A09402:400
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.
First, they must enter into a serious examination of themselves, and consider the cause for which it pleaseth God to suffer Satan to exercise them with that kind of cross. And here upon diligent enquiry, they shall find that their ⟨p. 230⟩own sins are the true and proper causes of these evils. When Saul was disobedient to the commandment of God, the Lord sent upon him an evil spirit to vex him, 1. Sam. 15. Hymeneus and Alexander for their pestilent errors were both cast out of the Church, and given up also to Satan, that they might learn not to blaspheme, 1. Tim. 1. 20. in the same manner was the incestuous person dealt withal, 1. Cor. 5. 5.
First, they must enter into a serious examination of themselues, and consider the cause for which it pleaseth God to suffer Satan to exercise them with that kind of crosse. And here vpon diligent enquirie, they shall finde that their ⟨p. 230⟩owne sinnes are the true and proper causes of these euills. When Saul was disobedient to the commandement of God, the Lord sent vpon him an euill spirit to vexe him, 1. Sam. 15. Hymeneus and Alexander for their pestilent errors were both cast out of the Church, and giuen vp also to Satan, that they might learne not to blaspheme, 1. Tim. 1. 20. in the same manner was the incestuous person dealt withall, 1. Cor. 5. 5.
Secondly, after this Examination, the same parties must show forth their faith, whereby they depend on the free favour and mercy of God for their deliverance. How may this be done? by hearty prayer unto God, joined with fasting that the same may be more earnest. In which prayer the main desire of the heart must be absolutely for the pardon of their sins, and then for deliverance from the hurts and torments of diabolical persons: yet not absolutely, as for the other, but with this condition, so far forth as it stands with Gods glory, and their own good. For