The mystery of witch-craft Discouering, the truth, nature, occasions, growth and power thereof. Together with the detection and punishment of the same. As also, the seuerall stratagems of Sathan, ensnaring the poore soule by this desperate practize of annoying the bodie: with the seuerall vses therof to the Church of Christ. Very necessary for the redeeming of these atheisticall and secure times. By Thomas Cooper.

OF THE DIVERS VSES OF THIS DOCTRINE OF WITCH-CRAFT. The third Booke. (Book 3)

CHAP. I.

First, it serueth for reproofe, and that many wayes.

SECTIO I.

As first of the Atheisme, and Irreli∣gion that ouerflowes in the Land.

DOth not Satans Policy in this trade of Witch∣craft, * 1.1 pretending to afflict and hurt, but, when he is seene by the

Witch: and then to hurt only the bo∣die, or goods; Plainely obscure and abo∣lish out of the minds of men, the Pro∣uidence 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 onely subiect to the Wit∣ches power? Doth not this exalt her in the place of God, prouoke the peo∣ple to feare and loue her, &c?

2 And seeing the hurt appeareth onely 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, see∣ing the diuel doth not trouble them? nay, doth not this nourish this conceit in their mindes, that they haue 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 suffi∣ciently.

3 Doth not this conuince the A∣theist

that dreames of Generall Grace;

All shall be saued; seeing by this Doctrine and Practise of Witch-craft: It is now apparant, That not onely naturally we are the bondsta••es of Satan, but that many purposely yeelde vp themselues to his cursed will, re∣nounce their saluation, to become his slaues, binde themselues to eter∣nall damnation, and so are made oft∣times fearefull spectacles of the Di∣uine 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 dis∣couer to whom they doe belong? Are they not of their father the Di∣uell, 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 wan∣tonnesse? Hath not the god of this world blinded them, that they cannot obey the truth? Are they not appoynted to per∣dition 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 con∣tempt of the Word.

FOr as the Lord, when Pharaoh would not beleeue his seruant Mo∣ses, did therefore giue him vp to be deluded by his Sorcerers and Enchan∣ters, who dooing such wonders in shew, as Moses did in trueth, did thereby harden Pharaohs heart, and so ripened his sinne and iniquity: e∣uen 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 a∣gainst the Lord, and so to ripen them to the day of vengeance.

Thus did the Lord giue vp Saul, for his disobedience and contempt of the Word, to seeke vnto Witchcraft, 1. Sam. 28.

Whereby hee ripened his sinne, and drew on speedy vengeance vp∣on 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 Sen∣tence 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 mag∣nified, and so to abound as in the Orcades among the Heathen.

But where the Gospel hath got fo••t∣ing, * 1.2 there all vncleane spirites depart, grosse Witch-craft is banished, Autho∣ritie preuaileth, to the rooting out thereof: the Word preuaileth to heale our infidelitie, and so secure vs from their dangerous snares.

And yet (which is to be lamen∣ted) wee see the Good Witch still to get ground, euen because she helpes, and satisfies the flesh: doth not this ar∣gue 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 wor∣ship, yea Idolatrie which we com∣mit 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 com∣passing 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 peo∣ple; and therefore, because they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ceiue not the loue of the truth, therefore God hath left them to these strong delusi∣ons, to beleeue lies, as in the second e∣pistle of Saint Paul to the Thessaloni∣ans in the second chapter and eleuen verse.

Surely, as the Lord gaue vp Saul to a spirite of Errour to bee tormen∣ted, and mis-guyded thereby, be∣cause hee forsooke the euerliuing Lord, and disobeyed his Prophets: So is it iust with Almightie GOD, to giue vp the people to be besotted with this iudgement, euen because they haue detayned the trueth of God in vnrighteousnesse, and re∣proached the same by their profane and most abhominable conuersati∣on.

SECTIO V.

Reproofe of Hypocrisie.

IT reprooueth the Hypocrisie and feare∣full Diss•…•…ulation that raignes euen a∣mong 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 in∣deede are done by himselfe, that he may bring the Witch into danger, ab∣use others by her, and conceale his wickednesse more cunningly: euen so doth the Hypocrite father much vpon God, which is but the deuice of his owne braine.

