find_v among_o you_o any_o one_o that_o make_v his_o son_n or_o his_o daughter_n pass_v through_o the_o fire_n or_o that_o use_v divination_n or_o a_o observer_n of_o time_n or_o a_o enchanter_n or_o a_o witch_z or_o a_o charmer_n or_o a_o consulter_n with_o familiar_a spirit_n or_o a_o wizard_n or_o a_o necromancer_n now_o this_o accumulation_n of_o name_n some_o of_o which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o import_v be_v a_o plain_a indication_n that_o the_o hebrew_a witch_z be_v one_o that_o practise_v by_o compact_n with_o evil_a spirit_n and_o many_o of_o the_o same_o expression_n be_v put_v together_o in_o the_o charge_n against_o manasses_n two_o chron._n xxxiii_o viz._n that_o he_o cause_v his_o child_n to_o pass_v through_o the_o fire_n observe_v time_n use_v enchantment_n and_o witchcraft_n and_o deal_v with_o familiar_a spirit_n and_o with_o wizard_n so_o that_o though_o the_o original_a word_n which_o we_o render_v witch_z and_o witchcraft_n shall_v as_o our_o sadducee_n urge_v signify_v only_o a_o cheat_n and_o a_o poisoner_n yet_o those_o other_o mention_v plain_o enough_o speak_v the_o thing_n and_o i_o have_v give_v a_o account_n in_o the_o former_a consideration_n how_o a_o witch_z in_o the_o common_a notion_n be_v a_o poisoner_n but_o why_o mere_a poison_n shall_v have_v a_o distinct_a law_n against_o it_o and_o not_o be_v conclude_v under_o the_o general_a one_o against_o murder_n why_o mere_a legerdemain_n and_o cheat_v shall_v be_v so_o severe_o animadvert_v on_o as_o to_o be_v reckon_v with_o enchantment_n converse_v with_o devil_n and_o idolatrous_a practice_n i_o believe_v the_o denier_n of_o witch_n will_v find_v it_o hard_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v some_o other_o passage_n of_o scripture_n that_o yield_v sufficient_a evidence_n in_o the_o case_n the_o nation_n be_v forbid_v to_o hearken_v to_o the_o diviner_n dreamer_n enchanter_n and_o sorcerer_n jer._n xxvii_o ix_o the_o chaldean_n be_v deep_o threaten_v for_o their_o sorcery_n and_o enchantment_n isa_n xlvii_o ix_o and_o we_o read_v that_o nabuchadnezzar_n call_v the_o magician_n astrologer_n sorcerer_n and_o chaldean_n to_o tell_v his_o dream_n all_o which_o it_o be_v like_a enough_o do_v cheat_v and_o delude_v by_o their_o prediction_n but_o that_o they_o do_v not_o confederate_a and_o transact_v with_o evil_a spirit_n be_v a_o assertion_n without_o a_o reason_n contrary_a to_o the_o express_a letter_n and_o to_o what_o be_v general_o believe_v in_o those_o time_n and_o the_o story_n of_o the_o witch_z of_o endor_n 1_o sam._n xxviii_o be_v a_o remarkable_a demonstration_n of_o the_o main_a conclusion_n which_o will_v appear_v when_o we_o have_v consider_v and_o remove_v the_o fancy_n and_o gloss_n of_o our_o author_n about_o it_o in_o his_o discovery_n where_o to_o avoid_v this_o evidence_n he_o affirm_v this_o witch_z to_o be_v but_o a_o cozener_n and_o the_o whole_a transaction_n a_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n manage_v by_o herself_o and_o a_o confederate_a and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o persuade_v this_o he_o tell_v a_o fine_a tale_n viz._n that_o she_o depart_v from_o saul_n into_o her_o closet_n where_o doubtless_o say_v he_o she_o have_v a_o familiar_a some_o lewd_a crafty_a priest_n and_o make_v saul_n stand_v at_o the_o door_n like_o a_o fool_n to_o hear_v the_o cozen_a answer_n he_o say_v she_o there_o use_v the_o ordinary_a word_n of_o conjuration_n and_o after_o they_o samuel_n appear_v who_o he_o affirm_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o either_o the_o witch_n herself_o or_o her_o confederate_a by_o this_o pretty_a knack_n and_o contrivance_n he_o think_v he_o have_v disable_v the_o relation_n from_o signifyfy_v to_o our_o purpose_n but_o the_o discoverer_n may_v have_v consider_v that_o all_o this_o be_v a_o invention_n and_o without_o book_n for_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o witch_n