Nor, (2) is this the Criterion of a Miracle, that it is an Action or Event beyond all natural Powers; for we are ignorant of the Extent and Bounds of Natures sphere, and possibilities; and if this were the Character and essential Mark of a Miracle, we could not know what was so; except we could determine the Extent of Natural causalties, and fix their Bounds, and be able to say to Nature, Hitherto canst thou go, and no farther. And he that makes this his Measure whereby to judge a Miracle, is himself the greatest Miracle of Knowledge or Immodesty. Besides, tho' an effect may transcend really all the Powers of meer Nature; yet there is a World of Spirits that must be taken into our Account, and as to them also I say.
(3) Every thing is not a Miracle that is done by Agents Supernatural. There is no doubt but that evil Spirits can make wonderful combinations of natural Causes, and perhaps perform many things immediately which are prodigious, and beyond the longest Line of Nature; but yet these are not therefore to be called Miracles; for they are sacred wonders and suppose the Power to be Divine. But how shall the Power be known to be so, when we so little understand the Capacities and extent of the Abilities of lower Agents? The Answer to this Question will discover the Criterion of Miracles, which must be supposed to have all the former particulars; (they are unaccoutable beyond the Powers of meer Nature, and done by Agents Supernatural) and to these must be supperaded.
(4) That they have peculiar Circumstances that speak them of a Divine Original. Their mediate Authors declare them to be so, and they are always Persons of Simplicity, Truth, and Holiness, void of Ambition, and all secular Designs. They seldom use Ceremonies, or natural Applications, and yet surmount all the Activities of known Nature. They work those wonders, not to raise admiration, or out of the vanity to be talkt of; but to seal and confirm some Divine Doctrine, or Commission, in which the good and happiness of the World is concern'd. I say, by such Circumstances as these, wonderful Actions are known to be from a Divine cause; and that makes, and distinguisheth a Miracle.
And thus I am prepared for an Answer to the Objection, to which I make this brief return, That tho' WITCHES by their Confederate Spirit do those odd and astonishing things we believe of them; yet are they no Miracles, there being Evidence enough from the badness of their Lives, and the
