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 fersia_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 phoenomena_fw-la 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._o 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 tale_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 zealous_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 hypotheseis_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_v 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 ratiocination_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 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 cranny_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_n 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 and_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 bless_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
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
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 iii_o but_o iii_o i_o come_v 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 than_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_a 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 â—â—â—…ssibly_o by_o the_o law_n and_o capacity_n of_o its_o stâ—â—e_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 ludricous_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 revisit_v 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 vile_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 iv._o but_o iv_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 unfathomable_a depth_n 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 than_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 be_v all_o 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 and_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 to_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 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
deny_v evidence_n of_o fact_n because_o their_o imagination_n may_v deceive_v the_o relator_n when_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v so_o but_o a_o bare_a presumption_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v relate_v be_v quite_o to_o destroy_v the_o credit_n of_o all_o humane_a testimony_n and_o to_o make_v all_o man_n liar_n in_o a_o large_a sense_n than_o the_o prophet_n conclude_v in_o his_o haste_n for_o not_o only_o the_o melancholic_a and_o the_o fanciful_a but_o the_o grave_n and_o the_o sober_a who_o judgement_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v to_o be_v taint_v by_o their_o imagination_n have_v from_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n make_v report_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o to_o this_o it_o will_v possible_o be_v rejoin_v the_o reply_n will_v be_v another_o prejudice_n against_o the_o belief_n i_o contend_v for_o viz._n vii_o vii_o that_o it_o be_v a_o suspicious_a circumstance_n that_o witchcraft_n be_v but_o a_o fancy_n since_o the_o person_n that_o be_v accuse_v be_v common_o poor_a and_o miserable_a old_a woman_n who_o be_v overgrow_v with_o discontent_n and_o melancholy_n which_o be_v very_o imaginative_a and_o the_o person_n say_v to_o be_v bewitch_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n child_n or_o people_n very_o weak_a who_o be_v easy_o impose_v upon_o and_o be_v apt_a to_o receive_v strong_a impression_n from_o nothing_o whereas_o be_v there_o any_o such_o thing_n real_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a but_o that_o the_o more_o cunning_a and_o subtle_a desperado_n who_o may_v the_o more_o successful_o carry_v on_o the_o mischievous_a design_n of_o the_o dark_a kingdom_n shall_v be_v often_o engage_v in_o those_o black_a confederacy_n and_o also_o one_o will_v expect_v effect_n of_o the_o hellish_a combination_n upon_o other_o than_o the_o innocent_a and_o ignorant_a to_o which_o objection_n it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v enough_o to_o return_v as_o have_v be_v above_o suggest_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v conclude_v by_o this_o and_o such_o like_a arguing_n but_o that_o the_o policy_n and_o menage_n of_o the_o instrument_n of_o darkness_n be_v to_o we_o altogether_o unknown_a and_o as_o much_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o their_o nature_n mankind_n be_v no_o more_o acquaint_v with_o the_o reason_n and_o method_n of_o action_n in_o the_o other_o world_n than_o poor_a cottager_n and_o mechanic_n be_v with_o the_o intriques_n of_o government_n and_o reason_n of_o state_n yea_o peradventure_o 2_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a design_n as_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o interest_n of_o those_o wicked_a agent_n and_o machinator_n industrious_o to_o hide_v from_o we_o their_o influence_n and_o way_n of_o act_v and_o to_o work_v as_o near_o as_o be_v possible_a incognito_o upon_o which_o supposal_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v a_o reason_n why_o they_o most_o common_o work_v by_o and_o upon_o the_o weak_a and_o the_o ignorant_a who_o can_v make_v no_o cunning_a observation_n or_o tell_v credible_a tale_n to_o 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accompany_v they_o will_v bear_v down_o other_o less_o great_a and_o generous_a and_o make_v they_o sneak_v before_o they_o and_o some_o by_z i_o know_v not_o what_o stupify_a virtue_n will_v tie_v up_o the_o tongue_n and_o confine_v the_o spirit_n of_o those_o who_o be_v otherwise_o brisk_a and_o voluble_a which_o thing_n suppose_v the_o influence_n of_o a_o spirit_n possess_v of_o a_o active_a and_o enormous_a imagination_n may_v be_v malign_a and_o fatal_a where_o they_o can_v be_v resist_v especial_o when_o they_o be_v accompany_v by_o those_o poisonous_a reak_n that_o the_o evil_a spirit_n breathe_v into_o the_o sorceress_n which_o likely_a be_v shoot_v out_o and_o apply_v by_o a_o fancy_n heighten_v and_o prepare_v by_o melancholy_a and_o discontent_n and_o thus_o we_o may_v conceive_v why_o the_o melancholic_a and_o envious_a be_v use_v upon_o such_o occasion_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o ignorant_a since_o knowledge_n check_v and_o control_v imagination_n and_o those_o that_o abound_v much_o in_o the_o imaginative_a faculty_n do_v not_o usual_o exceed_v in_o the_o rational_a and_o perhaps_o 4_o the_o daemon_n himself_o use_v the_o imagination_n of_o the_o witch_n so_o qualify_v