a_o philosophical_a endeavour_n towards_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o be_v of_o witch_n and_o apparition_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o the_o much_o honour_a robert_n hunt_n esq_n by_o a_o member_n of_o the_o royal_a society_n london_n print_v by_o i._n grismond_n for_o james_n collins_n at_o the_o king_n arm_n in_o ivy-lane_n 1666._o some_o consideration_n about_o witchcraft_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o the_o much_o honour_a robert_n hunt_v esquire_n sir_n the_o late_a and_o frequent_a deal_n you_o have_v have_v in_o the_o examination_n of_o witch_n and_o the_o regard_v of_o one_o that_o have_v a_o very_a particular_a and_o deserve_a honour_n for_o you_o have_v bring_v you_o the_o trouble_n of_o some_o consideration_n upon_o the_o subject_n in_o which_o you_o have_v so_o critical_o converse_v that_o perhaps_o may_v suggest_v to_o your_o better_a thought_n a_o way_n of_o account_v for_o some_o of_o those_o strange_a thing_n you_o have_v be_v a_o witness_n of_o and_o contribute_v to_o the_o 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or_o wish_v shall_v be_v true_a but_o all_o fabulous_a and_o vain_a and_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o object_v credulity_n to_o the_o assertor_n of_o sorcery_n and_o witchcraft_n that_o can_v swallow_v so_o large_a a_o morsel_n and_o i_o desire_v such_o objector_n to_o consider_v 3_o whether_o it_o be_v fair_a to_o infer_v that_o because_o there_o be_v some_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n that_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o reality_n indeed_o frequency_n of_o deceit_n and_o fallacy_n will_v warrant_v a_o great_a care_n and_o caution_n in_o examine_v and_o scrupulosity_n and_o shiness_fw-mi of_o assent_n to_o thing_n wherein_o fraud_n have_v be_v practise_v or_o may_v in_o the_o least_o degree_n be_v suspect_v but_o to_o conclude_v because_o that_o a_o old_a woman_n fancy_n abuse_v she_o or_o some_o knavish_a fellow_n put_v trick_n upon_o the_o ignorant_a and_o the_o timorous_a that_o therefore_o whole_a assize_n have_v be_v a_o thousand_o time_n deceive_v in_o judgement_n upon_o 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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 appetite_n to_o gratify_v which_o desire_n it_o be_v like_a enough_o to_o be_v provide_v &_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 own_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 to_o 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 inconceivable_a but_o then_o we_o be_v still_o liable_a to_o be_v question_v 10_o 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 everywhere_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
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 then_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 faetus_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 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 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 phaenomena_n 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 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 ecstasy_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 &_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 affirm_v 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 popular_a 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 daemon_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._n 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
that_o prayer_n psal._n 71_o 9_o 10._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 probable_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 and_o this_o be_v perhaps_o a_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v so_o few_o apparition_n and_o why_o appear_a spirit_n be_v common_o in_o such_o haste_n to_o be_v go_v viz._n that_o they_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o unnatural_a pressure_n of_o their_o tender_a vehicles_n which_o i_o confess_v hold_v more_o in_o the_o apparition_n of_o good_a than_o of_o evil_a spirit_n most_o relation_n of_o this_o kind_n describe_v their_o discovery_n of_o themselves_o as_o very_o transient_a though_o for_o those_o the_o holy_a scripture_n record_v