play_v his_o trick_n as_o before_o on_o the_o 5_o of_o novemb_n 1662._o it_o keep_v a_o mighty_a noise_n and_o one_o of_o the_o gentleman_n servant_n observe_v two_o board_n in_o the_o child_n room_n that_o seem_v to_o move_v he_o bid_v it_o give_v he_o one_o of_o they_o and_o present_o the_o board_n come_v within_o a_o yard_n of_o he_o the_o fellow_n add_v nay_o let_v i_o have_v it_o in_o my_o hand_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v shuft_v quite_o home_o the_o man_n thrust_v it_o back_o and_o the_o daemon_n return_v it_o to_o he_o and_o so_o from_o one_o to_o another_o at_o least_o 20_o time_n together_o till_o the_o gentleman_n forbid_v his_o servant_n such_o familiarity_n that_o morning_n it_o leave_v a_o sulphurous_a smell_n behind_o it_o very_o displeasant_a and_o offensive_a which_o possible_o my_o lord_n some_o will_v conjecture_v to_o be_v a_o smack_n of_o the_o bituminous_a matter_n bring_v from_o the_o mediterranious_a vault_n to_o which_o we_o may_v suppose_v the_o vehicle_n of_o those_o impure_a spirit_n to_o be_v near_o ally_v at_o night_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o place_n one_o mr._n cragge_n and_o many_o of_o the_o neighbour_n come_v to_o the_o house_n and_o go_v to_o prayer_n at_o the_o child_n bedside_n where_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o loud_o during_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n it_o withdraw_v into_o the_o cockloft_n but_o the_o service_n be_v end_v it_o return_v and_o in_o the_o sight_n and_o presence_n of_o the_o company_n the_o chair_n walk_v about_o the_o room_n the_o child_n shoe_n be_v throw_v over_o their_o head_n and_o every_o loose_a thing_n move_v about_o the_o chamber_n also_o a_o bedstaff_n be_v throw_v at_o the_o minister_n which_o hit_v he_o on_o the_o leg_n but_o so_o favourable_o that_o a_o lock_n of_o wool_n can_v not_o have_v fall_v more_o soft_o and_o a_o circumstance_n more_o be_v observe_v viz._n that_o it_o never_o in_o the_o least_o roll_a nor_o move_v from_o the_o place_n where_o it_o light_v the_o gentleman_n perceive_v that_o it_o so_o much_o persecute_v the_o little_a child_n lodge_v they_o out_o at_o a_o neighbour_n house_n and_o take_v his_o elder_a daughter_n who_o be_v about_o 10_o year_n of_o age_n into_o his_o own_o chamber_n where_o it_o have_v not_o be_v in_o a_o month_n before_o but_o no_o soon_o be_v she_o in_o bed_n but_o the_o troublesome_a guest_n be_v with_o she_o and_o continue_v his_o unquiet_a visit_n for_o the_o space_n of_o three_o week_n during_o which_o time_n it_o will_v beat_v the_o drum_n and_o exact_o answer_v any_o tune_n that_o be_v knock_v or_o call_v for_o the_o house_n where_o the_o gentleman_n have_v lodge_v his_o child_n be_v full_a of_o stranger_n he_o be_v force_v to_o take_v they_o home_o again_o and_o because_o they_o have_v never_o observe_v any_o disturbance_n in_o the_o parlour_n he_o lay_v they_o there_o where_o also_o their_o old_a visitant_n find_v they_o but_o at_o this_o time_n trouble_v they_o no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o pluck_v they_o by_o the_o hair_n and_o night-clothes_n it_o will_v sometime_o lift_v up_o the_o servant_n with_o their_o bed_n and_o lay_v they_o down_o again_o gentle_o without_o any_o more_o prejudice_n than_o the_o fright_n of_o be_v carry_v to_o the_o drummer_n quarter_n and_o at_o other_o time_n it_o will_v lie_v like_o a_o great_a weight_n upon_o their_o foot_n it_o be_v observe_v that_o when_o the_o noise_n be_v loud_a and_o come_v with_o the_o most_o sudden_a and_o surprise_v violence_n yet_o no_o dog_n will_v move_v the_o knock_n be_v oft_o so_o boisterous_a and_o rude_a that_o it_o have_v be_v hear_v at_o a_o considerable_a distance_n in_o the_o field_n and_o awaken_v the_o neighbour_n in_o the_o village_n none_o of_o which_o live_v very_o near_o this_o house_n about_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o