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The Certainty of the Worlds of Spirits and Immortality of the Soul · Richard Baxter

The Certainty of the Worlds of Spirits and Immortality of the Soul, Treatise · Chapter 2

CHAP. II. Several Historical Instances of Apparitions, Witches, and marvellous convincing Works of God's Providence.

§. 1. THere are in this City of London, many Persons that prosess their great unbelief, or doubt of the Life to come, the Immortality of the Soul, and therefore much more of the truth of the Gospel, and Christian Faith, and Supernatural Revelations. But they say, that could they be certain of Spirits, Apparitions, Witchcraft and Miracles, it would do more to convince them than the Assertions of the Scriptures: But they take all such Reports to be but the effects of Error, Deceit, and easie Credulity: For the sake of such, I have recited many Credible Instances in this Book, and my Saints Rest, and in my Vnreasonableness of Infidelity; and I shall here add some more. I doubt not but abundance of Reports of such matters have no better causes than are here mentioned, even the mistake of the Ignorant; but that there are true as well as false Reports of such things, is past all reasonable cause of doubting.

I. I will begin with that most convincing Instance, which you may read in a Book, called, The Devil of Mascon.

Above twenty Years ago, the now Earl Orery, then Lord Broghil, a Person of well known Understanding, and not inclined to weak Cre…ulity, told me much of what is written in that Book, and more; and said, That he was familiar with Mr. Perreaud, a Reverend Worthy Protestant Minister, in whose House all was done, and had his Son for his Servant in his Chamber many years; and from Mr. Perreaud had the Narrative. Not long after, Dr. Peter Moulin, Prebend of Canterbury, and Son to the famous Peter Moulin Printed the Book, as having it from his Father, who had it of Mr. Perreaud: And Mr. Robert Boyle, Brother to the Earl of Orery, a Man famous for Learning, Honesty and Charity, and far also from weak Credulity, prefixeth an Epistle to it, owning it as undoubted Truth, being acquainted with the Author, Mr. Perreaud, as his Brother was. All these three worthy Persons (the E. of Orery, Mr. Boyle, and Dr. Pet. Moulin) through God's Mercy are yet living.

I hear some report, that this History of Mascon is denyed by some, that say, they have spoken with some that have been at Mascon, and knew nothing of it. And what wonder if such things that are talkt of but a few days, be forgotten after fifty or sixty Years: They that will not believe the Narrative from such Men as the Famous Peter Moulin Senior, and Dr. Peter Moulin Junior, that Printed it, and from the Earl of Orery, that told me he was Familiar with Mr. Perreaud, and had his Son many years his Chamber-Servant; and his Brother Mr. Robert Boyle yet living, that hath attested it by a Preface, may read all the History (with many more of Witchcraft printed in French, and Published by Mr. Perreaud himself: And if they cannot get it, they may go to my Kinsman, William Baxter, now Schoolmaster at Newington, where they may see it.

Could it be Counterfeit, and never Contradicted in fifty or sixty years (I remember not just the year) that in a City, so many of both Religions for so many Months together, might croud at a certain hour into the Room, and hear a Voice answering their questions, and telling them things far off, and to them unknown; and Disputing with a Papist Officer of the City, and the Whirling him oft about, and casting him on the ground, and sending him home Distracted, I say, if this, and all the rest there written, so attested, be not sufficient Evidence, I know not what is.

The said Earl of Orery, told me of many effects of Witchcraft or Devils (Men carryed about) near him in Ireland, which I shall not particularly recite, though many Witnesses were named.

This was written while they lived: Now only Mr. Boyle Surviveth.

II. My next History (shall be that of Lieutenant Colonel Bowen, which I will give only in the words of others, as I received it. Only telling you what they are.

1. Mr. Samuel Iones, is a Man of known Learning, Piety and Honesty, though a Silenced Minister, now living in Glamorganshire, by whose Mediation I had the other.

2. Mr. Bedwell was also a Credible Faithful Minister.

3. Mrs. Bowen her self, either is, or lately was living . a Woman very much praised for True Piety and Courage, Sister to Colonel Philip Iones, once one of Cromwells Council.

4. Here is a Letter also from Colonel Wroth Rogers, late Governour of Here…ord, I think yet living, and a Credible person, though then not willing the Story should be published, I suppose his Reasons are now over.

5. I sent into Ireland in his Life-time, to enquire what effect it had upon him, of which I had the Letter of Mr. Samuel Foley, and Credible Persons yet living.

6. And Colonel Iohn Bridges then in Ireland, purposely enquired, and could learn no more, but that he immured himself privately with one Servant in a Castle, who reported that he used to rise in the Night, and walk about the Room, talking as to some one with him, and more I could not hear.

7. I desired lately a Worthy Minister in Swansey, to enquire whether ever since any thing had abated, …the Belief of the Fact, who tells me (as others do) that it is as fully believed by those that were in the House, and others as ever.

Several Letters to Mr. Richard Baxter, in relation to an Apparition in the House of Lieutenant Colonel Bowen, in Glamorganshire, in Wales, in the Year 1655.

Colonel Rogers, the Governor of Hereford, his Letter: Together with an enclosed Relation of an Apparition, &c.

Dear Sir,

BY the Enclosed you will find something of the Business you expected from me: (It is certain and true, I have received it from very good Hands.) More there was, but they did not think it convenient to put it in Paper. My Request is, that you will not expose it to publick View; it may rather do harm than good. I know that God hath given you Wisdom, and you will make good use of such things: It may harden others. This, with the Enclosed, is all at present from

Your Cordial Friend and Servant W. Rogers. Hereford Aug. 23. 1656.

The enclosed Relation of the late strange Apparition in the County of Glamorgan.

IN the beginning of the late War, a Gentleman of that County being oppressed by the King's Party, took Arms under the Earl of Essex, and by his Valour obtained a good Repute in the Army; so that in a short time he got the Command of Lieutenant Colonel. But as soon as the heat of the War was abated, his Ease and Preferment led him to a careless and sensual Life; insomuch that the godly Commanders judged him unfit to continue in England, and thereupon sent him to Ireland, where he grew so vain and notional, that he was cashiered the Army; and being then at liberty to sin without any Restraint, he became an absolute Atheist, denying Heaven or Hell, God or Devil, (acknowledging only a Power, as the antient Heathens did Fate,) accounting Temporal Pleasures all his expected Heaven: So that, at last he became hateful, and hating all civil Society, and his nearest Relations.

About December last, he being in Ireland, and his Wife (a Godly Gentlewoman, of a good Family, and concluded by all the Godly People that knew her, to be one of the most sincere and upright Christians in those Parts, as being for many Years under great Afflictions, and always bearing them with Christian-like Patience) living in his House in Glamorgan, was very much troubled one Night with a great Noise, much like the sound of Whirl-wind, and a violent beating of the Doors or Walls; as if the whole House were falling in pieces: And being in her Chamber, with most of her Family, after praying to the Lord, (accounting it sinful Incredulity to yield to Fear,) she went to bed; and suddenly after, there appeared unto her something like her Husband, and asked her whether he should come to Bed. She sitting up, and praying to the Lord, told him, he was not her Husband, and that he should not. He urged more earnestly: What! Not the Husband of thy Bosom? What! Not the Husband of thy Bosom? (Yet had no power to hurt her.) And she, together with some Godly People, spent that Night in Prayer, being very often interrupted by this Apparition.

