TESTIMONY VII.
Testimony of Mr. John Simson.
August 8, 1800. I heard the discourse of the Spectre, in company with about thirty other persons. The sound of her voice was sometimes hoarse and faint, but for the most part it was clear and free from any impediment, and then it was inimitable, and the most delightful that ever I heard in my life. In discoursing with her parents, she said, “My dear parents, if the Lord should call you to go away with me this night, are you willing.” I fear I am not, said her father, but the Lord can make me willing. Yes, she answered, and none but he.
While Mr. U. was talking with her, he observed that there were among us various distinctions of christians, as Baptists, Presbyterians and Methodists, and asked which of all these are right. There are good and bad of all these sorts, said she, for the elect’s sake. Mr. N. H. expressed his desire to handle her. Handle me and see, said she: for Christ tells you that a Spirit hath not flesh and bones. Accordingly, after it was broad day-light, and we could all plainly see each other, the outer cellar door being open, he extended his arms round the space in which the voice was then speaking, and exclaimed, “O, there is nothing here.” The voice and this experiment were about four feet from me, so that I am sure that no living person could be concealed from me.[41] JOHN SIMSON.
TESTIMONY VIII.
Testimony of Mr. Richard Downing.
August 9, 1800. I went to the house of Mr. Blaisdel with a number more. After sometime we heard a knocking. Then four persons with me went into the cellar. A light was called for and brought. We searched the cellar to see if no person or thing might be found there whence that knocking might proceed. Then the light was carried up, and immediately there was the sound of knocking. Mr. Blaisdel and Mr. D——ns several times asked what was wanted. At length a voice answered, that, if we would all go into the cellar, we should be satisfied;[42] we then all went down.[43] There was then in my hearing, much disorder and much profanity among the people. Nothing remarkable being heard, all but three or four of us left the cellar. Then again there was a knocking several times, we spoke, but obtaining no answer, I also went up.
Soon after I was informed that the voice had spoken to those who remained there, declaring that we must all return, and we went again. Immediately there was a knocking all round the cellar by several persons there, as they afterwards owned to me. Mr. Blaisdel desired them to be peaceable and give room. After a few minutes, Mr. D——ns expressed his sorrow that so many should be deceived, and advised us to pray and return home. We therefore returned as unsatisfied as we went.
On the 13th, while I was very much engaged in business, I felt very much concerned for Mr. Blaisdel, on account of his troubles, and thought I would go and see him, and advise him to a settlement, to prevent the expense of the law. I went, and he asked me the cause of my coming. I answered, to visit him as a friend. I am glad to see you, said he, you went away the other night very unsatisfied. You did not then appear to be afraid: would you not be daunted now? I told him I did not think I should. Providence, said he, has sent you here, I believe, and you must tarry all night. I told him I would. Then he informed me that he had talked with the Spirit in the forenoon, which directed him to persuade certain people to come to his house. About an hour after sunset, the Spectre knocked; and being addressed, answered, “I have come to satisfy you all; who is now speaking to me?” It was answered, Mr. Blaisdel. Let him and every one of this family, said the Spectre, go out from here.
They went out. The voice then said that Mr. Blaisdel’s family were all clear of what was alledged against them.
After this, the voice talked with me. To know what answer would be made, I asked, to whom are you speaking? It answered, “Richard Downing.” I asked again, was you ever at my house? It answered, “Yes, I was there once with my mother, Mrs. M. and others, when your wife was sick.” I had not then told any person what the Spectre now told me, and which I and my family know to be true. Her mother asked[44] how long before her decease, she experienced her change. She answered, when I was on my death bed.