The discovery of witchcraft proving that the compacts and contracts of witches with devils and all infernal spirits or familiars are but erroneous novelties and imaginary conceptions : also discovering, how far their power extendeth in killing, tormenting, consuming, or curing the bodies of men, women, children, or animals by charms, philtres, periapts, pentacles, curses, and conjurations : wherein likewise the unchristian practices and inhumane dealings of searchers and witch-tryers upon aged, melancholly, and superstitious people, in extorting confessions by terrors and tortures, and in devising false marks and symptoms, are notably detected ... : in sixteen books / by Reginald Scot ... ; whereunto is added an excellent Discourse of the nature and substance of devils and spirits, in two books : the first by the aforesaid author, the second now added in this third edition ... conducing to the compleating of the whole work, with nine chapters at the beginning of the fifteenth [sic] book of The discovery.

CHAP. X.

Where the Battel between Michael and Lucifer was fought; how long it continued, and of their power: how fondly Papists and Infidels write of them; and how reverently Christians ought to think of them.

NOw where this battel was fought, and how long it continued, there is as great contention among the Schoolmen, as was betwixt Michael and Lucifer. The Thomists say this battel was fought in the Empy∣real Heaven, where the abode is of blessed Spirits, and the place of pleasure and felicity. Augustine and many others say, That the battel was fought in the highest Region of the Air; Others say, In the Firmament; Others, In Paradise. The Thomists also say,* 1.1 It continued but one instant or prick of time; for they tarryed but two instants in all, even from their Creation to their Expulsion. The Scotists say, That between their production and their fall, there were just four instants. Nevertheless, the greatest number of Schoolmen affirm, That they continued only three instants; because it stood with Gods justice, to give them three warnings; so as at the third warning Lucifer fell down like lead (for so are the words) to the bottom of Hell; the rest were left in the Air, to tempt man. The Sadduces were as gross the other way; for they said, That by Angels was meant nothing else but the motions that God doth inspire in men, or the tokens of his power. He that readeth Eusebius,* 1.2 shall see many more absurd opinions and asseverations of Angels; as how many thou∣sand years they serve as Angels, before they come to the promotion of Arch∣angels, &c.

Monsieur Bodin, M. Mal. and many other Papists gather upon the seventh of Daniel, That there are just ten Millions of Angels in Heaven. Many say,* 1.3 that Angels are not by nature, but by office. Finally, it were infinite to shew the ab∣surd and curious collections hereabout. I for my part think with Calvine, That Angels are creatures of God; though Moses spake nothing of their creation, who only applyed himself to the capacity of the common people, reciting nothing but things seen. And I say further with him, That they are heavenly spirits, whose ministration and service God useth; and in that respect are called Angels. I say yet again with him, That it is very certain, that they have no shape at all;* 1.4 for they are spirits, who never have any; and finally, I say with him, That the Scriptures for the capacity of our wit, doth not in vain paint out Angels unto us with wings; because we should conceive, that they are ready swiftly to succour us. And certainly all the sounder Divines do conceive and give out, that both the names and also the number of Angels are set down in the Scripture by the Holy-Ghost, in terms to make us understand the greatness and the manner of their messages; which (I say) are either expounded by the number of Angels, or signified by their names.

Furthermore, the School Doctors affirm,* 1.5 That four of the Superior Orders of Angels never take any form or shape of bodies, neither are sent of any errand at any time. As for Archangels, they are sent only about great and secret matters; and Angels are common Hacknies about every trifle; and that these can take what shape

or body they list; marry they never take the form of women and children. Item, they say, That Angels take most terrible shapes; for Gabriel appeared to Mary, when he saluted her, Facie rutilante, veste coruscante, ingressu mirabili, aspectu terribili, &c. that is, With a bright countenance, shining attire, wonderful gesture, and a dread∣ful visage, &c. But of Apparitions I have spoken somewhat before, and will say more hereafter. It hath been long, and continueth yet a constant opinion, not only among Papists, but among others also; that every man hath assigned him, at the time of his nativity, a good Angel and a bad. For the which there is no reason in Nature, nor authority in Scripture. For not one Angel, but all the Angels are said to rejoyce more at one Convert, than of ninety and nine just. Neither did one only Angel convey Lazarus into Abraham's bosome. And there∣fore I conclude with Calvin,* 1.6 That he which referreth to one Angel, the care that God hath to every one of us, doth himself great wrong; as may appear by so many fiery Chariots shewed by Elizaeus to his servant. But touching this mystery of An∣gels, let us reverently think of them, and not curiously search into the nature of them, considering the vileness of our condition, in respect of the glory of their creation. And as for the foresaid fond imaginations and fables of Lu∣cifer, &c. they are such as are not only ridiculous, but also accomptable among those impious curiosities, and vain questions, which Paul speaketh of: neither have they any title or letter in the Scripture for the maintenance of their gross opinions in this behalf.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Instans, viz. punctum temp. nempe indivi∣duum Nunc.
• * 1.2

  Euseb. in Ec∣cles. histor.
• * 1.3

  10000000. Johannes Cassianus in confessione theo∣log. tripart.
• * 1.4

  J. Cal. lib instit. 1. cap. 14. sect. 8.
• * 1.5

  Mich. And. thes. 107.101. Idem. thes. 103, 108.
• * 1.6

  Luk. 15.7. Luk. 16.22. J. Cal. lib. instit. 1. cap. 14. 2 Reg. 16.17.