Miscellanies upon the following subjects collected by J. Aubrey, Esq.

MY LORD,

May the Blessed Angels be Your careful Guardians: Such are the Prayers of

Your Lordships Most Obliged and Humble Servant, IO. AUBREY.

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A COLLECTION OF Hermetick Philosophy.

NAtural Philosophy hath been exceed∣ingly advanced within Fifty Years last past; but methinks, 'tis strange that Hermetick Philosophy hath lain so long un∣toucht. It is a Subject worthy of serious Consideration: I have here, for my own diversion, Collected some few Remarques within my own Remembrance, or within the Remembrance of some Persons worthy of Belief in the Age before me. Those who have a desire to know more of Things of this Nature, may be pleased to peruse Historie Prodigieuse, Writ by Pere Arnault: As also a Book intituled, Lux è Tenebris, which is a Collection of Modern Visions and Prophesies in Germany, by several Per∣sons; Translated into Latin by Io. Amos Comenius, Printed at Amsterdam, 1655.

I shall begin with Day-Fatality, of which Mr. Iohn Gibbon [Blew-mantle] made a Collection Printed in Two Sheets in Folio 1678, which I here Reprint with some Additions Collected by my self.

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Day-Fatality: Or, Some OBSERVATIONS OF Days Lucky and Unlucky.

CHAP. I.

In hoc Die tuo: In this thy Day.

THAT there be Good and Evil Times, not only the Sacred Scrip∣tures, but Prophane Authors men∣tion: See 1 Sam. 25. 8. Esther 8. 17. and 9. 19, 22. Ecclus 14. 14.

The Fourteenth day of the First Month was a Memorable and Blessed Day amongst the Children of Israel: See Exod. 12. 18, 40, 41, 42, 51. Levit. 23. 5. Numb. 28. 16. Four hundred and thirty Years being expi∣red

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of their dwelling in Egypt, even in the Self-same Day departed they thence.

A thing something parallel to this, we read in the Roman Histories: That that very day four Years, that the Civil Wars were begun by Pompey the Father, Caesar made an end of them with his Sons; Cnaeus Pom∣peius being then slain, and it being also the last Battle Caesar was ever in. [Heylyn in the Kingdom of Corduba.] The Calendar to Ovid's Fastorum says, Aprilis erat menfis Graecis auspicatissimus, a most auspicious Month among the Grecians.

As to Evil Days and Times; See Amos 5. 13. and 6. 3. Eccles. 9. 12. Psal. 37. 19. Obad. 12. Ier. 46. 21. And Iob hints it, in cursing his Birth-day. Cap. 3. v. 1, 10, 11, See Weaver, p. 458.

Early in a Morning In an Evil Tyming, Went they from Dunbarr.

Horace, lib. 2. Ode 13. Cursing the Tree that had like to have fallen upon him, says, Ille nefasto te posuit die; intimating, that it was planted in an Vnlucky day.

The Romans counted Febr. 13. an Un∣lucky day, and therefore then never at∣tempted any Business of Importance; for on that day they were overthrown at Allia by the Gauls; and the Fabii attacquing the City of the Veii, were all slain save one. [Heylyn speaking of St. Peter's Patrimony]

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And see the Calendar annext to Ovid's Fastorum, as to the last Circumstance.

The Iews accounted August 10. an un∣fortunate day; for on that Day the Tem∣ple was destroyed by Titus the Son of Ves∣pasian; on which day also the first Temple was consumed with Fire by Nebuchadnezzar. [Heylyn.] The Treasury of the Times says, the Eighth of Loyon (August) the very same day 679 Years one after another.

And not only among the Romans, and Iews, but also among Christians, a like Custom of observing such days is used, es∣pecially-Childermas or Innocents-day. Comi∣nus tells us, that Lewis XI. used not to debate any Matter, but accounted it a sign of great Misfortune towards him, if any Man communed with him of his Affairs; and would be very angry with those about him, if they troubled him with any Matter whatsoever upon that day.

But I will descend to more particular In∣stances of Lucky and Unlucky Days.

Upon the Sixth of April, Alexander the Great was born. Upon the same day he con∣quered Darius, won a great Victory at Sea, and died the same day.

Neither was this day less fortunate to his Father Philip; for on the same day he took Potidea; Parmenio his General gave a great Overthrow to the Illyrians; and his Horse was Victor at the Olympick Games. There∣fore

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his Prophets foretold to him, Filium cujus Natalis, &c. That a Son whose Birth∣day was accompanied with three Victories, should prove Invincible. Pezelius in Melli∣ficio Historico.

Upon the Thirtieth of September, Pom∣pey the Great was born: Upon that day he Triumphed for his Asian Conquest; and on that day he died.

The Nineteenth of August was the day of Augustus his Adoption: On the same day he began his Consulship: He Conquered the Triumviri, and on the same day he died. Hitherto out of the Memoirs of King Charles I. Hero's.

If Solomon count The day of ones death bet∣ter than the day of ones birth, there can be no Objection why that also may not be reckon∣ed amongst ones Remarkable and Happy days. And therefore I will insert here, that the Eleventh of February was the Noted day of Elizabeth Wife to Henry VII. who was born and died that day. Weaver, p. 476. Brooke in Henry VII. Marriage. Stow in Anno 1466. 1503.

As also that the Twenty third of Novem∣ber was the Observable day of Francis Duke of Lunenburgh, who was born on that day, and died upon the same 1549, as says the French Author of the Journal History, who adds, upon particular Remark and observa∣ble Curiosity,

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Ipa dies vitam contulit, ipsa necem. The same day Life did give, And made him cease to Live.

Sir Kenelm Digby, that Renowned Knight, great Linguist, and Magazen of Arts, was born and died on the Eleventh of Iune, and also fought fortunately at Scanderoon the same day. Hear his Epi∣taph, composed by Mr. Farrar, and recited in the aforesaid Memoirs:

Vnder this Stone the Matchless Digby lies, Digby the Great, the Valiant, and the Wise: This Age's Wonder, for his Noble Parts; Skill'd in six Tongues, and Learn'd in all the Arts. Born on the day he died, th' Eleventh of June, On which he bravely fought at Scanderoon. 'Tis rare, that one and self-same day should be His day of Birth, of Death, of Victory.

I had a Maternal Uncle, that died the Third of March last 1678, which was the Anniversary day of his Birth; and (which is a Truth exceeding strange) many years ago he foretold the day of his Death to be that of his Birth; and he also averred the same but about the Week before his depar∣ture. The Third of March is the day of St. Eutropius; and as to my Uncle it was significative; it turn'd well to him, accord∣ing to that of Rev. 14. 13. Blessed are the Dead, &c. and that of Ovid Metam. lib. 3.

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—Dicique beatus Ante obitum nemo supremaque funera debet. —None happy call Before their Death, and final Funeral.

The Sixth of Ianuary was five times au∣spicious to Charles Duke of Anjou. Ibid. in the Life of the Earl of Sunderland.

The Twenty fourth of February was happy to Charles V. four times. [Ibid.] Heylyn speak∣ing of the Temple of Ierusalem, hints three of these four; his Birth; his taking of Fran∣cis King of France Prisoner; his receiving the Imperial Crown at Bononia. And so doth also the Journal History before men∣tioned.

Of the Family of the Trevours, Six suc∣cessive principal Branches have been born the Sixth of Iuly. Same Memoirs.

Sir Humphrey Davenport was born the Seventh of Iuly; and on that day Anniver∣sary his Father and Mother died, within a quarter of an hour one of another. Same Memoirs.

I have seen an old Romish MSS. Prayer-Book (and shewed the same to that general Scholar, and great Astrologer E: Ashmole Esq) at the beginning whereof was a Calendar, wherein were inserted the Unlucky days of each Month, set out in Verse. I will re∣cite them just as they are, sometimes in∣fringing the Rule of Grammar, sometimes of Prosodia; a matter, of which the old

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Monkish Rhymers were no way scrupu∣lous. It was as ancient as Henry the Sixth, or Edward the Fourths time.

January.

Prima dies mensis, & septima truncat ut ensis.

February.

Quarta subit mortem, prosternit tertia fortem.

March.

Primus mandentem, disrumpit quarta bibentem.

April.

Denus & undenus est mortis vulnere plenus.

May.

Tertius occidit, & septimus or a * 3.1 relidit.

June.

Denus pallescit, quindenus foede∣ra nescit.

July.

Ter-decimus mactat, Iulii denus labefactat.

August.

Prima necat fortem, prosternit se∣cunda cohortem.

September.

Tertia Septembris, & Denus fert mala membris.

October.

Tertius & denus est sicut mors alienus.

November.

Scorpius est quintus, & tertius è nece cinctus.

December.

Septimus exanguis, virosus denus & anguis.

The Tenth Verse is intolerable, and might be mended thus.

Tertia cum dena sit sicut mors aliena.

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If any object and say, Deni is only the Plural; I excuse my self by that admirable Chronogram upon King Charles the Mar∣tyr.

Ter deno, Iani, Lunae, Rex (Sole cadente) Carolus exutus Solio, Sceptroque secure.

Neither will I have recourse for refuge to that Old Tetrastich,

Intrat Avaloniam duodena. Caterva virorum Flos Arimathiae Ioseph, &c.

I shall take particular notice here of the Third of November, both because 'tis my own Birth-day, and also for that I have observed some remarkable Accidents to have happened thereupon.

Constantius the Emperour, Son of Con∣stantine the Great, little inseriour to his Fa∣ther, a worthy Warriour, and good Man, died the Third of November: Ex veteri Ca∣lendario penes me.

Thomas Montacute Earl of Salisbury, that great Man, and Famous Commander under Henry IV. V. and VI. died this day, by a Wound of a Cannon-shot he received at Or∣leance, E MSS. quodam, & Glovero.

So also Cardinal Borrhomeo, famous for his Sanctity of Life, and therefore Cano∣nized

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(Heylyn in his Praecognita, says, He made Milan memorable, by his Residence there) died 1584. this day, as Possevinus in his Life.

Sir Iohn Perot (Stow corruptly calls him Parrat) a Man very remarkable in his Time, Lord Deputy of Ireland, Son to Henry VIII. and extreamly like him, died in the Tower, the Third of November 1592. (as Stow says) Grief, and the Fatality of this Day killed him. See Nanton's Frag∣menta Regalia, concerning this Man.

Stow in his Annals, says, Anno 1099, November 3. as well in Scotland as England, the Sea broke in over the Banks of many Rivers, drowning divers Towns, and much People, with an innumerable number of Oxen and Sheep, at which time the Lands in Kent, sometimes belonging to Earl God∣win, were covered with Sands, and drown∣ed, and to this day are called Godwins Sands.

I had an Estate left me in Kent, of which between thirty and forty Acres was Marsh-land, very conveniently flanking its Up-land; and in those days this Marsh-land was usually let for Four Nobles an A∣cre. My Father died 1643. Within a Year and half after his decase, such Charges and Water-scots came upon this Marsh-land, by the influence of the Sea, that it was never worth one Farthing to me, but

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very often eat into the Rents of the Up∣land: So that I often think, this day being my Birth-day, hath the same evil influence upon me, that it had 580 years since upon Earl Godwin, and others concerned in Low Lands.

The Parliament so fatal to Rome's con∣cerns here, in Henry VIII. time, began the Third of November (26 of his Reign); in which the Pope, with all his Authority, was clean banished the Realm; he no more to be called otherwise than Bishop of Rome; the King to be taken and reputed as Su∣preme Head of the Church of England, having full Authority to reform all Errors, Heresies and Abuses of the same: Also the First-fruits and Tenths of all Spiritual Pro∣motions and Dignities were granted to the King. See Stow's Annals, and Weaver, page 80.

Not long after which followed the Visi∣tation of Abbies, Priories, and Nunneries; and after that, their final Suppression: This Parliament being the Door or Entrance thereto.

The Third of November 1640, began that Parliament so direfully fatal to England, in its Peace, its Wealth, its Religion, its Gen∣try, Nobility, nay, its Kings. So verifying the former Verse of the Calendar.

Scorpius est quintus, & tertius è nece cinctus. A Killing day to some or other.

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The Third of September was a remarka∣ble day to the English Attila, Oliver. 1650, He obtained a memorable Victory at Dun∣bar; another at Worcester, 1651. And that day he died, 1658.

The first two Occurrences wonderfully accord to the preceeding Verses.

Tertia Septembris, & denus fert mala membris.

I come now to the Days of the Week.

Tuesday (Dies Martis) was a most re∣markable day with Thomas Becket Arch-Bp. of Canterbury, as Weaver 201, observes from Mat. Paris: Mars, Secundum Poetas, Deus Belli nuncupatur. Vita Sancti Thomae (se∣cundum illud Iob, Vita hominis militia est super terram) tota fuit contra hostem bellicosa, &c. The Life of St. Thomas (according to that of Iob, The Life of Man is a Warfare upon Earth) was a continual Conflict against the Enemy. Upon a Tuesday he suffered; upon a Tuesday he was translated; upon Tuesday the Peers of the Land sate against him at Northampton; upon Tuesday he was

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Banished; upon Tuesday the Lord appear∣ed to him at Pontiniac, saying, Thomas, Thomas, My Church shall be glorified in thy Blood; upon Tuesday he returned from Exile; upon Tuesday he got the Palm or reward of Martyrdom; upon Tuesday 1220, his Venerable Body received the Glory and Renown of Translation, Fifty Years after his Passion. Thus my Author.

One thing I make bold to gloss upon. His Translation is here mentioned twice. Note, This is no Tautology of the Histo∣rian; but the latter Paragraph is a more particular Recitation of the first, viz. reference to the time when he was Transla∣ted into the number of Saints and Mar∣tyrs: Quando in Divorum numerum relatus, as Camden.

Wednesday is said to have been the for∣tunate day of Sixtus Quintus, that Pope of renowned Merit, that did so great and ex∣cellent things in the time of his Govern∣ment. See The just weight of the Scarlet Robe, [pag. 101. his desired Praises.] On a Wednesday he was born; on that day he was made Monk; on the same he was made General of his Order; on that also, was he successively created Cardinal, elected Pope, and also Inaugrated. See Heylyn, speaking of the Temple of Ierusalem.

Friday was observed to be very fortunate to the Great Renowned Captain Gonsalvo,

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he having on that day given the French ma∣ny memorable Defeats.

Saturday was a Lucky Day to Henry VII. Upon that day he atchieved the Victory up∣on Richard III. being August 22. 1485. On that day he entred the City, being August 29. [Correct Stow, who mistakes the day.] And he himself always acknowledged, he had ex∣perienced it Fortunate. See Bacon in his Life.

Thursday was a fatal day to Henry VIII. [as Stow, 812.] and so also to his Posterity. He died on Thursday Ian. 28. King Ed∣ward VI. on Thursday Iuly 6. Queen Mary on Thursday November 17. Queen Elizabeth on Thursday March 24.

Saturday (or the Iewish Sabbath) was fa∣tal to Ierusalem Temple; for on that day 'twas taken by Pompey, Herod and Titus, successively. Heylyn.

Hitherto by way of Prologue. And be pleas'd to take notice, as to the Days of the Month, I have taken such care, that all are according to the Iulian or old Account, used by us here in England. [See Partridges Almanack, Preface to the Reader] Pope Gregory XIII. brought in his New Stile (generally used beyond Sea) Anno 1585. in October, as asserts the Journal History be∣fore recited.

An Old Proverb.

When Easter falls in our Ladies Lap, Then let England beware a Rap.

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Easter falls on March 25. when the Sun∣day Letter is G, and the Golden Number 5. 13, or 16. As in the late Years 1459, 1638, 1649.

1459, King Henry VI. was Deposed and Murthered.

1638, The Scotish Troubles began, on which insued the great Rebellion.

1648/9, King Charles I. Murthered.

I think it will not happen so again till the Year 1991.

Now for Epilogue and Remarkable Re∣flection.

Turning over our Annals, I chanced up∣on a two-fold Circumstance: I will not say, that none else hath observed the same; but I protest, (It a me Deus amet, ut verum loquor) I do not know of any that have; and therefore must justly claim to be acquitted from the least suspicion of Plagiarism, or plowing with others Heifers.

The First is, of William the Conquerour. The Second, of Edward III. (I need not say any thing of the Eminency of these two; every one knows what great things they did.) And making reflection upon the Au∣spicious Birth-day of his Royal Highness the Duke of YORK, I adventured upon the following Composure. [I cannot be proud of my Poetry; but I cannot but be glad of my BON HEVR, d'avoir (en lisant) tombe si fortuemènt sur les evenements d'un si BON IOVR.

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Ad Illustrissimum & Celsissimum Principem, JACOBUM Ducem EBORACENSEM, de Natali suo Auspicatissimo Octobris XIV. Anno 1633.

—Deus Anne nefasto te posuit die? Hor. lib. 2. od. 13. Octobris Decimo quarto Normannus Haraldum Dux superavit, & hinc Regia sceptra tulit. Tertius Edwardus, capto pernice Caleto, (Gallica quo Regna sunt resarata sibi) Ire domum tentans, diris turbinibus actus In pelago, Vitae magna pericla subit. Octobris Decimo quarto, tamen appulit Oras Nativas. (His quàm prosperus ille dies!) Natali laetare tuo, quàm Maxime Princeps; Fausta velut sunt haec, Omina semper habe. October's Fourteenth gave the Norman Duke That Victory,* 4.1 whence he Englands Scepter took. Third Edward, after he had Calais won, (The Mean whereby he France did over-run) Returning home, by raging Tempests tost, (And near his Life (so fortunes) to have lost) Arrived safe on Shore the self same Date.* 4.2 (This day to them afforded so fair Fate.) Great Duke, rejoyce in this your day of Birth; And may such Omens still encrease your Mirth.

These Verses I presented in Anno 1672, to a most Honourable Peer of the Land, and of great Place near his Royal Highness.

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Since which time, Old Fabian coming into my hands, from him I got knowledg, that that advantageous Peace, mentioned by Stow, Anno 1360, (concluded between the forementioned King Edward III. and the French King) was acted upon the Four∣teenth of October, with grand Solemnity.

The two former Circumstances must needs fall out Providentially: Whether this last of Anno 1360, was designed by Edward III. or no, (as remembring his former good hap) may be some question: I am of opi∣on not.

Where things are under a Mans peculiar Concern, he may fix a time; but here was the French King concerned equally with the English, and many other great Person∣ages interested. To have tied them up to his own Auspicious. Conceit of the Day, had been an unkind Oppression, and would have brought the Judgment of so Wise a Prince into question: We may conclude then, 'twas meerly fortuitous. And there∣fore to the former Observation concerning this Famous Edward, give me leave to add,

Insuper hoc ipso die (sibi commoda) Grandis Rex cum Galligenis, foeder a fecit idem. An advantageous Peace, on day self-same, This mighty Prince did with the Frenchmen frame.

A memorable Peace (foretold by Nostreda∣mus) much conducing to the saving of Chri∣stian

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Blood, was made upon the Fourteenth of October 1557. between Pope Paul IV. Henry II. of France, and Philip II. of Spain. Nostredamus says, These great Princes were frappèz du Ciel, moved from Heaven to make this Peace. See Garenciers Comment on Nostredamus, page 76.

A Lucky day this, not only to the Prin∣ces of England; but Auspicious to the Wel∣fare of Europe.

Iohn Gibbons, 1678.

Thus far Mr. Iohn Gibbon. The Latin Verses of the Twelve Months quoted by him out of an old Manuscript, I have seen in several Mass-books: And they are printed in the Kalendar to the Works of Venerable Bede. 'Tis to be presumed, that they were grounded upon experience; But we have no Instances left us of the Memorables of those Days.

As for the Third, and Tenth of September, I have here set dow some Extractions from a little Book call'd The Historians Guide, or Britain's Remembrancer; which was care∣fully collected by a Club. It begins at the Year 1600, and is continued to 1690. There cannot be found in all the time afore∣said, the like Instances.

Tertia Septembris, & denus fert mala mem∣bris.

September 3. 1641. The Parliament Ad∣journed to the 20th. of October next, and the

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Irish Rebellion broke out, where were 20000 Persons barbarously Murthered.

September 3. 1643. Biddiford, Appleford and Barnstable surrendred to the King.

Septemb. 3. 1650. Dunbar Fight.

Septemb. 3. 1651. Worcester Fight.

Septemb. 3. 1651. Earl of Darby defeat∣ed at Preston.

Septemb. 3. 1654. A Third Parliament at Westminster.

Septemb. 3. 1658. Oliver Protector died.

Septemb. 3. 1675. The Town of Nor∣thampton neer burnt down to the ground by accidental Fire.

Septemb. 3. 1662. William Lenthal Speak∣er of the House of Commons died.

Septemb. 3. 4. 1665. Four Dutch Men of War, two East-India Ships, and several Merchantmen taken by the Earl of Sand∣wich, with the loss only of the Hector.

Septemb. 2. 1644. The Earl-of Essex fled to Plymouth, and the Army submitted to the King.

Septemb. 2. 1645. The Scots raised the Siege from before Hereford.

Septemb. 2. 1653. The Londoners petiti∣on the Parliament to continue Tythes.

Septemb. 2. 1685. The Lady Lisle be∣headed at Winchester for harbouring Hicks a Rebel.

Septemb. 4. 1643. Exeter taken by Prince Maurice.

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Septemb. 4. 1653. General Blake buried at Westminster.

Septemb. 5. 1652. The French Fleet beat∣en by the English.

Memorables on September the Tenth.

Septemb. 10. 1643. The Siege of Glou∣cester raised. I remember over that Gate which leads to Nimphs-field was this follow∣ing Inscription in Free-stone: The Walls are now pulled down.

Always remember The Tenth of September One thousand six hundred forty three, And give God the Glorie.

Septemb. 10. 1645. Bristol surrendred to the Parliament.

Septemb. 10. 1649. Drogheda taken as appears by Cromwell's Letter to the Speaker Lenthal.

Septemb. 10. 1660. Peace with Spain proclaimed.

Septemb. 10. 1670. Peace concluded be∣tween England and Spain in America, was this day ratified at Madrid.

Septemb. 10. 1673. This day his Majesty commanded the Earl of Ossory to take the Command of the Fleet at the Buoy in the Nore, in the absence of Prince Rupert.

Septemb. 12. 1679. The King takes from the Duke of Monmouth his Commission of General.

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Septemb. 11. 1680. Mrs. Celier tryed at the Old-Bailey, for Publishing a Book called, Malice Defeated, &c. and found Guilty.

Septemb. 12. 1683. The Siege of Vienna raised (after the Besieged had lost 10000 Men, and the Besiegers 70000) by the King of Poland, and the Duke of Lorrain.

May 29. 1630. King Charles II. born.

May 29. 1660. Restored.

May 29. 1672. The Fleet beaten by the Dutch.

May 29. 1679. A Rebellion broke out in the West of Scotland, where they Pro∣claimed the Covenant, and put forth a De∣claration.

The Emperor Charles V. was born on February 24. 1500.

He won the Battle of Pavia, February 24. 1525.

Clement. VII. Crowned him. Emperor, February 24. 1530.

Raphael d' Vrbin [the famous Painter] was born on a Good Friday, and died on a Good Friday.

At Feltwell in Norfolk [which lies East and West] a Fire happened to break out at the West end, which the West Wind blew and burned all the Street: On that day Twenty Years, another Fire happened there, which began at the East end; and burned it to the ground again. This I had from a Reverend Divine. Quaere de hoc.

