In the following treatise, Holmes covers demonology, a study of the devices and black arts of Satan. The devil entices men with these arts for the expressed purposed of capturing their minds in order to lead them to their eternal ruin. The focus is not simply temptation in general, but more specifically, how men are enticed by the occult to intentionally or unintentionally come into league with the devil.
Holmes investigates the occult and the black arts in two ways: 1.Generally, considering them in their causes and means; and, 2. Specially, looking at particular arts pertaining to the operation of strange things like charms, luck, witchcraft, divination by familiar spirits, casting lots, necromancy and astrology (the section on astrology is astoundingly exhaustive and helpful). Holmes handles these various doctrines by reason, history and the confessions of men�s experience. But he more firmly handles them theologically, according to the depths of Scripture; consulting even the Hebrew, Chalde, Samaritan, Syriac, Arabian and Greek manuscripts.
He launches this study with 1 Timothy 4:1, �Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils,� giving the reader a storehouse of biblical information, arming them with God�s word to fight against the devil and his lies.
This work is not a scan or facsimile, has been carefully transcribed by hand being made easy to read in modern English, and has an active table of contents for electronic versions.
