suppose_v it_o be_v the_o skill_n of_o apply_v the_o plastic_a spirit_n of_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n then_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o witch_n do_v natural_o contribute_v to_o that_o mischief_n that_o the_o devil_n do_v and_o his_o last_o answer_n run_v to_o this_o effect_n be_v it_o not_o the_o ordination_n of_o god_n that_o where_o the_o devil_n can_v get_v the_o consent_n of_o a_o witch_n for_o the_o hurt_v of_o other_o the_o hurt_n shall_v as_o certain_o be_v as_o if_o they_o have_v set_v mastiff_n dog_n upon_o they_o or_o have_v give_v they_o poison_n into_o their_o bowel_n and_o god_n providence_n must_v be_v as_o great_a in_o deliver_v from_o one_o as_o from_o the_o other_o and_o this_o it_o seem_v be_v not_o only_o his_o belief_n but_o the_o most_o orthodox_n and_o most_o learned_a answer_n that_o our_o author_n can_v pitch_v upon_o if_o witchcraft_n be_v as_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v etc._n etc._n and_o be_v it_o not_o the_o ordination_n of_o god_n that_o etc._n etc._n what_o be_v all_o this_o but_o precarious_a and_o beg_v the_o question_n and_o a_o plain_a drop_v the_o argument_n he_o can_v manage_v however_o to_o amuse_v the_o ignorant_a and_o to_o confound_v the_o learned_a he_o hook_v in_o a_o cramp_n word_n if_o not_o a_o nonentity_n viz._n plastic_a spirit_n of_o the_o world_n for_o who_o be_v it_o either_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o plastick-spirit_n or_o what_o it_o be_v or_o how_o this_o can_v any_o way_n serve_v his_o purpose_n he_o than_o proceed_v to_o scripture_n instance_n of_o witch_n &_o c._n and_o where_o i_o think_v it_o needful_a i_o have_v as_o i_o say_v show_v my_o dissent_n from_o his_o judgement_n he_o account_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o be_v hold_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o definition_n of_o a_o witch_n which_o he_o make_v to_o consist_v in_o a_o covenant_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o choose_v rather_o a_o tedious_a process_n about_o a_o pistol_n to_o defend_v he_o from_o it_o which_o indeed_o be_v one_o particular_a way_n whereby_o murder_n have_v be_v commit_v and_o so_o the_o door_n become_v culpable_a but_o his_o definition_n of_o a_o witch_n which_o as_o i_o say_v still_o remain_v to_o be_v prove_v be_v to_o this_o effect_n that_o a_o witch_n be_v one_o that_o covenant_n with_o and_o commission_n devil_n to_o do_v mischief_n that_o she_o be_v one_o in_o covenant_n or_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o such_o covenant_n she_o can_v commissionate_v he_o to_o kill_v the_o not_o bring_v sculpture_n to_o prove_v these_o two_o be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n there_o be_v none_o and_o so_o that_o our_o author_n leave_v off_o just_a where_o he_o begin_v viz._n in_o a_o bare_a assertion_n together_o with_o his_o own_o biggote_v experience_n hint_v also_o at_o multitude_n of_o history_n to_o confirm_v he_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o definition_n here_o be_v all_o that_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o to_o be_v considerable_a and_o now_o sir_n if_o you_o think_v fit_a improve_v your_o friendship_n with_o the_o author_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o sovereign_n be_v the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n and_o for_o his_o real_a and_o true_a interest_n as_o you_o see_v it_o convenient_a put_v he_o in_o mind_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v the_o end_n why_o mankind_n be_v make_v and_o why_o he_o have_v so_o many_o advantage_n to_o it_o that_o the_o flame_n we_o have_v see_v threaten_v the_o utter_a extirpation_n of_o the_o country_n must_v own_o their_o original_a to_o these_o dangerous_a error_n if_o not_o heresy_n which_o if_o they_o remain_v unextinguished_a may_v and_o most_o likely_a will_v be_v act_v over_o again_o that_o it_o be_v more_o honour_n to_o own_o a_o error_n in_o time_n than_o tenacious_o after_o full_a conviction_n to_o retain_v it_o but_o if_o our_o author_n will_v again_o vindicate_v such_o matter_n please_v to_o acquaint_v he_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o any_o more_o receive_v his_o paper_n if_o i_o may_v not_o copy_n and_o use_v they_o and_o that_o when_o he_o do_v instead_o of_o such_o abstruse_a matter_n i_o still_o pray_v his_o determination_n in_o those_o thing_n i_o have_v his_o promise_n for_o and_o thus_o beg_a pardon_n for_o thus_o long_o detain_v of_o you_o i_o be_o sir_n you_o to_o command_v r._n c._n to_o