only_o of_o nature_n which_o be_v a_o constant_a prodigy_n but_o of_o man_n and_o manner_n it_o will_v be_v to_o i_o matter_n of_o astonishment_n that_o man_n otherwise_o witty_a and_o ingenious_a be_v fall_v into_o the_o conceit_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o witch_n or_o apparition_n but_o that_o these_o be_v the_o creature_n of_o melancholy_a and_o superstition_n foster_v by_o ignorance_n and_o design_n which_o compare_v the_o confidence_n of_o their_o disbelief_n with_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n deny_v and_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o ground_n will_v almost_o suggest_v that_o themselves_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o what_o they_o deny_v and_o that_o so_o confident_a a_o opinion_n can_v not_o be_v hold_v upon_o such_o inducement_n but_o by_o some_o kind_n of_o witchcraft_n and_o fascination_n in_o the_o fancy_n and_o perhaps_o that_o evil_a spirit_n who_o influence_n they_o will_v not_o allow_v in_o action_n ascribe_v to_o such_o cause_n have_v a_o great_a hand_n and_o interest_n in_o their_o proposition_n than_o they_o be_v aware_a of_o for_o that_o subtle_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n since_o providence_n will_v not_o permit_v he_o to_o mischief_n we_o without_o our_o own_o concurrence_n attempt_v that_o by_o stratagem_n and_o artifice_n which_o he_o can_v never_o effect_v by_o open_a way_n of_o act_v and_o the_o success_n of_o all_o wile_n depend_v upon_o their_o secrecy_n and_o concealment_n his_o influence_n be_v never_o more_o dangerous_a than_o when_o his_o agency_n be_v least_o suspect_v in_o order_n therefore_o to_o the_o carry_v on_o the_o dark_a and_o hide_a design_n he_o manage_v against_o our_o happiness_n and_o our_o soul_n he_o can_v expect_v to_o advantage_n himself_o more_o than_o by_o insinuate_v a_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o himself_o but_o that_o fear_n and_o fancy_n make_v devil_n now_o as_o they_o do_v god_n of_o old_a nor_o can_v he_o ever_o draw_v the_o assent_n of_o man_n to_o so_o dangerous_a a_o assertion_n while_o the_o stand_n sensible_a evidence_n of_o his_o existence_n in_o his_o practice_n by_o and_o upon_o his_o instrument_n be_v not_o discredit_v and_o remove_v it_o be_v doubtless_o therefore_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o agent_n of_o darkness_n to_o have_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o the_o notion_n they_o have_v of_o he_o be_v but_o a_o phantom_n and_o conceit_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o that_o the_o story_n of_o witch_n apparitions_z and_o indeed_o every_o thing_n that_o bring_v tiding_n of_o another_o world_n be_v but_o melancholic_a dream_n and_o pious_a romance_n and_o when_o man_n be_v arrive_v thus_o far_o to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o diabolical_a contract_n or_o apparition_n their_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v such_o spirit_n rest_v only_o upon_o their_o faith_n and_o reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a oracle_n which_o we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o apprehend_v so_o great_a in_o such_o assertor_n as_o to_o command_v much_o from_o their_o assent_n especial_o in_o such_o thing_n in_o which_o they_o have_v corrupt_a interest_n against_o their_o evidence_n so_o that_o he_o that_o think_v there_o be_v no_o witch_n believe_v a_o devil_n gratis_o or_o at_o least_o upon_o such_o inducement_n which_o he_o be_v like_a to_o find_v himself_o dispose_v to_o deny_v when_o he_o please_v and_o when_o man_n be_v arrive_v to_o this_o degree_n of_o diffidence_n and_o infidelity_n we_o be_v behold_v to_o they_o if_o they_o believe_v either_o angel_n or_o spirit_n resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n or_o immortality_n of_o soul_n these_o thing_n hang_v together_o in_o a_o chain_n of_o connexion_n at_o least_o in_o these_o man_n hypothesis_n and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o happy_a chance_n if_o he_o that_o have_v lose_v one_o link_n hold_v another_o so_o that_o the_o vital_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o much_o interest_v in_o this_o subject_n it_o will_v not_o be_v impertinent_a particular_o to_o discourse_v it_o and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o proof_n that_o there_o have_v be_v and_o be_v unlawful_a confederacy_n with_o evil_a spirit_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o the_o hellish_a accomplice_n perform_v thing_n above_o their_o natural_a power_n i_o must_v premise_v that_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n be_v only_o capable_a of_o the_o evidence_n of_o authority_n and_o sense_n and_o