CHAP. XXXIX.
That it is ashame for Papists to believe other Conjurors doings, their own being of so little force. Hippocrates his opinion herein.
ANd still methinks Papists (of all others) which indeed are most credu∣lous, and do most maintain the force of Witches Charms, and of Conjurors Cosenages, should perceive and judge Conjurors doings to be void of effect: For when they see their own stuffe, as Holy-water, Salt, Candles, &c. conjured by their holy Bishop and Priests, and that in the words of Consecration or Conjuration (for so * 1.1 their own Doctors term them) they adjure the water, &c. to heal, not only the souls infirmity, but also every ma∣lady, hurt, or ach of the body; and do also command the Candles, with the force of their authority and power, and by the effect of all their holy words, not to consume; and yet neither soul nor body any thing recover, nor the Candles last one minute the longer: with what face can they defend the others miraculous workes, as though the Witches and Conjurors actions were more effectual then their own? Hippocrates being but a Heathen, and not having the perfect knowledge of God, could see and perceive their cosenage and knavery well enough, who saith, They which boast so, that they can remove or help the in∣fections of diseases, with Sacrifices, conjurations, or other Magical Instruments or means, are but needy fellows, wanting living; and therefore refer their words to the Devil, because they would seem to know somewhat more than the common people. It is marvel that Papists do affirm, that their Holy-water, Crosses, or Bugs∣words have such virtue and violence, as to drive away Devils; so as they dare not approach to any place or person besmeared with such stuffe; when as it appeareth in the Gospel, That the Devil presumed to assault and tempt Christ himself: For the Devil indeed most earnestly busieth himself to seduce the godly; as for the Wicked, he maketh reckoning and just accompt of them as of his own already. But let us go on forward in our Refutation.