A Vindication of the Surey Demoniack as no Impostor, &c.

I Said before that I am not accountable for every thing in the Book called the Surey Demoniack, so neither am I to answer all the Book called the [...]urey Impostor, Mr. T. hath engaged Hands enough besides: now I add that, through the Grace of God, I shall not deal with Mr. T. in the way and manner he hath dealt with me. Indeed I must now deal with him in a publick way; but as he the first Printing Aggressor might have saved the trouble of so speedy publishing the Surey Narrative, if he had in a Christian Brotherly private way sought an opportunity for satisfaction as to that case at first: so might he, it may be, have saved himself the pains of Preaching and Printing against us afterward, if he had when he was so near some of us sought to be satisfied in the said way, as to the said Narrative.

Mr. T. is very liberal in his Title Page and all along to bestow on us at random the Imputation of Fanaticism and Enthusiasm: But let him take heed lest he brands not the Experiences of God's special Grace, and the special assistance of his Spirit, (tho human Infirmities do ac­company the same) with the odious Name of the Diabolical Enthu­siasm of Heathenish Fanes: And so be found guilty of a Sin, if not the Sin against the Holy Ghost.

As to the manner of my dealing with him, I hope to deal with him in such a Spirit as becomes my Profession and Age, however he hath dealt with me.

Mr. T. chargeth me as declaring it to be as real a Possession as any in the Gospel; Pre [...] this he saith, without any Proof that I said it. Yet I shall be so ingenuous as to give it him now under my hand that it seems probable to me, according to all the Indications I meet with in approved Authors, on that Subject, that it was a Possession, or an Obsession, as commonly called: For what more probable signs thereof can any one assign? Yea may I not modestly say that there seem'd to be as many signs of Possession, or Obsession, as in most, if not in any, of those recorded in the Evangelick History? Indeed in the manner of dispossessing there is a vast difference.

That this doth any way disadvantage the cause of revealed Religion, I understand not; for we give that Glory to divine Miracles which our Blessed Lord did in his own, and his extraordinary Ministers did in his name, that they were wrought not only in the immediate ef­fecting of what might possibly in process of time be done by ordina­ry Means (as when he cured Feavors), but of what could not be done by any means but by his own Divine Power (as when he raised the dead, gave sight to those born blind, &c.) This I suggest to shew upon what Basis true Miracles do stand: But that any Imposture is foisted in, or that there are clearer Indications of Possession in all or any of those stiled Demoniacks in the Gospel is yet unproved, so that we firmly believe the Gospel Revelation of the Miracles, and the Confirmation thereof thereby: And as to Demoniacks (and Dispossessions in particular; tho the Possession might be me­diante morbo, (viz. through Lunacy or a Mania) yet it was cer­tainly immediate sometimes, as in the Pythoniss, Acts 16. and so we suppose in this case.

Concerning Dr. Heylin's Story about Mr. Darrel mentioned in Mr. T's Preface — how little regard is to be had to him as an Histo­rian in general, especially wherein his opinion is concerned; Arch-Bishop Ʋsher, Dr. Barnard, and Bishop Burnet have sufficiently satisfi­ed the World.

And as to this particular case of Mr. Darrel's, take the words of the Reverend Dr Hall, Bishop of Norwich, in his invisible World. — Whence it is plain that as there are several kinds of Devils one worse and more powerful than another, so the worst of them are to be vanquished with Prayer sharpened with Abstinence. What a difference then is there of Times and Means? At the first it was a greater work to dispossess Devils by Prayer and Fasting than by Command; now it's far greater to do it by a meer Command than by Prayer and Fasting: That which was then ordina­rily done would be now strangely miraculous, and that which is in the ordi­nary course now was then rare and unusual: The Power of an adjuring Com­mand we see ceased▪ the Power of fervent Prayer can never be out of date. This and this only is the remedy of both bodily and mental Possession: Thus if we will resist the Devil he shall flee away from us: Now upon the ground of the Scripture it was (AS MY SELF WAS WITNESS) that in our Age, Mr. Darrel a Godly and Zealous Preacher, undertook and accordingly through the Blessing of God upon his faithful Devotion perform­ed those famous Ejectments of Evil Spirits both at Nottingham and Lancashire, which exercis'd the Press and raised no small Envy from the Gainsayers.

Before we enter upon the examination of Particulars, I shall pre­mise three things which answer to the threefold design of Mr. T's Book.

1. That whereas he would sometimes have Dugdale's strange Fits to be the Effects of some bodily Disease, as Epilepsy or Convulsion, the Party not only utterly and solemnly denies any such bodily Disease before, as the natural cause of the said Fits; but the contrary cannot be proved, nor is it attempted: that his Body was distemper'd by the Fits, and had relief by Physick afterward, is all along acknowledg'd, but various Effects must needs give place to their several proper Causes: He had no such Disease before to be the cause of such Fits. What Distemper he had after was plainly the Effect of his said strange Fits. Idem non patest esse causa & effectus ejusdem.

2. That whereas Mr. T. would otherwhile have the business to be a cheat, (for he knows not on whether to six) here also not only the Parties immediatly concerned do utterly and solemnly deny it, but the Testimonies as to Matter of Fact, do demonstrate the contrary, when Mr. T. and all his Accomplices have done their utmost; the Witnesses the not at all tampered with, do still stand to their Testi­mony, and upon further tryal may so explain themselves, as to put the Case further beyond all dispute: So do the Parties immediately concerned, they still persist in their disclaiming any such thing.

3. Mr. T. says their was a Popish Combination: Here again those im­mediately concerned do not only utterly and solemnly deny it, but the Proofs to the contrary are altogether deficient as to Mr. T's design of a Combination with the Papists. As to any Combination among the Papists I know nothing: I leave that to Mr. T. to find out, who doth so vainly boast of his Talent in discovering such Intriegues. As to us Dissenters, himself clears us from having any hand in the Contrivance, only he would fain have us to be the Papists diminutive Ʋnderlings and their Fools. As to the Dugdale's it's not denied, but discovered by us that the Popish Priests would have been tampering with them: Yea, it may be the poor ignorant People might in their great Distress, and through their Infirmity have a Tempatation, when they saw not the desired Success so soon as they expected, to seek to such unlaw­ful Means, as they had sought to other unlawful Means before, and as one King of Israel did indeed run to the Witch at Endor, another sent to the God of Ekron; but these Dugdale's did afterward decline such Temptations, and do still disclaim any Combination with the Pa­pists in this case. Can a meer Sollicitation by the Tempter be call'd [Page 10]a Combination with him: Nay, tho the Temptation have got some hold, and there be some hankering after it? Yet doth it not amount to a Combination with Satan: So here.

Pag. 6 Mr. T. charges me with Disingenuity, first in that I brought a Paper a­long with me and would have had the Justices to have sworn the Witnesses to the things therein contain'd, not leaving them to the liberty of their own Words — I only shewed the Justices what the Informants said to me, that the Justices might examine them thereupon and take their Oaths also; that things might be cleared publickly one way or ano­ther: So that others, it may be, will call this Ingenuousness and fair dealing on my part, tho Mr. T. will not

2. He charges me with concealing part of the Evidence that was at Darwin attested before the Justices — In answer. I am loath to make publick the Carriage of some who tock upon them the Manage­ment of that Affair with the Witnesses more privately in the Chamber, as I was informed by one Present: Nor would I expose the Scribe's Reputation especially, as concerned in such a case: Nor their Car­riage more publickly, when I made bold to come into the Room, and so saw their Behaviour both to the Witnesses and my self: Which I say I am not wi [...]ing to insist upon, unless there be further necessity for it, them yet there is. I have a due deference for the said Per­sons, I would not exasperate any, Neither is there any need here to shew the co [...]s;tency of the Informations: There may hereafter be a more proper place for it, if there be occasion. However the Case be is it not more fit to acquiess in the Testimony of Witnes­ses upon their Oath, to restify the Truth, the whole Truth, and no­thing but the Truth, in those at Holcomb (I say) where they had their full Freedom, than their meer Informations at Darwin, where they had not that Freedom, tho the one of the Justices was at both places, and so heard both the Informations and Affidavits, to which we have his own hand.

Pag. 7 3. Mr. Jolly is not over much christian in pressing the Witnesses to inform further than their Knowledg allowed them. I say still I would have the Witnesses examin'd as [...] such things they had said elsewhere: But to swear to it would not be admitted by one of the Justices at Dar­win, else the Matter might have gone no further: But Persons are so unbelieving that they must have an Oath to end the Controversy. Indeed the said Justice alledged the danger of a Vremunire: But whe­ther there was not another reason he best knows: If so, he may see how he is frustrated in his Design, and that he cannot suppress the Truth Opprimi, non supprim [...] po [...]st.

Pag. 9 4. He charges me with feigning and framing D's Certificate, and falsi­fying [Page 11]his Hand. — As to the business of R. D's Certificate be­fore me, and James Gregson, under his own Hand July the 10th 1695, I dare take mine Oath upon it, that he did in all outward appearance do it voluntarily; I doubt not but James Gregson will do the same: I am ready also upon Oath to testify to a true Copy of the Certi­ficate.

Here also follows William Seller's, and my Certificate drawn up shortly after, and signed by us, which we are ready to take our Oath upon.

So he still doth with Indignation deny those false and unworthy Imputations.

Pag. In Mr. Baily's Certificate, on the 20th of July 1695, which was nor subscribed by Dugdale, he confesseth his subscribing the said Cer­tificate before me and J. Gregson; and in that he saith, he thought his Di [...]temper was from some natural Cause, and not supernatural or divine: Tho D. doth not deny what he is charged with in Baily's Certificate.

How any have wrought upon him since in his Circumstances, I know not: for what D. is said to express before Mr. Baily, in the Gallery of the Old Hall, in Whally, was but said by one Witness, and we are two against him.

As to what Mr. Nowel, &c. say they had lately from his own Mouth; I suppose lately must refer to the publishing Mr. T's Book, for this Information hath no date; it's likely that R. D. might have forgot what was so long since done: but I have it upon Record, sufficiently [Page 12]attested, that the words, (viz. That my former strange Fits were not any Cheat or Art of Man that I know of, but as I do verily believe were caused by the Devil) are in the said Original Certificate: There was no other Paper offer'd to D. by me or any other to this purpose that I konw of.

As to any thing of forgery or feigning in this or any other Case, as Mr. T. most falsly chargeth me, I think there is none who knows my Temper and Conversation will so much as suspect me to be guilty thereof;; therefore to charge me with putting D's Hand to a Paper which he refused to sign, and then to have the impudence to tack it to the Narrative, is, to say no more, to shew Mr. T. not only to be alto­gether a Stranger to me, but to be of a very strange Spirit, and a notorious Slanderer.

I will not recriminate, but heartily desire he would reflect upon himself, and know what Spirit he's of. Yet must Mr. T. excuse me (however others will) if I treat him now and then with some gaul­less Acrimony, tho I would not be leavened with his Spirit.

Pag. 23 That the Demon (as I suppose) in his Fits said this Affliction was througn Obsession in a Combination, is attested upon Oath; but betwixt whom this Combination was, Mr. T. doth not here declare: That which seemed most probable to others as well as my self, was that it was some blind Contract with the Devil, in some of D's Drunken Fits, to gratify his vain humour; but I could not be positive in this, I now hope better.

The Name of the Party whom D. said he saw in his Fit, and was then in such a beastly posture ten Miles from Surey, his Name was purposely conceal'd lest we should seem to reflect on Persons of Mr. T's Profession and Communion: Therefore also the faithful and charitable reporting of an Instance of his knowing what happened in his Fit, would with Persons of Ingenuity be a good Evidence, both of his and our Sincerity.

