The Illustrious Providences in New England, Chapter 7

The Illustrious Providences in New England · Chapter 7

p. 202CHAP. VII.

Concerning Apparitions. That they are not so frequent in places where the Gospel prevaileth as in dark corners of the Earth. That good Angels do sometimes visibly appear. Confirmed by several Histories. That Caco-daemons oftentimes pretend to be good Angels. That Satan may appear in the likeness of Holy men; proved by notable Instances. Concerning the appearance of Persons Deceased. The procuring cause thereof is usually some sin committed. Some late remarkable Examples. Of Mens Covenanting to appear after their Death. It is an heavy judgement when places are infested with such doleful Spectres.

AS yet no place, nor any person in New-England (excepting the Instances before mentioned) have been troubled with Aparitions: Some indeed have given out, that I know not what Spectres were seen by them; but upon enquiry, I cannot find that there was any thing therein, more than Phansie, and frightful Apprehensions without sufficient ground. Nevertheless, that Spirits have sometimes really (as well as imaginarily) appeared to Mortals in the World, p. 203is amongst sober Men beyond controversie. And that such things were of old taken notice of, we may rationally conclude from that Scripture, Luk. 24. 37. where it is said, that the Disciples were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a Spirit. It is observable, that such frightful Spectres do most frequently shew themselves in places where the light of the Gospel hath not prevailed. Some have propounded it as a question worthy the inquiring into; What should be the reason that Daemons did ordinarily infest the Gentiles of old, as also the East and West Indians of later times, and that Popish Countries are still commonly and grievously molested by them; but in England, and Scotland, and in the united Provinces, and in all Lands where the Reformed Religion hath taken place, such things are more rare. Popish Authors do acknowledge that as to matter of fact it is really thus; and the reason which some of them assign for it, is, that the Devils are so sure of their Interest in Heretical Nations, as that they pass over them, and come & molest Papists, whom they are most afraid of losing. But they should rather have attributed it to the Light of the Gospel, and the power of Christ going along therewith. Iustin Martyr, Tertullian, and others observe p. 204that upon the first promulgation of the Gospel, those Diabolical Oracles, whereby Satan had miserably deceived the Nations, were silenced; in which respect the Word of Christ Luk. 10. 17. was wonderfully fulfilled. The like may be said as to Protestant being less imposed upon then Popish Nations, by deceitful Daemons. It is moreover, sometimes very difficult to pass a true judgement of the Spectres which do appear, whether they are good or evil Angels, or the Spirits of deceased men. That Holy Angels were frequently seen in old times, we are from the Scriptures of truth assured. And that the Angelical ministration doth still continue is past doubt, Heb. 1. 14. But their visible appearance is less frequent than formerly. They do invisibly perform many a good Office for the Heirs of Salvation continually. Nor is it to be questioned, but they may still appear visibly, when the work which they are sent about cannot otherwise be performed. I would not reject as fabulous all those passages which are related by Judicious Authors referring to this subject.

At a time when Grynaeus, Melancthon, and several other learned Men were discoursing together at an House in Spyres, there came a Man of very grave and godly countenance p. 205into the House, desiring to speak with Melancthon; who going forth to him, he told him that within one hour some Officers would be at that house to apprehend Grynaeus, and therefore required Melancthon to advise Grynaeus to flee out of that City; and having so spoken, he vanished out of sight. Melancthon returning into the room, recounted the words of this strange Monitor; whereupon Grynaeus instantly departed; and he had no sooner Boated himself upon the Rhine, but Officers came to lay hold of him. This Story is mentioned by Melancthon in his Commentary upon Dani…l. And he concludeth that the Man who had appeared to him was indeed an Angel, sent in order to Grynaeus his being delivered from the bloody hands of them that sought his life. Many Instances like to this I could mention. But I shall only take notice of a strange providence which came to pass of late years; the particulars whereof are known to some who I suppose may be still living.

I find the History of the matter I intend in Mr. Clark's Examples, Vol. 2. Page 18, 19. It is in brief as followeth;

One Samuel Wallas of Stamford in Lincolnshire, having been in a Consumption for thirteen years, was worn away to a very skeleton p. 206and lay bed-rid for four years. But April 7. 1659. being the Lords Day, about 6 h. P. M. Finding himself somewhat revived, he got out of the Bed, and as he was reading a Book Entituled, Abraham's suit for Sodom, he heard some body knock at the Door. Whereupon (there being none then in the house but himself) he took a staff in the one hand, and leaning to the wall with the other, came to the door, and opening it, a comely and grave old Man of a fresh complexion, with white curled Hair, entred; and after walking several times about the room, said to him, Friend, I perceive you are not well. To whom Wallas replied, he had been ill many years, and that the Doctors said his Disease was a Consumption, and past cure, and that he was a poor Man, and not able to follow their costly prescriptions, only he committed himself and life into the hands of God, to dispose of as he pleased. To whom the Man replied, Thou sayest very well, be sure to fear God, and serve him; and remember to observe what now I say to thee; Tomorrow morning go into the Garden, and there take two leaves of red Sage▪ and one of Blood-wort; and put those three Leaves into a cup of small Beer, and drink thereof as oft as need requires; the fourth Morning cast away those Leaves, and put in p. 207fresh ones, thus do for twelve dayes together; and thou shalt find e're these twelve dayes be expired, through the help of God thy Disease will be cured, and the frame of thy body altered. Also he told him that after his strength was somewhat recovered, he should change the Air, and go three or four Miles off; and that within a MonethMonth he should find that the Clothes which he had on his Back would then be too strait for him: Having spoken these things, he again charged Samuel Wallas to remember the Directions given to him, but above all things to fear God, and serve him. Wallas asked him, if he would eat anything? unto whom he answered, No Friend, the Lord Christ is sufficient for me. Seldom do I drink any thing but what cometh from the Rock. So wishing the Lord of Heaven to be with him, he departed. Samuel Wallas saw him go out of the door, and went to shut the door after him, at which he returned half way into the Entry again, saying Friend, Remember what I have said to you, and do it, but above all fear God, and serve him. Wallas beheld the Man passing in the Street, but none else observed him, though some were then standing in the doors opposite to Wallas his House. And although it Rained when this Grave Person came into the House, and had p. 208done so all that day, yet he had not one spot of wet or dirt upon him. Wallas followed the Directions prescribed, and was restored to his Health within the dayes mentioned. The Fame of this strange Providence being noised abroad, sundry Ministers met at Stamford, to consider and consult about it, who concluded that this cure was wrought by a good Angel, sent from Heaven upon that Errand. However it is not impossible, but that Holy Angels may appear, and visibly converse with some. Yet for any to desire such a thing is unwarrantable, and exceeding dangerous. For thereby some have been imposed upon by wicked Daemens, who know how to transform themselves into Angels of Light.

