Memorable providences relating to witchcrafts and possessions a faithful account of many wonderful and…

Had there been Diligence enough used by them that have heard and seen amazing Instances of Witchcraft, our Number of Memorable Providences under this Head, had reached beyond the Perfect. However, before I have done Writing, I will insert an Example or two, communicated unto me by a Gentleman of sufficient Fidelity to make a Story of his Relating Credible. The Things were such as happened in the Town whereof himself is Minister; and they are but some of more which he favoured me with the Communication of. But, it seems, I must be obliged, to conceal the Names of the parties concerned, lest some should be Offended, tho None could be Injured by the mention of them.

HAd there been Diligence enough used by them that have heard and seen amazing Instances of Witchcraft, our Number of Memorable Providences under this Head, had reached beyond the Perfect. However, before I have done Writing, I will insert an Example or two, communicated unto me by a Gentleman of sufficient Fidelity to make a Story of his Relating Credible. The Things were such as happened in the Town whereof himself is Minister; and they are but some of more which he favoured me with the Communication of. But, it seems, I must be obliged, to conceal the Names of the parties concerned, lest some should be Offended, tho None could be Injured by the mention of them.

¶In a Town which is none of the youngest in this Country, there dwelt a very Godly and honest Man, who upon some Provocation, received very Angry and Threatening Expressions, from two women in the Neighbourhood; soon upon this, diverse of his Cattle in a strange manner dyed; and the man himself sometimes was haunted with sights of the women as he thought, encountering of him. He grew indisposed in his Body very unaccountably; and one day repaired unto a Church Meeting then held in the place, with a Resolution there to declare what he had ⟨p. 73⟩met withal. The man was one of such Figure and Respect among them, that the Pastor singled out him for to pray in the Assembly before their breaking up. He prayed with a more than usual measure of both Devotion and Discretion, but just as he was coming to that part of his Prayer, wherein he intended to petition Heaven for the Discovery of Witchcrafts which had been among them, he sank down Speechless and Senseless; and was by his Friends carried away to a Bed; where he lay for two or three hours in horrible Distress, fearfully starting, and staring and crying out Lord, I am stabbed! and now looking wistly to and fro, he said, O here are wicked persons among us, even among US; and he complained, I came hither with a full purpose to tell what I knew, but now (said he) I lie like a Fool! Thus he continued until the Meeting was over, and then his Fits left him; only he remained very sore. One or two more such Fits he had after that; but afterwards a more private sort of Torture was employed upon him. He was advised by a worthy man to apply himself unto a Magistrate; and warned, That he would shortly be murdered, if he did not. He took not the Counsel; but languished for some Weeks; yet able to Walk and Work; but Then, he had his Breath and Life suddenly taken taken away from him, in a manner of which no full Account could be given.