Pag. 24 Nameless Authors and Groundless Reports as are brought in here methinks signify but very little the Demon in D's Fit might say as Walmsly deposeth, do not Gamesters do so? Without any import that he enquired for his own Information, and so the Question might not be impertinent. Walmsly might well have opportunity to know what Expressions Gamesters use, and yet be none of those Gamesters himself; the Devil might personate D. when he said People think this is laid on me for my Sins.

Pag. 25 There was no design in me as Mr. T. here insinuates, to condemn the lawful Recreation of Bowling, nor to reflect on the [...]entlemen who use it lawfully; if Mr. T. will judge me guilty of such evil Thoughts, [Page 13]it is worst for himself: I now purge my self from having such evil Thoughts, I hope henceforth Mr. T. will be my Compurgator.

As to the Passage about shortening of his Fit, I am not concerned;Several Persons a [...] ready to witness a­gainst Mr. T. as to D's acting his Kuttery in a Blanket. and as to that about his wrapping of himself in a Blanket, I never knew any thing of it until now that I have it from Mr. T. now I under­stand the meaning of the Frontispiece. If there be no truth in it a to this case, as I think there is not, Mr. T. deserves to stand in a Sheet for it.

If Mr. T. had brought some Witness (which he doth not) that D. did take up such Stones, &c. and put them in his Mouth, Pag. 26. he had done someting to prve Roguery: But sure Mr. T. knows that a posse ad esse non valet consequentia.

His disclainming of such words as to their being in the Certificate, of which I spoke before, and the Inference Mr. T. makes thereupon, viz. that D. own'd his Fits to the a Cheat, methinks holds not at all, for the might not after so long time intervening remember, and so not acknowledg those words in the Certificate, and yet be far from charging himself as a Cheat. It seems also by the words in the be­ginning of this Paragraph, that he was surprized to say something that he was not aware of what use would be made of it, as Mr. T. doth plainly intimate. I perceive by poor D's own Confession, that he hath been hectored by some on this occasion; it would make one suspect that other ways have been taken with him by others.

Pag. All that which Mr. T. saith from D's anonymous School Fellow comes up but to little to what is deposed; besides there's a plain in­timation, that then the Devil might be pampering with him by the means of Fascination: Who knows what advantage the Devil might then get against him, to draw him to further Folly and into this future Snare!

But how can he do such Feats; or who can hire him or threaten him into the doing of such now, as are deposed that he did in the said Fits? I defy all the World as to this thing, unless the evil Spirit should make a re-entry, which God forbid.

As to E. Slayter's Certificate, it is as follows —

The same answer may serve as to this Testimony, who might not see nor believe so much as might make him think it a Possession, but rather a Cheat or by Witchcraft, as is before hinted.

Both these his School-Fellows speak but of what they saw of his said Fits, and are pleas'd thereupon to call it a Chear. I must con­fess Sadler expresseth himself Christian-like, I verily think that Mr. T. did not draw up his Certificate: but the further following Infor­mations may clear this point.

Pag. 28 Mr. T. doth almost suspect whether D. had any natural Disease; yet since, as he saith, he seemed to be afflicted with an Epilepsy joined with Convulsive Motions. For this he consults the Physician, and so must I for an Answer; but it shall be such as have the Surey Book by them to consult that withal: that they speak not without Book, as it seems Dr. R. doth. At present I shall leave with the Doctor what Psellus saith of Obsession, first of the means of Cure — Neque discedit ab occupatis, Psellus de Daemon. Interpret. Marsil. Fiein. nisi divina potestate propulsum, or arione, viz. jejunioque accedentis. And he adds — Sed ego O Ma [...]ce inquam, retentior a quaedam supere nos medicorum sectatores adducunt, asserentes passiones ejusmodi non esse effectus daemonum, sed humorum vaporumque & venti male sese haben­tium. It aque Pharmacis & diaeta non carmintbus incant antium expia­tionibusque curare haec aggredisilent. Tum [...]le nihil mirum est haec medicos dicere, qui nihil noverint praeter sensum, sed corporibus tantum incubuerint cognoscendis. Illa fortasse decebat malorum humorum putare incommoda capitis somniferam gravitatem, atrae bilis angustias, phrenesis dilirimenta, quae lavacris putionibusque, vel evacuationibus, vel emplastris sedare con­suerunt. Inspirationes autem occupationesque, quibus qui obsessus est, agere nihil potest, non intellectu, non ratione, non phantesia, non fensu. Aliud vero est quod movet atque ducit, dicitque insuper quae non noverit occupatus, & futura nonnunquam praedicit, quo inquam pacto dicemus; hac esse erraticas materiae motiones.

Let Mr. T. also at present take notice of what may be obvious to any one in this particular case, in reference to what Mr. T. with his Testimonies, say thereupon.

Tho the case be otherwise solved, yet let us say something as to what Mr. T. alledgeth from the Physitians, and would thence prove D's Fits to be an Epilepsy, Convulstion, or the like.

As to Dr. Willis the Instances brought out of him; all together do not near reach this case: Besides the Doctor doth not deny Posses­sion in some of them: Neither doth he according to Mr. T. tell us the means of their Cure.

As to Dr. Radcliffs Letter to Mr. T. upon this occasion the Doctor is not very ingenuous in saying that the Non-conformists do engross any thing to themselves in this case: For if he do but peruse Mr. Burton's Collections under this Head, he may have his answer.

And as to our averring that the Devil sometimes tells the truth, the Doctor, if he be well acquainted with the Scripture of Truth, may easily find several Instances, both in the Gospels and in the Acts, to shew that the Devil sometimes speaks great Truths tho he be forced to it, and besure speaks them for no good end. The truth is many in this Age are more Atheistical than the Devil himself, as wicked as he is, for he believes a God to make him tremble — he professeth Christ in his desperate way — he makes use of Scripture Words and Truths to pervert them.

As to Dr. R's Instance out of Galen, concerning the fore knowledg of his Fit, it's nothing to the purpose, for D's fore-telling was in the fore-going Fit, and not when the present Fit was coming on him: this latter is easy enough in several ordinary natural Distempers: But why doth he not bring us one Instance in that case of a Person al­ways in so many Fits exactly fore-telling the time of the following Fit, and still hitting; his Fit being greater or lesser? His telling and fore-telling other things also, the Doctor doth wholly wave; this is not fair dealing.

His Testimony out of Leiselius doth not come up to this case: Had the Doctor haa the Surey Informations by him, and consulted them, he might have seen it, to be, as I say.

His account as to D's Gravity and Levity in the same Fit seems ra­ther ridiculous; for both were in the same dead Fit, and he continu­ed in the said Fit a considerable time after the Witnesses had several times tried his weight: This many Persons do testify upon Oath, and others inform to the said purpose.

I think we may challenge all the Doctors in England, to bring us a single Instance, out of any approved Author any such, under a meer natural Disease; to parallel the case.

Pag. That Passage of Satan's pushing D on to such Words and Dees, &c. refers to him then as being out of his Fit, so I find it to be in those [Page 16]Minutes which I took all along: not to his Fits wherein he was so long dumb as I suppose: And I may well suppose it, tho Mr. T. would so disingeniously, without any Proof, insinuate the contra­ry.

Pag. 34 I am not able to remember particulars, but must refer to my Me­morials in my Diary upon that occasion, where are all and only these Words about that called the Lord's Day cry, viz The next meeting on this occasion will be on the 16th Instant. Tho the Youth knew nothing of it upon the Lord's Day before (nor any of the Family) con­cerning this Meeting: Yet in a Fit on the said Lord's Day, he foretold of this day and told of the number of the Ministers viz. Five, when as none of the Ministers themselves knew it would be so, then none else was likely to know, what can the most critical Wit, and most captious Spirit make of this?

Pag. 36 The Family's being so impoverisht as to sell two head of Cattle, was before we had any thing to do with them as to this affair, or any other ways; it was by the charge, whilst Dugdale was with Mr. Crabtree. Our eating and drinking with them, upon their impor­tunity, when the exercise was over, is far from devouring Widdow's Houses as Mr. T. would suggest; especially if that be true, which Robert Clark testifies, viz. That he had it from William Sellars that they had got above 20 l. by us: And if it be true as their Neighbours say, that the Family hath lived in a better condition ever since, tho they have had but little from us since: We did not so eat with them as to devour them, nor so relieve them as to bribe them.

His Prediction as to England paying the Piper (as he phrased it) notwithstanding its present Security, whilst Ireland was in such Misery, is much verisied by sad Experience; and I think few did then think that the War would continue so long, and that the charge of it would have been so great. I mention this without any murmuring thereat.

Pag. 37 I must confess that I do pen down all the Heads of my Sermons and the most of the Proofs to the several particulars before hand or­dinarily, so that the Devil might discover the same to D. tho Mr. T. judgeth very hardly, that therefore we have our Sermons from the Devil. The Lord judg betwixt us, whether we have our Ser­mons from the good Spirit, according to the written word in a way of Prayer, or else from the evil one. Unless Mr. T. be of a better Spirit than appears in his Writing and Preaching against us on this occasion: His ordinary Readers and Hearers will say he speaks from his own Spirit at best, which is bad enough.

Pag. 38 Why doth he manifest more virulence and violence against us, [Page 17]than against the Papists? What Combination hath Mr. T. proved as he hopes: I dare not so much as think that he hath so little Charity for us, as to think that we combined with them upon any ill design of cheating, tho I confess some in their Passion have been too censori­ous that way: But the Reverend Mr. W. was pleased in his discourse with me, to clear Mr. C. himself from ill designing in this matter, and some of his People have testified under their hand, their sense of the sincerity of my Endeavours therein.

Pag. I will not foul my Paper, and offend my Reader with those scurri­lous and ridiculous Passages in this Page. O the Eructations of an exulcerated Heart! How desperately wicked is the Heart of Man!

Pag. 41 As to the Marginal Notes upon the Affidavits, I must mind the Reader, that the Witnesses Testimony upon their Oath must needs carry the cause: Besides I suppose there will be nothing found in the Informations at Darwin that interfereth with the Affidavits at Hol­comb. I cannot but observe how little notice Mr. T. take of Jus­tice Egerton, who fate with Mr. Braddil at Darwin, it may be it's be­cause he afterward joined with the Lord Willoughby at Holcomb. Let it be here also noted, that the most of the Witnesses as well as D's whole Family are Conformists, which doth rather advantage our cause; for otherwise Mr. T. might have had more colour to suspect us of some selsish design, which we carryed on by and among our selves; Besides if they be Cheats and False-witnesses why are they not dealt with accordingly, if there be any Discipline among those of that Communion? They do indeed confess a want of the Primitive Dis­cipline.

There was the strangeness of the Stone's passage through his Jaws and Throat, that it should only cause some streaks of Blood: Yet that it was so voided, the Oath confirms: That it was not possible in an ordinary way Dr. B. acknowledgeth: Therefore there was a cause extraordinary, some invisible Power.

As to Too. D's Information at Darwin, before Mr. Braddil, that af­ter I and the rest had left him, his Son had several Fits. It's true we had left off meeting at the Surey, because their Landlord on whom the Family had most of their dependance for Subsistance, was so offend­ed upon account of that breaking down of his Hedges by some rude People: But I am sure we left not off the business in hand; for as I then told R. D. the Son, that tho we did not meet at his Fathers House, as formerly, for the reason aforesaid, yet we did continually remember his case both privately and publickly. Should we tell of our secret as well as open Agonies, about this Affair, it would not be well taken by some, and it's no Pleasure to me to speak of them. [Page 18]I am sure that young D. did then own the Spiritual means, as the means whereby he had this help, and desired the continuing of the use thereof, as there was occasion; and they were so. That he said his Son answered him he could not tell what his Distemper was, nor how it came: This seems to me to evince that it was no such Combination nor Cheat, as Mr. T. would have it to be. And as to the Passage of Walmsly at Darwin, as to his Fits continuing, it's owned, and might well have been exprest upon his Oath at Holcomb, if he had remembred; for it's very true, that D's Fits did continue for some short time after we had lest meeting at Surey, on the occasion aforesaid, and that his last Fit was most violent also.

