An essay for the recording of illustrious providences

Remarkable and very solemn is the Relation of the Appearance of Major Sydenham's Ghost, mentioned in the Book but now cited (P. •31.) 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. 242⟩To 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 dissuaded from going to that place at that time; and was told, that the Devil might meet him and be his ruin, 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. 243⟩After the seeming Major had walked a turn o• 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.

Remarkable and very solemn is the Relaon of the Appearance of Major Sydenham's Ghost, mentioned in the Book but now cited (P. 31.) 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.