Transcriber's Note.
A list of the changes made can be found at the end of the book.
Mark-up: _italic_
==blackletter==
+spaced text+
Woodward's Historical Series.
No. VI.
THE
==Witchcraft Delusion==
IN
NEW ENGLAND:
ITS
RISE, PROGRESS, AND TERMINATION,
AS EXHIBITED BY
DR. COTTON MATHER,
IN
_THE WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD_;
AND BY
MR. ROBERT CALEF,
IN HIS
_MORE WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD_.
WITH A
==Preface, Introduction, and Notes==,
BY SAMUEL G. DRAKE.
IN THREE VOLUMES.
VOL. II.
_More Wonders of the Invisible World._
PRINTED FOR W. ELLIOT WOODWARD,
ROXBURY, MASS.
MDCCCLXVI.
_No._ ______
Entered according to Act of Congress in the Year 1865,
By SAMUEL G. DRAKE,
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States
for the District of Massachusetts.
EDITION IN THIS SIZE 280 COPIES.
MUNSELL, PRINTER.
[Illustration]
PREFATORY,
BY THE EDITOR.
MY Object in this Edition of Mr. Calef's Work is similar to that in Dr.
Mather's in the preceding Volume, namely, to give a perfectly accurate
Reprint of the Work; so that whoever has Occasion to use or consult
it may do so with entire Confidence. I have therefore reprinted the
original Edition of 1700, with such Notes as was judged might be useful
to a certain Class of Readers. And having mentioned the Notes, I will
say of them here all I have to say about them. There may be those who
have no need of such Additions. They can pass them by unheeded; but it
was thought generally that a few Explanations and Additions would be a
Help to the Party consulting the Work. They have been made as brief as
was thought consistent with the Subject.
With respect to the original Text, it is given as exactly like the
Original as a much better Type can be made to imitate an old Type of
166 Years ago. As to retaining all the Errors in the original Edition,
it was thought incompatible with the general good Taste of the Age.
Some, of a peculiar Nature, if judged necessary to show a Peculiarity
of the Times, may have been retained, and noted for such Peculiarity;
but a broken or imperfect Letter is discarded as unworthy of Imitation;
so transposed or inverted Letters are set right, as any good proof
Reader would have done, had he noticed them in the Original; but the
Orthography of that Day is scrupulously retained.
Why there was no Edition of the _More Wonders of the Invisible World_,
for ninety-six Years, will be found elsewhere explained. The Edition
of 1796 is the first American Edition. This bears the following
Imprint: "PRINTED IN LONDON IN the Year 1700. | _Reprinted in_ SALEM,
_Massachusetts_, 1796, | By WILLIAM CARLTON. | _Sold at CUSHING &
CARLTON'S Book Store, at the Bible | and Heart, Essex-Street._" The
Volume is in Duodecimo, and contains 318 Pages. The second Salem
Edition is in the same Form, and contains 309 Pages, exclusive of
the Article headed "GILES CORY," which occupies three Pages; hence
Copies of this Edition contain 312 Pages. Its Imprint--all in small
Capitals--is thus: "Printed in London, A. D. 1700. | Reprinted in
Salem, by John D. and T. C. Cushing, Jr. | for Cushing and Appleton.
1823." The Publishers of this Edition added the Article _Giles Cory_,
at the Suggestion of MR. DAVID PULSIFER, then employed in the Office
where the _Witchcraft Records_ were kept, as he many Years ago informed
me.
The second Salem Edition appears to have been copied from the
first--that of 1796. In some Instances slight Departures are made
from the Copy; and in all these, such Departures are also Departures
from the Original. As late as 1796, it might be expected that some
Uniformity would have been observed, as long as no Exactness was
intended in respect to the kind of Type used in reprinting an old
Work--Uniformity in denoting Quotations; but there is no Exactness
in this respect in either Edition. In the first, as will be seen,
sometimes Brackets are used to distinguish Quotations, but generally
italic Type is employed for that Purpose. In the second, inverted
Commas are generally used, sometimes Brackets. I have followed the
Original, bracketing and italicising as I find it. Inverted Commas to
denote Extracts, Quotations and the possessive Case of Nouns have been
introduced by Writers and Printers mainly, since the Time of Mr. Calef.
Nothing appears in the Book to show whether the Author superintended
the printing of it or otherwise. He may have resided in London at the
Time of its Publication, although there are some Considerations that
seem to lead to the Conclusion that it may have passed through the
Press without his Supervision; but, as before observed, Nothing is
known in regard to it, and it is not very probable that Anything more
will ever come to Light; yet equally strange Things as that would be,
have happened.
Taking Liberties with old Authors is exceedingly distasteful to me,
even where well assured that an Author would have gladly made a Change
himself, had a Defect or Deformity been noticed by him; but I have not
even assumed that Responsibility in Mr. Calef's Work. I have done one
Thing which the Student ought to thank me for, though he may not. I
have placed the Headings of the different Sections at the Commencement
of those Sections, throughout the Work. In the original Edition these
were omitted, probably on the score of Economy. They also stand at the
Commencement of the Book (as in the Original,) entitled "Index." The
Benefit to the Reader, in reprinting the Captions or Contents of a
Section or Chapter over such Section or Chapter will be too apparent to
require Apology.
The Pagination of the Original is Exactly retained; being placed at the
top inner Margin in Brackets, and in the Page where the original Page
begins and ends, as was done in the previous Volume.
[Illustration]
==Pedigree of Calef.==[1]
Robert Calef, probably from England, settled in Roxbury, Mass.,
previous to 1700; rented Lands in Dorchester, 1709; is styled Clothier;
died 13th April, 1719, aged 71, as by his Grave-stone in the old
Burying-ground, Roxbury. = Mary ... died November 12th, 1719.
¦
1. Joseph, went to Ipswich as early as 1692; a Physician; d. 28th
Dec., 1707, in his 36th Year. = Mary; ... she m., 2dly, Thomas
Choate, of Ipswich.
¦
i. Robert, born 12th Dec., 1693, had a Grant of Mill-privilege in
Ipswich, 1715; died 12th July, 1730. = Margaret, da. of Dea. John
Staniford; d. 7th October, 1727.
¦
John, b. 1725; Physician of great Respectability; a Loyalist in
the Revolution; d. at St. Andrews, N. B., 1812. = Mary, dau. of
Nathaniel Rogers, of Ipswich.
¦
John, Capt. of a Vessel; drowned at Plum Island on his return
Voyage from the W. Indies, 1782.
Margaret, born 15th October, 1748; m. Dr. Daniel Scott, of
Boston.
Mary, bapt. 24th March, 1750; m. Capt. John Dutch, of Ipswich.
Joseph, living in 1754.
ii. Joseph, b. 20th May, 1695, in Ipswich. Administrator on Estate
of his Grandfather.
iii. Samuel b. 25th January, 1697; d. Sept. 1st. 1720.
iv. Ebenezer.
v. Peter,[2] (perhaps, Physician, of Charlestown,) d. 11th October,
1735 = Sarah Foster, 19th July, 1723.
¦
Joseph, bapt. 3d of May, 1724; a Leather-dresser.