Bodinus hath a strange Relation of a Man that prayed much for the assistance of an Angel; and after that for above thirty years together, he thought his prayer was heard; being often admonished of his Errors by a Caelestial Monitor, as he apprehended, who once appeared visibly in the form of a Child; otherwhile in an orb of Light. Would sometimes speak to him when he saw nothing. Yet some fear that this Spirit which he took to be his good Genius was a subtle Cacodaemon. Plato writeth concerning Socrates, that he had a good Genius attending him, which p. 209would still admonish him if he were about to do any thing that would prove ill or unhappy.

The Story of the Familiarity which was between Dr. Dee and Kellet, with the Spirits which used to appear to them, is famously known. Those Daemons would pretend to discover rare Mysteries to them, and at times would give them good Advices in many things, so that they verily thought they had had extraordinary communion with Holy Angels, when as it is certain they were deceived by subtile and unclean Devils, since the Spirits they conversed with, did at last advise them to break the seventh Commandment of the Moral Law. Satan to insinuate himself and carry on a wicked design, will sometimes seem to perswade Men unto great Acts of Piety.

Remigius (and from him others) write of a young Man whose Name was Theodore Maillot, unto whom a Daemon appearing, advised him to reform his life, to abstain from Drunkenness, Thefts, Uncleanness, and the like evils; and to Fast twice a Week, to be constant in attendance upon publick Worship, and to be very charitable to the Poor.

The like pious Advice did another Daemon follow a certain Woman with, unto whom he p. 210appeared. Could a good Angel have given better Counsel? but this was Satans policy, hoping that thereby he should have gained an advantage to take silly Souls alive in his cruel Snare. Like as Thieves upon the Road will sometimes enter into Religious Discourse, that so their fellow-Travellers may have good thoughts of them, and be the more easily dispoyled by them. And as the evil Spirit will speak good Words, so doth he sometimes appear in the likeness of good Men, to the end that he may the more effectually deceive and delude all such as shall be so unhappy as to entertain converses with him. No doubt but that he knows how to transform himself into the shape of not only an ordinary Saint, but of an Apostle, or holy Prophet of God, 2 Cor. 11. 13, 14. This we may gather from the sacred History of dead Samuel's appearing to Saul. Some are of Opinion that real Samuel spake to Saul, his Soul being by Magical incantations returned into his Body, so divers of the Fathers and School-men; also Mendoza, Delrio, and other Popish Authors. Of late M. Glanvil and Dr. Windet, do in part favour that notion. But Tertullian, and the Author of the Quest. and Respons. which pass under the Name of Iustin Martyr are of the judgement, that a lying Daemon appeared p. 211to Saul in Samuel's likeness. Our Protestant Divines generally are of this judgment. It was customary amongst the Gentiles for Magicians and Necromancers to cause dead persons to appear, and they would bring whomsoever they were desired to call for. Thus did a Wizard by Pompeys command, call a dead Souldier, of whom he enquired of the event of the Pharsalic War, vide Lucan Lib. 6. Many Examples to this purpose, are Recorded in the Histories of former times; and mentioned by the old Poets. Those Apparitions were Cacodaemons, which feigned themselves to be the Spirits of Men departed. I see no cogent reason why we should not conclude the like with respect unto Samuel's appearing unto Saul. Most certain it is, that the Souls of holy Men departed, are not under the power of Devils, much less of Magicians to bring them hither when they please. As for those that are gone into the other World, there is a Gulf fixed, that if men would they cannot pass into this World again without leave, Luk. 16. 26. If Dives could not bring Lazarus his Soul out of Abraham's Bosome, how the Witch of Endor should be able to bring Samuel's Soul from thence I know not. Lyra (and from him others) pretends that God then interposed and sent real Samuel p. 212as he unexpectedly appeared to Baalam, when imployed about his Magical impostures. But I dare not believe that the Holy God, or the true Samuel would seem so far to countenance Necromancie or Psycomancy as this would be, should the Soul of Samuel really return into the World, when a Witch called for him, Saul desiring that it might be so. This Opinion establisheth Necromancy, the main Principal upon which that cursed and lying Art is built, being this, that it is possible for men to cause the Souls of dead persons to be brought back again. This seeming Samuel did not at all ascribe his appearance to the extraordinary providence of God, but rather to the Devil, since he complained that Saul had by the Witch disquieted him. The appearing Samuel was seen ascending out of the Earth, whenas the true Samuel would rather have appeared as descending from Heaven. Moreover the words of the Witches, Samuel, when he said, tomorrow thou and thy Sons shall be with me, 1 Sam. 29. 18. are hardly consistent with truth. Nor is it likely, that the true Samuel would Preach nothing but Desperation to Saul, without so much as once exhorting him in a way of Repentance, to endeavour that his peace might be made with that God whom he had provoked by his sins, V. P. Martyr. in 1 p. 213Sam. 28. P. 161, 162. and Voet. de spectris Page 1006. This Instance then, doth suffic…ently prove that Satan may appear in the shape of an holy Man. Some acknowledge that he may do so as to persons that are dead, but that he cannot personate good and innocent Men who are still living. It is by some reported, that Mr. Cotton did once deliver such a notion. Nothing is more frequent, then for the judgment of worthy Men to be misrepresented after they are gone, and not capable of clearing themselves. I know Mr. Cotton was a Man of great reading, and of deep Judgment. I shall therefore rather suppose that they who relate Mr. Cotton's Opinion, did themselves mistake him, then believe that a Man so learned and wise, would express himself, as some say he did. Sure I am, that Authentick Historians mention Examples to the contrary.

