devils, and if we interrogate our sources
of knowledge as to the object of such communication, it must be admitted
that the response is vague. Perhaps the object will best be defined as
the reinforcement of human ability by diabolical power and intelligence
for the operation of evil along the lines of individual desire and
ambition. For the fulfilment of what is good man aspires towards God,
and to fulfil evil he attempts to conspire with Satan.

It must, however, be observed that modern devil-worship, as exposed by
its French experts, has two aspects, corresponding to the distinction
already laid down in my preface. There is (a) devil-worship pure and
simple, being an attempt to communicate with evil spirits, admitting
that they are evil; (b) the cultus of Lucifer, star of the morning, as
distinguished from Satan, on the hypothesis that he is a good spirit. It
will be seen very readily that the essence of diabolism is wanting in
the second division, namely, the Satanic intention, so that it belongs
really to another category, though the classification may be accepted
for the moment to prevent dispute at the beginning of a somewhat complex
inquiry. The first division is, in any case, Satanism proper, and its
adepts are termed Satanists; those of the second division are, on the
other hand, Luciferians, Palladists, &c. The two orders are further
distinguished as unorganised and as organised diabolism. The cultus of
Satan is supposed to be mainly practised by isolated persons or small
and obscure groups; that of Lucifer is centralised in at least one great
and widespread institution--in other words, the first is rare and
sporadic, the second a prevalent practice. We accordingly hear little of
the one, while the testimonies which have been collected are concerned
exclusively with the other. It is possible, in fact, to dismiss Satanism
of the primary division in a few words, because materials are wanting
for its history. It is founded on orthodox Christianity; it acknowledges
that the devil is a lost angel, but it affirms that the God of the
Christians has deceived His believers, has betrayed the cause of
humanity, has exacted the suppression of the nature with which He
Himself has endowed it; they have therefore abandoned a cruel and
tyrannical Master, and have gone over in despair to His enemy.

Satanism of the second division, its principles and its origin, will be
described in the second chapter.

CHAPTER II

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