by_o both_o these_o the_o be_v of_o witch_n and_o diabolical_a contract_n be_v most_o abundant_o confirm_v all_o history_n be_v full_a of_o the_o exploit_n of_o those_o instrument_n of_o darkness_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o age_n not_o only_o of_o the_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a but_o of_o the_o most_o civilise_a and_o polish_a world_n bring_v tiding_n of_o their_o strange_a performance_n we_o have_v the_o attestation_n of_o thousand_o of_o eye_n and_o ear-witness_n and_o those_o not_o of_o the_o easy_o deceivable_a vulgar_a only_a but_o of_o wise_a and_o grave_a discerner_n and_o that_o when_o no_o interest_n can_v oblige_v they_o to_o agree_v together_o in_o a_o common_a lie_n i_o say_v we_o have_v the_o light_n of_o all_o these_o circumstance_n to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o thing_n do_v by_o person_n of_o despicable_a power_n and_o knowledge_n beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o art_n and_o ordinary_a nature_n stand_v public_a record_n have_v be_v keep_v of_o these_o well_o attest_v relation_n and_o epocha_n make_v of_o those_o unwonted_a event_n law_n in_o many_o nation_n have_v be_v enact_v against_o those_o vile_a practice_n those_o among_o the_o jew_n and_o our_o own_o be_v notorious_a such_o case_n have_v be_v often_o determine_v near_o we_o by_o wise_a and_o reverend_a judge_n upon_o clear_a and_o convictive_a evidence_n and_o thousand_o in_o our_o own_o nation_n have_v suffer_v death_n for_o their_o vile_a compact_n with_o apostate_n spirit_n all_o these_o i_o may_v large_o prove_v in_o their_o particular_a instance_n but_o that_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a since_o those_o that_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o witch_n do_v it_o not_o out_o of_o ignorance_n of_o these_o head_n of_o argument_n of_o which_o probable_o they_o have_v hear_v a_o thousand_o time_n but_o from_o a_o apprehension_n that_o such_o a_o belief_n be_v absurd_a and_o the_o thing_n impossible_a and_o upon_o these_o presumption_n they_o contemn_v all_o demonstration_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o be_v harden_v against_o conviction_n and_o i_o think_v those_o that_o can_v believe_v all_o history_n be_v romance_n that_o all_o the_o wise_a world_n have_v agree_v together_o to_o juggle_v mankind_n into_o a_o common_a belief_n of_o ungrounded_a fable_n that_o the_o sound_a sense_n of_o multitude_n together_o may_v deceive_v they_o and_o law_n be_v build_v upon_o chimaera_n that_o the_o grave_a and_o wise_a judge_n have_v be_v murderer_n and_o the_o sage_a person_n fool_n or_o design_v impostor_n i_o say_v those_o that_o can_v believe_v this_o heap_n of_o absurdity_n be_v either_o more_o credulous_a than_o those_o who_o credulity_n they_o reprehend_v or_o else_o have_v some_o extraordinary_a evidence_n of_o their_o persuasion_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v absurd_a and_o impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o witch_n or_o apparition_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a be_v those_o little_a appearance_n remove_v which_o man_n have_v form_v in_o their_o fancy_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o thing_n their_o own_o evidence_n will_v make_v its_o way_n to_o man_n assent_n without_o any_o more_o argument_n than_o what_o they_o know_v already_o to_o enforce_v it_o there_o be_v nothing_o then_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o the_o establish_v the_o belief_n i_o will_v reconcile_v to_o man_n mind_n but_o to_o endeavour_v the_o removal_n of_o those_o prejudices_fw-la they_o have_v receive_v against_o it_o the_o chief_a of_o which_o i_o shall_v particular_o deal_v with_o and_o i_o begin_v with_o that_o bold_a assertion_n that_o i._n i._n the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n be_v impossible_a and_o contradictious_a and_o consequent_o so_o be_v that_o of_o witch_n the_o belief_n of_o which_o be_v found_v on_o that_o doctrine_n to_o which_o objection_n i_o answer_v 1_o if_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n be_v so_o absurd_a as_o be_v pretend_v that_o of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o soul_n distinct_a from_o matter_n and_o immortal_a be_v likewise_o a_o absurdity_n and_o then_o that_o the_o world_n be_v jumble_v into_o this_o elegant_a and_o orderly_a fabric_n by_o chance_n and_o that_o our_o soul_n be_v only_a part_n of_o matter_n that_o come_v together_o we_o know_v not_o whence_o nor_o how_o and_o shall_v again_o short_o be_v dissolve_v into_o those_o loose_a atom_n that_o compound_v they_o that_o all_o our_o conception_n be_v but_o the_o thrust_v of_o one_o part_n of_o matter_n against_o another_o and_o the_o idea_n of_o our_o mind_n mere_a blind_a and_o casual_a motion_n these_o and_o a_o thousand_o more_o the_o gross_a impossibility_n and_o absurdity_n consequent_n of_o