Memorable is that which Lavater (de spectris Part. 1 Cap. 19. P. mihi 86.) hath testified, sc. That the Praefect of Zurick travelling abroad with his Servant betimes in the Morning, they saw an honest Citizen committing nefandous villany, at the which being astonished, they returned back, and knocking at the Citizens door, they found him in his own House, nor had he been abroad that p. 214Morning, so that what the Praefect and his Servant beheld, appeared to be nothing else but a Diabolical illusion; a spiteful Daemon designing to blast the credit, and take away the life of an innocent man. It is also reported by Albertus Granzius (Lib. 4. Cap. 5.) that Kunegund the Empress, was for some time thought to be guilty of Adultery, by reason that a Noble person was frequently seen going out of her Chamber; but it after appeared that the suspected Noble person had not been there, only a Daemon in his shape. I concern not my self, with the Authentickness of that Relation. The matter in hand is sufficiently confirmed by a thing that hapned more lately, and nearer home: For if any of the old Puritans, who lived in Colchester in England, fifty years ago, be yet surviving, they can doubtless remember the strange things which hapned to one Mr. Earl, a young man in those dayes. The Devil did then frequently appear to him in the shape of some of his acquaintance, and would perswade him to three things. 1. That he should abstain from Praying. 2. That he should not frequent Church-Meetings. 3. That he should never Marry. But he did not hearken to these suggestions. The night wherein he was Married, soon after he and p. 215his Wife were Bedded, the Devil came into the room, and pulled two of his Teeth out of his head, which put him to great pain; whereupon he cried out, and when his Friends came in, they found his Mouth bloody, and used means to ease his pain. This Mr. Earl was afterwards for the space of ten years ever and anon assaulted by the Devil, who under many appearances of his Friends, did endeavour to seduce him. There were then two famous Men Ministers of those parts, viz. Mr. Iohn Rogers of Dedham, (who was Father to the late eminent Mr. Nathaniel Rogers of Ipswich in New-England) and Mr. Liddal of Colchester. With these Mr. Earl did converse for comfort and instruction; but chiefly with Mr. Liddal, then whom there was not a man more eminent for Godliness. It fell out once that the Devil came to Mr. Earl in Mr. Liddal's shape, and as Mr. Earl's custom was, he did propose to the seeming Mr. Liddal his cases of Conscience, but found that Mr. Liddal did not Discourse after his ordinary rate, which made him suspect whether he was not imposed upon by a deceitful Daemon. The next Day going to Mr. Liddal's House, he enquired whether he was with him the Day before, Mr. Liddal told him that he was not; then said Mr. Earl it was my Enemy p. 216in your shape. What a miserable Man am I, that know not when I speak with my Enemy or with my Friend? To which Mr. Liddal replied, if you would know when you speak with a Spirit or with a Man, remember and follow the advice of Christ; who when he appeared to his Disciples after his Resurrection, and they thought he had been a Spirit, and were therefore troubled; he said to them, handle me and see, for a Spirit hath not Flesh and Bones as you see me have, Luk. 24. 39. This Advice Mr. Earl followed. For not long after the Devil coming to him in Mr. Liddal's shape, he went to take hold on his Arms, but could feel no substance, only a vanishing shadow. It seems that this Mr. Earl was once an Athiest, that did not believe that there was either God or Devil, & would often walk in solitary and dismal places, wishing for the sight of a Spirit; and that he was first assaulted by a Devil in a Church-yard. And though God mercifully gave him Repentance yet he was miserably haunted with an evil Spirit all his dayes. I find that Mr. Clark in his first Vol. of Examples, Chap. 104. P. 510. hath some part of this strange Providence, but he mentions not Mr. Earl's Name. A Gentleman worthy of credit affirmed this Relation to be most certainly true, according to p. 217the particulars which have been declared. I have thought it therefore not unworthy the Publication.

There is another Remarkable Passage to this purpose, which hapned of later years, wherein the Turkish Chaous Baptized at London, Ianuary 30. A. D. 1658. was concerned. This Chaous being alone in his Chamber, 3. h. P. M. a person in the likeness of Mr. Dury, the Minister with whom he did most ordinarily converse, came and sat by him. This seeming Mr. Dury told him, that he had waited with a great deal of patience as to the matter of his Baptism; and that himself had endeavoured by all means possible to procure it, to be performed with publick Countenance; and to that effect, had dealt with Richard, and several of his Counsel, but that now he perceived that it was in vain to strive or wait longer. And therefore advised him not to be much troubled at it, but setting his mind at rest, to leave these thoughts, and take up his resolution another way. When the Chaous heard this Discourse, being much perplexed in his Spirit, he lifted up his hands and eyes to Heaven, uttering Words to this effect. O my Lord Iesus Christ, what a miserable thing is this, that a true Christian cannot be owned by other Christians; that one who believeth p. 218on thee cannot be Baptized into thy Name. When he had so spoken, looking down, he saw no body, the appearance of Mr. Dury being vanished, which was at first an amazement to him; but recollecting himself, he began to rejoyce, as hoping that Satan would be disappointed of his Plot. About 8 h. at night, the true Mr. Dury met with the Chaous who acquainted him with what hapned to him, so did he more fully understand how he had been imposed upon by Satan. The mentioned Instances, are enough to prove that the Devil may possibly appear in the shape of good Men, and that not only of such as are dead, but of the still living. It might as a further confirmation of the truth we assert, have been here noted, that the Devil doth frequently amongst the Papists visibly appear, pretending to be Christ himself, as their own Authors do acknowledge. They affirm, that he came in the shape of Christ to Pachomius and to St. Martin. So hath he often appeared in the Form of the Virgin Mary, whereby miserable Souls have been seduced into gross Idolatries. It is likewise reported, that when Luther had spent a Day in Fasting and Prayer, there appeared to him one seeming to be Christ; but Luther said to him, away thou confounded p. 219Devil, I will have no Christ but what is in my Bible, whereupon the Apparition vanished. As for the Spirits of Men deceased, it is certain they cannot reassume their Bodies, nor yet come to Men in this World when they will, or without a permission from him, in whose hand they are. Chrysostom in his second Sermon concerning Lazarus, saith that Daemons would oftentimes appear, falsly pretending themselves to be the Souls of some lately dead. He saith, that he himself knew many Daemoniacks, that the Spirits in them would feign the voices of men lately killed, and would discover the secrets of such Persons, professing that they were the Souls of those very men. But those were no other then devilish lies. Upon which account men had need be exceeding wary what credit they give unto, or how they entertain communion with such Spectres. I do not say that all such Apparitions are Diabolical. Only that many of them are so. And as yet I have not met with any foreign whereby the certain appearance of a Person Deceased, may be infallibly discerned from a meer Diabolical illusion. The Rules of judging in this case described by Malderus are very fallible.

