Nal=gab appearing to those that are devoted to the knowledge of Magick; teaching them how to exercise Infernal Witchcraft without danger, and in despight to the Devils: he must be sought by hours, minutes, constellations, privacy and blood, &c. He hath a bow bent in his hand, and a Crown of Gold upon his head: this is his Character.

Why the devil requires their help.30. More particularly, These Spirits that belong to the fiery Element, are most officious in this kinde of service, being naturally such as the Antecedent matter hath sufficiently demonstrated; but according to the ranks and Categoryes to which they belong, some of them are more inveterate, and malicious in their undertakings then the rest. But every kinde of Astral Spirit is obsequious to the Kingdome of darkness, that the devilish Spirits can effect little or nothing without their assistance in this external principle of the Starrs and Elements upon the bodies or possessions of Mankind; because their bodies are too crude and rough for the conveyance of their influence, either in Dreams, Raptures, Philtres, Charms, or Constellations, as the following Chapter of the nature of Infernal beings shall make plain, wherein the nature and capacity of every damned Spirit is decyphered according to the truth of the antient Philosophy.

Subterranean Spirits.31. Leave we now the Spirits of the fire, to illustrate the natures of subterranean Beings, whose Orders, Species, and Degrees, are various; for they consist in these distinctions, viz. Spirits of men deceased, Souls of men deceased, separated Spirits Astral, separate Spirits semi-Infernal, Spirits appropriate to the Constellations where any of the seven metals, viz. Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Sol, Luna, Venus, Mercury, are found in the bowels of the Earth; and as farr as the natures of Minerals are distinct one from the other, so much distant are these Subterranean Spirits in Nature and Faculty in respect of their places, shapes, names, and qualities.

Spirits of the Mountains, Caves, and Tombs. 32. But they are not all confined unto the metallick Kingdome; for there are also Spirits of the Mountains, Vallies, Caves, Deeps, Hiata’s, or Chasma’s of the Earth, hidden Treasures, Tombs, Vaults, and Sepultures of the Dead. To the last belong the Astral Spirits of deceased Mortals, that delight to hover over the antient Carcases to which they belong’d, seeking still to be dissolved, and diligently enquiring the Cause of their retention; such are resident in silent Caves, and solitary Vaults, where the deceased lie till the Humidum Radicale be exciccate, and totally dryd up, after which their tricks are no more manifest, but are utterly extinguished, and annihilated.

Spirits of hidden Treasures. 33. To the next, belong such Spirits as are Protectors of hidden Treasures, from a natural Cause, from whence they do exceedingly envy mans benefit, and accomodation in the discovery thereof, ever haunting such places where money is conceal’d, and retaining malevolent and poysonous Influences, to blast the Lives and Limbs of those that dare to attempt the discovery thereof: Peters of Devonshire with his confederates, who by Conjuration attempted to dig for such defended Treasures, was crumbled into Atomes, as it were, being reduced to Ashes with his Companions in the twinkling of an eye.

The nature of such Spirits. 34. And upon this particular, we have plenty of Examples of the destruction of such as by Magical experiments have discovered hidden Treasures; which instances do rather seem to prove, That such as haunt these places do more nearly belong to the Infernal, then to the Astral Hierarchy, in regard that they are so infesting and inveterate to Mortal men, that the Grand Intention of the Prince of darkness may be accomplished in their designs/

56.Spirits that infest Mines and Miners. 35. But of all the rest such as haunt Mines and mettle men, are the most pernicious, and frequent from the same Cause with the former. The nature of such is very violent; they do often slay whole Companies of Labourers, they do sometimes send inundations that destroy both the Mines, and Miners, they bring noxious and malignant vapours to stifle the laborious workmen; briefly, their whole delight and faculty consists in tormenting, killing, and crushing men that seek such Treasures, that mankind may never partake thereof to relieve their Cares, and worldly necessities.

An Example of a turbulent Spirit.36. Such was AnÆbergius a most virulent Animal that did utterly confound the undertakings of those that laboured in the richest Silver mine in Germany, called Corona Rosacea. He would often shew himself in the likeness of a he-goat with Golden horns, pushing down the workmen with great violence, sometimes like a Horse breathing flames, and pestilence at his Nostrils. At other times he represented a Monk in all his Pontificalibus, flouting at their Labour, and imitating their Actions with scorn and dedignation, till by his daily and continued molestation he gave them no further ability of perseverance.

Conclusion.37. Thus, I have hinted the various distinctions, and sub-distinctions of Astral Spirits proper or common, illustrating their natures according to the opinions of the Learned; from thence I proceed to say what the Infernal Hierarchy is, and whereof it doth consist in this fifth Chapter following.

Chap. V.

Of the Infernal Spirits, or Devils, and damned Souls treating, what their Natures, Names, and Powers are, &c.

1.LEaving What this Chapter treats of. the Astral Kingdome, I will now proceed to describe the natures, and distinctions of Infernal Spirits or Devils, and damned Souls, who are to be considered according to their ranks, and orders, exactly correspondent to the Quires, and Hierarchies of the Angels, or Celestial beings, wherein I will insist upon their names, shapes, places, times, orders, powers, and capacities, proceeding gradually from a general narration, to a particular Anatomy of every sort of Spirit in its proper place and order.

2. As forThe place of hell or the habitation of devils. the Locality or Circumscription of the Kingdome of darkness, it is farr otherwise to be considered then the vulgar account it, who esteem the hellish habitation, a distinct Chasma or Gulph in a certain place, above, under, or in the Center of the Earth, where innumerable Devils, and wicked Souls inhabit, who are perpetually scorched, and tormented with material flames of fire. This is the opinion which naturally all men are addicted and prone unto. But if we will rightly consider the Kingdome of Heaven and Hell, in respect of one another, we must look upon the similitude of light and darkness in this outward world, who are not circumscribed, nor separate as to Locality from one another; for when the sun arises, the darkness of the night disappeareth, not that it removes it self to some other place or Country, but the brightness of the light overpowereth it, and swallows it up, so that though it disappeareth, yet it is as really there as the light is.

Illustrated by a similitude.3. This is also to be considered in* [* text iu]the description of the Habitations of good, or evill beings, that they are really in one another, yet not comprehended of one another, neither indeed can they be, for the evil Spirits if they should remove ten thousand miles, yet are they in the same quality and source, never able to finde out or discover where the Kingdome of Heaven is to be found, though it be really through, and through with the dark Kingdome, but in another quality which makes them strangers to one another.

The differerence [sic] betwixt heaven and hell.4. A similitude hereof we have in the faculties of the humane Life, as to the indowments of the Soul considered in the just, and in the wicked; for to be good, pure, and holy, is really present as a quality in potentia with the depraved/57. soul, although at that instant the Soul be cloathed with Abominations, so that the eye which should behold God or Goodness is put out. Yet if the soul would but come out of it self, and enter into another source or principle, in the center it might come to see the Kingdome of Heaven within it self, according to the Scripture, and Moses,*[* Deut. 30, 19.] The word is nigh thee, in thy heart, and in thy Mouth.

How the Devils can come into this World.5. True it is that the Devils and damned Souls cannot sometimes manifest themselvs in this Astral World, because the nature of some of them is more near unto the external quality then of others, so that although properly the very innermost and outermost darkness be their proximate abode, yet they do frequently flourish, live, move, and germinate in the Aery Region, being some of them finite and determinate Creatures.

