they are carried thither by a whirlewind for the Sea it self when it is most boisterous seldome casts any Fish on Land but rather Seaward from the bottom for as little as strong wind can hinder the flight of Birds as little can the strongest motion of the Sea hinder the swimming of Fishes but if either wind or water grow too strong for their inhabitants as Birds hide themselves in trees holes and nests so the small Fishes that lie under the Land float on the deep to save themselves there as long as the storm lasts as is frequently seen in Feroe Wherefore those Herrings were carryed there on Land by a kind of Whirle wind called Typhon which in the Danish Tongue is named Oes That sort of Whirlewind is formed amongst the Clouds and strikes from thence on the Sea and Earth with such a sudden and mighty whirle that if it falleth on Land it takes up Trees Bushes Stones Flesh and what else it meets with and where buildings are too great it strikes them down and breaks them to pieces If it falleth on the Sea it takes up an incredible quantity of water so that one may see deep Cavities in the Sea till the water runs together again and what Fishes are then in that water are drawn up by such a whirlewind Marriners that have tryed the dangers of the deep can speak enough of this whirlewind and have first given it the name of Oes because it draws up the water of the Sea Expert Seamen when they are aware of it let presently fall all their Sails or else they would lose them and sometimes come in great danger of their lives What this Oes takes and draws up from one place it lets it fall on another when it hath wrought out and left its strength whence it comes that one seeth in some places rain down Stones Flesh Mice and particularly the Lemmings or Cats of Norway and in this manner are also these Herrings rained down on Kolter The Hurricane of the West Indies which is sufficiently known is doubtless of this sort of Wind. Sandoe lyeth two miles south of Stromoe and Hestoe stretching it self most to East and West it is eight miles long and four miles broad having but one Creek on the South side neer Sand neither is it a very good Haven At West towards the North point there is a little Isle called Troldhoffret edging off from the North East side to the South West with a high Promentory thereon feed wild Oxen and Sheep Skuoe lyeth two miles to the south of Sandoe stretching it self to the East and West being three miles long and one broad it is a high Land with high Clifts Store Diemen or great Dam liethhalf a mile at the Southeast of Skuoe it is almost round a good mile in Diameter it is a high Territory for the most part flat and green above with great Clifts round about If this Island were garrison'd with thirty warlike men it would not be easie for any Potentate to take it in there being no way to get up except in one place at East and that difficulty for one man at a time and therefore could easily be so strengthned by art that none at all could come up Neither could Ships lye on the Sea about the Island because of the strong current nor could they be taken by Famine there being Cattel Sheep and Fowle enough on the Island It hapned some years ago that the Countrymans Wife on that Island kept secret love with the serving man and they both murthered the Master VVherefore that they might avoid the punishment of the Magistrate they held out the Island a long time but the innocent being unwilling to keep such continual watch with the guilty and they at last being grown secure some nimble men of Feroe by the Bailiff of the Countrys order came on the Island by the East side and took the Delinquents Prisoners who afterwards received their just punishment Lille Diemen lyeth two miles from Store Diemen at South South East it is inhabited and to be accounted for an Isle it ariseth from the Sea as a round and sharp Clift thereon feed wild Sheep Suderoe is the last and Southest Island lying two miles south of Lille Diemen It is almost twenty miles long and eight miles broad where it is broadest bowing with one end to the South the other end stretching it self to the Northwest it is full of Hills having on the VVest side many Clifts neither can one land on it but in four places and yet with difficulty At East it hath four long Creeks namely on the North end Qâ—ailviig neer the close second Qualboe whence a Valley stretcheth it self on the VVest side a mile long then Trungesvaag within which Inlet is a very good little harbour called Punthaven besides which between a little Isle and the Land one may fasten Ships with a Rope and go from Shipboard to Land on a Planck There is besides every where in the Inlet good Harbouring in Summer Finally here is also Vaagesfiord whence there runneth also a Valley a mile long on the Southside In that Inlet there is a bowed Creek where there is one of the best Havens in Feroe called Lebroe It appeareth by the premises that Feroe doth consist of seventeen inhabited and Cultivated Islands namely Fugloe Suinoe Wideroe Bordoe Kunoe Kalsoe Osteroe Nolsoe Stromoe Waagoe Myggeness Kolter Hestoe Sandoe Skuoe Store Diemen and Suderoe and four little Isles or Holms to wit Tintholm Myggenessholm Trolehofred and Lille Diemen whereon only Pasture VVild-Sheep Besides here are several other Holmes whereof the most notable and necessary to be known of Marriners are these Hossvigsholm Kirckboeholm and Comboeholm There are also under the Land several Rocks arising out of the Sea whereof two are considerable for Marriners to know the Land by the one at North of Fugloe called the Bishop which is a round and pretty high Rock it doth not lye so far from the Land as it is set in the Map but only a stone cast or a Musquet shot off The other is at the South of the Land a pretty way at South East of Sumboe it is also a round high Rock called the Monck Neer this Monck is a dangerous whirlepoole which in still weather draweth Ships to it self and brings them in great peril for the waves strike every where into the Ship nay in the very Mast and the Ship cannot be steered but one must let it drive as the stream will have it till it be appeased It is most dangerous in still weather for then one cannot easily get from thence with a Gale of VVind one may take a care not to come into it Jautoe which Mr Peter Claason speaketh of in his book called a Description of Norway is not extant but is only an inclosure called Gote and is twofold namely North Gote and South Gote Neither is he to be blamed for it since he hath written with others pen and seen with others eyes It
in this Treatise and thereby gratifie the curious Reader Many seek far abroad the wonderful works of God either by reading or travelling in forreign and remote parts whereas we have them as admirable amongst us if they were right considered but as we care not for what we dayly see we think it therefore not worthy to be Communicated to others who would nevertheless esteem it rare and wonderful Whence it is come that none of those that have been before me in Feroe hath taken the pains to leave any thing in writing of the Quality and Constitution of that Country But being come thither a Stranger and remarking many effects of nature not usual in my own Country I would not live Idle without the examination and considering thereof endeavouring to doe my Countrymen that are not informed of this Lands Nature some small service by the Notification of what I have discovered I pray therefore and desire the Courteous Reader to take in good part this my Labour which I have destined to the Common good and if he find any thing imperfect expound it in the best meaning every one having his faults Thus live well and let me be included in thy favour From my Pathmos in Thors-haven the 12. of March 1670. THE CONTENTS CHAP. I. Of the Land of Feroe in it self and the Circumstances thereof Page 1. CHAP. II. Of the Lands Fertility p. 111 CHAP. III. Of the Waters Fertility p. 163 CHAP. IV. Of the Inhabitation of Feroe and of the Facts of the Inhabitants p. 190 CHAP. V. Of the Qualities of the Inhabitants p. 25 CHAP. VI. Of the Pâ—litie p. 277 CHAP. VII Of Religion and first of Teachers p. 325 Of the Hearers p. 336 Of the School p. 341 CHAP. VIII Of Specters and Illusions of Satan in Feroe p. 349 The MAPP of the LAND of FEROE containing XVII Inhabited ISLANDS CHAP. I. Of the Land of Feroe in it self and the Circumstances thereof THe Islands of Feroe in themselves are only some high rocks arising out of the wild Sea and covered with a portion of thin Earth For Feroe doth consist of many Islands that are high Hills of hard stone strangely divided from each other by deep and rapid streams of water And that the said Hills or Mountains might be useful to mankind and the Lords holy Name in this latter age of the world be prais'd by true Christians in the midst of the storming Sea it hath pleased the Divine Providence to cover the valley between the Mountains and the sides of the Hills almost every where with two foot thick of Earth somewhere thicker or thinner according to the nature of the place whence doth grow not only abundance of Grass for Cattel but also Corn for the maintenance of man Wherefore if the land as other even Countreys could be cultivated and inhabited many thousands of men proportionably to the greatness and number of the Islands might there live and subsist But the people dwell only by the Sea-side where it is lowest and most convenient for them to get to Sea with their Boats and ply their Fishing there being almost every where high promontories whence no body can come down nor get up though there be some dangerous and terrible places whence they also launch out their Boats to Sea to go a Fishing where they must have strong Ropes in the Boat that those on Land may sometimes help the people out if they are in any danger some also who are the most live in creeks inletts and havens that are many convenient and good for Seamen to lay in their Ships in time of danger And where they live they have inclosed a small piece of ground which they Till to get Grass and Corn calling such Closes Boe The other part without the inclosure consisting in Valleys and Hills and sometimes in hills only is a thousand times larger and is called Hawe where their Sheep feed both Winter and Summer and their Kine only in Summer This part is never Tilled neither can it be so because the Inhabitants live along the Sea side for their Fishing sake and other conveniency having nevertheless the full profit thereof for they keep there as many Sheep as ever the place can feed A part of the islands of Feroe is Inhabited and a part furnished with Cattel they are in their greatness Havens Creeks Inletts and other circumstances as followeth Fugloe or Fowle-Island which is the most North East is pretty high and something flat on the top with high Clifts almost round about three English miles long and two broad where it is broadest having a little Creek on the East side called Hatterviig though it be unfit for Ships to Anchor in Suinoe lyeth two miles southward of Fugloe consisting in two long and high Hills on the North and South side The South Mountain is about a Leage in length the North but about half a League there is a valley in the midst on the East side whereof the people do inhabit and by this reason the Island being seen something far off at Sea seems to be divided in two Islands The said valley is about a mile long from East to West and therefore the Inhabitants have Boats lying on the East and on the West sides that they according to the Wind may ply their Fishing on either side such Valleys as also other places where the passage over land from one water to another is but short are called in the Language of Feroe Eide whereof there are many to the great benefit of the Country Videcoe or Vidoe lyes three miles west of Fugloe and hath a mile from Suinoe being crooked and having also a Valley where the people dwell it is in length about six miles and where it is broadest about three miles The south end of it stretcheth it self down between Suinoe and Bondoe being full of high Hills at the North of the Valley there is a high promontory at the East there is a little Creek though not very good sor Ships to Anchor in Bordoe a strange Island being in its Figure like a Crab having many points like claws it lyeth South West and West of Videroe and Suinoe being separated from them by a small Sinus in some places half a mile broad there being a place near Qnandesund only of Musket shot distant on the North East and East side it embraceth Videroe as with two arms and thereby makes a safe harbour every where between both Lands against all manner of weather and current having three entrances one at North between Mulen and Videroe another at South between Suinoe and the most easterly east point of Bordoe and the third at east between Suinoe But since towards the South East or South outlet as also about the North East or East three points of Land streatch out themselves the one from Videroe the other from Bordoe and the third from Suinoe and the ground under water being uneven it makes an indifferent Whirle-pool that turns the Boats that pass over
