.NDI.MjIzNDY

Only it so hapned that Coll. [Underlined: Fenwick] that worthy Gentleman w^o many yeares since lived in N.E) was then the military Governour in that towne. He Sent for the Mayor & Magistrates advising them to be carefull & cautious in their proceedings for he told them it might be an inchanted pin which the witchfinder made use of, whereupon the magistrates of the place ordered y^t he should make his experiment with some other pin as they should appoint. but that he would by no means be induced unto w^ch was a sufficient discovery of the knavery & witchery of the witchfinder.[asterisk] And that there is a wonderfull power of ye 1 [word crossed out: Devil] Devil attending things inchanted we have confirmed by a pro- digious instance in Major [underlined: Weir] a Scotchman. That wretched man was a perfect prodigy. A man of great parts, esteemed, a Saint, yet lived in Secret uncleaness with his own Sister for 34 yeares together. After his wickedness was discovered he did not seem to be troubled at any of his crimes, excepting that he had caused a poor woman to be publickly whipped because She reported that she had seen him committing bestiality. w^ch thing was true only the woman could not prove it. This wretched creature, if he had his [underlined: inchanted staff] in his hand could pray to Admiration & do extraordinary things as is more amply Related in the postscript to mr [underlined: [underlined: Sinclare's] book before- mentioned, but if he had not his enchanted Rod to lean upon he could not transform himself into an Angel of light. But by all these things we conclude that it is not impossible but that a guilty Conjurer that so he may render himself the less Suspected may by his magical art & enchantments cause Innocent persons to be Represented as afflicting those, whome the Devil & himself are the Tormenters of. Argum: 5. The truth we affirm is so evident as that many learned & Judicious men have freely subscribed unto it. That memorable relation of the Devils assuming the Shape of an Innocent citizen in [underlined: Zurick] is in the judgment of that great Divine [underlined Lud. Lavator] of weighty consideration.

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[in left margin: [asterisk] ther is a strange Diabolical energy goeth along with charms & incantations. if Balak had not known y^t Hee would not have sent for Balaam to see whether hee could inchant ye children of Isreal. the Scripture intimates ye enchantments wile sees a serpent from biting. Eccls.10.11 a witch in Swedeland confessed y^t y^e Devil gave her a wooden knife; & y^t if she did but touch any living thing with that enchanted knife it would dy presently.