Pag. 42 I will not be so disingenuous as to pass by Mr. T. his once taking notice of any Moderation in any concerned as Witnesses in this case; I think he doth once acknowledg our Ingenuity also: I wish I had occasion to acknowledg his Moderation and Ingenuity oftner.

Pag. 43 The Experssions are likely to be to the same purpose when the Deponents witness to the same thing, tho Mr. T. reflects on them for it: Mr. T's unfaithful uncharitable Insinuations and Reflections, do not affect me further than to pity him, and pray for him too; tho I fear lest my telling him this doth but occasion his lifting himself up into the Seat of the Scornful.

I must confess I have more Charity for the Mother of young D. I do not, I did not suspect her of Witchcraft: I thought she was the most sensible Person of the Family in ordinary. I nei­ther then, before, nor since, saw or heard any thing that gave me just ground of Suspicion, and now that she can say the Lord's Prayer decently, it seems she's recta in curiâ.

As I said before, let any get him now to make such Noises and do such other Feats, this may be something towards a real Demon­stration that he did counterfeit, and that the charge upon him was right. But our Antagonists who roll all other Stones away, at­tempt not this, because as Sisiphus's Stone it's likely to recoil upon them.

Pag. 46 In Whitehead's Information there is some difference from what he said to me, but no clashing at all, yet must this be a Crime? Must it also be a Crime, when their several Informations at several times, do so agree almost in the same words? It must it seems be wrong, if they be consistent with themselves and inconsistent with Mr. T's design. To call the Witnesses my sworn Creatures, and to tell of my prompting them, is very untrue and unworthy: Did Mr. T know how many of them are meer Strangers to me, of a different per­swasion from me, how little I have done to oblige any of them in [Page 19]this concern, further than their own veracity and ingenuity did ob­lige them? I say did Mr. T. know this, it would have put a stop to him in his Career, as forward, as resolute a Spirit, as I hear him to be of. Canis festinans caecos parit catulos.

As to what Mr. T. saith in his Instances to prove Persons fanciful­ness, by such as are serious, will be rather judged invective, than ar­gumentative: This is Mr. T's way, hard Words but weak Argu­ments, instead of soft Words and strong Arguments.

Pag. 47 I will not take the Liberty Mr. T. doth, it looks too like Buffoonry, when he comes to treat Robert Shaw, upon his Modesty in his Informati­on, why he said not all he could say: His reason might be, because there was so much said by others as to what he had to say, that he thought it not requisite, to multiply words, and therefore he thought not himself bound to mention all the Passages, unless the Justi [...]es put him upon it. I have occasion to say, that tho the substance of what was said and done might be reported, yet it might have been (and may if need be) enlarged to much more, than hath yet seen the Light: Tho we were then, and are still under special disadvantages in this Country, the MANY and the MIGHTY not favouring this way.

Pag. 48 Mr. T. hath done nothing as yet to prove a Combination as he would insinuate, that I can find: Neither is any thing argued from D's Activity, nor from the Symptoms of such a Disease to his pur­pose, tho he speak so confidently: But that is his way, to supply the defect of his cause. It's plain to all that know R. D. that he hath neither the common Activity, nor Ingeny of others, and so very unlikely to act a part, as Mr. T. would have it. Had Mr. T. managed his matter with more Humility and Modesty, he might have consulted better for the credit of himself, and cause too, among considering sober Persons.

I must leave Mr. T. to his own Sentiments, not only when he tells us of D's counterfeiting the Symptoms of such a Disease, but when he tells us of specifick venoms, that will produce such a Disease, and so all these Feats; I must confess these are Mysteries beyond me. Thus do Persons set their own and others Wits on the Rack, not always to make them tell the truth, but sometimes to tell untruths.

Mr. T's distinction betwixt his real and counterfeit Fits (as he calls them) from their being natural when they were more rare, anc counter­fest when they came more thick, this also is a strange stretch beyond my Capacity. To the same purpose is the little Story of R. C. these things may humour some sort of People, and it may be subserve towards some ends.

Here Mr. T. and Dr. B. differ as to the various causes of the va­rious Noises and Voices, the former imputes them to his Activity, the latter to the Disease: But if Reason may be the Umpire, they are to be imputed to a third cause, whose Award is like to stand till the two Parties be better agreed. Some Persons are so taken up with visible Powers, that they regard not the invisible; are so taken up with second causes, that they neglect, if they don't deny the first cause.

Pag. 49 Did I, as Mr. T. would suggest, leave any thing out of the Depositi­ons? Did I make them? Or were they made to me? Mr. T's next Paragraph we must take his word for, what are the Effects of his Con­vulsions, and what are Symptomatical of his approaching Fit, as also the way of counterfeiting of foaming at the ending of his Fit It seems Mr. T. is Master of these Arts also: So that poor D. might have learnt of him this Art, which I am apt to think he knew nothing of.

Had all the Witnesses jumped in the same Expressions, about his Heaviness and Lightness, it might have looked like a Consederacy: Had they all referr'd to the same Fit, there might have been an ap­pearance of an observable difference: These things considered, all is easily solved when the Witnesses explain themselves, as to the cir­cumstances of their trying his weight, the matter is put beyond all questioning: But of this more hereafter.

As to what Dr. R. saith upon this, gives no satisfaction, nor as to the reasons of most of his Fits, neither was he likely to know the manner of his Fits, seeing he had not the Narrative.

Sellar's, Walmsly's Waddington's and Booth's Testimony in parti­cular, concerining D's Heaviness and Lightness, must needs import that they held him up long enough to give a true Judgment of his weight. Upon enquiry how long they mitht each hold him up, they did, as themselves testify, hold up his whole Body so long, and that when he was in a dead Fit, as they could truly judg of his weight; yea, that they lifted him several times, and that his Fit cntinued a considerable time after.

Pag. 50 The Story of Sommers as to this particular of Gravity and Levi­ty reacheth not to the Depositions in this case, if in any other, and comes off only with an it was said to be so heavy in his Fits, that seven Men were scarce able to carry him; but it saith nothing by Mr. T's Re­lation, as to his extream Lightness in the same Fit: Tho I must be better satifyed as to the truth of the Story it self, than from Mr. T. Dr. Heylin, or Dr. Harsnet, before I can believe it: Those two Doc­tors are pretty well made known to the World, we see too much of their Sprit now a-days, as if there were a Pythagorean Metemp­sichosis.

Mr. T. is still pleased to reflect upon me, as to my Sincerity about the Predictions concerning sending of Money: It's well that the assault and battery is on that side, where through Grace, even common Grace, I am best armed: For I have a natural averseness to, and antipathy against Insincerity or Ʋnfaithful dealing, as was hinted be­fore, His murus aheneus esto — Therefore as to giving secret Intelli­gence, it is so gross a Calumny, that I doubt not it will recoil on Mr. T. there's no ground at all for his saying, there's sufficient Testimony to the contrary. As to my affectation to be thought capable of dispossessing the lurking evil Spirit, Mr. T. is very much mistaken: God knows I had higher and other ends in my Eye, viz. the Glory of God, in the spiri­tual and eternal good of those many who came to hear and see what was done amongst us, and wherein I might warrantably look at D's deliverance, the Searcher of Hearts knows my sincerity in it: Mr. T. must not measure all others by himself.

Will Mr. T. neither prove that R. D. had secret Intelligence of our coming to his Father House, nor believe us that he had not; this is very unfair dealing. As to his jeer about the Leather-Bottle, if it become him, it doth not become me to take further notice of it, than to mind him that he must give account of idle words, much more of ill ones.

Pag. 51 O the Malignity that is in the Heart of Man! Is there no doubt but I told D. that I would send him Money? Was Sellars frequently employ­ed by me on the same Errand? Was Sellars acquainted with any pious Bribery among us? Did Sellars tell R. C. that T. D's Family had above 20 l. from us and our company? Whenas upon enquiry W.S well remem­bers that R. C. told it him so. Is there not a lying Spirit sent forth, besides that Lie-speaking Spirit that all are born with? Because it was not said, that no secret Intelligence was given, must it be con­cluded that there was, and that we were conscious of it? Let Mr. T. know that I utterly deny any such double dealing, and utterly detest it. Was Mr. T. so familiar with the Demoniack. that he knew him to be displeased because no more Money was sent? whenas the next words plainly import that it was want of Meat that probably he was displeased at.

Some of the Informants not swearing at that time, had, it's reason, some suggesting that if they did swear they might be called up to London, yet they tell you are ready to attest those things upon their Oath, when required; what if they scruple taking an Oath when not required to it, as Mr. B. before scrupled the admi­nistring of an Oath in such a case, tho the Parties voluntarily offered themselves to take their Oath: It was much that such Persons [Page 22]went so far, considering what Discouragements they had from some.

As to Abbot's Information who is a Conformist also (as most of the Informants are) and Mr. T. should, one might think, have the more charity for him, he is sure he had no acquaintance with D. and he verily believes D. had no knowledg of him; who now dis­proves this? Or that all the Country knew of his deficiency in his Trade? Or that he had an Unkle at Knotsford? I am sure I never heard of these things before now, tho I have lived so long in the Country, and have travelled so much up and down in't. Besides D. speaks of his going into Staffordshire also: But Mr. T. leaves that out, that this is a reason why Abbot sware not, is altogether false: Some discouraging them, by telling of some danger of further trouble if they did swear, was the true reason of their not swearing. But Ab­bot's further Testimony clears this more fully.

Mr T's uncharitable Surmises, reproachful Reflections, and false Inferences as to Livesay's and Grimeshaw's Informations deserve not to be taken notice of by me, but they cannot but be taken notice of by them who also are conformable. This is not the way to keep Persons in his Communion but rather to drive them f [...]m it. Mr. T. hath so overshot himself, and so overdone his busin [...]ss, that he hath done his Cause but little service, and his Party much diservice.

As to R. [...]. his cer [...]ifying, that William Sellars told him that D's Family had above 20 l. from us: W. S positively saith, that it was R. C. that told him so. However that there may be truth in the thing, then are we far from devouring Widows Houses, as was before said. And as to the hear-say Testimony that it was commonly reported that D. said in his Fit that R. C. was hearkenting about the Barn when he was in his Bed; Mr T will not allow of hear-say Testimonies to serve a­gainst his own design; nor doth R. C. tell us of any one in particu­lar that reported it.

Pag. 53 If some things came into the minds of the Witnesses afterward, which they could not call to mind, when they were before the Justi­ces, or that which the Justices might not have time to her, if I did take, and give account hereof, I hope there's no Villany in all this as Mr. T intimates. Hath not Mr. T. since committed such Villany? If some will not believe that such things were indeed informed by the Witnesses, and truly represented by me, I am not accountable for their Ignorance and Incredulity: But those who have any true knowledg of me, and charity towards such Persons, will easily be­lieve that I have not dealt unfaithfully in this Matter of Fact: As to others I dare challenge them to disprove me. I would have things [Page 23]stand upon their own bottom and in their true light: So let upre­judiced Persons judg: Thus I say as to all, and as to the following Particulars of Webster's Knife, and the supposed Cat or little Dog. Methinks it's a very sorry occasion of branding poor Fletcher with the Epithite of Boggard Fletcher, and that all the World must know this. Mr. T. is hard put to it that he must rake up such things as these.

Why should not Waddington conceal the Name of the Gentlewo­man, who made a design to try D. as well as Mr. T doth in his In­formations, whenas the Parties concerned might be offended at the divulging thereof without their consent? By the way also, why may not I receive Informations, that come to my hand, yea seek to be informed as to the truth of Reports, as well as Mr. T. who nei­ther hath one Affidavit, nor so much as one Information before a Justice that we hear of, to countenance his cause? It's evident that he had several Agents behind the Curtain, who have some more Mo­desty or Policy, so may be ashamed or afraid openly to own Mr. T's cause and carriage in it.

