The Mystery of Witchcraft Discovering the Truth of Nature, Table of contents – Errata
THE Particular Contents.
This Treatise is digested into three Bookes.
In the Former whereof is contained.
FIrst, the Occasion and scope of this Discourse. in Sect. 1. pag. 1.
And therein prooued that this Doctrine of Witch-craft is necessarie to be prosecuted and obserued in these dayes. Sect. 2. pag. 16. Chap. 1.
Secondly, it is proued that there hauehave beene, are, and shall be Witches to the worlds end: both by sound Testimonie, 1. from the Word, p. 25. 2. from Antiquitie, p. 26. 3. from pregnant reasons, p. 27. and so such Obiections answred, as seeme to contradict this Truth, page 35. Chap. 2.
Thirdly it is declared; what Witchcraft properly is: where both the Nature, Causes, and Effectes are briefely opened and applied, page 47.
Wherein is set downe, both that Sat…
1. Can worke wonders, p. 52. at also
2. The difference betweene true Miracles, and Satans wonderfull workes, p. 54.
3. And so the diuers kinds of these wonders are discoursed, page 55.
4. Together with the intent, how farre, and in what Cases, Satan can effect them, page 55, 56. Chap. 3.
Fourthly, is layde open the policie of Satan, in drawing and vniting ignorant and vnstable soules to this Art.
Where first; the Occasions are discouered, page 57.
2. Hereupon the manner of Satans working and enueigling to this Trade, page 58.
3. And of his seuerall Impostures, and treacheries therein, against the poore soule. p. 61.
4. And so of the entring his Nouices into this Schoole: With the Vse thereof, page 62.
5. It is further manifested by what meanes Satan now confirmeth, and detaineth his Proselites in this mystery: where page missing
1. Of the Couenant, which passeth betweene the Witch and Satan to this end: And here first prooued that there is such a couenant, p. 65.
2. Of the nature and … all bond of the couenant is set downe.
3. The diuers kindes of the Couenants are discryed, and so the policie of Satan therein further opened, p. 68.
4. The ground of the Couenant is searched, and therein Sathans policie also detected, p. 69. & 70.
With the Vses thereof, p. 72.
5. The Partes of this couenant distinguished.
1. What Satan bindes himselfe to doe for the Witch, p. 78.
2. Wherein the Witch is bound to the Diuell, p. 86.
And the seuerall sleights of Satan, in each coniectured. p. 87. Chap. 5.
Sixtly, is declared what Ceremonies Sathan doth accompanie this Couenant withall: the better to detaine and hold his vassals to the performance thereof:
Whereof the secret Marke of the Witch, p. 88.
2. Of conuenting them into the Church page 90. and there: First.
To renounce their Baptisme, p. 91.
2. To offer vp their blood in sacrifice to the Diuell.
3. Of kissing Satans backe parts.
4. Of carnall societie by Satan, with Witches, Together with the speciall sleights of Satan therein, p. 92. and the Vse thereof, page 94. Chap. 6.
Seuenthly, diuers other meanes a… layd downe, whereby Satan confirmes his Proselites, as Cap. 7. page 124.
Diuers kinds of Witch-craft are opened, both
1. That which consists in Diuination; wherein first is shawed, p. 128.
That Satan can foretell in some measure things to come. p. 129.
2. How farre he may proceed therein, page 131.
Wherrin is layd downe the difference betweene Diuine and Satanicall predictions, page 132.
3. The diuers meanes are discouered▪ whereby Satan foretells things to come; as, by true Creatures.
As 1. Flight of Birds. page 136.
2. The Intrals of Beasts, ibid.
3. The Obseruation of the Starres, and heauenly bodies condemned, p. 137. with answere to Obiections to Astrologie, page 138.
4. Dreames.
5. Lots.
Wherein is set downe the right vse of these things, Namely
How the Doctrine of the Starres is to be vsed.
What Dreames are to bee heeded, page 144. and so the difference between diuine, and other dreames manifested, p. 135. as also
How Lots are to be vsed; and heerein the peruerse abuse of these things discouered, and reiected, p. 149.
Secondly, it is declared how Satan deceiues, and foretels things to come by forged mednes: as, answering in the shape of a Dead body, p. 151. 2. Where it is prooued particularly: That the Resemblance appearing to Saul was not true Samuel but Satan in his likenes. p. 152.
Thirdly, it is prooued that Satan also vseth to foretell things to come without meanes, and that either by Reall possessing of the soules & bodyes of men, p. 155.
Or else by Obsession, and inspiring them with his euill counsels.
Where particularly is declared the differences betweene Satanicall Reuelations, Exthusiasmes, And▪
Those true and Heauenly Reuelations wherewith the true Prophets of God were furnished: to declare the will of the Lord in extraordinarie times and occasions▪ page 156.
And so the vse thereof commended to the church of Christ Iesus. cha. 8.
It yeeldeth further to declare another kinde of Witch-craft, which consists in operation. p. 157.
And heere first of working Wonders by Charmes, that it is vnlawfull.
