suppose_v it_o be_v the_o skill_n of_o apply_v the_o plastic_a spirit_n of_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n then_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o witch_n do_v natural_o contribute_v to_o that_o mischief_n that_o the_o devil_n do_v and_o his_o last_o answer_n run_v to_o this_o effect_n be_v it_o not_o the_o ordination_n of_o god_n that_o where_o the_o devil_n can_v get_v the_o consent_n of_o a_o witch_n for_o the_o hurt_v of_o other_o the_o hurt_n shall_v as_o certain_o be_v as_o if_o they_o have_v set_v mastiff_n dog_n upon_o they_o or_o have_v give_v they_o poison_n into_o their_o bowel_n and_o god_n providence_n must_v be_v as_o great_a in_o deliver_v from_o one_o as_o from_o the_o other_o and_o this_o it_o seem_v be_v not_o only_o his_o belief_n but_o the_o most_o orthodox_n and_o most_o learned_a answer_n that_o our_o author_n can_v pitch_v upon_o if_o witchcraft_n be_v as_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v etc._n etc._n and_o be_v it_o not_o the_o ordination_n of_o god_n that_o etc._n etc._n what_o be_v all_o this_o but_o precarious_a and_o beg_v the_o question_n and_o a_o plain_a drop_v the_o argument_n he_o can_v manage_v however_o to_o amuse_v the_o ignorant_a and_o to_o confound_v the_o learned_a he_o hook_v in_o a_o cramp_n word_n if_o not_o a_o nonentity_n viz._n plastic_a spirit_n of_o the_o world_n for_o who_o be_v it_o either_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o plastick-spirit_n or_o what_o it_o be_v or_o how_o this_o can_v any_o way_n serve_v his_o purpose_n he_o than_o proceed_v to_o scripture_n instance_n of_o witch_n &_o c._n and_o where_o i_o think_v it_o needful_a i_o have_v as_o i_o say_v show_v my_o dissent_n from_o his_o judgement_n he_o account_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o be_v hold_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o definition_n of_o a_o witch_n which_o he_o make_v to_o consist_v in_o a_o covenant_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o choose_v rather_o a_o tedious_a process_n about_o a_o pistol_n to_o defend_v he_o from_o it_o which_o indeed_o be_v one_o particular_a way_n whereby_o murder_n have_v be_v commit_v and_o so_o the_o door_n become_v culpable_a but_o his_o definition_n of_o a_o witch_n which_o as_o i_o say_v still_o remain_v to_o be_v prove_v be_v to_o this_o effect_n that_o a_o witch_n be_v one_o that_o covenant_n with_o and_o commission_n devil_n to_o do_v mischief_n that_o she_o be_v one_o in_o covenant_n or_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o such_o covenant_n she_o can_v commissionate_v he_o to_o kill_v the_o not_o bring_v sculpture_n to_o prove_v these_o two_o be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n there_o be_v none_o and_o so_o that_o our_o author_n leave_v off_o just_a where_o he_o begin_v viz._n in_o a_o bare_a assertion_n together_o with_o his_o own_o biggote_v experience_n hint_v also_o at_o multitude_n of_o history_n to_o confirm_v he_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o definition_n here_o be_v all_o that_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o to_o be_v considerable_a and_o now_o sir_n if_o you_o think_v fit_a improve_v your_o friendship_n with_o the_o author_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o sovereign_n be_v the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n and_o for_o his_o real_a and_o true_a interest_n as_o you_o see_v it_o convenient_a put_v he_o in_o mind_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v the_o end_n why_o mankind_n be_v make_v and_o why_o he_o have_v so_o many_o advantage_n to_o it_o that_o the_o flame_n we_o have_v see_v threaten_v the_o utter_a extirpation_n of_o the_o country_n must_v own_o their_o original_a to_o these_o dangerous_a error_n if_o not_o heresy_n which_o if_o they_o remain_v unextinguished_a may_v and_o most_o likely_a will_v be_v act_v over_o again_o that_o it_o be_v more_o honour_n to_o own_o a_o error_n in_o time_n than_o tenacious_o after_o full_a conviction_n to_o retain_v it_o but_o if_o our_o author_n will_v again_o vindicate_v such_o matter_n please_v to_o acquaint_v he_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o any_o more_o receive_v his_o paper_n if_o i_o may_v not_o copy_n and_o use_v they_o and_o that_o when_o he_o do_v instead_o of_o such_o abstruse_a matter_n i_o still_o pray_v his_o determination_n in_o those_o thing_n i_o have_v his_o promise_n for_o and_o thus_o beg_a pardon_n for_o thus_o long_o detain_v of_o you_o i_o be_o sir_n you_o to_o command_v r._n c._n to_o the_o minister_n