it round about but Ships are in no danger of it Towards the South East Bordoe stretcheth it self out into three branches or points so that they seem at Sea as several Islands and constitute too long Inletts whereof that which is most Eastward is called Arnefiord the other Baardevijgs from Baardevijg's Inlet there runs a little valley half a mile long to the North west side where there is a safe harbour called Klack From hence the Land stretcheth it self again to the North along Videroe a matter of six miles or less all these branches and arms are for the most part streightning on both sides into long and sharp points on the North West Bordoe embraceth again with two arms or branches another little Island called Kunoe Kunoe is a long and narrow Island about six miles in length and a good mile in breadth growing sharp on both sides consisting in a long sharp hill separated from Bordoe by a narrow straight in some places half a mile broad and in some others less stretching it self most to the South and North from Mule on Bordoe till the Harbour of Klack which it shuts up with its southerly end and renders it safe against all Currents of the Sea Kalsoe lyeth Westward oâ— Kunoe separated from it by an inlet called Calseefiord which is two miles broad and this Inlet is open from South to North so that all Ships may safely run through it especially when the Stream is with them Kalsoe is a little longer then Kunoe and a little broader stretching it self to the South and North without Haven or Creek on the West side it is a very steep promontory on the East side the hill is edged and runs sloping to the Sea side all coloured withgreen Osteroe lyeth West of Kalsoe and Bordoe stretching it self most Northward towards East it is almost twenty miles long but inequally broad for some places are two miles broad others four or six miles broad according as the points stretch themselves far out the Land consisting in many long branches or arms on the East side towards Kalsoe Bordoe and the main Sea it hath six long branches or arms that constitute five Inlets or Creeks namely Funding fiord Andâ—fiord an indifferent Harbour Englefiord a good Harbour Joteviig and Lammehauf viig afterward the Land stretcheth it self to the South East in a long point called Ostness from which neck three miles Northward begins again another inlet far in the Land two miles long called Skaalefiord at the beginning of the Inlet there is a good harbour called Kings haven because formerly when his Majesties Ships did Cruise here under the Land after Pirats they took Harbour there on the West side from South to North the Land is almost even without any Inlet or Creek and the inlet between Câ—lsoe and Osteroe is in some places but a mile and half broad and safe for Ships to sail through the North end of Osteroe is very notable for Senmen for it stretcheth out it self with a little round point to the North west with a round hill upon it Nolsoe lyeth two miles Southward of Osteroe or Ostres extending it self most N. W. to N. and S. E to S. it is 4 miles long and a mile and half broad where broadest having on its west side Stromoe at the distance of two miles and half There is almost on the midst of the Island a high Hill sloaping by little and little to the South side where the Island is even on the top and not very high North of the Hill there is a little plain and West of it towards Stromoe a little Harbour called Nolsoeviig an indifferent good Summer Harbour Stromoe is the largest Island in Feroe and 24 miles long and where it is broadest eight miles in breadth it lyeth West of Osteroe and Nelsoe stretching it self North west to North and South West to South being full of many high Hills amongst which Skelingsfels over goeth all the rest in height standing like a high house above the others it is very notable for Seamen that are bound for Thorshaven for when they get sight of it and sail there unto they fall before the Northern entrance of Thorshaven That Island hath also several Creeks and Harbours on the East side from the South end is first of all Thors-haven where the general Commerce is established it is a little but a good harbour whereunto there are two entrances over against North Nolsoe between Stang and Ostness and over against South Nolsoe between Baarn and Skadlehoffoed afterwards there is Kalbacksfford then Kollefiord next thereunto Thorsviig and Qualviig one cannot come further with Ships for on the North of Qualviig Stromoe and Osteroe are as it were bound together by a ground that is between the Islands over which runs a very rapid stream and there is no Current on either side of the ground From this stream it is that Stromoe is so called at North of Stromoe is Haldersviig an indifferent Harbour into which one enters on the North side on the north side there is a very fair Harbour called Westmans Haven which is sheltered by Waagoe lying over against it Waagoe lyeth West of Stromoe being divided from it by a straight called Westmans haven seund a mile and a half broad thorough which there is a safe passage The Land of Waagoe is almost of a Triangular or Quadrangular Figure being eight miles in Diameter it is cut in by two long Creeks first by one on the South East side called Midvaage a good Summer Harbour then at West there is another Creek called Sorvaage The Land it self is all full of Hills hard by the South point of Sorvaage there lyes two little Islands with high clifts on them called Tineholm and Gaaseholm Myggeness lyeth out at the West of Sorvaage two miles from the Land it is three miles long and one and a half broad having a high territory with high promontories round about it there being but one place to come on Land it stretcheth it self most to the North East and South West Towards the South West end of it lyeth Myggeness Isle having a high clift round about it is flat above though sloaping like the roof of a house on the North East side it is separated by a little Riff three or four furlongs broad Kolter lyeth three miles to the South-East of Waagoe and above two miles to the West of Stromoe it is a little Island a mile long and about half a mile broad stretching it self most to the South and North having a high Mountain at the North end but at the South end it is low and narrow having a high Promontory on the West side Eighteen years since in the middest of Summer there was found on the highest top of the Mountain of Kolter the quantity of many tomies of Herrings spread along The Mountain where the Herrings were found is above two hundred fathoms high The vulgar sort will perhaps ask how these Herrings could come there whereunto is answered that
no more resistance in Norway and then saiih the History namely the Chronicles of Norway page 49 many desert Lands were inhabited which the men of Norway had begun to frequent before Jempteland Island Grkeney Hotland and Feroe were inhabited for many rich and oppulent men fled from the Wars of Norway because of Harolds power and many other able men yeilded to Harold and planted the Land with him by which History it is also in some manner intimated that Feroe was known to the people of Norway and frequented by them but then perfectly peopled and Inhabited though there be a great uncertainty in Histories written in such obscure times for Mr. Peter Clauson in his Description of Norway pag. 154. teacheth that in the sixth year of King Harolds Reign a Pirate called Madoder sailed from Norway intending sor Feroe but was driven by the Tempest under Island which was then quite desert and was peopled since by King Harold Pulchricomus's invitation and command whence it appears that Feroe was inhabited before Iasland But the Author seems to set a general certain time for an uncertain If those Inhabitants of Feroe had been as diligent to leave their Successors some narration from the beginning as those of Island one might now have had better information and it may be also they have not neglected it since there came no lesser men to Feroe then to Island but doubtless the Pirates have destroyed them It being certain that other documents which were kept in the publick Chest of the Country were within these 100 years rob'd and carried away by such men The first that setled himself in Feroe was they say called Grimar Camban which happened before those that fled from Norway came thither and wholly peopled the Land This Grimar Camban was doubtless a Pirate or Sea Robber Piracy being in those days honourable Hetland and Orheny being then but the habitations of Sea-Robbers and it being doubtless even so of Feroe but in King Pulchricomus his time in the 10 year of his Reign many considerable men with their Wives and Children Goods and Moveables took their habitation in Feroe which was before discovered to them by Grimar Camban who having first found the Land gave it also its name and called it Feroe the History mentioning that Fero's Name was known in Norway before they fled thither and possessed it There are several opinions concerning the derivation of this word Feroe some think that the land hath that name from Sheep called in Danish Faar because of the multitude of Sheep that is bred there which is an incongruous opinion Grimar Camban having found no Sheep there at his arrival neither hath it received its name since there have been Sheep planted there for before the principal Colony of people and Cattel went over thither the Land had already its name Besides which Faar is a Danish word which is called in the old Norway Tongue Saud and in that of Feroe Soid others would deny their names from Feer or Feathers which is also contrary to reason for they little thought then of Feathers and knew nothing of their use in commerce Their Merchandise being for the most part Wool as appears by the History of Trunder of Gote in the 256 page of the Chronicle of Norway who lived in Feroe 150 years after it was first inhabited for he said to his Brothers Sons Sigurd and Toerd the Sons of Torlack there is a great difference in the age of a man when I was young I did not lye on a Bench when it was good weather as you doe now the Ships lye on ground and rot under the hills and the whole house is full of Wool but none of you will carry it to the Market if I had some years of my age back things should not go so Torloft of Diemen is now a better Husband then you Sigurd grew angry started up and made himself ready with his company of 12 men and sailed out with Tarloff and they came late at night to Norway hereby it appeareth first only they have endeavoured to make mony of their wool But secondly that they have had their Trade in Norway where Feathers were not in price they having themselves Fowl enough on the North Coast of the Land and therefore there was no thoughts of Feathers to give the Country a name from thence in the beginning and so much the less because neither they themselves now nor antiently ever used Beds filled with Feathers Some will derive it from Far it being a Land that lyeth far from Norway and therefore should be called Feroe which is also doubtful Island and Greenland lying yet at a further distance and therefore ought with more reason to bear that name I must add my opinion concerning the Etymology of that name and methinks the land may have taken its name from the Word to Fare which is the same in the ancient Language of Feroe as Ferrie in English the same being also us'd in our old Danish for places in Denmark where one crosseth from one shoar to the other in Boats or Ferries are called Ferry places from ancient time to this present and Feroe consisting of many Islands where one not only must cross with Boats and Ferries called in that Tongue Faevinger from one Land to another but one can also with such Boats go along between the Islands it seems probable that this qualification of the land may have given Grimar Camban occasion at his arrival to call these Islands Feroier as they are called to this day in the language of Feroe I leave herein nevertheless every one to his own opinion but the Islands being many they ought to be called the Feroes as they are Feroier by the Inhabitants and in Latine Feroae as the Oreades Canaries and other Provinces that consist of many Islands Many principal men of Norway as abovesaid having transplanted themselves and their whole Families into Feroe they divided the Islands amongst themselves every Chieftain appropriating to himself his Island or more according to opportunity where they afterwards subdivided the Land to be possest and till'd by their Servants in the manner and places as it is found to this day most of the Chiefs having made the Country their properties and inheritance not only those places where they liv'd themselves but also the other so that the least part remained to their Servants whence it comes that Trundoff Jote in the 270 page of the Chronicle of Norway calls the Inhabitants of the East and North Islands his Tenants when he gave Tribute for himself and them to Charles the Myrske or Tender sent thither by King Oluff the Holy whence many old Folks can yet relate that a part of their predecessors were very rich in Lands so that they have possest above the half part of Suderoe this that great Village and the other many Enclosures but now there is nothing of such glorious riches to be seen for some of them having been a cruel people did forfeit