The next Night, Mr. Miles, (a Godly Minister,) with four other Godly Men, came to watch and pray in the House for that Night, and so continued in Prayer, and other Duties of Religion, without any interruption or noise at all that Night. But the Night following, the Gentlewoman, with several other Godly Women, being in the House, the noise of Whirlwind began again, with more violence than formerly, and the Apparition walked in the Chamber, having an unsufferable Stench, like that of a putrified Carcase, filling the Room with a thick Smoak, smelling like Sulphur, darkening the Light of the Fire and Candle, but not quite extinguishing it; sometimes going down the Stairs, and coming up again with a fearful noise, disturbing them in their Prayers, one while with the sound of Words which they could not discern, other while striking them so that the next Morning their Faces were black with the Smoak, and their Bodies swollen with Bruises.

Thereupon they left the House, left they should tempt the Lord by their over-bold staying in such Danger, and sent this Atheist the sad News of this Apparition; who coming to England about May last, expressed more Love and Respect to his Wife than formerly; yet telling her, that he could not believe her Relation of what she had seen, as having not a power to believe any thing but what himself saw, and yet would not hitherto go to his House to make trial, but probably will e'er long, for that he is naturally of an exceeding rash and desperate Spirit.

August, 1656.

Mr. Samuel Jones's Letter in relation to Lieutenant Col. Bowen, together, with an inclosed Letter from Mr. Maur. Bedwell, on the same Subject.

Worthy and much Honoured,

YOU may be pleased to remember, that when I waited upon you at the Sherift's House, in Sallop, in August last; amongst your other Enquiries touching the State of that poor Country where the Lord hath cast my Lot for the present: you desired me then to impart what I had received by Relation, concerning the Apparitions in one Col. Bowen's House, and upon my return to procure you some further Intelligence touching that Tremendous Providence. Whether it be by Time, or Familiarity with the noise hereof, or rather, the (no less to be admired) Blockishness of the Spirits of Men, that the Horror of that terrible Dispensation be allay'd, I know not, but surely the thing it self was very Stupendous, and the remembrance of it carries much Amazement with it still, to them that have any thing of Tenderness or Understanding left them. By the inclosed, from an Honest and Godly Hand, not far from the Stage where these things were acted: You may understand the Substance of that matter, the Party (being a Minister of the Gospel) perfectly knew Colonel Bowen, and hath often conversed with him, both before and since his House was haunted. If you are pleased to command any further Satisfaction herein, I shall take a Journey my self into the place, and endeavour to gratifie your desire, as to any further particular that you desire the knowledge of. If any publick use be made hereof you may conceal my Friends name and mine own, lest any offence should be taken by some of the Parties Relations in Parliament and Council. Of the receipt of this Paper I desire to hear with all convenient speed. At the Throne of Grace vouchsafe to remember your weak and wretched Brother, who yet desires to be found in the number of them that are,

Sir, Yours in the surest Bonds to Honour and Serve you, Samuel Jones. Coedreken, Nov. 28. 1656.

The Reasons why forbearing Names was desired, being now over (yet Mr. S. Iones still living) I think my self disobliged as to that Restraint. R. B.

Mr. Maur. Bedwell's inclos'd Letter.

Dear Sir,

GLad I am of your safe return, and gladder should I be to be instrumental, according to my weak Capacity, of nayling you to these parts. I hope, if my desires are agreeable to the Lord, you will meet with some directing Providences from him, which will answer all Objections.

As to Col. Bowen's House, I can give you some brief Particulars, which you may credit, as coming from such, who were not so foolish as to be deluded, nor so dishonest as to report an untruth: What I shall write, if need were, would be made good both by Eye and Ear Witnesses. The Gentleman, Col. Bowen, whose House is called Lanellin in Gowersland, formerly was famous for Profession of Religion, but this Day is the saddest Man in his Principles I know living. To me, in particular, he hath denyed the Being of the Spirit of the Lord: His Argument thus, Either 'tis something or nothing; if something, shew me, tell me what it is, &c. and I believe he gives as little credit to other Spirits as the Sadduces. At his House, aforementioned, he being then in Ireland, making Provision for removing thither, these things happened. About December last, his Wife being in Bed, a Gracious Understanding Woman, and one whom little things will not affright; one in the likeness of her Husband, and just in his Posture, presented himself to her Bed-side, proffering to come to Bed to her, which she refusing, he gave this answer, What refuse the Husband of thy Bosom; and after some time, she alledging, Christ was her Husband, it disappeared: Strange miserable Howlings and Cries were heard about the House, his Tread, his Posture, Sighing, Humming, were heard frequently in the Parlour; in the Day time often the Shaddow of one walking would appear upon the Wall. One Night was very remarkable, and had not the Lord stood by the poor Gentlewoman and her two Maids, that Night they had been undone; as she was going to Bed, she perceived by the impression on the Bed, as if some Body had been lying there, and opening the Bed, she smelt the smell of a Carcase some-while dead; and being in Bed (for the Gentlewoman was somewhat Courageous) upon the Tester, which was of Cloth, she perceived something rolling from side to side, and by and by, being forc'd out of her Bed, she had not time to dress her self, such Cries and other things almost amazing her, but she (hardly any of her Cloths being on) with with her two Maids, got upon their Knees by the Bedside to seek the Lord, but extreamly assaulted, oftentimes she would, by somewhat which felt like a Dog under her Knees, be lifted a Foot or more high from the Ground: some were heard to talk on the other side of the Bed, which one of the Maids hearkening to, she had a blow upon the Back: Divers assaults would be made by fits; it would come with a cold breath of Wind, the Candles burn Blew and almost out; horrible Screekings, Yellings, and Roarings, within and without the House sad smells of Brimstone and Powder, and this continued from some nine at Night to some three the next Morning, so that the poor Gentlewoman and her Servants were in a sad case; the next Morning, smelling of Brimstone and Powder, and as I remember, Black with it, but the Lord was good: Fires have been seen upon the House, and in the Fields; his Voice hath been heard luring his Haukes, a Game he delights in, as also the Bills of the Hauks. These are the chief things which I dare recommend upon Credit, and I could with, that they, who question the Existency of Spirits had been but one Night at Lannelin to receive Satisfaction to their Objections: This continued so violent, that the Gentlewoman was fain to withdraw to her Mothers House; but her Husband coming over about some four Months since. his Confidence did not serve him to lodge at Lannelin, although we have heard nothing of trouble to the House since his coming over▪ Sir, the Dispensation, as it was exceeding terrible, so very remarkable; and what the Voice of God might be in such a thing 'tis not known clearly yet: He is as Atheistical as ever, all his Religion, if I may call it so, being comprised in the acknowledging a Power, which we, as he faith, may call God, and waiting for some infallible miraculous Business to verifie to him all the rest we own as our Religion. Sure, Sir, if ever a Blasphemer was unworthy to live, this is the Man; and certainly his Sin will find him out: He is now gone to Ireland; let these things be divulged only as to the matter without names. Assure the Gentleman, your Friend, they are very Truths; I have somewhat more than ordinary for what I say. At the first we concluded, the Wretch had been dead, but 'twas otherwise, and therefore the more remarkable.

