to_o the_o objector_n that_o i_o can_v wish_v they_o will_v take_v care_n of_o such_o suggestion_n which_o if_o they_o overthrow_v not_o the_o opinion_n they_o oppose_v will_v dangerous_o affront_v the_o religion_n they_o will_v seem_v to_o acknowledge_v for_o he_o that_o say_v that_o if_o there_o be_v witch_n there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v not_o a_o magician_n and_o diabolical_a impostor_n put_v a_o deadly_a weapon_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o infidel_n and_o be_v himself_o next_o door_n to_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o which_o in_o order_n to_o the_o persuade_v great_a tenderness_n and_o caution_n in_o such_o matter_n i_o give_v this_o short_a account_n the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v say_v to_o be_v unpardonable_a by_o which_o sad_a attribute_n and_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n xii_o from_o the_o xxii_o to_o the_o xxxiii_o ver_fw-la we_o may_v understand_v its_o nature_n in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o consider_v that_o since_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o son_n be_v infinite_a there_o be_v nothing_o can_v make_v a_o sin_n unpardonable_a but_o what_o make_v it_o incurable_a and_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o what_o be_v curable_a by_o a_o strong_a faith_n 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 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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_o disbelieved_a 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 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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 iheory_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 they_o can_v reconcile_v appearance_n with_o the_o fond_a crotchet_n of_o a_o philosophy_n which_o they_o light_v on_o in_o the_o highway_n by_o chance_n and_o will_v adhere_v to_o at_o adventure_n so_o that_o i_o profess_v for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o never_o yet_o hear_v any_o of_o the_o confident_a declaimer_n against_o witchcraft_n and_o apparition_n speak_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v move_v a_o mind_n in_o any_o degree_n instruct_v in_o the_o generous_a kind_n of_o philosophy_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o for_o the_o objection_n i_o have_v recite_v they_o be_v such_o as_o rise_v out_o of_o my_o own_o thought_n which_o i_o oblige_v to_o consider_v what_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v say_v upon_o this_o cccasion_n for_o though_o i_o have_v examine_v scot_n discovery_n phancy_v that_o there_o i_o shall_v find_v the_o strong_a reason_n of_o man_n disbelief_n in_o this_o matter_n yet_o i_o profess_v i_o meet_v not_o with_o the_o least_o suggestion_n in_o all_o 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 childish_a 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 and_o now_o sir_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o i_o relieve_v your_o patience_n and_o i_o shall_v do_v so_o when_o i_o have_v say_v that_o you_o can_v abundant_o prove_v what_o i_o have_v but_o attempt_v to_o defend_v and_o that_o among_o the_o many_o obligation_n your_o country_n have_v to_o you_o for_o the_o wisdom_n and_o diligence_n of_o your_o endeavour_n in_o its_o service_n your_o ingenious_a industry_n for_o the_o detect_n of_o those_o vile_a practiser_n be_v not_o the_o least_o considerable_a to_o which_o i_o will_v add_v no_o more_o but_o the_o confession_n who_o it_o be_v that_o have_v give_v you_o all_o this_o trouble_n which_o i_o know_v you_o be_v ready_a to_o pardon_v to_o the_o respect_n and_o good_a intention_n of_o sir_n your_o affectionate_a and_o oblige_a honourer_n and_o servant_n j._n g._n advertisement_n of_o some_o book_n print_v for_o and_o sell_v by_o james_n collins_n at_o his_o shop_n in_o westminster-hall_n 1667._o flora_n ceres_n &_o pomona_n or_o a_o complete_a florilege_n furnish_v with_o all_o requisite_n belong_v to_o a_o florist_n by_o john_n rea_n gent._n fol._n bentivolio_n and_o uranica_fw-la write_v by_o n._n ingelo_n d._n d._n fol._n forty_o sermon_n preach_v by_o the_o late_a learned_a and_o famous_a anthony_n farrindon_n b._n d._n fol._n bishop_n hall_n work_n in_o three_o volume_n fol._n the_o complete_a angler_n show_v the_o whole_a art_n of_o fish_v in_o our_o english_a river_n etc._n etc._n 8_o mercurius_n centralis_fw-la a_o discourse_n of_o subterraneal_a treasure_n 12._o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o peer_n in_o