The certainty of the worlds of spirits and, consequently, of the immortality of souls of the malice and misery of the devils and the damned : and of the blessedness of the justified, fully evinced by the unquestionable histories of apparitions, operations, witchcrafts, voices &c. / written, as an addition to many other treatises for the conviction of Sadduces and infidels, by Richard Baxter.

CHAP. I. Of the great and weighty Vses of these Histories of Spirits, and their unusual Appearances and Works.

§. I. I Have written this Collection only as an Addition to sufficient Proofs of invisible Powers or Spirits, and their Actions towards Men, which many in full Treatises have already given the World; because how convincing soever those Discourses be, Multitudes bred up in Idleness and Sensuality, and thereby drowned in Sadduceism and Bestiality, ne∣ver see those Books; nor will the Devil consent that they shall have so much Wit and Care of their future State, as to make that diligent Enquiry after such Things as the Importance of the Matter doth require: Nor will they read them, if they have them; nor believe the fullest Evidence, though they read it; pretending that of Persons and Things so long ago, and far off, they can have no Assurance, not knowing what Fal∣lacies may intervene.

Therefore I have chosen many near to them, both for Time and Place; of which, if they think their Souls worth so much Labour, they may enquire to Satisfaction.

§ 2. Though I have taken many out of Foreign most credible Physicians, and some from other Historians, yet, that I may not transcribe too much, I desire them that need yet fuller Information, to read especially Bodin and Remigius, two Judges who con∣demned Multitudes of Witches themselves, and Paul Grillandus, and Sprangerus, and the Mallei Maleficorum, and Zanchy de Angelis & Daemon. and Danaeus, Ioseph Glanvile with Dr. More's Notes, especially the Story in the West of Scotland, near like that most con∣vincing one of the Devil of Mascon; and Dr. More of Atheism; and Mr. Increase Ma∣ther, and his Son Mr. Cotton Mather of New England, their two Books of Witches, of which, the latter hath most convincing Evi∣dence; and Dr. Sinclare, a Scot.

§ 3. I confess, it is very difficult to ex∣pound the Causes of all mentioned in these Histories: But prove•• Matters of fact must not be denied, but improved as well as we can. And I confess, very many Cheats of pretended Possessions have been discovered, which hath made ••ome weak, injudicious Men think that all are such. Two sorts of

Persons have oft been found Deceivers: 1. Persons prepared and trained up pur∣posely by Papists Priests, to honour their Exorcisms. You may find in print the Sto∣ry of the Boy of Bilson (Petrius, who after∣wards I heard turned Quaker at Bristol) detected and shamed by Bp. Morton himself. Many such abroad are recorded. 2. Lust∣ful, Rank, Girls and young Widows, that plot for some amorous, procacious Design, or have Imaginations conquered by Lust: Though, I think, when they come to a Fu∣ror uterinus, Satan oft sets in.

But he forfeiteth the Benefit of his own Eye-sight, who thinks that none see, be∣cause some Beggars counterfeit Blindness.

§ 4. The Instances tell us, 1. That the State, Converse, Policy, Laws of the AE∣rial World, or Regions, are much thought not wholly) unknown to us here. 2. And so is the Natural State of the departed Souls of wicked Men, as to their having Bodies, or no Bodies, their Power, their Wits, their Mo∣tions, and Passions. 3. And also whether they be proper Devils when joyned with them, or of another Species. 4. And 'tis hard to know by their Words or Signs, when it is a De∣vil, and when it is a Humane Soul that ap∣peareth. 5. Yea, it is oft hard to know whether it be the Soul of a good Person, or a bad. 6. And consequently, what di∣stance

there is in their Habitations. 7. Yea, and oft whether it be a good Angel, or a bad, seeing bad ones may do good deceit∣fully, or by Constraint. 8. And 'tis un∣searchable to us, how far God leaveth Invi∣sible, Intellectual Powers to Free Will a∣bout inferiour things; suspending his pre∣determining Motion, though not his gene∣ral Motion and Concourse. 9. Yea, we are not fully certain whether these AErial Re∣gions have not a third sort of Wights, that are neither Angels, (Good or Fallen,) nor Souls of Men, but such as have been there placed as Fishes in the Sea, and Men on Earth: And whether those called Fairies and Goblins are not such.

But as all these, and more such, are un∣known to us, so God seeth it meet for us that it should be so, and we should not so much as desire or endeavour that it might be otherwise.

