gh,
happened, the evils were attributed to witches or warlocks. If in any
such misfortune the assistance of a professional witch-finder could
not be secured, one witch was hired to detect the other witch, or more
probably the gang of witches, who had occasioned the mischief. Again,
in the event of the hired witch (it was seldom the professional
witch-finder, provided with his instruments of torture, failed) not
succeeding, the clergyman's assistance was sought; and if the witches
and devil proved too many or strong for him, the presbytery, synod,
and even the assembly, had to be appealed to. The following is a case
in point:--

In October 1654 Alexander Agnew, a sturdy beggar, threatened hurt to
Gilbert Campbell's household because he did not receive so good an
alms as he demanded. The vagabond, by diabolical means, brought about
a variety of annoyances and losses that came nigh to ruin the family.
Gilbert Campbell was often hindered in business, through his working
instruments being destroyed in a way he could not account for. In
November, matters became extremely dangerous. At that time the devil,
we are informed, came with new and extraordinary assaults, by throwing
stones in through the doors and windows and chimney-head of this
devil-besetted dwelling. Providentially no one was injured in person.
Next, chests and trunks were opened, and the contents thrown about in
all directions. Working implements were secretly carried away, and
concealed in holes or other places where they were not likely to be
found. Wearing apparel, blankets, sheets, curtains, and other soft
goods were cut in pieces. To so great a strait was the family reduced,
that the members thereof were compelled to leave their house. Nor was
this all: Campbell himself was forced to abandon his employment.

The minister, hearing that the house was shut up, remonstrated against
such a proceeding. He recommended that the devil should be withstood
to the face. Acting on the good clergyman's advice, all the members of
that afflicted household returned. Fresh disturbances broke out. The
house was set on fire, and would have been reduced to ashes had not
willing neighbours extinguished the flames. As the evil went on,
prayer and fasting were resorted to, apparently unmixed with faith,
for again the house was set on fire. The presbytery met at the house
for solemn devotion, but their prayers were as ineffectual as those of
the people who had conducted the relig