Some Account of Dr. Balthasar Bekker valuable communication from a vene- SIR, Oldenbarneveld, State of New York, America, March 4th, 1817. IN Na letter of August 26, 1816, containing an extract from Robert Robinson's Works, by Flower, Vol. I. p. 79, in your Repository, October, 1816, p. 594, is desired some farther information about Dr. Bekker and the Mennonite Baptists. I shall be gratified if the little which I can communicate on these subjects is acceptable. BALTHASAR BEKKER, D. D., was a minister of the Reformed Christian Church at Amsterdam, and possessed of a vast erudition and an undaunted spirit, and made the best use of his talents, in every way, to enlighten his fellow-christians. His task was the more arduous, and its execution the more daring, as the prejudices of his contemporaries were strong, and the belief in witchcraft and sorcery was deep-rooted in the minds of the vulgar, learned and unlearned, in the latter part of the seventeenth century. He published a work on comets, on occasion of the appearance of that in 1680 and 1681, about the same time in which P. Bayle published his Pen VOL. XII. 3 M [Vol. XII. sées sur la Comète. He defended the system of Descartes in a treatise, De Philosophia Cartesiana Admonitio, and though little was yet wanting to entitle him to the name of a Naturalist-an Atheist, he ventured on the bold step of driving the devil from his long usurped empire in this world. He exposed his rich armory in his Enchanted World, a work of great learning and ingenuity, which, although its manner was confused, and its language unharmonious, throws much light on this subject, and anticipated many of H. Farmer's principal argu ments, him, among whom the foremost were A host of antagonists rose against Jo. Wayen, Petr. Mastricht, Melch. Leydekker, Jo. Marck, Ever. Vanden Hooght, Henr. Groenewegen, Simon de Vries, P. Hulsing and Petr. Poiret. I Not one dared to approve his doctrine before Chr. Thema Suis, not one during his life, so afraid were clergymen and laymen to incur the devil's displeasure. See Fred. Spanheim Elench. Controv. p. 673. Weisman. Hist. Eccles. Bayle's Work, entitled "Miscellaneous There is an English translation of Reflections, occasioned by the late Comet, which appeared in December 1680, chiefly tending to explode popular superstitions; written to a Doctor of the Sorbonne." 8vo. 1708. + Professor of Divinity at Utrecht, who died in 1721, aged 69. Who died at Rbinesberg, in Holland, in 1719, aged 73. He had, by his intercourse with Madam Bourignon, become a cations, attributed to this learned divine, was zealous Mystic. The first of the six publiin Latin, and entitled Rational Thoughts on God, the Soul and Evil. The last was an edition of Madam Bourignon's Works, in 19 vols. 8vo., with her Life, and several pieces, by Madam Guyon. See Nov. Dict, Hist, Paris, 1772, Article, Poiret, sec. xvii. p. 952, 3. Buddei Isag. p. 281, and lastly, Sam. Mursinnæ Comp. Th. Dogmat. p. 192, well deserving an English translation. Often had Dr. Bekker been persecuted by his brethren, but without success, though their inveterate malice was not assuaged. They laid only on their oars, well persuaded that his ardent lofty mind ere long would procure them a new handle, by which they might cut down this tree, if they could not destroy it, roots and all. They succeeded, when he published his Enchanted World, so far, that he was removed from the ministry, or rather suspended; he was not permitted to preach, but he continued to wear his clerical garments, occupied his seat in the minister's pew, and received, (as in our days, the Rev. Damm, at Berlin,) his salary through the Magistracy of Amsterdam, not priest-ridden enough to be intimidated by the vociferations of embittered clergymen. I suppose the admirers of H. Farmer cannot be displeased to throw here a glance on the principal works published on this subject, before and since that period. Jac. Basnage, Antiq. Jud. vol. II. chap. 8. J. Le Clerc, Bibl. Chois. tom. XIII. p. 219. The Doctrine of Devils, Lond. 1676,* and upon this treatise Des Maizeaux, in not. ad Epist. P. Baylii, tom. II. p. 435. Benj. de Daillon, Examen de l'oppression des Reformés en France. * "The Doctrine of Devils proved to be the grand Apostacy of these later Times. An Essay tending to rectify those undue Notions and Apprehensions Men have about Dæmons and Evil Spirits," 12mo. The anonymous author appears to have been a member of the Church of England, from some unfriendly expressions respecting the Nonconformists. He speaks with great disapprobation of Socinians, and zealously advocates the Godhead of Christ, yet regarding a belief in diabolical agency, expressed by admitting the reality of possessions, and of the temptation as the greatest of heresies. To this work may be added one, which this Author defended, entitled "The Question of Witchcraft debated, or a Discourse against their Opinion that affirm Witches." 