Page:Saducismus Triumphatus.djvu/274

 SECT. XXVII.

Several other Objections against the appearing of the Soul of Samuel answered.

BUT there are other Objections besides Mr. Webster's, against the Tenent that it was the Soul of Samuel; I shall not conceal any one that hath any force in it.

First it is urged, That Witches and Magicians have no power over the Spirits of the Just, and therefore this Pythoness could not raise Samuel. Nor do we say she did. He appear'd (as 'tis probable from the Text) before she had made her Conjurations. Which might be one reason of her crying out. He came either sent from God, or of his own inclination. The Devil nor Witch had nothing to do with it.

But Secondly, would God send Samuel at such a time, when he was seeking satisfaction from Enchantment? And why not as well that, as appoint the Prophet to meet the Messengers of Ahaziah when he sent to Beelzebub, 2 Kings 1? That King sent to the Idol of Ekron to inquire his Fate, and God acquainted him with it by his Prophet Elijah. Thus also when Balak had required Balaam to curse the Israelites, God put a Prophecy into his Mouth, and made him bless them, Numb. 22. &c.

Thirdly the Woman said, she saw Gods arising, a company of evil Spirits (so some interpret) and what did Samuel among them? But I saw Gods is more probably rendred by others a God, a Divine Personage, the plural Number for the singular to express honour. And that it is so to be understood is signified plainly by the singular Relative that follows; Of what form is he, v. 14. Or if more be meant, why might they not be good Genii that accompanied Samuel, a great and Divine Personage, eminent no doubt in the other World as he was in this?

Fourthly, some argue from the Question of the Apparition, v. 15. Why hast thou disquieted me? Samuel, say they, whether sent by God, or coming of his own accord, could not be disquieted by appearing. Nor was there any real disturbance in it, but the Spirit of the Prophet speaks our Language, who are apt to fancy the dead to rest in their Graves, and to be disturbed of their re-