ment, that Men otherwise Witty and Ingenious, are fallen into the Conceit, that there is no such thing as a Witch or Apparition but that these are the Creatures of Melancholy and Superstition, foster'd by Ignorance and Design; which comparing the Confidence of their dis-belief, with the Evidence of the things denied, and the weakness of their Grounds, would almost suggest that themselves are an Argument of what they deny; and that so confident an Opinion could not be held upon such inducements, but by some kind of Witchcraft and Fascination in the Fancy. And perhaps that evil Spirit, whose Influences they will not allow in Actions ascribed to such Causes, hath a greater hand and interest in their Proposition than they are aware of. For that subtle Enemy of Mankind (since Providence will not permit him to mischief us without our own concurrence) attempts that by Stratagem and Artifice, which he could never effect by open ways of acting; and the success of all Wiles depending upon their Secresie and Concealment, his Influence is never more dangerous than when his Agency is least suspected. In order therefore to the carrying on the dark and hidden Designs he manageth against our Happiness and our Souls, he cannot expect to advantage himself more, than by insinuating a belief, That there is no such thing as himself, but that Fear and Fancy make Devils now, as they did Gods of old. Nor can he ever draw the Assent of Men to so dangerous an Assertion, while the standing sensible Evidences of his Existence in his Practices by and upon his Instruments are not discredited and removed.
'Tis doubtless therefore the Interest of this Agent of darkness, to have the World believe, that the Notion they have of him, is but a Phantasme and Conceit; and in order there-unto, that the Stories of Witches, Apparitions, and indeed every thing that brings Tidings of another World, are but melancholick Dreams, and pious Romances. And when Men are arrived thus far, to think there are no Diabolical Contracts, or Apparitions, their belief that there are such Spirits rests only upon their Faith and Reverence to the Divine Oracles, which we have little reason to apprehend so great in such Assertors, as to command much from their assent; especially in such things in which they have corrupt Interests against their Evidence. So that he that thinks there is no Witch, believes a Devil gratis, or at least upon inducements, which he is like to find himself disposed to deny when he pleaseth. And when Men are arrived to this degree of Diffidence and