The great difficulty of their appearance.6. But according to their fiery nature, it is very difficult for them to appear in this outward world, because there is a whole principle or gulph betwixt them, to wit, they are shut up in another quality or existence, so that they can with greater difficulty finde out the being of this World, or come with their presence into the same, then we can remove into the Kingdome of Heaven, or Hell with our intellectual man; for if it were otherwise, and that the Divels had power to appear unto Mortals as they list, how many Towns, Cities, &c. should be destroyed, and burnt to the ground, how many Infants should be kild by their malicious power! yea few or none might then escape in Lives, or Possessions, and sound minds, whereas now all these enjoyments are free amongst mortals, which proves, that it is exceeding hard for evill Spirits to appear in the third principle of this world, as for a man to live under water, and fishes on the Land. Yet must we grant, that when the imaginations, and earnest desires of some particular Wizards, and envious Creatures have stirr’d up the center of Hell within themselvs, that then the Devil hath sometimes access to this world in their desires, and continues here to vex, and torment so long as the strength of that desire remains which was the first attractive Cause.

The cause of few appearances now. 7. For the very cause of the paucity of appearances in these dayes, is the fulness of time, and the brightness of Christianity, dispelling such mists, as the sun doth cause the clouds to vanish, not by any violence or compulsion, but from a natural cause; even so the Kingdome of Light as it grows over mans soul, in power and dominion, doth naturally close up the Center of darkness, and scatter the influences of the Devil so that his tricks lye in the dust, and his will at length becomes wholly passive as to man.

The Devils power in the time of the Law.8. In the time of the Law, when the wrath and jealousie of the Father, had the dominion in the Kingdom of Nature, all Infernal Spirits had more easie access unto mankind then now they have; for before the Incarnation of Christ, the anger of God had more dominion over the soul of Man, and was more near in nature unto the same; so that the Devils could with more facility spring up in the element of Wrath, to manifest themselves in this outward principle, because the very Basis and Foundation of Hell beneath, is built and composed of the Wrath of God, which is the channel to convey the Devil into this sublunary World.

His power under Christ in the flesh. 9. But when Christ began to be manifest unto the World, the multiplicity of Appearances, and possessed with Devils, began insensibly to decay and vanish. And if any should object, That betwixt the space of his Incarnation and his Suffering, such accidents were rather more frequent than in the times before: To this I answer, That the Devil knowing well that his time was but short; and also knowing, that till the great Sacrifice was offered up, he had leave to range and rove abroad the Kingdom of this World; therefore he imployed all his forces and endeavours to torment those miserable souls and captives to whom Christ came to Preach Deliverance.

Under Christianity.10. But after the Partition wall was broken down, and the vail of Moses, and of the anger of God from off the soul in the death of Christ, there was a sensible and visible decay of the Devils prancks amongst mortals, and that little remnant/58. of Lunaticks and Possessed, which continued after Christ, did the Apostles relieve and set at liberty, through the influence and virtue of the promise of the Son of God (to wit) the Holy Ghost, or the Comforter, which could not come until he went away: And on the day of Pentecost, whilst they waited in humility for the fulfilling of his promise, the very effect of Christs birth and sufferings did first manifest it self, when the Holy Ghost sprung up amongst them, to the destruction of Sin and Satan.

Under Apostacies.11. And so long as the purity of Christianity continued in the Primitive Church, there were very few that the Devil could personally or actually lay hold of in the Astral Man, for the space of two hundred years after the death of Christ, until that from Meekness and Abstinence, the Christians began to exalt themselves in Loftiness and Worldly Honours; then the Devil began to exalt his head amongst the Lip-Christians, bewitching them into every Lust; and captivating their inward and outward faculties at his pleasure. As all along in Popery is clearly seen.

Under Idolatry.12. Yet notwithstanding, the coming of Christ hath prevented the Devils force in general. Such Nations as have never embraced the Christian Faith, are still deluded and bewitched by him; because the center hath never been actually awakened in any of them, so that the Devils power prevails over them mightily, to seduce them to worship things visible, and not the true God: For where the most darkness is in Religion and Worship, or in natural understanding, there his power is most predominant; As in Tartary, China, and the East-Indies; also in Lapland, Finland, and the Northern Islands.

How power in new-discovered Lands.13. In the West-Indies or America, his access is very facil and freequent to the Inhabitants, so that by custom and continuance they were at the first discovery thereof, become so much substitute and obsequious to his power, that though they knew him to be a power of Darkness, yet they adored him lest he should destroy them and their Children. And unto such a height were they come at the Landing of Cortes, Drake, and Vandernort, that they could familiarly convert themselves into Wolves, Bears, and other furious Beasts; in which Metamorphosis their Enthusiasms and Divinations were suggested, and such were held in greatest esteem.

His power in America.14. Till upon the Invasion of the Spaniards, the greater evil drove out the less, and the cruel Murthers of that Antichristian tradition, did both depopulate the Islands and most of the Continent; and also by accident, though not through any good intention, extirpate the race of such as addicted themselves to this infamous sort of Divination. In which devastation, and bloody inquisition, their Idols were discovered with their Oracles and Inchantments, far different from the European Conjurers, and any of their Ceremonies.

The variety of Conjurations according to the Countries.15. But that which is the most remarkable in the Infernal proceedings, is this, That there is not any Nation under the Sun, but the Devil hath introduced himself amongst them through their Ceremonies and Worship, though quite opposite to one another: For in the Kingdom of China, by the sacrifice of Blood and Panaak, he is Conjured and Exorcized through the repetitions of several Superstitious Invocations to the Sun and Moon. In Tartary the Magicians go quite another way to work, with Offerings to the Ocean, to the Mountains, and the Rivers, fuming Incense, and divers sorts of Feathers; by which means the Devils are compelled to appear. So that we see how this Proteus can dispose himself in the divers Kingdoms of this World; being called by other names in Tartary, China, the East and West-Indies, &c. then amongst the European Conjurers. Likewise the Greeks and Romans could Invocate Spirits by Prayers unto the Moon, and divers Sacrifices of Milk, Honey, Vervine, and Blood. And those that are addicted to Conjurations in Christianity, have attained to a more lofty and ample manner of Incantation and Conjuring with Magical Garments, Fire, Candles, Circles, Astrological Observations, Invocations, and holy Names of God, according to the Kaballa of the Jews/

59.Why few are able to raise Spirits. 16. So that every distinct Nation hath conformed its Conjuration unto the Ceremonies of that Religion which it professeth: And it is to be observed, That from a natural cause every Nation hath its Conjurations and Names of Devils, from the Constellation under which the Countrey lyeth, and from the Air or Wind to which such particular Dominations do belong; so that no effect would follow, if one Countrey should traditionally inure themselves to the Forms and Exorcisms that are used by another Nation. And therefore is it that so many attempts are offered in vain amongst professed Christians to raise Spirits, because they have little or nothing from their own Constellation, but make use of what they have borrowed from the Greeks and Romans, or the ancient Imbecillity of the Ægyptians Priests; I mean, their simple forms of Invocation.