As for the moving and procuring cause of p. 220such Apparitions, commonly it is by reason of some sin not discoverable in any other way. Either some act of injustice done, or it may be some Murder committed. Platina, Nauclerus, and others relate, that Pope Benedict. 8. did after his death appear sitting upon a black Horse before a Bishop of his acquaintance, declaring the reason to be, in that he had in his life time nefariously consumed a great sum of Money, which belonged to the Poor. And there are fresh Examples to this purpose lately published in the second Edition of Mr. Glanvils Sadducismus Triumphatus. He there speaks of a Man in Guilford, unto whom belonged some Copy-hold Land, which was to descend to his Children, he dying, leaving no Child born, his Brother took possession of the Estate. So it hapned that the deceased Man's Wife conceived with Child but a little before her Husbands death, which after she perceived, by the Advice of her Neighbours, she told her Brother in Law how matters were circumstanced; he railed upon her, calling her Whore, and said he would not be fooled out of his Estate so. The poor Woman went home troubled, that not only her Child should lose the Land, but which was worse, that she should be thought an Whore. In due time she was Delivered p. 221of a Son. Some time after which, as her Brother in Law was going out of the Field, his dead Brother (the Father of the injured Child) appeared to him at the Stile, and bid him give up the Land to the Child, for it was his Right. The Brother being greatly affrighted at this Spectre, ran away, and not long after came to his Sister, saying, she had sent the Devil to him, and bid her take the Land; and her Son is now possessed of it.