is related by a part of the Inhabitants that North of the Land there hath at several times appeared a Floating Island not only by the relation of our Predecessours but also by that of those that yet live who verily relate that they have seen it during some hours discerning hills and dales on it and running Rivers flowing through the Valleys and could perspicuously fee that it was green in the Valleys below Last year the 28 of April 1671 came to Feroe a Skipper Paul Badsted with his Ship and both he and two young Priests which he brought over with him to Feroe namely Mr. Gregory Peterson and Mr. Peter Clementson relate that they on their voyage to Feroe being by storm driven out of their course to the south thereof perceived an Island and being come neer to it saw it perfectly with the Hills Promontories and Rivers thereof running down the Island green with Grass towards the sea side with Rocks and Clifts neer the Land not unlike in all Circumstances to the Islands of Feroe but perceiving no other Islands by it they found themselves to be deceived and therefore made to the North and after some sailing found the Islands of Feroe and the Master related that according to his conjecture they had found that Land eleven Leagues from Feroe at south east If there had been any steady Island in that place it would have been found longago those that sail to this Island often sailing by that place and all Ships that come from the South and will go to the North of heâ—Heâ—land directing always their Course to Feroe and therefore do necessarily pass by it so that if that Island had been fast it would long since have been discovered The Island of Enckhupson found and so named by the Hollanders which lay under the 65 degree of Northern Latitude 45 Leagues North VVest of Feroe seems to confirm that opinion since it is no more to be found I leave herein every one in his own opinion whether such a mass of hard Rocks could Float and now again sink If it were of the nature of a Pumill Stone it might very well do so but then it would ever Float as Floating Islands in fresh water that are grown together with roots and covered with a little loose Eearth deckt with grass The Inhabitants besides rehearse a Fable of Suinoe that it was at first a Floating Island and believe that if one could come to the Island so often seen and cast Steel thereon it would remain fast which agreeth with the superstition of Duckers or Divers that lay Steel upon what they find at the bottom of the Sea that Spirits may not remove it when they are hoysed up which otherwise they find to be removed Many also tell much of these Floating Islands and believe there are such in Nature but I cannot give faith to any of them nor to any ones superstition If this were not described by the proprieties of many Islands I would say it were a Mountain of see that came Floating from Greenland which if it be not I believe stedfastly it is some deception or illusion of the Devil who is in himself a thousand fold Artisicer for he hath often before deluded them in many other manners it being almost every mans talk in the Land how formerly Satan in the dark when they were risen early in the morning in Winter as they yet always do to go a Fishing did appear to them in the Figure of a Boat with Fishermen and all instruments belonging to Fishing did speak with them gave them Fish baits and told them where there was good Fishing to be found and many can yet relate Satans words when he discover'd them where there was good ground for Fishing If Satan could then in the Figure of a Boat delude the Inhabitants he may also do it now in the Figure of an Island possibly to allure the Children of the unbelievers to him and bring them into mischief This Province of Feroe with the Islands belonging to it above named stretcheth it self in its greatest length from North to South 60 miles and in breadth 40 miles or a little above having at East Stat in Norway at South East Orkeney and Scotland at South Ireland at West the South end of Greenland at North West Island The height of the Pole or Latitude of Feroe according to the supputation of all is at the South end 61 degrees 15 m. and at the North end 62 degrees 10 m. though I have found the Land according to the height of Thors Haven at 62 degrees 2 m. which I have several times taken to lye something more Northwards I have as much as possible sought the Longitude and have found the length from the Meridian of Euraniburgh 20 degrees 20 min. which makes one hour 21 min. so that the Longitude of Thors Haven is 16 degrees 20 min. reckoning from the Pico of Teneriffe in the Canary Islands if I can discover it better in time I shall notifie it where it will be convenient And since the Land lyeth under 62 degrees there is but little night in Summer not fully 5 hours When the Sun is in the Sign of Cancer there is no night perceived for a whole month because the Sun doth not go 18 degrees under the Horizon whence it comes that in the middest of VVinter they have but little day though the Crepusculum and Diluculum are something more longer here then elsewhere especially when the Sun is in the South or Northerly Signs for when it is at highest and makes the longest day after 62 degrees Latitude it riseth at 2 of the Clock and 7 minutes and goeth down at 9 of the clock and 53 m. and then the day is 19 hours and 46 min. long and the night from Sun-setting untill it riseth 4 hours and 14 minutes during which time there is no difference to be perceived between day and night the Sun being then but 4 degrees 29 min. under the Horizon and cannot therefore make any difference for a whole month there being then also but little difference in the Suns declination whence it comes that we have no considerable might untill the 17th of August when the Sun first comes 18 degrees under the Horizon which is its right depth so that one can perceive nothing of its splendour Now the Sun rising in the mid'st of VVinter at 9 of the Clock 53 min. and setting at 2 a Clock and 7 m. and there being therefore but 4 hours and 14 minutes of day The Crepusculum and Diluculum add much to its length since one can perceive something of the day in the mid'st of VVinter at 8 a clock in the morning and at 4 a clock at night whence it comes that they have not in Feroe such tedious long nights as one might well imagine These Islands of Feroe consisting of a hard Stone there is found here and there a Loadstone therein on which if one setteth a Compass it will vary very much in
some places to the East and in some other to the VVest At the South of Suderoe there is a whirle pool in the midst whereof stands a high Rock called Sumboe Munk neer that Rock there are six others that rise a little above the water on which when one setteth the Compass it turneth round and is so spoiled that it is afterwards of no use for some years ago there came a Ship too near this Sumboe Munk whereupon all the Compasses that were in the Ship as the Master related afterwards to the Inhabitants of Suderoe were spoiled and his Voyage had been so too had not a Seaman of the Ship by chance had a Loadstone wherewith he touched the Compasses anew The ordinary declination of the Loadstone on Feroe is otherwise 13 degrees 19 minutes to the North VVest which Severin Lawson formerly chief Marchant on Feroe a Burger of Copenhagen very expert in the Art of Navigation did mark and reckon out in the year 1659 the 26 of December at Thors Haven on Ferce Since we have described the Land of Feroe especially so that honest Marriners may the better know the Land Marks we will also here comprehend something of the Streams Between these several divided Islands there runneth many strong Currents in several manners according as the necks or points of Land meet against the streams and according to the scituation of the said land which causeth specially in VVinter when there is a storm and the wind bloweth against Tide a terrible and turbulent Sea principally where there is ground neer the surface of the water for where those grounds stretch themselves towards the Land the Sea raiseth it self and tumbleth about against it so that it is terrible to consider yea it breaketh so strengly against the Land that scarce any Ship where it is sufficiently deep can get over them which grounds with breaking waves are called in the Language of Feroe Boffves If there comes any Boats on these Boffves when they break it is presently sunk with men and all It happened for 16 years ago that Mr. John Hanson Hardy Curate of Suderoe on his Voyage to Thors Haven in a Sexâ—ing that is a great Boat rowed by twelve men came on such a Boffve in pretty good weather yet both he and his wife and all his Children with other of his Folks to the number of 21 souls were all drowned And the Boat sunk by the Boffve It happened in that sad accident that amongst these drowned Folks the Curates VVife floated up again eight days after and was found driving in the Current whereof doubtless the cause is that she had greater veins then ordinary as is usual for women to have by the blowing up of which her Corps was brought a Float It is very observable that when the said Boffve breaketh in bad weather it doth so three or seven times together without ceasing and then resteth some time therefore when the Inhabitants come to such a Boffve and must needs over it they lye still untill the Boffve hath broken and then get over it speedily with their Boat Besides the Boffve breaks also in still weather when it is very warm and when there will be Frost or Snow Thirdly when some Boat goeth something near the land over the Boffve that breaks not then but lyeth still it breaketh up unawares of it self and often bringeth people in danger I have been told by an old honest man yet living very expert from his youth both in Currents and Boffves who knew all the Boffves round about the Countrey where he lived that it happened some years since he went with a Boat from the Land whereon he dwelt namely Kolâ—er over to Stromoe to set there a man on land and went into a little Creek of the length of a Boat and half so broad where he set the man on shoar it being then quiet and still all about when against all expectation a Boffve broke upon him so that he and all his folks were in very great danger of their lives having never from his youth nor since that time perceived any Boffve to be there The Inhabitants are in this simple opinion that the Sea is sensible and that the Boffves cannot endure the Iron of the Boat But hereupon these are my reflections that the Boffve breaks up a certain number of times happeneth by the providence of God that hath created all things according to weight measure and number but that the