12mo. 1669, by Wagstaff. See Mon, Repos. VII. 554, 617 and 649. Amst. 1687, in 12mo., and upon this performance, J. Le Clerc. Bibl. Hist. Univ. tom. VII. p. 339. B. Daillon, Dæmonologia, or a Treatise on Spirits. Lond. 1725, 8vo. Jo. Camp. Stede, Diss. Philos. de Angelis, Groninga, 1772. Jac. Ode, Comm. de Angelis, Traj. ad. Rhen., 1739, 4to. with several others mentioned in Sam. Mursinua's Comp. Th. Dogmat. p. 187. I subjoin the contents of the books and chapters of Dr. Bekker's voluminous work. It appeared under the following title: Enchanted World: being a thorough inquiry into the common opinion, with regard to Spirits, their nature and power, government and action: as also into what men by their energy and communion may operate; in four books, by Balthasar Bekker, D. D., and minister in the Reformed Christian Church at Amsterdam, by Dan. Vander Dalla, 1691, in 4to. It has been translated into German and French.* First Book-In which the sentiments and opinions, which all nations have at any time embraced of God and Spirits, or yet embrace, are developed. Dedication, Preface-Explaining his motives of writing and the nature of his work, and mentioning a curious, though not a singular example of ecclesiastical decisions: viz. that one of his works, on the Catechism, was in Friesland condemned unanimously, although not one of two hundred clergymen could give a reason why it was condemned, and afterwards again unanimously twice approved, without any alteration having been made with regard to contested points of doctrine. † The The French translation, from the Dutch original, was made under the Author's inspection, and published in 1694, at Amsterdam, with the title of Le Monde Enchanté, &c. in 4 vols. 12mo. Author's portrait is prefixed to the first volume. Each volume has a dedication, with the signature, Balthasar Bekker, apparently an autograph. Before the first book is an abridgment of the whole work. See Bekker, in the catalogue of printed books, British Museum. This French translation, or, at least, the first volume, including the abridgment, was rendered into English, and published in 1695, under the title of The World Bewitched, &c. 12ino. + Bekker adds, "This has confirmed First Chapter. Introduction.-Importance of the subject; its necessity and usefulness. 2. Sentiments of the Heathens, from Greek and Roman Authors. 3. Origin of Divinations. 4. Origin of Witchcraft. Preface-Chap. 1. State of the question; how far Reason or Scripture must have the precedence; and in what sense the words Spirit and Body are to be understood. 2. The knowledge of our Soul and Body leads us to the knowledge of 5. On similar Artifices by the Na- God, whose perfections prove, that he tions of Heathens in our time. 6. Remains of Ethnicism in the North of Europe. 7. Remains of Ethnicism in Asia. 8. On Witchcraft 9. Manners and Prejudices of the Africans congenial with these. 10. America and West Indies; South and North America. 11. Comparison of the Sentiments and Solemn Rites of numerous Heathen Nations. 12, Examination of the Sentiments of the Jews. 18. On Witchcraft. 14. Opinions of the Mahommedans. 15. The first Christians adopted very soon many opinions of the Heathens. 16. Witchcraft, how far countenanced even by the Orthodox. 17. Comparison of the Doctrine and Opinions of Jews, Mahommedans and Christians. 18. The opinion of the Manicheans is a mixture of all these, and the spring of the opinions of the day. 19. The Papists brought all these in unison, amending and strengthening them. 20. Their doctrine on Apparitions of Spirits, and how they torment Mankind. 21. Applications of Remedies. 22. Protestants; Slight Modification. 23. Comparison between the opinion of Papists and Protestants. 24. Why the Protestants attribute such great power to the Devil. (An interesting chapter.) Book II. In which there is an In quiry into the Doctrine of Spirits; their Power and Influence, particularly that of the Devil, from Reason and Scripture. me in the persuasion, that a true Christian, especially a Doctor of Divinity, ought groundedly himself to inquire into things, without resting upon the judgment of others, that he may obtain a full certainty of the object of his faith and the matter of his precepts." The World Bewitched. Vol. I. Pref. is but one. 3. No plausible reason for the existence of Dæmons, Demi-Gods, or inferior Deities. 4. Existence of Spirits argued from the Human Soul; its Immortality. 