An essay for the recording of illustrious providences

After this, he was in his own apprehension in a very comfortable condition, and while he was considering what had happened, a voice within him spake to him, saying, That the Spirit which was before upon him was a Spirit of Delusion, but now the true Spirit of God was come into him. It acquainted him, that the Doctrine of the Trinity was true, and that God had an Elect People, and that those whom the Father Elected ⟨p. 353⟩the Son hath Redeemed, and when Christ Redeemeth, the Holy Ghost Sanctifieth, and told him that the Minister of the Town would further instruct him about the truth of these things. Upon Thursday morning about break of day, it set him upon his knees as he was in bed, and bid him Farewell. The same day it came upon him in the field as he was going to, and coming from the Market, & pressed upon him to believe that it was the good Spirit which he was acted with, which he still doubted of. One night that week amongst many Arguments which it used to that purpose, it told him if he would not believe without a sign, he might have what sign he would. Upon that Robert Churchman desired, if it was a good Spirit, that a Wire-Candlestick which stood upon the Cup-board might be turned into Brass, which the Spirit said he would do. Presently there was a very unsavoury smell in the Room, like that of the snuff of a Candle newly put out; but nothing else was done towards the fulfilling of the promise. Upon the Lords Day following, he then attending the public Worship of God, it came upon him. When the Chapters were named, he turned to them in his Bible, but was not able to read. When the Psalm was Sung, he could not pronounce ⟨p. 354⟩a syllable. Upon Monday morning his Speech was wholly taken away from him. When the Minister in that place came to, him and asked him how it was with him, he moved his head towards him, but was not able to speak; the Minister waited an hour or two in the Room, hoping that his Speech might have returned unto him, and that he might have gained from him some account of his condition. But finding no alteration, he desired those who were present to join with him in Prayer. As they were Praying Churchman's Body was with much violence thrown out of Bed, and then with great vehemency he called to the Minister Dr. Templar to hold his tongue. When Prayer was done, his Tongue was bound as before, till at last he broke out into these words: