the_o action_n by_o the_o evidence_n and_o not_o the_o evidence_n by_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o fancy_n about_o the_o action_n this_o be_v proud_o to_o exalt_v our_o own_o opinion_n above_o the_o clear_a testimony_n and_o most_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o fact_n and_o so_o to_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o all_o mankind_n rather_o than_o distrust_v the_o little_a conceit_n of_o our_o bold_a imagination_n but_o yet_o further_o 3_o i_o think_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o instance_n mention_v but_o what_o may_v as_o well_o be_v account_v for_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n as_o the_o ordinary_a affair_n of_o nature_n for_o in_o resolve_v natural_a phoenomena_fw-la we_o can_v only_o assign_v the_o probable_a cause_n show_v how_o thing_n may_v be_v not_o presume_v how_o they_o be_v and_o in_o the_o particular_n under_o our_o examen_fw-la we_o may_v give_v a_o account_n how_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o not_o unlikely_a that_o such_o thing_n though_o somewhat_o vary_v from_o the_o common_a road_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v act_v and_o if_o our_o narrow_a and_o contract_a mind_n can_v furnish_v we_o with_o apprehension_n of_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o such_o performance_n though_o perhaps_o not_o the_o true_a one_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v effect_v by_o creature_n who_o power_n and_o knowledge_n be_v so_o vast_o exceed_v we_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v therefore_o brief_o to_o suggest_v some_o thing_n that_o may_v render_v the_o possibility_n of_o these_o performance_n conceivable_a in_o order_n to_o the_o removal_n of_o this_o objection_n that_o they_o be_v contradiction_n and_o impossible_a for_o the_o first_o then_o that_o the_o confederate_a spirit_n shall_v transport_v the_o witch_n through_o the_o air_n to_o the_o place_n of_o general_a rendezvous_n there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o conceive_v it_o and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o great_a philosopher_n affirm_v concern_v the_o real_a separability_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o the_o body_n without_o death_n there_o be_v yet_o less_o for_o then_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o apprehend_v that_o the_o soul_n have_v leave_v its_o gross_a and_o sluggish_a body_n behind_o it_o and_o be_v clothe_v only_o with_o its_o immediate_a vehicle_n of_o air_n or_o more_o subtle_a matter_n may_v be_v quick_o conduct_v to_o any_o place_n it_o will_v be_v at_o by_o those_o officious_a spirit_n that_o attend_v it_o and_o though_o i_o adventure_v to_o affirm_v nothing_o concern_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o this_o supposition_n yet_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v it_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o i_o unreasonable_a and_o our_o experience_n of_o apoplexy_n epilepsy_n extastes_n and_o the_o strange_a thing_n man_n report_v to_o have_v see_v during_o those_o deliquium_n look_v favourable_o upon_o this_o conjecture_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o contradict_v no_o principle_n of_o reason_n or_o philosophy_n since_o death_n consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o actual_a separation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n as_o in_o the_o indisposition_n and_o unfitness_n of_o the_o body_n for_o vital_a union_n as_o a_o excellent_a philosopher_n have_v make_v good_a on_o which_o hypothesis_n the_o witch_n anoint_v herself_o before_o she_o take_v her_o flight_n may_v perhaps_o serve_v to_o keep_v the_o body_n tenantable_a and_o in_o fit_a disposition_n to_o receive_v the_o spirit_n at_o its_o return_n these_o thing_n i_o say_v we_o may_v conceive_v though_o i_o affirm_v nothing_o about_o they_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o such_o conception_n but_o what_o have_v be_v own_a by_o man_n of_o worth_n and_o