is a Story which I would never have tendered -unto my Reader, if I had not Receiv'd it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">26</a></span> -from an honest and useful <i>English Man</i>,<a name="FNanchor_21_21" id="FNanchor_21_21"></a><a href="#Footnote_21_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a> who is -at this time a Preacher of the Gospel to the <i>Indians</i>; -nor would the probable Truth of it have -encouraged me to have tendered it, if this also -had not been a fit introduction unto yet a further -Narrative.</p> - -<p><i>Sect.</i> 2. 'Twas not much above a year or two, -after this Accident (of which no manner of Noise -has been made) that there was a Prodigious descent -of <i>Devils</i> upon divers places near the Centre -of this Province; wherein some scores of <i>Miserable -People</i> were Troubled by horrible appearances -of a <i>Black-Man</i>, accompanied with <i>Spectres</i>, -wearing these and those Humane Shapes, who offer'd -them a <i>Book</i> to be by them sign'd, in token -of their being Listed for the Service of the <i>Devil</i>, -and upon their [3] denying to do it, they were -<i>dragoon'd</i> with a thousand Preternatural Torments, -which gave no little terror to the beholders of -these unhappy <i>Energuments</i>. There was one in -the <i>North</i> part of <i>Boston</i> seized by the <i>Evil Angels</i> -many Months after the General Storm of the -late <i>Inchantments</i> was over, and when the Countrey -had long lain pretty quiet, both as to Molestations -and Accusations from the INVISIBLE -WORLD, her Name was <i>Margaret Rule</i>, a -Young Woman, She was born of sober and honest -Parents, yet Living, but what her own Character -was before her Visitation, I can speak with the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">27</a></span>less confidence of exactness, because I observe that -wherever the <i>Devils</i> have been let loose to worry -any Poor Creature amongst us, a great part of -the Neighbourhood presently set themselves to inquire -and relate all the little Vanities of their -Childhood, with such unequal exaggerations, as -to make them appear greater Sinners than any -whom the Pilate of <i>Hell</i> has not yet Preyed -upon: But it is affirm'd, that for about half a -year before her Visitation, she was observably improved -in the hopeful symptoms of a new Creature; -She was become furiously concern'd for the -everlasting <i>Salvation</i> of her Soul, and careful to -avoid the snares of <i>Evil Company</i>. This Young -Woman had never seen the affliction of <i>Mercy -Short</i>,<a name="FNanchor_22_22" id="FNanchor_22_22"></a><a href="#Footnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> whereof a Narrative has been already -given, and yet about half a year after the glorious -and signal deliverance of that poor Damsel, this -<i>Margaret</i> fell into an affliction, marvellous, resembling -hers in almost all the circumstances of -it, indeed the Afflictions were so much alike, that -the relation I have given of the one, would almost -serve as the full History of the other, this was to -that, <i>little more than the second part to the same -Tune</i>; indeed <i>Margarets</i> case was in several points -less remarkable than <i>Mercies</i>, and in some other -things the Entertainment did a little vary.</p> - -<p><i>Sect.</i> 3. 'twas upon the <i>Lords Day</i> the 10th of -<i>September</i>, in the Year 1693. that <i>Margaret Rule</i>, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">28</a></span>after some hours of previous disturbance in the -Publick Assembly, fell into odd <i>Fits</i>, which caused -her Friends to carry her home, where her <i>Fits</i> -in a few hours grew into a Figure that satisfied -the Spectators of their being preternatural; some -of the Neighbours were forward enough to suspect -the rise of this Mischief in an House hard-by, -where lived a Miserable Woman, who had -been formerly Imprisoned on the suspicion of -<i>Witchcraft</i>, and who had frequently Cured very -painfull Hurts by muttering over them certain -<i>Charms</i>, which I shall not indanger the Poysoning -of my Reader by repeating. This Woman had -the Evening before <i>Margaret</i> fell into her Calamities, -very bitterly treated her, and threatn'd -her; but the hazard of hurting a poor Woman -that might be innocent, notwithstanding <i>Surmizes</i> -that might have been more strongly grounded -than those, caus'd the pious People in the Vicinity -to try rather whether incessant <i>Supplication</i> to -God [4] <i>alone</i>, might not procure a quicker and -safer Ease to the <i>Afflicted</i>, than hasty Prosecution -of any suppos'd Criminal, and accordingly that -<i>unexceptionable course</i> was all that was ever followed; -yea, which I look'd on as a token for -good, the Afflicted Family was as averse as any -of us all to entertain thoughts of any other -course.</p> - -<p><i>Sect.</i> 4. The Young Woman was assaulted by -Eight cruel <i>spectres</i>, whereof she imagin'd that -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">29</a></span>she knew <i>three</i> or <i>four</i>, but the rest came still -with their <i>Faces cover'd</i>, so that she could never -have a distinguishing view of the countenance of -those whom she thought she knew; she was very -careful of my reitterated charges <i>to forbear blazing -the names</i>, lest any good Person should come to -suffer any blast of Reputation thro' the cunning -Malice of the great Accuser; nevertheless having -since privately named <i>them</i> to myself, I will venture -to say <i>this</i> of them, that they are a sort of -<i>Wretches</i>, who for these many years have gone -under as Violent <i>Presumptions</i> of <i>Witchcraft</i>, as -perhaps any creatures yet living upon earth; altho' -I am farr from thinking that the Visions -of this Young Woman were Evidence enough -to prove them so. These cursed <i>Spectres</i> now -brought unto her a <i>Book</i> about a <i>Cubet</i> long, a -<i>Book Red</i> and <i>thick</i>, but not very broad, and they -demanded of her that she would set <i>her Hand</i> to -that <i>Book</i>, or touch it at least with her <i>Hand</i>, as -a Sign of her becoming a Servant of the <i>Devil</i>, -upon her peremptory refusal <i>to do</i> what they -asked, they did not after renew the profers of the -<i>Book</i> unto her, but instead thereof, they fell to -Tormenting of her in a manner too Hellish to -be sufficiently described, in those Torments confining -her to her <i>Bed</i>, for just <i>Six weeks</i> together.</p> - -<p><i>Sect.</i> 5. Sometimes, but not always together -with the <i>Spectres</i>, there looke't in upon the Young -Woman (according to her account) <i>a short and a -Black Man</i>, whom they call'd their Master—a -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">30</a></span>Wight exactly of the same Dimensions and -Complexion and voice, with the <i>Divel</i> that has -exhibited himself unto other infested People, not -only in other parts of this Country but also in -other Countrys, even of the <i>European World</i>, as -the relation of the Enchantments there inform -us, they all profest themselves Vassals of this -<i>Devil</i>, and in obedience unto him they address -themselves unto various ways of Torturing her; -accordingly she was cruelly <i>pinch'd with Invisible -hands</i>, very often in a Day, and the black and -blew marks of the pinches became immediately -visible unto the standers by. Besides this, when -her attendants had left her without so much as -one pin about her, that so they might prevent -some fear'd inconveniencies; yet she would ever -now and then be miserably hurt with Pins which -were found stuck into her Neck, Back and Arms, -however the Wounds made by the Pins would in -a few minutes ordinarily be cured; she would -also be strangely distorted in her Joynts, and -thrown into such exorbitant <i>Convulsions</i> as [5] -were astonishing unto the Spectators in General; -They that could behold the doleful condition of -the poor Family without sensible compassions, -might have Intrals indeed, but I am sure they -could have no true <i>Bowels</i> in them.</p> - -<p><i>Sect.</i> 6. It were a most Unchristian and uncivil, -yea a most unreasonable thing to imagine that -the Fitt's of the Young Woman were but meer -<i>Impostures</i>: And I believe scarce any, but People -of a particular <i>Dirtiness</i>, will harbour such an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">31</a></span> -Uncharitable Censure,<a name="FNanchor_23_23" id="FNanchor_23_23"></a><a href="#Footnote_23_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a> however, because I know -not how far the <i>Devil</i> may drive the Imagination -of poor Creatures when he has possession of them, -that at another time when they are <i>themselves</i> -would scorn to <i>Dissemble</i> any thing. I shall now -confine my Narrative unto passages, wherein there -could be no room left for any Dissimulation. Of -these the first that I'll mention shall be this; -From the time that <i>Margaret Rule</i> first found -herself to be formally besieged by the <i>Spectres</i> -untill the Ninth Day following, namely from -the Tenth of <i>September</i> to the Eighteenth, she -kept an entire Fast, and yet she was unto all appearance -as Fresh, as Lively, as Hearty, at the Nine -Days End, as before they began; in all this time, -tho' she had a very eager <i>Hunger</i> upon her Stomach, -yet if any refreshment were brought unto -her, her Teeth would be set, and she would be -thrown into many Miseries, Indeed <i>once or twice -or so</i> in all this time, her Tormentors permitted -her to swallow a Mouthful of somewhat that -might increase her Miseries, whereof a Spoonful -of <i>Rum</i> was the most considerable; but otherwise, -as I said, her <i>Fast</i> unto the <i>Ninth day</i> was -very extream and rigid: However, afterwards -there scarce passed a day wherein she had not -liberty to take something or other for her <i>Susttentation</i>, -And I must add this further, that this -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">32</a></span>business of her <i>Fast</i> was carried so, that it was -impossible to be dissembled without a <i>Combination</i> -of Multitudes of People unacquainted with one -another to support the <i>Juggle</i>, but he that can -imagine such a thing of a Neighbourhood, so -fill'd with Vertuous People is a <i>base man</i>, I cannot -call him any other.</p> - -<p><i>Sect.</i> 7. But if the Sufferings of this Young -Woman were not <i>Imposture</i>, yet might they not -be pure Distemper? I will not here inquire -of our <i>Saducees</i> what sort of Distemper 'tis shall -stick the Body full of <i>Pins</i>, without any Hand -that could be seen to stick them; or whether all -the <i>Pin-makers</i> in the World would be willing -to be Evaporated into certain ill habits of Body -producing a <i>Distemper</i>, but of the <i>Distemper</i> my -Reader shall be Judge when I have told him -something further of those unusual Sufferings. I -do believe that the <i>Evil Angels</i> do often take -Advantage from <i>Natural Distempers</i> in the Children -of Men to annoy them with such further -Mischiefs as we call <i>preternatural</i>. The Malignant -<i>Vapours</i> and <i>Humours</i> of our Diseased Bodies -may be used by <i>Devils</i> thereinto insinu[6]ating as -engine of the Execution of their Malice upon -those Bodies; and perhaps for this reason one -Sex may suffer more Troubles of some kinds -from the <i>Invisible World</i> than the <i>other</i>, as well as -for <i>that reason</i> for which the Old <i>Serpent</i> made -where he did his <i>first <span class="errauthor" title="read: Address">Adddress</span></i>. But I Pray -what will you say to this, <i>Margaret Rule</i> would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">33</a></span> -sometimes have her Jaws forcibly pulled open; -whereupon something <i>Invisible</i> would be poured -down her throat; we all saw her swallow, and -yet we saw her try all she could by Spitting, -Coughing and Shriking, that she might not -swalow, but one time the standers by plainly saw -something of that odd <i>Liquor</i> itself on the outside -of her <i>Neck</i>; She cried out of it as of <i>Scalding -Brimstone</i> poured into her, and the whole House -would Immediately scent so hot of <i>Brimstone</i> that -we were scarce able to endure it, whereof there -are scores of Witnesses; but the Young Woman -herself would be so monstrously <i>Inflam'd</i> that it -would have broke a Heart of Stone to have seen -her Agonies, <i>this</i> was a thing that several times -happen'd and several times when her Mouth was -thus pull'd open, the standers by clapping their -Hands close thereupon the distresses that otherwise -followed would be diverted. Moreover there -was a <i>whitish powder</i> to us <i>Invisible</i> somtimes cast -upon the <i>Eyes</i> of this Young Woman, whereby -her <i>Eyes</i> would be extreamly incommoded, but -one time some of this <i>Powder</i> was fallen actually -<i>Visible</i> upon her Cheek, from whence the People -in the Room wiped it with their Handkerchiefs, -and somtimes the Young Woman would also be -so bitterly scorched with the unseen Sulphur -thrown upon her, that very sensible <i>Blisters</i> would -be raised upon her Skin, whereto her Friends -found it necessary to apply the <i>Oyl's</i> proper for -common <i>Burning</i>, but the most of these Hurts<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">34</a></span> -would be cured in two or three days at farthest: -I think I may <i>without Vanity</i> pretend to have -read not a few of the best System's of <i>Physick</i><a name="FNanchor_24_24" id="FNanchor_24_24"></a><a href="#Footnote_24_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a> -that have been yet seen in these <i>American</i> Regions, -but I must confess that I have never yet learned -the Name of the Natural Distemper, whereto -these odd symptoms do belong: However I might -suggest perhaps many a <i>Natural Medicine</i>, which -would be of singular use against many of them.</p> - -<p><i>Sect.</i> 8. But there fell out some <i>other matters</i> -far beyond the reach of <i>Natural Distemper</i>: This -<i>Margaret Rule</i> once in the middle of the Night -Lamented sadly that the <i>Spectres</i> threat'ned the -Drowning of a Young Man in the Neighbourhood, -whom she named unto the Company: well -it was afterwards found that at that very time this -Young Man, having been prest on Board <i>a Man -of War</i> then in the Harbour, was out of some -dissatisfaction attempting to swim ashoar, and he -had been <i>Drowned</i> in the attempt, if a Boat had -not seasonably taken him up; it was by computation -a minute or two after the Young Womans -discourse of the <i>Drowning</i>, that the Young Man -took the Water; At another time she told us -that [7] the <i>Spectres</i> bragg'd and laughed in her -hearing about an exploit they had lately done, by -stealing from a Gentleman his <i>Will</i> soon after he -had written it; and within a few hours after she -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">35</a></span>had spoken this there came to me a Gentleman -with a private complaint, that having written his -<i>Will</i>, it was unaccountably gone out of the way, -<i>how</i> or <i>where</i> he could not Imagine; and besides -all this, there were wonderful <i>Noises</i> every now -and then made about the Room, which our People -could Ascribe to no other Authors but the -<i>Spectres</i>, yea, the Watchers affirm that they heard -those fiends clapping of their hands together with -an <i>Audibleness</i>, wherein they could not be Imposed -upon: And once her Tormentors pull'd -her up to the <i>Cieling</i> of the Chamber, and held -her there before a very Numerous Company of -<i>Spectators</i>, who found it as much as they could -<i>all do</i> to pull her down again.<a name="FNanchor_25_25" id="FNanchor_25_25"></a><a href="#Footnote_25_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a> There was also -another very surprising circumstance about her, -agreeable to what we have not only <i>read</i> in several -Histories concerning the <i>Imps</i> that have been -Imployed in <i>Witchcraft</i>; but also known in some -of our own afflicted: <i>We once thought we perceived -something stir upon her pillow at a little distance -from her, whereupon one present laying his -hand there, he to his horror</i> apprehended that <i>he -felt,</i> tho' none could see it, <i>a living Creature,</i> not -<i>altogether unlike a Rat, which nimbly escap'd from -him:</i> and there were diverse other Persons who -were thrown into a great consternation by feeling, -as they Judg'd, at other times the same <i>Invisible -Animal</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">36</a></span> -<i>Sect.</i> 9. As it has been with a Thousand other -<i>Inchanted</i> People, so it was with <i>Margaret Rule</i> -in this particular, that there were several words -which her <i>Tormentors</i> would not let her hear, -especially the words Pray or Prayer, and yet she -could so hear the letters of those words distinctly -mentioned as to know what they ment. The -standers by were forced sometimes thus in discourse -to spell a word to her, but because there -were some so ridiculous as to count it a sort of -<i>Spell</i> or a <i>Charm</i> for any thus to accommodate -themselves to the capacity of the Sufferer, little -of this kind was done. But that which was more -singular in this matter, was that she could not use -these <i>words</i> in those penetrating discourses, wherewith -she would sometimes address the <i>Spectres</i> -that were about her. She would sometimes for -a long while together apply herself to the <i>Spectres</i>, -whom she supposed the <i>Witches</i>, with such -<i>Exortations to Repentance</i> as would have melted -an Heart of <i>Adamant</i> to have heard them; her -strains of Expression and Argument were truly -Extraordinary; A person perhaps of the best -Education and Experience and of <i>Attainments</i> -much beyond hers could not have exceeded them: -nevertheless when she came to these Words <i>God</i>, -<i>Lord</i>, <i>Christ</i>, <i>Good</i>, <i>Repent</i>, and some other such, -her Mouth could not utter them, whereupon she -would sometimes in an Angry <i>Parenthesis</i> complain -of their Wickedness in stopping that <i>Word</i>, -but she would then go [8] on with some other<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">37</a></span> -<i>Terms</i> that would serve to tell what she ment. -And I believe that if the most suspicious Person -in the world had beheld all the Circumstances of -this matter, he would have said it could not have -been dissembled.</p> - -<p><i>Sect.</i> 10. Not only in the <i>Swedish</i>, but also in -the <i>Salem</i> Witchcraft the Inchanted People have -talked much of a <i>White Spirit</i> from whence they -received marvellous Assistances in their Miseries; -what lately befel <i>Mercy Short</i><a name="FNanchor_26_26" id="FNanchor_26_26"></a><a href="#Footnote_26_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a> from the Communications -of such a <i>Spirit</i>, hath been the just -Wonder of us all, but by such a <i>Spirit</i> was <i>Margaret -Rule</i> now also visited. She says that she -could never see his <i>Face</i>; but that she had a frequent -view of his bright, Shining and glorious -Garments; he stood by her <i>Bed-side</i> continually -heartning and comforting of her and counselling -her to maintain her Faith and hope in God, and -never comply with the temptations of her Adversaries; -she says he told her, that <i>God had permitted -her afflictions to befall her for the everlasting and -unspeakable good of her own soul, and for the good -of many others, and for his own Immortal Glory, -and that she should therefore be of good Chear, and -be assured of a speedy deliverance</i>; and the wonderful -resolution of mind wherewith she encountered -her Afflictions were but agreeable to such -expectations. Moreover a Minister having one -Day with some Importunity Prayed for the deliverance -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">38</a></span> -of this Young Woman, and pleaded -that she belong'd to his Flock and charge; he -had so far a right unto her as that he was to do -the part of a Minister of our Lord for the -bringing of her home unto God; only now the -<i>Devil</i> hindred him in <i>doing</i> that which he had a -<i>right</i> thus to do, and whereas He had a <i>better -Title</i> unto her to bring her home to <i>God</i> than the -<i>Divel</i> could have unto her to carry her away -from the <i>Lord</i>, <i>he</i> therefore humbly applied himself -unto <i>God</i>, who alone could right this matter, -with a suit that she might be rescued out of -<i>Satans Hands</i>; Immediately upon this, tho' she -heard nothing of this transaction she began to -call that Minister her <i>Father</i>, and that was the -Name whereby she every day before all sorts of -People distinguished him: the occasion of it she -says was <i>this</i>, the <i>white Spirit</i> presently upon this -transaction did after this manner speak to her, -<i>Margaret, you now are to take notice that</i> (such a -Man) <i>is your Father, God has given you to him, do -you from this time look upon him as your Father, -obey him, regard him as your Father, follow his -Counsels and you shall do well</i>; And tho' there was -one passage more, which I do as little know what -to make of as any of the rest, I am now going -to relate it; more than three times have I seen it -fulfilled in the Deliverance of Inchanted and -Possest Persons, whom the Providence of God -has cast into my way, that their Deliverance -could not be obtained before the <i>third Fast</i> kept<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">39</a></span> -for them, and the third day still obtain'd the -Deliverance, altho' I have thought of <i>beseeching -of the Lord thrice, when buffered by Sa</i>[9]<i>tan</i>, yet -I must earnestly Intreat all my Readers to beware -of any superstitious conceits upon the Number -<i>Three</i>, if our God will hear us upon once Praying -and Fasting before him 'tis well, and if he will -not vouchsafe his <i>Mercy</i> upon our <i>thrice</i> doing so, -yet we must not be so discouraged as to throw by -our Devotion but if the Soveraign <i>Grace</i> of our -God will in any particular Instances count our -Patience enough tryed when we have Solemnly -waited upon him for any determinate Number of -times, who shall say to him, what doest thou, and -if there shall be any Number of Instances, wherein -this Grace of our God has exactly holden the -same course, it may have a room in our humble -<i>Observations</i>, I hope, without any Superstition; -I say then that after <i>Margaret Rule</i> had been -more than five weeks in her Miseries, this <i>White -Spirit</i> said unto her, <i>Well this day such a Man</i> -(whom he named) <i>has kept a third day for your -deliverance, now be of good cheer you shall speedily -be delivered</i>. I inquired whether what had been -said of that Man were true, and I gained exact -and certain information that it was precisely so, -but I doubt lest in relating this Passage that I -have used more openness than a Friend should be -treated with, and for that cause I have concealed -several of the most <i>memorable things</i> that have -occurred not only in this but in some former<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">40</a></span> -Histories, altho indeed I am not so well satisfied -about the true nature of this <i>white Spirit</i>, as to -count that I can do a Friend much Honour by -reporting what notice this <i>white Spirit</i> may have -thus taken of him.</p> - -<p><i>Sect.</i> 11. On the last day of the Week her -Tormentors as she thought and said, approaching -towards her, would be forced still to recoil and -retire as unaccountably unable to meddle with -her, and they would retire to the Fire side with -their Poppets; but going to stick Pins into those -Poppets, they could not (according to their visions) -make the Pins to enter, she insulted over them -with a very Proper derision, daring them now to -do their worst, whilst she had the satisfaction to -see their <i>Black Master</i> strike them and kick them, -like an <i>Overseer</i> of so many <i>Negro's</i>, to make -them to do their work, and renew the marks of -his vengeance on them, when they failed of doing -of it.<a name="FNanchor_27_27" id="FNanchor_27_27"></a><a href="#Footnote_27_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a> At last being as it were tired with their -ineffectual Attempts to mortifie her they furiously -said, <i>Well you shant be the last</i>. And after a pause -they added, <i>Go, and the Devil go with you, we can -do no more</i>; whereupon they flew out of the Room, -and she returning perfectly to herself most affectionately -gave thanks to God for her deliverance; -her Tormentors left her extream <i>weak and faint</i>, -and overwhelmed with <i>Vapours</i>, which would -not only cause her sometimes to Swoon away, but -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">41</a></span>also now and then for a little while discompose -the reasonableness of her Thoughts; Nevertheless -her former troubles returned not, but we are -now waiting to see the good effects of those -troubles upon the Souls of all concern'd, And -now I suppose that some of our Learned <i>wit[10]lings</i> -of the <i>Coffee-House</i>, for fear lest these proofs -of an <i>Invisible-world</i> should spoil some of their -sport, will endeavour to turn them all into sport, -for which <i>Buffoonary</i> their only pretence will be, -<i>they cant understand how such things as these could -be done</i> whereas indeed he that is but Philosopher -enough to have read but one <i>Little Treatise</i>, Published -in the Year 1656, by no other Man than -the Chyrurgion of an <i>Army</i>, or but one Chap. -of <i>Helmont</i>,<a name="FNanchor_28_28" id="FNanchor_28_28"></a><a href="#Footnote_28_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a> which I will not quote at this time -too particularly, may give a far more intelligible -account of these <i>Appearances</i> than most of these -<i>Blades</i> can give <i>why</i> and how their <i>Tobacco</i> makes -'em Spit; or which way the flame of their Candle -becomes illuminating, as for that <i>cavil, the -world would be undone if the Devils could have such -power as they seem to have in several of our stories</i>,<a name="FNanchor_29_29" id="FNanchor_29_29"></a><a href="#Footnote_29_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a> -it may be Answered that as to many things -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">42</a></span>the <i>Lying Devils</i> have only known them to be -done, and then pretended unto the doing of those -things, but the true and best Answer is, that by -these things we only see what the <i>Devils</i> could -have <i>powers</i> to do, if the great God should give -them those powers, whereas now our Histories -affords a <i>Glorious Evidence for the being of a God</i>, -the World would indeed be <i>undone</i>, and horribly -<i>undone</i>, if these Devils, who now and then get -liberty to play some very mischievous pranks, -were not under a daily restraint of some <i>Almighty -Superior</i> from doing more of such Mischiefs. -Wherefore instead of all Apish <i>flouts</i> and <i>jeers</i> at -Histories, which have such undoubted confirmation, -as that no Man that has breeding enough -to regard the Common Laws of <i>Humane Society</i>, -will offer to doubt of 'em, it becomes us rather -to adore the goodness of God, who does not -permit such things every day to befall us <i>all</i>, as -he sometimes did permit to befall some few of -our miserable Neighbours.</p> - -<p><i>Sect.</i> 12. And what after all my unwearied -Cares and Pains, to rescue the <i>Miserable</i> from the -Lions and Bears of <i>Hell</i>, which had siezed them, -and after all my Studies to disappoint the Devils -in their designs to confound my Neighbourhood, -must I be driven to the necessity of an <i>Apology</i>? -Truly the hard <i>representations</i> wherewith <i>some Ill -Men have reviled my conduct</i>, and the Countenance -which other Men have given to these representations, -oblige me to give Mankind some account<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">43</a></span> -of my Behaviour; No Christian can, I say none -but evil workers can criminate my visiting such -of my poor flock as have at any time fallen under -the terrible and sensible molestations of <i>Evil Angels</i>; -let their Afflictions have been what they -will, I could not have answered it unto my -Glorious <i>Lord</i>, if I had withheld my just <i>Counsels</i> -and <i>Comforts</i> from them; and if I have also -with some exactness observ'd the methods of the -<i>Invisible World</i>, when they have thus become -observable, I have been but a Servant of Mankind -in doing so; yea no less a Person than the <i>Venerable -Baxter</i>, has more than once or twice in the -most Publick manner invited Mankind to thank -[11] me for that <i>Service</i>. I have not been insensible -of a greater danger attending me in this -fulfilment of my Ministry, than if I had been to -take Ten Thousand steps over a Rocky Mountain -fill'd with <i>Rattle-Snakes</i>; but I have consider'd, -he that is wise will observe things, and the <i>Surprising -Explication</i> and confirmation of the <i>biggest -part</i> of the <i>Bible</i>, which I <i>have seen</i> given in -these things, has <i>abundantly paid me</i> for observing -them. Now in my visiting of the Miserable, I -was always of this opinion, that we were Ignorant -of what <i>Powers</i> the <i>Devils</i> might have to -do their mischiefs in the shapes of some that had -never been explicitly engaged in <i>Diabolical Confederacies</i>, -and that therefore tho' many <i>Witchcrafts</i> -had been fairly detected <i>on Enquiries</i> provoked -and begun by <i>Specteral Exhibitions</i>, yet we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">44</a></span> -could not easily be too jealous of the <i>Snares</i> laid -for us in the <i>devices of Satan</i>; the World knows -how many <i>Pages</i> I have Composed and Published, -and particular gentlement in the Government -know how many <i>Letters</i> I have written to prevent -the excessive Credit of <i>Specteral Accusations</i>, -wherefore I have still charged the <i>Afflicted</i> that -they should <i>Cry</i> out of no body for Afflicting of -'em. But that if this might be any Advantage -they might <i>privately</i> tell their minds to some one -Person of <i>discretion</i> enough to make no <i>ill use</i> of -their communications, accordingly there has been -this effect of it, that the Name of <i>No one</i> good -Person in the World ever came under any blemish -by means of any <i>Afflicted</i>, Person that fell under -<i>my</i> particular cognizance, yea no one Man, Woman -or Child ever came into any troube for the sake of -any that were <i>Afflicted</i> after I <i>had once begun</i> to -look after 'em; how often have I had this thrown -into my dish, that many years ago I had an opportunity -to have brought forth such People as have -in the late storm of <i>Witchcraft</i> been complain'd -of, but that I smother'd all, and after that storm -was rais'd at <i>Salem</i>, I did myself offer to provide -Meat, Drink and Lodging for no less than Six of -the Afflicted, that so an Experiment might be -made, whether <i>Prayer</i> with <i>Fasting</i> upon the -removal of the distressed might not put a Period -to the trouble then rising, without giving the <i>Civil -Authority</i> the trouble of prosecuting those things -which nothing but a Conscientious regard unto<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">45</a></span> -the cries of Miserable Families, could have overcome -the Reluctancies of the Honourable Judges -to meddle with;<a name="FNanchor_30_30" id="FNanchor_30_30"></a><a href="#Footnote_30_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a> In short I do humbly but freely -affirm it, there is not that Man living in this -World who has been more desirous than the poor -Man I <i>to shelter</i> my Neighbours from the Inconveniences -of <i>Specteral Outcries</i>, yea I am very -jealous I have done so much <i>that way as to Sin</i> -in what I have done, such have been the Cowardize -and Fearfulness whereunto my regard unto -the dissatisfactions of other People has precipitated -me. I know a Man in the World, who -has thought he has been able to Convict some -such <i>Witches</i> as ought to Dye, but his respect unto -the Publick <i>Peace</i> has caused him rather to try -whether <i>He</i> [12] <i>could not renew them by repentance</i>: -and as I have been Studious to defeat the -<i>Devils</i> of their expectations to set people together -by the Ears, thus, I have also checked and quell'd -those forbidden curiosities, which would have -given the <i>Devil</i> an invitation to have tarried -amongst us, when I have seen wonderful <i>Snares</i> -laid for <i>Curious</i> People, by the secret and future -things discovered from the <i>Mouths of Damsels -possest with a Spirit of divination</i>; Indeed I can -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">46</a></span>recollect but one thing wherein there could be -given so much as a Shadow of Reason for <i>Exceptions</i>, -and that is my allowing of so many to come -and see those that were <i>Afflicted</i>,<a name="FNanchor_31_31" id="FNanchor_31_31"></a><a href="#Footnote_31_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a> now for that I -have this to say, that I have almost <i>a Thousand -times</i> intreated the Friends of the Miserable, that -they would not permit the Intrusion of any Company, -but such as <i>by Prayers</i> or other ways might -be helpful to them; Nevertheless I have not absolutely -forbid all Company from coming to your -Haunted Chambers, partly because the Calamities -of the Families were such as required the Assistance -of <i>many friends</i>; partly because I have been -willing that there should be <i>disinterested Witnesses</i> -of all sorts, to confute the Calumnies of such as -would say <i>all was but Imposture</i>; and partly because -I saw God had Sanctified the Spectacle of -the Miseries on the Afflicted unto the Souls of -many that were Spectators, and it is a very Glorious -thing that I have now to mention—The -Devils have with most horrendous operations broke -in upon our Neighbourhood, and God has at such -a rate over-ruled all the Fury and Malice of those -Devils, that all the Afflicted have not only been -<i>Delivered</i>, but I hope also savingly brought home -unto God, and the Reputation of <i>no one</i> good -Person in the World, has been damaged, but -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">47</a></span> -instead thereof the Souls of many, especially of -the rising Generation, have been thereby awaken'd -unto some acquaintance with <i>Religion</i>, our -young People who belonged unto the <i>Praying -Meetings</i> of both Sexes, a part would ordinarily -spend whole <i>Nights</i> by whole Weeks together in -<i>Prayers</i> and Psalms upon these occasions, in -which Devotions the Devils could get nothing -but like <i>Fools a Scourge for their own Backs</i>, and -some scores of other young People who were -strangers to real Piety, were now struck with the -lively demonstrations of <i>Hell</i> evidently set forth -before their Eyes, when they saw Persons cruelly -Frighted, wounded and Starved by Devils and -Scalded with burning <i>Brimstone</i>, and yet so preserved -in this tortured estate as that at the end of -one Months wretchedness they were as able still -to undergo another, so that of these also it might -now be said, Behold they Pray in the whole—the -Devil got just nothing; but God got praises, -Christ got Subjects, the Holy Spirit got <i>Temples</i>, -the Church got <i>Addition</i>, and the Souls of Men -got everlasting <i>Benefits</i>; I am not so vain as to say -that any <i>Wisdome</i> or <i>Vertue</i> of mine did contribute -unto this good order of things: But I am -so just, as to say I did not hinder this Good. [<a id="a13a"></a>13] -When therefore there have been those that pickt -up little incoherent scraps and bits of my <i>Discourses</i> -in this fruitful discharge of my Ministry, -and so traversted 'em in their abusive <i>Pamphlets</i>, -as to perswade the Town that I was their <i>common</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">48</a></span> -<i>Enemy</i> in those very points, wherein, if in any one -thing whatsoever I have sensibly approved myself -as true a Servant unto 'em as possibly I could, -tho my Life and Soul had been at Stake for it. -Yea to do like <i>Satan</i> himself, by sly, base, unpretending -<i>Insinuations</i>, as if I wore not the Modesty -and Gravity which became a Minister of the -Gospel, I could not but think myself unkindly -dealt withal, and the neglects of <i>others</i> to do me -<i>justice</i> in this affair has caused me to conclude -this Narrative with complaints in <i>another hearing</i> -of such Monstrous Injuries.<a name="FNanchor_32_32" id="FNanchor_32_32"></a><a href="#Footnote_32_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a></p> - -<div class="footnotes"><h3><b>FOOTNOTES:</b></h3> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_20_20" id="Footnote_20_20"></a><a href="#FNanchor_20_20"><span class="label">[20]</span></a> There were two noted Christian -Indians on Martha's Vineyard -a little previous to the Time -the Above was written; viz., <i>Hiacoomes</i> -and <i>John Tokinosh</i>. It is -to one of these, probably, that the -Writer refers. See <i>Book of the -Indians</i>, B. ii, 118; or p. 182, Edition -1851. See also Appendix to -<i>Elect. Serm.</i> of 1698, p. 90, <i>et seq.</i></p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_21_21" id="Footnote_21_21"></a><a href="#FNanchor_21_21"><span class="label">[21]</span></a> Perhaps Capt. Thomas Tupper. -See <i>Noyes's Election Sermon</i>, -1698, p. 95. There were also <i>Eldad</i> -and Samuel T.—Sewall's <i>MSS.</i></p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_22_22" id="Footnote_22_22"></a><a href="#FNanchor_22_22"><span class="label">[22]</span></a> Nothing is learned of this Person -beyond what is to be found in -this Work. There were Persons -early at Newbury of the same Name.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_23_23" id="Footnote_23_23"></a><a href="#FNanchor_23_23"><span class="label">[23]</span></a> If the learned Author were -living at this Day he would doubtless -gladly blot out many Pages of -his own Matter, as being a more -<i>dirty</i> Work than any he then complained -of.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_24_24" id="Footnote_24_24"></a><a href="#FNanchor_24_24"><span class="label">[24]</span></a> It would be curious, if not admirable, -at this Day could we know -what medical Books the Doctor did -possess at that Time. Doubtless -Galen and Paracelsus were conspicuous -on his Shelves.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_25_25" id="Footnote_25_25"></a><a href="#FNanchor_25_25"><span class="label">[25]</span></a> Mr. Calef has not commented -so severely on this Part of the Story -as it merited, and as he might have -done with propriety.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_26_26" id="Footnote_26_26"></a><a href="#FNanchor_26_26"><span class="label">[26]</span></a> Mr. Savage has found quite a -Number of <i>Short</i> Families, but gives -us no <i>Mercy</i> with them. See his -<i>Genealogical Dictionary</i>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_27_27" id="Footnote_27_27"></a><a href="#FNanchor_27_27"><span class="label">[27]</span></a> This Relation is pretty nearly -equal to anything told of the Swedish -Witches by Dr. Horneck. This -Author will be further noticed.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_28_28" id="Footnote_28_28"></a><a href="#FNanchor_28_28"><span class="label">[28]</span></a> Jean-Baptiste Van-Helmont, a -Resident of Brussels, born in 1577. -He was so noted a Physician and -Naturalist, that he was reputed a -Magician, for which he was thrown -into Prison. He made his Escape -and fled into Holland, where he died -in 1644.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_29_29" id="Footnote_29_29"></a><a href="#FNanchor_29_29"><span class="label">[29]</span></a> The Writer nowhere informs -us how much Power the Devil has. -By some of his Assertions it seems -that it is unlimited. Indeed he (Dr. -Mather) has told us that this Continent -in reality belonged to the -Devil. If that was actually the Case, -it certainly was an infringement on -his Rights for Europeans to intrude -themselves here at all.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_30_30" id="Footnote_30_30"></a><a href="#FNanchor_30_30"><span class="label">[30]</span></a> This will be found remarked -upon hereafter. The Author makes -a large Handle of Mr. Baxter's -Commendations of his Story of the -Goodwin Children; which Story -he afterwards printed in the <i>Magnalia</i>, -Book vi, 71, &c.; and adds: -"When it was reprinted at London, -the famous Mr. Baxter prefixed a -Preface unto it, wherein he says, -'<i>This great Instance comes with such -convincing Evidence, that he must be -a very obdurate Sadducee, that wilt -not believe it.</i>'"—<i>Ibid.,</i> 75.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_31_31" id="Footnote_31_31"></a><a href="#FNanchor_31_31"><span class="label">[31]</span></a> It was besides hinted that there -were Times when the Numbers admitted -to the Afflicted were not -above the <i>singular</i> Number. But -this was doubtless a mischievous Attempt -of the <i>Sadducees</i> to implicate -some one who might be rather zealous -to detect <i>Witchcraft</i> when alone -with the Afflicted. The Doctor was -very indignant at this, as will appear.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_32_32" id="Footnote_32_32"></a><a href="#FNanchor_32_32"><span class="label">[32]</span></a> It would have been highly gratifying -had the Author informed his -Readers what he meant by "the -neglect of others." The "another -hearing" will be found explained by -and by.</p></div> -</div> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 class="bt">PART II.</h2> - -<h3><i>A Letter to Mr. C. M.</i></h3> - -<p class="right"> -<i>Boston</i>, Jan. 11<i>th</i>, 1693.</p> -<p> -Mr. <i>Cotton Mather</i>, -</p> - -<p class="dropcap">R<i>Everend Sir</i>, I finding it needful on many -accounts, I here present you with the Copy -of that Paper, which has been so much Misrepresented, -to the End that what shall be found -defective or not fairly Represented, if any such -shall appear, they may be set right, which Runs -thus.</p> -<p class="right p2"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">49</a></span> - -September <i>the</i> 13<i>th</i>, 1693. -</p> - -<p class="dropcap">I<i>N the Evening when the Sun was withdrawn, -giving place to Darkness to succeed, I with some -others were drawn by curiosity to see</i> Margaret Rule, -<i>and so much the rather because it was reported</i> Mr. -M—— <i>would be there that Night: Being come to -her Fathers House</i><a name="FNanchor_33_33" id="FNanchor_33_33"></a><a href="#Footnote_33_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a> -<i>into the Chamber wherein she -was in Bed, found her of a healthy countenance of -about seventeen Years Old, lying very still, and -speaking very little, what she did say seem'd as if -she were Light-headed. Then Mr.</i> M—— <i>Father -and Son</i><a name="FNanchor_34_34" id="FNanchor_34_34"></a><a href="#Footnote_34_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a> -<i>came up and others with them, in the whole -were about 30 or 40 Persons, they being sat, the -Father on a Stool, and the Son upon the Bedside by -her, the Son began to question her</i>, Margaret Rule, -<i>how do you do</i>? then a pause without any answer. -Question. <i>What do there a great many Witches sit -upon you? Answer.</i> Yes. Q. <i>Do you not know -that there is a hard Master?</i> Then she was in a -Fit; <i>He laid his hand upon her Face and Nose, -but, as he said, without perceiving Breath; then he -brush'd her on the Face with his Glove, and rubb'd -her Stomach (her breast not covered with the -Bedcloaths) and bid others do so too, and said</i> [14] -<i>it eased her, then she revived.</i> Q. <i>Don't you know -there is a hard Master?</i> A. <i>Yes.</i> Reply; <i>Don't -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">50</a></span>serve that hard Master, you know who.</i> Q. <i>Do -you believe? Then again she was in a Fit, and he -again rub'd her Breast</i>, &c. (<i>about this time</i> Margaret -Perd<a name="FNanchor_35_35" id="FNanchor_35_35"></a><a href="#Footnote_35_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a> <i>an attendant assisted him in rubbing of -her. The Afflicted spake angerely to her saying -don't you meddle with me, and hastily put away her -hand</i>) <i>he wrought his Fingers before her Eyes and -asked her if she saw the Witches</i>? A. <i>No.</i> Q. -<i>Do you believe?</i> A. <i>Yes.</i> Q. <i>Do you believe in you -know who?</i> A. <i>Yes.</i> Q. <i>Would you have other -people do so too, to believe in you know who?</i> A. -<i>Yes.</i> Q. <i>Who is it that Afflicts you?</i> A. <i>I know -not, there is a great many of them</i> (<i>about this time -the Father question'd if she knew the Spectres? An -attendant said, if she did she would not tell; The -Son proceeded.</i>) Q. <i>You have seen the Black-man, -hant you?</i> A. <i>No.</i> Reply, <i>I hope you never shall.</i> -Q. <i>You have had a Book offered you, hant you?</i> -A. <i>No.</i> Q. <i>The brushing of you gives you ease, -don't it?</i> A. <i>Yes. She turn'd herselfe and a little -Groan'd.</i> Q. <i>Now the Witches Scratch you and -Pinch you, and Bite you, don't they?</i> A. <i>Yes, then -he put his hand upon her Breast and Belly</i>, viz. <i>on -the Cloaths over her, and felt a Living thing, as he -said, which moved the Father also to feel, and some -others</i>. Q. <i>Don't you feel the Live thing in the -Bed?</i> A. <i>No.</i> Reply, <i>that is only Fancie</i>. Q. -<i>the great company of People increase your Torment, -don't they?</i> A. <i>Yes. The People about were desired -to withdraw. One Woman said, I am sure I -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">51</a></span>am no Witch, I will not go; so others, so none withdrew.</i> -Q. <i>Shall we go to Prayers, Then she lay in -a Fit as before. But this time to revive her, they -waved a Hat and brushed her Head and Pillow -therewith.</i> Q. <i>Shall we go to PRAY</i>, &c. <i>Spelling -the Word.</i> A. <i>Yes. The Father went to -Prayer for perhaps half an Hour,</i><a name="FNanchor_36_36" id="FNanchor_36_36"></a><a href="#Footnote_36_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a> <i>chiefly against -the Power of the Devil and Witchcraft, and that -God would bring out the Afflicters: during Prayer-time, -the Son stood by, and when they thought she -was in a Fit, rub'd her and brush'd her as before, -and beckned to others to do the like, after Prayer -he proceeded</i>; Q. <i>You did not hear when we were -at Prayer, did you?</i> A. <i>Yes. You dont hear -always, you dont hear sometimes past a Word or -two, do you?</i> A. <i>No. Then turning him about -said, this is just another</i> Mercy Short: Margaret -Perd <i>reply'd, she was not like her in her -Fits</i>. Q. <i>What does she eat or drink?</i> A. Not -eat at all; but drink Rum. <i>Then he admonished -the young People to take warning</i>, &c. <i>Saying it -was a sad thing to be so Tormented by the Devil -and his Instruments</i>: A <i>Young-man present in the -habit of a Seaman, reply'd this is the Devil all -over, Than the Ministers withdrew. Soon after -they were gone the Afflicted desired the Women to -be gone, saying, that the Company of the Men was -not offensive to her, and having hold of the hand of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">52</a></span>a Young-man, said to have been her Sweetheart -formerly, who was withdrawing; she pull'd him -again into his Seat, saying he should not go to Night.</i></p> - -<p class="right p2">[15] September <i>the</i> 19<i>th</i>, 1693.