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Went to Salem, where, in the meeting-house, the persons accused of witchcraft were examined. Was a very great assembly. 'Twas awful to see how the afflicted persons were agitated.'
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About noon, at Salem, Giles Cory was pressed to death for standing mute; much pains was used with him two days, one after another, by the court and Capt. Gardner of Nantucket who had been of his acquaintance, but all in vain.
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A bill is sent in about calling a fast, and convocation of ministers, that may be led in the right way as to the witchcrafts. . . .
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Sam recites to me in Latin, Matthew 12 from the 6th to the end of the 12th verse. The 7th verse did awfully bring to mind the Salem tragedy.
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Copy of the bill I put up on the fast day, giving it to Mr. Willard as he passed by, and standing up at the reading of it, and bowing when finished; in the Afternoon.
Samuel Sewall, sensible of the reiterated strokes of God upon himself and family, and being sensible, that as to the guilt contracted upon the opening of the [judicial proceedings] at Salem (to which the order for this day relates) he wants to take the blame, ask forgiveness of men, and desire that God pardon all his sins.