this_o proposition_n that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n be_v absurd_a will_v be_v sad_a certainty_n and_o demonstration_n and_o with_o such_o assertor_n i_o will_v cease_v to_o discourse_v about_o witch_n and_o apparition_n and_o address_v myself_o to_o obtain_v their_o assent_n to_o truth_n infinite_o more_o sacred_a and_o yet_o 2_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v they_o that_o a_o substance_n immaterial_a be_v as_o much_o a_o contradiction_n as_o they_o can_v fancy_v yet_o why_o shall_v they_o not_o believe_v that_o the_o air_n and_o all_o the_o region_n above_o we_o may_v have_v their_o invisible_a intellectual_a agent_n of_o nature_n like_o unto_o our_o soul_n be_v that_o what_o it_o will_v and_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o as_o much_o degenerate_a as_o the_o vile_a and_o most_o mischievous_a among_o men._n this_o hypothesis_n will_v be_v enough_o to_o secure_v the_o possibility_n of_o witch_n and_o apparition_n and_o that_o all_o the_o upper_a story_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v furnish_v with_o inhabitant_n it_o be_v infinite_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v from_o the_o analogy_n of_o nature_n since_o we_o see_v there_o be_v nothing_o so_o contemptible_a and_o vile_a in_o the_o world_n we_o reside_v in_o but_o have_v its_o live_a creature_n that_o dwell_v upon_o it_o the_o earth_n the_o water_n the_o inferior_a air_n the_o body_n of_o animal_n the_o flesh_n the_o skin_n the_o entrail_n the_o leaf_n the_o root_n the_o stalk_n of_o vegetable_n yea_o and_o all_o kind_n of_o mineral_n in_o the_o subterraneous_a region_n i_o say_v all_o these_o have_v their_o proper_a inhabitant_n yea_o i_o suppose_v this_o rule_n may_v hold_v in_o all_o distinct_a kind_n of_o body_n in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o have_v their_o peculiar_a animal_n the_o certainty_n of_o which_o i_o believe_v the_o improvement_n of_o microscopical_a observation_n will_v discover_v from_o whence_o i_o infer_v that_o since_o this_o little_a spot_n be_v so_o thick_o people_v in_o every_o atom_n of_o it_o it_o be_v weakness_n to_o think_v that_o all_o the_o vast_a space_n above_o and_o hollow_n under_o ground_n be_v desert_n and_o uninhabited_a and_o if_o both_o the_o superior_a and_o low_a continent_n of_o the_o universe_n have_v their_o inhabitant_n also_o it_o be_v exceed_o improbable_a argue_v from_o the_o same_o analogy_n that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o the_o mere_a sensible_a nature_n but_o that_o there_o be_v at_o least_o some_o of_o the_o rational_a and_o intellectual_a order_n which_o suppose_v there_o be_v good_a foundation_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o witch_n and_o apparition_n though_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n shall_v prove_v as_o absurd_a and_o unphilosophical_a as_o i_o judge_v the_o denial_n of_o it_o and_o so_o this_o first_o objection_n come_v to_o nothing_o i_o descend_v then_o to_o the_o second_o prejudice_n which_o may_v be_v thus_o form_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o objector_n ii_o ii_o there_o be_v action_n in_o most_o of_o those_o relation_n ascribe_v to_o witch_n which_o be_v ridiculous_a and_o impossible_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n such_o be_v 1_o their_o fly_v out_o of_o window_n after_o they_o have_v anoint_v themselves_o to_o remote_a place_n 2_o their_o transformation_n into_o cat_n hare_n and_o other_o creature_n 3_o their_o feeling_n all_o the_o hurt_n in_o their_o own_o body_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o these_o 4_o their_o raise_v tempest_n by_o mutter_v some_o nonsensical_a word_n or_o perform_v some_o little_a ridiculous_a ceremony_n and_o 5_o their_o be_v suck_v in_o a_o certain_a private_a place_n of_o their_o body_n by_o a_o familiar_a these_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v action_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o spirit_n and_o above_o the_o power_n of_o those_o poor_a and_o miserable_a agent_n and_o therefore_o the_o objection_n suppose_v they_o perform_v only_o by_o the_o fancy_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o witchcraft_n be_v but_o a_o illusion_n of_o crazy_a imagination_n but_o to_o this_o objection_n i_o return_v 1_o in_o the_o general_n the_o more_o absurd_a and_o unaccountable_a these_o action_n seem_v the_o great_a confirmation_n be_v they_o to_o i_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o