Secondly, That matter of Fact can only be proved by immediate Sense, or the Testimony of others Divine or Humane. To endeavour to demonstrate Fact by abstract reasoning and speculation, is, as if a Man should prove that Julius Cesar founded the Empire of Rome, by Algebra or Metaphysicks. So that what Mr. Webster saith, p. 43. That the true and proper medimus to prove the actions of Witches by, are Scripture and sound Reason, and not the improper way of Testimony (which we use in the opposition that Testimony stands to Scripture and sound Reason) is very Nonsense.
Thirdly, That the History of Scripture is not all Allegory, but generally hath a plain literal and obvious meaning.
Fourthly, That some Humane Testimonies are credible and certain, viz. They may be so circumstantiated as to leave no reason of doubt. For our senses sometimes report truth, and all Mankind are Liars, Cheats, and Knaves, at least they are not all Liars, when they have no interest to be so.
Fifthly, That which is sufficiently and undeniably proved, ought not to be denied, because we know not how it can be, that is, because there are difficulties in the conceiving of it. Otherwise Sense and Knowledge is gone as well as Faith. For the Modus of most things is unknown, and the most obvious in Nature have inextricable difficulties in the Speculation of them, as I have shewn in my Scepsis Scientifica.
Sixthly and lastly, we are much in the dark, as to the Nature and Kinds of Spirits, and the particular condition of the other World. The Angels, Devils, and Souls happiness and misery we know, but what kinds are under these generals, and what actions, circumstances and ways of Life under those States we little understand. These are my Postulata or demands, which I suppose will be thought reasonable, and such as need no more proof.
