The Children's Example.

SHEWING

How one Mrs. Johnson's Child of Barnet was tempted by the Devil to forsake God and follow the Ways of other Wicked Children, who us'd to Swear, tell Lies, and disobey their Parents; How this pretty innocent Child resisting Satan, was Comforted by an Angel from Heaven, who warned her of her approaching Death; Together with her dying Speeches desiring young Children not to forsake God, lest Satan should gain a Power over them.

Enter'd according to Order.

This style of Chap-book, although always a favourite among a certain section of society, is such rubbish that one extract will suffice:—

"As this Child went to School one Day,

Through the Church Yard she took her Way,

When, lo! the Devil came and said,

Where are you going, pretty Maid?

To School I am going Sir (said she)

Pish, child, don't mind the same, (saith he)

But hast to your Companions dear,

And learn to lie, and curse and swear.

They bravely spend their time in Play,

God they don't value; no, not they;

It is a Fable, Child he cry'd.

At which his Cloven Foot she spy'd.

I'm sure there is a God, said she,

Who from your Power will keep me free;

And if you should this thing deny,

Your Cloven Foot gives you the Lie.

Satan avoid hence out of Hand

In name of JESUS I command!

At which the Devil instantly

In flames of Fire away did fly," etc., etc.

There is another somewhat similar one, presumably of same date "to the tune of 'The Children's Example,'" entitled "The Pious Virgin; or Religious Maid. Being a Relation of the Wonderful and Divine Speeches of Sarah Shrimpton, Daughter to Mrs. Shrimpton, living in Rochester, who falling into a Trance declared the Wonderful Things she had seen; desiring Young Children to serve the Lord in the Time of their Youth, in order to obtain Salvation;" but it is not worth an extract.

Indeed, speculative young ladies of this class do not seem to have been uncommon, for a Miss Katherine Atkinson of Torven, in the parish of Ulverstone in the county palatine of Lancaster, also indulged in the luxury of a trance, which is described as follows:—

A New Prophesy; or, An
ACCOUNT

Of a young Girl, not above Eight Years of Age; Who being in a Trance, or lay as dead for the Space of Forty Eight Hours. With an Account of the Strange and Wonderful Sight that she see in the other World. With an Alarm from Heaven to the Inhabitants of the Earth; Giving an Account how crying Sins of the Day and Time do provoke the Almighty. With strange and wonderful Things, as a Warning to this last and worst Age, agreeable to the Holy Scriptures and Divine Revelation. The like never published; That the Saying of the Almighty may be fulfilled, That out of the Mouth of Babes and Sucklings God will perfect Praise.

Licensed and Entered according to Order.

GOD'S JUST JUDGMENT ON
BLASPHEMERS,

Being a Terrible Warning Piece to repining Murmurers, set forth in a dreadful Example of the Almighty's Wrath, on one Mr. Thomas Freeburn a Farmer, near Andover in Wiltshire, who utter'd those horrid and blasphemous Expressions, That God never did him any good in his Life, and he believed did not know what he did himself; with other words too monstrous and devilish to be repeated: Upon which he was immediately struck Speechless, Motionless and almost without sign of Life, and fell down as in a dead Sleep; and no strength of Men or Horses, has been able hitherto to remove him from the ground.

Also an Account of his wicked Life and Actions for 24 Years before this just Judgment fell upon him, with his coming to his Speech again, in four Months and twenty Day's time, and the terrible Sights he saw in the other World, which he has discover'd to some thousands of Spectators.

Licensed and Entered according to Order.

A Dreadful Warning
To all Wicked and Forsworn
SINNERS.

Shewing the sad and dreadful Example of Nicholas Newsom and David Higham, who were drinking in a Public House in Dudley near Birmingham on Thursday; the 5th day of March 1761. Giving an Account, how they laid a Wager, whether could swear the most blasphemous Oaths, and how they were struck Deaf and Dumb, with their Tongues hanging out of their Mouths.

To which is added a Sermon, preached on this Occasion, by the Rev. Dr. Smith from the following Text. Matt. 5. 34. 35. Swear not at all neither by Heaven for it is Gods Throne; nor by the earth for it is his Footstool.

Here is a full and true
RELATION
OF ONE
Mr. RICH LANGLY, a Glazier,

Living over against the Sign of the Golden Wheat Sheaf in Ratcliff Highway, London, that lay in a Trance for two Days and one Night. He also saw the Joys of Heaven and the Terrors of Hell.

You have also an Account when he came out of his Trance, how he declared to the Minister, that he had but 5 Days to live in this World, before he should depart. As soon as the Minister was gone out of the Room, it is said the Devil appearing to him, and asking of him if he would Sell his Soul and Body to Him, proffering him in the shape of a Gentleman, a bag of Gold, but he crying out against it, and saying, Lord Jesus receive my soul.

Having an account how the Devil Vanished away in a Flame of Fire, you have also in this Book, a Good and Godly Sermon, that was Preached on him at his Funeral, by that Reverend and Learned Divine, Dr. Pede, Minister, of the Parish Church of Clakenwell London.

