A09402:171
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.
Besides this, some learned Physicians have upon experience confessed, that ⟨p. 91⟩the observation of the sign, is nothing material, and that there is no danger in it, for gelding of cattle, or letting of blood. Indeed it prevails oftentimes by an old conceit and strong imagination, of some unlettered persons, who think it to be of force and efficacy for restoring and curing: and yet the vanity of this conceit, appears in the common practise of men, who commonly upon S. Stevens day use to let blood, be the sign where it will; though it be in the place where the vein is opened. But the truth is, the sign in it own nature, is neither way available, being but a fancy, grounded upon supposed premisses, and therefore ought to be rejected, as a mere vanity.
Besides this, some learned Physitians haue vpon experience confessed, that ⟨p. 91⟩the obseruation of the signe, is nothing materiall, and that there is no danger in it, for gelding of cattell, or letting of blood. Indeede it preuailes oftentimes by an old conceit and strong imagination, of some vnlettered persons, who thinke it to be of force and efficacie for restoring and curing: and yet the vanitie of this conceit, appeares in the common practise of men, who commonly vpon S. Stevens day vse to let blood, be the signe where it will; though it be in the place where the veine is opened. But the truth is, the signe in it owne nature, is neither way auaileable, beeing but a fancie, grounded vpon supposed premisses, and therefore ought to be reiected, as a meere vanitie.
The second thing belonging to Astrology, which ought to be eschewed, is the choice and observation of days. Curious diviners do set apart certain days, whereof some are (as they say) lucky, some unlucky. And these they appoint to be observed for the beginning of ordinary works & businesses; as to take a journey; to begin to lay the ⟨p. 92⟩