John Parkins (1771-1830)
In the late 1700s, a doctor called John Parkins, had received some training in the magical arts from London occultist Ebenezer Sibly.
After a few years, he set up as a professional cunning-man in a magical establishment called the “Temple of Wisdom” in Little Gonerby, near Grantham.
He built up a considerable clientele from all round the country for his charms and unbewitching services.
He printed pamphlets and booklets to advertise. He was very popular for removing spells from people and providing charms for everything from prosperity to fertility.
He printed the following leaflet for the doctor in Grantham in 1812:
“The cabinet of wealth, or, The temple of wisdom : including our Celestial touchstone : containing a never-failing method to obtain and acquire riches, wisdom, knowledge, wealth, dignities, honour, health, pleasure, happiness, and felicity, both in this world, & in that which is to come : with other matter equally profitable and curious : being a complete directory to an inexhaustible treasury : beautifully adorned with the flowers of literature & the essence of divinity : with a description of the happy man by Dr. Parkins”.
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