decemb._n 1662._o the_o drumming_n be_v less_o frequent_a and_o the_o noise_n the_o fiend_n make_v be_v a_o jingle_n as_o it_o have_v be_v of_o money_n occasion_v as_o it_o be_v think_v by_o some_o discourse_n of_o a_o ancient_a gentlewoman_n mother_n to_o mr._n m._n who_o be_v one_o day_n say_v to_o a_o neighbour_n that_o talk_v of_o fairy_n leave_v money_n that_o she_o shall_v like_v it_o well_o if_o it_o will_v leave_v they_o some_o to_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o trouble_n it_o make_v they_o for_o that_o night_n there_o be_v a_o great_a chink_a of_o money_n all_o the_o house_n over_o but_o he_o that_o rise_v early_o next_o morning_n be_v never_o a_o groat_n the_o rich_a after_o this_o it_o desist_v from_o its_o rude_a noise_n and_o employ_v itself_o about_o little_a apish_a trick_n and_o less_o troublesome_a caprichio_n on_o christmas-eve_n a_o hour_n before_o day_n one_o of_o the_o little_a boy_n arise_v out_o of_o his_o bed_n be_v hit_v on_o a_o sore_a place_n in_o his_o heel_n by_o the_o latch_n of_o the_o door_n which_o the_o waggish_a daemon_n have_v pluck_v out_o and_o throw_v at_o he_o the_o pin_n that_o fasten_v it_o be_v so_o small_a that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o optic_n that_o he_o pick_v it_o out_o without_o candle_n light_n the_o night_n after_o christmas-day_n it_o throw_v all_o the_o old_a gentlewoman_n clothes_n about_o the_o room_n and_o hide_v her_o bible_n in_o the_o ash_n in_o such_o impertinent_a ludricous_a fegary_n it_o be_v frequent_a and_o such_o passage_n be_v to_o i_o considerable_a intimation_n that_o the_o imp_n of_o witch_n and_o other_o troublesome_a appear_a spirit_n be_v not_o always_o devil_n as_o i_o have_v discourse_n it_o in_o my_o consideration_n about_o witchcraft_n after_o this_o the_o spirit_n be_v very_o troublesome_a to_o a_o servant_n of_o mr._n mompesson_n who_o be_v a_o stout_a fellow_n and_o of_o sober_a conversation_n in_o the_o relation_n of_o who_o vexation_n i_o beg_v your_o lordship_n leave_n to_o be_v a_o little_a less_o solemn_a this_o gamester_n than_o have_v the_o hardiness_n to_o lie_v within_o during_o the_o great_a disturbance_n his_o master_n permit_v he_o to_o give_v this_o proof_n of_o his_o courage_n and_o lodge_v he_o in_o the_o next_o room_n to_o his_o own_o there_o be_v john_n engarison_v and_o provide_v for_o the_o assault_n with_o a_o trusty_a sword_n and_o other_o implement_n of_o war._n and_o for_o some_o time_n there_o be_v scarce_o a_o night_n past_a without_o some_o doughty_a action_n and_o encounter_n in_o which_o the_o success_n be_v various_a one_o while_o john_n bag_n and_o baggage_n will_v be_v in_o the_o enemy_n power_n doublet_n and_o breeches_n surprise_v and_o his_o shoe_n raise_v in_o rebellion_n against_o he_o and_o then_o lusty_a john_n by_o dint_n of_o weapon_n recover_v all_o again_o suppress_v the_o insurrection_n of_o his_o shoe_n and_o hold_v his_o own_o in_o spite_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o drummer_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n our_o combatant_n come_v off_o with_o honour_n and_o advantage_n except_o when_o his_o enemy_n outwatched_a and_o surprise_v he_o and_o then_o he_o be_v make_v a_o prisoner_n bind_v hand_n and_o foot_n and_o at_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o goblin_n till_o he_o have_v get_v the_o opportunity_n of_o recover_v his_o diabolical_a blade_n and_o then_o our_o champion_n be_v in_o good_a plight_n again_o sometime_o the_o scuffle_n be_v so_o great_a and_o loud_o that_o mr._n m._n himself_o be_v fain_o to_o come_v in_o to_o john_n assistance_n which_o he_o take_v in_o very_o ill_a part_n as_o a_o distrust_n of_o his_o courage_n as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o single_o able_a to_o deal_v with_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v a_o very_a coward_n and_o