closet_n or_o her_o retire_n into_o another_o room_n or_o her_o confederate_a or_o her_o form_n of_o conjuration_n i_o say_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o intimate_v in_o the_o history_n and_o if_o we_o may_v take_v this_o large_a liberty_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v scarce_o a_o story_n in_o the_o bible_n but_o may_v be_v make_v a_o fallacy_n and_o imposture_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o please_v nor_o be_v this_o fancy_n of_o his_o only_a arbitrary_a but_o indeed_o contrary_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text._n for_o it_o say_v saul_n perceive_v it_o be_v samuel_n and_o bow_v himself_o and_o this_o samuel_n true_o foretell_v his_o approach_a fate_n viz._n that_o israel_n shall_v be_v deliver_v with_o he_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o philistine_n and_o that_o on_o the_o morrow_n he_o and_o his_o son_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a which_o doubtless_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o expression_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v with_o he_o which_o contingent_a particular_n how_o can_v the_o cozener_n and_o her_o confederate_n foretell_v if_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o extraordinary_a and_o preternatural_a it_o have_v indeed_o be_v a_o great_a dispute_n among_o interpreter_n whether_o the_o real_a samuel_n be_v raise_v or_o the_o devil_n in_o his_o likeness_n most_o late_a writer_n suppose_v it_o to_o have_v be_v a_o evil_a spirit_n upon_o the_o supposition_n that_o good_a and_o happy_a soul_n can_v never_o return_v hither_o from_o their_o celestial_a abode_n and_o they_o be_v not_o certain_o at_o the_o beck_n and_o call_v of_o a_o impious_a hagg._n but_o then_o those_o of_o the_o other_o â—ide_v urge_v that_o the_o piâ—ty_n of_o the_o word_n that_o be_v speak_v and_o the_o seasonable_a reproof_n give_v to_o despair_a saul_n be_v indication_n sufficient_a that_o they_o come_v not_o from_o hell_n and_o especial_o they_o think_v the_o prophecy_n of_o circumstance_n very_o accidental_a to_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o utter_v by_o any_o of_o the_o infernal_a predictor_n and_o for_o the_o supposal_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o interpretation_n it_o be_v judge_v exceed_o precarious_a for_o who_o say_v that_o happy_a depart_a soul_n be_v never_o employ_v in_o any_o ministries_n here_o below_o and_o those_o dissenter_n be_v ready_a to_o ask_v a_o reason_n why_o they_o may_v not_o be_v send_v in_o message_n to_o earth_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o the_o angelical_a order_n they_o be_v near_o ally_v to_o our_o nature_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n more_o intimate_o concern_v in_o our_o affair_n and_o the_o example_n of_o return_v lazarus_n be_v evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la beside_o which_o that_o it_o be_v the_o real_a samuel_n they_o think_v make_v probable_a by_o the_o opinion_n of_o jesus_n syrac_n eccles_n xlvi_o nineteeen_o xx_o who_o say_v of_o he_o that_o after_o his_o death_n he_o prophesy_v and_o show_v the_o king_n his_o end_n which_o also_o be_v likely_a from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o woman_n astonishment_n and_o cry_v out_o when_o she_o see_v he_o intimate_v her_o surprise_n in_o that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n have_v overrule_v her_o enchantment_n and_o send_v another_o than_o she_o expect_v and_o they_o conceive_v there_o be_v no_o more_o incongruity_n in_o suppose_v god_n shall_v send_v samuel_n to_o rebuke_n saul_n for_o this_o his_o last_o folly_n and_o to_o predict_v his_o instant_a ruin_n than_o in_o his_o interpose_v elias_n to_o the_o messenger_n of_o ahazias_n when_o he_o send_v to_o beelzebub_n now_o if_o it_o be_v the_o real_a samuel_n as_o the_o letter_n express_v and_o the_o obvious_a