And doth not this plainely con∣uince 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 oppug∣ned?

And doth not Sathan, when hee pretends to doe most good, then doe * 1.3 most hurt? surely so doth the hypocrite, vnder colour of long prayers, denoure widowes houses; Euen as the Blesser, vnder pretence of Good prayers, en∣thralleth the soule, so doth the hypo∣crite, by pretence of formall prayers and bodily worship detaine men in wil∣worship, 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 a∣uoyd 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 * 1.4 is in vs, we are led captiue by Sathan at his pleasure, as being subiect iustly to his strong delusions, because we haue not receiued the Loue of the Truth, be∣cause wee know not whom to wor∣ship, how to worship God a right; therefore doth the God of this world blind

vsbecause the Gospel is hid from vs. 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 vnrighte∣ousnesse, and so for our disobedience wee are iustly giuen vp to such De∣lusions, remember what hath for∣merly beene obserued to this end.

The Remedie thereof is:

1. To haue the word of God dwell plen∣tifully among vs, both in the Publike ordinances of the Preaching and Ex∣pounding thereof; as also in the Pri∣uate Reading, & conferring of the same in our Families.

2. To haue the Power thereof, to Rule vs in all our wayes: To yeelde * 1.5 obedience thereunto, to hearken to this voyce alone, and to cleaue there∣vnto constantly: Endeuouring so to walke, as we haue 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 o∣pen to Satans power. 1. Pet. 5. 8, 9.

2. Through vnbeliefe in God, we are brought to beleeue in him, to em∣brace and adore him as the God of this world. 2. Cor. 4, 5, 6.

3. Hereby wee prouoke the Iust Lord to leaue vs 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 vnto 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 Ie∣sus 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 vnder the burden thereof, Matth. 11. 28.
• 4. And hunger wee after I••sus Christ to be eased thereof. Matth. 5.
• 5. Seeking vnto 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 * 1.6 our onely 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 loue vnto Iesus Christ.

1. By forsaking all things for his sake, our beloued s••nne; yea, if it be re∣quired, 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 bre∣thren. 1. Plucking them out of the * 1.7 fire. 2. And exhorting each other daily; waiting with great patience their Conuersion, and maintaining * 1.8 the Fellowship with all meekenesse of wisedome, and holinesse of Con∣uersation. 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 Witch∣craft, Apppeareth: 1. Because.

1. Depriueth vs of the Loue of God, and so causing the Lord to hate vs, 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 daunge∣gerous

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 vs no harme, and wee are drawne to seeke helpe from them in our extremities, whereby their Ma∣lice being concealed, is more increa∣sed, and beeing often disappoynted by Satan, is more inflamed, sealing vp to these cursed Captiues their eter∣nall damnation: and hastning here∣by the vengeaunce of the LORD vpon them, both in the Pining of their bodyes, by this their confoun∣ded Malice, and prouoaking them to maligne GOD the more, the more they are disappoynted, where∣by his wrath is more kindled a∣gainst them: they are hereby more eager vpon Satan to execute their rage, more deepely obliged vnto 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 haue the loue * 1.9 of Christ shed abroad in our hearts, that so for his sake, wee may loue one an∣other.

2. And consider we, That ven∣geanee * 1.10 belongeth vnto God, hee is able to right our wrongs, he is onely for to doe it.

3. Consider wee not so much, what hurt may arise from the Crea∣ture, as what good may redound vnto vs 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. Giue we not way to the least pas∣sion 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 appre∣hend the fauour of God in Iesus Christ: that so being at peace with his Ma∣iestie, 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 Loue of our enemies; striue we to ouer∣come euill with good, to forgiue our ene∣mies, to pray for them, &c,

8. Enuring our selues to beare af∣flictions.

9. And weauing our soules from the loue 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 Coue∣tousnesse.

1 A As excluding through di∣strustfull and insatiable de∣sires, the protection of the Almighty.

2. Exposing to desperate contempt of the Word, in all fearefull impietie.

3. Hereby enraging and prouo∣king the Conscience to iust reuenge.

4. Whereby despayre seasing on the soule, is become hereby a praye vnto Satan, vpon hope of present re∣lease.

5. Being forced by such insatiable desires to vse vnlawfull meanes to com∣passe 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 pre∣sent payment? Whats this birth-right to it, since it dyes for hunger, giue it the present, and take the future who list. Gen. 27.

