The Mystery of Witchcraft Discovering the Truth of Nature, Book 3
OF THE DIVERS VSES OF THIS DOCTRINE OF WITCH-CRAFT. The third Booke.
CHAP. I.
First, it serueth for reproofe, and that many wayes.
SECTIO I.
As first of the Atheisme, and Irreligion that ouerflowes in the Land.
DOth not Satans Policy in this trade of Witchcraft, First the Atheist.pretending to afflict and hurt, but, when he is seene by the Witch: and then to hurt only the bodie, or goods; Plainely obscure and abolish out of the minds of men, the Prouidence of the Almightie, as if Satan were not subiect to God, and sent by his prouidence, that he were not countermaunded by the power of God, but onelyonly subiect to the Witches power? Doth not this exalt her in the place of God, prouoke the people to feare and louelove her, &c?
2 And seeing the hurt appeareth onelyonly by his cunning to be done to the bodie, doth not this nourish the people in this Atheisme, that either their soules are in no danger, all is well with them, or they neede not trouble themselues thereabout, seeing the diuel doth not trouble them? nay, doth not this nourish this conceit in their mindes, that they hauehave no soules, or else, that they are mortall? they end with this life, and therefore vse all meanes for the maintenance hereof, and then care is taken sufficiently.
3 Doth not this conuince the Atheist that dreames of Generall Grace;
All shall be saued; seeing by this Doctrine and Practise of Witch-craft: It is now apparant, That not onelyonly naturally we are the bondsta…es of Satan, but that many purposely yeelde vp themselues to his cursed will, renounce their saluation, to become his slaues, binde themselues to eternall damnation, and so are made ofttimes fearefull spectacles of the Diuine vengeance, being carried away by the diuell, and haled violently to destruction?
4 Doth not this iustly confound that, common delusion, That there is no hell, but to be in debt, in prison? &c.
Doth not this conuince such as liue in that profane and fearefull manner, as if there were no God to Iudge them, no diuell to torment them? Do not their desperate courses plainely discouer to whom they doe belong? Are they not of their father the Diuell, because his workes they doe, are they not running headlong to Hell, by their desperate impenitencie? doth their damnation sleepe, that so turne the grace of God into wantonnesse? Hath not the god of this world blinded them, that they cannot obey the truth? Are they not appoynted to perdition that th…s crucifie the Lord of …? Is there any more sacrifice left for sinne for such, but euen violent … to consume the aduersaries? He… cha. 10. 26. 27. Iude verse 4. Iohn chap. 8. 44.
SECTIO VIII.
It is a plaine conuiction of the contempt of the Word.
FOr as the Lord, when Pharaoh would not beleeue his seruant Moses, did therefore giuegive him vp to be deluded by his Sorcerers and Enchanters, who dooing such wonders in shew, as Moses did in trueth, did thereby harden Pharaohs heart, and so ripened his sinne and iniquity: euen so it is iust with God, because we despise his Word, and contemne his true Prophets: therefore to leaue the common people generally to bee hardned by such fained wonders as the prophets of Sathan make shew of in the world, that they might bee effectuall, to encrease transgressions against the Lord, and so to ripen them to the day of vengeance.
Thus did the Lord giuegive vp Saul, for his disobedience and contempt of the Word, to seeke vntounto Witchcraft, 1. Sam. 28.
Whereby hee ripened his sinne, and drew on speedy vengeance vponupon himselfe, and Gods People for his sake, 2. Sam. 29.
Thus was Ahaziah left to seeke helpe of the god of Ekron, that so he might receiue of the Lord the Sentence of his destruction, …. Reg. 2.
SECTIO. III.
Of Reproofe.
IT reprooueth the Idolatrie and false worship of the Times, conuincing the falshoode and abomination of Poper…, and iustifying the truth and vertue of the Gospel of Iesus Christ.
As that, first, where superstit… raignes, and is not yet weeded out, there wee see Witch-craft to be magnified, and so to abound as in the Orcades among the Heathen.
But where the Gospel hath got fo…ting, Zach. 13. 3 4.there all vncleane spirites depart, grosse Witch-craft is banished, Authoritie preuaileth, to the rooting out thereof: the Word preuaileth to heale our infidelitie, and so secure vsus from their dangerous snares.
And yet (which is to be lamented) wee see the Good Witch still to get ground, euen because she helpes, and satisfies the flesh: doth not this argue plainely, what God we worship principally, euen our pleasure, our riches, our health? Is not the Good Witch respected, because she supplies these? And is not our belly then our god? the wedge of golde our hope? Doe wee not for our owne sakes respect the Blesser? Is it not a plaine worship, yea Idolatrie which we commit with her?
SECTIO IIII.
It condemneth the grosse profanenesse and disobedience of the Ages present.
1 IN that the Infernall spirites are more obseruant and diligent for the hurt of the soule, then we are for the saluation thereof: they are compassing continually, omitting no base offices to serue their Mistresse turnes.
