A09402:401
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.
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 ⟨p. 231⟩these are the bounds and limits of all temporal good things; of them the Lord makes no absolute promise, but with these conditions & qualifications.
Secondly, after this Examination, the same parties must shewe forth their faith, whereby they depend on the free fauour and mercie of God for their deliuerance. How may this be done? by heartie prayer vnto God, ioyned with fasting that the same may be more earnest. In which prayer the maine desire of the heart must be absolutely for the pardon of their sinnes, and then for deliuerance from the hurts and torments of diabolicall persons: yet not absolutely, as for the other, but with this condition, so farre forth as it stands with Gods glorie, and their owne good. For ⟨p. 231⟩these are the bounds and limits of all temporall good things; of them the Lord makes no absolute promise, but with these conditions & qualifications.
Thirdly, the parties bewitched must patiently bear the present annoyance, comforting themselves with this, that it is the Lords own hand, by whose special providence it comes to pass, and who turneth all things to the good of his chosen. Again, they are to remember, that he being a most wise God, and loving father in Christ, will not suffer them to be tried above that they are able to bear, but in his good time will grant a joyful issue. Now when the bewitched shall thus submit themselves unto God, in the cross, be it that he (upon some causes) defer their deliverance, yet they shall not finally be deceived of their hope. For either in this life, at the appointed time, or in the end of this life, by death they shall be eternally delivered, and put in present possession of everlasting case and happiness. Thus much of the true remedies against Witchcraft.