5. Arguments from Reason. 6. Angels' existence, not demonstrable out of the Scriptures. 7. No mention in the Scriptures of the nature and origin of Angels. 8. The origin of Evil Spirits and their state in the Scriptures. 9, 10. On the Attributes and Operations given in the Scriptures to Angels. 11. Their ranks not distinctly stated. 12. Of their influence on human Actions, principally of the good Angels. 13. History of the Intercourse of feigned Angels with Abraham and Lot. 14. Consideration of the Presence of Angels at the Sinaitic Legislation, and the conducting the Israelites through the Wilderness. 15. Guardian Angels of Men or Nations, not mentioned in the Scrip tures. 16, 17 and 18. What is understood by Satan or Devil in the Scriptures. 19. Examination whether the story of the Fall, Gen. iii. (interesting and ingenious discussion), is an Allegory. 20. Temptation of Jesus Christ in the Wilderness, a Vision, confirmed from Hos. i. 2-8. 21. 1 Chron. xxi. 1, comp. with 2 Sam. xxiv. 1. 22 Jude's Ep. ver. 9, the Devil's Struggle with Michael. 23. Of Sooth-saving Spirits, in the Scriptures. 24. if Job or Paul were tormented by the Devil. 25. Schedim y Sherim. Satovia. 26. Men, possessed by Dæmons, were subiected to several diseases, δαίμων δαιμονίζειν, δαιμονιζομενοι. (This chapter is an excellent per. formance.) 27. Continuation of the Subject; how Jesus adapted his Discourses to his hearers, without intending to instruct them in wordly knowledge, or remove their innocent prejudices; what he taught of himself, that he was a man, sent from God, mentioning not even a word of Atonement, Election, Hereditary Sin, &c. (John. ix 2, 3, on the hypothesis of the μετεμψύχωσις,) not even of his own person, Luke xxiv. 19; not of the existence of Angels, Acts xxiii. 8; Matt. xii. 27, comp. with x. 25; not of our Planetary System, Matt. v. 44. 28, 29. Examination of different Passages of the Scriptures of the Expulsion of Dæmons by Jesus, of Matt. xvii. 14-21. Mark ix. 17-29. Luke ix. 37-43. 30. Passages of the Scriptures applied to the Devil, to be explained of bad men. 31. The Devil has no power to make Apparitions, or to appear in dreams. 32, 33. Fresh proofs of the annihilation of the mastership and power of the Devil and his imaginary realm. 34 and 35. Conclusion. It is repugnant with the Christian Creed. It is injurious to real Piety. Additional Remark. Book III. Continuation of the Subject. Preface-Relating the Persecutions against the Doctor for the two preceding volumes. Chap. 1. Necessity of an accurate understanding of the words and definitions, to agree on the point in question. 2. Intercourse with Spirits, principally bad, is repugnant to reason. 3. So too any compact of Sorcerers with them; Proofs and Arguments of Glanville and Danæus examined; those of Hornman, Carpzovius, Remigius. 4-7. Examination of passages of the Scriptures with regard to Sor cerers. 8 and 9. Jewish Laws relating to them. 10 and 11. Warnings against Sorcery and Witchcraft in the Scriptures. 12. The possibility of such an intercourse is contradictory to God's intentions to save Man. 13-16. Further examination of passages in the Scriptures. 17. In what consists the mischief of pretended Sorcerers, and why they are reprobated in the Scriptures, and on what ground punished by civil laws. 18. Whether the Devil have power to perplex the mind of a good Man. 19. Conclusion; R. Scot; his Works burned in England; answered by the King; G. Voetius' Positions examined. 20. The common prejudice is contrary to the doctrine of the Reformed Church and its Formularies. 21. It is contrary to Piety. 22. It is a mere Fiction. 28. The refutation of Errors promotes Piety. Book IV. Examination of the Proofs from experience. Preface-Chap. 1. Evidences of Mau's own Experience; its Requisites, without prejudice, without terror. 2. It requires to be well acquainted with the Laws of Nature and their limits. S. Distinction between Realities and Phantoms. 4. Attention paid, whether no Art or Artifices could have been employed. 5. Besides above-mentioned Requisites, other means, opportunity, diligence are required. 6. Examination of Possessed and Bewitched. 