2 The aboundance of Witches, the horrible sottishnesse and wilfulnesse of the people which runne to these Blessers, that are giuen vp by God the Lord, to forsake the true meanes of their saluation, and fly … … helpes: doth not this plainely arg…e the general disobedience of the people; and therefore, because they … ceiue not the louelove of the truth, therefore God hath left them to these strong delusions, to beleeue lies, as in the second epistle of Saint Paul to the Thessalonians in the second chapter and eleuen verse.
Surely, as the Lord gaue vp Saul to a spirite of Errour to bee tormented, and mis-guyded thereby, because hee forsooke the euerliuing Lord, and disobeyed his Prophets: So is it iust with Almightie GOD, to giuegive vp the people to be besotted with this iudgement, euen because they hauehave detayned the trueth of God in vnrighteousnesse, and reproached the same by their profane and most abhominable conuersation.
SECTIO V.
Reproofe of Hypocrisie.
IT reprooueth the Hypocrisie and fearefull Diss…ulation that raignes euen among professors.
And that first, as Sathan pretends subiection to the Coniurer and Sorcerer, when indeede his purpose is to bee Maisten of all: Euen so the Hypocrite, howsoeuer he pretend subiection to the Lord, yet his purpose is to serue his owne lusts, to aduaunce himselfe aboue all that is called God, to bring men into bondage, to smite them … the face, …. Cor. 11. 2. Thess. …. 12.
2 As Satan pretends many things to be done by the Witch, which indeede are done by himselfe, that he may bring the Witch into danger, abuse others by her, and conceale his wickednesse more cunningly: euen so doth the Hypocrite father much vponupon God, which is but the deuice of his owne braine.
And doth not this plainely conuince the hypocrisie of the T…es, that whereas the Good Witch is farre more dangerous then the Bad, yet because the Blesser helpes, and serues turne, to maintayne life; &c. therefore shee must escape: whereas the Bad Witch, because she is hurtfull, therefore she must bee punished. Doth not this argue, that not for conscience sake, but for our owne respects Iustice is executed, Sathans power is oppugned?
And doth not Sathan, when hee pretends to doe most good, then doe Math. 23.most hurt? surely so doth the hypocrite, vnderunder colour of long prayers, denoure widowes houses; Euen as the Blesser, vnderunder pretence of Good prayers, enthralleth the soule, so doth the hypocrite, by pretence of formall prayers and bodily worship detaine men in wilworship, and all profanenesse to the ruine of soule and body.
CHAP. II.
A second generall vse, is for Instruction. That first wee would leaue to auoyd the Causes of Witch-craft.
Which are
1. Ignoraunce.
2. Infidelitie.
3. Malice.
4. Couetousnesse.
5. Curiositie, &c.
6. Pride, &c.
Concerning Ignorance of GOD.
THat this is a cause of Witch-craft, appeareth:
Because, through the Ignorance that 2. Tim. 2. 23, 24. 2. Thes. 2.is in vsus, we are led captiue by Sathan at his pleasure, as being subiect iustly to his strong delusions, because we hauehave not receiued the LoueLove of the Truth, because wee know not whom to worship, how to worship God a right; therefore doth the God of this world blind vsbecause the Gospel is hid from vsus. 2. Cor. 4. 5, 6.
And doth not Witch-craft vsually preuaile; when either there is no meanes for knowledge, or else the Truth of God is detayned in vnrighteousnesse, and so for our disobedience wee are iustly giuen vp to such Delusions, remember what hath formerly beene obserued to this end.
The Remedie thereof is:
1. To hauehave the word of God dwell plentifully among vsus, both in the Publike ordinances of the Preaching and Expounding thereof; as also in the Priuate Reading, & conferring of the same in our Families.
2. To hauehave the Power thereof, to Rule vsus in all our wayes: To yeelde Gal. 6. 6.obedience thereunto, to hearken to this voyce alone, and to cleaue therevnto constantly: Endeuouring so to walke, as we hauehave receiued Christ Iesus. Col. 2. 4. And to be daily cast into the mould thereof. 2. Cor. 3.
CHAP. III.
Touching Infidelitie.
THat this is also a Cause of this fearefull Iudgement, appeareth:
1. Because by vnbeliefe, we lye open to Satans power. 1. Pet. 5. 8, 9.
2. Through vnbeliefe in God, we are brought to beleeue in him, to embrace and adore him as the God of this world. 2. Cor. 4, 5, 6.
3. Hereby wee prouoke the Iust Lord to leaue vsus to his power, to be insnared of him in all deceiueablenes of Error, and damnable Impietie.
4. This is the speciall bond whereby Satan tyes his Proselites vntounto him, and they that seeke help from them, they must beleeue that they can helpe them, &c.