The Names of Devils in the Time of the Law.17. But because we are rather upon the discovery of the Infernal Kingdom, as it hath no dependence upon the doings of mortal Men; therefore we will proceed to discover what the Antients have said concerning it: So the next which we fall upon after the description of their Habitations, and the manner of their Appearances, is their Names and Appellations diversly considered. First, from the Creation of the World to the coming of Christ, they retained the Hebrew names, as Belial, Baal, Baalzebub, Lelah, Ador, Abaddon, &c. according to the seculum under which they were Invocated; assuming names according to the present occasion about which they were imployed.

Their Names in China.18. Under the Constellation of China, they are Invocated by the Names Kan, Sinoam, Nantam, Bal, Baltal, Sheall, the six Governours or Presidents: Chancangian, the chief of the Devils: Po, Paym, Nalkin, Nebo, the Devils of the four Winds: Lean, Lan, Pan, Adal, the Devils of the four Elements. And according to the nature of their language or words which do all consist of no more then one syllable, so are the Devils named. Yea, as it is conjectured by many learned Magicians, this language of the Chinenses is more Magical and adapted to Conjurations, then all the Oriental Tongues, because of the consonancy and copiousness thereof, together with the numerous and various Characters used by them.

In the East-Indies
Tartaria.
Greece.
Italy.
West Indies.19. In the East-Indies, and in Tartary, the Names are the same with those of China, though the Ceremonies differ. In Persia, Arabia, Natolia, Ægypt, Æthiopia, the Names are the same with the Jewish Rabbins. But the Greeks and Romans have different from the rest, according to their Language and Superstitions. The Turks, Muscovites, Russians, Lapponians, and Norwegians, make use of the Sclavonian tongue in all their Conjurations. The West-Indians have very strange and antick Names and Ceremonies of their own, nothing depending on the Traditions and Practices of the old World; for, as is related before, the Devil is sufficiently capable of introducing himself through the Religious Superstitions of any Nation whomsoever, according to the Constellations, although strangers to the Rites and Ceremonies of others.

The nature of their Names.20. But though their Names be conformable to the Language and Climate of that Nation where they are raised or called; yet have they divers Names, suppose twenty or thirty to one Devil, according to the several ministrations they have had from the Creation to this day, leaving a several name behinde them at each of their appearances upon the earth; for, according to the testimony of the Devil himself, if credit may be given to Devils, they, as they are abstractively considered in their own Kingdom, have no imposed Names of distinction, but are forced to assume them when they rise up in the external principle of this World: although in some measure it must be granted, that there be some principal Kings and Dukes in the Infernal Hierarchy, that have Names establish’d upon them which cannot be transferr’d or altered.

The names of [sic] Devils in Scot. 21. As for the Names that are recorded in this precedent Discovery of Witchcraft by Reginald Scot Esq; being a Catalogue of Devils in their Rancks/60. and Hierarchies, they are supposed to be fictitious and totally imaginary, being taken out of Bodin or Wyerus, which they recorded from the mouth of Tradition, and obscure Manuscrips:*[* sic] And indeed were there any certainty in this List of Devils, it were to be preferred as the most ample and exact delineation that is extant. But it is the rather to be suspected, because of the little coherence it hath with the former received Names of Devils eitheir in Europe, Asia, Africa, or America.

The names of Damned souls.22. But if we would speak of Damned Souls and their Names or Appellations, they are farr otherwise to be considered then the Devils; for such as their imposed Names were here on earth, such is the Name they have in the Kingdom of Darkness, after a Magical manner, according to the language of nature in the first principle of Darkness; as the Saints in heaven retain their Names in a Coelestial manner: And also, as the Astral Spirit of a Man deceased, retains its antient Name according to the Astral source in the principle of the one only Element.

Whence the names of Devils are. 23. For as the language of Nature is found in the second Principle, it is likewise manifest in the dark Worlds property, according to the first Principle of Wrath; as also the monstrous shapes of Devils and Damned Souls is correspondent to the Magical postures of their Souls whilst they were alive; of which I shall speak more largely when their Shapes are to be described. According unto which, as also according to the rest of their attributes, viz. their Rancks, Numbers, Times, Powers, Places, &c. their Names are fitted and conformed according to the uniformity of name and thing in the principles of the eternal and external nature.

The names of Devils in the Kingdom of Fiacim.24. And as all other Nations have their various Appellations for Devils and Damned Souls, like their natural tone or language; so we can mention one Kingdom more admirable then the rest, viz. the Kingdom of Fiacim at the Northern Pole, where all the Counsellors are Magicians; and the Names which they use in Invocations, are Mathematically disposed in a wonderful harmony and efficacy, to the performance of Magical operations. So much of the Places and Names of Infernal Beings; the next to be considered is their Shapes and Likenesses.

The Shapes of Devils.25. The Shapes of Devils are answerable to the cause of their Fall, and the Dominions to which they belong. Those that belong to the Supreme Hierarchy, when they are called by Magicians, do at first appear in the form of fierce and terrible Lyons, vomiting fire, and roaring hideously about the Circle; from thence they convert themselves into Serpents, Monkies, and other Animals, till the Magician do repeat the form of Constriction or Confinement to a Trine or Triangle, as before is mentioned in the Fifteenth Book of the Discovery.

As they appear to Magicians in the highest rank. 26. After the Conjuration is repeated, they forsake these bestial shapes, and *indow[* = indue] the humane form at first like troops of Armed Men; till at last by frequent repetitions of other Ceremonies, they appear as naked Men of gentle countenance and behaviour. Yet is the Magician to take care that they deceive him not by insinuations; for their fraudulency is unspeakable in their appearance and dealings with Mankind; because we may be assured they appear not willingly, but are by forceable Conjurations compelled: so that they will ever minde their own ends in medling with man; that is, to deprave his minde, or subvert the Lives and Estates of others through his means and assistance.

In the lower orders.27. The rest of the Infernal Dominions have various appearances. The two next Orders affect to represent the beautiful colours of Birds, and Beasts, as Leopards, Tygers, Pecocks, &c. But by Conjurations they may be likewise reduced to a Manlike form, wherein they will readily answer every demand within the compass of their capacity, answerable to the Order unto which they belong: Yet many of them appear in Monstrous forms, and can hardly be conjured to desert them. Though the Exorcist Charm them never so wisely,/61. they will shew him a pair of Crocodiles jaws, or a Lyons paw, with other dreadful menaces, enough to terrifie any Novice from such Damnable Injunctions as the practice of Magick.

That the Devils are answerable to the unclean Beasts.28. But more especially, the opinion of the antients is, That according to the division of the clean and unclean Beasts in the Law given unto Moses, the Shapes of Devils are disposed in the Infernal Kingdom: So that the most perverse and potent amongst the Devils represent the most ugly and mischievous amongst the Beasts, according to this following division; viz. such Devils as Astaroth, Lucifer, Bardon, Pownok, who incline men and instigate them to pride and presumptuousness, have the shapes of Horses, Lyons, Tygars, Wolves. Such as instigate to Lust and Covetousness have the forms of Hogs, Serpents, and other filthy reptiles or envious Beasts, as Dogs, Cats, Vultures, Snakes, &c. Such as incline to Murther, have the shapes of every Bird and Beast of prey. Such as Answer Questions humane in Philosophy, or Religion, have more tolerable shapes, almost manly, but with crooked Noses, like Mermaids, or Satyres. And of all the rest it is to be observed, that as not one single Lust or Vice hath dominion without mixture in the evil Spirits, so they are not of a distinct shape lik one single Beast, but compounded into Monsters, with Serpents-tails, four eyes, many feet and horns, &c.