Sarah, Mary, both d. early.
Peter, bapt. 26th Oct., 1729, died 1749.
Mary, bapt. 23d April, 1732, m. Stephen White, in Waltham, 5th
June, 1758.
Parnel, bapt. 16th February, 1734-5, m. Dr. Edward Coffin.
vi. Mary.
2. John, living 1719.
3. Jeremiah, living 1719.
4. ROBERT, (Author of _More Wonders_, &c.); Merchant, of Boston; died
near the Close of 1722, or early in 1723, aged about 45. His Children
all born in Boston. = Margaret, dau. of James Barton, of Newton, 23d
Dec., 1699. She died before 17th Sept., 1744.
¦
i. James, b. 21st Dec., 1702, d. young.
ii. James, b. 24th Feb., 1711-12, d. young.
iii. Robert, b. 9th Mar., 1716/17, d. young.
iv. Elizabeth, b. 7th May, 1704, living in 1722.
v. Mary, born 25th Jan., 1712-13, died young.
vi. Anne, b. 7th July, 1708, m. Green, li. 1722.
¦
Thomas Green, living 1740.
Bethiah Green, living 1740.
John Green, living 1740.
Mary Green, living 1740.
Rebeckah Green, living 1740.
vii. Margaret, b. 4th October, 1710, married Star, li. 1722.
¦
Jaspar Star, li. 1740.
Robert Star, li. 1740.
Mary Star, living 1740.
Benjamin Star, li. 1740.
viii. James,[3] b. 7th Nov. 1714, li. 1744, but not in the Province;
perhaps the Captive of 1757. = Abigail.
¦
Samuel, a Captive among the Indians with his Father.
5. Martha, m. Solomon Hewes, 28th September, 1700.
6. Mary, m. Sam'l Stevens, 9th of October, 1712.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] This Pedigree is given with the Hope that it will tend to interest
some Descendant to investigate the Subject, and to compose a Genealogy
worthy of it. The Compiler of this is not acquainted with any of
the Name, and has here thrown together such Facts as were among his
Memoranda, chiefly made many Years ago.
[2] Not much Confidence is felt that the Family given to this PETER is
the correct one.
[3] This _James_ may not be the one mentioned in _N. Eng. Hist. and
Gen. Reg._, xiv, 271; but is supposed to be he.
[Illustration]
MEMOIR OF ROBERT CALEF.
WHEN any Man has moral Courage enough to speak plainly against any
Vices, Follies, or Superstitions surrounding him, he must not only be
a bold Man, but he does so regardless of the Cost; for all Experience
teaches that whoever undertakes a Reformation of the Kind must
experience a Fate not altogether unlike him who waged War with the
Philistines.
If the Reformer escapes the Fury of the Deluded, and lives out his
natural Time, he often loses his social standing; is maligned, scoffed,
and scorned by all whom he exposed, and a Multitude of those who follow
them as their Leaders without knowing wherefore. It is much the same
now. The Reformer or Corrector of Opinion is hissed and slandered in
Proportion to the Effort he makes. That is to say, he is dealt with
by Society leniently if he tells the Truth with a Sort of Proviso;
maintains his Position without Firmness, and gains but few Followers.
Little is known of Robert Calef, aside from his single Book, and what
his Enemies have thought proper to say about him in a bitter Spirit
of Detraction. He was certainly a Man of good Education; but how he
acquired it, where and when, no Mention is found. Dr. Mather, in his
Rejoinder to the _More Wonders_, assails him at every Point; but his
Attainments in Literature he probably viewed as not vulnerable, as he
has made no Attack on that Quarter. It is true he accuses him of being
assisted in his Labors, but gives no Clue by which such Assistance may
be known.
Notwithstanding Mr. Calef had, by his Independence in freely arraigning
the absurd Proceedings against those charged with imaginary Crimes,
he was not without some Popularity in Boston, his Place of Residence,
at the Period of those Prosecutions; for in the Records of the Town
are found the following Entries concerning him: April 16th, 1694, "Mr.
Robert Calfe was chosen Hayward & Fence-viewer, in the Room of Mr.
Edward Wyllys, who refused to serve." May 12th, 1702, he was added to
the Number of the Overseers of the Poor. On the 19th of April, 1704,
Thanks were voted him for his Services in that Office. On March 12th,
1704-5, it was ordered that Mr. Calef be not charged with Interest on
Moneys remaining in his Hands. The next Year, March 10th, 1706-7, he
was chosen one of the Assessors, but declined the Service.
The Time of the Emigration of the Family of Calef, or Calfe, to this
Country has not been ascertained, nor has there been published any
considerable Memorial of it. The Name is an old English one; and were
Time bestowed upon it, many Items might doubtless be found in old
Authors of Persons who have borne it. At Present but a Reference or
two must suffice. In the Time of Henry III (1216-1270), a Sir John
_Calfe_ flourished, on whom a curious Epitaph may be seen in _Camden's
Remains_. Another John Calfe has an Inscription to his Memory in St.
Nicholas's Church, London, giving 1426 as the Year of his Decease.
It is not very remarkable that so little is known of Robert Calef, when
it is considered that he had almost the entire Community against him.
And less is learned about him than might be expected in the Perusal of
his own Book. That his Character was above Reproach is evident from
the Replies of Dr. Mather and his Friends, to his Questions respecting
the Proofs of Witchcraft. It helps one's Cause but very little, merely
to call his Antagonist "a Lyar;" and this appears to have been the
heaviest Argument brought against Mr. Calef in Answer to his Statements.
In Dr. Mather's Account of the _Afflictions_ of Margaret Rule, he
thus refers to those who differ from him; undoubtedly having special
Reference to Mr. Calef: "Yea, to do like Satan himself, by sly, base
unpretending Insinuations, as if I wore not the Modesty and Gravity
which became a Minister of the Gospel, I could not but think myself
unkindly dealt withal, and the Neglects of others to do me Justice
in this Affair has caused me to conclude this Narrative in _another
hearing_ of such monstrous Injuries."
By "another hearing," is meant that he had or would take legal Steps to
silence his Opponent; for about the same Time the Doctor was so annoyed
by certain Queries sent him by Mr. Calef, that he returned him Word by
his (Mr. Calef's) Bearer, that he would have him arrested for Slander,
as he was "one of the worst of Lyars." This the Doctor proclaimed also
in his Pulpit. Yet Mr. Calef was always respectful in his Language in
return, for anything that appears to the contrary.
On the 29th of September, 1693, Mr. Calef addressed Dr. Mather a
Note, requesting that he would meet him at either of the Booksellers,
Richard Wilkins or Benjamin Harris. Mr. Calef desired this Meeting that
they might examine together the Memoranda of what he had noted after
visiting the "possessed" or bewitched Person, Margaret Rule. At that
Visit were also both the Doctors Mather, Father and Son. Meantime Mr.
Calef was complained of and taken into Custody, on the Charge of having
committed a scandalous Libel on Mr. Mather the younger; the Complaint
being made by both. Mr. Calef states that he did not remember that he
had been charged with Untruth in his Report of the Examination of
Margaret; but it was asserted that he had wronged Dr. Mather by his
Omissions. To which Mr. Calef replied, that he had reported only what
_he_ saw and heard himself.
