_Couns. for the Pris._ Thank you, Sir; the Prisoner is much indebted to you for this explanation of the matter. You have sufficiently cleared him from the imputation of sorcery. Pray, Doctor, let me ask, whether you ever inoculated without preparation? _Dr. Dimsdale._ I have often inoculated without any preparation at all, and have always had the same success. _Couns. for the Pris._ To what then do you chiefly ascribe the success of this new method? _Dr. Dimsdale._ I can only answer, that although the whole process may have some share in it, in my opinion it consists chiefly in the method of inoculating with recent fluid matter, and in the management of the patients at the time of eruption. _Couns. for the Pris._ Mr. President, and gentlemen of the jury, the evidence which we have examined, on behalf of the Prisoner at the bar, have spoken so positively, and have in general delivered themselves with so much precision, that there can be no doubt but you are perfectly satisfied that he is innocent of the crimes laid to his charge in the indictment: nevertheless, in order to collect the whole into one point of view, I shall briefly recapitulate what hath been proved, and endeavour to point out those circumstances which principally merit your attention. The Prisoner stands indicted for preserving the lives of his Majesty’s liege subjects, by means of secret medicines, and modes of practice, unknown to the faculty. The first part of this charge was supported almost entirely on the evidence of a person who calls himself officiating clergyman to the prisoner. This gentleman told you, that his office was, to pray with the sick, and to return thanks for their recovery. But he had told you before, that the Prisoner never lost a single patient by inoculation; consequently there was no danger, and consequently no more reason to pray at this time than at any other. An officiating clergyman, therefore, in this case, seems so perfectly unnecessary, as to render his account of his office ridiculous and incredible; a circumstance which greatly invalidates his evidence: and lest you should be improperly influenced by your special regard to the sacred function of this officiating gentleman; lest you should allow the supposed gravity of his character to add weight to his testimony; we shall now call a witness of some consequence, who, in few words, will give you a just idea of the reverend Mr. Houlton. MONTHLY REVIEW sworn. _Couns. for the Pris._ Pray, Sir, do you know any thing of a person who calls himself officiating clergyman to the Prisoner at the bar? _M. Review._ I remember one Robert Houlton, who gave himself that title. _Couns. for the Pris._ Is he an author? _M. Review._ Yes; he lately published a sermon, with an appendix concerning inoculation. _Couns. for the Pris._ And what is his character? _M. Review._ I am sorry to say, this reverend son of the church descends to the level of a mere _nostrum-puffer_.