A09402:368
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.
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.
Lastly, if a man beeing dangerously sicke, and like to die, vpon suspition will take it on his death, that such a one hath bewitched him, it is an allegation of the same nature, which may mooue the Iudge to examine the partie, but it is of no moment for conuiction. The reason is, because it was but the suspition of one man, and a mans owne word for himselfe, though in time of extremitie, when it is likely he will speake nothing but the truth, is of no more force then another mans word against him.
And these are the proofs, which men in place and time have ordinarily used, for the detecting of such ungodly persons: but the best that may be said of them, is, that they be all either false or uncertain signs, and unavailable for the condemnation of any man whatsoever.
And these are the proofes, which men in place and time haue ordinarily vsed, for the detecting of such vngodly persons: but the best that may be saide of them, is, that they be all either false or vncertaine signes, and vnauaileable for the cōdemnation of any man whatsoeuer.
Now follow the true proofs, and sufficient means of conviction, all which may be reduced to two heads.