name_n and_o may_v seem_v fair_a and_o accountable_a enough_o to_o those_o who_o judge_v not_o altogether_o by_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o populace_n and_o customary_a opinion_n and_o there_o be_v a_o say_n of_o a_o great_a apostle_n that_o seem_v to_o countenance_v this_o platonic_a opinion_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n else_o of_o that_o expression_n whether_o in_o the_o body_n or_o out_o of_o the_o body_n i_o can_v tell_v except_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n without_o death_n which_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v possible_a it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n and_o 2._o the_o transformation_n of_o witch_n into_o the_o shape_n of_o other_o animal_n upon_o the_o same_o supposal_n be_v very_o conceivable_a since_o then_o it_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n may_v form_v those_o passive_a and_o pliable_a vehicle_n into_o those_o shape_n with_o more_o ease_n than_o the_o fancy_n of_o the_o mother_n can_v the_o stubborn_a matter_n of_o the_o foetus_fw-la in_o the_o womb_n as_o we_o see_v it_o frequent_o do_v in_o the_o instance_n that_o occur_v of_o signature_n and_o monstrous_a singularity_n and_o perhaps_o sometime_o the_o confederate_a spirit_n put_v trick_n upon_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o spectator_n and_o those_o shape_n be_v only_a illusion_n but_o then_o 3._o when_o they_o feel_v the_o hurt_n in_o their_o gross_a body_n that_o they_o receive_v in_o their_o airy_a vehicle_n they_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v real_o present_a at_o least_o in_o these_o latter_a and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o difficult_a to_o apprehend_v how_o the_o hurt_n of_o those_o shall_v be_v translate_v upon_o their_o other_o body_n then_o how_o disease_n shall_v be_v inflict_v by_o the_o imagination_n or_o how_o the_o fancy_n of_o the_o mother_n shall_v wound_v the_o foetus_fw-la as_o several_a credible_a relation_n do_v attest_v and_o 4._o for_o their_o raise_v storm_n and_o tempest_n they_o do_v it_o not_o be_v sure_a by_o their_o own_o but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o air_n their_o friend_n and_o ally_n and_o the_o ceremony_n that_o be_v enjoin_v they_o be_v doubtless_o nothing_o else_o but_o entertainment_n for_o their_o imagination_n and_o be_v likely_a design_v to_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o do_v these_o strange_a thing_n themselves_o and_o last_o for_o their_o be_v suck_v by_o the_o familiar_a i_o say_v 1_o we_o know_v so_o little_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o doemon_n and_o spirit_n that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n we_o can_v certain_o divine_v the_o reason_n of_o so_o strange_a a_o action_n and_o yet_o 2_o we_o may_v conjecture_v at_o some_o thing_n that_o may_v render_v it_o less_o improbable_a for_o some_o have_v think_v that_o the_o genii_n who_o both_o the_o platonical_a and_o christian_a antiquity_n think_v embody_v be_v recreate_v by_o the_o reek_v and_o vapour_n of_o humane_a blood_n and_o the_o spirit_n that_o derive_v from_o they_o which_o supposal_n if_o we_o grant_v they_o body_n be_v not_o unlikely_a every_o thing_n be_v refresh_v and_o nourish_v by_o its_o like_a and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o perfect_o abstract_a from_o all_o body_n and_o matter_n beside_o the_o reverence_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o wise_a antiquity_n there_o be_v several_a considerable_a argument_n i_o can_v allege_v to_o render_v it_o exceed_v probable_a which_o thing_n suppose_v the_o devil_n be_v suck_v the_o sorceress_n be_v no_o great_a wonder_n nor_o difficult_a to_o be_v account_v for_o or_o perhaps_o 3_o this_o may_v be_v only_o a_o diabolical_a sacrament_n and_o ceremony_n to_o confirm_v the_o hellish_a covenant_n to_o which_o i_o add_v 4_o that_o which_o to_o i_o seem_v most_o probable_a viz_o that_o the_o familiar_a do_v not_o only_o suck_v the_o witch_n but_o in_o the_o action_n