relation_n and_o the_o reality_n of_o what_o the_o objector_n will_v destroy_v for_o these_o circumstance_n be_v exceed_v unlikely_a judge_v by_o the_o measure_n of_o common_a belief_n it_o be_v the_o great_a probability_n they_o be_v not_o fictitious_a for_o the_o contriver_n of_o fiction_n use_v to_o form_v they_o as_o near_o as_o they_o can_v conformable_o to_o the_o most_o unsuspected_a reality_n endeavour_v to_o make_v they_o look_v as_o like_o truth_n as_o be_v possible_a in_o the_o main_a supposal_n though_o withal_o they_o make_v they_o strange_a in_o the_o circumstance_n none_o but_o a_o fool_n or_o madman_n will_v relate_v with_o a_o purpose_n of_o have_v it_o believe_v that_o he_o see_v in_o ireland_n man_n with_o hoof_n on_o their_o head_n and_o eye_n in_o their_o breast_n or_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o ridiculous_o vain_a as_o to_o be_v serious_a in_o such_o a_o incredible_a romance_n it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o all_o traveller_n that_o come_v into_o those_o part_n after_o he_o shall_v tell_v the_o same_o story_n there_o be_v large_a field_n in_o fiction_n and_o if_o all_o those_o relation_n be_v arbitrary_a composition_n doubtless_o the_o first_o romancer_n will_v have_v frame_v they_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o spirit_n at_o least_o after_o these_o suppose_a absurdity_n have_v be_v a_o thousand_o time_n laugh_v at_o people_n by_o this_o time_n will_v have_v learn_v to_o correct_v those_o obnoxious_a extravagancy_n and_o though_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o more_o veracity_n than_o the_o age_n of_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n yet_o one_o will_v expect_v they_o shall_v have_v get_v more_o cunning_a this_o suppose_a impossibility_n then_o of_o these_o performance_n seem_v to_o i_o a_o probable_a argument_n that_o they_o be_v not_o wilful_a and_o design_v forgery_n and_o if_o they_o be_v fancy_n it_o be_v somewhat_o strange_a that_o imagination_n which_o be_v the_o most_o various_a thing_n in_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v infinite_o repeat_v the_o same_o conceit_n in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n but_o again_o 2_o the_o strange_a action_n relate_v of_o witch_n and_o presume_v impossible_a be_v not_o ascribe_v to_o their_o own_o power_n but_o to_o the_o agency_n of_o those_o wicked_a confederate_n they_o employ_v and_o to_o affirm_v that_o those_o evil_a spirit_n can_v do_v that_o which_o we_o conceit_n impossible_a be_v bold_o to_o stint_v the_o power_n of_o creature_n who_o nature_n and_o faculty_n we_o know_v not_o and_o to_o measure_v the_o world_n of_o spirit_n by_o the_o narrow_a rule_n of_o our_o own_o impotent_a being_n we_o see_v among_o ourselves_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o out_o go_v the_o conceit_n and_o possibility_n of_o other_o and_o we_o know_v many_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v by_o the_o mathematics_n and_o mechanic_n artifice_n which_o common_a head_n think_v impossible_a to_o be_v effect_v by_o the_o honest_a way_n of_o art_n and_o nature_n and_o doubtless_o the_o subtlety_n and_o power_n of_o those_o mischievous_a fiend_n be_v as_o much_o beyond_o the_o reach_n and_o activity_n of_o the_o most_o know_a agent_n among_o we_o as_o they_o be_v beyond_o the_o wit_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o most_o rustic_a and_o illiterate_a so_o that_o the_o utmost_a that_o any_o man_n reason_n in_o the_o world_n can_v amount_v to_o in_o this_o particular_a be_v only_o this_o that_o he_o can_v conceive_v how_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v perform_v which_o only_o argue_v the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o apprehension_n not_o the_o impossibility_n of_o those_o performance_n and_o we_o can_v no_o more_o from_o hence_o form_v a_o argument_n against_o they_o than_o against_o the_o most_o ordinary_a effect_n in_o nature_n we_o can_v conceive_v how_o the_o foetus_fw-la be_v form_v in_o the_o womb_n nor_o as_o much_o as_o how_o a_o plant_n spring_v from_o the_o earth_n we_o tread_v on_o we_o know_v not_o how_o our_o soul_n move_v the_o body_n nor_o how_o these_o distant_a and_o extreme_a nature_n be_v unite_v and_o if_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o most_o obvious_a thing_n about_o we_o and_o the_o most_o considerable_a within_o ourselves_o it_o be_v then_o no_o wonder_n that_o we_o know_v not_o the_o constitution_n and_o power_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o who_o we_o be_v such_o stranger_n brief_o then_o matter_n of_o fact_n well_o prove_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v because_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o they_o can_v be_v perform_v nor_o be_v it_o a_o reasonable_a method_n of_o inference_n first_o to_o presume_v the_o thing_n impossible_a and_o thence_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o fact_n can_v be_v prove_v on_o the_o contrary_a we_o shall_v judge_v of_o