Your affectionate Brother, to Love and Serve you, Maur. Bedwell. Swansy, Octob. 16. 56.

Mr. Daniel Higgs his Letter, concerning the Apparition in Lieutenant Colonel Bowen's House.

Dear Sir,

AS to the Concern you commit to me about Collonel Bowen, accept of this Account.

I have discoursed with Brother Samuel Iones, who gave you the first Narrative, which if you have lost, he hopes he may find the Copy of the Letter, and I shall send it. 'Twas one Mr. Miles, an Anabaptist Minister, that wrote the Letter to one Mr. Bedwell, Minister of Swansey, who sent …t Mr. Samuel Iones. This Miles (who spent a Night in Prayer in Colonel Bowen's House, …n the time of the disturbance) is gone for New England. Two Ministers more, with my self, went to spend another Night in the House, but Mrs. Bowen was gone with her Family, and we stayed not, but went …o give her a Visit, who related strange …hings, but I cannot remember Circumstances. The two Ministers are also gone: But since I received yours, I have discoursed Mr. Bowen's Maid, who was in the House, and I judge her throughly Godly, who doth attest the Truth of these Apparitions, Noises, &c. which I suppose you had fully in your Narrative; but Time hath somewhat obliterated Circumstances wit… her. I know not well (Sir) how to get greater light; and I must assure you, I fin… not any thing out to invalidate that Report you have had, but much that confirms it I shall proceed according to your further Direction in this, or any other Concern of your▪ and that with much Chearfulness and Complacency. I commit you, and your huge Labours to our mighty and merciful Lord, b… Prayer and all well Wishes. And if yo… can think of any thing farther for me, o… gather any thing by Discourse with learne… Men, vouchsafe to impart it; and impri… me (poor Worm) on your Soul before o… Father. I have somewhat trespassed b… Prolixity, which becomes me not to s…d a Person, in such a Sphere: But excuse hi… who is

Your afflicted poor Brother, Daniel Higgs.

Captain Samuel Foley's Letter concerning Lieutenant Colonel Bowen.

Worthy Sir,

THE best Account I can get of Colonel Bowen is this, viz. That he is little sensible of his sad Condition. He lives in the County of Cork, in a beggarly way, though he hath a fair Estate. Some Months since, he turned his Wife and Children from him, in that sad unkind manner, that they were forced to seek Relief from some Friends in Younghall, to help them in their Return to Wales, where they continue. Not long since, in Discourse with Baronet Ingolsby, and Mr. Gilbert, Minister of Limrick ▪ from whom I have the most part of this Relation, he said, he would give Ten Thousand Pounds to know the Truth about God. 'Tis reported he is haunted with ghastly Ghosts and Apparitions, which frequent him. I have written to the neighbouring Ministers and Gentlemen of my Acquaintance as effectually as I could, enclosing a Copy of your Letter; and from …hem I hope to have a more full Account concerning this poor Man. Your Letter …ndeed came safe, but not till August, though dated in May. Sir, in any thing wherein I may serve you, you may freely command me: But wherein I may serve the Church of God, the best and utmost of my Endeavours, through the Lord's Assistance, shall not be wanting. What farther shall come to my Hands, shall carefully be reported to you, by him who begs your Prayers, and subscribes,

SIR, Your very Affectionate Servant, Samuel Foley. Clonmell, Octob. 6. 1658.

After this, Collonel Iohn Bridges wrote to me out of Ireland, that Bowen immured himself in a small Castle, with one Boy; who said, he oft rose in the Night, and talked as if some were talking with him.

R. B.

III. Colonel Iohn Bridges before named, was Governour of Warwick Castle (the Lord Brooks) almost all the time of the Wars; Afterwards he lived with us near Kederminster, being Patron of the Church, a Justice of Peace, a Parliament Man; And after lived in Ireland, where he surprized (with others) Dublin Castle, and Sir Hardress Waller for the King, before he was called home. He was an Understanding Prudent Man, of Sound Judgment in Religion, Just, and Honest, and Credible.

He and his Pious Wife have oft told me as followeth.

They formerly lived in Edson Hall near Alcester, where Warwickshire and Worcestershire joyns; a House famed to be haunted: And being used to go into a Parlour alone for Meditation, Prayer, and to play on his Lute, once as he went in at the Portal, he was stopt and held by somewhat invisible, till he resolved under Gods Protection, to rush through it, and go on.

Another time in a clear Moon-shine Night, their Mastiff Dog made such a howling, as raised up the House: He looked out at the Window, and beyond a pale that compassed the Court, there stood something like a headless Man, but taller: He long gazed on it, and trusting God, returned to Bed; And presently the Hall Door (fast lockt and Barr'd) using to make a great noise in the opening, having much Iron, seemed to them all to open as it used, and somewhat came in, and gave three great slams, as with a Staff upon the Hall Table, and departed. They went down to see, and found the Door lockt, and fast as they left it. Mr. Sommerfield, who since lived in the same House, said, that he saw nothing there.

IV. A Pious Credible Woman, yet living in London, lately told me oftimes, being sometime under Temptation by some Discontent of Mind, one day as she passed through a Room at Mid-day, the Devil stood before her in the shape of a Big, Black, Man, and pointed to the top of the Door, Tempting her there to hang her self; and so stood near a quarter of an hour, and then Vanished away: Which was so far from dismaying her, that it much confirmed her against Unbelief, and her Temptations: Any one that will go to her here in London, may hear her Credible and Confident Report of it.

V. The Elder Countess of Donagal, a Lady Pious, Discreet and Credible, told me, that one of her Husbands Tenants (near Belfast or Carickfergus, where he was Lord) agreed with him for to put his Sons Life with his own in a renewed Lease of a Farm; and he paid part of the Money, and dyed before the Lease was made and Sealed: His Wife Marryed another Man, and paid the rest of the Money out of her second Husbands Purse, and therefore put in his Sons Life, in stead of her Son by the former Husband into the Lease. The Earl of Donagall going into England, and being then in the West, a Servant of his in Ireland, his Porter, a stout lusty Man, was haunted with the Apparition of the Woman's first Husband, telling him, that he must go to his Wife, and tell her that she should have no rest till his Sons Life were put in the altered Lease: He askt why he spake to him, and what he had to do to meddle in it? It Answered him, thou art a Man fit for it, and thou shalt have no rest till thou do it. The Man delayed, and was still Haunted with this Apparition: He went to the Minister of the Town, and told him of it; who counselled him to tell the Woman. She told him, that she took it to be just, that her Husband that paid most of the Money, should have the benefit of the Lease, and, perhaps not believing the Man▪ delayed. This Apparition came to the po…ter again, and said, that she may believe thee, go tell her of such and such Discourse and Actions, that were between her and me in secret, which none else knowe… of… The Man went and told her all that he was bid. She confessed that it was all true, and Secret between them; but still delayed, till some trouble (I remember not what) modested her self: In short, the Porter and she had no rest, till she had drawn a new Lease with the Name of the first Husbands Son, and sent it into England, to the Earl of Donagal, who Sealed it, and so altered accordingly.

