Research source

At length, viz. in June 1788, he declared, that he was possessed by seven devils, and could only be freed by…

Date of account: Published 1814
Source: Apparitions; Or, The Mystery of Ghosts, Hobgoblins, and Haunted Houses Developed
Reference: Apparitions; Or, The Mystery of Ghosts, Hobgoblins, and Haunted Houses Developed · selected passage 112
Rights: public_domain
Language: English
Record updated: 2026-08-24

Record summary

At length, viz. in June 1788, he declared, that he was possessed by seven devils, and could only be freed by the prayers, in faith, of seven clergymen

Published source text

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Source passage

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At length, _viz._ in June 1788, he declared, that he was possessed by seven devils, and could only be freed by the prayers, _in faith_, of seven clergymen. Accordingly, the requisite number was summoned, and the patient sung, swore, laughed, barked, and treated the company with a ludicrous parody on the _Te Deum_. These astonishing symptoms resisted both hymns and prayers, till a _small, faint voice_ admonished the ministers to adjure. The spirits, after some murmuring, yielded to the adjuration; and the happy patient returned thanks for his wonderful cure. It is remarkable, that, during this solemn mockery, the fiend swore, by his infernal den, that he would not quit his patient; an oath, I believe, no where to be found but in the Pilgrim's Progress, from whence Lukins probably got it.

Historical context

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Modern context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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