In Answer to this last, Sir, you replyed to the Gentleman that presented
it, that you had nothing to Prosecute against me; and said as to your Sentiments
in your Books, you did not bind any to believe them, and then again renew'd
your promise of meeting me, as before, tho' not yet performed. Accordingly, tho'
I waited at Sessions, there was none to object ought against me, upon which I
was dismissed. This gave me some reason to believe that you intended all should
have been forgotten; But instead of that, I find the Coals are fresh blown up, I
being supposed to be represented, in a late Manuscript, More Wonders of the, etc., as Traversing[217] your
Discourse in your Faithful discharge of your Duty, etc. And such as see not with
the Authors Eyes, rendred Sadducees and Witlins,[218] etc., and the Arguments that
square not with the Sentiments therein contain'd, Buffoonary; rarely no doubt,
agreeing with the Spirit of Christ, and his dealings with an unbelieving Thomas,
yet whose infidelity was without compare less excusable, but the Author having
resolved long since, to have no more than one single Grain of Patience, with
them that deny,[219] etc., the Wonder is the less. It must needs be that offences
come, but wo to him by whom they come. To vindicate my self therefore from
such false Imputations, of Satanlike insinuations, and misrepresenting your
Actions, etc., and to vindicate your self, Sir, as much as is in my Power from
those Suggestions, said to be Insinuated, as if you wore not the Modesty and
Gravity, that becomes a Minister of the Gospel; which it seems, some that never
saw the said Narratives,
report themo contain; I say, Sir, for these reasons, I here present you with the
first Coppy that ever was taken, etc. And purpose for a Weeks time to be ready,
if you shall intimate your pleasure, to wait upon you, either at the place formerly
appointed, or any other that is indifferent to the End; that if there shall appear
any defects in that Narrative, they may be amended.
Thus, Sir, I have given you a genuine account of my Sentiments and
Actions in this Affair; and do request and pray, that if I err, I may be shewed it
from Scripture, or sound Reason, and not by quotations out of Virgil, nor Spanish
Rhetorick. For I find the Witlings mentioned, are so far from answering your
profound questions, that they cannot so much as pretend to shew a distinction
between Witchcraft in the Common notion of it, and Possession; Nor so much as
to demonstrate that ever the Jews or primitive Christians did believe, that a Witch
could send a Devil to Afflict her Neighbours; but to all these, Sir, (ye being the
Salt of the Earth, etc.) I have reason to hope for a Satisfactory Answer to him,
who is one that reverences your Person and Office; And am, Sir, yours to
Command in what I may,