there_o may_v be_v peculiar_a reason_n why_o they_o be_v not_o so_o whereas_o the_o wicked_a one_o be_v not_o altogether_o so_o quick_a and_o hasty_a in_o their_o visit_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o probable_o be_v the_o great_a subtlety_n and_o tenuity_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o former_a which_o will_v require_v far_o great_a degree_n of_o compression_n and_o consequent_o of_o pain_n to_o make_v they_o visible_a whereas_o the_o latter_a be_v more_o feculent_a and_o gross_a and_o so_o near_o ally_v to_o palpable_a consistency_n and_o more_o easy_o reduceable_a to_o appearance_n and_o visibility_n at_o this_o turn_n sir_n you_o may_v perceive_v that_o i_o have_v again_o make_v use_n of_o the_o platonic_a hypothesis_n that_o spirit_n be_v embody_v upon_o which_o indeed_o a_o great_a part_n of_o my_o discourse_n be_v ground_v and_o therefore_o i_o hold_v myself_o oblige_v to_o a_o short_a account_n of_o that_o supposal_n it_o seem_v then_o to_o i_o very_o probable_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o sense_n and_o analogy_n of_o nature_n for_o 1._o we_o perceive_v in_o ourselves_o that_o all_o sense_n be_v cause_v and_o excite_v by_o motion_n make_v in_o matter_n and_o when_o those_o motion_n which_o convey_v sensible_a impression_n to_o the_o brain_n the_o seat_n of_o sense_n be_v intercept_v sense_n be_v lose_v so_o that_o if_o we_o suppose_v spirit_n perfect_o to_o be_v disjoin_v from_o all_o matter_n it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a how_o they_o can_v have_v the_o sense_n of_o any_o thing_n for_o how_o material_a object_n shall_v any_o way_n be_v perceive_v or_o feel_v without_o vital_a union_n with_o matter_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o imagine_v nor_o do_v it_o 2._o seem_v suitable_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o nature_n which_o use_v not_o to_o make_v precipitious_a leap_n from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o but_o usual_o proceed_v by_o orderly_a step_n and_o gradation_n whereas_o be_v there_o no_o order_n of_o being_n between_o we_o who_o be_v so_o deep_o plunge_v into_o the_o gross_a matter_n and_o pure_a unbodied_a spirit_n it_o be_v a_o mighty_a jump_n in_o nature_n since_o then_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n consist_v of_o the_o fine_a portion_n of_o matter_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n be_v immediate_o unite_v unto_o these_o it_o be_v infinite_o probable_a to_o conjecture_v that_o the_o near_a order_n of_o spirit_n be_v vital_o join_v to_o such_o body_n and_o so_o nature_n by_o degree_n ascend_v still_o by_o the_o more_o refine_a and_o subtle_a matter_n get_v at_o last_o to_o the_o pure_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o immaterial_a mind_n which_o the_o platonist_n make_v the_o high_a order_n of_o create_a being_n but_o of_o this_o i_o have_v discourse_v elsewhere_o and_o have_v say_v thus_o much_o of_o it_o at_o present_a because_o it_o will_v enable_v i_o to_o add_v another_o reason_n of_o the_o unfrequency_n of_o apparition_n and_o compact_n viz._n 3._o because_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o these_o region_n be_v very_o unsuitable_a and_o disproportion_v to_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_n of_o their_o sense_n and_o body_n so_o that_o perhaps_o the_o courser_n spirit_n can_v no_o more_o bear_v the_o air_n of_o our_o world_n than_o batts_n and_o owl_n can_v the_o bright_a beam_n of_o day_n nor_o can_v the_o pure_a and_o better_o any_o more_o endure_v the_o noisome_a steam_n and_o poisonous_a reek_n of_o this_o dunghill_n earth_n than_o the_o delicate_a can_v bear_v a_o confinement_n in_o nasty_a dungeon_n and_o the_o foul_a squalid_a cavern_n of_o uncomfortable_a darkness_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o more_o wonder_n that_o the_o better_a spirit_n no_o often_o appear_v than_o that_o man_n be_v not_o more_o frequent_o in_o the_o dark_a hollow_n under_o ground_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o more_o strange_a that_o evil_a spirit_n so_o rare_o visit_v we_o than_o that_o fish_n do_v not_o ordinary_o fly_v in_o the_o air_n as_o it_o be_v say_v one_o sort_n of_o