The shapes of Damned Souls.29. And as in general, these are the shapes of Devils, so the particular shapes of Damned Souls are to be considered in the same manner with the rest, only with this difference, that they are more addicted to metamorphose themselves and vary their appearances. Though, for the most part, the Damned Souls retain the humane shape after a Magical manner, so that the greatest part of that numberless number are in their antient shapes, especially when they appear in sleep to their surviving acquaintance. Their aspects are very dismal and melancholy like the Ghosts of the Astral source.

Their times and seasons.30. Now to speak of the Times and Seasons of their Appearance. The better sort of Magicians to square their times with Astrological hours, especially of Saturn, Luna, and Venus, in the Moons increase, and the middle of the night, or twelve a clock at noon: In which hours they do likewise compose their Garments, Caps, Candlesticks, Figures, Lamins, Pentacles, and Circles for Conjuration. As for the Times in respect of their Infernal Courses, the fittest are when they spring up in the Wrath, or when they sink in the Dispair, which is a mystery to the learned Conjurers of Europe.

Their places of appearance.31. In respect of this exterior World, they can most easily appear in solitary places, when the Sun is down; for they are naturally at enmity with the Sun, because it stands as a type of the Mediator, or Heart and Centre which they lost utterly in their fall, and now are destitute of, like a wheel without an axletree. And indeed, the want of this is the chief cause of all their torment, and of the rising of the gnawing Worm, when they consider of their irrevocable sentence, and irrecoverable loss.

When Tempests reign.32. In storms of Hail, or Snow, Wind, Tempest, and Lightning, is accounted amongst Magicians, a time for Conjuring at an easie rate. And they say, That such Ceremonies will prove very effectual, if a Conjurer begin his Exorcisms in the hour and day of Luna, in the middest of a furious storm of Lightning, Rain, and Thunder, in a low Vault or Celler that is close and retired. Also when the Wind blows high, without Rain, they say, the Devils are more near the Kingdom of this World, and may with great facility be sollicited or raised at such a season, because they delight in all extremities of weather, being themselves the first cause of the disorder of the properties in the Kingdom of Nature.

According to the situation of Regions.33. But in some Countries they can more easily appear then in others, according to the Constellations, for they delight much in the extremities of the two Poles toward Lapland, Nova Zembla, Greenland, Tartary; and in the South towards the Islands scattered about the confines of Terra Incognita. They are likewise easily Invocated on the shoar amongst lofty Rocks and Precipices, or in/ Deserts and Wildernesses far from Towns or Inhabitants.62. And it is said, they do much respect the motion of the Seas in their appearance unto such as solicite them in places Maritime or Plagiary.

Their Ranks and Orders.34. As for their Rancks or Orders, there is some difficulty in the true discovery thereof, by reason that we know not certainly of what Orders they were that Fell. The opinion of most men is, That of every Order many fell. But those that better know the nature of the Heavenly Hierarchies, have sufficiently proved, That of any Ranck or Order none can fall unless all do follow. Therefore with more reason may it be judged, That before the Devils fell, the Hierarchy of Heaven did consist of three Rancks or Orders; to wit, the Order of Uriel, of Michael, of Lucifer: That of Lucifer is totally in Hell: The other which is under Michael, is the dominion of Heaven: The last which is Uriels, are more in the dominion of this third principle of the Stars, having the Planets in their dominion, with the influences thereof.

In three distinctions.35. So that the foregoing Catalogue, transcribed by the Author of this Discovery, is utterly feigned and fictitious, because it makes these many sorts of Devils to have Dominion over several Legions in several distinctions of Seraphims, Powers, Thrones, Dominations, Cherubims, &c. Whereas the whole Kingdom of Hell consists but of one only Hierarchy, which is that of Lucifer and his Legions, reduced by their exorbitances into that Lacrymable posture wherein they now are and shall be for ever. Which Doctrine seriously weigh’d will prove the attempts of Conjurers and Magicians to be utterly vain, and their forms of Invocation vanity and falshood.

Their numbers.36. Their number may be thought upon more narrowly, if we consider that they consist of one Hierarchy and no more; yet must we confess that the limit is not to be put thereunto, because their nature is to Germinate and Multiply as they please, contracting and dilating themselves according to the force of their imaginative powers and faculties. But although this be granted, yet there is a setled number of Devils that varyeth not. Though of Damned Souls the number is numberless and unfathomable; yet as to their extent of room or place, it is never the more because of their multitude, they being able to truss a thousand Legions into the carcass of a man. As for the opinions of Authors, they are various; it is believed by some, That the Starrs are answerable to their number; others speak of the Sands upon the Seashore: however it be, this is certain, They are even innumerable in respect of humane Capacities.

Their natures and properties.37. Their Natures are now to be considered as they belong to the hellish source or quality. In themselves they rest not, neither are they capable of the length or shortness of time, nor of the alternate courses of day and night. The wickedness which they committed in this life, are their continual torment, which do Magically gnaw and corrode them, rising and boyling up perpetually within them, all the refrigeration which they have, is by intercourse when the height of Wickedness begins to stirr them in blasphemies against God, and towring up above heaven and goodness, in their adulterated Imaginations, which is unto them as sport and pastime with one another, and lasteth such a space as with us makes up forty minutes. Neither doth this any whit advantage them, Their tormentsbut rather adds to their torment; for pain discontinued is the greater: neither would vexation be vexation, if it had no respite or forbearance; That the contrary might be also manifest, Nam contraria juxta se posita majus elucescunt. Yet is their torment exceedingly different, so that the torment of one, in respect of another, is but a Dream or Phansie; I mean, amongst the Damned Souls, and not the Devils, for the pain and sorrow of the Devils is greater then the greatest of the lost Souls, by many thousand degrees, according to the course of nature and reason; for that which falls highest, suffers most, and optima corrupta fiunt pessima/

63.The Variety thereof.38. But wonderful and manifold are the torments which all in general of the Infernal troops, do suffer according to the various lusts they reigned in whilst they lived upon the earth. The cruel Murtherers that died in the boyling source of blood and envy, their torment is the greatest, they are continually Murthering in their imaginations, and seeking, like dreaming men, to do what the want of the Organ will not suffer them; for according to the saying of the wisest upon this Subject, this is the torment and misery of all the Damned, That they are continually wishing and woulding; and in wouldings they generate Ideas and representations, which are the species of their continual aggravations and deceiving phansies.

The Nature thereof.39. Those that were buryed in Lust and Gluttony, Drunkenness and Lasciviousness, are also in miserable torments, yet much inferiour to the first; they are continually imagining their former pleasures in the Magia as in a dream, which when they wake, torments them cruelly; they are often hanging, stabbing, and mangling themselves for love, and perpetually sinking down in sorrow and despair, if they were such as died in love, or in the height of their Astral affections, leaving behind them a heap of desires and lusts, which are the only cause of all their torment. And we may well compare the passions of Melancholy persons, or such as in Deserts, Woods, and Mountains, pine away for love of Women, unto their torments; which indeed being the trouble of the mind, are absolutely the greatest and heaviest that the source or property of this World affordeth, I mean, the perturbations of the minde in general.