for_o his_o purpose_n even_o in_o those_o action_n of_o mischief_n which_o be_v more_o proper_o he_o for_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o spirit_n act_v not_o upon_o body_n immediate_o and_o by_o their_o naked_a essence_n but_o by_o mean_n proportionate_a and_o suitable_a instrument_n that_o they_o use_v upon_o which_o account_n likely_a it_o be_v so_o strict_o require_v that_o the_o sorceress_n shall_v believe_v that_o so_o her_o imagination_n may_v be_v more_o at_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o mischievous_a agent_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n also_o ceremony_n be_v use_v in_o enchantment_n viz._n for_o the_o beget_n this_o diabolical_a faith_n and_o heighten_v the_o fancy_n to_o a_o degree_n of_o strength_n and_o vigour_n sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o a_o fit_a instrument_n for_o the_o design_v performance_n and_o these_o i_o think_v be_v reason_n of_o likelihood_n and_o probability_n why_o the_o hellish_a confederate_n be_v most_o the_o ignorant_a and_o the_o melancholic_a to_o pass_v then_o to_o another_o prejudice_n viii_o viii_o the_o frequent_a imposture_n that_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o this_o kind_n beget_v in_o some_o a_o belief_n that_o all_o such_o relation_n be_v forgery_n and_o tale_n and_o if_o we_o urge_v the_o evidence_n of_o a_o story_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o witch_n or_o apparition_n they_o will_v produce_v two_o as_o seem_o strong_a and_o plausible_a which_o shall_v conclude_v in_o mistake_n or_o design_n infer_v thence_o that_o all_o other_o be_v of_o the_o same_o quality_n and_o credit_n but_o such_o arguer_n may_v please_v to_o consider_v 1_o that_o a_o single_a relation_n for_o a_o affirmative_a sufficient_o confirm_v and_o attest_v be_v worth_a a_o thousand_o tale_n of_o forgery_n and_o imposture_n from_o whence_o can_v be_v conclude_v a_o universal_a negative_a so_o that_o though_o all_o the_o objector_n story_n be_v true_a and_o a_o hundred_o time_n as_o many_o more_o such_o deception_n yet_o one_o relation_n wherein_o no_o fallacy_n or_o fraud_n can_v be_v suspect_v for_o our_o affirmative_a will_v spoil_v any_o conclusion_n can_v be_v erect_v on_o they_o and_o 2_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o belief_n sufficient_o bold_a and_o precarious_a that_o all_o these_o relation_n of_o forgery_n and_o mistake_n shall_v be_v certain_a and_o not_o one_o among_o all_o those_o which_o attest_v the_o affirmative_a reality_n with_o circumstance_n as_o good_a as_o can_v be_v expect_v 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 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 matter_n of_o fact_n and_o number_n of_o sober_a person_n have_v be_v forswear_v in_o thing_n wherein_o perjury_n can_v not_o advantage_v they_o i_o say_v such_o inference_n be_v as_o void_a of_o reason_n as_o they_o be_v of_o charity_n and_o good_a manner_n ix_o but_o ix_o it_o may_v be_v suggest_v further_o that_o it_o can_v
a_o blow_n at_o modern_a sadducism_n in_o some_o philosophical_a consideration_n about_o witchcraft_n to_o which_o be_v add_v the_o relation_n of_o the_o fame_a disturbance_n by_o the_o drummer_n in_o the_o house_n of_o mr._n john_n mompesson_n with_o some_o reflection_n on_o drollery_n and_o atheism_n by_o a_o member_n of_o the_o royal_a society_n london_n print_v by_o e._n c._n for_o james_n collins_n at_o the_o king_n head_n in_o westminster-hall_n 1668._o a_o philiosophical_a endeavour_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o be_v of_o witch_n and_o apparition_n with_o some_o thing_n concern_v the_o famous_a greatrek_n write_a in_o a_o letter_n to_o the_o much_o honour_a robert_n hunt_v esq_n london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1668._o preface_n there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o narrow_a and_o confine_v spirit_n who_o account_v all_o discourse_n needless_a that_o be_v not_o for_o their_o particular_a purpose_n and_o judge_v all_o the_o world_n to_o be_v of_o the_o size_n and_o genius_n of_o those_o within_o the_o circle_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o acquaintance_n so_o that_o with_o a_o pert_a and_o pragmatical_a insolence_n they_o censure_v all_o the_o brave_a design_n and_o notice_n that_o lie_v beyond_o their_o ken_n as_o nice_a and_o impertinent_a speculation_n a_o ignorant_a and_o proud_a injustice_n as_o if_o this_o sort_n be_v the_o only_a person_n who_o humour_n and_o deed_n shall_v be_v consult_v and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o great_a and_o worthy_a thing_n that_o be_v write_v or_o say_v do_v always_o meet_v with_o the_o most_o general_a neglect_n and_o scorn_n since_o the_o little_a people_n for_o who_o they_o be_v not_o intend_v be_v quick_a to_o shoot_v their_o bolt_n and_o to_o condemn_v what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o because_o they_o do_v not_o whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n those_o that_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v and_o will_v encourage_v be_v common_o reserve_v and_o modest_a in_o pass_v judgement_n or_o if_o they_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v right_a to_o thing_n that_o be_v worthy_a they_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v out-voiced_n by_o the_o rout_n of_o ignorant_a contemner_n upon_o which_o account_n i_o have_v often_o think_v that_o he_o that_o court_v and_o value_v popular_a estimation_n take_v not_o the_o right_a way_n if_o he_o endeavour_v at_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v real_o excellent_a but_o he_o must_v study_v the_o little_a plausibility_n and_o accommodate_v the_o humour_n of_o the_o many_o who_o be_v active_a minister_n of_o fame_n be_v zealous_a and_o loud_o in_o their_o applause_n as_o they_o be_v clamorous_a and_o impetuous_a in_o their_o opposition_n as_o for_o these_o it_o be_v one_o of_o my_o chief_a care_n to_o make_v myself_o as_o much_o unconcern_v at_o their_o censure_n as_o i_o be_o at_o the_o cackle_n of_o a_o flock_n of_o goose_n or_o at_o the_o eager_a displeasure_n of_o those_o little_a snarl_a animal_n that_o be_v angry_a when_o i_o pass_v by_o they_o and_o if_o that_o may_v signify_v any_o thing_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o the_o follow_a consideration_n i_o desire_v they_o