the_o abbey_n church_n at_o westminster_n upon_o the_o 10_o of_o october_n 1666._o be_v a_o fast_o order_v by_o his_o majesty_n in_o consideration_n of_o the_o late_a dreadful_a fire_n that_o consume_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n by_o seth_n lord_n bishop_n of_o exon._n in_o 4o._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 1_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n be_v impossible_a and_o contradictious_a and_o consequent_o so_o be_v that_o of_o witch_n the_o belief_n of_o which_o be_v found_v on_o that_o doctrine_n to_o which_o objection_n i_o answer_v 1_o if_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n be_v so_o absurd_a as_o be_v pretend_v that_o of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o soul_n distinct_a from_o matter_n and_o immortal_a be_v likewise_o a_o absurdity_n and_o then_o that_o the_o world_n be_v jumble_v into_o this_o elegant_a and_o orderly_a fabric_n by_o chance_n and_o that_o our_o soul_n be_v only_a part_n of_o matter_n that_o come_v together_o we_o know_v not_o whence_o nor_o how_o and_o shall_v again_o short_o be_v dissolve_v into_o those_o loose_a atom_n that_o compound_v they_o that_o all_o our_o conception_n be_v but_o the_o thrust_v of_o one_o part_n of_o matter_n against_o another_o and_o the_o idea_n of_o our_o mind_n mere_a blind_a and_o casual_a motion_n these_o and_o a_o thousand_o more_o the_o gross_a impossibility_n and_o absurdity_n consequent_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n be_v absurd_a will_v be_v sad_a certainty_n and_o demonstration_n and_o with_o such_o assertor_n i_o will_v cease_v to_o discourse_v about_o witch_n and_o apparition_n and_o address_v myself_o to_o obtain_v their_o assent_n to_o truth_n infinite_o more_o sacred_a and_o yet_o 2_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v they_o that_o a_o substance_n immaterial_a be_v as_o much_o a_o contradiction_n as_o they_o can_v fancy_v yet_o the_o air_n and_o all_o the_o region_n above_o we_o may_v have_v their_o invisible_a intellectual_a agent_n of_o nature_n like_o unto_o our_o soul_n be_v that_o what_o it_o will_v and_o some_o 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say_v all_o these_o have_v their_o proper_a inhabitant_n yea_o i_o suppose_v this_o rule_n may_v hold_v in_o all_o distinct_a kind_n of_o body_n in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o have_v their_o peculiar_a animal_n the_o certainty_n of_o which_o i_o believe_v the_o improvement_n of_o microscopical_a observation_n will_v discover_v from_o whence_o i_o infer_v that_o since_o this_o little_a spot_n be_v so_o thick_o people_v in_o every_o atom_n of_o it_o it_o be_v weakness_n to_o think_v that_o all_o the_o vast_a space_n above_o and_o hollow_n under_o ground_n be_v desert_n and_o uninhabited_a and_o if_o both_o the_o superior_a and_o low_a continent_n of_o the_o universe_n have_v their_o inhabitant_n also_o it_o be_v exceed_o improbable_a argue_v from_o the_o same_o analogy_n that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o the_o mere_a sensible_a nature_n but_o that_o there_o be_v at_o least_o some_o of_o the_o rational_a and_o intellectual_a order_n which_o suppose_v there_o be_v good_a foundation_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o witch_n and_o apparition_n though_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n shall_v prove_v absurd_a and_o unphilosophical_a and_o so_o this_o first_o objection_n come_v to_o nothing_o i_o descend_v then_o to_o the_o second_o prejudice_n which_o may_v be_v thus_o form_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o objector_n 2_o there_o be_v action_n in_o most_o of_o those_o relation_n ascribe_v to_o witch_n which_o be_v ridiculous_a and_o impossible_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n such_o be_v 1_o their_o fly_v out_o of_o window_n after_o they_o have_v anoint_v themselves_o to_o remote_a place_n 2_o their_o transformation_n into_o cat_n hare_n and_o other_o creature_n 3_o their_o feeling_n all_o the_o hurt_n in_o their_o own_o body_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o these_o 4_o their_o rase_a tempest_n by_o mutter_v some_o nonsensical_a word_n or_o perform_v some_o little_a ridiculous_a ceremony_n and_o 5_o their_o be_v suck_v in_o a_o certain_a private_a place_n of_o their_o body_n by_o a_o familiar_a these_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v action_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o spirit_n and_o above_o the_o power_n of_o those_o poor_a and_o miserable_a agent_n and_o therefore_o