[24] It would be curious, if not admirable, at this Day could we know what medical Books the Doctor did possess at that Time. Doubtless Galen and Paracelsus were conspicuous on his Shelves. [25] Mr. Calef has not commented so severely on this Part of the Story as it merited, and as he might have done with propriety. [26] Mr. Savage has found quite a Number of _Short_ Families, but gives us no _Mercy_ with them. See his _Genealogical Dictionary_. [27] This Relation is pretty nearly equal to anything told of the Swedish Witches by Dr. Horneck. This Author will be further noticed. [28] Jean-Baptiste Van-Helmont, a Resident of Brussels, born in 1577. He was so noted a Physician and Naturalist, that he was reputed a Magician, for which he was thrown into Prison. He made his Escape and fled into Holland, where he died in 1644. [29] The Writer nowhere informs us how much Power the Devil has. By some of his Assertions it seems that it is unlimited. Indeed he (Dr. Mather) has told us that this Continent in reality belonged to the Devil. If that was actually the Case, it certainly was an infringement on his Rights for Europeans to intrude themselves here at all. [30] This will be found remarked upon hereafter. The Author makes a large Handle of Mr. Baxter's Commendations of his Story of the Goodwin Children; which Story he afterwards printed in the _Magnalia_, Book vi, 71, &c.; and adds: "When it was reprinted at London, the famous Mr. Baxter prefixed a Preface unto it, wherein he says, '_This great Instance comes with such convincing Evidence, that he must be a very obdurate Sadducee, that wilt not believe it._'"--_Ibid.,_ 75. [31] It was besides hinted that there were Times when the Numbers admitted to the Afflicted were not above the _singular_ Number. But this was doubtless a mischievous Attempt of the _Sadducees_ to implicate some one who might be rather zealous to detect _Witchcraft_ when alone with the Afflicted. The Doctor was very indignant at this, as will appear. [32] It would have been highly gratifying had the Author informed his Readers what he meant by "the neglect of others." The "another hearing" will be found explained by and by. PART II. _A Letter to Mr. C. M._ _Boston_, Jan. 11_th_, 1693. Mr. _Cotton Mather_, _REverend Sir_, I finding it needful on many accounts, I here present you with the Copy of that Paper, which has been so much Misrepresented, to the End that what shall be found defective or not fairly Represented, if any such shall appear, they may be set right, which Runs thus. September _the_ 13_th_, 1693.