The Witchcraft Delusion in New England: Its Rise, Progress, and Termination, (Vol. 1 of 3)Mather, Cotton
History
The Witchcraft Delusion in New England: Its Rise, Progress, and Termination, (Vol. 1 of 3)
Mather, Cotton
Witchcraft -- New England
X. _John Pressy_[171] testify'd, That being one Evening very
unaccountably Bewildred, near a Field of _Martins_, and several times,
as one under an Enchantment, returning to the place he had left, at
length he saw a marvellous Light, about the bigness of an Half-bushel,
near two Rod out of the way. He went, and struck at it with a Stick,
and laid it on with all his might. He gave it near forty blows; and
felt it a palpable substance. But going from it, his Heels were
struck up, and he was laid with his Back on the Ground, sliding, as
he thought, into a Pit; from whence he recover'd by taking hold on
the Bush; altho' afterwards he could find no such Pit in the place.
Having, after his Recovery, gone five or six Rod, he saw _Susanna
Martin_ standing on his Left-hand, as the Light had done before; but
they changed no words with one another. He could scarce find his House
in his Return; but at length he got home extreamly affrighted. The next
day, it was upon Enquiry understood, that _Martin_ was in a miserable
condition by pains and hurts that were upon her.
It was further testify'd by this Deponent, That after he had given
in some Evidence against _Susanna Martin_, many years ago, she gave
him foul words about it; and said, _He should never prosper more;_
particularly, _That he should never have more than two Cows; that tho'
he was never so likely to have more, yet he should never have them_.
And that from that very day to this, namely for twenty years together,
he could never exceed that number; but some strange thing or other
still prevented his having of any more.
XI. _Jervis Ring_[172] testify'd, That about seven years ago, he was
oftentimes and grievously oppressed in the Night, but saw not who
troubled him; until at last he Lying perfectly Awake, plainly saw
_Susanna Martin_ approach him. She came to him, and forceably bit him
by the Finger; so that the Print of the bite is now, so long after, to
be seen upon him.
XII. But besides all of these Evidences, there was a most wonderful
Account of one _Joseph Ring_, produced on this occasion.
[76] This Man has been strangely carried about by _Dæmons_, from one
_Witch-meeting_ to another, for near two years together; and for one
quarter of this time, they have made him, and keep him Dumb, tho'
he is now again able to speak. There was one _T. H._ who having, as
'tis judged, a design of engaging this _Joseph Ring_ in a snare of
Devillism, contrived a while, to bring this _Ring_ two Shillings in
Debt unto him.
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