to try his people; but he worketh not so in these dayes; for the work∣ing of miracles is ceased. Likewise in this case it might well stand with Gods glory, to use the hands of Pharaohs Magicians, towards the harden∣ing of their Masters heart; and to make their illusions and ridiculous con∣ceits to become effectuall. For God had promised and determined to har∣den the heart of Pharaoh. As for the miracles which Moses did, they mol∣lified it so, as he alwayes relented upon the sight of the same. For unto the greatnesse of his miracles were added such modesty and patience, as might have moved even a heart of steel or flint. But Pharaohs froward∣nesse alwayes grew upon the Magicians actions: the like example, or the resemblance whereof, we find not again in the Scriptures. And though there were such people in those dayes suffered and used by God, for the ac∣complishment of his will and secret purpose: yet it followeth not, that now, when Gods will is wholly revealed unto us in his word, and his Son exhibited (for whom, or rather for the manifestation of whose coming all those things were suffered or wrought) such things and such people should yet continue. So as I conclude, the cause being taken away, the thing proceeding thence remaineth not. And to assign our witches and con∣jurers their room, is to mock and contemn Gods wonderfull workes; and to oppose against them cousenages, juggling, knacks and things of nought. And therefore, as they must confesse, that none in these dayes can doe as Moses did; so it may be answered, that none in these dayes can doe as Iannes and Iambres did: who, if they had been false Prophets, as they were Jugglers, had yet been more priviledged to exceed our old women or conjurors, in the accomplishing of miracles, or in prophecying, &c. For who may be compared with Balaam? Nay, I dare say, that Balaams asse wrought a greater miracle, and more supernaturall, than either the Pope or all the conjurors and witches in the world can doe at this day.
To conclude, it is to be avouched (and there bee proofes manifest e∣nough) that our Jugglers approach much neerer to resemble Pharaohs Ma∣gicians, than either witches or conjurors, and make a more lively shew of working miracles than any inchantors can doe: for these practise to shew that in action, which witches doe in words and terms. But that you may think I have reason for the maintenance of mine opinion in this behalfe, I will surcease by multitude of words to amplifie this place, referring you to the tract following of the art of juggling, where you shal read strange pra∣ctises and cunning conveyances; which because they cannot so conveni∣ently be described by phrase of speech, as that they should presently sinke into the capacity of you that would be practitioners of the same; I have caused them to be set forth in form and figure, that your understanding might be somewhat helped by instrumentall demonstrations. And when you have perused that whole discovery of Juggling, compare the wonders thereof with the wonders imputed to conjurors and witches, (not omitting Pharaohs Sorcerers at any hand in this comparison) and I beleeve you will be resolved, that the miracles done in Pharaohs sight by them, and the miracles ascribed unto witches, conjurors, &c. may be well taken for false miracles, meer delusions, &c. and for such actions as are commonly pra∣ctised by cunning jugglers; be it either by legierdemain, confederacy, or o∣therwise.