they_o do_v or_o that_o we_o see_v not_o the_o bat_n daily_o flutter_v in_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o now_o by_o the_o help_n of_o what_o i_o have_v speak_v under_o this_o head_n i_o be_o provide_v with_o some_o thing_n wherewith_o to_o disable_v another_o objection_n which_o i_o thus_o propose_v xi_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o intercourse_n between_o evil_a spirit_n and_o the_o wicked_a how_o come_v it_o about_o that_o there_o be_v no_o correspondence_n between_o good_a spirit_n and_o the_o virtuous_a since_o without_o doubt_n these_o be_v as_o desirous_a to_o propagate_v the_o spirit_n and_o design_n of_o the_o upper_a and_o better_a world_n as_o those_o be_v to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n which_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v still_o from_o our_o ignorance_n of_o the_o state_n and_o government_n of_o the_o other_o world_n which_o must_v be_v confess_v and_o may_v without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o proposition_n i_o defend_v but_o particular_o i_o say_v 1._o that_o we_o have_v ground_n enough_o to_o believe_v that_o good_a spirit_n do_v interpose_v in_o yea_o and_o govern_v our_o affair_n for_o that_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n reach_v from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n be_v general_o acknowledge_v but_o that_o this_o suppose_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v order_v by_o the_o immediate_a influence_n and_o interposal_n of_o the_o supreme_a deity_n be_v not_o very_o philosophical_a to_o suppose_v since_o if_o we_o judge_v by_o the_o analogy_n of_o the_o natural_a world_n all_o thing_n we_o see_v be_v carry_v on_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o second_o cause_n and_o intermediate_v agent_n and_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v so_o magnificent_a and_o become_v a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o supreme_a numen_fw-la to_o fancy_n his_o immediate_a hand_n in_o every_o trivial_a management_n but_o it_o be_v exceed_o likely_a to_o conjecture_v that_o much_o of_o the_o government_n of_o we_o and_o our_o affair_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o better_a spirit_n with_o a_o due_a subordination_n and_o subserviency_n to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o chief_a rector_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o it_o be_v not_o absurd_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o government_n run_v from_o high_a to_o low_a the_o better_a and_o more_o perfect_a order_n of_o be_v still_o rule_v the_o inferior_a and_o less_o perfect_a so_o that_o some_o one_o will_v fancy_n that_o perhaps_o the_o angel_n may_v manage_v we_o as_o we_o do_v the_o creature_n that_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v place_v under_o our_o empire_n and_o dominion_n but_o however_o that_o be_v that_o god_n rule_v the_o low_a world_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n be_v very_o consonant_a to_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n thus_o deut._n xxxii_o viij_o ix_o when_o the_o most_o high_o divide_v the_o nation_n their_o inheritance_n when_o he_o separate_v the_o son_n of_o adam_n he_o set_v the_o bound_n of_o the_o people_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n as_o the_o septuagint_n render_v it_o the_o authority_n of_o which_o translation_n
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 1_o 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 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 drgenerate_a as_o the_o vile_a and_o most_o mischievous_a among_o men._n this_o i_o say_v may_v reasonable_o enough_o be_v suppose_v though_o as_o i_o intimate_v above_o the_o atheist_n have_v another_o chain_n of_o consequence_n and_o 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 absurd_a and_o unphilosophical_a 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 2_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 posterior_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 disign_v forgery_n and_o if_o they_o be_v phancye_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 outgo_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