the_o minister_n whether_o english_a french_a or_o dutch_a boston_n march_v 18._o 1694_o i_o have_v have_v not_o only_a occasion_n but_o renew_v provocation_n to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o mysterious_a doctrine_n which_o have_v of_o late_o be_v so_o much_o contest_v among_o we_o can_v not_o meet_v with_o any_o that_o have_v speak_v more_o or_o more_o plain_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o doctrine_n relate_v to_o the_o witchcraft_n than_o the_o reverend_n mr._n c._n m._n but_o how_o clear_o and_o consistent_a either_o with_o himself_o or_o the_o truth_n i_o meddle_v not_o now_o to_o say_v but_o can_v but_o suppose_v his_o strenuous_a and_o zealous_a assert_v his_o opinion_n have_v be_v one_o cause_n of_o the_o dismal_a convulsion_n we_o have_v here_o late_o fall_v into_o suppose_v that_o his_o book_n of_o memorable_a providence_n relate_v to_o witchcraft_n as_o also_o his_o wonder_n of_o the_o invisible_a world_n do_v contain_v in_o they_o thing_n not_o warrantable_a and_o very_o dangerous_a i_o send_v to_o he_o a_o letter_n of_o quotation_n out_o of_o those_o book_n &_o c._n that_o so_o if_o it_o may_v have_v be_v i_o may_v understand_v what_o tolerable_a sense_n he_o will_v put_v upon_o his_o own_o word_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o better_a way_n of_o proceed_v than_o to_o have_v affix_v what_o i_o think_v to_o be_v their_o natural_a consequence_n and_o leave_v i_o may_v be_v judge_v a_o sceptic_a i_o give_v he_o a_o full_a and_o free_a account_n of_o my_o belief_n relate_v to_o those_o doctrine_n together_o with_o the_o ground_n thereof_o and_o pray_v he_o that_o if_o i_o err_v i_o may_v be_v show_v it_o by_o scripture_n and_o this_o i_o have_v his_o reiterated_a promise_n for_o but_o after_o more_o than_o a_o year_n wait_v for_o the_o performance_n thereof_o all_o that_o be_v do_v in_o compliance_n therewith_o be_v that_o in_o feb._n last_o he_o send_v i_o four_o sheet_n of_o his_o writing_n as_o his_o belief_n but_o before_o i_o may_v receive_v it_o i_o must_v engage_v to_o deliver_v it_o back_o in_o a_o fortnight_n and_o not_o copy_v a_o summary_n accoun_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o when_o i_o have_v first_o acquaint_v you_o what_o the_o doctrine_n be_v which_o i_o send_v to_o he_o for_o his_o concurrence_n with_o or_o confutation_n of_o and_o to_o which_o i_o have_v his_o promise_n as_o above_o these_o by_o way_n of_o question_n viz._n whether_o that_o four_o head_n cite_v and_o recommend_v by_o himself_o in_o wonder_n of_o the_o invisible_a world_n of_o mr._n gaul_n ought_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o a_o truth_n which_o run_v thus_o among_o the_o most_o unhappy_a circumstance_n to_o convict_v a_o witch_n one_o be_v a_o malign_v and_o oppugn_v the_o word_n work_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o seek_v by_o any_o extraordinary_a sign_n to_o seduce_v any_o from_o it_o dâ—u_o 13.1_o 2._o mat._n 24._o 24._o act_n 13._o 8_o 10._o 2_o tim._n 3_o 8._o do_v but_o mark_v well_o the_o place_n and_o for_o this_o very_a property_n of_o thus_o oppugn_v and_o pervert_v they_o be_v all_o there_o conclude_v arrant_a and_o absolute_a witch_n and_o if_o in_o witchcraft_n the_o devil_n by_o mean_n of_o a_o witch_n do_v the_o mischief_n how_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o possession_n both_o be_v say_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o yet_o without_o a_o infallible_a distinction_n there_o can_v be_v no_o certainty_n in_o judgement_n and_o whether_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o any_o age_n before_o or_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o great_a apostasy_n do_v believe_v that_o a_o witch_n have_v power_n to_o commissionate_a devil_n to_o do_v mischief_n so_o much_o to_o the_o question_n these_o be_v send_v as_o my_o belief_n that_o the_o devil_n bound_n be_v set_v that_o he_o cant_fw-mi pass_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v so_o full_a of_o malice_n that_o it_o cant_fw-mi be_v add_v to_o by_o mankind_n that_o where_o he_o have_v power_n he_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v omit_v execute_v it_o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o almighty_a that_o let_v bound_n to_o his_o rage_n and_o that_o only_o can_v commissionate_v he_o to_o hurt_v or_o destroy_v and_o now_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o the_o summary_n account_n of_o his_o four_o sheet_n above_o mention_v as_o near_o as_o memory_n can_v recollect_v in_o ten_o particular_n 1._o that_o the_o devil_n have_v in_o their_o nature_n a_o power_n to_o work_v wonder_n