</p> - -<p class="dropcap">T<i>HIS Night I renew'd my Visit, and found her -rather of a fresher Countenance than before, -about eight Persons present with her, she was in a -Fit Screeming and making a Noise: Three or four -Persons rub'd and brush'd her with their hands, -they said that the brushing did put them away, if -they brush'd or rub'd in the right place; therefore -they brushed and rubbed in several places, and said -that when they did it in the right place she could -fetch her Breath, and by that they knew. She -being come to herself was soon in a merry talking -Fit. A Young-man came in and ask'd her how she -did? She answered very bad, but at present a little -better; he soon told her he must be gone and bid her -good Night, at which she seem'd troubled, saying that -she liked his Company; and said she would not have -him go till she was well; adding, for I shall Die -when you are gone. Then she complained they did -not put her on a clean Cap, but let her ly so like a -Beast, saying she should lose her Fellows. She said -she wondered any People should be so Wicked as to -think she was not Afflicted, but to think she Dissembled, -A Young-woman answered Yes, If they were -to see you in this merry Fit, they would say you Dissembled -indeed; She reply'd, Mr.</i> M—— <i>said this -was her laughing time, she must laugh now: She said</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">53</a></span> -<i>Mr.</i> M—— <i>had been there this Evening, and she enquired, -how long he had been gon? She said he -stay'd alone with her in the room half an Hour, and -said that he told her there were some that came for -Spies, and to report about Town that she was not -Afflicted. That during the said time she had no -Fit, that he asked her if she knew how many times -he had Prayed for her to day? And that she answered -that she could not tell; and that he reply'd -he had Prayed for her Nine times to Day; the Attendants -said that she was sometimes in a Fit that -none could open her Joints</i><a name="FNanchor_37_37" id="FNanchor_37_37"></a><a href="#Footnote_37_37" class="fnanchor">[37]</a> <i>and that there came an -Old Iron-jaw'd Woman and try'd, but could not do -it; they likewise said, that her Head could not be -moved from the Pillow; I try'd to move her head, -and found no more difficulty than another Bodies -(and so did others) but was not willing to offend by -lifting it up, one being reproved for endeavouring it, -they saying Angrily you will break her Neck. The -Attendants said Mr.</i> M—— <i>would not go to Prayer -with her when People were in the Room, as they -did one Night that Night he felt the Live-Creature.</i> -Margaret Perd <i>and another, said they smelt brimstone;</i><a name="FNanchor_38_38" id="FNanchor_38_38"></a><a href="#Footnote_38_38" class="fnanchor">[38]</a> -<i>I and others said we did not smell any; -then they said they did not know what it was: This</i> -Margaret <i>said, she wish'd she had been here when -Mr.</i> M—— <i>was here, another Attendant said, if you -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">54</a></span>had been here you might not have been permitted in, -for her own Mother was not suffered to be present.</i></p> - -<p>Sir, after the sorest Affliction and greatest blemish -to Religion that ever befel this Countrey, and -after most Men began to Fear that some undue -steps had been taken, and after His Excellency -(with their Majestyes Approbation as is said) had -put a stop to Executions, and Men began [<a id="a16a"></a>16] to -hope there would never be a return of the like; -finding these Accounts to contain in them something -extraordinary, I writ them down the same -Nights in order to attain the certainty of them, -and soon found them so confirmed that I have -(besides other Demonstrations) the whole, under -the Hands of two Persons are ready to attest -the Truth of it, but not satisfied herewith; I -shewed them to some of your particular Friends, -that so I might have the greater certainty: But -was much surprised with the Message you sent -me, that I should be Arrested for Slander, and at -your calling me one of the worst of Lyars, making -it Pulpit-news with the Name of <i>Pernicious Libels</i>, -&c. This occasion'd my first Letter.</p> - -<p class="right p2"> -September <i>the</i> 29<i>th</i>, 1693.</p> -<p> -Reverend SIR, -</p> - -<p class="dropcap">I <i>Having written from the Mouths of several -Persons, who affirm they were present with</i> -Margaret Rule, <i>the</i> 13th <i>Instant, her Answers and -Behaviour,</i> &c. <i>And having shewed it to several -of my Friends, as also yours, and understanding you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">55</a></span> -are offended at it; This is to acquaint you that if -you and any one particular Friend, will please to -meet me and some other Indifferent Person with me, -at Mr.</i> Wilkinss, <i>or at</i> Ben Harriss,<a name="FNanchor_39_39" id="FNanchor_39_39"></a><a href="#Footnote_39_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a> -<i>you intimating -the time, I shall be ready there to read it to you, as -also a further Account of proceedings the</i> 19th -<i>Instant, which may be needful to prevent Groundless -prejudices, and let deserved blame be cast where it -ought</i>; <i>From</i>,</p> - -<p> -<i>Sir, yours in what I may</i>, <span style="float: right">R. C.</span> -</p> - -<p>The effects of which, Sir, (not to mention -that long Letter only once read to me) was, you -sent me word you would meet me at Mr. <i>Wilkins's</i> -but before that Answer, at yours and your -Fathers complaint, I was brought before their -Majesties Justice, by Warrant, as for Scandalous -<i>Libels</i> against yourself, and was bound over to -Answer at Sessions; I do not remember you then -objected against the Truth of what I had wrote, -but asserted it was wronged by omissions, which -if it were so was past any Power of mine to -remedy, having given a faithful account of all -that came to my knowledge; And Sir, that you -might not be without some Cognizance of the -reasons why I took so much pains in it, as also -for my own Information, if it might have been, -I wrote to you my second Letter to this effect.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> -<p class="right"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">56</a></span> - -November <i>the</i> 24<i>th</i>, 1693.</p> -<p> -Reverend SIR, -</p> - -<p class="dropcap">H<i>AVING expected some Weeks, your meeting me -at Mr.</i> Wilkins <i>according to what you intimated -to me</i>, J. M—— <i>and the time drawing near -for our meeting elsewhere, I thought it not amiss to -give you a Summary of my thoughts in the great -concern, which as you say has been agitated with so -much</i> [17] <i>heat. That there are Witches is not the -doubt, the Scriptures else were in vain, which assign -their Punishment to be by death; But what this -Witchcraft is, or wherein it does consist, seems to be -the whole difficulty: And as it may be easily demonstrated, -that all that bear that Name cannot be -justly so accounted, so that some things and Actions -not so esteemed by the most, yet upon due examination -will be found to merit no better Character</i>.</p> - -<p><i>In your late Book you lay down a brief Synopsis -of what has been written on that Subject, by a</i> Triumvirate -<i>of as Eminent Men as ever handled it</i><a name="FNanchor_40_40" id="FNanchor_40_40"></a><a href="#Footnote_40_40" class="fnanchor">[40]</a> -(<i>as you are pleas'd to call them</i>) viz. <i>Mr.</i> Perkins, -Gaule, <i>and</i> Bernard <i>consisting of about 30 Tokens -to know them by, many of them distinct from, if not -thwarting each other: Among all of which I can -find but one decisive</i>, Viz. <i>That of Mr.</i> Gaule, -<i>Head</i> IV. <i>and runs thus; Among the most unhappy -Circumstances to convict a Witch, one is a maligning -and oppugning the Word, Work, or Worship of God, -and by any extraordinary Sign seeking to seduce any -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">57</a></span>from it, see</i> Deu. 13. 1, 2. Mat. 24. 24. Acts. 13. -8, 10. 2. Tim. 3. 8. <i>Do but mark well the places, -and for this very property of thus opposing and perverting, -they are all there concluded Arrant and -absolute Witches.</i></p> - -<p><i>This Head as here laid down and inserted by you, -either is a Truth or not, if not, why is it here inserted -from one of the</i> Triumvirate <i>if it be a Truth. -as the Scriptures quoted will abundantly testifie, -whence is it that it is so little regarded, tho it be the -only Head well proved by Scripture, or that the rest -of the</i> Triumvirate <i>should so far forget their Work -as not to mention it. It were to be unjust to the -Memory of those otherwise Wise Men, to suppose -them to have any Sinister design; But perhaps the -force of a prevailing opinion, together with an Education -thereto Suited, might overshadow their Judgments, -as being wont to be but too prevalent in many -other cases. But if the above be Truth, then the -Scripture is full and plain, What is Witchcraft? -And if so, what need of his next Head of Hanging -of People without as full and clear Evidence as in -other Cases? Or what need of the rest of the Receipts -of the</i> Triumvirate? <i>what need of Praying -that the Afflicted may be able to discover who 'tis -that Afflicts them? or what need of Searching for -Tet's for the Devil to Suck in his Old Age, or the -Experiment of saying the Lord's Prayer</i>, &c. <i>Which -a multitude more practised in some places Superstitiously -inclin'd. Other Actions have been practised -for easing the Afflicted, less justifiable, if not strongly</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">58</a></span> -<i>savouring of Witchcraft itself</i>, viz. <i>Fondly Imagining -by the Hand, &c. to drive off Spectres, or to -knock off Invisible Chains, or by striking in the Air -to Wound either the Afflicted or others</i>, &c. <i>I write -not this to accuse any, but that all may beware believing, -That the Devil's 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</i> [18] -<i>bounds to his rage, and that only can Commissionate -him to hurt or destroy any</i>.</p> - -<p><i>These last, Sir, are such Foundations of Truth, -in my esteem, that I cannot but own it to be my duty -to ascert them, when call'd, tho' with the hazard of -my All.</i><a name="FNanchor_41_41" id="FNanchor_41_41"></a><a href="#Footnote_41_41" class="fnanchor">[41]</a> -<i>And consequently to detect such as these, -That a Witch can Commissionate Devils to Afflict -Mortals, That he can at his or the Witches pleasure -Assume any Shape, That Hanging or Drawing of -Witches can lessen his Power of Afflicting, or restore -those that were at a distance Tormented, with many -others depending on these; all tending, in my esteem, -highly to the Dishonour of God, and the Indangering -the well-being of a People, and do further add, that -as the Scriptures are full that there is Witchcraft</i>, -(ut sup.) <i>so 'tis as plain that there are Possessions, -and that the Bodies of the Possest have hence been -not only Afflicted, but strangely agitated, if not their -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">59</a></span>tongues improved to foretell futurities, &c. and why -not to accuse the Innocent, as bewitching them; -having pretence to Divination to gain credence. -This being reasonable to be expected, from him who -is the Father of Lies, to the end he may thereby involve -a Countrey in Blood, Mallice, and Evil, surmising -which he greedily seeks after, and so finally -lead them from their fear and dependance upon God -to fear him, and a supposed Witch thereby attaining -his end upon Mankind; and not only so, but Natural -Distemper, as has been frequently observed by the -Judicious, have so operated as to deceive, more than -the Vulgar, as is testified by many Famous Physicians, -and others. And as for that proof of Multitudes -of Confessions, this Countrey may be by this -time thought Competent Judges, what credence we -ought to give them, having had such numerous Instances, -as also how obtain'd</i>.</p> - -<p><i>And now Sir, if herein be any thing in your -esteem valuable, let me intreat you, not to account it -the worse for coming from so mean a hand; which -however you may have receiv'd Prejudices</i>, &c. <i>Am -ready to serve you to my Power; but if you Judge -otherwise hereof, you may take your own Methods for -my better Information. Who am, Sir, yours to -command, in what I may</i>,</p> - -<p class="right"> -<i>P. C.</i><a name="FNanchor_42_42" id="FNanchor_42_42"></a><a href="#Footnote_42_42" class="fnanchor">[42]</a> -</p> - -<p>In Answer to this last, Sir, you replyed to the -Gentleman that presented it, that you had nothing -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">60</a></span>to Prosecute against me; and said as to your Sentiments -in your Books, you did not bind any to -believe them, and then again renew'd your promise -of meeting me, as before, tho' not yet performed. -Accordingly, tho' I waited at Sessions, -there was none to object ought against me, upon -which I was dismissed. This gave me some reason -to believe that you intended all should have been -forgotten; But instead of that, I find the Coals -are fresh blown up, I being supposed to be represented, -in a late Manuscript, <i>More Wonders of the, -&c.</i> as traversing your Discourse in your Faithful -discharge of your Duty, <i>&c.</i> And such as see not -with the Authors Eyes, rendred <i>Saducees</i> and -<i>Witlins</i>,<a name="FNanchor_43_43" id="FNanchor_43_43"></a><a href="#Footnote_43_43" class="fnanchor">[43]</a> <i>&c.</i> and the Arguments that square not -with the Sentiments [<a id="a19a"></a>19] therein contain'd, Buffoonary; -rarely no doubt, agreeing with the Spirit -of Christ, and his dealings with an unbelieving -<i>Thomas</i>, yet whose infidelity was without compare -less excusable, but the Author having resolved -long since, to have no more than one single Grain -of Patience, with them that deny, <i>&c.</i> the Wonder -is the less. It must needs be that offences -come, but wo to him by whom they come. To -vindicate myself therefore from such false Imputations, -of <i>Satan-like</i> insinuations, and misrepresenting -your Actions, <i>&c.</i> and to vindicate yourself, -Sir, as much as is in my power from those -suggestions, said to be insinuated, as if you wore -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">61</a></span>not the Modesty, and Gravity, that becomes a -Minister of the <i>Gospel</i>; which it seems, some that -never saw the said Narratives, report them to -contain; I say, Sir, for these reasons, I here present -you with the first Coppy that ever was taken, -<i>&c.</i> And purpose for a Weeks time to be ready, -if you shall intimate your pleasure to wait upon -you, either at the place formerly appointed, or -any other that is indifferent to the End; that if -there shall appear any defects in that Narrative, -they may be amended.</p> - -<p>Thus, Sir, I have given you a genuine account -of my Sentiments and Actions in this Affair; and -do request and pray, that if I err, I may be -shewed it from <i>Scripture</i>, or sound <i>Reason</i>, and -not by quotations out of <i>Virgil</i>, nor <i>Spanish -Rhetorick</i>.<a name="FNanchor_44_44" id="FNanchor_44_44"></a><a href="#Footnote_44_44" class="fnanchor">[44]</a> For I find the <i>Witlings</i> mentioned, -are so far from answering your profound questions, -that they cannot so much as pretend to shew a -distinction between Witchcraft in the Common -notion of it, and Possession; Nor so much as to -demonstrate that ever the <i>Jews</i> or primitive -<i>Christians</i> did believe, that a Witch could send a -Devil to Afflict her Neighbours; but to all these, -Sir, (ye being the Salt of the Earth, <i>&c.</i>) I have -reason to hope for a Satisfactory Answer to him, -who is one that reverences your Person and Office; -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">62</a></span> -And am, Sir, yours to Command in what I -may,</p> - -<p class="right"> -R. C. -</p> -<hr class="tb" /> -<div class="sidenote"><i>A Letter of Mr. C. M.</i></div> -<p class="right"> -<i>Boston, January the</i> 15<i>th</i>, 169¾.</p> -<p> -<i>Mr.</i> R. C. -</p> - -<p class="dropcap">WHEREAS you intimate your desires, that -what's not fairly (I take it for granted you -mean truly also,) represented in a Paper you lately -sent me, containing a pretended Narrative of a -Visit by my Father and self to an Afflicted Young -woman, whom we apprehended to be under a -<i>Diabolical Possession</i>, might be rectified: I have -this to say, as I have often already said, that do I -scarcely find any one thing in the whole Paper, -whether respecting my Father or self, either fairly -or truly represented. Nor can I think that any -that know my Parents Circumstances, but must -think him deserving a better Character by far, -than this Narrative can be thought to give him. -When the main design we managed in [20] Visiting -the poor Afflicted Creature, was to prevent -the Accusations of the Neighbourhood; can it -be fairly represented that our design was to draw -out such Accusations, which is the representation -of the Paper. We have Testimonies of the best -Witnesses and in Number not a few, That when -we asked <i>Rule</i> whether she thought she knew -who Tormented her? the Question was but an -Introduction to the Solemn charges which we -then largely gave, that she should rather Dye than -tell the Names of any whom she might Imagine<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">63</a></span> -that she knew. Your Informers have reported -the Question, and report nothing of what follows, -as essential to the giving of that Question: -And can this be termed a piece of fairness? Fair -it cannot be, that when Ministers Faithfully and -Carefully discharge their Duty to the Miserable -in their Flock, little bits, scraps and shreds of -their Discourses, should be tackt together to make -them contemtible, when there shall be no notice -of all the Necessary, Seasonable, and Profitable -things that occurr'd, in those Discourses; And -without which, the occasion of the lesser Passages -cannot be understood; and yet I am furnished -with abundant Evidences, ready to be Sworn, that -will possitively prove this part of unfairness, by -the above mention'd Narrative, to be done both -to my Father and self. Again, it seems not fair -or reasonable that I should be expos'd, for which -your self (not to say some others) might have -expos'd me for, if I had not done, <i>viz.</i> for discouraging -so much Company from flocking about -the Possest Maid, and yet, as I perswade myself, -you cannot but think it to be good advice, to -keep much Company from such haunted Chambers; -besides the unfairness doth more appear, in -that I find nothing repeated of what I said about -the advantage, which the Devil takes from too -much Observation and Curiosity.<a name="FNanchor_45_45" id="FNanchor_45_45"></a><a href="#Footnote_45_45" class="fnanchor">[45]</a></p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">64</a></span> - In that several of the Questions in the Paper -are so Worded, as to carry in them a presupposal -of the things inquired after, to say the best of it -is very unfair: But this is not all, the Narrative -contains a number of Mistakes and Falshoods; -which were they wilful and design'd, might justly -be termed gross Lies. The representations are -far from true, when 'tis affirm'd my Father and -self being come into the Room, I began the Discourse; -I hope I understand breeding a little -better than so: For proof of this, did occasion -serve, sundry can depose the contrary.</p> - -<p>'Tis no less untrue, that either my Father or -self put the Question, how many Witches sit -upon you? We always cautiously avoided that -expression; It being contrary to our inward belief: -All the standers by will (I believe) swear -they did not hear us use it (your Witnesses excepted) -and I tremble to think how hardy those -woful Creatures must be, to call the Almighty by -an Oath, to so false a thing. As false a representation -'tis, that I rub'd <i>Rule's</i> Stomach, her -Breast not being covered. The Oath of the -nearest Spectators, giving a true account of that -matter [21] will prove this to be little less than a -gross (if not a doubled) Lie; and to be somewhat -plainer, it carries the Face of a Lie contrived on -purpose (by them at least, to whom you are be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">65</a></span>holden -for the Narrative) Wickedly and Basely to -expose me. For you cannot but know how -much this representation hath contributed, to -make People believe a Smutty thing of me; I -am far from thinking, but that in your own Conscience -you believe, that no indecent Action of -that Nature could then be done by me before -such observers, had I been so Wicked as to have -been inclin'd to what is Base. It looks next to -impossible that a reparation shoud be made me -for the wrong done to, I hope, as to any Scandal -an unblemish'd, tho' weak and small Servant of -the Church of God. Nor is what follows a less -untruth, that 'twas an Attendant and not myself -who said, if <i>Rule</i> knows who Afflicts her, yet she -wont tell. I therefore spoke it that I might encourage -her to continue in that concealment of -all Names whatsoever; to this I am able to furnish -myself with the Attestation of Sufficient -Oaths. 'Tis as far from true, that my apprehension -of the Imp, about <i>Rule</i>, was on her Belly, -for the Oaths of the Spectators, and even of those -that thought they felt it, can testify that 'twas -upon the Pillow, at a distance from her Body. -As untrue a Representation is that which follows, -<i>Viz.</i> That it was said unto her, that her not -Apprehending of that odd palpable tho' not visible, -Mover was from her Fancy, for I endeavoured -to perswade her that it might be but Fancy in -others, that there was any such thing at all. -Witnesses every way sufficient can be produced<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">66</a></span> -for this also. 'tis falsely represented that my -Father felt on the Young-woman after the appearance -mentioned, for his hand was never near -her; Oath can sufficiently vindicate him. 'Tis -very untrue, that my Father Prayed for perhaps -half an Hour, against the power of the Devil -and Witchcraft, and that God would bring out -the Afflictors. Witnesses of the best Credit, can -depose, that his Prayer was not a quarter of an -Hour, and that there was no more than about one -clause towards the close of the Prayer, which was -of this import; and this clause also was guarded -with a singular wariness and modesty, <i>viz.</i> If -there were any evil Instruments in this matter -God would please to discover them: And that -there was more than common reason for that -petition I can satisfie any one that will please to -Inquire of me. And strange it is, that a Gentleman -that from 18 to 54 hath been an Exemplary -Minister of the Gospel; and that besides a station -in the Church of God, as considerable as any that -his own Country can afford, hath for divers years -come off with honour, in his Application to three -Crown'd Heads, and the chiefest Nobility of three -Kingdoms, knows not yet how to make one short -Prayer of a quarter of an hour, but in <i>New-England</i> -he must be Libell'd for it. There are -divers other down-right mistakes, which you [<a id="a22a"></a>22] -have permitted yourself, I would hope, not knowingly, -and with a Malicious design, to be receiver -or Compiler of, which I shall now forbear to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">67</a></span> -Animadvert upon. As for the Appendix of the -Narrative I do find myself therein Injuriously -treated, for the utmost of your proof for what -you say of me, amounts to little more than, <i>viz.</i> -Some People told you, that others told them, that -such and such things did pass, but you may assure -yourself, that I am not unfurnish'd with Witnesses, -that can convict the same. Whereas you would -give me to believe the bottom of these your -Methods, to be some dissatisfaction about the -commonly receiv'd Power of <i>Devils</i> and <i>Witches</i>; -I do not only with all freedom offer you the use -of any part of my Library, which you may see -cause to peruse on that Subject, but also if you -and any else, whom you please, will visit me -at my Study, yea, or meet me at any other place, -less inconvenient than those by you propos'd; I -will with all the fairness and calmness in the -World dispute the point. I beg of God that he -would bestow as many Blessings on you, as ever -on myself, and out of a sincere wish, that you -may be made yet more capable of these Blessings, -I take this occasion to lay before you the faults -(not few nor small ones neither) which the Paper -contained, you lately sent me, in order to be Examined -by me. In case you want a true and full -Narrative of my Visit, whereof such an indecent -Traversty (to say the best) hath been made, I am -not unwilling to communicate it, in mean time -must take liberty to say, 'Tis scarcely consistent -with Common Civility, much less Christian<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">68</a></span> -Charity, to offer the Narrative, now with you, -for a true one, till you have a truer, or for a full -one, till you have a fuller. Your Sincere (tho' -Injur'd) Friend and Servant,</p> - -<p class="right"> -C. <i>MATHER</i>. -</p> - -<h3><i>The Copy of a Paper Receiv'd with the above -Letter.</i></h3> - -<p class="dropcap">I DO Testifie that I have seen <i>Margaret Rule</i> -in her Afflictions from the Invisible World, -lifted up from her Bed, wholly by an Invisible -force, a great way towards the top of the Room -where she lay; in her being so lifted, she had no -Assistance from any use of her own Arms or -Hands, or any other part of her Body, not so -much as her Heels touching her Bed, or resting -on any support whatsoever. And I have seen her -thus lifted, when not only a strong Person hath -thrown his whole weight a cross her to pull her -down; but several other Persons have endeavoured, -with all their might, to hinder her from -being so raised up, which I suppose that several -others will testifie as well as myself, when call'd -unto it. Witness my Hand,</p> - -<p class="right"> -<i>SAMUEL AVES.</i><a name="FNanchor_46_46" id="FNanchor_46_46"></a><a href="#Footnote_46_46" class="fnanchor">[46]</a> -</p> - -<p class="dropcap p2"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">69</a></span> - WE can also Testifie to the substance of what -is above Written, and have several times seen -[<a id="a23a"></a>23] <i>Margaret Rule</i> so lifted up from her Bed, as -that she had no use of her own Lims to help her -up, but it was the declared apprehension of us, as -well as others that saw it, impossible for any -hands, but some of the Invisible World to lift -her.</p> - -<table summary="names"> -<tr><td rowspan="3"><i>Copia</i> </td> - <td><i>ROBERT EARLE.</i><a name="FNanchor_47_47" id="FNanchor_47_47"></a><a href="#Footnote_47_47" class="fnanchor">[47]</a> - </td> </tr> - <tr><td><i>JOHN WILKINS.</i></td> </tr> - <tr><td><i>DAN. WILLIAMS.</i> </td></tr> - </table> - -<p class="dropcap p2">WE, whose Names are under-writted do testifie, -That one Evening when we were in -the Chamber where <i>Margaret Rule</i> then lay, in -her late Affliction, we observed her to be, by an -Invisible Force, lifted up from the Bed whereon -she lay, so as to touch the Garret Floor, while yet -neither her Feet, nor any other part of her Body -rested either on the Bed, or any other support, -but were also by the same force, lifted up from -all that was under her, and all this for a considerable -while, we judg'd it several Minutes; and it -was as much as several of us could do, with all -our strength to pull her down. All which happened -when there was not only we two in the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">70</a></span>Chamber, but we suppose ten or a dozen more, -whose Names we have forgotten,</p> - -<p><i>Copia</i></p> - -<p class="right"> <i>THOMAS THORNTON</i>.<a name="FNanchor_48_48" id="FNanchor_48_48"></a><a href="#Footnote_48_48" class="fnanchor">[48]</a> -</p> - -<p>William Hudson<a name="FNanchor_49_49" id="FNanchor_49_49"></a><a href="#Footnote_49_49" class="fnanchor">[49]</a> -<i>Testifies to the substance of</i> -Thorntons <i>Testimony, to which he also hath set his -Hand</i>.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> -<div class="sidenote"><i>A Letter to Mr.</i> C. M.</div> -<p class="right"> -<i>Boston, January</i> 18, 1693.</p> -<p class="in4"> -Mr. <i>Cotton Mather</i>,</p> -<p> -<i>Reverend SIR</i>, -</p> - -<p class="dropcap">YOURS of the 15<i>th</i> Instant, I receiv'd yesterday; -and soon found I had promised myself -too much by it, <i>viz</i>, Either concurrence with, or -a denial of those Fundamentals mentioned in -mine, of <i>Novemb.</i> the 24<i>th.</i> finding this waved -by an Invitation to your Library, <i>&c.</i> I thank -God I have the Bible, and do Judge that sufficient -to demonstrate that cited Head of Mr. <i>Gaule</i>, to -be a Truth, as also those other Heads mentioned, -as the Foundations of Religion. And in my apprehension, -if it be asked any Christian, whether -God governs the World, and whether it be he -only can Commissionate Devils, and such other -Fundamentals, He ought to be as ready as in the -Question, who made him? (a little Writing certainly -might be of more use, to clear up the controverted -points, than either looking over many -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">71</a></span>Books in a well furnish'd Library, or than a dispute, -if I were qualified for it; the Inconveniencies -of Passion being this way best avoided) And -am not without hopes that you will yet oblige -me so far, as to consider that Letter, and if I Err, -to let me see it by Scripture, <i>&c.</i></p> - -<p>Yours, almost the whole of it, is concerning -the Narrative I sent to you, and you seem to intimate -as if I were giving Characters, Reflecti[24]ons, -and Libell's, <i>&c.</i> concerning yourself and -Relations; all which were as far from my -thoughts, as ever they were in writing after either -yourself, or any other Minister. In the front you -declare your apprehension to be, that the Afflicted -was under a Diabolical Possession, and if so, I see -not how it should be occasion'd by any Witchcraft -(unless we ascribe that Power to a Witch, -which is only the Prerogative of the Almighty, -of Sending or Commissionating the Devils to -Afflict her.) But to your particular Objections -against the Narrative; and to the first my intelligence -not giving me any further, I could not -insert that I knew not. And it seems improbable -that a Question should be put, whether she knew -(or rather who they were) and at the same time -to charge her, and that upon her Life, not to tell, -and if you had done so, I see but little good you -could promise yourself or others by it, she being -Possest, as also having it inculcated so much to -her of Witchcraft. And as to the next Objection -about company flocking, <i>&c.</i> I do profess my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">72</a></span> -Ignorance, not knowing what you mean by it. -And Sir, that most of the Questions did carry -with them a presupposing the things inquired -after, is evident, if there were such as those -relating to the <i>Black-man</i> and a Book, and about -her hearing the Prayer, <i>&c.</i> (related in the said -Narrative, which I find no Objection against.) -As to that which is said of mentioning yourself -first discoursings and your hopes that your breeding -was better (I doubt it not) nor do I doubt -your Father might first apply himself to others; -but my intelligence is, that you first spake to the -Afflicted or Possessed, for which you had the advantage -of a nearer approach. The next two -Objections are founded upon mistakes: I find -not in the Narrative any such Question, as -how many Witches sit upon you? and that her -Breast was not covered, in which those material -words, (with the Bed-Cloaths) are wholly omitted; -I am not willing to retort here your own -Language upon you; but can tell you, that your -own discourse of it publickly, at Sir <i>W. P</i>'s Table, -has much more contributed to, <i>&c.</i> As to the -Reply, if she could she would not tell, whether -either or both spake it it matters not much. -Neither does the Narrative say you felt the live -thing on her Belly; tho I omit now to say what -further demonstrations there are of it. As to -that Reply, that is only her fancy, I find the -word (her) added. And as to your Fathers feeling -for the live Creature after you had felt it, if<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">73</a></span> -it were on the Bed it was not so very far from -her. And for the length of his Prayer, possibly -your Witnesses might keep a more exact account -of the time than those others, and I stand not for -a few Minutes. For the rest of the Objections -I suppose them of less moment, if less can be -(however shall be ready to receive them, those -matters of greatest concern I find no Objections -against) these being all that yet appear, it may be -thought that if the Narrative be not [<a id="a25a"></a>25] fully -exact, it was as near as Memory could bear away; -but should be glad to see one more perfect (which -yet is not to be expected, seeing none writ at the -time.) You mention the appendix, by which I -understand the Second Visit, and if you be by the -possessed belyed (as being half an hour with her -alone (excluding her own Mother) and as telling -her you had Prayed for her Nine times that day, -and that now was her Laughing time, she must -Laugh now) I can see no Wonder in it; what -can be expected less from the Father of Lies, by -whom, you Judge, she was possest.</p> - -<p>And besides the above Letter, you were pleased -to send me another Paper containing several Testimonies -of the Possessed being lifted up, and -held a space of several Minutes to the Garret -floor, <i>&c.</i> but they omit giving the account, -whether after she was down they bound her -down: or kept holding her: And relate not -how many were to pull her down, which hinders -the knowledge what number they must be to be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">74</a></span> -stronger than an Invisible Force. Upon the -whole, I suppose you expect I should believe it; -and if so, the only advantage gain'd, is that which -has been so long controverted between Protestants -and Papists, whether miracles are ceast, will -hereby seem to be decided for the latter; it -being, for ought I can see, if so, as true a Miracle -as for Iron to swim, and that the Devil can work -such Miracles.</p> - -<p>But Sir, leaving these little disputable things, I -do again pray that you would let me have the -happiness of your approbation or confutation of -that Letter before referred to.</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>And now, Sir, that the God of all Grace may -enable us Zealously to own his Truths, and to -follow those things that tend to Peace, and that -yourself may be as an useful Instrument in his -hand, effectually to ruin the remainders of -Heathenish and Popish Superstitions, is the -earnest desire and prayer of yours to command, -in what I may. </p> -<p class="right">R. C.</p></blockquote> - -<p><i>Postscript</i>—Sir, I here send you the Coppy of -a paper that lately came to my Hands, which tho' -it contains no Wonders, yet is remarkable, and -Runs thus.</p> - -<p class="center p2"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">75</a></span> - -<big>An account of what an <i>Indian</i> told Captain -<i>Hill</i>,</big><a name="FNanchor_50_50" id="FNanchor_50_50"></a><a href="#Footnote_50_50" class="fnanchor">[50]</a> -<big>at <i>Saco-Fort</i>.</big> -</p> - -<p class="dropcap">THE Indian <i>told him that the</i> French <i>Ministers -were better than the English, for before the</i> -French <i>came among them there were a great many -Witches among the</i> Indians, <i>but now there were -none, and there were much Witches among the</i> -English <i>Ministers, as</i> Burroughs, <i>who was Hang'd -for it</i>.</p> - -<p>Were I disposed to make reflections upon it, I -suppose you will Judge the Field large, enough, -but I forbear, as above. <span style="float: right">R. C.</span></p> - -<hr class="tb" /> -<p class="right"> -[<a id="a26a"></a>26] <i>Boston Feb. the</i> 19<i>th</i>, 1693. </p> - -<p>Mr. <i>Cotton Mather</i>, -</p> - -<p class="dropcap">Reverend Sir, Having received as yet no -Answer to mine of <i>Novemb.</i> the 24th. except -an offer to peruse Books, <i>&c.</i> relating to the Doctrinals -therein contain'd: Nor to my last of <i>January</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">76</a></span> -the 18th. In which I did again pray that if - -I err'd I might be shewed it by Scripture, <i>Viz.</i> in -believing that the Devils bounds are sett, which -he cannot pass; that the Devils are so full of -Malice that it cant be added to by Mankind: -That where he hath power he neither can nor -will omit Executing it; That it's only the Almighty -that sets bounds to his rage, and that only -can commissionate him to hurt or destroy any; -And consequently to detest as erroneous and dangerous, -the belief that a Witch can Commissionate -Devils to Afflict Mortals; That he can at his or -the Witches pleasure assume any shape: That -Hanging or Chaining of Witches can lessen his -Power of Afflicting, and restore those that were, -at a distance, Tormented by him. And whether -Witchcraft ought to be understood now in this -Age, to be the same that it was when the Divine -Oracles were given forth, particularly, those quoted -by Mr. <i>Gaule</i> in that cited Head (<i>Wonders of the -Invisible World</i>;<a name="FNanchor_51_51" id="FNanchor_51_51"></a><a href="#Footnote_51_51" class="fnanchor">[51]</a> Mr. <i>Gaules</i> IV. Head, to discover -Witches) which do so plainly shew a Witch, -in Scripture-sense to be one that maligne, <i>&c.</i> -And that pretend to give a Sign in order to seduce, -<i>&c.</i> For I have never understood in my -time, any such have Suffered as Witches, tho' -sufficiently known; But the only Witch now -inquired after, is one that is said to become so by -making an Explicit Covenant with the Devil, <i>i. e.</i> -the Devil appearing to them, and making a compact -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">77</a></span> -mutually, promising each to other, testified -by their signing his Book, a material Book, which -he is said to keep and that thereby they are Intituled -to a power, not only to Afflict others, but -such as is truly exorbitant, if not highly intrenching -upon the prerogative of him, who is the -Soveraign being; For who is he that saith, and -it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth -it not.</p> - -<p>Such explicit Covenant being as is said in this -Age reckoned essential to compleat a Witch: Yet -I finding nothing of such covenant (or power -thereby obtain'd) in Scripture, and yet a Witch -therein so fully describ'd, do pray that if there be -any such Scriptures I may be directed to them, -for as to the many Legends in this case I make -no account of them; I Read indeed of a Covenant -with Death and with Hell, but suppose that -to be in the Heart (or <i>Mental</i>) only, and see not -what use such explicit one can be of between -Spirits, any further than as 'tis a Copy of that -<i>Mental</i> which is in the Heart. The dire effects -and consequences of such notion may be found -written in indelible <i>Roman</i> Characters of Blood -in all Countryes where they have prevail'd, and -what can less be [<a id="a27a"></a>27] expected when Men are -Indicted for that, which, as 'tis impossible to -prove so, for any to clear himself of, <i>Viz,</i> Such -explicit Covenant with the Devil, and then for -want of better Evidence, must take up with such as -the Nature of such secret Covenant can bear, as Mr.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">78</a></span> -<i>Gaule</i> hath it, <i>i. e.</i> Distracted Stories, and strange -and Foreign Events, <i>&c.</i> Thereby endeavouring -to find it, though by it's but supposed effects; -By the same Rules that one is put to purge -himself of such Compact, by the same may all -Mankind.<a name="FNanchor_52_52" id="FNanchor_52_52"></a><a href="#Footnote_52_52" class="fnanchor">[52]</a></p> - -<p>This then being so Important a case, it concerns -all to know what Foundations in Scripture -is laid for such a Structure; For if they are deficient -of that Warrant, the more Eminent the -Architects are the more dangerous are they -thereby rendered, <i>&c.</i> These are such considerations -as I think will vindicate me in the esteem -of all Lovers of Humanity, in my endeavours to -get them cleared. And to that End, do once -more pray, that you would so farr oblige me as to -give your Approbation or Confutation of the -above Doctrinals; But if you think silence a -Vertue in this case, I shall (I suppose) so far -comply with it as not to loose you any more -time to look over my papers. And if any others -will so far oblige me, I shall not be ungrateful to -them; Praying God to guide and prosper you, I -am, Sir, yours to my power,</p> - -<p class="right"> -R. C.</p> -<p class="center"> -(<i>He that doth Truth, cometh to the Light.</i>) -</p> -<hr class="tb" /> -<p class="right"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">79</a></span> - -Boston April <i>the</i> 16<i>th</i>, 1694.</p> -<p class="in4"> -Mr. <i>Cotton Mather</i>.</p> -<p> -Reverend Sir, -</p> - -<p class="dropcap">HAVING as yet Received no Answer to my -last, touching the Doctrinals therein referred -to, tho' at the delivery of it, you were pleased -to promise the Gentleman that presented it, that -I should have it, and after that you acqainted the -same Gentleman that you were about it. The -length of time since those promises, makes me -suppose you are preparing something for the Press -(for I would not question your veracity) do think -it may not be amiss, when you do any thing of that -Nature for the publick view, that you also explain -some passages of some late Books of yours and -your Relations, which are hard to be understood, -to Instance in a few of many Wonders of the -<i>Invisible World</i>, pag. 17. [Plagues <i>are some of these -woes with which the Devil causes our Trouble</i>, pag. -18. <i>Hence come such Plagues as that besom of destruction -which within our Memory swept away such -a throng of People from one</i> English city, <i>in one -Visitation. Wars are some of those woes with which -the Devil causes our Trouble</i>, pag. 16. <i>Hence 'tis -that the Devil like a Dragon keeping a Guard upon -such Fruits as would refresh a Languishing World, -has hindered Mankind for many Ages from hitting -upon those usefull Inventions. The benighted World -must Jogg on for thousands of Years, without the</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">80</a></span> -<i>knowledge of the Load-stone, Printing and Spectacles</i>, -pag. 10, <i>It is</i> [28] <i>not likely that every Devil -does know every Language. 'Tis possible the Experience, -or if I may call it so, the Education of all -Devils is not alike; Cases of conscience</i>, page 63. -<i>The Devil has inflicted on many the Disease call'd</i> -Lycanthropia.<a name="FNanchor_53_53" id="FNanchor_53_53"></a><a href="#Footnote_53_53" class="fnanchor">[53]</a></p> - -<p>Memor. provid. Relat. to Witch. Disc. on -Wit. pag. 24. <i>I am also apt to think that the Devils -are seldom able to hurt us in any of our exteriour -concerns, without a Commission from some of our -fellow Worms. When foul Mouth'd Men shall wish -harm to their Neighbours, they give a Commission to -the Devil to perform what they desire, and if God -should not Mercifully prevent, they would go thro' -with it; Hear this you that in wilde Passion will -give every thing to the Devil; Hear it you that bespeak -a Rot, a Pox, or a Plague, on all that shall -provoke you; I here Indict you as Guilty of Hellish -Witchcraft in the Sight of God.</i> More Wonders -of the Invisible World, <i>pag.</i> 49. <i>They each of -them have their Spectres or Devils Commissioned by -them and representing of them</i>, pag. 14. <i>But such -a permission from God for the Devil to come down -and break in upon Mankind must often times be accompanied -with a <span class="err" title="original: Cnmmission">Commission</span> from some of Mankind -itself</i>, Inchantments Encountered. <i>These Witches -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">81</a></span> -have driven a Trade of Commissionating their confederate -Spirits, to do all sorts of Mischiefs to their -Neighbours</i>, pag. 50. <i>They have bewitched some -even so farr, as to make them Self-destroyers, pag.</i> -144. <i>As I am abundantly satisfied, that many of -the Self-murders committed here, have been the effects -of a cruel and Bloody Witchcraft, letting fly</i> -Dæmons <i>upon the Miserable Seneca's, pag.</i> 51. <i>We -have seen some of their Children so Dedicated to the -Devil, that in their Infancy the Imps have sucked -them</i>. Cases of conscience, <i>pag.</i> 24. <i>They bequeath -their</i> Dæmons <i>to their Children as a Legacy, -by whom they are often assisted to see and do things -beyond the Power of Nature, pag.</i> 21. <i>There are -in Spain a sort of People call'd</i> Zahurs,<a name="FNanchor_54_54" id="FNanchor_54_54"></a><a href="#Footnote_54_54" class="fnanchor">[54]</a> <i>that can -see into the Bowels of the Earth</i>. [<i>On</i> Tuesdays -<i>and</i> Fridays,] (and to add) that in pag. 49. The -words are [<i>For the Law of God allows of no Revelation -from any other Spirit but himself, Isa.</i> viii. -19. <i>It is a Sin against God to make use of the -Devils help, to know that which cannot be otherways -known; and I testify against it as a great transgression, -which may Justly provoke the Holy one of</i> -Israel, <i>to let loose Devils on the whole Land</i>.] Altho -the Devils Accusation may be so far regarded, -as to cause an inquiry into the Truth of things, -<i>Job.</i> i. 11, 12, and ii, 5, 6. <i>Yet not so as to be an -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">82</a></span>Evidence or Ground of Conviction, for the Devils -Testimony ought not to be taken in WHOLE Nor -In PART.</i>] It is a known Truth, that some -unwary expressions of the primative Fathers, were -afterwards improved for the Introducing and establishing -of Error, as their calling the Virgin -<i>Mary</i>, the Mother of God, <i>&c.</i> Hence occasion -and Advantage was taken to propagate the Idolizing -of her (the like might be said of the <i>Eucha</i>[29]<i>rist</i>, -these assertions, above rehearsed, being -apparently liable to a like Male Construction, and -no less dangerous, are therefore as I said highly -needful to be explain'd, and that in a most publick -manner. For were they to be understood -Litterally and as they are spoken, it must seem as -if the Authors were Introducing among Christians -very dangerous Doctrines, such, as were they asserted -by the best of Men, yet ought to be -rejected by all, <i>&c. Viz.</i> That 'tis the Devil that -brings the most of Evils upon Mankind, by way -of Infliction, that do befall them; And that the -Witch can commissionate him to the performance -of these, with many others as dangerous Doctrines, -and such as seem in their tendency to look -favourably upon the Antient <i>Pagan</i> Doctrine of -this countrey, who did believe that God did hurt -to none, but Good to all, but that the Devil must -be pleas'd by Worshipping, <i>&c.</i> From whom -came all their Miseries, as they believed. For -what were all this but to Rob God of his Glory -in the highest manner, and giving it to a Devil<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">83</a></span> -and a Witch; Is it not he that has said shall there -be Evil in a City and the Lord hath not done it? -But if any are fond of their own notions because -some Eminent Men have before now asserted -them; they may do well to compare them with -that excellent saying, <i>Wonders of the Invisible -World</i>, pag. 7. [<i>About this Devil there are many -things, whereof we may reasonably and profitably -be inquisitive, such things I mean as are in our Bibles -reveal'd to us; according to which if we do not -speak on so dark a Subject, but according to our -own uncertain and perhaps Humoursom Conjectures, -there is no Light in us.