_The disease of king Saul._
When "King Saul was abandoned by the Spirit of God, and an evil spirit
from the Lord troubled him; his courtiers persuaded him to command his
servants to seek out somebody that was a good player on the harp, who
might sooth or compose him by his music, when the evil spirit from God
was upon him." Which when Saul had done, by sending messengers for
David; "whenever it happened that Saul was seized with that evil
spirit, David took his harp, and play'd on it; and thus Saul was
refreshed and became composed, and the evil spirit departed from[62]
him."
[62] _See Samuel, or Kings, Book i. Chap. xvi._
Now to me it appears manifest, that this king's disease was a true
madness, and of the melancholic or atrabilarious kind, as the ancient
physicians called it. And the fits return'd on him at uncertain
periods, as is frequently the case in this sort of disease. Nor could
the cause of that disorder be a secret, seeing he had been lately
deprived of his kingdom by God's express command. Likewise the remedy
applied, to wit, playing on the harp, was an extremely proper one. For
physicians have long since taught us, that symphonies, cymbals, and
noises, were of service towards dissipating melancholic thoughts;[63]
the power of which we have accounted for in another place upon
geometrical principles.[64] Hence also it more plainly appears, that
the disorder was owing to natural causes; for otherwise how could the
music of a harp drive it away? Counsel and prudence in a man was, in
the Hebrew language, usually stiled the Spirit of God; and a person
deprived of these qualities, was said to be troubled with an evil
spirit, that is, to be mad.
[63] _See Cels. Lib. iii. Cap. xviii._
[64] _Mechanical Account of Poisons, Essay ii. Ed. 4._
I am not ignorant that the Jews, by a manner of expression familiar
among them, are wont to describe diseases of this kind, to the power
of evil angels, as ministers of God; and that even at this day, some
very learned men defend the same notion. But for my part, if I may be
allowed to declare my thoughts with freedom, I cannot think it right
to have recourse to the divine wrath for diseases, which can be
proved to have natural causes; unless it be expresly declared, that
they were sent down directly from heaven. For if they fall on us in
punishment of our sins, the intention of the supreme lawgiver would be
frustrated, unless a sure rule was given, whereby his vengeance might
be distinguished from common events; in as much as the innocent may be
equal sharers in such calamities with the guilty. Moreover, it seems
reasonable to believe, that evils inflicted by the omnipotent judge,
must be either incurable, or curable by himself alone; that the
connection of his power with his equity, may the more brightly shine
forth. By such a criterion, are miraculous works distinguished from
the operations of nature. For it would be impiety to suppose, that the
almighty creator of heaven and earth intended, that his works should
be performed in vain. Wherefore it is worthy of our observation, that
great care is always taken in the sacred histories, to make the divine
power in such cases, appear most manifest to all. Thus when the Lord
had infected Miriam (or Mary) with a leprosy, for a sin committed by
her, and consented, on the supplication of Moses, to make her whole;
it was not done till seven days afterward.[65] Gehazi's leprosy
remained in him and his progeny for ever.[66] King Azariah was smote
with the leprosy, for not having demolished the high places; and he
was a leper unto the day of his death.[67] Ananias and his wise were
struck dead suddenly by the miraculous power of St. Peter.[68] Elymas
the sorcerer, was struck blind for a season by St. _Paul_, for his
frauds and wickedness.[69] Therefore since threats and plain
indications of diseases, inflicted in an uncommon manner, are always
manifestly declared; whensoever these are wanting, why may we not say,
that the event was by no means supernatural? And I desire, once for
all, that this sentiment may hold good with regard to several other
calamities.
[65] _Numbers, Chap. xii. Verse 14._
[66] _Kings, Book ii. (al. iv.) Chap. v. Verse 27._
[67] _The same, Chap. xv. Verse 5._
[68] _Acts, Chap. v._
[69] _The same, Chap. xiii. Verse 11._