whereby_o they_o become_v mischievous_o influential_a and_o the_o word_n venifica_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 impressive_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 desperate_a to_o form_v a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o these_o odd_a performance_n and_o though_o they_o be_v not_o do_v the_o way_n i_o have_v describe_v yet_o what_o i_o have_v say_v may_v help_v we_o to_o a_o conceit_n of_o the_o possibility_n which_o suffice_v for_o my_o purpose_n and_o though_o the_o hypothesis_n i_o have_v go_v upon_o will_n seem_v as_o unlikely_a to_o some_o as_o the_o thing_n they_o attempt_v to_o explain_v be_v to_o other_o yet_o i_o must_v desire_v their_o leave_n to_o suggest_v that_o most_o thing_n seem_v unlikely_a especial_o to_o the_o conceit_a and_o opinionative_n at_o first_o proposal_n and_o many_o great_a truth_n be_v strange_a and_o improbable_a till_o custom_n and_o acquaintance_n have_v reconcile_v they_o to_o our_o fancy_n and_o i_o will_v presume_v to_o add_v on_o this_o occasion_n though_o i_o love_v not_o to_o be_v confident_a in_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o platonical_a supposal_n i_o have_v use_v but_o what_o i_o can_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v fair_a and_o reasonable_a to_o the_o capable_a and_o unprejudiced_a but_o i_o come_v 3_o to_o another_o prejudice_n against_o the_o be_v of_o witch_n which_o be_v that_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o mighty_a spirit_n shall_v be_v at_o the_o beck_n of_o a_o poor_a hag_n and_o have_v so_o little_a to_o do_v as_o to_o attend_v the_o errand_n of_o the_o impotent_a lust_n of_o a_o silly_a old_a woman_n to_o which_o i_o may_v answer_v 1_o that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o improbable_a that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v deceive_v in_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o clear_a evidence_n and_o conviction_n then_o that_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v wicked_a shall_v be_v also_o unwise_a and_o that_o he_o that_o persuade_v all_o his_o subject_n and_o accomplice_n out_o of_o their_o wit_n shall_v himself_o act_v like_o his_o own_o temptation_n and_o persuasion_n in_o brief_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o strange_a in_o this_o objection_n than_o that_o wickedness_n be_v baseness_n and_o servility_n and_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v at_o leisure_n to_o serve_v those_o he_o be_v at_o leisure_n to_o tempt_v and_o industrious_a to_o ruin_v and_o again_o 2_o i_o see_v no_o necessity_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v always_o the_o witch_n confederate_n but_o perhaps_o it_o may_v fit_o be_v consider_v whether_o the_o familiar_a be_v not_o some_o depart_v humane_a spirit_n forsake_v of_o god_n and_o goodness_n and_o swallow_v up_o by_o the_o unsatiable_a desire_n of_o mischief_n and_o revenge_n which_o possible_o by_o the_o law_n and_o capacity_n of_o its_o state_n it_o can_v execute_v immediate_o and_o why_o we_o shall_v presume_v that_o the_o devil_n shall_v have_v the_o liberty_n of_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o the_o earth_n and_o air_n when_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v hold_v in_o the_o chain_n of_o darkness_n and_o yet_o that_o the_o separate_a soul_n of_o the_o wicked_a of_o who_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v affirm_v in_o any_o sacred_a record_n shall_v be_v think_v so_o imprison_v that_o they_o can_v possible_o wag_v from_o the_o place_n of_o their_o confinement_n i_o know_v no_o shadow_n of_o conjecture_n this_o conceit_n i_o be_o confident_a have_v prejudice_v many_o against_o the_o belief_n of_o witch_n and_o apparition_n they_o not_o be_v able_a to_o conceive_v that_o the_o devil_n shall_v be_v so_o ludicrous_a as_o appear_a spirit_n be_v sometime_o report_v to_o be_v in_o their_o frolic_n and_o they_o presume_v that_o soul_n depart_v never_o re-visit_a the_o free_a and_o open_a region_n which_o confidence_n i_o know_v nothing_o to_o justify_v for_o since_o good_a man_n in_o their_o state_n of_o separation_n be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d why_o the_o