will_v take_v notice_n from_o i_o that_o i_o write_v not_o those_o thing_n for_o such_o as_o they_o and_o they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o throw_v up_o the_o book_n upon_o this_o advertisement_n except_o they_o will_v stay_v to_o hear_v that_o though_o philosophical_a discourse_n to_o justify_v the_o common_a belief_n about_o witch_n be_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o they_o or_o those_o of_o their_o measure_n yet_o they_o be_v too_o seasonable_a and_o necessary_a for_o our_o age_n in_o which_o atheism_n be_v begin_v in_o sadducism_n and_o those_o that_o dare_v not_o blunt_o say_v there_o be_v no_o god_n content_v themselves_o for_o a_o fair_a step_n and_o introduction_n to_o deny_v there_o be_v spirit_n or_o witch_n which_o sort_n of_o infidel_n though_o they_o be_v not_o ordinary_a among_o the_o mere_a vulgar_a yet_o be_v they_o numerous_a in_o a_o little_o high_a rank_n of_o understanding_n and_o those_o that_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n know_v that_o most_o of_o the_o loose_a gentry_n and_o the_o little_a pretender_n to_o philosophy_n and_o wit_n be_v general_o derider_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o witch_n and_o apparitions_z and_o be_v this_o a_o slight_a or_o mere_a speculative_a mistake_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v myself_o or_o they_o about_o it_o but_o i_o fear_v this_o error_n have_v a_o core_n in_o it_o that_o be_v worse_a than_o heresy_n and_o therefore_o how_o little_a soever_o i_o care_v what_o man_n believe_v or_o teach_v in_o matter_n of_o opinion_n i_o think_v i_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v concern_v in_o a_o affair_n that_o touch_v so_o near_o upon_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o religion_n and_o real_o i_o be_o astonish_v sometime_o to_o think_v into_o what_o a_o kind_n of_o age_n we_o be_v fall_v in_o which_o some_o of_o the_o great_a impiety_n be_v account_v but_o bug_n and_o terrible_a name_n invisible_a title_n piccadillo_n or_o chimera_n the_o sad_a and_o great_a instance_n be_v sacrilege_n rebellion_n and_o witchcraft_n for_o the_o two_o former_a there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o be_v far_o from_o be_v profess_a enemy_n to_o religion_n who_o i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o they_o own_o any_o such_o vice_n we_o find_v no_o mention_n of_o they_o in_o their_o most_o particular_a confession_n nor_o have_v i_o observe_v they_o in_o those_o sermon_n that_o have_v contain_v the_o large_a catalogue_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o age_n and_o nation_n it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o sin_n for_o fear_v who_o shall_v be_v find_v guilty_a but_o my_o business_n at_o present_a be_v not_o with_o these_o but_o the_o other_o witchcraft_n which_o i_o be_o sure_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o elder_a time_n and_o how_o come_v it_o about_o that_o this_o age_n which_o so_o much_o outdo_v they_o in_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o wickedness_n shall_v be_v whole_o innocent_a in_o this_o that_o there_o may_v be_v witch_n and_o apparition_n in_o our_o day_n notwithstanding_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o modern_a sadduce_v i_o believe_v i_o have_v make_v appear_v in_o the_o consideration_n follow_v in_o which_o i_o do_v not_o primary_o intend_v direct_a proof_n but_o defence_n as_o the_o title_n of_o the_o first_o edition_n which_o be_v restore_v in_o this_o mention_v but_o i_o have_v now_o add_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a oracle_n and_o two_o relation_n of_o fact_n that_o be_v clear_a and_o unexceptionable_a i_o have_v no_o humour_n nor_o delight_n in_o tell_v story_n and_o do_v not_o publish_v these_o for_o the_o gratification_n of_o those_o that_o have_v but_o i_o record_v they_o as_o argument_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o truth_n which_o have_v indeed_o be_v attest_v by_o multitude_n of_o the_o like_a evidence_n in_o all_o place_n and_o time_n but_o thing_n remote_a or_o long_o pass_v be_v either_o not_o believe_v or_o forget_v whereas_o these_o be_v fresh_a and_o near_o and_o attend_v with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o credibility_n it_o may_v be_v expect_v they_o shall_v have_v the_o more_o success_n upon_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o unbeliever_n errata_fw-la page_n 12._o line_n 25._o r._n a_o large_a p._n 36._o l._n 12._o r._n intrigue_n p._n 44._o l._n 6._o and_o 7._o r._n appetite_n p._n 79._o l._n 20._o r._n tax_v p._n 105._o l._n 4._o r._n ludicrous_a vagary_n p._n 111._o l._n 1._o deal_n be_v p._n 113._o l._n 22._o deal_n re_fw-la p._n 118._o l._n 26_o 27._o r._n multitude_n p._n 128._o l._n 4._o deal_n she_o p._n 134._o l._n 26._o r._n scrutiny_n p._n 144._o l._n 14._o r._n effaeminacy_n p._n 146._o l._n 21._o r._n geninse_v p._n 148._o l._n 4._o r._n aggravate_v ibid._n r._n herd_n p._n 154_o l._n 3._o r._n he_o suck_v some_o consideration_n about_o witchcraft_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o robert_n hunt_v esquire_n sir_n the_o frequent_a and_o late_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 honour_n for_o you_o have_v bring_v you_o the_o trouble_n of_o some_o consideration_n on_o the_o subject_a and_o though_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v be_v but_o the_o careless_a and_o hasty_a product_n of_o a_o sit_v or_o two_o yet_o i_o hope_v it_o may_v afford_v you_o some_o not_o unreasonable_a account_n of_o the_o odd_a phoenomena_fw-la of_o witchcraft_n and_o fascination_n and_o contribute_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o matter_n which_o you_o know_v by_o experiment_n that_o can_v not_o deceive_v in_o spite_n of_o the_o little_a exception_n of_o those_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o in_o affair_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v much_o admire_v in_o a_o age_n of_o wonder_n not_o