infuse_v some_o poisonous_a ferment_n into_o she_o which_o give_v her_o imagination_n and_o spirit_n a_o magical_a tincture_n whereby_o they_o become_v mischievous_o influential_a and_o the_o word_n venefica_fw-la intimate_v some_o such_o matter_n now_o that_o the_o imagination_n have_v a_o mighty_a power_n in_o operation_n be_v see_v in_o the_o just_a now_o mention_v signature_n and_o disease_n that_o it_o cause_v and_o that_o the_o fancy_n be_v modify_v by_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n be_v too_o evident_a to_o need_v proof_n which_o thing_n suppose_v it_o be_v plain_a to_o conceive_v that_o the_o evil_a spirit_n have_v breathe_v some_o vile_a vapour_n into_o the_o body_n of_o the_o witch_n it_o may_v taint_v her_o blood_n and_o spirit_n with_o a_o noxious_a quality_n by_o which_o her_o infect_a imagination_n heighten_v by_o melancholy_a and_o this_o worse_a cause_n may_v do_v much_o hurt_n upon_o body_n that_o be_v impressible_a by_o such_o influence_n and_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o this_o ferment_n dispose_v the_o imagination_n of_o the_o sorceress_n to_o cause_v the_o mention_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o separation_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o the_o body_n and_o may_v perhaps_o keep_v the_o body_n in_o fit_a temper_n for_o its_o reentry_n as_o also_o it_o may_v facilitate_v transformation_n which_o it_o may_v be_v can_v not_o be_v effect_v by_o ordinary_a and_o unassisted_a imagination_n thus_o we_o see_v it_o be_v not_o so_o
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
be_v imagine_v what_o design_n the_o devil_n shall_v have_v in_o make_v those_o solemn_a compact_n since_o person_n of_o such_o debauch_a and_o irreclaimable_a disposition_n as_o those_o with_o who_o he_o be_v suppose_v to_o confederate_a be_v pretty_a secure_o his_o antecedent_o to_o the_o bargain_n and_o can_v be_v more_o so_o by_o it_o since_o they_o can_v put_v their_o soul_n out_o of_o possibility_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n but_o by_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v unpardonable_a or_o if_o they_o can_v so_o dispose_v and_o give_v away_o themselves_o it_o will_v to_o some_o seem_v very_o unlikely_a that_o a_o great_a and_o mighty_a spirit_n shall_v oblige_v himself_o to_o such_o observance_n and_o keep_v such_o ado_n to_o secure_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o silly_a body_n which_o it_o be_v odds_o but_o it_o will_v be_v his_o though_o he_o put_v himself_o to_o no_o further_a trouble_n than_o that_o of_o his_o ordinary_a temptation_n to_o which_o suggestion_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o the_o thing_n be_v well_o prove_v though_o the_o design_n be_v not_o know_v and_o to_o argue_v negative_o à _fw-fr fine_a be_v very_o unconclusive_a in_o such_o matter_n the_o law_n and_o affair_n of_o the_o other_o world_n as_o have_v be_v intimate_v be_v vast_o differ_v from_o those_o of_o our_o region_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n we_o can_v judge_v of_o their_o design_n when_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o their_o menage_n and_o so_o little_a of_o their_o nature_n the_o ignorant_a looker-on_n can_v imagine_v what_o the_o limner_n mean_v by_o those_o seem_o rude_a line_n and_o scrawl_n which_o he_o intend_v for_o the_o rudiment_n of_o a_o picture_n and_o the_o figure_n of_o mathematic_a operation_n be_v nonsense_n and_o dash_v at_o a_o venture_n to_o one_o un-instructed_n in_o mechanic_n we_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a to_o one_o another_o purpose_n and_o intendment_n and_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o intrigue_n in_o our_o little_a matter_n which_o will_v not_o present_o confess_v their_o design_n even_o to_o sagacious_a inquisitor_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v folly_n and_o incogitancy_n to_o argue_v any_o thing_n one_o way_n or_o other_o from_o the_o design_n of_o a_o sort_n of_o being_n with_o who_o we_o so_o little_o communicate_v