the_o objection_n suppose_v they_o perform_v only_o by_o the_o fancy_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o witchcraft_n be_v but_o a_o illusion_n of_o crazy_a imagination_n but_o to_o this_o objection_n i_o return_v 1_o in_o the_o general_n the_o more_o absurd_a and_o unaccountable_a these_o action_n seem_v the_o great_a confirmation_n be_v they_o to_o i_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o relation_n and_o the_o reality_n of_o what_o the_o objector_n will_v destroy_v for_o these_o circumstance_n be_v exceed_v unlikely_a judge_v by_o the_o measure_n of_o common_a belief_n it_o be_v the_o great_a probability_n they_o be_v not_o fictitious_a for_o the_o contriver_n of_o fiction_n use_v to_o form_v they_o as_o near_o as_o they_o can_v conformable_o to_o the_o most_o unsuspected_a reality_n endeavour_v to_o make_v they_o look_v as_o like_o truth_n as_o be_v possible_a in_o the_o main_a supposal_n though_o withal_o they_o make_v they_o strange_a in_o the_o circumstance_n none_o but_o a_o fool_n or_o madman_n will_v relate_v with_o a_o purpose_n of_o have_v it_o believe_v that_o he_o see_v in_o ireland_n man_n with_o hoof_n on_o their_o head_n and_o eye_n in_o their_o posterior_n or_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o ridiculous_o vain_a as_o to_o be_v serious_a in_o such_o a_o incredible_a romance_n it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o all_o traveller_n that_o come_v into_o those_o part_n after_o he_o shall_v tell_v the_o same_o story_n there_o be_v large_a field_n in_o fiction_n and_o if_o all_o those_o relation_n be_v arbitrary_a composition_n doubtless_o the_o first_o romancer_n will_v have_v frame_v they_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o spirit_n at_o least_o after_o these_o suppose_a absurdity_n have_v be_v a_o thousand_o time_n laugh_v at_o people_n by_o this_o time_n will_v have_v learn_v to_o correct_v those_o obnoxious_a extravagancy_n and_o though_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o more_o veracity_n than_o the_o age_n of_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n yet_o one_o will_v expect_v they_o shall_v have_v get_v more_o cunning_a this_o suppose_a impossibility_n then_o of_o these_o performance_n seem_v to_o i_o a_o probable_a argument_n that_o they_o be_v not_o wilful_a and_o design_v forgery_n and_o if_o they_o be_v phancye_n it_o be_v somewhat_o strange_a that_o imagination_n which_o be_v the_o most_o various_a thing_n in_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v infinite_o repeat_v he_o same_o conceit_n in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n but_o again_o 2_o the_o strange_a action_n relate_v of_o witch_n and_o presume_v impossible_a be_v not_o ascribe_v to_o their_o own_o power_n but_o to_o the_o agency_n of_o those_o wicked_a confederate_n they_o employ_v and_o to_o affirm_v that_o those_o evil_a spirit_n can_v do_v that_o which_o we_o conceit_n impossible_a be_v bold_o to_o stint_v the_o power_n of_o creature_n who_o nature_n and_o faculty_n we_o know_v not_o and_o to_o measure_v the_o world_n of_o spirit_n by_o the_o narrow_a rule_n of_o our_o own_o impotent_a being_n we_o see_v among_o ourselves_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o outgo_v the_o conceit_n and_o possibility_n of_o other_o and_o we_o know_v many_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v by_o the_o mathematics_n and_o mechanic_n artifice_n which_o common_a head_n think_v impossible_a to_o be_v effect_v by_o the_o honest_a way_n of_o art_n and_o nature_n and_o doubtless_o the_o subtlety_n and_o power_n of_o those_o mischievous_a fiend_n be_v as_o much_o beyond_o the_o reach_n and_o activity_n of_o the_o most_o know_a agent_n among_o we_o as_o they_o be_v beyond_o the_o wit_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o most_o rustic_a and_o illiterate_a so_o that_o the_o utmost_a that_o any_o man_n reason_n in_o the_o world_n can_v amount_v to_o in_o this_o
