The first Chapter.
The signification of the Hebrue word Hartumim, where it is found written in the scriptures, and how it is diverslie translated: whereby the objection of Pharaos magicians is afterward answered in this booke; also of naturall magicke not evill in it selfe.
ARTUMIM is no naturall Hebrue word, but is borrowed of some other nation: howbeit, it is used of the Hebrues in these places; to wit, Gen. 4. 1. 8. 24. Exod. 7. 13. 24. & 8. 7. 18. & 9. 11. Dan. 1, 20. & 2. 2. HieromeHieronymus. in Gen. 41. 8, & 24. In Exod. 7, 13. In Dan. 1, 20 sometimes translateth it Conjectores, sometimes Malefici, sometimes Arioli: which we for the most part translate by this word witches. But the right signification heereof may be conceived, in that the inchanters of Pharao, being magicians of Aegypt, were called Hartumim. And yet in Exodus they are named in some Latine translations Venefici. Rabbi Levi saith, it betokeneth such as doo strange and woonderfull things, naturallie, artificiallie, and deceitfullie. Rabbi Isaac Natar affirmeth, that such were so termed, as amongst the Gentiles professed singular wisedome. Aben Ezra expoundeth it, to signifie such as knowe the secrets of nature, and the qualitie of stones and hearbs, &c: which is atteined unto by art, and/203. speciallie by naturall magicke. But we, either for want of speach, or knowlege, call them all by the name/288. and terme of witches.
Certeinlie, God indueth bodies with woonderfull graces, the perfect knowledge whereof man hath not reached unto: and on the one side, there is amongst them such mutuall love, societie, and consent; and on the other side, such naturall discord, and secret enimitie, that therein manie things are wrought to the astonishment of mans capacitie. But when deceit and diabolicall words are coupled therewith, then extendeth it to witchcraft and conjuration; as whereunto those naturall effects are falselie imputed.The authors intention touching the matter hereafter to be discoursed upon. So as heere I shall have some occasion to say somewhat of naturall magicke; bicause under it lieth hidden the venome of this word Hartumim. This art is said by some to be the profoundnesse, and the verie absolute perfection of naturall philosophie, and shewing foorth the active part thereof, & through the aid of naturall vertues, by the convenient applieng of them, works are published, exceeding all capacitie and admiration; and yet not so much by art, as by nature. This art of it selfe is not evill; for it consisteth in searching foorth the nature, causes, and effects of things. As farre as I can conceive, it hath beene more corrupted and prophaned by us Christians, than either by Jewes or Gentiles.