theology_n and_o be_v count_v the_o only_a spiritual_a doctrine_n in_o those_o day_n man_n be_v teach_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v only_o by_o the_o jmputed_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o they_o say_v we_o be_v formal_o righteous_a that_o faith_n justify_v only_o as_o it_o lay_v hold_v of_o that_o as_o they_o phrased_a it_o and_o that_o inherent_a righteousness_n be_v to_o be_v renounce_v and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v here_o these_o be_v the_o great_a dear_a mystery_n of_o their_o theology_n that_o season_v all_o their_o doctrine_n and_o instruction_n which_o by_o this_o mean_n also_o be_v render_v exceed_o fanciful_a and_o dangerous_a therefore_o in_o this_o likewise_o those_o divine_n interpose_v and_o demonstrate_v the_o vanity_n and_o mischief_n of_o such_o fulsome_a and_o groundless_a conceit_n they_o state_v the_o true_a and_o warrantable_a sense_n in_o which_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v impute_v viz._n metonymical_o and_o as_o to_o effect_n that_o be_v that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o righteousness_n god_n be_v please_v to_o pardon_v penitent_n and_o to_o deal_v with_o they_o upon_o their_o faith_n and_o sincere_a obedience_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v righteous_a themselves_o not_o as_o if_o he_o pass_v false_a and_o mistake_v judgement_n and_o look_v on_o christ_n righteousness_n as_o real_o and_o proper_o they_o but_o that_o for_o his_o sake_n he_o pardon_v their_o sin_n and_o accept_v of_o their_o personal_a imperfect_a righteousness_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v perfect_a they_o show_v that_o this_o account_n be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture_n and_o the_o analogy_n of_o sound_a faith_n and_o practice_n and_o that_o the_o other_o sense_n be_v nowhere_o deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a oracle_n but_o be_v a_o mere_a imagination_n contrary_a to_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o exceed_o pernicious_a to_o christian_a life_n and_o virtue_n they_o allege_v that_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v nowhere_o in_o scripture_n say_v to_o be_v impute_v that_o he_o be_v no_o otherwise_o make_v righteousness_n to_o we_o than_o he_o be_v make_v sanctification_n and_o redemption_n that_o be_v he_o be_v the_o great_a author_n and_o procurer_n of_o they_o and_o that_o in_o that_o sense_n he_o be_v the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n they_o take_v notice_n how_o that_o by_o this_o odd_a fanatic_a principle_n personal_a righteousness_n be_v undermine_v and_o disparage_v and_o one_o of_o the_o first_o thing_n the_o people_n be_v teach_v be_v to_o renounce_v their_o own_o righteousness_n without_o restriction_n or_o limitation_n in_o which_o counsel_n there_o be_v much_o show_n of_o humility_n but_o much_o nonsense_n and_o much_o danger_n if_o it_o be_v not_o deliver_v and_o take_v in_o a_o cautious_a sense_n for_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a believer_n never_o renounce_v any_o righteousness_n but_o that_o of_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n in_o which_o some_o of_o they_o have_v glory_v much_o before_o their_o conversion_n but_o after_o it_o be_v convince_v it_o be_v nothing_o worth_a and_o count_v it_o as_o dross_n and_o dung_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o righteousness_n that_o christ_n teach_v they_o never_o disparage_v real_a inward_a righteousness_n yea_o they_o take_v ground_n of_o confidence_n and_o rejoice_v from_o it_o viz._n from_o the_o simplicity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o conversation_n from_o their_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n from_o their_o steadfastness_n amid_o tribulation_n and_o patience_n in_o their_o suffering_n and_o they_o plain_o tell_v we_o that_o religion_n be_v do_v righteousness_n and_o consist_v in_o visit_v the_o widow_n and_o fatherless_a and_o be_v unspotted_a with_o the_o world_n in_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a they_o warn_v we_o to_o beware_v of_o those_o deceiver_n that_o will_v persuade_v