_June_ 2. A special Commission of _Oyer_ and _Terminer_, having been Issued out, to Mr. _Stoughton_, the New Lieutenant Governour, Major _Saltonstall_, Major _Richards_, Major _Gidny_, Mr. _Wait Winthrop_, Captain _Sewall_, and Mr. _Sergeant_;[29] These (a _Quorum_ of them) sat at _Salem_ this day; where the most that was done this Week, was the Tryal of one _Bishop_ alias _Oliver_, of _Salem_; who having long undergone the repute of a Witch, occasioned by the Accusations of one _Samuel Gray_: he about 20 Years since, having charged her with such Crimes, and though upon his Death-bed, he testified his sorrow and repentance for such Accusations, as being wholly groundless; yet the report taken up by his means continued, and she being accused by those afflicted, and upon search a Tet, as they call it, being found, she was brought in guilty by the Jury; she [101] received her Sentence of Death, and was Executed, _June_ 10. but made not the least Confession of any thing relating to Witchcraft.[30] _June_ 15. Several Ministers in and near _Boston_, having been to that end consulted by his Excellency, exprest their minds to this effect, _viz._ That they were affected with the deplorable state of the afflicted; That they were thankful for the diligent care of the Rulers, to detect the abominable Witchcrafts, which have been committed in the Country, praying for a perfect discovery thereof. But advised to a cautious proceeding, least many Evils ensue, _&c._ And that tenderness be used towards those accused, relating to matters presumptive and convictive, and also to privacy in Examinations, and to consult Mr. _Perkins_ and Mr. _Bernard_, what tests to make use of in the Scrutiny: That Presumptions and Convictions ought to have better grounds, than the Accusers affirming that they see such persons Spectres afflicting them; and that the Devil may afflict in the shape of good Men; and that falling at the sight, and rising at the touch of the Accused, is no infallible proof of guilt; That seeing the Devils strength consists in such Accusations, our disbelieving them may be a means to put a period to the dreadful Calamities; Nevertheless they humbly recommend to the Government, the speedy and vigorous prosecution of such as have rendered themselves obnoxious, according to the direction given in the Laws of God, and the wholesome Statutes of the _English_ Nation, for the Detection of Witchcraft.[31] This is briefly the substance of what may be seen more at large in _Cases of Conscience_, (_ult._) And one of them since taking occasion to repeat some part of this advice, _Wonders_ of the _Invisible World_, p. 83. declares, (notwithstanding the Dissatisfaction of others) that if his said Book may conduce to promote thankfulness to God for such Executions, he shall rejoice, _&c._