direct_v that_o prayer_n psal._n 71._o 9_o 10._o cast_v i_o not_o off_o in_o the_o time_n of_o old_a age_n forsake_v i_o not_o when_o my_o strength_n fail_v for_o they_o that_o keep_v my_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o lxx_o and_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a qui_fw-la custodiunt_fw-la animam_fw-la meam_fw-la they_o take_v counsel_n together_o say_v god_n have_v forsake_v he_o persecute_v he_o and_o take_v he_o for_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v he_o but_o i_o add_v 2_o that_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o state_n wherein_o they_o be_v will_v not_o easy_o permit_v palpable_a intercourse_n between_o the_o bad_a genii_n and_o our_o nature_n since_o it_o be_v like_a enough_o that_o their_o own_o law_n and_o government_n do_v not_o allow_v their_o frequent_a excursion_n into_o this_o world_n or_o it_o may_v with_o as_o great_a probability_n be_v suppose_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a and_o painful_a thing_n for_o they_o to_o force_v their_o thin_a and_o tenuious_a body_n into_o a_o visible_a consistence_n and_o such_o shape_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o design_n in_o their_o correspondency_n with_o witch_n for_o in_o this_o action_n their_o body_n must_v needs_o be_v exceed_o compress_v which_o can_v be_v well_o suppose_v without_o a_o painful_a sense_n and_o this_o be_v perhaps_o a_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v so_o few_o apparition_n and_o why_o appear_a spirit_n be_v common_o in_o such_o haste_n to_o be_v go_v viz._n that_o they_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o unnatural_a pressure_n of_o their_o tender_a vehicles_n which_o i_o confess_v hold_v more_o in_o the_o apparition_n of_o good_a than_o of_o evil_a spirit_n most_o relation_n of_o this_o kind_n describe_v their_o discovery_n of_o themselves_o as_o very_o transient_a though_o for_o those_o the_o holy_a scripture_n record_v there_o may_v be_v peculiar_a reason_n why_o they_o be_v not_o so_o whereas_o the_o wicked_a one_o be_v not_o altogether_o so_o quick_a and_o hasty_a in_o their_o visit_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o probable_o be_v the_o great_a subtlety_n and_o tenuity_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o former_a which_o will_v require_v far_o great_a degree_n of_o compression_n and_o consequent_o of_o pain_n to_o make_v they_o visible_a whereas_o the_o latter_a be_v more_o feculent_a and_o gross_a and_o so_o near_o ally_v to_o palpable_a consistency_n and_o more_o easy_o reduceable_a to_o appearance_n and_o visibility_n at_o this_o turn_n sir_n you_o may_v perceive_v that_o i_o have_v again_o make_v use_n of_o the_o platonic_a hypothesis_n that_o spirit_n be_v embody_v upon_o which_o indeed_o a_o great_a part_n of_o my_o discourse_n be_v ground_v and_o therefore_o i_o hold_v myself_o oblige_v to_o a_o short_a account_n of_o that_o supposal_n it_o seem_v then_o to_o i_o very_o probable_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o sense_n and_o analogy_n of_o nature_n for_o 1._o we_o perceive_v in_o ourselves_o that_o all_o sense_n be_v cause_v and_o excite_v by_o motion_n make_v in_o matter_n and_o when_o those_o motion_n which_o convey_v sensible_a impression_n to_o the_o brain_n the_o seat_n of_o sense_n be_v intercept_v sense_n be_v lose_v so_o that_o if_o we_o suppose_v spirit_n perfect_o to_o be_v disjoin_v from_o all_o matter_n it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a how_o they_o can_v have_v the_o sense_n of_o any_o thing_n for_o how_o material_a object_n shall_v any_o way_n be_v perceive_v or_o feel_v without_o vital_a union_n with_o matter_n it_o be_v not_o possiblè_fw-la to_o imagine_v nor_o do_v it_o 2._o seem_v suitable_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o nature_n which_o use_v not_o to_o make_v precipitious_a leap_n from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o but_o usual_o proceed_v by_o orderly_a step_n and_o gradation_n whereas_o be_v there_o no_o order_n of_o being_n between_o we_o who_o be_v so_o deep_o plunge_v into_o the_o gross_a matter_n and_o pure_a unbodied_a spirit_n it_o be_v a_o mighty_a jump_n in_o nature_n since_o then_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n consist_v of_o the_o fine_a portion_n of_o matter_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n be_v immediate_o unite_v unto_o these_o it_o be_v infinite_o probable_a to_o conjecture_v that_o the_o near_a order_n of_o spirit_n be_v vital_o join_v to_o such_o body_n and_o so_o nature_n by_o degree_n ascend_v still_o by_o the_o more_o refine_a and_o subtle_a matter_n get_v at_o last_o to_o the_o pure_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o immaterial_a mind_n which_o the_o platonist_n make_v the_o high_a order_n of_o create_a being_n but_o of_o this_o i_o have_v discourse_v elsewhere_o and_o have_v say_v thus_o much_o of_o it_o at_o present_a because_o it_o will_v enable_v i_o to_o add_v another_o reason_n of_o the_o unfrequency_n of_o apparition_n and_o compact_n viz._n 3._o because_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o these_o region_n be_v