a_o man_n may_v be_v righteous_a withouâ—…_n do_v righteous_o yea_o they_o declare_v the_o promise_n to_o be_v entail_v upon_o those_o that_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o immortality_n but_o say_v he_o i_o forget_v myself_o and_o run_v out_o too_o far_o into_o this_o discourse_n in_o which_o i_o suppose_v i_o need_v not_o inform_v you_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o full_a in_o it_o here_o i_o take_v liberty_n to_o move_v a_o question_n and_o ask_v he_o whether_o those_o divine_n do_v teach_v or_o allow_v man_n rely_v and_o depend_v on_o their_o own_o inward_a virtue_n or_o outward_a work_n to_o this_o he_o say_v they_o have_v not_o the_o least_o imagination_n that_o there_o be_v either_o merit_n or_o perfection_n in_o our_o qualification_n or_o performance_n but_o that_o in_o those_o respect_n they_o renounce_v their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n that_o they_o acknowledge_v and_o declare_v that_o our_o high_a best_a service_n can_v never_o deserve_v the_o divine_a notice_n or_o acceptance_n by_o any_o worthiness_n in_o they_o but_o then_o add_v he_o they_o say_v also_o that_o christ_n obedience_n be_v perfect_a and_o meritorious_a and_o that_o god_n be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v with_o it_o that_o for_o his_o sake_n he_o promise_v to_o pardon_v the_o fail_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o to_o accept_v of_o sincerity_n instead_o of_o perfection_n that_o on_o this_o account_n our_o short_a defective_a righteousness_n be_v receive_v as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v adequate_a and_o complete_a we_o be_v through_o christ_n under_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o pardon_v and_o our_o obedience_n not_o judge_v according_a to_o strict_a measure_n and_o proportion_n but_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o mercy_n and_o favour_n thus_o they_o state_v that_o matter_n clear_o and_o strike_v at_o the_o root_n of_o antinomian_a folly_n and_o imposture_n and_o because_o morality_n be_v despise_v by_o those_o elevate_a fantastic_n that_o talk_v so_o much_o of_o impute_v righteousness_n in_o the_o false_a sense_n and_o account_v by_o they_o as_o a_o dull_a and_o low_a thing_n therefore_o those_o divine_n labour_v in_o the_o assert_v and_o vindicate_v of_o this_o teach_v the_o necessity_n of_o moral_a virtue_n that_o christianity_n be_v the_o high_a improvement_n of_o they_o that_o the_o mere_a first-table_n religion_n be_v nothing_o without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o second_o that_o zeal_n and_o devoutness_n and_o delight_n in_o hear_v prayer_n and_o other_o external_o of_o worship_n may_v be_v in_o very_o evil_a man_n that_o imitation_n and_o custom_n and_o pride_n and_o self-love_n may_v produce_v these_o that_o these_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n that_o the_o power_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o subdue_a self-will_n and_o rule_v our_o passion_n and_o moderate_v our_o appetite_n and_o do_v the_o work_n of_o real_a righteousness_n towards_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n and_o because_o there_o be_v a_o religion_n that_o have_v get_v into_o credit_n that_o do_v not_o make_v man_n better_o but_o worse_a in_o all_o relation_n worse_a governor_n and_o worse_a subject_n and_o worse_a parent_n and_o worse_a neighbour_n more_o sour_a and_o morose_n and_o fierce_a and_o censorious_a therefore_o they_o press_v man_n to_o consider_v that_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o perfect_v humane_a nature_n to_o restore_v the_o empire_n of_o our_o mind_n over_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o make_v they_o more_o temperate_a and_o content_v in_o reference_n to_o themselves_o and_o more_o humble_a meek_a courteous_a charitable_a and_o just_a towards_o other_o on_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o perform_v sincere_o by_o the_o assistance_n and_o encouragement_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o from_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v rule_v by_o his_o law_n they_o lay_v the_o whole_a stress_n and_o be_v the_o