A09402:377
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 some may say, if these be the only strong proofs for the conviction of a Sorcerer, it will be then impossible to put any one to death, because the league with Satan is closely made, and the practises of Sorcery are also very secret, and hardly can a man be brought, which upon his own knowledge, can aver such things.
But some may say, if these be the onely strong proofes for the conuiction of a Sorcerer, it will be then impossible to put any one to death, because the league with Satan is closely made, and the practises of Sor•erie are also very secret, and hardly can a man be brought, which vpon his owne knowledge, can auerre such things.
I answer, howsoever both the ground and practise be secret, and to many unknown, yet there is a way to come to the knowledge thereof. For it is usual with Satan to promise any thing, till the league be ratified: but when it is once made, and the party entangled in society with him, then he endeavoureth nothing ⟨p. 215⟩more, then his or her dise•uefie, and useth all means possible to disclose them. So that what end soever the Witch propoundeth to her self in the league, he intende•• nothing else, but her utter confusion. Therefore in the just judgement of God, it often filleth out, that these which are true witches indeed; shall either by confession discover themselves, or by true testimony be convinced. The causes which move the devil not only to affect, but to hasten this discover it, are two principally.
I answer, howsoeuer both the ground and practise be secret, and to many vnknowne, yet there is a way to come to the knowledge thereof. For it is vsuall with Satan to promise any thing, till the league be ratified: but when it is once made, and the partie intangled in societie with him, then he indeauoureth nothing