And therefore, the Remedie thereof is:
1. As to learne to know God in Iesus Christ. Ioh. 17. 2.
2. To labour aboue all things to be found in Christ Iesus. Psal. 3. 10.
1. By seeing our selues in our selues to be vtterly lost by the Law. Rom. 7.
2. And feeling our state to be most desperate and irrecouerable.
3. Groane we earnestly vnderunder the burden thereof, Matth. 11. 28.
4. And hunger wee after I…sus Christ to be eased thereof. Matth. 5.
5. Seeking vntounto him in his blessed and precious promises: to bee eased of our sinnes.
6. Meditating seriously on the power and vertue of his Sacrifice, which he hath offered for our sinne.
7. And applying the same, to our particular soares and diseases.
8. Resting in Iesus Christ alone, as 1. Cor. 1.our onelyonly and sufficient Sauiour.
9. And reioycing in him aboue all the treasures in the world, as in the most precious Pearle. Matth. 13.
10. Labouring to approue our louelove vntounto Iesus Christ.
1. By forsaking all things for his sake, our beloued s…nne; yea, if it be required, euen life, and all. Matth. 19.
2. Being ready to take vp his Crosse, and follow him. Matth. 16. 2….
3. Denying still our owne wisedome and righteousnesse, that wee may bee found in him. 1. Cor. 3. 18.
4. And for thy sake, louing the brethren. 1. Plucking them out of the Heb. 3. 13.fire. 2. And exhorting each other daily; waiting with great patience their Conuersion, and maintaining Heb. 10. 14.the Fellowship with all meekenesse of wisedome, and holinesse of Conuersation. 2. Tim. 2. 2.
In all Constancie and Patience, working out our saluation. Phi. 2. 12.
CHAP. 4.
As for Malice.
THat this is an occasion of Witchcraft, Apppeareth: 1. Because.
1. Depriueth vsus of the LoueLove of God, and so causing the Lord to hate vsus, wee are giuen vp to this damnable practise.
The rather, because it is both a present and effectuall meanes (as wee thinke) to execute the vtmost of our reuenge and it is also a most daungegerous meanes to colour our Malice, while it so bringeth it about, that partly for Feare, wee are forced to relieue such Instruments, that they may doe vsus no harme, and wee are drawne to seeke helpe from them in our extremities, whereby their Malice being concealed, is more increased, and beeing often disappoynted by Satan, is more inflamed, sealing vp to these cursed Captiues their eternall damnation: and hastning hereby the vengeaunce of the LORD vponupon them, both in the Pining of their bodyes, by this their confounded Malice, and prouoaking them to maligne GOD the more, the more they are disappoynted, whereby his wrath is more kindled against them: they are hereby more eager vponupon Satan to execute their rage, more deepely obliged vntounto them, by new imployments and at length more desperately confounded by him, in their detection and punishments.
Learne wee therefore to remedie this sinne, Thus:
1. Labour wee to hauehave the louelove Rom. 5. 2.of Christ shed abroad in our hearts, that so for his sake, wee may louelove one another.
2. And consider we, That vengeanee Rom. 12.belongeth vntounto God, hee is able to right our wrongs, he is onelyonly for to doe it.
3. Consider wee not so much, what hurt may arise from the Creature, as what good may redound vntounto vsus thereby; and whether wee receiue not daily good from the hands of our God, sufficiently to counteruaile the euill of the Creature? Whether our GOD …ee not able to recompence any euill from the Creature, whatsoeuer? Whither hee cannot turne it to our great good?
4. GiueGive we not way to the least passion of anger, or discontent, least our yeelding to these passions, draw our confirmed malice.
5. And be we wise to set bounds to our vnreasonable desires, least being not satisfied therein, we breake out to enuie, and so to malice others.
6. Especially labour wee to apprehend the fauour of God in Iesus Christ: that so being at peace with his Maiestie, and gayning true content … in our estates, we may possesse our s…les in patience, and maintaine the V… of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
7. And Practise wee especially the LoueLove of our enemies; striue we to ouercome euill with good, to forgiue our enemies, to pray for them, &c,
8. Enuring our selues to beare afflictions.
9. And weauing our soules from the louelove of the world.
10. Still endeauouring to make euen with our God, and to be prepared against the comming of Iesus Christ.
CHAP. V.
A fourth Cause of Witch-craft is Couetousnesse.
1 A As excluding through distrustfull and insatiable desires, the protection of the Almighty.
2. Exposing to desperate contempt of the Word, in all fearefull impietie.
3. Hereby enraging and prouoking the Conscience to iust reuenge.
4. Whereby despayre seasing on the soule, is become hereby a praye vntounto Satan, vponupon hope of present release.
5. Being forced by such insatiable desires to vse vnlawfull meanes to compasse the same, is therefore bayted by Satan with fit matter hereunto: What will hee not promise to fetch ouer the poore soule? What will not the soule part with to enioy the present payment? Whats this birth-right to it, since it dyes for hunger, giuegive it the present, and take the future who list. Gen. 27.
The remedie therefore of Couetousnesse is:
1. First, To conuert our Desires to heauenly obiects; and so to affect that dureable and true riches.
2. And so discerning daily our want of grace, wee shall still be coueting the best giftes. 1. Cor. 12.
3. As for earthly things, … we onelyonly our daily bread, as for to m… row let it care for it selfe. Matth. 6.
4. And cast we our care on God, because he careth for vsus. 1. Pet. ….
5. Let our Request be made manifest vntounto God, who will not faile vsus, nor Phil. 4. 7.forsake vsus.
And learne wee to bee contented with our estates, submitting to the wil of God in all things.