whether_o english_a french_a or_o dutch_a boston_n march_v 18._o 1694_o i_o have_v have_v not_o only_a occasion_n but_o renew_v provocation_n to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o mysterious_a doctrine_n which_o have_v of_o late_o be_v so_o much_o contest_v among_o we_o can_v not_o meet_v with_o any_o that_o have_v speak_v more_o or_o more_o plain_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o doctrine_n relate_v to_o the_o witchcraft_n than_o the_o reverend_n mr._n c._n m._n but_o how_o clear_o and_o consistent_a either_o with_o himself_o or_o the_o truth_n i_o meddle_v not_o now_o to_o say_v but_o can_v but_o suppose_v his_o strenuous_a and_o zealous_a assert_v his_o opinion_n have_v be_v one_o cause_n of_o the_o dismal_a convulsion_n we_o have_v here_o late_o fall_v into_o suppose_v that_o his_o book_n of_o memorable_a providence_n relate_v to_o witchcraft_n as_o also_o his_o wonder_n of_o the_o invisible_a world_n do_v contain_v in_o they_o thing_n not_o warrantable_a and_o very_o dangerous_a i_o send_v to_o he_o a_o letter_n of_o quotation_n out_o of_o those_o book_n &_o c._n that_o so_o if_o it_o may_v have_v be_v i_o may_v understand_v what_o tolerable_a sense_n he_o will_v put_v upon_o his_o own_o word_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o better_a way_n of_o proceed_v than_o to_o have_v affix_v what_o i_o think_v to_o be_v their_o natural_a consequence_n and_o leave_v i_o may_v be_v judge_v a_o sceptic_a i_o give_v he_o a_o full_a and_o free_a account_n of_o my_o belief_n relate_v to_o those_o doctrine_n together_o with_o the_o ground_n thereof_o and_o pray_v he_o that_o if_o i_o err_v i_o may_v be_v show_v it_o by_o scripture_n and_o this_o i_o have_v his_o reiterated_a promise_n for_o but_o after_o more_o than_o a_o year_n wait_v for_o the_o performance_n thereof_o all_o that_o be_v do_v in_o compliance_n therewith_o be_v that_o in_o feb._n last_o he_o send_v i_o four_o sheet_n of_o his_o writing_n as_o his_o belief_n but_o before_o i_o may_v receive_v it_o i_o must_v engage_v to_o deliver_v it_o back_o in_o a_o fortnight_n and_o not_o copy_v a_o summary_n accoun_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o when_o i_o have_v first_o acquaint_v you_o what_o the_o doctrine_n be_v which_o i_o send_v to_o he_o for_o his_o concurrence_n with_o or_o confutation_n of_o and_o to_o which_o i_o have_v his_o promise_n as_o above_o these_o by_o way_n of_o question_n viz._n whether_o that_o four_o head_n cite_v and_o recommend_v by_o himself_o in_o wonder_n of_o the_o invisible_a world_n of_o mr._n gaul_n ought_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o a_o truth_n which_o run_v thus_o among_o the_o most_o unhappy_a circumstance_n to_o convict_v a_o witch_n one_o be_v a_o malign_v and_o oppugn_v the_o word_n work_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o seek_v by_o any_o extraordinary_a sign_n to_o seduce_v any_o from_o it_o dâ—u_o 13.1_o 2._o mat._n 24._o 24._o act_n 13._o 8_o 10._o 2_o tim._n 3_o 8._o do_v but_o mark_v well_o the_o place_n and_o for_o this_o very_a property_n of_o thus_o oppugn_v and_o pervert_v they_o be_v all_o there_o conclude_v arrant_a and_o absolute_a witch_n and_o if_o in_o witchcraft_n the_o devil_n by_o mean_n of_o a_o witch_n do_v the_o mischief_n how_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o possession_n both_o be_v say_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o yet_o without_o a_o infallible_a distinction_n there_o can_v be_v no_o certainty_n in_o judgement_n and_o whether_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o any_o age_n before_o or_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o great_a apostasy_n do_v believe_v that_o a_o witch_n have_v power_n to_o commissionate_a devil_n to_o do_v mischief_n so_o much_o to_o the_o question_n these_o be_v send_v as_o my_o belief_n that_o the_o devil_n bound_n be_v set_v that_o he_o cant_fw-mi pass_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v so_o full_a of_o malice_n that_o it_o cant_fw-mi be_v add_v to_o by_o mankind_n that_o where_o he_o have_v power_n he_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v omit_v execute_v it_o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o almighty_a that_o let_v bound_n to_o his_o rage_n and_o that_o only_o can_v commissionate_v he_o to_o hurt_v or_o destroy_v and_o now_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o the_o summary_n account_n of_o his_o four_o sheet_n above_o mention_v as_o near_o as_o memory_n can_v recollect_v in_o ten_o particular_n 1._o that_o the_o devil_n have_v in_o their_o nature_n a_o power_n to_o work_v wonder_n
