A09402:379
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.
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.
The first is, his malice towards all men, in so high a degree, that he cannot indure they should enioy the world, or the benefits of this life (if it were possible) so much as one houre. Though therefore by vertue of the precontract, he be cock-sure of his instrument, yet his malice is not herewith satisfied, till the partie be brought to light, and condemned to death? Which may be a caueat so all ill disposed persons, that they beware of yeelding themselues vnto him.
The second, is his insatiable desire of ⟨p. 216⟩the present and full possession of them, whom he hath got within the bonds of the covenant. For though he have good hope of them, yet is he not certain of their continuance, The reason is, because some united with him in confederacy, have through the great mercy of God, by careful usage of holy means, and faith in Christ▪ been reclaimed and delivered out of his bondage, and so at length freed from his covenant, so as he hath eternally left them. Hence it is, that he labours by might and main, to keep them in ignorance, and to prevent the usage of means effectual to there conversion, by laying a plot for their discovery. B•t how then comes it to pass, that all such persons are not speedily detected, but some live long, and others die without any mans privity? Ans. The reasons hereof may be divers.
The second, is his infatiable desire of