Consider we the Iudgements of God, vponupon th Couetous persons, he is a spoyler of others, and therefore shall bee spoyled: he pines himselfe and robs others; his children shall bee vagabonds, and his memoriall perish. Psal. 109.
Meditate wee often on the diuine Prouidence extending to the briutish and dumbe creatures. Matt. 6.
And consider we seriously of the LoueLove of God, in Iesus Christ; who if hee hauehave prouided heauen for vsus, will hee deny vsus these things? And Matt. 6. 33. Psal. 127. 1.seeing with all our care we winne nothing, without his blessing, labour we rather to vse well what wee hauehave, then to be coueting more: that our little being blessed, may be sufficient vntounto vsus. Psal. 37.
And therefore seeke we the blessing of God, by renewing our right in Christ Iesus, and daily sanctifying of the Creature, by the Word and Prayer: and so shall the mind bee quieted in the smallest treasure. 1. Tim. 4. 5.
CHAP. VI.
A fift Cause of Witch-craft is Curiositie, And that because:
HEreby the mind is deliuered from necessary knowledge, to search after vaine and hidden mysteries.
And so is nourished in wauering, and vncertaintie in Iudgement.
And thereby is easily remooued from such sound Principles and grounds of Truth as it hath receiued some tast of out of the Word of God. And so is brought by degrees to forsake GOD, and his holy gouernance, as crossing corruption and confounding carnall wisedome.
And so is iustly forsaken of God, and thereby giuen vp by the power of Satan to be deluded.
And so iustly deluded, by such vaine pretence of extraordinary skill and knowledge; as through pride of heart is affected through discontent ensuing from an enraged conscience, is greedily embraced to giuegive present satisfactiō.
And thereby is prouoked, with any future harmes, to procure present ease and content.
Hereupon future hopes are deluded, and so desperately reiected concerning Saluation, vppon a vaine perswasion, of what this extraordinary knowledge will aduaunce vsus to. Namely to be as Gods to know good and euill especially if here any possibility shall appeare to execute such power, by doing wonderfull things, as may exalt vsus to this conceit of Diuine Excellencie.
And this is furthered by a base Esteeme of such knowledge as concernes saluation, as being ordinarie, common to all, obuious to eueryevery capacity. And therefore seeing, all shall not be saued: hereupon wee are easily ensnared to seeke after further knowledg, to looke for Reuelation, to search into hidden mysteries.
Here Satan closeth with a prophane heart, tenders meanes of the hidden Mysteries, colours them with holy Names, and glorious pretences; as of subiection to man, &c. And so easily preuailes vponupon an vnstable soule, to drawe it with some couenant with Satan to some liking of this skill, especially beeing carried so couertly, likely to preuaile so effectually.
The Remedie hereof is.
To informe the iudgemēt throughly by the blessed word.
And so to be brought in subiection by the power thereof, to the denyall of carnall wisedom, with an holy resolution in all things to be guided by it.
To magnifie the mercy of God, for so plaine and easie a Rule to them that will vnderstand, and to cleaue to this Rule alone for direction in all our wayes. Psal. 8.
6. Neither leaning on the Right hād after dreames, and speculations: Neither leaning on the left hand to humane traditions as if the word were insufficient. Being still humbled in the sense of our faylings, to what is commanded, and for our ignoraunce of that wee should know: And Liuing by Faith, in expectation of what is promised.
Endeauouring as wee hauehave receiued Christ, so to walke in him.
CHAP. VII.
The last and Principall Cause to draw vsus into this deadly snare, is Pride, and vaine glory.
1 AS being both the ground of all the other euills.
2. Being the first sinne that eutred into the world, and discouered our fearefull bondage vnderunder Satan.
3. Beeing the last sin that we shal put of, and therefore when Satan hath done with all other, he begins with this.
4. Being the sin that accompanies our best actions, to depriue God of his glory and our selues of the comfort of thē.
5. Giuing the Lord occasion to leaue vsus to Satans power, for this our great blasphemie and sacriledge.
6. Giuing Satan occasion the rather to preuaile in regard of such pretences and maskes which this sinne hath to shrowd it selfe vnderunder, as thankefulnesse of God: Ioy in his blessings: furtherance of others good in communicating with thē, what God hath vouchsafed vntounto vsus. And being his most effectuall baite to ensnare vsus in this daungerous Couenant, because by Pride we are blinded that wee cannot see our miserie, nor any daunger lyes vponupon vsus: and therefore are more easily drawne to make vp the measure of it.
By Pride, we are prouoked to conceit our own excellency so farre as to thinke nothing good enough for vsus: and we think the Lord doth vsus wrong, in not respecting vsus accordingly. And therfore we will right our selues, and entertaine what is offered, though it bee by Satan, yet wee presume to make it serue our turnes, wee conceiue so highly of our selues, that nothing can defile, nothing preuaile to our hurt. Is it not our great preuiledge to command Satan? shall it not make for our glory, to hurt and helpe at our pleasure? Will it not please vsus highly, to heare, The Voyce of GOD, and not of man.
Thus doth Satan by Pride, draw vsinto his snare.