and_o possible_o we_o can_v take_v no_o more_o aim_n or_o guess_v at_o their_o project_n and_o designment_n than_o the_o gaze_a beast_n can_v do_v at_o we_o when_o they_o see_v the_o trap_n and_o gin_n that_o be_v lay_v for_o they_o but_o understand_v nothing_o what_o they_o mean_v thus_o in_o general_n but_o i_o attempt_v something_o more_o particular_o in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o name_n for_o a_o body_n politic_a in_o which_o there_o be_v very_o different_a order_n and_o degree_n of_o spirit_n and_o perhaps_o in_o as_o much_o variety_n of_o place_n and_o state_n as_o among_o ourselves_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n that_o make_v all_o the_o compact_n with_o those_o abuse_a and_o seduce_v soul_n but_o they_o be_v divers_a and_o those_o it_o be_v like_a of_o the_o mean_a and_o base_a quality_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n which_o be_v suppose_v i_o offer_v this_o account_n of_o the_o probable_a design_n of_o those_o wicked_a agent_n viz._n that_o have_v none_o to_o rule_v or_o tyrannize_v over_o within_o the_o circle_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o government_n they_o affect_v a_o proud_a empire_n over_o we_o the_o desire_n of_o dominion_n and_o authority_n be_v large_o spread_v through_o the_o whole_a circumference_n of_o degenerate_v nature_n especial_o among_o those_o who_o pride_n be_v their_o original_a transgression_n every_o one_o of_o these_o then_o desire_v to_o get_v he_o vassal_n to_o pay_v he_o homage_n and_o to_o be_v employ_v like_o slave_n in_o the_o service_n of_o his_o lust_n and_o aptetite_n to_o gratify_v which_o desire_n it_o be_v like_a enough_o to_o be_v provide_v and_o allow_v by_o the_o constitution_n of_o their_o state_n and_o government_n that_o every_o wicked_a spirit_n shall_v have_v those_o soul_n as_o his_o property_n and_o particular_a servant_n and_o attendant_n who_o he_o can_v catch_v in_o such_o compact_n as_o those_o wild_a beast_n that_o we_o can_v take_v in_o hunt_v be_v by_o the_o allowance_n of_o the_o law_n our_o own_o and_o those_o slave_n that_o a_o man_n have_v purchase_v be_v his_o peculiar_a good_n and_o the_o vassal_n of_o his_o will_n or_o rather_o those_o delude_a fiend_n be_v like_o the_o seduce_a fellow_n we_o call_v spirit_n who_o inveigle_v child_n by_o their_o false_a and_o flatter_a promise_n and_o carry_v they_o away_o to_o the_o plantation_n of_o america_n to_o be_v servil_o employ_v there_o in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o profit_n and_o advantage_n and_o as_o those_o base_a agent_n will_v humour_v and_o flatter_v the_o simple_a unwary_a youth_n till_o they_o be_v on_o shipboard_n and_o without_o the_o reach_n of_o those_o that_o may_v rescue_v they_o from_o their_o hand_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o more_o mischievous_a tempter_n study_v to_o gratify_v please_v and_o accommodate_v those_o he_o deal_v with_o in_o this_o kind_n till_o death_n have_v launch_v they_o into_o the_o deep_a and_o they_o be_v pass_v the_o danger_n of_o prayer_n repentance_n and_o endeavour_n and_o then_o he_o use_v they_o as_o please_v he_o this_o account_n i_o think_v be_v not_o unreasonable_a and_o it_o will_v full_o answer_v the_o objection_n for_o though_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o as_o i_o have_v conjecture_v yet_o it_o will_v suggest_v a_o way_n how_o it_o may_v be_v conceive_v which_o null_v the_o pretence_n that_o the_o design_n be_v inconceiveable_a x._o but_o then_o x._o we_o be_v still_o liable_a to_o be_v question_v how_o it_o come_v about_o that_o those_o proud_a and_o insolent_a designer_n practice_v in_o this_o kind_n upon_o so_o few_o when_o one_o will_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v still_o trade_v this_o way_n and_o every_o where_o be_v drive_v on_o the_o project_n which_o the_o vileness_n of_o man_n make_v so_o feisable_v and_o will_v so_o much_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o their_o lust_n to_o which_o among_o other_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v