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Colonel Hugh Grove of Wiltshire was be∣headed at Exeter [together with Colonel Iohn Penrudock] on the Ninth day of May 1655: On that very day Three Years, his Son and Heir died at London of a Malignant Fever, and about the same hour of the day.

A very good Friend of mine and Old ac∣quaintance was born on the 15th of No∣vember: his Eldest Son was born on the 15th of November, and his Second Son's First Son on the 15th of November.

Day-Fatality of Rome, Written by Iohn Pell, D. D. from whom I had it.

They that called the City of Rome, Vrbs Aeterna, seemed to believe, that Rome could never be destroyed. But there have been great numbers of Men, that did verily be∣lieve, that it shall have an irrecoverable overthrow. Writers have proceeded so far, as to foretel the time of Rome's final Ruine. Some said that Rome's Perdition should happen in the Year of Christ 1670. They have now been decryed Nine whole Years: So that few take care to know what Reasons moved them to pitch upon that Number.

A Lutheran Historian, Anno 1656 wrote thus: Finem Iubileorum Ecclesiasticorum om∣niumque temporum in Scriptura revelatorum, desinere in Annum Christi Millesimum sex∣centesimum & septuagesimum, antehac obser∣vavit Beatus Gerhardus cum Philippo Nicolao.

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But all Men are not of Dr. Gerhard's Opini∣on. Many Men believe, that some of the Prophesies in the Revelation do reach far beyond our times, and that the events of future times will unclasp and unseal a considerable portion of the Apocalypse.

One of the Reasons that recommended the Number of 1670, was because it is the Sum of 410, and 1260.

Historians agree, that in the Year of Christ 410, in the Month of August Rome was trampled under foot, and her Hea∣then Inhabitants were miserably slaughter∣ed by the Victorious Army of Alaric, a Christian King of the Goths. Paulus Dia∣conus saith, August the 24th was the day of King Alaric's taking Rome. Kedrenus saith, it was August the 26th, perhaps the Army first entred the 24th, and the King follow∣ed not till two days after.

As for the other Number 1260. It is twice found in the Revelation of St. Iohn Chap. 11. 3. My two witnesses shall Prophesie a thousand two hundred and sixty days. And chap. 12. 6. Should feed the Woman in the Wilderness a thousand two hundred and three-score days. And it is there expressed in ano∣ther form [42 times 30] chap. 11. 2. The Gentiles shall tread the holy City under foot forty and two Months. chap. 13. 5. Power was given to the Blasphemous Beast to continue forty and two months. chap. 12. 14. The

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woman is nourished in the Wilderness for [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] a season and seasons, and half a season. See Act. 1. 7. 360 and 720 and 180 are equal to 1260. So it seems every 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 hath 360 days, or twelve Months at thirty days to a Month. No doubt Daniel had given occasion to this expression, chap. 7. 25. A time, and times, and the dividing of time. No Man can ground any distinct reasoning upon such general words. But at the end of the Chapter, he left off his Chaldean Tongue, and wrote Hebrew in the rest of his Book; and chap. 12. 7. he speaks more distinctly [For a season, seasons, and a half his word [Moyed (〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 condixit, indixit, con∣stituit] is not so large a word, as the other Hebrew words which we Translate Time. But yet it is not tyed to a just number of days (as 360) but is capable of various in∣terpretations in several Prophesies. Daniel useth a Plural in both places, and not a Dual [Two times, and two seasons] Nor doth Iohn say, Two seasons: But by his Numeral Il∣lustration, he teacheth us to understand him, as if he had said (chap. 12. 14.) For three seasons and half a season: I say Numeral Illustration. For I take it to be no other than an easie example (12 and 24 and 6 are 42) to direct the Sons of the Prophets not yet arrived to the skill of dealing with difficult supputations of Numbers not then discoverable 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Revel. 13 18. Here is Wis∣dom,

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Let him that hath Vnderstanding count the number of the Beast.

By 1260 days almost all the Interpreters understand so many Years, but not a Year of 360 days; because they find no Nation that hath so short a Year. The Egyptians had a year of just 365 days; but before St. Iohn was born, the Romans had forced them to allow 365¼ as we use now in Eng∣land.

In an enquiry concerning Rome it is fit to consider the length of a Roman Year. (I may justly say a Roman Moyed; for no City ever had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Years length and form of a Calender Determined, Setled, and Command∣ed with so much absolute Authority as Rome had) Iulius Caesar by an Edict com∣manded that Number of 365¼ to be obser∣ved, and therefore it is called a Iulian year. Three Iulians and an half have days 1278 3/8 But Iulian Years 1378 3/8 are 1278 Iulian Years, and days 13631/32; or almost 137 days.

Almost 100 years ago, Pope Gregory the XIII. by a Papal Bull introduced a Calen∣dar wherein the Years length is supposed to have days 36597/400. Then three Gregorian Years and an half have days 1278279/800. But Gregorian Years 1278279/800 are 1278 Iulian Years and days almost 118. Wherefore in∣stead of adding 1260, add 1278, add 137 days to the Year of our Lord 410, August 26.

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The sum shews the Year of our Lord 1688 August 163, that is, Ten days after the end of December 1688 Old stile. This is the ut∣most, or farthest day, beyond which no Apocalypse account (reckoning from Alaric) can point out a time, for the final Destructi∣on of the City of Rome.

Again (instead of adding 1260) add 1278 Years, and days 118 to the Year of our Lord 410 August 24. The sum shews the Year of our Lord 1688 August 142, that is, Eleven days before the end of De∣cember 1688 Old stile. This (December 20) is the nearest or soonest day that can be ga∣thered by Apocalyptic account (reckoning from Alaric) to point out the time of Romes final Ruin. But if it happens not before the Eleventh of Ianuary, Men will make no more reckoning of Alaric; but begin a new account from Attila in the Year of Christ, 453.

Calculation to a day (when we can do it) may be defended by a great example. Exod. 12. 41. at the end of 430 Years, even the self same day, &c.

Io. Pell.

Dr. Pell told me, that St. Augustin writes somewhere, to this purpose, viz. That it were to be wished, that some skilful Ma∣thematitian would take the pains to exa∣mine and consider the Mathematical parts of the Holy Scripture.

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CHAP. II.

Of Fatalities of Families, and Places.

THE L. Chancellor Bacon says,* 4.3

As for Nobility in particular Persons, It is a reverend thing to see an Ancient Castle or Building not in decay; or to see a fair Timber Tree sound and perfect; how much more to behold an Ancient Noble Family, which hath stood against the Waves and Weathers of Time: For new Nobility is but the Act of Power; but Ancient Nobility is the Act of Time.

But Omnium rerum est vicissitudo: Fami∣lies, and Places have their Fatalities, accord∣ing to that of Ovid

Fors sua cuique loco est—

This piece of a Verse puts me in mind of several Pla••es in Wiltshire,* 4.4 and elsewhere that are, or have been fortunate to their Owners; and è contra.

Sturton [the Seat of the Lord Sturton] was belonging to this Family before the Conquest. They say, that after the Victo∣ry at Battaile, William the Conquerour came in Person into the West, to receive their Rendition; that the Lord Abbot of Glastenbury, and the rest of the Lords and Grandees of the Western parts waited up∣on

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the Conquerour at Stourton-house; where the Family continues to this day.

The Honourable Family of the Hunger∣fords is probably of as great Antiquity as any in the County of Wilts. Hungerford [the place of the Barony] was sold but late∣ly by Sir Edward Hungerford Knight of the Bath; as also the Noble and Ancient Seat of Farleigh-Castle, about An. 167 ... But that this Estate should so long continue is not very strange; for it being so vast, 'twas a∣ble to make several with-standings against the Shock of Fortune.

The Family of Gawen have been long at Norrington in the Parish of Alvideston in Wiltshire. It was sold by—Gawen Esq to Sir Wadham Windham one of the Judges of the Kings Bench about 1665. They continued in this place Four hundred fifty and odd Years. Then also was sold their Estate in Broad-Chalk, which they had as long, or perhaps longer. On the South Down of the Farm of Broad-Chalk is a little Barrow called Gawen's Barrow; [which must be before Ecclesiastical Canons were constituted; for since, Burials are only in Consecrated ground.] King Edgar gave the Mannor and Farm of Broad-Chalk to the Nunns of Wilton-Abby, which is 900 Years ago.

Mr. Thinne in his Explanation of the hard words in Chaucer, writes thus, Gawyn,

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fol. 23. p. 1. This Gawyn was Sisters Son to Arthur the Great, King of the Britains, a most famous Man in War, and in all man∣ner of Civility; as in the Acts of the Bri∣tains we may read. In the Year 1082 in a Province of Wales called Rose was his Se∣pulchre found. Chaucer in the Squires Tale.

This straunge Knight that came thus sodenly All armed, save his head, full royally Sulued the King, and Queen, and Lords all By order as they sitten in the Hall With so high Reverence and Obeisaunce As well in Speech as in Countenance, That Gawain with his old Courtesie, Though he came again out of Fairie, He could him not amend of no word.—

Clavel of—in the Isle of Purbec in the County of Dorset was in that place before the Conquest, as appears by Dooms-day Book, The like is said of Hamden, of Hamden in Bucks: Their Pedigree says, that one of that Family had the Conduct of that County in two Invasions of the Danes. Also Pen of

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Pen in that County was before the Con∣quest, as by Dooms-day Book.

Contrary wise, there are several places un∣lucky to their Possessors. e. g. Charter-house on Mindip in Somersetshire never pass'd yet, to the Third Generation. The Man∣nor of Butleigh near Glastonbury, never went, yet, to the Third Generation.

Bletchington in Oxfordshire continued in the Family of the Pauures, for about 300 Years: It was alienated by—Pauure to Sir Iohn Lenthall about the Year 1630, who sold it again to Sir Thomas Coghill about 1635. He sold it to William Lewis Esq whose Relict made it over to the Duke of Richmond and Lenox, about the Year 166 ..., His Grace sold it to Arthur Earl of Anglesie about 166 ...

Fatality of Proper Names of Princes. e. g. Augustus the first Roman Emperor and Au∣gustulus the last. Constantine the first Greci∣an Emperor and Constantine the last. The like is observed of the first and last Mexican Experors: And the Turks have a Prophesie that the last Emperor will be a Mahomet.

Iohn hath been an unfortunate Name to Kings. All the Second Kings since the Conquest have been unfortunate.

London-Derry was the first Town in Ire∣land that declared for the Parliament against King Charles the I. and for the Prince of Orange against King Iames the II. It was

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closely Besieged both times without effect. The Kings Party were once Master of all the Kingdom except London-Derry and Dub∣lin, and King Iames had all in his power but London-Derry and Iniskilling. One Taylor a Minister was as famous for his Martial feats in the first Siege, as Walker in the last.

'Tis certain, that there are some Houses unlucky to their Inhabitants, which the Reverend and Pious Dr. Nepier could ac∣knowledge. See Tobit chap. 3. v. 8. That she had been married to seven Husbands, whom Asmodeus the evil spirit had killed, before they had lien with her.

The Fleece-Tavern in Covent-garden [in York-street] was very unfortunate for Homi∣cides: there have been several killed, three in my time: It is now (1692) a private House.

A handsom Brick-house on the South side of Clerken-well Church-yard hath been so unlucky for at least Forty Years that it was seldom Tenanted; and at last, no body would adventure to take it. Also a hand∣some House in Holbourn that looked toward the Fields; the Tenants of it did not pros∣per, several, about six.

At the Sign of—over against Nor∣thumberland House near Chearing-Cross died the Lady Baynton [Eldest Daughter of Sir Iohn Danvers of Dantesey.] Some years after in the same House died my Lady Hoby [her

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Sister] of the Small-Pox, and about twenty years after died their Nephew Henry Dan∣vers Esq of the Small-Pox, aged Twenty one, wanting two Weeks. He was Nephew and Heir to the Right Honourable Henry Danvers Earl of Danby.

Edmund Wyld Esq hath had more Deo∣dands from his Mannour of Totham in Essex, than from all his Estate besides: Two Mis∣chiefs happened in one Ground there.

Disinheriting the Eldest Son is forbid in the Holy Scripture, and Estates disinherited are observed to be unfortunate; of which one might make a large Catalogue. See Dr. Saunderson's Sermon—where he dis∣courses of this Subject.

Periodical Small-Poxes.

The Small-Pox is usually in all great Towns:* 4.5 But it is observed at Taunton in Somersetstire, and at Shirburne in Dorsetshire, that at one of them at every Seventh Year, and at the other at every Ninth Year comes a Small-Pox, which the Physitians cannot master, e. g.

Small-pox in Shirburn during the year

1626* 4.6

And during the year

1634

From Michaelmas 1642 to Mich.

1643

From Michaelmas 1649 to Mich.

1650

From Michaelmas 1657 to Mich.

1658

In the Year 1667 from Ian. to Sept. 1667 Mr. Ax promised me to enquire the Years it happened there after 1670, and 1680; but Death prevented him.

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Small-Pox in Taunton all the Year

1658* 4.7

Likewise in the Year

1670

Again in the Year

1677

Again very mortal in the Year

1684

Mr. Ax also promised me to enquire at Taunton the Years it happened there after 1660.

It were to be wished that more such Ob∣servations were made in other great Towns.

Platerus makes the like Observations in the second Book of his Practise, pag. 323. He practised at Basil 56 Years, and did ob∣serve, that every Tenth Year they died of the Plague there.

See Captain I. Graunts Observations of the Bills of Mortality at London [indeed, written by Sir William Petty, which in a late Transaction he confessed] for the Peri∣odical Plagues at London, which (as I re∣member) are every Twenty fifth Year.

CHAP. III.

Ostenta, or Portents.

HOW it comes to pass, I know not;* 4.8 but by Ancient and Modern Ex∣ample it is evident, that no great Accident befalls a City or Province, but it is pre∣saged by Divination, or Prodigy, or

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Astrologie, or some way or other.

I shall here set down a few Instances.

A Rainbow appeared about the Sun before the Battel of Pharsalia. See Appian; and Mr. T. May's V. Book of his Continuation of Lucan,

Ex Chronico Saxonico, P. 112. Anno MCIV. fuit primus Pentecostes dies Nonis Iunii, & die Martis sequente, conjuncti sunt quatuor Circuli circa Solem, albi coloris, & quisque sub alio collocatus, quasi picti essent. Omnes qui videbant obstupuerunt, propterea quod nunquam ante tales meminerant. Post haec facta est Pax inter Comitem Robertum de Normanniâ, & Robertum de Baelaesme—

Our Chronicles tell us, that Anno Se∣cundo Reginae Mariae 15 Feb. two Suns ap∣peared, and a Rainbow reversed: See the Bow turned downwards, and the two ends standing upwards; before the coming in of King Philip.

This following Phaenomenon was seen at

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of May, 1647. It continued from about Eleven a Clock [or before] till XII. It was a very clear day; but few did take notice of it, because it was so near the Sun∣beams. My Mother happened to espy it, going to see what a Clock it was by an Ho∣rizontal Dial; and then all the Servants saw it. Upon the like occasion Mr. Io. Sloper B. D. Vicar there, saw it, and all his Family: and Servants of Sir George Vaug∣ham [then of Falston] who were Hunting on the Downs, saw it. The Circles were of Rainbow colour; the two Filots, which cross the greater Circle [I presume they were Segments of a Third Circle] were of a pale Colour. The Sun was within the Intersections of the Circles.* 4.9 The next re∣markable thing that followed was, that on the Third of Iune following, Cornet Ioyce carried King Charles I. Prisoner from Hol∣denby to the Isle of Wight. The Isle of Wight lieth directly from Broad-Chalk, at the X a Clock point.

This following Phaenomenon was seen in the North side of the Church-yard of Bi∣shops-Lavington in Wiltshire, about the lat∣ter end of September 1688, about Three a Clock in the Afternoon.

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This was more than a Semicircle.

B B Two Balls of light. They were about Eleven degrees above the Horizon by the Quadrant; observed by Mr. Robert Blea, one of the Earl of Abingdon's Gentlemen.

Cicero de Natura Deorum Lib. II. Mul∣ta praeterea Ostentis, multa ex eis admonemur, multisque rebus aliis, quas diuturnus usus ita notarit, ut artem Divinationis efficeret.—

CHAP. IV.

Omens.

BEfore the Battel at Philippi began, two Eagles fought in the Air between the two Armies: Both the Armies stood still and beheld them, and the Army was bea∣ten,

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that was under the vanquished Eagle. See Appian's Hist. Part. II. Lib. 4. §. 2.

The Silver Cross that was wont to be carried before Cardinal Wolsey, fell out of its Socket, and was like to have knock'd one of the Bishop's Brains out. A very lit∣tle while after, came in a Messenger, and arrested the Cardinal, before he could get out of the House. See Stow's Chronicle.

'Tis commonly reported, that before an Heir of the Cliftons of Clifton in Nottingham∣shire dies, that a Sturgeon is taken in the River Trent by that place.

Thomas Fludd of Kent, Esq told me, that it is an old Observation, which was pressed earnestly to King Iames I, that he should not remove the Queen of Scots Body from Northamptonshire where she was beheaded, and interred: For that, it always bodes ill to the Family, when Bodies are removed from their Graves. For some of the Fami∣ly will die shortly after, as did Prince Henry, and, I think Queen, Anne.

A little before the Death of Oliver Pro∣tector, a Whale came into the River Thames and was taken at Greenwich ... foot long. 'Tis said, Oliver was troubled at it.

When I was a Freshman at Oxford 1642, I was wont to go to Christ-Church to see King Charles I. at Supper: Where I once heard him say,

That as he was Hawking in Scotland, he rode into the Quarry, and

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found the Covey of Partridges falling up∣on the Hawk; and I do remember this expression farther, viz. and I will swear upon the Book 'tis true.

The Bust of King Charles I. carv'd by Barnini, as it was brought in a Boat upon the Thames, a strange Bird [the like where∣of the Bargemen had never seen] drop'd a drop of Blood, or Blood-like upon it; which left a stain not to be wiped off. This Bust was carved from a Picture of Sir Anthony Van Dyke's Drawing; the Sculptor found great fault with the Fore-head, as most un∣fortunate. There was a Seam in the middle of his Fore-head (downwards) which is a very ill sign in Metoposcopie.

Colonel Sharington Talbot was at Notting∣ham, when King Charles I. did set up his Standard upon the top of the Tower there. He told me, that the first night, the Wind blew it so, that it hung down almost hori∣zontal; which some did take to be an ill Omen.

The day that the Long Parliament began 1641, the Scepter fell out of the Figure of King Charles in Wood in Sir—Trenchard's Hall at Wullich in Dorset, as they were at dinner in the Parlour: Justice Hunt then dined there.

The Picture of Arch-Bishop Lawd in his

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Closet fell down [the string brake] the day of the sitting of that Parliament. This is men∣tioned in Canterbury's Doom by W. Prynn.

The Psalms for the Eleventh Day of the Month are 56, 57, 58, &c. On the 11th. day of one of the Months in the Summer time, the Citizens came tumultuously in great Numbers in Boats and Bardges over a∣gainst White-hall, to shew, they would take the Parliaments part. The Psalms afore∣said, both for Morning and Evening Service are as Prophecies of the Troubles that did ensue.

When the High-Court of Justice was voted in the Parliament-House, as Berken∣head [the Mace-bearer] took up the Mace to carry it before the Speaker, the top of the Mace fell off. This was avowed to me by an Eye-witness then in the House.

The Head of King Charles I^s. Staff did fall off at his Tryal; that is commonly known.

The Second Lesson for the 30th. of Ianu∣ary in the Kalendar before the Common-Prayer, is concerning the Tryal of Christ: which when Bishop Duppe read, the King was displeased with him, thinking he had done it of choice: but the Bishop cleared himself by the Kalendar, as is to be seen.

King Charles II. was Crowned at the very conjunction of the Sun and Mercury; Mercury being then in Corde Solis. As the King was at Dinner in Westminster-Hall, it Thundred

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and Lightned extreamly. The Cannons and the Thunder played together.

King Charles II. went by long Sea to Portsmouth, or Plymouth, or both: an ex∣traordinary Storm arose, which carried him almost to France. Sir Ionas Moor (who was then with his Majesty) gave me this Account, and said, that when they came to Portsmouth to refresh themselves, they had not been there above half an Hour, but the Weather was Calm and the Sun shone: His Majesty put to Sea again, and in a lit∣tle time they had the like Tempestuous Weather as before.

The Gloucester-Frigot cast away at the Lemanore, and most of the Men in it, the Duke of York escaping in a Cock-boat An∣no 1682. May the fifth, on a Fryday.

When King Iames II. was Crowned [ac∣cording to the Ancient Custom, the Peers go to the Throne, and kiss the King] the Crown was almost kiss'd off his Head. An Earl did set it right: And as he came from the Abbey to Westminster-Hall, the Crown totter'd extreamly.

The Canopy [of Cloath of Gold] carried over King Iames IIs. Head by the Wardens of the Cinque Ports, was torn by a puff of Wind as he came to Westminster-hall: It hung down very lamentably: I saw it.

The top of his Scepter [Flower de Lis] did then fall, which the Earl of Peterborough took up.

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Upon Saint Mark's day, after the Coro∣nation of King Iames II. were prepared stately Fire-works on the Thames: It hap∣pened, that they took fire all together, and it was so dreadful, that several Spectators leap'd into the River, choosing rather to be drown'd than burn'd. In a Yard by the Thames was my Lord Powys's Coach and Horses: the Horses were so frighted by the Fire-works, that the Coachman was not able to stop them, but ran away over one who with great difficulty recovered.

When King Iames II. was at Salisbury, Anno 1688, the Iron Crown upon the Tur∣ret of the Councel-house was blown off.

In February, March, and April, two Ravens built their Nests on the Weather-cock of the high Steeple at Bakwell in Darbyshire.

I did see Mr. Chr. Love beheaded on Tower-hill, in a delicate clear day: About half an hour after his Head was struck off, the Clouds gathered blacker and blacker: and such terrible Claps of Thunder came, that I never heard greater.

'Tis reported, that the like happened af∣ter the Execution of Alderman Cornish in Cheap-side, Octob. 23. 1685.

Anno 1643, as Major Iohn Morgan of Wells was marching with the Kings Army into the West, fell sick of a Malignant Fe∣ver at Salisbury, and was brought dange∣rously ill to my Father's at Broad-Chalk, where

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he was lodged, secretly, in a Garret. There came a Sparrow to the Chamber Window, which peck'd the Lead of a certain Pannel only, and only one side of the Lead of the Lozenge, and made one small hole in it. He continued this pecking and biting the Lead, during the whole time of his sickness (which was not less than a Month) when the Major went away the Sparrow desisted: and came thither no more. Two of the Servants that attended the Major, and sober Persons, declared this for a certainty.

Sir Walter Long's [of Dorset in Wilts] Widow did make a solemn promise to him, on his Death-bed, that she would not marry after his Decease. But not long after one Sir—Fox, a very Beautiful young Gen∣tleman did win her Love: so that notwith∣standing her Promise aforesaid, she married him: She married at South-wrax-hall, where the Picture of Sir Walter hung over the Par∣lour door, as it doth now at Dracot. As Sir—Fox led his Bride by the hand from the Church (which is near to the House) into the Parlour, the string of the Picture brake, and the Picture fell on her shoulder, and crack'd in the fall: [it was painted on wood as the fashion was in those days.] This made her Ladyship reflect on her Promise, and drew some Tears from her Eyes.

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See Sir Walter Raleigh's History Book IV. chap. 2. §. 7. p ... The Dogs of the French Army, the night before the Battle of No∣vara, ran all to the Swisses Army: the next day the Swisses obtained a glorious Victory of the French. Sir Walter Raleigh affirms it to be certainly true.

