The Mystery of Witchcraft Discovering the Truth of Nature, Book 1 · Chapter 5
CHAP. V.
Satans Policies in confirming his Nouices in this their Trade.
THis is discouered, eyther in the Couenants that passe betweene Sathan and the Witch to this purpose: or else,
Such other Stratagems and deuices
That are vsed to this end (of whi… in their Places) to make them sti… to their couenant, and so to perform… the bargaine.
Concerning the couenant, certaine it is, that though (as you hauehave heard) Sathan dallies for a time, to draw vsus on: yet at length he will not faile to make sure of his Prentice, by binding him in some solemne Bond to faithfull seruice, and performance of what hath formerly beene promised.
Now in the Couenant wee are to consider.
First, the Nature and Qualitie o… the Couenant.
Secondly, the seuerall ceremonies, enterchangeably concurring to the solemnizing thereof.
SECTIO I.
COncerning the Couenant; certaine it is, That there passeth such a Couenant betwixt the Witch and Satan, as appeareth:
1 By the Testimony of the Word, as, Psa. 58. v. 5. where the originall yeeldeth, thus, which heareth not the voyce of the Charmer, or Mutterer, ioyning societies together: wherein, the holie-Ghost both setteth downe the effect of a Charme: namely, that it is able to stay the Adder from stinging those that shall touch him;
As also the Ground of the Charme, wherein it hath it power: Namely, Societies, or Confederacies, cunningly made, not betweene man and man, but as the word importeth, betweene the Inchanter and the Diuell. So Deuteronomie 18. ve. 11. The Lord charges the people when they come into the Land of Canaan, that they should beware lest any ioyned society, that is, entred league with wicked spirites.
2 The practise of Sathan proueth no lesse, who is ready to offer conditions of agreement, as appeareth, not onelyonly in the proffer to our Sauiour Christ, but in those daily offers hee makes vntounto men, to giuegive them this, to do that for them.
3 The euent and successe of W… craft makes it plaine; which being sometimes wonderfull, alwayes … the power of the silly Witch. It … needes follow, that this effect proceedes from some such compact with Sathan; who is hereby bound vntounto the Witch to do such things, which shee of her selfe were neuer able to doe.
The End of this Couenant is, To make sure of his Prey, which by vertue hereof he seizeth on: The Lord leauing rebellious man hereby to his power, as by this Couenant with Sathan, wilfully forsaking God, and submitting vntounto Sathan as his Soueraigne Lord.
But heere it is replyed in the defence of Witch-craft, that both the Obiect.Diuell doth many things, and yet not at the Witches command: and also that the Witch wisheth, and performeth much euill, eyther by some … poysons, by outward violence, &c. … at least, though they may be done by Sathan, yet shee is not so much as priuie thereto: nay many times shee seemeth to be against the same, and therefore it may seeme there is no such Couenant.
To which we answer, that though Ans.Sathan doth some things beyond authoritie, yet he doth other things at the commaund of the Sorceresse: and those which she commands not, though Satan doth them; these shall be put to the Witches score: yea, though happily shee should seeme to be vnwilling: because eyther the Diuell answeres heerein, in some measure, the generall malice of her heart, which is to do more hurt then she can: or apprehends some secret inckling, though there be no expresse commaund: or else, exceedes his Commission, to the confusion of the Sorceresse when she now shall discerne, how her seruant is her maister, doing what hee list, though he would seeme to be at her becke. To this end consider we further.
SECTIO II.
Of the kindes of Couenants which are made betweene Sathan and th… Witch.
THese are of two sorts: The first expressed and manifest, because it is performed by solemne words; Satan appearing in some visible forme, and the Witch answering really by some forme of speach, tending to this end, To admit of the Diuell as her soueraigne lord, to renounce God, Baptisme, Christ and all, to yeeld him all seruice both of body and soule, while shee liue… and so to leaue him bodie and soule to dispose of at his pleasure after death.
1 The occasion of this reall Couenant, is eyther the vnsatiablenesse of mans desires, which to enioy he c… reth not what he parts with, and so expressing those desires by some intemperate and violent passion, giuegive… occasion hereby to Sathan to tender this seruice.
2 Or else some extreamitie of affliction so oppresseth him, that being not able to vndergoe the burden, he cares not vponupon what termes he promise his ease, and so is contented, for present release, to aduenture a future casualtie. Or,
3 Some matter of discontent, prouokes to reuenge, and rather then his spleene may not be satisfied, he will satisfie the Diuells request. And so by these and such like preuayling corruptions, is at length brought to this fearefull issue, as to engage his soule to the bondage of Sathan.
Another sort of Couenant there is, secret, and mentall, as wee say, performed by consequence, and necessarie induction.