this_o proposition_n that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n be_v absurd_a will_v be_v sad_a certainty_n and_o demonstration_n and_o with_o such_o assertor_n i_o will_v cease_v to_o discourse_v about_o witch_n and_o apparition_n and_o address_v myself_o to_o obtain_v their_o assent_n to_o truth_n infinite_o more_o sacred_a and_o yet_o 2_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v they_o that_o a_o substance_n immaterial_a be_v as_o much_o a_o contradiction_n as_o they_o can_v fancy_v yet_o why_o shall_v they_o not_o believe_v that_o the_o air_n and_o all_o the_o region_n above_o we_o may_v have_v their_o invisible_a intellectual_a agent_n of_o nature_n like_o unto_o our_o soul_n be_v that_o what_o it_o will_v and_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o as_o much_o degenerate_a as_o the_o vile_a and_o most_o mischievous_a among_o men._n this_o hypothesis_n will_v be_v enough_o to_o secure_v the_o possibility_n of_o witch_n and_o apparition_n and_o that_o all_o the_o upper_a story_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v furnish_v with_o inhabitant_n it_o be_v infinite_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v from_o the_o analogy_n of_o nature_n since_o we_o see_v there_o be_v nothing_o so_o contemptible_a and_o vile_a in_o the_o world_n we_o reside_v in_o but_o have_v its_o live_a creature_n that_o dwell_v upon_o it_o the_o earth_n the_o water_n the_o inferior_a air_n the_o body_n of_o animal_n the_o flesh_n the_o skin_n the_o entrail_n the_o leaf_n the_o root_n the_o stalk_n of_o vegetable_n yea_o and_o all_o kind_n of_o mineral_n in_o the_o subterraneous_a region_n i_o say_v all_o these_o have_v their_o proper_a inhabitant_n yea_o i_o suppose_v this_o rule_n may_v hold_v in_o all_o distinct_a kind_n of_o body_n in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o have_v their_o peculiar_a animal_n the_o certainty_n of_o which_o i_o believe_v the_o improvement_n of_o microscopical_a observation_n will_v discover_v from_o whence_o i_o infer_v that_o since_o this_o little_a spot_n be_v so_o thick_o people_v in_o every_o atom_n of_o it_o it_o be_v weakness_n to_o think_v that_o all_o the_o vast_a space_n above_o and_o hollow_n under_o ground_n be_v desert_n and_o uninhabited_a and_o if_o both_o the_o superior_a and_o low_a continent_n of_o the_o universe_n have_v their_o inhabitant_n also_o it_o be_v exceed_o improbable_a argue_v from_o the_o same_o analogy_n that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o the_o mere_a sensible_a nature_n but_o that_o there_o be_v at_o least_o some_o of_o the_o rational_a and_o intellectual_a order_n which_o suppose_v there_o be_v good_a foundation_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o witch_n and_o apparition_n though_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n shall_v prove_v as_o absurd_a and_o unphilosophical_a as_o i_o judge_v the_o denial_n of_o it_o and_o so_o this_o first_o objection_n come_v to_o nothing_o i_o descend_v then_o to_o the_o second_o prejudice_n which_o may_v be_v thus_o form_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o objector_n ii_o ii_o there_o be_v action_n in_o most_o of_o those_o relation_n ascribe_v to_o witch_n which_o be_v ridiculous_a and_o impossible_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n such_o be_v 1_o their_o fly_v out_o of_o window_n after_o they_o have_v anoint_v themselves_o to_o remote_a place_n 2_o their_o transformation_n into_o cat_n hare_n and_o other_o creature_n 3_o their_o feeling_n all_o the_o hurt_n in_o their_o own_o body_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o these_o 4_o their_o raise_v tempest_n by_o mutter_v some_o nonsensical_a word_n or_o perform_v some_o little_a ridiculous_a ceremony_n and_o 5_o their_o be_v suck_v in_o a_o certain_a private_a place_n of_o their_o body_n by_o a_o familiar_a these_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v action_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o spirit_n and_o above_o the_o power_n of_o those_o poor_a and_o miserable_a agent_n and_o therefore_o the_o objection_n suppose_v they_o perform_v only_o by_o the_o fancy_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o witchcraft_n be_v but_o a_o illusion_n of_o crazy_a imagination_n but_o to_o this_o objection_n i_o return_v 1_o in_o the_o general_n the_o more_o absurd_a and_o unaccountable_a these_o action_n seem_v the_o great_a confirmation_n be_v they_o to_o i_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o relation_n and_o the_o reality_n of_o what_o the_o objector_n will_v destroy_v for_o these_o circumstance_n be_v exceed_v unlikely_a judge_v by_o the_o measure_n of_o common_a belief_n it_o be_v the_o great_a probability_n they_o be_v not_o fictitious_a for_o the_o contriver_n of_o fiction_n use_v to_o form_v they_o as_o near_o as_o they_o can_v conformable_o to_o the_o most_o unsuspected_a reality_n endeavour_v to_o make_v they_o look_v as_o like_o truth_n as_o be_v possible_a in_o the_o main_a supposal_n though_o withal_o they_o make_v they_o strange_a in_o the_o circumstance_n none_o but_o a_o fool_n or_o madman_n will_v relate_v with_o a_o purpose_n of_o have_v it_o believe_v that_o he_o see_v in_o ireland_n man_n with_o hoof_n on_o their_o head_n and_o eye_n in_o their_o breast_n or_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o ridiculous_o vain_a as_o to_o be_v serious_a in_o such_o a_o incredible_a romance_n it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o all_o traveller_n that_o come_v into_o those_o part_n after_o he_o shall_v tell_v the_o same_o story_n there_o be_v large_a field_n in_o fiction_n and_o if_o all_o those_o relation_n be_v arbitrary_a composition_n doubtless_o the_o first_o romancer_n will_v have_v frame_v they_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o spirit_n at_o least_o after_o these_o suppose_a absurdity_n have_v be_v a_o thousand_o time_n laugh_v at_o people_n by_o this_o time_n will_v have_v learn_v to_o correct_v those_o obnoxious_a extravagancy_n and_o though_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o more_o veracity_n than_o the_o age_n of_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n yet_o one_o will_v expect_v they_o shall_v have_v get_v more_o cunning_a this_o suppose_a impossibility_n then_o of_o these_o performance_n seem_v to_o i_o a_o probable_a argument_n that_o they_o be_v not_o wilful_a and_o design_v forgery_n and_o if_o they_o be_v fancy_n it_o be_v somewhat_o strange_a that_o imagination_n which_o be_v the_o most_o various_a thing_n in_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v infinite_o repeat_v the_o same_o conceit_n in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n but_o again_o 2_o the_o strange_a