will_v be_v answer_v god_n permit_v it_o which_o answer_n be_v so_o far_o a_o own_n the_o doctrine_n that_o the_o devil_n have_v in_o his_o nature_n a_o power_n to_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o can_v exert_v this_o power_n except_o when_o he_o be_v restrain_v which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o god_n have_v make_v nature_n to_o fight_v against_o itself_o that_o he_o have_v make_v a_o creature_n who_o have_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o overthrow_v nature_n and_o to_o act_v above_o and_o against_o it_o which_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v may_v as_o well_o believe_v the_o great_a contradiction_n that_o be_v which_o can_v do_v this_o in_o the_o small_a thing_n can_v do_v it_o in_o the_o great_a if_o moses_n with_o a_o bare_a permission_n may_v stretch_v forth_o his_o rod_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bring_v plague_n upon_o the_o egyptian_n or_o to_o divide_v the_o water_n without_o a_o commission_n from_o the_o most_o high_a so_o neither_o can_v that_o evil_n be_v perform_v any_o of_o this_o without_o a_o commission_n from_o the_o same_o power_n the_o scripture_n recite_v more_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o man_n than_o by_o angel_n good_a and_o bad_a though_o this_o doctrine_n be_v so_o dishonourable_a to_o the_o only_a almighty_a be_v as_o to_o ascribe_v such_o attribute_n to_o the_o evil_a one_o as_o be_v the_o incommunicable_a prerogative_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o alone_a sovereign_n be_v yet_o here_o be_v not_o all_o but_o as_o he_o that_o steer_n by_o a_o false_a compass_n the_o further_o he_o sail_n the_o more_o he_o be_v out_o of_o his_o way_n so_o though_o there_o be_v in_o some_o thing_n a_o variation_n from_o there_o be_v in_o other_o a_o further_a progression_n in_o or_o build_v upon_o the_o say_a doctrine_n of_o the_o maniche_fw-it man_n in_o this_o age_n be_v not_o content_v bare_o to_o believe_v such_o a_o exorbitant_a power_n to_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o evil_n be_v but_o have_v imagine_v that_o he_o prevail_v with_o many_o to_o sign_v a_o book_n or_o make_v a_o contract_n with_o he_o whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o perform_v all_o the_o thing_n abovemention_v another_o account_n be_v give_v hereof_o viz._n that_o by_o virtue_n of_o such_o a_o covenant_n they_o attain_v power_n to_o commissionate_v he_o and_o though_o the_o two_o party_n be_v not_o agree_v which_o to_o put_v it_o upon_o whether_o the_o devil_n empower_v the_o witch_n or_o the_o witch_n commissionate_v he_o yet_o both_o party_n be_v agree_v in_o this_o that_o one_o way_n or_o other_o the_o mischief_n be_v effect_v and_o so_o the_o criminal_a become_v culpable_a of_o death_n in_o the_o search_n after_o such_o a_o sort_n of_o criminal_n how_o many_o country_n have_v fall_v into_o such_o convulsion_n that_o the_o devastation_n make_v by_o a_o conquer_a enemy_n nor_o the_o plague_n itself_o have_v not_o be_v so_o formidable_a that_o not_o only_o good_a person_n have_v thus_o be_v blemish_v in_o their_o reputation_n but_o much_o innocent_a blood_n have_v be_v shed_v be_v testify_v even_o by_o those_o very_a book_n case_n of_o conscience_n p._n 33._o remarkable_a provide_v p._n 179._o memor_n provide_v p._n 28._o and_o to_o add_v what_o less_o can_v be_v expect_v when_o man_n have_v take_v up_o such_o a_o belief_n of_o a_o covenant_a afflict_a and_o kill_v witch_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o scripture_n find_v no_o footstep_n therein_o of_o such_o a_o sort_n of_o witch_n have_v thereupon_o desperate_o conclude_v that_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v full_a in_o it_o that_o a_o witch_n shall_v not_o live_v yet_o that_o it_o have_v not_o at_o all_o describe_v the_o crime_n nor_o mean_n whereby_o the_o culpable_a may_v be_v detect_v and_o hence_o they_o be_v fall_v so_o far_o as_o to_o reckon_v it_o necessary_a to_o make_v use_n of_o those_o diabolical_a and_o bloody_a way_n always_o heretofore_o practise_v for_o their_o discovery_n as_o find_v that_o the_o rule_v give_v to_o detect_v other_o crime_n be_v whole_o useless_a for_o the_o discovery_n of_o such_o this_o be_v that_o which_o have_v produce_v that_o deluge_n of_o blood_n mention_v and_o must_v certain_o do_v so_o again_o the_o same_o belief_n remain_v and_o who_o can_v wonder_v if_o christian_n that_o be_v so_o easy_o prevail_v with_o to_o lay_v aside_o