VI. An Ancient understanding Pious and Credible Man of Ilchester in Somersetshire, is now in London, who the last week told me, that he was heretofore in Melancholy Doubts and Trouble of Mind, and in that Condition, had divers sensible Molestations by the Devil, as he lay awake in his Bed, his feet have bin lifted higher than his Head. I told him, that a Melancholy fancy might make him think so: He added to the confident Assertion of it, that he hath in the open day-time, as he hath gone about his Hoose, had a blow struck on his face, as hard and plain, as any Mans hand could strike, and once so hard, that where his Nose and Cheek joyn, it left the place black and blew (as they call it) to the sight of all, in the same manner, as any other would have done (with much more.)

VII. The Story of the Haunting of Mr. Mompesson's House in Wiltshire, is Famous, and printed in part by Mr. Ioseph Glanvil: Mr. Mompesson is yet living, no Melancholy nor Conceited Man: The truth not doubted of by his Neighbours, within this Month, I spake with one of them an Atturney, who said, that the noises heard, the visible moving about of the Boards before their faces, and such like, were all undoubtedly true: And the thing unquestioned by Mr. Mompesson (who to his great Cost and trouble, was long molested by it) and his Neighbours, and those that purposely went thither to see it: Notwithstanding, that when some unbelievers went from London to be satisfied nothing was done when they were there. For as God oweth not such Remedies to Unbelievers, so Satan hath no desire to cure them: And it is likely, doth more in Apparitions by Divine Constraint, than he is willing to do; because he is most successful, w hen he is least known. Any one that doubts of the truth of this Story, may yet have full satisfaction, the Witness being alive: But this partly belongeth to the instances of Witchcrafts, being Credibly supposed to be done by Witchcraft of a Drummer, as you may see described in the printed Story. I knew Ioseph Glanvile to be far enough from Fanatick Credulity, who himself saw much of it, and publisht it.

VIII. In February, 1646. falling into great Debility by Bleeding, at the Lady Cook's House at Milbóurne in Darby-shire; I removed to Mr. Noels House at Kirkby Malory in Leicester-shire, where I lay weak three weeks in March, in which time, the Neighbours went to see a House in Lutterworth, reported to be haunted: Multitudes flocks to see it, and affirmed, that at cert…n hour of the day, stones were thrown at those that were present, which hit them, but hurt them not: And that what ever time any one would whistle, it was answered by a whistle in the Room: And no search could discover any Fraud: What became of it after, I heard not; but it continued believed commonly by the hearers, those three weeks that I staid in that County.

IX. But the certainest and fullest Instance of Witchcraft that ever I knew, I shall here give you in the words of others: Only adding, that about twenty years ago, the time whem it was doing, my worthy and dear Friend Mr. George Hopkins, the then Faithful Minister of the Gospel at Evesham, told it me himself, and told me of their Care and Watchfulness, to see that there were no Fraud committed in it. And the Witch was hanged at Worcester, and the Woman her self is yet living in Evesham, and the thing never there doubted of: But having occasion lately to instance the fact against some Unbelievers, I sent to Evesham, to a Godly, Credible, Friend, to send me word, whether any doubt had in these years past risen concerning it, and to send me some of the Flint Stones which were voided by the Girl: Who sent me word, that there were no doubt of the thing, and procured the now Minister of the place, to write me the Narrative which I here subjoin. And he sent me One stone, about the breadth of a small Groat, and the thickness of a Half-crown, which he said, was all that is there kept of them, taken by the Majors Wife her self, and kept by her, and therefore I must send it back again: Many had sent for the Stones, and so many troubled the House about them, that they threw away, or buried the rest: And Mr. Boyle told me, that the Earl of South-Hampton Lord Treasurer, for his Satisfaction, had got a great number of them. I carryed this about me a quarter of a year, and then sent it home. But that which I chiefly inform the Reader of, is, that the thing was so long in doing, and so Famous, and so many Pious, Understanding Persons minded it, that suspition of Fraud was by their Diligence avoided.

The Narrative as lately sent me from most Credible Persons in Evesham, is as followeth.

ABout the Month of April, 1652. Mary the Daughter of Edward Ellins, of the Burrough of Evesham, in the County of Worcester Gardner, then about nine or ten years old, went in the fields on a Saturday with some other Children to gather Cowslips, and finding in a Ditch by the way side, at the said Towns end, one Catherine Huxley, a single Woman, aged then about forty years (as is supposed easing nature) the Children called her Witch, and took up stones to throw at her, the said Mary also called her Witch, and took up a stone, but was so affrighted, that she could not throw it at her; then they all run away from her, and the said Mary being hindmost, this Huxley said to her [Ellins, you shall have stones enough in your—] whereupon Mary fell that day very ill, and continued so weak and Languishing that her Friends feared she would not. recover; but about a Month after, she began to void stones by the urinary passages, and some little urine came away from her; also when she voided any stone, and the stone she voided, was heard by those that were by her, to drop into the Pot or Bason, and she had most grievous pains in her Back and Reins, like the pricking of Pins, the number of the stones she voided, was about eighty, some plain pebbles, some plain flints, some very small, and some about an ounce weight; this she did for some space, (a month or two, or there abouts) until upon some strong suspitions of Witchcraft, the forenamed Huxley was Apprehended, Examined and Searched (at whose Beds Head there was found several stones, such as the said Mary voided) and was sent to Worcester, where at the Summer Assizes in the said year 1652. (then at hand) she was upon the Prosecution of the Friends of the said Mary, Condemned and Executed; upon whose Apprehension and Commitment, Mary ceased to void any more stones; but for a while, voided much blackish and muddy Sand, and also, in short time perfectly recovered, and is yet living in the Town, in good and honest Repute, and hath been many years Marryed, and hath had seven Children; but never voided any stones since, nor been troubled with the pain forementioned, Abundance of people yet living, know the Substance of this to be true, and her Mother in Law (since dead) kept the stones till she was tired with the frequent Resort of people to see them, and the said Mary, and to hear the Relation of the matter, and beg the stones (for though many offered Money for them, yet she always refused it, nor did they ever take any, but it cost them much upon the Girl, and the Prosecution of the said Huxley) and then she buried them in her Garden, Edward Ellins, the Father of the said Mary, is also yet living, and a Man of honest Repute, and utterly free (as also is the said Mary, and all the rest of her Friends) from the least Suspition of any Fraud or Cheat in the whole business: This was known to hundreds of People in the said Town, and parts Adjacent, and many of them yet living, are ready to attest the truth of it.

X. In 1645, in Dorset-shire, I lodged at a Village on a Hill, called (I think) Evershot, in the House of the Minister, a grave Man, who had with him a Son, also a Learned Minister, that had been Chaplain to Sir Tho. Adams in London: They both told me, that they had a Neighbour that had long lain Bed-rid, that told all the occasion; That for a long time, being a poor Labouring Man, every Morning when he went out of his Door, he found a Shilling under his Door, of which he …ld no one, so that in a long time, he buying some Sheep or Swine, and seeming Rich, his Neighbours marvelled how be came by it: At last he told them, and was suddenly struck Lame and Bed-rid. They would have had me speak with the Man; but the Snow covering the Ground, and I being ill, and the Witnesses fully Credible, I forbore.