action_n relate_v of_o witch_n and_o presume_v impossible_a be_v not_o ascribe_v to_o their_o own_o power_n but_o to_o the_o agency_n of_o those_o wicked_a confederate_n they_o employ_v and_o to_o affirm_v that_o those_o evil_a spirit_n can_v do_v that_o which_o we_o conceit_n impossible_a be_v bold_o to_o stint_v the_o power_n of_o creature_n who_o nature_n and_o faculty_n we_o know_v not_o and_o to_o measure_v the_o world_n of_o spirit_n by_o the_o narrow_a rule_n of_o our_o own_o impotent_a being_n we_o see_v among_o ourselves_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o out_o go_v the_o conceit_n and_o possibility_n of_o other_o and_o we_o know_v many_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v by_o the_o mathematics_n and_o mechanic_n artifice_n which_o common_a head_n think_v impossible_a to_o be_v effect_v by_o the_o honest_a way_n of_o art_n and_o nature_n and_o doubtless_o the_o subtlety_n and_o power_n of_o those_o mischievous_a fiend_n be_v as_o much_o beyond_o the_o reach_n and_o activity_n of_o the_o most_o know_a agent_n among_o we_o as_o they_o be_v beyond_o the_o wit_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o most_o rustic_a and_o illiterate_a so_o that_o the_o utmost_a that_o any_o man_n reason_n in_o the_o world_n can_v amount_v to_o in_o this_o particular_a be_v only_o this_o that_o he_o can_v conceive_v how_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v perform_v which_o only_o argue_v the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o apprehension_n not_o the_o impossibility_n of_o those_o performance_n and_o we_o can_v no_o more_o from_o hence_o form_v a_o argument_n against_o they_o than_o against_o the_o most_o ordinary_a effect_n in_o nature_n we_o can_v conceive_v how_o the_o foetus_fw-la be_v form_v in_o the_o womb_n nor_o as_o much_o as_o how_o a_o plant_n spring_v from_o the_o earth_n we_o tread_v on_o we_o know_v not_o how_o our_o soul_n move_v the_o body_n nor_o how_o these_o distant_a and_o extreme_a nature_n be_v unite_v and_o if_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o most_o obvious_a thing_n about_o we_o and_o the_o most_o considerable_a within_o ourselves_o it_o be_v then_o no_o wonder_n that_o we_o know_v not_o the_o constitution_n and_o power_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o who_o we_o be_v such_o stranger_n brief_o then_o matter_n of_o fact_n well_o prove_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v because_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o they_o can_v be_v perform_v nor_o be_v it_o a_o reasonable_a method_n of_o inference_n first_o to_o presume_v the_o thing_n impossible_a and_o thence_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o fact_n can_v be_v prove_v on_o the_o contrary_a we_o shall_v judge_v of_o
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 vehicle_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 bat_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 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_v 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_v 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 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 hâ—brew_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 jacob_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._n ix_o 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
calmness_n in_o his_o temper_n compassion_n in_o his_o miracle_n modesty_n in_o his_o expression_n holiness_n in_o all_o his_o action_n hatred_n of_o vice_n and_o baseness_n and_o love_n to_o all_o the_o world_n all_o which_o be_v essential_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o apostate_n spirit_n who_o abound_v in_o pride_n and_o rancour_n insolence_n and_o rudeness_n tyranny_n and_o baseness_n universal_a malice_n and_o hatred_n of_o men._n and_o their_o design_n be_v as_o opposite_a as_o their_o spirit_n and_o their_o genius_n and_o now_o can_v the_o sun_n borrow_v its_o light_n from_o the_o bottomless_a abyss_n can_v heat_n and_o warmth_n flow_v in_o upon_o the_o world_n from_o the_o region_n of_o snow_n and_o ice_n can_v fire_n freeze_v and_o water_n burn_v can_v nature_n so_o infinite_o contrary_a communicate_v and_o jump_v in_o project_n that_o be_v destructive_a to_o each_o other_o know_v interest_n be_v there_o any_o balsam_n in_o the_o cockatrice_n egg_n or_o can_v the_o spirit_n of_o life_n flow_v from_o the_o venom_n of_o the_o asp_n will_v the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n strengthen_v the_o arm_n that_o be_v stretch_v out_o to_o pluck_v his_o usurp_v sceptre_n and_o his_o spoil_n from_o he_o and_o will_v he_o lend_v his_o legion_n to_o assist_v the_o army_n of_o his_o enemy_n against_o he_o no_o these_o be_v impossible_a supposal_n no_o intelligent_a be_v will_v industrious_o and_o know_o contribute_v to_o the_o contradiction_n of_o its_o own_o principle_n the_o defeature_n of_o its_o purpose_n and_o the_o ruin_n of_o its_o own_o dear_a interest_n there_o be_v no_o fear_n then_o that_o our_o faith_n shall_v receive_v prejudice_n from_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o be_v of_o witch_n and_o power_n of_o evil_a spirit_n since_o it_o be_v not_o the_o do_v wonderful_a thing_n that_o be_v the_o only_a evidence_n that_o the_o holy_a jesus_n be_v from_o god_n and_o his_o doctrine_n true_a but_o the_o conjunction_n of_o other_o circumstance_n the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o design_n add_v credit_n to_o his_o work_n and_o strengthen_v the_o great_a conclusion_n that_o he_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n but_o beside_o i_o say_v 2._o that_o since_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n rule_v the_o world_n it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o they_o shall_v give_v up_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n to_o unavoidable_a deception_n and_o if_o evil_a angel_n by_o their_o confederate_n be_v permit_v to_o perform_v such_o astonish_a thing_n as_o seem_v so_o evident_o to_o carry_v god_n seal_n and_o power_n with_o they_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o falsehood_n and_o gain_v credit_n to_o impostor_n without_o any_o counter-evidence_n to_o disabuse_v the_o world_n mankind_n be_v expose_v to_o sad_a and_o fatal_a delusion_n and_o to_o say_v that_o providence_n will_v suffer_v we_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a