Pag. 54 It's likely that Mr. T's Report concerning Fielding's Stealing is meer hear-say, for they live 16 or 17 Miles asunder and there is no Proof of F's Stealing or Lying: But we must take his word, whose apparent design is to brand us and the Witnesses, as others before him have attempted to brand me and baffle them. Fortiter calumnia­re aliquid haerebit. As to Fielding's we shall hear of it hereafter.

As to the Instance of Grace Whally, Mr. T's Insinuations are so un­likely, so unjust, and so unworthy, that they deserve not insisting upon, as any impartial Person, I suppose, will easily judg. As I would not be so disingenuous as to pass by any thing that is material, so I would not be tedious in taking up time in every trivial matter.

As to the Instance of Smally's Testimony, Mr. T. might have satis­fied himself, when he came to Whally upon design to expose the Su­rey case: Whether T. D. would not testify to his part of the Evi­dence, tho I have not seen T. D. of a long while: Yet I doubt not but he will stand to what he said.

Might not Smally easily discern his Shoes to be buckled, without being conscious or confederate to any supposed Tricks of D. ? How the flying of his Shoes to such a distance, as indeed it was, could be by the force of some ordinary Disease, or by Knavery, is the thing in question as to Mr. T. tho not as to me: See his further Testimony afterwards.

Pag. 55 Concerning Haworth's Information, I am sure I had it so, and can shew the original, so its no Lie of mine. As to Haworth I doubt not but he will own the Information. What mistake there might be be­twixt [Page 24] Haworth and Turner I know not: It was not for me to enquire of every particular Person concerned, seeing I had a probable thing by other Evidences from a credible Person.

What temptation Turner might since be under to deny it, I know not; but I am sure Haworth was under no temptation to affirm it, that I know of: Neither is he so much as one of my Hearers that I know of. Mr. T's Iffs and Guesses, of which we have so many in this Page, signify but little, unless he was an otherwise Person than he appears to be in Print: See what Haworth saith afterward.

Concerning Waddington's Testimony here, he may be excused from naming the Party, as well as Mr. T. in a parallel case: Tho Mr. T. pronounces the Story false upon his meer Supposition, he had as good have been altogether silent, as to charge the Informations with things notoriously false; tho there might be some mistake in another thing.

The Informations, as is expressed, were voluntarily offered, and declared to me, and others of sufficient Credit and Cautiousness. My Yea will stand against Mr. T's Nay, unless his time and trial in the World had been more.

The Ministers of Christ under the Cross, whoever they be, may comfort themselves in being made conformable to their Lord and Master: When their sayings, and doings are so perverted, when they are laden with mock Titles, and scourged by the loose Tongues of others, who yet have their hands bound in some measure, as the High-Priests, and Elders had, by a superior Power: Tho they may boast themselves Masters of the Art of Scurrility, but no Preachers of Christ the King of Kings, nor of our Gracious King William, who according to the Signification of his Name, and of his Title, is in­deed the Defender of the Faith, and of the truly Faithful.

My Nephew who is basely belied, will take his Oath that the Par­ticulars were said by the Dugdale's to him, and that he did read the said Particulars to them, before they put to their Marks. This also is cleared afterwards.

Pag. 56 Here's nothing to invalidate, or weaken Fletcher's Testimony, that I can discern, but rather to confirm it. For F. doth not insinuate that he was the great Instrument of finding D. in the River and helping him out, he owns others concernment in it, as well as himself. But Mr. T. doth very unjustly insinuate that F. was taught to call it, a dumb Fit which D. fell into when he came out of the Water. Fletcher will anon speak for himself as to this.

Observe also that the Gentlemen did not deny, that they had been abusing D. in the Buttery, at the Abby, when D. in his Fit charged [Page 25]them with it. Any one may think that Mr. T. would have let us known, if it had been so. So that Mr. T. hath furnished us with a further Testimony against himself. Aliqando bonus dormitat Home­rus.

As to Mr. T's reason of that extravagant Whim (as he calls it) it proves but his own imagination: So I may let it evaporate as an uncharitable Surmise.

Alas! What pumping for occasions of Reflections, as we see in the Instance of M. S. yet how little comes! I am very loath to emprove that Hint of the near Neighbourhood of M. S. now, and of R. C. before; alas what Influences may wordly Interest, and ill Compa­ny have upon Persons otherwise ingenuous and sober!

A plain representing of the Truth, which I do here and all along, as in the Presence of God, will I hope manifest that Mr. T. is but foaming out his own Shame, and that all his Falsities and Virulencies shall vanish as to us: I do not wish that the guilt, stain, and recom­pence, may stick upon him. Should I tell him how I have pittied and prayed for him, he would but scorn, and scoff, at it (I fear, as I hinted before) and do what I say more than once. Yea, through the Grace of God, I will do it till I know Mr. T. hath sinned the Sin un­to Death.

Neither I, nor any other, that I know of, did ever promise D. de­liverance, as Mr. T. is pleased to say, but encouraged him from the Word of God in the way of his duty; this we did and ought to do.

It's not said in the Narrative that there was a Fast-day at Surey, on the 24th of March, 1689.

I said before, we had left meeting at Surey a little before, for the cause aforesaid; but some of us, I am sure, carried on that work of solemn seeking the Lord on that occasion, as diligently as former­ly, according to the best of my remembrance: I may truly and will humbly say through the Lord's help, we did not let fall our Hands, till we had got the Victory, nor let go our hold, till we had got the Blessing, (tho some may blasphemously call this canting:) I am sure as to my self, I hope as to others.

As to the casting out of the Devil, we do not know of any such gift of Miracles, as to command the Devil in the name of Christ to depart, and that he should immediately thereupon depart, as in the Primitive Times: Yet we believe that Dispossession may be, and frequently hath been in tract of time, according to Mat. 17.21. Even in these latter Ages (as Dr. Hall Bishop of Norwich testified, in his discourse with Costerus the Jesuit; see his Life) even among Pro­testants; [Page 26]tho Dr. Heilin, and such like, will by no means admit it a­mong the Non-conformists, if others can give us Instances thereof, we would gladly hear of them, to strengthen our common Cause, a­gainst the Papists.

I am told there is a Canon of the Convocation, which prohibits the at­tempting this way of dispossessing Satan, without the License of the Ordinary; which necessarily implies that the Episcopal Clergy did believe there then was such a thing as Possession, and Dispossession: Yea we find in Mr. J. Bruen's Life, that such a License was granted upon such an occasion. I am told Mr. T. was informed of the said Cannon, and thereupon reformed the first Leaf of his Preface.

Also as to means of dispossessing, and their success now a-days, Dr. Willet in Synop. Papis. P. 92. owns not only the extraordinary means, but this of Fasting, and Prayer; whereby saith he, we doubt not but even in these days, when it pleaseth God, Satan is chased from the Possession of Christ's Members.

Pag. 57 But to limit the holy one of Israel, to answer Prayers, in accom­plishing his work, just whilst we are at Solemn Prayer, were a great presumption, and tempting God indeed; yea would be found contrary to the ordinary Experience of those, who know what belongs to the answer of their Prayers, or the benefit of any Ordinance, or Providence; which usually comes after some time of waiting. This also we take to be the meaning of those Scripture-Phrases, of looking up, and hearkening what the Lord will say.

As to what I judg in this case, I shall with all plainness, and modes­ty declare my self afterwards, according to clear Scripture Warrant, without any appearance of tempting the Holy Ghost, as Mr. T. would charge upon us: I hope we shall be found far, as from tempting the Spirit of the Lord, so from lying to him. It's true of some, on the on hand, in imposing on the holy Spirit, that they may offend; so on the other hand, in Quenching, Grieving, Vexing, Resisting, yea denying of Him, his Office, Operatinons, and despiting the Spi­rit of Grace: Some would have called Caleb's other Spirit an odd Spi­rit, as well as Mr. T. calls ours so.

All the Extremity D. endured, his impatience and fleeing to Sir E. A. for relief, must argue to impartial Persons, that there was no­thing of Cheat, or of Popish Combiantion in the case; the Effects of his Fits were sometimes so grievous, that (to use his own Expressions) he would not for all the World, wish that Misery to the vilest Creature in the World.

The Ministers discouragement because of the ill Frame, and Carriage of of D. sometimes, as to the success of their Endeavours (which Mr. T. [Page 27]objects against us) is nothing but what there's cause for, and it may be others in the like Circumstances would have thought so too. As to the Lord's giving up D. also. We are but Men, and so subject to like Infirmities with others; yet upbraiding in this case is very un­becoming.

As to the trying of Physicial Means, this might have been better taken by Mr. T. as our designing the discovery of the case, and doing the Party good by any lawful means. But things are it seems — ad modum recipientis. How will Mr. T. reconcile this to his cen­forious charging us with an ambitious design of a Power to cast out the Devil?

The Physicians we consulted with, were judicious, conscientious Persons, Licentiates by the Colledg of Physicians, they honestly de­clined intermedling as Physicians (tho they might have made con­siderable advantage by it, apprehending that his afffliction was not mainly a bodily Disemper; yet these must needs be my Tools, and less sincere than Mr. Crabtree; the Spider will have Poyson, even where the Bee will gather Honey.

As to the suspicion of Witchcraft in the Family I have already clear­ed my self so as to searching any of them upon that account: I cannot hinder others Jealousy, nor most I hinder what may heal it; that all might be satisfied and the innocent cleared, I did not oppose it.

As to the meeting at Read, I was not there, nor near the place, as is falsly and invidiously suggested: Yet Mr. T. confesseth that there was no searching of any. It was well they were not searched by any of us; yet it was well they were willing to be searched, and offered themselves to it.

The disingenuity of Father and Son were not both at the same time, else it's likely we had desisted, and good reason for it, parti­cularly as to the Father; for tho the place was licensed, it was not fit we should intrude our selves, and obtrude our labour; they cry out in a pang of impatience that they got no good by us, as if we could do it by our own power, little looking to God, and to their Duty; no marvel he exercised them with such delay and discourage­ment, whilst they were so unprepar'd for the Mercy: Surely things and times, are in the Lord's Hand, not in ours. If the Apostles Peter and John check't the People, for looking so earnestly at them, and at their Power or Holiness, much more may we.

That Mr. T. will tell of their having another Game to play, was this, the Game the poor silly People had to play, viz. to spend so much Money with Mr. Crabtree! It seems by this, that their Game [Page 28]was to throw away their Moneys, instead of getting Money by the sup­posed Artifice: For there's no mention of us, till Dr. Chew (so cal­led) had tried in vain, and so much Money, and Time was spent with Mr. Crabtree; all this while Mr. T. is contending against com­mon Reason and Sense. I am apt to think that Mr. T. not only loos­eth this Cast, but the whole Game, he's playing, if Praise and Pre­ferment be what he plays for.

Pag. 58 It seems Dr. Chew (so called) gave Physick, on March 25. after his last Fit upon March 24. (which in that Fit he said must be his last) but our Spiritual Means were before the last Fit. Now whe­ther is likely to be the means of his Cure, that which went before his last Fit, or that which followed? Mr. T's charge of our vain Ambition, and sinister Aim is most censorious (it's well if there prove not a Beam in his own Eye to be cast out) it's high time for me to be dead to all such things.

As to our letting the Narrative sleep, until those Gentlemen were in their Graves, as if we suffer'd it to be so upon such a design, it is ano­ther among the many other of Mr. T's Falsehoods and Calumnies.

What doth Dr. C's Certificate signify? Not only that it was after the Fits left D. but here is not one Witness to the Certificate; be­sides he only saith, that his Physick had good success, which we deny not in its place and time; and for that afterwards observing my direc­tions, as Dr. C. saith, he never since had any more Fit. It's pitty the Doctor is not alive to explain and prove the Inference; but that it's left to such a one as Mr. T. to do it: I think Dr. Chew, (or ra­ther Edward Chew as he stiles himself) as bad a name as he went under among many as to some things, yet he would have been more candid than Mr. T. Because he lays such stress on this Certificate: Let me a little Syllogize upon it, and see whether there be not a gross non sequitur.