fight_v with_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o a_o chain_n at_o his_o heel_n after_o these_o contrast_n sir_n tho._n bennet_n son_n who_o workman_n the_o drummer_n have_v sometime_o be_v come_v to_o the_o house_n and_o tell_v mr._n m._n some_o word_n that_o he_o have_v speak_v which_o it_o seem_v be_v not_o well_o resent_v for_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v in_o bed_n the_o drum_n come_v with_o a_o mighty_a rattle_n the_o gentleman_n arise_v and_o call_v his_o man_n to_o he_o who_o lie_v with_o john_n and_o no_o soon_o be_v mr._n bennet_n servant_n go_v but_o there_o come_v a_o rush_a noise_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o gentlewoman_n in_o silk_n to_o john_n bedside_n our_o champion_n take_v the_o alarm_n and_o catch_n at_o his_o sword_n to_o assault_v the_o lady_n contrary_a to_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o knight_n errantry_n it_o be_v with_o much_o difficulty_n and_o tug_v that_o he_o get_v it_o into_o his_o possession_n for_o it_o seem_v the_o airy_a damosel_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v court_v with_o john_n cut_v compliment_n but_o be_v possess_v of_o that_o dreadful_a blade_n the_o amazon_n of_o the_o air_n withdraw_v herself_o from_o the_o danger_n of_o his_o provoke_v ire_n and_o leave_v
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
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
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
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 detect_v their_o artifice_n beside_o 3_o it_o be_v likely_a a_o strong_a imagination_n that_o can_v be_v weaken_a or_o disturb_v by_o a_o busy_a and_o subtle_a ratiocination_n be_v a_o necessary_a requisite_a to_o those_o wicked_a performance_n and_o without_o doubt_v a_o heighten_v and_o obstinate_a fancy_n have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o impressible_a spirit_n yea_o and_o as_o i_o have_v conjecture_v before_o on_o the_o more_o passive_a and_o susceptible_a body_n and_o i_o be_o very_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v as_o real_a communication_n and_o intercourse_n between_o our_o spirit_n as_o there_o be_v between_o material_a agent_n which_o secret_a influence_n though_o they_o be_v unknown_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o way_n of_o act_v yet_o they_o be_v sufficient_o feel_v in_o their_o effect_n for_o experience_n atte_v that_o some_o by_o the_o very_a majesty_n and_o greatness_n of_o their_o spirit_n discover_v by_o nothing_o but_o a_o certain_a noble_a air_n that_o 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
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
and_o a_o vigorous_a endeavour_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v so_o that_o that_o which_o make_v a_o sin_n incurable_a must_v be_v somewhat_o that_o make_v faith_n impossible_a and_o obstruct_v all_o mean_n of_o conviction_n in_o order_n to_o the_o find_v which_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o way_n and_o method_n the_o divine_a goodness_n have_v take_v for_o the_o beget_n faith_n and_o cure_v of_o infidelity_n which_o it_o attempt_v first_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n of_o ancient_a time_n who_o by_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o doctrine_n the_o greatness_n of_o their_o miracle_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o their_o life_n endeavour_v the_o conviction_n and_o reformation_n of_o a_o stubborn_a and_o unbelieving_a world_n but_o though_o few_o believe_v their_o report_n and_o man_n will_v not_o be_v prevail_v on_o by_o what_o they_o do_v or_o what_o they_o say_v yet_o their_o infidelity_n be_v not_o hitherto_o incurable_a because_o further_a mean_n be_v provide_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o life_n be_v more_o severe_a who_o doctrine_n be_v more_o plain_a