their_o sword_n as_o useless_a and_o so_o have_v lose_v their_o strength_n if_o with_o samson_n they_o be_v lead_v blindfold_a into_o a_o idol_n temple_n to_o make_v sport_n for_o enemy_n and_o infidel_n and_o to_o do_v abominable_a action_n not_o only_o not_o christian_a but_o against_o even_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o now_o reverend_a father_n you_o who_o be_v appoint_v as_o guide_n to_o the_o people_n and_o who_o lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n who_o be_v set_v as_o shepherd_n and_z as_o watchmen_z this_o matter_n appertain_v to_o you_o i_o do_v write_v to_o you_o former_o upon_o this_o head_n and_o acquaint_v you_o with_o my_o sentiment_n request_v that_o if_o i_o err_v you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o show_v it_o i_o by_o scripture_n but_o from_o your_o silence_n i_o gather_v that_o you_o approve_v thereof_o for_o i_o may_v reasonable_o preâ—uâ—e_v that_o you_o will_v have_v see_v it_o your_o duty_n to_o have_v inform_v i_o better_o if_o you_o have_v be_v sensible_a of_o any_o error_n but_o if_o in_o this_o matter_n you_o have_v acquit_v yourselves_o become_v the_o title_n you_o be_v dignify_v with_o you_o have_v cause_n of_o rejoice_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o calamity_n that_o afflict_v a_o sin_v world_n particular_o if_o you_o have_v teach_v the_o people_n to_o fear_n god_n and_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o not_o to_o fear_v a_o witch_n or_o a_o devil_n that_o the_o devil_n have_v no_o power_n to_o afflict_v any_o with_o disease_n or_o loss_n of_o cattle_n &_o c._n without_o a_o commission_n from_o the_o most_o high_a that_o he_o be_v so_o fill_v with_o malice_n that_o whatever_o commission_n he_o may_v have_v against_o any_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o execute_v it_o that_o no_o mortal_a ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v able_a to_o commissionate_v he_o or_o to_o lengthen_v his_o chain_n in_o the_o least_o and_o that_o he_o who_o can_v commissionate_v he_o be_v god_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n not_o only_o assign_v the_o punishment_n of_o a_o witch_n but_o give_v sufficient_a rule_n to_o detect_v they_o by_o and_o that_o according_a to_o mr._n gaul_n four_o head_n a_o witch_n be_v one_o that_o hate_v and_o oppose_v the_o word_n work_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o seek_v by_o a_o sign_n to_o seduce_v therefrom_o that_o they_o who_o be_v guilty_a according_a to_o that_o head_n be_v guilty_a of_o witchcraft_n and_o by_o the_o law_n give_v by_o moses_n be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n if_o you_o have_v teach_v the_o people_n the_o necessity_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o evil_a of_o entertain_v so_o much_o as_o a_o jealousy_n against_o their_o neighbour_n for_o such_o crime_n upon_o the_o devil_n suggestion_n to_o a_o person_n pretend_v to_o a_o spectral_a or_o diabolical_a sight_n who_o utter_v their_o oracle_n from_o malice_n frenzy_n or_o a_o satanical_a delusion_n that_o to_o be_v inquisitive_a of_o such_o who_o spectres_n they_o see_v or_o who_o it_o be_v that_o afflict_v in_o order_n to_o put_v the_o accuse_a person_n life_n in_o question_n be_v a_o wickedness_n beyond_o what_o saul_n be_v guilty_a of_o in_o go_v to_o the_o witch_n that_o to_o consult_v with_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o help_n of_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o this_o spectral_a sight_n and_o so_o to_o get_v information_n against_o the_o life_n of_o any_o person_n be_v the_o worst_a sort_n of_o necromancy_n that_o the_o pretend_v to_o drive_v away_o spectres_n i._n e._n devil_n with_o the_o hand_n or_o by_o strike_v these_o to_o wound_v a_o person_n at_o a_o distance_n can_v be_v without_o witchcraft_n as_o pretend_v to_o assign_v in_o erder_n to_o deceive_v in_o matter_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o think_v by_o make_v law_n against_o feed_v employ_v or_o reward_v of_o evil_a spirit_n thereby_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o they_o that_o their_o nature_n require_v not_o suck_v to_o support_v it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o horrid_a injury_n and_o barbarity_n to_o search_v those_o part_n which_o even_o nature_n itself_o command_v the_o conceal_n of_o to_o find_v some_o excrescence_n to_o be_v call_v a_o tet_n for_o these_o to_o suck_v which_o yet_o be_v say_v sometime_o to_o appear_v as_o a_o fleabite_n final_o if_o you_o have_v teach_v the_o people_n what_o to_o believe_v and_o practice_n as_o to_o the_o probation_n of_o the_o accuse_v by_o their_o say_n or_o not_o say_v the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o as_o to_o pray_v
