Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 6 1888.djvu/198

190 him would come to the door, but no access was to be given. Francis, tho' distracted, told them they were using witchcraft and the Devil's Charms that would do no good.

It is said they carried a candle around the bed for one inchantment. John Neilson, in Sarkbridge, some time declared before the Session this was matter of fact others then present. Mary Tate, Servant to John Neilson in Sarkbridge, is to be cited as having gone to the Wise woman for the Consultation.

Mary Tate having been summoned, was called on, & compearing confessed that She had gone to Isabel Pot in the Parish of Rockcliff, and declared that the sᵈ Isabell ordered South running water to be Lifted in the name of Father, Son, & Holy Ghost, and to be boiled at night in the house where Francis Armstrong was, with nettle roots, wormwood, mugwort, southernwood, and rowantree, and his hands, Legs, & temples be stroaked therewith, and three sups to be put in his mouth, and withal to keep the door close: She ordered also three locks of his hair to be burnt in the fire with three pieces clipt out of his shirt, and a Slut, i.e. a rag dipt in tallow, to be lighted and carried round his bed, and all to be kept secret except from near friends: Mary Tate declared that the said Francis would allow none to touch him but her, and at last Helen Armestrang, Spouse to Archibald Crichton, Elder, assisted her, and after all the said Francis, tho' distracted, told them they were using witchcrafts & the Devil's Charms that would do no good: Mary Tate being admonished of the Evil of such a course was removed: Notwithstanding her acknowledgements of her fault she is to be suspended a sacris, and others her accomplices, and that none hereafter pretend Ignorance the Congregation is to be cautioned against such a practice from the Pulpit.