Where are answered diuers Obiections seeming to iustifie them, and so all sortes of Charmes condemned, page 158. &c.
Either by Words sacred or prophane, page, 160.
Or by making of Characters. p. 167.
Images.
Circles.
Vsing of Amulets.
Scratching of the Witch.
Exorcismes.
Pictures of Waxe, &c.
Together with the vse thereof to the Church of God, page 169.
Secondly, it is declared; that strange things are done by Iugling, and deceiuing of the senses, page 171.
Wherein first, the Manner thereof is set downe, page 172.
2. Reasons answered for the Lawfulnesse thereof, page 173.
3. It is prooued that this is plaine Sorcerie; and that the Sorcerers of Egypt were but plaine Iuglers, page 174.
And so 1 Application hereof made to the Church of Christ. Chap. 8.
109. Out of these Groundes thus soundly layd, It is further considered: Who is the Practiser of this Art.
Namely the Witch.
Where first, a Witch is discribed and liuely painted out vntounto vsus, in her seuerall Lineaments and true Proportion: page 117.
Secondly, It is prooued, that men as well as women, are Practioners therein. page 180.
Thirdly, And the Policie of Sathan discouered in bayting these diuers Sects, with fit meanes to ensnare them with this dangerous hooke, page 181
According, both to the diuersitie of Times, and Estates of the Church: page 183.
And also,
Sutable to the seuerall Conditions and qualities of Nature, p. 184.
And so it is further manifested, that Antichrist hath especially entertayned and aduaunced this Diuellish Art, as an especiall meanes to attaine and maintaine his visible Monarchie: page 193 194., &c.
And here is also resolued, what especiall Places Witches doe most haunt together.
With the Vse thereof, page 199. & 200. Chap. 9.
It being apparant what a Witch is, It is now further discouered, how many kindes of Witches there are, p. 203.
And heere first of the Bad Witch: page 206.
2. Of the meanes whereby she executes her mischiefe, namely Cursing: and so, 3. Satans policies herein: page 208. 209.
Secondly, Of the Good Witch:
First, Of her Nature and Condition, p. 211.
2 That her skill in helping is no speciall gift of God: but attained by the assistance of the Deuill. p. 213.
3 Of the meanes whereby shee binds to be helpfull. Namely, the beliefe of men, and here, page 218.
Whether they can help… any that doth not beleeue: page 219. 220.
Whether the Good Witch can hurt: and the hurting Witch can help? Where the admirable Wisedome and Iustice of God is declared, page 224.
And so it is approoued that the good Witch is farre more daungerous then the bad: p. 232.
And thereupon aduice giuen for her auoydance and apprehension especially, and this in the 10. Chap.
And thus endeth the first Book, contayning the Truth, Nature, and Kinds of Witch-craft; together with the proper subiect of this Art: and so of her Entrance, Confirmation, and Practise therein, as also the seuerall kinds and dangers of them.
The second Booke, proceedeth to their Detection, and Conuiction: and to this ende.
FIrst, setteth downe the Power and Efficacie of Witch-craft.
Whereby they execute their feates, and seuerall mischiefes, and so drawe themselues, yet more palpably within the compasse of authoritie.
And heere first it is shewed wherein the power of Witches is restrayned, page 230.
And here it is enquired,
Whether the Witch hauehave power to afflict the childe of God, and how farre: with the vses thereof? page 248.
How in these kindes of afflictions the Elect differ from the wicked, page 253.
Secondly, is declared, wherein the Witches power is apparant:
And heere.
First, of the Actions concerning their owne persons, p. 257.
Secondly, of their actions towards others, p. 258.
And so the Policie of Satan is discouered, in executing and conuaying of this power.
1 By naturall Medecines, page 262
2 By Prayers, and good Councells: page 263.
3 By shrowding it vnderunder naturall diseases, and mixing it therewith. 4 And of his notable sleights, and daungerous snares therein, page 265.
And all this Chap 1.
Secondly is discoursed that Witches ought to be detected.
And to this end.
First, The admirable Wisedome and Iustice of God is discouered, in making them instruments of their owne confusion page 270.
Secondly, Two principall meanes are layde downe for their Discouerie:
Namely, Examination;
And Conuiction.
And heere.
First, are commended diuers waighty presumptions, tending probably to detect the Witch. p. 274.
2, Diuers manifest Proofes are added, tending to the conuiction of the same, page 277.
And so false meanes of Detection being reiected, and some doubts answered concerning the same: vse is made thereof to the Church of God. and this is in the second Chap.
Thirdy are discouered the Remedies against Witch-craft.
Whereof the principall is, the Execution of Authoritie, in cutting of the Offenders, Both for the practizing of their mischieifes: and also: For Release from the same, p. 280.
And here first is prooued, That
These mischiefes may bee preuented: page 282.
2. The meanes of preuention are layd downe.
And these first Preseruatiue, both,
First, such as concerne the persons of men, page 284. And
2. Such as concerne their Habitations, page 289.
Secondly, to these are added, Restoratiue Remedies:
And these:
Either Generall, to dissolue the works of Satan, p. 293.