The last Battle fought in the North of Ireland between the Protestants and the Pa∣pists was in Glinsuly near Letterkenny in the County of Donegall. Veneras was the Po∣pish Bishop of Clogher, and that of the Par∣liament Army Sir Charles Coot. They pitch'd their Tents on each side the River Suly. And the Papists constantly persist in it to this very day, that the Night before the Action, a Woman of uncommon stature all in white appearing to the said Bishop, admonished him not to cross the River first to assault the Enemy, but suf∣fer them to do it, whereby he should ob∣tain the Victory. That if the Irish took the water first to move towards the Eng∣lish, they should be put to a total rout, which came to pass. Ocahan, and Sir Henry O Neal who were both kill'd there, saw se∣verally the same Apparition, and disswaded the Bishop from giving the first onset, but could not prevail upon him. In the mean time I find nothing in this Revelation, that any common Soldier might not conclude without extraordinary means.

Page 44

Near the same place a party of the Pro∣testants had been surpriz'd sleeping by the Popish Irish, were it not for several Wrens that just wakned them by dancing and pecking on the Drums as the Enemy were approaching. For this reason the wild Irish mortally hate these Birds to this day, calling them the Devils Servants, and kill∣ing them where ever they catch them; They teach their Children to thrust them full of Thorns: You'll see sometimes on Ho∣lidays a whole Parish running like mad∣men from Hedg to Hedg a Wren-hunting.

Anno 1679, After the Discovery of the Popish Plot, the Penal Laws were put in execution against the Roman Catholicks: So, that if they did not receive the Sacrament according to the Church of England in their Parish Church, they were to be severely proceeded against according to Law: Mr. Ployden, to avoid the Penalty, went to his Parish Church at Lasham near Alton in Hampshire: when Mr. Laurence [the Minister] had put the Chalice into Mr. Ployden's hand, the Cup of it (wherein the Wine was) fell off. 'Tis true, It was out of order before; and he had a Tremor in his hand. The Communion was stopt by this accident. This was attested to me by two of the Neighbouring Ministers, as also several Gentlemen of the Neighbourhood.

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When King Iames II. first entred Dublin after his Arrival from France 1689, one of the Gentlemen that bore the Mace before him stumbled without any rub in his way, or other visible occasion. The Mace fell out of his hands, and the little Cross upon the Crown thereof stuck fast between two stones in the street. This is very well known all over Ireland, and did much trouble King Iames himself with many of his chief Attendants.

CHAP. V.

Dreams.

— 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉

HE that has a mind to read of Dreams, may peruse Cicero de Divinatione, Hier. Cardani Somniorum Synesiorum Lib. IV. and Moldinarius de Insomniis, &c. I shall here mention but little out of them, my purpose being chiefly to set down some remarkable, and Divine Dreams of some, that I have had the honour to be intimate∣ly acquainted with, persons worthy of Be∣lief.

Cicero de Divinatione Lib. I.

Hannibalem, Coelius scribit, cùm Columnam auream, quae es∣set in fano Iunonis Laciniae, auferre vellet, du∣bitaretque

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utrum ea solida esset, an extrinsecus inaurata, perterebravisse: cumque solidam in∣venisset, statuissetque tollere, secundum quietem visam esse ei Iunonem praedicere, ne id faceret; minitarique, si id fecisset, se curaturam, ut eum quoque oculum, quo bene videret, amitteret: idque ab homine acuto non esse neglectum: ita∣que ex eo auro, quod exterebratum esset, bucu∣lam curasse faciendam, & eam in summa co∣lumna collocavisse.

—Cum duo quidam Arcades familiares iter unà facerent, & Megaram venissent, alte∣rum ad cauponem divertisse; ad hospitem al∣terum. Qui, ut coenati quiescerent, concubia nocte visum esse in somnis ei qui erat in hospi∣tio, illum alterum or are ut subveniret, quòd si∣bi à caupone interitus pararetur: eum primò perterritum somnio surrexisse: deinde, cùm se collegisset, idque visum pro nihilo habendum esse duxisset, recubuisse: tum ei dormienti eundem illum visum esse rogare, ut quoniam sibi vivo non subvenisset, mortem suam ne inultam esse pateretur: se interfectum in plaustrum â caupo∣ne esse conjectum, & supra stercus injectum: petere, ut manè ad portam adesset, priusquam plaustrum ex oppido exiret. Hoc verò som∣nio commotum manè bubulco praestò ad por∣tam fuisse, quaesisse ex eo, quid esset in plaustro: illum perterritum fugisse, mortuum erutuum esse, cauponem re patefacta poenas dedisse. Quid hoc somnio dici divinius potest?

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—Somnium de Simonide, qui cum ignotum quendam projectum mortuum vidisset, eumque humavisset, haberetque in animo navem conscendere, moneri visus est, ne id faceret, ab eo, quem sepultum affecerent: si navigasset eam naufragio esse perituram: itaque Simon∣dem redisse; perisse caeteros, qui tum navigassent.

Cicero de Divinatione, Lib. II. Somnium Alexandri. Qui, cùm Ptolomaeus familiaris ejus in praelio telo venenato ictus esset, eóque vulnere summo cum dolore moreretur, Alexan∣der assidens somno est consopitus; tum secundum quietem visus ei dicitur draco is, quem mater Olympias alebat, radiculam ore ferre, & simul dicere quo illa loci nasceretur (neque is longe ab∣erat ab eo loco:) ejus autem esse vim tantam, ut Ptolemaeum facile sanaret. Cùm Alexander experrectus narrasset amicis somnium, emisisse qui illam radiculam quaererent. Qua inventa, & Ptolemaeus sanatus dicitur, & multi mili∣tes, qui erant eodem genere teli vulnerati.

Cardanus Somniorum Synesiorum. Lib. IIII. Cap. 2. Narrat Plinius 25 Lib. Nat. Hist. vir ab omni superstitione alienissimus, Histo∣riam hujusmodi. Nuper cujusdam mili∣tantis in Paetorio mater vidit in quiete, ut radicem sylvestris Rosae (quam cynor∣rhodon vocant) blanditam sibi aspectu pridie in fruteto, mitteret filio bibendam: In Lacetania res gerebatur, Hispaniae proxima parte: casuque accidit, ut mi∣lite à morsu canis incipiente aquas ex∣pavescere,

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superveniret epistola orantis ut parêret religioni: servatusque est ex in∣sperato, & posteà quisquis auxilium simi∣le t••ntavit.

Ibid. Galeni tria Somnia.

—Tertium magis dignum miraculo, cum bis per somnium admonitus ut arteriam secaret quae inter pollicem & indicem est, idque agens liberatus sit à diu∣turno dolore, quo infestabatur eâ in parte, qua septo transverso jecur jungitur, idque in libri de sectione venae fine testatus est. Magno certè exemplo, quod tantus vir in medicina eam ad∣hibuerit somnio fidem, ut in seipso periculam vitae subierit, in arte propria. Deinde probi∣tatem admiror, ut quò potuerit solertia ingenii sibi inventum ascribere, Deo cui debebatur, red∣diderit. Dignus vel hoc solo vir immortali∣tate nominis, & librorum suorum.

In his fourth Book, chap. 4. De exem∣plis propriis, he owns the Solution of some difficult Problems in Algebra to his Dreams.

Plinii Nat. Hist. Lib. XXII. cap. 17.

Vernula charus Pericli Atheniensium Prin∣pi, cùm is in arce templum aedificaret, repsissetque super altitudinem fastigii, & inde cecidisset, hac herba [Parthenio] di∣citur sanatus, mostrata Pericli somnio à Minerva. Quare Parthenium vocari coepta est, assignaturque ei Deae.

Augustinus, Cui etiam praeter sanctitatem, plena fides adhiberi potest, duo narrat inter reliqua, somnia admiranda. Primum, quod

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cum quidam mortuo nuper patre venaretur tan∣quam de pecunia quam pater illi ex chirographo debuisset, dum incastus viveret, ex hac causae nocte quadam umbram patris videt, quae illum admonuit de persolutâ pecuniâ & ubi chirogra∣phum esset repositum. Cum surrexisset, invenit chirographum loco eo quem umbra paterna docu∣erat, liberatusque est ab injusto petitore.

Alterum adhuc magis mirum.

Praestantius, vir quidam, à Philosopho peti∣er at dubitationem quandam solvi: quod ille per∣negavit. Nocte sequente, tametsi vigilaret Praestantius, vidit sibi Philosophum assistere, ac dubitationem solvere, moxque abire. Cùm die sequenti obviam Praestantius eundem habu∣isset Philosophum, rogat, Cur cùm pridie ro∣gatus noluisset solvere illam quaestionem, in∣tempesta nocte non rogatus, & venisset ad se & dubitationem aperuisset. Cui Philosophus. Non quidem ego adveni, sed somnians visus sum tibi hoc officium praestare.

The Plague raging in the Army of the Emperor Charles Vth, he Dreamt, that the Decoction of the Root of the Dwarfe-Thistle [a Mountain Plant since called the Caro∣line Thistle] would Cure that Disease. See Gerards Herbal, who tells us this.

In Queen Mary's time, there was only one Congregation of Protestants in London, to the number of about 300. One— was the Deacon to them, and kept the List of their Names: One—of that Congre∣gation

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did Dream, that a Messenger [Queens Officer] had seized on this Deacon, and taken his List; the Fright of the Dream a∣waked him: He fell asleep and dreamt the same perfect Dream again. In the Morn∣ing before he went out of his Chamber, the Deacon came to him and told him his Dream, and said, it was a Warning from God; the Deacon slighted his advice as savouring of Superstition; but—was so urgent with him, that he prevail'd with him to deposite the List in some other Hand, which he did that Day. The next Day the Queens Officer attacqued him, and search'd (in vain) for the List, which had it been found, would have brought them all to the Flame. Fox's Martyrology.

When Arch-Bishop Abbot's Mother (a poor Clothworker's Wife in Gilford) was with Child of him, she did long for a Iack, and she dreamt that if she should Eat a Jack, her Son in her Belly should be a great Man. She arose early the next Morning and went with her Pail to the River-side (which runneth by the House, now an Ale-house, the Sign of the 3 Mariners) to take up some Water, and in the Water in the Pail she found a good Jack, which she dressed, and eat it all, or very near. Seve∣ral of the best Inhabitants of Gilford were invited (or invited themselves) to the Christning of the Child; it was Bred up a

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Scholar in the Town, and by degrees, came to be Arch-Bishop of Canterbury.

In the Life of Monsieur Peiresk, Writ by Gassendes, it is said, that Monsieur Peiresk, who had never been at London, did Dream, that he was there, and as he was walking in a great Street there, espied in a Goldsmiths Glass-Desk, an Antique Coin, he could never meet with (I think an Otho.) When he came to London, walking in (I think) Cheapside he saw such a Shop, and remem∣bred the Countenance of the Goldsmith in his Dream, and found the Coin desir'd, in his Desk. See his Life.

When Doctor Harvey (one of the Physi∣tians College in London) being a Young Man, went to Travel towards Padoa, he went to Dover (with several others) and shewed his Pass, as the rest did, to the Go∣vernor there. The Governor told him, that he must not go, but he must keep him Prisoner. The Doctor desired to know for what reason? how he had transgrest. Well it was his Will to have it so. The Pacquet-Boat Hoised Sail in the Evening (which was ve∣ry clear) and the Doctor's Companions in it. There ensued a terrible Storm, and the Pacquet-Boat and all the Passengers were Drown'd: The next day the sad News was brought to Dover. The Doctor was unknown to the Governor, but by Name and Face; but the Night before, the Go∣vernor

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had a perfect Vision in a Dream of Doctor Harvey, who came to pass over to Calais; and that he had a Warning to stop him. This the Governor told to the Doctor the next day. The Doctor was a pious good Man, and has several times di∣rected this Story to some of my Acquain∣tance.

My Lady Seymer dreamt, that she found a Nest, with Nine Finches in it. And so many Children she had by the Earl of Win∣chelsey, whose name is Finch.

The Countess of Cork (now Burlington) being at Dublin, dreamt that her Father (the Earl of Cumberland) who was then at York, was Dead. He died at that time.

'Tis certain, that several had monitory Dreams of the Conflagration of London.

Sir Christopher Wren, being at his Father's House Anno. 1651. at Knahil in Wilts, (a young Oxford Scholar) dreamt, that he saw a Fight in a great Market-place, which he knew not; where some were flying, and others pursuing; and among those that fled, he saw a Kinsman of his who went in∣to Scotland to the King's Army. They heard in the Country, that the King was come into England, but whereabout he was they could not tell. The next Night his Kinsman came to his Father at Knahill, and was the first that brought the News of the Fight at Worcester.

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When Sir Christopher Wren was at Paris about 1671, he was Ill and Feverish, made but little Water, had a pain in his Reins. He sent for a Physitian, who advis'd him to be let Blood, thinking he had a Pleurisy: But Bleeding much disagreeing with his Constitution, he would defer it a Day lon∣ger: That Night he dreamt, that he was in a place where Palm-Trees grew, (sup∣pose Egypt) and that a Woman in a Ro∣mantick Habit, reach'd him Dates. The next Day he sent for Dates, which Cured him of the pain in his Reins.

Since, I have learn'd that Dates are an admirable Medicine for the Stone, from old Capt. Took of K. Take 6 or 10 Date∣stones, dry them in an Oven, pulverize and searce them; take as much as will lie on a 6 d. in a quarter of a Pint of White-wine Fasting; and at Four in the Afternoon: Walk or Ride an Hour after: In a Weeks time it will give ease, and in a Month Cure. If you are at the Bath, the Bath Water is better than White-wine to take it in.

Sir Iohn Hoskin's Lady, when she lay in of her Eldest Son had a Swelling on one side of her Belly the 3d. day when the Milk came, and Obstructions: She dreamt that Syrup of Elderberries and Distill'd water of Woormwood would do her good; and it did so: she found ease in a quarter of an

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Hour after she had taken it. I had this Ac∣count from her Ladyship's own Mouth.

Captain—Wingate told me, that Mr. Edmund Gunter of Gresham College did cast his Nativity, when he was about 17, or 18 Years old; by which he did Prognosticate that he should be in danger to lose his Life for Treason. Several Years before the Ci∣vil Wars broke out, he had dreamt that he was to be put to Death, before a great Ca∣stle, which he had never seen; which made a strong impression in his Memory. In Anno 1642, he did oppose the Church Ce∣remonies, and was chosen a Member of Par∣liament, then was made a Captain, and was taken Prisoner at Edge-hill by Prince Rupert, and carried to Kenelworth Castle, where he was Tryed by a Council of War, and Condemn'd to Die: But they did better consider of it, and spared his Life; for that he being so considerable a Person, might make an exchange for some of the King's Party: And he was exchang'd for the Right Honourable Montague Earl of Lindsey (Heir of the General). Since the Restauration he was made one of the Com∣missioners of the Excise-Office in London.* 4.10 He did Protest that Kenelworth Castle was the very Castle that he saw in his Dream.

Sir Roger L'Estrange was wont to diver∣tise himself with Cocking in his Father's (Sir Hammond L'Estrange's) Park; he dreamt

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that there came to him in such a place of the Park a Servant, who brought him News, that his Father (who had been Sick a good while) was departed. The next day go∣ing to his usual Recreation, he was resolv'd for his Dream sake to avoid that way; but his Game led him to it, and in that very place, the Servant came and brought him the Ill News according to his Dream.

Mr. Edmund Halley R. S. S. was carried on with a strong Impulse to take a Voyage to St. Hellens, to make Observations of the Southern Constellations, being then about 24 Years Old. Before he undertook his Voy∣age, he dream'd that he was at Sea Sailing towards that place, and saw the Prospect of it from the Ship in his Dream, which he declared in the R. Society that it was the perfect Representation of that Island, even as he had it really when he approach'd to it.

A Gentlewoman dream'd that a Pul••ess of Blew-Corans, would Cure her sore Throat; and it did so: She was a pious Woman, and affirm'd it to be true.

Anno 1690 one in Ireland dream'd of a Brother, or near Relation of his, (who lived at Amesbery in Wiltshire) that he saw him riding on the Downs, and that two Thieves Robb'd him and Murther'd him: The Dream awaked him, he fell asleep a∣gain and had the like Dream. He Writ to

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his Relation an account of it, and describ'd the Thieves Complexion, Stature and Cloths; and advis'd him to take care of himself. Not long after he had receiv'd this Monitory Letter, he Rode towards Salisbury, and was Robb'd and Murther'd: And the Murtherers were discovered by this Letter, and were Executed: They hang in Chains on the Road to London.

'Twas reveal'd to a King of Scots, that if he drank of the Water of Muswell, he should be Cured—After great enquiry, they heard of such a place, not far from Hornsey in Middlesex. See Weaver's Funeral Monu∣ments of the Well: And Io. Norden's De∣scription of Middlesex. Here was afterwards founded a Religious-House for Austin Monks: Since it belonged to Sir Tho. Row: and in 1677, was pull'd down, and the Ma∣terials sold. Anciently the King's of Scot∣land were Feudatory to the King's of Eng∣land, and did their Homage every Christ∣mas Day. They had several Lodges be∣longing to them for their Reception in their Journey; as at Huntingdon &c. See Caxton's Chronicle concerning this.

The Water of this Spring is drank for some Distempers still.

Somnium ex Euburneâ portâ.

Mrs. Cl. of S. in the County of S. had a beloved Daughter, who had been a long time Ill, and received no benefit from her

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Physitians. She dream'd that a Friend of hers deceased, told her, that if she gave her Daughter a Drench of Yewgh pounded, that she would recover, she gave her the Drench and it Killed her. Whereupon she grew almost distracted: Her Chamber Maid to Complement her, and mitigate her Grief, said surely that could not Kill her; she would adventure to take the same her self; she did so, and died also. This was about the Year 1670, or 1671. I knew the Fa∣mily.

A Gentlewoman of my acquaintance dream'd, that if she slept again, the House would be in danger to be Robb'd: She kept awake, and anon Thieves came to break open the House; but were prevented.

Mr. Winstanly (Surveyor of the King's Works) hath built a handsome House at Littlebury in Cambridgshire near Audely-Inn where are to be seen several Ingenious Ma∣chines; one whereof is thus: A Wooden Slipper finely Carved lieth on the Floor of a Chamber about a Yard and an half within the Door, which the Stranger is to take up (it comes up pretty stiff) and up starts a Skeleton. I. H. Esq had been there: And being at West-Lavington with the Earl of Abbington, dream'd December the 9th, that he was at Mr. Winstanly's House, and took up the Slipper, and up rose his Mother in Mourning: And anon the Queen appeared

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in Mourning. He told his Dream the next Morning to my Lord, and his Lordship im∣parted it to me (then there). Tuesday Dec. 11. in the Evening, came a Messenger Post from London to acquaint Mr. H. that his Mother was dangerously Ill: He went to London the next Day: his Mother lived but a∣bout 8 Days longer. On Saturday Dec. 15. the Queen was taken Ill, which turned to the Small-Pox, of which she died Decem. 28 about two a Clock in the Morning.

There are Millions of such Dreams too little taken notice of; but they have the truest Dreams, whose IX^th House is well dignified; which mine is not: But most have some Monitory Dreams. The Germans are great Observers of them. It is said, in the Life of Vavasor Powell, that he was a great Ob∣server of Dreams, (P. 17 and 114 of his Life) that he had many Warnings from them; that God had spoken to himself and others by them; for Warning, Instruction, or Reproof: And it is also there averred, that Angels had appear'd to him. See P. 8. of his Life.

In Mr. Walton's Life of Sir Hen. Wotton, there is a Remarkable story of the discove∣ry of stoln Plate in Oxford by a Dream which his Father had at Borton Mulharb in Kent. See in Ath. et Fasti Oxon. Vol. 1. P. 351.

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CHAP. VI.

Apparitions.

CYnthia [Propertius's Mistress] did ap∣pear to him after her death with the Beril-Ring on her Finger. See Propertius Eleg.—

St. Augustin [in—] affirms, that he did once see a Satyr or Demon.

The Antiquities of Oxford tell us, that St. Edmund Arch-Bishop of Canterbury did sometimes converse with an Angel, [or Nymph] at a Spring without St. Clements Parish near Oxford: as Numa Pompilius did with the Nymph Egeria. This Well was stopped up since Oxford was a Garrison.

Charles the Simple, King of France, as he was hunting in a Forest, and lost his Com∣pany, was frighted to simplicity by an Appa∣rition.

Philip Melancthon, writes, that the Ap∣parition of a Venerable Person came to him in his Study, and bade him to warn his Friend Grynaeus to depart from him as soon as he could, or else the Inquisitors would seize on him: which monitory Dream saved Grynaeus life.

Mr. Fiennes Morison in his Travels, saith, that when he was at Prague, the Appariti∣of

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his Father came to him; and at that ve∣ry time his Father died.

See the Life of Iohn Donn D. D. Dean of St. Paul's writ by Mr. Isaac Walton, where it is affirmed, that the Dean did see the Apparition of his Wife.

Henry IV King of France, not long be∣fore he was stabbed by Ravellac, as he was hunting in the Forest (I think of Fon∣tain Bleau) met in a Thicket the Gros Ve∣neur, who said to him, Demandez vous? [or Entendez vous?] he could not tell whe∣ther of the two.

There is a Tradition (which I have heard from Persons of Honour) that as the Protector Seymor and his Duchess were walking in the Gallery at Sheen [in Surrey] both of them did see a Hand with a bloody Sword come out of the Wall. He was af∣terwards beheaded.

Mr. Caisho Burroughs was one of the most beautiful Men in England, and very Vali∣ant, but very proud and blood-thirsty: There was then in London a very Beautiful Italian Lady, who fell so extreamly in Love with him, that she did let him enjoy her, which she had never let any Man do before: Wherefore, said she, I shall request this fa∣vour of you, never to tell any one of it. The Gentlewoman died: and afterwards in a Tavern in London he spake of it: and there going to make water, the Ghost of

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the Gentlewoman did appear to him. He was afterwards troubled with the Appari∣tion of her, even sometimes in company when he was drinking; but he only per∣cieved it: Before she did appear he did find a kind of Chilness upon his Spirits; she did appear to him in the Morning before he was killed in a Duel. This account I have from an intimate Friend of mine, who was an acquaintance of his.

Anno 1647, the Lord Mohun's Son and Heir (a gallant Gentleman, Valiant, and a great Master of Fencing and Horsemanship) had a Quarrel with Prince Griffin; there was a Challenge, and they were to Fight on Horse-back in Chelsey-fields in the Morn∣ing: Mr. Mohun went accordingly to meet him; but about Ebery-Farm he was met by some who quarrell'd with him and Pi∣stol'd him; it was believed, by the Order of Prince Griffin; for he was sure, that Mr. Mohun being so much the better Horse∣man &c. would have Killed him, had they Fought. In Iames-street in Covent-Garden did then Lodge a Gentlewoman a Hand∣some Woman but Common, who was Mr. Mohun's Sweet-heart. Mr. Mohun was Murthered about Ten a clock in the Morn∣ing; and at that very time, his Mistress being in Bed, saw Mr. Mohun come to her Bed-side, drew the Curtain, looked upon her and went away: She called after him

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but no answer: She knock'd for her Maid, ask'd her for Mr. Mohun; she said, she did not see him, and had the Key of her Cham∣ber door in her Pocket. This Account my Friend aforesaid, had from the Gentlewo∣mans own Mouth, and her Maids.