The same Author relates, that the Wife of Dr. Bretton of Deptford (being a person of extraordinary Piety) did appear after her Death. A Maid of hers, whose name was Alice (for whom in her life time she had a great kindness) Married a near Neighbour. As this Alice was rocking her Infant in the night, some one knocking at the door, she arose and opened it, and was surprized by the sight of a Gentlewoman, not to be distinguished from her late Mistriss. At the first sight she expressed great amazement, and said were not my Mistress dead I should conclude you are she. The Apparition replied, I am she which was your Mistriss; and withal added, that she had a business of great importance to imploy her in, and that she must immediately go a little way with her. Alice trembled, and entreated her to go to her Master, p. 222who was fitter to be employed than she. The seeming Mistriss replied, that she had been in the Chamber of him who was once her Husband, but he was asleep; nor had she any Commission to awake him. Alice then objected that her Child was apt to cry vehemently, and should she leave it, some hurt might come to him. The Apparition replied, the Child shall sleep until you return. Seeing there was no avoiding it; Alice followed her over the Style into a large Field, who said, observe how much of this Field I measure with my feet, and when she had took a good large leisurly compass, she said, all this belongs to the Poor; it being gotten from them by wrongful means, and charged her to go and tell her Brother, whose it was at that time, that he should give it up to the poor again forthwith as he loved her and his Deceased Mother. This Brother was not the person that did this unjust act, but his Father. She added, that she was the more concerned, because her Name was made use of in some Writing that related to this Land. Alice asked her how she should satisfie her Brother that this was no Cheat or Delusion of her Phansie? She replied, tell him this Secret which he knows that only himself and I am privy to, and he will believe you. Alice promised p. 223her to go on this Errand. She entertained her the rest of the night with divine Discourse, and Heavenly Exhortations. But when the twilight appeared, the Spectre said, I must be seen by none but your self, and so Disappeared. Immediately Alice makes hast home, being thoughtful for her Child, but found it as the Spectre said, fast asleep in the Cradle. That Day she went to her Master, the Doctor, who amazed at the account she gave, sent her to his Brother in Law. He at the first hearing of Alice's Story, laughed at it heartily; supposing her to be troubled with strange whimsies. But then she told him of the Secret, which her appearing Mistriss the Gentleman's Sister, had revealed; upon which he presently changed his countenance, and told her he would give the Poor their own, which accordingly he did, and they now enjoy it. D. Bretton himself (being a Person of great sincerity) gave a large Narrative of his Wives Apparition, to several; and amongst others to Dr. Whichcot. And this Narrative was attested unto by Mr. Edward Fowler, Feb. 16. 1680. See Mr. Glanvil's Collection of Relations, P. 197. In the same Book, P. 243. He relates concerning one Francis Taverner, that in September 1662. riding late at night from Hilbrough in p. 224Ireland there appeared to him one in the likeness of Iames Haddock, formerly an Inhabitant in Malone, where he Died five years before. Taverner asked him who he was? the Spectre replied, I am Iames Haddock; you may call me to mind by this Token, that about five years ago, I and two other Friends were at your Fathers house, and you by your Fathers appointment brought us some Nuts, therefore be not afraid. And told him if he would ride along with him he would acquaint him with a business he had to deliver to him. Which Taverner refused to do; upon his going from the Spectre, he heard hideous scrieches and noises, to his great amazement. The night after there appeared again to him, the likeness of Iames Haddock; telling him, that the Woman, who had been his Wife, when living; was now Married unto one Davis in Malone; and that the said Davis and his Wife wronged the Son of Iames Haddock; and that the Will of Haddock, who had given a Lease to his Son, was not fulfilled; and therefore he desired Taverner to acquaint them therewith, and to see his Son righted. Taverner neglected to deliver his message, whereupon the Spectre appeared again unto him in divers formidable shapes, threatning to tear him in pieces, if he did not do as he p. 225was required. This made him leave his House where he dwelt in the Mountains and remove to the Town of Belfast, where it appeared to him again in the house of one Pierce, severely threatning of him. Upon which Taverner being much troubled in his Spirit, acquainted some of his Friends with his perplexity. They take Advice from Dr. Downs, then Minister in Belfast. and Mr. Iames South, Chaplain to the Lord Chichester, who went with Taverner to the house of Davis, and in their presence he declared to her, that he could not be quiet for the Ghost of her former Husband Iames Haddock, who threatned to tear him in pieces, if he did not tell her she must right Iohn Haddock her Son by him, in a Lease wherein she and Davis her now Husband had wronged him. Two nights after the Spectre came to him again, looking pleasantly upon him, asking if he had done the message? He answered, he had. Then he was told, he must do the like to the Executors. The Day following Dr. Ieremie Taylor Bishop of Down, Conner, and Dromore, being to keep Court at Dromore; ordered his Secretary (Thomas Alcock) to send for Taverner, who accordingly came, and was strictly examined. The Bishop advised him, the next time the Spectre appeared p. 226to him, to ask him these Questions: When… are you? Are you a good or a bad Spirit? where is your abode? what station do you hold? How are you Regimented in the other World? And what is the reason that you appear for the relief of your Son in so small a matter, when so many Widows and Orphans are oppressed in the World, and none of their Relations appear as you do to right them? That night Taverner lodged at my Lord Conways, where he saw the Spectre coming over a Wall; and approaching near to him, asked if he had done his Message to the Executor also? He replied, he had, and wondred that he should be still troubled. The Apparition bid him not be afraid, for it would not hurt him, nor appear to him any more, but to the Executor, if the Orphan were not righted. Taverners Brother being by, put him in mind to propound the Bishops Questions to the Spirit. Which he did; but the Spectre gave no answer to them; only seemed to crawl on his hands and feet over the Wall again, and vanished with a melodious Harmony. The pe…sons concerned about the Lease (much against their wills) disposed of it for the use of Haddock's Son, only for fear lest the Apparition should molest them also. Thus concerning this. Before I pass to the next Relation, I cannot but p. 227Animadvert upon what is here expressed, concerning the Questions which the Bishop would needs have propounded to, and resolved by this Spectre. I am perswaded, that the Apostle Paul who speaks of a Mans intruding into those things which he hath not seen, Col. 2. 18. would hardly have given such counsel as the Bishop did. One of his Questions, (viz. Are you a good or a bad Spirit?) seems to be a needless and impertinent enquiry. For good Angels never appear in the shape of dead Men; but evil and wicked Spirits have oftentimes done so. His other Queries favour too much of vain curiosity. They bring to mind what is by that great Historian Thuanus (Lib. 130. Page 1136.) reported concerning Peter Cotten the Jesuit, who having a great desire to be satisfied about some Questions which no Man living could resolve him in; he applied himself to a Maid who was possessed with a Devil, charging the Spirit in her to resolve his Proposals. Some of which were relating to this World, e. g. He desired the Devil, if he could, to tell him when Calvinism would be extinguished; And what would be the most effectual means to turn the Kingdome of England from the Protestant to the Popish Religion. What would be the issue of the Wars and great p. 228designs then on foot in the World? Other of his Enquiries respected the Old World, e. g. How Noah could take the living Creatures that were brought into the Ark? Who those Sons of God were that loved the Daughters of Men? Whether Serpents went upon feet before Adam's Fall, &c. Some of his Questions respected the other World; He would have the Spirit to resolve him, How long the fallen Angels were in Heaven before they were cast down from thence? And what is the most evident place in the Scripture to prove that there is a Purgatory? Who are the seven Spirits that stand before the Throne of God? Who is the King of the Arch-Angels? Where Paradise is? Now let the Reader judge whether D. Taylors Questions, when he would have the Spectre resolve him, Where is your abode? What station do you hold? How are you Regimented in the other World? &c. be not as curious as some of these of the Jesuits. Wise men thought it tended much to the disreputation of Peter Cotton when through his incogitant leaving the Book wherein his enquiries of the Daemon were written with a Friend; the matter came to be divulged. I cannot think that Dr. Taylors Secretary his publishing these curiosities of his Lord, hath added much to his credit amongst sober and p. 229judicious Persons. There is a Tragical passage related in the Story of the Daemon which for three Moneths molested the House of Mr. Perreaud a Protestant Minister in Matiscon. One in the Room would needs be propounding needless Questions for the Devil to Answer, though Mr. Perreaud told him of the danger in it. After a deal of discourse; the Devil said to him, You should have hearkened to the Ministers good counsel, who told you that you ought not to ask curious Questions of the Devil, yet you would do it, and now I must school, you for your pains. Presently upon which, the Man was by an invisible hand plucked up by his Thumb, and twirled round, and thrown down upon the floor, and so continued in most grievous misery. I hope then, that none will be emboldened from the Bishops Advice, to enquire at the mouth of Devils or of Apparitions, until such time as they know whether they are Devils or no. But to pass on. That the Ghosts of dead persons have sometimes appeared that so the sin of Murder (as well as that of Theft) might be discovered, is a …hing notoriously known. I shall only mention two or three Examples for this; and the rather because some who are very unapt to believe things of this nature, yet have given credit to those Relations. Two p. 230of the Stories are recited by Mr. Webster in his Book of Witchcraft.

