An essay for the recording of illustrious providences

Memorable is that which Lavater (de spectris Part. I Cap.19. P. mi•i 86.) hath testified, sc. That the Prefect of Zurick travelling abroad with his Servant betimes in the Morning, they saw an honest Citizen committing nefandous villainy, 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. 214⟩Morning, so that what the Prefect 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 happened 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 happened to one Mr. Earl, a young man in those days. The Devil did then frequently appear to him in the shape of some of his acquaintance, and would persuade 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. 215⟩his 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 their two famous Men Ministers of those parts, viz. Mr. John 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.