1. I shall prove that Dr. C. did not the Cure: (is it not rather a meer trick to elude the right means, to pretend that Dr. Chew did the Cure?)

If the Cure, as to D's Fits, was effected upon the 24th of March, and Dr. Chew gave him not Physick till the 25th of March, then Dr. Chew's Physick did not effect the Cure; but the first is thue: therefore the latter; that he was freed upon the 24th of March is fully testified; that he took not the Physick till the 25th of March is freely confessed. Here take notice that D. in his Fits did tell he must be killed, or cured, before the said 25th of March: Observe al­so how politickly the Gentlemen order'd it to give D. the Physick, just when the Term was expired, and after his last Fit.

2. That Dr. C's Physick could not cure him at all, as possess'd which is here supposed.

Where there is no proper Vehicle, as to natural causes to conveigh the evil Spirit into him, there can be no Physical Means to dislodg it: But here was no proper Vehicle, Ergo.

Dugdale was not Melancholly, which is called, Vehiculum Deaboli, nor Lunatick, nor Epileptick, before the said strange Fits: If there was any of these, or any other Distemper afterward, it was rather the Effect of his strange Fits, than any way the cause thereof. As to his Boyish Tricks and Childish Fancies, most of which he pe­remptorily denies, these were long before, and prove nothing to the purpose. The Tricks he is charged with, when he was a School-Boy, are not only denied by himself, but by other of his School-Fellows.

3. That the Spiritual Means were the only Means of his Cure, as to his strange Fits. I prove thus,

The Means must needs go before the End, as to Execution; but these Spiritual Means were the only Means that went before the said Cure, therefore — finis est prior in intentione, posterior in executi­one.

Pag. 58 However it may not be amiss to make some remarks upon what Mr. T. saith, so far as I am more immediately, and especiallly concern­ed; for my main business is not to disprove any tampering of the Papists, with the D's, but to settle the case, as a Possession, upon a sure Basis: Which I suppose is done already, and not likely at all to be shaken by all Mr. T's Combination, to prove a Popish Combina­tion.

Let it be remembred all along, that tho Mr. T. is pleased to call us the Papists Tools, yet withal he confesseth that we would not give way, that they should handle us nor the D's neither: So that there was no great danger of the Papists doing any harm by us, as their Tools. But let Mr. T beware how he meddles with edged Tools, or rather in Scripture-Phrase, how he kicks against the Pricks. Indeed Mr. T's Ignorance and Infidelity, as in the Apostles case, may by some be taken as an Extenuation of the Fault of his furious Zeal; 1 Tim. 1.13. Yet others will take it as an Aggravation thereof, espe­cially if we consider whose Son he was, and what Education he had.

I wonder what Mr. T. means, by our having most Plots, and the worst luck in Plotting that ever Men had Have we had more Plots and worse Success than the Papists? Was there in all his remembrance any but that of the Meal-Tub, and will Mr. T. vindicate that to be a Presbyterian Plot.

I pray Sir, what Plot have any others discover'd, or what Talent have you to boast of, as to further Discoveries, unless it be of your own folly? Let not him that puts on his Armour boast as he that puts it off. If you had as good a Talent at disclosing Secrets as the Demoni­ack had in his Fits, it will not be for your credit. In that you call D's Devil our Friend, you too much discover the Spirit you are acted by. I pray what friendship did the Devil shew us, or we him? Mr. T. will say the Devil was not in D. I wish he be not entered into, if ever he went out of others, in a worse Sense.

I shall not envy Mr. T. the excellency of his Talent, in belching forth his venemous Rancour against us, in his preamble to his pretend­ed discovery of the Combination, nor shall I much heed the reproaches he would cast upon us; for by this time, neither his Tongue, nor his Pen, will be accounted a Slander.

To call us the constant Tools of Propery, when it is so well known by the many Popish Plots, that the Papists have made use of another sort of Tools, as some of Mr. T's own Communion have so well dis­cover'd: Whenas such Champions as Ames, Baxter, Owen, Pool, and many more have so well acquitted themselves against the Pa­pists; and whenas it's so well known how much of the Non Con­formists Arguments, is made use of against Popery: So that the Non Conformists have as good Hands, and better Tools against the Papists. If the distinction of Obsession from Possession, be used among the Papists; is ever, distinction among Papists, a Popish Distinction? The Truth is, both Ancient and Modern Writers only make use of the Term Obsession as more proper.

Doth not the afor said Bishop Hall, Vye with his Antagonists upon this Point, as may be seen in his Life? Is it any disadvantage to the Protestant Interest, if there be such a Power in the use of lawful means among us? What Glory is therein the contrivance of such a Combi­nation to be emulous, if there be such a Combination according to Mr. T's Pretentions? Are we not much beholding to Mr. T. that he will excuse us from being the orignal Authors of the pretenaed Combina­tion, but who can vield to his reasonless Reasons?

Might we not have been cunning enough to combine, tho we had no more Learning than the D's, who are pretended to be in the Combi­nation? Who will question Mr. Carrington's Ability to reply upon the Demon either in Greek or Latin, if they knew him? But that he thought it not convenient to discourse him in another Language, as the Priest did for the reason assedged. I would the two Masters of Art might try Masteries in any of the Arts (tho Mr. T. may be the Seniour) to clear it, that Mr. C. hath more Learning than Mr. T. can [Page 31]guess at by the Narrative. Some of Mr. T's Brethren might have satisfied him as to Mr. C's Learning. O how is Mr. T. ready to burst with his fullness of that Spirit which dwells in him, whereby he had conceived us to be the diminutive Ʋnderling-Slaves, to the Pa­pists in the Farce, as he calls it. Parturiunt montes, &c.

Note that our disproving of a Combination, in Mr. T's Sence, is ex­abundanti; for it's the Possession that we defend: And we are clear­ed from having any hand in the pretended Combination.

As to Mr. T's 1st Ground for his supposed Combination, it will prove Sandy, whether in reference to what himself or Dr. B. saith. For from T. D's having been a Papist and his Children having been Po­pishly brought up, Mr. T. might as reasonably and charitably have in­fer'd, that the Papists would never entrust such a supposed Intreague, in the hands of such, who had proved so unfaithful to them, and who have approved themselves true Protestants ever since. But Mr. T. is apt to take things by the wrong handle. And as to the consideration of the then Scene of Publick Affairs, it's probable these poor People in that blind Corner, were very far from such Policies, which might better beseem those who would secure their beneficial places, or sought great things for themselves: These were more likely to ingratiate themselves with those, who then had got the Ascendant.

Who this Dr. B. is I know not, nor is there any ones word to witness that these words were his; however he's made to speak ve­ry like to Mr. T. but why should any be bound to believe the im­putation of they know not who, when the accused had no oppor­tunity to answer for themselves, As ignorant as the D's are, I doubt not but they are ready to answer to any, who will busy themselves to ask them of these things.

Tho I am not so immediately concerned as to the 2d Ground Mr. T. lays for a supposed Combination, yet must I take notice how he calls the Dissenters, the Papists constant Apes in such Juggles, as before he call'd us their constant Tools. Who would think that Mr. T's Fa­ther was a Dissenter, but he's dead, and forgotten too. It's com­monly said, It's an ill Bird that bewrayes its own Nest.

I am not, neither are my Reverend Brethren accountable, neither for the Typographical Errors, nor for those Mistakes that were in the uncorrected Copy; which, through I know not whose weak­ness, is printed: The same I must say for my Reverend Brother Mr. C. S. who many years ago was deservedly commended, chief Master of the Free-School in Blackburn, as Mr. T's Father was at Ratchdale. As to my Reverend Brother the truly Orthodox and [Page 32]Eminently Learned Academick, Mr. R. F. he was but once at the Surey, nor so much as once did see the Narrative (that I know of) that is printed, as it's printed, before it was printed. I will here also, by the way, do Mr. Rinshaw the right to tell the World, that he was but once at the Surey-Meeting upon the said occasion, and there were some small mistakes in the uncorrect Copy, which he took notice of, and should have been corrected. I wish the Surey-Book had had the Errata's annexed.

My Brethren who are more immediately concerned, are of age to answer for themselves, and when the worst is made of it, that Pride and Malice can make of it, what is this to prove Mr. T's Combinati­on; but only whilst he, in his malevolent way, would, with the Devil clear us from Forgery; yet must he trample on his Betters for some inculpable, at least pardonable weaknesses; as where Mr. T. upbraids Mr. C. so basely with the natural Infirmities in his Sight, or other Infirmities. I have tried D. and find him altogether a Stranger to those Latin and Greek Sentences which Mr. W. and Mr. C. alledg as spoken in his Fit. Mr. T. might have tried him too, had he been so ingenuous.

I shall not henceforth give my self, and the Reader that needless trouble as to follow Mr. T. in his Meandrous Passages, towards pro­ving a Papistical Combination, it would be a laborious loss of time on our part, as his is labour in vain: for I hope to cut the work shorter, and to clear all fully before Mr. T. and I part, if it be not done already.

Pag. 60 Mr. T's scornful way of clearing us from having any hand in the supposed Contrivance, is below me to take notice of, neither am I immediately concerned in the matter in hand; but I confess it affects me to see poor D. so beknaved and berogued, when I am abundantly satisfied, that the poor Man had neither so much cunning, nor so lit­tle honesty, as to be criminal either way.

Pag. 61 As to the pieces of Latin in D's Letter to Sir E. A. we neither have any account what they were, nor who testifies the same, but Mr. T's ipse idxit; whenas D. himself doth not own any such thing, but doth again and again disown his ever learning any further than the Nouns and Pronouns in the Accidence. Poor Dugdale had no Latin at all that I can hear of, neither from one or another, nor doth Mr. T. at all prove that he had.

Mr. T's third Argument, as he calls it, about the Incubi and Succubi, seems only to make way for his abominable Calumny, upon some slanderous Report, as to the whoring of the Surey Hearers; Several Neighbours are ready to testify that they never so much as heard, upon just ground, that there was any such uncivil Behaviour: all sorts of People coming thither on one account or other, and whom [Page 33]we could not hinder from coming. Let Mr. T. take heed of coming too near the imitating of the Heathens false Charge, upon the pious Meetings of the Primitive Christians. But if there were any dally­ing under the Hedges, when they might have been better employed, it's more likely they were some of Mr. T's Communion, who might take the filthiest Actions to be less culpable, than hearing a Non­conformist preach or pray. As among the Papists a transgressing of God's Laws is venial, when transgressing one of their own Laws is a mortal Sin.

Pag. 62 We must still take Mr. T's word without any mention of his Wit­nesses, where he speaks of an ingenious Person walking to Surey, when as it's too well known how many notorious Falsehoods he's guilty of. Surely the ingenious Person Mr. T. speaks of, whoever he is, is not very ingenuous to conceal his Name, otherwise others might satisfy him, or themselves in this matter. Neither is it fair dealing to judg the poor Mother, before she be heard, what she hath to say for her self. What wresting of the poor ignorant Woman's Words, which Mr. T. saith, that the Dissenters must do, whenas she might, if she said the Words, probably mean that the Devil said so; whenas withal, presently after, she named three Popish Priests, which the Demon in D's Fit had hinted to be the Persons who must help him: It's very probable by this, that the Devil would have had it out of our Hands into the Priests Hands, and so served his ends by them better than by tormenting D.

As to the Letter mentioned in this Page, I am loth to question the Fidelity of the supposed Author; yet must I animad vert a little up­on it. In my Minutes Verbatim, it's thus. Upon the 3d of September, we again met at Surey, on young D's account; as I went to the place of meeting, he gave me notice by a little Paper he put into my Hand, that as his Spirit told him, he must be dumb, and deaf, whilst we prayed; immediately upon his delivery of the Note to me, he be­came both dumb and deaf, all the while the Exercise continued: By this it's plain that the meaning was, as to that Exercise, not that he must be so all the while we came to him; this the event did evident­ly disprove.

