In _December 1692_, the Court sate again at _Salem_ in _New-England_, and cleared about 40 persons suspected for Witches, and Condemned three. The Evidence against these three was the same as formerly, so the Warrant for their Execution was sent, 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.