calmness_n in_o his_o temper_n compassion_n in_o his_o miracle_n modesty_n in_o his_o expression_n holiness_n in_o all_o his_o action_n hatred_n of_o vice_n and_o baseness_n and_o love_n to_o all_o the_o world_n all_o which_o be_v essential_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o apostate_n spirit_n who_o abound_v in_o pride_n and_o rancour_n insolence_n and_o rudeness_n tyranny_n and_o baseness_n universal_a malice_n and_o hatred_n of_o men._n and_o their_o design_n be_v as_o opposite_a as_o their_o spirit_n and_o their_o genius_n and_o now_o can_v the_o sun_n borrow_v its_o light_n from_o the_o bottomless_a abyss_n can_v heat_n and_o warmth_n flow_v in_o upon_o the_o world_n from_o the_o region_n of_o snow_n and_o ice_n can_v fire_n freeze_v and_o water_n burn_v can_v nature_n so_o infinite_o contrary_a communicate_v and_o jump_v in_o project_n that_o be_v destructive_a to_o each_o other_o know_v interest_n be_v there_o any_o balsam_n in_o the_o cockatrice_n egg_n or_o can_v the_o spirit_n of_o life_n flow_v from_o the_o venom_n of_o the_o asp_n will_v the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n strengthen_v the_o arm_n that_o be_v stretch_v out_o to_o pluck_v his_o usurp_v sceptre_n and_o his_o spoil_n from_o he_o and_o will_v he_o lend_v his_o legion_n to_o assist_v the_o army_n of_o his_o enemy_n against_o he_o no_o these_o be_v impossible_a supposal_n no_o intelligent_a be_v will_v industrious_o and_o know_o contribute_v to_o the_o contradiction_n of_o its_o own_o principle_n the_o defeature_n of_o its_o purpose_n and_o the_o ruin_n of_o its_o own_o dear_a interest_n there_o be_v no_o fear_n then_o that_o our_o faith_n shall_v receive_v prejudice_n from_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o be_v of_o witch_n and_o power_n of_o evil_a spirit_n since_o it_o be_v not_o the_o do_v wonderful_a thing_n that_o be_v the_o only_a evidence_n that_o the_o holy_a jesus_n be_v from_o god_n and_o his_o doctrine_n true_a but_o the_o conjunction_n of_o other_o circumstance_n the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o design_n add_v credit_n to_o his_o work_n and_o strengthen_v the_o great_a conclusion_n that_o he_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n but_o beside_o i_o say_v 2._o that_o since_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n rule_v the_o world_n it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o they_o shall_v give_v up_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n to_o unavoidable_a deception_n and_o if_o evil_a angel_n by_o their_o confederate_n be_v permit_v to_o perform_v such_o astonish_a thing_n as_o seem_v so_o evident_o to_o carry_v god_n seal_n and_o power_n with_o they_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o falsehood_n and_o gain_v credit_n to_o impostor_n without_o any_o counter-evidence_n to_o disabuse_v the_o world_n mankind_n be_v expose_v to_o sad_a and_o fatal_a delusion_n and_o to_o say_v that_o providence_n will_v suffer_v we_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a concernment_n when_o we_o use_v the_o best_a of_o our_o care_n and_o endeavour_n to_o prevent_v it_o be_v to_o speak_v hard_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o affirm_v that_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n or_o do_v not_o concern_v himself_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o poor_a forlorn_a men._n and_o if_o the_o providence_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o security_n unto_o we_o against_o such_o deception_n we_o can_v be_v assure_v but_o that_o we_o be_v always_o abuse_v by_o those_o mischievous_a agent_n in_o the_o object_n of_o plain_a sense_n and_o in_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o daily_a converse_v if_o one_o that_o pretend_v he_o be_v immediate_o send_v from_o god_n to_o overthrow_v the_o ancient_a fabric_n of_o establish_v worship_n and_o to_o erect_v a_o new_a religion_n in_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n and_o honour_v by_o a_o miraculous_a star_n proclaim_v by_o a_o song_n of_o seem_a angel_n of_o light_n and_o worship_v by_o the_o wise_a sage_n of_o the_o world_n revere_v by_o those_o of_o the_o great_a austerity_n and_o admire_v by_o all_o for_o a_o miraculous_a wisdom_n beyond_o his_o education_n and_o his_o year_n if_o he_o shall_v feed_v multitude_n with_o almost_o nothing_o and_o fast_o himself_o