will_v be_v answer_v god_n permit_v it_o which_o answer_n be_v so_o far_o a_o own_n the_o doctrine_n that_o the_o devil_n have_v in_o his_o nature_n a_o power_n to_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o can_v exert_v this_o power_n except_o when_o he_o be_v restrain_v which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o god_n have_v make_v nature_n to_o fight_v against_o itself_o that_o he_o have_v make_v a_o creature_n who_o have_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o overthrow_v nature_n and_o to_o act_v above_o and_o against_o it_o which_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v may_v as_o well_o believe_v the_o great_a contradiction_n that_o be_v which_o can_v do_v this_o in_o the_o small_a thing_n can_v do_v it_o in_o the_o great_a if_o moses_n with_o a_o bare_a permission_n may_v stretch_v forth_o his_o rod_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bring_v plague_n upon_o the_o egyptian_n or_o to_o divide_v the_o water_n without_o a_o commission_n from_o the_o most_o high_a so_o neither_o can_v that_o evil_n be_v perform_v any_o of_o this_o without_o a_o commission_n from_o the_o same_o power_n the_o scripture_n recite_v more_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o man_n than_o by_o angel_n good_a and_o bad_a though_o this_o doctrine_n be_v so_o dishonourable_a to_o the_o only_a almighty_a be_v as_o to_o ascribe_v such_o attribute_n to_o the_o evil_a one_o as_o be_v the_o incommunicable_a prerogative_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o alone_a sovereign_n be_v yet_o here_o be_v not_o all_o but_o as_o he_o that_o steer_n by_o a_o false_a compass_n the_o further_o he_o sail_n the_o more_o he_o be_v out_o of_o his_o way_n so_o though_o there_o be_v in_o some_o thing_n a_o variation_n from_o there_o be_v in_o other_o a_o further_a progression_n in_o or_o build_v upon_o the_o say_a doctrine_n of_o the_o maniche_fw-it man_n in_o this_o age_n be_v not_o content_v bare_o to_o believe_v such_o a_o exorbitant_a power_n to_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o evil_n be_v but_o have_v imagine_v that_o he_o prevail_v with_o many_o to_o sign_v a_o book_n or_o make_v a_o contract_n with_o he_o whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o perform_v all_o the_o thing_n abovemention_v another_o account_n be_v give_v hereof_o viz._n that_o by_o virtue_n of_o such_o a_o covenant_n they_o attain_v power_n to_o commissionate_v he_o and_o though_o the_o two_o party_n be_v not_o agree_v which_o to_o put_v it_o upon_o whether_o the_o devil_n empower_v the_o witch_n or_o the_o witch_n commissionate_v he_o yet_o both_o party_n be_v agree_v in_o this_o that_o one_o way_n or_o other_o the_o mischief_n be_v effect_v and_o so_o the_o criminal_a become_v culpable_a of_o death_n in_o the_o search_n after_o such_o a_o sort_n of_o criminal_n how_o many_o country_n have_v fall_v into_o such_o convulsion_n that_o the_o devastation_n make_v by_o a_o conquer_a enemy_n nor_o the_o plague_n itself_o have_v not_o be_v so_o formidable_a that_o not_o only_o good_a person_n have_v thus_o be_v blemish_v in_o their_o reputation_n but_o much_o innocent_a blood_n have_v be_v shed_v be_v testify_v even_o by_o those_o very_a book_n case_n of_o conscience_n p._n 33._o remarkable_a provide_v p._n 179._o memor_n provide_v p._n 28._o and_o to_o add_v what_o less_o can_v be_v expect_v when_o man_n have_v take_v up_o such_o a_o belief_n of_o a_o covenant_a afflict_a and_o kill_v witch_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o scripture_n find_v no_o footstep_n therein_o of_o such_o a_o sort_n of_o witch_n have_v thereupon_o desperate_o conclude_v that_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v full_a in_o it_o that_o a_o witch_n shall_v not_o live_v yet_o that_o it_o have_v not_o at_o all_o describe_v the_o crime_n nor_o mean_n whereby_o the_o culpable_a may_v be_v detect_v and_o hence_o they_o be_v fall_v so_o far_o as_o to_o reckon_v it_o necessary_a to_o make_v use_n of_o those_o diabolical_a and_o bloody_a way_n always_o heretofore_o practise_v for_o their_o discovery_n as_o find_v that_o the_o rule_v give_v to_o detect_v other_o crime_n be_v whole_o useless_a for_o the_o discovery_n of_o such_o this_o be_v that_o which_o have_v produce_v that_o deluge_n of_o blood_n mention_v and_o must_v certain_o do_v so_o again_o the_o same_o belief_n remain_v and_o who_o can_v wonder_v if_o christian_n that_o be_v so_o easy_o prevail_v with_o to_o lay_v aside_o their_o sword_n as_o useless_a and_o so_o have_v lose_v