Lynn and the surroundings

92 LYNN AND SURROUNDINGS.lay upon his knees and elbows, not being able to suffer any part of his body totouch the bed." When he was released, two spectators, John Shaw and JohnHasel, went up and took hold of his hand to sympathize with him, for whichthey were fined forty shillings each. William Witter was made of differentmetal. He was presented at Salem Court for his connection with the affair,and the following record was made: "William Witter, now comeing in,answered humbly, and confessed his Ignorance, and his willingness to seeLight, and (upon Mr. Norris, our Elder, his speech) seemed to be staggered.Inasmuch as he came in court meltinglie, sentence—Have called our ordenanceof God, a badge of the Whore—on some Lecture day, the next 5th day, being apublic fast, To acknowledge his fait, and to ask Mr. Cobbett forgiveness, insaying he spok against his conscience. And enjoined to be heare next court attSalem." After this, the coming of the Qiiakers and the antics of the witcheskept the authorities too busy to attend to minor matters of belief.In May, 181 5, the First Baptist Society purchased the^meeting-house which the Methodistsociety had vacated, andas if to emphasize the change of sen- i timent that had takenplace, this house was placed on land jl purchased of the FirstCongregational Church, in full sight m of their own house ofworship—the very church which had lln persecuted the Baptists,and delivered them over to the au- /flll thorities to be punished,one hundred and |HI sixt} -four years before.This building had .^-^ llSI^^ checkered career, beinglast of all occupied ^^ k WM, ^v the Catholics, and wasu.UJ-'L-1 IKsl 15 \1'I isl c m RCIIburned in 1S59. The edifice at present occupied by the society was erected in 1S67.It is a commodious and comfortable house. Rev. F. T. Hazlewood is pastor.