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
unto_o you_o the_o devil_n though_o superlative_o arrogant_a and_o proud_a nevertheless_o depend_v on_o the_o first_o cause_n for_o his_o be_v and_o all_o his_o power_n without_o who_o influx_n he_o or_o any_o other_o creature_n can_v subsist_v a_o moment_n but_o must_v either_o return_v to_o their_o primitive_a nothing_o or_o be_v continual_o preserve_v by_o the_o same_o power_n by_o the_o which_o they_o be_v at_o first_o produce_v therefore_o the_o being_n and_n power_n of_o all_o creature_n because_o they_o immediate_o flow_v from_o god_n be_v good_a and_o consequent_o the_o simple_a action_n as_o they_o proceed_v from_o those_o power_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n likewise_o good_a the_o evil_a proceed_n only_o from_o the_o rebellious_a will_n of_o the_o creature_n wherefore_o it_o be_v no_o paradox_n but_o a_o certain_a truth_n that_o the_o same_o action_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n be_v good_a but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o second_o be_v eviâ—_n for_o instance_n the_o act_n of_o copulation_n be_v in_o itself_o good_a institute_v by_o god_n and_o may_v be_v explicit_o will_v and_o desire_v by_o the_o soul_n which_o sin_v not_o for_o exert_v the_o simple_a act_n but_o for_o exert_v it_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n prescribe_v by_o god_n as_o in_o wedlock_n and_o adultery_n there_o be_v the_o same_o specifical_a natural_a action_n which_o consider_v simple_o as_o flow_v from_o a_o power_n give_v to_o man_n by_o god_n be_v certain_o good_a but_o consider_v with_o relation_n to_o the_o rebellious_a will_n of_o the_o adulterer_n who_o lie_v with_o his_o neighbour_n wife_n who_o he_o be_v forbid_v to_o touch_v be_v a_o very_a great_a evil._n we_o may_v say_v the_o same_o of_o all_o humane_a action_n the_o executioner_n and_o the_o murderer_n do_v the_o same_o natural_a act_n of_o strike_v and_o kill_v the_o difference_n consist_v in_o the_o rectitude_n of_o the_o one_o and_o depravation_n of_o the_o other_o will_n these_o thing_n premise_v what_o more_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o devil_n because_o he_o show_v sign_n and_o wonder_n to_o gain_v belief_n to_o lie_n which_o be_v very_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n must_v be_v therefore_o a_o independent_a power_n than_o that_o the_o adulterer_n the_o murderer_n or_o any_o other_o sinner_n because_o their_o action_n be_v evil_a of_o which_o god_n can_v be_v the_o cause_n must_v be_v independent_a being_n the_o deceit_n of_o the_o last_o be_v very_o palpable_a and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o you_o will_v ready_o acknowledge_v it_o for_o it_o be_v obvious_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o action_n itself_o which_o be_v good_a and_o flow_v from_o god_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o action_n the_o choice_n whereof_o proceed_v from_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o will_n wherein_o do_v sole_o consist_v the_o sin_n the_o parallel_n be_v so_o exact_a that_o i_o can_v see_v the_o least_o shadow_n of_o reason_n why_o we_o ought_v not_o in_o like_a manner_n to_o distinguish_v whatever_o effect_n be_v produce_v by_o the_o devil_n to_o who_o as_o to_o man_n god_n have_v give_v power_n and_o a_o will_v to_o rule_v they_o power_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o action_n in_o a_o natural_a but_o not_o moral_a sense_n that_o flow_v from_o the_o power_n he_o have_v give_v therefore_o the_o wonder-working_a power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o effect_n thereof_o consider_v as_o act_n of_o one_o of_o god_n creature_n be_v not_o evil_a but_o good_a the_o use_v that_o power_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o rebellion_n of_o satan_n to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o a_o lie_n be_v that_o one_o which_o constitute_v the_o evil_a thereof_o and_o now_o i_o have_v do_v with_o your_o argument_n wherein_o you_o have_v indeed_o show_v great_a skill_n and_o dexterity_n in_o turn_v to_o your_o advantage_n what_o be_v fair_o state_v make_v against_o you_o as_o the_o appearance_n of_o angel_n &_o c._n observe_v nice_o the_o rule_n of_o art_n and_o particular_o that_o grand_a one_o of_o conceal_v nay_o dissemble_a the_o same_o art_n as_o when_o you_o quote_v that_o scripture_n concern_v vain_a philosophy_n of_o which_o tho_o altogether_o foreign_a from_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n yet_o you_o intend_v to_o serve_v yourself_o with_o the_o unthinking_a who_o measure_v the_o sense_n of_o word_n by_o their_o jingle_n not_o know_v how_o to_o weigh_v the_o thing_n they_o signify_v and_o true_o herein_o your_o end_n be_v very_o artificial_a for_o you_o intend_v both_o to_o throw_v dirt_n at_o they_o that_o differ_v from_o you_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o cover_v yourself_o with_o such_o a_o subtle_a web_n through_o which_o you_o may_v see_v and_o not_o be_v see_v what_o follow_v be_v rather_o a_o rhetorical_a lecture_n such_o as_o the_o patriot_n of_o sect_n who_o common_o explain_v the_o holy_a scripture_n according_a to_o their_o own_o dogma_n and_o so_o obtrude_v humane_a invention_n for_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n use_v with_o their_o auditor_n to_o recommend_v any_o principle_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o establish_v than_o a_o impartial_a and_o through_o disquisition_n of_o a_o controvert_v point_n wherefore_o i_o do_v not_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o take_v any_o further_a notice_n of_o it_o especial_o see_v truth_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v little_o regard_v in_o such_o florid_n discourse_n and_o not_o any_o prejudice_n of_o education_n interest_n or_o party_n do_v set_v i_o about_o this_o subject_n i_o have_v never_o be_v use_v to_o compliment_n in_o point_n of_o controversy_n therefore_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o be_v angry_a because_o i_o have_v give_v you_o my_o thought_n naked_a and_o plain_a i_o have_v not_o the_o least_o motion_n in_o my_o mind_n of_o accuse_v you_o of_o any_o formal_a design_n to_o injure_v religion_n i_o only_o observe_v unto_o you_o that_o your_o over_o eager_a contention_n to_o maintain_v your_o principle_n have_v hurry_v you_o to_o assert_v many_o thing_n of_o much_o great_a danger_n both_o in_o themselves_o and_o their_o consequence_n than_o those_o you_o will_v seem_v to_o avoid_v which_o do_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o that_o man_n be_v in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o providence_n the_o depository_n of_o both_o divine_a and_o humane_a law_n may_v instead_o of_o use_v they_o to_o preserve_v pervert_v they_o to_o destroy_v which_o indeed_o be_v very_o lamentable_a but_o it_o be_v the_o inevitable_a consequent_a of_o our_o deprave_a nature_n and_o can_v be_v whole_o remedy_v till_o sin_n and_o the_o grand_a author_n of_o sin_n the_o devil_n be_v entire_o conquer_v and_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o to_o who_o with_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n sir_n your_o affectionate_a friend_n to_o serve_v you_o boston_n july_n 25._o 1694._o boston_n august_n 17._o 1694._o worthy_a sir_n you_o of_o july_n 25._o be_v in_o some_o sort_n surprise_v to_o i_o i_o can_v do_v no_o less_o than_o say_v somewhat_o as_o well_o to_o vindicate_v myself_o from_o those_o many_o reflection_n mistake_n and_o hard_o censure_v therein_o as_o also_o to_o vindicate_v what_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v important_a truth_n and_o to_o that_o end_n find_v it_o needful_a to_o repeat_v some_o part_n of_o i_o viz._n 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 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 4._o that_o when_o the_o almighty_a free_a agent_n have_v a_o work_n to_o bring_v about_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n or_o man_n good_a he_o can_v employ_v not_o only_o the_o bless_a angel_n but_o evil_a one_o in_o it_o 5._o that_o when_o the_o divine_a be_v will_v employ_v the_o agency_n of_o evil_a spirit_n for_o any_o service_n it_o be_v with_o he_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o shall_v exhibit_v themselves_o whether_o to_o the_o bodily_a eye_n or_o intellect_n only_o or_o whether_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o or_o less_o formidable_a to_o deny_v these_o three_o last_o be_v to_o make_v the_o devil_n a_o independent_a power_n and_o consequent_o a_o god_n the_o bare_a recital_n of_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v i_o from_o that_o reitterated_a charge_n of_o deny_v all_o appearance_n of_o angel_n or_o devil_n that_o the_o good_a angel_n can_v appear_v without_o mission_n and_o commission_n from_o the_o most_o high_a be_v you_o say_v more_o than_o follow_v from_o the_o premise_n but_o if_o you_o like_v not_o
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
word_n if_o not_o to_o prove_v doctrine_n yet_o as_o illustration_n thereof_o case_n of_o conscience_n concern_v witch_n pag._n 25._o remarkable_a providence_n pag._n 250._o this_o perhaps_o may_v be_v the_o cause_n that_o in_o england_n a_o people_n otherways_o sober_a and_o religious_a have_v for_o some_o age_n in_o a_o manner_n whole_o refuse_v the_o admit_v those_o so_o educate_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n such_o education_n and_o practice_n have_v so_o far_o prevail_v that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o mean_n of_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a world_n almost_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o be_v ungainsayable_a for_o though_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o hope_v that_o these_o diabolical_a principle_n have_v not_o so_o prevail_v with_o multitude_n of_o christian_n as_o that_o they_o ascribe_v to_o a_o witch_n and_o a_o devil_n the_o attribute_n peculiar_a to_o the_o almighty_a yet_o how_o few_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v find_v oppose_v such_o a_o torrent_n as_o know_v that_o in_o so_o do_v they_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o opposition_n to_o the_o utmost_a from_o the_o many_o both_o of_o magistrate_n minister_n and_o people_n and_o the_o name_n of_o sadducee_n atheist_n and_o perhaps_o witch_n too_o cast_v upon_o they_o most_o liberal_o by_o man_n of_o the_o high_a profession_n in_o godliness_n and_o if_o not_o so_o learned_a as_o some_o of_o themselves_o then_o account_v only_o fit_a to_o be_v trample_v on_o and_o their_o argument_n though_o both_o rational_a and_o scriptural_a as_o fit_v only_o for_o contempt_n but_o though_o this_o be_v the_o deplorable_a dilemma_n yet_o some_o have_v dare_v from_o time_n to_o time_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a and_o safety_n of_o man_n life_n &_o c._n to_o run_v all_o these_o risk_n and_o that_o god_n who_o have_v say_v my_o glory_n i_o will_v not_o give_v to_o another_o be_v able_a to_o protect_v those_o that_o be_v find_v do_v their_o duty_n herein_o against_o all_o opposer_n and_o however_o other_o way_n contemptible_a can_v make_v they_o useful_a in_o his_o own_o hand_n who_o have_v sometime_o choose_v the_o weak_a instrument_n that_o his_o power_n may_v be_v the_o more_o illustrious_a and_o now_o reverend_a sir_n if_o you_o be_v conscious_a to_o yourself_o that_o you_o have_v in_o your_o principle_n or_o practice_n be_v abet_v to_o such_o grand_a error_n i_o can_v see_v how_o it_o can_v consist_v with_o sincerity_n to_o be_v so_o convince_v in_o matter_n so_o near_o â—eidting_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o life_n of_o innocent_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n so_o much_o to_o fear_v disparagement_n among_o man_n as_o to_o stifle_v conscience_n and_o dissemble_v a_o approve_v of_o former_a sentiment_n you_o know_v that_o word_n he_o that_o honour_v i_o i_o will_v honour_v and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o shall_v be_v â—ightly_o esteem_v but_o if_o you_o think_v that_o in_o these_o matter_n you_o have_v do_v your_o duty_n and_o teach_v people_n they_o and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n cite_v from_o the_o 〈◊〉_d book_n be_v ungainsayable_a i_o shall_v conclude_v in_o almost_o his_o word_n he_o that_o teach_v such_o doctrine_n if_o through_o ignorance_n he_o believe_v not_o what_o he_o say_v may_v be_v a_o christian_n but_o if_o he_o believe_v they_o he_o be_v in_o the_o broad_a path_n to_o heathenism_n devilism_n popery_n or_o atheism_n it_o be_v a_o solemn_a caution_n gal._n 1._o 8._o but_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v i_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o misconstrue_v my_o intention_n herein_o who_o be_o reverend_a sir_n you_o to_o command_v in_o what_o i_o may_v r._n c._n to_o the_o minister_n in_o and_o near_a boston_n january_n 12._o 1696._o christianity_n have_v be_v but_o a_o short_a time_n in_o the_o world_n when_o there_o be_v raise_v against_o it_o not_o only_o open_v prose_a enemy_n but_o secret_a and_o imbred_a underminer_n who_o seek_v thereby_o to_o effect_v that_o which_o open_a force_n have_v be_v so_o often_o basle_v in_o and_o notwithstanding_o that_o primitive_a purity_n and_o sincerity_n which_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v still_o retain_v yet_o the_o cunning_a deceiver_n and_o apostate_n heretic_n find_v opportunity_n to_o beguile_v the_o unwary_a and_o this_o in_o fundamental_o among_o other_o which_o then_o spring_v up_o with_o but_o too_o much_o advantage_n in_o the_o three_o century_n the_o maniche_n do_v spread_v his_o pestiferous_a sentiment_n and_o teach_v the_o existence_n of_o two_o being_n or_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n viz._n a_o good_a and_o a_o bad_a but_o these_o be_v soon_o silence_v by_o the_o more_o orthodox_n doctor_n and_o anathematise_v by_o general_a counsel_n and_o at_o this_o day_n the_o american_n indian_n another_o sort_n of_o maniche_n entertain_v thus_o far_o the_o same_o belief_n hold_v it_o their_o prudence_n and_o interest_n to_o please_v that_o evil_n be_v as_o well_o by_o perpetrate_v other_o murder_n as_o by_o their_o bloody_a sacrifice_n that_o so_o he_o may_v not_o harm_v they_o the_o iron_n tooth_n of_o time_n have_v now_o almost_o devour_v the_o name_n of_o the_o former_a and_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o as_o christianity_n prevail_v among_o they_o they_o will_v abhor_v such_o abominable_a belief_n and_o as_o those_o primitive_a time_n be_v not_o privilege_v against_o the_o spread_a of_o dangerous_a heresy_n so_o neither_o can_v any_o now_o pretend_v to_o any_o such_o immunity_n though_o profess_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o primitive_a purity_n may_v a_o judgement_n be_v make_v from_o the_o book_n of_o the_o modern_a learned_a divine_n or_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o court_n or_o from_o the_o faith_n of_o many_o who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n it_o may_v be_v modest_o though_o sad_o conclude_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o maniche_a at_o least_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v forget_v that_o it_o be_v almost_o every_o where_o profess_v we_o in_o these_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n need_v not_o seek_v far_o for_o instance_n in_o each_o respect_n to_o demonstrate_v this_o the_o book_n here_o print_v and_o recommend_v not_o only_o by_o the_o respective_a author_n but_o by_o many_o of_o their_o brethren_n do_v set_v forth_o that_o the_o devil_n inflict_v plague_n 17.18_o war_n 18._o disease_n 63._o tempest_n 124._o and_o can_v render_v the_o most_o solid_a thing_n invisible_a 141._o and_o can_v do_v thing_n above_o and_o against_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o all_o natural_a cause_n be_v these_o the_o expression_n of_o orthodox_n believer_n or_o be_v they_o not_o rather_o expression_n become_v a_o maniche_a or_o a_o heathen_a as_o agree_v far_o better_a with_o these_o than_o with_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n our_o only_a rule_n the_o whole_a current_n whereof_o be_v so_o diametrical_o opposite_a thereto_o that_o it_o be_v almost_o endless_a to_o mention_v all_o the_o divine_a caution_n against_o such_o abominable_a belief_n he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v psal._n 62.11_o and_o 136.4_o lam._n 3.37_o amos_n 3.6_o jer._n 4.22_o psal._n 78.26_o and_o 148.6_o 8._o job_n 38.22_o to_o the_o 34._o v._n these_o place_n with_o a_o multitude_n more_o do_v abundant_o testify_v that_o the_o assertor_n of_o such_o power_n to_o be_v in_o the_o eâ—il_n be_v do_v speak_v in_o a_o dialect_n different_a from_o the_o scripture_n lay_v a_o firm_a foundation_n for_o the_o indian_n adoration_n which_o agree_v well_o with_o what_o a._n ross_n set_v forth_o in_o his_o mistag_n poetic_a p._n 116._o that_o their_o ancient_n do_v usurp_v the_o fury_n and_o their_o god_n averinci_n that_o they_o may_v forbear_v to_o hurt_v they_o and_o have_v not_o the_o court_n in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o world_n by_o their_o practice_n testify_v their_o concurrence_n with_o such_o belief_n prosecute_a to_o death_n many_o people_n upon_o that_o notion_n of_o their_o improve_n such_o power_n of_o the_o evil_a one_o to_o the_o raise_n of_o storm_n afflict_v and_o kill_v of_o other_o though_o at_o great_a distance_n from_o they_o do_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o person_n above_o humane_a strength_n destroy_v of_o cattle_n fly_v in_o the_o air_n turn_v themselves_o into_o cat_n or_o dog_n &_o c._n which_o by_o the_o way_n must_v needs_o imply_v something_o of_o goodness_n to_o be_v in_o that_o evil_n be_v who_o though_o he_o have_v such_o power_n will_v not_o exert_v it_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o people_n or_o else_o that_o they_o can_v some_o way_n add_v to_o this_o mighty_a power_n and_o be_v the_o people_n a_o whit_n behind_o in_o their_o belief_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n abovemention_v their_o strong_a faith_n look_v upon_o to_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o this_o evil_n be_v to_o effect_v here_o it_o