A Discourse of the Damned Art of Witchcraft

by William Perkins

"Thou shalt not suffer a Witch to live." EXOD. 22. 18. This Text containeth one of the Judiciall Lawes of Moses touching the punishment of Witchcraft: which argument I have chosen to entreat of, for these causes: First, because Witchcraft is a rife and common sinne in these our daies, and very many are intangled with it, beeing either practitioners thereof in their owne persons, or at the least, yeelding to seeke for helpe and counsell of such as practise it. Againe, there be sundry men who receive it for a truth, that Witchcraft is nothing else but a meere illusion, and Witches nothing but persons deluded by the devil: and this opinion takes place not onely with the ignorant, but is holden and maintained by such as are learned, who doe avouch it by word and writing, that there be no Witches, but as I said before. Upon these and such like considerations, I have been moved to undertake the interpretation of this Judiciall Law, as a sufficient ground of the doctrine which shall be delivered. In handling whereof, two things are distinctly to be considered. The first what is a Witch. The second, what is her due and deserved punishment. And both these beeing opened and handled, the whole meaning of the law will the better appeare. For the first. To give the true description of a Witch, is a matter of great difficulties, because there be many differences and diversities of opinions touching this point: and therefore that we may properly, and truely define a Witch, we must first pause a while in opening the nature of Witchcraft, so farre forth as it is delivered in the bookes of the Olde and New Testament, and may be gathered out of the true experience of learned and godly men. Touching Witchcraft therefore I will consider three points. I. What Witchcraft is. II. What is the ground of the whole practise thereof. III. How many kinds and differences there be of it.

Genres: Nonfiction

134 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1608

About the author

William Perkins (1558–1602) was an influential English cleric and Cambridge theologian, receiving both a B.A. and M.A. from the university in 1581 and 1584 respectively, and also one of the foremost leaders of the Puritan movement in the Church of England during the Elizabethan era. Although not entirely accepting of the Church of England's ecclesiastical practices, Perkins conformed to many of the policies and procedures imposed by the Elizabethan Settlement. He did remain, however, sympathetic to the non-conformist puritans and even faced disciplinary action for his support.

Perkins was a prolific author who penned over forty works, many of which were published posthumously. In addition to writing, he also served as a fellow at Christ's College and as a lecturer at St Andrew's Church in Cambridge. He was a firm proponent of Reformed theology, particularly the supralapsarian theology of Theodore Beza and John Calvin. In addition, he was a staunch defender of Protestant ideals, specifically the five solae with a particular emphasis on solus Christus and sola Scriptura.

Reviews

[Stephen Mulder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this read - Perkins helpfully presents the true spiritual power of both Satan and witchcraft. Perkins analysis of this power from Scripture is the best part of the book. His statements on how to determine if somebody is a witch falls to conjecture at times, and at worst, even goes to allowances for torture (he was a man of his time).

[Ryan Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Puritan William Perkins gives a biblical and historical look at witchcraft. Most of the conclusions are based on the presupposition that people can enter into covenant with Satan, which the author admits is never stated explicitly in scripture but he gives historical proofs for this. The later chapters on civil punishments for witches is a helpful correction to the popular misconceptions of the witch trials portrayed by Arthur Miller’s The Crucible and other examples in pop culture. Worth reading for both the biblical insights as well as historical significance.

[Joshua Horn · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are some good points in here, but I found the book to be too influenced by his culture's expectation of what witched are to be really useful. I also just wasn't sure I agreed with his exegesis of critical passages, like the witch of Endor. Perhaps I'm discounting real wisdom, but that was my impression.

When he discusses principles the civil government should apply in punishing witchcraft, I did notice that if they had been followed in Salem, I don't think there would have been the infamous witch hysteria.