press_v and_o particular_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o he_o may_v have_v succeed_v yea_o and_o where_o he_o fail_v and_o can_v not_o open_a man_n heart_n and_o their_o eye_n the_o effect_n be_v still_o in_o possibility_n and_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o he_o that_o come_v after_o to_o who_o the_o prophet_n and_o john_n be_v but_o the_o twilight_n and_o the_o dawn_n and_o though_o his_o miraculous_a birth_n the_o song_n of_o angel_n the_o journey_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o east_n and_o the_o correspondence_n of_o prophecy_n with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o first_o appearance_n of_o the_o wonderful_a infant_n i_o say_v though_o these_o have_v not_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o yet_o be_v there_o a_o further_a provision_n make_v for_o the_o cure_n of_o infidelity_n in_o his_o astonish_a wisdom_n and_o most_o excellent_a doctrine_n for_o he_o speak_v as_o never_o man_n do_v and_o when_o these_o be_v despise_v and_o neglect_v yet_o there_o be_v other_o mean_n towards_o conviction_n and_o cure_n of_o unbelief_n in_o those_o mighty_a work_n that_o bear_v testimony_n of_o he_o and_o wear_v the_o evident_a mark_n of_o divine_a power_n in_o their_o forehead_n but_o when_o after_o all_o these_o clear_a and_o unquestionable_a miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o have_v eminent_o his_o superscription_n on_o they_o shall_v be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o agency_n of_o evil_a spirit_n and_o diabolical_a compact_n as_o they_o be_v by_o the_o malicious_a and_o spiteful_a pharisee_n in_o the_o period_n abovementioned_a when_o those_o great_a and_o last_o testimony_n against_o infidelity_n shall_v be_v say_v to_o be_v but_o the_o trick_n of_o sorcery_n and_o complotment_n with_o hellish_a confederate_n this_o be_v blasphemy_n in_o the_o high_a against_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o such_o as_o cut_v off_o all_o mean_n of_o conviction_n and_o put_v the_o unbeliever_n beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o cure_n for_o miracle_n be_v god_n seal_n and_o the_o great_a and_o last_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n and_o though_o while_o these_o be_v only_a dis-believed_n as_o to_o the_o fact_n there_o remain_v a_o possibility_n of_o persuasion_n yet_o when_o the_o fact_n shall_v be_v acknowledge_v but_o the_o power_n blaspheme_v and_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o adorable_a spirit_n malicious_o impute_v to_o the_o devil_n such_o a_o blasphemy_n such_o a_o infidelity_n be_v incurable_a and_o consequent_o unpardonable_a i_o say_v in_o sum_n the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o malicious_a imputation_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o our_o saviour_n to_o satanical_a confederacy_n and_o the_o power_n of_o apostate_n spirit_n then_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o blasphemous_a and_o nothing_o be_v more_o like_a to_o provoke_v the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o be_v so_o abuse_v to_o a_o eternal_a dereliction_n of_o so_o vile_a and_o so_o incurable_a a_o unbeliever_n this_o account_n as_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o so_o it_o be_v plain_o lodge_v in_o the_o mention_a discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o those_o that_o speak_v other_o thing_n about_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o talk_v at_o random_n and_o perfect_o without_o book_n but_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o fondness_n of_o their_o own_o conceit_n i_o think_v it_o now_o time_n to_o draw_v up_o to_o a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a therefore_o brief_o sir_n i_o have_v endeavour_v in_o these_o paper_n which_o my_o respect_n and_o your_o concernment_n in_o the_o