Their torment in the source of Anger. 40. Such souls in whom the boyling source of Anger and Rage, hath had a dwelling or receptacle, if they depart unmortified, do also enter into a most dreadful kind of torment, which continually ariseth as a biting Worm and hungry fire to double and accumulate the excess of despair upon them, if they have much domineered therein whilst they lived in this World. Also these that reigned in Pride and Envy, are ever seeking to pluck God from his Throne, and towring up in their Imaginations, as men that dream, still seeking for the Kingdom of heaven, to insult and boast therein; but the quality thereof is utterly occult and estranged from them; so that they can never finde, taste, hear, nor see it, though it be through and through with their own peculiar principle. This adds perpetually to their misery, and ariseth at times with horrible pangs and gnawings, like the irksome and vexatious pains and aches subject to Mans body, which cease a while and then begin to shoot and ake by intercourse, as the Gowt, Tooth-ach, Head-ach, Convulsion, Gripings, and the Stone.

In all the five Senses.41. Thus their torments are in brief described, but indeed the capacity of Man is not able to reach the description of their cruel miseries, and continual pangs which they contracted upon themselves; for every faculty is sufficiently plagued. The Sence of Hearing is disturb’d with harsh and rugged sounds, which are as an antipathy to that Organ; as rough and scraping sounds externally offend the ears, and set the teeth on edge, by affecting the tender fibres of the same. Their Sight is likewise cruelly offended and affrighted with monstrous appearances and Ideas represented continually to their imaginations. And there is not any loathsome taste in the Kingdome of this World, either Animal, Vegetative, or Mineral, which they are at any time void of, being continually pestered and suffocated with filthy fumes and smoaks of hellish fruits, as of Sulphurean stinks, and abominations.

By their acquaintance on earth. 42. Neither are the other Sences of the Touch and Smell behind in participation of the like Torments, which their own iniquities do perpetually excite and create unto them; besides, they are ever vexing one another; and if any be in the same misery with whom they had acquaintance here on *eath,[* read, earth] the very Magical knowledge, and perceivance, or remembrance thereof, doth beyond utterance or conception, most miserably afflict and macerate their Souls and all their Sences/

64.The Nature of Hell.43. For the nature of their habitation is such, that their torment is exceedingly aggravated thereby, because the extremity of the four Elements is there converted into a whole Principle of wrath and vexation. The excess of cold and heat, drought and moisture, are continually raging amongst them by intercourse. Neither is there any light or lustre to be seen within their Courts, but that which comes from their fiery Eyes, as a deadly glance or glimmering, being sudden fiery flashes and sparkling, as the enkindling of Gunpowder, or Aurum fulminans for a similitude.

The food of Devils.44. And as every kinde of Being feeds upon somewhat of its own nature, property, and element, whither it be Plant, Animal, or Metalline kinde; so the Devils are neither destitute of meat, drink, nor cloathing, according to their own Kingdom and quality, having fruits springing and growing before them of hellish, sour and poysonous natures, which are real and palpable unto them, and not imaginary or typical, though to us magical and invisible; neither is this to be wondered at, if we consider the nature of Man’s Soul, In Media Natura; for if it feed not upon the internal*[* ? eternal] and substantial Word, which is the very Bread of Life it self, it must of necessity ruminate on something else, viz. the fruits of Iniquity, which it takes in and drinketh up as the Oxe drinks water, so that to the soul the sin becomes palpable, glutting, and satiating; yea, so substantial unto the Soul, as Dirt or Ink upon fair white Linnen is to our external Eyes; neither can the Soul be freed from these spots till the water above the Firmament wash them away.

Their food in the Astral source.45. Also in respect of the Astral source they are not destitute of food, when they bring themselves into the same; for the gas of the air and bias of the water is their nourishment, while they stay here, as is before alledged: These influences of the air and water they take into their Limbus, and convert into their own poysonous natures; as of sweet and wholsome herbs the filthy Toads and other venemous Beasts do make their poyson, converting them into a nature like themselves. And on the contrary, the poysonous herbs are converted into good and wholesome nourishment by other cleanly Beasts.

Their Speech.46. And as the Infernal Troops are considered in respect of the four Elements, they have a distinct and peculiar tone or language, which they exercise and speak one amongst one another, as mortals do. But they have utterly lost the dignity of their sounds according to the eternal nature. And are likewise totally corrupted in their pronouncing, or Dialect, since they fell from their first cÆlestial glory; so that their speech is harsh, doleful, and terrible, like the fruits they feed upon, and the life they dwell in. Which depravation is very apparent in the Kingdom of this World in the divided Languages of every Region, according to the Constellation under which they are situated: The true and magical Language of nature being hid from all the Countreys of the earth.

What Language they affect. 47. But when they appear in the outward Elements, they do many times express themselves in Irish, Welch, Latine; or Russian, which are the Languages most affected by them to answer unto Conjurations, or Compacts. So that if any Magician, who is ignorant of these aforesaid Languages do at any time Raise or Exorcise such Spirits, he must be mindful to confine them to his mother tongue; least their gibberish prove altogether unintelligible; for as every thing appears in what it most affecteth, or is addicted to; even so the Spirits have their distinct affections, passions, and postures, both in word, habit, shape, and gesture; so that the Magician must be wary in Exorcizing with them, that he confine them to a different place, posture, shape, and language, to answer their intentions without impediment.

Their unconstancy.48. For they are very variable and unconstant in their dealings with mankind, nor will they stand to any thing that hath not bound them by the obligations of Words, Characters, and Imprecations, except the skill of the Exorcist be such, that he is able to confine them into a Magical Triad, which hath the certain force of obliging or compelling them to utter truth, and nothing false in/65. all their Answers, or Informations. But with such miserable men and women as they have made Covenants and Indentures for body, soul, and works; with such I say, they keep no faith, nor are they lyable to their commands; but on the contrary, have them hampered and subjected to their will and power, till they have terminated their lives in their destruction.

Their Power.49. Yet have not any of the most potent Princes in the Hellish Power, the least ability to destroy the least of the sons of men, without the consent of the mind and senses of the Soul; for until the will of the Soul be opened unto him, his threatnings, sleights and stratagems are without any power or force, as the nerves of a dead man. Although naturally every evil Spirit boasteth, as if all the world were at its command, and every Soul were subject to its authority and beck, with the Goods or Possessions of the external World.

When they are called up.50. When any evil Spirit is raised up by Conjurations, without League, or Compact; these Spirits so raised, are exceeding fraudulent and deceitful, as stubborn servants that do their Masters will by constraint, and not by any natural act of obedience unto his Commands. But with such as they have compacted, they are frequent and officious, imploying them as Agents for the destruction of others and their substance: and being marryed unto such, they are even become one with them, being incorporated into them, so that they are nothing different from incarnate Devils, save that the spark of divine Light, which was the gift of God unto repentance, is not totally eradicated until the body fall away.