XII. I had the last Week this following Letter sent me, from, and by most Credible Wise and Pious Persons of Devonshire, from Exeter.

Nathan the Son of Mr. Zacheus Crab, Dyer, without Westgate, had Convulsion and Falling-Fits about nine Years since: He was a Youth well known to the late Mr. Robert Atkins the Minister who th…ght him one very hopeful for Religio… Going from one of his Meeting this Youth was first taken, having … came to his Masters House. … ed him, he seemed to be pash'd as it some body tript up his Heels, and fell forth upon his Hands, but rose again presently. Some weeks after he had Falling-fits, with foaming at Mouth; thus he continued a Year and half before any means were used suspected for Witchcraft. After this, hearing of one Gibs, Mr. Crab, the Father of this Youth, and his Daughter, the Youth's Sister, went together to Mr. Gibs for help for the Youth. They went once every Week for a Month with the Youth's Water; the last Week of the Month the Sister ask'd, what Mr. Gibs thought now of the Cure? (they went to him in the beginning of the Week) he said, that weeks Papers of Powder would make a perfect Cure, but there would be an alteration, that he would have two or three panging fits different from the former, which things fell out as he said. When this last Week of the Month was over, they had a Debate, whether they should go to Mr. Gibs again, at length they concluded to go, and went on the beginning of the fifth Week with his Water. Gibs then told them, Since you are come to me again, I will give you that shall make a perfect Cure, that you shall need come to me no more: then he gave them a Bag to hang about the Youth's Neck, and Powder to take in White wine for one weeks time: Order was given by him, when the Youth had worn the Collar about his Neck for a while, the Youth should take it off himself, and burn it: but Mr. Elson, the Boy's Master, took off the Collar after it had been on two Days and a Night, and shewed it to some, to inquire, whether it were not a charm? there being nothing in the Collar but a Paper with this writing,

Callen Dan Dant, Dan Dant Callen, Dan Callen Dant.

Mr. Elson kept the Paper by him after 'twas taken from the Boy's Neck, about eighteen Weeks, not suffering it to be applied again, being told that it seemed to be a meer Charm; and the Boy being ask'd, if he were content to have his Fits again rather than have a Cure from the Devil, who would not cure his Body without greater prejudice to his Soul, than his Bodily Distemper could be reckoned? he very readily answered, he would rather choose to have his Fits again, and would leave himself to the Hands of God, for his Disease or Cure.

When this Distemper left him for the Eighteen Weeks, he returned considerably to his Senses and Memory, beyond what he had before, particularly to be able to sort Wooll at his Trade, which he had not been able to do in a Year and quarter before. About the Sixth Week of these Eighteen, the Father went to Mr. Gibs again, and told him how the Note was taken off, and that several had the sight of it; Gibs then said, If the Fits do return again, he will be worse than ever, and at their return he should be able to do him no good. His Fits at the return were indeed far more terrible than before, and much of another kind than those of other Persons in the Fallen-sickness: And these Fits did return to him about 18 or 19 VVeeks after they ceased, upon a Shrove-Tuesday: Mr. Elson inquiring into the time when they returned, said, it was when he threw the Paper that ha… been about the Youth's Neck, into the Fir… and burnt it, unwilling to keep such a thing any longer. This Gibs hath the general repute of a VVizard, and his Father before him. The Youth hath a long time been utterly deprived of the use of his Reason, and is clothed, and otherwise used as a mee… Natural; and his Fits so dreadful, that Persons are afraid to behold him.

After the return of his Fits, he was pu… to one Yoe's in St. Thomas's, where h… wrought at his Trade of VVorsted-combing, and some means were used for his Fits which he pretended to have some Skill in curing, whose Means were used about a Month without any success; then and ther… being at his VVork, and some signs appearing of an approaching Fit, they set him o… a Stool, thence he fell in a Fit, and brak… his Leg, the main Bone, in two pieces, another Bone in many pieces. Then he wa… brought home to his Father's House; and the Bones being set, the Chyrurgion said, i… he should have another Fit his Cure would be impossible; he lay about a Month o… five VVeeks very free from Fits, till his Bones were so well knit, that he could walk abroad with Crutches, which he did for a while, and then his Fits returned in the same manner as before his Bone was broken.

After his Leg was well recovered, he was carried to Mr. Pridham of Morchard, he prescribed Means, which he hop'd would do him good, if there were any alteration by the use of his Pills which he then gave him to carry with him, and take when he came home: but before the Pills, he had ordered a Vomit to be taken, in the working of which, they thought he would die. Then they gave him the Pills which, after they had stay'd above an Hour in his Stomach, he vomited them up as they were taken; which were put up again in the Box, and shewed to Mr. Pridham, who said, If they had been given to a Child of two Months old, they would have been digest…ed in half an Hour. Upon hearing the whole, he said, certainly there is something extraordinary in the case. Being asked if he could do him no good, he said, he did not question but he could, but being a Minister he feared he should lose his Benefice by Peoples saying he was a VVhite-VVitch.

The Youth's Mother apprehended, that Mr. Staddon drop'd some such words that her Son was bewitch'd or possess'd, or somewhat to that purpose, who went through a Course of Physick with the Youth, and found nothing did answer Expectation.

For some Years the Youth hath been much prejudiced in his Speech; sometimes he cannot speak at all, but is as one dumb for a VVeek or Fortnight together: He speaks plain enough between, but when be hath the Dumb Fits he can hardly move his Tongue in his Mouth; and he is generally so deprived of Reason, that he is clad, and otherwise used as a meer Idiot.

This Narrative was taken in the beginning of April 1688.

Memorandum, The Youth continues in the same condition till this 27th of September, 1689.

XIII. Tho' I collect much written heretofore, I must not transcribe other Mens Books; I here desire the Reader to read in Dr. Sinclare's Book, called [Satan's Invisible World] among 36 Histories, the X. called The Devil of Genluce, where he will find such another Case as that of the Devil of Mascon; where the Spirit, besides other Acts o… Molestation and Violence, for a long time continued familiar talking to Men, before so many Witnesses, as leaveth the truth o… the History unquestionable.

XIV. The Hanging of a great number o… Witches in Suffolk and Essex, by the discovery of one Hopkins, in 1645 and 1646 i… famously known. Mr. Calamy went along with the Judges in the Circuit, to hea… their Confessions, and see that there wer… no Fraud or Wrong done them. I spake with many Understanding, Pious and Credible Persons that lived in the Countries, and some that went to them to the Prisons, and heard their sad Confessions. Among the rest, an old Reading Parson, named Lowis, not far from Franlingham, was one that was Hanged; who confessed, that he had two Imps, and that one of them was always putting him on doing Mischief; and (he being near the Sea, as he saw a Ship under Sail, it moved him to send him to sink the Ship, and he consented, and saw the Ship sink before him. One Penitent Woman confessed, that her Mother lying sick, and she looking to her, somewhat like a Mole ran in to the Bed to her, which she being startled at, her Mother bid her not fear it, but gave it her; saying, Keep this in a Pot by the Fire, &c. and thou shalt never want: She did as she was bid, shortly after a poor Boy (seemingly) came in, and askt leave to sit and warm him at the Fire, and when he was gone, she found Money under the Stool; and afterwards oft did so again, and at last laid hold of her, and drew Blood of her, and she made no other Compact with the Devil, but that her Imps suck'd her Blood; and as I heard, she was delivered. Abundance of sad Confessions were made by them, by which some testified, that there are certain Punishments that they were to undergo, if they did not some hurt as was appointed them.

