Page:Salem - a tale of the seventeenth century (IA taleseventeenth00derbrich).pdf/70

 assemblage of all the neighboring ministers to meet at his own house, and devote the day to solemn supplication to the Divine Power to rescue them from the power of Satan.

This reverend body of the clergy came, saw the children, questioned them, and witnessed their unaccountable behavior, and, struck dumb with astonishment at what they heard and saw, declared their belief that it must be and was the power of the Evil One.

This clerical opinion was at once made known, and, as it coincided with the medical opinion of Dr. Grigg, it was considered conclusive. No doubt could withstand such an irresistible array of talent, and horror and dire fanaticism ruled the hour. Society was broken up, business was suspended, men looked at each other in unspoken suspicion, and excited crowds gathered to witness the awful workings of the devil, or bear the exaggerated tidings from house to house.

Up to this time it is possible—nay, even more, it seems probable—that the miserable authors of this terrible excitement had had