beyond_o all_o the_o possibility_n of_o nature_n if_o he_o shall_v be_v transform_v into_o the_o appearance_n of_o extraordinary_a glory_n and_o converse_v with_o depart_a prophet_n in_o their_o visible_a form_n if_o he_o shall_v cure_v all_o disease_n without_o physic_n or_o endeavour_n and_o raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n after_o they_o have_v stink_v in_o their_o grave_n if_o he_o shall_v be_v honour_v by_o voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o attract_v the_o universal_a wonder_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n if_o he_o shall_v allay_v tempest_n with_o a_o beck_n and_o cast_v out_o devil_n with_o a_o word_n if_o he_o shall_v foretell_v his_o own_o death_n particular_o with_o its_o tragical_a circumstance_n and_o his_o resurrection_n after_o it_o if_o the_o veil_n of_o the_o most_o famous_a temple_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v rend_v and_o the_o sun_n darken_v at_o his_o funeral_n if_o he_o shall_v within_o the_o time_n foretell_v break_v the_o bond_n of_o death_n and_o lift_v up_o his_o head_n out_o of_o the_o grave_a if_o multitude_n of_o other_o depart_a soul_n shall_v arise_v with_o he_o to_o attend_v at_o the_o solemnity_n of_o his_o resurrection_n if_o he_o shall_v after_o death_n visible_o converse_v and_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o divers_a person_n who_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o clear_a sense_n and_o ascend_v in_o glory_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o astonish_a and_o admire_a multitude_n i_o say_v if_o such_o a_o one_o as_o this_o shall_v prove_v a_o diabolical_a impostor_n and_o providence_n shall_v permit_v he_o to_o be_v so_o credit_v and_o acknowledge_v what_o possibility_n be_v there_o then_o for_o we_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v not_o always_o deceive_v yea_o that_o our_o very_a faculty_n be_v not_o give_v we_o only_o to_o delude_v and_o abuse_v we_o and_o if_o so_o the_o next_o conclusion_n be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n that_o judge_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o best_a and_o most_o likely_a hypothesis_n will_v be_v that_o the_o world_n be_v give_v up_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n that_o supervise_v we_o as_o nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a doubtless_o it_o will_v never_o suffer_v poor_a helpless_a creature_n to_o be_v inevitable_o deceive_v by_o the_o craft_n and_o subtlety_n of_o their_o mischievous_a enemy_n to_o their_o undo_n but_o will_v without_o question_n take_v such_o care_n that_o the_o work_v wrought_v by_o divine_a power_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o divine_a truth_n shall_v have_v such_o visible_a mark_n and_o signature_n if_o not_o in_o their_o nature_n yet_o in_o their_o circumstance_n end_n and_o design_n as_o shall_v discover_v whence_o they_o be_v and_o sufficient_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o imposture_n and_o delusion_n and_o though_o wicked_a spirit_n may_v perform_v some_o strange_a thing_n that_o may_v excite_v wonder_n for_o a_o while_n yet_o he_o have_v and_o will_v so_o provide_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v baffle_v and_o discredit_v as_o we_o know_v it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o egyptian_a magician_n now_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v direct_o say_v to_o the_o objection_n i_o have_v this_o to_o add_v to_o the_o objector_n that_o i_o can_v wish_v they_o will_v take_v care_n of_o such_o suggestion_n which_o if_o they_o overthrow_v not_o the_o opinion_n they_o oppose_v will_v dangerous_o affront_v the_o religion_n they_o will_v seem_v to_o acknowledge_v for_o he_o that_o say_v that_o if_o there_o be_v witch_n there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v not_o a_o magician_n and_o diabolical_a impostor_n put_v a_o deadly_a weapon_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o infidel_n and_o be_v himself_o next_o door_n to_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o which_o in_o order_n to_o the_o persuade_v great_a tenderness_n and_o caution_n in_o such_o matter_n i_o give_v this_o short_a account_n the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v say_v to_o be_v unpardonable_a by_o which_o sad_a attribute_n and_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n xii_o from_o the_o xxii_o to_o the_o xxxiii_o verse_n we_o may_v understand_v its_o nature_n in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o consider_v that_o since_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o son_n be_v infinite_a there_o be_v nothing_o can_v make_v a_o sin_n unpardonabâ—â—_n but_o what_o make_v it_o incurable_a and_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o what_o be_v curable_a by_o a_o strong_a faith_n
