3. What is here fully explicated as also what we have formerly in this Treatise proved both by reasons, authorities and examples doth sufficiently manifest the great power of Celestial Bodies upon inferior matter, and that according to the aptitude and agreeableness of the matter prepared, and the configuration of the Heavens at the time elected, the powerful influence of the Stars and Planets is received into the subject, according to the purpose it was intended for. So that from hence it will clearly follow, that if fit and agreeable words or characters be framed and joined together, when the Heavens are in a convenient site and configuration for the purpose intended, those words and characters will receive a most powerful virtue, for the purpose intended, and will effectually operate to those ends by a just, lawful and natural agency, without any concurrence of Diabolical power, superstition or ceremonies, and this is that which was laboured to be proved.
Argum. 4.
Histor. Cent 2.
Histor. 78.
p. 280.
4. Thomas Bartholinus that most learned Physician, and experienced Anatomist (though his credit be laboured to be eclipsed by Dr. Casaubon, who is always more ready to ascribe power unto Devils, the worst of Gods creatures, than either to God or Nature) doth (touching this point) asserts this: “Notwithstanding (he saith) that words framed or shut up in a certain Rhythme, may without any superstition work some such like thing as the curing of the Epilepsie. For first, the air is altered by the various prolation of words, as well that air, which doth enter into the little pores of the vessels ending in the skin by transpiration, as that which is carried into the Ears, Nostrils, and Lungs. 2. The state being different of the words uttered, doth impress a different force, which the unlike constitution of the rough Artery, and of the rest of the instruments of speech, whether that state be hot or cold, it impresseth a virtue, which doth either acuate or make grave. 3. The breath is heated by the various prolation of words, which either alone, or bound up in the Rhythme doth califie cold things, and discusseth flatulencies.” And these may have a great diversity in operation, according as the air and breath, and the several kinds of Atomes in them, may be ordered in their site, motion, and contexture, so that thereby the various effects may be produced, without Cacodemons, or vain superstition.
Argum. 5.
1 Sam. 16. 14, 23.
De eo quod Divin. est in morbis. c. 52. p. 183.
5. And if we consider it seriously there is something more than ordinary in this place of Scripture. And it came to pass, that when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him. Upon which learned Tremellius gives us this note: “That evil spirit, that is, those phantastical pangs, or that furious rage, which did proceed from that evil spirit, did cease. So that it is manifest that it was the natural efficacy of the melodious sound made by Davids playing upon the Harp, whereby the Atomes of the air were put into such a motion, site and contexture that thereby they became repugnant and antipathetical to those contrary Atomes, that were by the means of the evil spirit stirred up in the sensitive Soul of Saul, by which he was terrified or tormented, and by overcoming them, and dissipating of them, he came to be refreshed, and for a time those effects wrought by that evil spirit ceased. So that the argument lies plain thus: If the melody of tunes or sounds modulated upon an Harp, have power to refresh the mind, and to cause the rage of an evil spirit to cease; then may words rightly framed in agreeable Rhythmes, which are but modulated tunes or sounds, ease sick persons, and remove diseases: But the former is true by the testimony of this Scripture, and so also is the later. Neither is the objection of Hieronymus Jordanus against this of any force at all, where he saith that the reason of sweet Harmony, and magical words, are very far different. But it had been suitable for him to have shewed us, wherein that difference doth lye, and not to have put it off with such a pittiful shuffle, as that it is obvious to Tyronists. This is (indeed) a shift used by many, that when they are not able to solve the argument, they put it off with some impertinent diversion, or passe by it with some ironical Sarcasm. But I must tell him, that tunes and sounds, that are framed by art in the best ways that can be devised, thereby by modulating of the air, to cause it to have several effects upon the auditory organs, differ not at all from right framed charms and characters, that by disposing the atomes of the air several ways, do produce various effects; I say there is no difference, except that constellated words may be more efficacious than Musick, because they are by a most curious and secret art, not only composed and joined together, but also are prepared at such chosen and fit times, that the Heavens may more powerfully infuse their virtues and influences into them, which is not observed in the composition of tunes.