Boffves break either against warm weather or against a North wind and Snow or a so when some Boat goeth over the same must have an occult cause which is hard to be found out and that one may the better understand the cause of it one must consider that there is this order in nature All motion that happeneth between the Elements and other beings that have neither sense nor life doth happen by a Magoetical Sympathy or Antipathy that is a hidden and inward affection in senseless beings whereby some things love eath other and are easily united together some hate one the other and cannot be united whereby there is made a motion in nature as if there were some life in the things which move themselves or suffer themselves to be moved This is perfectly seen in the Loadstone which by Sympathy loveth Iron and turneth it self towards it This is manifest enough amongst Medicaments and specially it is seen and perceived in Antidotes that is Medicines against poyson and in the poisons themselves for when a man hath taken some poison and thereupon taketh in an Antidote the poison is then driven out by the Antidote Chymists do find the same amongst Mettals and Minerals for Gold hateth Brimstone driving it away and contrarywise loveth Salt drawing the same to it self being easily united with it in Operations Silver on the contrary hateth salt drives it away and instead thereof loveth Brimstone There is a natural Sympathy and Antipathy between the Elements and is even so as we have now exprest between Mettals and Minerals for suppose a Circle divided in 4 parts with A. B. C. D. Lâ—t A. be Gold and Earth B. Silver and Water C. Bâ—imstorâ— and Air D Salt and Fire as A. Gold suffereth it self easily to be united and melted together with B. Silver so A. Earth is easily mixt with B. Water attracts it willingly to its self and draweth its fatness from it water also loveth Earth as its proper mansion wherein it resteth Secondly as B. Silver loveth C. Brimstone so B. Water maketh much of its neighbour C. Aire suffers it self easily to be attracted into it and joyns it in operation with it self In the third place as C. Brimstone is united with D. Salt to work with joyned forces on Mettals so the Air C. taketh easily to it self the Fire D. to play with it in Nature the Fire again loveth Air so much that without it it is as dead and hath no force On the otherside the Fire D. adhears to the Earth A. as
stilleth it self so that the Inhabitants dare row out on Fishing There is nevertheless an extraordinary great motion every where at Sea so that sometimes they are as it were lifted up to the Heaven and presently come down as it were to the Abyssm as David saith Psal 127. which motion of the Sea they call Alda and certifie that when they are sunk in it they can see no land though it be above 300 Fathoms high As for the motion of Tides themselves they perfect their course according to the Moon here as well as in other places where there are ordinary tides by an ebb of six hours and a Flood of the like space of time Yet their course is different according as they beat against the Rocks and points of Land and as the ground is under them whence it comes that the particular streams alter their course and run directly against the general Tides such streams being called here Ider Concerning the general Currents here the Seaman that is not much acquainted with the Land may have this for information In the first place where the streams run even between the land there is a principal Current as between Suderoefiord Staapenfiord Kalsoefierd Skuofiord and Fugloefiord When the Current runneth here to the West it is called West-fall and when it runneth to the East East-fall but in Kalsoefiord the East-fall runneth Northward and the West-fall Southward because of the points of Land Secondly it doth not run with equall rapidity during the six hours but its course can be divided into three parts In the first third part it runneth prerty fast changing and augmenting its force more and more In the second third part it is very rapid and is here called Braaddew In the last third part it loseth its force by little and little till it comes to turn and then the stream is as it were half dead In the third place the Tide is not allways equally strong but it is strongest in the new and full Moon three days before and three days after losing after of its force till the first and last quarter and it renews its strength again from the first and last quarter till the new and full Moon though according to the Moons vertue it be neither always equally strong but in the Spring and Summer when the Sun acteth most on the earth so that the warmth reflecteth thence and in the Dog days when the air is hottest by reason of the heat of the Canicule it is stronger in every change of the Moon then it useth to be in Autum or Winter from which effect may doubtless be concluded that the Sun together with the Moon and the inward warmth of the Earth doth produce the motion of the Tides For the 4 th when the stream runneth in the Inlets at E. or when it is East-fall it is then West-fall by the land and in the Iders and so quite contrary so that when the Master of a Ship cannot advance his voyage in the middle of the Inlets he must seek his advantage by the Iders for they stretch themselves in some places a mile from the Land Fifthly the Tide beginneth that is the water riseth at West fall and when that is out and it is Braaddew it is Floud or highest water that is West-fall in all the principal streams of every Inlet but afterwards cometh the East-fall from the Land beginning thereby by little and little to grow low water but how high or low the water riseth or falleth in Feroe cannot be exactly described there being a great inequallity in it both by reason of the changes of the seasons of the year and of the Moon wherein the streams are strongest Notwithstanding the stream ariseth much higher at west of the Land then at East usually seven Fathoms at West and but three at East In the sixth place it is very needful for a Pilot to know when it is high water or West-fall in Feroe not that he might thereby run securely over Rocks and grounds for he hath no great need of that in Feroe but that he may know how the stream runneth and advance his voyage accordingly all Marriners having erred therein till this day even the Sea expert Hollanders who in their Sea Mirrour write that a South and North Moon maketh highest water in Feroe Those that have traded in this Country and in their Voyage have taken notice of the Tides have found it otherwise and believe quite contrary that an East and West Moon giveth highest water wherein they doe not much erre but I have enquired about this business of old understanding men who nevertheless take little notice of highest water nor know wherefore it is so observable but only note their West and East fall which they nevertheless only mark by Flood and low water not understanding what an East or West Moon signifieth and they say altogether that the second day after New or Full Moon it is perfect West-fall that is highest water at six of the Clock in the morning and East-fall or Low-water at twelve of the Clock at Noon whence an expert man can conclude that a North East Moon and a South West make highest water the first day the Moon beginneth to fill that is at five a Clock and fifteen minutes in the morning and then they have highest water or West fall in new or full Moon in Feroe a North East and a South West Moon making highest water in all the principal Streams above mentioned In the other particular Streams it is high water at different hours in some before and in some after the ordinary time for in Leerviigs-fiord an East North East and West South West Moon maketh highest water that is when it is four a Clock and a half in the Morning In Nolsoe fiord an North East and South West Moon that is at three a Clock and in Westmans haven and Myggenessfiorda North West and South East Moon that is at nine a Clock in the forenoon so that here is a strange difference in the rising of the water between these many Islands which cometh altogether by reason of the points of Land I dare not undertake to explicate the several Streams with their Iders there being often in one Inlet five different Currents that run against one another so that I verily believe if the Learned Philosopher Aristotle were here himself to undertake that work he would find no less difficulty therein then in his Euripe Nevertheless I cannot forbear writing something of the little stream between Stromoe and Osteroe which seemeth very strange Though that stream on both sides of the water be wholly still and dead and there be a very short way over the grounds between both Lands it runneth nevertheless forward and backward according to the ordinary Changes of the Moon so swiftly that it is impossible to row against it but one must expect till it returneth Whereof the cause is this There goeth neither Ebb nor Tide at South of the stream but at
North the water riseth and falleth though there be no stream therefore when the Tide comes the water runneth over to the South Sinus and when it falleth again it runneth over the grounds from the South into the North yet no stream can be perceived because the Inlet groweth wider on both sides and is deep in it self even as in the Main Sea Before Feroe no stream is discerned though there be some as every where in the world but when it comes to the Islands the free slow course of it is hindered and therefore it is forced by the narrow Streights between the Islands to thrust it self between the Lands as a River would do through a Sluce Besides these several Streams there are also some other that turn round about which they call Male Stromme or Whirle-pool whereof there are many that have been known hitherto and are of all esteemed to be Sea-Abyssms which errour cometh because none could Sound their bottoms by reason of the danger attending it they drawing to themselves all that cometh near them whirle it to the bottome and after a certain time cast it up again There are in Feroe three such Whirle-pools the one between Videroe Suinoe and Bordoe not very dangerous the other at South of Sandoe by Daâ—es Cliffts called the Mill dangerous when there is a storm or a strong stream The third at South of Suderoe running about Sumboe Munk very dangerous The cause of these Whirle pools is not that there is a bottomless Abysm at the bottom of the Sea wherein the water should run when it is Ebb and Flow out again when it is Tide so that this should cause Ebb and Flood according to the opinion of some for if it was so it would not rage so much the stillest water having the deepest bottome but it proceeds from round grounds with Channels or Conduits in them I have dilligently inquired about these Whirle-pools of the two Deputies sent with me from Feroe to Denmark humbly to represent the general necessities of the Country and one of them named John Jonason dwelling on Suderoe told me that he had been the first that durst undertake to row over the VVhirle pool that lyeth South of Suderoe about Sumboe Munk whereof he spoke with certain and long experience First this Stream is very terrible and dangerous of it self especially when there is a Storm and a strong Current it draweth to it self all that comes too near it and as it were swallows it up so that a Ship cannot save her self nor avoid it if she approacheth it too near For a few years ago the said John Jonason saw about Christmas Tide in Stormy weather a great Ship come into that Stream whereof he saw sometimes the Fore-mast sometimes the Mizen-mast and the Sea strike above the Maine Quarter a while after which he could see nothing more of the Ship The Sea expert Baggowandel in his book called the VVatching Eye makes mention of this VVhirle pool and saith that Skipper Peter Odevald gave him knowledge of it I remember the time that the said Odevald got to know this Stream for he and his Folks told me that his Ship was drawn into it before he was aware and that he could not then Steer her the water beating in on all sides to a great height of the Mast and he could not save himself with his Sailes because it was quite still weather the Master affirming that he was never before in such peril and danger though at last it pleased God to assist him so that he came off again by the reflux of the Stream and arrived safe