age_n be_v unhappy_o dispose_v to_o place_v much_o religion_n in_o their_o conceit_a orthodoxy_n and_o system_n of_o opinion_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o charity_n and_o peace_n to_o the_o dissetlement_n of_o religion_n and_o great_a hindrance_n of_o real_a godliness_n they_o therefore_o zealous_o decry_v this_o superstition_n of_o opinion_n and_o smart_o reprove_v dispute_n and_o eagerness_n of_o contest_v about_o notion_n and_o lesser_a truth_n show_v the_o inconvenience_n and_o mischief_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o its_o inconsistency_n with_o charity_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o mankind_n they_o persuade_v modest_o in_o all_o extraessential_a doctrine_n and_o suspense_n of_o judgement_n in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o absolute_o certain_a and_o readiness_n to_o pardon_v the_o mistake_n of_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o matter_n of_o speculation_n in_o order_n hereunto_o they_o make_v this_o one_o of_o their_o main_a doctrine_n that_o the_o principle_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v very_o few_o and_o very_o plain_a and_o general_o acknowledge_v among_o christian_n this_o they_o teach_v and_o be_v earnest_a in_o it_o because_o they_o see_v it_o will_v secure_v charity_n
by_o the_o extatick_a priest_n of_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n and_o the_o madman_n of_o all_o religion_n by_o sibyl_n lunatic_n poet_n dreamer_n and_o transport_v person_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v daily_o to_o what_o degree_n of_o elevation_n excess_n of_o drink_v will_v heighten_v the_o brain_n make_v some_o witty_a nimble_a and_o eloquent_a much_o beyond_o the_o ordinary_a proportion_n of_o their_o part_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o incline_v other_o to_o be_v huge_o devour_v who_o usual_o have_v no_o great_a sense_n of_o religion_n as_o i_o know_v one_o who_o will_v pray_v rapturous_o when_o he_o be_v drink_v but_o at_o other_o time_n be_v a_o mope_a sot_n and_o can_v scarce_o speak_v sense_n thus_o also_o some_o kind_n of_o madness_n disease_n accident_n peculiarity_n of_o temper_n and_o other_o natural_a thing_n that_o heat_v the_o brain_n fill_v man_n with_o high_a surprise_v conceit_n about_o religion_n and_o furnish_v they_o with_o fervid_n devotion_n great_a readiness_n of_o expression_n and_o unexpected_a application_n of_o scripture_n to_o their_o crazy_a conceit_n i_o say_v the_o experimental_a philosophy_n of_o our_o nature_n inform_v we_o that_o all_o this_o be_v common_a in_o alienation_n and_o singularity_n of_o mind_n and_o complexion_n and_o they_o be_v remarkable_a in_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o the_o priest_n who_o saint_n austin_n know_v that_o will_v whine_v himself_o into_o a_o ecstasy_n in_o the_o wonderful_a discourse_n of_o the_o american_n bishop_n that_o say_v he_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o cant_a fluency_n of_o the_o german_a enthusiast_n some_o of_o who_o imagination_n be_v as_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a of_o such_o instance_n i_o may_v make_v up_o a_o much_o large_a catalogue_n if_o i_o shall_v descend_v to_o our_o domestic_a lunatic_n but_o their_o temper_n be_v well_o know_v and_o therefore_o i_o only_o add_v this_o more_o that_o i_o have_v often_o meet_v with_o a_o poor_a woman_n in_o the_o north_n who_o habitual_a conceit_n it_o be_v that_o she_o be_v mother_n of_o god_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n live_v i_o be_v wont_a to_o personate_v a_o kind_n of_o compliance_n with_o her_o fancy_n and_o a_o modest_a desire_n to_o be_v further_o inform_v about_o it_o which_o gentleness_n draw_v from_o she_o so_o many_o odd_a fetch_n of_o discourse_n such_o application_n of_o scripture_n and_o such_o wonderful_a reference_n to_o thing_n in_o which_o she_o be_v never_o instruct_v that_o look_v like_o glean_n out_o of_o hobbs_n and_o epicurus_n that_o i_o have_v be_v much_o amaze_v at_o she_o talk_v and_o yet_o when_o i_o divert_v she_o to_o any_o thing_n else_o of_o ordinary_a matter_n she_o speak_v usual_o with_o as_o much_o sobriety_n