sense_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v when_o there_o be_v no_o cogent_a reason_n to_o decline_v it_o he_o be_v not_o raise_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o witch_n enchantment_n but_o come_v on_o that_o occasion_n in_o a_o divine_a errand_n but_o yet_o attempt_n and_o endeavour_n to_o raise_v her_o familiar_a spirit_n though_o at_o that_o time_n overrule_v be_v argument_n that_o it_o have_v be_v her_o custom_n to_o do_v so_o or_o if_o it_o be_v as_o the_o other_o side_n conclude_v the_o devil_n in_o the_o shape_n of_o samuel_n her_o diabolical_a confederacy_n be_v yet_o more_o palpable_a by_o all_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v witch_n in_o ancient_a time_n under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n also_o will_v not_o be_v much_o more_o difficult_a to_o make_v good_a i_o have_v a_o late_a occasion_n to_o say_v something_o about_o this_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o a_o person_n of_o the_o high_a honour_n from_o which_o i_o shall_v now_o borrow_v some_o thing_n to_o my_o present_a purpose_n i_o say_v then_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v compact_n with_o evil_a spirit_n in_o those_o time_n also_o be_v methinks_v intimate_v strong_o in_o that_o say_n of_o the_o jew_n concern_v our_o saviour_n that_o he_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 by_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n as_o the_o ordinary_a affair_n of_o nature_n for_o in_o resolve_v natural_a phoenomena_fw-la we_o can_v only_o assign_v the_o probable_a cause_n show_v how_o thing_n may_v be_v not_o presume_v how_o they_o be_v and_o in_o the_o particular_n under_o our_o examen_fw-la we_o may_v give_v a_o account_n how_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o not_o unlikely_a that_o such_o thing_n though_o somewhat_o vary_v from_o the_o common_a road_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v act_v and_o if_o our_o narrow_a and_o contract_a mind_n can_v furnish_v we_o with_o apprehension_n of_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o such_o performance_n though_o perhaps_o not_o the_o true_a one_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v effect_v by_o creature_n who_o power_n and_o knowledge_n be_v so_o vast_o exceed_v we_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v therefore_o brief_o to_o suggest_v some_o thing_n that_o may_v render_v the_o possibility_n of_o these_o performance_n conceivable_a in_o order_n to_o the_o removal_n of_o this_o objection_n that_o they_o be_v contradiction_n and_o impossible_a for_o the_o first_o then_o that_o the_o confederate_a spirit_n shall_v transport_v the_o witch_n through_o the_o air_n to_o the_o place_n of_o general_a rendezvous_n there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o conceive_v it_o and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o great_a philosopher_n affirm_v concern_v the_o real_a separability_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o the_o body_n without_o death_n there_o be_v yet_o less_o for_o then_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o apprehend_v that_o the_o soul_n have_v leave_v its_o gross_a and_o sluggish_a body_n behind_o it_o and_o be_v clothe_v only_o with_o its_o immediate_a vehicle_n of_o air_n or_o more_o subtle_a matter_n may_v be_v quick_o conduct_v to_o any_o place_n it_o will_v be_v at_o by_o those_o officious_a spirit_n that_o attend_v it_o and_o though_o i_o adventure_v to_o affirm_v nothing_o concern_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o this_o supposition_n yet_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v it_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o i_o unreasonable_a and_o our_o experience_n of_o apoplexy_n epilepsy_n extastes_n and_o the_o strange_a thing_n man_n report_v to_o have_v see_v during_o those_o deliquium_n look_v favourable_o upon_o this_o conjecture_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o