their_o strength_n if_o with_o samson_n they_o be_v lead_v blindfold_a into_o a_o idol_n temple_n to_o make_v sport_n for_o enemy_n and_o infidel_n and_o to_o do_v abominable_a action_n not_o only_o not_o christian_a but_o against_o even_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o now_o reverend_a father_n you_o who_o be_v appoint_v as_o guide_n to_o the_o people_n and_o who_o lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n who_o be_v set_v as_o shepherd_n and_z as_o watchmen_z this_o matter_n appertain_v to_o you_o i_o do_v write_v to_o you_o former_o upon_o this_o head_n and_o acquaint_v you_o with_o my_o sentiment_n request_v that_o if_o i_o err_v you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o show_v it_o i_o by_o scripture_n but_o from_o your_o silence_n i_o gather_v that_o you_o approve_v thereof_o for_o i_o may_v reasonable_o preâ—uâ—e_v that_o you_o will_v have_v see_v it_o your_o duty_n to_o have_v inform_v i_o better_o if_o you_o have_v be_v sensible_a of_o any_o error_n but_o if_o in_o this_o matter_n you_o have_v acquit_v yourselves_o become_v the_o title_n you_o be_v dignify_v with_o you_o have_v cause_n of_o rejoice_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o calamity_n that_o afflict_v a_o sin_v world_n particular_o if_o you_o have_v teach_v the_o people_n to_o fear_n god_n and_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o not_o to_o fear_v a_o witch_n or_o a_o devil_n that_o the_o devil_n have_v no_o power_n to_o afflict_v any_o with_o disease_n or_o loss_n of_o cattle_n &_o c._n without_o a_o commission_n from_o the_o most_o high_a that_o he_o be_v so_o fill_v with_o malice_n that_o whatever_o commission_n he_o may_v have_v against_o any_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o execute_v it_o that_o no_o mortal_a ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v able_a to_o commissionate_v he_o or_o to_o lengthen_v his_o chain_n in_o the_o least_o and_o that_o he_o who_o can_v commissionate_v he_o be_v god_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n not_o only_o assign_v the_o punishment_n of_o a_o witch_n but_o give_v sufficient_a rule_n to_o detect_v they_o by_o and_o that_o according_a to_o mr._n gaul_n four_o head_n a_o witch_n be_v one_o that_o hate_v and_o oppose_v the_o word_n work_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o seek_v by_o a_o sign_n to_o seduce_v therefrom_o that_o they_o who_o be_v guilty_a according_a to_o that_o head_n be_v guilty_a of_o witchcraft_n and_o by_o the_o law_n give_v by_o moses_n be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n if_o you_o have_v teach_v the_o people_n the_o necessity_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o evil_a of_o entertain_v so_o much_o as_o a_o jealousy_n against_o their_o neighbour_n for_o such_o crime_n upon_o the_o devil_n suggestion_n to_o a_o person_n pretend_v to_o a_o spectral_a or_o diabolical_a sight_n who_o utter_v their_o oracle_n from_o malice_n frenzy_n or_o a_o satanical_a delusion_n that_o to_o be_v inquisitive_a of_o such_o who_o spectres_n they_o see_v or_o who_o it_o be_v that_o afflict_v in_o order_n to_o put_v the_o accuse_a person_n life_n in_o question_n be_v a_o wickedness_n beyond_o what_o saul_n be_v guilty_a of_o in_o go_v to_o the_o witch_n that_o to_o consult_v with_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o help_n of_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o this_o spectral_a sight_n and_o so_o to_o get_v information_n against_o the_o life_n of_o any_o person_n be_v the_o worst_a sort_n of_o necromancy_n that_o the_o pretend_v to_o drive_v away_o spectres_n i._n e._n devil_n with_o the_o hand_n or_o by_o strike_v these_o to_o wound_v a_o person_n at_o a_o distance_n can_v be_v without_o witchcraft_n as_o pretend_v to_o assign_v in_o erder_n to_o deceive_v in_o matter_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o think_v by_o make_v law_n against_o feed_v employ_v or_o reward_v of_o evil_a spirit_n thereby_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o they_o that_o their_o nature_n require_v not_o suck_v to_o support_v it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o horrid_a injury_n and_o barbarity_n to_o search_v those_o part_n which_o even_o nature_n itself_o command_v the_o conceal_n of_o to_o find_v some_o excrescence_n to_o be_v call_v a_o tet_n for_o these_o to_o suck_v which_o yet_o be_v say_v sometime_o to_o appear_v as_o a_o fleabite_n final_o if_o you_o have_v teach_v the_o people_n what_o to_o believe_v and_o practice_n as_o to_o the_o probation_n of_o the_o accuse_v by_o their_o say_n or_o not_o say_v the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o as_o to_o pray_v