concernment_n when_o we_o use_v the_o best_a of_o our_o care_n and_o endeavour_n to_o prevent_v it_o be_v to_o speak_v hard_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o affirm_v that_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n or_o do_v not_o concern_v himself_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o poor_a forlorn_a men._n and_o if_o the_o providence_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o security_n unto_o we_o against_o such_o deception_n we_o can_v be_v assure_v but_o that_o we_o be_v always_o abuse_v by_o those_o mischievous_a agent_n in_o the_o object_n of_o plain_a sense_n and_o in_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o daily_a converse_v if_o one_o that_o pretend_v he_o be_v immediate_o send_v from_o god_n to_o overthrow_v the_o ancient_a fabric_n of_o establish_v worship_n and_o to_o erect_v a_o new_a religion_n in_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n and_o honour_v by_o a_o miraculous_a star_n proclaim_v by_o a_o song_n of_o seem_a angel_n of_o light_n and_o worship_v by_o the_o wise_a sage_n of_o the_o world_n revere_v by_o those_o of_o the_o great_a austerity_n and_o admire_v by_o all_o for_o a_o miraculous_a wisdom_n beyond_o his_o education_n and_o his_o year_n if_o he_o shall_v feed_v multitude_n with_o almost_o nothing_o and_o fast_o himself_o beyond_o all_o the_o possibility_n of_o nature_n if_o he_o shall_v be_v transform_v into_o the_o appearance_n of_o extraordinary_a glory_n and_o converse_v with_o depart_a prophet_n in_o their_o visible_a form_n if_o he_o shall_v cure_v all_o disease_n without_o physic_n or_o endeavour_n and_o raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n after_o they_o have_v stink_v in_o their_o grave_n if_o he_o shall_v be_v honour_v by_o voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o attract_v the_o universal_a wonder_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n if_o he_o shall_v allay_v tempest_n with_o a_o beck_n and_o cast_v out_o devil_n with_o a_o word_n if_o he_o shall_v foretell_v his_o own_o death_n particular_o with_o its_o tragical_a circumstance_n and_o his_o resurrection_n after_o it_o if_o the_o veil_n of_o the_o most_o famous_a temple_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v rend_v and_o the_o sun_n darken_v at_o his_o funeral_n if_o he_o shall_v within_o the_o time_n foretell_v break_v the_o bond_n of_o death_n and_o lift_v up_o his_o head_n out_o of_o the_o grave_a if_o multitude_n of_o other_o depart_a soul_n shall_v arise_v with_o he_o to_o attend_v at_o the_o solemnity_n of_o his_o resurrection_n if_o he_o shall_v after_o death_n visible_o converse_v and_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o divers_a person_n who_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o clear_a sense_n and_o ascend_v in_o glory_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o astonish_a and_o admire_a multitude_n i_o say_v if_o such_o a_o one_o as_o this_o shall_v prove_v a_o diabolical_a impostor_n and_o providence_n shall_v permit_v he_o to_o be_v so_o credit_v and_o acknowledge_v what_o possibility_n be_v there_o then_o for_o we_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v not_o always_o deceive_v yea_o that_o our_o very_a faculty_n be_v not_o give_v we_o only_o to_o delude_v and_o abuse_v we_o and_o if_o so_o the_o next_o conclusion_n be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n that_o judge_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o best_a and_o most_o likely_a hypothesis_n will_v be_v that_o the_o world_n be_v give_v up_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n that_o supervise_v we_o as_o nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a doubtless_o it_o will_v never_o suffer_v poor_a helpless_a creature_n to_o be_v inevitable_o deceive_v by_o the_o craft_n and_o subtlety_n of_o their_o mischievous_a enemy_n to_o their_o undo_n but_o will_v without_o question_n take_v such_o care_n that_o the_o work_v wrought_v by_o divine_a power_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o divine_a truth_n shall_v have_v such_o visible_a mark_n and_o signature_n if_o not_o in_o their_o nature_n yet_o in_o their_o circumstance_n end_n and_o design_n as_o shall_v discover_v whence_o they_o be_v and_o sufficient_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o imposture_n and_o delusion_n and_o though_o wicked_a spirit_n may_v perform_v some_o strange_a thing_n that_o may_v excite_v wonder_n for_o a_o while_n yet_o he_o have_v and_o will_v so_o provide_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v baffle_v and_o discredit_v as_o we_o know_v it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o egyptian_a magician_n now_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v direct_o say_v to_o the_o objection_n i_o have_v this_o to_o add_v to_o the_o objector_n that_o i_o can_v wish_v they_o will_v take_v care_n of_o such_o suggestion_n which_o if_o they_o overthrow_v not_o the_o opinion_n they_o oppose_v will_v dangerous_o affront_v the_o religion_n they_o will_v seem_v to_o acknowledge_v for_o he_o that_o say_v that_o if_o there_o be_v witch_n there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v not_o a_o magician_n and_o diabolical_a impostor_n put_v a_o deadly_a weapon_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o infidel_n and_o be_v himself_o next_o door_n to_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o which_o in_o order_n to_o the_o persuade_v great_a tenderness_n and_o caution_n in_o such_o matter_n i_o give_v this_o short_a account_n the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v say_v to_o be_v unpardonable_a by_o which_o sad_a attribute_n and_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n xii_o from_o the_o xxii_o to_o the_o xxxiii_o verse_n we_o may_v understand_v its_o nature_n in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o consider_v that_o since_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o son_n be_v infinite_a there_o be_v nothing_o can_v make_v a_o sin_n unpardonabâ—â—_n but_o what_o make_v it_o incurable_a and_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o what_o be_v curable_a by_o a_o strong_a faith_n
