witches, that have been condemned. I know 'twill cost you
some time; but when you are sensible of the benefit that will
follow, I know you will not think much of that cost, and my own
willingness to expose myself unto the utmost for the defence of my
friends with you, makes me presume to plead something of merit, to
be considered.

"I shall be content, if you draw up the desired narrative by way of
letter to me, or at least, let it not come without a letter, wherein
you shall, if you can, intimate over again, what you have sometimes
told me, of the awe, which is upon the hearts of your Juries, with
* * * unto the validity of the spectral evidences.

"Please also to * * * some of your observations about the
confessors, and the credibility of what they assert; or about things
evidently preternatural in the witchcrafts, and whatever else you
may account an entertainment, for an inquisitive person, that
entirely loves you, and Salem. Nay, though I will never lay aside
the character which I mentioned in my last words, yet, I am willing
that, when you write, you should imagine me as obstinate a Sadducee
and witch-advocate, as any among us: address me as one that believed
nothing reasonable; and when you have so knocked me down, in a
spectre so unlike me, you will enable me to box it about, among my
neighbors, till it come, I know not where at last.

"But assure yourself, as I shall not wittingly make what you write
prejudicial to any worthy design, which those two excellent persons,
Mr. Hale and Mr. Noyes, may have in hand, so you shall find that I
shall be,

"Sir, your grateful friend,
C. MATHER."

"P. S. That which very much strengthens the charms of the request,
which this letter makes you, is that his Excellency, the Governor,
laid his positive commands upon me to desire this favor of you; and
the truth is, there are some of his circumstances with reference to
this affair, which I need not mention, that call for the expediting
of your kindness, _kindness_, I say, for such it will be esteemed,
as well by him, as by your servant, C. MATHER."

The point, on which the Reviewer raises an objection to the statement in
my book, in reference to this letter, is, as to the antecedent of "it,"
in the expr