A09402:89
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.
Here a question is moved by some, whether the devil can change one creature into another, as a man or woman into a beast? for some, notwithstanding the doctrine already taught, are of opinion, that he can turn the bodies of Witches into other creatures, as hares, cats, and such like. Ans. The transmutation of the substance of one creature into another, as of a man into a beast of what kind soever, is a work simply above the power of nature, and therefore cannot be done by the devil, or any creature. For it is the proper work of God alone, as I have said, to create, to change or abolish nature.
Here a question is mooued by some, whether the deuil can change one creature into another, as a man or woman into a beast? for some, notwithstanding the doctrine alreadie taught, are of opinion, that he can turne the bodies of Witches into other creatures, as hares, cattes, and such like. Ans. The transmuta•ion of the substance of one creature into another, as of a man into a beast of what kind soeuer, is a worke simply aboue the power of nature, and therefore cannot be done by the deuil, or any creature. For it is the proper worke of God alone, as I haue said, to create, to change or abolish nature.
It is objected, that such changes have been made. For Lots wi•e was turned ⟨p. 34⟩into a pillar of salt, Gen. 19. 26. Ans. It is true, but that was done by the mighty power of God, neither can it be proved that any creature, Angel, or other, was ever able to do the like.
It is obiected, that such chāges haue beene made. For Lots wi•e was turned ⟨p. 34⟩into a pillar of salt,