Licensed according to Order.

London: Printed for T. Bland near Fleet Street.

A Full, True and Particular
ACCOUNT

of the Ghost or Apparition of the Late Duke of Buckingham's Father, which several Times appeared in Armor to one of the Duke's Servants; and for about half a Year before foretold the Dukes death.

Printed by F. C. in the Old Bailey.

This account of the apparition of Sir George Villiers purports to be an "Extract a Monsieur d'Ablancour, le Vie le Grand Duc de Buckingham," but in reality is taken word for word from Clarendon's "History of the Rebellion," book i. pars. 89 to 93; according to which, the apparition appeared three times to an officer of the king's wardrobe, in Windsor Castle, and commanded him to tell the Duke of Buckingham "that if he did not somewhat to ingratiate himself to the People, or at least, to abate the Extream Mallice they had against him, he would be suffer'd to live but a Short Time." He is reported to have seen the duke, and left him much troubled. Soon afterwards the duke was murdered by Felton.

There were many strange stories similar to this afloat. Lilly the conjuror gave a version in his "Observations on the Life and Death of King Charles," which Dr. Robert Plot contradicted, and gave an altogether fresh one, in all probability as veracious.

That the duke received warnings of danger to himself is undoubted. Sir Henry Wotton, in his "Short View of the Life and Death of George Villiers Duke of Buckingham" (1642), admits it, but he denies any supernatural warning. He says, "I have spent some enquiry whether he had any ominous presagement before his end; wherein though both ancient and modern Stories have been infected with much vanity; yet oftentimes things fall out of that kind which may bear a sober constitution, whereof I will glean two or three in the Duke's Case.

"Being to take his leave of my Lords Grace of Canturbury the only Bishop of London, whom he knew well planted in the King's unchangeable affection, by his own great abilities, after cortesies of courage had passed between them; My Lord, sayes the Duke, I know your Lordship hath very worthily good accesses unto the King our Soveraign, let me pray you to put His Majesty in minde to be good, as I no way distrust, to my poor wife and children; at which words, or at his countenance in the delivery, or at both, My Lord Bishop being somewhat troubled, took the freedom to aske him where [? whether] he had never any secret abodements in his minde, No (replyed the Duke) but I think some adventure may kill me as well as another man," etc.

THE
PORTSMOUTH GHOST

OR A

Full and true Account of a Strange, wonderful, and dreadful Appearing of the Ghost of Madam Johnson, a beautiful young Lady of Portsmouth

SHEWING

Printed and Sold by Cluer Dicey and Co. in Aldermary
Church Yard, Bow Lane.

This book is useful, as it shows the early date of the firm of Dicey in Aldermary Churchyard. It must have been published very early in the century, for her ghost appeared to him whilst on his voyage to Vigo; the date of the famous capture of the galleons and the large quantity of snuff, which augmented, if it did not almost inaugurate, the taste for snuff-taking in England, being 1702. The catastrophe of the poem is graphically told.

"The next time that she came again

For to have perish'd on the main,

They all expected for to rue

So violent the storm it grew.

They all at fervent prayers were,

At length this sailor, I declare,

Did speak to her, and thus did say,

What ails thy troubled spirit pray?

The truth she quickly then did tell.

Saying Him I'll have, then all is well

Then with a visage fierce and Grim,

She strait approached unto him,

He went to turn and hide his face,

She cry'd False man it is too late,

She clasp'd him in her arms straitway,

But no man knew his dying day.

In a flash of fire many see

She dragged him into the sea

The storm is soon abated where

They all returned thanks by prayer

Unto the Lord that sav'd their lives

And delivered them from that surprise

Let this a warning be to all

That reads the same both great and small."

THE
GUILFORD GHOST.

Being an Account of the Strange and Amazing Apparition or Ghost of Mr. Christopher Slaughterford; with the manner of his Wonderful Appearance to Joseph Lee his Man, and one Roger Voller, at Guildford in Surrey, on Sunday and Monday Night last, in a sad and astonishing manner, in several dreadful and frightful Shapes, with a Rope about his Neck, a flaming Torch in one hand and a Club in the Other, crying Vengeance, Vengeance. With other amazing particulars.

London: Printed for J. Wyat in Southwark, 1709.

There is a contemporary Chap-book with this, printed by A. Hinde in Fleet Street, 1709: "The Birth, Parentage, and Education, Life and Conversation of Mr. Christopher Slaughterford, who was Executed at Guildford in Surrey, on Saturday the 9th July, 1709, for the Barbarous Murther of Jane Young, his Sweetheart," etc.

There was a peculiarity about this case—for the man protested his innocence to the last, although the evidence was very strongly circumstantial against him—and public opinion being exercised thereon, the necessary "catchpenny" was forthcoming. His ghost seems to have appeared to several people, and the book winds up: "P.S. Just now we have an Account from the Marshalsea Prison in Southwark, that he was seen there by several of the Prisoners on Tuesday Night last, and that he has been heard to make his Fetters jingle in the Whyte Lyon, being the place where he was put after his condemnation; insomuch, that those who have heard the said unaccountable Noise are afraid to go near the said Place after Day light."

