A09402:13
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.
Now from the consideration of the premisses, we conclude it a necessary thing for the Church and people of God, to be acquainted with the dealing of Satan in this kind, that knowing his subtle devises, they may learn to avoid them. For which purpose this Treatise was first framed, and now exhibited to your Lordship. The just commendation whereof, above others formerly divulged touching this Argument, appeareth herein, that it serveth to the full opening and declaration of Satan's Method in the ground and practises of Witchcraft. Wherein among many other remarkable points, it may please you to take special notice of these particulars. I. That they do grossly err, who either in express terms deny that there be Witches, or in effect, and by consequent; avouching that there is no league between them and the Devil; or affirming they ⟨image 6⟩can do no such miraculous works, as are ascribed to them. The former issueth plainly our of the body of the Discourse. And for the latter; That there is a Covenant between them, either explicit in manner and form, or implicit by degrees of superstitious proceeding in the use of means insufficient in themselves; is plainly taught and confirmed in the same. That Witches may and do work wonders, is evidently proved; howbeit not by an omnipotent power,1 (as the […] hath unlearnedly and improperly tea•• […]) but by the assistance of Satan their Princ••• •ho is a powerful Spirit, but yet a Creatu••• well as they. And the Wonders wrought […] them are not properly and simply miracles, 2but works of wonder, because they exceed the ordinary power and capacity of men, especially such as are ignorant of Satan's ability, and the hidden causes in nature, whereby things are brought to pass. II. That the Witch truly convicted, is to be punished with death, the highest degree of punishment; and that by the Law of Moses, the equity whereof is perpetual. Yea even the better Witch of the two in common reputation, because both are equally enemies to God, and all true religion; and it is well known by true experience, that all professed Sorcerers, are guilty of many most monstrous impieties. III. That the Miracles of the Popish Church at this day, are indeed either no Miracles, or false and deceitful works. Touching