§ 5. But we may know, (which must suffice us,) 1. That no Spirits can do any thing, but by God's Will or Permission. 2. And that God will never permit them eventually to frustrate his Love and Mercy to his People, nor to break any one of his Promises to them. 3. And that good Spi∣rits are Servants, and evil Ones Slaves to Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, and shall not frustrate his Grace and Undertaking. 4. It

is surely a wicked sort of Spirits that de∣light to do Mischief, and that lye and de∣ceive Men, and that are ambitious to be worshipped, and to have Men's Souls and Bodies in their power, and make killing and damning Men their Work: 'Tis evi∣dent that their Knowledge and Misery hath not yet changed them by Repentance, and made them better. 5. 'Tis evident that they are Enemies to God, and to Jesus Christ; for their whole Design is against them and against sanctifying, saving Work. 6. It is plain that they know that Man hath another Life to live: Their Works attest the Immortality of our Souls, and the Truth of Christianity, in that they maliciously do so much against them: They urge Men to renounce God and Christ, and his Com∣mandments and Worship, their Baptism, and all true Service of God: They urge Persons to sell their Souls to them, and to forsake all that tends to save them. Their Importunity to destroy us, should teach us the Need of the greatest Care and Dili∣gence for our Salvation. 7. It seemeth plain that they are now of a low and base Condition of Nature, in that they seek such sordid Employments about Graves and Corps, and multitudes of sordid, trivial things. 8. And it seems that they dwell near us, in the Air, Earth and Sea, and not in the higher glorious Regions. 9. And it

is apparent that they have a natural Strength, and Ways of working, unknown to us, by the Wonders that they do. 10 It is very like that the ••ou••s of wicked Men now dwell with them as they must do for ever, and are like them. 11. I think it most likely, that when Witches, Men and Women, confess their fil∣thy Lying with Devils, that it is done more to exercise the Lust of the Witch than of the Devil: And that sometimes he doth it by a Body of gross Air, and sometimes may grati∣fie the Lust of one Witch on another, or on a tempted ignorant Wretch. He that can bring a Witch in without opening the Door, can bring such an one (Male or Female) into another's Bed. 12. It is not impossible that wicked Souls may carry with them hence their filthy Inclinations, and Desire to use them. 13. It is plain that Devils and wic∣ked Souls are not yet in the utmost of their Misery, but are reserved in Chains to the Judgment of the great Day of Christ: Such joking, and dallying, and whistling, as the Devil of Mascon, and many other used, shew this. 14. It is clear, that whether you call it [in State, or Place,] (I think both,) the blessed Souls and Angels are far above these, in a higher World or Region, and no wonder if they appear more rarely to Men on Earth. 15. Yet Angels can be here, and do their Office for us, without such Descent as shall abate their Joy and

Glory; and why not blessed Souls too, if they shall be equal with Angels? The Sun can enlighten every Eye here, without lo∣sing its higher Residence. 16. When re∣vengeful things are done, (as on Murderers, Defrauders, &c.) it seems to be from the revengeful Wrath of some bad Soul, espe∣cially when it is about Money or Lands, it seemeth to savour of the Worldly Mind: Yet it is uncertain whether it may not be from the Justice of God, and governing An∣gels, sending the Evil Spirits on such Er∣rands. A Hawk and a Hound are fitter Messengers to destroy, than a Dove or a Lamb. 17. When a Genius sheweth some Kindness to the Soul, (as his that I men∣tioned, that knocketh at his Bed's Head, and about him, after every time that he is drunk; and one that Bodin mentioneth, that was stricken when he said or did amiss,) it is uncertain to us, whether it be a good An∣gel, or the Soul of some former dear Friend, that procureth this Leave, to try to turn and save the Sinner: Or whether Christ and Angels force Satan to do it against his Will. 18. Though the unquenchable Fire which is to follow will shew the utmost Severity of God's Justice, there is some signification of his Mercy to the Wicked, in suspending it so far, as to allow them such a Condition as many of these Apparitions signifie by their Words and Deeds. 19. Yet here is no∣thing

to encourage their Opinion, that think such Souls or Demons are but in via, and have another Day of Hope, and Means to use, in possibility of Salvation: And though many are said to have begged of the Living for Mastes and Prayers, it is liker to prove a Diabolical Cheat, to promote Supersti∣tion, than that there is a Purgatory-State of Hope. 20. Those that are tempted to think that Souls are all one, and that Individua∣tion is only by Corporeal Matter, and that Individuation ceaseth at Death, are by all these Examples fully confuted: Devils and wicked Souls have their Numerical Indivi∣duation, and therefore no Godly Person need to fear the Loss of it. Either it is good or bad for us: If good, shall the Wic∣ked and Devils have it, and not the Godly? If bad, why should it be desired? Angels are Individuals, and shall not our Souls?