and_o cold_a discretion_n as_o can_v well_o be_v expect_v from_o a_o person_n of_o her_o condition_n nor_o do_v she_o use_v to_o be_v extravagant_a in_o any_o thing_n but_o about_o that_o particular_a imagination_n which_o instance_n among_o many_o other_o i_o may_v produce_v very_o much_o confirm_v i_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o observation_n of_o those_o philosopher_n who_o have_v give_v we_o the_o best_a light_n into_o the_o enthusiastic_a temper_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o madness_n which_o take_v man_n in_o some_o particular_a thing_n when_o they_o be_v sound_a in_o other_o which_o one_o proposition_n will_v afford_v a_o good_a account_n of_o many_o of_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o enthusiasm_n and_o show_v that_o the_o extravagant_n among_o we_o may_v be_v real_o distract_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n though_o their_o brain_n be_v untouced_a in_o other_o matter_n thus_o a_o philosophical_a use_n of_o observation_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o humane_a nature_n by_o it_o help_v we_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o adorable_a spirit_n and_o those_o of_o a_o hot_a distemper_a fancy_n which_o be_v no_o small_a advantage_n for_o the_o secure_v the_o purity_n honour_n and_o all_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n but_o 2._o there_o be_v another_o mischief_n of_o the_o enthusiastic_a spirit_n behind_o and_o that_o be_v its_o bring_v reason_n into_o disgrace_n and_o deny_v the_o use_n thereof_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n this_o be_v a_o evil_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o many_o more_o for_o it_o have_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n all_o kind_n of_o phantastry_n and_o folly_n and_o expose_v religion_n to_o contempt_n and_o derision_n by_o make_v madness_n and_o disease_n sacred_a it_o lead_v man_n mind_n into_o a_o maze_n of_o confuse_a imagination_n and_o betray_v they_o into_o bogs_n and_o precipice_n deprive_v they_o of_o their_o light_n and_o their_o guide_n and_o lay_v they_o open_a to_o all_o the_o delusion_n of_o satan_n and_o their_o own_o distemper_a brain_n it_o take_v religion_n off_o from_o its_o foundation_n and_o leave_v the_o interest_n of_o eternity_n in_o man_n soul_n to_o chance_n and_o the_o hit_v of_o imagination_n teach_v those_o that_o be_v delude_v to_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o all_o upon_o rapture_n heat_n and_o mysterious_a notion_n while_o they_o forgetâ—…_n and_o scorn_v the_o plain_a christianity_n which_o be_v a_o imitation_n of_o christ_n in_o charity_n humility_n justice_n and_o purity_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o command_v of_o ourselves_o it_o render_v man_n obnoxious_a to_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o atheism_n and_o the_o black_a infidelity_n and_o make_v it_o impossible_a to_o convince_v a_o infidel_n to_o settle_v one_o that_o doubt_n or_o to_o recover_v one_o that_o be_v fall_v off_o from_o the_o faith_n these_o evil_n i_o be_o content_a only_a to_o name_n in_o this_o place_n have_v represent_v they_o more_o full_o in_o another_o discourse_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o our_o own_o age_n may_v convince_v we_o with_o a_o little_a consideration_n upon_o it_o that_o all_o those_o fatal_a mischief_n have_v be_v tâ—…_n effect_n of_o the_o contempt_n and_o disparagement_n of_o reason_n but_o yet_o though_o i_o affirm_v this_o i_o be_o not_o so_o rash_a or_o so_o unjust_a as_o to_o believe_v or_o say_v that_o this_o spirit_n have_v produce_v all_o those_o sâ—…d_a thing_n in_o every_o one_o that_o speak_v hot_o and_o inconsiderate_o against_o reason_n i_o be_o far_o from_o the_o wildness_n of_o such_o a_o censure_n because_o i_o know_v how_o much_o imprudent_a zeal_n customary_a talk_n high_a pretension_n and_o superstitious_a fear_n may_v work_v even_o upon_o honest_a mind_n who_o many_o time_n hold_v bad_a thing_n in_o the_o principle_n which_o they_o deny_v in_o the_o practice_n and_o so_o be_v upright_o in_o their_o will_n while_o they_o be_v very_o much_o confuse_v and_o mistake_v