A parallel Story to this, is, that Mr. Brown, (Brother-in-law to the Lord Conningsby) dis∣covered his being Murthered to several. His Phantome appear'd to his Sister and her Maid in Fleet-street about the time he was Killed in Herefordshire, which was about a Year since, 1693.

Sir Walter Long of Draycot (Grandfather of Sir Iames Long) had two Wives; the first a Daughter of Sir—Packinton in Worcestershire; by whom he had a Son: His second Wife was a Daugter of Sir Iohn Thinne of Longleat; by whom he had seve∣ral Sons and Daughters. The second Wife did use much Artifice to render the Son by the first Wife (who had not much Prome∣thean Fire) Odious to his Father; she would get her Acquaintance to make him Drunk; and then expose him in that Con∣dition to his Father; in fine she never left off her attempts, till she had got Sir Walter to disinherit him. She laid the Scene for the doing this, at Bath at the Assizes, where was her Brother Sir Egrimond Thinne an E∣minent Serjeant at Law, who drew the Writing; and his Clerk was to sit up all

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Night to Engross it; as he was Writing, he perceived a shadow on the Parchment, from the Candle; he look'd up, and there ap∣pear'd a Hand, which immediately va∣nish'd; he was startled at it, but thought it might be only his Fancy, being sleepy; so he Writ on; by and by a fine White-hand interposed between the Writing and the Can∣dle (he could discern it was a Womans Hand) but vanish'd as before; I have forgot it appeared a Third time. But with that, the Clerk threw down his Pen, and would Engross no more, but goes and tells his Master of it, and absolutely refused to do it. But it was done by some body, and Sir Wal∣ter Long was prevailed with to Seal and Sign it. He lived not long after; and his Body did not go quiet to the Grave, it being Arrested at the Church-porch by the Tru∣stees of the first Lady. The Heir's Relati∣ons took his part, and Commenc'd a Suit against Sir Walter (the second Son) and compell'd him to accept of a Moiety of the Estate; so the Eldest Son kept South-Wran∣chester, and Sir Walter the second Son Dracot Cernes, &c. This was about the middle of the Reign of King Iames the First.

I must not forget an Apparition in my Country, which appear'd several times to Doctor Turbervile's Sister, at Salisbury; which is much talk'd of. One Marry'd a second Wife, and contrary to the Agree∣ment

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and Settlement at the first Wife's Marriage, did wrong the Children by the first Venter. The Settlement was hid be∣hind a Wainscot in the Chamber where the Doctor's Sister did lie: And the Appari∣tion of the first Wife did discover it to her. By which means Right was done to the first Wife's Children. The Apparition told her that she Wandred in the Air, and was now going to God. Dr. Turbervile (Ocu∣list) did affirm this to be true. See Mr. Glanvill's Sadducismus Triumphatus.

One Mr. Towes who had been School-fel∣low with Sir George Villers, the Father of the first Duke of Buckingham, (and was his Friend and Neighbour) as he lay in his Bed a∣wake, (and it was Day-light,) came into his Chamber the Phantome of his dear Friend Sir George Villers: Said Mr. Towes to him, Why, you are Dead, what make you here? Said the Knight, I am Dead, but cannot rest in peace for the Wickedness and Abo∣mination of my Son George at Court. I do appear to you, to tell him of it, and to ad∣vise and dehort him from his Evil ways. Said Mr. Tows, the Duke will not believe me, but will say, that I am Mad, or Doat. Said Sir George, Go to him from me, and tell him by such a Token [some Mole] that he had in some secret place, which none but himself knew of. Accordingly Mr. Towes went to the Duke, who Laugh'd at his Mes∣sage.

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At his return home, the Phantome ap∣peared again; and told him, that the Duke would be Stab'd (he drew out a Dagger) a quarter of a Year after: And you shall out∣live him half a Year; and the Warning that you shall have of your Death will be, That your Nose will fall a bleeding: All which accordingly fell out so. This Account I have had (in the main) from two, or three; but Sir William Dugdale affirms what I have here taken from him to be true, and that the Apparition told him of several things to come, which proved true, e. g. of a Pri∣soner in the Tower, that should be honoura∣bly delivered. This Mr. Towes had so of∣ten the Ghost of his old Friend appear to him, that it was not at all terrible to him. He was Surveyor of the Works at Windsor (by the favour of the Duke:) Being then sitting in the Hall, he cried out, The Duke of Buckingham is stabb'd: He was stabb'd that very moment.

This Relation Sir William Dugdale had from Mr. Pine, (Neighbour to Mr. Towes without Bishop-gate) they were both great lovers of Musick, and sworn Brothers. Mr. William Lilly Astrologer, did Print this Sto∣ry false, which made Sir Edmund Wyndam (who Married Mr. Pines Daughter) give to Sir George Hollis this true Account contrary to Mr. Lilly.

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Mr. Thomas Elyot, Groom of the Bed-Chamber, Married Sir Edmund Wyndham's Daughter, and had the Roll (of near a Quire of Paper) of the Conferences of the Apparition and Mr. Towes. Mr. Elyot was wont to say, that Mr. Towes was (not a Bi∣got, or did trouble himself much about a Religion, but was) a Man of great Mo∣rals.

Sir William Dugdale did farther inform me that Major General Middleton (since Lord) went into the Highlands of Scotland, to endeavour to make a Party for King Charles the First. An Old Gentleman (that was second-sighted) came and told him that his endeavour was good; but he would be unsuccessful, and moreover, That they would put the King to Death: and that several other Attempts would be made, but all in vain: But that his Son would come in, but not Reign; but at last would be Restored. This Lord Middleton had a great Friendship with the Laird Bocconi, and they had made an Agree∣ment, That the first of them that Died, should appear to he other in extremity. The Lord Middleton was taken Prisoner at Worcester Fight, and was Prisoner in the Tower of London under Three Locks. Ly∣ing in his Bed pensive, Bocconi appeared to him; my Lord Middleton asked him if he were dead or alive? he said, Dead, and that he was a Ghost; and told him, that

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within Three Days he should escape, and he did so, in his Wives Cloaths. When he had done his Message, he gave a Frisk, and said,

Givenni givanni 'tis very strange, In the World to see so sudden a Change.

Anno. 1670, not far from Cyrencester, was an Apparition: Being demanded, whe∣ther a good Spirit, or a bad? returned no answer, but disappeared with a curious Perfume and most melodious Twang. Mr. W. Lilly believes it was a Farie.

So Propertius— Omnia finieret; tenues secessit in auras: Mansit odor; posses scire fuisse Deam.

The Learned Hen. Iacob, Fellow of Merton College in Oxford, died at Dr. Iacob's M. D. House in Canterbury. About a Week after his Death, the Doctor being in Bed and awake, and the Moon shining bright, saw his Cousin Henry standing by his Bed, in his Shirt, with a white Cap on his Head, and his Beard Mustaches turning up, as when he was alive. The Doctor pinched himself and was sure he was awaked: He turned to the other side,

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from him; and after some time took courage to turn the other way again towards him; and Henry Iacob stood there still, he should have spoken to him, but he did not; for which he has been ever since sorry. About half an Hour after, he vanished. Not long after this, the Cook Maid, going to the Wood∣pile to fetch Wood to dress Supper, saw him standing in his shirt upon the Wood∣pile.* 4.11 This Account I had in a Letter from Dr. Iacob 1673, relating to his Life, for Mr. Anthony Word; which is now in his Hands.

When Henry Iacob died, he would fain have spoken to the Doctor but could not, his Tongue faltered. 'Tis imagin'd, he would have told Doctor Iacob, with what Person he had deposited his Manuscripts of his own Writing: (they were all the Ri∣ches he had) 'tis suspect'd that one had them and Printed them under his own Name. —See there in the said Athenae Vol. or Part 2. P. 90.

Mr. T. M. an old Acquaintance of mine hath assured me, that about a quarter of a Year after his first Wives death, as he lay in Bed awake with his little Grand-child, his Wife opened the Closet-door, and came in∣to the Chamber to the Bed-side, and looked upon him, and stooped down and Kissed him; her Lips were warm, he fancied they would have been cold. He was about to

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have embraced her, but was afraid it might have done him hurt. When she went from him, he asked her when he should see her again? she turned about and smil'd, but said nothing. The Closet-door striked, as it uses to do, both at her coming in and going out. He had every Night a great Coal-fire in his Chamber, which gave a light as clear almost as a Candle. (He was Hypocondrical.) He Marry'd two Wives since; the later end of his Life was uneasie.

Anno. 165 ... At—in the Moorlands in Staffordshire, lived a poor Old Man, who had been a long time Lame. One Sunday in the Afternoon he being alone, one knock'd at his Door: He bade him open it, and come in. The Stranger desir'd a Cup of Beer: The Lame Man desir'd him to take a Dish and draw some, for he was not able to do it himself. The Stranger ask'd the poor Old Man, how long he had been Ill? The poor Man told him. Said the Stranger I can Cure you. Take two or Three Balm-leaves steep'd in your Beer for a Fortnight, or three Weeks, and you will be restor'd to your Health: But Constantly and Zealously serve God. The poor Man did so, and became perfectly well. This Stranger was in a Purple shag-gown, such as was not seen or known in those parts: And no body in the street (after Even-song) did see any one in such a colour'd Habit. Dr. Gilbert Sheldon, (since

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Arch-bishop of Canterbury) was then in the Moorlands, and justified the truth of this, to Elias Ashmole Esq from whom I had this Account: And he hath inserted it in some of his Memoirs, which are in the Musaeum at Oxford.

Mr. Io Lydill of Trin. College Soc. Oxon. March 11 1649, 50. Attests the ensu∣ing Relation, in a Letter to Mr. Aubrey, thus,

Mr. Aubrey,

COncerning that which happen'd at Wood-stock, I was told by Mr. W. Haws (who now lives with Sir William Fleetwood in the Park) That the Committee which sate in the Mannor-house, for Selling the King's Lands, were frighted by strange Apparitions; and that the Four Surveyors which were sent to Measure the Park, and Lodged themselves with some other Companions in the Mannor, were pelted out of their Chambers by Stones thrown in at the Windows (but from what Hands the Stones came they could not see) that their Can∣dles were continually put out as fast as they lighted them; and that one with his Sword drawn to de∣fend a Candle, was with his own Scabbard in the mean time well Cudgell'd; so that for the blow, or for fear, he fell Sick, and the others forc'd to remove; some of them to Sir William Fleet∣wood's House, and the rest to some other

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places. But concerning the cutting of the Oak, in particular I have nothing.

Your Friend, to be commanded to my power, Iohn Lydall.

One Lambert a Gun-Smith at Hereford, was at Carmarthen, to mend and put in or∣der the Ammunition of that County before the first Expedition to Scotland, which was 1639. He was then a Young Man, and walking on the Sand by the Sea-side, a Man comes to him (he did verily believe it was a Man) and ask'd him, if he knew Hereford? Yes, quoth he, I am a Hereford Man. Do you know it well, quoth the other? Per∣fectly well, quoth Lambert.

That City shall be begirt [he told me he did not know what the word begirt meant then] by a Foreign Nation, that will come and pitch their Camp in the Hay-wood, and they shall batter such a Gate, which they did, (I have forgot the name of it) and shall go away, and not take it.

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Guards of the Town, and encouraged them with more than ordinary Confidence: And, contrary to all humane expectation, when the Besieg'd had no hope o•• Relief, the Scots raised the Siege, Sept. 2. 1645, and went back into Scotland, re infecta. I knew this Lambert, and took this Account from his own Mouth; he is a modest poor Man, of a very Innocent Life, lives Poor, and cares not to be Rich.

—A Minister, who lived by Sir Iohn Warre in Somersetshire about 1665, walk∣ing over the Park to give Sir Iohn a Visit, was rencountred by a Venerable Old Man, who said to him,

Prepare your self for such a Day (which was about three Days after) You shall die.

This put me in mind of a Story in the Legend, &c. of King Edward the Confessor being forewarned of his Death by a Pilgrim, to whom St. Iohn the Evangelist reveal'd it: for which the King gave the Pilgrim a rich

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Ring from off his Finger: And the event answered. The Story is well Painted in Glass, in a Window of the South Isle of Westmimster-Abbey (the next Window from that over the Door that opens into the West walk of the Cloyster) it is the best Window in the Church: Underneath the Two Fi∣gures, viz. of the King and the Pilgrim are these following Verses, Viz.

Rex cui nil aliud praesto fuit, accipe, dixit, Annulum, & ex digito detrahit ille suo. —Evangelistae—villa Iohannis. —gratia petit.

The Verses under the Pilgrim are not legible. This story is in Caxtons Chroni∣cle.

Dr.—Twiss Minister of the New Church at Westminster told me that his Fa∣ther [Dr. Twiss Prolocutor of the Assembly of Divines, and Author of Vindiciae] when he was a School-boy at Winchester, saw the Phantome of a Schoolfellow of his deceased [a Rakebell] who said to him, I am damned. This was the occasion of Dr. Twiss [the Fa∣thers] Conversion, who had been before that time (as he told his Son) a very wick∣ed Boy, [He was Hypochondriacal]. There is a story like this, of the Conversion of St. Bruno, by an Apparition: Upon which he became mighty devout, and founded the Order of the Carthusians.

Iohn Evelyn Esq R. S. S. shewed us at

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the Royal-Society, a Note under Mr. Smyth's Hand [the Curate of Deptford] that in No∣vember 1679, as he was in bed sick of an Ague, came to him the Vision of a Master of Arts, with a white Wand in his Hand: And told him, that, if he did lie on his back three Hours, viz. from ten to one, that he should be rid of his Ague. He lay a good while on his back; but at last being weary he turned, and immediately the A∣gue attacqued him afterwards, he strictly followed the Direction, and was perfectly cured. He was awake, and it was in the day-time.

This puts me in mind of a Dream of old Farmer Good, a Neighbour of mine at Broad-Chalk, who being ill, dreamt that he met with an old Friend of his (long since deceas∣ed) by Knighton-Ashes (in that Parish) who told him that if he rose out of his Bed, that he would die. He awaked and rose to make Water, and was immediateiy seiz∣ed with a shivering Fit, and died of an A∣gue, aged, 84.

The Lady Viscountess Maidston told me, she saw (as it were) a Fly of Fire, fly round about her in the dark, half an hour before her Lord died: He was killed at Sea: and the like before her Mother in Law [the Countess of Winchelseá died, [She was then with Child.]

A Dutch-Prisoner at Wood-bridge in Suf∣folk,

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in the Reign of Charles II. could dis∣cern Spirits; but others that stood by could not. The Bell tolled for a Man newly de∣ceased. The Prisoner saw his Phantôme, and did descibe him to the Parson of the Parish, who was with him;* 5.1 exactly agree∣ing with the Man for whom the Bell tolled. Says the Prisoner, now he is coming near to you, and now he is between you and the Wall, the Parson was resolved to try it, and went to take the Wall of him, and was thrown down; but could see nothing. This story is credibly told by several Per∣sons of Belief.

Vavasor Powell saw several Apparitions. See page 8. of his Life.

There is a very remarkable story of an Apparition, which Martin Luther did see. Mentioned in his Commensalia, or Table-talk, which see.

Those that are delirous in high Fevers, see [waking] Men and things that are not there. I knew one Mr. M. L. that took Opium, and he did see (being awake) Men and things that were not present (or per∣haps) not in being. Those whose Spleens are ill-affected have the like Phantasies. The Power of Imagination is Wonderful.

De seipso duplicato.

Cardanus. Synes. Somniorum. Lib. 11. Cap. 12. In somniis mortis est signum, quia duo fiunt, cum anima separatur à corpore. Est et signum morbi in ipsis aegrontantibus, nec tum aliud quicquam significat.

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As concerning Apparitions of a Man's own self, there are sundry Instances, some whereof I shall here set down.

The Countess of Thanet (Earl Iohn's La∣dy) saw as she was in Bed with her Lord in London, her Daughter my Lady Hatton, who was then in Northamptonshire at Horton Kirby, the Candle was burning in her Cham∣ber.* 5.2 Since viz. Anno. 167 ... this Lady Hat∣ton was Blown up with Gun-powder set on Fire by Lightning, in the Castle at Garnsey, where her Lord was Governor.

The Beautiful Lady Diana Rich, Daugh∣ter of the Earl of Holland, as she was walk∣ing in her Father's Garden at Kensington, to take the fresh Air before Dinner, about Eleven a Clock, being then very well, met with her own Apparition, Habit and every thing, as in a Looking glass. About a Month after she died of the Small-pox. And 'tis said, that her Sister the Lady Isabella (Thinne) saw the like of her self also be∣fore she died. This Account I had from a Person of Honour.

Mrs. E. W. Daughter of Sir W. W. af∣firms that Mrs. I. (her Father's Sister) saw

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her self (i. e.) her Phantome half a Year be∣fore she died, for a quater of an Hour toge∣ther. She said further that her Aunt was sick∣ly Fourteen Years before she died, and that she walked Living, (i. e.) her Apparition, and that she was seen by several at the same time. The like is reported of others.

Mr. Trehern B. D. (Chaplain to Sir Or∣lando Bridgman Lord Keeper) a Learned and sober Person, was the Son of a Shoe-maker in Hereford: Gne Night as he lay in Bed, the Moon shining very bright, he saw the Phantome of one of the Apprentices sitting in a Chair in his red Wastcoat, and Head∣band about his Head, and Strap upon his Knee; which Apprentice was really abed and asleep with another Fellow-apprentice in the same Chamber, and saw him. The Fellow was Living 1671. Another time, as he was in Bed he saw a Basket come Sail∣ing in the Air along by the Valence of his Bed; I think he said there was Fruit in the Basket: It was a Phantome. From him∣self.

When Sir Richard Nepier M. D. of Lon∣don, was upon the Road, coming from Bed∣fordshire, the Chamberlain of the Inn, shewed him his Chamber; the Doctor saw a dead Man lying upon the Bed: He look'd more wistly, and saw it was himself: He was then well enough in Health. He goes forward in his Journey—to Mr. Ste∣ward's

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in Berkshire, and there died. This Account I have in a Letter from Elias Ash∣mole Esquire. They were intimate Friends.

In the Deserts of Africk,* 5.3 you shall meet oftentimes with Fairies appearing in the shape of Men and Women: But they vanish quite away like phantastical Delusions.

I Captain Henry Bell do hereby declare both to the present Age and also to Poste∣rity, that being employed beyond the Seas in State-affairs divers Years together, both by King Iames, and also by the late King Charles in Germany. I did hear and under∣stand in all places great Bewailing and La∣mentation made, by reason of destroying and burning of above Fourscore Thousand of Martin Luther's Books: Entitled, His last Divine Discourses.

Upon which Divine Work or Discourses the Reformation, begun before in Germany, was wonderfully promoted and spred in other Countrys.

But afterward it so fell out, that the Pope then living, viz. Gregory XIII. un∣derstanding what great hurt and prejudice he, and his Religion had already received by reason of the said Luther's Discourses, and also fearing that the same might bring further contempt and mischief upon himself and his Church, he therefore to prevent the same, did fiercely stir up and

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instigate the Emperor then in being, viz. Rodolphus III. to make an Edict through the whole Empire, that all the foresaid Printed Books should be burned, and al∣so that it should be Death for any Person to have or keep a Copy thereof, but to burn the same: Which Edict was speedi∣ly put in Execution accordingly; insomuch that not one of all the said Printed Books, nor any one Copy of the same, could be found out, or heard of in any place.

Yet it pleased God, that in Anno 1626, a German Gentleman named Casparus Van Sparr, with whom in my stay in Germany about King Iames's business I became fa∣miliarly known and acquainted, having oc∣casion to build upon an old Foundation of a House, wherein his Grand-father dwelt at that time, when the said Edict was Publish∣ed in Germany, for the Burning of the said Books, and digging deep into the ground under the said old Foundation, one of the said Original Printed Books was there hap∣pily found, lying in a deep obscure hole, being wrapped in a strong Linnen Cloth, which was waxed all over with Bees-wax within and without: whereby the said Book was perserved fair without any ble∣mish.

And at the same time Ferdinandus II. be∣ing Emperor of Germany, who was a severe Enemy and Persecutor of the Protestant

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Religion, the foresaid Gentleman, and Grand-child to him that had hidden the said Book in that obscure hole, fearing that if the said Emperor should get knowledge that one of the said Books were yet forth∣coming, and in his custody, whereby not only himself might be brought into trouble, but also the Book be in danger to be destroy'd, as all the rest were long before; and also calling to mind that I had the high Dutch Tongue very perfect, did send the said Ori∣ginal Book over hither into England unto me: Related to me the passages of the preser∣ving and finding the said Book; and ear∣nestly moved me in his Letter, to Translate the said Book into English.

Whereupon I took the said Book before me, and many times began to Translate the same, but always I was hindred therein, being called upon about other Business; in so much that by no possible means I could remain by that work. Then about six Weeks after I had receiv'd the said Book, it fell out, that being in Bed with my Wife, one Night be∣tween Twelve and one of the Clock, she be∣ing asleep, but my self yet awake, there ap∣pear'd unto me an Ancient Man, standing at my Bed-side array'd all in White, having a long and broad white Beard, hanging down to his Girdle steed, who taking me by the right Ear, spake these words following un∣to me; Sirrah, Will not you take time to

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Translate that Book which is sent unto you out of Germany? I will provide for you both place and time to do it: And then he Vanish'd a∣way out of my sight.

Whereupon being much affrighted, I fell into an extream Sweat, insomuch that my Wife awaking, and finding me all over wet, she ask'd me what I ailed? I told her what I had seen and heard; but I never did heed or regard Visions nor Dreams. And so the same fell soon out of my mind.

Then about a Fortnight after I had seen the Vision, on a Sunday I went to Whitehall to hear the Sermon, after which ended, I return'd to my Lodging which was then in Kingstreet at Westminster, and sitting down to Dinner with my Wife, two Messengers were sent from the Council-board with a Warrant to carry me to the Keeper of the Gate-house at Westminster, there to be safely kept, until further Order from the Lords of the Council; which was done without shewing any Cause* 5.4 at all, where∣fore I was Committed; upon which said Warrant I was kept there Ten whole Years close Pri∣soner; where I spent Five Years thereof about Translating of the said Book: Insomuch as I found the words very true which the Old

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Man in the aforesaid Vision said unto me, I will shortly provide you both place and time to Translate it.

Then after I had finish'd the Translation, Dr. Laud Arch-bishop of Canterbury, sent to me in the Prison by Dr. Bray his Chaplain Ten Pounds, and desir'd to peruse the Book; he afterwards sent him by Dr. Bray Forty Pounds. There was a Committee of the House of Commons for the Printing of this Translation, which was in 1652.

CHAP. VII.

Voices.

SAepe etiam & in praeliis Fauni auditi, & in rebus turbidis veridicae vuces ex occulto ••issae esse dicuntur. Cujus generis duo sunt ex multis exempla, sed maxima. Nam non mul∣to ante Vrbem captam exaudita vox est à Luco Vestae, qui à Palatii radice in novam viam de∣vexus est, ut muri & portae reficerentur: fu∣turum esse, nisi provisum esset, ut Roma cape∣retur. Quod neglectum cùm caveri poterat, post acceptam illam maximam cladem explica∣tum est. Ara enim Aio loquenti, quam sep∣tam videmus, & adversus eum locum conse∣crata est,

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—Neque solum deorum voces Pythagorei observaverunt, sed etiam hominum, quae vo∣cant omnia—

Nero—& lo'n dit qu'on entendoit un son de trumpette dans les collines d'alentour, des gemissemens sur le tombeau de sa mere.