§ 6. These great Benefits we may get by the right Use of these Histories, and such others.

1. We may learn to admire that Frame of Divine Government, that hath Crea∣tures so various to rule and order, and ma∣keth one beautiful Frame of all. As Toads and Serpents on Earth are not useless, nor devouring Fishes▪ Birds and Beasts; so nei∣ther are Devils nor damned Souls, no nor their Sins, which God will use, though he will not cause.

2. We may gather that in Heaven it self, there will be an orderly Oeconomy and difference of degrees of Superiority and of Glory, when there is so great difference through all the World. All shall not be equal to them that shall sit on twelve Thrones, Judging the twelve Tribes: There are many Mansions in that House, even to them that be all with Christ.

3. We have great Cause to be very thankful to God, that doth not let loose wicked Spirits against us, that they are not here our Terror and Tormentors.

4. How great a Mercy is it, that we have a Saviour that hath power over them, and hath Redeemed us from their Power, and from everlasting Damnation.

5. We may see that the Angels of God are not useless to us; but their Ministry is one of Gods Means for our Preservation, and we owe them, Love and Thanks for all their Love and Service: And it is not, through Pride or Insensibility of this bene∣fit, that we do not worship them, whom we see not.

6. If the Devils possessing and torment∣ing Mens Bodies, be so heavy a Plague, how much worse is it to have him the Ma∣ster of their Souls? O! How carefully should we resist his Temptations? Every Sin that we commit, through Love to it, or by Wilfulness or Sloth, is worse to us, and

more pleasing to the Devil, than to be Tor∣mented so long by him. He mist of his aim at Iob, when he could not by all his Sufferings draw him to Sin: O! how much more miserable is a Worldly, Proud. Glut∣tonous, Dives, Lord, Knight or Gentle∣man, and sensual Youth ••i••••racted with Vain Mirth and Lust, than one Bewitcht, or Bodily only possest by Devils: And how much should the most godly be afraid of Sin, and of Temptations?

7. It is a sensible help, as to Convince Brutists and Atheists and Infidels, so to con∣firm the best Believers against all Tempta∣tions, to doubt of the Life to come, and the Immortality of Souls, and the future Judgment and Retribution: And though it be our shame to need such helps, it is a Mercy to have them. If a Sadducee will say, If one did come from the Dead, or I saw such things, I would believe, should not our Faith be past wavering, that have these added to the greater Gospel proofs.

8. It's matter of Comfort to departing faithful Souls, that these evil Spirits that are chained up now, and not suffered to disturb us, shall not hinder our passage to Glory: If we must pass through the Air inhabited by Devils and Wicked Souls, Angels will Convey us, and Christ re∣ceive us, and it shall not be to our hurt or loss.

9. It should always keep the Souls of the Faithful in joyful gratitude, for the work of Regeneration, Grace, Justificati∣on and Salvation, which was our great Deliverance from Devils: And teach us to live as the saved of the Lord.

10. It should warn all to take heed, that they be not helpers and Servants to Devils, in Tempting and Destroying Souls; O! how many do his work, that defie his Name? All that by wicked example and scandal, harden Men in Sin, they that Tempt People to Pride and Lust, and fleshly plea∣sures. They that draw them into the Com∣pany of Vain, Lascivious, Lustful, Ry∣otous and Ungodly persons: They that madly contradict Gods Word, and Cavil and Argue against Faith and Holiness: They that deride and mock at the Obedi∣ence of Gods Commands, and Reproach the most Religious by scornful Nicknames. They that seduce them by false Doctrine▪ and that draw them from Gods Worship, and they that silence necessary Faithful Preachers, and they that dissuade Men from hearing or regarding them. O! what an Army hath Satan, for his work of de∣stroying Souls.

These Men should think, that it's great∣er Cruelty to destroy Souls, than to Rob or Murder Bodies: It is fighting against the Office and Work of Christ that came

to save them, and against all the Ordinan∣nances and Word of God, and all the Course of his saving Mercies, and all the Desires and Endeavours of the Godly, that Long and Labour for Mens Salvation: It is to be like Devils, and do the Devils work, and by hurting others, they more hurt them∣selves. And if Gods Mercy should Con∣vert. and Save such wretches, they cannot Convert and Save those that they have de∣ceived and drawn to Sin: And God only knoweth what thoughts they would have, if they come to Heaven, to see or know of Souls in Hell, that they brought thither. But if they die Unconverted, and go to them, their Presence and Torment will be the increase of their own.