very_o unsuitable_a and_o disproportion_v to_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_n of_o their_o sense_n and_o body_n so_o that_o perhaps_o the_o courser_n spirit_n can_v no_o more_o bear_v the_o air_n of_o our_o world_n than_o batts_n and_o owl_n can_v the_o bright_a beam_n of_o day_n nor_o can_v the_o pure_a and_o better_o any_o more_o endure_v the_o noisome_a steam_n and_o poisonous_a reek_n of_o this_o dunghill_n earth_n than_o the_o delicate_a can_v bear_v a_o confinement_n in_o nasty_a dungeon_n and_o the_o foul_a squalid_a cavern_n of_o uncomfortable_a darkness_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o more_o wonder_n that_o the_o better_a spirit_n no_o often_o appear_v than_o that_o man_n be_v not_o more_o frequent_o in_o the_o dark_a hollow_n under_o ground_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o more_o strange_a that_o evil_a spirit_n so_o rare_o visit_v we_o than_o that_o fish_n do_v not_o ordinary_o fly_v in_o the_o air_n as_o it_o be_v say_v one_o sort_n of_o they_o do_v or_o that_o we_o see_v not_o the_o bat_n daily_o flutter_v in_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o now_o by_o the_o help_n of_o what_o i_o have_v speak_v under_o this_o head_n i_o be_o provide_v with_o some_o thing_n wherewith_o to_o disable_v another_o objection_n which_o i_o thus_o propose_v xi_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o intercourse_n between_o evil_a spirit_n and_o the_o wicked_a how_o come_v it_o about_o that_o there_o be_v no_o correspondence_n between_o good_a spirit_n and_o the_o virtuous_a since_o without_o doubt_n these_o be_v as_o desirous_a to_o propagate_v the_o spirit_n and_o design_n of_o the_o upper_a and_o better_a world_n as_o those_o be_v to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n which_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v still_o from_o our_o ignorance_n of_o the_o state_n and_o government_n of_o the_o other_o world_n which_o must_v be_v confess_v and_o may_v without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o proposition_n i_o defend_v but_o particular_o i_o say_v 1._o that_o we_o have_v ground_n enough_o to_o believe_v that_o good_a spirit_n do_v interpose_v in_o yea_o and_o govern_v our_o affair_n for_o that_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n reach_v from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n be_v general_o acknowledge_v but_o that_o this_o suppose_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v order_v by_o the_o immediate_a influence_n and_o interposal_n of_o the_o supreme_a deity_n be_v not_o very_o philosophical_a to_o suppose_v since_o if_o we_o judge_v by_o the_o analogy_n of_o the_o natural_a world_n all_o thing_n we_o see_v be_v carry_v on_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o second_o cause_n and_o intermediate_v agent_n and_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v so_o magnificent_a and_o become_v a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o supreme_a numen_fw-la to_o fancy_n his_o immediate_a hand_n in_o every_o trivial_a management_n but_o it_o be_v exceed_o likely_a to_o conjecture_v that_o much_o of_o the_o government_n of_o we_o and_o our_o affair_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o better_a spirit_n with_o a_o due_a subordination_n and_o subserviency_n to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o chief_a rector_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o it_o be_v not_o absurd_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o government_n run_v from_o high_a to_o low_a the_o better_a and_o more_o perfect_a order_n of_o be_v still_o rule_v the_o inferior_a and_o less_o perfect_a so_o that_o some_o one_o will_v fancy_n that_o perhaps_o the_o angel_n may_v manage_v we_o as_o we_o do_v the_o creature_n that_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v place_v under_o our_o empire_n and_o dominion_n but_o however_o that_o be_v that_o god_n rule_v the_o low_a world_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n be_v very_o consonant_a to_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n thus_o deut._n xxxii_o viij_o ix_o when_o the_o most_o high_o divide_v the_o nation_n their_o inheritance_n when_o he_o separate_v the_o son_n of_o adam_n he_o set_v the_o bound_n of_o the_o people_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n as_o the_o septuagint_n render_v it_o the_o authority_n of_o which_o