THE
Wonder of Wonders
BEING

A Strange and Wonderful Relation of a Mermaid, that was seen and spoke with, on the Black Rock nigh Liverpool, by John Robinson Mariner, who was tossed on the Ocean for Six days and Nights; Together with the Conversation he had with her, and how he was preserved; with the Manner of his Death five days after his return Home.

Licensed and entered according to Order.

On the 29th of April last one Mr. James Dixon Captain and Commander of the Ship Dolphin in her passage from Amsterdam in Holland, was beat back by a tempestuous Wind and all the Men perished except a young Man named John Robinson, who was taken very ill on board the Ship, and was left to Almighty Providence, and to the Mercy of the Seas and Winds, and was also in great Fear and dreadful fright on the Main Ocean, for the said John Robinson dreamt that he was on the top of an high Mountain, whose top he thought reach'd up to the Heavens, and that there was a fine Castle, about the Circumference of a Mile, and furnished with all sorts of Diamonds, and precious Stones, and likewise on the top of the Mountain was a well, which Water was as sweet as Honey and as white as Milk, that whomsoever drank of that Water should never be dry again; with all sorts of Musick very delightful to hear, so one would think, as one suppos'd seven Years in that Place, not so long as a Day.

After having view'd the Castle round he observed to his great Admiration, a beautiful young Lady, who was guarded by Seven Serpents, very frightful to behold.

Suppose the young Lady was very beautiful, yet he wish'd rather to be a Thousand Miles off than in the Sight of those Serpents; and looking round about, he espy'd (to his great Comfort) a green Gate, and a street pav'd with blue Marble, which open'd at his coming to it, and so he got away from the Serpents; But coming to the top of the Hill, he did not know how to get down, it being very high and steep, but he found a Ladder to his Comfort; it being very slender, was afraid to venture, but at last was oblig'd to go down it, for one of the Serpents having taken Notice of him pursued him so very close that he was in great Danger, and thought he fell and broke his leg, and that the Serpent fell upon him, which awaked him in great Fright, and almost made him mad.

By this you may think what a great trouble he was in, awaked alone on the Main Ocean, when missing all the rest of the Ships Crew, and also the great Danger he was in.

But to his great Amazement, he espy'd a beautiful young Lady combing her head, and toss'd on the Billows, cloathed all in green (but by chance he got the first word with her) then she with a Smile came on board and asked how he did. The young Man being Something Smart and a Scholar, reply'd Madam I am the better to see you in good Health, in great hopes trusting you will be a comfort and assistance to me in this my low Condition; and so caught hold of her Comb and Green Girdle that was about her Waist. To which she replied, Sir, you ought not to rob a young Woman of her Riches, and then expect a favour at her Hands; but if you will give me my Comb and Girdle again, what lies in my power, I will do for you.

At which Time he had no Power to keep them from her, but immediately delivered them up again; she then smiling, thank'd him, and told him, If he would meet her again next Friday she wou'd set him on shore. He had no power to deny her, so readily gave his Consent; at which time she gave him a Compass and desired him to Steer South West; he thank'd her and told her he wanted some News. She said she would tell him the next opportunity when he fulfilled his promises; but that he would find his Father and Mother much grieved about him, and so jumping into the Sea she departed out of his sight.

At her departure the Tempest ceased and blew a fair Gale to South West, so he got safe on shore; but when he came to his Father's House he found every Thing as she had told him. For she told him also concerning his being left on Ship board, and how all the Seamen perished, which he found all true what she had told him, according to the promise made him.

He was still very much troubled in his Mind, concerning his promise, but yet while he was thus Musing, she appeared to him with a smiling Countenance and (by his Misfortune) she got the first word of him, so that he could not speak one Word, but was quite Dumb, yet he took Notice of the Words she spoke; and she began to Sing. After which she departed out of the young Mans sight, taking from him the Compass.

She took a Ring from off her Finger, and put it on the young Man's, and said, she expected to see him once again with more Freedom. But he never saw her more, upon which he came to himself again, went home, and was taken ill, and died in five Days after, to the wonderful Admiration of all People who saw the young Man.

FINIS.

Dreams and Moles
WITH THEIR
Interpretation and Signification

Made far more Manifest and Plain than any Published,
to the very meanest Capacities, by the
most ancient as well as the most modern Rules
of Philosophy.

To which is prefixed, A Collection of choice and valuable
Receipts concerning Love and Marriage.

First compiled in Greek, and now faithfully
rendered into English by a Fellow of the Royal
Society, and a true Lover of Learning.

Printed and Sold in Aldermary Church Yard, Bow Lane.

THE
Old Egyptian Fortune-Teller's
Last Legacy
CONTAINING

Printed and Sold in Aldermary Church Yard, Bow Lane, London.

The engravings in this Chap-book are very numerous, but neither they nor the subject-matter are worth reproducing in their entirety. Two extracts will suffice to give an idea of the book.