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 indeed the Contempt, which Magic even in all Ages hath undergone, I can (in my opinion) finde no other Reaſons for it, but what the Profeſſors themſelves are guilty of by Miſ-conſtruction, and this in Reference to a double Obſcurity, of Life and Language. As for their nice (or to ſpeak a better truth) their Conſcientious Retirements, whereby they did ſeparate themſelvs from diſſolute and brutiſh ſpirits, it is that which none can ſoberly diſcommend; nay it is a very purging Argument, and may ſerve to wipe of thoſe contracted, envious ſcandals, which Time and Man have injuriouſly faſtned on their'' Memory. For if we reaſon diſcreetly, we may not ſafely truſt the Traditions and Judgement of the World, concerning ſuch perſons who ſequeſtred themſelves from the World, and were no way addicted to the Affairs or Acquaintance thereof. It is true, they were loſers by this Alienation, for both their life and their Principles were croſſe to thoſe of their Adverſaries: They lived in the ſhade, in the calm of Conſcience and ſolitude, but their Enemies moved in the''