A09402:367
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.
Again, all other presumptions commonly used, are insufficient, though they may minister occasion of trial: for example; If a man in open court should affirm before the Judge; Such a one fell out with me, and cursed me, giving me threatening words, that I should smart for it, and some mischief should light upon my person or goods, ere it were long. Upon these curses and threats, presently such and such evils befell me, and I suffered these and these losses. The Magistrate thus informed may safely proceed to inquire into the matter, but he hath not from hence any sure ground of conviction. For it pleaseth God many times to lay his hand upon mens persons and goods, without the procurement ⟨p. 210⟩of Witches. And yet experience shows, that ignorant people, who carry a rage against them, will make strong proofs of such presumptions, whereupon sometime. Jurors do give their Verdict against parties innocent.
Againe, all other presumptions commonly vsed, are insufficient, though they may minister occasion of triall: for example; If a man in open court should affirme before the Iudge; Such a one fell out with me, and cursed me, giuing me threatning words, that I should smart for it, and some mischiefe should light vpon my person or goods, ere it were long. Vpon these curses and threats, presently such and such euills befell me, and I suffered these and these losses. The Magistrate thus informed may safely proceed to inquire into the matter, but he hath not frō hence any sure ground of conuiction. For it pleaseth God many times to lay his hand vpon mens persons and goods, without the procurement ⟨p. 210⟩of Witches. And yet experience shewes, that ignorant people, who carrie a rage against them, wil make strong proofes of such presumptions, whereupon sometime. Iurers doe giue their Verdict against parties innocent.
Lastly, if a man being dangerously sick, and like to die, upon suspicion will take it on his death, that such a one hath bewitched him, it is an allegation of the same nature, which may move the Judge to examine the party, but it is of no moment for conviction. The reason is, because it was but the suspicion of one man, and a mans own word for himself, though in time of extremity, when it is likely he will speak nothing but the truth, is of no more force then another mans word against him.