An essay for the recording of illustrious providences

There is another Remarkable Passage to this purpose, which happened of later years, wherein the Turkish Chaous Baptized at London, January 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 public 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 Jesus Christ, what a miserable thing is this, that a true Christian cannot be owned by other Christians; that one who believeth ⟨p. 218⟩on 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 rejoice, 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 happened 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.

There is another Remarkable Passage to this purpose, which hapned of later years, wherein the Turkish Chaous Baptized at London, January 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 Jesus Christ, what a miserable thing is this, that a true Christian cannot be owned by other Christians; that one who believeth ⟨p. 218⟩on 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. 219⟩Devil, 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, falsely pretending themselves to be the Souls of some lately dead. He saith, that he himself knew many Demoniacs, 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 [Greek or Hebrew] whereby the certain appearance of a Person Deceased, may be infallibly discerned from a mere Diabolical illusion. The Rules of judging in this case described by Malderus are very fallible.

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. 219⟩Devil, 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 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 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. 220⟩such 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 belong•• 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 happened 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 raised 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. 221⟩of 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.

As for the moving and procuring cause of ⟨p. 220⟩such 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 belong•• 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 raised 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. 221⟩of 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.

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 Mistress 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 Fran•• Taverner, that in September 1662. riding late at night from Hilbrough in ⟨p. 224⟩Ireland there appeared to him one in the likeness of James Haddock, formerly an Inhabitant in Malone, where he Died five years before. Taverner asked him who he was? the Spectre replied, I am James 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 screeches and noises, to his great amazement. The night after there appeared again to him, the likeness of James 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 James 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, threatening to tear him in pieces, if he did not do as he ⟨p. 225⟩was required.

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 Fran•• Taverner, that in September 1662. riding late at night from Hilbrough in ⟨p. 224⟩Ireland there appeared to him one in the likeness of James Haddock, formerly an Inhabitant in Malone, where he Died five years before. Taverner asked him who he was? the Spectre replied, I am James 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 James 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 James 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. 225⟩was 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 threatening 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. James 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 James Haddock, who threatened to tear him in pieces, if he did not tell her she must right John 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. Jeremy 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. 226⟩to 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 Conway's, 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 wondered 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 persons 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.

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. James 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 James Haddock, who threatned to tear him in pieces, if he did not tell her she must right John 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. Jeremie 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. 226⟩to 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 persons 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. 227⟩Animadvert upon what is here expressed, concerning the Questions which the Bishop would needs have propounded to, and resolved by this Spectre. I am persuaded, that the Apostle Paul who speaks of a Mans Intruding into those things which be 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 savour too much of vain curiosity. They bring to mind what is by that great Historian Thuanus (Lib. 130. Page 1136.) reported concerning Peter Cotton 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 rest him when Calvinism would be extinguished; And what would be the most effectual means to turn the Kingdom of England from the Protestant to the Popish Religion. What would be the issue of the Wars and great ⟨p. 228⟩designs 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. Tailors 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;

Thus concerning this. Before I pass to the next Relation, I cannot but ⟨p. 227⟩Animadvert 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 be 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 savour too much of vain curiosity. They bring to mind what is by that great Historian Thuanus (Lib. 130. Page 1136.) reported concerning Peter Cotton 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 rest 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. 228⟩designs 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 wheter 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. Tailors Secretary his publishing these curiosities of his Lord, hath added […] to his credit amongst sober and ⟨p. 229⟩judicious Persons. There is a Tragical passage related in the Story of the Daemon which for three Months molested the House of Mr. Perreaud a Protestant Minister in Matijcon. 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 thing 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. 230⟩of the Stories are recited by Mr. Webster in his Book of Witchcraft.

the matter came to be divulged. I cannot think that Dr. Taylors Secretary his publishing these curiosities of his Lord, hath added 〈…〉 to his credit amongst sober and ⟨p. 229⟩judicious 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 Matijcon. 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 thing 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. 230⟩of 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 Murder; which Raynard and Dunn accomplished upon May Day, by drowning him, as they were Travelling all three together, from a Town called Hubby, 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. 231⟩aside for fear of some Writs being served upon him, and so it continued till about July 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.

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. 231⟩aside for fear of some Writs being served upon him, and so it continued till about July 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. 232⟩•uried 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 James 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, be promised to send me to a private place, where I should be well locked to, till I was brought ⟨p. 233⟩a 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 stockings being bloody, he endeavoured to wash them, but seeing the blood would not wash off, be 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;

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. 232⟩•uried 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 James 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, be promised to send me to a private place, where I should be well lockt to, till I was brought ⟨p. 233⟩a 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, be 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, threatening 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. 234⟩threatened 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 Stockings 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.

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. 234⟩threatned 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, happened but nine years ago at another place ⟨p. 235⟩in 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 County 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 been 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 he; 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 asked 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? Tayl•r 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. 236⟩his Daughter that was lately become a Widow; but Goddard answered, In the Name of Jesus 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 go to Alton to the upper end of the wood by the ways side, for with that sword I did wrong above thirty years ago, & he never prospered since •was his.

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. 235⟩in 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 County 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 he; 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? Tayl•r 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. 236⟩his Daughter that was lately become a Widow; but Goddard answered, In the Name of Jesus 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 •was 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 James 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 James Eliot on a ⟨p. 237⟩Bond due to Avon and Goddard had it at two Payments after Avon had been Dead several Months. 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 beckon 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 ton poles into the wood. Then the Spectre coming towards Goddard he stepped back two steps; but it said to him, I have a permission to you, and a commission not to ⟨p. 238⟩touch you. Then it took the Sword, and went 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 […] 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 […].

And do you speak with Edward Lawrence, and I desire you to pay him twenty shillings out of the Money which you received of James 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 James Eliot on a ⟨p. 237⟩Bond 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 ton 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. 238⟩touch you. Then it took the Sword, and went 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 〈…〉 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 〈…〉.

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. 239⟩be found. These examples then, show 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 always) 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, entered 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. 240⟩his 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 Relation, (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 survivor 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.

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. 239⟩be 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. 240⟩his 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 Relation, (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 Days 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. 241⟩not sleep, she heard Music, and the Chamber grew lighter and lighter, she then law 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.

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. 241⟩not sleep, she heard Musick, and the Chamber grew lighter and lighter, she then law 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 or be Deos.