dierum caniculorum parte 2, colloquio 3._]

Fifthly, the discreeter sort among the Heathen, by that small glimpse of
naturall reason which they had, misliked of these things: [mm]And
therefore _Cato_ among the rest of admonitions to the Bailiffe of his
husbandry, giueth this charge, to aske no aduice of any Southsaier,
Diuiner, Wisard, or Natiuity Calculator. [nn]And _Columella_ vtterly
forbiddeth all acquaintance with Witches, wherby ignorant people are
inforced to expence detestable Arts, and mischieuous deeds.
[oo]_Hippocrates_ doth almost like a Christian discourse of this poynt,
and condemne the whole practise of this Art, as iniurious vnto God, who
onely purgeth sinnes, and is our preseruer; and for these fellowes who
make profession of such wonder-working, brandeth them for Impostors and
deceiuers. I conclude with that remarkeable saying of an ancient
Diuine;[pp] These vanities doe separate and with-draw vs from God,
though they may seeme to haue something in them to allure and delight
vs; yet let no Christian entertaine them, whose hope ought to be setled
in God alone. And if thou be in distresse, or afflicted with sicknesse
of body, and feele no present release or comfort, what then? here is the
tryall of thy patience, haue not recourse to superstitious and vnlawfull
helpers, although they promise thee present remedy; and when they
fore-tell thee of things which doe truely according to the prediction to
fall out, beleeue them not, follow the example of Christ, who rebuked
the Diuell, though he called him (as he was indeed) the Son of God. For
vnder the vaile of truth he shadoweth falshood; euen as if one should
sweeten with honey or sugar the brimme of the Cup wherein he bringeth
poyson: But some will say, they call vpon the name of the Lord of
Sabbaoth. Well, but this title they giue not to God, but to the Diuell:
therefore betake thou thy selfe to God alone, craue health at his hand,
and follow the Apostles direction; _If any bee sicke among you, let him