wicked_a may_v not_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o worst_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n i_o know_v nothing_o to_o help_v i_o to_o imagine_v and_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o imp_n of_o witch_n be_v sometime_o wicked_a spirit_n of_o our_o own_o kind_n and_o nature_n and_o possible_o the_o same_o that_o have_v be_v sorcerer_n and_o witch_n in_o this_o life_n this_o supposal_n may_v give_v a_o fair_a and_o more_o probable_a account_n of_o many_o of_o the_o action_n of_o sorcery_n and_o witchcraft_n than_o the_o other_o hypothesis_n that_o they_o be_v always_o devil_n and_o to_o this_o conjecture_n i_o will_v adventure_v to_o subjoin_v another_o which_o also_o have_v its_o probability_n viz._n 3_o that_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o that_o the_o familiar_n of_o witch_n be_v a_o servile_a kind_n of_o spirit_n of_o a_o very_a inferior_a constitution_n and_o nature_n and_o none_o of_o those_o that_o be_v once_o of_o the_o high_a hierarchy_n now_o degenerate_v into_o the_o spirit_n we_o call_v devil_n and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o must_v confess_v that_o i_o think_v the_o common_a division_n of_o spirit_n much_o too_o general_a conceive_v it_o likely_a there_o may_v be_v as_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o intellectual_a creature_n in_o the_o invisible_a world_n as_o there_o be_v of_o animal_n in_o the_o visible_a and_o that_o all_o the_o superior_a yea_o and_o inferior_a region_n have_v their_o several_a kind_n of_o spirit_n differ_v in_o their_o natural_a perfection_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o their_o depravity_n which_o be_v suppose_v it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o those_o of_o the_o base_a and_o mean_a order_n be_v they_o who_o submit_v to_o the_o mention_a servility_n and_o thus_o the_o sagess_n and_o grandeur_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n need_v not_o be_v bring_v into_o question_n but_o 4_o the_o opinion_n of_o witch_n seem_v to_o some_o to_o accuse_v providence_n and_o to_o suggest_v that_o it_o have_v expose_v innocent_n to_o the_o fury_n and_o malice_n of_o revengeful_a fiend_n yea_o and_o suppose_v those_o most_o obnoxious_a for_o who_o we_o may_v most_o reasonable_o expect_v a_o more_o special_a tutelary_a care_n and_o protection_n most_o of_o the_o cruel_a practice_n of_o those_o presume_a instrument_n of_o hell_n be_v upon_o child_n who_o as_o they_o least_o deserve_v to_o be_v desert_v by_o that_o providence_n that_o superintend_v all_o thing_n so_o they_o most_o need_v its_o guardian_n influence_n to_o this_o so_o specious_a a_o objection_n i_o have_v these_o thing_n to_o answer_v 1_o providence_n be_v a_o deep_a unfathomable_a and_o if_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v the_o phoenomena_fw-la of_o our_o sense_n before_o we_o can_v reconcile_v they_o to_o our_o notion_n of_o providence_n we_o must_v be_v grosser_n sceptic_n then_o ever_o yet_o be_v extant_a the_o misery_n of_o the_o present_a life_n the_o unequal_a distribution_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n the_o ignorance_n and_o barbarity_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n the_o fatal_a disadvantage_n we_o all_o be_v under_o and_o the_o hazard_n we_o run_v of_o be_v eternal_o miserable_a and_o undo_v these_o i_o say_v be_v thing_n that_o can_v hardly_o be_v make_v consistent_a with_o that_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o we_o be_v sure_o have_v make_v and_o mingle_v itself_o with_o all_o thing_n and_o yet_o we_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o beauty_n and_o harmony_n and_o goodness_n in_o that_o providence_n though_o we_o can_v unriddle_v it_o in_o particular_a instance_n nor_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o ignorance_n and_o imperfection_n clear_v it_o from_o contradict_a appearance_n and_o consequent_o
