ent, and the _Graves digged_ for the
said three, and for about five more that had been Condemned at _Salem_
formerly, but were Repreived by the Governour.

In the beginning of _February 1693_, the Court sate at _Charles-Town_
where the Judge exprest himself to this effect.

_That who it was that obstructed the Execution of Justice, or hindred
those good proceedings they had made, he knew not, but thereby the
Kingdom of Satan was advanc'd_, &c. _and the Lord have mercy on this
Country:_ and so declined coming any more into Court. In his absence
_Mr. D----_ sate as Chief Judge 3 several days, in which time 5 or 6
were clear'd by Proclamation, and almost as many by Trial; so that all
are acquitted.

The most remarkable was an Old Woman named _Dayton_, of whom it was
said, _If any in the World were a Witch, she was one, and had been so
accounted 30 years._ I had the Curiosity to see her tried; she was a
decrepid Woman of about 80 years of age, and did not use many words in
her own defence. She was accused by about 30 Witnesses; but the matter
alledged against her was such as needed little apology, on her part not
one passionate word, or immoral action, or evil, was then objected
against her for 20 years past, only strange accidents falling out, after
some Christian admonition given by her, as saying, _God would not
prosper them, if they wrong'd the Widow._ Upon the whole, there was not
proved against her any thing worthy of Reproof, or just admonition, much
less so heinous a Charge.

So that by the _Goodness_ of God we are once more out of present danger
of this _Hobgoblin Monster_; the standing Evidence used at _Salem_ were
called, but did not appear.

There were others also at _Charles-town_ brought upon their _Tryals_,
who had formerly confess'd themselves to be Witches; but upon their
tryals deny'd it, and were all clear'd; So that at present there is no
_further prosecution of any_.

CASES of CONSCIENCE
Concerning
Evil Spirits
Personating MEN;
WITCHCRAFTS,
Infallible Proofs of Guilt in such as are
Accused with that CRIME.

All Considered according to the Scriptures, History,
Experience, and the Judgment of many Learned
MEN.

By _Increase Mather_, President of _Harvard_ Colledge at _Cambridge_,
and Teacher of a Church at _Boston_ in _New England_.

PROV. xxii. xxi.

_----That thou mightest Answer the Words of Truth, to them
that send unto thee._

_Efficiunt Daemo