As to the Prosecution for Libel, Mr. Calef says he was taken to the
Court of Sessions, and after waiting a while for his Accusers, none
appeared. He was therefore dismissed. He had had a Promise from Dr.
Mather to meet him to compare Notes, but it does not appear that any
Time was stated; and after several Months had elapsed Mr. Calef wrote,
requesting him to fix upon a Time and Place of Meeting. A Meeting
however never occurred, of the Kind desired; but, as the only Means of
getting the Doctor's Views of what he had written, he sent him a Copy
of his Notes on Margaret Rule's Exhibitions, two of which he seems
to have witnessed. On the 15th of January, 1693-4, the Doctor wrote
him a long Letter, in which he says: "I have this to say, as I have
often already said, that do I scarcely find any one Thing in the whole
Paper, whether respecting my Father or self, either fairly or truly
represented." The _Fairness_ on both Sides may be judged of, as both
Papers will be found in the ensuing Work, Pages 13-22.
The Doctor sent the Author, accompanying his Letter, Copies of three
Depositions, or Statements from several Persons, to the Effect that
what he had stated regarding the strange Conduct of Margaret Rule
was true; especially as to the Fact, that she was by invisible Hands
raised from her Bed up to the Garret Floor, and that strong Men, the
Bystanders, could not hold her down. The Height of the Room is not
mentioned; but one Witness, Samuel Aves, says it was "a great Way;"
that she was lifted "towards the Top of the Room." Three others said,
this was "in Substance true." Also, Thomas Thornton, a Paver, said she
was lifted up, "so as to touch the Garret Floor;" to which William
Hudson assented in "Substance." All of which Testimonies, Mr. Calef
ventured to insinuate was about as true, as a Report would be that
Iron would swim on Water; that if that Rising in the Air without Hands
actually took place, it was a Miracle, and if a Miracle it was wrought
by the Devil. And yet it seems that Mr. Calef believed none but God
himself could work Miracles.
Between the Date of his last Letter and the 19th of February, 1693-4,
instead of answering Mr. Calef's Letter, Dr. Mather sent him Word
that his Library was open to him, intimating that he might find there
Answers to any and all of his Objections and Difficulties. But Mr.
Calef did not avail himself of the Kindness thus tendered, though he
thanked him by Letter, and at the same Time complained that he had
not written him, pointing out what he conceived to be Errors in his
former Communications; adding, "if you think Silence a Virtue in this
Case, I shall (I suppose) so far comply with it as not to loose you
any more Time to look over my Papers." This however did not end the
Correspondence; for on the 16th of April following he addressed a
Letter to the Doctor, calling his Attention to certain Passages in the
_Wonders of the Invisible World_, and some other "late Books of his and
his Relations." After stating a few of the Author's strange Assertions,
such as that the Devil causes Wars, Plagues, and other Calamities;
that the Devil is a great Linguist; that Suicides "are the Effects of
a cruel & bloody Witchcraft," and several other similar Quotations.
In closing this Letter, he remarks that he is only performing what he
believes to be his Duty; that he is far from doing it to gain Applause,
or from a Love of Contention; that, on the other Hand, he expected to
make many Enemies by it.
The next Letter which he wrote to Mr. Mather was dated March the
1st, 1694-5. In this he says he had waited more than a Year "for the
Performance of a reiterated Promise" from him, to reply to Arguments
which he had sent for his Refutation or Approval. Instead of that
promised Answer, he had received, through the Hand of a third Person,
"four Sheets of recinded Papers." These were delivered under an
Injunction that no Copy was to be taken of them, and he was allowed to
keep them but a Fortnight. He has given some Account of those "four
Sheets," and observes that he does not wonder at not being allowed
to copy them, as they contained so much "crude Matter and impertinent
Absurdities." Among other Things, he sent Mr. Calef Baxter's _World
of Spirits_, characterizing it an _ungainsayable_ Book; upon which
Mr. Calef remarks, as aptly as significantly, that he knows of no
"ungainsayable" Book but the Bible, and thinks no other Man who had
ever read it would so style it except its Author. He is probably
correct when he attributes to Mr. Baxter the Weakness incident to old
Age, in allowing his Name to appear as the Author of _The Certainty of
the World of Spirits_. But his own Words are more to the Point: "As
to the sometime Reverend Author, let his Works praise the Remembrance
of him; but for such as are either Erroneous and foisted upon him, or
the Effect of an aged Imbecility, let them be detected that they may
proceed no further."
The Experience of Mr. Calef was similar, probably, to that of
most Reformers, both before and since his Time. To combat similar
Superstitions at this Day would be nearly or quite as hazardous as it
was then. Indeed, there have been Cases within some thirty Years in New
England, in which Individuals have fared much worse than Robert Calef
did in Boston more than an hundred Years before, and for no offence
worthy of Notice; neither had an Eighth of the Community a Voice in
this Persecution, while in Mr. Calef's Case nine Tenths of the whole
People probably were crying out against him. The Villainy of a single
Lawyer, and the Imbecility of a Judge may sometimes succeed in ruining
for a Time the Character of any Citizen.
Mr. Calef seems to have been almost alone in the Warfare he had
undertaken. "How Few," he says, "are willing to be found opposing such
a Torrent, as knowing, that in so doing, they shall be sure to meet
with Opposition to the utmost, from the many, both of Magistrates,
Ministers and people; and the name of Sadducee, Atheist, and perhaps
Witch too cast upon them most liberally, by Men of the highest
Profession in Godliness."
Owing to the peculiar State of the Times when Mr. Calef wrote, he felt
himself obliged to admit a great Deal that a Writer at a later Day
would not have found it Necessary. This will account for some heavy
Papers introduced into the Body of his Work. He had a most difficult
Task to perform. Like the Mariner in a Tempest upon a Lee Shore, he
needed an Eye on every Point of the Compass, and a deep Sea Lead ever
in Hand.
What Overtures, if any, he made to Printers in Boston to print his
Books, are unknown. It is pretty certain, however, that no One would
have dared to undertake it. And what Agency, if any, he employed to
have it done Abroad, is equally unknown. But one Thing is known; no
Bookseller had the Hardihood to offer it for Sale, or dared to give
it Shop-room. He had a few Friends who stood by him, ready to shield
him, as far as was consistent with their own Safety, but none had the
Boldness to come out so openly as he did. Some wrote strongly against
the Delusion, but not for Publication; as Brattle of Cambridge, Cary
of Charlestown, and Robert Paine. The Work of the last named Gentleman
has not been made public, and remains in private Hands. It is said to
be a most masterly Refutation of the Arguments made use of against
Witches, written in the Time of the Trials. But it seems, on a careful
Perusal of Mr. Calef's _More Wonders_, that not much more can be said
(admitting or deferring to a Sort of Authority which cannot be argued
from,) to show the utter Absurdity of the Proceedings on the Witch
Trials. He has, it must be admitted, exhausted the Subject. It is very
easy, it is true, to say the same Thing, using different and more
elegant Language, according to the present Standard of Elegance; but
for close and succinct Argument, the Author has not been surpassed
by his Successors. His Statement of Apology for those poor People
who had confessed themselves Witches, and accused others, is highly
satisfactory.