for_o the_o most_o part_n remarkable_o defective_a in_o close_a ratiocination_n and_o the_o worst_a in_o the_o world_n at_o inference_n which_o be_v no_o wonder_n since_o fancy_n be_v a_o desultory_n and_o rove_a faculty_n and_o when_o it_o be_v not_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o severe_a judgement_n not_o able_a to_o keep_v itself_o to_o a_o steady_a and_o resolve_v attention_n much_o less_o to_o make_v coheherent_a chain_n of_o rational_a deduction_n so_o that_o it_o be_v next_o to_o impossible_a for_o such_o wit_n as_o these_o to_o arrive_v to_o more_o than_o a_o knack_n of_o scoff_v at_o what_o they_o understand_v not_o and_o they_o be_v under_o almost_o a_o invincible_a temptation_n of_o do_v so_o by_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v too_o great_a for_o their_o comprehension_n for_o the_o humour_n that_o act_v they_o be_v proud_a and_o assume_v and_o will_v not_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v value_v of_o which_o itself_o be_v incapable_a and_o therefore_o it_o depreciate_n all_o the_o noble_a and_o more_o generous_a matter_n which_o it_o have_v very_o great_a reason_n to_o despair_v of_o and_o endeavour_n by_o a_o ridiculous_a and_o insolent_a scorn_n to_o lift_v itself_o above_o they_o and_o yet_o this_o presume_a wit_n which_o raise_v they_o to_o such_o a_o elevation_n in_o their_o own_o conceit_n be_v but_o a_o young_a and_o boyish_a humour_n and_o the_o very_a first_o essay_n of_o juvenile_a invention_n be_v in_o these_o exercise_n of_o fancy_n which_o the_o mature_a spirit_n out-grows_a for_o you_o know_v sir_n our_o sense_n be_v the_o first_o power_n we_o exercise_v and_o indulge_v in_o our_o green_a year_n from_o they_o by_o degree_n our_o imagination_n grow_v up_o and_o their_o action_n and_o gratification_n be_v the_o pleasure_n and_o entertainment_n of_o youth_n which_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v in_o the_o little_a flirt_n quibble_n and_o trick_n of_o fancy_n with_o which_o the_o young_a student_n in_o the_o university_n be_v so_o much_o tickle_v and_o transport_v but_o when_o age_n and_o experience_n ripen_v the_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o faculty_n of_o slow_a growth_n we_o then_o slight_a this_o wantonness_n and_o joy_v of_o our_o fancy_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o pursuite_n that_o be_v more_o manly_a and_o concern_v and_o when_o the_o judgement_n be_v come_v to_o its_o full_a exercise_n and_o pitch_n and_o have_v overcome_v and_o silence_v the_o futility_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o imagination_n we_o be_v then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o grow_v into_o manhood_n and_o those_o that_o never_o arrive_v to_o this_o consistence_n but_o spend_v their_o age_n in_o fool_v with_o their_o fancy_n they_o be_v yet_o child_n though_o they_o have_v gray_a hair_n and_o be_v still_o boy_n though_o past_o their_o great_a climacterical_a i_o confess_v sir_n i_o be_o not_o so_o cynical_a and_o severe_a but_o that_o i_o allow_v even_o to_o the_o more_o improve_v genuise_n their_o relaxation_n and_o pleasant_a interval_n and_o sage_a socrates_n himself_o sometime_o rid_v the_o boy_n hobby-horse_n fancy_n may_v be_v permit_v its_o plaisance_n and_o in-offensive_a railery_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o virtue_n and_o a_o prudent_a judgement_n and_o no_o doubt_n god_n himself_o allow_v all_o our_o power_n and_o faculty_n their_o innocent_a gratification_n yea_o and_o i_o acknowledge_v a_o delightful_a prettiness_n in_o the_o result_v of_o a_o manage_v and_o judicious_a fancy_n while_o it_o be_v employ_v in_o expose_v vice_n and_o conceit_a folly_n to_o deserve_a scorn_n and_o laughter_n but_o when_o imagination_n be_v rampant_a loose_a and_o ungoverned_a when_o it_o know_v no_o bound_n and_o observe_v no_o decorum_n but_o shoot_v at_o random_n and_o insolent_o fly_v at_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v august_a and_o venerable_a its_o sally_n be_v then_o vicious_a and_o detestable_a excess_n and_o those_o that_o be_v of_o this_o humour_n be_v but_o a_o sort_n of_o fleer_a buffoon_n that_o be_v a_o better_a kind_n of_o ape_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a though_o wit_n in_o their_o own_o but_o sir_n i_o intimate_v a_o great_a charge_n against_o these_o quibble_n debauch_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v the_o enemy_n of_o government_n and_o religion_n and_o shall_v prove_v it_o with_o this_o addition_n that_o they_o be_v so_o of_o