In the Life of King Henry IV of France, writ by the Arch-Bishop of Paris, it is re∣corded, That Charles IX (who caused the Massacre) was wont to hear Screaches, like those of the Persons Massacred.

St. Augustin heard a Voice, saying, Tolle, lege. He took up his Bible, and dipt on Rom. 13. 13. Not in rioting and drukenness, not in chambering and wantonness, &c. and reformed his Manners upon it.

One Mr. Smith a Practitioner of Physick at Tamworth in Warwickshire, an understand∣ing sober Person, reading—Hollinshead's Chronicle, found a relation of a great Fight between Vortigern and Hengest, about those parts, at a place call'd Colemore: A little time after, as he lay awake in his Bed, he heard a Voice, that said unto him, You shall shortly see some of the Bones of those Men and Horses slain, that you read of: He was surprized at the Voice, and ask't in the Name of God, who 'twas that spoke to him. The Voice made answer, that he should not trouble himself about that; but what he told him should come to pass. Shortly after, as he

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went to see Colonel Archer (whose Servants were digging for Marle) he saw a great many Bones of Men and Horses; and also Pot-sherds; and upon the view it appear∣ed to be according to the description in Hol∣linshead's Chronicle; and it was the place where the Fight was; but it is now called Blackmore.

This was about the Year 1685. and I had the Account from my worthy Friend and old Acquaintance Tho. Mariett of War∣wickshire Esq who is very well acquainted with Mr. Smith aforesaid.

It was since the Restauration of King Charles II. that Martin Luther's Table-Talk was Translated into English, by— but about half a Year before as he lay in his Bed awake, he heard a voice, which did bid him Translate that Book: but by reason of some business he neglected it. The Voice demanded, why he had not done it; he reply∣ed he had not leisure: Said the Voice, You shall have leisure enough shortly: And shortly after, he was Arrested and put in the Gate-house at Westminster; where he remained many Months: and there was the Transla∣tion finished. See the Preface before the Book.

Extracts out of the Book, Entituled, Re∣lation de la Noüeille France, 1662, and 1663. 21.

Les Saüvages avoient eu de presentiments

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aussi bien que les François, de cet horrible Tremble-terre. Voicy la de position d'une saüvage agé 26. fort innocente, simple, & sincere. La nuict du 4 ou 5 de Febr. 1663 estant en∣tirement éveillée, & en plein jugement, as∣sise comme sur mon seant, j'ay entender une voix distincte & intelligible, qui m'a dit, Il doit arrive aujourdhuy de choses estrangees, la Terre doit tremble. Ie me trouver ay pour lors saisie d'une grand frageur, parce que je ne voyois personne d'ou peut provinir cette voix: Remplie de crainte, ja taschay à m'en∣dormir auec assez de peine: Et le jour estant venu, je dis a mon mary cequi in'estoit arri∣vé. Sur le 9, ou le 10 heure de mesme jour, allant au bois pour buscher, à peine j'estois entrée en la Forest que la mesme voix se fit—entendre, me disent mesme chose, & de la mesme façon que la nuict precedente: La peur fuit bien plus grande, moy estant tout seale. She got her burden of Wood, and met her Sister who comforted her, to whom she told this Story, and when she came to her Fathers Caban, she told the same Story there; but they heard it without any reflections.— La chose en demeure la, jusquez à 5, ou 6 heures du soir du mesme jour, où un tremblement de Terre survenant, ils reconnurent par expe∣rience, que cequ'ils m'auoient intendu dire avant Midy, n'estoit que trop uray.

Envoyée au R. P. André Castill on Pro∣vincial

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de la Province de France par les Missioners de Peres de la Campagnie de Iesu. Imprimiè à Paris, 1664.

Livy makes mention, that before the coming of the Gauls to Rome, Marcus Ce∣ditius a Plebeian acquainted the Senate, that passing one Night about Twelve a Clock through the Via Nova, he heard a Voice (bigger than a Mans) which ad∣vised him to let the Senate know the Gauls were on their March to Rome. How those things could be, it is to be discoursed by Persons well versed in the Causes of Natural and Supernatural Events: For my part I will not pretend to understand them, unles (according to the Opinion of Some Philosophers) we may believe, that the Air being full of Intelligences and Spirits, who foreseee∣ing future Events, and commiserating the Condition of Mankind, gives them warning by these kind of Intimations, that they may the more timely provide and defend themselves against their Ca∣lamities. But what ever is the Cause, Experience assures us, that after such De∣nuntiations, some extraordinary thing or other does constantly happen.

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CHAP. VIII.

Impulses.

PRaeterea ipsorum Deorum saepe praesen∣tiae, quales supra commemoravi,— declarant, ut ab his, & Civitatibus, & singulis hominibus consuli. Quod quidem intelli∣gitur etiam significationibus rerum futu∣rarum, qua tum dormientibus, tum vigi∣lantibus portentantur.—Nemo vir mag∣nus sine aliquo afflatu divino unquam fu∣it.

Oliver Cromwel had certainly this Afflatus. One that I knew, that was at the Battle of Dunbar, told me that Oliver was carried on with a Divine Impulse; he did Laugh so excessively as if he had been drunk; his Eyes sparkled with Spirits. He obtained a great Victory; but the Action was said to be contrary to Human Prudence. The same fit of Laughter seiz'd Oliver Cromwel, just before the Battle of Naseby; as a Kins∣man of mine, and a great Favourite of his, Colonel I. P. then present, testifi'd. Car∣dinal Mazerine said, That he was a lucky Fool.

In one of the geat Fields at Warminster in Wiltshire, in the Harvest, at the very

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time of the Fight at Bosworth Field, between King Richard III, and Henry VII, there was one of the Parish took two Sheaves, cry∣ing (with some intervals) Now for Richard, Now for Henry: at last, lets fall the Sheaf that did represent Richard; and cryed, Now for King Henry, Richard is slain: This Action did agree with the very Time, Day and Hour. When I was a School-boy, I have heard this confidently delivered by Tradition, by some Old Men of our Coun∣try.

Monsieur de Scudery in his Poem, Entitu∣led Rome Vaincus, fancies an Angel to be sent to Alaric to impel him to over-run the Roman Empire with his swarms of Nor∣thern People. The like may be fancied upon all Changes of Government; when Providence destines the Ends, it orders the Means.

By way of parallel to this, Pope—by the like instinct, being at Rome in the Con∣sistory, did speak of the Engagement in the Famous Battle of Lepanto, and that the Christians were Victors. The Fight at Sea being 200 Miles or more distant from them.

King Charles the First, after he was Con∣demned, did tell Colonel Thomlinson, that he believed, That the English Monarchy was now at an end: About half an Hour after, he told the Colonel, That now he had an assu∣rance

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by a strong Impulse on his Spirit, that his Son should Reign after him. This Informa∣tion I had from Fabian Philips Esq of the Inner-Temple, who had good authority for the truth of it: I have forgot who it was.

The Lord Roscomon, being a Boy of Ten Years of age at Caen in Normandy, one day was (as it were) madly extravagant in Playing, Leaping, getting over the Table-boards, &c. He was wont to be sober e∣nough: They said, God grant this bodes no ill Luck to him: In the heat of this Ex∣travagant Fit, he cries out, My Father is Dead. A Fortnight after, News came from Ireland, that his Father was Dead. This Account I had from Mr. Knolls, who was his Governor, and then with him; since Secretary to the Earl of Strafford, and I have heard his Lordships Relations confirm the same.

A very good Friend of mine and old Ac∣quaintance, hath had frequent Impulses: When he was a Commoner at Trin. College Oxford, he had several. When he rode to∣wards the West one time in the Stage-Coach, he told the Company, We shall certainly be Robbed, and they were so. When a Brother of his a Merchant died, he left him with other Effects, a share of a Ship, which was returning from Spain, and of which News was brought to the Exchange at Lon∣don of her good Condition; he had such an

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Impulse upon his Spirit, that he must needs Sell his share, though to loss; and he did Sell it. The Ship came safe to Cornwal (or Devon) and somewhere afterwards fell up∣on the Rocks and sunk: Not a Man Pe∣rished; but all the Goods were lost except some Parrets, which were brought for Queen Katherine.

The good Genius of Socrates is much re∣membred which gave him Warning. The Ethnick Genii are Painted like our Angels; strong Impulses are to be referr'd to them.

The Learned Dr. Iohn Pell, hath told me, that he did verily believe, that some of his Solutions of difficult Problems were not done Sine Divino auxilio.

Mr. I. N. a very understanding Gentle∣man, and not Superstitious, Protested to me, That when he hath been over-per∣swaded by Friends to Act contrary to a strong Impulse, that he never succeeded.

CHAP. IX.

Knockings.

MR. Baxter's Certainty of the Worlds of Spirits.

A Gentleman formerly seeming Pious, of late Years hath fallen into the sin of Drunkenness; and when he

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has been Drunk, and slept himself Sober, something Knocks at his Beds-head, as if one knock'd on a Wainscot; when they remove the Bed, it follows him; besides loud Noises on other parts where he is, that all the House heareth.

It poseth me to think what Kind of Spirit this is, that hath such a care of this Man's Soul, (which makes me hope he will recover.) Do good Spirits dwell so near us? Or, are they sent on such Mes∣sages? Or, is it his Guardian Angel? Or, Is it the Soul of some Dead Friend, that suffereth, and yet retaining Love to him, as Dives did to his Brethren, would have him Saved? God keepeth yet such things from us in the Dark.

Major Iohn Morgan of Wells did aver, That as he lay in Bed with Mr.—Bar∣low (Son of the Dean of Wells) they heard Three distinct Knocks on the Bed: Mr. Bar∣low shortly after fell sick, and died.

Three or four Days before my Father died, as I was in my Bed about Nine a Clock in the Morning perfectly awake, I did hear three distinct Knocks on the Beds-head, as if it had been with a Ruler or Fe∣rula.

Mr. Hierome Banks as he lay on his Death Bed in Bell-yard, said Three Days before he died, that Mr. Iennings of the Inner-Temple (his great Acquaintance, Dead a Year or

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two before) gave Three Knocks, looked in, and said, Come away. He was as far from believing such things as any Man.

Mr. George Ent of the Middle-Temple, told me some Days before he died, that he had such a deceptio Visus, as he called it.

In Germany when one is to Dye out of ones Family, or some Friends, there will sometimes likewise happen some Token, that signifieth the Death of one, e. g. some (or one) in the House heareth the Noise, as if a Meal-sack fell down from on high upon the Boards of the Chamber; they pre∣sently go up thither, where they thought it was done, and find nothing; but all things in order.

Also at Berlin, when one shall Die out of the Electoral House of Brandenburgh, a Woman Drest in white Linen appears always to several, without speaking, or doing any harm, for several Weeks be∣fore. This from Iasper Belshazer Cranmer, a Saxon Gentleman.

CHAP. X.

Blows Invisible.

MR.—Brograve— of—near Puckridge in Hertfordshire when he was a young Man, Riding in a Lane in that

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Country, had a Blow given him on his Cheek (or Head): He look'd back, and saw that no body was near, behind him; anon, he had such another Blow; I have forgot if a Third. He turn'd back and fell to the Study of the Law; and was afterwards a Judge. This Account I had from Sir Iohn Penrudock of Compton-Chamberlain (our Neighbour) whose Lady was Judge Bro∣grave's Niece.

Newark (Sir G. L's.) has Knockings be∣fore Death. And there is a House near Co∣vent-Garden that has Warnings. The Pa∣pists are full of these Observations.

The like Stories are reported of others.

CHAP. XI.

Prophesies.

CIcero de Divinatione Lib. I.—gentem quidem nullam video, neq tam humanam at{que} doctam; ne{que} tam immanem tam{que} barba∣ram, quae non significari futura, & à quibusdam intelligi, praedici{que} posse censeat.

To pass by the Prophecies of Holy-writ, the Prophecies of Nostraedamus do foretel ve∣ry strangely; but not easily understood till they are fulfilled. The Book is now com∣mon.

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Peter Martyr in his Decads, tells us, That there was a Prophet among the Salvages in America, that did foretel the coming in of Strangers in Ships, which they had not known.

The Prophecies of St. Malachi, are ex∣ceeding strange. He describes the Popes by their Coats of Arms, or their Names, or their Manners: If his Prohecies be true, there will be but 15 Popes more. It is Printed in a Book in Oct. Entituled Bucelini Historiae Nucleus. 1654. in calce Libri, thus, Prophetia Malachiae Monachi Bangorensis, et A. Episcopi Ardinensis, Hiberniae Primatis. 1655. in two Leaves.

Mr. Lancelot Morehouse in the time of the Civil Wars, rescued a sheet of Parchment in Quarto most delicately Writ, from a Tay∣lor's Sheers. It was part of a Book, and was a Prophecy concerning England in La∣tin Hexameters; I saw it 1649. It pointed at our late Troubles: He gave it to Seth Ward, Bishop of Salisbury, and is lost among other good Papers.

In a Book of Mr. William Lilly's are Hie∣roglyphick Prophecies, viz. of the great Plague of London, expressed by Graves and dead Corps; and a Scheme with ♊ ascend∣ing [the Sign of London] and no Planets in the XII Houses. Also there is the Picture of London all on Fire, also Moles creep∣ing &c. perhaps Mr. Lilly might be conten∣ted

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to have People believe that this was from himself. But Mr. Thomas Flatman (Poet) did affirm, that he had seen those Hieroglyphicks in an old Parchment Manu∣script Writ in the time of the Monks.

In the Nave of the Cathedral Church at Wells, above the Capitals of two Pillars, are the Head of the King, and the Head of a Bishop: It was fore-told, that when a King should be like that King, and a Bishop like that Bishop; that Abbots should be put down, and Nuns should Marry: Above the Arch, is an Abbot or Monk with his Head hanging downwards; and a Nun with Children about her. The inside of the Arch is Painted Blew, and adorned with Stars, to signifie the Power and Influence of the Stars. This Prophecy was Writ in Parch∣ment, and hung in a Table on one of those Pillars, before the Civil-Wars. Dr. Duck (who was Chancellor of Wells) said, that he had seen a Copy of it among the Records of the Tower at London. It was Prophecy'd 300 Years before the Reformation. Bi∣shop Knight, was Bishop here at the Refor∣mation, and the Picture (they say) did re∣semble him.

In the Spanish History it is mentioned, that a Vault being open'd in Spain, they found there Moors Heads, and some Writ∣ings that did express, When People resem∣bling those Heads should come into Spain,

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they would Conquer that Country: And it was so. See this Story more at large in Iames Howell's Letters.

There is a Prophecy of William Tyndal, poor Vicar of Welling in the County of Hertford, made in the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's Reign. I have seen it: It is in English Verse, two Pages and an half in Fo∣lio. It fore-told our late Wars. I know one that read it Forty Years since.

A Prophecy

Sexte verere Deos: vitae tibi terminus in∣stat, Cum tuus in medio ardebit Carbunculus igne.

These Verses were made by George Buchanon; but (perhaps) the Prediction was made by some second-sighted Person. King Iames of Scotland the Sixth was taken with an Ague, at Trinity College in Cam∣bridge; he remov'd to Theobalds (where he died); sitting by the Fire, the Carbuncle fell out of his Ring into the Fire, according to the Prediction. This Distick is Printed in the Life of King Iames by—

Before the Civil-Wars there was much talk of the Lady Anne Davys's Prophecies; for which she was kept Prisoner in the To∣wer of London. She was Sister to the Earl of Castlehaven, and Wife to Sir Iohn Davys, Lord Chief Justice in Ireland; I have heard his Kinsman (Counsellor Davys of Shaftsbu∣ry)

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say, that she being in London (I think in the Tower,)* 5.5 did tell the very time of her Husbands Death in Ireland.

CHAP. XII.

Miranda.

OUR English Chronicles do Record, That in the Reign of King Henry III. a Child was Born in Kent, that at Two Years old Cured all Diseases. Several Persons have been Cured of the Kings-Evil by the touching, or handling of a Seventh Son. (It must be a seventh Son, and no Daughter between, and in pure Wedlock.)

Samuel Scot, seventh Son of Mr. William Scot of Hedington in Wiltshire, did when a Child, wonderful Cures by touching only, viz. as to the Kings-evil, Wenns, &c. but as he grew to be a Man the Vertue did de∣crease, and had he Lived longer, perhaps might have been spent. A servant Boy of his Fathers was also a seventh Son; but he could do no Cures at all. I am very well satisfied of the truth of this Relation, for I knew him very well, and his Mother was my Kinswoman.

'Tis certain, the Touch of a dead Hand, hath wrought Wonderful Effects, e.g.—

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one (a Painter) of Stowel in Somersetshire near Bridgewater, had a Wenn in the inside of his Cheek, as big as a Pullets Egg, which by the advice of one was Cur'd by once or twice Touching or Rubbing with a dead Womans Hand, (è contra, to Cure a Wo∣man, a dead Man's Hand) He was directed first to say the Lord's Prayer, and to beg a Blessing. He was perfectly Cured in a few Weeks. I was at the Man's House who at∣tested it to me, as also to the Reverend Mr. Andrew Paschal, who went with me.

Mr. Davys Mell (the famous Violinist, and Clock-maker) had a Child Crook-back'd, that was Cured after the manner aforesaid, which Dr. Ridgely M. D. of the College of Physitians, averr'd in my hearing.

The Curing of the Kings-evil by the Touch of the King, does much puzzel our Philosophers: For whether our Kings were of the House of York, or Lancaster, it did the Cure (i. e.) for the most part. ('Tis true indeed at the Touching there are Prayers Read, but perhaps, neither the King attends them nor his Chaplains.)

In Somersetshire, 'tis confidently reported, that some were Cured of the Kings-evil, by the Touch of the Duke of Monmouth: The Lord Chancellor Bacon saith,

That Imagi∣nation is next Kin to Miracle-working Faith.

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When King Charles I. was Prisoner at Carisbrook Castle, there was a Woman Touched by him, who had the Kings-evil in her Eye, and had not seen in a Fortnight before, her Eye-lids being glued together: As they were at Prayers (after the Touch∣ing) the Womans Eyes opened. Mr. Sey∣mer Bowman, with many others were Eye∣witnesses of this.

At Stretton in Herefordshire in Anno. 1648. when King Charles I. was Prisoner, the Tenant of the Mannor-house there, sold excellent Cider to Gentlemen of the Neigh∣bourhood; where they met privately, and could Discourse freely, and be merry, in those Days so troublesome to the Loyal Par∣ty. Among others that met, there was old Mr. Hill B. D. Parson of the Parish, Quondam Fellow of Brason-nose College in Oxford: This Venerable good old Man, one Day (after his accustomed fashion) stand∣ing up, with his Head uncover'd to Drink his Majesties Health, saying, God bless our gracious Sovereign, as he was going to put the Cup to his Lips, a Swallow flew in at the Window, and pitched on the brim of the little Earthen-cup (not half a Pint) and sipt, and so flew out again. This was in the presence of the aforesaid Parson Hill, Major Gwillim, and two or three more, that I knew very well then, my Neighbours, and whose joint Testimony of it I have had more

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than once, in that very Room. It was in the Bay-window in the Parlour there; Mr. Hill's Back was next to the Window. I cannot doubt of the veracity of the Witnesses. This is Printed in some Book that I have seen, I think in Dr. Fuller's Worthies. The Cup is preserved there still, as a Rarity.

In Dr. Bolton's Sermons is an Account of the Lady Honywood, who despaired of her Salvation. Dr. Bolton endeavour'd to com∣fort her: Said she, (holding a Venice-glass in her Hand) I shall as certainly be Damned, as this Glass will be broken: And at that word, threw it hard on the Ground; and the Glass remained sound; which did give her great comfort. The Glass is yet pre∣served among the Cimelia of the Family. This Lady lived to see Descended from her (I think) Ninety, which is mentioned by Dr. Bolton.

William Backhouse of Swallowfield in Berk∣shire Esq had an ugly Scab that grew on the middle of his Forehead, which had been there for some Years, and he could not be Cured; it became so nauseous, that he would see none but his intimate Friends: He was a Learned Gentleman, a Chimist and Antiquary: His custom was, once eve∣ry Summer to Travel to see Cathedrals, Ab∣beys, Castles, &c. In his Journey, being come to Peterborough, he dreamt there, that he was in a Church and saw a Hearse, and

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that one did bid him wet his Scab, with the drops of the Marble. The next Day he went to Morning-Service, and afterwards going about the Church, saw the very Hearse (which was of Black Say, for Queen Katharine, Wife to King Henry VIII.) and the Marble Grave-Stone by. He found drops on the Marble, and there were some Cavi∣ties wherein he dip'd his Finger, and wet∣ted the Scab: In Seven Days it was per∣fectly Cured. This accurate and certain Information, I had from my worthy Friend Elias Ashmole Esq who called Mr. Backhouse Father, and had this Account from his own Mouth. (May Dew is a great Dis∣solvent.)

Arise Evans had a fungous Nose, and said, it was reveal'd to him, that the King's Hand would Cure him: And at the first coming of King Charles II. into St. Iames's Park he Kiss'd the King's Hand, and rubb'd his Nose with it; which disturb'd the King, but Cured him. Mr. Ashmole told me.

An Advertisement.

A true Relation of the Wonderful Cure of Mary Maillard (Lame almost ever since she was Born) on Sunday the 26th of No∣vember 1693.

With the Affidavits and Certificats of the Girle, and several other credible and worthy Persons, who knew her both before and since her being Cured. To which is added, A

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Letter from Dr. Wellwood, to the Right Ho∣nourable the Lady Mayoress, upon that Sub∣ject. London, Printed for Richard Baldwin, near the Oxford-Arms in Warwick-lane. 1694.

A Narrative of the late extraordinary Cure, wrought in an instant upon Mrs. Eliz. Savage (Lame from her Birth) with∣out the using of any Natural means.

With the Affidavits which were made be∣fore the Right Honourable the Lord Major; and the Certificates of several Credible Per∣sons, who knew her both before and since her Cure.

Enquired into with all its Circum∣stances, by Noted Divines, both of the Church of England, and others: And by Eminent Physitians of the College: And many Persons of Quality, who have ex∣pressed their full satisfaction.

With an Appendix, attempting to prove, that Miracles are not ceased. London, Prin∣ted for Iohn Dunton at the Raven, and Iohn Harris at the Harrow in the Poultry. 1694.

CHAP. XIII.

Magick.

IN Barbary are Wizards, who do smear their Hands with some black Ointment, and then do hold them up to the Sun, and

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in a short time you shall see Delineated in that black Stuff, the likeness of what you de∣sire to have an answer of. It was desir'd to know, whether a Ship was in safety, or no? There appear'd in the Womans Hand the perfect Lineaments of a Ship under Sail. This Mr. W. Cl. a Merchant of London, who was Factor there several Years, protested to me, that he did see. He is a Person wor∣thy of beliefe.

There are wonderful Stories of the Ban∣nians in India, viz. of their Predictions, Cures, &c. of their Charming Crocodiles, and Serpents: And that one of them walkt over an Arm of the Sea; he was seen in the middle, and never heard of afterwards.

The last Summer, on the Day of St. Iohn Baptist [1694] I accidentally was walking in the Pasture behind Montague-House, it was XII a Clock. I saw there about two or three and twenty young Women, most of them well Habited, on their Knees very busie, as if they had been Weeding. I could not presently learn what the mat∣ter was; at last a young Man told me, that they were looking for a Coal under the Root of a Plantain, to put under their Heads that Night, and they should Dream who would be their Husbands: It was to be found that Day, and Hour.