7. Examination of Sir Wm. Temple's account of a Story related to him by Count Mauritz, of Nassau, in his Mem. Tom. II. + This first Work, published in the notions of diabolical agency, was printed English language, against the common in 1584, in black letter, 4to., and entitled The Discoverie of Witchcraft, &c.; to which is added, "A Treatise upon the nature of Spirits and Divels, &c., all lately written by Reginald Scot, Esq." This was reprinted with additions and some vaScot Reynolde, in the catalogue of printed riation in the title page, in 1665, folio. See books, British Museum. Reginald Scot educated at Oxford, and of whom Wood was a gentleman of Kent, who had been gives some account. He died in 1599. King James wrote against him in his Demonology, first printed at Edinburgh in 1597. See Athen. Oxon. I. 257. Voetius, Disput. Theolog. III 564, says that his book was burned. On this circumstance Wood is silent. "Memoires, &c., from 1672 to 1679." Ch. xxvii.. S. 8. This is the story of the 1692, 8vo., p. 57, or Locke's Essay, B. II. Parrot supposed to be possessed. 8. Persons, who believe themselves Possessed, or are reputed so, are sus picious evidences. 9 and 10. Examination of two particular events, both of pretended Witchcraft, at Franeker, in Friesland, and Campen, in Overyssel. 11 Examination of the case of Urbain Grandier and the Ursulines at Loudun, in France. 12. Precautions in judging on Facts, attributed to Witchcraft or the Devil. 13. Application of these warnings to pretended Facts, mentioned in the first book, with relation to the Heathens. 14. The same with regard to modern Heathen Nations. 15. To Jews and Mahommedans. 16. To Roman Catholics. 17. To Protestants; Drinking Horn of the Counts of Oldenburg; Horn in the possession of the King of Denmark, with its engraving. 18. Observations on the Northern Nations in Europe; Magicians; unguentum armarium, &c. 19 and 20. Fabella Hamelensis, † another mentioned in Systh. Hist. Chron. Ecclesiarum Sclavonicarum, by Adr. Regenvolcius, Ultraj. 1652; examine another, said to have happened in Bolswaerd, Friesland. 21 and 22. The vexing Devil of Mascon, in France, from Perraud's Urbain Grandier, Curé of Loudun, where he was burnt, Aug. 18, 1634, with circumstances of great c uelty, under a charge of Magic, but really ou account of an offence given to Richelieu. There was published a full account of the intrigues against Grandier, which ended so tragically. See "Cruels Effets de la Vengeance du Cardinal Richelieu, ou Histoire des Diables De Loudun, De la Possession des Religieuses Ursulines, et de la condemnation et du suplice D'Urbain Grandier, Curé de la même Ville." 12mo. Amst. 1716. A large account of Grandier was given a few years since in the Looker-On. The story of the pied-coated piper of Hamelen, in Brunswick, who was said to have decoyed, by his pipe, and miraculously destroyed, 130 children, the 22d July, 1376, as the date was preserved in the records of that town, according to Verstegan's Restitution, &c., 8vo., 1653, p. 69. Howell has repeated the story in bis Letters, 11th Ed. p 287. Dr. H. More, On Atheism, credited this story. The Devil of Mascon, &c., was translated from the French by Dr. Du Moulin, Demonologia; that of Tedword, in England, from Glanville and More; that of Anneberg, in Saxony; and another in Switzerland. 23 On the Divinatory Rod, to discover Mines, Springs, Murderers; Vallemont, La Physique Occulte. 24-26. Judicial Proceedings no solid proofs for the existence of Sorcerers and Witches. 27. Continuation of the Subject; Judicial Proceedings in the Netherlands against Witchcraft about the Reformation; Cruelty. 28. In Denmark. 30. Examination of the discovered Witchcraft in England, Nov. 1689.1 William Spicer and Mary Hill. 31 and 32. Examination of Judicial Proceedings in Harlingen, in Friesland. 33. Conclusion; there do not exist in the world Apparitions or Witchcraft. 34. Superintendents in Churches, Schools and all Magistrates, ought to oppose all such erroneous opinions and practices. 35. Peroration, 1 Tim. iv. 7. It is not strictly correct, though true in part, that the Mennonite Baptists are Unitarians, with the addition of an austere discipline in the church. The best knowledge of their numerous congregations and various divisions may be collected, besides what is recorded by Jablonski, and his continuator, D. Stosch, D. D. in Hist. Christ. Eccles. tom. II. and III. sec. xviii. from a concise but accurate account of lect. xiii. p. 409, and may be gathered the Liberal Baptists, in the Encyclopedia of Yverdun, from H. Schyn Hist. Mennonitarum, in three vols. 8vo. if my memory does not deceive me. and published at Oxford, 1669, 12mo. See Birch's Life of Boyle, 8vo p. 202. There is some account of the Devil of Mascon in Mon. Repos. IX. 114, &c. It appears that on Nov. 29, 1689, Bekker received a book from England, entitled "A Relation of the Discovery of some Witchcrafis." This he immediately translated into Dutch, "adding some remarks fit to open the eyes of the reader, by discovering the grounds on which such relations are laid; that he might not thereby be in danger of being confirmed in the vulgar error." Preface to World Bewitched. Vol. I. |