all_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o knowledge_n for_o government_n you_o know_v sir_n its_o influence_n depend_v much_o upon_o the_o reverence_n its_o ruler_n have_v from_o the_o people_n and_o while_o they_o be_v man_n there_o will_v be_v miscarriage_n in_o public_a affair_n and_o management_n of_o state_n and_o if_o all_o the_o slip_n and_o imperfection_n all_o the_o mistake_n and_o fault_n of_o the_o supreme_a minister_n of_o rule_n be_v tattle_v and_o aggrevate_v among_o the_o herd_n the_o government_n will_v thereby_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o scorn_n of_o the_o rabble_n and_o lose_v a_o great_a part_n of_o its_o force_n with_o its_o reverence_n and_o in_o this_o it_o suffer_v infinite_o from_o the_o droll_a phantastic_o who_o blow_n in_o the_o sore_n till_o they_o have_v rankle_v they_o with_o their_o malicious_a and_o poisonous_a breath_n and_o shoot_v libel_n at_o the_o government_n till_o they_o have_v make_v deep_a wound_n in_o its_o reputation_n and_o reverence_n and_o turn_v every_o tongue_n into_o a_o weapon_n of_o war_n against_o it_o thus_o do_v these_o cham_n discover_v their_o father_n nakedness_n and_o rejoice_v to_o publish_v the_o shame_n of_o those_o who_o failure_n and_o infirmity_n loyalty_n prudence_n and_o regard_n to_o the_o public_a quiet_n shall_v oblige_v they_o to_o conceal_v nor_o 2._o be_v religion_n more_o beholden_a to_o they_o for_o a_o mind_n that_o use_v to_o whiffle_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o levities_n of_o fancy_n will_v find_v a_o very_a great_a indisposition_n to_o the_o serious_a and_o solemn_a exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o that_o will_v grow_v into_o a_o aversation_n which_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o prompt_v the_o humourist_n to_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o expose_v it_o so_o that_o he_o quick_o jest_n at_o scripture_n and_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o sin_n play_v with_o eternal_a flame_n and_o scoff_v at_o those_o that_o fear_v they_o as_o if_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n be_v but_o a_o legend_n of_o idle_a tale_n and_o sin_n but_o a_o name_n coin_v by_o fancy_n and_o vain_a fear_n as_o if_o hell_n be_v but_o a_o paint_a fire_n and_o the_o religious_a a_o sort_n of_o timorous_a fool_n that_o be_v afraid_a of_o bug_n and_o the_o imagery_n of_o dream_n and_o if_o these_o be_v not_o yet_o the_o real_a article_n of_o their_o creed_n their_o extravagant_a fancy_n and_o vile_a affection_n be_v like_a in_o a_o short_a time_n to_o incline_v these_o light_n and_o impure_a spirit_n to_o make_v they_o so_o and_o this_o sort_n of_o wit_n be_v either_o atheist_n or_o as_o great_a prodigy_n of_o folly_n if_o they_o be_v not_o since_o to_o believe_v a_o god_n that_o make_v see_v and_o will_v judge_v they_o and_o to_o scoff_n at_o that_o tremendous_a majesty_n before_o who_o their_o brother-wit_n below_o tremble_v to_o think_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n the_o law_n of_o soul_n and_o grand_a instrument_n of_o immortal_a happiness_n and_o yet_o to_o droll_n upon_o they_o and_o to_o jest_v with_o the_o record_n of_o eternity_n to_o believe_v endless_a torment_n and_o everlasting_a joy_n in_o the_o state_n immediate_o succeed_v these_o our_o short_a and_o uncertain_a being_n and_o yet_o to_o sport_v with_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v trick_n at_o eternal_a terror_n to_o talk_v trivial_o of_o beatifical_a enjoyment_n and_o to_o make_v as_o bold_a with_o heaven_n as_o they_o do_v with_o a_o imaginary_a elysium_n these_o i_o say_v be_v folly_n these_o be_v degree_n of_o impudence_n beyond_o all_o aggravation_n or_o possibility_n of_o expression_n and_o do_v not_o sad_a experience_n show_v they_o one_o will_v scarce_o believe_v there_o be_v such_o prodigious_a monster_n in_o nature_n and_o to_o these_o thing_n i_o add_v 3._o these_o idle_a drollist_n have_v a_o utter_a antipathy_n to_o all_o the_o brave_a and_o more_o generous_a kind_n of_o knowledge_n for_o that_o they_o be_v perfect_o indispose_v for_o philosophy_n and_o all_o deep_a researche_n i_o have_v say_v some_o thing_n that_o may_v suffice_v for_o proof_n already_o and_o i_o add_v this_o observation_n to_o confirm_v it_o that_o among_o the_o numerous_a youth_n i_o have_v see_v breed_v in_o a_o great_a school_n and_o in_o the_o university_n i_o have_v note_v that_o those_o of_o they_o who_o be_v most_o remarkable_a for_o waggishness_n and_o jest_n seldom_o arrive_v to_o any_o great_a maturity_n or_o capacity_n for_o thing_n of_o consequence_n and_o weight_n and_o indeed_o frolickness_n of_o fancy_n and_o solidity_n of_o judgement_n require_v disposition_n