what_o argument_n of_o divinity_n be_v there_o in_o our_o saviour_n show_v himself_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o disciple_n when_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v and_o his_o transfiguration_n in_o the_o mount_n miracle_n be_v the_o great_a inducement_n of_o belief_n and_o how_o shall_v we_o distinguish_v a_o miracle_n from_o a_o lie_a wonder_n a_o testimony_n from_o heaven_n from_o a_o trick_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o hell_n if_o they_o can_v perform_v thing_n that_o astonish_v and_o confound_v our_o reason_n and_o be_v beyond_o all_o the_o possibility_n of_o humane_a nature_n this_o objection_n be_v spiteful_a and_o mischievous_a but_o i_o thus_o endeavour_v to_o dispatch_v it_o 1._o the_o wonder_v do_v by_o confederacy_n with_o wicked_a spirit_n can_v derive_v a_o suspicion_n upon_o the_o undoubted_a miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o author_n &_o promulger_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o if_o they_o be_v perform_v by_o diabolical_a compact_n since_o their_o spirit_n endeavour_n and_o design_n be_v notorious_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o tendency_n aim_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n for_o as_o to_o the_o life_n and_o temper_n of_o the_o 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 calmness_n in_o his_o temper_n compassion_n in_o his_o miracle_n modesty_n in_o his_o expression_n holiness_n in_o all_o his_o action_n hatred_n of_o vice_n and_o baseness_n and_o love_n to_o all_o the_o world_n all_o which_o be_v essential_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o constistitution_n of_o apostate_n spirit_n who_o abound_v in_o pride_n and_o rancour_n insolence_n and_o rudeness_n tyranny_n and_o baseness_n universal_a malice_n and_o hatred_n of_o men._n and_o their_o design_n be_v as_o opposite_a as_o their_o spirit_n and_o their_o genius_n and_o now_o can_v the_o sun_n borrow_v its_o light_n from_o the_o bottomless_a abyss_n can_v heat_n and_o warmth_n flow_v in_o upon_o the_o world_n from_o the_o region_n of_o snow_n and_o ice_n can_v fire_n freeze_v and_o water_n burn_v can_v nature_n so_o infinite_o contrary_a communicate_v and_o jump_v in_o project_n that_o be_v destructive_a to_o each_o other_o know_v interest_n be_v there_o any_o balsam_n in_o the_o cockatrice_n egg_n or_o can_v the_o spirit_n of_o life_n flow_v from_o the_o venom_n of_o the_o asp_n will_v the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n strengthen_v the_o arm_n that_o be_v stretch_v out_o to_o pluck_v his_o usurp_v sceptre_n and_o his_o spoil_n from_o he_o and_o will_v he_o lend_v his_o legion_n to_o assist_v the_o army_n of_o his_o enemy_n against_o he_o no_o these_o be_v impossible_a supposal_n no_o intelligent_a be_v will_v industrious_o and_o know_o contribute_v to_o the_o contradiction_n of_o its_o own_o principle_n the_o defeature_n of_o its_o purpose_n and_o the_o ruin_n of_o its_o own_o dear_a interest_n there_o be_v no_o fear_n then_o that_o our_o faith_n shall_v receive_v prejudice_n from_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o be_v of_o witch_n and_o power_n of_o evil_a spirit_n since_o it_o be_v not_o the_o do_v wonderful_a thing_n that_o be_v the_o only_a evidence_n that_o the_o holy_a jesus_n be_v from_o god_n and_o his_o doctrine_n true_a but_o the_o conjunction_n of_o other_o circumstance_n the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o design_n add_v credit_n to_o his_o work_n and_o strengthen_v the_o great_a conclusion_n that_o he_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n but_o beside_o i_o say_v 2._o that_o since_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n rule_v the_o world_n it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o they_o shall_v give_v up_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n to_o unavoidable_a deception_n and_o if_o evil_a angel_n by_o their_o confederate_n be_v permit_v to_o perform_v such_o astonish_a thing_n as_o seem_v so_o evident_o to_o carry_v god_n seal_n and_o power_n with_o they_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o falsehood_n and_o gain_v credit_n to_o impostor_n without_o any_o counter-evidence_n to_o disabuse_v the_o world_n mankind_n be_v expose_v to_o sad_a and_o fatal_a delusion_n and_o to_o say_v that_o providence_n will_v suffer_v we_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a concernment_n when_o we_o use_v the_o best_a of_o our_o care_n and_o endeavour_n to_o prevent_v it_o be_v to_o speak_v hard_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o affirm_v that_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n or_o do_v not_o concern_v