The remedie therefore of Couetous∣nesse 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 onely our daily bread, as for to m••••∣row let it care for it selfe. Matth. 6.

4. And cast we our care on God, be∣cause he careth for vs. 1. Pet. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

5. Let our Request be made manifest vnto God, who will not faile vs, nor * 1.11 forsake vs.

And learne wee to bee contented with our estates, submitting to the wil of God in all things.

Consider we the Iudgements of God, vpon th Couetous persons, he is a spoy∣ler of others, and therefore shall bee spoyled: he pines himselfe and robs others; his children shall bee vaga∣bonds, 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 Loue of God, in Iesus Christ; who if hee haue prouided heauen for vs, will hee deny vs these things? And * 1.12 seeing with all our care we winne nothing, without his blessing, la∣bour

we rather to vse well what wee haue, then to be coueting more: that our little being blessed, may be suffi∣cient vnto vs. Psal. 37.

And therefore seeke we the bles∣sing 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 Curio∣sitie, And that because:

HEreby the mind is deliuered from necessary knowledge, to search af∣ter 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 know∣ledge; as through pride of heart is affe∣cted through discontent ensuing from an enraged conscience, is greedily embraced to giue 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 concer∣ning Saluation, vppon a vaine per∣swasion, of what this extraordinary knowledge will aduaunce vs to. Name∣ly 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 ex∣alt vs to this conceit of Diuine Ex∣cellencie.

And this is furthered by a base E∣steeme of such knowledge as concernes

saluation, as being ordinarie, common to all, obuious to euery 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 easi∣ly preuailes vpon an vnstable soule, to drawe it with some couenant with Sa∣tan to some liking of this skill, es∣pecially beeing carried so couertly, likely to preuaile so effectually.

The Remedie hereof is.

To informe the iudgemēt through∣ly by the blessed word.

And so to be brought in subiection by the power thereof, to the denyall of car∣nall wisedom, with an holy resolu∣tion 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: Nei∣ther leaning on the left hand to humane traditions as if the word were insuffi∣cient. 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 haue recei∣ued Christ, so to walke in him.

CHAP. VII.

The last and Principall Cause to draw vs 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 eu∣tred into the world, and discouered our fearefull bondage vnder 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 vs 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 vnder, as thankeful∣nesse of God: Ioy in his blessings: furthe∣rance of others good in communicating with thē, what God hath vouchsafed vnto vs. And being his most effectuall baite to ensnare vs in this daungerous Couenant, because by Pride we are blin∣ded that wee cannot see our miserie, nor any daunger lyes vpon vs: 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 vs: and we think the Lord doth vs wrong, in not respecting vs 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 con∣ceiue so highly of our selues, that no∣thing 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 vs high∣ly, to heare, The Voyce of GOD, and not of man.

Thus doth Satan by Pride, draw vs∣into his snare.

And therefore learne we to Reme∣die this great euill. As:

First, labour we to discerne through∣ly our cursed Nature, take we an often view of that poysonous fountaine, and though in regard of outwarde conformitie and faire shew, we may haue 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 haue, 1 it is vn∣deserued on our part, 2 we daily de∣serue to be stripped of it.

4 Remember wee, the most glori∣ous creatures haue beene ouer-taken with this sinne, and therefore, let vs feare our selues most, when wee enioy grea∣test fauours.

5 And yet trust God most, when he seemes to do least for vs.

6 Labouring to doe all things as in the presence of the Almightie: And,

7 Auoiding very carefully the ap∣plause and estimation of m••n.

8 Not measuring the grace of God by outward complements.

9 Nor despising the least grace i•• o∣thers, though we farre exceed them.

10 Abounding in thankefulnesse to God, euen for the least of all his mer∣cies.

11 And daily reckoning with our selues for the abuse of his blessings.

12 Walking faithfully and diligent∣ly in the Callings which GOD hath placed vs in.

13 And submitting to th••se afflicti∣ons, that are incident thereto.

14 Meditating often on the •…•…∣liation of Iesus Christ.

15 And on that fulnesse of glorie that makes for vs in heauen.

CHAP. VIII.