Mr. Calef possessed more than ordinary Attainments in Literature; he
was no Stranger to legal Forms; and as to theological Learning, was,
for Soundness of Argument, quite superior to those who were in the
Field against him. These Facts excite a Desire to know more of his
History; for all that has been learned about him, is that he was a
"Merchant of Boston," and that he was a Dealer in woolen Goods; and
hence the Attempt of a narrow minded Opposition to class him among
the Ordinary and Illiterate of the Time. They also descended to vulgar
Epithets, calling him a _Calf_; his Book they call a "Firebrand, thrown
by a Mad-man;" and, "it was highly rejoycing to us, when we heard that
our Booksellers were so well acquainted with the Integrity of our
Pastors, as not one of them would admit of those Libels to be vended
in their Shops." This was the Language of the Men who published "Some
few Remarks, upon a _Scandalous Book_ ... written by one Robert Calef,"
with the Motto--"Truth will come off Conqueror." This Publication
is dated "January 9th, 1700-1," and purports to have been drawn up
by Obadiah Gill, John Barnard, John Goodwin, William Robie, Timothy
Wadsworth, Robert Cumbey, and George Robinson; none of whom were Men
of special Note then or afterwards. It should be observed, however,
that they were Members of the Old North Church. Any further Notice of
the Answer to the _More Wonders_ is unnecessary here; but it will be
used in the Notes occasionally, that the "_Slandered_" may speak for
themselves.
It was probably about the Time of the Issue of the _Some Few Remarks_
that the _More Wonders_ was caused to be burnt in the College Yard at
Cambridge, by Order of the President, Dr. Increase Mather. The Burning
was doubtless performed with much of Ceremony and Formality, but there
does not appear to have been any Record made of it upon the College
Books; or if so, the Historians of the Institution have not mentioned
it. This Kind of _Argument_ against what is set forth in a Book, is
about as effectual as that employed against the Tide of the Ocean by
an eastern Monarch. That the President of the College had no great
Faith in his _Argument_, is pretty clear, or so much Pains would not
have been taken by him in making another Book to refute the Arguments
contained in the one he had burned.
The precise Date of Mr. Calef's Death is not upon any Records which
have been examined; and the last Time he appears to have transacted
any Business requiring his Signature, was at the Registry of Deeds,
then under the official Management of John Ballantine, Esq., when he
released a Mortgage which he held of certain Lands in Roxbury; which
Mortgage was given by Joseph Holland and his Wife Elizabeth, and
dated the 11th of March, 1720. [Of course, 1721, N. S.] The Release
was signed by the Mortgagor, April 11th, 1722. His Signature on this
Occasion has been copied, and is here presented.
[Illustration: Robert Calfe]
But a short Time previous to this Transaction he deeded certain
Property to his Children. In this Instrument, dated February 10th,
1721, [1722, N. S.,] he styles himself Clothier, and names Children,
Elizabeth, Ann, Margaret and James. Two Houses and Land; one in present
Possession of James Smith; the other in his own Possession; bounded N.
W. upon----Street, N. E. upon Thomas Wheeler, S. E. upon William Gold,
and S. W. upon Bond Street; also one Tract of Land in Brookline; also a
Mortgage from James Barton, Ropemaker, reserving to himself and his now
married Wife the Use of the Premises during their Lives.
The following is an Abstract of his Will:
"I Robert Calfe of Boston, being now in sound Body and Minde doe make
this my last Will [and] appoint my well beloved Wife Executrix. After
funerall Charges and all Other my just Debtts being paide, my Will is
that my Wife [have] all my Estate during her Widdowhood; and in Case
she see Caus to alter her Condition by Marraig, that then she shall
quitt her Administership, and the Improvement of the Estate, wholey to
be for the Bennefitt of my Children; only two hundred Pounds I will
unto her upon her Marraig, and the whoolly Remainder to be disposte of
as followe: Son James £100, when of Age more then any of the Rest of
my Children: And allso I give £200 ought of said Estate for defraying
the Charges of bringing him up to the Collig, if he inclines to
Larning, but if not then to be equaley divided among him and the Rest
of my Children, viz. Elizabeth, Ann and Margaret, together with what
Children it shall plees God to give me by my present Wife: And it is
my Will that my Daughters, Elizabeth, Ann and Margaret have an equall
Proportion of all my Estate, Personall and Reall, only what is before
excepted unto my Son James, and that they be paid upon Marraig or at
the Discretion of my Executrix, if she remain a Widow, and if it please
God to take away my Children by Death before of Age or without Issue
the whole of my Estate to return to my Wife or to her Dispose.
_2d of Jan., 1720._
[Illustration: Signature]
In Presence of Samˡˡ Wentworth, John Alden, Jr. and John Tyler.
Margaret Calfe presented the within Will for Probat and John Alden,
Junʳ and John Tyler made Oath, &c. and they together with Samˡ
Wentworth, who is now out of the Province set to their Hands as
Witnesses in the Testator's Presence. Boston, Feb. 18th, 1722-3.
SAMUEL SEWALL J Probᵗ"
The Testator was too ill, it is probable, to draw up his Will himself,
or one so unclerical would not have appeared. The Circumstances,
however, under which it was made, are entirely conjectural. His Wife
was living, a Widow, till about 1744; as in September of that Year her
Will was proved. It was made four Years before, namely, September 17th,
1740. The Items of Interest in it here follow:
"To Grandson Thomas Green £60; to Margaret Green £20, and a silver
Porringer which her Father now has. To Ann Green £30, and a gold
Necklace. To Bethiah Green £20. To John Green £20. To Mary Green £20,
and to Rebeckah Green £30; all the Children of my Daughter Ann Green
deceased. To Daughter Margaret Star's four Children, namely, to Joseph,
£20; Robert, £20; Mary, £20; and Benjamin Star, £20. Clothing to be
divided between Daughter Star, and Grand Daughter, Ann Green. The
Remainder of Estate to be divided between Daughter Margaret Star and
Son James Calf; said Son to be Executor if in the Province; otherwise,
Cousin Thomas Simpkins.
_Dated_, January 2d, 1720. _Signed_,
MARGARET CALF.
Witnesses--Abigail West, Barnabas Gibbs, John Swinnerton."
It was presented for Probate by Thomas Simpkins; James Calf being out
of the Province.
In the General Court Records Notice is given, under Date June 25th,
1723, of a "Petition of Margaret Calef, Widow, and sole Executrix of
the last Will of Robert Calef, late of Boston, Merchant, deceased,"
praying for Leave to sell a seventh Part of a House and Land in
Roxbury, of which said Robert Calef died seized. The Father of Mr.
Calef, also named Robert, had died intestate, April 13th, 1719, and
his Wife on the 12th of November following. In the Settlement of his
Estate, it is stated that the "Housing and Lands lying in Roxbury,
cannot be divided without Prejudice and Injury;" hence the Petition
before mentioned.