What he means by no satifactory Answer, I know not; it might be satisfactory to others, tho not to him, who might be otherwise pre­possest.

Pag. 63 Again, there seems to be no good consistency betwixt a Passage in D's Letter to Sir E. A and that the report of a Letter to Mr. T. to Sir E. A. he only saith, that they did him no good; in his Letter to Mr. T. he saith, those six, meaning the Ministers, must do him no good. [Page 34]This looks not like faithful dealing; he might say in that Fit of Im­patience, we did him no good; but it's more to say, we must do him no good: This looks liker what Mr. T. will have the Mother to say, than what she did indeed say.

Again, as to what he infers for a Confederacy, there might be a Combination among the Popish Priests, yet no Combination of young D. with them, nor among the Family; nay, nor of any of the D's with the Devil: sure it becomes you to have more Charity towards those of your Communion, or to prosecute them if you will have them guilty of Witchcraft, or Cheating.

The close of that Paragraph seems to be rather Mr. T's, it is so very magisterial, and censorious.

Mr. T's, and the Letters (must do him no good) must not stand good, by what was before observed.

If the Devil in one of D's Fits said, that the said Popish Priests might help him, and that one of them be a Doctor; what is all this to the pur­pose of proving a Combination of any of the D's with them? It ra­ther infers, as was said before, that the Devil would have it out of our Hands, who only sougnt the Glory of God, and the Good of others, to have it into the Priests Hand, who served the Devil's Interest, and their own Ends, as we have cause to suspect, as to some of them.

Mr. T's telling of D's tacking over to the Popish Priests, tatcheth not very well with a former Combination with them, no more than his application to Sir E. A. let not us be too rigid towards such Per­sons in such Extremities: We know not how we our selves may be tempted.

Pag. 64 I am perswaded that none but such as Mr. T. will judg that the Popish Priests had instructed D. all along, unless it was by some secret Diabolical Means, unknown to him; otherwise who can think but he would have, on some occasion or other, in all this time, confest it to some Conformist or Non-conformist. Tho the Devil and his Instruments would not have it discovered, yet poor D. either for fear, or favour, would have discovered it, if he could.

Mr. T's Story here of R. D. is so much upon Supposition and Imagi­nation, whereupon he founds he Belief, that it deserves not insisting upon: The truth of things, so far as it concerns the matter in hand, I have given faithfully, as it's taken from his own Mouth, the Sub­stance whereof is in the Narrative.

The Passage of the other Paper of some Magicial Charm, mention­ed in the Narrative, is so plainly reported, and such use is made of it, the our indifferent Person would thereupon, not only vindicte us, [Page 35]but the D's also, from the Cheat or Combination; seeing we all de­clined the use of any such Popish, Magicial, Diabolical Means.

As to Mr. T's most untrue, and uncharitable charge of our promising our selves a rich Harvest by the Miracle we should work, — It's well for us, Mr. T. must not be our judg, and that our own Conscience is as a thousand Witnesses for us. His other Reflections here are like the opening of some stinking Grave, which I would rather co­ver.

Pag. 65 Mr. T. is void of all Reason, as well as Modesty, in saying that we were guilty of superstitious Credulity, were coming Creatures to the Priests, swallowed all that was offer'd by them, when he at the same time saith, it's true we declined the reading of the Paper over D. that the Priests sending the Paper to D. is an unanswerable Argument of his corresponding with them, when himself acknowledgeth that the D's declined it also, Where's Mr. T's Religion or Reason. Sed perit judicium quandores transit in affectum.

Mr. T. dare eng age for the Devils vanishing, upon our reading that Paper over D. It was wisely done to pass his word for the Devil on such hard Conditions, as were never likely to be performed.

I shall leave the business of the Commission here mentioned to o­thers to canvass. I shall only hint here, that the Papers which came into D's hand, when he stretch't it forth, were undoubtedly from an invisible hand, as the Spectators testify; so as to those Papers and other things which he committed; it is attested that he was not near any Wall, nor could any one visible, convey them to him For I took little notice of what the Devil said, concerning his commission, nor of the date of it: I had a higher to look at, from whom he had his Commission, or Permission, and who alone could determine the time, and cancel the Commission, as he pleased.

As to that Poyson of Asps, and Gall of Bitterness, in charging us with vain-glory all along, our being so full of our selves, and of the Spi­rit we had to deal with: It serves but to fill up his own measure, and that of his Partakers, which seems to be almost brimful.

I confess I did from several Circumstances fear, that the Devil in some drunken Fit, had drawn D. into some blind Contract with him, or Consent to him, not because the Devil might say to that purpose, but because he was ready to gratify D's Humour several ways; yet if the Devil be found a Lyar herein, I am not sorry for that; and if I did mistake, I hope their needs no very large Charity to cover it.

Pag. As to Mr. T's reproachful Term of a Farce, and reproaching us with weariness because we could do no good, in the former he is profane, if he refer to the Ordinunce; in the latter he doth some of us wrong, [Page 36]I am sure: we may be weary in our work, but not weary of it. How little any threatning with Warrants did affect D. towards ac­cepting of the Physician, will appear by further evidence, and the event, in that he was cured of his strange Fits, before he took the Physick: tho it's evidenced already that he had his Fits as formerly, after the Threatning.

As to the Passage of Satans speaking several Noises, and Voices, out of the Lump which rose up, I do not remember any thing, but that T. Core, testifies to that.

Dr. B's Testimony will but signify a little in this case, with those who knew what his Faith and Practice was; but he's dead — de mortuis nil nisi bonum: And as to his Profession as a Physician, what Judgment could he pass upon D's Fits, whenas he saw him but once, and had not seen the Depositions at all, as I suppose; I can­not be positive, for his supposed Letter bears no date, neither can I tell when it was, that Dr. B. died.

Besides, what he is supposed to say, is not to the purpose, for what is it as to the rising of the Lump from his Foot upward, when he tells of convulsive Twitchings? How doth he prove his being before instructed, to improve those Motions to such a purpose? Might not a Spirit move such parts, tho it have neither Flesh nor Bones, so could not be felt? What silly work is here? But when Men lose their Religi­on, they lose their Reason also. What rational Person will deny a Spirits acting, tho not animating, as the Soul doth the Body?

Concerning the Expressions in Prayer which I am charged with, by I know not who, at second or third Hand; this is my constant comfort, amidst my acknowledged Infirmities, in all my Duties, that I hope I have the Holy Spirit to help my Infirmities, Jesus Christ to bear them, the Father to pitty them; that I stand not to the Mercy of some Men's Misconstructions, and Misrepresentations, nor to the Wresting, and wiredrawing of my Words, by such as Mr. T. to their evil Ends; but take the words which they insinuate me guilty of, and as they are reported by Mr. T. the former part of them, (viz. that Satan might appear, or seem to be in those, that did not believe him to be in that young Man, by way of Possession) are po­tentially expressed; such a thing might be, I wish it were not so: The latter part of the words, (that others might take Warning and thereby Learning) are exprest optatively, as praying that others may take warning, and learn by this Example. The Reader will par­don the Incoherence of the Expressions, and rather impute it to the Ignorance of the Reporter, and the Imperfection of the Report. Where now is the Profaneness and Curse of the Petition? Where is the [Page 37] Justice of any being scandalized? What occasion hath Mr. T. so Sar­castically, and Blasphemously, to reflect upon praying by the Spirit, and Spiritual Sacrifices offer'd up to God? But it's according to the Evil Spirit that Mr. T. I doubt is led by, and walks after.

Pag. 67 Whenas Mr. T. would insinuate against us words of Blasphemy, or near bordering thereupon; were not my Soul filled, and fortified with such firm Faith, in dear Love to, and deep Veneration of the most pre­cious Person of Chirst, his most glorious Gospel; and truly Miracu­lous Works: Yea, his most Holy Spirit, and Conversation too, then might Mr. T's Scorpion Language, tho thy such a feeble Hand, wound me to the quick; but through the Grace of God, it is but as Lashes upon Armour, in this case.

Whenas also he would insinuate, that a Tongue which speaks such words, ought to be boared through with an hot Iron; but we must spare the Phanaticks, saith he: Blessed be God who hath made our Officers Peace, and our Exactors Righteousness; yea, thanked be our Ru­lers, which are such Shields of Defence to us, else we yet see what such as Mr. T. would be at, right or wrong.

And what is all this bitter Zeal, as the Apostle James calls [...] for this I must refer the Reader to what is exprest, and expla [...] [...] ­fore, concerning the Indications of Evangelick Possessio [...] [...] these: Where I do modestly declare my own, and I think others Sentiments also, But Mr. T. is very unfaithful in inserting [...] words (tho in a Parenthesis) viz. and consequemly dispessessed by them. as if they were my words; indeed it's the consequence that is so hateful to him, which makes him so furiously to militate against [...] Premisses.

But why doth not Mr. T. descend to Particulars, and Instanc [...] [...] the Indications of a Possession, and shew us wherein the Indication, in D. did come short of any, or many, in the Evangelick History. Still remember how we reserve the due Honour to the Cures, and Dispossessions, as done by the immediate Power of Christ; or in his Name, in a miraculous manner; such effects immediately to follow: tho all is done by his Marvellous Power, whether it be without Means, or with them; whether the means be more ordinary, or ex­traordinary; whether the Effect be sooner or later; yet are not at all Miraculous. Had not some of Mr. T's Brethren been wiser than he, I suppose, he would have denied all Possessions, at least in latter Ages, from the Press, as he had done from the Pulpit.

Seeing Mr. T. would make the World to believe, that we seek vain-Glory, and worldly Interest, by the account of our many certified places for Meeting, and so our being Pluralists; I must humbly say the Truth, [Page 38]and shame the Devil, (as they say) had he any Shame. I am con­cerned, and constrained to vindicate the Truth, and my self; for I think I and my People have more certified Places, than any one Mi­nister, and People in the County; being so scatter'd in the Coun­try as we are: So it may be Mr. T. may point at me more than o­thers.

Should I tell how long I have laboured among this People, how much I have suffered for them, how little this poor People have been able to do for me, what offers I have had as to worldly advantages, Mr. T. would charge me with vain-glory, tho he clear me from seek­ing my worldly Profit: But it's enough to me that God knows all, tho these things are pretty well known in the World; and I do not desire to make them more publick than they are; it is a Mortification to me, to speak of them more than needs: Nor would it be a Plea­sure to Mr. T. unless to droll upon them.

It's true, we have several Places besides my Chappel certified, yet some of them are only for our more private Days of Prayer; but they all belong to the same People, disposed as aforesaid, and the most of what I have from them all, is but about 12 l. per An. out of which I maintain an Assistant also, to supply on the one hand, when I am at a more remore distance on the other: Yet do we ordinarily all meet at our Chappel. Now let Mr. T. himself judg, where are the Pluralities, and Worldly Interests; Do I not rather spend what I have, and am I not almost spent in serving a Poor, yet wil­ling People, these 48 Years? Tho I confess I am now, through Age and Bodily Infirmity, confined about home? Let these Hints suffice in these Streights Mr. T. reduceth us into: If we vindicate our selves, he'll have us to be vain-glorious; if we do not, we must be Pluralists, like to themselves: So that on our part it proves to be only a Plu­rality of Labours (in Labours more abundant.)

As to the Hearers not taking the Oaths to the Government, and sub­scribing the Declaration against Popery, tho Mr. T. will charge it upon their Old Spirit of Contempt of Authority: Yet let him know that the Government hath as hearty Subjection, and as fervent Prayers from Dissenters, as from the Conformists, who have all the Dignities and Benifices. So that the Dissenters not doing as aforesaid, is not out of the least unwillingness to do it; but because that they judged that the Magistrate should call them to it, if they saw occasi­on.