in_o their_o understand_n this_o i_o account_v to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o multitude_n of_o pious_a people_n in_o reference_n to_o reason_n they_o have_v hear_v hotheaded_a indiscreet_a man_n declaim_v against_o it_o and_o many_o of_o they_o who_o opinion_n will_v not_o bear_v the_o light_n have_v a_o interest_n to_o do_v so_o their_o pretension_n be_v plausible_a and_o their_o zeal_n great_a their_o talk_n loud_o and_o their_o affirmation_n bold_a and_o the_o honest_a well-meaning_a folk_n be_v catch_v in_o their_o affection_n and_o these_o lead_v bad_a principle_n into_o their_o mind_n which_o be_v neither_o dispose_v nor_o able_a to_o examine_v so_o they_o believe_v and_o speak_v after_o their_o teacher_n and_o say_v that_o reason_n be_v a_o low_a dull_a thing_n ignorant_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o a_o enemy_n to_o faith_n and_o religion_n while_o in_o this_o they_o have_v no_o clear_a thought_n nor_o yet_o any_o evil_a meaning_n but_o let_v these_o fancy_n swim_v atop_o in_o their_o imagination_n and_o upon_o occasion_n they_o run_v out_o at_o the_o tongue_n end_n though_o they_o be_v not_o always_o improve_v to_o those_o deadly_a practice_n for_o charity_n and_o caution_n i_o have_v say_v this_o but_o yet_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o all_o the_o forecited_a evil_n be_v just_o say_v to_o be_v the_o tendency_n and_o in_o too_o many_o instance_n have_v be_v and_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o spirit_n and_o now_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o will_v be_v grant_v ready_o by_o all_o consider_a man_n that_o whatever_o assist_v religion_n against_o this_o destructive_a enemy_n do_v it_o most_o important_a service_n and_o this_o the_o free_a and_o real_a philosophy_n do_v in_o a_o very_a eminent_a degree_n in_o order_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o we_o may_v consider_v what_o i_o intimate_v just_a now_o viz._n that_o man_n be_v lead_v into_o and_o keep_v in_o this_o fancy_n of_o the_o enmity_n of_o reason_n to_o religion_n chief_o by_o two_o thing_n 1._o by_o a_o implicit_a assent_n to_o the_o systeme_n and_o distates_n of_o those_o who_o first_o instruct_v they_o and_o 2._o by_o defect_n in_o clearness_n of_o thought_n and_o the_o ability_n to_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 who_o he_o be_v at_o leisure_n to_o tempt_v and_o industrious_a to_o ruin_v and_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 possible_o by_o the_o law_n and_o capacity_n of_o its_o state_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 ludicrous_a as_o appear_v spirit_n be_v sometime_o report_v to_o be_v in_o their_o frolic_v and_o they_o presume_v that_o soul_n depart_v never_o revisâ—…_n 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 so_o 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_a 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 pleadventure_o 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 degencrate_v into_o the_o spirit_n we_o call_v devil_n the_o common_a division_n of_o spirit_n be_v in_o my_o opinion_n much_o too_o general_a and_o why_o may_v we_o not_o think_v there_o 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 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 if_o we_o 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 in_o question_n on_o this_o occasion_n iv._o but_o iu_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 of_o who_o we_o may_v most_o reasonable_o expect_v a_o more_o special_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 phaenomena_n 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_a 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 2._o those_o that_o believe_v that_o infant_n be_v heir_n of_o hell_n and_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v disclose_v to_o the_o world_n can_v certain_o offer_v such_o a_o objection_n for_o what_o be_v a_o little_a trifle_a pain_n of_o a_o moment_n to_o those_o eternal_a torture_n to_o which_o if_o they_o die_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v bear_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o this_o doctrine_n they_o be_v