ious services on previous
occasions. Indeed things became worse. Not only were petty acts of
mischief perpetrated, but strange voices were heard, without it being
known whence they proceeded. The minister, accompanied by gentlemen of
good position, went again to the house to pray with and for Mr.
Campbell and his family. After prayer, they all heard a voice speaking
out of the ground, asking if they desired to know anything of certain
witches who were named. Gilbert Campbell informed the company that one
of the witches mentioned was dead. The devil then answered, "It is
true she is dead, yet her spirit is living in this world." The
minister replied, "We are not to receive any information from thee,
Satan; thou art but seeking to seduce this family."

All the people went again to pray, still the devil was not put to
silence; the foul fiend demanded a spade to dig a grave, in which he
might rest in peace. Advised by the clergyman, Mr. Campbell answered,
"Not so much as a straw shall be given thee, though that would put
thee to rest." A loud noise was heard, and a naked hand and an arm
from the elbow were seen beating on the floor so terribly that the
house shook, during which the voice called several times, "I will send
my father among you." Night being now far spent, all the strangers
went home except the minister, who stayed with the family to protect
them. Notwithstanding his presence, and many prayers, the devil roared
frightfully, his voice sounding like that of a lion. The very food the
family partook of was bewitched: it did not supply them with
nourishment, nor satisfy their hunger, even for a moment.

Mr. Campbell resolved to apply to the synod for advice as to whether
he should remain in his house. When the subject came before that
reverend body, the fathers and brethren thought fit to ordain a solemn
humiliation to be observed through all the synodic bounds, with the
view of turning away the affliction that distressed the poor family.
Notwithstanding everything that could be done, the annoyance continued
for a whole year. It was never discovered who was the instigator of
the mischief, although strong suspicion rested on the sturdy beggar,
who, we may observe in conclusion, was hanged, some time afterwards,
for blasphemy.

Tales of the Bargarran witches are widely known in Scotland. In their
time they created no small stir and alarm among laymen, in the church,
and at the law courts. In the year 1696, Christi