Fumigations made unto them.51. From such as Covenant with these unconstant Spirits, do they daily obtain Fumigations, Odours, and Offerings, or Sacrifices of Blood, Fire, Wine, Ointments, Incense, Fruits, Excrements, Herbs, Gums, Minerals, and other Ingredients, by which from a Magical cause, they have more influence and authority over the bewitched party to insinuate into their affection, peircing even through their bones and marrow, till they have so habituated them to their service, that the same becomes their daily bread and sole delight in accomplishing every villany and abomination which the malicious and subtle instigation of Satan leads them to.

The Conclusion.52. Thus have I Essayed to illustrate the Natures of Infernal Beings, which notwithstanding is a Subject so intricate and copious in it self, that great difficulty accompanies the Explication thereof; by reason of the variety of their natures in the source of darkness, wherein they live, move, eat, breath, and inhabit, having qualities, actions, and passions innumerable, to us men-kinde utterly unknown and incomprehensible: So that to attempt an ample demonstration of this present Subject, would require deeper speculation then the matter doth deserve, in regard that there be so many Protei and Changlings in that gloomy Kingdom, who do never stay or continue in the same nature, property, and form for an hour together; but may be compared to the swiftness of the Windes, or the likeness and form of swift running Waters, that pass away as a thought; and are no more remembered. So it is with the Spirits of Darkness, whose life is a meer anguish and inconstancy from one sorrow to another unto all Eternity/

Chap. VI.66.

Treating of the Nature, Force and Forms of Charms, Periapts, Amulets, Pentacles, Conjurations, Ceremonies, &c.

1.BEfore Shews before Spirits appear.Appearances are made, after forms of Conjuration are repeated, the Infernal Spirits make various and wonderful shews, noises, and attempts as fore-runners to their appearance: At the first attempts of novices in Conjuration, they are accompanyed with noises, tremblings, flashes, howlings, and most dreadful shriekes, till after further progress and experience therein they approach nearer unto this Elemental nature, till by degrees they can manifestly be apparent unto their Exorcist.

2. When Chiancungi,A Relation of a Magician. and his sister Napala, did first attempt to call up Spirits, they begun with the Spirit Bokim, in the twentieth degree: they hung a vault under ground with black both on the top and bottom, lining it therewith; and having drawn the Circle of the Order of Thrones, with the seven Planets, and their Magical Characters in the Center, they proceeded to the Ceremonies of Conjuration after they had frequently repeated the forms of calling, and nothing as yet appeared; they were grown so desperate therein, that forsaking the Circle, and every defensive Character or Ceremony, they at last betook themselves to the most accursed and detestable branch of Magick, which consists of Compacts, or Confederacy; and having by a solemn League summoned the aforesaid Spirit Bokim, they obtain’d 155. years from the Spirit, Covenanting therewith for body, soul, and works.

His Actions.3. In which damned life they continued exercising strange wonders in every Countrey. By the help of this Magician the Tartars did destroy above 100 sail of Ships belonging unto China; many losses did he bring upon that Kingdom in their Children, Fruits, Corn, Silk, and Navigation; he could frequently transport himself through the Air, and carry in one hand a thousand pound weight, to the astonishment of all that knew him. He had many publick contests with Magicians of other Countries, being tryals of skill in Magical Art, wherein he was said to excel all that ever went before him.

Another Magician.4. Such another was Lewis Gaufridi a French Priest, who had compacted with the Devil, and served him 14 years in these detestable works, sacrificing Infants unto him, worshipping him in a filthy shape, and tempting others to their Magical society or nocturnal Conventions; in which, as it is reported, they did ever feast and junket with varieties and dainties, which though they did seem delectable, were yet notwithstanding gustless and unsavoury.

What Charms are.5. Leaving these relations, something shall be said of Charms and Spells, as they are divided in this following manner; first, such Amulets as being engraven and molded in the fashion of Money, or Coyn, do serve to provoke any one desired unto love and familiarity, being hung about the neck in certain Planetary hours. Secondly, Spells or Charms in Parchment with Magical Characters, as Periapts to Cure diseases; to make one valiant, memorative, and constant. Thirdly, Corselets, which are an ancient Danish Charm of Neck-laces, composed of Thunderstones ingraven with Magical Letters, to resist all noxious influences, and the danger of Lightning.

Pentacles.6. Pentacles are a fourth sort of appendix, which Conjurers, Charmers, and Magicians use, being made with five corners, according to the five Senses, and the operation thereof inscribed upon the corners; the matter whereof they are composed, is fine Linnen doubled, and done with Cere-cloth between. This figure the Magician holds in his hand, lifting it up from the skirt of his Garment to which it is annexed, when Spirits that are raised are stubborn and rebellious, refusing to be conformable unto the Ceremonies and Rites of Magick.

Their force.7. Also by the holding forth of Pentacles, with these words, Glauron, Amor,/ Amorula, Beor, Beorka, Beroald, Anepheraton, 67. repeated at the instant. The evil Spirits that possess the bodies of bewitched people are cruelly tortured and amazed, being by the frequent repetition thereof forced at last to depart by the assistance of the Exorcism of the sixth Cannon for the order of Seraphims.

Telesms.8. When Magicians exercise Conjuration by Moon-light in the Mountains or Valleys, they have another sort of Charm by way of Telesms, which they bury within a hundred paces of the place where the Circle is composed towards the East, West, North, and South; For such spells have the secret power to hinder any living creature for coming near them, till their Exercize be done, except the Infernal Spirit, whose presence they do so ardently desire.

For Diseases.9. Such Spells as are made in some Edible matter, with Characters upon them, are given for Agues, Head-ach, Epilepsie, Mother, &c. Especially being powerful in operation, when the party is ignorant of the Charm taken in; many such I know have taken wonderful effect. But as for Philtres, Potions, and Love-cups, they proceed rather from a natural cause; whether their effects be to afflict with Diseases to Poyson, or to provoke unto Love of a Party whom they disdain: Neither are such to be numbered amongst Charms; because their effect is meerly natural, from a natural cause.

Fumigations.10. But to insist further upon the nature of Conjuration, Magicians do much exercise their time in Fumigations unto those Spirits whom they are about to provoke; their fumes being distributed according to the nature of the Spirit under any of the seven Planets, which the antient Conjurers were very punctual in observing, though in these days it be much forgot, as superfluous, or rather dangerous to insert amongst the Ceremonies of Conjuration. A division of Fumigations according to the Influence of the Planets, and Orders of Spirits, we will here set down in this manner.

For Saturn.11. Fumigations for Saturn are made of Frankincense Trees, Pepperwort Rooots,*[* sic] Storax, and Galbanum; by these the Spirits Marbas, Corban, Stilkon, Idos, &c. And all of the first order in the astringency are appeased and provoked, when the fumes are put upon a Tripod in the hour of Saturn according to the Planetary division. These Fumigations make these Spirits appear like old men, with promiss beards, and meager looks; like Serpents, Cats, Wolves, Badgers, Panthers; like old Men in Armour; like Trumpeters in many ranks and divisions.

Jupiter.12. For Spirits under Jupiter, they take Lignum Aloes, Ashen-Keys, Benjamin, Storax, Peacocks-feathers, and Lapis Lazuli, mixing the same with the blood of a Stork, a Swallow, or a Hart; the brains being also added. The fumes are kindled in Jupiters hour, and in a place appropriate to his nature. And by this sacrifice the Spirits of the next order are called up, like glorious Kings with many attendants, and mighty pomp; with Heralds before them, and Ensign-bearers, Trumpeters, Guards, and all sorts of musical Instruments.