subject_n have_v make_v you_o to_o remove_v the_o main_n prejudices_fw-la i_o can_v think_v of_o against_o the_o existence_n of_o witch_n and_o apparition_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o have_v suggest_v much_o more_o against_o what_o i_o defend_v than_o ever_o i_o hear_v or_o see_v in_o any_o that_o oppose_v it_o who_o discourse_n for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v seem_v to_o i_o inspire_v by_o a_o lofty_a scorn_n of_o common_a belief_n and_o some_o trivial_a notion_n of_o vulgar_a philosophy_n and_o in_o despise_v the_o common_a faith_n about_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o fond_o adhere_v to_o it_o in_o thing_n of_o speculation_n they_o very_o gross_o and_o absurd_o mistake_v for_o in_o thing_n of_o fact_n the_o people_n be_v as_o much_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o the_o most_o subtle_a philosopher_n and_o speculator_n since_o here_o sense_n be_v the_o judge_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o notion_n and_o theory_n they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v heed_v because_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v judge_n of_o these_o and_o this_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o use_v and_o yet_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o those_o wise_a philosopher_n that_o will_v deny_v the_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o mankind_n because_o 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that_o farrago_fw-la but_o what_o it_o have_v be_v ridiculous_a for_o i_o to_o have_v go_v about_o to_o answer_v for_o the_o author_n do_v little_a but_o tell_v odd_a tale_n and_o silly_a legend_n which_o he_o confute_v and_o laugh_v at_o and_o pretend_v this_o to_o be_v a_o confutation_n of_o the_o be_v of_o witch_n and_o apparition_n in_o all_o which_o his_o reason_n be_v trifle_a and_o childesh_n and_o when_o he_o venture_v at_o philosophy_n he_o be_v little_o better_a than_o absurd_a so_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o wonder_n to_o i_o if_o any_o but_o boy_n and_o buffoon_n imbibe_n any_o prejudices_fw-la against_o a_o belief_n so_o infinite_o confirm_v from_o the_o loose_a and_o impotent_a suggestion_n of_o so_o weak_a a_o discourser_n but_o however_o observe_v two_o thing_n in_o that_o discourse_n that_o will_v pretend_v to_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_a reason_n i_o shall_v do_v they_o the_o civility_n to_o examine_v they_o it_o be_v say_v then_o 1._o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v silent_a as_o to_o the_o be_v of_o witch_n and_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a if_o there_o be_v such_o but_o that_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n have_v give_v intimation_n of_o their_o existence_n the_o other_o be_v 2._o miracle_n be_v cease_v and_o therefore_o the_o prodigious_a thing_n ascribe_v to_o witchcraft_n be_v suppose_v dream_n and_o imposture_n for_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o in_o order_n i_o consider_v 1_o that_o though_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v grant_v to_o be_v silent_a in_o the_o business_n of_o witch_n and_o compact_n yet_o the_o record_n of_o the_o old_a have_v a_o frequent_a mention_n of_o they_o the_o law_n exod._n xxii_o xviii_o against_o permit_v they_o to_o live_v which_o i_o mention_v in_o the_o beginning_n be_v famous_a and_o we_o have_v another_o remarkable_a prohibition_n of_o they_o deut._n xviii_o x_o xi_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v
