that the Woman could by a natural Knack, speak such a Discourse as is related from Samuel, much less that she could from her Belly imitate his Voice, so as to deceive one that knew him as Saul did.
As for Mr. Webster's Peeping, Chirping, and Muttering, they are nothing to the purpose, and his hollow Cave, Pipe, and Vault, are as arbitrary Figments as the Closet, and fall under the same Confutations that disprove the rest of the Chimæras.
SECT. XXI.
That it was Samuel himself that appeared, not the Devil, nor a confederate Knave.
But the Witch-Advocates have another Argument to prove an Imposture in this Business. For say they, the Person denouncing the Fate of Saul, could not be the true Samuel, nor the Devil in his likeness; therefore it must be either the Woman or some cheating Confederate. Which conclusion follows not, for it is possible it might be a good Spirit personating Samuel: These the Scripture assures us, are often employed in Errands and Ministeries here below, and on those ocasions they cloath themselves in humane Shape and Appearance. So that it is not absurd to think it might be thus here; but this I affirm not. Who actually it was hath been great matter of Debate among Interpreters, and considerable Authors have been on either side. My cause doth not require that I should positively determine who the appearing Person was, it might be one of them, though I cannot tell which.
I confess it seems to me most probable, that it was the true Samuel, for the Scripture calls the Apparition so Five times, that is, as often as he is mentioned. And when the Woman saw Samuel, v. 12. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, v. 14. and Samuel said to Saul, v. 15. Then said Samuel, v. 16. Then Saul was sore afraid, because of the Words of Samuel, v. 20. Which Expressions are neither from Saul nor the Woman, but from that Spirit that Indited the Holy Scriptures. And if after all this, Samuel was a Knave, or the Witch, or the Devil, what assurance can we have in Interpreting of Scripture? I know