to Thors-haven whither he was bound Secondly according to the said John Jonasons Relation the ground round about this VVhirle-pool is eighty or ninety Fathom deep over which ground the Stream goeth still and quiet without any boistering afterwards round about the VVhirle-pool the ground lyeth 25 30 to 35 Fathoms deep over which ground the Sea with its waves begins to lift it self to work hard to draw and to whirle about afterwards there riseth a third ground which lyeth eight ten to twelve Fathom deep which formeth it self Snaile wise in a Circle four times double Nature hath made this high ground with points as the tops of some Cliffts whence it comes that upon the points there is only eight Fathoms deep of water and between them ten or twelve Fathoms wherefore when a Fisher Boat comes upon that uneven round Bank it is whirled about by the stream that turns round about these high Cliffts and that with such a swiftness that young people unused to such a whirle must lay themselves down in the Boat to avoid giddiness of the head and it is to be noted that besides this swift and hasty Gyration the Boat is turned about in another Circle according to the Snail-wise figure of the ground In the third place between these four round grounds there are three Channels or Conduits wherein the Sea worketh still and runs about in the said small turnings and before on the East side where the ground begins there is a Gulf where the stream runs in as through a Sluce though within it worketh but softly These Channels are 25 30 to 35 Fathoms deep now these Channels having uneven bottoms and the water flowing about in slow whirles it seems that the form of the bottom must be like that of the Superficie that is to say with small bowings and Cavities in it Fourthly in the mid'st of this VVhirle-pool there is a deep hole that is 50 or 55 Fathoms deep neer the very bottome in the middle thereof it is generally 61 Fathoms deep the inward water is even and still above only it runs slowly in a Circle which may easily be seen by the Seas Scum falling out of the Whirle pool that floweth round on the South side of that hole ariseth out of the water a Rock ten Fathoms high called Sumboe Munk about which there is but fifteen fathoms deepth At North of Sumboe Munk there are six lesser Rocks between which and the Munk there is the depth of three or four Fathoms And it is to be noted as is said above that on these Rocks the Compass runneth round about even as the Whirle-pool it self whereby it is spoiled So it is worth observation that on Sumboe Munk there is an extraordinary great cold even in the hottest Sunshine and best weather of Summer so that the people that get up the Munk to take Fowle can hardly endure the cold besides the Fowles that are hatcht and keep themselves there are very lean so that there is nothing on them but the bare Feathers I am in great doubt whence such an extraordinary cold should come the water about Feroe though it be cold in it self yet by reason of its faltness and perpetual motion causing usually there a temperate Winter I cannot therefore conjecture that this Streams continual motion should contrarywise cause such an extraordinary cold on the Munk. One may conclude
stony Rocks and high Steep Mountains through which the Water can find no passage and because of their steepness must presently run down nevertheless the water floweth more abundantly from the Springs when it raineth in Feroe and less when it is corystan drought some of the Springs growing then wholly dry which cometh from the harmony that is between the Air and the Earth For it happeneth constantly and naturally that when the Air is resolv'd into moisture the Earth also produceth then its humidity as may be seen on the Stones of Walls and when the Air is a long time dry the earth is so likewise and when the Earth is moistened by the Air it sucketh from the Sea Water nothing but the Salt but when the Earth is dry it thirsteth and therefore sncketh in not only the Salt but also the water whence it comes that little Springs are dryed up in long droughts but where there are great veins as there is also difference amongst Conduits the water is indeed diminished but not wholly dry'd up for we have sometimes great droughts in Feroe so that the Earth splits it self to the very Rock Water is then wanting in some places but in some other never Fire and Water being almost the two chiefest necessaries of mankind nature having denied this Land Trees so that there grows here none except some little Junipers that grow in some few places near the Earth nature hath recompensed that defect with abundance of Turf whereof though the Earth be fast there are found many sorts excellent good in several places so that some of them are made use of by Smiths to work Iron with instead of Sea-coals which is not found here except in one place of Suderoe unto which yet a man can hardly come The Air of these Islands of Feroe is no less considerable then the Water In Summer it is temperately warm not very hot at any time neither is the Winter very cold though the Land lyeth under 62 degrees of Northern Latitude it freezeth seldome a moneth together neither is the Frost then so hard as to produce Ice in the open Inlets wherefore all Horse and Sheep go into the Fields during the whole Winter and never come under shelter the cause of such mild eir is the Salt Sea wherewith the Island is embraced round about which being warm both by its saline nature and perpetual motion produceth ever a warm vapour which tempers th e Air and taketh away the rigour of its coldness and together causeth a moist air so that there falleth most melted Snow miâ—ling and rain in the Valleys though it freezeth upon the Mountains from this moist air and watery Clouds is produced much storm and terrible winds which sometimes tear up the stones from the ground turn up the Earthen crust from the Rocks and rowle it together as one might rowle a piece of Lead and those stormy winds are very variable according as the Gapps are between the tops of the high Mountains betwixt which the winds gather and throng themselves through with a wonderful force when sometimes it is amongst the Folks that dwell in the Valleys under these Mountains during such a storm so still that one may goe from one house to another with a light burning and then afterwards it cometh again so terribly by Gusts as if the the Hills would be torn to pieces and it is worth consideration that before the said impetuous wind cometh or is perceived the houses crack and make a noise as if they would streight fall down which afterwards though not much moved being low built and on all sides well defended with thick Walls made of green Turff and Stones Otherwise there being such high Hills so that the wind cannot blow straight forwards but now hitts against one corner then against another and so against a third one of those strong winds thus meeteth another and as it were begin a Fight together whereby are caused terrible Whirle-winds which having a long time stormed about between the hills come down over the Inlets and whirling round about run again through them some whereof are above three miles lone a great way into the Sea and then it is very dangerous for Boats that are met thereby which must presently let fall their Sails or else they are overturned men and all it also happeneth often though the Sail be not up that the Whirle-wind overturneth the Boat and the people as many examples do witness and as Boats are in danger by such Whirle-winds so ships have sometimes no less cause to fear those Gusts from the Mountains when they fail in greatest security for they in the like manner fall down from the Mountains when it is still weather as hath been expressed of several contrary Stormy Winds which Forreign Marriners that come with their Ships between these Lands must well observe or else they may possibly come in danger thereby Specially it is to be noted about these Whirle-winds that sometimes on Land between these Rocks when it is pretty good weather and there is no danger one of them will come on a sudden so furious that it beateth a man down from his Horse yea beareth down Man and Horse as also striketh down those that are going on Foot sometimes hurting them wherefore those that are used to the Countrey can easily perceive its coming for it is heard before with a terrible boistering between the Clifts when the weather is also very quiet wherefore the Rider alighteth from his Horse and layeth himself on the ground holding fast to the Grass or to a Stone as he thinks himself securest That sort of Whirle-wind happeneth but seldome and is doubtless of that sort which naturalist call Exnephia that are caused by the Clouds on the top of the Mountains as Kircherus relateth that it happeneth on the Mountain called Table Mount at the Cape of good Hope on which Mountain there is perceived by the people a little cloud before whence is caused such terrible and unlooked for whirl-winds which Cloud when they see on the Hill they run amain to their Ships Lanch from the Land and so preserve themselves and their Shipping There is told a strange Story which is said to have happened in this Countrey by reason of a Whirle-wind which the most part of those that read it will perhaps not believe though it be true It happened a pretty long time since that a Priest of Suderoe called Broder Anderson travelled to one of his Parishes namely Sumboe and when he came in those parts in a place called Sumboe Horse which is a very high Clift above 200 Fathoms high and hath several points by reason of which besides the height of the Mountain whether the wind bloweth from the Land or to the Land there may be caused a strong Whirlewind and the high way being very near the edge of the promontory where there is always a pretty storm though it be still weather every where below which happeneth by reason of the
that hath also a felling Club to strike with when the Seals lying on dry ground begin to see the Light and men they will flee to Sea wherefore the old ones rise themselves on their paws with their Jaws open directly against the man specially if it be a He for then he will not flee from the man but the man must avoid him and when he strikes at him he meeteth the blow with his jaws snatching the Club from the mans hands and casting it on that side where there is no body Then comes the other man with his Club and strikes him over the neck but if it be a Shee she is not so fierce and fleeth from the man if she can When they hit them right over the head they fall down in a sound and then the men are presently ready so cut their throats When they have done so with all the old they come to the young ones that lye all still far from the water and never take notice of men nor light till they come and kill them when the slaughter is finish'd they hale the dead Kobs to the Water side and tye them fast to the Rope wherewith those in the Boat without pull them to them Last of all the men get out with the Boat that is within but if the waves be great the said Boat and men are also haled out In this manner they get sometimes many Seals often half a hundred in one Cave the old Kobs are as big as an Ox or Cow and so fat that one can get three Loads of Fat from them they use their skins for Shooes and eat the flesh of them they melt the Fat into Train Oyle and salt a part thereof to eat There are found several sorts of Whales under this Land amongst which there cometh one sort called Grind-Whale Grind according to the explication of Mr. Peter Clauson signifieth all sort of grates or Trellices either of Iron or Wood and because this sort of Whale swimmeth side to side by one another when they go on coupling such a Flock of Whales is called a Whales Grind. These Grind-Whales are not great the biggest being but five ells long and the young ones an ell and a half they come in great Flocks under the Land when it is dark or foggy weather so that they cannot see it which is therefore called Grind-weather When the Inhabitants are out about their Fishing and see a Flock of Whales those that see them first call and make signs to the other Boats that are about them who leaving their fishing come presently together and go to the Whales to drive them in towards the Land but when the Whales will turn back towards the Sea they cry out and make the most noise they can in the Boat throwing