A few Items here follow, given for the Benefit of those who may
hereafter desire to investigate the History of the Calef Family;
Dr. Joseph Calef died at Ipswich, Dec. 31st, 1707, leaving a Wife, and
Children, Robert, Joseph, Samuel, Ebenezer, Peter and Mary. This was,
doubtless the Emigrant to Ipswich, where, in 1692, he had a Grant for
a Fulling-mill. Joseph Calef was a Scout in Capt. John Goff's Company
in 1746. Mary, Widow of Joseph Calef, married Thomas Choate of Ipswich;
Date of Marriage is not stated. Joseph Calef was of Boston, 1746, in
which Year he petitioned, with others, for the Paving of Atkinson
Street.
James Calef and his Son Samuel were Captives among the Indians and
French; were taken at Fort William Henry, in August, 1757. Abigail, the
Wife of James and Mother of Samuel, made Application in their behalf
to the Authorities of the Province. No Mention is made of their place
of Residence. Dr. John Calef, of Ipswich, married Margaret, Daughter
of Nathaniel and Mary (Leverett) Rogers, of the same Town. He was born
1725.
After the bloody Fight at Pequawket, Governor Dummer wrote to Eleazer
Tyng: "Send down to me forthwith by the Bearer hereof, Mr. Calef, the
most intelligent Person among Lovell's Men returned, that I may have a
perfect Account of that Action." What Mr. Calef this was, does not with
certainty appear.
A Mrs. Mary Calfe died at Concord, N. H., August 10, 1817, aged
ninety-eight Years. Her first Husband was Samuel Bradley, who was
killed by the Indians, August 11th, 1746. She afterwards married Robert
Calfe, Esq., of Chester, in the same State. This is on the Authority of
Mr. Bouton, in his _History of Concord_, who, in another Place, says
Calfe's Name was Richard. Whether Richard or Robert, he was probably a
Descendant of James, the only surviving Son of Robert, the "Merchant of
Boston." The maiden Name of Mrs. Calfe was Folsom.
When the Federal Constitution of New Hampshire was adopted (1788,)
John Calfe, Esq., was chosen Secretary of the Convention. He was also
Secretary in 1791, when the Constitution was revised. His Son Joseph
died at Hampstead, N. H., August 6, 1854, aged 79. A John Calef was
in the Old Mill Prison, England, 1789. Jeremiah Calef, a Native of
Exeter, N. H., died at Northfield, 23d February, 1856, aged 73 Years,
10 Months. James, an only Brother of Jeremiah, died at Sanbornton, 30th
March, 1856, aged 71.
Robert Calef was an eminent Ship-master between Boston and London
before the Revolution. His Arrival on one Occasion is thus noticed in
the _Gazette and News-Letter_ of April 5th, 1764: "In Captain Calef
came Passengers, the Captains, Edward Wendell, John Marshall, and
Doctor Marshall of this Town. Mrs. McTaggart, and her Son Gray of this
Town, died of the Smallpox in London." The Autographs of several of
the Name of Calef (always so spelt) are in the Writer's Possession
from 1755 to 1780. In 1755, Joseph was engaged in supplying Ships
with Water. In 1767, Joseph Calef, probably the same, was largely
in the leather Trade. He was a Tanner, and his Tan-yard was in the
Neighborhood of the Old Boston Theatre.
What Time the Family of Robert Calef came to this Country has not been
ascertained. It was probably in the latter Half of the seventeenth
Century, and our Author may have had his Education before his
Emigration. This View may be considered probable, from a Passage in his
Preface to the _More Wonders_, &c.
After the Above was written, it came to my Notice, that in a Volume
issued by the _Mass. Hist. Soc._, were some Extracts from the _Diary_
of Cotton Mather. Also the following, concerning Robert Calef, in a
Memorandum-book of Dr. Belknap: "Robert Calef, Author of _More Wonders
of the Invisible World_, was a Native of England; a young Man of
good Sense, and free from Superstition; a Merchant in Boston. He was
furnished with Materials for his Work by Mr. Brattle, of Cambridge; and
his Brother, of Boston; and other Gentlemen, who were opposed to the
_Salem_ Proceedings. E. P." [Ebenezer Pemberton?]
[Illustration]
MORE WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD:
Or, The Wonders of the ==Invisible World,== Display'd in Five Parts.
Part I. An Account of the Sufferings of _Margaret Rule_, Written by
the Reverend Mr. C. M.
P. II. Several Letters to the Author, _&c._ And his Reply relating
to Witchcraft.
P. III. The Differences between the Inhabitants of _Salem_ Village,
and Mr. _Parris_ their Minister, in _New-England_.
P. IV. Letters of a Gentleman uninterested, Endeavouring to prove
the received Opinions about Witchcraft to be Orthodox. With short
Essays to their Answers.
P. V. A short Historical Accout of Matters of Fact in that Affair.
To which is added, A Postscript relating to a Book intitled,
_The Life of Sir_ +WILLIAM PHIPS+.
Collected by _Robert Calef_, Merchant, of _Boston_ in _New-England_.
Licensed and Entred according to Order.
_LONDON:_
Printed for _Nath. Hillar_, at the _Princes-Arms_, in
_Leaden-Hall-street_, over against St. _Mary-Ax_, and _Joseph Collyer_,
at the _Golden-Bible_ on _London-Bridge_. 1700.
[Illustration]
[1] The Epistle to the READER.
And more especially to the Noble _Bereans_[4] of this _Age_, wherever
Residing.
Gentlemen,
_YOU that are freed from the Slauery of a corrupt Education; and that
in spite of human Precepts, Examples and Precsidents, can hearken to
the Dictates of Scripture and Reason:_
_For your sakes I am content, that these Collections of mine, as also
my Sentiments should be exposed to publick view; In hopes that having
well considered, and compared them with Scripture, you will see reason,
as I do, to question a belief so prevalent (as that here treated of) as
also the practice flowing from thence; they standing as nearly connext
as cause and effect; it being found wholly impracticable, to extirpate
the latter without first curing the former._
_And if the Buffoon or Satyrical will be exercising their Talents, or
if the Bigots wilfully and blindly reject the Testimonies of their own
Reason, and more sure word, it is no more than what I expected from
them._
_But you Gentlemen, I doubt not are willing to Distinguish between
Truth and Error, and if this may be any furtherance to you herein, I
shall not miss my Aim._
_But if you find the contrary, and that my belief herein is any way
Heterodox, I shall be thankful for the Information to any Learned or
Reverend Person, or others, that shall take that pains to inform me
better by Scripture, or sound Reason, which is what I have been long
seeking for in this Country_ in vain.[5]
_In a time when not only_ England _in particular, but almost all_
Europe _had been labouring against the Usurpations of Tyranny and
Slavery. The_ English, America _has not been behind in a share in
the Common calamities; more especially_ New-England, _has met not
only with such calamities as are common to the rest, but with several
aggravations enhansing such Afflictions, by the Devastations and
Cruelties of the Barbarous_ Indians _in their Eastern borders, &c._
_But this is not all, they have been harrast (on many accounts) by a
more dreadful Enemy, as will herein appear to the considerate._
P. 66. Were it as we are told in _Wonders of the Invisible World_, that
the Devils were walking about our Streets with lengthned Chains making
a dreadful noise in our Ears, and Brimstone, even without a Metaphor,
was making a horrid and a hellish stench in our Nostrils.[6] P. 49.
