Page:Jerusalem's captivities lamented, or, The history of Jerusalem.pdf/21

 resided in Samaria, where St. Peter the decon preached with much success confirming the same by miracles; however, Simon was in great reputation among the people, and stiled himself, the great power of God, and affirming that he was the supreme Deity, worshipped by all nations; the apostles sent Peter and John from Jerusalem to Philip's assistanccassistance [sic], who when they came thither, laid their hands upon the new converts whereupon they presently reccivedreceived [sic] the Holy Ghost; which when Simon saw, he offered them money if they would confer that power upon him. But Peter perceiving his vile intentions, scornfully rejected his impious offer. However, by his witchcrafts and sorceries, he at length became acceptable to the emperor as well as the vulgar; Nero that monster, had much veneration for him, being patron of the magicians, and all thoscthose [sic] who have commerce with the infernal powers, and Peter being returned to Rome, resolved to encounter him, and discover the impostures and dclusionsdelusions [sic] of this wretched man.

About that time, an eminent young gentleman, kinsman to the emperor, died at Rome, and the same of Peter's having power to raise the dead, his friends were persuaded to send for him, but others proposed Simon Magus, who readily came, being glad of the occasion to magnify himself among the people, and Peter being present, Simon alledged, that he had provoked the great power of God, and should lose his life if he did not raise the dead person, but if Peter prevailed he himself would submit to the same fate: Peter accepted the terms, and Simon began his charms and cnchantmentsenchantments [sic], whereat the dead gentleman seemed to move his head, upon which the people shouted, and cricdcried [sic] he was alive, and talked to Simon, and began to insult Peter; the apostle intreated their patience, and told them it was nothing but fancy and appearance, and that if Simon were removed from