stones and what else they can find at them till the Whales turn again and then when God giveth his blessing they can drive them where they please as if it were a Flock of Sheep or Cattle When they come to Land they send a man or two to give notice every where and this messenger must go speedily day and night and is called Grind-message Those then that get notice of it presently kindle a brand on a certain place that they on the next Island where the message is not come may get timely notice of it who can know by the place whence the Fire or Smoak ariseth what it signifieth whereupon there cometh speedily a great number of Folks together some by Land and some by Water having their Whale Spears with them When they have then brought as many Boats together as they think needful they drive the Whales into an Inlet or Creek where they know there are good Whale-banks and flat sandy grounds whereon they drive the Whales with great crying noise and casting of Stones driving them as fast as they can upon the Sands then if it be necessary the Boats divide themselves into two companies the one lying below in the form of a half Moon to meet the Whale if it wou d flee away during the slaughter the other advancing into the midst of the Whale Flock thrusting their Whale Spears into their bodies in the mean time some of the people lye in an ambush on the Land till the Whales are come on ground and wade to them as deep as they can and then kill them chiefly with their Weapons with such fury on both sides that the water becometh as red as blood whereby the Whale is also blinded so that it cannot see to run away it is a strange thing to see that these strong creatures make no resistance but only plunge as well as they can before the boats and people till death cometh upon them and then they strike terribly about with their Tayles so that they beat sometimes the boats to pieces and the men come in danger if they do not know how to have a care of them Some of them get again loose from the Sands and carry sometimes the boats a great way with them on their backs over-turning them here and there and striking them full of water yet those that are below drive them in again but if they are not able to force them thereunto the rest come to their help so make them return though it happeneth also sometimes that they will at last suffer themselves to be driven in no more plunging and diving so much and a long way under the water that they must let them go the same happeneth also at Sea when they see them first and will drive them to Land for then they plunge sometimes so much that they must give them over whence one may conclude that this work doth only consist in a blessing of God When they have killed as many as they can get which lasteth well a whole day or longer they hale them on Land and those that are killed at Sea float up the next day and are also driven thither When all the Whales are thus brought on dry ground and are toll'd first the Tithes are taken of them then the Finding-Whale for him that saw them first the rest being divided into two parts the one whereof belongs to the people that took them and the other part to the owner of the Land under which they are taken whether it be the Kings some Noblemans or belongs to some Free-holders son sometimes the whole Flock of Whales cometh into the Inlets of it self in foggy weather no body driving them sometimes they come in with the Tide in a dark night running on the Sands where they lye dry when it is low water so that when folks come out in the morning they see sometimes the Sand covered with dead Whales which happened also for few years since in Tiorneviig In antient time there came greater multitudes of Whales and oftner then in our days though it happened that in the year 1664 there were taken in two places about a thousand Wherefore the Lord as also for his other benefits be
blessed and praised As we have said before these Whales have short heads and little eyes they have a black skin with a white stroke under the belly and are pretty fat they have a palm thick of fat the head is almost nothing but fat they partly melt the fat of the whole to make Train Oyl salting the rest with black salt to make use of it as of Bacon This sort of salt they prepare of sea weeds which they dry and burn to ashes where with they salt their fat preserving it very well thereby being hung in a dry place it looketh black and as smoked Bacon but within it is white as the other he that knoweth it is not will not be able to discern it from Swines Bacon another part they also make use of instead of fat or butter which they use to put in their meat as shall be spoken of in another place They dry and eat the flesh when it is fresh the same looking and smelling as Beef and what they cannot straight consume they cut into long segments and hang it up to dry in the wind consuming it afterwards in time as other smoaked flesh Forreigners sometimes pickle something of the tayl which tasteth very like neats feet wherefore the Inhabitants take these Whales to be and call them Sea kine Mr. Peter Clauson writeth in his Description of Norway that these Whales are driven in by a Whale-Dog whereof I have often enquired but could never get any certain knowledge of it yet I cannot abstain from informing the curious Reader of what is at last come to my knowledge It happened in the year 1664 when there came many Whales in Skaalesord about Harvest as aforesaid that when the greatest part of the Whales were killed there appeared a Sea Monster swimming about the Whales between them and the Land that was in every manner like a Dog as for those parts that were above water it was of a grey colour hairy with long ears like an English rough Spaniel this hath been told me by men worthy of credit and the fame of it grew common over the whole Country John Theodore de Bry in his description of the West India Voyages writeth that there is a sort of Sea Dogs found in the Magellanick Streights that are hairy on their fore-parts to the middest of their body with short ears as one uses to cut those of rough Dogs or like Lyons their fore feet being like the hands of men and their hinder parts like a Fish They are great and terrible to look on whence one may finally conclude that there are such Whale Dogs though I cannot decide whether they be of the same sort with those that are in the West Indies There are doubtless more Sea Monsters yet then have been known hitherto Here is also taken another sort of Whales which they call Doglings and are usually found in one Haven of this Country namely that of Qualboe in Suderoe and seldome in Vaage in the same Island and that usually in Autumn three or four or six almost every year and if they fail one year there comes the next year twice as many they are 7 or 8 els long and very thick being about 2 ells broad where they are thickest They are taken in a very strange manner for when the people perceive them without the Inlet they row out to them with some Roaps in their Boats If it be bad weather so that they cannot come near them they drive them into the Inlet as they use to do with those called Grinds But if it be calm weather they row close to the Whale that lyeth there still by the Boat thinking it perhaps to be its Mate In the mean time they pierce a hole in the fat of its eye lid wherein they fasten the Rope the piercing whereof hurteth it not but only tickleth it wherefore it suffereth the same willingly when they have thus fastened the Rope they row to a Sandy Bank whither it suffereth it self easily to be drawn and the rest follow after till they are all gotten on the sand and then in like manner they make the Rope fast to the other Whales tying the other end fast to some stones on Land and lastly row out to them with their Boats piercing them with their Whale-Spears till they lose their blood and dye but then the men must retire and have a care of themselves for they beat then terribly about them The said John Theodore de Bry in his History of the West Indies relateth that the Indians on the Coast of Florida take Whales in this manner when any one sees the Whale on ground they row to it with a Boat having a strong Rope with them with two stakes on both ends when the American cometh to the Whale he climbs upon it and strikes first the one stake into the Pipe through which it draweth breath and bloweth up water driving also the other stake through the other hole whereby the Whale is choaked at last and when it is dead there comes more people to help him to draw it on land This manner seemeth strange but ours in Feroe is no less wonderful The flesh and the fat of these Doglings are not good to eat for if one eateth thereof it pierceth through the pores so that ones clothes look yellow and smell of it the Oyl thereof being so subtile that it must be mighty strong and fast wood that can hold it It is very remarkable that this Dogling Whale cometh usually no where in Feroe but in Suderoe and that specially in Qualboes Inlet every year about Michaelmas Here is related a strange story about it which can be accounted but for a Fable They say it happened once during the darkness of Paganism when Feroe was first inhabited by men that a Gyant under took to possess himself of the Island of Myggeness a Sorcerer dwelling on the land would hinder him wherefore the man did often fight with the Sorcerer and at last vanquished him wherefore the Sorcerer made an agreement with him that if he would not destroy him but let him have his habitation in the Island he would yearly procure him a sort of Whales and Fowl in the Land which were not gotten in other places of Feroe and that for him and his Successors as long as the world should last though with this condition that if any one mocked or derided his Whale it should never come any more which condition the man accepted and since that time there came yearly a particular sort of Whale under the Land as the Inhabitants relate and have by relation of their Predecessours the said Whale had but one eye finally it happened that an indiscreet man being weary of the labour he had every year by reason of that Whale did contemn it for having but one eye wherefore it never came there since the Inhabitants believing it removed thence to Qualboe in Suderoe they alone and almost every year having them though they have two eyes
their possessions to the King by committing Murthers and other misdeeds as one might prove by example almost within the remembrance of man some in the Popish times forfeited their estates to the Bishops for eating of flesh as many can yet relate for the Bishops forbad their hearers to eat flesh in Lent and they being us d thereunto and desiâ—ous to eat it as a meat that was plentiful in the Country could not observe such interdictions wherefore those that were discovered were forced to give their Estates as a Mulet except they would fall under Excommunication some also gave away their possessions willingly in that time of superstition for the saving of their souls to Bishops Sees and Churches and those Bishops being removed at the time of the Reformation all such goods came under the Crown so that now the King is Proprietor of most part of the Country What Lands the owners did keep have since been divided by their heirs in so many small parcels that they cannot live thereof so that it seems those that were in the beginning the richest and most powerful are now grown the poorest and most indigent of the Country for the Inhabitants born to Land as they call them or freeholders are the poorest people those that possess the Kings Lands being the principallest and richest men Here are nevertheless found some noble mens Lands as the Benckestockers the Resencranthel and the Lady Adeluzies whether they are come to them by inheritance of these Chiefetaines or they have purchased them is uncertain Here are also certain Lands called Rytter's Lands that were purchased here in the Country by one Mathias Rytter It seems nevertheless that some of the Nobles Lands are possessions bought of others there being some that reckon themselves born heirs thereunto The said chiefs of the Land enjoy'd the Government of Feroe till they were reduced by the Kings of Norway There is nothing found in History of their orderly succession the first that is read of being Trund of Gote who was an old Chiefetaine during the Reign of some Kings ruling over the North