A09402:84
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 second sort of the devils wonders, are real works, that is, such as are indeed that which they seem and appear to be. These, howsoever to men that know not the natures of things, nor the secret and hidden causes thereof, ⟨p. 28⟩they may seem very strange and admirable, yet they are no true miracles, because they are not above and beyond the power of nature.
The second sort of the deuills wonders, are reall workes, that is, such as are indeede that which they seeme and appeare to be. These, howsoeuer to men that knowe not the natures of things, nor the secret and hidden causes thereof, ⟨p. 28⟩they may seeme very strange and admirable, yet they are no true miracles, because they are not aboue and beyond the power of nature.
If it be here alleged, that the devils works are not real and true actions, because the holy Ghost calleth them Lying wonders, 2. Thes. 2. 9. I answer, that they are called Lying wonders, not in respect of the works themselves, for they were works truly done and effected; but in regard of the devils end and purpose in working them, which is to lie unto men, and by them to deceive. The truth of which point will appear in the view of some particular examples.
If it be here alleadged, that the deuils workes are not reall and true actions, because the holy Ghost calleth them Lying wonders, 2. Thes. 2. 9. I answer, that they are called Lying wonders, not in respect of the workes themselues, for they were workes truely done and effected; but in regard of the deuills end and purpose in working thē, which is to lie vnto men, and by them to deceiue. The truth of which point will appeare in the viewe of some particular examples.