pronounce_v come_v unto_o i_o you_o bless_v and_o depart_v you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n 4._o that_o sovereign_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n have_v not_o therefore_o lose_v their_o power_n of_o enact_v law_n for_o the_o roll_a and_o preserve_v their_o people_n and_o punish_v malefactor_n even_o with_o death_n so_o that_o the_o criminal_a be_v as_o just_o condemn_v to_o die_v by_o our_o municipal_a as_o he_o be_v heretofore_o by_o the_o judicial_a law_n among_o the_o jew_n how_o much_o more_o than_o ought_v our_o law_n to_o advert_v against_o the_o high_a of_o all_o criminal_n those_o execrable_a man_n and_o woman_n who_o though_o yet_o alive_a have_v list_v themselves_o under_o satan_n banner_n and_o explicit_o swear_a allegiance_n to_o he_o to_o fight_v against_o god_n and_o christ_n indeed_o all_o unholy_a man_n afford_v great_a matter_n to_o the_o devil_n of_o blaspheme_v but_o these_o wretch_n have_v confederated_a themselves_o with_o the_o devil_n to_o blaspheme_v and_o destroy_v all_o they_o can_v and_o do_v you_o think_v that_o these_o common_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o mankind_n ought_v to_o be_v suffer_v to_o live_v in_o a_o christian_a common_a wealth_n especial_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v a_o precedent_n of_o put_v they_o to_o death_n from_o god_n himself_o when_o he_o act_v as_o king_n over_o his_o own_o peculiar_a people_n but_o i_o think_v i_o hear_v you_o say_v all_o this_o do_v not_o satisfy_v i_o for_o i_o be_o sure_a nothing_o can_v be_v add_v to_o the_o devil_n malice_n and_o if_o he_o can_v he_o certain_o will_v appear_v and_o frighten_v all_o man_n out_o of_o their_o wit_n i_o answer_v 1._o we_o must_v not_o reject_v a_o truth_n because_o we_o can_v resolve_v all_o the_o question_n that_o may_v be_v propose_v about_o it_o otherwise_o all_o our_o science_n must_v be_v turn_v into_o sceptism_n for_o we_o have_v not_o a_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o any_o one_o thing_n 2._o when_o you_o say_v that_o if_o the_o devil_n can_v he_o will_v appear_v and_o frighten_v all_o man_n the_o lawful_a consequence_n be_v not_o that_o he_o can_v appear_v at_o all_o for_o we_o have_v undoubted_o prove_v the_o contrary_a but_o that_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o bound_n that_o the_o almighty_a have_v have_v set_v to_o he_o who_o malice_n indeed_o if_o he_o be_v not_o restrain_v be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o destroy_v all_o man_n but_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o god_n be_v great_a who_o have_v give_v we_o mean_n to_o escape_v his_o fury_n if_o we_o will_v give_v earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o only_o be_v able_a to_o comfort_v we_o against_o the_o sad_a and_o miserable_a condition_n of_o our_o present_a state_n for_o not_o only_o the_o devil_n but_o likewise_o all_o do_v conspire_v against_o we_o to_o work_v our_o ruin_n the_o deluge_n come_v and_o sweep_v away_o all_o the_o race_n save_o eight_o person_n of_o mankind_n the_o fire_n will_v in_o time_n devour_v what_o the_o water_n have_v leave_v and_o all_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v because_o of_o sin_n but_o we_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n look_v for_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n wherein_o dwell_v righteousness_n therefore_o he_o if_o we_o purify_v ourselves_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a will_v save_v we_o for_o when_o he_o appear_v we_o shall_v be_v make_v like_o unto_o he_o to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o amen_o from_o the_o great_a destruction_n that_o must_v come_v upon_o all_o the_o world_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o farewell_n march_v 8_o the_o 1693_o 4._o boston_n march_v 20._o 1693_o worthy_a sir_n that_o great_a pain_n you_o have_v take_v for_o my_o information_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o those_o controvert_v point_n relate_v to_o witchcraft_n whether_o it_o attain_v the_o end_n or_o not_o can_v require_v less_o than_o suitable_a acknowledgement_n and_o gratitude_n especial_o consider_v you_o have_v no_o particular_a obligation_n of_o office_n to_o it_o and_o when_o other_o who_o proper_a province_n it_o be_v have_v decline_v it_o it_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n