He saith, (P. 298.) that about the Year 1623. one Fletcher of Rascal, a Town in the North-Riding of Yorkshire, a Yeoman of a good Estate married a Woman from Thornton Brigs, who had formerly been naught with one Ralph Raynard, who kept an Inn, within half a mile from Rascal, in the high Road betwixt York and Thuske, his Sister living with him; this Raynard continuing in unlawful Lust with Fletcher's Wife, and not being content therewith, conspired the death of Fletcher; one Mark Dunn being made privy, and hired to assist in the Murther; which Raynard and Dunn accomplished upon May Day, by drowning him, as they were Travelling all three together, from a Town called Huby, and acquainted the Wife with the deed, she gave them a Sack, therein to convey his Body, which they did, and buried it in Raynard's back side, or Croft, where an old Oak had been stubbed up, and sowed Mustard-seed in the place, thereby to hide it; they then continued their wicked course of Lust and Drunkenness; and the Neighbours did much wonder at Fletchers absence, but his Wife excused it, and said, he was only gone p. 231aside for fear of some Writs being served upon him, and so it continued till about Iuly 7th. after, when Raynard going to Topcliff-Fair, and setting up his Horse in the Stable, the Spirit of Fletcher in his usual shape and habit, did appear unto him, and said, O Ralph, Repent, Repent, for my Revenge is at hand; and ever after, until he was put in the Goal the Spirit seemed continually to stand before him, whereby he became sad and restless, and his own Sister over-hearing his Confession and Relation of it to another person, did through fear of losing her own life, immediately reveal it to Sr. William Sheffield, who lived in Rascal; whereupon Raynard, Dunn, and the Wife, were all three apprehended, and sent to the Goal at York, where they were Condemned and Executed, near the place where Raynard lived; and Fletcher was buried; the two Men being hung up in Chains, and the Woman burned under the Gallows. I have recited this Story punctually, as a thing that hath been very much fixed on my Memory (being then but young) and a certain Truth, I being (with many more) an Ear-witness of their Confessions, and eye-witness of their Executions, and likewise saw Fletcher when he was taken up, where they had p. 232buried him in his Clothes, which were a green Fustian Doublet pinckt upon white, and his walking Boots, and brass Spurs, without Rowels. Thus Mr. Webster.

Again, the same Author (P. 308.) relates that about the Year 1632. there lived one Walker, near Chester, who was a Yeoman of a good Estate, and a Widower; he had a young Kins-woman to keep his House, who was by the Neighbours suspected to be with Child, and was sent away one Evening in the dark, with one Mark Sharp a Collier, and was not heard of, nor little notice taken of her, till a long time after one Iames Grayham a Miller, who lived two Miles from Walker's House, being one night alone very late in his Mill, grinding Corn, about twelve a Clock at night, the Doors being shut, there stood a Woman in the midst of the Floor, with her hair hanging down all bloody, and five large Wounds in her head; he was very much frighted, yet had the courage to ask her who she was, and what she wanted? to whom she answered, I am the Spirit of such a Woman, who lived with Walker, and being got with Child by him, he promised to send me to a private place, where I should be well lookt to, till I was brought p. 233a Bed, and well, and then I should come again and keep his House, and accordingly (said the Apparition) I was one night late sent away with one Mark Sharp, who upon a Moor, (naming a place which the Miller knew) slew me with a Pick (such as Men dig Coals withal) and gave me these five Wounds, and after threw my Body into a Coal-pit hard by, and hid the Pick under the Bank, and his shoes and stockins being bloody, he endeavoured to wash them, but seeing the blood would not wash off, he left them there; And the Apparition further told the Miller, That he must be the Man to reveal it, or else she must still appear and haunt him. The Miller returned home very sad, and heavy, but spake not one word of what he had seen, yet eschewed as much as he could to stay in the Mill in the night without company, thinking thereby to escape the seeing this dreadful Apparition; But notwithstanding, one night when it began to be dark, the Apparition met him again, and seemed very fierce and cruel, threatning him, that if he did not reveal the Murder, she would continually pursue and haunt him; yet for all this, he still concealed it, until St. Thomas Eve before Christmas, when being soon after Sun-set walking in his Garden, she appeared again, and then so p. 234threatned and affrighted him, that he promised faithfully to reveal it the next morning: In the morning he went unto a Magistrate, and discovered the whole matter, with all the circumstances, and diligent search being made, the Body was found in a Cole-pit, with five wounds in the head, and the Pick, and Shoes, and Stockins yet bloody, and in every circumstance as the Apparition had related to the Miller… ▪ Whereupon Walker and Mark Sharp were both apprehended, but would confess nothing. At the Assizes following, (I think it was at Durham) they were arraigned, found guilty, and Hanged; but I could never hear that they confessed the Fact. It was reported that the Apparition did appear to the Judge, or the Fore-man of the Jury, but of that I know no certainty. There are many persons yet alive that can remember this strange Murder, and I saw and read the Letter which was sent to Serjeant Hutton about it, from the Judge before whom they were tried, which maketh me relate it with greater confidence. Thus far we have Mr. Webster's Relations.