and Eastern Islands Those that were Rulers with him were Breste and Beine two Brothers and Kinsmen of Trund that governed other Islands It is possible they may have been the first Chiefs that have both taken the Land in possession and governed it or else their next successors since they liv'd in Harald Greybeards time for they liv'd then long in the Land as some do yet But the aforesaid Trund being an infamous bad and deceitful man caused his Cousins and Fellow Rulers Breaste and Berne to be treacherously kill'd that he alone might have the Supreme Government In the mean time he took to himself their Sons Sigismund Breaste's Son and Torgild Berne's Son under preteuce of breeding them up but sold them afterwards privately as two Slaves out of the Country of whose remarkable History we will hereafter make further mention and so he governed the Country alone till the time of King Oluff Tryggeson That Sigismund Breastes Son came again to Feroe to revenge his Fathers death and killed Trund of Gote remaining so only Chiefetain over Feroe a long time till he was murthered by Turgrine Ilde and his Sons in Suderoe after which the Son of Trund of Gote ruied over the Land being also called Trund like unto his Father in name and deeâ—s though he ruled but over the North and East Islands Leiff Asseâ—son being Chieftain over all the Southern lived in King Oluff Haraldson the Holy's time they also having then a Pâ—â—vincial Judge called Gilke see the Chronicle of Norway p. 269. It is not known who succeeded them afterwards though the Country hath a long time after had its own Governours Though the Inhabitants have not been very powerful to resist the mighty absolute King of Norway they kept nevertheless their liberties under these their chiefetains by reason of the great division and civil war between the Sons of Harald Pulchrycomus and their Successors specially between the Sons of Erick Softear and Hagan Jarle the good that reduc'd the whole Kingdom of Norway to his obedience till King Oluff Harald Son the Holy's time who took care not only to amplifie the Kingdom of Christ but also his own wherefore he undertook to reduce the Feroes under his obedience but he durst not venture to do it by force fearing it may be the courage of the Inhabitors as also the dangerous access of the places wherefore he endeavoured to do it by good deeds and made many friends in Feroe whereby they gave themselves under his power But putting afterwards burthens upon them whereunto they were not accustomed they fell off from him presently again wherefore the King sent a message to Feroe that the best men of the Land should come to him in Norway Gille the Provincial Judge Lieffe Asserson Torrulff of great Diemen and many other Countrymens Sons made themselves ready to go into Norway but that cunning Fox Trund of Gote pretended sickness and went not with them When all these came to the King they were obliged to take their oath they would remain his subjects and promised they would send him a Tribute and that the Folks of the Land should be his Subjects And the King made them gifts and presents and dismissed them bountifully which the courteous Reader can find more largely exprest in the Chronicle of Norway pag. 246 247 248 c. But what loyalty the Inhabitants intended to have for King Oluff appeared in time presently afterwards see the Chronicle of Norway pag. 249. for when the King sent a Ship to Feroe to fetch his Tribute the Ship was lost so that he could never come certainly to know what was become of the Ship or men But having the next year had some relation that they were lost at Sea he sent again another Ship with men but it happened to them in the like manner and there were many opinions what might be become of the Kings Ships for in the Chronicle of Norway pag. 268. King Oluff keeping often his Court with his Chiefs in Sundmor gave out that he would send to fetch from Feroe the Tribute which they had promised him complaining for the men he had lost on that Voyage and named out some men that should Sail thither but they said all nay and refused to undertake the voyage Then rose up a great man well armed having a red Coat on a Helmet on his Head his Loins girt with a Sword and a great Halbert in his hand saying you have a good King but your selves are cowardly men that you dare refuse the voyage which he commands you having received so much honour and benefit of him I have not hitherto been the Kings Servant neither hath he been a gracious Lord unto me but I will now proffer my self to go to Feroe if there be no other remedy The King asked who he was and what was his name that answered him so undauntedly for he knew him not The
over thee as thou hast over me I would make thee suffer the cruellest Death that I could invent Whereupon his Victor seeing his Heroical courage gave him his liberty without being desired and Magnus kept this courage till the hour of his death for when as will be said hereafter he was forced though for an innocent cause to stretch his neck to the Executioner in the place before the Kings Palace and the Executioner ask'd him whether he would have a handkerchiefe tyed before his eyes as is usual he answered no saying moreover to the Executioner I have seen so many drawn Swords without fear have thou but a care thou beest not afraid Thus by his Fortune and valour he came greatly in the favour of the aforesaid King Frederick the II. of Glorious memory who not only made constant use of him in several such expeditions but also because of his great experience in the North Sea sent him to discover Greenland in the year 1577. and it is thought he was the first subject of Denmark that undertook to find out Greenland He set his course according to old Navigation directly for Island and from thence again till he perceived the Mountain White Serk where he met with a great deal of Fog and bad weather with much driving ice nevertheless he got sight of the Land but could not come thereunto neither seemed it he could come from the place where he was though he had a good wind by reason of the Loadstone which he believed to be at the bottome of the Sea and hindred his voyage wherefore the days growing short he was obliged without performing what he went for to return for Denmark By reason of Magnus Heineson's expeditions his name grew famous in the neighbouring Countreys and Kingdoms many loved him many feared him and many also hated him He found likewise envious men in Denmark It happening often that vertue is not without envy and persecution yet they could not hurt him as long as the good King Frederick lived but after his decease this brave Sea Captain was forced to yield his neck to the Sword which many enemies could not obtain by their force for it happened in the year 1588 during the Minority of King Christian the IV. of Glorious Memory that the said Magnus Heineson being treacherously accused of a dark and wrongful crime was arrested in the Palace of Copedhagen and being condemned to lose his Life was beheaded on the place before the said palace and from thence transported to be buried in St. Nicholas's Chur chyard But God as a just Judge made his Innocence appear appointing for that purpose the Right Honourable John Lindenow Lord of Olsloffe Provincial Judge of North Jutland who concern'd himself in Magnus Heinesons innocent cause and execution and by a lawful suit and sentence vindicated him at the General Sessions held at Kolding in the year 1590. the 6. of August out of S. Nicholas Churh-yard whence he was with pomp transported from Copenhagen into Jutland and Buried in Olsloffe Church near Viburg his Valour having been very renowned in this Kingdom where he had Married a Lady of Noble Parentage and for the false accusation for which he lost his life there was given 3000 Rix Dollars by friendly reconciliation and agreement The Right Honourable Lord Lindenow writ over this Valiant Sea Champion the following Epitaph Epitaphicum Pietate prudentia naturae excelâ—oris instinctu ac longo rerum maximar uâ— usu proestantiffimi viri Magni Heinsonii qui muâ—tis laboribus examlatis rebus domi forisque praeclare gestis Hafniae perplexa questione accusatus est non sine omnium bonorum luctu tandem decollatus Magnanimum Magno â—iâ—xit me nomine magna Majestas magnum nomen omen habet Vixi etiam magnus majorem magna ruina Erexit tandem maximus â—uge vocor Magna gerens quondam studuit me reddere parvum Sed frustra Magni nomen ut ante viget Vivit post funera virtus Johannes Lindenovius Senior posnit Anno 1590. Thus Englished The Epitaph Of Godly Prudent Generous and Expert man Magnus Heineson who after many exploits Valiantly performed at home and abroad being accused of a doubtful crime was beheaded at Copenhagen not without the griefe of all good men Gods greatest Majesty gave me of Great the name As a great sign I should in time come to great fame Thus I have lived great grew greater by my fall And now at last you see I am greatest of all One that could do great things did strive to make me less But in vain for my name hath now obtain'd redress Virtue liveth after death Written by John Lindenow the Elder in the Year 1590. So that these two valiant men of Feroe have not been much unlike one another not only in virtue courage and valour but also in the manner of their death having both received evil for their good deeds Besides these two there have been none of Feroe that by valiant actions have left any famous name to posterity having from the beginning applyed themselves to a quiet course of life contented with their poverty by which long tranquallity they have lost their old Heathenish ferocity and vigour though they have continually been troubled by French Irish and English Pyrates but their means consisting in Lands Cattle and Wild Sheep whereupon the enemy could do little damage they ever saved themselves on the high Rocks Those of Suderoe nevertheless held once a fight with the Irish Sea-robbers who would not forsake the Land so soon as they desired whereupon they gathered themselves against them and slew them every one Such sort of people have exercised great violence against the poor Inhabitants of this Country there passing formerly scarce any year but they were troubled by them For the last Bishop Mr. Peter Ribe was several times plundered by the French so that he was at last forced to remove from hence They tortured so Mr. Erasmus Curate of Suderoe with a Rope about his head for his monâ—s sake that he 〈◊〉 afterwards almost unfit for his calling They used also very ill Mr. Martin of Thors haven they took away the Lands â—â—â—st with the Writings carrying also with them what Merchants wares and goods of the King they found here taking such Ships as were sailing hither and committing many other â—ppressions The English Fishers had an ordinary custome going every year to fish under Island to take of the Inhabitants of Feroe whom they found first without distinction of persons not excepting the very Priests whom they carryed with them on their Voyage as if they had been slaves to help them to Fish and when they return'd and were under the Land they set them on Shoar where they could best be off with them Feroe hath in this manner during a long time been as a prey to such ravenous Wolfes Neither hath the Turk forgotten it for in the year 1629. there came two Turkish Ships into Suderoe that dealt very cruelly
