A09402:378
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.
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 ⟨p. 215⟩more, then his or her dise•uefie, and vseth all meanes possible to diclose them. So that what ende soeuer the Witch propoundeth to her selfe in the league, he intende•• nothing else, but her vtter confusion. Therefore in the iust iudgement of God, it often filleth out, that these which are true witches indeede; shall either by confession discouer themselues, or by true testimonie be conuinced. The causes which mooue the deuill not onely to affect, but to hasten this discouer it, are two principally.
The first is, his malice towards all men, in so high a degree, that he cannot endure they should enjoy the world, or the benefits of this life (if it were possible) so much as one hour. Though therefore by virtue of the precontract, he be cock-sure of his instrument, yet his malice is not herewith satisfied, till the party be brought to light, and condemned to death? Which may be a caveat so all ill disposed persons, that they beware of yielding themselves unto him.