The book Arran; - Cook Clan

296 THE BOOK OF ARRAN
that were suspected to be shot, which he did, But as for charms that
he used none of them, so far as he knew & being further interogate
if he did find any holes in people when he searched them, he answered
he did & being further interogate what he used for a cure ? he
answered a little Black Soap being further asked if he did not make
use of Herbs for making drink to the sick persons he replied he did,
and being asked what herb it was he used ? he said it was the Herb
Agrimomy & being further questioned how long it was since he
acquired skill ; he answered it was about a year ago, and being again
interogate how he came by it, or if any person taught him, he answered
that none taught him as to searching for holes, but that he saw people
in the Main Land trying if they could find any in people & that many
have tried for & found holes in cattle, & he having a sick child, began
it, and found them & so practice it since, and as to using the herb he
said that a Voice once said to him in his sleep that if he pulled that
Herb in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost & make the
patient drink of it would cure the same Distemper. Being asked
further if he took any money for these cures he answered he took no
more than a shilling Sterling from any, which he thought was little
enough for his pains and being further asked if he always when he
pulled herbs expressed foresaid words audibly. He answered he did.
The Session took his confession to consideration and being straitned
what judgement to make of such a practise they unanimously
agreed to refer same to the Presbytery.
(Sess.) 13th June 1708
Sedr Mr Daniell Mc Lean Modr: Jam Hamilton, Don: Mc Nickoll,
Jam: Mc Nickoll Elders.
After prayer.
It is Delated to the Session Janet Mc Ilpatrick and Effie Mc Kalian
both in Maas (upon the third of this Instant being a day sett apart
for publick thanksgiving) absented from the Church and Spent the
day in using a Counter Charm (as- they term it) for recovering
Margarett Taylor there to health who was sick and pained att the
Heart they performed in the manner following viz:—they took Lead
and melted it, and being thin they poured it through a sieve into
watter and reduced it to the form of a Heart they gave it to the