Rix Dollars in Specie and ordered that the said Capital of 100 Rix-Dollars should be left upon interest to the Provost of Feroe that should be inspector of the School one after another and thereof should be paid to poor Schol ars maintenance yearly at Easter the rent viz 6 Rix Dollars They ingaging their year of Grace for the Capital rent and other damage that it might incuire for which 200 Rix Dollars Mr. John Gabrielson Mittens for two years since bought two Fields in Suderoe that the yearly revenue of the School might be received without troubling the Provost he not being able to make use of the mony and it not being possible tâ— imploy them otherwise in that Countrey Since that School hath been so indowed by the Kings Munificiency wherefore the Merciful God be unto his Majesty as well as his said Excellency both dead in the Lord and in good Memory with men a great reward eternally there hath been a pretty conflux thither whereof is come no littel fruit for in the year 1660 in my time three Schollars were dismissed with Testimonies to the University of Copenhagen where they were approved and admitted There were afterwards several persons something grounded in Humanities sent to Copenhagen also where they obtained honestum locum and there are now thence as many Learned Persons of Feroe as could supply all the callings thereof four of them being alteady Priests in that Country but because it would be tedious to expect till all those callings were vacant that they might be provided with their own Countrymen some do seek preferment in Denmark wherefore his Majesty of Glorious Memory King Frederick the Third preferr'd two of those that were sent from that School to the holy office of Priest namely Mr. John Hanson Chaplain in Helsingor and Mr. Thomas Jacobson Parish Priest of St. Peters Church in Borringholme which are the first persons of Feroe that have been advanc'd to any Priests office in Denmark so that more Prophets could yet come from that poor Galilaea if their Parents would sanctifie them to the Lord from their youth CHAP. VIII Of Specters and Illusions of Satan in Feroe THough the Hearers are here free from false Doctrine and Heresie yet Satan doth not omit to trouble them in other manners that he might overcome them There are many examples related by people that live yet how he hath deluded their Parents in the darkness of Popery which we will altogether pass by as a Fable though much of it may be true and here only insert how the said common enemy hath behaved himself towards many persons since the pure light of the Gospel doth shine amongst us in deluding seducing and leading them out of the right path of Gods word for we have here many Examples how he hath taken some away and carried away some restoring them afterwards though weakned in their understanding whereof I will only mention some certain Histories that are yet in the memory of man and some others that have happened whilest I was my self at Feroe I had not a mind to meddle with that matter it being of a very arcane and hidden nature that can scarce or not at all be comprehended by a mortal man but there being many of a weak faith that will not believe there are such Apparitions in nature though many wise and learned men maintain it in their writings and specially Ludovicus Lavaterus a famous Divine in a particular Treatise de Spectris and is so generally known in Feroe that almost every where in the Country where they have read no Books thereof nor heard any relation from other places know it so perfectly by the open works and apparitions of Satan that they are in no doubt at all of it yea that unquiet spirit hath lately plaid a trick in my Congregation and in the whole Country whereby he gave me enough to do though he was forced with shame by the vertue of God to creep away retire into his darkness therefore in spight of him to the destruction of his Kingdom to strengthen the believers and convince unbelievers I have made bold to insert here and put forth the following true Histories and matters of fact It happened about fifty years ago or above that there lived a Tenant called Simon Simonson in the antient Bishop-house of Kirkeloe whereunto belongeth a little Island under Sandoe called Hode or Troldboffred whereupon Oxen feed Winter and Summer There was found on the said Island an Oxe which did not belong to the Farmer nor to any man of the Country wherefore the Bayliff did chailenge the propriety of it in the Kings name and commanded the Farmer to bring him the said Oxe which he prepared todo having with all his folks a great deal of pains before they could overcome it and lay it bound in the Boat but being departed in good weather from the Isâ—and he was with all his folks and the Oxe carried away the Boat coming back safe and whole with all the Oars to land so that there was no sign at all the people could be perished in other manner Besides the Countrey-man had taken with him in the Boat three of his own Oxen that swam in the Sea near the Boat and were taken up This happened as is known to all understanding old people in the year 1617. It arrived for a short while ago namely in the year 1665. that the Tenants Daughter of Froldenesse Gaard in Kalsoe of Norderoe a marriageable maid went in the evening from her work and was lost so that she was never found since Neither is there any likelihood she should be perished the Sea being far from the house and she never having had any sad thoughts wherefore she should undo her self Our Danish Historian Saxo Grammatticus is much blamed by Forein Writers for having amongst other things inserted in his History such incongruous accidents with reason specially how King Hading was led away under the earth by a spirit in the figure of a woman and yet came back again It may also be that the ingenious Reader will blame me as one that filleth this Treatise with Fictions and Fables but I know certainly that what I write did happen so though we cannot comprehend it by reason It was not so strange that such happened in the darkness of Paganism Satan being then powerful amongst unbelievers as it is wonderful it should now come to pass God having implanted his true faith in the heart of the Children of men wherewith they might extinguish the eburning dart of Satan But these Histories being useful partly by their remembrance to draw men from the security of fin incite them to continual prayer and invocation partly that one may not so easily reject the Relations and Writings of the Antient though they do not agree with these times I will therefore proceed to relate some Examples of those that have been carried away and are returned as King Hading joyning thereunto my poor meaning and explication
the earth and in darkness all sorts of men both good and bad being obnoxious to be troubled by these spirits the good to seperate them from God as the examples of Job and Christ do witness which God doth permit that their faith may be tri'd and that they may learn to walk warily The bad over which though Satan hath a great power yet he appears to these following Murtherers oppressors of the poor disobedient to their Parents despisers of God's word unbelievers and superstitious people and those that have made a contract with him whom he so long deludes till at last he takes them away both body and soul As long as these Islands of Feroe have been uninhabited during so many hundred years it seems they have been nothing but an habitation of Devils a Domicill for unclean spirits and a Den of Goblings it being sufficiently known in History what power the Devil had antiently in the Countreys of the North Island Finland Varmeland and Lapland and many know how powerful they are there to this very day Besides the solitariness of Feroe there are not only found great Chinks and long dark holes above in the Mountains but also below underneath some places quite through the Land Whereof one hears sometimes tell strange Stories enough amongst which there may also be some truth besides here are also those terrible Caverns mentioned above which they call Latters and when men took in the Country to possess it those spirits could not be driven out by Fighting force or Weapons as the abovesaid Fable of Myggenesse would perswade for iron is like straw and brass as a rotten wood as the Lord saith Job Chap. 41. ver 17. against the strength of Leviathan or the Divel Besides the people here have chosen their habitation near the Sea-side but the mountains with their holes and chinks are uninhabited to this day and though the whole Country were inhabited in all places it would not therefore be free from these unclean spirits for what Country is so populous but the Divel may be there where is there ever a Church built but the Divel builds himself a Chappel where is there any wheat sowed but the enemy soweth tares amongst Matth. 13. ver 25. he runneth about amongst men to see whom he can devour 1 Pet. Chap. 5. ver 8. The evil spirits that are cast down from Heaven from their first origine are wide spread abroad not only in the air but also over all the earth they take no room neither are naturally contained in any place for they are bound together with obscure chains live in outward darkness nevertheless they are in greater number about men than one can believe neither can a little space hinder their presence for if a whole Legion of Divels can have room enough in one only man how many then could be contained in a little Chamber with one only man Oh! that some mens eyes were but opened they would then with greater fear and trembling work out their salvation yet though they be manifold in every place they have not an equal power every where when the inhabitauts of Feroe were heathens and strangers to the knowledge of Jesus Christ these spirits had power enough amongst them by reason of their unbelief Ephes 2. yet in this time he hath been for the most part quiet but when the Lord had sent them his word the Ministers thereof alas mix'd that pure word with humane Superstition and figments and fill'd their Hearers hearts more with errors and superstitions than with true and justifying faith But as darkness is never so thick but the light doth break through so the light of God's Word did shine in those dark days for them that did seek invisible things and they received a true faith shining in their good works but others that gaped after outward splendor which was though but darkness and remained in obscurity being blinded in their errors and superstition whereby Satan made at that time more proofs of his Mastership than at any other aswel here as in other places by many false sights and miracles that he might the better extinguish their spark of faith and wholly darken their understanding Finally God having out of his Grace driven away such darkness of errors by the great new kindled light of his Gospel the great Prince of darkness was forced to retire and hide himself but it seems he hath not been in quiet and therefore by the permission of God breaks out and sometimes openly deludes these poor Inhabitants seducing them sometimes to their eternal ruine and sometimes to an errour and delusion for a time Christ teacheth us how this cometh to pass in the Gospel according to St. Matthew Chap. 12. ver 43. That the unclean spirit finding no rest in his dry mansion returneth then back with seven other spirits worse than himself that is to say with many gross sins and vices to precipitate a man into Truly the deeds and effects shew the words of Christ to be true for it cannot be exprest how stedfastly some keep their old Traditions and superstitious customs which they do secretly and diligently observe thinking themselves very subtile if one cannot with sharp admonitions and warnings from the word of God root them out Besides many gross sins and vices as in other places here in use amongst many the true Children of God being in no ways meant hereby here grow up young people that are disobedient to their Parents stiffnecked and contradictory wherefore the Devil as is said before easily appeareth Tell me Christian Reader what is this but that the old Spirit of superstition is come again into his house hath found lodging with those many errours and superstitions and with other unclean spirits work out many abominations God grant this were but in Feroe so that it is no wonder if he thus far deludeth man but it is to be wondred that the Devil doth not oftner appear taking and carrying more men away than he hath done already We must thank God therefore that hath put a ring in his nose that his goodness and long-suffering might incite men to better themselves and repent yea it is the cunning of Satan not to appear so often in a visible figure to many impious people that continually call upon him and curse by him that at last he may lead them captives at his pleasure into perdition There may possibly yet be found some that will not believe all this because they never saw any such Apparitions or Divels whereunto I answer that I never saw them neither and pray God I may never see them and which I also wish all my Readers and if ever I should see them God being pleased to tempt me thereby I will beseech him to give me his Grace and a good Spirit that I may overcome them by faith this Opinion being otherwise an humane weakness not unlike the infirmity of Thomas that would not believe-except he saw whereas faith doth consist in believing things