And That the Devil exhibiting himself ordinarily as a black-Man,
had decoy'd a fearful knot of Proud, Froward, Ignorant, Envious and
Malitious Creatures, to list themselves in his horrid Service, by
entring their Names in a Book tendered unto them; and that they have
had their Meetings and Sacraments, and associated themselves to destroy
the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, in these parts of the World;
having each of them their Spectres, or Devils Commissionated by them,
and [2] representing of them to be the Engines of their Malice, by
these wicked Spectres, siezing poor People about the Country, with
various and bloody Torments. And of those evidently preternatural
Torments some to have died. And that they have bewitched some even
so far, as to make them self destroyers, and others in many Towns,
here and there languish'd under their evil hands. The People, thus
afflicted, miserably scratch'd and bitten; and that the same Invisible
Furies did stick Pins in them, and scal'd them, distort and disjoint
them, with a Thousand other Plagues; and sometimes drag them out of
their Chambers, and carry them over Trees, and Hills Miles together,
many of them being tempted to sign the Devils Laws.
P. 7. _Those furies whereof several have killed more People perhaps
than would serve to make a Village. If this be the true state of the
Afflictions of this Country, it is very deplorable, and beyond all
other outward Calamities miserable. But if on the other side, the
Matter be as others do understand it, That the Devil has been too hard
for us by his Temptations, signs, and lying Wonders, with the help of
pernicious notions, formerly imbibed and professed; together with the
Accusations of a parcel of possessed, distracted, or lying Wenches,
accusing their Innocent Neighbours, pretending they see their Spectres_
(i. e.) _Devils in their likeness Afflicting of them, and that God in
righteous Judgement, (after Men had ascribed his Power to Witches, of
commissionating Devils to do these things) may have given them over to
strong delusions to believe lyes. &c And to let loose the Devils of
Envy, Hatred, Pride, Cruelty and Malice against each other; yet still
disguised under the Mask of Zeal for God, and left them to the branding
one another, with the odious Name of Witch; and upon the Accusation
of those above mentioned, Brother to Accuse and Prosecute Brother,
Children their Parents, Pastors and Teachers their immediate Flock
unto death; Shepherds becoming Wolves, Wise Men Infatuated; People
hauled to Prisons, with a bloody noise pursuing to, and insulting over,
the (true) Sufferers at Execution, while some are fleeing from that
called Justice, Justice itself fleeing before such Accusations, when
once it did but begin to refrain further proceedings; and to question
such Practises, some making their Escape out of Prisons, rather than
by an obstinate Defence of their Innocency, to run so apparent hazard
of their Lives; Estates seized, Families of Children and others left
to the Mercy of the Wilderness (not to mention here the Numbers
prescribed, dead in Prisons, or Executed, &c.)_
_All which Tragedies, tho begun in one Town, or rather by one Parish,
has Plague-like spread more than through that Country. And by its Eccho
giving a brand of Infamy to this whole Country, throughout the World._
_If this were the Miserable case of this Country in the time thereof,
and that the Devil had so far prevailed upon us in our Sentiments and
Actions, as to draw us from so much as looking into the Scriptures for
our guidance in these pretended Intricacies, leading us to a trusting
in blind guides, such as the corrupt practices of some other Countries
or the bloody Experiments of Bodin,[7] [3] and such other Authors. Then
tho our Case be most miserable, yet it must be said of_ New-England,
_Thou hast destroyed thyself, and brought this greatest of Miseries
upon thee._
_And now whether the Witches (such as have made a compact by
Explicit Covenant with the Devil, having thereby obtained a power to
Commissionate him) have been the cause of our miseries._
_Or whether a Zeal governed by blindness and passion, and led by
president, has not herein precipitated us into far greater wickedness
(if not Witchcrafts) than any have been yet proved against those that
suffered._
_To be able to distinguish aright in this matter, to which of these
two to refer our Miseries is the present Work. As to the former, I
know of no sober Man, much less Reverend Christian, that being ask'd
dares affirm and abide by it, that Witches have that power;_ viz. _to
Commissionate Devils to kill and destroy. And as to the latter, it were
well if there were not too much of truth in it, which remains to be
demonstrated._
_But here it will be said, what need of Raking in the Coals that lay
buried in oblivion. We cannot recal those to Life again that have
suffered, supposing it were unjustly; it tends but to the exposing the
Actors, as if they had proceeded irregularly._
_Truly I take this to be just as the Devil would have it, so much to
fear disobliging men, as not to endeavour to detect his Wiles, that
so he may the sooner, and with the greater Advantages set the same on
foot again (either here or elsewhere) so dragging us through the Pond
twice by the same Cat.[8] And if Reports do not (herein) deceive us,
much the same has been acting this present year in_ Scotland. _And what
Kingdom or Country is it, that has not had their bloody fits and turns
at it. And if this is such a catching disease, and so universal, I
presume I need make no Apology for my Endeavours to prevent, as far as
in my power, any more such bloody Victims or Sacrifices; tho indeed I
had rather any other would have undertaken so offensive, tho necessary
a task; yet all things weighed, I had rather thus Expose myself to
Censure, than that it should be wholly omitted. Were the notions in
question, innocent and harmless, respecting the glory of God, and
well being of Men, I should not have engaged in them, but finding
them in my esteem, so intollerably destructive of both. This together
with my being by Warrant called before the Justices, in my own Just
Vindication, I took it to be a call from God, to my Power, to Vindicate
his Truths against the_ Pagan _and_ Popish _Assertions, which are so
prevalent; for tho Christians in general do own the Scriptures to be
their only Rule of Faith and Doctrine, yet these Notions will tell us,
that the Scriptures have not sufficiently, nor at all described the
crime of Witchcraft, whereby the culpable might be detected, tho it be
positive in the Command to punish it by Death; hence the World has been
from time to time perplext in the prosecution of the several Diabolical
mediums of Heathenish and Popish Invention, to detect an Imaginary
Crime (not but that there are Witches, such as the Law of God [4]
describes)[9] which has produced a deluge of Blood; hereby rendering
the Commands of God not only void but dangerous._
_So also they own Gods Providence and Government of the World, and
that Tempests and Storms, Afflictions and Diseases are of his sending;
yet these Notions tell us, that the Devil has the power of all these,
and can perform them when commission'd by a Witch thereto, and that he
has a power at the Witches call to act and do, without and against the
course of Nature, and all natural causes, in afflicting and killing of
Innocents; and this is that so many have died for._
_Also it is generally believed, that if any Man has strength, it is
from God the Almighty Being: but these notions will tell us, that
the Devil can make one Man as strong as many, which was one of the
best proofs, as it was counted, against Mr._ Burroughs _the Minister;
tho his contemporaries in the Schools during his Minority could have
testified, that his strength was then as much superior to theirs as
ever[10] (setting aside incredible Romances) it was discovered to be
since. Thus rendering the power of God, and his providence of none
Effect._
_These are some of the destructive notions of this Age, and however
the asserters of them seem sometimes to value themselves much upon
sheltring their Neighbors from Spectral Accusations. They may deserve
as much thanks as that Tyrant, that having industriously obtained an
unintelligible charge against his Subjects, in matters wherein it was
impossible they should be Guilty, having thereby their lives in his
power, yet suffers them of his meer Grace to live, and will be call'd
gracious Lord._
_It were too_ Icarian[11] _a task for one unfurnish'd with necessary
learning, and Library, to give any Just account, from whence so great
delusions have sprung, and so long continued. Yet as an Essay from
those scraps of reading that I have had opportunity of; it will be
no great venture to say, that Signs and Lying Wonders have been one
principal cause._
_It is written of_ Justin Martyr,[12] _who lived in the second