we_o ought_v not_o to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o witch_n and_o apparition_n because_o they_o will_v create_v we_o some_o difficulty_n in_o our_o notion_n of_o providence_n but_o to_o come_v more_o close_o 2_o those_o that_o believe_v that_o infant_n be_v heir_n of_o hell_n &_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v disclose_v to_o the_o world_n can_v certain_o offer_v such_o a_o objection_n for_o what_o be_v a_o little_a trifle_a pain_n of_o a_o moment_n to_o those_o eternal_a torture_n to_o which_o if_o they_o die_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v bear_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o this_o doctrine_n they_o be_v everlasting_o expose_v but_o however_o the_o case_n stand_v as_o to_o that_o it_o be_v certain_a 3_o that_o providence_n have_v not_o secure_v they_o from_o other_o violence_n they_o be_v obnoxious_a too_o from_o cruelty_n and_o accident_n and_o yet_o we_o accuse_v it_o not_o when_o a_o whole_a townful_a of_o innocent_n fall_v a_o victim_n to_o the_o rage_n and_o freity_n of_o barbarous_a executioner_n in_o war_n and_o massacre_n to_o which_o i_o add_v 4_o that_o it_o be_v likely_a the_o mischief_n be_v not_o so_o often_o do_v by_o the_o evil_a spirit_n immediate_o but_o by_o the_o malignant_a influence_n of_o the_o sorceress_n who_o power_n of_o hurt_v consist_v 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 spiteful_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 efficiency_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 &_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 5_o then_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 &_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 unlicensed_a infury_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 but_o 6_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
be_v abundant_o credit_v and_o assert_v by_o its_o be_v quote_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n without_o notice_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n even_o there_o where_o it_o differ_v from_o it_o as_o learned_a man_n have_v observe_v we_o know_v also_o that_o angel_n be_v very_o familiar_a with_o the_o patriarch_n of_o old_a and_o iacob_n ladder_n be_v a_o mystery_n which_o import_v their_o minister_a in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o low_a world_n thus_o origen_n and_o other_o understand_v that_o to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o presidential_n angel_n jer._n li.ix._n we_o will_v have_v heal_v babylon_n but_o she_o be_v not_o heal_v forsake_v she_o and_o let_v we_o go_v like_o the_o voice_n hear_v in_o the_o temple_n before_o the_o take_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o titus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o before_o nabuchadnezzar_n be_v send_v to_o learn_v wisdom_n and_o religion_n among_o the_o beast_n he_o see_v a_o watcher_n according_a to_o the_o 70._o a_o angel_n and_o a_o holy_a one_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n dan._n iu._n xiii_o who_o pronounce_v the_o sad_a decree_n against_o he_o and_o call_v it_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o watcher_n who_o very_o probable_o be_v the_o guardian_n genii_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o that_o there_o be_v particular_a angel_n that_o have_v the_o special_a rule_n and_o government_n of_o particular_a kingdom_n province_n city_n yea_o and_o of_o person_n i_o know_v nothing_o that_o can_v make_v improbable_a the_o instance_n be_v notorious_a in_o daniel_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o persia_n and_o graecia_n that_o hinder_v the_o other_o that_o be_v engage_v for_o the_o concern_v of_o judaea_n yea_o our_o saviour_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o child_n have_v their_o angel_n and_o the_o congregation_n of_o disciple_n suppose_v that_o st._n peter_n have_v his_o which_o thing_n if_o they_o be_v grant_v the_o good_a spirit_n have_v not_o so_o little_a to_o do_v with_o we_o and_o our_o matter_n as_o be_v general_o believe_v and_o perhaps_o it_o will_v not_o be_v absurd_a if_o we_o refer_v many_o of_o the_o strange_a thwart_n and_o unexpected_a event_n the_o disappointment_n and_o lucky_a coincidence_n that_o befall_v we_o the_o unaccountable_a fortune_n and_o success_n that_o attend_v some_o lucky_a man_n and_o the_o unhappy_a fate_n that_o dog_n other_o that_o seem_v bear_v to_o be_v miserable_a the_o fame_n and_o favour_n that_o still_o wait_v on_o some_o