suggest_v i_o return_v 1_o that_o we_o be_v never_o liable_a to_o be_v so_o betray_v and_o abuse_v till_o by_o our_o vile_a disposition_n and_o tendency_n we_o have_v forfeit_v the_o tutelary_a care_n and_o oversight_n of_o the_o better_a spirit_n which_o though_o general_o they_o be_v our_o guard_n and_o defence_n against_o the_o malice_n and_o violence_n of_o evil_a angel_n yet_o it_o may_v well_o enough_o be_v think_v that_o sometime_o they_o may_v take_v their_o leave_n of_o such_o as_o be_v swallow_v up_o by_o malice_n envy_n and_o desire_v of_o revenge_n quality_n most_o contrary_a to_o their_o life_n and_o nature_n and_o leave_v they_o expose_v to_o the_o invasion_n and_o solicitation_n of_o those_o wicked_a spirit_n to_o who_o such_o hateful_a attribute_n make_v they_o very_o suitable_a and_o if_o there_o be_v particular_a guardian_n angel_n as_o it_o be_v not_o absurd_a to_o fancy_v it_o may_v then_o well_o be_v suppose_v that_o no_o man_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o those_o project_n and_o attempt_n but_o only_o such_o who_o vile_a and_o mischievous_a nature_n have_v drive_v from_o they_o their_o protect_a genius_n and_o against_o this_o dereliction_n to_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a spirit_n it_o be_v likely_a enough_o what_o some_o affirm_v that_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n direct_v that_o prayer_n psal_n lxxi_o ix_o x._o cast_v i_o not_o off_o in_o the_o time_n of_o old_a age_n forsake_v i_o not_o when_o my_o strength_n fail_v for_o they_o that_o keep_v my_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o lxx_o and_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a qui_fw-la custodiunt_fw-la animam_fw-la meam_fw-la they_o take_v counsel_n together_o say_v god_n have_v forsake_v he_o persecute_v he_o and_o take_v he_o for_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v he_o but_o i_o add_v 2_o that_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o the_o state_n wherein_o they_o be_v will_v not_o easy_o permit_v palpable_a intercourse_n between_o the_o bad_a genii_n and_o our_o nature_n since_o it_o be_v like_a enough_o that_o their_o own_o law_n and_o government_n do_v not_o allow_v their_o frequent_a excursion_n into_o this_o world_n or_o it_o may_v with_o as_o great_a probability_n be_v suppose_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a and_o painful_a thing_n for_o they_o to_o force_v their_o thin_a and_o tenuious_a body_n into_o a_o visible_a consistence_n and_o such_o shape_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o design_n in_o their_o correspondency_n with_o witch_n for_o in_o this_o action_n their_o body_n must_v needs_o be_v exceed_o compress_v which_o can_v be_v well_o suppose_v without_o a_o painful_a sense_n
in_o the_o forementioned_a ferment_n which_o be_v infuse_v into_o she_o by_o the_o familiar_a so_o that_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v there_o may_v be_v a_o power_n of_o real_a fascination_n in_o the_o witch_n eye_n and_o imagination_n by_o which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n she_o act_n upon_o tender_a body_n nescio_fw-la quis_fw-la teneros_fw-la oculus_fw-la for_o the_o pestilential_a spirit_n be_v dart_v by_o a_o sprightful_a and_o vigorous_a imagination_n from_o the_o eye_n and_o meet_v with_o those_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o passive_a in_o the_o body_n which_o they_o enter_v will_v not_o fail_v to_o infect_v they_o with_o a_o noxious_a quality_n that_o make_v dangerous_a and_o strange_a alteration_n in_o the_o person_n invade_v by_o this_o poisonous_a influence_n which_o way_n of_o act_v by_o subtle_a and_o invisible_a instrument_n be_v ordinary_a and_o familiar_a in_o all_o natural_a efficienty_n and_o it_o be_v now_o past_a question_n that_o nature_n for_o the_o most_o part_n act_n by_o subtle_a stream_n and_o aporhaea_n of_o minute_n particle_n which_o pass_v from_o one_o body_n to_o another_o or_o however_o that_o be_v this_o kind_n of_o agency_n be_v as_o conceivable_a