A09402:126
A discourse of the damned art of witchcraft so far forth as it is…A discourse of the damned art of witchcraft so farre forth as it is…
A discourse of the damned art of witchcraft so far forth as it is revealed in the Scriptures, and manifest by true experience. Framed and delivered by M. William Perkins, in his ordinary course of preaching, and now published by Tho. Pickering Bachelor of Divinity, and minister of Finchingfield in Essex. Whereunto is adjoined a twofold table; one of the order and heads of the treatise; another of the texts of Scripture explained, or vindicated from the corrupt interpretation of the adversary.A discourse of the damned art of witchcraft so farre forth as it is reuealed in the Scriptures, and manifest by true experience. Framed and deliuered by M. William Perkins, in his ordinarie course of preaching, and now published by Tho. Pickering Batchelour of Diuinitie, and minister of Finchingfield in Essex. Whereunto is adioyned a twofold table; one of the order and heades of the treatise; another of the texts of Scripture explaned, or vindicated from the corrupt interpretation of the aduersarie.
Cambridge: printed by Cantrell Legge, 1610Cambridge: printed by Cantrel Legge, 1610
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
The second means, whereby the ⟨p. 59⟩devil is furnished for his purpose, is his own exquisite knowledge of all natural things; as of the influences of the stars, the constitutions of men and other creatures, the kinds, virtues, and operations of plants, roots, herbs, stones, &c. which knowledge of his, goeth many degrees beyond the skill of all men, yea even of those that are most excellent in this kind, as Philosophers, and Physicians. No marvel therefore, though out of his experience in these and such like, he is able aforehand to give a likely guess at the issues and events of things, which are to him so manifestly apparent in their causes.
The second meanes, whereby the ⟨p. 59⟩deuill is furnished for his purpose, is his owne exquisite knowledge of all naturall things; as of the influences of the starres, the constitutions of men and other creatures, the kinds, vertues, and operations of plants, rootes, hearbs, stones, &c. which knowledge of his, goeth many degrees beyond the skill of all men, yea euen of those that are most excellent in this kind, as Philosophers, and Physicians. No marueile therefore, though out of his experience in these and such like, he is able aforehand to giue a likely gesse at the issues and euents of things, which are to him so manifestly apparent in their causes.
A third help and furtherance in this point, is his presence in the most places: for some devils are present at all assemblies and meetings, and thereby are acquainted with the consultations and conferences both of Princes & people; whereby knowing the drift and purpose of mens minds, when the same is manifested in their speeches and deliberations, they are the fitter to foretell many ⟨p. 60⟩things, which men ordinarily cannot do. And hence it is apparent, how Witches may know what is done in other countries, and whether one nation intends war against an other, namely, by Satan's suggestion, who was present at the consultation, and so knew it, and revealed it unto them. But how then comes it to pass, that the consultations and actions of Gods Church and children, are not disclosed to their enemies? even by the unspeakable mercy and goodness of God, who though for special causes sometimes, he suffers Satan by this means to bring things to light, yet he hath restrained this his liberty, and subjected it unto his own will, so as he keeps him out of such meetings, or compels him to conceal; whereas otherwise his malice is so great, tha not a word could be spoken, but it should be carried abroad to the hurt & disturbance both of Churches and common-wealths.