Cases of Conscience Concerning Evil Spirits

Near that place, a number of Protestants used to meet to serve God. From this, the professors of the true Reformed religion were nicknamed Huguenots by the Roman Catholics original: "Papists"; a derogatory term for Catholics often used by Protestant authors of this era., who intended to represent them to the world as the servants and worshippers of that demon who went by the name of Hugen. And how often have I read in books written by Jesuits that Luther was a wizard, and that he himself confessed to having familiarity with Satan! Most shameless untruths! Nor are these things to be wondered at, since the holy Son of God himself was reputed to be a magician and one who had familiarity with the greatest of devils. The blaspheming Pharisees said, “He casts out the devils through the prince of devils” (Matthew 9:34).

There is, then, not even the best saint on earth (man or woman) who can be certain that the Devil will not cast such a charge original: "imputation" upon them. “It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!” (Matthew 10:25). It is not for men to determine how far the holy God may permit the wicked one to proceed in his accusations. The sacred story of Job gives us to understand that the Lord—whose ways are past finding out—does, for wise and holy purposes, allow Satan by direct action (and consequently by witchcraft) to greatly afflict innocent persons in their bodies and estates, as well as in their reputations. I shall mention only one more scripture passage to confirm this truth. It is found in: