SECT. XXV.
Other Arguments of Mr. Webster against the appearing of the Soul of Samuel, proposed and answered.
But Mr. Webster goes on: Fourthly, saith he, Mr. Glanvil hath only affirmed, not proved it. Which is not so, I alledge the same reasons I have mentioned here in my Philosophical Considerations about Witchcraft, Sect. 16. And the frequent affirmations of the Sacred Text, were sufficient ground for the Assertion, though no other reasons were added to them.
He argues, Fifthly, Miracles are wrought to confirm truth, but this would have confirmed Saul and the Witch in their wicked ways, p. 174. I answer, Miracles are not always wrought to confirm truth, but sometimes to declare it. And these sort are often for that purpose. Such was this, to pronounce the final Sentence and Doom on Saul, as to the concerns of this World. And the Prophet's appearing so contrary to the Womans expectation, and before she had performed her Spells, struck her into dread and amazement, and so she could draw no encouragement thence, to countenance her trade of Witchcraft.
Sixthly, He saith it is not credible, but that Samuel would have reproved the Sorceress. But that was not his business, and it is like she being one of that vile and Diabolical profession was forsaken of God and good Spirits, and given up to those evil ones that were her Agents and Familiars. Such derelictions we sometimes read of. And certainly if any course of sinning occasions and brings such a judgment (as some no doubt do) this of Witchcraft and Confederacy with evil Spirits, is one that most justly may.
Seventhly, But God had refused to answer Saul by any living Prophet, and Eighthly would not vouchsafe him his Spirit in the ordinary way, and therefore it is not probable he would do it by sending a Prophet from the dead. Which arguings can only discover out ignorance in the Reasons of the Divine Counsels and Actions. But yet it may be said, God had indeed withdrawn all comfortable and directive Communications from him, but this was of another sort, a farther instance of the Divine
