the great Iron Chest by the Window, at his Bed's-feet, with 3 Locks to it, (in which were all the Writings and Evidences of the said Mr. Mallet's Estate) began to open, first one Lock, then another, then the third; afterwards the Lid of the said Iron Chest, lifted up it self, and stood wide open. Then the Patient, Mr. Bourne, who had not spoke in 24 Hours, lifted himself up also, and looking upon the Chest, cry'd: You say true, you say true, you are in the right, I'll be with you by and by. So the Patient lay down, and spake no more. Then the Chest fell again of it self, and Lockt it self, one Lock after another, as the 3 Locks opened; and they tried to knock it open, and could not, and Mr. Bourne died within an Hour after.
ADVERTISEMENT.
THIS Narrative was sent in a Letter to J. C. for Dr. H. More from Mr. Thomas Alcock, of Shear-Hampton; of which in a Letter to the said Doctor, he gives this Account. I am, saith he, very confident of the Truth of the Story; for I had it from a very good Lady, the eldest Daughter of the said John Mallet, (whose Trustee Mr. Bourne was) and only Aunt to the Countess of Rochester, who knew all the Parties; and I have heard Dr. Raymond, and Mr. Carlisle, relate it often with amazement, being both Persons of Credit.
The curious may be inquistive what the meaning of the opening of the Chest may be, and of Mr. Bourne his saying, You say true, &c. I'll be with you by and by. As for the former, it is noted by Paracelsus especially, and by others, that there are Signs often given of the Departure of sick Men lying on their Death-beds, of which this opening of the Iron Coffer or Chest, and closing again, is more than ordinary significant, especially if we consider the nearness of Sound and Sense, betwixt Coffer and Coffin, and re-call to mind that of Virgil:
Olli dura quies oculos & ferreus urget Somnus ———