as_o any_o of_o those_o quality_n ignorance_n have_v call_v sympathy_n and_o antipathy_n the_o reality_n of_o which_o we_o doubt_v not_o though_o the_o manner_n of_o action_n be_v unknown_a yea_o the_o thing_n i_o speak_v of_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o be_v apprehend_v as_o how_o infection_n shall_v pass_v in_o certain_a tenuious_a stream_n through_o the_o air_n from_o one_o house_n to_o another_o or_o as_o how_o the_o bite_n of_o a_o mad_a dog_n shall_v fill_v all_o the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n with_o a_o venomous_a and_o malign_a ferment_n the_o application_n of_o the_o virtue_n do_v the_o same_o in_o our_o case_n as_o that_o of_o contact_n do_v in_o this_o yea_o some_o kind_n of_o fascination_n be_v perform_v in_o this_o grosser_n and_o more_o sensible_a way_n as_o by_o strike_v give_v apple_n and_o the_o like_a by_o which_o the_o contagious_a quality_n may_v be_v transmit_v as_o we_o see_v disease_n often_o be_v by_o the_o touch_n now_o in_o this_o way_n of_o conjecture_n a_o good_a account_n may_v be_v give_v why_o witch_n be_v most_o powerful_a upon_o child_n and_o timorous_a person_n viz._n because_o their_o spirit_n and_o imagination_n be_v weak_a and_o passive_a be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v the_o fatal_a invasion_n whereas_o man_n of_o bold_a mind_n who_o have_v plenty_n of_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a spirit_n be_v secure_a from_o the_o contagion_n as_o in_o pestilential_a air_n clean_a body_n be_v not_o so_o liable_a to_o infection_n as_o be_v other_o temper_n thus_o than_o we_o see_v it_o be_v likely_a enough_o that_o very_o often_o the_o sorceress_n herself_o do_v the_o mischief_n and_o we_o know_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la that_o providence_n do_v not_o always_o secure_v we_o from_o one_o another_o injury_n and_o yet_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o many_o time_n also_o the_o evil_a spirit_n be_v the_o mischievous_a agent_n though_o this_o confession_n draw_v on_o i_o another_o objection_n which_o i_o next_o propose_v v._o v._n than_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o if_o wicked_a spirit_n can_v hurt_v we_o by_o the_o direction_n and_o at_o the_o desire_n of_o a_o witch_n one_o will_v think_v they_o shall_v have_v the_o same_o power_n to_o do_v we_o injury_n without_o instigation_n or_o compact_n and_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o we_o be_v not_o always_o annoy_v and_o infest_a by_o they_o to_o which_o i_o return_v 1_o that_o the_o law_n liberty_n and_o restraint_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o other_o world_n be_v to_o we_o utter_o unknown_a and_o this_o way_n we_o can_v only_o argue_v ourselves_o into_o confession_n of_o our_o ignorance_n which_o every_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o be_v not_o as_o immodest_a as_o ignorant_a it_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o own_o the_o be_v power_n and_o malice_n of_o evil_a spirit_n that_o the_o security_n we_o enjoy_v be_v wonderful_a whether_o they_o act_n by_o witch_n or_o not_o and_o by_o what_o law_n they_o be_v keep_v from_o make_v we_o a_o prey_n to_o speak_v like_o philosopher_n we_o can_v tell_v yea_o why_o they_o shall_v be_v permit_v to_o tempt_v and_o ruin_v we_o in_o our_o soul_n and_o restrain_v from_o touch_v or_o hurt_v we_o in_o our_o body_n be_v a_o mystery_n not_o easy_o accountable_a but_o yet_o 2_o though_o we_o acknowledge_v their_o power_n to_o vex_v and_o torment_v we_o in_o our_o body_n also_o yet_o a_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v why_o they_o be_v less_o frequent_a in_o this_o kind_n of_o mischief_n viz._n because_o their_o main_a design_n be_v level_v against_o the_o interest_n and_o happiness_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o they_o can_v best_o promote_v when_o their_o action_n be_v most_o sly_a and_o secret_a whereas_o do_v they_o ordinary_o persecute_v man_n in_o their_o body_n their_o agency_n and_o wicked_a influence_n will_v