[35] The only known Work of "Learned Scribonius" is that entitled De Compositione Medicamentorum Liber," the best Edition of which is said to be that of Padua, 1655, in 4to, with Notes by Rhodius. He was of Rome in the Time of Claudius. His Book is a Sort of Repository of Prescriptions, which Prescriptions were of about as much value, in a medical Point of View, as later ones were for determining what Persons were Witches. Nouveau Dict. Hist. a Lyon, 1804.
[36] This Self Complacency is somewhat surprising, considering this Record was made while above an hundred poor Wretches were lying in the Jails of Boston and Salem!
[37] The Author doubtless has Reference to the Dæmonology of James I. See [Introduction].
[38] It is said that the learned Joseph Glanvil was made a "Fellow of the Royal Society" for an elaborate Treatise which he wrote on "The Vanity of Dogmatizing." If that entitled the said Joseph to be thus distinguished, no one ought any longer to question our Author's Claim to the same Distinction. Glanvil was as earnest a Defender of Witchcraft in his Time as Doctor Mather was a few Years later; and his Books, like this of the Doctor's, are entirely neglected except by the curious Investigators of the Progress of Society.
[39] Thus speaking of New England was strictly correct then, though it reminds us of what our English Brethren used to say at a much later Period in Reference to Boston,—speaking of it as "the Colony of Boston," "the Colony of New England," &c.
[vii] Reverend and Dear SIR,
OU very much gratify'd me, as well as put a kind Respect upon me, when you put into my hands, your elaborate and most seasonable Discourse, entituled, The Wonders of the Invisible World. And having now perused so fruitful and happy a Composure, upon such a Subject, at this Juncture of Time; and considering the place that I hold in the Court of Oyer and Terminer, still labouring and proceeding in the Trial of the Persons accused and convicted for Witchcraft, I find that I am more nearly and highly concerned than as a meer ordinary Reader, to express my Obligation and Thankfulness to you for so great Pains; and cannot but hold myself many ways bound, even to the utmost of what is proper for me, in my present publick Capacity, to declare my singular Approbation thereof. Such is your Design, most plainly expressed throughout the whole; such your Zeal for God, your Enmity to Satan and his Kingdom, your Faithfulness and Compassion to this poor People; such the Vigour, but yet great Temper of your Spirit; such your Instruction and Counsel, your Care of Truth, your Wisdom and Dexterity in allaying and moderating that among us, which needs it; such your clear discerning of Divine Providences and Periods, now running on apace towards their Glorious Issues in the World; and finally, such your good News of The Shortness of the Devil's Time,[40] that all Good Men must needs desire, the making of this your Discourse publick to the World; and will greatly rejoyce, that the Spirit of the Lord has thus enabled you to lift up a Standard against the Infernal Enemy, that hath been coming in like a Flood upon us. I do therefore make it my particular and earnest Request unto you, that as soon as may be, you will commit the same unto the PRESS accordingly. I am,