that_o the_o many_o heresy_n among_o the_o christian_n nor_o the_o lie_a miracle_n or_o witchcraft_n use_v by_o some_o to_o induce_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n etc._n etc._n must_v not_o give_v a_o mortal_a wound_n to_o christianity_n or_o truth_n but_o the_o great_a question_n in_o these_o controvert_v point_n still_o be_v what_o be_v truth_n and_o in_o this_o search_n be_v agree_v in_o the_o judge_n or_o rule_n there_o be_v great_a hope_n of_o the_o issue_n that_o there_o be_v witch_n be_v plain_a from_o that_o rule_n of_o truth_n the_o scripture_n which_o command_v their_o punishment_n by_o death_n but_o what_o that_o witchcraft_n be_v or_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v be_v the_o whole_a difficulty_n that_o head_n cite_v from_o mr._n gaul_n and_o so_o well_o prove_v thereby_o not_o deny_v by_o any_o make_v the_o work_n yet_o short_a so_o that_o it_o be_v agree_v to_o consist_v in_o a_o malignity_n etc._n etc._n and_o seek_v by_o a_o sign_n to_o seduce_v etc._n etc._n not_o exclude_v any_o other_o sort_n or_o branch_n when_o as_o well_o prove_v by_o that_o infallible_a rule_n that_o good_a angel_n have_v appear_v be_v certain_a though_o that_o instance_n of_o those_o to_o abraham_n may_v admit_v of_o a_o various_a construction_n some_o divine_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v the_o trinity_n other_o that_o they_o be_v men-messenger_n as_o judge_n 2.1_o and_o other_o that_o they_o be_v angel_n but_o though_o this_o as_o i_o say_v may_v admit_v of_o a_o debate_n yet_o i_o see_v no_o question_n of_o the_o angel_n gabriel_n appearance_n particular_o to_o the_o b._n virgin_n for_o though_o the_o angel_n be_v spirit_n and_o so_o not_o perceptible_a by_o our_o bodily_a eye_n without_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o most_o high_a yet_o he_o who_o make_v all_o thing_n by_o his_o word_n in_o the_o creation_n can_v with_o a_o word_n speak_v thing_n into_o be_v and_o whether_o the_o angel_n do_v assume_v matter_n or_o a_o vehicle_n and_o by_o that_o appear_v to_o the_o bodily_a eye_n or_o whether_o by_o the_o same_o word_n there_o be_v a_o idea_n frame_v in_o the_o mind_n which_o need_v no_o vehicle_n to_o represent_v they_o to_o the_o intellect_n be_v with_o the_o alwise_a and_o not_o for_o i_o to_o dispute_v if_o we_o poor_a shallow_a mortal_n do_v not_o comprehend_v the_o manner_n how_o that_o argue_v only_o our_o weakness_n two_o other_o time_n do_v this_o glorious_a angel_n appear_v dan._n 8.16_o dan_n 9.21_o the_o first_o of_o these_o time_n be_v in_o vision_n as_o by_o the_o text_n and_o context_n will_v appear_v the_o second_o be_v the_o same_o as_o at_o the_o first_o which_o be_v consider_v as_o it_o will_v ascertain_v that_o angel_n have_v appear_v so_o that_o it_o be_v at_o the_o will_n of_o the_o sender_n how_o they_o shall_v appear_v whether_o to_o the_o bodily_a eye_n or_o intellect_n only_o mat._n 1.20_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o angel_n to_o joseph_n be_v in_o a_o dream_n and_o yet_o a_o real_a appearance_n so_o be_v there_o a_o real_a appearance_n to_o the_o apostle_n but_o whether_o in_o the_o body_n or_o out_o of_o the_o body_n he_o can_v not_o tell_v and_o that_o they_o be_v send_v and_o come_v not_o of_o their_o own_o motion_n luk._n 1.26_o and_o in_o the_o six_o month_n the_o angel_n gabriel_n be_v send_v from_o god_n dan._n 9.23_o at_o the_o beginning_n of_o thy_o supplication_n the_o commandment_n come_v forth_o and_o i_o be_o come_v v._o 21._o be_v cause_v to_o fly_v swift_o etc._n etc._n but_o from_o these_o place_n may_v be_v set_v down_o as_o undoubted_a truth_n or_o conclusion_n 1._o that_o the_o glorious_a angel_n have_v their_o mission_n and_o commission_n from_o the_o most_o high_a 2._o that_o without_o this_o they_o can_v appear_v to_o mankind_n and_o from_o these_o two_o will_v necessary_o flow_v a_o three_o 3._o that_o if_o the_o glorious_a angel_n have_v not_o that_o power_n to_o go_v till_o commission_v or_o to_o appear_v to_o mortal_n than_o not_o the_o fall_v angel_n who_o be_v hold_v in_o chain_n of_o darkness_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n therefore_o to_o argue_v that_o because_o the_o good_a angel_n have_v appear_v the_o evil_n may_v or_o can_v be_v to_o i_o as_o if_o because_o the_o dead_a have_v be_v raise_v to_o life_n by_o holy_a prophet_n therefore_o man_n wicked_a man_n can_v raise_v the_o dead_a as_o the_o suffering_n so_o the_o temptation_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v in_o degree_n beyond_o those_o common_a to_o man_n he_o be_v the_o second_o adam_n or_o public_a head_n the_o strong_a assault_n be_v now_o improve_v and_o we_o read_v that_o he_o be_v tempt_v that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o succour_v they_o that_o