for_o she_o nine_o time_n to_o day_n the_o attendant_n say_v that_o she_o be_v sometime_o in_o fit_a that_o none_o can_v open_v her_o jont_n and_o that_o there_o come_v a_o old_a iron-jawed_a woman_n and_o try_v but_o can_v not_o do_v it_o they_o likewise_o say_v that_o her_o head_n can_v â—ot_n be_v move_v from_o the_o pillow_n i_o try_v to_o move_v her_o head_n and_o find_v no_o more_o difficulty_n than_o another_o body_n and_o so_o do_v other_o but_z be_v not_o willing_a to_o offend_v â—_o lift_n it_o up_o one_o be_v reprove_v for_o endeavour_v it_o they_o say_v angry_o â—u_n will_v break_v her_o neck_n the_o attendant_n say_v mr._n m_o will_v not_o go_v to_o prayer_n with_o she_o when_o people_n be_v in_o the_o room_n as_o they_o do_v one_o night_n that_o â—ight_n he_o feel_v the_o live_a creature_n margaret_n perd_n and_o another_o say_v they_o smell_v â—rimstone_n i_o and_o other_o say_v we_o do_v not_o smell_v any_o then_o they_o say_v they_o do_v â—â—_o know_v what_o it_o be_v this_o margaret_n say_v she_o wish_v sâ—e_n have_v be_v here_o when_o mr._n m_o be_v here_o another_z attendant_z say_v if_o you_o have_v be_v here_o you_o may_v â—_o have_v be_v permit_v in_o for_o her_o own_o mother_n be_v not_o suffer_v to_o be_v present_a sir_n after_o the_o sore_a affliction_n and_o great_a blemish_n to_o religion_n that_o eâ—r_n befall_v this_o country_n and_o after_o most_o man_n begin_v to_o fear_n that_o some_o unâ—â—e_a step_n have_v be_v take_v and_o after_o his_o excellency_n with_o their_o majesty_n approbation_n as_o be_v say_v have_v put_v a_o stop_n to_o execution_n and_o man_n begin_v to_o hope_v there_o will_v never_o be_v a_o return_n of_o the_o like_a find_v these_o account_v to_o contain_v in_o they_o something_o extraordinary_a i_o write_v they_o down_o the_o samâ—_n night_n in_o order_n to_o attain_v the_o certainty_n of_o they_o and_o soon_o find_v they_o â—_o confirm_v that_o i_o have_v beside_o other_o demonstration_n the_o whole_a undeâ—_n the_o hand_n of_o two_o person_n be_v ready_a to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o not_o satisfy_v herewith_o i_o show_v they_o to_o some_o of_o your_o particular_a friend_n thaâ—_n so_o i_o may_v have_v the_o great_a certainty_n but_o be_v much_o surprise_v with_o thâ—_n message_n you_o send_v i_o that_o i_o shall_v be_v arrest_v for_o slander_n and_o at_o youâ—_n call_v i_o one_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o liar_n make_v it_o pulpit-news_n with_o thâ—_n name_v of_o pernicious_a libel_n etc._n etc._n this_o occasion_v my_o first_o letter_n september_n the_o 29_o the_o 1693._o reverend_a sir_n i_o have_v write_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o several_a person_n who_o affirm_v they_o weâ—_n present_a with_o margaret_n rule_n the_o 13_o instant_a her_o answer_n and_o behaviour_n etc._n etc._n and_o have_v show_v it_o to_o several_a of_o my_o friend_n as_o also_o youâ—_n and_o understanding_n you_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o this_o be_v to_o acquaint_v you_o that_o you_o and_o any_o one_o particular_a friend_n will_v please_v to_o meet_v i_o and_o some_o other_o lâ—_n different_a person_n with_o i_o at_o mr._n wilkins_n or_o at_o ben._n harris_n be_v you_o inâ—â—mating_v the_o time_n i_o shall_v be_v ready_a there_o to_o read_v it_o to_o you_o as_o also_o a_o further_o account_v of_o proceed_n the_o 19_o instant_a which_o may_v be_v needful_a to_o preveâ—â—_n groundless_a prejudices_fw-la and_o let_v deserve_v blame_v be_v cast_v where_o â—t_a aught_o from_o sir_n you_o in_o what_o i_o may_v r._n c._n the_o effect_n of_o which_o sir_n not_o to_o mention_v that_o long_a letter_n only_a onâ—_n read_v to_o i_o be_v you_o send_v i_o word_n you_o will_v meet_v i_o at_o mr._n wilkiâ—_n but_o before_o that_o answer_n at_o you_o and_o your_o father_n complaint_n i_o wâ—â—_n bring_v before_o their_o majesty_n justice_n by_o warrant_n as_o for_o scandalous_a lâ—bels_n against_o yourself_o and_o be_v bind_v over_o to_o answer_n at_o session_n i_o dâ—_n not_o remember_v you_o then_o object_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v wroâ—_n but_o assert_v it_o be_v wrong_v by_o omission_n which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o be_v paâ—_n any_o power_n of_o i_o to_o remedy_n have_v give_v a_o faithful_a account_n of_o aâ—_n that_o come_v to_o my_o knowledge_n and_o sir_n that_o you_o may_v not_o be_v witâ—_n out_o some_o cognisance_n of_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n