</i> Or that other, pag. 75. -<i>At every other Weapon the Devil will be too hard -for us.</i>] For 'tis most certain that other Notions, -Weapons and Practices have been taken up with; -And that the event has been answerable, the -Devil has been too hard for such as have so done. -I shall forbear to instance from the Dogmatical -part, and shall mention some practices that as -much need explaining. <i>Mem. provid. Relat. to -Witch. pag.</i> 29, 30, 31.<a name="FNanchor_55_55" id="FNanchor_55_55"></a><a href="#Footnote_55_55" class="fnanchor">[55]</a> Where account is given -that it was Pray'd for that the afflicted might be -able to declare, whom she apprehended herself -Afflicted by, together with the Immediate answer -of such Prayer. To this you once Reply'd when -it was mentioned to you, that you did not then -understand the wiles of <i>Satan</i>.</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">84</a></span> -To which I have nothing to object, but it -might be a good Acknowledgment; But considering -that the Book is gone forth into all the -World, cannot but think the Salve ought to be -proportion'd to the Sore, and the notice of the -Devils wiles as Universal, as the means recommending -them. Another Practice is <i>pag.</i> 20, 21. -[<i>There was one singular passion that frequently attended -her, an Invisible Chain would be clapt about -her, and she in much pain and fear cry out when -they began to put it on, once I did with my own hand -knock it off as it began to be fastened about her.</i>] [<a id="a30a"></a>30] -If this were done by the power or Vertue of any -ord'nance of Divine Institution, it is well, but -would have been much better if the Institution -had been demonstrated, or was there any Physical -Vertue in that particular Hand. But supposing -that neither of these will be asserted by the Author, -I do think it very requisite, that the World -may be acquainted with the Operation, and to -what Art or Craft to refer their Power of Knocking -off <i>Invisible Chains</i>.</p> - -<p>And thus, Sir, I have Faithfully discharged -(what in this I took to be my Duty) and am so -far from doing it to gain applause, or from a -Spirit of Contradiction, that I expect to procure -me many Enemies thereby, (but as in case of a -Fire) where the Glory of God, and the Good -and Wellfare of Mankind are so nearly concern'd, -I thought it my duty to be no longer an Idle -Spectator; And can, and do say, to the Glory of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">85</a></span> -God, in this whole Affair, I have endeavoured a -Conscience voide of offence, both towards God -and towards Man; And therein at the least have -the advantage of such as are very Jealous they -have done so much herein, as to Sin in what they -have done, <i>viz.</i> In sheltring the Accused, such -have been the Cowardice and Fearfulness, whereunto -the regard to the Dissatisfaction of other -People have precipitated them; Which by the -way must needs acquaint all, that for the future -other measures are resolved upon (by such) which -how Bloody they may prove when opportunity -shall offer, is with him who orders all things, -according to the counsel of his own Will: And -now that the Song of Angels may be the Emulation -of Men, is the earnest Desire, and Prayer, of -Sir, Yours to Command in what I may,</p> - -<p class="right"> -R. C.</p> -<p class="center"> -<i>Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth -Peace and good Will towards Men.</i> -</p> -<hr class="tb" /> -<div class="sidenote"><i>A Letter to Mr.</i> B.</div> -<p class="right"> -<i>Boston, March the</i> 1<i>st.</i> 1694.</p> -<p> -Mr. B.<a name="FNanchor_56_56" id="FNanchor_56_56"></a><a href="#Footnote_56_56" class="fnanchor">[56]</a> <i>Worthy Sir</i>,<br /> -</p> - -<p class="dropcap">AFTER more than a Years waiting for the -performance of a reiterated promise from -one under singular obligations, and a multitude -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">86</a></span>of advantages to have done it sooner, The utmost -compliance I have mett with, is (by your Hands) -the sight of four Sheets of recinded Papers, but I -must first be obliged to return them in a Fortnight, -and not Copied, which I have now complied -with: And having read them am not at all -Surprized at the Authors Caution in it, not to -admit of such crude matter and impertinent absurdities, -as are to be found in it to spread. He -seems concern'd that I take no notice of his -several Books, wherein, as he saith, he has unanswerably -proved things to which I might reply, -that I have sent him letters of quotations out of -those Books, to know how much of them he will -abide by, for I thought it hard to affix their [31] -Natural consequences till he had opportunity to -explain them. And saith that he had sent me -(Mr. Baxters <i>World of Spirits</i>) an ungainsayable -Book, <i>&c.</i> (tho I know no ungainsayable Book, -but the Bible) which Book I think no Man that -has read it, will give such a Title to but the Author, -he speaks of my reproaching his publick -Sermons, of which I am not conscious to myself, -unless it be about his interpretation of a <i>Thunder -Storm</i> (that broke into his House) which favoured -so much of Enthusiasm.<a name="FNanchor_57_57" id="FNanchor_57_57"></a><a href="#Footnote_57_57" class="fnanchor">[57]</a></p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">87</a></span> -As to those papers, I have (as I read them) -noted in the Margin where, in a hasty reading, I -thought it needful, of which it were unreasonable -for him to complain; seeing I might not take a -Copy, thereby to have been inabled, more at leasure -to digest what were needfull to be said on so -many Heads; and as I have not flatter'd him, so -for telling what was so needful, with the hazard -of making so many Enemies by it, I have approved -myself one of his best Friends: And -besides his own sense of the weakness of his Answer, -testified by the prohibition above, he has -wholly declined answering to most of those things -that I had his promise for, and what he pretends -to speak to, after mentioning, without the needful -Answer or Proof drops it.</p> - -<p>His first main Work is after his definition of a -Witch, which he never proves (without saying -any thing to Mr. <i>Gauls</i> Scriptural description, -tho' so often urged to it, and tho' himself has in -his Book recommended and quoted it) is to magnifie -the Devils Power, and that as I think beyond -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">88</a></span>and against the Scripture, this takes him up about -11 <i>Pages</i>, and yet in <i>Page</i> 22 again returns to it, -and as I understand it, takes part with the <i>Pharisees</i> -against our Saviour in the Argument, for -they charge him that he cast out Devils thro' -<i>Beelzebub</i>, Our Saviours Answer is, <i>Mat.</i> xii. 25. -<i>Every Kingdom divided against itself is brought to -desolation; and every City or House divided against -itself, shall not stand, and if Satan cast out Satan, -he is divided against himself, how shall then his Kingdom -stand</i>: And yet notwithstanding this Answer -together with what follows, for further Illustration, -our Author is it seems resolved to assert that -our Saviour did not in this Answer deny that -many did so, (<i>viz.</i>) cast out Devils by <i>Beelzebub</i>, -and <i>Page</i> 23 grants that the Devils have a Miraculous -Power, but yet must not be call'd miracles, -and yet can be distinguished, as he intimates, only -by the Conscience or Light within, to the no -small scandal of the Christian Religion.</p> - -<p>Tho' our Saviour and his Apostles accounts this -the chief or principal proof of his Godhead, -<i>John</i> xx. 30, 31. <i>John</i> x. 37, 38. <i>John</i> v. 30. -<i>Mark</i> xvi. 17, 18. <i>Acts</i> ii. 22. and iv. 30. with -many others and that Miracles belong only to -God, who also Governs the World, <i>Psal.</i> cxxxvi. -4. <i>Jer.</i> xiv. 22. <i>Isa.</i> xxxviii. 8. <i>Psal.</i> lxii. 11. -<i>Lam.</i> iii. 37. <i>Amos</i> iii. 6. [32] But to forbear -quoting that which the Scripture is most full in, -do only say that he that dares assert the Devil to -have such a Miraculous Power had need have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">89</a></span> -other Scriptures than ever I have seen. In <i>Page</i> -12. our Author proceeds and states a question to -this effect, If the Devil has such Powers, and cant -exert them without permission from God, what -can the Witch contribute thereunto? Instead of -an Answer, to this weighty objection, our Author -first concedes that the Devil's do ordinarily exert -their Powers, without the Witches contributing -to it, but yet that to the end to increase their -guilt he may cheat a Witch, by making her believe -herself the Author of them.<a name="FNanchor_58_58" id="FNanchor_58_58"></a><a href="#Footnote_58_58" class="fnanchor">[58]</a> His next -is, if Witchcraft be, as I suppose it is, the skill of -applying the Plastic Spirit of the World, <i>&c.</i> then -the consent of the Witch doth naturally contribute -to that mischiefs that the Devil does. And -his last answer runs to this effect, Is it not the -Ordination of God, that where the Devil can get -the consent of a Witch for the hurting of others, -the hurt shall as certainly be as if they had set -Mastiff Dogs upon them, or had given them -Poyson into their Bowels; and Gods Providence -must be as great in delivering from one as from -the other, and this it seems is not only his Belief, -but the most Orthodox and most learned answer -that our Author could pitch upon. If Witchcraft -be as I suppose it is, <i>&c.</i> and is it not the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">90</a></span>Ordination of God, that, <i>&c.</i> What is all this -but precarious, and begging the question, and a -plain dropping the Argument he cannot manage; -however, to amuse the Ignorant, and to confound -the Learned, he hooks in a cramp word, if not a -nonentity, (<i>viz.</i>) <i>Plastic</i> Spirit of the World, for -who is it either knows that there is a <i>Plastic Spirit</i>, -or what it is, or how this can any way serve his -purpose.<a name="FNanchor_59_59" id="FNanchor_59_59"></a><a href="#Footnote_59_59" class="fnanchor">[59]</a></p> - -<p>He then proceeds to <i>Scripture</i> Instances of -Witches, <i>&c.</i> and where I thought it needful, I -have, as I said, shewed my dissent from his Judgment: -He accounts it unreasonable to be held -to the proof of his definition of a Witch, which -he makes to consist in a Covenant with the Devil, -and chuses rather a tedious process about a Pistol -to defend him from it, which indeed is one particular -way whereby Murder has been Committed, -and so the Dore becomes Culpable; But his definition -of a <i>Witch</i>, which as I said, still remains -to be proved, is to this effect, That a <i>Witch</i> is one -that Covenants with, and Commissions <i>Devils</i> to -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">91</a></span>do mischiefs, that she is one in Covenant, or that -by Vertue of such Covenant she can Commissionate -him to Kill. The not bringing Scripture to -prove these two, is a sufficient demonstration there -is none; and so that our Author leaves off just -where he began, <i>viz.</i> in a bare Assertion, together -with his own Biggoted experiences, hinting also -at multitudes of Histories to confirm him in the -belief of his definition. Here being all that I -take notice of to be considerable.</p> - -<p>[<a id="a33a"></a>33] And now, Sir, if you think fit to improve -your Friendship with the Author for the Glory -of God, the Sovereign Being, the good and welfare -of <i>Mankind</i>, and for his real and true Interest, -as you see it convenient, put him in mind, That -the Glory of God is the end why <i>Mankind</i> was -made, and why <i>He</i> hath so many Advantages to -it. That the Flames we have seen threatning -the utter extirpation of the Country, must own -their Original to these dangerous Errors (if not -heresies) which if they remain Unextinguished, -may and most likely will be acted over again.</p> - -<p>That 'tis more Honour to own an Error in -time, than tenaciously after full Conviction to retain -it. But if our Author will again Vindicate -such matters, please to acquaint him, that I shall -not any more receive his Papers, if I may not -Copy and use them; and that when he does, -instead of such abstruse matters, I still pray his -determination in those things I have his promise<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">92</a></span> -for. And thus begging Pardon for thus long -detaining of you, I am, Sir, your to Command,</p> - -<p class="right"> -R. C. -</p> -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="right"> -Boston, March 18, 1694. -</p> - -<h3 class="break"><i>To the Ministers, whether</i> English, French, -<i>or</i> Dutch,</h3> - -<p class="dropcap">I Having had not only occasion, but renewed -provocation to take a view of the Mysterious -Doctrines, which have of late been so much contested -among us, could not meet with any that -had spoken more, or more plainly the sense of -those Doctrines (relating to the <i>Witchcraft</i>) than -the Reverend Mr. <i>C. M.</i> but how clearly and -consistent, either with himself or the truth, I -medle not now to say, but cannot but suppose his -strenuous and Zealous asserting his opinions, has -been one cause of the dismal Convulsions we have -here lately fallen into; Supposing that his Books -of <i>Memorable Providences</i>, relating to Witchcraft, -as also his <i>Wonders of the Invisible World</i>, did -contain in them things not warrantable, and very -dangerous, I sent to him a Letter of Quotations -out of those Books, <i>&c.</i></p> - -<p>That so, if it might have been, I might understand -what tollerable Sense he would put upon -his own words, which I took to be a better -way of Proceeding, than to have affixed what I -thought to be their natural consequences, and lest -I might be Judged a Sceptic I gave him a full<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">93</a></span> -and free account of my belief relating to those -Doctrines, together with the grounds thereof; -And prayed him that if I err'd I might be shewed -it by Scripture, and this I had his reiterated promise -for. But after more than a Years waiting for the -performance thereof, all that is done in compliance -therewith, is that in <i>Feb.</i> last, he sent me -four sheets of his writing as his belief, but before -I might receive it I must engage to deliver it back -in a Fortnight and not Copy'd.<a name="FNanchor_60_60" id="FNanchor_60_60"></a><a href="#Footnote_60_60" class="fnanchor">[60]</a> A Summary -account [34] of which I shall give you, when I -have first acquainted you what the Doctrines were -which I sent to him for his concurrence with, or -confutation of, and to which I had his promise, -as above.</p> - -<p>These by way of Question, (<i>Viz.</i>) whether that -fourth Head cited and recommended by himself -(In <i>Wonders of the Invisible World</i>, of Mr. <i>Gauls</i>) -ought to be believed as a truth, which runs thus; -Among the most unhappy circumstances to Convict -a Witch, one is a Maligning and Oppugning -the Word, Work, and Worship of God, and -seeking by any Extraordinary sign to seduce any -from it, <i>Deut.</i> xiii. 1, 2. <i>Mat.</i> xxiv. 24. <i>Acts</i> -xiii. 8, 10. 2 <i>Tim.</i> iii. 8. do but mark well the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">94</a></span>places, and for this very property of thus oppugning -and perverting, they are all there concluded -arrant and absolute Witches.</p> - -<p>And if in Witchcraft the Devil by means of a -Witch does the Mischief, how 'tis possible to -distinguish it from Possession, both being said to -be performed by the Devil, and yet without an -Infallible distinction there can be no certainty in -Judgment. And whether it can be proved that -the <i>Jewish</i> Church in any Age before, or in our -Saviours time, even in the time of their greatest -Apostacy did believe that a Witch had power to -Commissionate Devils to do Mischief.</p> - -<p>So much to the Questions. These were sent -as my belief: That the devils bounds are sett, -that he cant pass; That the devils are so full of -Malice, that it cant 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 or destroy. And -now I shall give you the Summary account of his -four sheets above mentioned, as near as memory -could recollect, in Ten Particulars.</p> - -<p>1. That the Devils have in their Natures a -power to work Wonders and Miracles; particularly -that the <i>Pharisees</i> were not mistaken in -asserting that the Devils might be cast out by -<i>Beelzebub</i>; and that our Saviours Answer does not -oppose that assertion; and that he hath the Power -of Death, that he can make the most Solid things<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">95</a></span> -Invisible; and can Invisibly bring poyson and -force it down Peoples Throats.<a name="FNanchor_61_61" id="FNanchor_61_61"></a><a href="#Footnote_61_61" class="fnanchor">[61]</a></p> - -<p>2. That to assert this Natural, wonderful Power -of the Devil, makes most for the Glory of God, -in preserving Man from its effects,</p> - -<p>3. Yet this Power is restrained by the Almighty, -as pleaseth him.</p> - -<p>4. That a Witch is one that makes a Covenant -with the Devil.</p> - -<p>5. That by vertue of such a Covenant, she arrives -at a Power to Commissionate him.</p> - -<p>6. That God has ordain'd, that when the Devil -is call'd upon by the Witch, tho' he were before -restrained by the Almighty, the desired mischiefs -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">96</a></span> -ordinarily shall as certainly be performed, as if -the Witch had [35] lodged poyson in the Bowels -of her Neighbour, or had set Mastiff Dogs on -them.</p> - -<p>7. That the Witche's Art of applying the -<i>Plastic Spirit of the World</i> to unlawful purposes, -does Naturally contribute to the mischiefs done -by the Devil.</p> - -<p>8. That that God which restrain'd an <i>Abimelich</i> -and a <i>Laban</i> from hurting, does also restrain -the Witch from Calling upon or Improving the -Devil, when he will not have his Power so exerted.</p> - -<p>9. That to have a Familiar Spirit, is to be able -to cause a Devil to take bodily shapes, whereby -either to give responses, or to receive orders for -doing mischief.</p> - -<p>10. That this is the Judgment of most of the -Divines in the Countrey, whether <i>English</i>, <i>Dutch -or French</i>.<a name="FNanchor_62_62" id="FNanchor_62_62"></a><a href="#Footnote_62_62" class="fnanchor">[62]</a></p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">97</a></span> -This as I said, I took to be most material in -the four sheets sent to me as his belief, and is also -all the performance he has yet made of his several -promises; which ten Articles being done only -by memory, lest thro' mistake or want of the -Original, I might have committed any errors, I -sent them to him that, if there were any, they -might be rectified: But instead of such an Answer, -as might be expected from a Minister and -a learn'd Gentleman, one Mr. <i>W——</i> shewed me a -Letter writ by Mr. <i>C. M——</i> to himself, which I -might read, but neither borrow nor Copy, and -so, if I were minded, could give but a short account -of it.</p> - -<p>And passing over his hard Language, which, -as I am conscious to myself; I never deserv'd, -(relating to my writing in the margin of the -four sheets; and to these ten Articles) so I hope -I understand my Duty, better than to imitate -him in retorting the like. Among his many -words in his said Letters, I meet with two small -Objections; one is against the word (<i>Miracle</i>) in -the first Article, the word, I say, not the matter, -for the works he attributes to the Devil are the -same in their being above or against the Course -of Nature and all Natural causes, yet he will not -admit of these to be call'd Miracles. And hence -he reckon's it the greatest difficulty he meets -with in this whole affair, to distinguish the works -of the Devil from Miracles. And hence also he -concedes to the Devil the Power to make the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">98</a></span> -most Solid things Invisible, and Invisibly to bring -Poyson and force it down Peoples Throats, <i>&c.</i> -Which I look upon to be as true Miracles as -that. 2 <i>Kings</i> vi. 18. and this is the sense I -understand the word in, and in this sense, he -himself in the four sheets admits it; for he has -an objection to this effect, <i>Viz.</i> [If the Devils -have such power, <i>&c.</i> then miracles are not -ceas'd; and where are we then? (his Answer is) -Where! even just where we were before, say I] -so that it seems the only offence here is at my -using his words. His second objection (for -weight) is against the whole ninth Article, and -wonders [36] how 'tis possible for one Man so -much to misunderstand another; Yet as I remember, -he speaking of the Witch of <i>Endor</i> in -the said four sheets says, she had a familiar Spirit, -and that [a Spirit belonging to the Invisible -World, upon her calling appear'd to <i>Saul</i>] <i>&c.</i> -and if so 'tis certain he gave responses, he also -tells of <i>Balaam</i>, that it was known that he could -set Devils on People to destroy them, and therefore -how this objection should bear any Force I -see not; The rest of the objections are of so -small weight that once reading may be sufficient -to clear them up, and if this be not so, he can, -when he pleases, by making it Publick together -with the Margins I writ, Convince all People of -the truth of what he asserts; But here 'tis to be -noted, that the 2<i>d.</i> 3<i>rd.</i> 4<i>th.</i> and 5<i>th</i> Articles he -concedes to, as having nothing to object against -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">99</a></span> -them, but that they are his belief; and that the -6<i>th.</i> and 7<i>th.</i> he puts for Answer to an objection -which he thus frames, <i>Viz.</i> If the Devil have -such powers but cannot exert them but by permission -from God, what can the Witch contribute -thereto. And thus I have faithfully -performed what I undertook, and do solemnly -declare, I have not intentionally in the least -wronged the Gentleman concern'd, nor design'd -the least blemish to his Reputation; but if it -stands in competition with the Glory of God, -the only Almighty Being, his truths and his -Peoples welfare, I suppose these too valuable to -be trampled on for his sake, tho' in other things -I am ready to my power (tho' with denying some -part of my own interest) to serve him. Had -this Gentleman declin'd or detracted his four -sheets, I see not but he might have done it, and -which I think there was cause enough for him -to have done, but to own the four sheets, and at -the same time to disown the Doctrine contain'd -in them, and this knowing that I have no Copy, -renders the whole of the worse aspect.</p> - -<p>And now I shall give you a further account of -my Belief, when I have first premised, that 'tis a -prevailing Belief in this Countrey, and elsewhere, -that the Scriptures are not full in the Description -of, and in the way and means how to detect a -Witch, tho' positive in their Punishment to be -by Death; and that hence they have thought -themselves under a necessity of taking up with -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">100</a></span> -the Sentiments of such Men or Places that are -thought worthy to give rules to detect them by: -And have accordingly practised, <i>viz.</i> In searching -for Tets for the Devil to suck; Trying whether -the suspected can say the Lords Prayer; And -whether the Afflicted falls at the sight, and rises -at the touch of the supposed Witch; As also by -the Afflicted or Possessed giving account who is -the Witch.</p> - -<p>Touching these my belief is, that 'tis highly -Derogatory to the wisdom of the Wise Lawgiver, -to ascert, That he has given a Law by <i>Moses</i>, the -Penalty whereof is Death; and yet no direction to -his People, whereby to know and detect the culpable, -till our <i>Triumvirate</i> Mr. [37] <i>Perkins</i>, <i>Gaul</i> -and <i>Bernard</i>, had given us their receits, and that -that fourth Head of Mr. <i>Gauls</i>, being so well -prov'd by Scripture is a truth, and contains a full -and clear Testimony, who are Witches culpable -of Death, and that plainly and from Scripture, -yet not excluding any other branch, when as -well proved by that infallible rule. And that -the going to the Afflicted or Possessed, to have -them Divine who are Witches by their Specteral -sight, is a great wickedness, even the Sin of <i>Saul</i> -(for which he also Died) but with this difference, -the one did it for Augury, or to know future -Events, the other in order to take away Life; -and that the searching for Tets, the experiment -of their saying the Lords Prayer; the falling at -the sight and rising at the touch of the supposed -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">101</a></span> -Criminal, being all of them foreign from Scripture, -as well as reason, are abominations to be -abhor'd and repented of. And that our <i>Salem</i> -Witchcraft, either respecting the Judges and Juries, -their tenderness of Life, or the Multitude -and pertinency of witnesses, both Afflicted and -Confessors, or the Integrity of the Historians, -are as Authentic, and made as certain as any ever -of that kind in the World; and yet who is it -that now sees not through it, and that these were -the Sentiments that have procured the sorest -Affliction, and most lasting infamy that ever -befel this Country, and most like so to do again, -if the same notions be still entertain'd and finally -that these are those last times, of which the Spirit -speaks expressly, <i>Tim.</i> iv. 1. <i>And now ye that -are Fathers in the Churches, Guides to the People, -and the Salt of the Earth</i>.</p> - -<p>I beseech you consider these things; and if you -find the Glory of God diminisht by ascribing -such power to Witches and Devils; His truths -oppos'd by these notions; and his People aspersed -in their Doctrines and Reputations, and indangered -in their Lives; I dare not dictate to you, -you know your duty as Watchmen, and the Lord -be with you.</p> - -<p>But if you find my belief contrary to sound -Doctrine, I intreat you to shew it me by the -Scripture; And in the mean time blame me not -if I cannot believe that there are several Almighties; -for to do all sorts of wonders, beyond -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">102</a></span> -and above the Course of Nature, is certainly the -work of <i>Omnipotency</i>. So also, he that shall -Commissionate or Impower to these, must also -be Almighty; and I think it not a sufficient -<i>salvo</i>, to say they may be restrain'd by the most -High; and hope you will not put any hard Construction -on these my Endeavours to get information -(all other ways failing) in things so needful -to be known; praying the Almightys Guidance -and protection, I am</p> - -<p class="center"> -Yours to the utmost of my Power,</p> -<p class="right"> -R. C. -</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> -<div class="sidenote"><i>A Letter to Mr.</i> S. W.</div> -<p class="right">[<a id="a38a"></a>38] Boston, <i>Sept. the</i> 20<i>th</i>, 1695.</p> - -<p class="in4">Mr. <i>Samuel Willard</i>.</p> - -<p><i>Reverend Sir</i>,</p> - -<p class="dropcap">MY former of <i>March</i> the 18th. directed to -the Ministers (and which was lodg'd with -yourself) containing several Articles, which I -sent as my belief, praying them if I erred to -shew it me by Scripture, I have as yet had no -Answer to, either by word or writing, which -makes me gather that they are approved of as -<i>Orthodox</i>, or at least that they have such Foundations, -as that none are willing to manifest any -opposition to them: And therefore with submission, -<i>&c</i>. I think that that late seasonable and -well-design'd Dialogue intituled, <i>Some miscellany -Observations,</i><a name="FNanchor_63_63" id="FNanchor_63_63"></a><a href="#Footnote_63_63" class="fnanchor">[63]</a> -<i>&c.</i> of which yourself is the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">103</a></span> -suppos'd Author (and which was so serviceable in -the time of it) is yet liable to a male construction, -even to the endangering to revive what it most -opposes, and to bring those practices again on -Foot, which in the day thereof were so terrible -to this whole Countrey: The words which I -suppose so liable to Misconstruction, are <i>pag.</i> 14. -B. <i>Who informed them?</i> S. <i>the Spectre</i>. B. <i>very -good, and that's the Devil turned Informer. How -are good Men like to fare against whom he hath -particular Malice</i>!</p> - -<p><i>It is but a Presumption, and Wise Men will weigh -Presumptions against Presumptions. There is to be -no Examination without grounds of Suspicion. Some -Persons Credit ought to be accounted too good to be -undermined so far as to be suspected on so <span class="errauthor" title="read: slight">flight</span> a -ground: and it is an Injury done them to bring -them upon Examination, which renders them openly -Suspected. I will not deny but for Persons already -suspected and of Ill fame, it may occasion their -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">104</a></span>being examin'd</i>. In which these words ('tis but a -presumption, <i>&c.</i>) (and some Persons credit, <i>&c.</i>) -(and I will not deny but for Persons already suspected, -<i>&c.</i>) this I take to be waving to discuss -those points, the speaking to which might at that -time have hindered the usefulness and success of -that Book, rather than any declaring the Sentiments -of the Author. But notwithstanding many -Persons will be ready to understand this, as if the -Author did wholly leave it with the Justice, to -Judge who are Ill Persons, such as the Devils -Accusations may fasten upon; And that the Devils -Accusation of a Person, is a Presumption against -them of their guilt; and that upon such presumptions, -they may be had to Examination, if the -Justice counts them Persons of ill fame (for the -Author I suppose knows that the bear Examination -will leave such a stain upon them, and well -if their Posterity escape it!) as the length of a -Holy and unblameable Life will be found too -short to Extirpate. And if the Justice may go -thus far with the Devils Evidence, then the addition -of a story or two of some Cart overset, or -person taken Sick after a quarrel, might as well -be thought sufficient for their Commitment, in -order to [39] their Tryal as 'tis call'd (tho' this -too often has been more like a Stage Play, or a -<i>Tragicomical Scene</i>) and so that other ways useful -Book, may prove the greatest Snare to revive the -same practices again.</p> - -<p>These things being so liable, as I said, to such<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">105</a></span> -male-construction, it were needful that Men -might be undeceiv'd, and the matter more fully -demonstrated, (<i>Viz.</i>) That the Devils Accusation -is not so much as any presumption against the -Life or Reputation of any person, for how are -good Men like to fare, if his malicious accusations -may be taken as a presumption of their -Guilt; and that his accusations as they are no -presumption against persons of unspotted Fame, -so neither are to be heard, or any ways regarded -against persons tho' otherways of ill Life, much -less for their having long since had their Names -abused by his outcries, or by the Malice of Ill -Neighbours; and that Justice knows no difference -of Persons; that if this Evidence be sufficient to -bring one person 'tis so to bring any other to -Examination, and consequently to the utmost -extent of odium, which such Examination will -certainly expose them to, for who can know any -other, but that as the one may be Maliciously -accused by Devils and a Devilish report gone before -it; so that another who has not been so -much as accused before, being more Cunning or -more seeming Religious, might yet be more -guilty; the whole depending upon Invisible Evidence, -of which Invisible stuff, tho' we have had -more than sufficient, yet I find (among other -Reverend Persons) your Names to a certain Printed -Paper, which runs thus.</p> - -<p class="p2 hang"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">106</a></span> - -<big>Certain Proposals<a name="FNanchor_64_64" id="FNanchor_64_64"></a><a href="#Footnote_64_64" class="fnanchor">[64]</a> <i>made by the President -and Fellows of</i> Harvard College, <i>to the -Reverend Ministers of the Gospel, in the -several Churches of</i> New-England.</big></p> - -<p class="dropcap">F<i>irst.</i> <i>To observe and record the more Illustrious -Discoveries of the Divine Providence in the -Government of the World, is a design so holy, so -useful, so justly approved, that the too general neglect -of it in the Churches of God, is as justly to be Lamented.</i></p> - -<p>2. <i>For the redress of that neglect, altho' all -Christians have a Duty incumbent on them, yet it is -in a peculiar manner to be recommended unto the -Ministers of the</i> Gospel, <i>to improve the special advantages -which are in their Hands, to obtain and -preserve the knowledge of such notable occurrences -as are sought out by all that have pleasure in the -great Works of the Lord.</i></p> - -<p>3. <i>The things to be esteemed Memorable, are specially -all unusual accidents in the Heaven, or Earth, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">107</a></span>or Water, All wonderful Deliverances of the Distressed, -Mercies to the Godly, Judgments on the -Wicked, and more Glorious fulfilments of either the -Promises or Threatnings in the Scriptures of Truth, -with Apparitions, Possessions, Enchantments, and all -extraordinary things, wherein the Existence and -Agency of the Invisible World is more sensibly demonstrated.</i></p> - -<p>[40] 4. <i>It is therefore Proposed, That the Ministers -throughout this Land, would manifest their -regards unto the Works of the Lord, and the Opperation -of his hands, by reviving their cares to take -Written Accounts of such</i> Remarkables: <i>But still -well Attested with credibled and sufficient Witness.</i></p> - -<p>5. <i>It is desired that the Accounts, thus taken of -these Remarkables, may be sent in unto the</i> President,<a name="FNanchor_65_65" id="FNanchor_65_65"></a><a href="#Footnote_65_65" class="fnanchor">[65]</a> -<i>or the Fellows of the Colledge, by whome they shall be -carefully reserved for such a use to be made of them, -as may by some fit Assembly of Ministers be Judged -most conducing to the Glory of God, and the Service -of his People.</i></p> - -<p>6. <i>Tho' we doubt not, that love to the Name of -God will be motive enough unto all good Men, to -Contribute what Assistance they can unto this Undertaking; -yet for further Incouragement, some singular -Marks of Respects shall be studied for such good -Men, as will actually assist it, by taking pains to -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">108</a></span>Communicate any Important Passages proper to be -inserted in this Collection.</i></p> - -<table summary="signatures"> -<tr><td><i>Increase Mather</i>,</td> <td> </td> <td>President.</td> </tr> -<tr><td><i>James Allen</i>,</td> <td class="bt bb br" rowspan="7"> </td> - <td rowspan="7">Fellows. </td></tr> -<tr><td><i>Char. Morton</i>,</td></tr> -<tr><td><i>Sam. Willard</i>, </td></tr> -<tr><td><i>Cotton Mather</i>,</td></tr> -<tr><td><i>John Leverett</i>,</td> </tr> -<tr><td><i>Will. Brattle</i>,</td> </tr> -<tr><td><i>Neh. Walter</i>,</td> </tr> -</table> - -<p> -Cambr. March 5, 169¾ -</p> - -<p class="p2">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, <i>&c.</i> than -the Scriptures of truth hold forth, <i>&c.</i> 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 <i>Sadducee, Deist,</i> -and <i>Atheist</i> 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 In<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">109</a></span>stances -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,<a name="FNanchor_66_66" id="FNanchor_66_66"></a><a href="#Footnote_66_66" class="fnanchor">[66]</a> -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 <i>Salem</i>, where that furious Marshal, -and his Father, <i>&c.</i> was rent to pieces,<a name="FNanchor_67_67" id="FNanchor_67_67"></a><a href="#Footnote_67_67" class="fnanchor">[67]</a> <i>&c.</i> -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 <i>Invisible -World</i>, than the scriptures of Truth afford, <i>&c.</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">110</a></span>tho' the Rich Man in the Parable might think -otherwise, <i>&c.</i> who was seeking to send some -more sensible Demonstrations thereof to his -Brethren, <i>&c.</i> 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.</p> - -<p>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,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">111</a></span> -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 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, <i>&c.</i> -as the rise and foundation of those Punishments.</p> - -<p>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. <i>Baxter</i> in his -Book, <i>the Cure of Church Divisions</i>, p. 257, 258. -<i>But</i> (I pray you mark it) <i>the way of God is to -shame the Sinner, how good soever in other respects,</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">112</a></span> -<i>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</i>, (<i>tho' a</i> David, <i>a</i> -Solomon, Peter, Noah, <i>or</i> Lot) <i>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</i>.</p> - -<p>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, <i>&c.</i> (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 longer dishonoured by false sentiments -in these matters, is the earnest desire and -prayer of, Sir, yours to my power.</p> - -<p class="right"> -R. C. -</p> -<hr class="tb" /> -<div class="sidenote"><i>A Letter to Mr.</i> C. M.</div> -<p class="in4"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">113</a></span> - -<i>Mr. Cotton Mather.</i></p> -<p> -<i>Reverend Sir</i>, -</p> - -<p class="dropcap">HAVING 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, <i>viz.</i> 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, <i>&c.</i> 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,</p> - -<p class="hang">[<a id="a43a"></a>43] <big><i>The Certainty of the World of Spirits, -written by Mr.</i> R. B.<a name="FNanchor_68_68" id="FNanchor_68_68"></a><a href="#Footnote_68_68" class="fnanchor">[68]</a> London, -<i>Printed</i>. 1691.</big></p> - -<p class="dropcap">IT <i>is therein conceded</i> (Preface) That to see Devils -and Spirits ordinarily would not be enough to -convince Atheists. Page 88. Atheists are not to -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">114</a></span>be convinced by stories, their own senses are not -enough to convince them any more than sense -will convince a Papist from Transubstantiation. -(<i>D. Laderd.</i>) P. 4. No Spirit can do any thing -but by God's will and permission. (<i>Preface</i>) 'Tis -the free will of Man that gives the Devils their -hurting power: And without our own consent -they cannot hurt us. (<i>It is asserted.</i> 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 they gave too much Worship -to Saints and Angels. P. 7. The Blessed Souls -shall be like the Angels, therefore may appear -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">115</a></span>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, <i>&c.</i> P. 222. No doubt the Souls of -the wicked carry with them their former inclinations -of Covetousness, Revenge, <i>&c.</i> P. 7. When -Revengeful things are done, as on Murderers, Defrauders, -<i>&c.</i> 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> - -<p>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<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">116</a></span> -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, <i>&c.</i> -as is commonly affirmed. P. 107. In <i>America</i> -'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 <i><span class="err" title="original: Emher">Ember</span></i><a name="FNanchor_69_69" id="FNanchor_69_69"></a><a href="#Footnote_69_69" class="fnanchor">[69]</a>-weeks -were past, Vomited a Knife a span long, -Cart Nails, <i>&c.</i> 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, <i>&c.</i> -Hair, Stones, Bones, Vomited, <i>&c.</i> 1000 l. of -Blood lost by one person in a years time.</p> - -<p>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> - -<p>P. 164. Partial credibility spoils many a good -story.</p> - -<p>P. 125. The Devil's substance enters into the -possessed.</p> - -<p>P. 174. Distracted are possessed.</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">117</a></span></p> -<p>P. 149. A sick Woman while she lay in bed -went to see her Children.</p> - -<p>P. 153. A Dog appeared like a Fly or a Flea.</p> - -<p>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> - -<p>P. 2, 80. Mr. <i>J. M.</i> and Mr. <i>C. M.</i> Recommended -together with <i>Bodin</i>, <i>&tc</i>.</p> - -<p>P. 237. A <i>Crispian</i>, if through Ignorance he -believes not what he saith, may be a Christian.</p> - -<p>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 <i>p.</i> 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 <i>p.</i> 4. if<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">118</a></span> -admitted, will seem to lay an ungainsayable foundation -for the <i>Pagan</i>, <i>Indian</i>, and <i>Diabolists</i> 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 <i>p.</i> 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, <i>&c.</i> savouring so much of <i>Pithagoras</i> -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<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">119</a></span> -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. <i>B</i> 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.<a name="FNanchor_70_70" id="FNanchor_70_70"></a><a href="#Footnote_70_70" class="fnanchor">[70]</a></p> - -<p>I am not ignorant that the manner of Education -of Youth in, I think, almost all Christian -Schools hath a natural tendency to propagate -those Doctrines of Devils heretofore (solely) profest -among <i>Ethnicks</i>,<a name="FNanchor_71_71" id="FNanchor_71_71"></a><a href="#Footnote_71_71" class="fnanchor">[71]</a> and particularly in matters -of Witchcraft, <i>&c.</i> For notwithstanding the -Council of <i>Carthage</i> 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 -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">120</a></span><i>Gentiles</i>; 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 <i>English</i>, which has given me the opportunity -to send you these following Verses.</p> - -<div class="sidenotep">Virg. Bucolicks. -Eclog. 13.— -Eclog. 8.—</div> - -<div class="poem"> - -<div class="stanza"> - -<div class="i0"> - -<i>Sure love is not the cause their bones appear.</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>Some eyes bewitch my tender Lambs I fear.</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>For me these Herbs in</i> Pontus Maris <i>chose.</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>There ev'ry powerful Drug in plenty grows;</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>Transform'd to a Wolf, I often</i> Mæris <i>saw,</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>Then into shady Woods himself withdraw:</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>Oft he from deepest Sepulchers would Charm</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>Departed Souls. And from anothers Farm,</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>Into his own ground Corn yet standing take.</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>Now from the Town my Charms bring</i> Daphnis <i>back.</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>Vanquisht with charms from Heaven the Moon Descends.</i></div> -<div class="i0">Circe <i>with charms transform'd</i> Ulysses <i>friends:</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>Charms in the Field will burst a Poysonous Snake,</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>Now from the Town, &c.</i></div> -</div> -<div class="sni">Ovid's Metamorphosis. -Lib. 7.</div> -<div class="stanza"> - -<div class="i0"> - -<i>Her Arms thrice turns about, thrice wets her crown</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>With gather'd dew, thrice yawns, and kneeling down;</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>Oh Night! thou friend to secrets you clear fires,</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>That with the Moon succeed when day retires.</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>Great</i> Hecate, <i>thou know'st and aid Imparts,</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>To our design, your Charms and Magick Arts:</i></div> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">121</a></span> -<div class="i0"><i>And thou, oh Earth, that to Magicians yields</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>Thy powerful simples: Airs, Winds, Mountains, Fields,</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>Soft murmuring Springs, still Lakes and Rivers clear,</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>You Gods of Woods, you Gods of night appear;</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>By you at will, I make swift Streams retire,</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>To their first Fountain, while their Banks admire.</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>Seas toss and smooth; clear Clouds with Clouds deform,</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>Storms turn to Calms, and make a Calm a Storm,</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>With Spells and Charms, I break the Vipers Jaws,</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>Cleave solid Rocks, Oaks from their fisures draw;</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>Whole Woods remove, the Airy Mountains shake;</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>Earth forc'd to groan, and Ghosts from Graves awake.</i></div> -<div class="i4"><i>—— her Journey takes,</i></div> -</div> - -<div class="sni">Lib. 14.</div> -<div class="stanza"> - -<div class="i0"> - -<i>To</i> Rhegium <i>opposite to</i> Zanle's <i>shore,</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>And treads the troubled Waves, that loudly roar;</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>Running with unwet Feet on that profound,</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>As if Sh' had trod upon the solid ground.</i></div> -<div class="i0">[47] <i>This with portentous poyson she pollutes,</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>Besprinkled with the juice of wicked roots,</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>In words dark, and perplext nine times thrice,</i></div> -<div class="i0"><i>Inchantments mutters with her wicked voice, &c.</i></div> -</div></div> - -<p>These Fables of the Heathens (tho' in themselves -of no more validity than the idle Tales of -an <i>Indian</i>, 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 <i>pag.</i> 25. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">122</a></span> -Remarkable Providences <i>pag.</i> 250. (This perhaps -might be the cause that in <i>England</i> 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 -<i>Sadducee</i>, <i>Atheist</i>, 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, -<i>&c.</i>) to run all these Risques. And that God -who has said, <i>My glory I will not give to another</i>, -is able to protect those 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 -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">123</a></span> -weakest Instruments, that his power may be the -more Illustrious.