A09402:153
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.
But experience teacheth (may some say) that if a man addicted to this course shall practise the rules of Astrology, it will fall out that the most things he foretelleth shall be true, and come to pass accordingly: which being verified in experience, it should seem, that these principles are not uncertain: for how is it possible that upon false grounds, should proceed true predictions? To this objection, learned Divines have ⟨p. 80⟩framed answer thus. That in this there is a secret Magic at the least, if not an open league with Satan. For look what is wanting to the effect of the stars, the Devil maketh supply of it by his own knowledge in things that are to come to pass. And this is the judgement of them that have known this art, which was also received for true in the days of the Apostles.
But experience teacheth (may some say) that if a man addicted to this course shall practise the rules of Astrologie, it will fall out that the most things he foretelleth shall be true, and come to passe accordingly: which beeing verified in experience, it should seeme, that these principles are not vncerten: for how is it possible that vpō false grounds, should proceede true predictions? To this obiection, learned Diuines haue ⟨p. 80⟩framed answer thus. That in this there is a secret Magicke at the least, if not an open league with Satan. For looke what is wanting to the effect of the starrs, the Deuill maketh supply of it by his owne knowledge in things that are to come to passe. And this is the iudgement of them that haue knowne this arte, which was also receiued for true in the daies of the Apostles.
The third reason. The man that repaireth to the Astrologian upon the particular case for his help and counsel, must believe that he can and will do for him; otherwise, if he come doubting of his ability, or in way of tempting him, he can not help him. Now in common understanding, if the Diviner brings the thing to pass, here must needs be more then Art. For he that is master of a lawful art, can work by his rules, whether a man believe that he can or no; yea though all the men in the world should doubt, his rules would be effectual. The art therefore it self is the old superstitious art of the Chaldeans, which they being Idolaters,