Conuinceth naturall corruption.

AND doth not this Doctrine of Witch-craft, describe vnto vs 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 disobe∣dience, 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 vpon our sincerity, yet the bleating of the sheepe, and lowing of the oxen, I meane, such running to Blessers, and closing with cur∣sers,

our fearing these, and worship∣••ing the other: our refusall of know∣ledge, 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 vnto, him we acknowledge to be our Maister, our Lord, and Sauiour, whom especial∣ly we seeke vnto, 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 vs also the true meanes, whereby wee may be deliuered from the bondage of Sa∣than, and so be translated into the glorious libertie of the sons of God? yea surely.

We are hereby instructed in the ex∣cellencie 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 ser∣uants, to binde himselfe vnto them, (if they will beleeue in him:) his special aime is at our most precious faith, if he can shake vs heerein, if hee can cast vs from this hold, he makes sure account of vs, he holds vs heereby certainely to damnation: Doth not this plainly euince the excellencie here∣of? doth it not by the contrary con∣firme, how necessary this is to sal∣uation, 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 onely the faithfull? those which are truely elected, eyther Sathan can∣not touch them at all, or else his af∣flictions shall tend to their good: well may hee afflict the body, but the soule shall be bettered by it.

And shall not this teach vs espe∣cially 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 vs, 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. Ga∣lat. 2. 20.

CHAP. X.

Heereby we are instructed to a cons∣cionable vse of the word of God.

FOr, seeing it is not the Letter and sound thereof onely that auailes, for so (as you haue 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

onely 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 there∣by into the same Image from glory to glo∣ry, 2. Cor. 3.

And this may serue to admonish vs, concerning that customarie and vnreuerent taking of the name of God 〈◊〉〈◊〉 our mouthes, apparant in our ordina∣rie speeches; As oh Lord Iesus &c. which being no lesse then charmes, as it confirmeth Witches in their dam∣nable Trade, so it exposeth vs to be afflicted by them: yea leaueth vs to the Iudgement of the Lord, euen to take that from vs which wee seemed to haue, 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 infor∣med concerning the Abuse of our Beliefe, as Prayers, which seeing they are repeated without Vnder∣standing, and so out of their right ordinance and vse, are they anie better then a Charme? Is it not ra∣ther a seruice vnto the Diuell then vnto God?

May not this admonish Preachers, to apply themselues to the capacitie of their people, to speake with vnderstand∣ing, power and euidence of the Spi∣rit, not with the enticing wordes of mans wisedome, lest they approoue themselues no better then Charmers, binding the people faster vnder the power of Sathan, by nouzeling them in Ignorance, Pride, Infidelitie, Profane∣nesse, &c. 1. Cor. 2.

And the People also may here haue their lesson; not to liue in ignorance,

but to embrace the light of the Go∣spel, whereby Sathans forgeries are detected, and graciously preue•…•….

Whereby they may be diuerted to the true and holy meanes, not onely for the bodies good, but especi∣ally 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 haue respect vnto 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 vs, but by ou•• corruption, and corruption being sup∣pressed, and daily maistered by re∣pentance and faith in Christ, pre∣uents Sathans power:

Therefore: As it is best to auoide

so, in the next place, if we haue sin∣ned, let vs do so no more, lest a worse thing do befal vs, lest the Lord leaue vs to Satans power, euen to be smit∣ten by euill angels Iohn 5.

CHAP. XIII.

Teacheth the deepenesse of Sathan.

SEeing the Policie of Sathan is no∣tably 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 vs dangerously from the spirituall combate which Satan hath against the soule, to looke onely to bodily harmes, as if wee had no soules, but bodies onely, that were in danger. May wee not hence learne the deepenesse of Sathan? Doth not this teach, that Sathan playes the hypo∣crite, making shew to helpe, when he intends most hurt, and pretending on∣lie to hurt the body, when he intends the hurt of the soule, should not this teach vs lesse to regard the flesh, and to

haue 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 vs beleeue, that by prayer they were preserued from Witch-craft; whereas indeed that blinde and ignorant prayer, was but a colour of Satans help, shrowd∣ing his assistance vnder 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 morti∣fying our lustes, whereby wee shall best preuent the power of Sathan?