cast_v out_o devil_n by_o beelzebub_n in_o his_o return_n to_o which_o he_o deny_v not_o the_o supposition_n or_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o general_n but_o clear_v himself_o by_o a_o appeal_n to_o the_o action_n of_o their_o own_o child_n who_o they_o will_v not_o taste_v so_o severe_o and_o i_o can_v very_o well_o understand_v why_o those_o time_n shall_v be_v privilege_v from_o witchcraft_n and_o diabolical_a compact_n more_o than_o they_o be_v from_o possession_n which_o we_o know_v be_v then_o more_o frequent_a for_o aught_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a than_o ever_o they_o be_v before_o or_o since_o but_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v intimation_n plain_a enough_o in_o the_o apostle_n write_n of_o the_o be_v of_o sorcery_n and_o witchcraft_n st._n paul_n reckon_v witchcraft_n next_o idolatry_n in_o his_o catalogue_n of_o the_o workâ—_n of_o the_o flesh_n gal._n v._o xx_o and_o the_o sorcerer_n be_v again_o join_v with_o idolater_n in_o that_o sad_a denunciation_n rev._n xxi_o viij_o and_o a_o little_a after_o rev._n xxii_o xv_o they_o be_v reckon_v again_o among_o idolater_n murderer_n and_o those_o other_o that_o be_v without_o and_o methinks_v the_o story_n of_o simon_n magus_n and_o his_o diabolical_a opposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o beginning_n shall_v afford_v clear_a conviction_n to_o all_o which_o i_o add_v this_o more_o general_a consideration_n 3._o that_o though_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v mention_v nothing_o of_o this_o matter_n yet_o its_o silence_n in_o such_o case_n be_v not_o argumentative_a our_o saviour_n speak_v as_o he_o have_v occasion_n and_o the_o thousand_o part_n of_o what_o he_o do_v and_o say_v be_v not_o record_v as_o one_o of_o his_o historian_n intimate_v he_o say_v nothing_o of_o those_o large_a unknown_a tract_n of_o america_n nor_o give_v he_o any_o intimation_n of_o as_o much_o as_o the_o â—â—â—â—…nce_n of_o that_o numerous_a people_n much_o 〈◊〉_d do_v he_o leave_v instruction_n about_o their_o conversion_n he_o give_v no_o account_n of_o the_o affâ—â—â—s_n and_o state_n of_o the_o other_o world_n but_o only_o 〈◊〉_d general_a one_o of_o the_o happiness_n of_o some_o and_o the_o misery_n of_o other_o he_o make_v no_o discovery_n of_o the_o magnalia_fw-la of_o art_n or_o nature_n no_o not_o of_o those_o whereby_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v have_v be_v much_o advance_v viz._n the_o mystery_n of_o print_v and_o the_o magnet_n and_o yet_o no_o one_o use_v his_o silence_n in_o these_o instance_n as_o a_o argument_n against_o the_o be_v of_o thing_n which_o be_v evident_a object_n of_o sense_n i_o confess_v the_o omission_n of_o some_o of_o these_o particular_n be_v pretty_a strange_a and_o unaccountable_a and_o conclude_v our_o ignorance_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o menage_n of_o providence_n but_o i_o suppose_v nothing_o else_o thus_o sir_n to_z the_o first_o but_o the_o other_o pretence_n also_o must_v be_v examine_v 2_o miracle_n be_v cease_v therefore_o the_o presume_a action_n of_o witchcraft_n be_v tale_n and_o illusion_n to_o make_v a_o due_a return_n to_o this_o we_o must_v consider_v a_o great_a and_o difficult_a problem_n which_o be_v what_o be_v a_o real_a miracle_n and_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o weighty_a question_n i_o think_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o strangeness_n or_o unaccountableness_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v simple_o from_o whence_o we_o be_v to_o conclude_v a_o miracle_n for_o then_o we_o be_v so_o to_o account_v of_o all_o the_o magnalia_fw-la of_o nature_n and_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o those_o honest_a art_n which_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v nor_o 2_o be_v this_o the_o criterion_n of_o a_o miracle_n that_o it_o be_v conclude_v beyond_o all_o natural_a power_n for_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o extent_n and_o bound_n of_o nature_n sphere_n and_o possibility_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o character_n and_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o miracle_n we_o can_v not_o know_v what_o be_v so_o except_o we_o can_v determine_v the_o extent_n of_o natural_a causality_n and_o fix_v their_o bound_n and_o be_v able_a to_o say_v to_o nature_n hitherto_o can_v thou_o go_v and_o no_o further_o and_o he_o that_o make_v this_o his_o measure_n whereby_o to_o judge_v a_o miracle_n be_v himself_o the_o great_a miracle_n of_o knowledge_n or_o immodesty_n beside_o though_o a_o effect_n may_v transcend_v real_o all_o the_o power_n of_o mere_a nature_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o spirit_n that_o must_v be_v take_v into_o our_o account_n and_o as_o to_o they_o also_o i_o say_v 3_o every_o thing_n be_v not_o a_o miracle_n that_o be_v do_v by_o agent_n supernatural_a there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o evil_a spirit_n can_v make_v wonderful_a combination_n of_o natural_a cause_n and_o perhaps_o perform_v many_o thing_n immediate_o which_o be_v prodigious_a and_o beyond_o the_o long_a line_n of_o nature_n but_o yet_o these_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v call_v miracle_n for_o they_o be_v sacred_a wonder_n and_o suppose_v the_o power_n to_o be_v divine_a but_o how_o shall_v the_o power_n be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o when_o we_o so_o little_o understand_v the_o capacity_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o ability_n of_o low_a agent_n the_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n will_v discover_v the_o criterion_n of_o miracle_n which_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v all_o the_o former_a particular_n they_o be_v unaccountable_a beyond_o the_o power_n of_o mere_a nature_n and_o do_v by_o agent_n supernatural_a and_o to_o these_o must_v be_v superad_v 4._o that_o they_o have_v peculiar_a circumstance_n that_o speak_v they_o of_o a_o divine_a original_n their_o mediate_a author_n declare_v they_o to_o be_v so_o and_o they_o be_v always_o person_n of_o simplicity_n truth_n and_o holiness_n void_a of_o ambition_n and_o all_o secular_a design_n they_o seldom_o use_v ceremony_n or_o natural_a application_n and_o yet_o surmount_v all_o the_o activity_n of_o know_a nature_n they_o work_v those_o 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room_n but_o will_v carry_v they_o away_o light_v up_o the_o