An essay for the recording of illustrious providences

Thus concerning this. Before I pass to the next Relation, I cannot but ⟨p. 227⟩Animadvert upon what is here expressed, concerning the Questions which the Bishop would needs have propounded to, and resolved by this Spectre. I am persuaded, that the Apostle Paul who speaks of a Mans Intruding into those things which be hath not seen, Col.2.18. would hardly have given such counsel as the Bishop did. One of his Questions, (viz. Are you a good or a bad Spirit?) seems to be a needless and impertinent enquiry. For good Angels never appear in the shape of dead Men; but evil and wicked Spirits have oftentimes done so. His other Queries savour too much of vain curiosity. They bring to mind what is by that great Historian Thuanus (Lib. 130. Page 1136.) reported concerning Peter Cotton the Jesuit, who having a great desire to be satisfied about some Questions which no Man living could resolve him in; he applied himself to a Maid who was possessed with a Devil, charging the Spirit in her to resolve his Proposals. Some of which were relating to this World, e. g. He desired the Devil, if he could, to rest him when Calvinism would be extinguished; And what would be the most effectual means to turn the Kingdom of England from the Protestant to the Popish Religion. What would be the issue of the Wars and great ⟨p. 228⟩designs then on foot in the World? Other of his Enquiries respected the Old World, e. g. How Noah could take the living Creatures that were brought into the Ark? Who those Sons of God were that loved the Daughters of Men? Whether Serpents went upon feet before Adam's Fall, &c. Some of his Questions respected the other World; He would have the Spirit to resolve him, How long the fallen Angels were in Heaven before they were cast down from thence? And what is the most evident place in the Scripture to prove that there is a Purgatory? Who are the seven Spirits that stand before the Throne of God? Who is the King of the Arch-Angels? Where Paradise is? Now let the Reader judge whether D. Tailors Questions, when he would have the Spectre resolve him, Where is your abode? What station do you hold? How are you Regimented in the other World? &c. be not as curious as some of these of the Jesuits, Wise men thought it tended much to the disreputation of Peter Cotton when through his incogitant leaving the Book wherein his enquiries of the Daemon were written with a Friend;