be_v discover_v and_o make_v a_o mighty_a noise_n in_o the_o world_n whereby_o man_n will_v be_v awaken_v to_o a_o more_o suitable_a and_o vigorous_a opposition_n by_o the_o use_n of_o such_o mean_n as_o will_v engage_v providence_n to_o rescue_v they_o from_o their_o rage_n and_o cruelty_n and_o at_o last_o defeat_v they_o in_o their_o great_a purpose_n of_o undo_v we_o eternal_o thus_o we_o may_v conceive_v that_o the_o security_n we_o enjoy_v may_v well_o enough_o consist_v with_o the_o power_n and_o malice_n of_o those_o evil_a spirit_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n we_o may_v suppose_v that_o law_n of_o their_o own_o may_v prohibit_v their_o unlicence_v injury_n not_o from_o any_o goodness_n there_o be_v in_o their_o constitution_n but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o more_o successful_a carry_v on_o the_o project_n of_o the_o dark_a kingdom_n as_o general_n forbid_v plunder_v not_o out_o of_o love_n to_o their_o enemy_n but_o in_o order_n to_o their_o own_o success_n and_o hence_o 3_o we_o may_v suppose_v a_o law_n of_o permission_n to_o hurt_v we_o at_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o sorceress_n may_v well_o stand_v with_o the_o polity_n of_o hell_n since_o by_o gratify_v the_o wicked_a person_n they_o encourage_v she_o in_o malice_n and_o revenge_n and_o promote_v thereby_o the_o main_a end_n of_o their_o black_a confederacy_n which_o be_v to_o propagate_v wickedness_n and_o to_o ruin_v we_o in_o our_o eternal_a interest_n and_o yet_o 4_o it_o be_v clear_a to_o those_o that_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o wicked_a spirit_n have_v vex_v the_o body_n of_o man_n without_o any_o instigation_n that_o we_o read_v of_o and_o at_o this_o day_n it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o many_o of_o the_o strange_a accident_n and_o disease_n that_o befall_v we_o may_v be_v the_o infliction_n of_o evil_a spirit_n prompt_v to_o hurt_v we_o only_o by_o the_o delight_n they_o take_v in_o mischief_n so_o that_o we_o can_v argue_v the_o improbability_n of_o their_o hurt_a child_n and_o other_o by_o witch_n from_o our_o own_o security_n and_o freedom_n from_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o malice_n which_o perhaps_o we_o feel_v in_o more_o instance_n than_o we_o be_v aware_a of_o vi_o but_o vi_o another_o prejudice_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o witch_n be_v a_o presumption_n upon_o the_o enormous_a force_n of_o melancholy_n and_o imagination_n which_o without_o doubt_n can_v do_v wonderful_a thing_n and_o beget_v strange_a persuasion_n and_o to_o these_o cause_v some_o ascribe_v the_o presume_a effect_n of_o sorcery_n and_o witchcraft_n to_o which_o i_o reply_v brief_o and_o yet_o i_o hope_v sufficient_o 1_o that_o to_o resolve_v all_o the_o clear_a circumstance_n of_o fact_n which_o we_o find_v in_o well_o attest_v and_o confirm_v relation_n of_o this_o kind_n into_o the_o power_n of_o deceivable_a imagination_n be_v to_o make_v fancy_n the_o great_a prodigy_n and_o to_o suppose_v that_o it_o can_v do_v strange_a feat_n than_o be_v believe_v of_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o fascination_n and_o to_o think_v that_o pin_n and_o nail_n for_o instance_n can_v by_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n be_v convey_v within_o the_o skin_n or_o that_o imagination_n shall_v deceive_v so_o many_o as_o have_v be_v witness_n in_o object_n of_o sense_n in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o discovery_n this_o i_o say_v be_v to_o be_v infinite_o more_o credulous_a than_o the_o assertor_n of_o sorcery_n and_o demoniac_a contract_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o may_v be_v believe_v that_o all_o the_o battle_n and_o strange_a event_n of_o the_o world_n which_o ourselves_o have_v not_o see_v be_v but_o dream_n and_o fond_a imagination_n and_o like_o those_o that_o be_v fight_v in_o the_o cloud_n when_o the_o brain_n of_o the_o delude_a spectator_n be_v the_o only_a theatre_n of_o those_o fancy_a transaction_n and_o 2_o to_o