And therefore learne we to Remedie this great euill. As:
First, labour we to discerne throughly our cursed Nature, take we an often view of that poysonous fountaine, and though in regard of outwarde conformitie and faire shew, we may hauehave cause to lift vp our heades, yet when wee looke throughly within, we may hang thē down with shame.
2. Consider not the good we do, so much as the euil we daily commit, yea, that end that accōpanies our best actions.
3 And acknowledge wee, that whatsoeuer good we hauehave, 1 it is vndeserued on our part, 2 we daily deserue to be stripped of it.
4 Remember wee, the most glorious creatures hauehave beene ouer-taken with this sinne, and therefore, let vsus feare our selues most, when wee enioy greatest fauours.
5 And yet trust God most, when he seemes to do least for vsus.
6 Labouring to doe all things as in the presence of the Almightie: And,
7 Auoiding very carefully the applause and estimation of m…n.
8 Not measuring the grace of God by outward complements.
9 Nor despising the least grace i… others, though we farre exceed them.
10 Abounding in thankefulnesse to God, euen for the least of all his mercies.
11 And daily reckoning with our selues for the abuse of his blessings.
12 Walking faithfully and diligently in the Callings which GOD hath placed vsus in.
13 And submitting to th…se afflictions, that are incident thereto.
14 Meditating often on the … liation of Iesus Christ.
15 And on that fulnesse of glorie that makes for vsus in heauen.
CHAP. VIII.
Conuinceth naturall corruption.
AND doth not this Doctrine of Witch-craft, describe vntounto vsus the truth of our naturall condition, that we are the very slaues of Sathan, and vessels of wrath, folowing the prince that ruleth in the children of disobedience, and so being led captiue by him at his will? Ephesians chap. 2. vers. 1. 2.
Yea certainly, though we should neuer so much wash our selues with Niter, and stand vponupon our sincerity, yet the bleating of the sheepe, and lowing of the oxen, I meane, such running to Blessers, and closing with cursers, our fearing these, and worship…ing the other: our refusall of knowledge, and lawfull meanes for helpe, and seeking to these diuellish and most vnlawfull remedies are apparant Euidences, that his seruants wee are whom we thus subiect vntounto, him we acknowledge to be our Maister, our Lord, and Sauiour, whom especially we seeke vntounto, in the time of our trouble.
CHAP. IX.
That hereby we are taught the right vse and excellencie of Faith.
AND doth not this Doctrine of of Witch-craft shew vsus also the true meanes, whereby wee may be deliuered from the bondage of Sathan, and so be translated into the glorious libertie of the sons of God? yea surely.
We are hereby instructed in the excellencie of Faith, and so to labour the attayning and preseruing thereof.
As that we may out of the former discourse perceiue, that this Faith is it, which Sathan requires of his seruants, to binde himselfe vntounto them, (if they will beleeue in him:) his special aime is at our most precious faith, if he can shake vsus heerein, if hee can cast vsus from this hold, he makes sure account of vsus, he holds vsus heereby certainely to damnation: Doth not this plainly euince the excellencie hereof? doth it not by the contrary confirme, how necessary this is to saluation, that it alone is sufficient hereto, Acts 13.
2 Doth not the Blesser require this Couenant of her Proselites, shee will helpe them: if they beleeue in her, that she can doe them good? &c.
And who are they that are freed from Sathans power, are they not onelyonly the faithfull? those which are truely elected, eyther Sathan cannot touch them at all, or else his afflictions shall tend to their good: well may hee afflict the body, but the soule shall be bettered by it.
And shall not this teach vsus especially to procure this shield of Faith, that so we may beate backe the fierie darts of the Diuell? Ephesians chapter 6. vers. 12. 13.
Shall it not lesson vsus, to learne still to liue by faith in the Sonne of God: not hauing our owne righteousnes, that so in him we may be more then Conquerours, Romans 8. 34. 35. Galat. 2. 20.
CHAP. X.
Heereby we are instructed to a conscionable vse of the word of God.
FOr, seeing it is not the Letter and sound thereof onelyonly that auailes, for so (as you hauehave heard) it may be abused by Sathan to charming and sorcery, vnlesse we both vnderstand, and receiue reuerently, yea treasure it vp in our hearts, and by faith apply it to our selues, for the Peace of our soules: then surely is it not enough onelyonly to heare, and not vnderstand; not enough to vnderstand onelie, and not to retayne … memorie: nay, not sufficient to remember, vnlesse we beleeue the same, and so expresse our Faith, in being transformed thereby into the same Image from glory to glory, 2. Cor. 3.
And this may serue to admonish vsus, concerning that customarie and vnreuerent taking of the name of God … our mouthes, apparant in our ordinarie speeches; As oh Lord Iesus &c. which being no lesse then charmes, as it confirmeth Witches in their damnable Trade, so it exposeth vsus to be afflicted by them: yea leaueth vsus to the Iudgement of the Lord, euen to take that from vsus which wee seemed to hauehave, of Hypocrites and formall professors to become open blasphemers and professed Atheists, scorning God, Religion, &c.
CHAP. XI.
Teacheth the abuse of the Beliefe and the Commandements.
