On Occult Philosophy

And although the conjurations themselves may have some power and accomplish something, they should not be used by any wise person, for they are against God, His word, and law, and against the light of nature. And nothing right or truthful can be gained from the spirits by them. Although they are thereby terrified and brought forth (so that they often appear with great pomp or terrors), they are not overcome by them; this can and may be done only through faith.

Such a Nigromanticus necromancer, I say, who wants to accomplish everything through conjuration and force the spirits by calling, terrifying, and compelling them to do what he wants, is like a thief or a murderer in a forest. He murders as long as God permits him, and no longer. When the hour and time arrive for his misdeeds to be revealed, he does not act with advantage or wisdom, he overlooks the danger, and thus that same murderer is either murdered himself or