Pag. 68 As to what Mr. T. doth most unworthily and immoderately insinu­ate concerning us, who some of us it may be, might for our Age be his Grand-Fathers: I do most solemnly protest for my self, and I [Page 39]hope for my Brethren also, that it's altogether false, that we had lest off the case, tho we had left off meeting at Surey, for the reason a­foresaid; that the deferring of the publishing of the Narrative was with any Reference to the said Gentlemen's death, we also do utterly deny. And as to the forgetting of several Passages, by reason of the distance of time, the same may be said on our part also. That there were seve­ral with R. D. when those words were exprest, and such things happen'd on the 24th of M. 89. we assirm, tho none of the Mi­nisters were present: For John Walmsly was present and deposeth as to the Passages, and several others present, testify to the same pur­pose.

That what we did in this affair, was out of the Pride of our Hearts, and in affectation to be thought Miracle-Mongers, and such as cast out Devils; the Searcher of Hearts, knows it to be otherwise, and that we lay little stress on these things. Our rejoicing is this, that we hope our Names are written in Heaven, and that our Record is on high: Yet we may say that the Lord hath done greater works, than casting out Devils out of Mens Bodies, by his faithful Servants: Particularly the effectual Call, and saving Change of Souls, which in Scripture Sense is raising the spiritually dead, opening the Eyes of such as are born spiritually blind, yea a new creation out of nothing, and worse than nothing. This Doctrine may not go well down with those who have no Experience of it, and so make light of so great a work.

Yet tho we are most Unjustly, and Uncharitably, charged by Mr. T. as despairing of the Success, and as deserting the Work: However our Weakness is ingenuously acknowledged in the Narrative, which is no sign of vain-Glory: Tho our acknowledged Weakness, is invidiously objected against us. Yea, I will say further, tho Mr. T's Spirit may be heightened, and others hardened thereby: That much Weakness did appear among us, not only in the Management of so great a Work, and after as to our non-acknowledgment of the Success, as we ought: But as to some few things published in the Narrative, and as to the manner of the Publication thereof, (if it was through inadvertency of any of us:) Yet whilst we deny our selves, we dare not deny the Grace of God in pittying us, and pardoning, in help­ing, and blessing us. Yea, we must own the Lord's Goodness in his helping of us under, and blessing to us Mr. T's evil dealing with us; much is to be learned, and got by others Envy and Enmity. Blessed be God, I may say, tho no thanks to Mr. T.

Pag. 69 That some might suspect Witchcraft in the case, doth not at all weaken the cause: For it's ordinary that Possessions are by Witch­craft, as Instances in Old and New England confirm. But that Mr. [Page 40] Pendelbury, who was sometime assisting in the work, did afterward take it as a Cheat, neither is, nor can be proved. The Testimony put upon Elizabeth Mills, of Ratchdale, is not so much as pretended to be under her own Hand: So Mr. T. must be only on some-bodies hear­say, which sort of Testimony he will not allow to others; neither doth Mr. T. tell us who the Reporter is: So that we are bound up from sifting this Matter. Mr. P. and E. M. being dead, as Mr. T. saith, the Reporter being unarmed, and we having little reason to take Mr. T's word: Thus Mr. T's Ground-work fails, and his Su­perstructure falls.

Besides it's likely Mr. P. would have suggested it to some of us, if he had suspected it to be a Cheat: But I never heard that he ever hinted any such thing to any of us, or any other.

I will do that worthy Person, now deceased, this right, that he is only mentioned as one, who was sometimes assisting in the work: Let the Cause stand upon it's right bottom, and let not the Blessed Memory of such a one suffer, on either hand.

I now have it from good Hands, that indeed Mr. P. first was not fatisfied whether it was a natural Distemper, or what to call it: But afterward when he heard two Voices from R. D. at once, &c. and heard what account others gave of other Particulars, then he was satisfied that D. was acted by a Diabolical Power.

As to the Testimony of Dr. Whittaker, who was a faithful Witness all along to what passed in this Affair, Mr. T. might have spoken more civilly of him: For Dr. Whittaker is both a Gentleman and a Schol­lar, as Mr. Townly well knows: That he did teach some few Youths to perfect them for University Learning, before he came to his Estate, this is no more Disparagement to Dr. Whittaker, than to Mr. T's Fa­ther, who made School teaching his Calling; nor are the Youths which Dr. W. taught any Disparagement to Dr. W. I wish Mr. T. be no greater Disparagement, to his Father.

Mr. T. might have been more civil to Dr. Whittaker as a Physician, than to call him a Medicaster, when as he underwent the strick Trial of the Colledg of Physicians, and hath his Diploma from them to shew. No such unlearned Emperick, as Mr. T's Dr. C.

Pag. But as to Mr. Townly's Letter, Dr. Whittaker doth acknowledg some loose discurse he had with Mr. Townly, about the Surey-Case, and doth remember that Mr. Townly, himself did then own the Signs of Possession in young D. and Mr. Townly might justly suspect, and suggest, the Politick Intrigueing of the Popish Priests, which, I may say, they fruitlesly attempted: But Dr. Whittaker doth peremptorily deny the words, as he is charged in the Letter: Of which Letter also, [Page 41]we have but part set down by Mr. T. breaking off at a Comma, and closing it with an, &c.

Yet if all were granted, that Mr. Townly saith of the discourse be­twixt the Doctor and him, the Doctor's Certificate under his own Hand will stand good, and he will stand to it. For let it be observed that Mr. Townly's Letter to Mr. White gives us no account particular­ly when that discourse was, and tho the Doctor might then also be jealous of the thing and of it's issue; yet upon further observation of his own, and hearing the Depositions, he was fully satisfied, as other Non-conformists present, before the Justices at Holcomb in like man­ner were; tho they very much doubted the thing before.

As to the Passage of D's being Dumb and Deaf so long, I have de­clared the Truth before, and I was likelier to know the Truth, the Paper being delivered to me; that he sometimes was sensible out of his Fit, of what was in his Fit, is not denied; but we affirm that or­dinarily he was not sensible: See as to this Origen. de Principiis cap. 3.

Concerning the Reserves that Mr. T. pretends to, and threatens us with, (through the Grace of God) I fear them not at all, nor any thing that any one can say or do, in this case, as to me. I hope I am on a sure bottom, and under a strong guard; so that I need not fear this Shock, after all the rest.

As to all that impudent insolent Language, which Mr. T. gives us, in the close of this Page: I do humbly, and meekly, yet cordially, and confidently retort it upon himself, as Arrows shot against a Brazen-Wall: Religion is not abused by us, but by himself; we are not an am­bitious designing Party, whatever he is: We could have sate down content sooner or later, if Providence had not led us from first to last: We have not seen our selves baffled, neither in danger of it, by the Ʋltimi Conatus, the dying Efforts of such Men; we can through Christ strengthening us, hold up our Heads in the World: Yea, lay down our Heads in Peace, and lift up our Heads before the Judg of all at last: (Tho he may do somewhat towards judging in this mat­ter, even in this World) it is no Spirit of Infatuation nor Vanity that led me to, and through this work, so far as I am concerned; and I should know the Spirit of Christ as well as Mr. T. Surely I do know my self better than he knows me; it was neither Wickedness, nor Weakness, that concerned me thus far: I suppose that to all se­rious sober Persons it will be chargeable elsewhere, it is no Super­stitious Popish piece of Priest craft, on our part besure: At other times Mr. T. will rather judg us to be too far from Superstition and Po­pery, both Name and Thing, we may also retort upon him his [Page 42]Terms of audacious Wickedness, the scarce to be parallel'd Inso­lence of a young scossing Ishmacl: It is Mr. T. that the Inconsistencies and Ʋntruths will be found with, upon perusal of our reply and ex­amining the case further: That the Father of Lies doth sometimes tell the Truth, as Doeg did of David, tho for an evil End, and the Lord turns all against himself as appears in the Gospel-History: That we do not credit Satan any further than we have it consirmed other Ways, or by the Event. That there is no affront to God Almighty, or Presumptnous attributing that to his Spirit, and his Ordinances, which is wholly owing to the Sins and Chea's of Men: Neither is there base In­sincerities, nor lying Legends and Forgeries, nor a Spirit of Fanaticism and Division sanctified with Prayer and Fasting. The Lord is coming to execute Judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them, of their ungodly Deeds, which they have ungodly com­mitted, and of all their hard Speeches which they have spoken against him. We have some of us seen something in our time of the Lord's handling such Sons of Zerviah, or Sons of Belial, even in this World. Lege Historiam ne sis historia.

I only say the Lord rebuke the foul Spirit in this Man, and the Lord give him Repentance: Else I am afraid the Lord will soon reckon with him for what he doth say, and would do. It's not the warmth of Fancy, but pious Zeal, it's not the bare Opinion, but good Assurance, that we serve God: It's not Will-worship, but Gos­pel-worship: However, Surely they are not the groslest Mistakes, the worst of Errors, and the vilest Superstitions, that are possible for Christians to be ensnared in, as Mr. T. would have them to be. How is this Man even bursting asunder (without any Provocation) and falling headlong with his Rage and Rancour; the Lord judg be­twixt us, as to the cause: Yet let him not enter into Judgment with, to proceed in Execution thereof upon, the Offenders.

We acted according to the Measure of Grace, and Gifts, that we have received; whereof we dare not, will not boast; but as to con­sulting with the conforming Clergy, we must needs differ from them in this, as in other things, if they preach such Doctrine as M. T. did in this Country: If we had consulted them it's very likely they would have expected, that we also should have passed by the miser­able Man, on either side, as the Priest and Levite did, but he lay in our way, and we had Mercy on him: Blessed be the Name of the Lord for it.

If the Popish Priests were playing a Game, it was soon at an end, with­out our going to any, to learn to read, and understand the Papers which were vomited up by D. We need not fear Rivalship of those, [Page 43]in such a case, who deny all Possessions in latter Ages, or give us no Indications thereof: Nor of those who are such Strangers to the right use of Gospel-Means in this case, and therefore set on soot Means of their own devising, as some have done of late, as I am credibly informed.

For my part I am more satisfied in the thing than ever, since I have further enquired into it, since also I see with what a Spirit, in what a manner Mr. T. hath managed the matter. As to our People also, they are better instructed, and spirited, than to give heed to such rash Heads, as Mr. T's, who abandons himself to his unmortisied Passions, and unbridled Expirssions: Enough to turn the Spirit of any true Christian against such Men, and their Cause too.

As to our Injudiciousness, and Insincerity, our People, who hear you sometimes, and live amongst you, who hear us ordinarily, and converse so much with us, are likelier to judg in the case, than Mr. T. and such like who I suppose never hear us, nor scarce know us at all: Yet these our People dare not adventure their precious and immor­tal Souls, under the way of Preaching, nor in the way of Living, which too many go in.

Conc [...]rning the Church, Mr. T. doth, Laodicea like, so boast of, we do heartily acknowledg there have been many, and we hope are some of the Episcopal Perswasion, who are sound, according to the true sense and intent of the Doctrinal Part of the 39 Articles, who are of a right Christian Temper, of a Holy Conversation, and are for Parochial Discipline, and Reformation: These we honour and consent with so far.

But as to this Faction, who so vainly boast of their Purity, and Perfection, whenas the Lord Jesus knows their works: Yea any one, even with half an Eye, if indeed open'd, may see, even by Mr. T's Scurrilous, Slanderous, Scandalous Pamphlet, and look no further, that they are wretched and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: By this time of God and Religion: Yea have, by their implacable opposition to the Truth, and way of the Gospel, with the Preachers, and the Professors thereof, block't up, as much as in them lies, the Course of Reformation also, by their unfaithful Preaching, and un­godly Practise, with the countenancing such as partake with them, how bad soever, have open'd the Flood-Gates to Atheism, and Pro­faneness, consequently to Superstition and Idolatry, as woful Ex­perience doth testify beyond all contradiction.