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The Women have several Magical Se∣crets handed down to them by Tradition, for this purpose, as, on St. Agnes Night, 21 Day of Ianuary, Take a row of Pins, and pull out every one, one after another, saying a Pater Noster, or Our Father, stick∣ing a Pin in your Sleeve, and you will Dream of him or her you shall Marry. Ben. Iohn∣son in one of his Masques, makes some men∣tion of this.

And on sweet Saint Agnes Night Please you with the promis'd sight,* 6.1 Some of Husbands, some of Lovers, Which an empty Dream discovers. Another. To know whom one shall Marry.

You must lie in another County, and knit the left Garter about the Right Legg'd Stockin (let the other Garter and Stock∣in alone) and as you rehearse these fol∣lowing Verses, at every Comma, knit a Knot.

This Knot I knit, To know the thing I know not yet, That I may see The Man (Woman) that shall my Hus∣band (Wife) be, How he goes and what he wears And what he does all the Days.

A Gentlewoman that I knew, confessed

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in my hearing, that she used this Method, and dreamt of her Husband whom she had never seen: About Two or three Years after, as she was on Sunday at Church, up pops a young Oxonian in the Pulpit: She cries out presently to her Sister, This is the very Face of the Man that I saw in my Dream. Sir William Somes Lady did the like.

Another way is,* 6.2 to Charm the Moon thus; At the first appearance of the new Moon after New-years Day, go out in the Evening, and stand over the Sparrs of a Gate, or Stile, looking on the Moon and say,

All Hail to the Moon,* 6.3 all Hail to thee, I prithee good Moon reveal to me, This Night who my Husband (Wife) must be.

You must presently after go to Bed.

I knew two Gentlewomen, that did thus when they were young Maids, and they had Dreams of those that Married them.

Alexander Trallienus, Of Curing Diseases by Spells, Charms, &c. is cited by Casaubon, before Iohn Dee's Book of Spiritis: It is now Translated out of the Greek into English.

The Great Historical, Geographical, and Poetical Dictionary. Abracadabra, a Mysterious Word, to which the Supersti∣ous in former times attributed a Magical power to expel Diseases, especially the Ter∣tian-Ague, worn about their Neck in this manner.

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Some think, that Basilides the Inventor, intends the Name of GOD by it. The method of the Cure was prescrib'd in these Verses,

Inscribes Chartae quod dicitur Abracadabra Saepius, et subter repetes, sed detrahe summam Et magis at{que} magis desint elementa figuris Singula quae semper capies & caetera figes, Donec in angustum redigatur Litera Conum, His lina nexis collo redimire memento. Talia languentis conducent Vincula collo, Lethales{que} abigent (miranda potentia) morbos.

Mr.—Scoot a German hath Writ an excellent Book of Magick: It is Prohibited in that Country. I have here set down Three Spells, which are much approv'd.

To Cure an Ague,

Write this following Spell in Parchment, and wear it about your Neck. It must be Writ Triangularly.

ABRACADABRA ABRACADABR ABRACADAB ABRACADA ABRACAD ABRACA ABRAC ABRA ABR AB A

With this Spell, one of Wells hath Cur'd above an Hundred of the Ague.

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To Cure the Biting of a Mad Dog. Write these Words in Paper, Viz.

Rebus Rubus Epitepscum, and give it to the Party, or Beast Bit, to Eat in Bread, or &c. A Gentleman of good Quality, and a sober grave Person, did affirm, that this Receipt never fails,

To Cure the Tooth-ach, out of Mr. Ashmole's Manuscript Writ with his own Hand.

Mars, hur, abursa, aburse. Iesu Christ for Marys sake, Take away this Tooth-ach.

Write the words, Three times; and as you say the Words, let the Party burn one Paper, then another, and then the last.

He says, he saw it experimented, and the Party immediately Cured.

Mr. Ashmole told me, that a Woman made use of a Spell to Cure an Ague, by the Advice of—A Minister came to her, and severely repremanded her, for making use of a Diabolical help, and told her, she was in danger of Damnation for it, and commanded her to burn it. She did so, and her Distemper returned severely; inso∣much, that she was importunate with the Doctor to use the same again: She used it, and had ease. But the Parson hearing of it, came to her again, and thundred Hell and Damnation, and frighted her so, that she burnt it again. Whereupon she fell extremely Ill, and would have had it a

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Third time; but the Doctor refused, say∣ing, That she had contemned and slighted the power and goodness of the Blessed Spi∣rits (or Angels) and so she died, The cause of the Lady Honywoods Desparation, was that she had used a Spell to Cure her.

Jamblicus de Mysteriis de nominibus divinis.

Prophyrius quaerit, cur Sacerdotes utantur no∣minibus quibusdam nihil significantibus? Iam∣blicus respondet, omnia ejusmodi nomina signi∣ficare aliquid apud deos: quamvis in quibus∣dam significata nobis sint ignota, esse tamen no∣ta quaedam, quorum intepretationem divinitus accepimus, omnino verò modum in eis signifi∣candi ineffabilem esse. Neque secundum ima∣ginationes humanas, sed secundum intellectum qui in nobis est, divinus, vel potius simpliciore, praestantioreque modo secundum intellectum diis unitum. Auferendum igitur omnes excogitati∣ones, & rationales discursus, atque assimulati∣ones naturalis vocis ipsius congenitas, ad res po∣sitas in natum. Et quemadmodum character symbolicus divinae similitudinis in se intellectu∣alis est, atque divinus, ita hunc ipsum in om∣nibus supponere, accipereque debemus, &c.

To Cure an Ague, Tertian or Quartan.

Gather Cinquefoil in a good Aspect of ♃ to the ☽, and let the Moon be in the Mid-heaven, if you can: and take—of the Powder of it in White-wine: If it be not thus gathered according to the Rules of A∣strology,

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it hath little or no Vertue in it. With this Receipt—Bradely, a Quaker at Kingston upon Thames, (near the Bridge-end) hath Cured above an Hundred.

To Cure the Thrush.

There a is certain piece in the Beef, called the Mouse-piece, which given to the Child, or Party so affected, to Eat, doth certain∣ly Cure the Thrush. From an experienced Midwife.

Another to Cure a Thrush.

Take a living Frog, and hold it in a Cloth, that it does not go down into the Childs Mouth; and put the Head into the Childs Mouth till it is dead; and then take another Frog.

To Cure the Tooth-ach.

Take a new Nail, and make the Gum bleed with it, and then drive it into an Oak. This did Cure William Neal, Sir William Neal's Son, a very stout Gentleman, when he was almost Mad with the Pain, and had a mind to have Pistoll'd himself.

For the Iaundise.

The Iaundise is Cured, by putting the Urine after the first Sleep, to the Ashes of the Ash-tree, Bark of Barberries.

To Cure a Bullock, that hath the Wisp, (that is) Lame between the Clees.

Take the impression of the Bullock's Foot in the Earth, where he hath trod; then dig it up, and stick therein five or seven Thorns

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on the wrong side, and then hang it on a Bush to dry: And as that dries, so the Bullock heals. This never fails for Wisps. From Mr. Pacy a Yeoman in Surrey.

To Cure a Beast that is Sprung, that is Poysoned. It lights mostly upon Sheep.

Take the little red Spider, called a Tent∣bob (not so big as a great Pins-head) the first you light upon in the spring of the Year, and rub it in the palm of your Hand all to pieces; and having so done, piss on it, and rub it in, and let it dry; then come to the Beast and make water in your Hand, and throw it in his Mouth. It Cures in a mat∣ter of an Hours time. This rubbing serves for a whole Year, and it is no danger to the Hand. The chiefest Skill is to know whe∣ther the Beast be Poisoned, or no. From Mr. Pacy.

To stanch Bleeding.

Cut an Ash of One, two or three Years Growth, at the very Hour and Minute of the Sun's entring into Taurus: a Chip of this applyed will stop it. If it is a Shoot, it must be cut from the Ground. Mr. Nicholas Mer∣cator, Astronomer, told me that he had tried it with effect. Mr. G. W. says the Stick must not be bound, or holden; but dipp'd or wetted in the Blood. When King Iames the second was at Salisbury 1688. his Nose Bled near two Days; and after many essays in vain, was stopp'd by this Sympathetick

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Ash, which Mr. Will. Nash a Chyrurgeon in Salisbury applied.

Against an evil Tongue.

Take Vnguentum populeum and Vervain, and Hypericon, and put a red-hot Iron into it; you must anoint the Back-bone, or wear it on your Breast. This is Printed in Mr. W. Lilly's Astrology. Mr. H. C. hath try'd this Receipt with good success.

Vervain and Dill, Hinders Witches from their will.

A House (or Chamber) somewhere in London was Haunted; the Curtains would be rashed at Night, and awake the Gentle∣man that lay there, who was Musical, and a familiar acquaintance of Henry Laws. Hen∣ry Laws to be satisfied did lie with him; and the Curtains were rashed so then: The Gen∣tleman grew lean and pale with the frights, One Dr.—Cured the House of this distur∣bance, and Mr. Laws said, that the princi∣pal Ingredient was Hypericon put under his Pillow.

In Herefordshire, and other parts, they do put a cold Iron-bar upon their Barrels, to preserve their Beer from being sowred by Thunder. This is a common practice in Kent.

To hinder the Night-mare, they hang in a string a Flint with a hole in it (naturally) by the Manger; but best of all they say, hung about their Necks, and a Flint will

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do it that hath not a hole in it. It is to pre∣vent the Night-mare (viz.) the Hag from ri∣ding their Horses, who will sometimes sweat all Night. The Flint thus hung does hin∣der it.

Mr. Sp. told me that his Horse which was Bewitch'd, would break Bridles and strong Halters, like a Sampson. They fill'd a Bot∣tle with the Horse's Urine, stop'd it with a Cork and bound it fast in, and then bury'd it under Ground: And the party suspected to be the Witch fell ill, that he could not make Water, of which he died. When they took up the Bottle, the Urine was al∣most gone: So, that they did believe, that if the Fellow could have lived a little longer, he had recovered.

It is a thing very common to nail Horse-shoes on the Thresholds of Doors:* 6.4 Which is to hinder the power of Witches that enter into the House. Most Houses of the West-end of London have the Horse-shoe on the Threshold. It should be a Horse-shoe that one finds. In the Bermudas, they use to put an Iron into the Fire when a Witch comes in.

At Paris when it begins to Thunder and Lighten, they do presently Ring out the great Bell at the Abbey of St. German, which they do believe makes it cease. The like was wont to be done heretofore in Wiltshire; when it Thundred and Lightned, they did

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Ring St. Adelm's Bell at Malmsbury Abbey. The curious do say, that the Ringing of Bells exceedingly disturbs Spirits.

CHAP. XIV.

Transportation by an Invisible Power.

A Letter from the Reverend Mr. Andrew Paschal B. D. Rector of Chedzoy in Somer∣set, To John Aubery Esq at Gresham College London.

SIR,

I Last Week received a Letter from a Learn∣ed Friend, the Minister of Barnstable in Devon, which I think worthy your perusal. It was Dated May 3. 1683. and is as follows. [He was of my time in Queens College in Cambridge.]

There having been many Prodigious things perform'd lately in a Parish a join∣ing to that which Bishop Sparrow presented me to, called Cheriton Bp by some discon∣tented Daemon, I can easily remember that I owe you an account thereof in lieu of that which you desired of me, and which I could serve you in.

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About November last, in the Parish of Spreyton in the County of Devon, there ap∣peared in a Field near the Dwelling-house of Phil. Furze, to his Servant Francis Fry, being of the age of 21 next August, an aged Gentleman with a Pole in his Hand, and like that he was wont to carry about with him when living, to kill Moles withall, who told the Young Man he should not be afraid of him; but should tell his Master, i. e. his Son, That several Legacies that he had be∣queathed were unpaid, naming 10 s. to one, 10 s. to another, &c. Fry replied, that the par∣ty he last nam'd was Dead. The Spectrum replied, he knew that, but said it must be paid to—and named the next Relation, These things being perform'd, he promised he would trouble him no further. These small Legacies were paid accordingly. But the young Man having caried 20 s. order'd by the Spectrum to his Sister Mrs. Furze of the Parish of Staverton near Totness, which Money the Gentlewoman refus'd to receive, being sent her, as she said, from the Devil. The same Night Fry lodging there, the Spectrum appear'd to him again, whereup∣on Fry challenged his promise not to trou∣ble him, and said he had done all he desir'd him, but that Mrs. Furze would not re∣ceive the Money. The Spectrum replied, that's true indeed. But bid him ride to Tot∣ness and buy a Ring of that value, and that

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she would take: Which was provided for her; and receiv'd by her. Then Fry rode home∣wards attended by a Servant of Mrs. Furze. But being come into Spreyton Parish, or ra∣ther a little before, he seem'd to carry an old Gentlewoman behind him, that often threw him off his Horse, and hurried him with such violence, as astonish'd all that saw him, or heard how horridly the Ground was beaten; and being come into his Ma∣ster's Yard, Fry's Horse (a mean Beast) sprung at once 25 Foot. The trouble from the Man-Spectre ceased from this time. But the old Gentlewoman Mrs. Furze, Mr. Furze's second Wife, whom the Spectre at his first appearance to Fry, called, That Wicked Woman my Wife, (though I knew her, and took her for a very good Woman) presently after appears to several in the House, viz. to Fry, Mrs. Thomasin Gidley, Anne Langdon born in my Parish, and to a little Child which was forced to be remov'd from the House; sometimes in her own shape, sometimes in shapes more horrid, as of a Dog belching Fire, and of an Horse, and seeming to ride out at the Window, carrying only one pane of Glass away, and a little piece of Iron. After this Fry's Head was thrust into a narrow space, where a Man's Fist could not enter, between a Bed and a Wall; and forced to be taken thence by the strength of Men, all bruised and bloody;

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upon this, it was thought fit to Bleed him; and after that was done, the Binder was re∣mov'd from his Arm, and convey'd about his Middle, and presently was drawn so very straight, it had almost killed him, and was cut asunder making an ugly uncouth noise. Several other times with Handkerchiefs, Cra∣vats and other things he was near strangled, they were drawn so close upon his Throat. He lay one Night in his Periwig (in his Ma∣ster's Chamber, for the more safety) which was torn all to pieces. His best Periwig he inclosed in a little Box on the inside with a Joind-stool, and other weight upon it; the Box was snapp'd asunder, and the Wig torn all to flitters. His Master saw his Buckles fall all to pieces on his Feet: But, first I should have told you the fate of his Shoe-strings, one of which a Gentlewoman greater than all exception, assured me that she saw it come out of his Shoe, without any visible Hand, and fling it self to the farther end of the Room; the other was coming out too, but that a Maid prevented and help'd it out, which crisp'd and curl'd about her Hand like a living Eel. The Cloaths worn by Anne Langdon and Fry (if their own) were torn to pieces on their backs. The same Gentle∣woman, being the Daughter of the Mini∣ster of the Parish, Mr. Roger Specott, shewed me one of Fry's Gloves, which was torn in his Pocket while she was by. I did view it

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near and narrowly, and do seriously confess that it is torn so very accurately in all the Seams and in other places, and laid abroad so artificially, and it is so dexterously tatter'd (and all done in the Pocket in a Minutes time) as nothing Human could have done it; no Cutler could have made an Engine to do it so. Other fantastical Freeks have been very frequent, as, the marching of a great Bar∣rel full of Salt out of one Room into another; an Andiron-laying it self over a Pan of Milk that was scalding on the Fire, and two Flitches of Bacon descending from the Chim∣ney where they hung, and laid themselves over that Andiron. The appearing of the the Spectrum (when in her own shape) in the same Cloaths, to seeming, which Mrs. Furze her Daughter-in-law has on. The intangling of Fry's Face and Legs, about his Neck, and about the Frame of the Chairs, so as they have been with great difficulty disengaged.

But the most Remarkable of all happen'd in that Day that I passed by the Door in my return hither, which was Easter-eve, when Fry returning from Work (that little he can do) he was caught by the Woman Spectre by the Skirts of his Doublet, and car∣ried into the Air; he was quickly mist by his Master and the Workmen, and great enquiry was made for Fran. Fry, but no hearing of him; but about half an Hour af∣ter

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Fry was heard Whistling and Singing in a kind of a Quagmire. He was now affe∣cted as he was wont to be in his Fits, so that none regarded what he said; but coming to himself an Hour after, he solemnly pro∣tested, That the Daemon carried him so high that he saw his Master's House under∣neath him no bigger than an Hay-cock, that he was in perfect sense and prayed God not to suffer the Devil to destroy him; that he was suddenly set down in that Quagmire. The Workmen found one Shoe on one side of the House, and the other Shoe on the o∣ther side; his Periwig was espied next Morn∣ing hanging on the Top of a tall Tree. It was soon observ'd, that Fry's part of his Body that had laid in the Mud, was much benum'd, and therefore the next Saturday, which was the Eve of Low-Sunday, they car∣ried him to Crediton to be let Blood; which being done, and the Company having left him for a little while, returning they found him in a Fit, with his Fore-head all bruis∣ed and swoln to a great bigness, none being able to guess how it came, till he recover'd himself, and then he told them, That a Bird flew in at the Window with a great force, and with a Stone in it's Mouth flew directly against his Fore-head. The People looked for it, and found on the Ground just under where he sat, not a Stone, but a weight of Brass, or Copper, which

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the People were breaking, and parting it among themselves. He was so very ill, that he could not ride but one Mile or little more that Night, since which time I have not heard of him, save that he was ill handled the next Day, being Sunday. Indeed Sir you may wonder that I have not Visited that House, and the poor afflicted People; espe∣cially, since I was so near, and passed by the very Door: But besides that, they have called to their assistance none but Noncon∣forming Ministers, I was not qualified to be welcome there, having given Mr. Furze a great deal of trouble the last Year about a Conventicle in his House, where one of this Parish was the Preacher. But I am very well assured of the truth of what I have written, and (as more appears) you shall hear from me again.

I had forgot to tell you that Fry's Mother came to me, grievously bewailing the mise∣rable condition of her Son. She told me, that the Day before he had five Pins thrust into his Side. She ask'd, and I gave her the best Advice I could. Particularly, that her Son should declare all that the Spectre, especi∣ally the Woman gave him in Charge, for I suspect, there is aliquid latens; and that she should remove him thence by all means. But I fear that she will not do it. For I hear that Anne Langdon is come into my Parish to her Mother, and that she is grievously

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troubled there. I might have written as much of her, as of Fry, for she hath been as ill treated, saving the Aerial Journey. Her Fits and Obsessions seem to be greater, for she Scrieches in a most Hellish tone. Thomasin Gidley (though removed) is in trouble, as I hear.

Sir this is all my Friend wrote. This Let∣ter came inclosed in another from a Clergy-Man my Friend, who lives in those parts. He tells me, all the Relations he receives from divers Persons living in Spreyton and the Neighbouring Parishes agree with this. He spake with a Gentleman of good fashion, that was at Crediton when Fry was Blood∣ed, and saw the Stone that bruised his Fore-head; but he did not call it Copper or Brass, but said, it was a strange Mineral. That Gentleman promised to make a strict en∣quiry on the place into all particulars and to give him the result: Which my Friend also promises me; with hopes that he shall procure for me a piece of that Mineral sub∣stance, which hurt his Fore-head.

The occasion of my Friends sending me this Narrative, was my entreating him sometime since to enquire into a thing of this nature, that happen'd in Barnstable, where he lives. An account was given to me long since, it fills a Sheet or two, which I have by me: And to gratifie Mr. Glanvil who is Collecting Histories for his Sadducism.

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Triumphatus. I desir'd to have it well attested, it being full of very memorable things; but it seems he could meet only a general con∣sent as to the truth of the things; the Re∣ports varying in the Circumstances.

Sir,

yours

A Copy of a Letter from a Learned Friend of mine in Scotland, Dated March 35. 1695.

Honoured Sir,

I received yours Dated May 24 1694. in which you desire me to send you some instances and examples of Transportation by an invisible Power. The true cause of my delaying so long to reply to that Letter, was not want of Kindness; but of fit Mate∣terials for such a Reply.

As soon as I read your Letter of May 24 I called to mind a Story which I heard long ago, concerning one of the Lord Duffus (in the Shire of Murray) his Predecessors, of whom it is reported, That upon a time, when he was walking abroad in the Fields near to his own House, he was suddenly car∣ried away, and found the next Day at Paris in the French King's Cellar with a Silver Cup in his Hand; that being brought into the King's Presence and question'd by him, Who he was? And how he came thither? He told his name, his Country, and the place of his Residence, and that on such a Day of the

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Month (which proved to be the Day im∣mediately preceeding) being in the Fields, he heard the noise of a Whirl-wind, and of Voices crying Horse and Hattock (this is the Word, which the Fairies are said to use when they remove from any place) where∣upon he cried (Horse and Hattock) also, and was immediately caught up, and trans∣ported through the Air, by the Fairies to that place, where after he had Drunk hear∣tily he fell a-sleep, and before he awoke, the rest of the Company were gone, and had left him in the posture wherein he was found. It's said, the King gave him the Cup which was found in his Hand, and dismis'd him.

This Story (if it could be sufficiently attested) would be a noble Instance for your purpose, for which cause I was at some pains to enquire into the truth of it, and found the means to get the present Lord Duffus's opinion thereof; which shortly is, That there has been, and is such a Traditi∣on, but that he thinks it fabulous; this ac∣count of it, his Lordship had from his Fa∣ther, who told him, that he had it from his Father, the present Lord's Grandfather, There is yet an old Silver-Cup in his Lord∣ship's Possession still, which is called the Fairy Cup; but has nothing Engraven up∣upon it except the Arms of the Family.

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The Gentleman by whose means I came to know the Lord Duffus his sentiment of the forgoeing story, being Tutor to his Lordships eldest Son, told me another lit∣tle passage of the same nature, whereof he was an Eye witness. He reports, that when he was a Boy at School in the Town of For∣res, yet not so Young, but that he had Years and Capacity, both to observe and remember that which fell out; he and his School-fellows were upon a time whipping their Tops in the Church-yard before the Door of the Church; though the Day was calm, they heard a noise of a Wind, and at some distance saw the small Dust be∣gin to arise and turn round, which motion continued, advancing till it came to the place where they were; whereupon they began to Bless themselves: But one of their number (being it seems a little more bold and confident than his Companions) said, Horse and Hattock with my Top, and immediately they all saw the Top lifted up from the Ground; but could not see what way it was carried, by reason of a Cloud of Dust which was raised at the same time: They sought for the Top all about the place where it was taken up, but in vain; and it was found afterwards in the Church-yard, on the other side of the Church. Mr. Steward (so is the Gentleman called) decla∣red to me that he had a perfect remembrance of this matter.