without_o any_o conceivable_a motive_n to_o allure_v it_o and_o the_o general_a neglect_n of_o other_o more_o deserve_v who_o worth_n be_v not_o acknowledge_v i_o say_v these_o and_o such_o like_a odd_a thing_n may_v with_o the_o great_a probability_n be_v resolve_v into_o the_o conduct_n and_o menage_n of_o those_o invisible_a supervisor_n that_o preside_v over_o and_o govern_v our_o affair_n but_o if_o they_o so_o far_o concern_v themselves_o in_o our_o matter_n how_o be_v it_o that_o they_o appear_v not_o to_o maintain_v a_o visible_a and_o confess_a correspondence_n with_o some_o of_o the_o better_a mortal_n who_o be_v most_o fit_v for_o their_o communication_n and_o their_o influence_n to_o which_o i_o have_v say_v some_o thing_n already_o when_o i_o account_v for_o the_o unfrequency_n of_o apparition_n and_o i_o now_o add_v what_o i_o intend_v for_o another_o return_n to_o the_o main_a objection_n viz._n 2._o that_o the_o apparition_n of_o good_a spirit_n be_v not_o needful_a for_o the_o design_n of_o the_o better_a world_n whatever_o such_o may_v be_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o other_o for_o we_o have_v have_v the_o appearance_n and_o cohabitation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o continue_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o great_a argument_n to_o strengthen_v faith_n the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n to_o excite_v our_o love_n and_o the_o noble_a encouragement_n to_o quicken_v and_o raise_v our_o desire_n and_o hope_n any_o of_o which_o be_v more_o than_o the_o apparition_n of_o a_o angel_n which_o will_v indeed_o be_v a_o great_a gratification_n of_o the_o animal_n life_n but_o it_o will_v render_v our_o faith_n less_o noble_a and_o less_o generous_a be_v it_o frequent_o so_o assist_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o believe_v and_o yet_o have_v not_o see_v beside_o which_o the_o good_a angel_n have_v no_o such_o end_n to_o prosecute_v as_o the_o gain_v any_o vassal_n to_o serve_v they_o they_o be_v minister_a spirit_n for_o our_o good_a and_o no_o self-designers_a for_o a_o proud_a and_o insolent_a dominion_n over_o we_o and_o it_o may_v be_v perhaps_o not_o impertinent_o add_v that_o they_o be_v not_o always_o evil_a spirit_n that_o appear_v as_o be_v i_o know_v not_o well_o upon_o what_o ground_n general_o imagine_v but_o that_o the_o extraordinary_a detection_n of_o murder_n latent_fw-la treasure_n falsify_v and_o unfulfil_v bequest_n which_o be_v sometime_o make_v by_o apparition_n may_v be_v the_o courteous_a discovery_n of_o the_o better_a and_o more_o benign_a genii_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a that_o those_o warning_n that_o the_o world_n sometime_o have_v of_o approach_a judgement_n and_o calamity_n by_o prodigy_n and_o sundry_a odd_a phaenomena_n be_v the_o kind_a information_n of_o some_o of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o upper_a world_n thus_o be_v jerusalem_n forewarn_v before_o its_o sack_n by_o antiochus_n by_o those_o airy_a horseman_n that_o be_v see_v through_o all_o the_o city_n for_o almost_o forty_o day_n together_o 2_o mac_n v._n two_o three_o and_o the_o other_o prodigious_a portent_n that_o forerun_v its_o destruction_n by_o titus_n which_o i_o mention_v because_o they_o be_v notorious_a instance_n and_o though_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o scorn_v the_o ordinary_a â—ales_n of_o prodigy_n which_o proceed_v from_o superstitious_a fear_n and_o unacquaintance_n with_o nature_n and_o have_v be_v use_v to_o bad_a purpose_n by_o the_o jealous_a and_o the_o ignorant_a yet_o i_o think_v that_o the_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v by_o a_o late_a very_o ingenious_a author_n to_o conclude_v against_o such_o warning_n and_o prediction_n in_o the_o whole_a kind_n be_v short_a and_o inconsequent_a and_o build_v upon_o too_o narrow_a hypothesis_n for_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o spirit_n over_o we_o and_o about_o we_o who_o can_v give_v a_o probable_a guess_n at_o the_o more_o remarkable_a futurity_n i_o know_v not_o why_o it_o may_v not_o be_v conjecture_v that_o the_o kindness_n they_o have_v for_o we_o and_o the_o appetite_n of_o foretell_v strange_a