Now, besides what I have directly said to the main Objection, I have this to add to the Objectors, that I could wish they would take care of such Suggestions; which if they overthrow not the Opinion they oppose, will dangerously affront the Religion they would seem to acknowledge. For he that saith, That if there are WITCHES, there is no way to prove that Christ Jesus was not a Magician and diabolical Impostor, puts a deadly Weapon into the hands of the Infidel, and is himself next door to the SIN AGAINST THE HOLY GHOST: of which, in order to the persuading greater tenderness and caution in such Matters, I give this short account.
SECT. XV.
THE Sin against the Holy Ghost is said to be Unpardonable: By which sad Attribute, and the Discourse of our Saviour, Mat. 12. from the 22 to the 33. verse, we may understand its Nature. In order to which we consider, that since the Mercies of God, and the Merits of his Son are infinite, there is nothing can make a Sin unpardonable but what make it incurable; and there is no Sin but what is curable by a strong Faith and vigorous Endeavour: For all things are possible to him that believeth. So that that which makes a Sin incurable, must be somewhat that makes Faith impossible, and obstructs all means of Conviction. In order to the finding which, we must consider the ways and methods the Divine Goodness hath taken for the begetting Faith, and cure of Infidelity, which it attempted first by the Prophets and holy Men of ancient times, who by the excellency of their Doctrine, the greatness of their Miracles, and the holiness of their Lives, endeavoured the Conviction and Reformation of a stubborn and unbelieving World. But though few believed their Report, and Men would not be prevail'd on by what they did, or what they said; yet their Infidelity was not hitherto incurable, because further means were provided in the Ministry of John the Baptist, whose Life was more severe, whose Doctrines were more plain, pressing and particular; and therefore 'twas possible that he might have succeeded. Yea, and where he fail'd, and could not open Mens Hearts and their Eyes, the effect was still in possibility, and it might be expected from him that came after, to whom the
