A09402:166
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.
And first, it gives a caveat to all Students, that they have care to spend their time and wits better, then in the study of Judicial Astrology; and rather employ themselves in the searching out of such things, as may most serve for the glory of God, and the good of his Church. It is the subtlety of Satan to draw men into such meditations, and to make this study so pleasant, that it can hardly be left, when it is once begun▪ but let them take heed betime. For assuredly these vain and superstitious practises, are not the builders and furtherers, but the hinderers and destroyers ⟨p. 88⟩of religion, and the fear of God.
And first, it giues a caueat to all Students, that they haue care to spend their time and wits better, then in the studie of Iudiciall Astrologie; and rather imploy themselues in the searching out of such things, as may most serue for the glorie of God, and the good of his Church. It is the subtiltie of Satan to draw men into such meditations, and to make this studie so pleasant, that it can hardely be left, when it is once begun▪ but let them take heede betime. For assuredly these vaine and superstitious practises, are not the builders and furtherers, but the hinderers and destroyers ⟨p. 88⟩of religion, and the feare of God.
Again, this must admonish them which suffer any losses, not to seek for help or remedy at the hands of Astrologers, commonly called Figure casters, for their directions in the recovery of thing• lost or stolen, cometh not by the help of any lawful art, but from the work of the devil, revealing the same unto them. And be•ter it were to loose a thing finally, and by faith to expect till God make supply another way, then in this manner to recover it again: yea, the curse of God hangeth over the head of him, that to help himself useth diabolical means. For put the case […] thing lost of great value, be again restored by the help of Satan: yet God in his justice, for the use of these unlawful means, ma take from the consulter twice as much; or at least his grace, and so give him unto a reprobate sense, to believe the devil to his utter perdition.