It is also credibly Attested that a thing no less Remarkable than either of the former, hapned but nine years ago at another place p. 235in England. The sum of the Story as it is published in Mr. Glanvil's Collection of Relations, P. 172. is this: On the ninth of November 1674. Thomas Goddard of Marlborough in the Country of Wilts, as he was going to Ogborn, about 9. h. A. M. he met the Apparition of his Father in Law Edward Avon, who had beed dead about half a year. He seemed to stand by the Stile, which Goddard was to go over. When he came near, the Spectre spake to him with an audible voice, saying, Are you afraid? to whom he answered, I am, thinking of one who is dead and buried, whom you are like. To which the Apparition replied, I am be; come near me I will do you no harm; to which Goddard replied, I trust in him who hath bought my Soul with his precious blood, you shall do me no harm. Then the Spectre said, how stand cases at home? Goddard askt what cases? Then it asked him, how doth William and Mary? meaning belike, his Son William and his Daughter Mary, whom this Goddard had married. And it said, What? Taylor is Dead; meaning as Goddard thought, one of that Name in London, who had married another of Avon's Daughters, and died in September before this. The Spectre offered him some Money, desiring it might be sent to p. 236his Daughter that was lately become a Widow; but Goddard answered, In the Name of Iesus Christ I refuse all such Money. Then the Apparition said, I perceive you are afraid, I will meet you some other time: so it went away. The next night about 7 h. it came and opened his Shop-Window, and looked him in the face, but said nothing. And the next night after as Goddard went into his back-side with a Candle light in his hand, but he being affrighted ran into his House, and saw it no more at that time. But on Thursday November 12. as he came from Chilton, the Apparition met him again, and stood (about eight foot) directly before him, and said with a loud voice, Thomas, bid William Avon take the Sword which he had of me, which is now in his House, and carry to the wood as we goe to Alton to the upper end of the wood by the wayes side, for with that sword I did wrong above thirty years ago, & he never prospered since twas his. And do you speak with Edward Lawrence, and I desire you to pay him twenty shillings out of the Money which you received of Iames Eliot at two payments; for I borrowed so much Money of Edward Lawrence, and said that I had paid him, but I did not pay it him. This Money was received of Iames Eliot on a p. 237Bond due to Avon and Goddard had it at two Payments after Avon had been Dead several Moneths. Lawrence saith that he lent Avon twenty shillings in Money about twenty years ago, which was never paid him again. November 23. Goddard did by Order from the Mayor of the Town, go with his Brother in Law William Avon, with the Sword to the place where the Apparition said it should be carried. And coming away thence Goddard looking back saw the same Apparition, whereupon he called to his Brother in Law, and said, Here is the Apparition of your Father; William replied, I see nothing, then Goddard fell on his Knees, and said, Lord, open his eyes that he may see. But William said, Lord grant I may not see it, if it be thy blessed Will. Then the Ghost did to Goddard's apprehension becken with his hand. To whom Goddard said, what would you have me to do? the Apparition replied, take up the Sword and follow me. To which he said, should both of us come? or but one of us? The Spectre replied, Thomas do you take up the Sword. So he took it up and followed the Apparition about ten poles into the wood. Then the Spectre coming towards Goddard he stept back two steps; but it said to him, I have a permission to you, and a commission not to p. 238touch you. Then it took the Sword, and wen… to the place at which before it stood, and pointed the top of the Sword into the ground and said, In this place was buried the Body of him whom I Murdered in the Year 1635. but it is now rotten and turned to Dust. Whereupon Goddard said, For what cause did you Murder him? The seeming Avon replied I took Money from the Man, and he contended with me, and so I Murdered him. Then Goddard said, who was confederate with you in the Murder? the Spectre Answered, none but my self. What (said Goddard) would you have me do in this thing? The Apparition replied, Only to let the World know that I Murdered a Man, and buried him in this place, in the year 1635. Then the Spectre laid down the Sword on the bare ground there, whereupon grew nothing, but seemed to Goddard to be as a Grave sunk in. All this while William Avon remained where Goddard left him, and said he saw no Apparition, only heard Goddard speak to the Spectre, and discerned another voice also, making Reply to Goddard's enquiries, but could not understand the words uttered by that voice. The next day the Mayor caused men to dig in the place where the Spectre said the Body was buried, but nothing could p. 239be found. These examples then, shew that the Ghosts of Dead men do sometimes appear, and that for such causes as those mentioned. There have been some in the world so desperate as to make solemn Covenants with their living Friends, to appear unto them after their Death; and sometimes (though not alwayes) it hath so come to pass. It is a Remarkable passage which Baronius relates concerning Marsilius Ficinus, and his great Intimate Michael Mercatus. These two having been warmly Disputing about the immortality of the Soul, entred into a solemn Vow, that if there were truth in those Notions about a future State in another World, he which died first should appear to his surviving Friend. Not long after this, Ficinus Died. On a morning when Mercatus was intent upon his Studies, he heard the voice of Ficinus his Friend at his Window with a loud cry, saying, O Michael, Michael, Vera, vera sunt illa: O my Friend Michael, those notions about the Souls of Men being immortal they are true, they are true. Whereupon, Mercatus opened his Window, and saw his Friend Marsilius Ficinus, whom he called unto, but he vanished away. He presently sent to Florence to know how Ficinus did, and was informed that he Died about the hour when p. 240his Ghost appeared at Mercatus his Window. There are also later Instances, and nearer home, not altogether unlike to this. For in Mr. Glanvil's late Collection of Relations, (which we have had occasion more than once to mention.) It is said, that Dr. Farrar and his Daughter, made a compact, that the first of them which Died, if happy, should after Death appear to the surviver if possible; his Daughter with some difficulty consenting to the agreement. Some time after, the Daughter living then near Salisbury, fell in Labour, and having by an unhappy mistake a noxious Potion given to her, instead of another prepared, suddenly Died. That very night she appeared in the room where her Father then Lodged in London, and opening the Curtains looked upon him. He had before heard nothing of her illness, but upon this Apparition confidently told his Servant that his Daughter was Dead, and two Dayes after received the News. Likewise one Mr. Watkinson, who lived in Smithfield, told his Daughter (taking her leave of him, and expressing her fears that she should never see him more) that should he Die, if ever God did permit the Dead to to see the living, he would see her again. Now after he had been Dead about half a Year; on a night when she was in Bed but could p. 241not sleep, she heard Musick, and the Chamber grew lighter and lighter, she then saw her Father by the Bed-side. Who said Mall, did not I tell thee that I would see thee again? He exhorted her to be patient under her afflictions, and to carry it dutiful towards her Mother; and told her that her Child that was born since his departure should not trouble her long. And bid her speak what she would speak to him now, for he must go and she should see him no more upon Earth, Vid. Glanvil's Collections, P. 189, 192. Sometimes the Great and Holy God, hath permitted, and by his Providence ordered such Apparitions to the end that Atheists might thereby be astonished and affrighted out of their Infidelity.