And this vsually serues the turne, Note.because Satan hereby deceiues most dangerously: as deluding the Witch that she is free, because she hath made no verball composition, whenas indeed by those meanes, she is bound more fearefully.
Or else, this prooues in some cases a preparatiue to the other; especially when the parties vse such means ignorantly, which are no better then Sathans indirect and abhominable pranckes to procure ease against infirmities. As, to scratch the Witch, to hang Amulets about their necke, &c. which though some doe ignorantly, as thinking some inherent power to be in those meanes to cure diseases: yet doth this by degrees draw them from the vse of law full means, cause them to rest in those that are vnlawfull: and so nourishing them in infidelitie, prouoke them in time to forsake God; and so they are iustly left to the power of Sathan, by him to be ripened to the day of vengeance.
If wee would know the Tokens of Markes of the secret couenant.this secret Couenant.
They are, First prayer for vnlawfull things: which howsoeuer it may seeme to be made to GOD, yet in truth it is offered vp to Sathan: so that if now by such meanes wee become maisters of our desires, this is a pledge of this secret Couenant.
Secondly, vsing vnlawfull meanes: such as are offered by Satan for helpe in extremitie, as to goe to Blessers, to scratch, to vse spells, &c. wherein if wee be conuinced with the truth, that these hauehave no proper vertue to doe such things, and yet shall vse them; This is an other dangerous bond of this secret Couenant.
So that though all that vse these things are not brought to this Trade of Witch-craft, to hurt the bodies of others: yet are they hereby bewitched in their soules, and so proue spirituall deceiuers, to enthrall the souls of others to perpetuall perdition.
A third marke of this secret Couenant, is an ordinarie taking of Gods name in vaine; especially in blessing of Cattell, which although the ignorant and vnbelieuing world hath taken vp of custome, yet the And blind charitie.first tutors hereunto hauehave beene the Witches, thereby to colour their sorceries, and draw more Proselites to their deuotion.
And therefore it were to bee wished, that we were more exceeding carefull in the sober and reuerent vse of the name of God; especially, when wee thinke or speake of these outward things, lest Custome breed profanenesse, and profanenesse contempt, and despight of GOD and godlinesse. And so, although at the first Sathan enter not into vsus, yet by degrees at the length he may so farre preuayle, as first to draw vsus to make charmes of these holy names; and so secondly vponupon the effect answerring our Infidelitie, wee be further drawne to vnlawfull desires, and to be contented to submit to Satan for the obtaining thereof, and so at the length become practitioners in this, Art.
Vses of these Diuers Couenants.
By this it is apparent, that notwithstanding the caueats of Atheists and profane persons against the Doctrine of Witch-craft: That certainly there are Witches, as appeareth by this Couenant betweene them and Sathan.
And seeing infatiable desires are an especiall cause of the making this League with Sathan: Therefore we are taught secondly,
1 To set bounds to our vnlawfull desires; 2 to be content with our estates; 3 to prepare our soules to afflictions; 4 to enlarge our desires for heauenly things; 5 to suppresse our vnruly affections of eueryevery anger, and especially 6 to cast our care vponupon God in Iesus Christ, and 7 to hauehave our persons accepted of God in him: that so we may not be ensnared with Sathans baites.
And seeing the wicked are not ashamed to make open profession of their homage and allegeance vntounto the Diuell: and therefore much lesse ought wee to be abashed to professe our Faith in God, to giuegive a reason of our hope and confidence in him: If Satan will hauehave reall promises and verball contracts, not contenting himselfe only with the heart and inward man: Then surely ought not we to content our selues with good or bare purposes, but wee must labour to confesse with the mouth to saluation, as wee beleeue with the heart to righteousnes, as Rom. 10. 10. If Sathan will hauehave deedes as well as words, then let vsus also not be hearers onelyonly, but also doers of the will of God, lest wee deceiue our selues.
Lastly, seeing Sathan is growne so cunning, as to content himselfe with priuy signes and circumstances, not exacting of all sortes publique and expresse bargaines: shall not this teach vsus, not to content our selues with bodilie seruice, and outward deuotion: But especially, to labour for trueth in the inward man? Shall not this winne vsus to watch seriously ouer our thoughts and secret purposes? Shall it not send vsus vntounto Christ, for the daily purifying of our hearts by faith in his precious bloud? shall Shall it not still round vsus in the eare, to take heede of hypocrisie? lest this be of al other the most sure bargaine with the Diuell, seeing of all other, the hypocrite is first to goe to hell, as making a mocke of heauen. They shall hauehave their portion with hypocrites: of all other the hypocrite shall drinke deepest of the cuppe of vengeance.
Hitherto of the nature and kindes of the Couenant: Now let vsus consider further of the conditions thereof.
SECTIO III.