of_o which_o your_o lordship_n be_v a_o illustrious_a member_n direct_v some_o of_o its_o wary_a and_o luciferous_a inquiry_n towards_o the_o world_n of_o spirit_n i_o believe_v we_o shall_v have_v other_o kind_n of_o metaphysic_n than_o those_o be_v teach_v by_o man_n that_o love_v to_o write_v great_a volume_n and_o to_o be_v subtle_a about_o nothing_o for_o we_o know_v not_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n we_o live_v in_o but_o by_o experiment_n and_o the_o phoenomena_fw-la and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o way_n of_o speculate_v immaterial_a nature_n by_o extraordinary_a event_n and_o apparition_n which_o possible_o may_v be_v improve_v to_o notice_n not_o contemptible_a be_v there_o a_o cautious_a and_o faithful_a history_n make_v of_o those_o certain_a and_o uncommon_a appearance_n at_o least_o it_o will_v be_v a_o stand_a evidence_n against_o sadducism_n to_o which_o the_o present_a age_n be_v so_o unhappy_o dispose_v and_o a_o sensible_a argument_n of_o our_o immortality_n now_o though_o you_o my_o lord_n be_v in_o no_o danger_n of_o that_o cold_a and_o desperate_a disease_n the_o disbelief_n of_o spirit_n and_o apparition_n nor_o need_v confirmation_n in_o the_o article_n of_o our_o future_a existence_n yet_o be_v engage_v by_o my_o promise_n and_o more_o by_o my_o desire_n of_o serve_v you_o to_o send_v your_o lordship_n the_o story_n of_o the_o drummer_n at_o mr._n mompesson_n house_n at_o tedworth_n one_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a one_o in_o our_o time_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o that_o great_a affair_n i_o have_v now_o at_o length_n put_v the_o most_o of_o those_o particular_n i_o can_v obtain_v into_o your_o hand_n which_o i_o have_v soon_o do_v but_o that_o i_o have_v be_v in_o a_o long_a expectation_n of_o additional_a circumstance_n which_o mr._n mompesson_n promise_v i_o but_o his_o occasion_n it_o seem_v have_v hinder_v the_o performance_n and_o i_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o distance_n of_o our_o abode_n will_v not_o permit_v personal_a solicitation_n which_o possible_o may_v have_v expedit_v the_o matter_n to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v my_o lord_n that_o a_o person_n intimate_o concern_v in_o it_o be_v unwilling_a mr._n m._n shall_v meddle_v any_o more_o with_o relation_n lest_o thereby_o the_o troublesome_a guest_n shall_v be_v awaken_v to_o a_o unwelcome_a return_n which_o fear_n though_o perhaps_o but_o a_o panic_n have_v yet_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o frustrate_v my_o expectation_n of_o the_o desire_a additional_n that_o which_o i_o have_v from_o the_o gentleman_n himself_o i_o now_o send_v your_o lordship_n in_o the_o subsequent_a relation_n which_o you_o may_v please_v to_o take_v as_o follow_v master_z john_n mompesson_n of_o tedworth_n in_o wiltshire_n be_v about_o the_o middle_n of_o march_n in_o the_o year_n 1661._o at_o a_o neighbour_a town_n call_v ludgarshal_n hear_v a_o drum_n beat_v there_o and_o be_v concern_v as_o a_o commission_n officer_n in_o the_o militia_n he_o inquire_v of_o the_o bailiff_n of_o the_o town_n at_o who_o house_n he_o then_o be_v what_o it_o mean_v the_o bailiff_n tell_v he_o that_o they_o have_v for_o some_o day_n be_v trouble_v by_o that_o idle_a drummer_n who_o demand_v money_n of_o the_o constable_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o pretend_a pass_n which_o he_o think_v be_v counterfeit_v upon_o this_o information_n master_n mompesson_n send_v for_o the_o fellow_n and_o ask_v he_o by_o what_o authority_n he_o go_v up_o and_o down_o the_o country_n in_o that_o manner_n demand_v money_n and_o keep_v a_o clutter_v with_o his_o drum_n the_o drummer_n answer_v he_o have_v good_a authority_n and_o produce_v his_o pass_n with_o a_o warrant_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o sir_n william_n cawly_n and_o colonel_n ayliffe_n of_o gretexham_n these_o paper_n discover_v the_o knavery_n for_o mr._n mompesson_n know_v those_o gentleman_n hand_n find_v that_o his_o pass_n and_o warrant_v be_v forgery_n and_o upon_o the_o discovery_n command_v the_o vagrant_a to_o put_v off_o 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thief_n