And in Lancashire, long ago, many Witches were Convict.

That published by Edmond Bower near Salisbury, is remarkable: I refer the Reader to the printed Narrative.

XV. I will next insert a late Fact not far off, which when a Pious Credible Person related to me, I desired him to send me the true Narrative in Writing when he came Home, and fully enquired into the matter: And he sent me this Narrative here following.

At Brightling in Suffex.

As touching the Relation of the Brightling Story, which is in the Substance undoubtedly true, however some Circumstances of it may vary, be pleased to take the following Account.

On Munday was three Weeks, at, or near the House of Ioseph Cruttenden of Brightling, an old Woman about Noon came to a Servant Girl of the said Cruttenden's tells her, sad Calamities were coming upon her Master and Dame, their House should be Fired, and many other troubles befal them; but tells this Girl withal, That if she spake of what she had told her, the Devil would tear her to pieces, otherwise she need not fear, for no hurt should come to her: The same Night, as the Man and Woman lay in Bed, Dirt and Dust, &c. was thrown at them, but they could not tell whence it came: They rise and Pray, during which that Disturbance ceases; some say they went to Bed again, but finding the same trouble they are forced to rise Tuesday about Noon, Dust, Dirt, and several things are thrown at them again; before Night, a part of one end of their House Fired; they rake it down, it flashes somewhat like Gunpowder; as they stop'd it there, it began in another place, and thence to another, till the whole House was burnt down. Some say some thing like a Black Bull was seen tumbling about; the certainty of that I aver not. The House, tho' it burnt down to the Ground it flamed not: The Night was spent in carrying Goods, or one thing or other from one place to anothe; they I think, remaining mostly without Doors. Thursday Col. Busbridge …whose House the former was) being acquainted with the Man's sad Accident, bid them go into another of his Houses in the Parish whither, when the Goods were brought, such like Disturbances were there also; the House Fireth, endeavours are made by many to quench it, but in vain, till the Goods are thrown out, when it ceased with little or no help. In this condition none durst let them into their Doors; they abide under a Hut; the Goods are thrown upside down, Peuter-dishes, Knives, Brickbrats strike them, but hurt them not: Mr. Bennet and Mr. Bradshaw, Ministers, came to Pray with them, when a Knife glanced by the Breast of Mr. Bennet, … Bowl or Dish thrown at his Back, but while at Prayers quiet; they were without Doors, there being very many present, a Wooden Tut came flying out of the Air, by many, and came and struck the Man; as likewise a Horse-shoe, which was by some laid away, and it was observ'd of its own accord to rise again and fly to the Man, and strook him in the midst of a hundred People: Upon strict Examination the Man confesseth, that he had been a Thief, and did it under the colour of Religion. Sabbath-day the Girl told her Dame the former Story of the Womans Discourse; she is sent for, and Examined before Captain Collins, Mr. Busbridge, and she is searched and watched 24 Hours: the Girl saith, she is like the Woman, but I think will not swear it is the same. This Woman was formerly suspected to be a Witch, had to Maidstone about it, but got away, and hath lived about Burwast some time since; her Name I know not: Tuesday Four Ministers kept a Fast, Mr. Bennet, Weller, Bradshaw and Golden; since I hear not of any trouble. 'Tis said they are in a Barn or Ale-house; while they lay without Doors, the Woman sending some Meal to a Neighbours to make Bread, they could not make it up into Loaves, but it was like Butter, and so they put it into the Oven, but it would not bake, but came out as it went in. This Relation came from Mr. Collins, who was an Eye-witness of much of it.

XVI. About twenty Years past, when I was in the Lord Broghill's (now Earl of Orery's) Lodgings in London, one Night he brought me the Report, that one of Cromwell's Soldiers being on his Watch, near the Chappel of St. Iames's House, something came towards him in an affrightening shape, and he calling out, Stand, stand, or I will shoot you, at last discharging, it ran upon him, and threw him over the way far off; and that it had been that day Examined, and affirmed confidently; and what became of the Report of it afterward, I know not, save that it was said to happen oft. But on this occasion the Earl of Orery (yet living) told me, as followeth, That Colonel Venables (then going for Hispaniola, with the Soldiers that were there Repulsed and took Iamaica) had a Soldier in his Army that came out of Ireland, and was under Colonel Hill, who was then in London, and would attest this following. viz. That this Soldier looked pale and sad, and pined, and the cause was unknown: At last he came to Colonel Hill with his Confession, that he had bin a Servant in England, (as I remember, to one that carried Stockins and such ware about to sell) and for his Money, he had Murdered his Master, and buried him in such a place: And flying into Ireland, listed himself his Souldier, and that of a long time, when ever he lay alone, somewhat like a headless Man, stood by his Bed, saying to him, [Wilt thou yet confess?] And in this case of fear he had continued, till lately it appeared to him when he had a Bed-fellow (which it never did before) and said as before [Wilt thou yet confess] and now seeing no hope of longer Concealing it, he Confessed: And as I remember, his going to Hispaniola was his punishment, in stead of Death, where vengeance followed him.) This he offered then to bring Colonel Hill to me to attest, (since the Writing of this, the Earl of Orery is dead.)

XVI Simon Iones, a Strong and healthful Man of Kederminster (no way inclined to Melancholy or any Fancies) hath oft told me, that being a Souldier for the King in the War against the Parliament, in a clear Moon-shine Night, as he stood Sentinel in the Colledge Green at Worcester, something like a headless Bear, appeared to him; and so affrighted him, that he laid down his Arms soon after, and returned home to his Trade, and while I was there afterward, which was fourteen years, lived Honestly, Religiously, and without blame, and I think is yet living, which mindeth me of that which followeth, though to me not known.

XVII. When I was young, most credible and religious persons born in Wilden-Hall near Wolver-hampton in Stafford-Shire, oft told me (dwelling with me in the same House) that one Richard White a Smith of Wilden-Hall, was a prophane Atheistical Man, and believing that there was no Devils, in his Cups would wish he could once see the Devil, if there were such a thing; and that suddenly he changed his Life, and became a professor of zeal, and strictness in Religion, and told them, that in a clear Moonshine Night. the Devil in the shape of a great ugly Man, stood by his Bed side, opening the Curtains, and looking him in the Face, and at last took up the Blanket; and sometime smiled on him, and then was more ugly, and after a while (in which he lay in great Terror) the Apparition Vanished, and he was affrighted into the aforesaid change of Life (as Bruno is said to be the Founder of the Order of Carthusian Fryers.