Century, that he was before his conversion a great Philosopher; first
in the way of the_ Stoicks, _and after, of the_ Peripateticks, _after
that of the_ Pythagorean, _and after that of the_ Platonists _sects;
and after all proved of Eminent use in the Church of Christ; yet a
certain Author speaking of one_ Apollonius Tyaneus[13] _has these
words_ [That the most Orthodox themselves began to deem him vested with
power sufficient for a Deity; which occasioned that so strange a doubt
from _Justin Martyr_, as cited by the learned _Gregory_, Fol. 37. Ει
Θεοςζσι _&c._ If God be the creator and Lord of the World, how comes it
to pass that _Apollonius_ his _Telisms_, have so much over-ruled the
course of things! for we see that they also have stilled the Waves of
the Sea; and the raging of the Winds, and prevailed against the Noisome
Flies, and Incursions of wild Beasts,] _&c. If so Eminent and Early
a Christian were by these false shews in such doubt, it is the less
wonder in our depraved times, to meet with what is Equivalent thereto:
Besides this a certain Author informs me, that_ [Julian _(afterwards
called the Apostate) being instructed in the Philosophy and Disciplines
of the Heathen, by_ Libarius _his Tutor, by this [5] means he came to
love Philosophy better than the Gospel, and so by degrees turn'd from
Christianity to Heathenism.]_
_This same_ Julian _did, when_ Apostate, _forbid that Christians
should be instructed in the Discipline of the_ Gentiles, _which
(it seems)_ Socrates _a Writer of the Ecclesiastical History, does
acknowledge to be by the singular Providence of God; Christians having
then begun to degenerate from the Gospel, and to betake themselves to
Heathenish learning. And in the_ Mercury _for the Month of_ February,
1695, _there is this Account_ [That the Christian Doctors conversing
much with the writings of the _Heathen_, for the gaining of Eloquence.
A Counsel was held at _Carthage_, which forbad the reading of the Books
of the _Gentiles_.]
_From all which it may be easily perceived, that in the Primitive times
of Christianity, when not only many Heathen of the Vulgar; but also
many learned Men and Philosophers had imbraced the Christian Faith;
they still retained a love to their Heathen-learning, to which as
one observes being transplanted into a Christian soils, soon proved
productive of pernicious weeds, which over-ran the face of the Church,
hence it was so deformed as the Reformation found it._
_Among other pernicious Weeds arising from this Root, the Doctrine of
the power of Devils and Witchcraft as it is now, and long has been
understood, is not the least; the Fables of_ Homer, Virgil, Horace
_and_ Ovid, &c. _being for the Elegancy of their Language retained then
(and so are to this day) in the schools; have not only introduced, but
established such Doctrines to the poisoning the Christian World.[14]
A certain Author expresses it thus [that as the Christian Schools at
first brought Men from Heathenism to the Gospel, so these Schools carry
Men from the Gospel to Heathenism, as to their great perfection] and
Mr._ I. M. _in his_ Remarkable Providences, _gives an account that (as
he calls it) an old Counsel did Anathematize all those that believed
such power of the Devils, accounting it a Damnable Doctrine.[15] But
as other Evils did afterwards increase in the Church (partly by such
Education) so this insensibly grew up with them, tho not to that
degree, as that any Counsel I have ever heard or Read of has to this
day taken off those_ Anathema's; _yet after this the Church so far
declined, that Witchcraft became a Principal, Ecclesiastical Engine
(as also that of Heresy was) to root up all that stood in their way;
and besides the ways of Tryal, that we have still in practice, they
invented some, which were peculiar to themselves; which whenever they
were minded to improve against any Orthodox believer, they could easily
make Effectual: That Deluge of Blood which that_ Scarlet Whore _has to
answer for, shed under this notion, how amazing is it._
_The first in_ England _that I have read of, of any note since the
Reformation, that asserts this Doctrine, is the famous Mr._ Perkins,
_he (as also Mr._ Gaul, _and Mr._ Bernard, _&c.) seems all of them to
have undertaken one Task. They taking notice of the Multiplicity of
irregular ways to try them by, invented by Heathen and Papists, made
it their business and main work herein to oppose such as they saw to
be pernicious. And if they did not look more narrowly into it, but
followed the first,_ viz. _Mr._ Perkins _whose Education (as theirs
also) had forestall'd him into such belief, whom they readily followed,
it cannot be wondered at: And that they were men liable to Err, and
so not to be trusted to as perfect guides, will manifestly appear to
him that shall see their several receits laid down to detect them by
their Presumptive and Positive ones. And consider how few of either
have any foundation in Scripture or Reason; and how vastly they differ
from each other in both, each having his Art by himself, which Forty or
an Hundred more may as well imitate, and give theirs,_ ad infinitum,
_being without all manner of proof. [6] But tho this be their main
design to take off People from those Evil and bloody ways of trial
which they speak so much against. Yet this does not hinder to this day,
but the same evil ways or as bad are still used to detect them by, and
that even among Protestants; and is so far justified, that a Reverend
Person has said lately here, how else shall we detect Witches?[16] And
another being urged to prove by Scripture such a sort of Witch as has
power to send Devils to kill men, replied that he did as firmly believe
it as any article of his Faith. And that he (the Inquirer) did not go
to the Scripture; to learn the Mysteries of his trade or Art. What can
be said more to Establish there Heathenish notions and to villifie
the Scriptures, our only Rule; and that after we have seen such dire
effects thereof, as has threatned the utter Extirpation of this whole
Country._
_And as to most of the Actors in these Tragedies, tho they are so far
from defending their Actions that they will readily own, that undue
steps have been taken, &c. yet it seems they choose that the same
should be Acted over again, inforced by their Example, rather than that
it should Remain as a Warning to Posterity, as herein they have mist
it. So far are they from giving Glory to God, and taking the due shame
to themselves._
_And now to sum up all in a few words, we have seen a Biggotted Zeal,
stirring up a Blind, and most Bloody rage, not against Enemies, or
Irreligious proffligate Persons. But (in Judgment of Charity, and
to view) against as Vertuous and Religious as any they have left
behind them in this Country, which have suffered as Evil doers (with
the utmost extent of rigour, not that so high a Character is due to
all that Suffered) and this by the Testimony of Vile Varlets as not
only were known before, but have been further apparent since by their
Manifest Lives, whordoms, incest, &c. The accusations of these, from
their Spectral Sight, being the chief Evidence against those that
Suffered. In which Accusations they were upheld by both Magistrates and
Ministers, so long as they Apprehended themselves in no Danger.[17]_
_And then tho they could defend neither the Doctrine, nor the Practice,
yet none of them have in such a publick manner as the case Requires,
testified against either; tho at the same time they could not but be
sensible what a Stain and lasting Infamy they have brought upon the
whole Country, to the indangering the future welfair not only of this
but of other places, induced by their Example; if not, to an intailing
the Guilt of all the Righteous Blood that has been by the same means
Shed, by Heathen or Papists, &c. upon themselves, whose deeds they have
so far justified, occasioning the great Dishonour and Blasphemy of the
Name of God, Scandalizing the Heathen, hardning of Enemies; and as a
Natural effect thereof, to the great Increase of Atheism._
_I shall conclude only with acquainting the Reader, that of these
Collections, the first containing more Wonders of the Invisible World,
I received of a Gentleman, who had it of the Author, and communicated
it to use, with his express consent, of which this is a true Copy.[18]
As to the letters, they are for Substance the same I sent, tho with
some small Variation or Addition. Touching the two Letters from a
Gentleman at his request, I have forborn naming him. It is great Pity
the matters of Fast, and indeed the whole, had not been done by some
abler hana better Accomplished and Advantages with both natural and
acquired Judgments, but others not Appearing, I have inforc'd myself to
do what is done, my other occasions Will not admit any further Scrutiny
therein._
_R. C._
_Boston in New-England, Aug_ 11. 1697.