CHAP. XIIII.

And haue 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 haue sauing

grace, or no. For seeing (as you haue heard) Sathan and his instruments, may doe wonderfull things: There∣fore let not this content vs, 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 vs 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 loue, and keeping vs to the end, constant and vnmoueable vnto the day of Christ, 1. Cor. 15. vers. vlt.

And seeing diuells and false pro∣phets 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 there∣by learne how to behaue themselues vnder afflictions.

NAmely, as not to presume, but that it may befall them: no faith can simply priuiledge from the cor∣rection 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 sanctify∣ing 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 hea∣uen 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 vnder pretence of Charitie, these cursed instruments, and so to grow fa∣miliar 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 vs learne also to preuent this feare∣full league. To this end,

Let vs take heed of liuing in grosse and wilfull ignorance: And while wee haue the light, let vs embrace it cons∣cionably, lest we be giuen vp for our disobedience to these strong delusi∣ons.

2 Let vs be thorowly perswaded of the prouidence of God, not onely in generall,

ruling and disposing all things, so that euery creature is at his cōmand, not so much as a•• haire of our heads can be touched vnlesse the Lord dis∣pose.

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 vs 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 giue way vnto Sathans suggestion, as to haue 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 vs learne to resigne vp our soules daily into the hands of * 1.13 our God; by casting our ••are vpon him: and 1. Pet. 5.

Daily making euen with him, by vn∣fained repentance.

Submitting daily to his blessed will in all things: and,

Making our requests daily manifest vnto him.

Contenting our selues with his graci∣ous 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 well∣doing into the hands of our faithful Cre∣ator, 1. Pet. 4.

5 Make we conscience especially of holie duties, as to do them, 1 of knowledge, 2 with all holie preparati∣on, 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. a∣boue the same.

Seeing, as whatsoeuer is done ig∣norantly 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 vs vp to strong delusions, euen 1 to rest in the worke

done, 2 to flatter our selues, that the doing thereof may excuse vs 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 ordinan∣ces: 5 and therefore iustly to be giuen vp to the power of Satan, to the satisfy∣ing 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, inter∣taining any colourable and accursed meanes for the compassing hereof.

And thus of the Vses for Instru∣ction.

CHAP. XVII.

A third generall vse, is for conso∣lation.

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 hypo∣crites and prophane persons out of the Church; and therfore comfort we our selues in the supreame Power of our God. Tread wee Satan vnder 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 vnder our feet. Rom. 16. 1. Cor. 15. 54, 55, &e.

Secondly, here is exceeding comfort: That Satan cannot preuaile effectually vpon any to their condemnation, vnlesse with full consent they yeelde them∣selues wholy to his subiectiō. And if

Otherwise, he afflict them against their wils, it shall howsoeuer, turne to their good. Christ wil be vnto them both in life & death an aduantage: and ther∣fore, here is matter of exceeding com∣fort vnto 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 * 1.14 therefore shall mooue them to close * 1.15

with him, to giue way to him, their answere is ready: They are not their owne, let him aske their master leaue: they cannot giue way to him, he comes too late; they haue couenanted with Christ Iesus already; he hath deser∣ued 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 vs to belong vn∣to 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 an∣swere for my infirmitie, because his malice prouoked it, his cunning al∣lured 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 My∣sterie of Witch craft. Wherein for thy better satisfaction, and mine owne greater humiliation: As I am not a∣shamed to acknowledge, that which thou canst not but discerne; * 1.16 That I haue 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 haue waded before mee heerein, to confirme the Authori∣tie thereof, against the Atheisme of these euill dayes: that so each might haue the perfect honour of their owne Paines. So haue I thought good,