in_o it_o 〈◊〉_d also_o for_o my_o own_o information_n if_o it_o may_v have_v be_v i_o write_v to_o you_o mâ—_n second_o letter_n to_o this_o effect_n november_n the_o 24_o the_o 1693._o reverend_a sir_n have_v expect_v some_o week_n your_o meet_v i_o at_o mr._n wilkins_n accordiâ—_n to_o what_o you_o intimate_v to_o i_o j._n m_o and_o the_o time_n draw_v near_o 〈◊〉_d our_o meeting_n elsewhere_o i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o to_o give_v you_o a_o summary_n of_o 〈◊〉_d thought_n in_o the_o great_a concern_v which_o as_o you_o say_v have_v be_v agitate_a with_o so_o mohead_n that_o there_o be_v witch_n be_v not_o the_o doubt_n the_o scripture_n else_o be_v in_o vain_a which_o assign_v their_o punishment_n to_o be_v by_o death_n but_o what_o this_o witchcraft_n be_v or_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v seem_v to_o be_v the_o whole_a difficulty_n and_o as_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o demonstrate_v that_o all_o that_o bear_v that_o name_n can_v be_v just_o so_o account_v so_o that_o some_o thing_n and_o action_n not_o so_o esteem_v by_o the_o most_o yet_o upon_o due_a examination_n will_v be_v find_v to_o merit_v no_o better_a character_n in_o your_o late_a book_n you_o lay_v down_o a_o brief_a synopsis_n of_o what_o have_v be_v write_v on_o that_o subject_a by_o a_o triumvirate_n of_o as_o eminent_a man_n as_o ever_o handle_v it_o as_o you_o be_v please_v to_o call_v they_o viz._n mr._n perkins_n gaul_n and_o bernard_n consist_v of_o about_o 30_o token_n to_o know_v they_o by_o many_o of_o they_o distinct_a from_o if_o not_o thwart_v each_o other_o among_o all_o of_o which_o i_o can_v find_v but_o one_o decisive_a viz._n that_o of_o mr._n gaul_n head_n iu._n and_o run_v thus_o among_o the_o most_o unhappy_a circumstance_n to_o convict_v a_o witch_n one_o be_v a_o malign_v and_o oppugn_v the_o word_n work_n or_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o by_o any_o extraordinary_a sign_n seek_v to_o seduce_v any_o from_o it_o see_v deu._n 13.1_o 2._o mat._n 24.24_o act._n 13.8_o 10._o 2_o tim._n 3.8_o do_v but_o mark_v well_o the_o place_n and_o for_o this_o very_a property_n of_o thus_o oppose_v and_o pervert_v they_o be_v all_o there_o conclude_v arrant_a and_o absolute_a witch_n this_o head_n as_o here_o lay_v down_o and_o insert_v by_o you_o either_o be_v a_o truth_n or_o not_o if_o not_o why_o be_v it_o here_o insert_v from_o one_o of_o the_o triumvirate_n if_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n as_o the_o scripture_n quote_v will_v abundant_o testify_v whence_o be_v it_o that_o it_o be_v so_o little_o regard_v though_o it_o be_v the_o only_a head_n well_o prove_v by_o scripture_n or_o that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o triumvirate_n shall_v so_o far_o forget_v their_o work_n as_o not_o to_o mention_v it_o it_o be_v to_o be_v unjust_a to_o the_o memory_n of_o those_o otherwise_o wise_a man_n to_o suppose_v they_o to_o have_v any_o sinister_a design_n but_o perhaps_o the_o force_n of_o a_o prevail_a opinion_n together_o with_o a_o education_n thereto_o suit_v may_v overshadow_v their_o judgement_n as_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v but_o too_o prevalent_a in_o many_o other_o case_n but_o if_o the_o above_o be_v truth_n than_o the_o scripture_n be_v full_a and_o plain_a what_o be_v witchcraft_n and_o if_o so_o what_o need_v of_o his_o next_o head_n of_o hang_v of_o people_n without_o as_o full_a and_o clear_a evidence_n as_o in_o other_o case_n or_o what_o need_v of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o receipt_n of_o the_o triumvirate_n what_o need_v of_o pray_v that_o the_o afflict_a may_v be_v able_a to_o discover_v who_o it_o be_v that_o afflict_v they_o or_o what_o need_n of_o search_v for_o tet_n for_o the_o devil_n to_o suck_v in_o his_o old_a age_n or_o the_o experiment_n of_o say_v the_o lord_n prayer_n etc._n etc._n which_o a_o multitude_n more_o practise_v in_o some_o place_n superstitious_o incline_v other_o action_n have_v be_v practise_v for_o ease_v the_o afflict_a less_o justifiable_a if_o not_o strong_o savour_v of_o witchcraft_n itself_o viz._n fondly_n imagine_v by_o the_o hand_n etc._n etc._n to_o drive_v off_o spectre_n or_o to_o knock_v of_o invisible_a chain_n or_o by_o strike_v in_o the_o air_n to_o wound_n either_o the_o afflict_a or_o other_o etc._n etc._n i_o write_v not_o this_o to_o accuse_v any_o but_o that_o all_o may_v beware_v believe_v that_o the_o devil_n bound_n