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The following Account I received No∣vember last, from Mr. Alexander Mowat a Person of great Integrity and Judgment, who being Minister at the Church at Lesly, in the Shire of Aberdene, was turned out for refusing the Oath of Test, Anno. 1681. He informs, That he heard the late Earl of Cathnes who was Married to a Daughter of the late Marquess of Argyle tell the follow∣ing Story, viz. That upon a time, when a Vessel which his Lordship kept for bring∣ing home Wine and other Provisions for his House, was at Sea; a common Fellow, who was reputed to have the Second-sight, being occasionally at his House; the Earl enquired of him, where his Men (mean∣ing those in the Ship) were at that present time? The Fellow replied, at such a place, by name, within four Hours Sailing of the Har∣bour, which was not far from the place of his Lordship's Residence: The Earl asked, what Evidence he could give for that? The o∣ther replied, that he had lately been at the place, and had brought away with him one of the Sea-mens Caps, which he deli∣vered to his Lordship. At the four Hours end the Earl went down himself to the Harbour, where he found the Ship newly arrived, and in it one of the Seamen with∣out his Cap; who being questioned, how he came to lose his Cap? Answered, that at such a place (the same the Second-sight'd

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Man had named before) there arose a Whirl-wind which endangered the Ship, and carried away his Cap: The Earl asked, if he would know his Cap when he saw it? He said he would; whereupon the Earl produced the Cap, and the Seaman owned it for that, which was taken from him.

This is all the Information which I can give at present concerning Transporta∣tion by an invisible Power. I am sorry that I am able to contribute so little to the pub∣lishing of so curious a piece as it seems your Collection of Hermerick Philosophy will be. I have given Instructions to an Acquain∣tance of mine now living at Kirkwall, and took him engaged when he left this place, to inform him concerning the old Stone Mo∣numents, the Plants and Cures in the Or∣cades, and to send me an Account. But I have not heard from him as yet, tho' I caused a Friend that was Writing to him, to put him in mind of his promise; the oc∣casions of Correspondence betwixt this place and Orkney are very rare.

SIR,

Your Faithful Affectionate Friend and Servant, I. G.

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Sir,

'TIs very likely my Lord Keeper [North] (if an Account of a thing so considerable, hath not been presented to him by another Hand) will take it kindly from you. I would Transcribe it for Dr. Henry More, to whom, as I remember, I promised some time since an Account of the Barnstable Apparition; but my Hands are full of Work. May I beg of you to visit Dr. Whitchcot Minister of St. Laurence Church, and to communicate a sight of this Letter from Barnstable: Probably he will be willing to make his Servant Tran∣scribe it, and convey it to Dr. More. Pray present my humble Service to him, as also my affectionate Service to our Friends Mr. Hook and Mr. Lodwick. I ever rest

SIR,

Your most Faithful Chedzoy. and Affectionate Servant, Andrew Paschal.

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There was in Scotland one—[an Ob∣sessus] carried in the Air several times in the view of several Persons, his Fellow-Soldi∣ers. Major Henton hath seen him carry'd away from the Guard in Scotland sometimes a Mile or two. Sundry Persons are living now (1671.) that can attest this Story. I had it from Sir Robert Harley (the Son) who Marryed Major Henton's Window; as also from E. T. D. D.

A Gentleman of my Acquaintance Mr. —M. was in Portugal, Anno. 1655. when one was Burnt by the Inquisition for being brought thither from Goa in East In∣dia, in the Air, in an incredible short time.

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CHAP. XV.

Visions in a Berill, or Crystall.

A Berill is a kind of Crystal that hath a weak Tincture of Red; it is one of the Twelve Stones mentioned in the Reve∣lation. I have heard** 9.1, that Spectacles were first made of this Stone, which is the reason that the Germans do call a Specta∣cle-Glass [or pair of Spectacles] a Brill.

Dr.—Pocock of Oxford in his Com∣mentary on Hosea, hath a Learned Dis∣course of the Vrim and Thummim: as also Dr.—Spenser of Cambridge, That the Priest had his Visions in the Stone of the Breast-plate.

The Prophets had their Seers, viz. Young Youths who were to behold those Visions, of whom Mr. Abraham Cowly writes, thus,

With hasty wings, time present they out∣fly, And tread the doubtful Maze of Desti∣ny; There walk and sport among the years to come, And with quick Eye pierce every Causes Womb.

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The Magicians, now, use a Crystal∣Sphere,* 9.2 or Mi∣neral-Pearl for this purpose, which is in∣spected by a Boy, or sometimes by the Querent himself.

There are certain Formula's of Prayer to be used before they make the inspecti∣on, which they term a Call. In a Ma∣nuscript of Dr. Forman of Lambeth (which Mr. Elias Ashmole had) is a Discourse of this, and the Prayer. Also there is the Call which Dr. Nepier did use.

Iames Harrington [Author of Oceana] told me that the Earl of Denbigh then Ambassador at Venice did tell him, that one did shew him there several times in a Glass, things past, and to come.

When Sir Mermaduke Langdale was in Italy, he went to one of those Magi, who did shew him a Glass, where he saw him∣self kneeling before a Crucifix: He was then a Protestant; afterwards he became a Roman Catholick. He told Mr. Thomas Henshaw R. S. S. this himself.

I have here set down the Figure of a Consecrated Berill, now in the possession of Sir Edward Harley Knight of the Bath, which he keeps in his Closet at Brampton-Bryan

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questioned for it, and it was taken away by•• Authority [it was about 1645.]

This Berill is a perfect Sphere, the Di∣ameter of it I guess to be something more than an Inch: It is set in a Ring, or Cir∣cle of Silver resembling the Meridian of a Globe: The stem of it is about Ten Inches high, all gilt. At the Four quarters of it are the Names of Four Angels, viz. Vriel, Raphael, Michael, Gabriel. On the top is a Cross Patee.

Sam. B••isardus hath writ a Book de Di∣vinatione per Crystallum.

A Cloathier's Widow of Pembridge in Herefordshire, desired Dr. Shirburn [one of the Canons of the Church of Hereford, and Rector of Pembridge] to look over her Husbands Writings after his Decease: a∣mong other things, he found a Call for a Crystal. The Clothier had his Clothes oftentimes stolen from his Racks; and at last obtain'd this Trick to discover the Thieves. So when he lost his Clothes, he went out about Midnight with his Crystal and Call, and a little Boy, or lit∣tle Maid with him [for they say it must be a pure Virgin] to look in the Crystal, to see the likeness of the Person that com∣mitted the Theft. The Doctor did burn the Call, 1671.

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Visions without a Glass, or Crystal.

About the later end of the Reign of King Iames the First, one—a Taylor in London had several Visions, which he did describe to a Painter to paint, and he writ the description himself in an ill, Taylor∣like hand, in false English; but legibly: It was (at least) a Quire of Paper. I re∣member one Vision is of St. Iame's Park, where is the Picture of an Altar and Cru∣cifix. Mr. Butler of the Toy-shop by Ludgate [one of the Masters of Bridewel] had the Book in Anno 1659; The then Earl of Northampton gave Five Pounds for a Copy of it.

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CHAP. XVI.

Converse with Angels and Spirits.

DR. Richard Nepier was a Person of great Abstinence, Innocence, and Piety: He spent every day two Hours in Family Prayer: When a Patient, or Que∣rent came to him, he presently went to his Closet to Pray: and told to admira∣tion the Recovery, or Death of the Pati∣ent. It appears by his Papers, that he did converse with the Angel Raphael, who gave him the Responses.

Elias Ashmole Esq had all his Papers, where is contained all his Practice for about Fifty Years; which he, Mr. Ashmole, care∣fully bound up, according to the Year of our Lord, in—Volumes in Folio; which are now reposited in the Library of the Musaeum in Oxford. Before the Res∣ponses stands this Mark, viz. R Ris. which Mr. Ashmole said, was Responsum Raphaelis.

In these Papers are many excellent Me∣dicines, or Receipts for several Diseases that his Patients had; and before some of them is the aforesaid Mark. Mr. Ashmole

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took the pains to Transcribe fairly with his own hand all the Receipts; they are about a Quire and half of Paper in Folio, which since his Death were bought of his Relict by E. W. Esq R. S. S.

The Angel told him, if the Patient were curable, or incurable.

There are also several other Queries to the Angel, as to Religion, Transubstantia∣tion, &c. which I have forgot. I remem∣ber one is, Whether the Good Spirits, or the Bad be most in Number? R Ris, The Good

It is to be found there, that he told Iohn Prideaux D. D. Anno 1621, that Twenty Years hence [1641] he would be a Bishop, and he was so, sc. Bishop of Worcester.

R Ris, did resolve him, That Mr. Booth of—in Cheshire should have a Son that should inherit, Three Years hence [Sc. Sir George Booth, the first Lord Delamere] viz. from 1619. Sir George Booth aforesaid was born December 18. Anno 1622.

This I extracted out of Dr. Nepiers Ori∣ginal Diary, then in the possession of Mr. Ashmole.

When E. W. Esq was about Eight Years old, he was troubled with the Worms: His Grand-father carried him to Dr. Nepier at Lynford. Mr. E. W. peeped in at the Closet at the end of the Gallery,

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and saw him upon his Knees at Prayer. The Doctor told Sir Francis, that at Four∣teen Years old his Grandson would be freed from that Distemper: and he was so. The Medicine he prescribed was, to drink a little draught of Muscadine in the Morn∣ing. 'Twas about 1625.

It is impossible, that the Prediction of Sir George Booth's Birth, could be found a∣ny other way, but by Angelical Revelati∣on.

This Dr. Richard Nepier was Rector of Lynford in Bucks, and did Practise Physick; but gave most to the Poor that he got by it. 'Tis certain, he foretold his own Death to a Day and Hour; he dyed Pray∣ing upon his Knees, being of a very great Age, 1634. April the First. He was near∣ly related to the Learn'd Lord Nepier Ba∣ron of M. ... in Scotland; I have forgot whether his Brother. His Knees were hor∣ny with frequent Praying. He left his E∣state to Sir Richard Nepier M. D. of the Col∣lege of Physitians London, from whom Mr. Ashmole had the Doctor's Picture, now in the Musaeum.

Dr. Richard Nepier Rector of Lynford was a good Astrologer, and so was Mr. Marsh of Dunstable; but Mr. Marsh did seriously confess to a Friend of mine, that Astrolo∣gy was but the Countenance; and that he

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did his business by the help of the blessed Spirits; with whom only Men of great Pi∣ety, Humility and Charity, could be ac∣quainted: And such a one he was. He was an Hundred Years old when my Friend was with him; and yet, did understand him∣self very well.

At Ashridge in Buckinghamshire, near Berkhamsted, was a Monastery, (now in the Possession of the Earl of Bridgwater,) where are excellent good old Paintings still to be seen. In this Monastery was found an old Manuscript Intituled Iohannes de Rupescissâ, since Printed (or part of it) a Chimical Book, wherein are many Receipts; among others, To free a House Haunted with Evil Spirits, by Fumes: Mr. Marsh had it, and did Cure Houses so Haunted by it. Ovid in his Festivals hath something like it. See Thesaurus Exorcismorum writ by— è Societate Iesu. Oct. Wherein are several high Physical and Medicinal things.

Good Spirits are delighted and allured by sweet Perfumes, as rich Gums, Frankin∣cense, &c. Salt, &c. which was the reason that the Priests of the Gentiles, and al∣so the Christians used them in their Temples, and Sacrifices: And on the contrary, Evil Spirits are pleased and allured and called up by Suffumigations of Henbane, &c. stinking Smells, &c. which the Witches do use in

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their Conjuration. Toads (Saturnine A∣nimals) are kill'd by putting of Salt upon them; I have seen the Experiment. Ma∣gical Writers say, that Cedar-wood drives away evil Spirits; it was, and is much used in Magnificent Temples.

Plinii Natural Hist. Lib. XII. Cap. XIV.

Alexandro Magno in pueritia sine parsimo∣nia thura ingerenti aris, paedagogus Leonides dixerat, ut illo modo, cum divicisset thurife∣ras gentes, supplicaret. At ille Arabia potitus; th••re onustam navim misit ei, large exhortatus, ut Deos adoraret.

One says why should one think the In∣tellectual World less Peopled, than the Material? Pliny in his Natural History Lib.—Cap.—tells us, That in Afri∣ca do sometimes appear multitudes of Aeri∣al Shapes, which suddenly vanish. Mr. Ri∣chard Baxter in his Certainty of the Worlds of Spirits, (the last Book he Writ, not long before his Death) hath a Discourse of An∣gels: and wonders they are so little taken notice of, he hath counted in Newman's Concordance of the Bible, the word Angel in above 300 places,

Hugo Grotius in his Annotations on Io∣nah, speaking of Nineve, says, That Hi∣story hath divers Examples, that af∣ter a great and hearty Humiliation, God delivered Cities, &c. from their Calami∣ties.

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Some did observe in the late Civil Wars, that the Parliament, after a Humi∣liation, did shortly obtain a Victory. And as a three-fold Chord is not easily broken; so when a whole Nation shall conjoin in fervent Prayer and Supplication, it shall produce wonderful Effects. William Lawd (Arch-bishop of Canterbury) in a Sermon Preached before the Parliament, about the beginning of the Reign of King Charles I. affirms the power of Prayer to be so great, That though there be a Conjunction or Op∣position of Saturn or Mars (as there was one of them then) it will overcome the malignity of it. In the Life of Vavasor Powel is a memorable Account of the effect of fervent Prayer, after an exceeding Drought: And Mr. Baxter (in his Book afore-menioned) hath several Instances of that Kind, which see.

St. Michael and all Angels.

The Collect.

O Everlasting God, who hast Ordered and Constituted the services of Men and Angels, af∣ter a Wonderful manner: Mercifully grant, that as thy Holy Angels alway do thee service in Hea∣ven: So by thy Appointment, they may succour and defend us, through Iesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

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CHAP. XVII.

Corps-candles in Wales.

Part of a Letter to Mr. Baxter.

SIR,

* 10.1 I am to give you the best satis∣faction I can touching those Fiery Apparitions [Corps-candles,] which do, as it were mark out the way for Corpses to their 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and sometimes before the Partie•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fall Sick, and sometimes in their ••••••kness. I could never hear in Eng∣land of these, they are common in these Three Counties, viz. Cardigan, Car∣marthan and Pembroke,* 10.2 and as I hear in some other parts of Wales.

These 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in our Language we call Canhwyllan Cyrph (i. e.) Corps-can∣dles; and Candles we call them, not that we see any thing besides the Light; but because that Light doth as much resemble a material Candle-light, as Eggs do Eggs, saving, that in their Journey these Can∣dles be modò apparentes, modò disparentes, especially, when one comes near them; and if one come in the way against them, unto whom they vanish; but presently appear behind and hold on their course. If it be a little Candle pale or bluish,

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then follows the Corps either of an Abortive or some Infant; if a big one, then the Corps of some one come to Age: If there be seen 2, or 3, or more, some big, some small together, then so many and such Corpses together. If two Can∣dles come from divers places, and be seen to meet, the Corpses will the like; if a∣ny of these Candles are seen to turn some∣times a little out of the way, or path, that leadeth to the Church, the following Corps will be forced to turn in that very place, for the avoiding some dirty Lane, or plash, &c. Now let us fall to Evi∣dence. Being about the Age of Fifteen, dwelling at Lanylar, late at Night, some Neighbour saw one of these Candles ho∣vering up and down along the River∣Bank, until they were weary in behold∣ing it, at last they left it so, and went to Bed. A few Weeks after came a proper Damsel from Montgomery-shire, to see her Friends, who dwelt on the other side of that River Istwith, and thought to Ford the River at that very place where the Light was seen; being dissuaded by some lookers on (some it is most likely of those that saw the Light) to adventure on the Water, which was high by reason of a Flood: She walked up and down along the River-Bank, even where, and even as

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the aforesaid Candle did, waiting for the falling of the Water; which at last she took, but too soon for her, for she was Drowned therein. Of late my Sexton's Wife, an Aged understanding Woman, saw from her Bed, a little bluish Candle on her Tables-end, within 2, or 3, Days after came a Fellow enquiring for her Husband, and taking something from un∣der his Cloak clap'd it down upon the Tables-end; it was a Dead-born Child.

Another time, the same Woman saw such another Candle upon the end of the self-same Table; within a few Days after a weak Child newly Christned by me, was brought to the Sexton's House, where presently he died: And when the Sexton's Wife, who was then abroad came home, she found the Child, on the other end of the Table, where she had seen the Candle.

Some 30, or 40 Years since, my Wife's Sister, being Nurse to Baronet Rudds three Eldest Children, and (the Lady Mistress being Dead) the Lady Comp∣troller of the House going late into the Chamber where the Maid-servants lay, saw no less than Five of those Lights toge∣ther. It happened a while after, that the Chamber being newly Plaister'd, and a Grate of Coal-fire therein kindled to hasten

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the drying of the Plaister, that five of the Maid servants went to Bed as they were wont (but as it fell out) too soon; for in the Morning they were all Dead, be∣ing Suffocated in their Sleep with the steem of the new-tempered Lime and Coal. This was at Langathen in Carmar∣than-shire

—Io. Davis.

See more— Generglyn, March 1656.

To this Account of Mr. Davis, I will subjoin what my worthy Friend and Neighbour Randal Caldicot D. D. hath af∣firm'd to me many Years since, Viz.

When any Christian is Drowned in the River Dee, there will appear over the Water where the Corps is, a Light, by which means they do find the Body: And it is therefore called the Holy Dee. The Doctor's Father was Mr. Caldicot of Caldicot in Cheshire, which lies on the River.

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CHAP. XVIII.

Oracles.

Hleronimus Cardanus Lib. III. Synesiorum Somniorum, Cap. XV. treats of this Subject, which see. Iohannes Scotus Erigena, when he was in Greece, did go to an Ora∣cle to enquire for a Treatise of Aristotle, and found it, by the Response of the Ora∣cle. This he mentions in his Works lately Printed at Oxford; and is quoted by Mr. Anthony à Wood in his Antiquities of Oxon, in his Life. He lived before the Conquest, and taught Greek at the Abby in Malemsbury, where his Scholars stabbed him with their Pen-knives for his Severity to them. Keland mentions that his Statue was in the Choire there.

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CHAP. XIX.

Extasie.

—IN Ecstasin multis modis dalabuntur homines: aut per Syncopen, aut ani∣mi deliquium, aut etiam proprie abducto om∣ni sensu externo, absque alia causa. Id vero contingit consuetis plerunque, & nimio affectu alicujus rei laborantibus;—Ecstasis medi∣um est inter vigiliam & somnium, sicut som∣nus inter mortem & vigiliam seu vitam—Visa in Ecstasi certiora insomniis: Clariora & evi∣dentiora —Ecstasi deprehensi audire possunt, qui dormiunt non possunt.

Anno 1670. A poor Widow's Daughter in Herefordshire went to Service not far from Harwood [the Seat of Sir Iohn Hoskins Baronet R. S. S] She was aged neer about twenty; fell very ill, even to the point of Death, her Mother was old and Feeble, and her Daughter was the Comfort of her life; if she should die, she knew not what to do: She besought God upon her Knees in Prayer, that he would be pleased to

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spare her Daughters life, and take her to him: At this very time, the Daughter fell into a Trance, which continued about an Hour; they thought she had been Dead: When she recovered out of it, she declared the Vision she had in this Fit, viz. That one in black Habit came to her, whose Face was so bright and glorious she could not be∣hold it; and also he had such brightness up∣on his Breast, and (if I forget not) upon his Arms: And told her, that her Mother's Prayers were heard, and that her Mother should shortly dye, and she should sudden∣ly recover: And she did so, and her Mo∣ther dyed. She hath the character of a modest, humble, vertuous Maid. Had this been in some Catholick Country, it would have made a great noise.

'Tis certain, there was one in the Strand, who lay in a Trance a few Hours before he departed: And in his Trance had a Visi∣on of the Death of King Charles the II. It was at the very Day of his Apoplectick Fit.

There is a Sheet of Paper Printed 16 ... concerning Extasies, that Iames Vsher, late Lord Primate of Ireland, once had: But I have been assur'd from my Honour'd Friend Iames Tyrrel Esq (his Lordship's Grand∣son) that, this was not an Extasie; but that his Lordship upon Reading the 12, 13,

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14, &c. Chapters of the Revelation, and farther reflecting upon the great increase of the Sectaries in England, supposed that they would let in Popery, which Conside∣ration put him into a great Transport at the time when his Daughter (the Lady Tyrrel) came into the Room; when he Discoursed to her divers things (tho not all) contained in the said Printed Paper.

CHAP. XX.

Glances of Love, Malic.

AMor ex oculo: But (as the Lord Bacon saith) more by Glances, than by full Gazings; and so for Envy and Malice.

Tell me dearest,* 10.3 what is Love? 'Tis a Lightning from above: 'Tis an Arrow, tis a Fire, 'Tis a Boy they call Desire.

'Tis something Divine and Inexplicable. It is strange, that as one walks the Streets sometimes one shall meet with an Aspect, (of Male or Female) that pleases our Souls;

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and whose Natural sweetness of Nature, we could boldly rely upon. One never saw the other before, and so could neither oblige, or disoblige each other. Gaze not on a Maid, saith Ecclus. 9. 5.

The Glances of Envy and Malice, do shoot also subtilly; the Eye of the Malici∣ous Person does really Infect (and make Sick) the Spirit of the other. The Lord Bacon saith, it hath been observed, That after Triumphs, the Triumphants have been sick in Spirit.

The Chymist can draw subtile Spirits, that will work upon one another at some distance, viz. Spirits of Alkalies and A∣cids, e. g. Spirits Coelestial (Sal Armoniac and Spirit C. C. will work on each other at half a Yard distance, and smoke); but the Spirits above mentioned are more sub∣tile than they.

Non amo te Sabati, nec possum dicere quare.

But if an Astrologer had their Nativities, he would find a great disagreement in the Schemes. These are Hyperphysical Opticks, and drawn from the Heavens.

Infants are very sensible of these Irradia∣tions of the Eyes: In Spain, France, &c. Southern Countries, the Nurses, and Pa∣rents,

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rents are very shy to let People look upon their young Children, for fear of Fascina∣tion. In Spain they take it ill if one looks on a Child, and make one say, God Bless it. They talk of mul dé ojos. We usually say, Witches have evil Eyes.

AN Accurate Account OF Second-Sighted-Men IN SCOTLAND: IN Two Letters from a Learned Friend of mine in Scotland.

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OF Second-Sighted-Men IN SCOTLAND.

To Mr. John Aubrey Fellow of the Royal-Society.

SIR,

FOR your Satisfaction I drew up some Queries about the Second∣sighted Men, and having sent them to the Northern parts of this King∣dom, some while ago I recieved Answers to them from two different Hands, where∣of I am now to give you an Account, viz.

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Query. I.

If some few credible well-attested Instances of such a Knowledge as is commonly called the Second-sight, can be given?

Answer.

Many Instances of such Knowledge can be given, by the Confession of such who are skilled in that Faculty: For instances, I re∣fer you the Fourth Query.

Query. 2.

If it consists in the discovery of present, or past Events only? Or, if it extend to such as are to come?

Answer.

The Second-sight relates only to things future, which will shortly come to pass. Past Events I learn nothing of it.

Query. 3.

If the Objects of this Knowledge, be sad and dismal Events only; such as Deaths and Mur∣ders? Or, joyful and prosperous also?

Answer.

Sad and dismal Events, are the Objects of this Knowledge: As sudden Deaths, dismal Accidents: That they are Prospe∣rous,

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or Joyful, I cannot learn. Only one instance I have from a Person worthy of Credit, and thereby judge of the Joyful∣ness or Prosperity of it, and it is this. Near 40 Years ago Macklend and his Lady, Sister to my Lord Seaforth, were Walking about their own House, and in their return, both came into the Nurses Chamber, where their young Child was on the Breast: At their coming into the Room, the Nurse falls a Weeping; they asked the cause, dreading the Child was Sick, or that she was scarce of Milk: The Nurse replied, the Child was well, and she had abundance of Milk; yet she still Wept; and being pressed to tell what ailed her; she at last said, Macklend would dye, and the Lady would shortly be Marryed to another Man. Being enquired how she knew that Event, she told them plainly, that as they came both into the Room, she saw, a Man with a scarlet Cloak and a white Hat, betwixt them, giving the Lady a Kiss over the Shoulder; and this was the cause of her Weeping. All which came to pass after Macklend's Death: the Tutor of Lovat Marry'd the Lady in the same Habit the Woman saw him. Now by this instance, judge if it be Prosperous to one, it is as Dis∣mal to another.

