An essay for the recording of illustrious providences

Haec tria qui secun• Portabit nomina Regum Solvitur a morbo Christi pietate caduco.

It is too well known, that Popish Countries do still abound with such Superstitious Vanities as these mentioned. And as Voetius (in his Dissertation de Exorcismo) truly tells them, the Exorcizations of the Papists are as like those of the Heathen as Milk is like to Milk, or as one Egg is like to another. I know that some Popish Authors (who are more ingenious) write against attempting the cure of Diseases by Words or Charms. Fernelius, Benev•nius and (as I remember) Valesins disapprove of it. But few (if any) of them are against Conjuring away Evil Spirits, by Words, and I know not what Formulae of their own, or rather of the Devils inventing. One of them (viz. Hi••omymus Mengus) haring Published a Book filled with Conjurations, ⟨p. 260⟩Entitleth it, The Scourge of Devils. It adds to the abomination when Men shall not only break the first and second Commandment, but the third also, by making use of any of the sacred Names or Titles belonging to the Glorious God, or to his Son Jesus Christ, as Charms; then which nothing is more frequent amongst Romanists. To conclude, God in his word doth with the highest severity condemn all such Practices, declaring not only that Enchanters and Charmers are not to be tolerated amongst his People; but that all who do such things are an abomination to him, Deut.18.10,11,12. The Jews are wont to be extremely charitable towards those of their own Nation, affirming, That every Israelite shall have a part in the World to come; only they except such as shall by Incantations heal Diseases. There are some that practise such things in their simplicity, not knowing that therein they gratify the Devil. Voetius in his Disputation, de Magia, P. 576. speaks of one that according to the vain conversation received by Tradition from fore Fathers, would sometimes attempt things of this nature, but upon Voetius his instructing him concerning the sin and evil which was therein, the Man durst never more do as formerly. If this Discourse fall into the hands of any