AS also wee may heere be informed concerning the Abuse of our Beliefe, as Prayers, which seeing they are repeated without Vnderstanding, and so out of their right ordinance and vse, are they anie better then a Charme? Is it not rather a seruice vntounto the Diuell then vntounto God?
May not this admonish Preachers, to apply themselues to the capacitie of their people, to speake with vnderstanding, power and euidence of the Spirit, not with the enticing wordes of mans wisedome, lest they approoue themselues no better then Charmers, binding the people faster vnderunder the power of Sathan, by nouzeling them in Ignorance, Pride, Infidelitie, Profanenesse, &c. 1. Cor. 2.
And the People also may here hauehave their lesson; not to liue in ignorance, but to embrace the light of the Gospel, whereby Sathans forgeries are detected, and graciously preue….
Whereby they may be diuerted to the true and holy meanes, not onelyonly for the bodies good, but especially for the help and saluation of the poore soule.
CHAP. XII.
Teacheth to make conscience of sinne.
VVE are heereby also taught to make conscience of all sin, and to hauehave respect vntounto all GODS commandements; labouring daily to be renewed by repentance: and so interest our selues daily in the fauor of God by Iesus Christ: that seeing afflictions follow sinners, and Sathan hath no power ouer vsus, but by ou… corruption, and corruption being suppressed, and daily maistered by repentance and faith in Christ, preuents Sathans power:
Therefore: As it is best to auoide so, in the next place, if we hauehave sinned, let vsus do so no more, lest a worse thing do befal vsus, lest the Lord leaue vsus to Satans power, euen to be smitten by euill angels Iohn 5.
CHAP. XIII.
Teacheth the deepenesse of Sathan.
SEeing the Policie of Sathan is notably discouered herein, in hiding his power, and cloking his tyrannie and crueltie against the soule, by tampering about these pe…y matters of the body, diuerting vsus dangerously from the spirituall combate which Satan hath against the soule, to looke onelyonly to bodily harmes, as if wee had no soules, but bodies onelyonly, that were in danger. May wee not hence learne the deepenesse of Sathan? Doth not this teach, that Sathan playes the hypocrite, making shew to helpe, when he intends most hurt, and pretending onlie to hurt the body, when he intends the hurt of the soule, should not this teach vsus lesse to regard the flesh, and to hauehave more care for the soule: to arme it especially by prayer and repentance: to watch ouer our thoughts, &c. secret corruptions, &c. whereas we vsually pray for our cattell, which was but a policie of Witches, to make vsus beleeue, that by prayer they were preserued from Witch-craft; whereas indeed that blinde and ignorant prayer, was but a colour of Satans help, shrowding his assistance vnderunder that pretence of Diuine worshippe. Had wee not now more need to pray for our selues, not crossing and Blessing, &c. as the manner was in Poperie, but rather crossing our corruptions, and mortifying our lustes, whereby wee shall best preuent the power of Sathan?
CHAP. XIIII.
And hauehave we not hence matter of Triall, both for our priuate, and generally for the Church of Christ?
YEa certainly; for our selues, we may discerne, whether wee hauehave sauing grace, or no. For seeing (as you hauehave heard) Sathan and his instruments, may doe wonderfull things: Therefore let not this content vsus, though we had euen a miraculous faith, seeing to such it shall be said, Depart from me, I know you not, Mat. 7. 22. 23. but rather, let vsus get better euidence of sauing grace, labouring that our names may be written in Heauen, Luke 10. 17. and taking the true and only path of holinesse thereunto, euen true faith in Iesus Christ, working by louelove, and keeping vsus to the end, constant and vnmoueable vntounto the day of Christ, 1. Cor. 15. vers. vlt.
And seeing diuells and false prophets may do such wōderfull things, therefore learne we hence, to discerne of GODS truth, and his holie Spouse: namely the true Church, not that that is confirmed by wonders and signes, for such is the synagogue of Antichrist, but that which continues in the Apostles 1 Doctrine, and 2 Fellowshippe 3 in breaking of Bread and 4 Prayer, Act. 2. 44. 45. 46. &c.
CHAP. XV.
And may not the Saints of God thereby learne how to behaue themselues vnderunder afflictions.
NAmely, as not to presume, but that it may befall them: no faith can simply priuiledge from the correction of the Almightie: so if the Lord shal exercise them herewith.
They are 1 to examine the speciall cause thereof: And so,
2 By Repentance to make their peace with God.
3 Begging instantly the sanctifying of the affliction: And,
4 So the Remouall of it, as may stand with Gods glorie.
5 Not measuring, either the fauor of God simply, by the remouall therof; or his anger by the continuance thereof, or their remouall thereby. But comforting themselues, though it take away the miserable life, yet liuing and dying wee are the Lords: Happy if we go to heauen though in a fierie chariot.
CHAP. XVI.
How to preuent Sorcerie.