</p> - -<p><i>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</i>, he that honoureth me -I will honour, and he that despiseth me shall be -lightly esteemed. <i>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</i> -[<a id="a48a"></a>48] <i>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> 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>I hope -you will not misconstrue my Intentions herein, who -am, Reverend Sir, Yours to command, in what I -may</i>,</p> - -<p class="right"> -R. C. -</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> -<p class="center"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">124</a></span> - -<big>To the Ministers in and near <i>Boston</i>, <i>January</i> -12, 1696.</big></p> - -<p class="dropcap">CHRISTIANITY <i>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</i>.</p> - -<p><i>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.</i></p> - -<p><i>Among others which then sprung up, with but too -much advantage in the third Century, the</i> Maniche<a name="FNanchor_72_72" id="FNanchor_72_72"></a><a href="#Footnote_72_72" class="fnanchor">[72]</a> -<i>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</i> Maniche, <i>entertaining</i> -(<i>thus far</i>) <i>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 -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">125</a></span>the former, and as to the latter, -it is to <span class="err" title="original: he">be</span> hoped that -as Christianity prevails among them, they will abhor -such abominable belief</i>.<a name="FNanchor_73_73" id="FNanchor_73_73"></a><a href="#Footnote_73_73" class="fnanchor">[73]</a></p> - -<p><i>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.</i></p> - -<p><i>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</i> Maniche, <i>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</i>,<a name="FNanchor_a_a" id="FNanchor_a_a"></a><a href="#Footnote_a_a" class="fnanchor">a</a> -Wars,<a name="FNanchor_b_b" id="FNanchor_b_b"></a><a href="#Footnote_b_b" class="fnanchor">b</a> -Diseases,<a name="FNanchor_c_c" id="FNanchor_c_c"></a><a href="#Footnote_c_c" class="fnanchor">c</a> -Tempests<a name="FNanchor_d_d" id="FNanchor_d_d"></a><a href="#Footnote_d_d" class="fnanchor">d</a> -and can render the most solid things -invisible,<a name="FNanchor_e_e" id="FNanchor_e_e"></a><a href="#Footnote_e_e" class="fnanchor">e</a> -and can do things above and against the course -of Nature, and all natural causes.</p> - -<p>[49] <i>Are these the Expressions of Orthodox believers? -or are they not rather expressions becoming -a</i> Maniche, <i>or a</i> Heathen, <i>as agreeing far better -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">126</a></span>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</i>, Psal. lxii. 11, <i>and</i> -cxxxvi. 4. Lam. iii. 37. Amos iii. 6. Jer. iv. -22. Psal. lxxviii. 26, <i>and</i> clxviii. 6. 8. Job -xxxviii. 22. to the 34 v.</p> - -<p><i>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,</i> (<i>laying a firm foundation for the Indians -adorations, which agrees well with what</i> A. Ross<a name="FNanchor_74_74" id="FNanchor_74_74"></a><a href="#Footnote_74_74" class="fnanchor">[74]</a> -<i>sets forth, in his Mistag. Poetic</i>, p. 116, <i>that their -ancients did Usurp the furies and their God</i> Averinci, -<i>that they might forbear to hurt them</i>.)</p> - -<p><i>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 -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">127</a></span> -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.</i><a name="FNanchor_75_75" id="FNanchor_75_75"></a><a href="#Footnote_75_75" class="fnanchor">[75]</a></p> - -<p><i>And are the people a whit behind in their beliefs? -is there any thing</i> (<i>abovementioned,</i>) <i>their strong Faith -looks upon to be too hard for this evil Being to effect?</i> -</p> -<p> -<i>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</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">128</a></span> -<i> -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</i> Moses <i>with a bare permission might -stretch forth his Rod, yet he was not able to bring -Plagues upon the</i> Egyptians, <i>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</i> [50] <i>from, there is in others -a further progression in, or building upon the said -Doctrine of the Maniche</i>.</p> - -<p><i>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</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">129</a></span> -<i>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.</i></p> - -<p>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, <i>p.</i> 33. -Remarkable provid. <i>p.</i> 179. Memor. provid. -<i>p.</i> 28.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>This is that which has produced that deluge of -Blood mentioned, and must certainly do so again, -the same belief remaining.</p> - -<p>And who can wonder, if Christians that are so<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">130</a></span> -easily prevailed with to lay aside their Swords as -useless, and so have lost their Strength (if with -<i>Samson</i>) 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.</p> - -<p>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 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<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">131</a></span> -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. <i>Gauls</i> 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 <i>Moses</i>, 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 <i>Saul</i> -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>i. e.</i> 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 -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">132</a></span> -of evil Spirits, thereby to get rid of -them. That their natures require not sucking to -support it.</p> - -<p>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 have then well acquitted -yourselves (in time of General Defection) as -faithful Watchmen. But if instead [<a id="a52a"></a>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. <span class="sidenote"><span class="hidev">|</span><i>Cases of Conscience, -ult.</i></span><span class="hidev">|</span>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, <i>Ezek.</i> -xxxiii. 2, to 8.</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">133</a></span> -<span class="sidenote"><span class="hidev">|</span>Vid. <i>The Proclamation -for a Fast, -to be the 14 Inst. as -set forth by Authority.</i></span><span class="hidev">|</span>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.</p> - -<p>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>i. e.</i> 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; <span class="sidenote"><span class="hidev">|</span>Vid. <i>The Declaration, -as drawn by -the Deputies with -the Assistance of the -Ministers; but receiv'd -a Nonconcurrence.</i></span><span class="hidev">|</span>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<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">134</a></span> -of a Reason to believe 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,</p> - -<p class="center"> -Yours to my utmost,</p> -<p class="right"> -R. C. -</p> -<div class="footnotes"> -<div class="footnote"> -<p> -<a name="Footnote_a_a" id="Footnote_a_a"></a><a href="#FNanchor_a_a"><span class="label">a</span></a> Wonders of the Invisible World, p. 17, 18. -</p> -<p> -<a name="Footnote_b_b" id="Footnote_b_b"></a><a href="#FNanchor_b_b"><span class="label">b</span></a> p. 18. -</p> -<p> -<a name="Footnote_c_c" id="Footnote_c_c"></a><a href="#FNanchor_c_c"><span class="label">c</span></a> Cases of Conscience, p. 63. -</p> -<p> -<a name="Footnote_d_d" id="Footnote_d_d"></a><a href="#FNanchor_d_d"><span class="label">d</span></a> Remarkable providences, p. 124. -</p> -<p> -<a name="Footnote_e_e" id="Footnote_e_e"></a><a href="#FNanchor_e_e"><span class="label">e</span></a> -Wonders of the Invisible World, p. 141.—<i>Notes in the Original</i>.</p></div> - -</div> -<hr class="tb" /> -<div class="sidenote"><i>A Letter to Mr.</i> B. W.</div> -<p> -Mr. <i>Benjamin Wadsworth</i>.<a name="FNanchor_76_76" id="FNanchor_76_76"></a><a href="#Footnote_76_76" class="fnanchor">[76]</a> -</p> -<p> -<i>Reverend Sir</i>, -</p> - -<p class="dropcap">AFTER 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 -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">135</a></span> -we knew not; <i>viz.</i> what errors might therein -have been fallen into, <i>&c.</i> 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.</p> - -<p>But instead of this, for a Minister of the Gospel -(Pastor of the old Meeting<a name="FNanchor_77_77" id="FNanchor_77_77"></a><a href="#Footnote_77_77" class="fnanchor">[77]</a>) 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.</p> - -<p>It is a truth, Witchcraft is, in the Text then -insisted on, reckon'd up as a manifest work of the -Flesh. <i>Viz. Gal.</i> 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, <i>&c.</i> was -swallowed up, and over-shadowed by this against -Witchcraft.</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">136</a></span> -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, -<i>viz.</i> that the Law of God is imperfect, in -not describing this Crime of Witchcraft, though -it be therein made Capital.</p> - -<p>These perfect Oracles inform us, concerning -<i>Ahab</i>, 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, <i>&c.</i> Can it be thought that all those, or -such as are there spoken of, are Witches, and -ought to suffer as Witches?</p> - -<p>As the Servants and People of God, have made -a Solemn explicit Covenant with him, <i>Josh.</i> xxiv. -25. <i>Nehem.</i> ix. 38. <i>&c.</i> So no doubt a Covenant -has been made by <i>Heathen Indian</i> 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 <i>Heathen</i> that so do: And -accordingly to Execute them as such. It is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">137</a></span> -also possible, that some that have been called -Christians, have sealed a Writing, sign'd with their -own Blood, or otherways, thereby Covenanting -to be the Devil's Servants, <i>&c.</i> but from far other -grounds, or inducements than what sways with -the <i>Indians</i>; these Heathen hoping to please him, -that so he may not harm them. But these having -been Educated and Confirmed in the Belief, that -by vertue of such Covenant, they shall have a -Knowledge and Power more than Humane, assisting -of them; this may have prevail'd with -some to so horrible a wickedness; for none can -seek Evil for Evils sake; but as the Serpent in -his first tempting Man, made use of the knowledge -of Good and Evil; so to teach Men that -such effects do usually follow such Covenant, is -properly the work of the Serpent; for without -this, what inducement, or temptation could they -have to make such a Covenant?</p> - -<p>These having thus chosen a false God, may well -be accounted the worst sort of Idolaters. Yet it -does not hence follow that in a Scripture sense, -they are thereby become Witches, till they have, -or rather till they pretend to have assistances answerable; -and do thereby endeavour to deceive -others, which endeavours to deceive, by a sign -may be without any previous Covenant.</p> - -<p>But supposing none of all those several sorts of -Covenants was intended, it remains that the Covenant, -that was understood to be intended, in that -Discourse at Old Meeting, is agreeable to the late<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">138</a></span> -dangerous Notion that has so much prevailed, -<i>viz.</i> That the Devil appears to the persons, that -they and the Devil make mutual engagements -each to other, confirmed by signing to the Devil's -Book; and are from hence inabled, not only to -know futurities, and things done at distance; but -are also thereby empowered to do harm to the -Neighbours, to raise Storms, and do things above -and against a course of Nature: This being the -notion that has occasioned the shedding so much -Blood in the World, it may be thought to need -explaining.</p> - -<p>For as Reason knows nothing of an Afflicting, -Covenanting Witch; so it seems as Forreign from -Scripture in general, as it is from the Text then -insisted on; which speaks of such wickednesses -as are manifestly the works of the flesh: but such -Communication with Spirits, the flesh doth manifestly -dread even as death itself. Therefore the -usual Salvation of the Holy Angels to the best -of Men was, fear not; and experience shews, that -the most wicked, are most afrighted at the apprehensions -of the appearances of Devils; therefore -such an explicit Covenanting cannot be a manfest -work of the Flesh.</p> - -<p>[<a id="a55a"></a>55] Yet this is manifest, that the belief of the -Witches power to do the things above mentioned, -is an ancient belief of the Heathen. And that -from them it was received by the Papists, as a -part of their Faith, who have since improved -upon it, and brought in the notion of a Covenant.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">139</a></span> -But it seems yet a further improvement lately -made by Protestants, that such Witches can Commissionate -Devils to do those mischiefs, thereby -setting the Witch in the place of God; for tho -few of the Papists are known to be thus absurd; -yet when such Doctrines have been Preached, and -Printed in <i>New England</i>, they have met with -none to oppose; but many to incourage them.<a name="FNanchor_78_78" id="FNanchor_78_78"></a><a href="#Footnote_78_78" class="fnanchor">[78]</a> -Other considerable additions or new improvements -have been made here; as the art to knock off -invisible chains with the hand, to drive away -Spectres (<i>i. e.</i> Devils) by brushing, spelling words -to the Afflicted, <i>&c.</i> What has followed upon -these notions, and upon such improvements, is -needless here to repeat, it were unaccountable to -recount the effusion of Blood that has been hereby -occasioned, such remaining Scars, and such yet -bleeding wounds as are to be found; which none -can wholly pretend ignorance of.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">140</a></span> -And if Blood shall be required of that Watchman -that seeth the Sword a coming, and gives -not the needful warning; how much more of -such as join with the Enemy, to bring in the -Sword to destroy them, over whom he was placed -a Watchman.</p> - -<p>And if the law of God be perfect, and exceeding -broad, as being given forth by the Omnicient -Law-giver; it is exceeding high presumption and -arrogance, and highly destructive to the lives of -Innocents, for any to pretend to give another, and -a pretended better description of a crime made -thereby Capital, with new rules to try such offenders -by.</p> - -<p><i>Reverend Sir, the matter being of such high concern -requires</i> (<i>and it is again prayed</i>) <i>that you would -be pleased to consider, and give the grounds from -Scripture, or Reason of such Definition, or else that -you would explode it, as inconsistent with both. -From, Reverend Sir, Yours to my utmost.</i></p> - -<p class="right"> -R. C. -</p> - -<div class="footnotes"><h3><b>FOOTNOTES:</b></h3> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_33_33" id="Footnote_33_33"></a><a href="#FNanchor_33_33"><span class="label">[33]</span></a> The Family of Rule appear -to have resided at the North End -of the Town. Where they came -from, or what became of them does -not appear. They were, perhaps, -transient Sojourners here. Mr. Mather -says Margaret's Parents were -sober and honest, and living at the -Time in Boston. See <i>ante.</i></p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_34_34" id="Footnote_34_34"></a><a href="#FNanchor_34_34"><span class="label">[34]</span></a> Increase and Cotton Mather.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_35_35" id="Footnote_35_35"></a><a href="#FNanchor_35_35"><span class="label">[35]</span></a> A Name not met with beyond this Affair.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_36_36" id="Footnote_36_36"></a><a href="#FNanchor_36_36"><span class="label">[36]</span></a> The Doctor was greatly disturbed -at this Statement of the Length -of the Prayer; averring that it was -not above a quarter of an Hour.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_37_37" id="Footnote_37_37"></a><a href="#FNanchor_37_37"><span class="label">[37]</span></a> The general Inference would -naturally be that the Doctor's Prayers -were not very effective.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_38_38" id="Footnote_38_38"></a><a href="#FNanchor_38_38"><span class="label">[38]</span></a> His Satanic Majesty was supposed -to be very near, or the Scent -of his Dominions would not have -been perceptible. It may be that -he did not make his Appearance, -owing to the Presence of some obdurate -Unbelievers. See <i>Note</i> <a href="#Footnote_6_6">6</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_39_39" id="Footnote_39_39"></a><a href="#FNanchor_39_39"><span class="label">[39]</span></a> Richard Wilkins and Benjamin -Harris were Booksellers and -Publishers in Boston at this Period. -They are duly noticed in the <i>History -and Antiquities of Boston</i>, out -of Dunton's <i>Life and Errors</i>. Harris -printed <i>The Wonders of the Invisible -World</i>, as will be seen on -reference to the Title-page. See -Thomas's <i>Hist. Printing</i>, ii, 412.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_40_40" id="Footnote_40_40"></a><a href="#FNanchor_40_40"><span class="label">[40]</span></a> -See Vol. <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/files/50204/50204-h/50204-h.htm">I</a>, Page <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/files/50204/50204-h/50204-h.htm#Page_37">37</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_41_41" id="Footnote_41_41"></a><a href="#FNanchor_41_41"><span class="label">[41]</span></a> The Author seemed to be fully -aware of the Danger of asserting -the plain Truth. It probably was -a means of his ruin, as to any considerable -Fortune. See <i>Introductory -Memoir</i>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_42_42" id="Footnote_42_42"></a><a href="#FNanchor_42_42"><span class="label">[42]</span></a> A misprint. R. C. was intended. -The Correction is made -in the Salem Editions.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_43_43" id="Footnote_43_43"></a><a href="#FNanchor_43_43"><span class="label">[43]</span></a> Epithets applied by Mr. Mather -to those who dissented from him. -"Flashy and fleeting Witlings."—<i>Remarkables</i> -of Dr. I. M., 164.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_44_44" id="Footnote_44_44"></a><a href="#FNanchor_44_44"><span class="label">[44]</span></a> Whittier had, no doubt, been reading Calef recently, when he wrote: -</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div class="i0">"To garnish the Story, with hear a streak</div> -<div class="i0">Of Latîn, and there another of Greek:</div> -<div class="i0">And the Tales he heard and the Notes he took</div> -<div class="i0">Behold are they not in his Wonder-Book?"</div> -</div></div> -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_45_45" id="Footnote_45_45"></a><a href="#FNanchor_45_45"><span class="label">[45]</span></a> With this View of the Devil, -the Author was certainly, according -to his own Account, more in the -Way of becoming one of his deluded -Followers than any other: -"Tis a most commendable Cautiousness," -he tells us elsewhere, "to -be very shy lest the Devil get so far -into our Faith, as that for the sake -of many Truths which we find he -tells us, we come at length to believe -any Lies, wherewith he may -abuse us!" Faith can hardly remove -such a Mountain.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_46_46" id="Footnote_46_46"></a><a href="#FNanchor_46_46"><span class="label">[46]</span></a> A Family of this Name is supposed -to have lived at the Corner -of Lynn Street and Henchman's -Lane, as that Corner for a long -Period was known as <i>Aves's Corner</i>. -Savage had never read of <i>Samuel -Aves</i>. Whether he was of the Family -of <i>John Aves</i>, banished for attempting -to burn the Town in 1679, -is not known.—<i>Hist. Boston</i>, 431.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_47_47" id="Footnote_47_47"></a><a href="#FNanchor_47_47"><span class="label">[47]</span></a> Robert Earl was the Prison-keeper -or Jailor of the Town at an -early Period. John Wilkins was -probably the Freeman of 1673. -Of Williams, no certain Trace is -found. Their Obscurity will probably -shield them from further Exposure.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_48_48" id="Footnote_48_48"></a><a href="#FNanchor_48_48"><span class="label">[48]</span></a> Son of Timothy Thornton. -His Occupation was that of a Paver.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_49_49" id="Footnote_49_49"></a><a href="#FNanchor_49_49"><span class="label">[49]</span></a> Perhaps Son of the first William -Hudson, one of the first Settlers -of Boston.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_50_50" id="Footnote_50_50"></a><a href="#FNanchor_50_50"><span class="label">[50]</span></a> Captain <i>John Hill</i>, of whom -Dr. Usher Parsons has given an interesting -and ample Account in the -<i>N. E. Hist. and Gen. Reg.</i> for -April and July, 1858. -</p> -<p> -As a Contrast to the next Sentence -of the Text take this: "Some -of the Indian Pawawes (<i>i. e.</i>, Wizzards) -in this Country, have received -the Gospel, and given Good -Evidence of a True Conversion to -God in Christ, have, with much -Sorrow of Heart, declared how -they had, whilst in their <i>Heathenism</i> -by the Hands of Evil Angels -Murdered their Neighbors."—Dr. -I. Mather, <i>to the Reader in Angelographia</i>. -In the valuable Collection -of Dr. J. S. H. Fogg, of S. -Boston, are many of the Papers -of Capt. Hill, of much Interest on -the Period referred to.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_51_51" id="Footnote_51_51"></a><a href="#FNanchor_51_51"><span class="label">[51]</span></a> -See Vol. <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/files/50204/50204-h/50204-h.htm">I</a>, Page <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/files/50204/50204-h/50204-h.htm#Page_37">37</a>, of these Volumes.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_52_52" id="Footnote_52_52"></a><a href="#FNanchor_52_52"><span class="label">[52]</span></a> The Absurdity of the Practice -of the Courts then in Use, in their -shocking Abuses of accused Persons, -will be found in all its Deformity, -on perusing the Trials of those -Days. The Practice of insulting -and browbeating those on Trial was -according to the Custom of the -English Courts of those Days, and -for a long Time after.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_53_53" id="Footnote_53_53"></a><a href="#FNanchor_53_53"><span class="label">[53]</span></a> Nothing was more common -among those who imagined themselves -bewitched, than the Notion -that they were transformed into -Cats, and other Animals; and that -in those Shapes they attended Witch -Meetings. At such Meetings the -Devil was always present, and acted -as Master of Ceremonies. A very -sure Evidence of Insanity.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_54_54" id="Footnote_54_54"></a><a href="#FNanchor_54_54"><span class="label">[54]</span></a> Called in Captain John Stevens's -<i>Spanish and English Dictionary</i>, -<i>Cahori</i>, which is defined, "one -that pretends to see into the Bowels -of the Earth, through Stone Walls, -or into a Man's Body; a Cheat put -upon the Ignorant." There is something -very similar in our Times, -even leaving out the Founder of the -Mormon Sect.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_55_55" id="Footnote_55_55"></a><a href="#FNanchor_55_55"><span class="label">[55]</span></a> This Work, here often referred -to, was printed in 1689. Its -more extended Title is, <i>Memorable -Providences relating to Witchcraft -and Possessions</i>, in a 16mo. But -few Copies are known to exist.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_56_56" id="Footnote_56_56"></a><a href="#FNanchor_56_56"><span class="label">[56]</span></a> I suppose Mr. Thomas Brattle, -the then Treasurer of Harvard College. -He was a principal Founder -of the Church in Brattle Square, -known by his Name. He wrote -an Account of the Witchcraft of -1692, which laid in Manuscript -about one hundred Years, when -Dr. Belknap caused it to be printed -in Part, in the <i>Colls. Ms. H. Society</i>, -v, 61-80. Mr. Brattle was a -Scholar, a Graduate of Harvard -College, and, like Mr. Calef, a -Merchant of Boston. His Communications -to the Royal Society of -London procured him the Title of -F. R. S. -</p> -<p> -It is possible that the Initial (Mr. -B——) may stand for Gov. Bradstreet; -but I presume Mr. Brattle is -meant.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_57_57" id="Footnote_57_57"></a><a href="#FNanchor_57_57"><span class="label">[57]</span></a> It must have been difficult for -a common-sense Man, as Mr. Calef -was, to hear such Matters treated -seriously in the Pulpit, and keep his -Risibility under complete Controll. -If Thunder and Lightning were the -Work of the Devil, as it seems Mr. -Mather believed, it is not very -strange that he should discover some -very odd Pranks in their Operations. -The Father (Dr. I. Mather) relates, -among his <i>Philosophical Meditations</i>, -that as "a Man was walking, -in August, 1682, in the Field, -near Darking in England, he was -struck with a Clap of Thunder; on -being taken up, his dead Body was -found exceeding hot, and withall -smelling strong of Sulphur, insomuch -that they were forced to drop -him, and let him ly a considerable -Time ere he could be removed. -It is reported that sometimes Thunder -and Lightning has been generated -out of the sulphurous and -bituminous Matter which the firey -Mountain Ætna hath cast forth."</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_58_58" id="Footnote_58_58"></a><a href="#FNanchor_58_58"><span class="label">[58]</span></a> There seems always to have -been great Confusion, and no -less Perplexity, among Believers in -Witchcraft respecting the Parts to be -assigned to the Devil and the Witch -respectively. Sometimes they assure -us that the Devil commissions -the Witch, and sometimes that the -Witch governs the Devil. Hence, -even Believers are very much puzzled -to know <i>what to believe</i>. See -Vol. <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/files/50204/50204-h/50204-h.htm">I</a>, <i>Introd.</i>, Pages <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/files/50204/50204-h/50204-h.htm#Page_xviii">xviii</a>, <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/files/50204/50204-h/50204-h.htm#Page_xix">xix</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_59_59" id="Footnote_59_59"></a><a href="#FNanchor_59_59"><span class="label">[59]</span></a> It would no doubt puzzle the -Devil himself to explain that Term, -<i>Plastic Spirit</i>. It appears to have -been made use of for the same -Reason that a certain Fish discolors -the Water when pursued by an -Enemy. -</p> -<p> -The following Ideas respecting -the Devil then entertained may not -be out of Place in this Connection: -"The Devil is the oldest Sinner, -and the most cursed Creature in all -the World. It is said, Isa. 65, 20. -<i>That the Sinner of an hundred Years -shall be accursed.</i> But then what -shall the Sinner be that is more than -5000 Years old? The Devil and -all the Angels that sinned with him, -are Sinners of above 5000 Years -old, and will therefore become the -most accursed and damned Creatures -in the whole Universe at the -Great Day."—Dr. I. Mather, <i>Angelographia</i>, -120.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_60_60" id="Footnote_60_60"></a><a href="#FNanchor_60_60"><span class="label">[60]</span></a> In Answer to this, the Dr. says: -"The Reason that made me unwilling -to trust any of my Writings in -the Hands of this Man, was because -I saw the <i>Weaver</i> (though he presumes -to call himself a <i>Merchant</i>) -was a Stranger to all the Rules of -Civility." This is the Kind of Answer -which every impartial Reader -will decide, redounds entirely to the -Credit of Mr. Calef, and that <i>Civility</i> -is also altogether on his Side. -Yet, in an Air of Triumph the Doctor -adds: "The <i>Antiscriptural Doctrines</i> -espoused by this Man do also -call for no further Answer."</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_61_61" id="Footnote_61_61"></a><a href="#FNanchor_61_61"><span class="label">[61]</span></a> In this Connection it may be -interesting to have the Views of Dr. -Increase Mather respecting the Attributes -of the Devil. -</p> -<p> -"There were many of them [the -Devils Angels] that were concerned -in that first Transgression and Rebellion -against the Lord. It is said, -Ephes. 2. 3. That the Devil is <i>the -Prince of the Power of the Air</i>. -So that there is a <i>Power</i>, an <i>Host</i>, -a vast <i>Army</i> of those Evil Spirits, -that did joyn with the Devil, in setting -themselves against the Great -God. How many, is not for us to -say, the Written Word of God not -speaking anything as to the Quantity -of their Number; only it is manifest -from the Scripture, that there -are far more Angels that have sinned, -far more Devils than there are -Men in all the World. There is -not a Man in the whole World but -there are Devils to tempt him continually. -And if so, they must needs -be more in Number than Men are. -We read in the Gospel of no less -than a Legion of Devils in one poor -miserable Man. Luk. 8, 30. You -read there of a possesed Man, and -Christ demanded of the Evil Spirit -what his Name was: The chief -Devil among them made Answer, -<i>It is Legion for we are many</i>. A -Legion is six Thousand six Hundred -and Sixty-six. Now then, if the -Devil has such vast Numbers of Infernal -Spirits under him; if he has -such Troops of them, as that he can -spare no less than a Legion to afflict, -and as it were to keep Garrison in -one poor miserable Man: what -prodigious Numbers of Evil Angels -must there needs be."—<i>Angelographia</i>, -111-112. See also <i>The -Devil Discovered</i>, Vol. I, 217-247.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_62_62" id="Footnote_62_62"></a><a href="#FNanchor_62_62"><span class="label">[62]</span></a> Dr. Mather's Animadversions -on these "<i>Ten Articles</i>" should be -read in Connection: "When he -sent about unto all the Ministers -a <i>Libellous Letter</i> against myself, -falsely charging me with writing in -a Manuscript of mine <i>Ten Articles</i> -(which are of his own drawing up) -whereof the chief are of his <i>own -pure Invention</i>, there was not one -of all those reverend Persons, who -thought him worthy of an Answer. -And now his Book is come abroad, -I cannot hear (and many observe -the Like) of so much as one vertuous -and sensible Man, but let -their Opinions about the <i>Salem</i> -Troubles be what they will, they -detest it, as, a <i>Vile Book</i>; as being -an intire Libel upon the whole -<i>Government</i> and <i>Ministry</i> in the -Land; yea, they think it beneath a -Minister of the Gospel to bestow -the Pains of an <i>Answer</i> upon it. -The Book serves but as an Engine -to discover (by their approbation -of it) a few Persons in the Land -that will distinguish themselves by -an exalted <i>Malignity</i>." <i>Some Few -Remarks on a Scandalous Book</i>, 34-5.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_63_63" id="Footnote_63_63"></a><a href="#FNanchor_63_63"><span class="label">[63]</span></a> The Supposition was correct. -There was an Edition of the Work -referred to, printed in Philadelphia in -1692, in a small Quarto of 16 Pages. -Upon this Letter and the Work of -Mr. Willard Dr. Mather remarks, -evidently under great Excitement -and Indignation as respects the Former: -"I remember that when this -miserable Man sent unto an eminent -Minister in the Town, a <i>Libellous -Letter</i>, reflecting both on a Judicious -Discourse written by him, and -on the Holy Proposals made by the -Præsident and Fellows of <i>Harvard-College</i>, -about <i>recording of Remarkable -Providences</i>, and when he demanded -and expected an Answer -to his Follies, that Reverend Person -only said <i>Go tell him That the Answer -to him and his Letter is in the -Twenty Sixth of the Proverbs, and -the Fourth</i>." -</p> -<p> -Mr. Willard's Silence was undoubtedly -owing to a very different -Cause than that given by Dr. Mather. -It is fairly inferable that Mr. -Willard was too good a Logician -not to see that Mr. Calef's Argument -did not admit of Refutation, -and that his own Reputation would -be best conserved by Silence.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_64_64" id="Footnote_64_64"></a><a href="#FNanchor_64_64"><span class="label">[64]</span></a> Concerning this curious Paper, -Quincy, in <i>Hist. Harvard College</i>, -remarks: "As the Belief in the -Agency of the Invisible World began -to lessen, and some of those, -who were the chief Actors in the -Tragedy, to feel the Weight of -public Indignation pressing upon -them, they being Members of the -Corporation, brought this Body into -the Field for the Purpose of giving -Countenance to that Belief, and -of sustaining this decaying Faith." -This was "prepared by both the -Mathers, and signed by the whole -Board, and circulated throughout -New England."—Vol. I, <i>Page</i> 62. -The Signers will all be found duly -noticed in Dr. Allen's <i>Biographical -Dictionary</i>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_65_65" id="Footnote_65_65"></a><a href="#FNanchor_65_65"><span class="label">[65]</span></a> It will be remembered that the -President (Mather) had published -a Volume of <i>Remarkable Providences</i>, -which, doubtless, met with -a ready Sale, and induced a Desire -for another.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_66_66" id="Footnote_66_66"></a><a href="#FNanchor_66_66"><span class="label">[66]</span></a> To which of the Justices the -Author refers is not certain, as Mr. -Danforth and Mr. Saltonstall, two -of them, were dead when he wrote. -The Latter died in 1694, and the -Former in 1699.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_67_67" id="Footnote_67_67"></a><a href="#FNanchor_67_67"><span class="label">[67]</span></a> "That furious Marshal" was -<i>George Herrick</i>, who, in October, -1692, stated, that "for nine Months -his whole Time had been consumed -as Marshal and Deputy Sheriff, in -Cases of Witchcraft."—Felt, <i>Annals -of Salem</i>, ii, 480. The Death -of George Herrick is noticed in -the Herrick Genealogy, as having -occurred in 1695, but nothing is -said of any Casualty. Mr. Savage -supposes Him to be the same who -came over in 1685, in the Ship -with John Dunton, who, John says -saved his Life at Sea.—<i>Life and -Errors</i>, 126-7.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_68_68" id="Footnote_68_68"></a><a href="#FNanchor_68_68"><span class="label">[68]</span></a> Richard Baxter. William -Bates, D.D., preached an excellent -Sermon on the Death of the great -Divine, and gives an Account of -his Books, but says nothing of that -whose Title is given above; doubtless -for the same Reason mentioned -by our Author, namely: that it -was written or assented to by him -in his Dotage. Dr. Bates was a -Friend and Acquaintance of Dr. -Increase Mather. In his Sermon, -above cited, he says: "I went to -Mr. Baxter with a very worthy -Friend, Mr. Mather, of New England, -the Day before he died; and, -speaking some comforting Words to -him, he replied, 'I have Pain; -there is no arguing against Sense; -but I have Peace.' To Mr. Mather, -he said, 'I bless God that you -have accomplisht your Business, the -Lord prolong your Life.'"—<i>Page</i> -129-30. See Page 11 of this Volume -for the Author's sensible Remarks -on Mr. Baxter's Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_69_69" id="Footnote_69_69"></a><a href="#FNanchor_69_69"><span class="label">[69]</span></a> The Days of certain Weeks -set apart by the Roman Catholic -Church for Fasting and Prayer, in -the four Seasons of the Year. -Wednesday, Friday and Saturday -after the first Sunday in Lent, the -Feast of Whitsuntide, the 14th of -September, and the 13th of December, -are the <i>Ember-days</i>; and -the Weeks in which they occur are -<i>Ember-weeks</i>. "Ember-days were -so called, from the Word Ember, -<i>i. e.</i>, Ashes; because in old Times -the Fathers us'd to sprinkle themselves -with Ashes; or from the Custom -of eating nothing on those -Days till Night, and then only a -Cake, baked under the <i>Embers</i>, -which was thence called <i>Ember-bread</i>."—<i>Phillips -and Kersey</i>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_70_70" id="Footnote_70_70"></a><a href="#FNanchor_70_70"><span class="label">[70]</span></a> See Note <a href="#Footnote_64_64">64</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_71_71" id="Footnote_71_71"></a><a href="#FNanchor_71_71"><span class="label">[71]</span></a> The <i>Ethnics</i> or <i>Ethnicks</i>. The -Gentiles of ancient Times were -denominated <i>Ethnics</i>. All Unbelievers -in the Religion of the Jews -and Christians.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_72_72" id="Footnote_72_72"></a><a href="#FNanchor_72_72"><span class="label">[72]</span></a> A Sect of Philosophers who took -their Name from a Person named -<i>Manichæus</i>, or Manes. Manes flourished -about A.D. 277, and his <span class="err" title="original: Docrine">Doctrine</span> -or Philosophy spread chiefly in -Arabia, Egypt and Africa. He -taught that Light was the Origin of -all Good, and that in Darkness originated -all Evil. <i>Maniche</i> is not -unlike <i>God</i> among the Indians.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_73_73" id="Footnote_73_73"></a><a href="#FNanchor_73_73"><span class="label">[73]</span></a> Had the Author lived to this -Time he would have seen that his -Hopes were much further from being -realized than he could have anticipated. -Many Years ago, a noted -Indian Chief, on being importuned -respecting Christianity, and urged to -adopt it in his Tribe, replied that -"It might do for White People, -but it did not suit Indians." -</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_74_74" id="Footnote_74_74"></a><a href="#FNanchor_74_74"><span class="label">[74]</span></a> Alexander Ross, a Scotchman, -a very voluminous Author, though -a Prelate and possessed of much and -varied Learning, is meagrely noticed -in Biographical Works. He continued -Sir Walter Ralegh's History -of the World, in a large folio; wrote -"a View of the Religions of the -World;" "Virgilii Evangelisantis -Christiados, Librii xiii," &c. little -known. The Work referred to in the -Text is entitled "Mystagogus Poeticus, -or the Muse's Interpreter: Explaining -the Historical Mystteries, -and Mystical Histories of the Ancient -Greek and Latin Poets," &c. -a fifth Edition of which was published -in 1672. Notwithstanding -his immense literary Labours, he is -unknown to Thousands of the present -Day, beyond those <i>anachronismical</i> -Lines in Hudibras: -</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div class="i0">"There was an ancient sage Philosopher</div> -<div class="i0">That had read Alexander Ross over."</div> -</div></div> - </div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_75_75" id="Footnote_75_75"></a><a href="#FNanchor_75_75"><span class="label">[75]</span></a> Some Person once put into the -Hands of the since famous James -Howell a Manuscript, attempting -to disprove the Existence of Witches. -In writing to his Friend, Sir -Edward Spencer, soon after, Howell -said: "I will not say that this Gentleman -is so perverse; but to deny -there are any Witches, to deny that -there are not ill Spirits which seduce, -tamper and converse in divers -Shapes with human Creatures, and -impel them to Actions of Malice, I -say, that he who denies there are -such busy Spirits, and such poor -passive Creatures upon whom they -work, which commonly are called -Witches; I say again, that he who -denies there are such Spirits, shews -that he himself hath a Spirit of -Contradiction in him, opposing the -current and consentient Opinion of -all Antiquity." James wrote this -Nonsense in 1647. Most certainly -if our Affairs are to be measured -by the Laws and Usages of Antiquity, -all Advancement in Knowledge -is a Crime; and instead of -being tolerated, should be prevented -by the same sanguinary Laws then -in use. Fortunately some Improvement -is discernible.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_76_76" id="Footnote_76_76"></a><a href="#FNanchor_76_76"><span class="label">[76]</span></a> Mr. Wadsworth was Minister -of the First Church in Boston from -1696 to 1725, when he became -President of Harvard College. He -was Son of Capt. Samuel Wadsworth -of Milton, who fell in the -bloody Fight at Sudbury, April the -21st, 1676. And here it may be -noted that President Wadsworth, -praiseworthily and in filial Duty, -erected a Monument to his father's -Memory, at Sudbury, on the Site -of the fierce Conflict, in which he -ended his Life; but from some Cause -easily explained, fixed the Date of -his father's Death on April 18th; -See <i>N. E. Hist. and Gen. Reg.</i> for -1853, p. 221, where the Cause of -the Error is explained. There has -been a feeble Attempt to maintain -the old Date, because it happened -ignorantly to be placed upon a new -Monument which replaced the old -One in 1852. This Attempt has -been admitted into the Register for -1866, page 135-141, as unaccountably -as the Date on the New -Monument. -</p> -<p> -President Wadsworth, though a -Believer in Witchcraft, did not encourage -the Proceedings and Prosecutions.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_77_77" id="Footnote_77_77"></a><a href="#FNanchor_77_77"><span class="label">[77]</span></a> The Author undoubtedly refers -to Dr. Mather the Younger, -though his Meaning is left rather -obscure. The <i>Old Meeting</i> may -be supposed to mean that of the -oldest Church; but of that, Mr. -Wadsworth himself was the Minister.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_78_78" id="Footnote_78_78"></a><a href="#FNanchor_78_78"><span class="label">[78]</span></a> The Defenders of Dr. Mather's -<i>Wonders</i>, &c., remark: "After -that those our Honourable Judges -(fearing least wrong Steps might -have been taken) had thus set apart -a Day for solemn Humiliation before -the Lord, humbly Imploring -His Pardon for what might have -been done amiss; for him to repeat -that Matter, and set it out with imperfect -Relations and odious Aggravations, -thereby intending to render -the Land, and the Judges obnoxious -(tho all the Learning that -he and wiser Men than he, pretend -unto, is insufficient to dive to the -Bottom of the Matter,) and for -him to speak as he does of the -<span class="err" title="original: Hononrable">Honorable</span> Persons, as <i>Men obstinate -in an Error, and involved in -the Guilt of the Blood shed by Pagans -and Papists before them</i>: what -shall we think of it, but that 'tis inhumane, -and fit for none but a <i>Servant</i> -of the worst Master? One -would have thought, that the <i>Fear -of God</i> (if he has any) should have -darted that Scripture into his Mind, -Exod. 22. 28. <i>Thou shalt not speak -Evil of the Ruler of thy People.</i>"—<i>Answer -to a Scandalous Book</i>, &c. -Paternity of Extract unmistakable.</p></div></div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 class="bt">PART III.</h2> - -<h3><i>An Account of the Differences in</i> SALEM -<i>Village</i>.</h3> - -<p class="dropcap">THE Reasons why we withdraw from Communion -with the Church of <i>Salem</i> Village, -both as to hearing the word Preached, and from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">141</a></span> -partaking with them at the Lord's Table, are as -followeth.</p> - -<p>Why we attend not on publick Prayer, and -preaching the word, there are,</p> - -<p>[56] 1. <i>The Distracting, and Disturbing tumults, -and noises made by the persons under Diabolical -Power and delusions; preventing sometimes our -hearing, understanding, and profiting by the word -preached. We having after many Trials, and Experiences -found no redress in this matter, <span class="errauthor" title="read: accounted">accountea</span> -ourselves under a necessity to go where we might hear -the word in quiet.</i></p> - -<p>2. <i>The apprehension of danger of ourselves, being -accused as the Devil's Instruments, to afflict the persons -complaining, we seeing those that we have reason -to esteem better than ourselves thus accused, blemished, -and of their lives bereaved: for seeing this, thought -it our prudence to withdraw.</i></p> - -<p>3. <i>We found so frequent and positive preaching -up some Principles and Practices by Mr.</i> Parris,<a name="FNanchor_79_79" id="FNanchor_79_79"></a><a href="#Footnote_79_79" class="fnanchor">[79]</a> -<i>referring to the dark and dismal mystery of Iniquity -working among us, was not profitable, but offensive</i>.</p> - -<p>4. <i>Neither could we in Conscience join with Mr.</i> -Parris, <i>in many of the Requests which he made in -Prayer, referring to the trouble then among us and -upon us; therefore thought it our most safe and -peaceable way to withdraw</i>.</p> -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">142</a></span> -<i>The Reasons why we hold not Communion with them -at the Lord's Table, are because we find ourselves -justly aggrieved, and offended with the Officer, -who does administer, for the Reasons following.</i></p> - -<p>1. <i>From his declared and published Principles, referring -to our molestations from the Invisible World: -Differing from the Opinion of the generality of the -Orthodox Ministers of the Country.</i></p> - -<p>2. <i>His easie and strong Faith and Belief of the -before-mentioned Accusations, made by those called -the Afflicted.</i></p> - -<p>3. <i>His laying aside that grace (which above all -we are to put on,) viz. Charity towards his Neighbours, -and especially those of his Church, when there -is no apparent reason, but for the contrary.</i></p> - -<p>4. <i>His approving and practicing unwarrantable -and ungrounded methods, for discovering what he was -desirous to know, referring to the bewitched, or possessed -persons, as in bringing some to others, and by -them pretending to inform himself and others, who -were the Devil's instruments to afflict the sick and -maimed.</i></p> - -<p>5. <i>His unsafe unaccountable Oath, given by him -against sundry of the accused.</i></p> - -<p>6. <i>His not rendering to the World so fair (if so -true) account of what he wrote on Examination of -the afflicted.</i></p> - -<p>7. <i>Sundry unsafe (if sound points of Doctrine delivered -in his Preaching) which we find not warrantable -(if Christian.)</i></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">143</a></span> - -8. <i>His persisting in these Principles, and justifying -his Practice; not rendering any satisfaction -to us, when regularly desired, but rather offending, -and dissatisfying ourselves.</i></p> - -<p>[<a id="a57a"></a>57] We whose Names are under written, -heard this Paper read to our Pastor, Mr. <i>Samuel -Parris</i>, the 21<i>st</i> of <i>April</i>, 1693.</p> - -<ul> -<li><i>Nathaniel Jigarson</i>,<a name="FNanchor_80_80" id="FNanchor_80_80"></a><a href="#Footnote_80_80" class="fnanchor">[80]</a> -</li> -<li><i>Edward Pulman</i>, </li> -<li><i>Aaron Way</i>, </li> -<li><i>William Way</i>,</li> -<li><i>Peter Cloyce</i>, Seniour. </li> -<li><i>Samuel Nurce</i>,</li> -<li><i>John Jarboll</i>, </li> -<li><i>Thomas Wilkins</i>. </li> -</ul> - -<hr class="tb" /> -<h3><i>Mr.</i> Parris's <i>Acknowledgment</i>.</h3> - -<p class="dropcap">FOR as much as it is the undoubted duty of all -Christians to pursue Peace, <i>Psal.</i> xxxiv. 