SECT. XI.
Obj. X.BUT then (X) we are still liable to be questioned, how it comes about, that those proud and insolent Designers practise in this kind upon so few, when one would expect that they should be still Trading this way, and every where be driving on the Project, which the vileness of Men makes so feisable, and would so much serve the interest of their Lusts.
To which, among other things that might be suggested, I return.
(1) That we are never liable to be so betray'd and abused, till by our vile dispositions and tendencies we have forfeited the tutelary care, and oversight of the better Spirits; who, tho' generally they are our guard and defence against the malice and violence of evil Angels, yet it may well enough be thought, that some time they may take their leave of such as are swallowed up by Malice, Envy and desire of Revenge, qualities most contrary to their Life and Nature; and leave them exposed to the Invasion and Solicitations of those wicked Spirits, to whom such hateful Attributes makes them very suitable. And if there be particular Guardian Angels, as 'tis not absurd to fancy, it may then be well supposed, that no Man is obnoxious to those projects and attempts, but only such whose vile and mischievous Natures have driven from them their protecting Genius. And against this deriliction to the Power of evil Spirits, 'tis likely enough what some affirm, that the Royal Psalmist directs that Prayer, Psal. LXXI. ix. x. Cast me not off in the time of old Age; forsake me not when my strength faileth. For———They that keep my Soul [GREEK HERE, as the LXX. and the vulgar Latin, Qui custodiunt animam meam] they take counsel together saying, God hath forsaken him, persecute him and take him; for there is none to deliver him. But I add (2) That 'tis very probable, that the state wherein they are, will not easily permit palpable intercourses between the bad Genii and Mankind, since 'tis like enough that their own Laws and Government do not allow their frequent excursions into this World. Or, it may with as great probability be supposed, that 'tis a very hard and painful thing for them, to force their thin and tenuious Bodies into a visible consistence, and such shapes as are necessary for their designs in their correspondencies with Witches.For