SEeing there is naturally in euerie Christian the seeds & grounds of such euills, which may draw, as by these degrees, 1 to the approbation of this trade 2 to vse thogh ignorātly, the very spells and charmes hereof; 3 to retaine vnderunder pretence of Charitie, these cursed instruments, and so to grow familiar with them, to conceiue well of their prayers, &c. Seeing (I say) by these degrees, & such like; vnstable soules may easily be ensnared, and drawne on to this diuellish compact: therefore let vsus learne also to preuent this fearefull league. To this end,
Let vsus take heed of liuing in grosse and wilfull ignorance: And while wee hauehave the light, let vsus embrace it conscionably, lest we be giuen vp for our disobedience to these strong delusions.
2 Let vsus be thorowly perswaded of the prouidence of God, not onelyonly in generall, ruling and disposing all things, so that eueryevery creature is at his cōmand, not so much as a… haire of our heads can be touched vnlesse the Lord dispose.
3 But specially apprehend we that prouidence of the Almightie, whereby he hath taken the soule of man into his especiall protection; as hauing elected vsus to saluation, before the foundations of the world were laid, and that in Iesus Christ, to the praise of his glorious grace: that so we may neither thinke our soules to bee at our owne dispose: much lesse may giuegive way vntounto Sathans suggestion, as to hauehave them disposed at his pleasure: especially seeing hee hath no right thereto: nay, is the maine enemie, and murtherer thereof from the beginning, chap. 8. of Saint Iohn.
4 And so let vsus learne to resigne vp our soules daily into the hands of How to re signe vp our selues into the hands of God.our God; by casting our …are vponupon him: and 1. Pet. 5.
Daily making euen with him, by vnfained repentance.
Submitting daily to his blessed will in all things: and,
Making our requests daily manifest vntounto him.
Contenting our selues with his gracious dispensation: and yet still hungring continually after his glorious presence, Psalme 42. Philip. 1. 23. 24. 2. Corint. 5. 1. 2.
And so committing our selues in welldoing into the hands of our faithful Creator, 1. Pet. 4.
5 Make we conscience especially of holie duties, as to do them, 1 of knowledge, 2 with all holie preparation, 3 with all reuerence and intention, 4 with all humilitie and obedience, 5 especially being well perswaded of what we doe, 6 and principally of the acceptance of our persons therein, &c. aboue the same.
Seeing, as whatsoeuer is done ignorantly or prophanely, is no better then a sacrifice to the diuell: so it is iust with God for this prophaning of his ordinance, to yeelde vsus vp to strong delusions, euen 1 to rest in the worke done, 2 to flatter our selues, that the doing thereof may excuse vsus for any grose filthinesse: 3 to thinke that God will be pleased with any Idoll seruice: 4 so to make a mocke of God and his ordinances: 5 and therefore iustly to be giuen vp to the power of Satan, to the satisfying of our lusts: 6 to abuse holy titles and prayers to the effecting hereof: and so by degrees to be brought to this execrable skill; in steed of seruing God, to submit wholy to Satan, intertaining any colourable and accursed meanes for the compassing hereof.
And thus of the Vses for Instruction.
CHAP. XVII.
A third generall vse, is for consolation.
And that, Eyther in generall to the Church of God.
1 THat Sathans power is limited by the Lord, for the Triall of the Elect, and purging out of hypocrites and prophane persons out of the Church; and therfore comfort we our selues in the supreame Power of our God. Tread wee Satan vnderunder our feete, as a Captiue layd bound to our hands, by our Captaine Iesus Christ.
2. Assure we our selues; that the power that is now so curbed, shall once for euer bee destroyed: The Lord shall tread Satan vnderunder our feet. Rom. 16. 1. Cor. 15. 54, 55, &e.
Secondly, here is exceeding comfort: That Satan cannot preuaile effectually vponupon any to their condemnation, vnlesse with full consent they yeelde themselues wholy to his subiectiō. And if
Otherwise, he afflict them against their wils, it shall howsoeuer, turne to their good. Christ wil be vntounto them both in life & death an aduantage: and therfore, here is matter of exceeding comfort vntounto the Saints, that seeing they are not their owne, but are bought with a price, therefore none can take them out of the handes of Christ. If Satan 1. Cor. 6.therefore shall mooue them to close Iohn 17.with him, to giuegive way to him, their answere is ready: They are not their owne, let him aske their master leaue: they cannot giuegive way to him, he comes too late; they hauehave couenanted with Christ Iesus already; he hath deserued all seruice at their handes, hee is sufficient to requite them, nay hee hath prouided their wages alreadie, no lesse then a Kingdom is prepared for them; yea, a Kingdom immortall and vndefiled, which fadeth not.
And if Satan should take aduantage of our weakenesse and corruption, and therupon challenge vsus to belong vntounto him, to yeelde subiection to him: our answere is ready, We are not our owne. It is not I but sinne dwelleth in me: Let Satan therefore take my sinne, for that indeed is of him; yea, he shal answere for my infirmitie, because his malice prouoked it, his cunning allured me to it. As for me, wherein I am now my selfe, I delight in the Law of God concerning my Inward man: I hate the euill that I do, euen worse then the Diuel, and I shall desire to be found in Iesus Christ, that my sinne may bee pardoned, and my corrupt Nature healed: That Satans power may bee abolished, and corruption may bee swallowed vp of glory.
CHAP. XVIII.
Conclusion to the Wise and Humble Reader.
