The xvii. Chapter.
The opinion of witchmongers, that divels can create bodies, and of Pharaos magicians.
T is affirmed by James Sprenger and Henrie Institor, in M. Mal. M. Malef. p. 1. q. 10. who cite Albert In lib. de animalib. for their purpose, that divels and witches also can truelie make living creatures as well as God; though not at an instant, yet verie suddenlie. Howbeit, all such as are rightlie informed in Gods word, shall manifestlieJohn. 1, 3.
Coloss. 1, 16. perceive and confesse the contrarie, as hath beene by scriptures alreadie prooved, and may be confirmed by places infinite. And therefore I saie Jannes and Jambres, though sathan and also Belzebub had assisted them, could never have made the serpent or the frogs of nothing, nor yet have changed the waters with words. Neverthelesse, all the learned expositors of that place affirme, that they made a shew of creation, &c: exhibiting by cunning a resemblance of some of those miracles, which GOD wrought by the hand of Moses. Yea S. Augustine and manie other hold, that they made by art (and that trulie) the serpents, &c./313. But that they may by art approch somewhat neerer to those actions, than hath beene yet declared, shall and may appeere by these and manie other conclusions, if they be true.