11. These thoughts should stir up all be∣lievers to labour to save Souls from the Snares and Powers of Devils. O! do not say as Cain, Am I my Brothers Keeper, say not, that it is only the Work of Mini∣sters: They are Guides in Christs Army, but you are Soldiers: You are Vowed to fight against the Devil, the World and Flesh, and that for others, as well as for your selves: Societies are for Mutual Helps. A Minister is but one Man, and not an Ar∣my, and can be but in one place at once: You live among and near your Family, Neighbours and such as you Converse with, and may often speak to them: All in your

places must be Lights and Salt, to Enlight∣en a Dark, and season a Corrupt Gene∣ration. O! You that believe the Life to come, make haste to help poor Miserable Souls, before Death put them past Reme∣dy, or Sin hath utterly hardened their Hearts: Do you love your Neighbours as your selves, and will see them continue in Ignorance, Worldliness and Profane∣ness, and do nothing or little to save them? If you saw but their Bodies in need, and shut up the Bowels of Compassion against them, what love have you to God, to Christ or them? If Christ in Judgment will Condemn Men for not relieving Po∣dies, Math. 25. will it prove less sinful to afford no help to Souls. If you are not for Christ, and his Works, you are a∣gainst him: If you saw them fall down in a Swound, you would help them up; And if their Houses were on Fire, you would help and haste to quench it; yea, if your Enemies Beast fall into a Pit, you must help him out: And do you believe a Hell, and not help Sinners? The Devil, their Adversary and yours, as a Roaring Lyon, seeketh Night and Day to Devour; And will you do nothing to save Men.

If you cannot do what you would, do what you can: Do but take it for your Du∣ty and Works, for which you must give account to God, and keep you an account

how you perform it: Ask your selves what have I done for Souls this Week, or this day? Begin at home, and give to all an Ex∣ample of Holiness, Heavenly meekness, and Self-denial: Then look to your Families: O!betray not the Souls of your Children and Servants, with a few slight good words or forms; but with Love and Diligence, La∣bour to make them understand Gods Word, and the things of their Salvation, Cate∣chize them, and help them to understand and apply it. Keep them from ill Compa∣ny, Labour to render Gods Service to them as it is, Necessary, Honourable and Plea∣sant: Time is short, Souls are precious, Hell is dreadful: Heaven is joyful, Devils and their wicked Servants are busie. While you have opportunity, labour to do good to all: Your Labour, if sincere, shall not be in vain. If you want Ability, labour to increase it, and get the help of such as can do better, get them to able Ministers: Put suitable Books into their Hands: Do not as those Sectaries, that to shew their Gifts are ready to intrude as publick Preachers, but instead of Patient and Compassionate Diligence with the Ignorant and Ungodly about them, do but exasperate them by Re∣proaches and Disgrace. Condescend to the least and lowest: Do all with Humility, and Winning Love.

Alas, Satan hath a greater and more dan∣gerous Army, to fight against Christ and Holiness, and Mens Salvation, among the Great, and Rich, and Proud, and Careless Voluptuous Sinners, than among Witches and possessed Bodies. He wins and undoes most by pleasing them: If he can get them to prefer Earth before Heaven, and Wealth and Honour before Holiness, and to be lovers of fleshly Pleasures more than of God, and keep them from any serious Minister, or Means that would waken them and bring them to their Wits, and keep them from se∣rious Consideration, and from thinking whi∣ther they are going, and how all their Care∣lesness, Ease and Sin will end; this is it that answereth his Soul murdering desires.

12. But especially these Instances of Satans Diligence and Malice, should teach Ministers how to preach, on what Subjects, in and what manner, and how to converse personally with those of their charge: Shall the Captains in Christ's Army see the Devourer go away with the Prey, and do little for their re∣scue? Is ignorant, cold, jingling, conten∣tious Preaching, meet for them that are so greatly obliged to militate under Christ against the Destroyer, and for the ever∣lasting saving of Mens Souls? The Lord heal and pardon our Unbelief, and cruel want of Pitty, and our Sloth and Luke∣warmness; for it is great and serious

Work which we undertake. But of this I refer those that will read it to my formed Pastor.

O Lord give to the Christian World, a greater number of Wise, Humble, Holy, experienced Teachers, and save them from those that hate or believe not the Do∣ctrine, which for worldly Ends they preach; and that serve the Devil in the name of Christ, and calling themselves the Church, and their Conceits its Canon or Rule, do Preach and Rule for themselves, their Ho∣nour, Will and Wealth, on pretence of the Welfare and Unity of the Church, and become the Trumpeters of Malignity, Per∣secution and Schism, and have not known the way of Mercy.