contradict_v no_o principle_n of_o reason_n or_o philosophy_n since_o death_n consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o actual_a separation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n as_o in_o the_o indisposition_n and_o unfitness_n of_o the_o body_n for_o vital_a union_n as_o a_o excellent_a philosopher_n have_v make_v good_a on_o which_o hypothesis_n the_o witch_n anoint_v herself_o before_o she_o take_v her_o flight_n may_v perhaps_o serve_v to_o keep_v the_o body_n tenantable_a and_o in_o fit_a disposition_n to_o receive_v the_o spirit_n at_o its_o return_n these_o thing_n i_o say_v we_o may_v conceive_v though_o i_o affirm_v nothing_o about_o they_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o such_o conception_n but_o what_o have_v be_v own_a by_o man_n of_o worth_n and_o name_n and_o may_v seem_v fair_a and_o accountable_a enough_o to_o those_o who_o judge_v not_o altogether_o by_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o populace_n and_o customary_a opinion_n and_o there_o be_v a_o say_n of_o a_o great_a apostle_n that_o seem_v to_o countenance_v this_o platonic_a opinion_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n else_o of_o that_o expression_n whether_o in_o the_o body_n or_o out_o of_o the_o body_n i_o can_v tell_v except_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n without_o death_n which_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v possible_a it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n and_o 2._o the_o transformation_n of_o witch_n into_o the_o shape_n of_o other_o animal_n upon_o the_o same_o supposal_n be_v very_o conceivable_a since_o then_o it_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n may_v form_v those_o passive_a and_o pliable_a vehicle_n into_o those_o shape_n with_o more_o ease_n than_o the_o fancy_n of_o the_o mother_n can_v the_o stubborn_a matter_n of_o the_o foetus_fw-la in_o the_o womb_n as_o we_o see_v it_o frequent_o do_v in_o the_o instance_n that_o occur_v of_o signature_n and_o monstrous_a singularity_n and_o perhaps_o sometime_o the_o confederate_a spirit_n put_v trick_n upon_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o spectator_n and_o those_o shape_n be_v only_a illusion_n but_o then_o 3._o when_o they_o feel_v the_o hurt_n in_o their_o gross_a body_n that_o they_o receive_v in_o their_o airy_a vehicle_n they_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v real_o present_a at_o least_o in_o these_o latter_a and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o difficult_a to_o apprehend_v how_o the_o hurt_n of_o those_o shall_v be_v translate_v upon_o their_o other_o body_n then_o how_o disease_n shall_v be_v inflict_v by_o the_o imagination_n or_o how_o the_o fancy_n of_o the_o mother_n shall_v wound_v the_o foetus_fw-la as_o several_a credible_a relation_n do_v attest_v and_o 4._o for_o their_o raise_v storm_n and_o tempest_n they_o do_v it_o not_o be_v sure_a by_o their_o own_o but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o air_n their_o friend_n and_o ally_n and_o the_o ceremony_n that_o be_v enjoin_v they_o be_v doubtless_o nothing_o else_o but_o entertainment_n for_o their_o imagination_n and_o be_v likely_a design_v to_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o do_v these_o strange_a thing_n themselves_o and_o last_o for_o their_o be_v suck_v by_o the_o familiar_a i_o say_v 1_o we_o know_v so_o little_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o doemon_n and_o spirit_n that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n we_o can_v certain_o divine_v the_o reason_n of_o so_o strange_a a_o action_n and_o yet_o 2_o we_o may_v conjecture_v at_o some_o thing_n that_o may_v render_v it_o less_o improbable_a for_o some_o have_v think_v that_o the_o genii_n who_o both_o the_o platonical_a and_o christian_a antiquity_n think_v embody_v be_v recreate_v by_o the_o reek_v and_o vapour_n of_o humane_a blood_n