chimney_n or_o throw_v they_o under_o the_o bed_n it_o so_o scare_v this_o child_n by_o leap_v upon_o it_o that_o for_o some_o hour_n it_o can_v not_o be_v recover_v out_o of_o the_o fright_n insomuch_o as_o they_o be_v enforce_v again_o to_o reremove_v the_o child_n out_o of_o the_o house_n the_o next_o night_n after_o they_o be_v go_v something_o about_o midnight_n come_v up_o the_o stair_n and_o knock_v at_o mr._n mompesson_n door_n but_o he_o lie_v still_o it_o go_v up_o another_o pair_n of_o stair_n to_o his_o man_n chamber_n to_o who_o it_o appear_v stand_v at_o his_o bed_n foot_n the_o exact_a shape_n and_o proportion_n he_o can_v not_o discover_v but_o see_v a_o great_a body_n with_o two_o red_a and_o glare_a eye_n which_o for_o some_o time_n be_v fix_v steady_o upon_o he_o and_o at_o length_n disappear_v another_o night_n stranger_n be_v present_a it_o purr_v in_o the_o child_n bed_n like_o a_o cat_n and_o at_o 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for_o the_o most_o part_n remarkable_o defective_a in_o close_a ratiocination_n and_o the_o worst_a in_o the_o world_n at_o inference_n which_o be_v no_o wonder_n since_o fancy_n be_v a_o desultory_n and_o rove_a faculty_n and_o when_o it_o be_v not_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o severe_a judgement_n not_o able_a to_o keep_v itself_o to_o a_o steady_a and_o resolve_v attention_n much_o less_o to_o make_v coheherent_a chain_n of_o rational_a deduction_n so_o that_o it_o be_v next_o to_o impossible_a for_o such_o wit_n as_o these_o to_o arrive_v to_o more_o than_o a_o knack_n of_o scoff_v at_o what_o they_o understand_v not_o and_o they_o be_v under_o almost_o a_o invincible_a temptation_n of_o do_v so_o by_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v too_o great_a for_o their_o comprehension_n for_o the_o humour_n that_o act_v they_o be_v proud_a and_o assume_v and_o will_v not_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v value_v of_o which_o itself_o be_v incapable_a and_o therefore_o it_o depreciate_n all_o 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reverence_n and_o in_o this_o it_o suffer_v infinite_o from_o the_o droll_a phantastic_o who_o blow_n in_o the_o sore_n till_o they_o have_v rankle_v they_o with_o their_o malicious_a and_o poisonous_a breath_n and_o shoot_v libel_n at_o the_o government_n till_o they_o have_v make_v deep_a wound_n in_o its_o reputation_n and_o reverence_n and_o turn_v every_o tongue_n into_o a_o weapon_n of_o war_n against_o it_o thus_o do_v these_o cham_n discover_v their_o father_n nakedness_n and_o rejoice_v to_o publish_v the_o shame_n of_o those_o who_o failure_n and_o infirmity_n loyalty_n prudence_n and_o regard_n to_o the_o public_a quiet_n shall_v oblige_v they_o to_o conceal_v nor_o 2._o be_v religion_n more_o beholden_a to_o they_o for_o a_o mind_n that_o use_v to_o whiffle_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o levities_n of_o fancy_n will_v find_v a_o very_a great_a indisposition_n to_o the_o serious_a and_o solemn_a exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o that_o will_v grow_v into_o a_o aversation_n which_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o prompt_v the_o humourist_n to_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o expose_v it_o so_o that_o he_o quick_o jest_n at_o scripture_n and_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o sin_n play_v with_o eternal_a flame_n and_o scoff_v at_o those_o that_o fear_v they_o as_o if_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n be_v but_o a_o legend_n of_o idle_a tale_n and_o sin_n but_o a_o name_n coin_v by_o fancy_n and_o vain_a fear_n as_o if_o hell_n be_v but_o a_o paint_a fire_n and_o the_o religious_a a_o sort_n of_o timorous_a fool_n that_o be_v afraid_a of_o bug_n and_o the_o imagery_n of_o dream_n and_o if_o these_o be_v not_o yet_o the_o real_a article_n of_o their_o creed_n their_o extravagant_a fancy_n and_o vile_a affection_n be_v like_a in_o a_o short_a time_n to_o incline_v these_o light_n and_o impure_a spirit_n to_o make_v they_o so_o and_o this_o sort_n of_o wit_n be_v either_o atheist_n or_o as_o great_a prodigy_n of_o folly_n if_o they_o be_v not_o since_o to_o believe_v a_o god_n that_o 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of_o brain_n that_o be_v very_o different_a and_o such_o as_o seldom_o meet_v in_o great_a degree_n but_o in_o some_o very_o few_o extraordinary_a temper_n but_o general_o i_o believe_v the_o droll_fw-fr be_v very_o unfit_a for_o matter_n of_o sublimity_n and_o substance_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o intimate_v endeavour_v by_o his_o scoff_v and_o injury_n to_o make_v they_o appear_v as_o much_o below_o his_o serious_a notice_n as_o they_o be_v indeed_o above_o his_o reach_n and_o in_o this_o design_n he_o have_v many_o great_a advantage_n for_o his_o abuse_n for_o the_o pedantry_n of_o disputer_n that_o make_v a_o loud_a claim_n to_o knowledge_n the_o vanity_n of_o the_o extravagant_a sort_n of_o chemist_n the_o fond_a boast_n of_o some_o hold_v pretender_n to_o philosophy_n and_o experiment_n the_o strangeness_n of_o thing_n that_o sober_a inquisitor_n declare_v practicable_a but_o have_v not_o yet_o succeed_v the_o meanness_n and_o seem_a contemptibleness_n of_o many_o subject_n 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against_o it_o but_o jest_n and_o loud_a laughter_n be_v not_o to_o be_v confute_v and_o yet_o these_o be_v of_o more_o force_n to_o degrade_v a_o thing_n in_o the_o esteem_n of_o some_o sort_n of_o spirit_n than_o the_o most_o potent_a demonstration_n and_o the_o mischief_n of_o it_o be_v that_o these_o quibbler_n and_o buffoon_n that_o have_v some_o little_a scrap_n of_o learn_v match_v with_o a_o great_a proportion_n of_o confidence_n have_v common_o the_o luck_n to_o be_v celebrate_v among_o the_o vulgar_a for_o man_n of_o great_a part_n and_o knowledge_n and_o that_o opinion_n of_o they_o gain_v credit_n to_o their_o insolence_n and_o abuse_n but_o sir_n i_o perceive_v my_o zeal_n against_o those_o pedlar_n of_o wit_n have_v transport_v i_o to_o your_o trouble_n i_o therefore_o make_v a_o abrupt_a return_n to_o my_o other_o reason_n mention_v of_o man_n disbelief_n of_o the_o be_v of_o witch_n and_o apparitions_z and_o that_o be_v 2._o atheism_n the_o folly_n of_o which_o 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