Mars.13. They make Fumigations unto such Spirits of the order of Powers, as are under Mars, in the Planetary division with Aromatick Gum, Bdellium, Euphorbium, Load-stone, Hellebore white and black, and an addition of Sulphur to make them into an Amalgama, with Man’s blood, and the blood of a black Cat; which mixtures are said to be exceeding magical: so that without any other addition, they say, this fumigation is able of it self to make such Spirits to appear before the Exorcist; at their appearance they come with weapons brandishing, and shining Armour, being terrible in their looks; yet of power inferiour to the Spirits of Saturn, though they can likewise shew themselves as Lions, Wolves, Tygers, Bears, and all other cruel or ravenous Beasts.

Sol.14. They do likewise unto the Spirits under Sol, being of the order of Thrones, Suffumigate Saffron, Musk, Laurel, Cinnamon, Ambergriece, Cloves, Myrrhe, and Frankincense, Musk, and the Balsamick Tree mixed up together with the brain of an Eagle, and the blood of a white Cock, being made up like Pills, or little Balls, and put upon the Tripod; their appearances are Castles, Gardens,/68. Mountains, Rivers, Fisher-men, Hunters, Reapers, Dogs, Sheep, Oxen, and other domestick Beasts.

Venus.15. Under Venus are the Spirits of the sixth order in the Powers; their appearances are very stately, like the nature of the Planet; like Courtiers, Ladies, Princes, Queens, Infants, Children, and fragrant smells. The fumigations appropriate unto them are Roses, Coral, Lignum Aloes, and Sperma Ceti made up with Sparrows, brains and blood of Pidgeons to be fumigated with a Song.

Mercury.16. Mercury sendeth Horsemen, Fishers, Labourers, Priests, Students, Servants, &c. Also, Foxes, Serpents, Dogs, Hares, Hyena’s, Hydra’s, and other Monstrous Animals; unto him they fumigate Frankincense, Mastick, Cinkfoyl, incorporated with the brain of a Fox, and the blood of a Mag-Pye.

Luna.17. Spirits under Luna are like Ghosts and shadows, very gastly to behold; though in humane shape sometimes male, sometimes female. Fumigations are offered unto them of Frogs dryed, white Poppy-seed, Bulls Eyes, Camphire, and Frankincense, incorporated with Gooses blood, and the menstruous blood of Women.

Why such Ceremonies are of force.18. These are the divisions of fumigations, neither can it be denyed, but that in many Ceremonies of this kind, there is great inherent virtue according to the Doctrines of Sympathy and Antipathy, whereby every thing is drawn by its like in the Idea, whither by words or actions, according to the saying, In verbis, herbis & lapidibus latet virtus, so that the Ceremonies and Charms, with other circumstances used by Magicians, are doubtless prevalent to the accomplishment of that work which they undertake; to wit, The calling up and Exorcizing of Infernal Spirits by Conjurations.

Chap. VII.

Being the Conclusion of the Whole; wherin divers antient Spells, Charms, Incantations and Exorcisms are briefly spoken of.

1.BEsides Charms.what the Author hath set down, there be many other Spells and Charms, which Tradition hath left unto Posterity, being many of them effectual for the thing intended by them, as in the precedent Chapter is set down, wherein the Orders of Fumigations are described. Besides there are Magical Characters attributed to the Planets, whereof Telesms, Periapts, Amulets, and Philters, are composed by buryings, writings, bindings, engravings, alligations, &c. to effect various purposes in Astrological hours. To conquer Enemies, cure diseases, overturn Cities, stop Inundations, render bodies Invulnerable, and the like; which are all effected by medium’s of this kind, with the assistance of Imagination.

2. Yet are thereNatural Operations. many natural Compositions, which have very stupendious effects of themselves, without assistance of Superstition; for the commixtion of things is of two-fold force or vertue: First, When the Celestial vertues are duly disposed in any natural body; so that in one thing are couched various Influences of superiour Powers. The second is, from Artificial mixtures and Compositions of natural things amongst themselves, in a certain proportion to agree with the Heavens under certain Constellations. This proceeds from the correspondence of natural things amongst themselves, whereby things are effected even unto admiration, as Agrippa declares, Cap. 35. lib. 1.

Places ascribed to the seven Planets.3. And as unto every Planet certain fumigations are ascribed; so unto such Spirits as are under them, certain Places are adopted for the Ceromonies*[* sic] of Conjuration, which Magicians chose when they set upon their works of Darkness. Unto Saturn are ascribed dark melancholy Places, Vaults, Tombes, Monasteries, empty Houses, Dens, Caves, Pits. Unto Jupiter, Theaters, Schools, Musick houses, Judgment seats. To Mars, Fields where Battels have been fought, Bakehouses, Glass-houses, Shambles, Places,†[† sic] of Execution. To Sol, Palaces,/69. Mountains, Meddows, Sunshine, Groves, and upper Rooms. To Venus, Fountains, Meadows, Gardens, and the Sea-shore. Unto Mercury, all publick places belonging unto Cities. To Luna, Wildernesses, Woods, Rocks, Forrests, Ships, High-wayes, &c.

Spells.4. In like manner are Spells and Charms adapted to the thing which they must effect, according to the matter, form and place of their composition; as for the procuring of Love, they bury Rings, Ribbons, Seals, Pictures, Looking-Glasses, &c. in Stews, Baths, Beds, that in such places they may contract some Venereal faculty: When they gather Herbs or other Ingredients; they chuse the hour and place, when such Planets have Dominion as are over these Herbs, which they collect, ever remembring to turn their faces to the East, or South, when Saturnine, Martial or Jovial Herbs are gathered, because their Principal houses are Southern signs; for Venereal, Mercurial, or Lunary herbs, they must look towards the West or North, because their houses are chiefly Northern signs. Yet in any Solar or Lunar operations the body of the Sun and Moon must be respected in the operation.

Secret Conclusions.5. Colours are also much regarded amongst Magicians, according to the Planet, as black, leaden, brown, unto Saturn; saphire, vernal, green, purple, golden, unto Jupiter; red, burning, violet, bloody, and iron colours unto Mars; golden, saffron, scarlet, &c. unto the Sun; white, fair, green, ruddy, pleasant mixed colours unto Venus, Murcury, and Luna. In like manner they ascribe colours unto the twelve Houses, and according to the Planets have also certain compositions for fire that produce wonderful operations; as Lamps of Serpents skins will make Serpents to appear. Oyl that hath stood under Grapes, being lighted, presenteth the Chamber full of Grapes. Centaury and the Lapwings blood makes people seem like Gyants, and in the open air will make the Stars seem to move up and down in the Elements. The fat of a Hare lighted in a Lamp, will cause Women to be exceeding merry and facetious. And Candles composed of things that are Saturnine, raise terrours and melancholy in the party that lights them, and in those that are lighted by them.