and_o the_o spirit_n that_o derive_v from_o they_o which_o supposal_n if_o we_o grant_v they_o body_n be_v not_o unlikely_a every_o thing_n be_v refresh_v and_o nourish_v by_o its_o like_a and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o perfect_o abstract_a from_o all_o body_n and_o matter_n beside_o the_o reverence_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o wise_a antiquity_n there_o be_v several_a considerable_a argument_n i_o can_v allege_v to_o render_v it_o exceed_v probable_a which_o thing_n suppose_v the_o devil_n be_v suck_v the_o sorceress_n be_v no_o great_a wonder_n nor_o difficult_a to_o be_v account_v for_o or_o perhaps_o 3_o this_o may_v be_v only_o a_o diabolical_a sacrament_n and_o ceremony_n to_o confirm_v the_o hellish_a covenant_n to_o which_o i_o add_v 4_o that_o which_o to_o i_o seem_v most_o probable_a viz_o that_o the_o familiar_a do_v not_o only_o suck_v the_o witch_n but_o in_o the_o action_n infuse_v some_o poisonous_a ferment_n into_o she_o which_o give_v her_o imagination_n and_o spirit_n a_o magical_a tincture_n whereby_o they_o become_v mischievous_o influential_a and_o the_o word_n venefica_fw-la intimate_v some_o such_o matter_n now_o that_o the_o imagination_n have_v a_o mighty_a power_n in_o operation_n be_v see_v in_o the_o just_a now_o mention_v signature_n and_o disease_n that_o it_o cause_v and_o that_o the_o fancy_n be_v modify_v by_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n be_v too_o evident_a to_o need_v proof_n which_o thing_n suppose_v it_o be_v plain_a to_o conceive_v that_o the_o evil_a spirit_n have_v breathe_v some_o vile_a vapour_n into_o the_o body_n of_o the_o witch_n it_o may_v taint_v her_o blood_n and_o spirit_n with_o a_o noxious_a quality_n by_o which_o her_o infect_a imagination_n heighten_v by_o melancholy_a and_o this_o worse_a cause_n may_v do_v much_o hurt_n upon_o body_n that_o be_v impressible_a by_o such_o influence_n and_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o this_o ferment_n dispose_v the_o imagination_n of_o the_o sorceress_n to_o cause_v the_o mention_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o separation_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o the_o body_n and_o may_v perhaps_o keep_v the_o body_n in_o fit_a temper_n for_o its_o reentry_n as_o also_o it_o may_v facilitate_v transformation_n which_o it_o may_v be_v can_v not_o be_v effect_v by_o ordinary_a and_o unassisted_a imagination_n thus_o we_o see_v it_o be_v not_o so_o
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
be_v imagine_v what_o design_n the_o devil_n shall_v have_v in_o make_v those_o solemn_a compact_n since_o person_n of_o such_o debauch_a and_o irreclaimable_a disposition_n as_o those_o with_o who_o he_o be_v suppose_v to_o confederate_a be_v pretty_a secure_o his_o antecedent_o to_o the_o bargain_n and_o can_v be_v more_o so_o by_o it_o since_o they_o can_v put_v their_o soul_n out_o of_o possibility_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n but_o by_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v unpardonable_a or_o if_o they_o can_v so_o dispose_v and_o give_v away_o themselves_o it_o will_v to_o some_o seem_v very_o unlikely_a that_o a_o great_a and_o mighty_a spirit_n shall_v oblige_v himself_o to_o such_o observance_n and_o keep_v such_o ado_n to_o secure_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o silly_a body_n which_o it_o be_v odds_o but_o it_o will_v be_v his_o though_o he_o put_v himself_o to_o no_o further_a trouble_n than_o that_o of_o his_o ordinary_a temptation_n to_o which_o suggestion_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o the_o thing_n be_v well_o prove_v though_o the_o design_n be_v not_o know_v and_o to_o argue_v negative_o à _fw-fr fine_a be_v very_o unconclusive_a in_o such_o matter_n the_o law_n and_o affair_n of_o the_o other_o world_n as_o have_v be_v intimate_v be_v vast_o differ_v from_o those_o of_o our_o