14. -even to a reaching of it, if it be possible, <i>Amos</i> -xii. 18, 19. And whereas through the righteous, -Sovereign, and awful Providence of God, the -grand Enemy to all Christian Peace, has been of -late tremendously let loose in divers places hereabout, -and more especially among our sinful selves, -not only to interrupt that partial peace which we -did sometimes enjoy, but also through his wiles -and temptations, and our weakness, and corruptions, -to make wider breaches, and raise more -bitter Animosities between too many of us. In -which dark and difficult dispensations, we have -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">144</a></span>been all or most of us of one mind for a time; and -afterwards of differing apprehensions. And at -last we are but in the dark, upon serious thoughts -of all; and after many Prayers, I have been moved -to present to you (my beloved Flock) the following -particulars, in way of Contribution towards a -regaining of Christian Concord; if so be we be -not altogether unappeaseable, irreconcileable, and -so destitute of that good Spirit, which is first pure, -then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, -<i>James</i> iii. 17. viz.</p> - -<p>1. In that the Lord ordered the late horrid -calamity<a name="FNanchor_81_81" id="FNanchor_81_81"></a><a href="#Footnote_81_81" class="fnanchor">[81]</a> (which afterward plague-like spread -in many other places) to break out first in my -Family, I cannot but look upon as a very sore -rebuke, and humbling providence, both to myself -and mine, and desire some may improve it.</p> - -<p>2. In that also in my Family were some of -both parties, <i>viz.</i> Accusers and Accused, I look -also upon as an aggravation of that rebuke, as an -addition of Wormwood to the Gall.</p> - -<p>3. In the means which were used in my Family, -though totally unknown to me or mine (except -Servants) till afterwards, to raise Spirits and -Apparitions in no better than a Diabolical way, -I do also look upon as a further rebuke of Divine -Providence. And by all, I do humbly own this -day before the Lord and his People, that God -has been righteously spitting in my face, <i>Numb.</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">145</a></span>xii. 14. And I desire to lye low under all this -reproach, and to lay my hand on my mouth.</p> - -<p>[58] 4. As to the management of these Mysteries, -as far as concerns myself, I am very desirous -upon further light to own any errors I have -therein fallen into, and can come to a discerning -of; in the mean while I do acknowledge upon -after-considerations, that were the same troubles -again, (which the Lord of his rich mercy forever -prevent) I should not agree with my former -apprehensions in all points. As for Instance,</p> - -<p>1. I question not but God sometimes suffers -the Devil, as of late, to afflict in shape of not -only Innocent, but Pious persons, or so to delude -the Senses of the afflicted, that they strongly conceit -their hurt is from such persons, when indeed -it is not.</p> - -<p>2. The improving of one afflicted to inquire -by who afflicts the other, I fear may be, and has -been unlawfully used to Satan's great Advantage.</p> - -<p>3. As to my writing, it was put upon me by -Authority, and therein I have been very careful -to avoid the wronging of any.</p> - -<p>4. As to my Oath I never meant it, nor do I -know how it can be otherwise construed, than as -vulgarly, and every one understood, yea, and -upon inquiry it may be found so worded also.</p> - -<p>5. As to any passage in preaching, or praying -in the sore hour of distress and darkness, I always -intended but due Justice on each hand, and that -not according to Men but God; who knows all<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">146</a></span> -things most perfectly; however through weakness, -or sore exercise, I might sometimes, yea and -possibly sundry times unadvisedly express myself.</p> - -<p>6. As to several that have confessed against -themselves, they being wholly strangers to me, -but yet of good account with better Men than -myself, to whom also they are well known, I do -not pass so much as a secret condemnation upon -them. But rather seeing God hath so amazingly -lengthened out Satan's Chain, in this most formidable -outrage, I much more incline to side -with the Opinion of those that have grounds to -hope better of them.</p> - -<p>7. As to all that have unduly suffered in these -matters, either in their Persons or Relations, -through the clouds of human weakness, and Satan's -wiles and sophistry, I do truly sympathize -with them, taking it for granted, that such as -know themselves clear of this great transgression, -or that have sufficient grounds so to look upon -their dear Friends, have hereby been under those -sore tryals and temptations, that not an ordinary -measure of true grace would be sufficient to prevent -a bewraying of remaining corruption.</p> - -<p>8. I am very much in the mind, and abundantly -perswaded that God for holy ends (though -for what in particular, is best known to himself) -has suffered the Evil Angels to delude us on both -hands; but how far on the one side, or the other, -is much above me to say, and if we cannot reconcile -till we come to a full discerning of these<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">147</a></span> -things, I fear we shall never come to an agreement, -or at soonest not in this World.</p> - -<p>[<a id="a59a"></a>59] Therefore in fine, the matter being so -dark and perplexed, as that there is no present -appearance, that all God's Servants should be altogether -of one mind in all circumstances, touching -the same; I do most heartily, fervently, and humbly -beseech pardon of the merciful God, through -the Blood of Christ for all my mistakes and trespasses -in so weighty a matter. And also all your -forgiveness of every offence, in this or other -affairs, wherein you see or conceived that I have -erred and offended, professing in the presence of -the Almighty God, that what I have done has -been as for substance as I apprehended was [my] -duty, however thro' weakness, Ignorance, <i>&c.</i> I -may have been mistaken. I also thro' grace -promising each of you the like of me; so again -I beg, intreat, and beseech you, that Satan, the -Devil, the roaring Lion, the old Dragon, the -Enemy of all Righteousness, may no longer be -served by us, by our Envy and Strifes, where every -evil work prevails whilst these bear sway, <i>James</i> -iii. 14, 15, 16. But that all from this day forward -may be covered with the mantle of love, -and we may on all hands forgive each other -heartily, sincerely and thoroughly, as we do hope -and pray, that God for Christ's sake would forgive -each of ourselves, <i>Mat.</i> xviii. 21. to the end. -<i>Colos.</i> iii. 12, 13. <i>Put on therefore</i> (<i>as the elect of -God, holy and beloved</i>) <i>bowels of mercies, kindness,</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">148</a></span> -<i>humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; Forbearing -one another, and forgiving one another, if -any man have a quarrel against any, even as Christ -forgave you, so also do ye.</i> Eph. iv. 31, 32. <i>Let -all bitterness, and anger, and clamour, and evil-speaking -be put away from you with all malice. -And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving -one another, even as God for Christ's sake, -hath forgiven you.</i> Amen. Amen.</p> - -<p class="right"> -Samuel Parris. -</p> - -<p>Given to the Dissenting Brethren, for their consideration -of, at their request. <i>Nov.</i> 26, 1694.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<h3><i>The Elders and Messengers of the churches -met at</i> Salem <i>Village</i>, April 3, 1695, <i>to -consider and determine what is to be done, -for the composure of the present unhappy -differences in that place. After solemn -invocation of God in Christ for his direction, -do unanimously declare, as followeth</i>, -viz.</h3> - -<p><span class="dropcap"><span class="dropfix">1.</span> W</span>E judge that all be it in the late and dark -time of the confusions, wherein Satan -had obtained a more than ordinary liberty, to -be sifting of this Plantation, there were sundry unwarrantable, -and uncomfortable steps, taken by -Mr. <i>Samuel Parris</i>, the Pastor of the Church in -<i>Salem</i> Village, then under the hurrying distractions<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">149</a></span> -of amazing Afflictions; yet the said Mr. <i>Parris</i>, -by the good hand of God brought unto a better -sense of things, hath so fully exprest it, that a -Christian charity may and should receive satisfaction -therewith.</p> - -<p>[60] 2. Inasmuch as diverse Christian Brethren, -in the Church of <i>Salem</i> Village, have been -offended at Mr. <i>Parris</i>, for his conduct in the -time of their difficulties, which have distressed -them; we now advise them Charitably to accept -the satisfaction which he hath tendered in his -Christian acknowledgment of the Errors therein -committed; yea to endeavour, as far as it is possible, -the fullest reconciliation of their minds unto -Communion with him, in the whole Exercise of -his Ministry, and with the rest of the Church, -<i>Matt.</i> vi. 12, 14. <i>Luke</i> xvii. 3. <i>James</i> v. 16.</p> - -<p>3. Considering the extream tryals and troubles, -which the dissatisfied Brethren in the Church of -<i>Salem</i> Village have undergone, in the day of sore -temptation, which hath been upon them; we -cannot but advise the Church to treat them with -bowels of much compassion, instead of all more -critical, or rigorous proceedings against them for -the Infirmities discovered by them, in such an -heart-breaking day; and if after a patient waiting -for it, the said Brethren cannot so far overcome -the uneasiness of their Spirits, in the remembrance -of the disasters that have hapned, as to sit under -his Ministry; we advise the Church with all -tenderness to grant them admission to any other<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">150</a></span> -Society of the Faithful, whereunto they may be -desired to be dismist. <i>Gal.</i> vi. 1, 2. <i>Psal.</i> ciii. 13, -14. <i>Job</i> xix. 21.</p> - -<p>4. Mr. <i>Parris</i> having (as we understand) with -much fidelity and integrity acquitted himself, in -the main course of his Ministry, since he hath -been Pastor of the Church of <i>Salem</i> Village; -about his first call whereunto, we look upon all -contestations now to be both unreasonable and -unseasonable: And our Lord having made him a -blessing to the Souls of not a few, both old and -young in this place, we advise that he be accordingly -respected, honour'd and supported, with all -the regards that are due to a painful Minister of -the gospel. 1 <i>Thes.</i> v. 12, 13. 1 <i>Tim.</i> v. 17.</p> - -<p>5. Having observed that there is in <i>Salem</i> Village, -a Spirit full of contention and animosity, too -sadly verifying the blemish which hath heretofore -lain upon them: And that some complaints -against Mr. <i>Parris</i> have been either causeless, or -groundless, or unduly aggravated; we do in the -name and fear of the Lord solemnly warn them -to consider, whether if they continue to devour -one another it will not be bitterness in the latter -end, and beware lest the Lord be provoked thereby -utterly to deprive them of those (which they -should count) their precious and pleasant things, -and abandon them to all the desolations of a People -that sin away the Mercies of the Gospel. -<i>James</i> iii. 16. <i>Gal.</i> v. 15. 2 <i>Sam.</i> ii. 26. <i>Isa.</i> -v. 45. <i>Mat.</i> xxi. 43.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">151</a></span> - -6. If the Distempers in <i>Salem</i> Village should -be (which God forbid) so incurable, that Mr. -<i>Parris</i> after all find that he cannot with any -comfort and service continue in his present Station, -his removal from thence will [<a id="a61a"></a>61] not expose -him to any hard Character with us; nor we hope -with the rest of the People of God, among whom -we live. <i>Matt.</i> x. 14. <i>Acts</i> xxii. 18. All which -advice we follow, with our Prayers that the God -of Peace would bruise Satan under our Feet; now -the Lord of Peace himself give you Peace always -by all means.</p> - -<ul> -<li><i>Jos. Bridgham</i>,<a name="FNanchor_82_82" id="FNanchor_82_82"></a><a href="#Footnote_82_82" class="fnanchor">[82]</a> -</li> -<li><i>Samuel Chickley</i>,</li> -<li><i>William Tory</i>, </li> -<li><i>Jos. Boynton</i>,</li> -<li><i>Richard Middlecutt</i>, </li> -<li><i>John Walley</i>, </li> -<li><i>Jer. Dummer</i>, </li> -<li><i>Neh. Jewitt</i>,</li> -<li><i>Ephr. Hunt</i>, </li> -<li><i>Nath. Williams</i>,</li> -<li><i>Incr. Mather</i>, </li> -<li><i>Samuel Phillips</i>, </li> -<li><i>James Allen</i>, </li> -<li><i>Samuel Tory</i>, </li> -<li><i>Samuel Willard</i>, </li> -<li><i>Edward Paison</i>, </li> -<li><i>Cotton Mather</i>. </li> -</ul> - -<hr class="tb" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">152</a></span></p> -<h3>To the Reverend Elders of the Three -Churches of Christ, at <i>Boston</i>, with -others the Elders and Brethren of other -Churches, late of a Council at <i>Salem</i> -Village.</h3> - -<p class="dropcap">WE <i>whose Names are hereunto Subscribed, are -bold once more to trouble you with our humble -Proposals. That whereas there has been long -and uncomfortable differences among us, chiefly relating -to Mr.</i> Parris; <i>and we having, as we apprehend, -attended all probable means for a composure of our -troubles; and whereas we had hopes of an happy -Issue, by your endeavors among us, but now are utterly -frustrated of our Expectations, and that instead -of uniting, our rent is made worse, and our breach -made wider.</i></p> - -<p><i>We humbly Query, Whether yourselves being -streightned of time, might not omit such satisfactory -liberty of debating the whole of our Controversie; -whereby yourselves had not so large an opportunity -of understanding the Case; nor the offended so much -reason to be satisfied in your advice: We therefore -humbly propose, and give full liberty of proving and -defending of what may be charged on either hand, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">153</a></span>leaving it to yourselves to appoint both time and -place.</i></p> - -<p>1. <i>That if yourselves please to take the trouble -with patience once more to hear the whole Case.</i></p> - -<p>2. <i>Or that you will more plainly advise Mr.</i> Parris, -(<i>the Case being so circumstanced, that he cannot -with comfort or profit, to himself or others, abide in -the Work of the Ministry among us</i>) <i>to cease his -labours, and seek to dispose himself elsewhere, as God -in his Providence may direct: and that yourselves -would please to help us in advising to such a choice, -wherein we may be more unanimous; which we hope -would tend much to a composure of our differences.</i></p> - -<p>3. <i>Or, that we may without any offence take the -liberty of calling some other proved Minister of the -Gospel, to Preach the Word of God to us and ours:</i> -[<a id="a62a"></a>62] <i>and that we may not be denied our proportionable -privilege, in our publick disbursments in the -place.</i></p> - -<p>So leaving the whole case with the Lord and -yourselves, we Subscribe our Names. Signed by -16 young Men, from 16 upwards; and 52 Housholders, -and 18 Church Members. This was -delivered to the Ministers, <i>May</i> 3, 1695.<a name="FNanchor_83_83" id="FNanchor_83_83"></a><a href="#Footnote_83_83" class="fnanchor">[83]</a></p> - -<hr class="tb" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">154</a></span></p> -<h3><i>The Copy of a Paper that was handed about -touching those Differences.</i></h3> - -<p class="dropcap">AS to the contest between Mr. <i>Parris</i> and his -Hearers, <i>&c.</i> it may be composed by a Satisfactory -Answer, to <i>Levit.</i> xx. 6. <i>And the Soul -that turneth after such as have familiar Spirits, -and after Wizzards, to go a whoring after them, -I will even set my face against that Soul; and will -cut him off from among his People.</i> 1 Chron. x. -13, 14. <i>So Saul died for his transgression, which he -committed against the Lord, even against the word of -the Lord, which he kept not, and also for asking -Counsil of one that had a familiar Spirit to inquire -of it. And inquired not of the Lord, therefore he -slew him, &c.</i><a name="FNanchor_84_84" id="FNanchor_84_84"></a><a href="#Footnote_84_84" class="fnanchor">[84]</a></p> - -<hr class="tb" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">155</a></span></p> -<h3>Some part of the Determination of the -Elders and Messengers of the Churches, -met at <i>Salem</i> Village, <i>April</i> 3, 1695, -relating to the Differences there. </h3> - -<p class="dropcap">IF <i>the Distemper in</i> Salem <i>Village should be</i> (which -God forbid) <i>so incurable that Mr.</i> Parris <i>after -all, find that he cannot with any comfort and service -continue in this present station, his removal from -thence will not expose him to any hard Character -with us</i> (<i>nor we hope</i>) <i>with the rest of the People of -God, among whom we live</i>, Mat. x. 14. And whosoever -shall not receive you, nor hear your words; -when you depart out of that house, or city, shake -off the dust of your feet, <i>&c.</i> Acts xxii. 18. -<i>All which Advice we follow with our Prayers, -that the God of Peace would bruise Satan under our -feet, Now the Lord of Peace give you Peace always, -by all means, &c.</i></p> - -<p><i>Quest.</i> Whether Mr. <i>Parris</i> his going to <i>Abi<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">156</a></span>gail -Williams</i><a name="FNanchor_85_85" id="FNanchor_85_85"></a><a href="#Footnote_85_85" class="fnanchor">[85]</a> (and others) whom he supposed to -have a Spectral sight (to be informed who were -Witches and who afflicted those pretended sufferers -by Witchcraft) in order to their being questioned -upon their lives for it, were not a turning -after such as had familiar Spirits; and a greater -wickedness than <i>Saul</i> was guilty of (in that he -did not intend thereby bodily hurt to any others.)</p> - -<p>And whether in a crime of such a high nature, -the making a slender and general confession, without -any proposals of reparations, or due time of -probation, ought so far to be accounted sufficient, -from such a Pastor to his People.</p> - -<p>[<a id="a63a"></a>63] And whether such as were accused, or -the surviving Friends and Relations of those that -were any ways sufferers, by Accusations so by him -proved, are in duty and conscience bound to continue -their respect, honour and support to him, in -the Ministry, after such known departures from -the Rule of Gods word, and after such dire effects -as followed thereupon, under the penalty <i>of -the dust shaken from his feet</i>, testifying against -them, even so as to render them in a worse case -than those of <i>Sodom</i> and <i>Gomorrah</i>.</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">157</a></span></p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<h3 class="hang"><i>To the Honourable</i> Wait Winthrop,<a name="FNanchor_86_86" id="FNanchor_86_86"></a><a href="#Footnote_86_86" class="fnanchor">[86]</a> Elisha -Cook,<a name="FNanchor_87_87" id="FNanchor_87_87"></a><a href="#Footnote_87_87" class="fnanchor">[87]</a> <i>and</i> Samuel Sewall, <i>Esquires, -Arbitrators indifferently chosen, between -Mr.</i> Samuel Parris, <i>and the inhabitants -of</i> Salem <i>Village</i>.</h3> - -<p class="dropcap">THE Remonstrances of several aggrieved persons -in the said Village, with further reasons -why they conceive they ought not to hear Mr. -<i>Parris</i>, nor to own him as a Minister of the -Gospel, nor to contribute any support to him as -such, for several Years past; humbly offered as fit -for consideration.</p> - -<p>We humbly conceive that having in <i>April</i> 1693, -given our Reasons why we could not join with -Mr. <i>Parris</i> in Prayer, Preaching, or Sacraments. -If these Reasons are found sufficient for our withdrawing, -(and we cannot yet find but they are) -Then we conceive ourselves virtually discharged, -not only in Conscience, but also in Law; which -requires maintenance to be given to such as are -Orthodox, and blameless. The said Mr. <i>Parris</i> -having been teaching such dangerous Errors, and -preached such scandalous Immoralities, as ought -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">158</a></span>to discharge any (tho ever so gifted otherways) -from the work of the Ministry.</p> - -<p>Particularly in his Oath against the lives of -several, wherein he swears that the Prisoners with -their looks knock down those pretended sufferers. -We humbly conceive, that he that Swears to -more than he is certain of, is equally guilty of -Perjury, with him that Swears to what is false. -And tho they did fall at such a time, yet it could -not be known that they did it, much less could -they be certain of it; yet did Swear positively -against the lives of such, as he could not have any -knowledge but they might be Innocent.</p> - -<p>His believing the Devil's Accusations, and readily -departing from all Charity to persons, tho of -blameless and godly lives, upon such suggestions, -his promoting such Accusations, as also his partiality -therein, in stifling the Accusations of some, -and the same time vigilantly promoting others; -as we conceive are just causes for our refusal, <i>&c.</i></p> - -<p>That Mr. <i>Parris's</i> going to <i>Mary Walcut</i>,<a name="FNanchor_88_88" id="FNanchor_88_88"></a><a href="#Footnote_88_88" class="fnanchor">[88]</a> or -<i>Abigail Williams</i>, and directing others to them, to -know who afflicted the People in their illnesses; -[<a id="a64a"></a>64] we understand this to be a dealing with -them that have a familiar spirit, and an implicit -denying the providence of God, which alone, as -we believe, can send Afflictions, or cause Devils -to Afflict any; this we also conceive sufficient to -justifie such refusal.</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">159</a></span></p> -<p>That Mr. <i>Parris</i> by these Practices and Principles, -has been the beginner and procurer of the -sorest Afflictions, not to this Village only, but to -this whole Country, that did ever befal them.</p> - -<p>We the Subscribers, in behalf of ourselves, and -of several others of the same mind with us -(touching these things) having some of us had -our Relations by these practices taken off by an -untimely Death; others have been imprisoned, -and suffered in our Persons, Reputations, and Estates; -submit the whole to your Honours decision, -to determine whether we are or ought to be any -ways obliged to honour, respect and support such -an Instrument of our miseries; praying God to -guide your Honours, to act herein, as may be for -his Glory, and the future settlement of our Village, -in Amity and Unity.</p> - -<table summary="signatures"> -<tr><td><span class="smcap">John Tarball</span>,<a name="FNanchor_89_89" id="FNanchor_89_89"></a><a href="#Footnote_89_89" class="fnanchor">[89]</a> -</td> -<td class="bt bb br" rowspan="4"> </td> - <td rowspan="4">Attornies for the people of the Village.</td> </tr> -<tr><td><span class="smcap">Samuel Nurse</span>,</td></tr> -<tr><td><span class="smcap">Jos. Putnam</span>, </td></tr> -<tr><td><span class="smcap">Dan. Andrew</span>,</td></tr> -</table> - -<p> -Boston, July 21, 1697. -</p> - -<p>According to the order of the aforesaid arbitrators, -the said Mr. <i>Parris</i>, had some of his arrears -paid him, as also a sum of money for his repairs -of the ministerial house of the said Village, and -is dismissed therefrom.</p> -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="footnotes"><h3><b>FOOTNOTES:</b></h3> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_79_79" id="Footnote_79_79"></a><a href="#FNanchor_79_79"><span class="label">[79]</span></a> -A brief Article on this deluded -Man will be seen in Dr. Allen's -<i>Amer. Biog. Dictionary</i>. He will -be found further noticed in these -Pages. He possesed considerable -Ability, but was very weak minded.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_80_80" id="Footnote_80_80"></a><a href="#FNanchor_80_80"><span class="label">[80]</span></a> -Perhaps a typographical Error. -Nathaniel <i>Ingerson</i> or <i>Ingersoll</i> -is undoubtedly meant. Edward -Pulman is Edward <i>Putman</i>; Nurce -is since <i>Nourse</i>; Jarboll is <i>Tarbell</i>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_81_81" id="Footnote_81_81"></a><a href="#FNanchor_81_81"><span class="label">[81]</span></a> -This flatly contradicts those who have charged all to the Devil.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_82_82" id="Footnote_82_82"></a><a href="#FNanchor_82_82"><span class="label">[82]</span></a> -Joseph Bridgham was probably -the Son of Henry, of Dorchester, -and afterwards of Boston, born in -1651. He was a Member of the -Artillery Company, Representative, -and in other Walks a prominent -Man. He died about 1709. Samuel -<i>Checkley</i> was the Minister of -the New South Church, Boston. -Jeremiah Dummer was the well -known Author, the <i>Defence of the -New England Charters</i>. Nehemiah -<i>Jewett</i>, I suppose, was of Ipswich, -a Representative, and, at -one Time, Speaker of the House, -and died about 1720. James Allen -was Minister of the First Church, -Boston. Samuel <i>Torrey</i> was Minister -of Weymouth, and died in -1707. William <i>Torrey</i> was also -of Weymouth, and Brother of the -Rev. Samuel. Joseph Boynton was -of Rowley. Richard <i>Middlecott</i> -was of Boston. John Walley was -probably the Major Walley who -shared the Disgrace of the ill advised -and iller executed Expedition -against Canada, under Sir William -Phips. Hunt was another of -Phips's Colonels, &c., was of Weymouth, -and died 1713. Williams -was probably the <i>Nathaniel</i> -Williams, of Boston, a Commissary -in Philip's War. <i>Samuel</i> Phillips -was the Minister of Rowley, perhaps, -who died in 1696. <i>Samuel</i> -Willard, of the Old South, Author -of <i>A Body of Divinity</i>, and -other theological Work, Vice-President -of Harvard College, &c.; he -died in 1707. See Note <i>ante. - Edward</i> Payson was Minister of -Rowley, and was Father of seventeen -Children, and died 1732.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_83_83" id="Footnote_83_83"></a><a href="#FNanchor_83_83"><span class="label">[83]</span></a> Whether the Original manuscript -of this Paper is in existence I -have not learned. The Names of the -Signers would be of much interest -at this Time, and the Historian of -Salem should not cease his Labours -until it is found, if anywhere preserved.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_84_84" id="Footnote_84_84"></a><a href="#FNanchor_84_84"><span class="label">[84]</span></a> One who was as firm a Believer -as Dr. Mather in Witch Mysteries, -remarks in Justification of -what was done—"That I may satisfy -such as are not resolved to the -Contrary; that there may be (and -are) such Operations of the Powers -of Darkness on the Bodies and -Minds of Mankind; by Divine -Permission; and that those who sate -Judges in those Cases, may by the -serious Consideration of the formidable -Aspect and perplexed Circumstances, -of that Afflictive Providence; -be in some measure excused; -or at least be less censured, -for passing Sentence on several -Persons, as being the Instruments -of <i>Satan</i> in those Diabolical Operations, -when they were involved -in such a Dark and Dismal scene of -Providence, in which <i>Satan</i> did -seem to Spin a finer Thred of Spiritual -Wickedness than in the ordinary -methods of Witchcraft; hence -the Judges desiring to bear due Testimony, -against such Diabolical Practices, -were inclined to admit the -validity of such a sort of Evidence, -as was not so clearly and directly -demonstrable to Human Senses, as -in other Cases is required or else -they could not discover the Mysteries -of Witchcraft; I presume not -to impose upon my <i>Christian</i> or -<i>Learned</i> Reader; any opinion of -mine, how far <i>Satan</i> was an Instrument -in God's Hand, in those -amazing Afflictions, which were on -many Persons there, [at Salem] -about that time; but I am certainly -convinced, that the Great <span class="smcap">God</span> was -pleased to lengthen his Chain to a -very great Degree, for the hurting -of <i>Some</i> and reproaching of <i>Others</i>, -as far as he was permitted to do -so."—Lawson, <i>pages</i> 93-4. -</p> -<p> -From this Author's uncertain -view of the Operations of the -Devil (which was the View of a -great majority of the World), it is -not at all strange that some among -the very Conscientious people inquired -as to the Difference between -the Malignant and Supreme Power; -that is, if the Supreme controlled -the Malignant, there was no question -to whom the Consequences -were to be charged; and hence -it is in no wise to be wondered -at that some in their Simplicity -could not understand what use there -was for any Devil at all, mutch less -for Witches.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_85_85" id="Footnote_85_85"></a><a href="#FNanchor_85_85"><span class="label">[85]</span></a> Mr. Lawson says she was -"about twelve Years of Age."—<i>Brief -and True Nar.</i>, P. 3. Much -more concerning her will be found.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_86_86" id="Footnote_86_86"></a><a href="#FNanchor_86_86"><span class="label">[86]</span></a> <i>Wait Still</i> was his full Name. -He was Son of Gov. John Winthrop, -of Connecticut; died in Boston -about 1717.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_87_87" id="Footnote_87_87"></a><a href="#FNanchor_87_87"><span class="label">[87]</span></a> Mr. Cook was one of the very -distinguished Men of the Period -under Notice. He wrote his Name -<i>Cooke</i>. I need only refer to Allen's -<i>Biographical Dictionary</i> and -the <i>Hist. and Antiq's of Boston</i> for -an Account of him. He agreed with -Mr. Calef about the New Charter.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_88_88" id="Footnote_88_88"></a><a href="#FNanchor_88_88"><span class="label">[88]</span></a> She was a Daughter, I suppose, -of Jonathan Walcut, by Wife Mary, -Daughter of John Sibley. Walcut -was an early Salem Family, some of -whom went to Rhode Island, where -Descendants are yet found.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_89_89" id="Footnote_89_89"></a><a href="#FNanchor_89_89"><span class="label">[89]</span></a> Tarball and Nurse are the -same mentioned at Note <a href="#Footnote_80_80">80</a>. The -others will be noticed onward, in the -Account <span class="err" title="original: o">of</span> the Trials.</p></div></div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">160</a></span></p> - -<h2>PART IV.</h2> - -<h3><i>A Letter of a Gentleman</i><a name="FNanchor_90_90" id="FNanchor_90_90"></a><a href="#Footnote_90_90" class="fnanchor">[90]</a> -<i>endeavouring to -prove the received Opinions about Witchcraft.</i></h3> - -<p> -<i>SIR</i>, -</p> - -<p class="dropcap">I Told you, I had some thoughts concerning -Witchcraft, and an Intention of conferring with -the Gentleman,<a name="FNanchor_91_91" id="FNanchor_91_91"></a><a href="#Footnote_91_91" class="fnanchor">[91]</a> who has published several Treatises -about Witchcraft, and persons afflicted by -them, lately here in <i>New-England</i>; but since you -have put those three Books into my hands, I find -myself engaged in a very hard Province, to give -you my opinion of them. I plainly foresee, that -should this scribling of mine come to [65] publick -view, it would displease all Parties, but that -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">161</a></span>is the least; moreover it is so far out of my Road -to set my thoughts to consider a matter on every -side, which in itself is so abstruce, and every step -I advance therein, if I miss truth (which is a -narrow and undivided line) I must tumble down -headlong into the Gulph of dangerous error; yet -notwithstanding I have forced myself to send -these few lines, if so be I may clear to you a -truth, you now seem to be offended at, because -of the ill consequences, which (you think) lately -have and again may be drawn from it, by the ill -conduct of some Men. I am not ignorant that -the pious frauds of the Ancient, and the inbred -fire (I do not call it pride) of many of our -Modern Divines have precipitated them to propagate, -and maintain truth as well as falsehood, in -such an unfair manner, as has given advantage to -the Enemy, to suspect the whole Doctrine, these -Men have profest to be nothing but a meer trick. -But it is certain, that as no lover of truth will -justifie an Illegitimate Corollary, tho drawn from -a true Proposition; so neither will he reject a -truth, because some or many Men take unfair -mediums to prove it, or draw false consequences -from it: The many Heresies among Christians, -must not give a mortal wound to the Essence of -the Christian Religion; neither must any one -Christian Doctrine be exterminated, because Evil -Men make use of it, as a Cloak to cover their -own self-ends; particularly, because some men -perhaps among all sorts of Christians, have under<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">162</a></span> -pretence of Witchcraft coloured their own Malice, -Pride and Popularity; we must not therefore -conclude (first) that there are no Witches (2.) or -that Witches cannot be Convicted by such clear -and undeniable proof, as the Law of God requires -in the case of Death (3.) Or that a Witch so -Convicted ought not to be put to death. 1. That -there are Witches is manfest from the precept of -<i>Moses</i>, <i>Thou shalt not suffer a Witch to live</i>. Exod. -xxii. 18. for it is certain God would not have -given a vain and unintelligible Law, as this must -be of putting Witches to death, if there are no -Witches. But you object that this doth not -answer our Case, for we have formed another -Idea of Witches than what can be gathered from -Scriptures; you quote four places, <i>viz. Deut.</i> xiii. -<i>Mat.</i> xxiv. <i>Acts</i> xiii. 2. <i>Tim.</i> iii. from all which -you infer that Witchcraft is a maligning and -oppugning the Word, Works and Worship of -God; and by an extraordinary sign, seeking to -seduce any from it, and this you readily grant. -But then you say, What is this to Witches now a -days? who are said to have made an explicit -Covenant with the Devil, and to be impowered -by him, to the doing of things strange in themselves, -and besides their natural course. This you -say does not follow, and herein indeed consists the -whole Controversie. Therefore it is necessary, -that first of all we clear this point, laying aside -those prejudices we may have from the fatal application -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">163</a></span>of this Doctrine, [66] to some (who -were in your judgment) really at least in Law, -and before Men Innocent. In a word, we are -seeking after truth, and truth shall and will be -truth, in spite of Men and Devils. I do not -repeat this caution to forestall you, to believe the -Doctrine of Witchcraft, as it is above defined, -without inquiring into the reason and truth of it; -only I desire you to enquire into it, as a thing -doubtful. For no Man can be certain of a Negative, -unless either the Affirmative imply a contradiction, -or he can prove it by certain testimony, -to neither of which you pretend; only you alledge -it cannot be proved by Scripture, <i>i. e.</i> you -cannot prove it, nor have seen it proved by any -other you have read on that Subject. I am not -so vain as to think I can do better than the learned -Authors you have consulted with (though I know -not what they have done, for I had no other -Book but the Bible, to make use of on this occasion;) -but because I am satisfied myself, I am -willing to communicate my Reasons, which I -divide into Three heads. 1. The appearance of -Angels. 2. The nature of Possession. 3 and the -scripture notion of Witchcraft. 1. Good Angels -did appear to <i>Abraham</i>, and did eat, <i>Gen.</i> xv. it -seems he wash'd their Feet, it is certain he saw -and heard them, therefore there is no impossibility -in Angels being conversant with men. God is -true, and whatever is contained in Sacred Writ is -true; if we poor shallow Mortals do not comprehend -the manner how, that argues only our<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">164</a></span> -weakness and ignorance in this dark Prison of -Flesh, wherein we are inclosed, during our abode -in this vale of misery, but doth not in the least -infringe the verity of the Scripture; it is sufficient -that we undoubtedly know they have appeared -unto Men in bodily shape, and done their Errand -they were sent on from God. Now if good Angels -have appeared, why may not bad? Surely -the Devils, because fallen and Evil, have not -therefore lost the Nature of Angels, neither is -there any contradiction in their appearing in a -bodily shape, now after any more than before -their Fall. But you will say you must allow of -the appearances of Good Angels, because of the -Scripture testimony; but not of bad, seeing there -is no place of Scripture that clearly proves it. -<i>Mat.</i> 4. The words in the Gospel do as plainly -signifie the Devils outward appearance to our -Saviour, when he was tempted, as can be express'd, -<i>and when the tempter came to him he said</i>—<i>but -he answered</i>—the same form St. <i>Luke</i> useth -to signifie the appearance of <i>Moses</i> and <i>Elias</i>, in -the transfiguration, <i>And behold there talked with -him two men</i>: for what follows, ver. 31, <i>who appeared</i> -is used to signifie (not their appearance, -but) the manner of their appearance <i>in great -Glory</i>. But you'l urge that 'tis very easie to be -understood, that <i>Moses</i> and <i>Elias</i> did appear, because -they had human bodies; but that it is unintelligible -to you, how the Devil being a Spirit -can appear, a Spirit, <i>i. e.</i> a substance void of all<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">165</a></span> -dimensions; therefore the words in [67] the -History must not be taken in a literal Sense. -Do not mistake; tho some Philosophers are of -opinion (which whether true or false, is all one -to our present Argument) that a Spirits substance -is extended, and hath besides length, breadth and -depth, a fourth dimension, <i>viz.</i> essential spissitude; -yet the same do not say, that pure substance is -perceptible by our bodily senses; on the contrary, -they tell us, that Spirits are cloathed with vehicles, -<i>i. e.</i> they are united to certain portions of -matter, which they inform, move and actuate. -Now this we must not reject as impossible, because -we cannot comprehend the formal reason, -how a Spirit acts upon matter: For who can give -the Reason, that upon the Volition of the human -Soul, the Hand should be lifted up, or any ways -moved? for to say the Contraction of the Muscles -is the Mechanick cause of voluntary motion, -is not to solve the Question which recurs, why -upon Volition should that Contraction ensue -which causes that motion? all that I know the -wisest Man ever said upon this head, is, that it is -the will of the Creator; who hath ordered such a -species of thinking Creatures, by a Catholick Law -to be united to such portions of matter, so and -so disposed, or, if you will in the vulgar Phrase, -to Organiz'd bodies, and that there should be -between them and the several bodies, they are -united to, a mutual re-action and passion: Now -you see how little we know of the reason, of that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">166</a></span> -which is most near to us, and most certain, <i>viz.</i> -The Souls informing the Body, yet you would -think it a bad Argument, if one should, as some -have done, include from this our Ignorance, that -there was nothing in us but matter, it is no otherways -to deny a Spirits acting a Vehicle. The -plainest and most certain things when denied are -hardest to be proved, therefore the Axiom saith -well, <i>contra principa, &c.</i> There are some certain -truths which are rather to be explained to -young beginners than proved, upon which yet all -Science is built, as every whole is more than his -part, and of this sort I take these two following. -1. That there are two substances, <i>Corpus & Mens</i>, -Body and Spirit, altogether different, for the Ideas -we have of them are quite distinct. 2. That a -Spirit can Actuate, Animate, or inform a certain -portion of matter, and be united to it: from -whence it is very evident, that the Devil united -to a portion of matter (which hereafter I'll call a -Vehicle) may fall under the cognizance of our -Senses, and be conversant with us in a bodily -shape. Where then is the reason or need to run -to a Metaphorical, and forced Interpretation, -when the words are so plain, and the literal sense -implieth no contradiction, nor any greater difficulty -than (as has been said) what ariseth from -the Union of the Soul and Body, which is most -certain. Now after all to say, God <i>will not</i> permit -the Devil so to appear, is to beg the question -without saying any thing to the preceeding Ar<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">167</a></span>gument, -and it is against the sense of almost all -mankind; [68] for in all Ages, and all places -there have been many Witnesses of the appearances -of <i>Dæmons</i>, all of whom that taught any -thing contrary to the right Worship of the true -God, were certainly evil ones: and it were most -presumptuous, barely to assert that all these witnesses -were always deceived, and it is impossible -they could all agree to deceive. 2. We come to -consider the nature of Possession. The Man -possest, <i>Luk.</i> viii. 27. had a Power more than -Natural, for he break the bands, which he could -not have done by his own strength: Now from -whom had he this Power? The Scripture saith, -he had Devils along time, and oftentimes it had -caught him, <i>&c.</i> he was kept bound with Chains -and in Fetters, and he break the bands, and was -driven of the Devil into the Wilderness; this -Power then was immediately from the Devil, -and whatsoever possessed persons does, or suffers -things beyond his natural power; he is inabled -by the <i>Dæmon</i> so to do: or to speak more properly, -it is the <i>Dæemon</i> who acteth the same, as is -plain from St. <i>Mark's</i> Relation of this passage, v. -5. 2. A Man with an unclean Spirit, v. 3. 2. -and no Man could bind him, no, not with Chains, -6. v. but when he saw Jesus afar off he ran and -worshiped him, and the same He. v. 7. said I -adjure thee by God that thou torment me not, -and <i>v.</i> 10. My name is <i>Legion</i>, for we are many, -<i>v.</i> 11. and he besought him much, that he would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">168</a></span> -not send <i>them</i> away out of the Countrey: it is -manifest from hence, that it was not the poor -Man who was possest, but the Devils who possessed -him, by whom the Chains had been pluck'd -asunder, and the Fetters broken in pieces; now -here is Divine testimony, that the Devils have -actuated a Humane body to the doing of things -beyond the Natural strength of that Body, as it -was simply united to its humane Soul; how much -more then can the Devil actuate any other proportion -of simple Matter, Earth, Air, Fire or -Water; and make it a fit organ for himself to -act in.</p> - -<p><i>But enough of this already, let us rather enquire -how the Devil enters into the body of the possestt, to -move it at his pleasure; this I think he cannot do -as a meer Spirit, or by any never so strict Union -with the Humane Soul, for in that case he is only a -tempter or seducer; and nothing above humane -strength can be done: But here there being something -performed (the bonds broken) by a force which -could not proceed from humane strength, it necessarily -follows that the Devils entered into the possest, otherways -qualified than as a meer Spirit, he did not enter -without some portion of matter, to which he was -united by the Intermedium whereof he acted upon -and actuated the humane body. Again if it is said -that the Devil entered as a meer Spirit, and immediately -aced upon and moved that body; it follows -the Devil hath a Vehicle, a certain portion of matter -(that Body) to actuate and dispose of at will;</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">169</a></span> -<i>which is absurd.</i> 1. <i>Because it asserts what it -seems to deny, viz. the Devils having a Vehicle to -act immediately upon, and to be united to a portion -of matter</i> (<i>as</i> [69] <i>has been said before</i>) <i>is the same -thing.</i> 2. <i>It fights against the Catholick Law of -the Union of Soul and Body, by which the Omnipotent -hath ordained the voluntary motion of a humane -body to depend upon the Will of its humane Soul, and -those that are not voluntary to proceed either from -its own Mechanison, or from material force, hence -we may certainly conclude, that it is by the Intervening -of the Devils Vehicle, that he enters into the -Body of the possest. But what if you and I cannot -agree about this Notion of Possession, must we therefore -reject the truth itself, and run to a far fetched -and intolerable sense of the words: No, our opinions -do not alter the Nature of things, it is certain there -were persons possest, and it is as certain that the -Devil enteed into them, either with or without a -Vehicle, it is all one which part of the contradiction -you take, the consequence is the same, viz.</i></p> - -<p><i>That the Devil doth act immediately upon matter, -there is another acceptation of the word possession in -Scripture, Acts</i> xvi. 16, <i>where one is said to be -possest with a Spirit of Divination,</i> (πνεῦμα Πύθωνος) -<i>the word commonly used to the Priestess of</i> Apollo, -<i>who gave responses; and it seems this Damsel was -such an one, for she brought her Masters much Money, -or gain by soothsaying. Now if the History of -them be true that they were demented, and knew -not themselves what they uttered,</i> donec erant Deo<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">170</a></span> -plenæ, (<i>as they word it</i>) <i>their case is not different, -but the same with the foregoing; but if they understood -what they spoke, then had they familiar Spirits, -whereof there is frequent mention made in the Old -Testament, and one good King is commended for having -cut off them that had such, therefore I think -the meaning of the word was very obvious in his -time, neither was it ever controverted, being joyned -with any other name than spirit Familiar, one of our -own Family, that is oft, every day conversant with -us, and almost ever ready upon call to attend us. -But the consideration of them, who have familiar -Spirits falleth under the head of Witchcraft, -which we are to consider in the third place.</i> 3. -<i>Witchcraft, to inquire into the Scripture Notion of -it, and compare whether it be the same with that -above defined; the Cabalistick learning would be of -great use in this search, and afford us much light; -there is little doubt but that there are many great -truths not commonly known.</i> (Non est Religio ubi -omnia patent.) <i>And our Saviour expressly cautions -his Disciples that they do not throw their Pearl before -Swine; therefore it is no wonder that some -Doctrines, tho' unquestionably true are not so fully -described, because the Authors who treat of them -are afraid, lest evil Men should be the more depraved -by being informed; but I am in no such fear; nor -can I give you any other thoughts but what are obvious -to any Man, from the plain sense of the Scripture. -Our definition we'l divide into two Propositions, -and handle them severally.</i> 1. <i>Proposition.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">171</a></span> -The Witch is impower'd by the Devil to do things -strange in themselves, and beside their natural course. -2. Prop. The manner how the Witch is impowered -to do those strange things, is by Explicit Com</i>[70]<i>pact, -or Covenant with the Devil. For clearing of -the first, we will consider the four places above cited, -wherein a Witch is called a false Prophet, a false -Christ, a Sorcerer, a resister of the truth, and is -said to shew signs to seduce the People to seek after -other Gods: whence let us note, 3 things.