Preface

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Francis Barrett, F.R.S.
Student in Chemistry, Metaphysicks, Natural and Occult Philosophy, &c.
XL be Book of tbe fiftagt.
mnatmogeD TReprlnt of — — JSarrett’s fHbagus, XonOon, 1801.
B Complete System of ©ccult (philosophy consisting of IRatural, Celestial, Cabalistic, an& Ceremonial flbagfc ; Invocations ; Conjura* tions of Spirits, &c., &c._ , s, Biographical Sfcetcb of Seventeen ©reat philosophers an& BSepts.
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price, jflve Dollars.
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1896.
TOH. TOH. Ibarmon, printer an& publisher, Boston, flDass., TO. S. B.
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VA1IVERC1TY
LIBRARY:
publisher's IRotice.
That there is a certain kind of energy, based on the existence of a mixed world, placed without, not within us, and into communication with which we can enter by the use of certain arts and practices, has long ago been demonstrated as a fact. That these forces can get hold of a person and break him down, as easily as the fearful hurricane sweeps all before it, striking him in a thousand places at the same time, without his being able to perceive the invisible foe, or being able to protect himself, is also proven. But that these forces may be dominated, so that they will obey the thoughts, answer to the voice and understand the meaning of traced signs, is what many cannot realize, and what their reason rejects ; yet, this also is capable of being demonstrated and proven.
The reader and student should always bear in mind that in trying to demonstrate these things for himself, he is working w'ith unseen and powerful agents, which, if he is not equally powerful— pure and high minded, loving his fellow men, and seek- ing to benefit mankind, rather than seeking or desiring powers and benefits for himself, he had much better be dead than to try any of these things for the gratifica- tion of his personal nature; for in seeking to harm another — curses like chickens soon come home to roost, with a much greater force than the original impulse. Thus again we should look within rather than without, as the exercise of True Magic does not require any ceremonies or conjurations, or the making of circles and signs ; it only requires a strong faith, gained through a knowledge of nature’s laws, which can accomplish anything, if it acts through a human mind which is in harmony with these laws, without which nothing useful can be done. True Magic also consists in true faith, but true faith rests in spiritual knowledge, and without that kind of knowledge there can be no faith: this is only obtained by developing one’s own inner and most lofty nature.
The conjuration of the evil spirits of the astral plane means practically a full realization of “Faust and the Demon.” There are many strange things set forth in the following pages, almost too strange to believe, yet because one is ignorant of their existence, it does not follow that they are not real, as the sad records of Sorcery and Witchcraft, of Yoodooism and Black Magic abundantly testify. Man does not know himself, therefore he does not understand the things of the inner world. Each man has the essence of the Divine within himself ; he possesses one kind of knowledge as much as another, and he who does not find that which is in him, cannot truly say he dees not possess it, only he was not capable of successfully seeking for it. Therefore, in seeking, always bear in mind — true growth rests in the capacity of the human mind and the human will to comprehend spiritual truths, and not by basing its conclusions upon external appearances caused by the illusion of the senses, or of selfish purposes. In launching once again this work before the people of this generation, the publisher merely seeks to meet the growing demand for books of a mystical character. Feeling assured that the reader will find enough herein to ponder over and perhaps awaken some responsive chord in his nature, which will lead him to seek for the Divine within himself rather than trying to awaken external forces which will prove themselves the stronger. All this is plainly set forth by the writer of the book, yet an additional warning seems to be essential. Any further information concerning the above will be cheerfully given.
This book is reproduced from an almost extinct print of 1801, A. D. The general style of the text being followed throughout, including spelling and punctuation, which may seem peculiar to the reader at first glance ; the publisher desiring to keep intact the quaint style of the author.
{Table of Contents.
Preface.
Introduction 1
The Use and Abuse of Astrology, &c 2
A Prayer to God 6
Of Natural Magic in general ... 6
The First Principles of Natural Magic 9