XVIII. My dear Friend Mr. Hopkins (Father to my Faithful Brother Mr. George Hopkins Minister at Eversham, till ejected, Aug. 24 1662. and Grandfather to Dr. Hopkins, lately Preacher at Laurences) a chief Magistrate of Bewdley, and since a Member of the Long Parliament, oft pained as he thought with the Spleen, but not at all Meclancholy, came to me at Mr. Hanburyes, the last time before I was driven out of the County, and as a great secrettold me, that he was possest (meaning, I think Bewitcht): I chid him, as Fanciful and Melancholy: But he without any shew of Melancholy, affirmed, that it was certainly true: I could not stay with him, and never saw him more. But he long continued in pain and that Conceit, and before he dyed, a piece of Wood came down into the rectum intestinum, which they were fain to pull out with their Fingers His good Wife told me, it was of the length of ones finger: And that he and they were sure that he never swallowed any such thing. The best Men it seems may be thus Afflicted, as Iob by Satan.

XVIII. There is now in London an understanding, sober, pious Man, oft one of my Hearers, who hath an elder Brother, a Gentleman of considerable Rank, who having formerly seemed pious, of late Years doth oft fall into the Sin of Drunkenness: He oft lodgeth long together here, in this his Brother's House: And whenever he is drunken, and hath slept himself sober, something knocks at his Bed's Head, as if one knock'd on a Wainscot; when they remove his Bed, it followeth him: Besides lowd Noises on other Parts where he is, that all the House heareth. They have oft watch'd, and kept his Hands, left he should do it himself. His Brother hath oft told it me, and brought his Wife (a discreet Woman) to attest it; who averreth moreover, that as she watched him, she hath seen his Shooes under the Bed taken up, and nothing visible touch them. They brought to me the Man himself, and when we ask him how he dare so sin again, after such a Warning, he hath no Excuse. But being Persons of Quality, for some special Reason of Worldly Interest, I must not name him.

Two things are remarkable in this Instance. 1. What a powerful thing Temptation and Fleshly Concupiscence is, and what a hardned Heart Sin brings Men to: If one rose from the Dead to warn such Sinners, it would not of it self persuade them.

2. It poseth me to think what kind of Spirit this is, that hath such a Care of this Man's Soul, (which maketh me hope he will recover.) Do good Spirits dwell so near us? Or are they sent on such Messages? Or is it his Guardian Angel? Or is it the Soul of some dead Friend, that suffereth, and yet, retaining Love to him, as Dives to his Brethren, would have him saved? God yet keepeth such things from us, in the dark.

XIX. There is now in London a Youth, (the Son of a very Godly Conforming Minister,) who reading a Book of that called Conjuration, coming to the Words and Actions which the Book said would cause the Devil to appear, was presently very desirous to try, and desirous that the Apparition might be accordingly. He came to me in Terrour, having before opened his Case to a Parish-Minister, and affirmed to me, that the Devil hath appeared to him, and sollicited him with a Knife to cut his Throat, and told him, he must do it suddenly, for he would stay no longer. I told him how safe he was, if he truly repented, and begged Pardon through Christ, and would resolvedly renew his Baptismal Covenant, and renounce the Devil, and live as truly devoted to God and our Redeemer: And I have heard from him no more, but must not name him.

This shews what Power Satan gets, if Men do but consent: For I had a very Godly Friend, that a Week ago told me, that he read Cornelius Agrip…a's Occulta Philosophia, and read the same Words that he saith will raise Devils, but with no Desire, but a Detestation of Success, and of the Book, and nothing appeared to him.

XX. Mr. Samuel Clark hath published the Apparition to Mr. White of Dorchester, Assessor to the Westminster-Assembly, at Lambeth. The Devil, in a light Night, stood by his Bed-side: He looked a while whether he would say or do any thing, and then said, If thou hast nothing else to do, I have; and so turned himself to sleep. Many say it from Mr. White himself.

XXI. This following I had from one of unquestionable Credit.

Amongst other things, I called to Mind a Story sent me in a Letter from Cambridge, that Week it was done, in 1661, or 1662. and I did verily believe, and do still, that Mr. Illingworth sent it me, but he could not reflect it; however, Mr. Cooper hearing it told it was a great Truth, he heard Mr. Franklin, a Minister of Wood-Rising, in this County, twelve Miles from this City, Father to the Child, tell it to Sir Philip Woodhouse. Mr. Franklin (his Character, farther than that of a Minister of the Church of England, I cannot give you) was then Minister of a Town (whose Name I know not) in the Isle of Ely, and upon this Account which I shall tell you, removed to WoodRising in this County.

This Man had a Child, to which a Spirit often appeared at his Father's House; and grew so bold and free, as very ordinarily to come in whilst Company was in the House, and Franklin in the Room, and sit down by the Boy. At due Years, about the Year 1661, or 1662. he was bound an Apprentice to a Barber in Cambridge, (or at least with him as a Probationer.) One Night the Spirit appeared to him in the usual Habit of a Gentlewoman, and would have persuaded him to go home again, asking him what he did there? &c. The Boy, after some Treaty, replied, He would not go. Upon which, he received a great Blow on the Ear, and grew very ill, but rose. Being and continuing ill, his Master presently horseth, and rides to acquaint his Father. In the Forenoon of that Day, the Boy sitting by the Kitchin-fire, his Mistress being by, suddenly cries out, O Mistress! Look: There's the Gentlewoman. The Woman turns to look, sees nothing; but while her Head was turned, hears a Noise as of a great Box on the Ear; turns, sees the Boy bending down his Neck, and he presently died. About the same Hour, so near as they could guess, the Master was sitting at Dinner in the Isle of Ely, with the Father: The Appearance of a Gentlewoman comes in, looking angrily, taking a Turn or two, disappeared.

Thus I remember the Story came, in three Days after it was done, to me.

Mr. Cooper this Afternoon confirms it, as heard by him from Mr. Franklin himself: Adding, the poor Man was so affected, that he seemed almost stupid.

XXIII. From a credible Person I had this following Account.

In the Year 1665. Elizabeth Brooker, Servant to Mrs. Hieron of Honyton, in the County of Devon, as she was serving in Dinner one Lord's Day, suddenly felt a pricking, as of a Pin, in her Thigh, but did not think there could be any such thing; yet looking, …he found indeed that a Pin was there, got within her Skin, but without drawing any Blood, or breaking the Skin, or making any hole or sign at all; and it was got so far within her Flesh, that she could hardly …eel the Head of it with her Finger, but …et she did plainly enough perceive that it was a Pin; so it continued the remaining part of that Day. The next Day she felt …ut little pain: The Tuesday she was much pained, and the Pin wrought so far into her Flesh, that she could no longer feel it with her Fingers. The Wednesday she went to Exeter, that she might have the Advice of Mr. Anthony Smith, a Chirurgeon there, of great Reputation. He, upon examining the place, would not believe that any Pin was there, there being no Skin broken, no Swelling, nor any other thing by which he might perceive the least Token of any such matter. However, upon her confident and constant affirming there was a Pin, he made an Incision; and searching with an Instrument, at length found the Pin, and took it out: It was a little crooked, and of the larger sort of small Pins. He presently made Applications for the Cure of the Wound, which in about three Weeks time was effected.