Of the conditions of the Couenant betweene Sathan and the Witch.
THese are enterchangeable, as,
1 What Sathan will doe for the Witch.
2 What the Witch must doe for Sathan.
The ground of this Couenant, is in imitation of the Diuine Wisedome, who by this meanes reuealeth himselfe vntounto man, and bindes man vntounto him: and so in high scorne and despight of the Lord our God, by the same meanes doth Sathan inde…o…r to withdraw man from God, to enthrall man more desperately to his seruice.
And yet heerein to deceiue wretched man; as by this outward ceremonie of the Couenant being in imitation of that diuine breeding in the minds of his Proselites, an opinion of Sathans deitie, and so thereby auouching this subiection vntounto him.
The Policies of Sathan in this C… nant is manifold.
1 As first, to make them beleeue there is a kinde of equitie in the businesse, and so the rather to sticke to it, the rather, when his performance is present, their turnes serued, that which they are to performe, to come, vncertaine, they may repent, or, Hell is but a Bugge-beare: yet,
2 To binde them more surely to his seruice hereby, seeing in honestie they are to keepe touch with him, seeing he keepes with them; binding them heerein by that bond of ciuill honestie which Nature so much standeth Note.vponupon, and resteth in, thereby, though confounding, yet also flattering the same.
But hath not Sathan (I pray you) in this Couenant with the Wltch, a further reach, to deceiue others also?
Yea surely, and that many wayes.
As first, heereby hee would beare the world in hand, that he is now so at the Witches commaund, as that, neyther may hee bee thought to hauehave any power else, but what is limited to her lusts, whereas indeede hee doeth many things of himselfe, and yet father them vponupon the Witch, to flatter her in her soueraignetie, and hasten her to vengeance: yea, exceedeth often the Commission, which hee receiueth from her. And though she would hauehave many times the mischiefe vndone and released, because shee is tormented by such charmes, as Sathan teacheth, to dissolue the Witch-craft, as to burne some part of the thing bewitched, &c. and no doubt is in like maner haunted with some heart-pang, and … of conscience, yet can shee … giuegive the least ease to the partie … flicted.
Especially Sathan obseruing the nature of man to be prone to Id… trie, his purpose heerein is to withdraw the minde from God, and settle i… vponupon the Witch: As if Sathan were not Gods instrument to afflict m…n, but onelie the Witches seruant to doe what shee please, and so the Witch and Satan in the Witch … bee adored and exalted aboue the Lord. Shee must be feared, rate…, yea, sometimes shee must be innocently condemned, shee must bee sought vntounto, closed with, pacified with gifts &c.
SECTIO IIII.
THat which Sathan bindes himsselfe to doe for the Witch, is, To appeare vntounto her in what forme shee … seth.
1 To confirme her conceited power.
2 To preuent that feare which might arise from more horrible apparition, and so to nourish in securitie.
Heerein he deceiueth diuersly:
1 As first, that hee is no where present but in these …ormes.
2 That he is alwayes present in these formes, whereas indeede he deludes oftentimes the senses hereby.
3 That accordingly to the multitude of formes, so are their many Diuells, that the Witch may the rather glorie in the multitude of these seruants.
4 That the Creatures of Almightie God, which in themselues are good 1. Tim. 4. 4.and seruiceable for vse, may be feared, and hated, yea adored, and respected as presages of good or euill, as, when a Hare crosseth the way, &c. And so our right in the creature questioned: But especially, Sathans cunning in appearing in these forms euen of familiar Creatures, which if they can hurt, It is but onelyonly the body:
1 Is, both to hide that speciall Tyrannie and crueltie of his which he extendeth against the soule:
2 And to nourish this conceipt by these appearances, that his power is limited by that creature, and so not to bee feared, so to bee lightly regarded and despised of vsus: as busying themselues about such trifles, as to keepe drinke from working, and whereas indeed vnderunder colour of these they prey vponupon the soule, stirring vp to reuenge, coueteousnesse, vncleanesse, &c.
Yea ouerthrowing of Kingdomes, rooting out the Gospell: which that they may effect more securely when they are not espied and preuented, therefore they labour to occupie mens mindes in these base and sleight matters, that so they might not suspect, or preuent them in the other.
And doth not Satan notably delude the Ignorant People, That by this couenant with the Witch, to bee at her command, hee maketh the simple people beleeue, that he neuer comes but at the Witches sending: And so both prouoketh by all meanes to curry fauour with the Witch, by entertainment, gifts; what not? whereby they become subiect, through this infidelity, to Satans power; As also prepareth way heereby to seeke to the Witch for helpe; and so is further ensnared to the danger of the soule.