everlasting_o expose_v but_o however_o the_o case_n stand_v as_o to_o that_o it_o be_v certain_a 3._o that_o providence_n have_v not_o secure_v they_o from_o other_o violence_n they_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o from_o cruelty_n and_o accident_n and_o yet_o we_o accuse_v it_o not_o when_o a_o whole_a townful_a of_o innocent_n fall_v a_o victim_n to_o the_o rage_n and_o freity_n of_o barbarous_a executioner_n in_o war_n and_o massacre_n to_o which_o i_o add_v 4._o that_o it_o be_v likely_a the_o mischief_n be_v not_o so_o often_o do_v by_o the_o evil_a spirit_n immediate_o but_o by_o the_o malignant_a influence_n of_o the_o sorceress_n who_o power_n of_o hurt_v consist_v in_o the_o forementioned_a ferment_n which_o be_v infuse_v into_o she_o by_o the_o familiar_a so_o that_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v there_o may_v be_v a_o power_n of_o real_a fascination_n in_o the_o witch_n eye_n and_o imagination_n by_o which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n she_o act_n upon_o tender_a body_n nescio_fw-la quis_fw-la teneros_fw-la oculus_fw-la for_o the_o pestilential_a spirit_n be_v dart_v by_o a_o spiteful_a and_o vigorous_a imagination_n from_o the_o eye_n and_o meet_v with_o those_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o passive_a in_o the_o body_n which_o they_o enter_v will_v not_o fail_v to_o infect_v they_o with_o anoxious_a quality_n that_o make_v dangerous_a and_o strange_a alteration_n in_o the_o person_n invade_v by_o this_o poisonous_a influence_n which_o way_n of_o act_v by_o subtle_a and_o invisible_a instrument_n be_v ordinary_a and_o familiar_a in_o all_o natural_a efficiency_n and_o it_o be_v now_o past_a question_n that_o nature_n for_o the_o most_o part_n act_n by_o subtle_a stream_n and_o aporrhaea_n of_o minute_n particle_n which_o pass_v from_o one_o body_n to_o another_o or_o however_o that_o be_v this_o kind_n of_o agency_n be_v as_o conceivable_a as_o any_o of_o those_o quality_n which_o our_o ignorance_n have_v call_v sympathy_n and_o antipathy_n the_o reality_n of_o which_o we_o doubt_v not_o though_o the_o manner_n of_o action_n be_v unknown_a yea_o the_o thing_n i_o speak_v of_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o be_v apprehend_v as_o how_o infection_n shall_v pass_v in_o certain_a tenuious_a stream_n through_o the_o air_n from_o one_o house_n to_o another_o or_o as_o how_o the_o bite_n of_o a_o mad_a dog_n shall_v fill_v all_o the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n with_o a_o venomous_a and_o malign_a ferment_n the_o application_n of_o the_o virtue_n do_v the_o same_o in_o our_o case_n as_o that_o of_o contact_n do_v in_o this_o yea_o some_o kind_n of_o fascination_n be_v perform_v in_o this_o grosser_n and_o more_o sensible_a way_n as_o by_o strike_v give_v apple_n and_o the_o
complain_v to_o his_o wife_n that_o he_o think_v he_o be_v haunt_v she_o apprehend_v it_o as_o a_o extravagancy_n of_o fancy_n but_o he_o tell_v she_o he_o believe_v there_o be_v more_o in_o it_o and_o be_v resolve_v to_o try_v he_o do_v not_o long_o want_v opportunity_n there_o be_v a_o neighbour_n of_o his_o grievous_o afflict_a with_o the_o kings-evil_a he_o stroke_v she_o and_o the_o effect_v fuccee_v and_o for_o about_o a_o twelvemonth_n together_o he_o pretend_v to_o cure_v no_o other_o distemper_n but_o then_o the_o ague_n be_v very_o rife_o in_o the_o neighbourhood_n the_o same_o impulse_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n speak_v within_o he_o i_o have_v give_v thou_o the_o gift_n of_o cure_v the_o ague_n and_o meet_v with_o person_n in_o their_o fit_n and_o take_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n or_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o their_o breast_n the_o ague_n leave_v they_o about_o half_a a_o year_n after_o the_o accustom_a impulfe_n become_v more_o general_a and_o suggest_v to_o he_o i_o have_v give_v thou_o the_o gift_n of_o healing_n and_o then_o he_o attempt_v all_o disease_n indifferent_o and_o though_o he_o see_v strange_a effect_n yet_o he_o doubt_v whether_o the_o cause_n be_v any_o virtue_n that_o come_v from_o he_o or_o the_o people_n fancy_n