the_o witch_n real_o have_v such_o a_o miraculous_a or_o wonder-working_a power_n and_o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 5.20_o reckon_v up_o witchcraft_n among_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v it_o indeed_o a_o wonder-working_a power_n receive_v immediate_o from_o the_o devil_n and_o whole_o beyond_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v very_o improper_a to_o place_v it_o with_o drunkenness_n murder_n adultery_n etc._n etc._n all_o manifest_a fleshly_a work_n it_o be_v also_o remarkable_a that_o witchcraft_n be_v general_o in_o scripture_n join_v with_o spiritual_a whoredom_n i._n e._n idolatry_n this_o thence_o will_v plain_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o same_o only_o pretend_v to_o a_o sign_n in_o order_n to_o deceive_v seem_v to_o be_v yet_o a_o further_a degree_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n manasseh_n and_o jezebel_n 2_o chron._n 33.6_o 2_o king_n 9.22_o use_v witchcraft_n and_o whoredom_n nahum_n 3.4_o the_o idolatrous_a city_n be_v call_v mistress_n of_o witchcraft_n but_o to_o instance_n in_o one_o place_n instead_o of_o many_o that_o 2_o thes._n 2._o from_o the_o 3_o to_o the_o 12._o v._n particular_o 9_o and_o 10._o v._n even_o he_o who_o come_v be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v â—â—nd_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o trâ—th_n etc._n etc._n this_o that_o then_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v to_o appear_v how_o abundant_o do_v history_n testify_v the_o fulfilment_n of_o it_o particular_o to_o seduce_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n have_v not_o the_o image_n be_v make_v to_o move_v to_o smile_v etc._n etc._n too_o tedious_a be_v it_o to_o mention_v the_o hundred_o part_n of_o what_o undoubted_a history_n do_v abundant_o testify_v and_o hence_o do_v set_v down_o this_o nine_o conclusion_n 9_o that_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n or_o seducer_n etc._n etc._n make_v use_v of_o lie_a wonder_n to_o the_o end_n to_o deceive_v and_o that_o god_n in_o righteous_a judgement_n may_v send_v strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o pâ—â—ud_n be_v and_o will_v be_v think_v to_o have_v a_o power_n equal_a to_o the_o almighty_a and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v very_o grateful_a to_o he_o to_o see_v mortal_n charge_v one_o another_o of_o do_v such_o work_n by_o the_o devil_n power_n as_o in_o truth_n be_v the_o proper_a prerogative_n of_o the_o almighty_a omnipotent_a be_v the_o next_o head_n shall_v have_v be_v about_o a_o explicit_fw-la covenant_n between_o the_o witch_n and_o the_o devil_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o this_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o i_o can_v persuade_v myself_o but_o you_o must_v be_v sensible_a of_o a_o apparent_a lean_v to_o education_n or_o tradition_n the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a in_o it_o and_o suppose_v this_o to_o fall_v in_o as_o a_o dependent_a on_o what_o go_v before_o shall_v say_v the_o less_o to_o it_o for_o if_o the_o devil_n have_v no_o such_o power_n to_o communicate_v upon_o such_o compact_n than_o the_o whole_a be_v a_o fiction_n though_o i_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v you_o have_v say_v so_o much_o to_o uphold_v that_o doctrine_n that_o i_o know_v not_o how_o any_o can_v have_v do_v more_o however_o as_o i_o say_v i_o find_v not_o myself_o engage_v unless_o scripture_n proof_n be_v offer_v to_o meddle_v with_o it_o for_o as_o you_o have_v in_o such_o case_n your_o reason_n for_o your_o guide_n so_o i_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o use_v that_o little_a that_o i_o have_v do_v only_o say_v that_o as_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n so_o he_o must_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n so_o also_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o that_o his_o rule_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n and_o that_o a_o explicit_fw-la covenant_n of_o one_o nature_n or_o another_o can_v have_v little_a force_n any_o further_a than_o as_o the_o heart_n be_v engage_v in_o it_o and_o so_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o last_o viz._n whether_o a_o witch_n ought_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o without_o