himself_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o poor_a forlorn_a men._n and_o if_o the_o providence_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o security_n unto_o we_o against_o such_o deception_n we_o can_v be_v assure_v but_o that_o we_o be_v always_o abuse_v by_o those_o mischievous_a agent_n in_o the_o object_n of_o plain_a sense_n and_o in_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o daily_a converse_v if_o one_o that_o pretend_v he_o be_v immediate_o send_v from_o god_n to_o overthrow_v the_o ancient_a fabric_n of_o establish_v worship_n and_o to_o erect_v a_o new_a religion_n in_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n and_o honour_v by_o a_o miraculous_a star_n proclaim_v by_o a_o song_n of_o seem_a angel_n of_o light_n and_o worship_v by_o the_o wise_a sage_n of_o the_o world_n revere_v by_o those_o of_o the_o great_a austerity_n and_o admire_v by_o all_o for_o a_o miraculous_a wisdom_n beyond_o his_o education_n and_o his_o year_n if_o he_o shall_v feed_v multitude_n with_o almost_o nothing_o and_o fast_o himself_o beyond_o all_o the_o possibility_n of_o nature_n if_o he_o shall_v be_v transform_v into_o the_o appearance_n of_o extraordinary_a glory_n and_o converse_v with_o depart_a prophet_n in_o their_o visible_a form_n if_o he_o shall_v cure_v all_o disease_n without_o physic_n or_o endeavour_n and_o raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n after_o they_o have_v stink_v in_o their_o grave_n if_o he_o shall_v be_v honour_v by_o voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o attract_v the_o universal_a wonder_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n if_o he_o shall_v allay_v tempest_n with_o a_o beck_n and_o cast_v out_o devil_n with_o a_o word_n if_o he_o shall_v foretell_v his_o own_o death_n particular_o with_o its_o tragical_a circumstance_n and_o his_o resurrection_n after_o it_o if_o the_o veil_n of_o the_o most_o famous_a temple_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v rend_v and_o the_o sun_n darken_v at_o his_o funeral_n if_o he_o shall_v within_o the_o time_n foretell_v break_v the_o bond_n of_o death_n and_o lift_v up_o his_o head_n out_o of_o the_o grave_a if_o multitude_n of_o other_o depart_a soul_n shall_v arise_v with_o he_o to_o attend_v at_o the_o solemnity_n of_o his_o resurrection_n if_o he_o shall_v after_o death_n visible_o converse_v with_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o divers_a person_n who_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o clear_a sense_n and_o ascend_v in_o glory_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o astonish_a and_o admire_a multitude_n i_o say_v if_o such_o a_o one_o as_o this_o shall_v prove_v a_o diabolical_a impostor_n and_o providence_n shall_v permit_v he_o to_o be_v so_o credit_v and_o acknowledge_v what_o possibility_n be_v there_o then_o for_o we_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v not_o always_o deceive_v yea_o that_o our_o very_a faculty_n be_v not_o give_v we_o only_o to_o delude_v and_o abuse_v we_o and_o if_o so_o the_o next_o conclusion_n be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n that_o judge_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o best_a and_o most_o likely_a hypothesis_n will_v be_v that_o the_o world_n be_v give_v up_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n that_o supervise_v we_o as_o nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a doubtless_o it_o will_v never_o suffer_v poor_a helpless_a creature_n to_o be_v inevitable_o deceive_v by_o the_o craft_n and_o subtlety_n of_o their_o mischievous_a enemy_n to_o their_o undo_n but_o will_v without_o question_n take_v such_o care_n that_o the_o work_v wrought_v by_o divine_a power_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o divine_a truth_n shall_v have_v such_o visible_a mark_n and_o signature_n if_o not_o in_o their_o nature_n yet_o in_o their_o circumstance_n end_n and_o design_n as_o shall_v discover_v whence_o they_o be_v and_o sufficient_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o imposture_n and_o delusion_n and_o though_o wicked_a spirit_n may_v perform_v some_o strange_a thing_n that_o may_v excite_v wonder_n for_o a_o while_n yet_o he_o have_v and_o will_v so_o provide_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v baffle_v and_o discredit_v as_o we_o know_v it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o egyptian_a magician_n now_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v direct_o say_v to_o the_o objection_n i_o have_v this_o to_o add_v