O that there were indeed such a Zeal for revealed and real Religion, for Protestantism and Reformation, against Atheism [Page 44]and Profaneness, Superstition and Idolatry, as is pretend­ed.

After all this I must solemnly profess, that such an heap of gross Lies, notorious Slanders, unworthy Insinuations, reproachful Re­flections, and base Language, did I, to my remembrance, never meet with, as in this Pamphlet of Mr. Ts, and this against those, who not only may I hope be reckon'd among the least of Christ's little Ones, but who, through his Grace, have in some measure ap­proved themselves as his Ministers, according to 2 Cor. 6.3. to 11. so that my Heart akes, and I even tremble to think what guilt this Man hath loaden himself with, and what judgment he hath exposed himself to, according to Mat. 18.6, 7. Luk 17.1, 2.

The result of all as to the Case and it's Signs, the Cure and it's Means; Mr. T's invidious, odious Representations, of persons and things, being waved, as meer Folly and Falsity; yea, wiped away as Filth, and Froth; too like that of the Demoniack in some of his Fits: I shall plainly and calmly express my self.

1. Negatively.

1. It is not to be denominated a Mania, or Distraction, a Spasma, or Epilepsy, Convulsion, or any such bodily Disease; tho there might seem sometimes to be something Symptomatical thereof: for the Af­fidavits, and Informations, do plainly demonstrate, that it was a further thing which continued after Mr. Chew's first physicking him, and Mr. Crabtree's second physicking him so strongly; which strange Fits also were removed, before he took Mr. Chew's Physick the latter time; observe here that Mr. C. said that he would ride an 100 Miles to help him: Also that D. in several of his Fits said, he might be kill'd or cured before the 25th of M. when Mr. C. gave him his Physick the latter time.

2. It could not be any Art of Man, especially in this D. for all who know him, must say that he is but of a very ordinary aptness, or ca­pacity, as to Intellectuals, and not so much as of an ordinary Agili­ty or Activity, as to his Body. Any one would judg him very unsit as to the inventing of such things, and a very bungler as to the acting of them

3. Neither ought it to be called a Counterfeiting, or Cheat, to get Money, or for any other Sinister End; seeing they are things that could not possibly be counterfeited; seeing also that it was so chargeable to them, whilst they were under Mr. C's Hands; also in the hireing of a continual Keeper, and other ways; seeing also that any such Cheat is solemnly disowned by the Parties concerned; as appeared before in the Informations, Affidavits, Certificate, which [Page 45]himself signed, and doth further appear. Besides if the Gentlemen look't on it as a Cheat, why did they make use of Physicial Means? if they look't on it as a Disease, why did they threaten him?

4. Nor can it be justly charged to be any Combination amongst the Parties themselves, nor with the Papists: As to Combination with us, or amongst us Dissenters, Mr. T. himself, as little Charity as he hath for us, doth clear that. As to a Combination among the Parties themselves or with the Papists; this is utterly disowned by the Dugdale's, nor is there any Proof of such a Combination, no­thing but meer Surmises, sorry Suggestions. That there might be a Combination among the Popish Priests, before, or under the strange Fits of D. is not denied; but their tampering with him is signihed in the Narrative. Now if Mr. T. who is so good at the discover­ing of such Intriegues, can make any thing of it, we have furnished him with something to work on: Some of the Papists have been for­merly exposed for their Magical Charms, Sorceries, or Withcrafts most deservedly, of which I doubt they have not repented, or re­formed.

2. Affimatively. To those who have frequently seen, and heard D. in his Fits, it is more evident that it was a Diabolical Possession, and that it was a righteous Judgment of God upon him, for his Pro­fane and Debauched Life: But we cannot say, whether it was by the immediate Hand of God, or by Witchcrast. Yet others, who did not hear him, and see him, as we did, are something doubtful whe­ther it was a real Possession: But the Signs of a Possession, which Divines give, and the Testimony, as to Matter of Fact, do make this probable, at least, as we think to those who are unprejudiced, and unbiassed.

1. His telling, and foretelling of things in his Fits, which he could not possibly know by any ordinary mans. In his Fits he always, so far at we can learn, told when his next Fit would come, tho he had no external direction at all; yet still his Fits came at that time exactly, as those who had Watches, and observed, can aver in manifold In­stances: He could tell of Persons coming at a considerable distance, who they were; and whence they came; and what they did by the way; with many such like Instances. Can those who call this a Cheat, hire, or threaten him to the doing of these, and of the following Feats as formerly?

2. His Ability of Body in his Fits, beyond the Joint Strength of many Lusty Men: His Agility also, beyond any Art, he had at other times: Yea, beyond the Lawful Art of any other. Whenas his Ability was but ordinary, and his Agility less than ordinary, at other times.

3. The speaking in him of another Voice, besides his own, some­times speaking many Words, and Sentences, in which were Dental and Labial Letters, when he made no use of the Organs of Speech: Yea, two Voices at once have been heard from him, the one being of a very hideous sound: And his words, as in his ordinary discourse, distinctly heard at a Mile and a half distance.

4. His being in the same Fit, one while as heavy as a Lump of Lead of that bigness, and other while as light as a Bag of Feathers of 14 or 16 Pound weight. Also as to the stiffness of his Body, it being inflexible in some part of his Fits, as a Bar of Iron, yea Breath­less, Senseless, and Lifeless to others apprehension, for a consider­able time.

5. His Diabolical Rage and Blasphemy against God, and Christ, and the things of God, tho under no Feverish Frenzy that we per­ceived; there being no such Behaviour in him at other times: Yet would Satan sometimes in his Fits, transform himself into an Angel of Light; yea, sometimes in his Fit he would tell the Heads of a Sermon, that he never heard.

6. His speaking several Languages, which he never learned, nor understood any thing of (tho at other times it seemed to be a sort of Gibberish, to some of us; or a Language which the Hearets under­stood not) and sometimes singing in Latin Verse, whilst in his Fits.

7. Sometimes something like a Mouse appearing about him, and in him, atising like the bigness of a Man's Fist, up and down under his Clothes; something about the bigness of a little Dog in Bed with him, that was not one: Also the forcible rising of the Lump and Voices out of it.

As to this we may take notice of these Testimonies. King James the First. Doemenol.

There are divers Symptoms whereby that heavy Trouble, may be discerned from natural Sickness, and especially three.

1st. The incredible Strength of the possessed Creature, which will exceed the Strength of six of the wightest and woodest Men, not so troubled.

2dly. The holding up so far of the Patients Breast, and Belly, with such unnatural stirring, and vehement Agitation, within them, and such an Irony hardness of the Sinews, so stifly bended out, that it were not possible to prick out, as it were, the Skin of any other Person so far.

3dly. The speaking of several Lan [...]uages, which the Patient never learned, and that with an uncouth hollow Voice; and all the time of his speaking, a greater motion being in his Breast, than in his Mouth.

Cudworth's Atheism, p. 704.

When Maniacal Persons discover Secrets, declare things past, and fu­ture, [Page 47]speak Languages they never learned; this puts it out of doubt, and question, that they are not meer Mad-men, but Demoniacks. For Instances, see Psellus, de oper. Daemon. Also Fernelius, de abditis, &c. There are many other Instances of this kind, recorded by Modern Writers unexceptionable, of Persons either wholly Daemoniacal, or so affected, or infected by them, as to have certain unusual and su­pernatural Symptoms; which for Brevity Sake we shall here omit.

See also Mr. Mather's Essay as to remarkable Providences, Chap. 6.

So that other Symptoms of Possessions either must be found out, which are yet unknown to us, or these and more such-like must be disproved, which we think can never be done; or diabolical Pos­sessions must be utterly denied, which is so absurd, that few but Insi­dels (and Mr. T.) will so deny.

As to the means of Cure.

That this D. is delivered as to his outward Man, from this direful Judgment, we suppose none need to question, being now freed from such Fits for many Years. The only Question now with some is, whether it was not a meer bodily Malady, and so some Purges or Vomits, which he took might be the means of his Cure.

If we should suppose that to be the case, yet Spiritual Means be­ing so much used withal, these must needs have the preference a­mong Christians. And God must be acknowledged in all, as in He­zekiah's Case. Surely Prayer had more Influence towards his Reco­very, than the Lump of Figs.

But if it was a meer Spiritual Malady, or a Diabolical Possession, and Sin the immediate Cause thereof, as Judicious Conscientious Per­sons, who are unprejudic'd, and unbiassed, do judg; then the only Means must be Spiritual, and the Blessing which follows, must needs be Supernatural. So in that case, Mat. 17.21. all other means are excluded. Yea, tho that Demoniack was a Lunatick,See Dr. Stillingst. his opinions as to this, in his Ori­gin. Sacr. pag. 263. as appears by Mat. 17.15. Luk. 9.39. compared: The Devil taking advantage by his Lunacy, to get Possession of him, as we call Melancholy, Vehi­culum Diaboli. In this case there was not so much as Melancholy Lunacy, nor any such bodily Malady, as we suppose, to be the Evil Spirit's Vehicle, into D's Body, that Physical Means should carry it out; he being of an healthful Constitution before these Fits begun with him. Corporeal things have no direct Physical Influence on Infer­nal Spirits, as Mr. . observes.

Even in case of immediate Dispossessions by our Blessed Saviour, they imputed them unto wrong Causes: Let not us run into the same Error.

If the Malady was complicated, viz, in part Supernatural, and in part Natural, that being causal of this, and this being conseqen­tial of that: Then both sorts of Means must be acknowledged in their several places: Yet must Spiritual Means have the Precedency, as having most of God in them; tho Physical Means are not to be neglected, or despised. So in those Cases, Job 33.14. to 31. Jam. 5.14, 15, 16. It's evident that the young Man was something disor­dered in his Body, by his strange Fits: It's a wonder that his Body was no more distempered. He needed Physical Medicines to open, and ease his Body, being advised thereto, he made use of Mr. Chew, whom he had formerly, without success, applied himself unto: His Medicines were now used, and blessed, to the said purposes. We dare not slight the Bodily Mercy, nor the Physical Means, but would own each in their place, giving all the Glory to God, whoever were the Instruments, whatever were the Means. What a disturbance, and distraction, would it have been to all about him, if he had not been delivered.

After all this, we are too tim'rous acknowledging, this signal an­swer of Prayers, and too backward in solemn Thanksgiving for such a deliverance: Insomuch as it is also a Reformation of the young Man in several things: O that we could say in every thing! Yet is he now more devout in his way, and of the more sober sort among his Neighbours, as they themselves confess.

As to some others alas! They will not believe, tho they see so many Signs and Wonders in this Age of Wonders. It's well if it happen not to them, that as Despisers they wonder, and perish; the Lord working a work in their Day, a work which they shall in no wise believe, tho a Man declare it unto them. If they be a little af­fected, yet they sit down in more security, either in their Sensuality or Formality. Tho others regard not the Works of the Lord, nor consider the Operations of his Hands: Yet the Wise shall under­stand his works, and walk in his ways. Not being scandalized at others ridiculing this; seeing Men dare to deal so now a-days with the great Truths, and Things of God.

We must conclude not only with the sincere Acknowledgment of our own Weaknesses, and Failings, for which we beg Pardon, but al­so with this solemn Recognition of the Lord's Assistance, upon this occasion: Yea, also this his answering of Prayers in the perfect Re­covery of this D. as to his outward Man, and in part, at least, as to the Reformation of his Conversation, which Publick Testimony of our thankfulness to God for this signal Publick Mercy, and the Praise to his Name alone for it, we hope he will graciously accept [Page 49]in Christ; notwithstanding our slack and slender Returns to him. That the Lord will further appear in pleading this Cause so far as it is his own, to the vindicateing and glorifying of his Name how­ever: Yea, that he will further bless his Word, and Works to the special spiritual advantage of many, is the earnest desire as well as design of.