Satan Transformed Into an Angel of Light, Book 1 · Chapter 4
CHAP. IIII.
Now let vsus consider further of Sathans Policie in Training his Schollers to this Art, as also in Trayning them vp, and confirming therein.
AS eueryevery Art hath it entrance and introduction, to allure and encorage thereto, yea to imitate and happily to beginne more rudely, and so by degrees to attaine to perfect skill therein: So is it in this Art of Witchcraft.
The occasions that are ministred to Sathan, to allure vsus hereunto, proceede from our selues: namely those desperate passions of 1 wrath, 2 discontent, 3 reuenge, 4 couetousnesse, &c. which being ioyned with a 1 contempt of Gods ordinance, 2 grosse and open prophanenesse, and 3 to desperate impenitencie; do therefore giuegive Satan occasion to conceiue, that God hath forsaken vsus: and so now is his time to chalenge his owne, or at least to set vponupon vsus, to make vsus his owne.
To this purpose first doth he suite himselfe according to our seuerall raigning sinnes, nourishing vsus in ignorance, and so preuenting meanes of repentance; and yet, hindering for a while by all meanes the attaining of vnlawfull desires, that so hee may sinke the wicked in despaire, as being vtterly out of hope, to compasse their intents, and to satisfie their lusts: prouoking them to further despiting of GOD, Note.and condemning his prouidence, in not yeelding vntounto their vnreasonable, and insatiable desires: And so by this manner of meanes prouoking the wrath of God the Lord further against them, they grow to solitarinesse, and heereupon giuegive fit oportunity to Satan to enter them to this mysterie.
¶Of the manner of Sathans compassing and trayning his Nouices to his Lure, and of his notable deceipts, and impostures therein.
THis is according both to the Times wherein hee workes, as also the seuerall condition and qualitie of the persons vponupon whom hee workes.
You hauehave heard how Sathan dealeth, to prepare the wicked to this Art: Now let vsus consider the manner how he sets vponupon them, to enter them heereinto: Which is according,
1 To the Times, which if they be of Ignorance, then he appeares more grossely in some Carnall and vgly shape, to bring into subicction by feare: and so also, for the same end, he appeareth in the same manner vsually by night.
But if it bee in the day, or in the abundance of knowledge, then eyther onelyonly by some voyce, or by some curious apparance, or by some friendly resemblance; hee doth make his way, to entertaine parlie with the discontented and desperate parties.
1 Not being daintie to question with them, What is that doth discontent? and,
2 Promising them, a sodaine, and certaine way of remedie.
3 Prouided, that they follow his aduice, and do such things as he will require of them.
4 And contenting himselfe with some generall answer for them tending to this effect, that they seeme contented, desiring nothing more then to know what particular meanes it may be, that so they may be masters of their desires; and so
To this end concluding of a second meeting, for this time hee taketh his leaue.
It is not long but he keepes touch with them, remembring them of their greeuances, reuiuing their hopes for helpe, kindling their desires to seek it from him: and so growing to some particular terms, what they must doe in requitall againe; Namely,
1 To addict themselues vntounto his service: and when hee hath gotten this promise of them.
2 Then he discouers vntounto them what hee is: making it apparant by some more terrible forme, and thereby the rather to awe them with the presence of his power:
And so to keepe them by terrour from starting backe, and yet to giuegive them hope by this resemblance of his power, that he is able to do for them, what they may desire, able to confound their enemies, and defend their friends.
And so happily for that time also hee doth proceede no further with them.
It is not long but he meetes with them againe, and then proceedeth to binde them to his allegeance, by entring into a solemne league, and couenant with them.
But before we do come to speake heereof, let vsus make some vse of Satans former Policies.
Surely, howsoeuer it be common to all.
1 To sinne of Infirmitie, yet let vsus take heede of presumptuous sinnes.
2 Though wee sinne, yet let vsus not reiect the meanes which may bring vsus to repentance.
3 Let vsus learne in all things to cleere God, and condemne our selues, that so Sathan may not preuayle against us.
4 Take wee heede likewise of Ignorance, and wilfull resting thereon, lest hereby Sathan preuayle against vsus.
5 And learne wee to Moderate our desires, and to get the victorie ouer them, lest heereby Sathan take aduantage to drawe vsus to vnlawfull courses.
6 Obserue wee the admirable iustice of Almightie God, that Presumptuous sinnes shall reape no better comfort then despaire, and so by despaire betray themselues to Solitarinesse.
And therefore, to preuent despaire, How to preuent despaire.let vsus daily renue our repentance.
1 Renouncing our selues, by seeking to the merciemercy of our God.
2 And take we heed of discontens and murmuring against the Lord, lest the Lord leaue vsus to Sathans power.
3 And though we must daily distrust our selues, yet let vsus not neglect the Testimonies to take the surer hold on GOD; lest Sathan by degrees steale vponupon vsus, obseruing his Cunning,
4 That first he worketh vponupon the soule secretly and afarre off: and so commeth neerer to open contracts: And therefore labour we to resist in the beginning, vsing societie gratiously and following our callings.