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Query. 4.

If these Events, which Second-sighted Men discover, or fore-tell, be visibly represented to them, and acted, as it were, before their Eyes?

Answer.

Affirmatively, they see those things vi∣sibly; but none sees but themselves; for in∣stance, if a Man's Fatal-end be Hanging; they'll see a Gibbet, or a Rope about his Neck: if Beheaded, they'll see the Man without a Head; if Drowned, they'll see Water up to his Throat; if unexpected Death, they'll see a Winding-sheet about his Head: All which are represented to their View. One Instance I had from a Gentleman here, of a Highland Gentleman of the Mackdonalds, who having a Brother that came to visit him, saw him coming in wanting a Head; yet told not his Brother, he saw any such thing; but within 24 Hours thereafter, his Brother was taken, (being a Murderer) and his Head cut off, and sent to Edenburgh. Many such In∣stances might be given.

Query. 5.

If the Second-sight be a thing that is trou∣blesome and uneasie to those that have it? and such as they would gladly be rid of?

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Answer.

It's commonly talk'd-by all I spoke with, That it is troublesome; and they would gladly be freed from it, but cannot: Only I heard lately of a Man very much troubled in his Soul therewith, and by serious beg∣ging of God Deliverance from it, at length lost the Faculty of the Second-sight.

Query. 6.

If any Person, or Persons, truly Godly, who may justly be presumed to be such, have been known to have had this Gift or Faculty?

Answer.

Negatively, not any Godly, but such as are Vitious.

Query. 7.

If it descends by succession from Parents to Children? Or, if not, Whether those that have it, can tell how they came by it?

Answer.

That it is by Succession, I cannot learn; how they came by it, is hard to know, nei∣ther will they tell; which if they did, they are sure of their stroaks from an invisible Hand. One Instance I heard of one Allen Miller, being in company with some Gen∣tlemen,

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having gotten a little more than ordinary of that strong Liquor they were Drinking, began to tell Stories and strange passages he had been at: But the said Allen was suddenly removed to the farther end of the House, and was there almost strangled; recovering a little and coming to the place where he was before, they asked him, What it was that troubled him so? He answered, he durst not tell; for he had told too much already.

How came they by it?

Answer.

Some say by Compact with the Devil; some say by Converse with those Daemons we call Fairies. I have heard, that those that have this Faculty of the Second-sight, have offered to teach it to such as were Curious to know it; upon such and such Conditions they would teach them; but their proffers were rejected.

This is all I could learn by Tradition of that Faculty, from Knowing and Intelli∣gent Men. If this satisfie not these Queries aforesaid, acquaint me, and what can be known of it, shall be Transmitted.

I cannot pass by an Instance I have from a very honest Man in the next Parish, who told me it himself. That his Wife being big with Child near her Delivery, he buys

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half a Dozen of Boards to make her a Bed against the time she lay in. The Boards lying at the Door of his House, there comes an old Fisher-woman, yet alive, and asked him, Whose were those Boards? He told her they were his own; she asked again, For what use he had them? He replied, for a Bed; she again said, intend them for what use you please, she saw a dead Corps ly∣ing on them, and that they would be a Cof∣fin: Which struck the honest Man to the Heart, fearing the Death of his Wife. But when the old Woman went off, he calls presently for a Carpenter to make the Bed, which was accordingly done; but shortly after the honest Man had a Child died, whose Coffin was made of the ends of those Boards.

Sir, The Original, whereof this that I have Writ, is a true Copy, was sent by a Minister, living within some few Miles of Inverness, to a Friend of mine whom I em∣ployed to get Information for me; as I insi∣nuated before: I have other Answers to these Queries from another Hand, which I purposed to have communicated to you at this time; but I find there will not be room enough for them in this Sheet; howbeit, in case you think it fit, they shall be sent you afterward.

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In the mean time, I shall tell you what I have had from one of the Masters of our College here (a North Country-man both by Birth and Education, in his younger Years) who made a Journey in the Harvest time into the Shire of Ross, and at my desire, made some enquiry there, concern∣ing the Second-sight. He reports, That there they told him many Instances of this Knowledge, which he had forgotten, except two. The first, one of his Sisters, a young Gentlewoman, staying with a Friend at some 30 Miles distance from her Father's House, and the ordinary place of her Re∣sidence; One who had the Second-sight in the Family where she was, saw a young Man attending her as she went up and down the House, and this was about Three Months before her Marriage. The second is of a Woman in that Country who is re∣puted to have the Second-sight, and decla∣red, that Eight Days before the Death of a Gentleman there, she saw a Bier or Coffin covered with a Cloth which she knew, car∣ried as it were to the place of Burial, and attended with a great Company, one of which told her it was the Corps of such a Person, naming that Gentleman, who died Eight Days after. By these Instances it appears, that the Objects of this Knowledge are not sad and dismal Events only, but

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joyful and prosperous ones also: He de∣clares farther, that he was inform'd there, if I mistake not, by some of those who had the Second sight, That if at any time when they set those strange Sights, they set their Foot upon the Foot of another who hath not the Second-sight, that other will for that time see what they are seeing; as also that they offered, if he pleased, to com∣municate the Second-sight to him. I have nothing more to add at present, but that I am

SIR Your Faithful Friend and Humble Servant,

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To Mr. John Aubery Fellow of the Royal Society at Gresham College, London.

Honoured Sir,

SInce my last to you, I have had the fa∣vour of two Letters from you: To the first Dated February 6. I had replied sooner, but that I wanted leisure to Tran∣scribe some farther Accounts of a Second-sighted Man, sent me from the North, whereof (in obedience to your desire) I give here the Doubles.

May the 4th 1694.

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A Copy of an Answer to some Queries concerning Second-sighted Men, sent by a Minister living near Inverness, to a Friend of mine.

That there is such an Art, commonly called the Second-sight, is certain, from these following Instances,

First, in a Gentleman's House, one Night the Mistress considering why such Persons whom she expected, were so late, and so long a coming, the Supper being all the while delayed for them; a Servant Man about the House (finding the Mistress anxious) having the Second-sight, desires to cover the Table, and before all things were put on, those Persons she longed for would come in: Which happened ac∣cordingly.

A Second Instance, concerning a young Lady of great Birth, whom a Rich Knight fancied and came in sute of the Lady, but she could not endure to fancy him, being a harsh and unpleasant Man: But her Friends importuning her dayly, she turned melancholy and lean, Fasting and Weep∣ing

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continually. A common Fellow about the House meeting her one Day in the Fields, asked her, saying, Mrs. Kate, What is that that troubles you and makes you look so ill? She replied, that the cause is known to ma∣ny, for my Friends would have me Marry such a Man by name, but I cannot fancy him. Nay, (says the Fellow) give over these Niceties, for he will be your first Hus∣band, and will not Live long, and be sure he will leave you a rich Dowry, which will procure you a great Match, for I see a Lord upon each Shoulder of you: All which came to pass in every Circumstance; as Eye and Ear Witnesses declare.

A Third Instance, of a Traveller coming in to a certain House, desired some Meat: The Mistress being something nice and backward to give him Victuals; you need not, says he, churle me in a piece of Meat; for before an Hour and an half be over, a young Man of such a stature and garb will come in with a great Salmon-fish on his Back, which I behold yonder on the Floor: And it came to pass within the said time.

A Fourth Instance, of a young Woman in a certain House about Supper time, re∣fused to take Meat from the Steward who was offering in the very time Meat to her; being asked why she would not take it? replied, she saw him full of Blood, and

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therefore was afraid to take any thing of his Hands. The next Morning, the said Steward offering to compose a difference between two Men, at an Ale-house Door got a stroke of a Sword on the Forehead, and came home full of Blood. This was told me by an Eye Witness.

Those that have this Faculty of the Se∣cond-sight, see only things to come, which are to happen shortly thereafter, and some∣times fore-tell things which fall out Three or four Years after. For instance, one told his Master, that he saw an Arrow in such a Man through his Body, and yet no Blood came out: His Master told him, that it was impossible an Arrow should stick in a Man's Body and no Blood come out, and if that come not to pass he would be deemed an Impostor. But about 5 or 6 Years after the Man died, and being brought to his Burial-place, there arose a Debate anent his Grave, and it came to such a height, that they drew Arms and bended their Bows, and one letting off an Arrow, shot through the dead Body upon the Bier-trees, and so no Blood could issue out at a dead Man's Wound. Thus his Sight could not inform him whether the Arrow should be shot in

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him Alive or Dead, neither could he con∣descend whether near or afar off.

They foresee Murthers, Drownings, Weddings, Burials, Combates, Manslaught∣ers, of all which many Instances might be given. Lately (I believe in August last 1695.) one told there would be Drown∣ing in the River Bewly, which came to pass: Two pretty Men crossing a Ford both Drowned, which fell out within a Month. Another Instance, a Man that served the Bi∣shop of Catnes, who had 5 Daughters in his House, one of them grudged, that the bur∣then of the Family lay on her wholly: The Fellow told her that ere long she should be exonered of that Task, for he saw a tall Gen∣tleman in black walking on the Bishop's Right-hand whom she should Marry: And this fell out accordingly within a quarter of a Year thereafter. He told also of a cover∣ed Table, full of Varieties of good Fare, and their Garbs who sat about the Table.

They see all this visibly acted before their Eyes; sometimes within, and sometimes without-doors, as in a Glass.

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It is a thing very troublesome to them that have it, and would gladly be rid of it. For if the Object be a thing that is terrible, they are seen to sweat and tremble, and shreek at the Apparition. At other times they Laugh, and tell the thing chearfully, just according as the thing is pleasant or astonishing.

Sure it is, that the Persons that have a sense of God and Religion, and may be pre∣sumed to be Godly, are known to have this Faculty. This evidently appears, in that they are troubled for having it, judging it a Sin, and that it came from the Devil, and not from God; earnestly desiring and wish∣ing to be rid of it if possible, and to that effect have made application to their Mini∣ster, to Pray to God for them, that they might be exonered of that Burthen. They have supplicated the Presbyterie, who ju∣dicially appointed publick Prayers to be made in several Churches, and a Sermon Preached to that purpose in their own Parish Church by their Minister, and they have compeired before the Pulpit, after Sermon

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making Confession openly of that Sin with deep sense on their Knees; renounced any such Gift or Faculty which they had to God's dishonor; and earnestly desired the Mini∣ster to pray for them; and this their Re∣cantation Recorded, and after this, they were never troubled with such a sight any more.

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A Copy of a Letter, written to my self by a Gentleman's Son in Straths-pey being a Student in Divinity, concern∣ing the Second-sight.

SIR,

I Am more willing than able to satisfie your desire: As for instances of such a Knowledge, I could furnish many. I shall only insert some few attested by several of good Credit yet alive.

And First, Andrew Mackpherson of Clunie in Badenoch, being in sute of the Laird of Gareloch's Daughter, as he was upon a day going to Gareloch, the Lady Gareloch was going somewhere from her House within kenning to the Road which Clunie was coming; the Lady perceiving him, said to her Attendants, that yonder was Clunie, going to see his Mistress: One that had this Second-sight in her company replied and said, if yon be he, unless he Marry within six Months, he'll never Mary. The Lady asked, how did he know that? He said, very well; for I see him, saith he, all inclosed in his Winding-sheet, except his Nostrils and his Mouth, which will also close up within Six Months; which

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happened even as he foretold; within the said space he died, and his Brother Duncan Mackpherson this present Clunie succeeded. This and the like may satisfie your fourth Query, he seeing the Man even then co∣vered all over with his dead Linens. The Event was visibly represented and as it were acted (before his Eyes) and also the last part of your second Query, viz. That it was as yet to come. As for the rest of the Questions, viz. That they discover pre∣sent and past Events, is also manifest, thus: I have heard of a Gentleman whose Son had gon abroad, and being anxious to know how he was, he went to Consult one who had this Faculty, who told him, that that same Day 5 a Clock in the Afternoon his Son had Married a Woman in France, with whom he had got so many Thousand Crowns, and within two Years he should come home to see Father and Friends, leav∣ing his Wife with Child of a Daughter, and a Son of six Months Age behind him: Which accordingly was true. About the same time two Years he came home, and verified all that was fore-told.

It is likewise ordinary with Persons that lose any thing, to go to some of these Men, by whom they are directed; how, what Persons, and in what place they shall find it. But all such as profess that Skill,

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are not equally dexterous in it. For In∣stance, two of them were in Mr. Hector Mackenzi Minister of Inverness his Father's House; the one a Gentleman, the other a common Fellow; and Discoursing by the Fire-side, the Fellow suddenly begins to Weep, and cry out Alas! alas! such a Wo∣man is either Dead or presently expiring. The Gentlewoman lived 5 or 6 Miles from the House, and had been some Days before in a Fever. The Gentleman being some∣what better expert in that Faculty, said, No, saith he, she's not Dead; nor will she dye of this Disease. O saith the Fellow, do you not see her all covered with her Winding-sheet? Ay, saith the Gentleman, I see her as well as you do; but do you not see her Linnen all wet? which is her Sweat, she being presently, cooling of the Fever. This Story Mr. Hector himself will testifie. The most Remarkable of this sort, that I hear of now, is one Archibald Mackeanyers, alias Mackdonald, Living in Ardinmurch within 10 or 20 Miles, or thereby, of Glen∣coe, and I was present my self, where he fore-told something, which accordingly fell-out. In 1683. this Man being in Strathspey in Iohn Mackdonald of Glencoe his Company, told, in Balachastell before the Laird of Grant, his Lady, and several o∣thers, and also in my Father's House; that

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Argyle, of whom few or none knew then where he was, at least there was no word of him then here; should within two Twelve Months thereafter, come to the West-High-lands, and raise a Rebellious Faction, which would be divided among themselves, and disperse, and he unfortunately be taken and Beheaded at Edinburgh, and his Head set up∣on the Talbooth, where his Father's Head was before him: Which proved as true, as he fore-told it, in 1685. thereafter. Like∣wise in the beginning of May next after the late Revolution, as my Lord Dundee re∣turn'd up Spey-side after he had followed Ge∣neral Major Mac Kay in his Reer down the length of Edinglassie, at the Milatown of Gar∣tinbeg the Machleans joined him, and after he had received them, he Marched forward, but they remained behind, and fell a Plun∣dering: Upon which, Glencoe and some o∣thers, among whom was this Archibald, being in my Father's House and hearing that Mac Leans and others were Pillaging some of his Lands, went to restrain them, and com∣manded them to March after the Army; after he had cleared the first Town, next my Father's House of them, and was come to the second, there standing on a Hill, this Archibald said, Glencoe, If you take my Advice, then make off with your self with all possible haste, for ere an Hour

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come and go, you'll be put to it as hard as ever you was: Some of the Com∣pany began to droll and say, what shall be∣come of me? Whether Glencoe believed him, or no, I cannot tell; but this I am sure of, that whereas before he was of intention to return to my Father's House and stay all Night, now we took leave and immedi∣ately parted: And indeed, within an Hour thereafter Mac Kay, and his whole Forces appeared at Culnakyle in Abernethie 2 Miles below the place where we parted, and hear∣ing that Cleaverhouse had Marched up the Water-side a little before, but that Mac Leans and several other stranglers had stayed behind, commanded Major Aeneas Mac Kay, with 2 Troops of Horse after them; who finding the said Mac Leans at Kinchardie in the Parish of Duthel, Chased them up the Morskaith: In which Chase Glencoe hap∣pened to be, and was hard put to it, as was fore-told. What became of Archibald him∣self, I am not sure, I have not seen him since, nor can I get a true Account of him, only I know he is yet alive, and at that time one of my Father's Men whom the Red-coats meeting, compell'd to guide them, within sight of the Mac Leans, found the said Archibald's Horse within a Mile of the place where I left him. I am also inform'd, this Archibald said to Glencoe, that he would

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be Murthered in the Night-time in his own House Three Months before it happen'd.

Touching your 3d. Query, The Objects of this Knowledge, are not only sad and dismal; but also joyful and prosperous: Thus, they fore-tell of happy Marriages, good Children, what kind of Life Men shall Live, and in what Condition they shall Die: Also Riches, Honour, Preferment, Peace, Plenty and good Weather.

Query. 6. What way they pretend to have it? I am informed, that in the Isle of Sky, especially before the Gospel came thither; several Families had it by Succes∣sion, descending from Parents to Children, and as yet there be many there that have it that way; and the only way to be freed from it is; when a Woman hath it her self and is Married to a Man that hath it also; if in the very Act of Delivery, upon the first sight of the Childs Head, it be Bap∣tized, the same is free from it; if not he hath it all his Life: By which it seems, it is a thing troublesome and uneasie to them that have it, and such as they would fain be rid of. And may satisfie your 5th Query. And for your farther contentment in this Query; I heard of my Father, that there was one Iohn du beg Mac Grigor a Reanach-man Born, very expert in this Knowledge, and my Father coming one Day from Inverness,

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said by the way, that he would go into an Alehouse on the Road, which then would be about 5 Miles off. This Iohn Mac Grigor being in his Company, and taking up a Slate∣stone at his Foot, and looking to it, re∣plied; Nay, saith he, you will not go in there, for there is but a matter of a Gal∣lon of Ale in it even now, and ere we come to it, it will be all near Drunken, and those who are Drinking there, are Strangers to us, and ere we be hardly past the House, they'll discord among them∣selves: Which fell out so; ere we were two pair of Butts past the House, those that were Drinking there went by the Ears, wounded and mischieved one an∣other. My Father by this and several o∣ther things of this nature, turned curious of this Faculty, and being very intimate with the Man, told him he would fain learn it: To which he answered, that indeed he could in 3 Days time Teach him if he pleased; but yet he would not advise him nor any Man to learn it; for had he once learned he would never be a Minute in his Life, but he would see innumerable Men and Women Night and Day round about him; which perhaps he would think wearisome and unpleasant, for which rea∣son my Father would not have it. But as Skilful as this Man was, yet he knew not

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what should be his own last End; which was Hanging: And I am Informed, that most, if not all of them, though they can fore-see what shall happen to others; yet they cannot fore-tell, much less prevent what shall besal themselves. I am also in∣formed by one who came last Summer from the Isle of Sky, that any Person that pleases will get it Taught him for a Pound or two of Tobacco.

As for your last Query. For my own part, I can hardly believe they can be justly presumed, much less truly Godly. As for this Mac Grigor several report, that he was a very civil discreet Man, and some say he was of good Deportment, and also unjustly Hanged. But Archibald Mackenyere will not deny himself, but once he was one of the most Notorious Thieves in all the Highlands: But I am informed since I came to this Knowledge which was by an Acci∣dent too long here to relate, that he is turned honester than before.

There was one Iames Mack Coil-vic-alaster alias Grant, in Glenbeum near Kirk-Michael in Strathawin, who had this Sight, who I hear of several that were well acquainted with, was a very honest Man, and of right blameless Conversation. He used ordinari∣ly by looking to the Fire, to fore-tell what Strangers would come to his House the next

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Day, or shortly thereafter, by their Habit and Arms, and sometimes also by their Names; and if any of his Goods or Cattel were missing, he would direct his Ser∣vants to the very place where to find them whether in a Mire or upon dry Ground; he would also tell, if the Beast were already Dead, or if it would Die ere they could come to it; and in Winter if they were thick about the Fire-side, he would desire them to make room to some others that stood by, tho they did not see them, else some of them would be quickly thrown in∣to the midst of it. But whether this Man saw any more than Brownie and Meig Mal∣lach, I am not very sure: Some say, he saw more continually, and would often be very angry-like, and something troubled, no∣thing visibly moving him: Others affirm he saw these two continually, and some∣times many more.

They generally term this Second-sight in Irish Tashitaraughk, and such as have it Taishatrin, from Taish, which is properly a shadowy substance, or such naughty, and thing, as can only, or rather scarcely be discerned by the Eye; but not caught by the hands: for which they as∣signed it to Bugles or Ghosts, so that Taish∣tar, is as much as one that converses with Ghosts or Spirits, or as they commonly

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call them, the Fairies, or Fairy-Folks. Others call these Men Phissichin, from Phis, which is properly Fore-sight, or Fore-knowledge. This is the surest and clearest account of Second-sighted Men that I can now find, and I have set it down fully, as if I were transiently telling it, in your own presence, being curious for nothing but the verity, so far as I could. What you find improper or superfluous, you can best compendise it, &c.

Thus far this Letter, written in a Fami∣liar and Homely stile, which I have here set down at length: Meg Mullack, and Brownie mentioned in the end of it, are two Ghosts, which (as is constantly re∣ported) of old haunted a Family in Straths-pey of the Name of Grant. They appeared, the first in the likeness of a young Lass: The Second of a young Lad.

Dr. Moulin (who presents his service to you) hath no aquaintance in Orkney; but I have just now spoken with one who not only hath acquaintance in that Country, but also entertains some thoughts of going thither himself, to get me an account of the Cures usually practised there. The Cortex Winteranus mentioned by you as an excellent Medicine, I have heard com∣mended as good for the Scurvy; if you know it to be Eminent or Specifick

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(such as the Peruvian Bark is) for any Disease. I shall be well pleased to be in∣formed by you.

Thus, Sir, you have an account of all my Informations concerning Second-sight∣ed Men: I have also briefly touched all the other particulars in both your Letters, which needed a Reply, except your Thanks so liberally and obligingly returned to me for my Letters, and the kind sense you express of that small service. The kind reception which you have given to those poor trifles, and the value which you put on them, I consider as effects of your kindness to my self, and as engagements on me to serve you to better purpose when it shall be in the power of

Your Faithful Friend and Servant.

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Additaments of Second-sight.

DIembroke in his Book de Peste, gives us a story of Dimmerus de Raet, that being at Delft, where the Plague then raged, sent then his Wife Thirty Miles off. And when the Doctor went to see the Gentleman of the House, as soon as he came in, the old Chair-woman that washed the Cloathes fell a weeping: He asked her, Why? said she, My Mistress is now dead: I saw her Apparition but just now without a Head, and that it was usual with her when a Friend of hers died, to see their Apparitions in that man∣ner, though never so far off. His Wife died at that time.

Mr. Th. May in his History Lib. VIII. writes, that an Old Man (like an Her∣mit) Second-sighted, took his leave of King Iames the First, when he came into England: He took little notice of Prince Henry, but addressing himself to the Duke of York [since King Charles I.] fell a weeping to think what misfortunes he should undergo; and that he should be one of the miserablest unhappy Princes that ever was.

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A Scotch Noble Man sent for one of these Second-sighted Men out of the High-lands to give his Judgment of the then great Favourite George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham; as soon as ever he saw him, Pish, said he, he will come to nothing. I see a Dagger in his breast; and he was stabbed in the breast by Capt. Felton.

Sir Iames Melvin hath several the like Stories in his History.

A certain Old Man in South-Wales told a Great Man there of the Fortune of his Family; and that there should not be a Third Male Generation.

In Spain there are those they call Salu∣dadores, that have this kind of Gift. There was a Dominican Fryar one— a Portugues belonging to Queen Katharine Dowagers Chapel, who had the Second-sight.