THus hast thou at length (Deare Chr…stiā) some Part of my poore Obseruations, concerning this Mysterie of Witch craft. Wherein for thy better satisfaction, and mine owne greater humiliation: As I am not ashamed to acknowledge, that which thou canst not but discerne; *As his Maiesties Daemonologie, Mr. Perkins, Mr. Gifford, and others.That I hauehave borrowed most of my Grounds: For the Proofe & Discouerie of the Doctrine of Witch-craft, from the Painefull and profitable Labours of the Worthies of our Times that hauehave waded before mee heerein, to confirme the Authoritie thereof, against the Atheisme of these euill dayes: that so each might hauehave the perfect honour of their owne Paines. So hauehave I thought good, to ad such experiences and collections of mine owne partly gathered out of such Treatises as to this purpose hauehave bene published frō time to time touching the Discouery and Conuiction of Witches: And partly digested from particular obseruation of the hand of God, vponupon Parties afflicted, that so the Doctrine may be made more profitable, for the edification of the Church. Wherein I hauehave spared the seueral Allegations, and particular testimonies herein, least the Volume might swell too much, and so proue tedious, & triuial: Referring thee and my selfe, for warrant herein vntounto those manifold Treatises which hauehave bin frequently published to this purpose, and are vsually to be had vponupon the Stationers Stalles. And if any thing ouer & besides hath bene added out of my particular obseruations from such generall Passages, and priuate Meditations, for the further fastning of this Doctrine vponupon the conscience of the wise Christian, that he may not dwel in the generall speculation thereof to increase curiosity, & so nourish Atheisme: but rather may bee prouoked to a more holy vse of the same, by obseruing the generall Methode, and deepnesse of Satan herein to ensnare vnstable soules. As I desire thē herein with me, to magnifie the free grace of God; So I entreat them in the bowels of Iesus Christ, to make the vse thereof. That whereas the speculation of Truth, without conscience of profiting thereby, is the means to depriue vsus euē of the knowledge thereof (which I take to bee a maine reason, why this Doctrine so generally acknowledged, both by Heathen & Christians is notwithstanding questioned and opposed; because it meeteth with particular corruptions and crosseth carnal, and politike designes) that therefore thou wouldest still conioyne the Spirituall vse thereof, with the knowledge of the same. Obseruing herein, not so much what Witches may doe for the hurt of the bodie, but what snares in the harme of the body they lay for the soule: By withdrawing the mind frō the knowledge and louelove of the glorious gospel of Iesus Chris… an… bewitching the fame, with the louelove of superstition that would faine, and by this means (as hath bin obserued) is very likely to preuaile among vsus, obseruing wisely, that such oppositions, as hauehave been made against this manifest Truth, hauehave not bin so much in regard of The Literall Truth it selfe, as in respect of such Spirituall consequence of more sacred and necessarie Trueths which depend thereupon. As the power of the Gospel in preuailing against Witchcraft, and so therein confounding all formall worship, & Popery. The effect of the Gospel following necessarily vponupon the doctrine, Namely, The day of Iudgement; the punishment of the wicked in hell, &c, The authority of the Magistrate, in punishing these Hel-hounds, &c. Wherein as thou mayest obserue the wonderfull wis…dome of God, in confounding the craftinesse of Idolaters, that while with one breath they are glad to beg this testimony from hell, for the iustifying of their hellish idolatry & worship, in aduancing of their lying miracles; and so do approue, to this end of this doctrine of Witchcraft, yet euen with another; they would faine blow away this truth againe, because it makes to the cōfirmation of the Power of the Gospel, as discouering the Iuglings, and treacheries therin: so let this aduice thee, not to rest in the Forme of Religion, but to labour to embrace the power therof; & to make vse of these spirituall Obseruations: to this end. Promising thee, that as I hauehave endeuoured to discouer some part of Satans deepnesse heerein, so (if the Lord spare health & liberty) shalt thou be shortly furnished with a more plentifull discouery of Satans Delusions against the whole practise of sanctification to settle thy conscience: wherof thou hast for the Information of thy iudgement the some *In the first Part of the Christians dayly Sacrifice.formerly deliuered vntounto thee. And so I heartily commend thee to the grace of GOD, which is able to builde thee further in the power of Godlinesse, and so to present thee blamelesse, vntounto the comming of our Lord Iesus Christ.
Praying thee to passe by such faults of Forme and Complement, as my manifold infirmities and want of leasure may giuegive occasion of, and to amend such other of Impression as thou shalt hereby be furnished. And so againe; crauing thy hearty Prayers for the continuance, both of Publicke and Priuate Libertie, I commend thee vnfainedly to the blessing of our good God, who will for his glorie reserue Light in Israel, for the full demolishing of the Kingdom of Antichrist; and for the glorious and more perfit aduauncement of his holy Sonne IESVS, in all his Ordinances: To whom be praise and Obedience throughout all the Churches. And in whom I rest.
Thy poore Remembrancer at the Throne of Grace. THO. COOPER
End of the text · Thomas Cooper, The Mystery of Witchcraft Discovering the Truth of Nature (1617)