Or else:
Speciall Respecting Priuate Persons, page 295. And this Chap. 3.
The True Remedies beeing thus discoursed: Examination is further made of such counterfaite and vnlawfull meanes, as are vsed to the Discouerie of Witches.
And here first of
The Gift of Miracles which is prooued, now to bee ceased, and needlesse heereto, and therefore falsly arrogated, and wickedly forged to the same: where Obiections are answered, and the truth cleered, that these are but lying wonders accomplished by the power of Satan, page. 297.
As appeareth by the means whereby they are wrought: Namely;
First, the Name of Iesus, which is not effectuall by Diuine power to any such ends, p. 302.
Secondly, The Reliques of Saintes, page 304.
Thirdly, The Signe of the Crosse: page 305.
Fourthly, Vse of Holy Water, Salt, Images, Agnus Dei, Graines, &c. p. 306
5. Exorcismes, and here it is resolued whether it be lawfull to relieue a Witch, and how farre it may be done. p. 307. and this in the 4. Cap.
Fiftly is proposed and prosecuted a principall Remedie against Witch-craft: Namely, Execution of Iustice: and heere likewise, First is propounded the iust Punishment belonging to this Sinne: that Witches by the Lawe of God are to die the death, where both obiections are answered. page 313.
And the equitie of Gods Lawe cleared and maintained. Chap. 5.
Lastly, by way of conclusion, are layd open the seuerall Vses of this Doctrine of Witch-craft for the further edification of the Church of God.
Heere beginneth the third Booke.
THese are, first of Reproofe, and that 1 of the Atheisme of these Times, sect. 1. page 320.
2 For contempt of the Word. page 322. sect. 2.
3 The Idolatrie and false worship of this present age is iustly taxed and conuinced. page 324. sect. 3.
4 As also the grosse profanenesse and generall rebellions of the present Generation. page 325. sect. 4.
5 Lastly, it is a manifest conuiction of that damnable hypocrisie, and accursed dissimulation that raignes in this present age. sect. 5. Chap. 1. page 327.
A second generall vse is for Instruction: and that, First,
Teaching how to auoyde and remedie the causes of Witch-craft.
Which are, First, That grosse and wilfull Ignorance that swarmes in the Land, Where is prooued, first, That this is a maine cause of Witch-craft. page 329.
2 How this is to be remedied. page 330. chap. 2.
A second cause of Witch-craft, is Infidelitie.
1 This is prooued by many Circumstances. page 331.
2 The meanes laid downe how to remedie this euill. page 332 chap. 3.
A third cause of Witch-craft, is Malice, declared by many pregnant Reasons. page 334.
2 And the particular meanes layd downe to preuent and remedie this mischiefe. page 335. chap. 4.
A fourth cause of Witch-craft is Couetousnesse, as appeareth:
1 By many liuely Euidences. p. 337
And so we are directed how to remedy this great sinne. page 338.
A fift cause of Witch-craft, is Curiositie, heere,
1 The Reasons hereof are discouered. page 339.
2 And the way declared how to meet with this sinne. page 341. chap. 6.
The sixt and principall cause of this iudgement of Witch-craft is Pride.
As appeareth,
1 By diuerse pregnant Euidences heereof. page 342: and so,
2 We are informed how to encounter this mischiefe. p. 344. cha. 7.
A second generall Instruction is to teach vsus heereby the truth of our naturall condition, that we are the very slaues of Sathan, and vessels of wrath. page 346 chap. 8.
A third generall Instruction heere is, to teach vsus how wee may be freed from this naturall bondage, what is the principall meanes heereunto. page 347. chap. 9.
A fifth generall Iustruction, is to teach vsus a conscionable and sincere vse of all other meanes of our saluation, as of Prayer, Sacraments, and both concerning Preachers and People. page 351. chap. 11.
A sixt generall Instruction, is to prouoke vsus to sinceritie and power of Religion in all our wayes. page 352. chap. 12. page 352.
Aseuenth generall Instruction, is to informe vsus in the sleights and cunning of Sathan, that so we may not be ignorant of his dangerous snares. chap. 13. page 353.
Eightly, heere is matter of Instruction, both for the particular triall of our owne estates page 354.
As also for the discerning of the true Church of God militant heere on earth. chap. 14. page 357.
Ninthly, wee are heere instructed.
Both how to behaue our selues in generall vnderunder the Crosse, especially how to carrie our selues in this affliction of Witccraft. chap. 15. page 356.
As also how to preuent such snares as are in this Practise of Witch-craft, most cunningly layd to intangle and drawe vsus to the liking and entertainement thereof. page 357. chap. 16.
A third generall Vse, is for consalation, and that many wayes:
And that generally,
1 To comfort the Church of God, in regard of the grieuous iudgement of witch craft: 360. chap. 17.
2 To comfort in particular such as are afflicted with this Iudgement. page 361. chap. 18.
The conclusion of the whole.
Errata.
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