region_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n we_o can_v judge_v of_o their_o design_n when_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o their_o menage_n and_o so_o little_a of_o their_o nature_n the_o ignorant_a looker-on_n can_v imagine_v what_o the_o limner_n mean_v by_o those_o seem_o rude_a line_n and_o scrawl_n which_o he_o intend_v for_o the_o rudiment_n of_o a_o picture_n and_o the_o figure_n of_o mathematic_a operation_n be_v nonsense_n and_o dash_v at_o a_o venture_n to_o one_o un-instructed_n in_o mechanic_n we_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a to_o one_o another_o purpose_n and_o intendment_n and_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o intrigue_n in_o our_o little_a matter_n which_o will_v not_o present_o confess_v their_o design_n even_o to_o sagacious_a inquisitor_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v folly_n and_o incogitancy_n to_o argue_v any_o thing_n one_o way_n or_o other_o from_o the_o design_n of_o a_o sort_n of_o being_n with_o who_o we_o so_o little_o communicate_v and_o possible_o we_o can_v take_v no_o more_o aim_n or_o guess_v at_o their_o project_n and_o designment_n than_o the_o gaze_a beast_n can_v do_v at_o we_o when_o they_o see_v the_o trap_n and_o gin_n that_o be_v lay_v for_o they_o but_o understand_v nothing_o what_o they_o mean_v thus_o in_o general_n but_o i_o attempt_v something_o more_o particular_o in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o name_n for_o a_o body_n politic_a in_o which_o there_o be_v very_o different_a order_n and_o degree_n of_o spirit_n and_o perhaps_o in_o as_o much_o variety_n of_o place_n and_o state_n as_o among_o ourselves_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n that_o make_v all_o the_o compact_n with_o those_o abuse_a and_o seduce_v soul_n but_o they_o be_v divers_a and_o those_o it_o be_v like_a of_o the_o mean_a and_o base_a quality_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n which_o be_v suppose_v i_o offer_v this_o account_n of_o the_o probable_a design_n of_o those_o wicked_a agent_n viz._n that_o have_v none_o to_o rule_v or_o tyrannize_v over_o within_o the_o circle_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o government_n they_o affect_v a_o proud_a empire_n over_o we_o the_o desire_n of_o dominion_n and_o authority_n be_v large_o spread_v through_o the_o whole_a circumference_n of_o degenerate_v nature_n especial_o among_o those_o who_o pride_n be_v their_o original_a transgression_n every_o one_o of_o these_o then_o desire_v to_o get_v he_o vassal_n to_o pay_v he_o homage_n and_o to_o be_v employ_v like_o slave_n in_o the_o service_n of_o his_o lust_n and_o aptetite_n to_o gratify_v which_o desire_n it_o be_v like_a enough_o to_o be_v provide_v and_o allow_v by_o the_o constitution_n of_o their_o state_n and_o government_n that_o every_o wicked_a spirit_n shall_v have_v those_o soul_n as_o his_o property_n and_o particular_a servant_n and_o attendant_n who_o he_o can_v catch_v in_o such_o compact_n as_o those_o wild_a beast_n that_o we_o can_v take_v in_o hunt_v be_v by_o the_o allowance_n of_o the_o law_n our_o own_o and_o those_o slave_n that_o a_o man_n have_v purchase_v be_v his_o peculiar_a good_n and_o the_o vassal_n of_o his_o will_n or_o rather_o those_o delude_a fiend_n be_v like_o the_o seduce_a fellow_n we_o call_v spirit_n who_o inveigle_v child_n by_o their_o false_a and_o flatter_a promise_n and_o carry_v they_o away_o to_o the_o plantation_n of_o america_n to_o be_v servil_o employ_v there_o in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o profit_n and_o advantage_n and_o as_o those_o base_a agent_n will_v humour_v and_o flatter_v the_o simple_a unwary_a youth_n till_o they_o be_v on_o shipboard_n and_o without_o the_o reach_n of_o those_o that_o may_v rescue_v they_o from_o their_o hand_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o more_o mischievous_a tempter_n study_v to_o gratify_v please_v and_o