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THough we do not deny, but shall hereafter prove that there are Witches, and Necromancers, and such persons as make wicked Contracts with the Devil, to the ruin of their own souls, and the prejudice of others; yet it is most certain, that the Devil often does much evil of himself (by Gods permission) without any Asso∣ciation with any of his forementioned
Instruments. For being possessed with an irreconcilable malice against the welfare of Mankind, he goes about continually seeking whom he may de∣vour, laying hold upon all opportu∣nities and advantages, whereby he may tempt or ensnare us, or disturb our peace, or endanger our Salvation. Thus in the begining did he enter into the Serpent, while there was yet no Witch to employ him. So when God gave him leave, he entred into the Sabaeans and Chaldeans, and stirred them up to rob Iob of his Cattel. He burnt his sheep also with Fire, blew down his house upon his Children, and killed them, and at last most cruelly tormented the body of Iob, and af∣frighted him with Visions and Dreams, and this without any the least suspici∣on of Witchery. To these examples we may add those, whom the Gos∣pels mention to have been possest in the days of our Saviour; and the Herd of Swine which by Christs per∣mission
were driven head-long into the Sea by a Legion of Devils. He does not always need to be set at work by his Imps and Associates. If God permit him to afflict us, either for our sins, or for the tryal of our Faith, or Patience, or any other vertues; he is soon ready to execute his Office, and to proceed to the utmost of his com∣mand. It is our happiness that he hath his Chains of Restraint, that his pow∣er is limited, and his malicious nature kept within its bounds, other∣wise our condition were miserable, even beyond relief: he would not stand to tempt some, or more fully to contract with others; but his first bu∣siness would be utterly to destroy us all. Thanks therefore be given to thee, O Almighty Iesus, who hast over∣come the Devil, and dost still reserve him in Chains to the Judgment of the Last Day.