1696.] HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. 193 



cernino; lost and Gain, with other vain questions." The meeting 

 gave out a similar paper against Robert. 



The subject of these dark practices was also brought before 

 the Chester Quarterly Meeting, which body appears to have 

 taken a rather rational view of the subject for the times. The 

 followinj; is an extract from the preamble of a long testimony 

 published by that meeting, early the year 1696. 



" Whereas the meeting being ac([uainted, that some persons 

 under the profession of truth, and belonging to this meeting, 

 who professing the art of Astrology, have undertaken thereby 

 to answer questions, and give Astrological Judgments concerning 

 persons and things, tending to the dishonor of GoD, and the 

 reproach of Truth and the great hurt of themselves and those 

 who come to inquire of them ; and MHiereas, it is also reported 

 that some professing truth among us seems too much inclined 

 to use and practice Jlabdomanci/, or consulting with a staff, and 

 such like things, all which have brought a weighty exercise and 

 concern upon this meeting, as well because of the reproach, that 

 is already brought upon the truth hereby, as also to prevent, as 

 much as in us lies, its being further reproached by any among 

 us that may attempt to follow the like practices for time to 

 come, &c." 



But this business did not end with the meeting. An offence 

 so serious as the practice of G-eomancy, could not escape the 

 vigilance of the Grand Jury, particularly as the Foreman lived 

 in the same neighborhood with the parties. In bringing the 

 matter to the notice of the Court they say : 



" We the grand Inquest by the King's authority, presents 

 Robert Roman of Chichester for practicing Geomancy according 

 to hidden' and divining by a stick. Walter Martin, 



Foreman." 



With the view of effectually eradicating the evil, it became 

 necessary to destroy the implements of mischief by another 

 presentment, which is thus recorded : 



" We the Grand Inquest by the Kings authority presents the 

 following books : Hidons Temple of Wisdom, which teaches 

 Geomancy, and Scots discovery of Witchcraft, and Cornelias 

 Agrippas teach Necromancy. Walter Martin, Foreman." 



Upon which " the Court orders as many of said Books as can 

 be found be brought to the next court." 



The following minute records the closing scene of this ludic- 

 rous judicial procedure : 



" Robert Roman was called to answer the presentment of the 

 Grand Jury the last Court ; he appeared and submitted himself 



' The blank is in the Record. 



13 