</i> 1. <i>That -those terms Witch, false Christ, false Prophet, and -Sorcerer, are all Synonimous; i. e. signifie the same -thing.</i> 2. <i>That a Witch doth do things strange in -themselves, and beyond their Natural course: for it -were most ridiculous, to alledge that our blessed -Saviour, when he said,</i> there shall arise false Christs, -and shall shew great signs and wonders, in so -much that (if it were possible) they should deceive -the very Elect <i>meant that cunning cheats -should arise and shew Legerdemain tricks; the words -will in no wise bear it, and I believe you are from -interpreting them, so it is manifest, they signifie not -a feign'd, but a real doing of things, beyond their -Natural course; therefore the Sorceries of</i> Elimas<a name="FNanchor_92_92" id="FNanchor_92_92"></a><a href="#Footnote_92_92" class="fnanchor">[92]</a> -<i>and</i> Simon <i>were not simple delusions, but real effects -that could not have been produced by Physical causes -in the ordinary course of nature.</i> 3. <i>That the end -of the Witches shewing these signs, is to seduce the -People to seek after other Gods, from which premises -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">172</a></span>I infer, that the Witches have the power of doing -those wonders, or strange things immediately from -the Devil: they are without the reach of Nature, -and therefore above humane power, and no meer Man -can effect them; the Witch then who does them must -have the power of doing them from another; but -who is the other? God will not give his testimony -to a lye, and to say God did at any time impower a -Witch to work wonders to gain belief to the Doctrine -of Devils were with one breath to destroy root -and branch of all revealed Religion; no, it cannot -be, it is only God's permission, who proveth his People, -whether they love him with all their heart, and -with all their Soul. Therefore the Witch has a -power of doing Wonders, or strange things immediately -from the Devil.</i> 2. <i>Proposit. we'll subdivide -into these two. 1. That there is an express Covenant -between the Witch and the Devil.</i> 2. <i>That -'tis not reasonable to suppose this Covenant to be -transacted mentally.</i> 1. <i>The Devil cannot communicate -this power, by never so strict a Union with -the Soul of the Witch; for in that case he is only a -tempter, and nothing above humane power can be -done, as has been already proved; therefore the Devil -who improves the Witch to do things above humane -power, must either appear in an External shape, and -instruct him how, and upon what terms he will inable -him to do those Wonders; or else he must enter into -the body of the Witch and possess it. The Demoniacs -in the Gospel are such whom the Devils invade, by -main force, their Soul having no further command -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">173</a></span> -of their bodies, which are subjected to the Will of the -Devils; whose end is to wound and torment those -miserable Creatures, to throw them into the fire, and -into the water; but the Witch, who likewise is possessed, -is not treated in such an outrageous manner; -his</i> Dæmon <i>is tame and familiar unto him, and suffers -him for</i> [71] <i>a time to live quietly, without any -further molestation, then prompting him to do his -utmost endeavour to withdraw Men from God; he is -not bereaved of his Senses as the poor lunatick, but is -conscious of all he does, and willeth all his crimes, he -receiveth power from the Devil to do wonders, and -doth them to serve the Devils turn. Therefore there -must be a Covenant, an express Covenant between the -Devil and him, viz. that he shall obey the Devil and -serve him, and that the Devil shall both enable him -so to do, and also reward him for so doing; for if -there is no contract between them, How comes the -Witch to know he has a supernatural power? or how -can he so peremptorily pretend to do that which is so -much above his natural power, not knowing he has a -supernatural one inabling him to do the same: There -can be no doubt but there was a very intimate commerce -between Satan and him; who is call'd by</i> St. -Paul <i>thou child of the Devil</i> (<i>not as other unholy -men</i>) <i>but in an especial manner, as being the Enemy -of all righteousness, who would not cease to pervert -the right ways of the Lord, it is not to be supposed -that he enter'd into this so near a Relation with Satan, -with which he is stigmatized, that others may -beware of him, without his own knowledge and con<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">174</a></span>sent; -and is not this a Covenant, an express Covenant -on his part to serve the Devil incessantly, and -on the Devils to impower him to act his Sorceries -wherewith he bewitched the People; now I think, I -have from Scripture fully satisfied you of the truth -of what I offered, in a Discourse at—— but since -you have told me an Explicit Covenant with the -Devil, signifying the Devil's appearing in a bodily -shape to the Witch, and their signing an express -Covenant, which you say cannot be proved from -Scripture. It were most unreasonable to imagine -that the ceremonies of this hellish mystery are particularly -set down in the word of God; therefore we -must gather by Analogy and Reason the manner how -this express Covenant is transacted: and to that -end I'le set down these following Considerations.</i></p> - -<p>1. Under the Law God did ordain his People -in all their matters to have recourse immediately -to himself, and depend upon him for Counsil, -which they were ready to obey, with full assurance -of aid and protection from him against their -Enemies; this the Devil imitateth by setting up -of Oracles among the Heathen, to which all -the Kings, Nations, and mighty Conquerors, -upon Earth did come, and paid their humblest -adoration to the God (as the Devil blasphemously -call'd himself) of the Temple, in which they -were imploring his direction and assistance in -their doubtful and prosperous affairs. Again, -God instituted Sacrifices to put Men in mind of -their duty to their Creator, to whom they owe<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">175</a></span> -all things, even themselves; but the Devil is not -contented with the bare imitation hereof; the -acknowledgment and worship he receiveth from -the deluded World is not enough, tho' they offer -up unto him innumerable Hecatombs, unless they -cause their Children to pass through the [72] fire -unto him, to whom no sacrifice is so well pleasing -as that of humane blood. And there is no reason -to think, that now under the Œconomy of the -Gospel, the Devil hath left off to vie with God, -and thereby to ensnare Men. No, it is rather to -be feared that his Kingdom doth now more prevail, -for by how much the light is greater; so -much greater is their condemnation, who do not -receive it: it is reasonable to suppose that (seeing -the Son of God, when he came to transact with -Men, the wonderful Covenant of their Redemption, -took upon him their Nature, and was perfect -Man) the Devil likewise doth counterfeit -the same, in appearing in an humane shape to -them, who receive him, and confederate themselves -with him, and become his Vassals.</p> - -<p>2. Consider, It is not probable that those false -Apostles mention'd, 2 <i>Cor.</i> xi. 13. erred only in -Ceremonies or Circumstances, or that their Errors, -tho' great, did proceed rather from their -Ignorance, than from the perverseness of their -minds. 1 <i>Cor.</i> iii. 15. For, for such we may -have charity and hope, that God will be merciful -unto them, if they sincerely do the best they -know, tho' they dissent in some, nay many things,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">176</a></span> -from the practices and belief of the Christian -Church; but those St. <i>Paul</i> threatens with a -heavy curse, that their end shall be according to -their works; therefore it seems they immediately -struck at the very root and being of the Christian -Religion, and were the same with them spoken -of, 2 <i>Tim.</i> iii. 6. but with this difference, that -they did not resist, but beholding the Miracles -and Signs which were done by the true Apostle -of our Lord, wondered and believed also, and -were Baptized; yet being Sorcerers they were -unwilling to lose that great esteem they had obtained; -as it is related of <i>Simon</i>, who had bewitched -the People of <i>Samaria</i>, giving out that -he himself was some great one, to whom they all -gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, -this Man is the great Power of God, therefore -he could not brook that <i>Peter</i> or <i>John</i> should -have a greater Power than himself; but offered -them Money, that on whomsoever he laid hands, -he (that person) should receive the Holy Ghost; -which shews him, who thus designed to make -Merchandize of the B. Spirit, tho' Baptized, to -have been no true believer, but still a Sorcerer in -the Gall of bitterness, and in the bond of Iniquity; -such were those deceitful workers, who -not being able barefaced to resist, did put on -Christianity as a Mask, that they might undermine -the truth, and introduce the Doctrines of -Devils. <i>Samaria</i> and <i>Paphos</i>, were not the only -two places where the Devil had such Agents,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">177</a></span> -there was no part of the Earth where his Kingdom -was not Established, and where he had not -his Emissaries before the preaching of the Gospel; -and since the Text telleth us he hath his -Ministers, who do imitate their Master, by being -transformed into the Apostles of Christ, as he -himself is transformed into an [73] Angel of -light: whose design in being thus transformed, -cannot be to impose upon the Almighty; for -whatever shape he appears in, he cannot hide his -ugliness from the Eyes of him who is Omniscent, -therefore he appeareth thus in the shape of -an Angel of light, either to tempt and seduce the -blessed Spirits to rebel against God, or to ensnare -wicked Men, who by their hainous crimes (being -lovers of themselves, covetous, boasters, proud -blasphemers) were before disposed to be fit Instruments -to serve him and to enter into league -with him. Surely I, who am ignorant of the -Laws by which the Intellectual World is govern'd, -dare not affirm that it is impossible for Satan -so to appear, as to hide his deformities from -the good Angels, and under that vail to tempt -them: But certain I am that it is more consonant -to Reason, to think that the Apostles intention -here was to teach that the Devil appear'd as a -glorified Angel unto Men to gain Ministers, -whom he might imbue with the Poyson of his -Black-Art, and (when he had gotten full possession -of them) instruct them by his own Example -to transform themselves into the Apostles of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">178</a></span> -Christ, that under that Vizard they might with -the greater Advantage promote his ends, and -join with him in doing the utmost despite to the -Spirit of Grace.</p> - -<p>3. Consideration, It is against the Nature of -this Covenant, that it should be consummated by -a mental Colloquy, between the Devil and the -Witch. I know not how many Articles it consists -of, but it is certain from what has been already -proved, that the renouncing of Christ to -be the Son of God, and owning the Devil to be, -and worshipping him as God, are the two chief, -to which our Saviour who was accused of casting -out Devils by Beelzebub (<i>i. e.</i>) of being confederated -with Beelzebub, was tempted to consent: -<i>If thou be the Son of God command that these stones -be made bread</i>: And again, <i>throw thyself down -from hence, for it is written, he will give his Angels -charge over thee; and again all these things will I -give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me</i>: -Whence it is evident that here the Devil Laboured -to insinuate into our Lord, either to do -things rash and unwarrantable, or to suspect his -Sonship, revolt from God his father, and worship -Satan, that he might obtain the glory of the -World. Now it has been already said, that when -Jesus was tempted, the Devil appeared unto him -in a bodily shape; therefore it is agreeable to -Reason, that he doth appear in the same manner -to all them, whom he also tempteth to worship -him; moreover the form of renouncing a Cove<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">179</a></span>nant -ought to bear resemblance to the form of -entring into the same Covenant; therefore Men -who are received into the Mystical Body of Christ -by God's Minister, who in God's stead expressly -covenanteth with and then Administereth the -Sacrament of Baptism unto them, must in the -like manner go out of, or renounce the said Covenant; -and of them there are [74] two sorts, -one who through the perverseness of their own -hearts, the lucre of the world, the fear of Men -more than of God, abjure their Saviour, turn -Apostates, Turks, or Pagans; The other sort is -of them who do contract with the Devil to be -his Subjects, in the imitation of whom, it is not -to be supposed that the Devil will omit any material -Circumstances, which tend both to bring -them into and confirm them in his Service. To -effect which his outward appearance, when he -receives his Catechumens is of greater force than -any mental contract, for many wicked men who -have denied God and Christ not only in their -practice, but also blasphemously in profession, yet -have repented, and at last obtained some hope of -mercy; I dare not say it is impossible for a Witch -to repent and find mercy, the secrets of the Almighty -are too high for me; but it is certain, -these wretches are strangely hardned, by what -passes between them and the Devil, in a bodily -shape, particularly their worshipping him, which -necessarily implies his outward appearance unto -them; for no man can apete Evil as Evil, because<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">180</a></span> -the Law of self-preservation deeply rooted in all -men, determineth their wills to pursue that which -seems good, and fly from that which seems evil -unto them, but the inbred notions that every man -has of the Devil, is that he is an Enemy and destroyer -of mankind, therefore every man hath a Natural -aversion from him, and consequently cannot formally -worship him as such, because the object -of worship must be esteemed to be propitious -and placable by the worshippers, otherwise if fear -alone be the adequate cause of Adoration, it follows -that the Devils and damned in Hell do -worship God, which is contrary to Scripture, -which saith they blasphemed, because of their -pains, whence it follows that they who worship -the Devil must have changed the innate Idea that -they had of him, <i>viz.</i> that he is an implacable -Worrier of Men, and take him to be benign at least -to his own; but this change cannot be wrought -by any suggestion of Satan unto the minds of -Men, whom indeed he mentally tempteth to -Lust, Pride and Malice; but it is his greatest -Artifice to cause his Insinuations to arise in the -hearts of Men, as their own natural thoughts, -and if conscience discovers their Author and opposes -them, then he varnishes them over with -the specious colours of pleasure, honour and -glory; and so represents them as really good, to -be willed and desired by the Soul, which judgeth -of all things without according to the Ideas she -hath of them; but because most objects have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">181</a></span> -two, and some many faces, and she not always -attends, therefore she often errs in her choice, -nevertheless it is impossible for her to apete an -object, whose simple Idea is Evil; but the Idea -we have of the Devil is such, for we cannot represent -him in our minds any otherwise than the -great destroyer of Men, therefore no mental -temptation can make us believe this our grand -Enemy to be [75] ever Exorable by, or in any -measure favourable to us, whence it evidently -follows, that the Devil to work this change of -opinion his worshippers have of him, must appear -unto them in a bodily shape, and impose -upon them, whom because of their great Corruption -and Sinfulness, God hath wholly left and -given up [to] strong delusions that they should -believe a lye, and the Father of lyes; who now -appearing in a humane shape, telleth them that -he is no such Monster, as he has been represented -to them by his Enemy, who calls himself God, -which Title of right belongs to him, and that -he (if they contract to be his Servants) will both -amply reward them by giving them power to do -many things very suitable to their abominable depraved -Nature, that the Christians, whatever opinion -they may pretend to have of their God, cannot -so much as pretend to, and also that he will protect -and defend them against him, whom heretofore -they have mistaken for the Almighty, and his pretended -Son Christ, whom they must abjure ere -they can be received by or expect any benefit from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">182</a></span> -him. Upon no other consideration is it possible -for any man to worship the Devil; for the Atheists, -who deny the being of a God, do likewise -deny the existence of any Spirit good or bad; -therefore their drinking the Devils health, even -upon their knees (tho' a most horrid Crime) cannot -be construed any part of worship paid to him, -whom they assert to be a Chimera, a meer figment -of Statesmen to keep the vulgar in awe. Now I -have evinced to you that there are Witches, that -the Witch receiveth power from the Devil to do -strange things, that there is an express Covenant -between the Devil and the Witch, that this Covenant -cannot be transacted mentally, but that the -Devil must appear in a bodily shape to the Witch; -therefore I conclude, that a Witch in the Scripture -is such, who has made an Explicit Covenant -with the Devil, and is impowered by him to do -things strange in themselves, and beside their -natural course.</p> - -<p>2. I perswade myself you do not expect from -me any Essay concerning the methods, how -Witches may or ought to be convinced; I wish -that those Gentlemen, whose Eminent station -both inables them to perform it, and likewise -makes it their duty so to do, may take this Province -upon them, and handle it so fully as to satisfie -you herein. I once intended to have provided -some materials for this Work, by defining four -principal things relating to Witchcraft, viz. 1. -Witch-fits. 2. The Imps that are said to attend<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">183</a></span> -on the Witch. 3. The transportation of the -Witch through the Air. 4. Lastly, the invisibility -of the Witch; but upon second thoughts -that it was foreign from my purpose, who am not -concerned to compose a just Treatise of Witchcraft, -which would require more vacant time, -than my present Circumstances will allow, only I -did promise you to give you my Opinion privately; -therefore I'le [76] venture to make use -of an Argument, which sheweth neither Art nor -Learning in the Author, and it is this, that seeing -there are Witches, and that the Law of God -doth command them to be put to death; therefore -there must be means to convict them, by -clear and certain Proof, otherwise the Law were -in vain; for no Man can be justly condemned, -who is not fairly convicted by full and certain -Evidence.</p> - -<p>III. In the last place we are to inquire whether -a Witch ought to be put to death or no? you -Answer in the <i>Negative</i>; because you say that that -Law, thou shalt not suffer a Witch to live, is <i>Judicial</i>, -and extendeth only to the People of the -<i>Jews</i>; but our Saviour, or his Apostles have not -delivered any where any such command, therefore -they ought to be suffered to live, this indeed -seems somewhat plausible at first view, but upon -through Examination hath no weight in it at all -for these Reasons, 1. All Penal Laws receive -their Sanction from him or them, who have the -Sovereign Power in any state, as thou shalt not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">184</a></span> -commit Adultery, is a Moral-law, and obligatory -over the Consciences of Men in all places and -Ages; but the Adulterers shall be put to death is -a judicial law, and in force only in that state, -where it is enacted by the Sovereign. 2. The -Government of the <i>Jews</i> was a Theocracy, and -God himself did condescend to be their King, -not only as he is King of Kings; for in that -sense he is, always was, and ever will be supreme -Lord, and Governour of all his Creatures; but in -an especial manner to give them Laws for the -Government of their State, and to protect them -against their Enemies; in one word to be immediately -their Sovereign. 3. Our Saviour's Kingdom -was not of this World, he was no Judge to -divide so much as an Inheritance between two -Brethren; nay, he himself submitted patiently to -the unjust Sentence of the Governour of the -Country in which he lived; therefore both the -rewards and punishments annexed to his Laws are -Spiritual, and then shall have their full accomplishment, -when the Son of Man at the last day -shall pronounce, <i>Come unto me ye blessed, and depart -ye cursed into Everlasting fire</i>. 4. That Soveraigns, -who have received the Gospel of our Lord, have -not therefore lost their Power of enacting Laws -for the ruling and preserving their People, and -punishing Malefactors even with Death; so that -the Criminal is as justly condemned to die by our -Municipal, as he was heretofore by the Judicial -Law among the Jews: How much more then<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">185</a></span> -ought our Law to advert against the highest of -all Criminals, those execrable Men and Women, -who tho yet alive, have listed themselves under -Satan's banner, and explicitly Sworn Allegiance -to him, to fight against God and Christ; indeed -all unholy Men afford great matter to the Devils -of Blaspheming, but these wretches have confederated -themselves with the Devils, to blaspheme -and destroy all they can; and do you think that -these common [<a id="a77a"></a>77] Enemies of God and Mankind -ought to be suffered to live in a Christian -Common wealth, especially considering that we -have a President of putting them to death from -God himself, when he acted as King over his -own peculiar People. But methinks I hear you -saying, all this doth not satisfie me, for I am sure -nothing can be added to the Devils malice, and if -he could, he certainly would appear and frighten -all Men out of their wits. I answer, 1. We -must not reject a truth, because we cannot resolve -all the Questions that may be proposed about it; -otherwise all our Science must be turned into -Scepticism, for we have not a comprehensive -knowledge of any one thing. 2. When you say, -that if the Devil could, he would appear and -frighten all Men; the Lawful consequence is not -that he cannot appear at all, for we have undoubtedly -proved the contrary; but that we are -Ignorant of the bounds that the Almighty hath -set to him, whose malice indeed, if he were not -restrain'd, is so great as to destroy all Men; but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">186</a></span> -the goodness of our God is greater, who hath -given us means to escape his fury, if we will give -earnest heed to the Gospel of our Saviour, which -only is able to comfort us against the sad and -miserable condition of our present state, for not -only the Devils, but likewise all do conspire -against us to work our ruine. The deluge came -and swept away all the race (save eight persons) -of mankind: the Fire will in time devour what -the Water has left, and all this cometh to pass -because of Sin; but we who have received the -Lord Jesus, look for new Heavens, and a new -Earth, wherein dwelleth Righteousness. Therefore -he, if we purifie ourselves as he is pure, will -save us (for when he appears we shall be made -like unto him; to whom be Glory for ever, <i>Amen</i>) -from the great destruction that must come upon -all the World, and the Inhabitants thereof. Farewell.</p> - -<p><i>March,</i> 8<i>th</i> 169¾.</p> -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="right"> -Boston, <i>March</i> 20, 1693.</p> -<p> -<i>Worthy Sir</i>, -</p> - -<p class="dropcap">T<i>HE great pains you have taken for my Information -and Satisfaction in those controverted -points relating to Witchcraft, whether it attain the -end or not, cannot require less than suitable acknowledgments -and gratitude, especially considering you -had no particular obligation of office to it, and when -others, whose proper Province it was had declined it. -It is a great truth,</i> [<i>that the many Heresies among -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">187</a></span> -the Christians</i> (<i>nor the lying Miracles, or Witchcrafts -used by some to induce to the worship of -Images, &c.</i>)<i> must not give a Mortal wound to -Christianity or Truth;</i>] <i>but the great question in -these con</i>[78]<i>troverted points still is, what is truth. -And in this search being agreed in the Judge or -Rule, there is great hopes of the Issue. That there -are Witches is plain from that Rule of Truth, the -Scriptures, which commands their punishment by -Death. But what that Witchcraft is, or wherein -it does consist is the whole difficulty. That head cited -from Mr.</i> Gaule,<a name="FNanchor_93_93" id="FNanchor_93_93"></a><a href="#Footnote_93_93" class="fnanchor">[93]</a> <i>and so well proved thereby (not -denied by any) makes the work yet shorter; so that it -is agreed to consist in a Malignity, &c. and seeking -by a sign to seduce, &c. not excluding any other sorts -or branches, when as well proved by that infallible -Rule. That good Angels have appeared, is certain, -tho that instance of those to</i> Abraham <i>may admit of -a various construction; some Divines supposing them -to be the Trinity, others that they were Men-messengers, -as</i> Judges ii. 1. <i>and others that they were -Angels; but tho this as I said might admit of a -debate, yet I see no question of the Angel Gabriel's -appearance, particularly to the B. Virgin; for tho -the Angels are Spirits, and so not perceptible by our -bodily Eyes without the appointment of the most high, -yet he who made all things by his word in the Creation, -can with a word speak things into Being. And -whether the Angels did assume matter</i> (<i>or a Vehicle</i>) -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">188</a></span><i>and by that appear to the bodily Eye; or whether -by the same word there were an Idea fram'd in the -mind, which needed no Vehicle to represent them to -the Intellects, is with the All-wise, and not for me -to dispute. If we poor shallow Mortals do not comprehend -the manner how, that argues only our weakness. -Two other times did this glorious Angel appear.</i> -Dan. viii. 16. Dan. ix. 21. <i>The first of these -times was in Vision, as by the text and context will -appear. The second was the same as at the first; -which being considered, as it will ascertain that -Angels have appear'd; so that 'tis at the will of -the Sender how they shall appear, whether to the -bodily Eye, or Intellect only.</i> Mat. i. 20. <i>The -appearance of the Angel to Joseph was in a Dream, -and yet a real appearance; so was there a real appearance -to the Apostle, but whether in the body or -out of the body he could not tell; and that they are -sent and come not of their own motion.</i> Luke i. 26. -<i>And in the sixth Month the Angel Gabriel was sent -from God.</i> Dan. ix. 23. <i>At the beginning of thy -supplication the commandment came forth, and I am -come,</i> v. 21. <i>Being caused to fly swiftly, &c. but -from these places may be set down as undoubted -truths or conclusions,</i></p> - -<p>1. <i>That the glorious Angels have their Mission and -Commission from the most high.</i></p> - -<p>2. <i>That without this they cannot appear to mankind. -And from these two will necessarily flow a -third.</i></p> - -<p>3. <i>That if the glorious Angels have not that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">189</a></span> -power to go till commissioned, or to appear to Mortals, -then not the fallen Angels; who are held in Chains -of darkness, to the Judgment of the great day. -Therefore to argue, that because the good Angels -have appeared, the evil may or can, is to me as if—</i>[79] -<i>because the dead have been raised to life by Holy -Prophets, therefore Men, wicked Men can raise the -dead. As the sufferings, so the temptations of our -Saviour were (in degree) beyond those common to -Man; he being the second Adam, or publick head, -the strongest assaults were now improved; and we -read that he was tempted, that he might be able to -succour those that are tempted, as also that he was -led of the Spirit into the Wilderness, that he might be -tempted, &c. But how the tempter appeared to him -who was God Omniscient; whether to the bodily Eye -or to the Intellect, is as far beyond my cognizance as -for a blind Man to judge of Colours. But from the -whole set down this fourth conclusion</i>,</p> - -<p>4. <i>That when the Almighty free Agent has a -work to bring about for his own glory, or Man's -good; he can Imploy not only Blessed Angels, but the -evil ones in it, as 2 Cor. xii. 7.</i> And lest I should be -exalted above measure, there was given to me a -thorn in the flesh, the Messenger of Satan to -buffet me. 1. Sam. 10. xiv, xv, xxiii. <i>An evil -Spirit from the Lord troubled him. It is a great truth, -we understand little, very little, and that in common -things, how much less then in spirituals, such as are -above humane cognizance. But tho' upon the strictest -Scrutiny in some natural things, we can only discover -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">190</a></span> -our own Ignorance, yet we must not hence deny what we -do know, or suffer a Rape to be committed upon our -Reason and Senses in the Dark; and say that the -Devil by his ordinary Power can act a Vehicle (i. e.) -some matter distinct from himself, who is wholly a -Spirit, and yet this matter not to be felt nor heard, -and at the same time to be seen; or may be felt, and -not heard nor seen, &c. seems to me to be a Chimera, -invented at first to puzzle the belief of reasonable -Creatures, and since Calculated to a Roman Latitude, -to uphold the Doctrine of Transubstantiation; who -teach, that under the Accidents of Bread, is contained -the Body of our Saviour, his humane Body, as long, and -as broad, &c. for here the Power of the Almighty -must not be confined to be less than the Devil's, and -'tis he that has said,</i> hoc est meum Corpus. <i>As to -the consent of almost all Ages, I meddle not now with -it, but come to the fifth Conclusion.</i></p> - -<p>5. <i>That when the Divine Being will imploy the -Agency of Evil Spirits for any service, 'tis with him -the manner how they shall exhibit themselves, whether -to the bodily Eye, or Intellect only; and whether -it shall be more or less formidable—To deny these -three last were to make the Devil an Independent -Power and consequently a God. As to the nature -of possessions by Evil Spirits, for the better understanding -of it, it may be needful to compare it with -its contraries; and to instance in</i> Samson, <i>of whom -it was foretold, that he should begin to deliver</i> Israel, -and how was he inabled to this work? Judges xiii. -25. <i>The Spirit of the Lord began to move him -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">191</a></span> -at times in the Camp, &c. ch.</i> xv. 13, 14. v. and -they bound him with two new cords, and brought -him up from the rock, and when they came to -Lehi, [80] the Philistines shouted against him, -and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon -him, and the cords that were upon his Arms -became as Flax, that was burnt with fire, and his -bands loosed from his hands, <i>&c. I might instance -further, but this may suffice to show that he -had more than a natural strength, as also whence his -strength was, viz. he was impowered by the Spirit -from God. And now will any say, that it was not -Samson, but the Spirit that did these things, or that -there being things done, bonds broken, &c. by a force -that could not proceed from human strength, and that -therefore the Spirit entered into him otherwise qualified -than as meer Spirit; or that the Spirit entered -not without some Portion of Matter, and by the Intermediation -thereof acted</i> Samson's <i>body. If any -say this and more too, this doth not alter the truth, -which remains, viz. that the Spirit of God did inable</i> -Samson <i>to the doing of things beyond his Natural -strength. And now what remains but upon -parity of Reason, to apply this to the case of Possession, -which may be summ'd up in this sixth Conclusion.</i></p> - -<p>6. <i>That God for wise ends, only known to himself, -may and has impowered Devils to Possess and -strangely to act humane Bodies, even to the doing -of things beyond the Natural strength of that body. -And for any to tell of a Vehicle, or matter used in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">192</a></span> -it, I must observe that General Rule</i>, Colos. ii. 8. -Beware lest any spoil you through Philosophy and -vain deceit, after the tradition of Men, after the -Rudiments of the World, and not after Christ. -<i>To come next to that of Witchcraft, and here taking -that cited head of Mr.</i> Gaul, <i>to be uncontroverted, -set it as a seventh Conclusion</i>.</p> - -<p>7. <i>That Witchcraft consists in a maligning and -oppugning the Word, Work and Worship of God, -and seeking by any extraordinary sign to seduce any -from it. Deut.</i> xiii. 12. <i>Matt.</i> xxiv. 24. <i>Acts</i> xiii. -8. 10. 2 <i>Tim.</i> iii. 8. <i>Do but mark well the places, -and for this very property of thus opposing and perverting, -they are all there concluded arrant and absolute -Witches; and it will be easily granted, that the same -that is call'd Witch, is call'd a false Christ, a false -Prophet, and a Sorcerer, and that the terms are -Synonimous; and that what the Witches aim at is, to -seduce the People to seek after other Gods. But -here the Question will be, whether the Witch do really -do things strange in themselves, and beyond their -natural course, and all this by a Power immediately -from the Devil. In this inquiry, as we have nothing -to do with unwritten verities, so but little with -Cabalistick Learning, which might perhaps but lead -us more astray, as in the Instance of their charging -our Saviour with casting out Devils by Beelzebub, his -Answer is, if Satan be divided against himself, his -Kingdom hath an end: But seeing all are agreed, -set this eighth Conclusion.</i></p> - -<p>8. <i>That God will not give his testimony to a lye. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">193</a></span> -To say that God did at any time impower a Witch -to work Wonders, to gain belief to the Doctrine of -Devils, were with one breath to destroy root and -branch of all revealed Re</i>[81]<i>ligion. And hence -'tis clear the Witch has no such wonder-working -power from God; and must we then conclude she has -such a Miraculous Power from the Devil; if so, -then it follows that either God gives the Devil leave -to impower the Witch to make use of this Seal, in -order to deceive, or else that the Devil has this -Power independent of himself;</i><a name="FNanchor_94_94" id="FNanchor_94_94"></a><a href="#Footnote_94_94" class="fnanchor">[94]</a> -<i>to assert the first of -these were in effect to say, that tho God will not give -his testimony to a lye, yet that he may impower the -Devil to set to God's own Seal, in order to deceive; -and what were this but to overthrow all revealed -Religion. The last if asserted must be to own the -Devil to be an unconquered Enemy, and consequently -a Sovereign Deity, and deserving much thanks, that -he exerts his Power no more. Therefore in this -Dilemma it is Wisdom for shallow Mortals to have -recourse to their only guide, and impartially to inquire, -whether the Witches really have such a Miraculous -or Wonder-working Power? And 'tis -remarkable that the Apostle,</i> Gal. v. 20. <i>reckons up -<span class="err" title="original: Withcraft">Witchcraft</span> among the Works of the flesh, which were -it indeed a Wonder-working Power, received immediately -from the Devil, and wholly beyond the Power -of Nature; it were very improper to place it with -<span class="errauthor" title="read: Drunkenness">Drunkennness</span>, Murthers, Adulteries, &c. all manifest -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">194</a></span> -fleshly works. 'Tis also remarkable, that Witchcraft -is generally in Scripture joined with spiritual -Whordom, i. e. Idolatry. This thence will plainly -appear to be the same, only pretending to a sign, in -order to deceive, seems to be yet a further degree, and -in this sense</i> Manassah <i>and</i> Jezebel, 2 <i>Chron.</i> xxxiii. -6. 2 <i>Kings</i> ix. 22. <i>used Witchcraft and Whoredoms, -Nahum</i> iii. 4. <i>The Idolatrous City is called -Mistress of Witchcrafts. But to instance in one place -instead of many, that</i> 2 <i>Thes.</i> ii. <i>from the</i> 3 <i>to the</i> 12 -v. <i>particularly</i> 9 <i>and</i> 10 v. Even him whose coming -is after the working of Satan, with all power and -signs, and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness. -And for this cause God shall send them -strong delusions that they should believe a lye, -that they all might be damned, who believe not -the truth, <i>&c. This, that then was spoken in the -Prophesie of that man of Sin, that was to appear, -how abundantly does History testifie the fulfilment of -it; particularly to seduce to the Worship of Images: -Have not the Images been made to move? to smile, -&c. too tedious were it to mention the hundredth -part of what undoubted History doth abundantly -testifie. And hence do set down this nineth Conclusion.</i></p> - -<p>9. <i>That the Man of Sin, or Seducer, &c. makes -use of lying wonders to the end to deceive, and that -God in Righteous Judgment</i>, may send strong delusions -that they should believe a lye, that they -might be damn'd, who believe not the truth, <i>&c.</i></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">195</a></span> - -<i>'Tis certain that the Devil is a proud Being, -and would be thought to have a Power equal to the -Almighty; and it cannot but be very grateful to -him to see Mortals charging one another of doing -such works by the Devil's Power, as in truth is the -proper prerogative of the Almighty, Omnipotent Being. -The</i> [82] <i>next head should have been about an -Explicit Covenant, between the Witch and the Devil, -&c. But in this, the whole of it, I cannot perswade -myself but you must be sensible of an apparent -leaning to Education</i> (<i>or tradition</i>) <i>the Scriptures -being wholly silent in it; and supposing this to -fall in as a dependent on what went before shall say -the less to it; for if the Devil has no such Power -to communicate, upon such compact, then the whole is -a fiction; tho I cannot but acknowledge you have -said so much to uphold that Doctrine, that I know -not how any could have done more; however, as I -said, I find not myself ingaged</i> (<i>unless Scripture -proof were offered</i>) <i>to meddle with it. For as you -have in such cases your Reason for your guide, so I -must be allowed to use that little that I have, do only -say that as God is a Spirit, so he must be worship'd -in spirit and truth. So also that the Devil is a -Spirit, and that his rule is in the hearts of the Children -of Disobedience, and that an Explicit Covenant -of one Nature or another can have little force, -any further than as the heart is engaged in it. And -so I pass to the last, viz. Whether a Witch ought -to be put to death. And without accumulation of -the offence do Judge, that where the Law of any -Countrey is to punish by death such as seduce and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">196</a></span> -tempt to the worship of strange Gods</i> (<i>or idols, or -Statues</i>) <i>by as good Authority may they</i> (<i>no doubt</i>) -<i>punish these as Capital Offenders, who are distinguished -by that one remove, viz. to their seducing is -added a sign, i. e. they pretend to a sign in order to -seduce. And thus worthy Sir, I have freely given -you my thoughts upon yours, which you so much -obliged me with the sight of and upon the whole, tho -I cannot in the general but commend your Caution in -not asserting many things contended for by others; -yet must say, that in my esteem there is retain'd so -much as will secure all the rest;</i> (<i>to instance</i>) <i>if a -Spirit has a Vehicle, i. e. some portion of matter -which it acts, &c. hence as necessarily may be inferred -that Doctrine of</i> Incubus <i>and</i> Succubus, <i>and -why not also that of Procreation by Spirits both -good and bad? Thus was</i> Alexander <i>the</i> Great, <i>the</i> -Brittish Merlin,<a name="FNanchor_95_95" id="FNanchor_95_95"></a><a href="#Footnote_95_95" class="fnanchor">[95]</a> <i>and</i> Martin Luther, <i>and many -others said to be begotten. Again if the Witch has -such a Wonder-working Power, why not to afflict? -will not the Devil thus far gratifie her? And -have none this Miraculous Power, but the Covenanting -Witch? then the offence lyes in the Covenant, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">197</a></span> -then 'tis not only hard, but Impossible to find a -Witch by such Evidence as the Law of God requires; -for it will not be supposed that they call -Witness to this Covenant; therefore it will here be -necessary to admit of such as the nature of such -Covenant will bear</i> (<i>as Mr.</i> Gaul <i>hath it in his 5th -head, i. e.</i>) <i>the testimony of the afflicted, with their -Spectral sight, to tell who afflicts themselves or -others; the experiment of saying the Lords Prayer, -falling at the sight, and rising at the touch, searching -for Tets</i> (<i>i. e. Excrescencies of Nature</i>) <i>strange -and foreign stories of the Death of some Cattle, or -over-setting some Cart; and what can Juries have -better to guide them to find out this Covenant by.</i></p> - -<p>[<a id="a83a"></a>83] <i>'Tis matter of lamentation, and let it be for -a lamentation, to consider how these things have -open'd the Floodgates of Malice, Revenge, Uncharitableness, -and Bloodshed, what Multitudes have been -swept away by this Torrent.</i></p> - -<p><i>In</i> Germany, <i>Countries depopulated; In</i> Scotland -<i>no less than 4000 have said to have suffered by Fire -and Halter at one heat.</i><a name="FNanchor_96_96" id="FNanchor_96_96"></a><a href="#Footnote_96_96" class="fnanchor">[96]</a></p> - -<p><i>Thus we may say with the Prophet</i>, Isa. lix. 10. -We grope for the Wall like the blind, and we -grope as if we had no Eyes: we stumble at -Noon-day as in the Night, we are in desolate -places as dead Men: <i>and this by seeking to be wise -above what is written, in framing to ourselves such -crimes and such Ordels (or ways of Tryal) as are -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">198</a></span>wholly foreign from the direction of our only guide, -which should be a light to our feet, and a Lanthorn -to our paths; but instead of this, if we have not -followed the direction we have followed the Example -of</i> Pagan <i>and Papal</i> Rome, <i>thereby rendering us -contemptable, and base before all People, according -as we have not kept his ways, but have been partial -in his Law.</i></p> - -<p>And now that we may in all our sentiments -and ways, have regard to his testimonies, and give -to the Almighty the glory due to his Name, is -the earnest desire and Prayer of, Sir,</p> -<p class="center">Yours to Command, </p> - - <p class="right">R. C.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<h3><i>A second Letter of a Gentleman,</i><a name="FNanchor_97_97" id="FNanchor_97_97"></a><a href="#Footnote_97_97" class="fnanchor">[97]</a> -<i>endeavouring -to prove the received Opinions -about Witchcraft.