[Illustration]
FOOTNOTES:
[4] In both the second and third Editions this Name is printed
_Barons_. The Printer probably not knowing what else to make of it.
The Inhabitants of ancient _Berœa_ were called _Berœans_. The present
_Aleppo_ occupies the Site. For the Point, see _Acts_, xvii, 11.
[5] This is the Remark that led me to think the Author was not a Native
of New England. An Extract by Dr. Belknap, noted in the accompanying
Memoir is corroborative of the Conjecture.
[6] See Vol. I, Pages 121-2. Cotemporary with the Author, we find that
eminent Divine, Michael Wigglesworth, thus poetically impressing upon
the Readers of his Poem the Horrors spoken of in the Text:
Whom having brought as they are taught,
Unto the Brink of Hell,
(That Dismal Place far from Christs Face,
Where Death and Darkness dwell:
Where Gods fierce Ire kindleth the Fire,
And Vengeance feeds the Flame
With Piles of Wood, and Brimstone Flood,
That none can quench the same.
_Day of Doom, Stanza 208._
[7] John Bodin was a Frenchman of great Learning, born at Angers 1530.
Some of his Historical Works were formerly in great Repute in England
as well as in France. His Work referred to above was published at Paris
in 1579, under the Title _La Démonomanie, ou Traite des Sorciers_, in
4to. It is full of all those Superstitions for which the Age in which
the Author lived is celebrated. See Camerarius, _Living Library_, Page
2, Edition 1625, _Fol._ See also Mr. Fowler's interesting Note to the
last Salem Edition of _Salem Witchcraft_, P. ix.
[8] That is by the same Cord, or Rope. In nautical Usage, a Rope to
do or perform a certain Service. The Anchor was formerly hoisted to
the Head of a certain bow Timber to which it was fastened by the _Cat_
Rope; hence the Timber is called the _Cat-head_.
[9] It will elsewhere be seen that the Author makes it pretty clear,
that to discover Witches by that Law, or who they are, has never been
done. It was therefore easy to argue that Witches never would be
discovered by it. In other Words where nothing is looked for nothing
will be found. This Subject will be found discussed elsewhere.
[10] Samuel Webber, aged about 36, testified that some seven or eight
Years ago he lived at Casco Bay, where Mr. B. was Minister. Having
heard much of his great Strength, and coming to his House, and in
Discourse about it, he told the said Webber that he had put his Fingers
into the Bung of a Barrel of "Malases" and lifted it up and carried it
round him. See _Records of Salem Witchcraft_ (by Woodward) ii, 113. See
also sundry other Testimonies about Mr. Burroughs's great Strength,
_ib._, 123-5. Also (Vol. I, 153,) _The Wonders of the Invisible World_.
[11] The Author's classical Learning was probably not very extensive.
The Use of this mythical Name however may have been according to its
Acceptation in his Time.
[12] The Reader will not find, as he has a Right to expect, this Name
in the common Biographical Works. In the large Work of _Chaudon et
Delandine_ is a satisfactory Article under the Head JUSTIN; who was a
Martyr of the second Century; yet we meet with the Name constantly in
History, as _Justin Martyr_; Martyr being added to his proper Name, to
denote that he had suffered Martyrdom. He is also styled _St. Justin_.
[13] Apollonius _Thyaneus_, according to Lempriere. A Pythagorian
Philosopher, well skilled in the Arts of Magic; who, "one Day
haranguing the Populace at Ephesus, he suddenly exclaimed: 'Strike the
Tyrant, strike him; the Blow is given, he is wounded and fallen!' At
that very Moment the Emperor Domitian had been stabbed at Rome. The
Magician acquired much Reputation when the Circumstance was known."
[14] Although the Stories and Fables of former Ages may, and doubtless
did, at the Period under Consideration, have a bad Influence upon
the Minds of Scholars, they ought to have none in these Times. This,
however, will depend on the Intelligence of Teachers.
[15] It is only necessary to observe that the Title of Dr. I. Mather's
Work is _An Essay for the Recording of Illustrious Providences_, &c.,
which was printed in a 12mo. 1684. This Work was elegantly reprinted
in a Crown 12mo or a 16mo. by John Russell Smith, London, 1856. This,
I think, is the first Time the Work was ever reprinted. It shows the
Author not less superstitious than his very credulous Son.
[16] It would perhaps be fruitless to attempt a Conjecture as to who
were the Persons referred to, the Majority of the Community being of
the same Faith.
[17] It seems that for some Time it never occurred to the Rulers that
_they_ might be taken for Witches; or "cried out upon," as the Phrase
used to be.
[18] Who the Gentleman was that received the Paper from Dr. Mather
does not appear. At the Time it was obtained, the Author (Dr. Mather)
probably had no Apprehension that any Exposition was to follow. The
very vague Note in _Proceedings Mass. Hist. Society_ for 1858, p. 288,
enlightens the Reader but little. It is said in that Note--"He [Mr.
Calef] was furnished with Materials for his Work by Mr. Brattle, of
Cambridge; and his Brother of Boston; and other Gentlemen, who were
opposed to the _Salem_ Proceedings." This Extract is signed E. P.; but
the Editor of the Article referred to makes no Conjecture as for whom
the Initials stand. Perhaps they mean Ebenezer Pemberton, though that
Gentleman was comparatively a young Man in 1697; old enough, however,
to have been interested in these Affairs.
[Illustration]
[7] The INDEX.
PART I.
_ANOTHER Brand plucked out of the Burnings or More Wonders of the
Invisible World; written_ by Mr. C. M. relating to the Afflictions
of Margaret Rule. Page 1