accumulation_n of_o the_o offence_n do_v judge_n that_o where_o the_o law_n of_o any_o country_n be_v to_o punish_v by_o death_n such_o as_o seduce_v and_o tempt_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o strange_a god_n or_o idol_n or_o statue_n by_o as_o good_a authority_n may_v they_o no_o doubt_n punish_v these_o as_o capital_a offender_n who_o be_v distinguish_v by_o that_o one_o remove_v viz._n to_o their_o seduce_a be_v add_v a_o sign_n i._n e._n they_o pretend_v to_o a_o sign_n in_o order_n to_o seduce_v and_o thus_o worthy_a sir_n i_o have_v free_o give_v you_o my_o thought_n upon_o you_o which_o you_o so_o much_o oblige_v i_o with_o the_o sight_n of_o and_o upon_o the_o whole_a though_o i_o can_v in_o the_o general_a but_o commend_v your_o caution_n in_o not_o assert_v many_o thing_n contend_v for_o by_o other_o yet_o must_v say_v that_o in_o my_o esteem_n there_o be_v retain_v so_o much_o as_o will_v secure_v all_o the_o rest_n to_o instance_n if_o a_o spirit_n have_v a_o vehicle_n i._n e._n some_o portion_n of_o matter_n which_o it_o act_n etc._n etc._n hence_o as_o necessary_o may_v be_v infer_v that_o doctrine_n of_o incubus_n and_o succubus_n and_o why_o not_o also_o that_o of_o procreation_n by_o spirit_n both_o good_a and_o bad_a thus_o be_v alexander_n the_o great_a the_o british_a merlin_n and_o martin_n luther_n and_o many_o other_o say_v to_o be_v beget_v again_o if_o the_o witch_n have_v such_o a_o wonder-working_a power_n why_o not_o to_o afflict_v will_v not_o the_o devil_n thus_o far_o gratify_v lâ—e_z and_o have_v none_o this_o miracculous_a power_n but_o the_o covenant_a witch_n then_o the_o offence_n lie_v in_o the_o covenant_n then_o it_o be_v not_o only_o hard_a but_o impossible_a to_o to_o find_v a_o witch_n by_o such_o evidence_n as_o the_o law_n of_o god_n require_v for_o it_o will_v not_o be_v suppose_v that_o they_o call_v witness_n to_o this_o covenant_n therefore_o it_o will_v here_o be_v necessary_a to_o admit_v of_o such_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o covenant_n will_v bear_v as_o mr._n gaul_n have_v it_o in_o his_o 5_o head_n i._n e._n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o afflict_a with_o their_o spectral_a sight_n to_o tell_v who_o afflict_v themselves_o or_o other_o the_o experiment_n of_o say_v the_o lord_n prayer_n fall_v at_o the_o sight_n and_o rise_v at_o the_o touch_n search_v for_o tet_n i._n e._n excrescency_n of_o nature_n strange_a and_o foreign_a story_n of_o the_o death_n of_o some_o cattle_n or_o oveâ—_n set_v some_o cart_n and_o what_o can_v juâ—ies_n have_v better_a to_o guide_v they_o to_o â—â—ad_v out_o this_o covenant_n by_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o lamentation_n and_o let_v it_o be_v for_o a_o lamentation_n to_o consider_v how_o these_o thing_n have_v open_v the_o floodgate_n of_o malice_n revenge_n vncharitableness_n and_o bloodshed_n what_o multitude_n have_v be_v sweep_v away_o by_o this_o torrent_n in_o germany_n country_n depopulate_v in_o scotland_n no_o less_o than_o 4000_o have_v say_v to_o have_v suffer_v by_o fire_n and_o halter_n at_o one_o heat_n have_v we_o may_v say_v with_o the_o prophet_n isa._n 59.10_o we_o grope_v for_o the_o wall_n like_o the_o blind_a and_o we_o grope_v as_o if_o we_o have_v no_o eye_n we_o stumble_v at_o noonday_n as_o in_o the_o night_n we_o be_v in_o desolate_a place_n as_o dead_a man_n and_o this_o by_o seek_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v in_o frame_v to_o ourselves_o such_o crime_n and_o such_o ordel_n or_o way_n of_o trial_n as_o be_v whole_o foreign_a from_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o only_a guide_n which_o shall_v be_v a_o light_n to_o our_o foot_n and_o a_o lantern_n to_o our_o path_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o if_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v the_o direction_n we_o have_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o pagan_a and_o papal_a rome_n thereby_o render_v we_o contemptible_a and_o base_a before_o all_o people_n according_a as_o we_o have_v not_o keep_v his_o way_n but_o have_v be_v partial_a in_o his_o law_n and_o now_o that_o we_o may_v in_o all_o our_o sentiment_n and_o way_n have_v regard_n to_o his_o testimony_n and_o give_v to_o the_o almighty_a the_o glory_n due_a to_o his_o name_n be_v the_o earnest_a desire_n and_o prayer_n of_o sir_n you_o to_o command_n r._n c._n a_o second_o letter_n of_o a_o gentleman_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v the_o receive_a opinion_n about_o witchcraft_n sir_n since_o