</i></h3> - -<p> -<small>SIR,</small> -</p> - -<p class="dropcap">SINCE your design of giving Copies of our -Papers (if not to the publick at least) out of -your hands, I find myself obliged to make a Reply -to your Answer, lest silence should be construed -an Assent to the positions whereby (I -think) truth would be scandaliz'd. I remember -that some have taught that it is not certain there -is any such thing really in being as matter; because -the Ideas which we have of our own, and -all other bodies, may be caused to arise in us by -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">199</a></span> -God, without the real existence of the objects -they represent. But this opinion is not only absurd -and false, but likewise Atheistical, destroying -the veracity of the Almighty, whom it asserts -to have determined us by a fatal necessity to believe -things to be, which are not; and I wonder -that you should allude unto it, because that Angels -have appeared in a Dream, in a vision; for -we dream also of Trees, Birds, &c. are there -therefore no such things in nature, because we -sometimes Dream to see and hear them, when we -are asleep? St. <i>Paul</i> in his Vision was so far -from believing the Objects that were represented -to him, to come by the intermedium of his -Senses, that he declares, he [84] does not know -whether he was in the body, or out of the body; -therefore the Instance is in no wise proper. For -<i>Abraham</i> and the B. Virgin did see and hear; and -if there were not such things really, as were represented -to them by their Senses, they were deluded, -by being made to believe they saw and -heard what was not. There is none who denieth -God causing thoughts to arise in Mens minds: -but thence to infer he maketh Objects which are -not, by forming their Ideas in our minds, to -appear to us through the Ministry of our Senses -as though they were, is a piece not only of vain, -but very dangerous Philosophy. It is true, the -good Angels will not appear without the appointment -of God, they will not do any one Action, -but according to the laws he has prescribed to -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">200</a></span> -them. But you say they cannot (which does not -follow from your premises) supposing their not -appearing to proceed from the defect of their -power, and not the rectitude of their will, which -fallacy has deceived you into a third Conclusion. -For the fallen Angels are not so held under -Chains of darkness; but that they can and do go -to [and] fro on the earth seeking whom they may -devour. Before their fall they could have appeared -if sent, and would not then do any thing -without a Divine Command But now they have -rebell'd against God, and do all they can to despise -him, therefore their not appearing now (if -it were true they never did, they never shall appear) -must proceed from a restraint they are -under, which is accidental, not Essential to their -nature; so that the true Conclusion is, the fallen -Angels, while they are under forcible restraint -from God to the contrary cannot appear. But -what this (being cleared from the Ambiguity -you express it in) maketh to the purpose I know -not, unless God had promised for a determinate -time to detain them under this restraint. I do -not understand what you intend by the dead -being raised by Holy Men; the most natural -inference is, that in imitation of them wicked -men by their Inchantments calling on a <i>Dæmon</i> -to appear in the shape of the dead, will pretend -that they also can raise the dead. The <i>Romanists</i> -are much obliged to you for making Transubstantiation -(so much contended for by them) to be -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">201</a></span> -of as old a date as the appearance of Devils, and -that the one implieth no more contradiction than -the other: If so we do well to think seriously -whether we are not guilty of great sin in separating -from them; for certainly whatever private -Mens Notions in this Age may be, yet it is -matter of great moment, that all Antiquity (the -<i>Saducees</i> the Elder Brethren of our Hobbists<a name="FNanchor_98_98" id="FNanchor_98_98"></a><a href="#Footnote_98_98" class="fnanchor">[98]</a> -excepted) hath believed the appearance of Evil -Spirits and their Illusions. I should be too officious -if I offered to explain, how matter, real -matter may fall under the cognisance of one of -our senses, and not the rest. It is for you to shew -the impossibility thereof, if you will build any -thing upon your Assertion, to prove which your -first Argument is (it seems to me) a Chimera, -which [85] is not enough, when there are many -to whom it seems to be a truth: Your second is -very dangerous, and highly derogatory of the -honour of God, between whom and the Devil -you make comparison more than once as the -power of the Almighty must not be confined to -be less than the Devils. And again, to deny -these three last were to make the Devil an Independent -Power and consequently a God. These -expressions (which cannot but be very pleasing to -the Devil, who vainly boasts himself to be a Being -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">202</a></span> -without dependance) are altogether groundless, -and very unmeet to proceed from a Christian: -Consider what you are a doing, to establish a Doctrine -(the contrary whereof the greatest part of -mankind does believe) you run upon such precipices, -as if you are mistaken, and that is not -impossible, must totally destroy all Religion, -Natural and Revealed; for suppose it were generally -believed according to you, that the Devil -cannot appear, because if he could he must be a -God, independent, an unconquer'd enemy, and -he doth appear to us as we hear he hath to multitudes, -both of the past and present ages: In -such a case what remains for us to do; but to fall -down and worship him. Upon the head of -possession, you have recourse to that instance of -<i>Samson</i>, who was impowered by God, to the -doing of things beyond the Natural strength of -common Men, and thence you say, we may least -learn the Nature of Possession by evil Spirits, -this comparison is indeed very odious, and I had -rather think you have fallen into it unawares; -for what greater Blasphemy than that God and -the Devil do act the bodies, which the one and -the other do possess in the same manner; if the -hypothesis I laid down had not pleased you, yet -you ought not (for fear of being deceiv'd by vain -Philosophy, to have run so horrible an extream, -as to assimulate God's manner of working to the -Devils, which necessarily implies, that either -their Powers are equal, or at least that they do -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">203</a></span> -not differ in kind but in degree only; than which -nothing can be more impious or absurd; for the -most possibly perfect Creature, is infinitely distant -from the Creator, and there can be no Comparison -between them. On the head of Witchcraft, -you acknowledge the Witch has not his Wonder-working -Power from God; but then you -say, the Devil has no such power to give; for if -he had, he must be——This way of reasoning -as I noted before, is very dangerous, and I think -ought not to be used; besides there is a great -fallacy in your Dilemma; which because I perceive, -you lay the whole weight of the matter -upon it, I will evince unto you. The Devil tho -superlatively Arrogant and Proud, nevertheless -depends on the first cause for his being, and all -his Powers, without whose Influx he or any -other Creature cannot subsist a moment, but -must either return to their primitive Nothing, or -be continually preserved by the same Power, by -the which they were at first produced; therefore -the [86] Beings and Powers of all Creatures -(because they immediately flow from God) are -good, and consequently the simple Actions, as -they proceed from those Powers, are in their own -nature likewise good, the Evil proceeding only -from the Rebellious will of the Creature, wherefore -'tis no Paradox, but a certain truth, that the -same action in respect to the first cause is good, -but in respect of the second is Evil; for instance, -the act of Copulation is in itself good, instituted -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">204</a></span> -by God, and may be willed and desired by the -Soul, which sinneth not for exerting the simple -act; but for exerting it contrary to the Laws -prescribe'd by God: as in Wedlock and Adultery -there is the same special natural Action, -which consider'd simply, as flowing from a -Power given to Man by God is certainly good; -but considered with relation to the rebellious -will of the Adulterer (who lieth with his Neighbours -Wife, whom he is forbad to touch) is a -very great Evil. We may say the same of all -humane Actions, the Executioner and the Murtherer -do the same natural Act of striking and -killing: The difference consists in the rectitude -of the ones and depravation of the others will. -These things premised, what more reason have -we to conclude that the Devil (because he shews -signs and wonders to gain belief to lyes, which is -very contrary to the will of God) must be therefore -an Independent Power; than that the Adulterer, -the Murtherer, or any other sinner (because their -Actions being Evil, of which God cannot be the -cause) must be Independent beings: The deceit -of the last is very palpable, and I doubt not you -will readily acknowledge it, for it is obvious -from what has been said to the meanest Capacity, -to distinguish between the Action itself, -which is good, and flows from God, and the -Circumstances of the Action, the choice whereof -proceeds from the Iniquity of the Will, wherein -doth solely consist the Sin; the parallel is so exact, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">205</a></span> -that I cannot see the least shadow of reason, -why we ought not in like manner to distinguish -whatever effect is produced by the Devil; to -whom (as to Man) God having given Powers, -and a Will to Rule them Powers, is truly and -properly the cause of all the Actions (in a Natural, -but not Moral Sense) that flow from the -Powers he has given. Therefore the Wonder-working -Power of the Devil, and the effects -thereof, considered as Acts of one of God's Creatures, -are not Evil but Good; the using that -Power (which proceeds from the Rebellion of -Satan) to bear testimony to a lye, is that one, -which constitutes the Evil thereof.</p> - -<p>And now I have done with your Argument, -wherein you have indeed shewn great skill and -dexterity in turning to your Advantage, what -being fairly stated makes against you, as the Appearance -of Angels, <i>&c.</i> observing nicely the rules -of Art, and particularly that grand one of concealing, -nay dissembling the same Art, as when -you quote that Scripture [<a id="a87a"></a>87] concerning vain -Philosophy (of which tho altogether foreign from -the matter in hand yet) you intend to serve yourself -with the Unthinking, who measure the Sense -of words by their Jingle, not knowing how to -weigh the things they signifie, and truly herein -your end is very Artificial; for you intend both -to throw dirt at them that differ from you, and -at the same time to cover yourself with such -a subtle web, through which you may see, and -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">206</a></span> -not be seen. What follows, is rather a Rhetorical -Lecture, such as the Patriots of Sects (who commonly -Explain the Holy Scriptures according to -their own Dogma's, and so obtrude humane Invention -for the pure word of God) use with their -Auditors, to recommend any Principle they have -a mind to establish, than an Impartial and through -disquisition of a controverted point; wherefore I -do not think myself obliged to take any further -notice of it; especially seeing truth, which for -the most part is little regarded in such florid Discourses, -and not any prejudice of Education, Interest, -or Party, did set me about this subject. I -have never been used to Complement in points of -Controversy, therefore I hope you'l not be angry, -because I have given you my thoughts naked and -plain. I have not the least motion in my mind -of accusing you of any formal design to injure -Religion; I only observe unto you, that your -over eager contention to maintain your Principle, -has hurried you to assert many things of much -greater danger, both in themselves and their consequences, -than those you would seem to avoid; -which do amount to no more than that, Men -being (in the ordinary course of Providence) the -Depositories of both Divine and Humane Laws, -may (instead of using them to preserve) pervert -them to destroy; which indeed is very lamentable.</p> - -<p>But it is the inevitable consequent of our depraved -nature, and cannot be wholly remedied,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">207</a></span> -till Sin, and the grand Author of Sin, the Devil, -be entirely conquered, and God be all in all; to -whom, with the Son, and Holy Ghost, be glory -for ever, <i>Amen</i>.</p> - -<p class="center"> -Sir, your Affectionate Friend to serve you.</p> -<p> -<i>Boston, July</i> 25, 1694. -</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> -<p class="right"> -<i>Boston, August</i> 17, 1694. -</p> -<p> -<i>Worthy Sir</i>, -</p> - -<p class="dropcap">YOURS of <i>July</i> 25, being in some sort surprising -to me, I could do no less than say -somewhat, as well to vindicate myself from those -many Reflections, mistakes and hard censures -therein; as also to vindicate what I conceive to -be Important truth, and to that end find it needful -to repeat some part of mine, <i>Viz.</i> Conclusion.</p> - -<p>[88] 1. That the glorious Angels have their -Mission and Commission from the most High.</p> - -<p>2. That without this they cannot appear to -mankind.</p> - -<p>3. That if the glorious Angels have not that -power to go till commission'd, or to appear to -Mortals, then not the fallen Angels, who are held -in Chains of Darkness to the Judgment of the -great Day.</p> - -<p>4. That when the Almighty free Agent has a -work to bring about for his own glory, or Mans -good, he can employ not only the Blessed Angels, -but evil ones in it.</p> - -<p>5. That when the Divine Being will imploy -the Agency of Evil Spirits for any service, 'tis<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">208</a></span> -with him the manner how they shall exhibit -themselves, whether to the bodily Eye, or Intellect -only, or whether it shall be more or less formidable.</p> - -<p>To deny these three last, were to make the -Devil an Independent Power, and consequently a -God.</p> - -<p>The bare recital of these is sufficient to vindicate -me from that reitterated charge, of denying -all appearances of Angels or Devils.</p> - -<p>That the good Angels cannot appear without -Mission and Commission from the most high, is -you say more than follows from the premises; -but if you like not such Negative deduction, -though so natural, it concerns you (if you will -assert this Power to be in their Natures, and their -non appearance only to proceed from the rectitude -of their wills, and that without such Commission -they have a Power to appear to Mortals, -and upon this to build so prodigious a Structure, -<i>&c.</i>) very clearly to prove it by Scripture, for -Christians have good reason to take the Apostles -warning (if some Philosophers have taught that -Man is nothing but matter. And others that 'tis -not certain there is any Matter at all) <i>to take heed -least they should be spoiled through vain Philosophy, -&c.</i> but that this should be alluded to by such as -never heard of either Notion, or that it was asserted -that those real appearances to <i>Joseph</i>, and -to the Apostle, was through the Ministry of the -Senses, is as vain as such Philosophy. As to the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">209</a></span> -Dead being raised, had I used Art or Rhetorick -enough to explain my meaning to you, I needed -not now to rejoin. That 'tis as good an Argument -to say, that because Holy Prophets have -raised the dead, therefore wicked Men have a -Power to raise the dead: As 'tis to say, because -good Angels have appeared, therefore the Evil -have a Power to appear; for who can doubt, but -if the Almighty shall Commissionate a wicked -Man to it, he also shall raise the dead, as is intimated, -<i>Mat.</i> vii. 22. <i>And in thy name done many -wonderful Works.</i> As to comparisons being odious, -particularly that concerning <i>Samson</i>, I think -it needful here to add these Scriptures further to -confirm the fourth Conclusion. 2 <i>Sam.</i> xxiv. 1. -compared with 1 <i>Chron.</i> xxi. 1. <i>In one 'tis God -moved, &c. and in the o</i>[89]<i>ther Satan provoked</i> -David <i>to number the People</i>. 2 Chron. xviii. 21. -<i>And the Lord said, thou shalt intice him, and thou -shalt also prevail, go out and do even so</i>; all which, -with many more that might be produc'd, as they -will shew the truth of the Conclusion; so that -'tis no odious comparison to say, that as the Almighty -can make use of Good, so also of Evil -Spirits, for the accomplishing of his own wise -ends, and can impower either without the help -of a Vehicle. For possessions must be numbred -among Gods afflictive dispensations, who also orders -all the Circumstances thereof. But if any -object God is not the Author of Evil, <i>&c.</i> you -have furnish'd me with a very learned Answer, by -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">210</a></span> -distinguishing between the Act and the Evil of -the Act, and to which 'tis adapt, but will no wise -sute where it is placed, till it be first proved that -the Devil hath of himself such Power not only -of appearing at pleasure, but of working Miracles, -and to the Almighty reserved only the power -of restraining; for till this be proved the Dilemma -must remain stable. He that asserts that—Because -good Angels have appeared, that therefore -the fallen Angels have a Power of themselves -to appear to Mortals; And that they cannot be -employed by the Almighty; nor that he does not -order the manner and Circumstances of such -appearance, what doth he less than make the -Devil an Independent Power, and consequently a -God! So he that asserts that the Devil hath a -Power of himself, and Independent to work -Wonders, and Miracles, and to impower Witches -to do like in order to deceive, <i>&c.</i> What doth -he less than own him to be an unconquered -Enemy, and consequently a Sovereign Deity!<a name="FNanchor_99_99" id="FNanchor_99_99"></a><a href="#Footnote_99_99" class="fnanchor">[99]</a> and -who is it that is culpable? he that ascribes such -Attributes to the Evil one, or he that asserts that -the so doing gives him (or ascribes to him) such -Power as is the prerogative of him only who is -Almighty? and here Sir, it highly concerns you -to consider your foundations, what proof from -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">211</a></span>Scripture is to be found for your Assertions, and -who it is you are contending for. For hitherto -nothing like a proof hath been offer'd from -Scripture, which abounds so with the contrary, -that he that runs may read, <i>As shall there be evil -in the City, and the Lord hath not done it? who is -he that saith, and it cameth to pass when the Lord -commandeth it not</i>. Who among the Gods of the -Heathen (of which the Devil is one) can give -Rain, <i>&c.</i></p> - -<p>But I shall not be tedious in multiplying proofs, -to that which all seem to own. For as to that -stale plea of Universality, do say that I have read -of one, if not several, general Councels, that have -not only disapproved, but Anathematiz'd them -that have ascribed such Power to the Devils. -And several National Protestant Churches at this -day in their Exhortation before the Sacrament -(among other Enormous Crimes) admonish all -that believe any such Power in the Witch, <i>&c.</i> to -withdraw as unmeet to partake at the Lord's -Table.</p> - -<p>[90] And I believe Christians in general, if -they were asked, would own that what Powers -the Devil may at any time have to appear, to -afflict, destroy, or cause tempests, <i>&c.</i> must be by -Power or Commission from the Sovereign Being. -And that having such a Commission, not only -Hail, but Frogs, Lice, or Flies shall be impowered -to plague a great King and Kingdom. And if -so, this Sandy Structure of the Devils appearance,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">212</a></span> -and working Wonders at pleasure, and of Impowering -Witches to afflict, <i>&c.</i> (for to this -narrow Crisis is that whole Doctrine reduc'd) the -whole disappears at the first shaking.<a name="FNanchor_100_100" id="FNanchor_100_100"></a><a href="#Footnote_100_100" class="fnanchor">[100]</a></p> - -<p>Thus worthy Sir, I have given you my sentiments, -and the grounds thereof, as plainly and as -concise as I was able, tho 'tis indeed a subject that -calls for the ablest Pens to discuss, acknowledging -myself to be insufficient for these things; however -I think I have done but my duty for the -glory of God, the Sovereign Being; and have -purposely avoided such a reply as some parts of -yours required.</p> - -<p>And pray that not only you and I, but all mankind -may give to the Almighty the glory due -unto his name. From, Sir, Yours to Command,</p> - -<p class="right"> -R. C. -</p> - -<p class="center"><i>Witchcraft is manifestly a Work of the Flesh.</i></p> - -<p class="center"> -[<span class="smcap">End of Vol. II.</span>] -</p> - -<div class="footnotes"><h3><b>FOOTNOTES:</b></h3> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p> -<a name="Footnote_90_90" id="Footnote_90_90"></a><a href="#FNanchor_90_90"><span class="label">[90]</span></a> The only Mention of the Author -of these Letters I have met -with is contained in the Answer to -the <i>More Wonders</i>, by Dr. Mather, -and is in this Passage: "The <i>Anti-scriptural -Doctrines</i> espoused by this -Man [Calef] do also call for no <i>further -Answer</i>; for a certain <i>Scotchman</i> -(one Stuart) of no very great -Circumstances, aboard one of our -Frigates then in our Harbour, sent -him <i>Two Letters</i>, which he has -been so silly as to insert in his -wretched Volume." This "one -Stuart" was, perhaps, Chaplain on -board the Man-of-war. The Doctor -thinks Mr. Calef was very silly -to print the Letters, because they -were, in his Judgment, a complete -Vindication of Witchcraft. Mr. -Calef was willing all should be said -on that side that could be said. He -felt fully convinced that, -</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div class="i0">"Falsehoods which we spurn To-day</div> -<div class="i2">Were the Truths of Long-ago;</div> -<div class="i0">Let the dead Bough fall away,</div> -<div class="i2">Fresher shall the living grow."</div> -</div></div> - -<p class="right"> -<span class="smcap">Whittier.</span> -</p> -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_91_91" id="Footnote_91_91"></a><a href="#FNanchor_91_91"><span class="label">[91]</span></a> Doctor Mather.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_92_92" id="Footnote_92_92"></a><a href="#FNanchor_92_92"><span class="label">[92]</span></a> See <i>Remarkable Providences</i>, 128, by Dr. I. Mather.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_93_93" id="Footnote_93_93"></a><a href="#FNanchor_93_93"><span class="label">[93]</span></a> -See <i>Volume</i> <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/files/50204/50204-h/50204-h.htm">I</a>, <i>Pages</i> <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/files/50204/50204-h/50204-h.htm#Page_39">39-41</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_94_94" id="Footnote_94_94"></a><a href="#FNanchor_94_94"><span class="label">[94]</span></a> See concluding Part of <i>Note</i> <a href="#Footnote_84_84">84</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_95_95" id="Footnote_95_95"></a><a href="#FNanchor_95_95"><span class="label">[95]</span></a> If not a mythical Character, -he is surrounded with much Mystery. -There, however, seems to -have been, at some remote Period, -a Man named <i>Ambrose Merlin</i>, -living in Carmarthenshire, in Wales; -and it will pay the Reader well to -turn to Thomas Fuller, and see what -he says about him in his <i>Worthies</i>, -Vol. III, 524. Among other things -he says: "His Extraction is very -Incredible, reported to have an Incubus -to his Father, pretending to -a Pedigree older than Adam, even -from the Serpent himself. But a -learned Pen demonstrateth the Impossibility -of such Conjunctions. -And let us not load Satan with -groundless Sins, whom I believe the -Father of Lies, but no Father of Bastards." -A witty Conceit, but ruinous -to the Theory of Witchcraft.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_96_96" id="Footnote_96_96"></a><a href="#FNanchor_96_96"><span class="label">[96]</span></a> -See Vol. <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/files/50204/50204-h/50204-h.htm">I</a>, <i>Introduction</i>, Page -<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/files/50204/50204-h/50204-h.htm#Page_xv">xv</a>. The Executions in Scotland -were but few Years before those in -New England.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_97_97" id="Footnote_97_97"></a><a href="#FNanchor_97_97"><span class="label">[97]</span></a> The same Gentleman mentioned in <i>Note</i> <a href="#FNanchor_86_86">86</a>, <i>Page</i> <a href="#Page_157"><span class="err" title="original: 64">157</span></a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_98_98" id="Footnote_98_98"></a><a href="#FNanchor_98_98"><span class="label">[98]</span></a> Thomas Hobbes, a Native of -Malmsbury in Wiltshire, England, -born in 1588, and died in 1679. -He has been stigmatized as an Unbeliever -in Divine Revelation; was a -Man of extensive learning, published -Works on Philosophy, and -translated Homer.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_99_99" id="Footnote_99_99"></a><a href="#FNanchor_99_99"><span class="label">[99]</span></a> Finding themselves in this Dilemma -(many of the Believers in -Witchcraft never having thought -of it, it would seem,) the Advocates -must have been sadly puzzled. Nor -is it easy to see how, by turning to -Locke, Le Clerc, or Cudworth, they -are helped at all.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_100_100" id="Footnote_100_100"></a><a href="#FNanchor_100_100"><span class="label">[100]</span></a> Le Clerc has one sensible Remark, -among many weak ones, -about the Existence of Witches. -He says: "Those Opinions or -Diseases of the Brain which Witches -have, who think they go to Feasts -and Dancings, upon their talking -of it to others, that are of a timorous -Disposition and weak Brains, -bring others into the same Fits of -Fury, and, like a Contagion, spread -far and near, infesting many Heads; -though it is observable those Diseases -are more frequent amongst the -Inhabitants of Mountains and solitary -Places, than amongst those that -live in Cities." It must occur to -the judicious Reader, that Mons. -Le Clerc took a roundabout Way -to tell him that Witchcraft flourished -best among ignorant People. See -<i>A Compleat History of Magick, -Sorcery, and Witchcraft</i>, London, -1715, 2 Vols. 12mo.</p></div></div> - -<hr class="full" /> -<h2>INDEX.</h2> - -<p class="dropcap"> -NOTE.—As the small Roman Numerals in this Index denote both the Volumes -and the Pages of the Introductions, those who consult it may observe, that when -the Introductory Pages are referred to, the Reference to the Volume is in large or -Roman Capitals:—For Example, I, xx, refer to the first Volume, and to Page 20 of the -Introduction to the same Volume; II, xxii, refer to Volume second, and Page 22 of -that Volume. -</p> - -<ul class="index"> -<li class="dropcap">ABBOT, Benjamin, 195, iii, 116, 117.</li> - -<li>Abbot, Nehemiah, 191.</li> - -<li>Abbot, Sarah, 196, iii, 117.</li> - -<li>Acosta, Joseph, 201.</li> - -<li>Addington, Isaac, 26, iii, 15, 133.</li> - -<li>Ady, ——, a Writer against Witchcraft, iii, 74.</li> - -<li>Alcot, Job, appointed Counsellor, 26.</li> - -<li>Alden, John, Jr., II, <a href="#Page_xxiv">xxiv</a>; - tried and imprisoned, iii, 26; - his Narrative, 26-8; - Bail refused, 30; - escapes, <i>ib.</i>; - cleared by Proclamation, 128.</li> - -<li>Alden, Timothy, iii, 177, 178.</li> - -<li>Allen, James, 108, 151, iii, 40.</li> - -<li>Allen, John, sees one of the Accused fly in the Air, i, 177; - his Oxen bewitched, iii, 93.</li> - -<li>Allen, William, cited, 7.</li> - -<li>Ambrose, Isaac, on the Devil, 56.</li> - -<li>America, a squallid, horid Desart, 13; - of what Use is it, 46; - some hopeful Symptoms of, 97; - ever to be in the Devil's Hands? <i>ib.</i>; - Spirits common to be seen Day and Night in, ii, <a href="#Page_116">116</a>.</li> - -<li>Andover, People of, bewitched, iii, 117, 120, 121, 125, 126.</li> - - <li>Andrew, Daniel, ii, <a href="#Page_159">159</a>, iii, 44; - Joseph, 105; Sarah, <i>ib.</i></li> - -<li>Andrews, Thomas, iii, 107.</li> - -<li>Andros, Edmund, Sir, I, lxxxi.</li> - -<li>Andrus, Silas, I, xcii.</li> - -<li>Angels, evil ones, ii, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>, <a href="#Page_75">75</a>; - Notions concerning, <a href="#Page_187">187-8</a>.</li> - -<li>Apparition, of those Murdered, 34; - - of the Devil, 79; - - of Mr. Beacon, 136-7; - - Accusers at Trials, 155; - - their Charges confessed, 188-9; - - Witnesses, iii, 106.</li> - -<li>Appleton, Samuel, 26, iii, 15.</li> - -<li>Arnold, John, Jailor of Boston, iii, 20, 179.</li> - -<li>Arnold, Margaret, 145.</li> - -<li>Ashurst, Henry, Sir, I, vi; - - Agent for Massachusetts, iii, 148-9.</li> - -<li>Astrology, injudiciously regarded, 122, 238.</li> - -<li>Atkinson, John, Witness against Martin, 178; - - Sarah, 184; - - John's Cow bewitched, iii, 94; - - Sarah, is amazed, <i>at nothing</i>, 100.</li> - -<li>Attaballipa, his Fate, iii, 138-9.</li> - -<li>Austin, sweet spirited, 27.</li> - -<li>Aves, Samuel, ii, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>.</li> - -<li>Ayer, John, Jr., iii, 196.</li> - -<li class="p2 dropcap">BACHELOR, John, Apology of, iii, 135.</li> - -<li>Bailey, John, iii, 40; - - Constable, 113.</li> - -<li>Bailey, N., his Definition of Witchcraft, I, xiii.</li> - -<li>Baker, ——, Sister to Ann Putnam, iii, 11.</li> - -<li>Balch, Benj. Jr., Wife Elizabeth, swears against Mrs. Bishop, iii, 78.</li> - -<li>Ballantine, John, II, <a href="#Page_xxii">xxii</a>.</li> - -<li>Ballard, Joseph, iii, 51; - - Brother John, <i>ib.</i>, 113; - - Operations to discover Witches, 55; - - Witnesses, 126.</li> - -<li>Baptism by the Devil, Ceremony of, iii, 113.</li> - -<li>Bare, John, Searcher for Witchteats, iii, 39.</li> - -<li>Barker, Abigail, signed a Recantation, iii, 57.</li> - -<li>Barnard, John, II, <a href="#Page_xxi">xxi</a>; - - prays at Witch Examinations, iii, 56.</li> - -<li>Barnes, Benjamin, iii, 221.</li> - -<li>Bartel, Robert, Capt., iii, 178.</li> - -<li>Barton, James, II, <a href="#Page_xxiii">xxiii</a>.</li> - -<li>Bates, William, Extract from, ii, <a href="#Page_113">113-14</a>.</li> - -<li>Baxter, Richard, I, <span class="errauthor" title="read: xxx">xx</span>; - - on Memorable Providences, 10, 141; - - thanks C. Mather, ii, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>; - - quoted, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>; - - his ungainsayable Book, <a href="#Page_86">86</a>; - - cure of Church Divisions, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>; - - commends I. Mather, <a href="#Page_113">113</a>; - - his Ideas of a Devil and Witch, &c., <a href="#Page_113">113-119</a>; - - his Work the Effect of aged Imbecility, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>.</li> - -<li>Bayley, Mrs., Sister to Ann Putnam, iii, 11.</li> - -<li>Beacon, Joseph, 136, 137.</li> - -<li>Beale, William, swears against Mr. English, iii, 177-86; - - Son dies, 182, 183.</li> - -<li>Belknap, Jeremy, referred to, ii, <a href="#Page_85">85</a>.</li> - -<li>Belzebub, Works ascribed to, iii, 163.</li> - -<li>Bent, Peter, of Sudbury, iii, 221.</li> - -<li>Benom, Mistress, accused, iii, 130.</li> - -<li>Bent, Mr., ——, iii, 100.</li> - -<li>Bentley, William, D. D., on P. English, iii, 179-81.</li> - -<li>Bereans, reference to, ii, <a href="#Page_3">3</a>.</li> - -<li>Bernard, Richard, on detecting Witches, 45-6; - - Remarks on, ii, <a href="#Page_12">12</a>; - - Calef on, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>; - - how did the Jews manage without him, iii, 165.</li> - -<li>Bibber, John, Witness against Giles Cory, iii, 172.</li> - -<li>Bibber, Sarah, iii, 8; - - swears against Mrs. Nurse, 11; - - against Mr. Burroughs, 62; - - against Cory, 170.</li> - -<li>Billerica, People of, bewitched, iii, 118.</li> - -<li>Bishop, Bridget, Trial of, 163; - - what her Shape did, 164; - - her Coat torn while Invisible, 165; - - her Poppets discovered, 173; - - Teats found upon her, 174; - - accused ten Years before, 208; - - long reputed a Witch, iii, 31; - - Executed, <i>ib.</i>; - - Copy of her Indictment, 74; - - others, 75-6; - - Trial of, 77-80; - - why called Oliver, 78; - - has a preternatural Teat, which vanished, 88.</li> - -<li>Bishop, Edward, iii, 11; - - and Wife Sarah, committed, 16; - - why cried out on, 17; - - escape from Prison, 49; - - his Sow bewitched, 81-2.</li> - -<li>Bishop, Samuel, iii, 49; - - had married a Putnam, <i>ib.</i></li> - -<li>Black-art taught by the Devil, I, xii.</li> - -<li>Black, Mary, arrested, iii, 16.</li> - -<li>Blackmore, Richard, Sir, I, lxxvi.</li> - -<li>Black Pig, one appears to John Louder, iii, 85-6.</li> - -<li>Blazdel, [Henry?] 181, iii, 97.</li> - -<li>Bligh, (Bly,) John, swears against Mrs. Bishop, 167, iii, 81-2, 88.</li> - -<li>Bligh, William, 173, iii, 76, 78, 82, 88.</li> - -<li>Blount, Thomas, Definition of Witchcraft, I, xii-xiii.</li> - -<li>Bocking, Jane, 142.</li> - -<li>Bodin, John, Writer on Demonology, ii, <a href="#Page_6">6</a>, <a href="#Page_117">117</a>.</li> - -<li>Bohun, Edmund, Licencer, I, cii.</li> - -<li>Booth, Elizabeth, iii, 16, 204.</li> - -<li>Boxford, Witchcraft in, iii, 126.</li> - -<li>Boynton, Joseph, ii, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>.</li> - -<li>Bradbury, Mary, condemned, iii, 44.</li> - -<li>Bradford, William, 26.</li> - -<li>Bradley, Samuel, II, <a href="#Page_xxvii">xxvii</a>.</li> - -<li>Bradstreet, John, accused, iii, 52; - - makes his escape, 53.</li> - -<li>Bradstreet, Simon, 26, ii, <a href="#Page_85">85</a>, iii, 52, 145-6; - - Dudley commits accused, iii, 52.</li> - -<li>Brattle, Thomas, Letter to, ii, <a href="#Page_85">85-92</a>; - - William, <a href="#Page_108">108</a>.</li> - -<li>Braybrook, Samuel, iii, 7; - - accuses Giles Cory, 170.</li> - -<li>Bridges, James, iii, 126.</li> - -<li>Bridgham, Joseph, ii, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>.</li> - -<li>Bridgman, Orlando, Sir, 141.</li> - -<li>Brimstone, horrid Scent of, 121; - - without a Metaphor, 122; - - a Flood of, ii, <a href="#Page_4">4</a>; - - used in tormenting, ii, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>; - - scalded with, <a href="#Page_47">47</a>; - - smelt in Margaret Rule's Case, <a href="#Page_53">53</a>.</li> - -<li>Brinley, George, I, viii.</li> - -<li>Brown, Hopestill, iii, 221.</li> - -<li>Brown, William, Witness, 182; - - his Wife sees Susannah Martin vanish, iii, 99; - - some Devil bewitches her, <i>ib.</i></li> - -<li>Bunyan, John, I, xxi.</li> - -<li>Burder, George, I, lxxix.</li> - -<li>Burnet, Bishop, 140.</li> - -<li>Burroughs, George, 151; - - Charges against, 153; - - childish Accusations against, 154; - - alleged Confusion, 155; - - accused of Murders, 156; - - Ghosts of his Wives, 157; - - his Promises to induce People to become Witches, 158; - - had the Strength of a Giant, 159; - - Treatment of his Wives, 160; - - puts on Invisibility, 161-2; - - denies the Existence of Witches, 162; - - Executed, 163; - - his great Strength from the Devil, ii, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>; - - further Account of his Execution, iii, 38-9; - - Confession of one of his Accusers, 43; - - Indictment, 61; - - Trial, 63; - - Brother-in-Law to Mr. Ruck, 72-3; - - denies that there are Witches, 74; - - about his putting on Invisibility, 123; - - Cause of his being prosecuted, 210.</li> - -<li>Burrows, [Burroughs] Jeremiah, 84.</li> - -<li>Burton, Robert, I, xxxviii.</li> - -<li>Buxton, John, afflicted, iii, 17.</li> - -<li class="p2 dropcap">CALEF, Robert, I, xxix, lxxv; - - his <i>More Wonders</i>, &c., lxxvi; - - a singular Judgment upon, lxxxvii; - - little known of him, II, <a href="#Page_xii">xii</a>; - - a Sir John, <a href="#Page_xiii">xiii</a>; - - his <i>More Wonders</i> burnt, <a href="#Page_xxi">xxi</a>; - - Will of, <a href="#Page_xxiii">xxiii</a>; - - before Authority to defend himself, ii, <a href="#Page_8">8</a>; - - Visit to Margaret Rule, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>; - - threatened with Arrest for Slander, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>; - - proposes an Interview with Mr. C. Mather, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>; - - Letter to Mr. C. M., <a href="#Page_56">56-59</a>; - - prosecuted, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>; - - explains his Belief of Witchcraft, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>; - - on the Power of the Devil, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>; - - complains of Mr. M.'s bad Faith, <a href="#Page_60">60</a>; - - not appeared against at Court, <i>ib.</i>; - - another Letter to C. M., <a href="#Page_70">70-74</a>; - - the Case of Rule further examined, <a href="#Page_72">72</a>, &c.; - - another Letter to C. M., <a href="#Page_79">79-85</a>; - - his Endeavors to clear the Accused, <a href="#Page_78">78</a>; - - expects Enemies, <a href="#Page_84">84</a>; - - will do his Duty, <a href="#Page_85">85</a>; - - Letter to Mr. B., <a href="#Page_85">85-92</a>; - - Letter to the Ministers, <a href="#Page_92">92-102</a>; - - charges C. M. with being a Cause of the Witch Troubles, <a href="#Page_92">92</a>; - - his Answer, <a href="#Page_93">93</a>; - - his <i>More Wonders</i> denounced, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>; - - Letter to S. Willard, <a href="#Page_102">102-105</a>; - - another to C. M., <a href="#Page_113">113</a>; - - describes the Perils to an Opposer of Witchcraft, <a href="#Page_122">122</a>; - - Letter to the Ministers, <a href="#Page_124">124-34</a>; - - rebukes the Ministers, <a href="#Page_132">132-3</a>; - - Letter to Wadsworth, <a href="#Page_134">134-40</a>; - - Exposure of C. M.'s bad Logic, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>; - - Answer to Stuart, <a href="#Page_186">186-198</a>; - - on Angels, <a href="#Page_187">187</a>; - - accused of Blasphemy, <a href="#Page_202">202</a>; - - another in Answer to Stuart, <a href="#Page_207">207-212</a>; - - Strictures on I. Mather's Agency, iii, 18 or 19.</li> - -<li>Camerarius, living Library, ii, <a href="#Page_6">6</a>.</li> - -<li>Carlton, William, II, <a href="#Page_vii">vii</a>.</li> - -<li>Carrier, Martha, Indictment and Trial of, 194, iii, 113-121; - - horribly tortures poor People, 115; - - her Children swear against her, <i>ib.</i>; - - causes Sores, 116; - - pulls one by his Hair, 117; - - kills Cattle, 118; - - shakes Phebe Chandler, 119; - - makes Noises in the Air, <i>ib.</i>; - - seen at Witch-meetings, 120; - - goes through the Air on a Pole, <i>ib.</i>; - - at a diabolical Sacrament, <i>ib.</i>; - - a rampant Hag, 121; - - to be Queen of Hell, <i>ib.</i></li> - -<li>Carrier, Richard, 197, 199, iii, 117; - - afflicts one, 118.</li> - -<li>Carrier, Thomas, 194.</li> - -<li>Cary, Mrs., accused, iii, 11; - - sent to Prison, 20; - - Barbarity towards, 20-25; - - escapes to New York, <i>ib.</i></li> - -<li>Cary, Jonathan, [Nathaniel,] iii, 25.</li> - -<li>Cat-rope, described, ii, <a href="#Page_7">7</a>.</li> - -<li>Chamberlain, Edward, I, lxxvi.</li> - -<li>Chandler, Bridget, swears against Mrs. Carrier, iii, 119.</li> - -<li>Chandler, Phebe, 198; - - shaken by a Witch, iii, 118; - - her Legs seized on, 119.</li> - -<li>Chandler, Susan, 142.</li> - -<li>Chandler, Thomas, Evidence, iii, 126.</li> - -<li>Chapman, Simon, and Wife, iii, 107.</li> - -<li>Charity, recommended, 28.</li> - -<li>Charles, Second, iii, 143.</li> - -<li>Charlestown, Witchcraft Trials at, iii, 126.</li> - -<li>Charms, by whom practiced, ii, <a href="#Page_28">28</a>.</li> - -<li>Chase, G. W., <i>History of Haverhill</i>, iii, 128, 196-7.</li> - -<li>Checkley, Samuel, ii, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>.</li> - -<li>Cheever, Ezekiel, Scribe, iii, 31.</li> - -<li>Chester, Bishop of, I, ix.</li> - -<li>Chips in Wort, defined, iii, 126.</li> - -<li>Choate, Thomas, II, <a href="#Page_xxvi">xxvi</a>.</li> - -<li>Christian, Philosopher, I, lxxii-iii.</li> - -<li>Churches, why often struck by Thunder, 68-9; - - prevent Witchcraft, 130-1.</li> - -<li>Churchill, Sarah, iii, 204.</li> - -<li>Circles.—See <span class="smcap">Witch-Circles</span>.</li> - -<li>Clark, Mary, Examination of, iii, 195-7.</li> - -<li>Clark, Samuel, his Story of the Devil's Appearance, 121.</li> - -<li>Clavigero, [Francis Xavier,] 202.</li> - -<li>Cloyce, Peter, protests against Mr. Parris, ii, <a href="#Page_143">143</a>.</li> - -<li>Cloyce, Sarah, iii, 7, 53; - - Sister Nurse, 11, 13; - - goes out of Meeting, 14; - - an excellent Woman, 211.</li> - -<li>Colman, Benjamin, I, xci, xcvi.</li> - -<li>Coman, Richard, 167; - - swears against Mrs. Bishop, iii, 82.</li> - -<li>Comings.—See <span class="smcap">Cummings</span>.</li> - -<li>Connecticut, Witchcraft in, iii, 130, 131.</li> - -<li>Cook, Elisha, Judge, ii, <a href="#Page_157">157</a>; - - Agent to England, iii, 148, 221.</li> - -<li>Cook, John, a Witness, i, 166, iii, 78, 80-1.</li> - -<li>Cooper, Thomas, on Witchcraft, xxxv.</li> - -<li>Corwin, Jonathan, I, vii, 26, iii, 6, 10, 15; - - examines Giles Cory, 169.</li> - -<li>Corwin, George, Sheriff, iii, 49, 50; - - buried, 79, 187, 202.</li> - -<li>Cory, Giles, pressed to Death, 209, II, <a href="#Page_vii">vii</a>, iii, 7, 44-5, 79; - - his Examination, 169-173; - - Site of his Residence, 174.</li> - -<li>Cory, Martha, accused, ii, <a href="#Page_7">7</a>, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>; - - sent to Prison, <a href="#Page_10">10</a>; - - sentenced to Death, iii, 44; - - executed, 45; - - Ballad on her and her Husband's Fate, 174-77.</li> - -<li>Cotton, John, I, xxv, lxvi.</li> - -<li>Cox, Mary, Irons for, iii, 20.</li> - -<li>Crosby, [Anthony?] a Doctor, declares Hysterics a Case of Witchcraft, iii, 100.</li> - -<li>Cullender, Rose, 142.</li> - -<li>Cumbey, Robert, II, <a href="#Page_xxi">xxi</a>.</li> - -<li>Cummings, Josiah, iii, 107.</li> - -<li>Cummings, Isaac, Witness, 192, iii, 105; - - his Mare dies, 111.</li> - -<li>Curiosities, matchless, 201-210.</li> - -<li>Cushing, John D., II, <a href="#Page_vii">vii</a>.</li> - -<li class="p2 dropcap">DAGGET, William, iii, 183.</li> - -<li>Dane, Deliverance, signs a Recantation, iii, 57.</li> - -<li>Dane, Francis, iii, 121; John, his Apology, 135.</li> - -<li>Danforth, Samuel, I, xcvi; - - Thomas, ii, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>; iii, 15; - - Judge, 125; - - Services, 126; - - admonishes Mrs. Daston, 128.</li> - -<li>Daniel, Samuel, 26.</li> - -<li>Dastin, Goodwife, iii, 126; - - cleared, 127; - - but dies in Prison, 128.</li> - -<li>Davis, Silvanus, 26.</li> - -<li>Dean, John Ward, 13.</li> - -<li>Dee, John, Astrologer, 124.</li> - -<li>Defoe, D., on the Devil, 102.</li> - -<li>Delrio, on Witchcraft, I, xiii, xx.</li> - -<li>Demonology, by King James, I, xx; - - its Character, xxi, xli-xliii.</li> - -<li>Demons, prestigious ones, iii, 160.</li> - -<li>Denmark, great Discovery of Witches in, 148.</li> - -<li>Desaguliers, J. T., I, lxxvi.</li> - -<li>Devil, I, xi; - - teaches the Black Art, xii; - - how he creates Witches, xv; - - Nature of his Covenant with, xviii-xix; - - exists by God's Permission, xx; - - the Principal in Witchcraft, but cannot be tried, xxvi; - - assents to good Offices, xxxvii; - - appears personally to Witches, liv; - - what he requires of them, lv; - - coming down in great Wrath, I, 50, 54, 76, 95, 101, 117, 122, 135; - - owned N. England, 15; - - an Army of Devils, 17; - - many sign his Book, 18; - - has made a dreadful Knot of Witches, <i>ib.</i>; - - his Juggles feared, 19; - - bid come out of a Damsel, 20; - - Speech of, 20-1; - - may represent an innocent Person, 21; - - darting Operations, 24; - - raises Storms and Tempests, 25; - - envies the Prospects of the Country, 26; - - made us a troubled Sea, 27; - - gives us Shakes, <i>ib.</i>; commissioned by Witches, 29; - - tells many Truths, 31; - - Devil-ridden, 33; - - always leaves the Mark of his Covenant, 40; - - League with, 41; - - his Existence not doubted, 55-6; - - Government among, 57; - - swarm about us like the Frogs of Egypt, <i>ib.</i>; - - Prince of the Power of the Air, <i>ib.</i>; - - Belzebub, 58; - - knows every Language, <i>ib.</i>; - - Degrees of Devils, 59; - - horrible Dragon, 60; - - a Tyger, 61; - - gets Liberty to make a Descent upon Men, <i>ib.</i>; - - Rendezvous of his Troops, <i>ib.</i>; - - his long Journey, 62; - - a Do-evil, 64; - - a Moloch, 65; - - prevents Discoveries and Inventions, 66; - - sends Plagues, and Pestilence, and Wars, 67; - - a Vulcan, 68; - - makes a horrible Tempest, 69; - - uses a hot Iron, 71; - - his Wrath increases, is Prince of this World, 72; - - God swears at, 73; - - his Time almost out, 74; - - God's Command to, 76; - - makes Earthquakes, 77; - - his present Quarters, 79; - - his World, 80; - - incredible Droves of, 81; - - nibbles at the Heels of Saints, 83; - - the World his Country, 85; - - his Time nearly out, 88-91; - - his eldest Son, 89; - - alarmed at the Settlement of N. England, 94; - - an Eyesore to, <i>ib.</i>; - - an antagonistic Force, 96; - - appears as a black Man, 102; - - his Law Book, 104; - - takes on the Likeness of harmless People, 106; - - permitted by God, 107; - - burning and sooty, 109; - - in God's Chain, 110; - - baptises, 111; - - administers the Sacrament, <i>ib.</i>; - - how influenced to come down, 114; - - the Way to out-wit him, <i>ib.</i>; - - we give Rest to, 115; - - Sparks of Hell Fire flashing from every Side of, 115; - - on a Chimney in Germany, 116; - - throwing Stones there, and other Mischief, 117; - - set on by the Wrath of God, 118; - - rattling of his Chains heard, 121; - - an Asp, 122; - - infernal Dragon, 124; - - flies about as a Bird, 130; - - Children dedicated to, 131; - - a Whip for his Back, 132; - - forced to fly by a Woman behind the Door, 133; - - a Prince, a God, 134; - - afflicts with Distempers, 148-9; - - a black Man, 159; - - described, 171; - - one in a Meeting-house, 174; - - performs Baptisms at Newbury Falls, 194; - - carries some to a Witch-meeting on a Pole, 199; - - appoints a Queen of Hell, 200; - - apishly affects divine Things, 201; - - his Proceedings among the Swedes, 216; - - discovered by the Author, 217; - - his Power, 218; - - Dog of Hell, 219; - - Serpent upon a Rock, 220; - - tempts with Friendship, 224; - - a speckled Snake when he tempted Eve, 225; - - shoots cruel Bombs, 227; - - would burn all the Bibles, 229; - - a Throng of in the Author's Meeting-house, 230; - - he rocks Persons to sleep there, 231; - - hurried Jesus to the Top of the Temple, 232; - - prevents Witches from uttering all the Lord's Prayer, <i>ib.</i>; - - a Nimrod, 233; - - can attack with Thunder and Lightning; - - raise Storms, <i>ib.</i>; - - a Goliah; - - dogs Ministers, bad at quoting Scripture, 234; - - quotes it for our Terror, 235; - - plays the Preacher, 236; - - consulting Astrologers is going to the Devil, 238; - - a Mountebank, 241; - - to worship him is Witchcraft, 243; - - with lengthened Chains, ii, <a href="#Page_4">4</a>; - - commissioned by Witches questioned, <a href="#Page_7">7</a>; - - further discussed, <i>ib.</i>, <a href="#Page_8">8</a>; - - his Power to create Strength? <a href="#Page_9">9</a>; - - origin of the Belief in such a Character, <a href="#Page_11">11</a>; - - a damnable Doctrine, <a href="#Page_12">12</a>; - - appears to an Indian, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>; - - prodigious Descent of, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>; - - his Size, Complexion and Voice, <a href="#Page_29">29-30</a>; - - his Power, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>; - - very uncertain, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>; - - "horrendous Operations," <a href="#Page_46">46</a>; - - got a Scourge for his Back, <a href="#Page_47">47</a>; - - not commissioned by a Witch, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>; - - denied, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>; - - can work Miracles, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>; - - his Bounds set, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>; - - causes Plagues, <a href="#Page_79">79</a>; - - does not know every Language, <a href="#Page_80">80</a>; - - his Testimony not to be regarded, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>; - - the oldest Sinner, <a href="#Page_90">90</a>; - - more about his Powers, <a href="#Page_94">94-5</a>; - - vast Numbers of, <i>ib.</i>; - - a Free-willer, <a href="#Page_118">118</a>; - - commissioned by Contract, <a href="#Page_128">128</a>; - - only commissioned by God, <a href="#Page_130">130-1</a>; - - no Father of Bastards, <a href="#Page_196">196</a>; - - an independent Power, <a href="#Page_201">201</a>; - - resembles an Indian, iii, 70; - - described, 85; - - flies over an Apple-tree, 86; - - Depredation in a Meeting-house, 89; - - performs Baptism, 112; - - his Manner of Baptising, 113; - - vanquished by Sir W. Phips, 158; - - commissioned by Witches, 162; - - meets with Astonishment, 209.</li> - -<li>Douglass, William, I, lxix, lxx, iii, 125, 159.</li> - -<li>Downer, Robert, Witness against Mrs. Martin, 180; - - tormented by her in the Shape of a Cat, iii, 96.</li> - -<li>Dragon, makes Wars, 67; - - insinuates Witchcraft, 124; - - a great Devil, 216; - - hard after Ministers, 234; - - keeping Guard, ii, <a href="#Page_79">79</a>.</li> - -<li>Drake, Nathan, Extracts from, I, xxxiii.</li> - -<li>Dudley, Joseph, iii, 145; - - presides at the Trial of Glover, 153.</li> - -<li>Dummer, Jeremiah, ii, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>.</li> - -<li>Dunton, John, I, vi, viii, 217, ii, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>.</li> - -<li>Durent, Ann, 142; William, <i>ib.</i></li> - -<li>Dustin, Hannah.—See <span class="smcap">Dastin</span>.</li> - -<li class="p2 dropcap">EAMES, Rebecca, condemned and executed, iii, 45.</li> - -<li>Earl, Robert, on Margaret Rule, ii, <a href="#Page_69">69</a>.</li> - -<li>Earth, recedes from the Sun, 75; - - filled with firey-flying Serpents, 81.</li> - -<li>Earthquakes, the Work of the Devil, 77, 78; - - happening all over Europe, 91, 92.</li> - -<li>Easty, Isaac, committed for Witchcraft, iii, 16.</li> - -<li>Easty, Mary, sentenced, iii, 44; - - her Execution, 46; - - dies protesting her Innocence, 46-48; - - an excellent Woman, 211.</li> - -<li>Elimas, Sorceries of, ii, <a href="#Page_171">171</a>.</li> - -<li>Eliot, Edmund, 181, 182, iii, 97-8.</li> - -<li>Eliot, John I, lxvi.</li> - -<li>Elizabeth, Queen, Witchcraft in her Time, I, xxxix.</li> - -<li>Elliott, Andrew, Apology of, iii, 135.</li> - -<li>Ember-weeks, what they are, ii, <a href="#Page_116">116</a>.</li> - -<li>Enchantments encountered, 9-48.</li> - -<li>Endicott, Zerobbabel, 210.</li> - -<li>English, Mary, committed, iii, 16; - - escapes, 50, 79; - - Testimony against, 126-7.</li> - -<li>English, Philip, indicted, iii, 16; - - escapes from Prison, 50; - - Account of, 177; - - an Episcopalian, 178; - dies, 181.</li> - -<li>Ethnics, Gentiles, ii, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>, iii, 164.</li> - -<li>Evelith, Joseph, Apology of, iii, 135.</li> - -<li class="p2 dropcap">FALKNER, condemned to Death, iii, 45.</li> - -<li>Familiar Spirit, who hath it, iii, 166.</li> - -<li>Farnam, John, iii, 126.