Nay doth he not by submitting himselfe to base meanes: as by burning a spittered hote, &c. whereby he seemes to bee remoued, herein also further deceiue the simple people: As with-drawing them from the holy meanes whereby they may bee releeued, and causing them to rest in these accursed and deceitfull helps: which either do no good at all, or if they doe any, it is to doe a greater hurt.
SECTIO. V.
A second thing whereby Satan binds himselfe to the Witch, is to doe whatsoeuer the Witch shall command.
THat is, to lie still when she lifts to spare.
To runne and hurt when she is moued, where and how it pleaseth her lust.
And the more cunningly to conuey and execute this mischiefe, to shroud himselfe vnderunder any shape; yea to conuey the Witch vnderunder any shape, or forme, to the satisfying of her lusts, and yet to deceiue her more grossely therein.
SECTIO. VI.
Shall wee now consider a little how Satan deceiues by this subiection?
FIrst, in that he pretends to bee at their command: he therby secures them as if their state were safe, they need feare no hurt from him, seeing he is at their becke.
Nay he thereby Puffs them vp with a conceit of some extraordinarie fauour with God that giues them such power ouer Satan: Nay he further bewitcheth them that now they are as Gods; being able to command Satan, whom none can ouer-rule but the Lord:
And so prouoketh to horrible blasphemie, and Idolatrie, to aduance themselues in Gods steed; to saue life and to destroy it at pleasure: And therevpon inferres a further securitie of their estates; That they which can thus dispose of others estates, they are wise enough to secure their owne: Or at least, what need they more then to enioy this soueraignetie, to exercise this liberty, Note.thus to satisfie their vtmost desires?
Hitherto ferues another sleight of Satan herein: That being now at their command, he hath no power but from them: When they call he must runne, otherwise he quitcheth not: And hence ariseth this delusion, That seeing they know what's best for themselues, therefore they will bee sure to keepe him safe from hurting them.
And heere Satan hath another tricke yet further to beguile them; namely, to confine himselfe as an Ape to his clog, to some Box or Prison, where he lies, as bound not to stir but when the Witch calleth, she, as his Goalor, must giuegive him libertie, whereas he still goes about like a roaring Lyon, stirring vp in the heart desires of reuenge, couetousnesse, &c. while he seemes to lie still from bodily harmes, and nourishing Pride and Infidelitie by this his fained bondage, and so hardening in security, while he ceaseth from outward hurts.
SECTIO. VII.
AND doth he not also by this his fayned subiection to the Witch deceiue the Vnbeleuing world?
Yea certainely, and that many waies: As First, he with-draweth them from the acknowledgement of Gods Prouidence; who onelyonly hath power to send these euill Angels to torment the wicked, and afflict his children, and so to rob God of his glorie herein, and to referre it to the Witch, as if Satan were onelyonly at her dispose.
And for their further confusion heerein, he prouoketh them in reuenge of their wrongs, not to look into their sinnes, which cause the same, or to looke vp to God who onelyonly can heale, because he giueth the wound: But to crie out vponupon the Witch, to harry her to the Iustice, to scratch, and practise against her, and so, many times, to shed innocent bloud in accusing wrongfully: Or at the best, though the Law may bee satisfied, yet God is not glorified, nor themselues truely releiued, Seeing by vsing vnlawfull meanes for helpe, though the body may finde ease, yet the soule thereby is more dangerously ensnared.
And hath not Satan another dangerous fetch in this subiection? That whereas many diseases come of naturall causes, which are well knowne to Satan, though the simple people are vtterly ignorant thereof: Yet seeing the Witch in malice intends the hurt of her neighbour, and to this end sets Satan on worke: heerevpon it is concluded that all diseases proceeds from Sorcerie; and so heereby all sober and wise meanes are neglected to preserue health, the bridle is giuen to all ryot and excesse: and if any thing fall out, the Witch is blamed, and not our Note.distempers.
SECTIO. VIII.
THus we hauehave heard one part of the couenant, What Satan must do for the Witch:
Now let vsus consider on the other side, What the Witch must doe for him againe.
The maine matter is, that she must giuegive her selfe vntounto him bodie and soule. But this is coloured, first, by the Time, he will not hauehave it presently; because yet she hath not made vp the measure of her sinne: And therein he deceiues her, that she may repent of her bargaine, God may change her minde, &c. and so drownes in securitie.
And to this end he hath another colour, that is, the condition, if he performe faithfull seruice: And therefore Note.he will of purpose faile her sometimes, that so she may hope her selfe free: yea he doth vsually leaue her, when Authority arrests, to bring her to confusion, that so now she may shame the deuill, as wee say, and so performe some hypocriticall repentance.
And yet for all this obserue, I pray you, his Deepenesse. in making her sure.
Namely to preuent after repentance, or at least to deceiue thereby.