in_o his_o absence_n and_o that_o the_o house_n have_v like_a to_o have_v be_v break_v up_o he_o have_v not_o be_v at_o home_n above_o three_o night_n when_o the_o same_o noise_n return_v that_o have_v disturb_v his_o family_n when_o he_o be_v abroad_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a knock_n at_o his_o door_n and_o the_o outside_n of_o his_o house_n mr._n m._n arise_v and_o with_o a_o brace_n of_o pistol_n in_o his_o hand_n go_v up_o and_o down_o search_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o disturbance_n he_o open_v the_o door_n where_o the_o great_a knock_n be_v and_o present_o the_o noise_n be_v at_o another_o he_o open_v that_o also_o and_o go_v forth_o round_v his_o house_n but_o can_v discover_v nothing_o only_o he_o still_o hear_v a_o strange_a noise_n and_o hollow_a sound_n but_o can_v not_o perceive_v what_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o when_o he_o be_v return_v to_o his_o bed_n the_o noise_n be_v a_o thump_a and_o drum_n on_o the_o top_n of_o his_o house_n which_o 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gentleman_n himself_o lie_v there_o to_o observe_v it_o and_o though_o it_o be_v very_o troublesome_a in_o the_o forepart_n of_o the_o night_n yet_o after_o two_o hour_n disturbance_n it_o will_v desist_v and_o leave_v all_o in_o quietness_n at_o which_o time_n perhaps_o the_o law_n of_o the_o black_a society_n require_v its_o presence_n at_o the_o general_a rendezvous_n elsewhere_o about_o this_o time_n the_o gentleman_n wife_n be_v bring_v to_o bed_n the_o noise_n come_v a_o little_a that_o night_n she_o be_v in_o travail_n but_o then_o forbear_v for_o three_o week_n till_o she_o have_v recover_v strength_n after_o this_o civil_a cessation_n it_o return_v in_o a_o rude_a manner_n than_o before_o apply_v whole_o to_o the_o young_a child_n who_o bedstead_n it_o will_v beat_v with_o that_o violence_n that_o all_o present_a will_v expect_v when_o they_o will_v fall_v in_o piece_n those_o that_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o they_o can_v feel_v no_o blow_n but_o perceive_v they_o to_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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and_o transport_v but_o when_o age_n and_o experience_n ripen_v the_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o faculty_n of_o slow_a growth_n we_o then_o slight_a this_o wantonness_n and_o joy_v of_o our_o fancy_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o pursuite_n that_o be_v more_o manly_a and_o concern_v and_o when_o the_o judgement_n be_v come_v to_o its_o full_a exercise_n and_o pitch_n and_o have_v overcome_v and_o silence_v the_o futility_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o imagination_n we_o be_v then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o grow_v into_o manhood_n and_o those_o that_o never_o arrive_v to_o this_o consistence_n but_o spend_v their_o age_n in_o fool_v with_o their_o fancy_n they_o be_v yet_o child_n though_o they_o have_v gray_a hair_n and_o be_v still_o boy_n though_o past_o their_o great_a climacterical_a i_o confess_v sir_n i_o be_o not_o so_o cynical_a and_o severe_a but_o that_o i_o allow_v even_o to_o the_o more_o improve_v genuise_n their_o relaxation_n and_o pleasant_a interval_n and_o sage_a 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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 the_o experimenter_n be_v often_o oblige_v to_o deal_v in_o these_o afford_v plausible_a argument_n for_o droll_a harangue_n and_o those_o advantage_n be_v take_v to_o make_v the_o most_o useful_a theory_n and_o endeavour_n appear_v ridiculous_a and_o vain_a and_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o the_o fantastic_a in_o his_o insolent_a humour_n of_o injustice_n and_o abuse_v there_o be_v a_o certain_a envy_n in_o mankind_n against_o those_o