RELAT. III.
Which is a Relation of Thomas Goddard of Marleborough, in the County of Wilts, Weaver, made the 23 Nov. 1674.
WHO saith, That on Munday the Ninth of this Instant, as he was going to Ogborn at a Style on the Highway near Mr Goddard's Ground, about Nine in the Morning, he met the Apparition of his Father-in-Law, one Edward Avon of this Town, Glover, who died in May last, having on, to his appearance, the same Clothes, Hat, Stockings, and Shoes he did usually wear when he was living, standing by, and leaning over that Style. Which when he came near, the Apparition spake to him with an audible voice these words, Are you afraid? To which he answered, I am thinking on one who is dead and buried, who you are like. To which the Apparition replyed with the like voice, I am he that you were thinking on, I am Edward Avon your Father-in-Law, come near to me, I will do you no harm. To which Goddard answered, I trust in him who hath bought my Soul with his precious Blood, you shall do me no harm. Then the Apparition said, How stand cases at home? Goddard askt what cases? Then it askt him how do William and Mary, meaning, as he conceived, his Son William Avon a Shoemaker here, and Mary his Daughter the said Goddard's Wife. Then it said, What! Taylor is dead, meaning, as he thought, one Taylor of London, who Married his Daughter Sarah, which Taylor dyed about Michaelmas last. Then the Apparition held out its hand, and in it, as Goddard conceived, twenty or thirty shillings in silver, and then spake with a loud voice: Take this Money and send it to Sarah; for I shut up my Bowels of compassion toward her in the time of my life, and now here is somewhat for her. And then said, Mary (meaning his the said Goddard's Wife as he conceived) is troubled for me; but tell her God hath showed mercy to me contrary to my deserts. But the said Goddard answered, In the Name of JESUS CHRIST I refuse all such Money. Then the Apparition said I perceive you are afraid, I will meet you some other time. And immediately it went up the Lane to his appearance. So he went over the same Style, but saw it no more that day.
