estimonies.

"If any persons have been condemned, about whom any of y^e Judges,
are not easy in their minds, that y^e Evidence against them, has
been satisfactory, it would certainly bee for y^e glory of the
whole Transaction to give that person a Reprieve.

"It would make all matters easier if at least Bail were taken for
people Accused only by y^e invisible tormentors of y^e poor
sufferers and not Blemished by any further Grounds of suspicion
against them.

"The odd Effects produced upon the sufferers by y^e look or touch of
the accused are things wherein y^e Divels may as much Impose upon
some Harmless people as by the Representacon of their shapes.

"My notion of these matters is this. A Suspected and unlawful
com'union with a Familiar Spirit, is the Thing enquired after. The
communion on the _Divel's_ part, may bee proved, while, for ought I
can say, The _man_ may bee Innocent; the Divel may impudently Impose
his com'union upon some that care not for his company. But if the
com'union on y^e man's part bee proved, then the Business is done.

"I am suspicious Lest y^e Divel may at some time or other, serve us
a trick by his constancy for a long while in one way of Dealing. Wee
may find the Divel using one constant course in Nineteen several
Actions, and yett hee bee too hard for us at last, if wee thence
make a Rule to form an Infallible Judgement of a Twentieth. It is
o^r singular Happiness That wee are blessed with Judges who are
Aware of this Danger.

"For my own part if the Holy God should permitt such a Terrible
calamity to befal myself as that a Spectre in my Shape should so
molest my neighbourhood, as that they can have no quiet, altho'
there should be no other Evidence against me, I should very
patiently submit unto a Judgement of _Transportation_, and all
reasonable men would count o^r Judges to Act, as they are like y^e
Fathers of y^e public, in such a Judgment. What if such a Thing
should be ordered for those whose Guilt is more Dubious, and
uncertain, whose presence y^s perpetuates y^e miseries of o^r
sufferers? They would cleanse y^e Land of Witchcrafts, and yett also
prevent y^e shedding of Innocent Blood, whereof some are so
apprehensive of Hazard. If o^r Judges want any Good Bottom, to act
thus upon, You know, that besides y^e usual power of Govern^e