that_o attempt_v any_o thing_n extraordinary_a which_o make_v man_n willing_a to_o embrace_v and_o applaud_v that_o which_o expose_v what_o themselves_o can_v act_v nor_o comprehend_v by_o reason_n of_o which_o ill_a nature_n in_o the_o generality_n yea_o even_o of_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o something_o this_o kind_n of_o wit_n become_v the_o most_o pestilent_a enemy_n to_o knowledge_n and_o its_o improvement_n especial_o to_o philosophic_a wisdom_n for_o philosophy_n can_v shame_v and_o disable_v all_o the_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v urge_v 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 accurse_a madness_n you_o sir_n have_v so_o full_o discover_v to_o the_o world_n in_o your_o incomparable_a work_n and_o so_o thorough_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o that_o black_a conspiracy_n against_o heaven_n that_o it_o will_v be_v fond_a for_o i_o to_o think_v to_o suggest_v any_o notion_n on_o the_o subject_a which_o you_o can_v not_o teach_v but_o sir_n i_o have_v a_o relation_n about_o this_o matter_n to_o make_v you_o which_o i_o believe_v you_o will_v not_o be_v unwilling_a to_o hear_v and_o you_o shall_v have_v it_o when_o i_o have_v say_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o particular_a i_o have_v mention_v concern_v which_o it_o be_v too_o sad_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o latent_fw-la atheism_n at_o the_o root_n of_o the_o sadducean_n principle_n for_o too_o many_o deny_v witch_n because_o they_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o spirit_n and_o they_o be_v so_o persuade_v because_o they_o own_v no_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o matter_n and_o the_o result_v of_o motion_n and_o consequent_o can_v acknowledge_v nothing_o of_o a_o god_n it_o have_v indeed_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v possible_a there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o prodigy_n as_o a_o speculative_a atheist_n in_o nature_n and_o i_o can_v wish_v it_o be_v so_o still_o but_o alas_o our_o age_n and_o experience_n have_v end_v the_o dispute_n and_o we_o need_v not_o search_v the_o dark_a and_o barbarous_a corner_n of_o america_n nor_o seek_v the_o monster_n among_o the_o wild_a man_n of_o the_o desert_n we_o have_v find_v he_o in_o time_n of_o light_n in_o a_o witty_a and_o civilise_a region_n and_o in_o a_o age_n of_o the_o great_a knowledge_n and_o improvement_n he_o sculp_v not_o among_o the_o thick_a of_o the_o wood_n nor_o seek_v cavern_n for_o concealment_n but_o brave_v the_o sun_n and_o appear_v in_o the_o clear_a day_n and_o the_o fool_n be_v not_o so_o modest_a as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o royal_a prophet_n to_o say_v only_o in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n we_o know_v a_o bold_a sort_n of_o infidel_n and_o i_o can_v say_v sir_n from_o a_o particular_a experience_n that_o there_o be_v who_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n i_o meet_v with_o one_o such_o some_o year_n since_o in_o london_n who_o confident_o and_o without_o mince_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o be_v and_o bid_v i_o prove_v it_o i_o wonder_v at_o the_o boldness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o impiety_n of_o his_o say_n and_o because_o i_o have_v a_o great_a compassion_n for_o one_o in_o so_o deplorable_a a_o state_n i_o resolve_v not_o to_o exasperate_v he_o by_o passion_n hard_a word_n or_o damn_v sentence_n but_o calm_o and_o without_o seem_a emotion_n discourse_v the_o business_n with_o he_o i_o grant_v he_o all_o i_o safe_o or_o reasonable_o can_v and_o all_o that_o may_v serve_v my_o design_n for_o his_o conviction_n before_o we_o begin_v the_o close_a engagement_n that_o so_o he_o may_v have_v less_o prejudice_n against_o what_o be_v 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