be_v tempt_v as_o also_o that_o he_o be_v lead_v of_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o wilderness_n that_o he_o may_v be_v tempt_v etc._n etc._n but_o how_o the_o tempter_n appear_v to_o he_o who_o be_v god_n omniscient_a whether_o to_o the_o bodily_a eye_n or_o to_o the_o intellect_n be_v as_o far_o beyond_o my_o cognizance_n as_o for_o a_o blind_a man_n to_o judge_v of_o colour_n but_o from_o the_o whole_a set_v down_o this_o four_o conclusion_n 4._o that_o when_o the_o almighty_a free_a agent_n have_v a_o work_n to_o bring_v about_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n or_o man_n good_a he_o can_v employ_v not_o only_o bless_v angel_n but_o the_o evil_a one_o in_o it_o as_o 2_o cor._n 12.7_o and_o leave_v i_o shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n there_o be_v give_v to_o i_o a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v i_o 1_o sam._n 10.14_o 15.23_o a_o evil_a spirit_n from_o the_o lord_n trouble_v he_o it_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n we_o understand_v little_a very_o little_a and_o that_o in_o common_a thing_n how_o much_o less_o than_o in_o spiritual_n such_o as_o be_v above_o humane_a cognizance_n but_o though_o upon_o the_o strict_a scrutiny_n in_o some_o natural_a thing_n we_o can_v only_o discover_v our_o own_o ignorance_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o hence_o deny_v what_o we_o do_v know_v or_o suffer_v a_o rape_n to_o be_v commit_v upon_o our_o reason_n and_o sense_n in_o the_o dark_a and_o say_v that_o the_o devil_n by_o his_o ordinary_a power_n can_v act_v â—_o vehicle_n i.e._n some_o matter_n distinct_a from_o himself_o who_o be_v whole_o a_o spirit_n and_o yet_o this_o matter_n not_o to_o be_v feel_v nor_o hear_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o be_v see_v or_o may_v be_v feel_v and_o not_o hear_v nor_o see_v etc._n etc._n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o chimaera_n invent_v at_o first_o to_o puzzle_v the_o belief_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o since_o calculate_v to_o a_o roman_a latitude_n to_o uphold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n who_o teach_v that_o under_o the_o accident_n of_o bread_n be_v contain_v the_o body_n of_o our_o saviour_n his_o humane_a body_n as_o long_o and_o as_o broad_a etc._n etc._n for_o here_o the_o power_n of_o the_o almighty_a must_v not_o be_v confine_v to_o be_v less_o than_o the_o devil_n and_o it_o be_v he_o that_o have_v say_v hoc_fw-la est_fw-la meum_fw-la corpus_fw-la as_o to_o the_o consent_n of_o almost_o all_o age_n i_o meddle_v not_o now_o with_o it_o but_o come_v to_o the_o five_o conclusion_n 5._o that_o when_o the_o divine_a be_v will_n impâ—oâ—_n the_o agency_n of_o evil_a spirit_n for_o any_o service_n it_o be_v with_o he_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o shall_v exhibit_v themselves_o whether_o to_o the_o bodily_a eye_n or_o intellect_n only_o and_o whether_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o or_o less_o formidable_a to_o deny_v these_o three_o last_o be_v to_o make_v the_o devil_n a_o independent_a power_n and_o consequent_o a_o god_n as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o possession_n by_o evil_a spirit_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o it_o it_o may_v be_v needful_a to_o compare_v it_o with_o its_o contrary_n and_o to_o instance_n in_o samson_n of_o who_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o he_o shall_v begin_v to_o deliver_v israel_n and_o how_o be_v he_o enable_v to_o this_o work_n judge_n 13.25_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n begin_v to_o move_v he_o at_o time_n in_o the_o camp_n etc._n etc._n ch_n 15.13_o 14._o v._o and_o they_o bind_v he_o with_o two_o new_a cord_n and_o bring_v he_o up_o from_o the_o rock_n and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o leâ—â—_n the_o philistine_n shout_v against_o he_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v mighty_o upon_o he_o and_o the_o cord_n that_o be_v upon_o his_o arm_n become_v as_o flax_n that_o be_v burn_v with_o fire_n and_o his_o band_n loose_v from_o his_o hand_n etc._n etc._n i_o may_v instance_n further_o but_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v that_o he_o have_v more_o than_o a_o natural_a strength_n as_o also_o whence_o his_o strength_n be_v viz._n he_o be_v impower_v by_o the_o spirit_n from_o god_n and_o now_o will_v any_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o samson_n but_o the_o spirit_n that_o do_v these_o thing_n or_o that_o there_o be_v thing_n do_v bond_n break_v etc._n etc._n by_o a_o force_n that_o can_v not_o proceed_v from_o