thing_n and_o the_o put_v the_o world_n upon_o expectation_n which_o we_o find_v be_v very_o grateful_a to_o our_o own_o nature_n may_v not_o incline_v they_o also_o to_o give_v we_o some_o general_a notice_n of_o those_o uncommon_a event_n which_o they_o foresee_v and_o i_o yet_o perceive_v no_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o fancy_n that_o whatever_o be_v do_v in_o this_o kind_n must_v needs_o be_v either_o immediate_o from_o heaven_n or_o from_o the_o angel_n by_o extraordinary_a commission_n and_o appointment_n but_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o not_o unreasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o those_o officious_a spirit_n that_o oversee_v our_o affair_n perceive_v some_o mighty_a and_o sad_a alteration_n at_o hand_n in_o which_o their_o charge_n be_v much_o concern_v can_v choose_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o affection_n to_o we_o but_o give_v we_o some_o seasonable_a hint_n of_o those_o approach_a calamity_n to_o which_o also_o their_o natural_a desire_n to_o foretell_v strange_a thing_n to_o come_v may_v contribute_v to_o incline_v they_o and_o by_o this_o hypothesis_n the_o fair_a probability_n and_o strong_a ratiotination_n against_o prodigy_n may_v be_v make_v unserviceable_a but_o this_o only_a by_o the_o way_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o objection_n which_o may_v be_v make_v to_o speak_v thus_o xii_o the_o belief_n of_o witch_n and_o the_o wonderful_a thing_n they_o be_v say_v to_o perform_v by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o confederate_a daemon_n weaken_v our_o faith_n and_o expose_v the_o world_n to_o infidelity_n in_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o if_o they_o by_o diabolical_a assistance_n can_v inflict_v and_o cure_v disease_n and_o do_v thing_n so_o much_o beyond_o the_o comprehension_n of_o our_o philosophy_n and_o activity_n of_o common_a nature_n what_o assurance_n can_v we_o have_v that_o the_o miracle_n that_o confirm_v our_o gospel_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o compact_a of_o like_a nature_n and_o that_o devil_n be_v not_o cast_v out_o by_o beelzebub_n if_o evil_a spirit_n can_v assume_v body_n and_o render_v themselves_o visible_a in_o humane_a likeness_n what_o security_n can_v we_o have_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o by_o their_o help_n witches_z can_v enter_v chamber_n invisible_o through_o keyhole_n and_o little_a unperceived_a cranney_n and_o transform_v themselves_o at_o pleasure_n what_o argument_n
of_o divinity_n be_v there_o in_o our_o saviour_n show_v himself_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o disciple_n when_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v and_o his_o transfiguration_n in_o the_o mount_n miracle_n be_v the_o great_a inducement_n of_o belief_n and_o how_o shall_v we_o distinguish_v a_o miracle_n from_o a_o lie_a wonder_n a_o testimony_n from_o heaven_n from_o a_o trick_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o hell_n if_o they_o can_v perform_v thing_n that_o astonish_v and_o confound_v our_o reason_n and_o be_v beyond_o all_o the_o possibility_n of_o humane_a nature_n this_o objection_n be_v spiteful_a and_o mischievous_a but_o i_o thus_o endeavour_v to_o dispatch_v it_o 1._o the_o wonder_v do_v by_o confederacy_n with_o wicked_a spirit_n can_v derive_v a_o suspicion_n upon_o the_o undoubted_a miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o author_n &_o promulger_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o if_o they_o be_v perform_v by_o diabolical_a compact_n since_o their_o spirit_n endeavour_n and_o design_n be_v notorious_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o tendency_n aim_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n for_o as_o to_o the_o life_n and_o temper_n of_o the_o blessed_a and_o adorable_a jesus_n we_o know_v there_o be_v a_o incomparable_a sweetness_n in_o his_o nature_n humility_n in_o his_o manner_n 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 constistitution_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 foretold_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 with_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