</li> - -<li>Farnum, [Varnum?] Ralph, 195.</li> - -<li>Farrare, Thomas, iii, 185.</li> - -<li>Fast, appointed in Reference to Witchcraft, iii, 132.</li> - -<li>Felt, Joseph B., cited, ii, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>, iii, 20, 181.</li> - -<li>Filmer, Robert, Sir, on Witchcraft, I, xvii-xx, xxv.</li> - -<li>Firmin, Giles, 13.</li> - -<li>Fisk, Thomas, Apology of, iii, 36, 135.</li> - -<li>Fisk, William, iii, 135.</li> - -<li>Fletcher, Benjamin, Gov., iii, 25; - - his Kindness to Fugitives from Witchcraft Prosecutions, 180.</li> - -<li>Flint, Thomas, a Searcher for Witchteats, iii, 39.</li> - -<li>Flood, a great one in the Connecticut, 29.</li> - -<li>Fogg, John S. H., ii, <a href="#Page_75">75</a>.</li> - -<li>Fools, made able Fortune-tellers, iii, 142.</li> - -<li>Foster, Ann, executed, iii, 45; - - her Confession, 119-20; - - Remark upon, 208.</li> - -<li>Foster, Ephraim, Evidence in Wardwell's Case, iii, 126.</li> - -<li>Foster, Hannah, confesses being carried on a Pole to a Witch-meeting, 199.</li> - -<li>Foster, Jacob, iii, 107.</li> - -<li>Foster, John, first Printer in Boston, 26.</li> - -<li>Fowler, Joseph, iii, 8.</li> - -<li>Fowler, Samuel P., ii, <a href="#Page_6">6</a>; - - his Life of Parris, iii, 198.</li> - -<li>Foy, [John?] Captain, 137.</li> - -<li>Franckius, [Peter?] I, lxxvi.</li> - -<li>Franklin, Benjamin, I, lxxvi-vii.</li> - -<li>Freemen, and Non-freemen, iii, 143.</li> - -<li>Fuller, Goodman, is killed by Witchcraft, iii, 64.</li> - -<li>Fuller, [Jacob?] a Doctor, decides a Case of Hysterics to be Witchcraft, iii, 100.</li> - -<li>Fuller, John, iii, 11.</li> - -<li>Fuller, Thomas, D. D., I, lxxvi-vii, II, <a href="#Page_196">196</a>.</li> - -<li>Fuller, Thomas, iii, 199.</li> - -<li class="p2 dropcap">GALLOWS-HILL, where reputed Witches were executed, iii, 45.</li> - -<li>Gallows-Tree, iii, 177.</li> - -<li>Gaul, John, on Detection of Witches, 42-4; - his Rules observed, 153; - Remarks upon, ii, <a href="#Page_12">12</a>; - Calef on, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>, <a href="#Page_178">178</a>, <a href="#Page_197">197</a>; - Mather on, iii, 64.</li> - -<li>Gedney, Bartholomew, I, vii, 26; - Judge, iii, 26; - Conduct at Capt. Alden's Trial, 28, 30, 172.</li> - -<li>Gee, Joshua, I, xcvi.</li> - -<li>Germany, the Devil on a Chimney there, 116, 117; - Witchcraft in, ii, <a href="#Page_197">197</a>.</li> - -<li>Ghosts of murdered People appear, 155, 156-7, 209, iii, 106.</li> - -<li>Gibbs, Barnabas, II, <a href="#Page_xxv">xxv</a>.</li> - -<li>Gidney, Bartholomew.—See <span class="smcap">Gedney</span>.</li> - -<li>Gill, Obadiah, II, <a href="#Page_xxi">xxi</a>; - William, a Searcher for Witchteats, iii, 39.</li> - -<li>Glanville, Joseph, describes Unbelievers in Witchcraft, I, lxi.</li> - -<li>Glover, <i>Goody</i>, executed, iii, 153.</li> - -<li>Goblin, one described, iii, 85-6.—See <span class="smcap">Hobgoblin</span>.</li> - -<li>God, swears in loud Thunders at the Devil, 73; - more abandons the World than formerly, 75; - bids the Devil make all miserable, 76; - permits the Devil to come upon us, 107; - has the Devil in a Chain, 110; - his Wrath sets on the Devil, 118; - would have subdued the Devil if called upon, 120; - swears in Wrath, 125; - clucks to us, 130; - a Dog of Hell barking at him, 219; - the Devil superior to, ii, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>; - whether he commissions the Devil, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>; - the Mother of, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>; - leaves the Devil at free-will, <a href="#Page_118">118</a>; - commissions the Devil, <a href="#Page_130">130-1</a>.</li> - -<li>Godfrey, John, iii, 52.</li> - -<li>Gold, Sam., at Mrs. Bishop's Trial, iii, 78; - at Giles Cory's, 170.</li> - -<li>Good, Sarah, accused of being a Witch, iii, 6, 7; - her Child also, 11; - Chains for, 20; - executed, 33; - Horrors attending, 34, 187.</li> - -<li>Good, William, iii, 7.</li> - -<li>Goodall, Goodwife, iii, 8.</li> - -<li>Goodwin, John, Children bewitched, I, lxxxviii; - testifies to a Miracle, II, <a href="#Page_xxi">xxi</a>; - Baxter on the Story, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>; - farther Note on, iii, 153.</li> - -<li>Gould, William, II, <a href="#Page_xxiii">xxiii</a>.</li> - -<li>Gowans, William, I, xciii.</li> - -<li>Gray, Samuel, swears against Mrs. Bishop, 166, iii, 31.</li> - -<li>Green Lane, iii, 115.</li> - -<li>Green, Mary, imprisoned and escapes, iii, 53.</li> - -<li>Green, Thomas, II, <a href="#Page_xxv">xxv</a>.</li> - -<li>Greenslett, John, iii, 64.</li> - -<li>Greenslett, Thomas, swears against Mr. Burroughs, iii, 64.</li> - -<li>Griggs, Dr., iii, 8, 190, 205-6.</li> - -<li class="p2 dropcap">HADLEY, Deborah, iii, 107.</li> - -<li>Hale, John, prays at Witch Trials, iii, 10; - attends Examinations, 22; - his Wife accused, 48; - on Mr. Parris's Conduct, 207.</li> - -<li>Hall, Bishop, on the Devil's Prevalency, 112; - on Astrology and Magic, 124.</li> - -<li>Hanvoord, Goodman, iii, 11.</li> - -<li>Happy Family, Origin of, 29.</li> - -<li>Hardy, Thomas, his Snare of Devilism, iii, 102.</li> - -<li>Harris, Benjamin, I, vii, II, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>.</li> - -<li>Harrod, John, iii, 11.</li> - -<li>Hathorne, John, I, vii, 26, iii, 6, 9, 15; - Inhumanity of, 23; - Examinant of Giles Cory, 169; - of Tituba, 187; - of Mary Clark, 195.</li> - -<li>Hathorne, Susanna, iii, 195.</li> - -<li>Haverhill, Witchcraft in, iii, 128, 195, 197.</li> - -<li>Hell, Toyls of, 19; - Belial of, 22; - Mad Dogs of, 27; - Philistines of, 27; - Mastives of, 64; - lowest Depths of, 77; - hellish Rattlesnakes, 80; - wild Beasts of, 86; - Ty-dogs of, 108; - Adders of, 118; - a little Portraiture of, 131; - a Queen appointed for, 200; - the Pilate of, ii, <a href="#Page_27">27</a>; - Lions and Bears of, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>; - lively Demonstrations of, <a href="#Page_47">47</a>; - Covenant with, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>; - great Officers of, iii, 113.</li> - -<li>Hemmingius, Nicholas, 204.</li> - -<li>Herrick, George, ii, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>; - Marshal, iii, 11, 17; - testifies against Giles Cory, 172.</li> - -<li>Herrick, Henry, iii, 135.</li> - -<li>Heyman, Samuel, 26.</li> - -<li>Hiacoomes, a Christian Indian, ii, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>.</li> - -<li>Higginson, John, I, vii, 201, 207; - Examiner, iii, 126.</li> - -<li>Hill, John, Capt., ii, <a href="#Page_75">75</a>; - at Salem, iii, 27.</li> - -<li>Hill, Zeb., a Searcher for Witchteats, iii, 39.</li> - -<li>Hinckley, Thomas, 26.</li> - -<li>Hoar, Dorcas, condemned, iii, 44; - Estate seized, 50.</li> - -<li>Hobs, William, committed, iii, 16.</li> - -<li>Hobbes, Thomas, ii, <a href="#Page_201">201</a>.</li> - -<li>Hobbs, Abigail, condemned and executed, iii, 45.</li> - -<li>Hobbs, Deliverance, Witness against Bishop, 165; - committed as a Witch, iii, 16; - tormented, 80.</li> - -<li>Hobgoblin, Witchcraft, iii, 137.—See <span class="smcap">Goblin</span>.</li> - -<li>Holland, Joseph, II, <a href="#Page_xxii">xxii</a>.</li> - -<li>Hollingworth, Richard, iii, 179, 182; - William, <i>ib.</i></li> - -<li>Holton, Benjamin, iii, 11; - Sarah, Witness against Mrs. Nurse, <i>ib.</i>—See <span class="smcap">Houlton</span>.</li> - -<li>Hopkins, Matthew, 30.</li> - -<li>Horneck, Anthony, 19, 69, 221.</li> - -<li>Horse-shoes, used by Conjurors, iii, 142.</li> - -<li>Houlton, Joseph, iii, 113, 203.—See <span class="smcap">Holton</span>.</li> - -<li>How, Elizabeth, 188, iii, 33; - Indictment of, 104; - Trial of, 105-113; - Wife of James, <i>ib.</i>, 107; - baptised by the Devil, 112.</li> - -<li>How, John, 190; - Witness against his Sister, iii, 109.</li> - -<li>Howe, John, Mr., iii, 139.</li> - -<li>Howell, James, on Witchcraft, ii, <a href="#Page_127">127</a>.</li> - -<li>Hubbard, Elizabeth, iii, 7, 62; - swears against Mrs. Bishop, 75-6; - against Carrier, 114; - against Giles Cory, 170; - has Fits, 192.</li> - -<li>Hudibras, on A. Ross, ii, <a href="#Page_126">126</a>.</li> - -<li>Hudson, William, sees Margaret Rule go up without Hands, ii, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>.</li> - -<li>Hughes, John, iii, 7.</li> - -<li>Huguenots, Note on the, 70.</li> - -<li>Hunnewell, Richard, Lt., iii, 64.</li> - -<li>Hunt, Ephraim, ii, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>.</li> - -<li>Hutchinson, Benj., Complainant, iii, 26.</li> - -<li>Hutchinson, Elisha, 26.</li> - -<li class="p2 dropcap">IMPS, Employment of, 112; - one sinks a Ship, <i>ib.</i>; - one appears like a Rat, ii, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>.</li> - -<li>Indians, vast Herds of, 65; - Efforts of Powawes against the Settlers, 94-5; - one of great Strength, 159; - under Conduct of the Devil, 207; - Christian, ii, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>; - one tempted by the Devil, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>; - Witches among, <a href="#Page_75">75</a>; - Reason for, <a href="#Page_117">117-18</a>; - Notions of Religion, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>; - Covenant to adore the Devil, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>; - practice Witchcraft, iii, 5; - resemble the Devil, 70; -in Witchcraft, 185-95; - two at Salem, 204.</li> - -<li>Ingersol, John, 163; - Nathaniel, ii, <a href="#Page_143">143</a>, iii, 11; - Witness, 15, 17, 199.</li> - -<li>Inventions, hindered by the Devil, 66.</li> - -<li>Invisibility of Witches, 204; - Mist of, iii, 160.</li> - -<li class="p2 dropcap">JACOBS, George, Executed, iii, 38; - further noticed, 43, 50, 204.</li> - -<li>Jacobs, Margaret, confesses, iii, 43-4; - escapes Death, <i>ib.</i></li> - -<li>Jacobs, Mary, one of the Afflicted, iii, 8.</li> - -<li>Jacobs, Thomas, Evidence against Bibber, iii, 8.</li> - -<li>Jackson, Doctor, iii, 183.</li> - -<li>Jamaica, Earthquake at, 78.</li> - -<li>James First, his Demonology, I, xx; - his Royal Nonsense, xxii; - his Rules for detecting Witches, <i>ib.</i>; - followed by Cooper, xxxvii; - Effect of James's Book, xli; - describes what Witches can do, lii, liii.</li> - -<li>James Second, 10, 92, iii, 131; - Knights Sir William Phips, 137, 143.</li> - -<li>Jennings, David, I, lxvii.</li> - -<li>Jesus, on the Top of the Temple, 232; - on the Battlements, 233.</li> - -<li>Jewel, Bishop, [John,] I, xxxix.</li> - -<li>Jewett, Nehemiah, ii, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>.</li> - -<li>John, Indian, iii, 3; - bewitched, 15; - accuses E. Bishop, 17; - his Wife Tituba, 22.</li> - -<li>Johnson, Eliza, iii, 126.</li> - -<li>Johnson, Samuel, defines Witchcraft, xiv.</li> - -<li>Jolliffe, John, Counsellor, 26.</li> - -<li>Judges, remarkably blind, 107; - pitiable, 127; - defer to Hale's Decisions, 141; - their Reason departed, 174.</li> - -<li>Jurin, James, I, lxxvi.</li> - -<li>Jurors, some acknowledge their Errors, iii, 134-5.</li> - -<li>Justin, Martyr, ii, <a href="#Page_10">10</a>.</li> - -<li class="p2 dropcap">KEELING, Judge, a wise Decision of, disregarded, 148.</li> - -<li>Kembal, John, Witness against Martin, 180; - she bewitches his Cattle, iii, 96-7; - sees a black Cloud, and runs upon Stumps, <i>ib.</i>; - Puppies appear to him, 98.</li> - -<li>Keney, Henry, testifies against Mrs. Cory, iii, 7.</li> - -<li>Kersey, John, his Definition of Witchcraft, I, xii.</li> - -<li>Keys, used by Conjurors, iii, 142.</li> - -<li>Keysar, ——, Daughter distracted, iii, 16.</li> - -<li>Kimball.—See <span class="smcap">Kemble</span>.</li> - -<li>King, D. P., owned the Site of Giles Cory's House, iii, 74.</li> - -<li>Knowlton, Joseph, and Wife, iii, 107.</li> - -<li class="p2 dropcap">LACY, Lawrence, Wife bewitched, iii, 120.</li> - -<li>Lacy, Mary, 199; another, 200; - Condemned and Executed, iii, 45; - her Confession, 120.</li> - -<li>Lancashire Witches, 158.</li> - -<li>Lane, Francis, Witness, 193, iii, 105; - his Rails bewitched, 112.</li> - -<li>Laplanders, Witchcraft among, 22, 108.</li> - -<li>Lawrence, Robert, of Casco, iii, 64.</li> - -<li>Laws, against Witchcraft, remark on, iii, 125; - repealed, <i>ib.</i></li> - -<li>Lawson, Dedot, his History, I, iv, vii, 156, 186; - endorses the Story of the Iron Spindle, 205; - defends the Proceedings against Witchcraft, ii, <a href="#Page_154">154-5</a>; - at Salem, iii, 7, 12; - on Mr. Burroughs, 39; - his Wife and Children killed, 64; - Chaplain to Andros's Expedition, <i>ib.</i>; - more about the Murder of his Family, 68; - on the Devil's Baptism, 113.</li> - -<li>Le Clerc, [Jean,] cited, ii, <a href="#Page_212">212</a>.</li> - -<li>Legion, definition of, 56; of Devils, 218, ii, <a href="#Page_95">95</a>.</li> - -<li>Leverett, John, Gov., ii, <a href="#Page_108">108</a>.</li> - -<li>Lewis, Mary, [Mercy,] iii, 26, 75.</li> - -<li>Lewis, Mercy, iii, 8; - sees a Man in White, 13; - Witness against Mr. Burroughs, 62, 64; - against Mrs. Bishop, 75; - against Philip English, 126; - against Giles Cory, -170; - Account of, 204; - why she accused Mr. Burroughs, 210.</li> - -<li>Leyton, [Thomas,] Mr., of Lynn, iii, 185.</li> - -<li>Loader, [Louder?] John, Evidence against Mrs. Bishop, iii, 76.</li> - -<li>Locker, George, Constable, iii, 187.</li> - -<li>Lothrop, Barnabas, Counsellor, 26.</li> - -<li>Louder, John, 170; - sees the Devil, 171; - sees a Black Pig, iii, 85.</li> - -<li>Louis, Fourteenth, 93.</li> - -<li>Lynd, Joseph, Counsellor, 26.</li> - -<li class="p2 dropcap">MANCHESTER, a Spectre worsted there, 206.</li> - -<li>Maniche, an Arabian God, ii, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>, <a href="#Page_128">128</a>.</li> - -<li>Manning, Jacob, Dep. Marshal, arrests Mr. English, iii, 181.</li> - -<li>Marshall, John, II, <a href="#Page_xxviii">xxviii</a>.</li> - -<li>Martin, George, iii, 97.</li> - -<li>Martin, Susanna, Trial of, 175; - Execution, iii, 33; - Indictment against, 89-103; - cast into a very singular Confusion, 100; - appears to John Pressy, 101.</li> - -<li>Martyr, Justin, ii, <a href="#Page_10">10</a>.</li> - -<li>Mary, Queen of William Third, 92; - Death of, iii, 131.</li> - -<li>Mascon, the Devil of, 59, 70.</li> - -<li>Mason, Stephen, Counsellor, 26.</li> - -<li>Mather, Cotton, why charged with an undue Share of the Persections, I, iii, lxxiv, lxxxv; - his Faith in Witchcraft, v; - his unfortunate Book, xxxiv; - Memoirs of, lxv-xcviii; - his Defence, 1-4; - further Defence of the Prosecutions, iii, 59-61; - Countermines the Plot of the Devil, i, 3; - bedeviled, 80; - condemns Astrology, 123-4; - Pity for the Judges, 127-8; - not present at the Witch Trials, 139; - Rejoices at the Justice of the Work against Witches, 140; - Horror at the Name of Mr. Burroughs, 152; - believes in the Ability of Witches to put on Invisibility, 162, 204; - gives Unbelievers three Bones to pick, 205; - some Misgivings about shedding Blood, 207; - Argument against Calef, II, <a href="#Page_xiii">xiii-xviii</a>; - Story of Margaret Rule, ii, <a href="#Page_21">21-36</a>; - read many Books of Physic, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>; - relieves M. Rule by three Fasts, <a href="#Page_39">39</a>; - pains to rescue the Miserable from Lions and Bears of Hell, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>; - thanked by Venerable Baxter, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>; - tries to prevent excessive Credit of spectral Evidence, <a href="#Page_44">44</a>; - his own Estimate of his Labors, <a href="#Page_46">46-7</a>; - Complaints, <a href="#Page_48">48</a>; - Letters to, <a href="#Page_48">48-62</a>; - threatens Calef, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>; - has him arrested, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>; - fails to meet him, <a href="#Page_60">60</a>; - Whittier on, <a href="#Page_61">61</a>; - Letter to Calef, <a href="#Page_62">62-8</a>; - brings heavy Charges against him, <a href="#Page_64">64</a>; - People believe smutty Things of him, <a href="#Page_65">65</a>; - Defends his Father, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>; - offers Mr. Calef the Use of his Books, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>; - Charges of Hellish Witchcraft, <a href="#Page_80">80</a>; - does not understand the Wiles of the Devil, <a href="#Page_83">83</a>; - Thunder breaks into his House, <a href="#Page_86">86</a>; - defines a Witch, <a href="#Page_90">90</a>; - a Cause of the Convictions, <a href="#Page_92">92</a>; - his Answer, <a href="#Page_93">93</a>; - Denial of Statements made by Calef, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>; - does not distinguish between Miracles and Works of the Devil, <a href="#Page_97">97</a>; - Arraigned by R. C. in Argument, <a href="#Page_135">135-6</a>; - Messenger, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>; - heavy Charges against Calef, iii, 32; - Acquainted with the Wiles of the Devil, <i>ib.</i>; - Conduct at Mr. Burroughs's Execution, 38; - Defence of the Prosecutions, 59-61; - Omissions, iii, 106, 109, 111; - an Advocate, 122; - his Account of Trials as faithful as others, 123; - his Life of Phips anonymous, and why, 136; - Defends it, 137-8, 140; - strenuous for a Reassumption of the Charter, 146; - compares Mr. Calef to Satan, 151; - the most Active of any in prosecuting Witches, 154; - his contradictory Statements pointed out, 157-8; - his Ambidexterity, 154, 159; - his Relatives accused, <i>ib.</i>; - sincere and credulous, 161.</li> - -<li>Mather, Increase, I, vi, xxx; ii, <a href="#Page_12">12</a>; - prays with Margaret Rule, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>; - Proceedings against Mr. Calef, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>; - cited, <a href="#Page_60">60</a>; - defended by his Son, C., <a href="#Page_66">66</a>; - on the Devil, <a href="#Page_90">90</a>, <a href="#Page_95">95</a>; - <i>Remarkable Providences</i>, <a href="#Page_106">106-7</a>; - Messenger, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>; - Defence about the Charter, iii, 18; - Proctor's Appeal to, 40; - Cases of Conscience, 58; - Angelographia, 131; - his Acts retold by his Son, 136, 141; - his Ideas undergo a Change, 142; - troubled by Fobb-actions, appears to King James, 145; - his Reason for accepting a new Charter, 149; - the bewitched <i>Eye</i>, 160; - Moderater of Mr. Parris's Council, 216.</li> - -<li>Mather, Nathaniel, iii, 139.</li> - -<li>Mather, Samuel, Life of his Father, I, lxvii; - Funeral Sermon on, xcvii.</li> - -<li>Mead, Matthew, Mr., iii, 139.</li> - -<li>Meeting House, the Devil in one, iii, 89.</li> - -<li>Memorable Providences, approved by Baxter, 10; - a Work by I. Mather, ii, <a href="#Page_12">12</a>, <a href="#Page_106">106-7</a>.</li> - -<li>Merlin, Ambrose, ii, <a href="#Page_196">196</a>.</li> - -<li>Mexico, Indians of, 201-2.</li> - -<li>Middlecot, Richard, 26, ii, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>.</li> - -<li>Millenium, near at Hand, 90-1.</li> - -<li>Milton, John, I, xi.</li> - -<li>Ministers, why dogged more by the Devil than others, 234; - Stars of Heaven, in danger of the Dragon's Tail, <i>ib.</i></li> - -<li>Miracles, one witnessed, ii, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>; - wrought by Men, <a href="#Page_128">128</a>.</li> - -<li>Mist of Invisibility, iii, 160.</li> - -<li>Moody, Joshua, iii, 40; - aids Philip English to escape from Jail, 179-180.</li> - -<li><i>More Wonders</i>, a vile Book, 96.</li> - -<li>Morgan, Samuel, Searcher for Witch teats, iii, 39.</li> - -<li>Mormons, reference to, ii, <a href="#Page_81">81</a>.</li> - -<li>Morton, Charles, ii, <a href="#Page_108">108</a>.</li> - -<li class="p2 dropcap">NAZIANZEN, the Author like a, 28.</li> - -<li>Newbury-Falls, Baptisms there by the Devil, 194, iii, 112, 197.</li> - -<li>New England, Loyalty and Religion in, 10; - no Land so free from Vices, 12; - once the Devil's Territory, 15, 120; - broken in upon by an Army of Devils, 17; - a Scandal feared from Witchcraft, 19; - Province of, 20; - stocked with Rattle-snakes, 25; - little Hope of, from the Wrath of the Devil, 93-4; - a howling Wilderness, 94; - its Losses by Indians and by Sea, 95; - Decline of Godliness in, 96; - poor N. England, 109; - People in the Belly of Hell, 110; - pleases the Devil, 122; - no People so basely despise the Gospel, 125; - hast destroyed thyself, ii, <a href="#Page_6">6</a>; - a Charter obtained, iii, 142; - why Quo Warrantoed, 143; - worse circumstanced than any Corporation in England, <i>ib.</i>; - Revolution in, 144-153; - Prodigies in, not a tenth Part related, 161.</li> - -<li>Necromancy, who are guilty of it, iii, 166.</li> - -<li>Noyes, Nicholas, I, vii, iii, 7, 9; - at Alden's Trial, 28; - Conduct at Executions, 34; - his Firebrands of Hell, 48; - at the Examination of Mary Clark, 196.</li> - -<li>Nurse, Francis, iii, 7, 198.</li> - -<li>Nurse, Rebecca, iii, 7, 10; - Sister Cloyce, 13; - executed, 33; - her Explanation, 36, 37; - Sister Easty, 46; - why accused, 210.</li> - -<li>Nurse, Samuel, ii, <a href="#Page_143">143</a>, <a href="#Page_159">159</a>, <a href="#Page_211">211</a>.</li> - -<li class="p2 dropcap">OAKES, Thomas, Agent to England, iii, 148.</li> - -<li>Ogilvie, John, Definition of Witchcraft, I, xiv-xvi.</li> - -<li>Old South Church, Boston, iii, 133; - Ministers of, in Witchcraft Times, 177.</li> - -<li>Oliver, alias Bishop.—See <span class="smcap">Bishop, Bridget</span>.</li> - -<li>Orton, Job, on W. Perkins, 38.</li> - -<li>Osborn, Sarah, accused, iii, 6, 7; - Iron Chains prepared for, 20; - accused by Tituba, 188.</li> - -<li>Osgood, Mary, Recantation of, iii, 57.</li> - -<li class="p2 dropcap">PACY, Deborah, afflicted, 142.</li> - -<li>Pacy, Elizabeth, afflicted, 142.</li> - -<li>Paganism, Popery, 52.</li> - -<li>Palmer, John, his Book on N. England, iii, 144.</li> - -<li>Paracelsus, [Auroleus,] I, xxxviii, 68.</li> - -<li>Parker, Alice, a Witch, 208; - Sentence to die, iii, 44.</li> - -<li>Parker, Mary, condemned and executed, iii, 45.</li> - -<li>Parris, Elizabeth, iii, 8, 209.</li> - -<li>Parris, Noyes, iii, 221.</li> - -<li>Parris, Samuel, Protest against, ii, <a href="#Page_141">141-3</a>; - long and humble Acknowledgment, <a href="#Page_143">143-8</a>; - Ministers and Elders of the Churches recommend his Acknowledgment be accepted, <a href="#Page_149">149-51</a>; - further Protest against, <a href="#Page_152">152-3</a>; - the Elders' Plea for, <a href="#Page_155">155-6</a>; - accused of swearing falsely, <a href="#Page_158">158</a>; - his Account of the Beginning of the Troubles, iii, 3-4; - swears against Rebecca Nurse, 11; - preaches, 14; - appointed Scribe at the Examinations, 15; - Examinations at his House, 22; - swears against Mrs. Bishop, 75; - Scribe at How's Trial, 105; - at other Times, 127; - at Cory's Examination, 173; - Account of, 198-222; - Family of, 203-4, 209; - not an Enemy to Mr. Burroughs, 210; - not a swift Witness, <i>ib.</i>; - how his Name comes to be frequent in the Trials, 211; - cleared by a Council, 217; - but dismissed, 218; - Epitaph on his Wife, 221; - his Death, <i>ib.</i></li> - -<li>Parris, Samuel, Deacon, iii, 221.</li> - -<li>Parris, Thomas, iii, 198, 222.</li> - -<li>Payne, Robert, Juror, iii, 127, 185.</li> - -<li>Payson, Edward, ii, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>; - pleads for Mrs. How, iii, 106.</li> - -<li>Peabody, John, Apology of, iii, 135.</li> - -<li>Peach, Bernard, a Witness against Mrs. Martin, 178-9; - bites a Witch, iii, 94, 95.</li> - -<li>Peasley, Joseph, Constable, iii, 196.</li> - -<li>Pemberton, Ebenezer, ii, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>.</li> - -<li>Pennington, Thomas, I, ix.</li> - -<li>Perd, Margaret, ii, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>; - smells Brimstone, <a href="#Page_53">53</a>.</li> - -<li>Perkins, Thomas, Apology of, iii, 135.</li> - -<li>Perkins, William, defines Witchcraft, I, xiii; - his Rules questioned, xxxiii; - Notice of, 37; - his Doctrine of Witchcraft, ii, <a href="#Page_12">12</a>; - Mr. Calef on, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>, iii, 165.</li> - -<li>Perley, John, 193-4; - Fence Rails bewitched by, iii, 111; - Apology of, 135; - Samuel and Wife, 105, 106.</li> - -<li>Perley, Timothy, Witness, 192.</li> - -<li>Pharaoh, Old, accused of Witchcraft, iii, 126-7.</li> - -<li>Philistines of Hell, 27.</li> - -<li>Phillips, Edward, I, xi; - John, 26; - Samuel, ii, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>; - Evidence for Mrs. How, iii, 106.</li> - -<li>Phips, William, arrives, 25, iii, 18; - orders Irons for the Accused, 20; - orders the Trials for Witchcraft published, 58; - called Home, 130; - how became Governor, 137; - finished his Life and Government together, <i>ib.</i>; - a Pizarro, 138; - harsh Temper, 141; - had his Fortune told, 154; - vanquishes the Devil, 158; - his Relatives accused, 159.</li> - -<li>Pike, Robert, 26, iii, 103.</li> - -<li>Pithagoras, Doctrine of, ii, <a href="#Page_118">118</a>.</li> - -<li>Pitman, Thomas, 206.</li> - -<li>Pizarro, Sir W. Phips compared to, iii, 138.</li> - -<li>Plagues, caused by the Devil, ii, <a href="#Page_79">79</a>.</li> - -<li>Plastic Spirit of Witches, 204, ii, <a href="#Page_88">88</a>; - a Nonentity hooked in, <a href="#Page_90">90</a>; - Mischief to the Devil, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>.</li> - -<li>Plynyism, what it is, 204.</li> - -<li>Pope, Joseph, and Wife, iii, 8, 203.</li> - -<li>Popery, revived Paganism, 52.</li> - -<li>Poppets, used by Spectres, ii, <a href="#Page_40">40</a>, iii, 82; - some found and described, 88; - Remark upon, 124.</li> - -<li>Porter, Benjamin, iii, 11.</li> - -<li>Post, Mary, Evidence against Mary Clark, iii, 197.</li> - -<li>Prayers, the great Artillery of Heaven, 132; - a Whip for the Devil's Back, <i>ib.</i></li> - -<li>Prescot, Peter, Dr., 196, iii, 116.</li> - -<li>Pressy, John, Witness against Martin, 184; - sees a great Light, iii, 100; - his Heels are struck up, 101; - Loss of Cows, <i>ib.</i></li> - -<li>Preston, Samuel, 198; - his Cow bewitched, iii, 118.</li> - -<li>Preston, Thomas, iii, 203.</li> - -<li>Prince, Thomas, I, xc, xci, xcv.</li> - -<li>Printing, not sooner discovered owing to the Devil, 66.</li> - -<li>Procter, Elizabeth, iii, 7; - John, <i>ib.</i>; - Mrs., cried out on, 15; - John, executed, 38; - Barbarity to his Family, 40; - his Letter to Ministers, 40-2; - his Course to prevent Witchcraft, 204.</li> - -<li>Procter, William, made to confess by Torture, iii, 41.</li> - -<li>Prodigies, in N. England, not a tenth Part related, iii, 161.</li> - -<li>Pudeater, Ann, sentenced to be executed, iii, 44.</li> - -<li>Pulsifer, David, 13, II, <a href="#Page_vii">vii</a>, III, 169.</li> - -<li>Putnam, Ann, iii, 7, 8, 9; - Witness against Mrs. Nurse, 11; - against Mr. Burroughs, 39, 62, 63; - against Mrs. Bishop, 75; - against Giles Cory, 170; - against Mary Clark, 197; - why she became an Accuser, 210.</li> - -<li>Putnam, Edward, ii, <a href="#Page_143">143</a>, iii, 7.</li> - -<li>Putnam, John, Witness against Mrs. Nurse, iii, 11; - Mrs. Dastin, 128; - of Parris's Society, 198.</li> - -<li>Putnam, Joseph, ii, <a href="#Page_159">159</a>.</li> - -<li>Putnam, Thomas, iii, 7; - swears against Mrs. Nurse, 11; - Mrs. Bishop, 75; - Mrs. Daston, 128.</li> - -<li class="p2 dropcap">QUINCY, Josiah, on "Certain Proposals," ii, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>; - one-sided and dogmatical, iii, 19; - on I. Mather's Diary, 136.</li> - -<li class="p2 dropcap">RAVEN, Story of one speaking, 33.</li> - -<li>Rawson, Edward, iii, 16, 52, 197.</li> - -<li>Rea, Joshua, iii, 198.</li> - -<li>Redd, Willmet, condemned to die, iii, 45.</li> - -<li>Reed, Richard, iii, 184.</li> - -<li>Rice, Nicholas, iii, 29.</li> - -<li>Rice, Sarah, sent to Prison, iii, 29.</li> - -<li>Richards, John, 26, iii, 30; - Judge, 125, 128.</li> - -<li>Ring, Jervis, 185; - suffers from Nightmare, iii, 103.</li> - -<li>Ring, Joseph, 186; - carried about by Demons, iii, 102; - in a Snare of Devilism, <i>ib.</i>; - hurried through the Air, <i>ib.</i>; - taken to Hellish Meetings, 102-3.</li> - -<li>Ring, Robert, an Error, 186.</li> - -<li>Robie, William, II, <a href="#Page_xxi">xxi</a>.</li> - -<li>Robinson, George, II, <a href="#Page_xxvii">xxvii</a>.</li> - -<li>Roggers, John, Witnesses against Martha Carrier, 197; - of Billerica, iii, 118; - killed by Indians, <i>ib.</i></li> - -<li>Ross, Alexander, Hudibras on, ii, <a href="#Page_126">126</a>.</li> - -<li>Ruck, John, Foreman of Jury, 161, iii, 35, 72-3.</li> - -<li>Russell, James, 26, iii, 15.</li> - -<li>Rule, Margaret, Story of, ii, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>; - seized by evil Angels, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>; - fell into odd Fits, <a href="#Page_28">28</a>; - assaulted by eight cruel Spectres, <i>ib.</i>; - bring her a red Book to sign, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>; - her Tortures described, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>; - fasts nine Days, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>; - stuck full of Pins, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>; - Liquor poured down her Throat "as of scalding Brimstone," <a href="#Page_33">33</a>; - her Hurts soon cured, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>; - taken up to the Ceiling and held there, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>; - her Minister interferes, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>; - gets the better of the Devil, <a href="#Page_40">40</a>; - visited by Mr. Calef, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>; - his Report of her Case, <a href="#Page_49">49-54</a>; - a Sweetheart in it, <a href="#Page_51">51-2</a>; - Aves's Testimony concerning, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>; - others, <a href="#Page_69">69-70</a>.</li> - -<li>Rum, used in a Case of Witchcraft, ii, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>.</li> - -<li class="p2 dropcap">SABBATH, begins at Sunset, Saturday, 223.</li> - -<li>Sadducees, unbelievers in Witchcraft, 32; - Baxter on, ii, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>; - Mischievous, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>; - Witlings, <a href="#Page_60">60</a>, <a href="#Page_61">61</a>; - Atheists, <a href="#Page_108">108</a>; - Infidels, iii, 162, 163.</li> - -<li>Safford, Joseph, Witness, 189, iii, 105, 108-9.</li> - -<li>Salem Village, Church Difficulties, ii, <a href="#Page_140">140-3</a>.</li> - -<li>Saltonstall, Nathaniel, 26, ii, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>, iii, 30.</li> - -<li>Sanderson, Robert, Deacon, iii, 207.</li> - -<li>Sargent, Peter, 26.</li> - -<li>Satan.—See <span class="smcap">Devil</span>.</li> - -<li>Sayer, Samuel, Apology of, iii, 135.</li> - -<li>Scotland, Witchcraft in, ii, <a href="#Page_7">7</a>, <a href="#Page_197">197</a>.</li> - -<li>Scott, Margaret, condemned to Death, iii, 44.</li> - -<li>Scott, Reginald, writes against Witchcraft, I, xxxix; - Extracts from, xlv-vii; - has taken great Pains, lix.</li> - -<li>Scottow, Joshua, iii, 64.</li> - -<li>Scribonius, Note upon, 1.</li> - -<li>Sergeant, Mr. [Peter,] iii, 31.</li> - -<li>Sewall, Samuel, 26, 209; - subscribes to the Truth and Accuracy of Mather's <i>Wonders</i>, 211, iii, 59; - Judge, II, <a href="#Page_xxiv">xxiv</a>, <a href="#Page_157">157</a>, iii, 15, 31; - Appointment of Judge, 125; - Services, 126, 128; - in Sorrow for the Part he took those accused of Witchcraft, 133; - a Referee in Mr. Parris's Case, 221.</li> - -<li>Sewall, Stephen, Captain, iii, 209.</li> - -<li>Sharp, [James,] D. D., iii, 151.</li> - -<li>Shattock, Samuel, 168; - swore against Mrs. Bishop, iii, 76; - Wife Sarah, also, <i>ib.</i>, 83-4; - Remarks on his Evidence, 123.</li> - -<li>Sheldon, Susanna, 200; - swears against Mr. Burroughs, iii, 66-7; - against Mrs. Bishop, 78; - against Mrs. Carrier, 120; - against Mary Clark, 196; - Account of, 204.</li> - -<li>Shepard, John, iii, 53; - Rev. Mr., 185.</li> - -<li>Sheppard, Rebekah, iii, 11.</li> - -<li>Sherrin, John, iii, 105.</li> - -<li>Sherringham, Robert, 150.</li> - -<li>Sherwin, <i>Goodwife</i>, 191.</li> - -<li>Short, Mercy, ii, <a href="#Page_27">27</a>, <a href="#Page_37">37</a>, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>.</li> - -<li>Sibley, John L., I, viii; - Mary, iii, 3, 206.</li> - -<li>Sieves, used to conjure with, iii, 142.</li> - -<li>Sikes, Victory, Corporal, iii, 219.</li> - -<li>Simpkins, Thomas, II, <a href="#Page_xxv">xxv</a>.</li> - -<li>Slavery, a Divine Institution, xvi; - Effect of its Denunciation, 12-13.</li> - -<li>Smith, James, II, <a href="#Page_xxiii">xxiii</a>, III, 203.</li> - -<li>Snow, falls as Wool, I, lxxiii; - some red, lxxiv.</li> - -<li>Soam, John, his Cart bewitched, 149.</li> - -<li>Sobieski, John, King, 91.</li> - -<li><i>Some Few Remarks</i>, an Answer to Calef, II, <a href="#Page_xxi">xxi</a>.</li> - -<li>Sorceries, 122, 123; - little ones, iii, 142; - how known, 165.</li> - -<li>Sow, one bewitched, iii, 109.</li> - -<li>Spectacles invented, 66.</li> - -<li>Spectral Sight, Pretenders to, iii, 166.</li> - -<li>Spectres, how allayed, 30, 31, 35, 103-4; - take the Name and Shape of Accused, 106; - call upon People before Death, 109; - pranks with an Iron Spindle, 205; - severe Scuffle with one, 206; - "Eight Cruel ones" assault Margaret Rule, ii, <a href="#Page_28">28</a>; - "Cursed ones" bring a Book to sign, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>; - Threats of, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>; - they steal a Will, <i>ib.</i>; - heard to clap their Hands, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>; - Caution about, <a href="#Page_44">44</a>; - one cruelly assaults a Person, [Margaret Rule,] iii, 160.</li> - -<li>Spencer, Edmund, a Witch described by. I, xlix.</li> - -<li>Spencer, Richard, Witness, 150.</li> - -<li>Spindle, Story of one, 205, iii, 160.</li> - -<li>Spirits, white ones, ii, <a href="#Page_37">37</a>; - one appears to Margaret Rule, <a href="#Page_39">39</a>.</li> - -<li>Sprague, Martha, bewitched, iii, 126.</li> - -<li>Stacy, William, 172, iii, 86-7, 76.</li> - -<li>Star, Margaret, II, <a href="#Page_xxv">xxv</a>.</li> - -<li>Stephens, Lieutenant, iii, 53; - Sister of, 54.</li> - -<li>Stoughton, William, commends the <i>Wonders</i>, &c., 5-6; - of unspotted Fidelity, 26; - declares Mather's Wonders true, 211; - commissions Judges, iii, 30; - attests to the Truth of Mather's <i>Wonders</i>, 59; - signs the Death Warrant of Mrs. Bishop, 80; - his Appointment, 125; - Services, 126.</li> - -<li>Stuart, one, Letter in Defence of Witchcraft, ii, <a href="#Page_160">160-186</a>; - another, <a href="#Page_198">198-207</a>; - on Blasphemy, <a href="#Page_202">202</a>.</li> - -<li>Swan, Timothy, afflicted, iii, 196.</li> - -<li>Swedeland, Witchcraft in, 108, 211.</li> - -<li>Swinnerten, John, II, <a href="#Page_xxv">xxv</a>.</li> - -<li>Sydney, Henry, Lord, iii, 149.</li> - -<li>Symons, Edward, 9.</li> - -<li class="p2 dropcap">TALBOT, Lord, causes the Repeal of Witchcraft Laws, iii, 125.</li> - -<li>Tarbell, John, ii, <a href="#Page_143">143</a>, <a href="#Page_159">159</a>, iii, 199, 211, 215.</li> - -<li>Taylor, Zachary, A. M., I, ix.</li> - -<li>Teats, on Witches, ii, <a href="#Page_57">57</a>.—See <span class="smcap">Witchteats</span>.</li> - -<li>Thacher, Peter, I, xcvii.</li> - -<li>Thompson, Agnes, Confession of, I, xli-ii.</li> - -<li>Thornton, Thomas, testifies to the Performances of Margaret Rule, ii, <a href="#Page_69">69-70</a>.</li> - -<li>Thyaneus, Appolonius, ii, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>.</li> - -<li>Tillotson, Archbishop, 56; - aids Dr. Mather, iii, 149.</li> - -<li>Tituba, practices Witchcraft, iii, 6; - Note on her Examination, 22; - Examination in full, 178-95; - a South American Indian, 200.</li> - -<li><span class="errauthor" title="not in text">Tockinosh, John, ii, 23.</span></li> - -<li>Tompson, Benjamin, I, xcv.</li> - -<li>Toothaker, Allin, 196; - Family of, 197; - abused by a Witch, iii, 117.</li> - -<li>Torry, Samuel, ii, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>; - William, <i>ib.</i></li> - -<li>Transubstantiation, as old as the Devil, ii, <a href="#Page_200">200-1</a>.</li> - -<li>Trask, John, his Wife killed by Witchcraft, iii, 79.</li> - -<li>Trithemius, Fancies of, iii, 164.</li> - -<li>Tupper, Samuel, ii, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>; - Thomas, <i>ib.</i></li> - -<li>Tyler, Hannah, Recantation of, iii, 57.</li> - -<li>Tyler, Jobe, Deposition concerning Witchcraft, iii, 52.</li> - -<li>Tyler, John, II, <a href="#Page_xxiv">xxiv</a>.</li> - -<li>Tyler, Mary, signs a Recantation, iii, 57, 197.</li> - -<li>Tyng, Eleazer, II, <a href="#Page_xxvii">xxvii</a>.</li> - -<li class="p2 dropcap">USHER, Hezekiah, accused, iii, 196.</li> - -<li class="p2 dropcap">VAN Helmont, Jean, Baptist, ii, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>.</li> - -<li>Varnum, [Farnum,] Ralph, 195.</li> - -<li>Vibber.—See <span class="smcap">Bibber</span>.</li> - -<li>Virgin Mary, Mother of God, ii, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>.</li> - -<li>Vitzlipultzli, an Indian Idol, 201.</li> - -<li class="p2 dropcap">WADSWORTH, Benjamin, Letter to, ii, <a href="#Page_134">134</a>, <a href="#Page_135">135</a>; - Timothy, <a href="#Page_xxi">xxi</a>.</li> - -<li>Walcutt, John, Witness, iii, 113.</li> - -<li>Walcutt, Jonathan, iii, 15; - Mary, ii, <a href="#Page_158">158</a>, iii, 8, 26, 62, 170, 195, 205.</li> - -<li>Waldron, Abigail, iii, 79.</li> - -<li>Waldron, Nathaniel, iii, 79.</li> - -<li>Waldron, William, I, xcvii.</li> - -<li>Waller, Edmund, I, lxxxi.</li> - -<li>Walley, John, i, 26, ii, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>.</li> - -<li>Walter, Nehemiah, ii, <a href="#Page_108">108</a>.</li> - -<li>Ward, Nathaniel, i, 13.</li> - -<li>Wardwell, Samuel, condemned, iii, 45; - Scene at his Execution, 46, 57; - his Wife executed, 125; - he covenants with the Devil, 126.</li> - -<li>Warner, Daniel, testifies in Favor of Mrs. How, iii, 107.</li> - -<li>Warren, Mercy, an Accuser, iii, 16, 26, 62, 204.</li> - -<li>Watkins, Mary, had been a Servant, iii, 128; - sold into Slavery, 129.</li> - -<li>Watts, Isaac, I, lxvii, lxxvi.</li> - -<li>Way, Aaron, ii, <a href="#Page_143">143</a>; - William, <i>ib.</i></li> - -<li>Webber, Samuel, swears in Mr. Burroughs's Case, ii, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>, iii, 63.</li> - -<li>Webster, Noah, Definition of Witchcraft, I, xiv.</li> - -<li>Welch, Edward, a Searcher for Witchteats, iii, 39.</li> - -<li>Wendell, Edward, II, <a href="#Page_xxvii">xxvii</a>.</li> - -<li>Wentworth, Samuel, II, <a href="#Page_xxiv">xxiv</a>.</li> - -<li>West, Abigail, II, <a href="#Page_xxv">xxv</a>.</li> - -<li>West, Thomas, Searcher for Witchteats, iii, 39.</li> - -<li>Wheeler, Thomas, II, <a href="#Page_xxiii">xxiii</a>.</li> - -<li>Whetford, ——, 208.</li> - -<li>Whiston, William, I, lxxvi.</li> - -<li>Whittier, J. G., on C. Mather, ii, <a href="#Page_61">61</a>, <a href="#Page_160">160</a>, iii, 163, 167, 174.</li> - -<li>Wigglesworth, M., his Day of Doom, ii, <a href="#Page_4">4</a>.</li> - -<li>Wild, John, iii, 16; - his Wife Sarah, <i>ib.</i>; - executed, iii, 33.</li> - -<li>Wild, ——, Captain, i, 137.</li> - -<li>Wilds, Ephraim, Constable, iii, 105.</li> - -<li>Wilkins, John, on Margaret Rule, ii, <a href="#Page_69">69</a>.</li> - -<li>Wilkins, Richard, ii, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>.</li> - -<li>Wilkins, Thomas, ii, <a href="#Page_143">143</a>, iii, 216.</li> - -<li>Willard, John, executed, iii, 38, 39; - Escape and Capture, 40.</li> - -<li>Willard, Samuel, Letter to, ii, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>; - cried out of, iii, 37; - appeal to by Procter, 40; - his Agency in the Escape of Mr. English, 177-8.</li> - -<li>Willard, Simon, testifies in Mr. Burroughs's Case, iii, 64.</li> - -<li>William and Mary, I, lxxxiv, 25; - Death of Mary, iii, 131.</li> - -<li>Williams, Abigail, ii, <a href="#Page_156">156</a>, <a href="#Page_158">158</a>, iii, 7, 8, 9; - at the Devil's Sacrament, 13; - cries out on Capt. Alden, 26; - of Mrs. Bishop, 75; - Mr. Cory, 170, 179; - Account of, 204; - one of the Originators of the Witchcraft Delusion, 209.</li> - -<li>Williams, Daniel, on Margaret Rule, ii, <a href="#Page_69">69</a>.</li> - -<li>Williams, Nathaniel, a Committee on Salem Affairs, ii, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>.</li> - -<li>Williams, Thomas, opposes Mr. Parris, iii, 212.</li> - -<li>Wilson, John, of Boston, 7.</li> - -<li>Wilson, Sarah, accused, iii, 57.</li> - -<li>Winchell, David, Sergent, iii, 219.</li> - -<li>Winsor, Hannah, iii, 26.</li> - -<li>Winthrop, Adam, Counsellor, 26.</li> - -<li>Winthrop, Wait, 26, ii, <a href="#Page_157">157</a>, iii, 30; - Judge, 125, 221.</li> - -<li>Witchcraft, Cause of its Decline, I, iv; - Works upon, v-x; - Definitions of, xi-xvi; - taught in the Bible, xvi; - how People's Eyes were opened, xvii; - how carried on, xxii; - Practiced through Images or Pictures, <i>ib.</i>; - Laws respecting, xxiv-v; - the Bible upon, xvi, xxvii; - Ideas respecting, xxviii; - opposed only by Infidels, xxix; - Origin of, xxxi; - the Question which stayed its Progress, xxxii; - Works upon, xxxiv-viii; - Law against, xxxix, xliii; - not Spiritualism, lx; - at the present Day, lxxv; - came near blowing up all the Churches, 17; - Storms of, 20; - thorny Business, 29; - will not be shammed, 34; - disposed of, 42; - in Lapland, 68-9; - flourishes where are no Churches, 130-1; - to worship the Devil, 243; - a Relict of Heathen Learning, ii, <a href="#Page_11">11</a>; - a principal ecclesiastical Engine, <a href="#Page_12">12</a>; - further defined, <a href="#Page_56">56-7</a>; - how Prosecutions were eventually checked, <a href="#Page_110">110-11</a>; - sensible and evident, <a href="#Page_105">105</a>; - Laws made against, iii, 124; - repealed in England, 125; - a Hobgoblin Monster, 137.</li> - -<li>Witchteats, for the Devil to suck, ii, <a href="#Page_57">57</a>, <a href="#Page_100">100</a>; - a horrid Barbarity to search for, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>; - Excrescences, iii, 124.</li> - -<li>Witches, how made, I, xv; - Nature of their Covenant with the Devil, xxiii; - the Devil a Slave to, xix; - exist by God's Permission, xx; - how to detect, xxiii; - vast Numbers executed, xv, xxvii; - Punishment impossible, xxxi; - good Witches, xxxvii; - one described by Spencer, xlix; - different Kinds, l, lii; - how they contract with the Devil, liv-v; - Manner of living, lvi-viii; - the Devil has made a dreadful Knot of, 18; - prodigious Meetings of, 19; - commission the Devil, 29; - Way of discovering, 37; - Confessions and Practices, 103; - fairly executed, 107; - Executions of, in Suffolk and Essex, 112; - thorny Business, 114; - firey Serpents, 124; - in Denmark, 148; - Witches impeach Witches, 157; - Symptoms of Guilt, 162; - Conduct after the Manner of Congregational Churches, 202-3; - by applying the <i>Plastic Spirit</i>, render themselves and Tools invisible, 204; - Cause of Suicides, 207; - nineteen executed, 217; - can't say the Lord's Prayer, 232; - their Power to commission Devils Questioned, ii, <a href="#Page_7">7</a>; - Scriptures do not describe it, <i>ib.</i>, <a href="#Page_8">8</a>; - commission Devils? <a href="#Page_76">76</a>; - drive a Trade of commissioning, <a href="#Page_80">80-1</a>; - let fly Demons, <a href="#Page_81">81</a>; - turn into Cats, Dogs, and Cattle, <a href="#Page_127">127</a>; - a Witch not known to Reason, <a href="#Page_138">138</a>; - can commission Devils, <a href="#Page_139">139</a>; - of Lancashire, reference to, iii, 69; - steal Liquor, 110; - some goe on a Pole to a Witch-meeting, 120.</li> - -<li>Witch-Circles, held by young Girls, iii, 208; - Origin of the Salem Troubles, <i>ib.</i>, 209-10.</li> - -<li>Witch-Hill, where the Execution of those accused of Witchcraft were executed, iii, 45. -</li> -<li>Wizard, a Witch, I, xii, xxxviii; - reveals the Witch by the Devil's Help, 40; - the Soul that goeth a whoring after, ii, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>.</li> - -<li>Wood, Martha, Witness, 192, iii, 110.</li> - -<li>Woodbury, Abigail, iii, 79.</li> - -<li>Woodward, John, I, lxxvi.</li> - -<li>Woodward, W. E., I, viii, x-xvi.</li> - -<li>Wolcott.—See <span class="smcap">Walcutt</span>.</li> - -<li>Wool, Pall of, as Snow, I, lxxiii.</li> - -<li>Wyllys, Edward, II, <a href="#Page_xii">xii</a>.</li> -</ul> - -<hr class="full" /> -<div class="transnote"> -<h2><a id="Transcribers_Note"></a>Transcriber's Note.</h2> - -<p>Variable spelling and hyphenation have been retained. Minor punctuation -inconsistencies have been silently repaired. Footnotes were renumbered and placed at -the end of each section. The Index was copied from the third volume. The entry -<cite>Tockinosh, John, ii, 23.</cite> does not correspond to the text.</p> - -<h3>Corrections.</h3> - -<p>The first line indicates the original, the second the correction.</p> - -<p>p. <a href="#Page_80">80</a>:</p> - -<ul><li>with a Cnmmission from some of Mankind</li> - -<li>with a <span class="u">Commission</span> from some of Mankind</li> -</ul> -<p>p. <a href="#Page_116">116</a>:</p> - -<ul><li>Witchcraft, because the <i>Emher</i></li> - -<li>Witchcraft, because the <i><span class="u">Ember</span></i></li> -</ul> -<p>p. <a href="#Page_125">125</a>:</p> -<ul> -<li>it is to ee hoped that</li> - -<li>it is to <span class="u">be</span> hoped that</li> -</ul> -<p>p. <a href="#Page_193">193</a>:</p> - -<ul><li>reckons up -Withcraft among the Works</li> - -<li>reckons up -<span class="u">Witchcraft</span> among the Works</li> -</ul> -<p>Footnote <a href="#FNanchor_72_72">72</a>:</p> - -<ul><li>about A.D. 277, and his Docrine</li> - -<li>about A.D. 277, and his <span class="u">Doctrine</span></li> -</ul> -<p>Footnote <a href="#FNanchor_78_78">78</a>:</p> - -<ul><li>of the -Hononrable Persons</li> - -<li>of the -<span class="u">Honorable</span> Persons</li> -</ul> -<p>Footnote <a href="#Footnote_89_89">89</a>:</p> -<ul> - <li>The others will be noticed onward, in the Account o the Trials.</li> - <li>The others will be noticed onward, in the Account <span class="u">of</span> the Trials.</li> -</ul> -<p>Footnote <a href="#Footnote_97_97">97</a>:</p> - -<ul> -<li>The same Gentleman mentioned in <i>Note</i> 86, <i>Page</i> 64.</li> -<li>The same Gentleman mentioned in <i>Note</i> 86, <i>Page</i> <span class="u">157</span>.</li> -</ul> -<h3>Errata.</h3> - -<p>The first line indicates the original, the second how it should read.</p> - -<p>p. <a href="#Page_25">25</a>:</p> - -<ul><li>threatning bittterly to kill</li> - -<li>threatning <span class="u">bitterly</span> to kill</li> -</ul> - -<p>p. <a href="#Page_32">32</a>:</p> -<ul> - <li>which the Old <i>Serpent</i> made where he did his <i>first Adddress</i></li> - <li> which the Old <i>Serpent</i> made where he did his <i>first <span class="u">Address</span></i></li> -</ul> - -<p>p. <a href="#Page_103">103</a>:</p> - -<ul> <li>on so flight</li> - -<li>on so <span class="u">slight</span></li> -</ul> - -<p>p. <a href="#Page_141">141</a>:</p> -<ul> -<li>found no redress in this matter, accountea -ourselves</li> - -<li>found no redress in this matter, <span class="u">accounted</span> -ourselves</li></ul> - -<p>p. <a href="#Page_193">193</a>:</p> -<ul> -<li>it were very improper to place it with -Drunkennness</li> - -<li>it were very improper to place it with -<span class="u">Drunkenness</span></li></ul> -</div> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Witchcraft Delusion in New -England: Its Rise, Progress, a, by Cotton Mather and Robert Calef - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WITCHCRAFT DELUSION *** - -***** This file should be named 52027-h.htm or 52027-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/2/0/2/52027/ - -Produced by Dianna Adair, Louise Davies, Eleni Christofaki -and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net (This file was made using scans of -public domain works from the University of Michigan Digital -Libraries.) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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