Nam primus timor fecit in orbe Deos.

Remarkable and very solemn is the Relaon of the Appearance of Major Sydenbam's Ghost, mentioned in the Book but now cited (P. 181.) It is in brief this. Major George Sydenham of Delverton in Somerset, and Captain William Dyke of Skillgate in that County; used to have many Disputes about the Being of God, and the Immortality of the Soul: in which point they continued unresolved. p. 242To issue their controversies, they agreed that he that died first should the third night after his Funeral, between the hours of twelve and one, appear at a little House in the Garden. After Sydenham was dead, Captain Dyke repairs to the place appointed between them two. He acquainted a near Kinsman, Dr. Thomas Dyke with his design, by whom he was earnestly disswaded from going to that place at that time; and was told, that the Devil might meet him and be his ruine, if he would venture on in such rash attempts. The Captain Replied, that he had solemnly engaged, and nothing should discourage him; accordingly betwixt twelve and one he went into the Garden-house, and there tarried two or three hours, without seeing or hearing any thing more than what was usual. About six weeks after, Captain Dyke rides to Eaton, to place his Son a Scholar there. The morning before he returned from thence, after it was light, one came to his Bed-side, and suddenly drawing back the Curtains, calls Cap. Cap. (which was the term of familiarity which the Major when living used to call the Captain by) He presently perceived it was his Major, and replieth, What my Major! On the Table in the Room there lay a Sword which the Major had formerly given to the Captain. p. 243After the seeming Major had walked a turn or two about the Room, he took up the Sword, and drew it out, and not finding it so bright and clean as it ought, Cap. Cap. (said he) This Sword did not use to be kept after this manner, when it was mine. He also said to the Captain, I could not come to you at the time appointed, but I am now come to tell you, That there is a God, and that he is a very just and a terrible God, and if you do not turn over a new leaf, you will find it so. So did he suddenly disappear. The Captain arose, and came into another Chamber (where his Kinsman Dr. Dyke lodged) but in a visage and form much differing from himself, his Hair standing, his Eyes staring, and his whole Body trembling, telling with much affection what he had seen. The Captain lived about two years after this, but was much altered in his Conversation, the Words uttered by his Majors Ghost, ever sounding in his Ears. Thus of that remarkable Providence.

I have not mentioned these things, as any way approving of such desperate Covenants. There is great hazard attending them. It may be after Men have made such agreements, Devils may appear to them, pretending to be their Deceased Friends, and thereby their Souls may be drawn into woful Snares▪ p. 244Who knoweth whether God will permit the persons, who have thus confederated, to appear in this World again after their Death, and if not then the Surviver will be under great temptation unto Atheism; As it fell out with the late Earl of Rochester, who (as is reported in his life, P. 16. by Dr. Burn…t) did in the Year 1665. enter into a formal ingagement with another Gentleman, not without Ceremonies of Religion, that if either of them Died, he should appear and give the other notice of the future state, if there were any. After this the other Gentleman was killed, but did never appear after his Death to the Earl of Rochester, which was a great snare to him, during the rest of his Life. Though when God awakened the Earl's Conscience upon his Death-bed, he could not but acknowledge, that one who had so corrupted the natural Principles of Truth as he had, had no reason to expect that such an extraordinary thing should be done for his Conviction. Or if such agreement should necessitate an Apparition, how would the World be confounded with Spectres? How many would probably be scared out of their Wits? or what curious Questions would vain Men be proposing about things which are (and it is meet they should be) hid from Mortals. p. 245I cannot think that Men who make such Covenants (except it be with very much caution, as I have heard that Mr. Knewstubs and another eminent Person did) are duely mindful of that Scripture, Deut. 29. 29. The secret things belong to the Lord; but those things which are revealed belong to us. Moreover, such sights are not desirable. For many times they appear as forerunners of notable Judgements at hand. I could instance out of approved History, how particular Families have found that things of this nature, have come to them as the Messengers of Death. Lavater in his Book De Spectris, and Goulartius in his Select History, say, that Spectres are the Harbingers of publick Mutations, Wars, and Calamitous times. Voetius in his Disputation De Peste, sheweth that sometimes the Plague or strange Diseases follow after such Appearances. There was lately a very formidable Apparition at Meenen▪ We are advised, that there did appear in that place, a person all in white, with a Mitre on his head, being followed with two more in black; after him came four or five Squadrons, who drew up as if they intended to storm the Town. The Souldiers there refused to stand their Centry, having been so affrighted as that some of them fell down in their posts. p. 246These Spectres appeared every night in Iune, 1682. How it is there since that, or what events have followed in that place, I know not▪ But I find in credible Authors, that oftentimes Mischief and Destruction unto some or other hath been the effect of Apparitions. Luther tells us of a Shepherd (of whom also he speaketh charitably) that being haunted with a Spirit; the Apparition told him, that after eight dayes he would appear to him again, and carry him away, and kill him; and so it came to pass: the Ministers whom the poor man acquainted with his sorrowful estate, advised him not to despair of the Salvation of his Soul, though God should suffer the Devil to kill his Body. I have read of threescore Persons all killed at once by an Apparition. George Agricola giveth an account of twelve Men, that as they were digging in the Mines, a Spectre slew them. Some have been filled with such Anxiety at the appearance of a Spectre, that in one nights time the Hair of their heads has turned white. Lavater speaketh of a Man, who one night meeting with an Apparition, the terror of it caused such a sudden change in him, as that when he came home, his own Children did not know him. We may then conclude that the Witlings of this Drolling p. 247age know not what they do, when they make themselves sport with subjects of this nature. I shall only add this further here, that from the things which have been related, it is evident that they are mistaken who suppose Devils cannot appear to Men except with some deformities whereby they are easily discovered. The Nymphs which deluded many of old, when the World was buried under Heathenism; were Daemons, presenting themselves in shapes very formose. Vide Martinit Lexic. in verbo Nymphae.