to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o incredulity_n as_o he_o lie_v one_o night_n in_o bed_n one_o of_o his_o hand_n be_v strike_v dead_a and_o the_o usual_a impulse_n suggest_v to_o he_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o his_o virtue_n upon_o himself_o which_o he_o do_v stroke_v it_o with_o his_o other_o hand_n and_o then_o it_o immediate_o return_v to_o its_o former_a liveliness_n this_o be_v repeat_v two_o or_o three_o night_n or_o morning_n together_o this_o be_v his_o relation_n and_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v so_o much_o sincerity_n in_o the_o person_n that_o he_o tell_v no_o more_o than_o what_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a to_o say_v that_o this_o impulse_n too_o be_v but_o a_o result_n of_o his_o temper_n and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o like_a dream_n that_o be_v usual_o according_a to_o man_n constitution_n do_v not_o seem_v a_o probable_a account_n of_o the_o phaenomenon_n perhaps_o some_o may_v think_v it_o more_o likely_a that_o some_o genius_n who_o understand_v the_o sanative_a virtue_n of_o his_o complexion_n and_o the_o readiness_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o ability_n of_o his_o body_n to_o put_v it_o in_o execution_n may_v give_v he_o notice_n of_o that_o which_o otherwise_o may_v have_v be_v for_o ever_o unknown_a to_o he_o and_o so_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n have_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n this_o be_v my_o learned_a and_o reverend_a friend_n relation_n i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o about_o it_o but_o this_o that_o many_o of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n have_v be_v since_o critical_o inspect_v and_o examine_v by_o several_a sagacious_a and_o wary_a person_n of_o the_o royal_a society_n and_o other_o very_o learned_a and_o judicious_a man_n who_o we_o may_v suppose_v as_o unlikely_a to_o be_v deceive_v by_o a_o contrive_a imposture_n as_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o my_o consideration_n on_o this_o subject_a which_o i_o can_v wish_v be_v less_o seasonable_a and_o necessary_a than_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v they_o be_v but_o alas_o we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n wherein_o atheism_n be_v begin_v in_o sadducism_n and_o those_o that_o dare_v not_o blunt_o say_v there_o be_v no_o god_n content_v themselves_o for_o a_o fair_a step_n and_o introduction_n to_o deny_v there_o be_v spirit_n or_o witch_n which_o sort_n of_o insidel_n though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o ordinary_a among_o the_o mere_a vulgar_a yet_o be_v they_o numerous_a in_o a_o little_o high_a rank_n of_o understanding_n and_o those_o that_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n know_v that_o most_o of_o the_o small_a pretender_n to_o wit_n be_v general_o derider_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o witch_n and_o apparition_n which_o be_v it_o only_o a_o slight_a or_o mere_a speculative_a mistake_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v myself_o or_o they_o about_o it_o but_o i_o fear_v this_o error_n have_v a_o core_n in_o it_o worse_o than_o heresy_n and_o therefore_o how_o little_a soever_o i_o care_v what_o man_n believe_v or_o teach_v in_o matter_n of_o opinion_n i_o think_v i_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v concern_v in_o a_o affair_n that_o touch_v so_o near_o upon_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o religion_n and_o real_o i_o be_o astonish_v sometime_o to_o think_v into_o what_o a_o kind_n of_o age_n we_o be_v fall_v in_o which_o some_o of_o the_o great_a impiety_n be_v account_v but_o bug_n and_o terrible_a name_n invisible_a tittle_n piccadillo_n or_o chimera_n the_o sad_a and_o great_a instance_n be_v secriledge_n â—…ellton_fw-mi and_o â—…hcrast_v for_o the_o two_o former_a there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o be_v far_o from_o be_v profess_a enemy_n to_o religion_n who_o i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o they_o own_o any_o such_o vice_n we_o find_v no_o mention_n of_o they_o in_o their_o most_o particular_a