The Candle of life.6. Such wonderful effects have natural things being fitted unto their Hours and Constellations, as also when they are used to prove such effects as the nature of the things doth produce of it self, though in a weaker degree. To raise Tempests Magicians burn the Liver of a CamÆlion on the house top. To cause strange sights they hang the Gall of a Ox over their Beds; to bring Apparitions and Spirits, they make a strange fume of a Mans Gall, and the Eyes of a black Cat; Which, Agrippa saith, he hath often made experience of. There is also a strange Magical Candle described amongst Chymical Authors, which being lighted, foretells the death of the party to whom it belongs. The manner thereof is thus; They take a good quantity of the venal blood luke-warm as it came out of the vein, which being Chymically prepared with Spirit of Wine and other Ingredients, is at last made up into a Candle, which being once kindled, never goes out till the death of the party whose blood it is composed of; for when he is sick, or in danger, it burns dim and troubled; and when he is dead, it is quite extinguished; of which Composition a Learned man hath wrote an intire Tractate, De Biolychnio, or, The Lamp of Life.

That Characters are compacts.7. But to proceed to the nature of Characters, Sigils, and other Ceremonies, we find that not only such as pretend to command over all sorts of Spirits; but also they that do make Compacts, and have sold themselves unto him, do make use of such; which instance is sufficient to prove what a wise man hath asserted, that although Evil Spirits have so blinded Mens Eyes, as to make them believe they are defended by such Ceremonies, and that these Characters are as Munitions against the Devils malignancy; Yet these very Characters, Sigils, Lamins, &c., are Compacts themselves, which the Devils did at first cunningly disguise with strange Repetitions in uncouth Language.

8. So that we have grounds to believe, that none is able absolutely without Compact to call up any Spirit. But that whosoever hath pretended to be famous in/70. the Art of Magick or Conjuration, hath (to himself unknown) compacted with and worshipped the Devil, under strange Repetitions and mystical Characters, which to him seemed to have effects quite contrary to what they really had.

The force of Words and Characters.9. Neither is this to be admired, that without the Knowledge or Consent of the Magician, a Contract is made with Evil Spirits; when we consider the magical strength of Words and Characters, which of themselves can cure Diseases, pull down, infect, save, destroy, charm and inchant without the Parties assistance, either in knowledge of the Cause, or in belief of the Consequence or Effect.

The vanity of Conjuration.10. But on the contrary, I could instance a multitude of Examples of such as have spent much time in Conjurations to no purpose, still attempting by Exorcisms and Defensive Prayers to conjure a Spirit, or cause Personal Appearances, with severe Imprecations and powerful Charges, and yet notwithstanding have never attain’d their purpose, nor at any time heard, or seen any Beeing, which may be called Spectre, or Apparition.

By Similitude.11. Which is nothing wonderful, if we minde the sympathy of things in Nature, how each desires its like, and hunteth after it as the Loadstone draws Iron; the male coveteth the female; the evil after the evil, and the good after the good; which is seen in wicked Men and their Association, in Birds and Beasts of prey; while on the contrary, the Lamb delights not in the Lyon, nor the Sheep in the society of the Wolf; neither doth the nature which is totally depraved and estranged from God, care to be forced or drawn compulsively by another contrary nature, viz. innocent, just, and harmless.

Exorcising, or casting out. 12. Neither doth it consist with natural reason, That Evil Spirits should affect the society of those that are their Enemies, who make use of the dreadful and holy Names of God in Conjurations to call them up; whereas they are rather antidotes against Apparations,*[* sic] as may be seen in various Examples of holy Men, who by Prayers and Exorcisms have banished Evil Spirits in all Ages, which is also further evident, in that the very form of Dispossessing and Exorcising is made up of divers Prayers and Defensive Blessings against the obnoxious influences of Infernal Spirits.

Like desires its like.13. Therefore though I would be far from describing an undenyable course of Conjuring Spirits, or of causing Apparitions: Yet this I must assert conclusively from what is before alledged, That if any thing would be called or wrought upon, it must be with something which is of its own nature, as a bait to catch or tempt it; for in catching Birds, Beasts, or Fishes, such esculents as are properly for these Animals, are made use of to allure them, neither can mankinde command them by any threats to come into his custody.

Nothing is compelled by contraries.14. How much less is mankind able to compel the Infernal Spirits, the very least of which Kingdom, is able, if let loose, to exterminate a thousand lives, and utterly over-turn poor mortals and their doings, as various by-past accidents can evince: But whosoever hath compacted with them for body, soul, and works, such they are at unity with, and unto such they appear for the advancement of their Kingdom in the destruction of others; for they are grafted into them and incorporated into their very heart and soul, which unavoidably becomes their wages when the body falls away.

15. Yet many wayes there be by Images, Telesms, and Amulets, which have little or no dependance upon Conjuration, or the strength thereof, being rather effectual from sympathetical Causes, as many natural conclusions prove. And Paracelsus speaks of a way by the Image of any Bird or Beast to destroy that Animal, though at a distance; so by hair, fat, blood, excrements, excrescences, &c. of any Animal or Vegetable, the ruin or cure of that thing may be effected.

16. Which is seen in the Armary Unguent, and the Sympathetical Powder. In the instance of divers Histories, of such as used Waxen Images, composed in divers postures, and under certain Constellations, whereby several have been tormented and macerated even unto death; and according to the punishment or torment which the Magician intends to afflict, accordingly do they dispose the/71. hour of the Composition, and the posture or semblance of the Image.

Of Images of Wax, and what is wrought by them.17. For if a malitious minded Witch intends to consume and pine away the Life or Estate of any miserable Man or Woman, she makes his Image of Wax in such an ominous aspect as may conduce to her design, making several magical Characters upon the sides of the head, describing the Character of the hour or Planetary time upon the breast of the Image; the name of the party on his forehead; the intended effect to be wrought upon him upon his back. When they cause aches, pains, and violent pangs in the sinews and the flesh, they stick thorns and pins in divers places of their arms, breasts, and legs. When they cast them into Feavers and Consumptions, they spend an hour in every day to warm and turn the Image before a doleful and lingring fire, composed of divers exotick Gums, and magical Ingredients of sweet Odours, and strange Roots of shrubs, efficient for their purpose.

Further concerning Images.18. Wonderful are the various postures and pranks which Magicians play with Images; neither will I mention the most perfect and prevalent part of the practice of Images, and the powerful operations thereof, least the evil minded should work abominations therewith upon the Persons or Possessions of their neighbours.

Of Images provoking Love.19. According to the nature of what they would effect they frame their Images; if by Images they would provoke two parties to love, or be enamoured on one another, they frame their Images naked, with Astrological Observations and Imbraces of those that are Venereal; to provoke unto enmity they place malignant Characters and Aspects, and the Images in a fighting posture.

20. If their intentions be for good, all their Characters are engraven upon the foreparts of the body. But if they would afflict the party with Consumption, or with death, they thrust Needles through the hearts, and engrave their Characters upon their Posteriors, or upon their shoulders, using all their Conjurations retrograde, and repeating every Charm opposite to the former.

21. Thousands of strange and uncouth Charms might be here described, according to the exact form wherein Tradition hath left them; But I have only insisted upon the description of the natures in General; And as by Images and Telesms, the Europeans have effected admirable things: so the Tartars have a wonderful ways*[* sic] of producing the like effects, by Forms of Charms in Tartary.Botles, Sheep-skins, Rods, Basins, Letters, or Missives, unto certain Spirits, and many otherwayes unheard of in Europe.