to ad such experiences and collections of mine owne partly gathered out of such Treatises as to this purpose haue bene published frō time to time tou∣ching the Discouery and Conuiction of Witches: And partly digested from particular obseruation of the hand of God, vpon Parties afflicted, that so the Doctrine may be made more pro∣fitable, for the edification of the Church. Wherein I haue spared the seueral Al∣legations, and particular testimonies herein, least the Volume might swell too much, and so proue tedious, & triuial: Referring thee and my selfe, for war∣rant herein vnto those manifold Trea∣tises which haue bin frequently pub∣lished to this purpose, and are vsually to be had vpon the Stationers Stalles. And if any thing ouer & besides hath bene added out of my particular ob∣seruations from such generall Passa∣ges, and priuate Meditations, for the further fastning of this Doctrine vp∣on the conscience of the wise Chri∣stian, that he may not dwel in the ge∣nerall 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 mag∣nifie the free grace of God; So I en∣treat them in the bowels of Iesus Christ, to make the vse thereof. That whereas the speculation of Truth, with∣out conscience of profiting thereby, is the means to depriue vs euē of the know∣ledge thereof (which I take to bee a maine reason, why this Doctrine so generally acknowledged, both by Heathen & Christians is notwithstan∣ding questioned and opposed; because it meeteth with particular corruptions and crosseth carnal, and politike de∣signes) that therefore thou wouldest still conioyne the Spirituall vse thereof, with the knowledge of the same. Obser∣uing herein, not so much what Wit∣ches may doe for the hurt of the bodie, but what snares in the harme of the body they lay for the soule: By withdraw∣ing the mind frō the knowledge and

loue of the glorious gospel of Iesus Chris•…•… an•• bewitching the fame, with the loue of superstition that would faine, and by this means (as hath bin obser∣ued) is very likely to preuaile among vs, obseruing wisely, that such oppositi∣ons, as haue been made against this manifest Truth, haue not bin so much in regard of The Literall Truth it selfe, as in respect of such Spirituall conse∣quence of more sacred and necessarie Trueths which depend thereupon. As the power of the Gospel in preuailing a∣gainst Witchcraft, and so therein con∣founding all formall worship, & Popery. The effect of the Gospel following necessa∣rily vpon the doctrine, Namely, The day of Iudgement; the punishment of the wic∣ked in hell, &c, The authority of the Ma∣gistrate, in punishing these Hel-hounds, &c. Wherein as thou mayest obserue the wonderfull wis••dome of God, in con∣founding the craftinesse of Idolaters, that while with one breath they are glad to beg this testimony from hell, for the iusti∣fying of their hellish idolatry & wor∣ship, in aduancing of their lying mi∣racles;

and so do approue, to this end of this doctrine of Witchcraft, yet euen with another; they would faine blow a∣way 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 ad∣uice thee, not to rest in the Forme of Religion, but to labour to embrace the power therof; & to make vse of these spi∣rituall Obseruations: to this end. Pro∣mising thee, that as I haue endeuou∣red to discouer some part of Satans deepnesse heerein, so (if the Lord spare health & liberty) shalt thou be short∣ly furnished with a more plentifull dis∣couery of Satans Delusions against the whole practise of sanctification to settle thy conscience: wherof thou hast for the Information of thy iudgement the some * 1.17 formerly deliuered vnto 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 pre∣sent thee blamelesse, vnto the com∣ming 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 giue 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 Pub∣licke and Priuate Libertie, I com∣mend thee vnfainedly to the blessing of our good God, who will for his glorie reserue Light in Israel, for the full demolishing of the King∣dom of Antichrist; and for the glo∣rious 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

Notes

• * 1.1

  First the Atheist.
• * 1.2

  Zach. 13. 3 4.
• * 1.3

  Math. 23.
• * 1.4

  2. Tim. 2. 23, 24. 2. Thes. 2.
• * 1.5

  Gal. 6. 6.
• * 1.6

  1. Cor. 1.
• * 1.7

  Heb. 3. 13.
• * 1.8

  Heb. 10. 14.
• * 1.9

  Rom. 5. 2.
• * 1.10

  Rom. 12.
• * 1.11

  Phil. 4. 7.
• * 1.12

  Matt. 6. 33. Psal. 127. 1.
• * 1.13

  How to re signe vp our selues into the hands of God.
• * 1.14

  1. Cor. 6.
• * 1.15

  Iohn 17.
• * 1.16

  As his Maiesties Daemono∣logie, Mr. Perkins, Mr. Gif∣ford, and others.
• * 1.17

  In the first Part of the Christians dayly Sa∣crifice.