The Day before this happened, the Woman had an unknown Person asked a Pin of her, which she denied her, but did not suspect her. And another Woman, Agnes Richardson, who was suspected, was angry with her, for blaming her about Miscarriage in an Errand that she sent her on.

A true Relation from Honyton, in the County of Devon, concerning Witchcraft.

Kingston upon Thames, Sept. 6. 1681.

ABout nine or ten Years since, in the House of Mrs. Hieron, of Honyton, Widow, there happened this strange Instance of Witchcraft following.

This Widow Hieron, a Person of good Quality, kept a Mercer's Shop, and (I think) doth to this day, in Honyton. She had a Maid-Servant, Elizabeth Brooker by Name, who sold Small Wares in a Stall before her Mistresses Door. On Saturday, which was their Market-day, a certain Woman of Honyton Town came to the said Elizabeth Brooker, (selling Wares at the Stall aforesaid), and asked her for a Pin. The Maid readily gave her a Pin from her Sleeve; but this Pin did not satisfie, she would have a Pin of a bigger sort, out of a Paper which hung up to sell. The Maid told her, those Pins were not hers to give, she must ask her Mistress; and when she had Orders, she would give her her Desire. The Woman asked her again, and again; and Elizabeth did as often deny. The Woman went away in a great Fume and Rage, and told the Maid, she should hear farther from her, she would e'er long wish she had given her the Pin she desired; with many threatning Speeches, which the Maid took little notice of, (though the Woman was of an ill Report) Now, the next Day being the Lord's Day, while her Mistress and the Family were at Dinner, and Elizabeth Brooker waiting at the Table, on a sudden the Maid gave a very great Cry, and told them, she had a Pin thrust into her Thigh, which few of the Family did believe, knowing there was no Person in the Room beside her self, and the Family, who all sate at Meat, she only standing to attend them. Her Mistress arose from Table, and Mr. Samuel Hieron's Wife, (who was then living.) She was forced to go to Bed; they sent for a Midwife of the Town, who had skill in Sores and Wounds: She saw there had been some small Hurt in the Skin, but the Pin was out of sight; and feeling so as to understand what it was, or exactly where, the Midwife applied her rare Plaister of Venice-Turpentine all that Night, and many other things the next Day, but the Pain was still the same. On the Tuesday they advised with Mr. Salter, a skilful Apothecary in the Town, who advised them well, whose Counsel they followed, but all in vain. On Wednesday, the same Week, they, with great Trouble and Pain, brought her to Exeter, and lodged her at Mr. Iohn Hoppin's, a worthy Minister of the Gospel, who lived in Gaudies-Lane. They called me to her, to advise what to do to ease her Pain. I designed a Suppurative Cataplasm, but nothing would satisfie the Maid, but cutting of it out; which was somewhat difficult, because it was hard to find the place exactly, where to make the Incision; but the Courage of the Patient did greatly promote the Operation. I made a large Incision, according to the length of the Muscles; and though I could find no sign of the Pin upon the first Incision, yet by putting my Incision-knife obliquely, I felt the Pin, and brought it out, near an Inch within the Cutis; and upon that there was great Ease, and in fifteen Days the Sore was whole. This Operation was performed in the presence of Mrs. Hoppin, Mrs. Gold, Mrs. Ford, and many worthy Persons, of good Reputation. And I dare presume, If this Paper be sent to Honyton, to Mr. Samuel Hieron, Minister of the Gospel, he will have it sufficiently attested concerning the first part of the Story, and none can tell the second part better than my self, who performed the Operation: And the Truth of that I give under my Hand this 6th Day of September, Anno Dom. 1681.

Anthony Smith, Chyrurgus Kingston.

XXIV. One born in the same Town, now living in London, in a Journey, Anno 1664. lodged at an Inn in Culmstock, in the same County. He went to Bed between Ten and Eleven of the Clock, and soon fell asleep, not having any Apprehensions concerning the House or Chamber: When he awaked, he found himself laid out in the Floor, at some distance from the Bed, by the side of a Table, the Bed-Cloaths, and his own Wearing Cloaths, all upon him, just in the same manner as he laid them when going to Bed; having nothing at all under him, by which he got an extream Cold; and besides, his Leg and Arm next the Table were sorely bruised. Being awake, he began to think where he was, but soon recollected himself, and by the Light of the Moon, which then shone very bright, he discerned the Bed; and putting on the Cloaths upon the Bed, laid him down again, and slept the remaining part of the Night very quietly. Soon after his being in Bed this second time, the Town-Clock struck Twelve. He never was out of his Bed in his Sleep before or since; and soon after he came to understand that the Chamber was reputed to be haunted.

Mr. Charles Hatt's Letter, concerning an House being haunted at Kinton, in Worcestershire, in the Year 1667.

Worthy Sir,

ACcording to your Desire, and my Promise when I was with you about a Fortnight since, with Mrs. Wilson, concerning a Man's House in Kinton (six Miles from Worcester) being sorely troubled, about the latter end of the Year 1667. to the best of my Remembrance, viz.

I living at Benington, near Auster, in Warwickshire, Workmen come from Kinton, acquainted me of an House sorely haunted, naming the Person to me, (which I have now forgot.) I being desirous to see or hear such things, went to the said House; but finding only a Maid there a spinning, I asked for her Master. She told me, the Spirit (to the best of my remembrance she called it so) had boxed him about the Ears, as he sate by the Fire… … against her; upon which, he cried out, and went away to a Son's of his in the … Town, a little before I came. I … to the said Man, desired him to come home He seemed unwilling, telling me how he was abused by it, and that in the Night it would often pull him out of the Bed, and did so torment him, that he was a weary of his Life. But getting him home, he sate him down about the same place, near the Fire, and I sate over against him, discoursing how he was troubled. He told me, several had been with him; as the Minister of the place, (to my best remembrance.) They bid him pray, pray: But he found no Relief. I told him, I knew no other way than by seeking to the Lord, and not to speak slightly of Prayer. He told me, I might hear it before I went. I had not been long, but there was a great Noise in the said Room, of Groaning, or rather Gruntling, like a Hog, and then gave a lowd Shriek. Here it is, saith the Man. I was much concerned upon the hearing of it; so recalling my self, I desired to go to Prayer in the next Room, where the Man used to lie. By this time many of the Towns-People came in, and were at Duty. About the middle of Duty, the aforesaid Noise came, as I thought, lowder, and just by me; however, I then was not concerned. Afterward, having some Discourse with the Man about a Month after, I heard from him, that it did no more trouble him, nor to his Death. He lived, as I remember, two Years after. This is the best and truest Account I can give. I rest,

SIR, Your Christian Friend to command, Charles Hatt's. Gingraff, May 16. 1691.

POSTSCRIPT.

SIR,

I Spake to my Lady Rich, concerning a Voice that Mr. Tiro heard, acquainting him of his Death. If you remember, I told you of him, and you desired an Account of it. He was a Nonconformist Minister, of Vnger, in Essex: My Lady will send you the Account of it. This Mr. Tiro had an extraordinary Love for you.

Vale, C.H.