accommodate_v those_o he_o deal_v with_o in_o this_o kind_n till_o death_n have_v launch_v they_o into_o the_o deep_a and_o they_o be_v pass_v the_o danger_n of_o prayer_n repentance_n and_o endeavour_n and_o then_o he_o use_v they_o as_o please_v he_o this_o account_n i_o think_v be_v not_o unreasonable_a and_o it_o will_v full_o answer_v the_o objection_n for_o though_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o as_o i_o have_v conjecture_v yet_o it_o will_v suggest_v a_o way_n how_o it_o may_v be_v conceive_v which_o null_v the_o pretence_n that_o the_o design_n be_v inconceiveable_a x._o but_o then_o x._o we_o be_v still_o liable_a to_o be_v question_v how_o it_o come_v about_o that_o those_o proud_a and_o insolent_a designer_n practice_v in_o this_o kind_n upon_o so_o few_o when_o one_o will_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v still_o trade_v this_o way_n and_o every_o where_o be_v drive_v on_o the_o project_n which_o the_o vileness_n of_o man_n make_v so_o feisable_v and_o will_v so_o much_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o their_o lust_n to_o which_o among_o other_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v suggest_v i_o return_v 1_o that_o we_o be_v never_o liable_a to_o be_v so_o betray_v and_o abuse_v till_o by_o our_o vile_a disposition_n and_o tendency_n we_o have_v forfeit_v the_o tutelary_a care_n and_o oversight_n of_o the_o better_a spirit_n which_o though_o general_o they_o be_v our_o guard_n and_o defence_n against_o the_o malice_n and_o violence_n of_o evil_a angel_n yet_o it_o may_v well_o enough_o be_v think_v that_o sometime_o they_o may_v take_v their_o leave_n of_o such_o as_o be_v swallow_v up_o by_o malice_n envy_n and_o desire_v of_o revenge_n quality_n most_o contrary_a to_o their_o life_n and_o nature_n and_o leave_v they_o expose_v to_o the_o invasion_n and_o solicitation_n of_o those_o wicked_a spirit_n to_o who_o such_o hateful_a attribute_n make_v they_o very_o suitable_a and_o if_o there_o be_v particular_a guardian_n angel_n as_o it_o be_v not_o absurd_a to_o fancy_v it_o may_v then_o well_o be_v suppose_v that_o no_o man_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o those_o project_n and_o attempt_n but_o only_o such_o who_o vile_a and_o mischievous_a nature_n have_v drive_v from_o they_o their_o protect_a genius_n and_o against_o this_o dereliction_n to_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a spirit_n it_o be_v likely_a enough_o what_o some_o affirm_v that_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n direct_v that_o prayer_n psal_n lxxi_o ix_o x._o cast_v i_o not_o off_o in_o the_o time_n of_o old_a age_n forsake_v i_o not_o when_o my_o strength_n fail_v for_o they_o that_o keep_v my_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o lxx_o and_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a qui_fw-la custodiunt_fw-la animam_fw-la meam_fw-la they_o take_v counsel_n together_o say_v god_n have_v forsake_v he_o persecute_v he_o and_o take_v he_o for_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v he_o but_o i_o add_v 2_o that_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o the_o state_n wherein_o they_o be_v will_v not_o easy_o permit_v palpable_a intercourse_n between_o the_o bad_a genii_n and_o our_o nature_n since_o it_o be_v like_a enough_o that_o their_o own_o law_n and_o government_n do_v not_o allow_v their_o frequent_a excursion_n into_o this_o world_n or_o it_o may_v with_o as_o great_a probability_n be_v suppose_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a and_o painful_a thing_n for_o they_o to_o force_v their_o thin_a and_o tenuious_a body_n into_o a_o visible_a consistence_n and_o such_o shape_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o design_n in_o their_o correspondency_n with_o witch_n for_o in_o this_o action_n their_o body_n must_v needs_o be_v exceed_o compress_v which_o can_v be_v well_o suppose_v without_o a_o painful_a sense_n