confession_n nâ—…r_o have_v i_o observe_v they_o in_o those_o sermon_n that_o have_v contain_v the_o large_a catalogue_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o age_n and_o nation_n it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o sin_n for_o fean_v who_o shall_v be_v find_v guilty_a but_o my_o business_n at_o present_a be_v not_o with_o these_o but_o the_o other_o witchcraft_n which_o i_o be_o sure_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o elder_a time_n and_o how_o come_v it_o about_o that_o our_o age_n which_o so_o much_o outdo_v they_o in_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o wickedness_n shall_v be_v whole_o innocent_a in_o this_o that_o there_o may_v be_v witch_n and_o apparition_n in_o our_o day_n notwithstanding_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o modern_a sadduce_v i_o believe_v i_o have_v make_v appear_v in_o the_o forego_n consideration_n in_o which_o i_o do_v not_o primary_o intend_v direct_a proof_n but_o defence_n against_o which_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v object_v that_o i_o have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n use_v only_a supposal_n and_o conjectural_a thing_n in_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o common_a belief_n and_o speak_v with_o no_o pointblank_o assurance_n in_o my_o particular_a answer_n as_o i_o do_v in_o the_o general_n conclusion_n i_o need_v only_o say_v that_o the_o proposition_n i_o defend_v be_v matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o disbeliever_n impugn_v by_o allege_v that_o it_o can_v be_v or_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a in_o return_n to_o which_o if_o i_o show_v how_o those_o thing_n may_v be_v and_o probable_a notwithstanding_o their_o allegation_n though_o i_o say_v not_o downright_a that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o particular_a way_n i_o offer_v yet_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o design_n of_o defence_n though_o not_o for_o that_o of_o proof_n for_o when_o one_o say_v a_o thing_n can_v be_v and_o i_o tell_v he_o how_o possible_o it_o may_v though_o i_o hit_v not_o the_o just_a manner_n of_o it_o i_o yet_o defeat_v the_o objection_n against_o it_o and_o make_v way_n for_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la but_o after_o all_o this_o i_o must_v confess_v there_o be_v one_o argument_n against_o i_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deal_v with_o viz._n a_o mighty_a confidence_n ground_v upon_o nothing_o that_o swagger_v and_o huff_v and_o swear_v there_o be_v no_o witch_n for_o such_o philosopher_n as_o these_o let_v they_o enjoy_v the_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o superlative_a judgement_n and_o enter_v i_o in_o the_o first_o rank_n of_o fool_n for_o credit_v my_o sense_n and_o those_o of_o all_o the_o world_n before_o their_o swear_a dictate_v if_o they_o will_v believe_v in_o scott_n habbs_n and_o osborne_n and_o think_v they_o more_o infallible_a than_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n the_o history_n of_o all_o age_n and_o the_o full_a experience_n of_o our_o own_o who_o can_v help_v it_o they_o must_v not_o be_v contradict_v and_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o be_v persuade_v for_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n i_o never_o go_v about_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o any_o thing_n if_o i_o can_v avoid_v it_o i_o throw_v nothing_o before_o they_o lest_o they_o shall_v turn_v again_o and_o rend_v i_o their_o opinion_n come_v into_o their_o head_n by_o chance_n when_o their_o little_a reason_n have_v no_o notice_n of_o their_o entrance_n and_o they_o must_v be_v let_v alone_o to_o go_v out_o again_o of_o themselves_o the_o fame_n way_n they_o enter_v therefore_o not_o to_o make_v much_o noise_n to_o disturb_v these_o infallible_a huffer_v and_o they_o can_v hear_v a_o little_a for_o their_o own_o i_o soft_o step_v along_o leave_v they_o to_o believe_v what_o they_o think_v i_o have_v only_o this_o further_a to_o add_v that_o i_o appear_v thus_o much_o concern_v for_o the_o justification_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o