humane_a strength_n and_o that_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n enter_v into_o he_o otherwise_o qualify_v than_o as_o meâ—r_v spirit_n or_o that_o the_o spirit_n enter_v not_o without_o some_o portion_n of_o matter_n and_o by_o the_o intermediation_n thereof_o act_v samson_n body_n if_o any_o say_v this_o and_o more_o too_o this_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o truth_n which_o remain_v viz._n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v enable_v samson_n to_o the_o do_v of_o thing_n beyond_o his_o natural_a strength_n and_o now_o what_o remain_v but_o upon_o parity_n of_o reason_n to_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o case_n of_o possession_n which_o may_v be_v sum_v up_o in_o this_o six_o conclusion_n 6._o that_o god_n for_o wise_a end_n only_o know_v to_o himself_o may_v and_o have_v impower_v devil_n to_o possess_v and_o strange_o to_o act_v â—umaâ—e_a body_n even_o to_o the_o do_v of_o thing_n beyond_o the_o natural_a strength_n of_o that_o body_n and_o for_o any_o to_o tell_v of_o a_o vehicle_n or_o matter_n use_v in_o it_o i_o must_v observe_v that_o general_n rule_n colos._n 2.8_o beware_v leave_v any_o spoil_n you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ._n to_o come_v next_o to_o that_o of_o witchcraft_n and_o here_o take_v that_o cite_a head_n of_o mr._n gaul_n to_o be_v uncontroverted_a set_v it_o as_o a_o seven_o conclusion_n 7._o that_o witchcraft_n consist_v in_o a_o malign_v and_o oppugn_v the_o word_n work_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o seek_v by_o any_o extraordinary_a sign_n to_o seduce_v any_o from_o it_o deut._n 13.12_o mat._n 24.24_o act_n 13.8_o 10.2_o tim._n 3.8_o do_v but_o mark_v well_o the_o place_n and_o for_o this_o very_a property_n of_o thus_o oppose_v and_o pervert_v they_o be_v all_o there_o conclude_v arrant_a and_o absolute_a witch_n and_o it_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v that_o the_o same_o that_o be_v call_v witch_n be_v call_v a_o false_a christ_n a_o falsâ—_n prophet_n and_o a_o sorcerer_n and_o that_o the_o term_n be_v synonimous_a and_o that_o what_o the_o witch_n aim_v at_o be_v to_o seduce_v the_o people_n to_o seek_v after_o other_o go_n but_o here_o that_o question_n will_v be_v whether_o the_o witch_n do_v real_o do_v thing_n strange_a in_o themselves_o and_o beyond_o their_o natural_a course_n and_o all_o this_o by_o a_o power_n immediate_o from_o the_o devil_n in_o this_o inquiry_n as_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o unwritten_a verity_n so_o but_o little_a with_o cabalistick_a learning_n which_o may_v perhaps_o but_o lead_v we_o more_o astray_o as_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o their_o charge_v our_o saviour_n with_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o beelzebub_n his_o answer_n be_v if_o satan_n be_v divide_v against_o himself_o his_o kingdom_n have_v a_o end_n but_o see_v all_o be_v agree_v set_v this_o eight_o conclusion_n 8._o that_o god_n will_v not_o give_v his_o testimony_n to_o a_o lie_n to_o say_v that_o god_n do_v at_o any_o time_n empower_v a_o witch_n to_o work_v wonder_n to_o gain_v belief_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n be_v with_o one_o breath_n to_o destroy_v root_n and_o branch_n all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v clear_a the_o witch_n have_v no_o such_o wonder-working_a power_n from_o god_n and_o must_v we_o then_o conclude_v she_o have_v such_o a_o miraculous_a power_n from_o the_o devil_n if_o so_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o either_o god_n give_v the_o devil_n leave_v to_o empower_v the_o witch_n to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o seal_n in_o order_n to_o deceive_v or_o else_o that_o the_o devil_n have_v this_o power_n independent_a of_o himself_o to_o assert_v the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o though_o god_n will_v not_o give_v his_o testimony_n to_o a_o lie_n yet_o that_o he_o may_v empower_v the_o devil_n to_o set_v to_o god_n own_o seal_n in_o order_n to_o deceive_v and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o overthrow_v all_o reveal_v religion_n the_o last_o if_o assert_v must_v be_v to_o own_o the_o devil_n to_o be_v a_o unconquered_a enemy_n and_o consequent_o a_o sovereign_a deity_n and_o deserve_v much_o thanks_o that_o he_o exert_v his_o power_n no_o more_o therefore_o in_o this_o dilemma_n it_o be_v wisdom_n for_o shallow_a mortal_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o their_o only_a guide_n and_o impartial_o to_o inquire_v whether_o