It is beyond
telling what a devilish allurement attaches to this trifling with
sorcery, conjuring and superstition, all of which is done only that men
may not need God's Name and put no trust in it. Here great dishonor is
done the Name of God and the first two Commandments, in that men look
to the devil, men or creatures for that which should be sought and
found in God alone, through naught but a pure faith and confidence, and
a cheerful meditation of and calling upon His holy Name.

Now examine this closely for yourself and see whether this is not a
gross, mad perversion: the devil, men and creatures they must believe,
and trust to them for the best; without such faith and confidence
nothing holds or helps. How shall the good and faithful God reward us
for not believing and trusting Him as much or more than man and the
devil, although He not only promises help and sure assistance, but also
commands us confidently to look for it, and gives and urges all manner
of reasons why we should place such faith and confidence in Him? Is it
not lamentable and pitiable that the devil or man, who commands nothing
and does not urge, but only promises, is set above God, Who promises,
urges and commands; and that more is thought of them than of God
Himself? We ought truly to be ashamed of ourselves and learn from the
example of those who trust the devil or men. For if the devil, who is a
wicked, lying spirit, keeps faith with all those who ally themselves
with him, how much more will not the most gracious, all-truthful God
keep faith, if a man trusts Him? Nay, is it not rather He alone Who
will keep faith? A rich man trusts and relies upon his money and
possessions, and they help him; and we are not willing to trust and
rely upon the living God, that He is willing and able to help us? We
say: Gold makes bold; and it is true, as Baruch iii. says, "Gold is a
thing wherein men trust." But far greater is the courage which the
highest eternal Good gives, wherein trust, not men, but only God's
children.

XXVII. Even if none of these adversities constrain us to call upon
God's Name and to trust Him, yet were sin alone more than sufficient to
train and to urge us on in this work. For sin has hemmed us in with
three strong, mighty armies. The first is our own flesh, the second the
world, the third the evil spirit, by which three we are without ceasing
oppressed and troubled; whereby God gives us occasion to do good works
without ceasing, nam