A treatise of witchcraft VVherein sundry propositions are laid downe, plainely discouering the wickednesse of that damnable art, with diuerse other speciall points annexed, not impertinent to the same, such as ought diligently of euery Christian to be considered. With a true narration of the witchcrafts which Mary Smith, wife of Henry Smith glouer, did practise: of her contract vocally made between the Deuill and her, in solemne termes, by whose meanes she hurt sundry persons whom she enuied: which is confirmed by her owne confession, and also from the publique records of the examination of diuerse vpon their oathes: and lastly, of her death and execution, for the same; which was on the twelfth day of Ianuarie last past. By Alexander Roberts B.D. and preacher of Gods Word at Kings-Linne in Norffolke.

A TREATISE OF THE CONFESSION AND EXECVTION OF MARY SMITH, CONVICTED OF WITCHCRAFT, and condemned for the same: of her contract vo∣cally & in solemne tearmes made with the Diuell; by whose meanes she hurt sundry persons whom she enured, with some necessary Propositions added thereunto, discouering the wickednesse of that dam∣nable Art, and diuers other speciall poynts, not impertinent vnto the same, such as ought diligently of euery Christian to bee considered.

THERE is some diuersitie of iudgement among the lear∣ned, who should be the first Author and Inuenter of Ma∣gicall and curious Arts. The most generall occurrence of opinion is, that they fetch their pedigree from the a 1.1 Per∣sians, who searching more deeply into the secrets of Nature then others, and not contented to bound themselues within the limits thereof, fell foule of the Diuell, and were insuared in his nets.

And among these, the publisher vnto the world was Zoroaster, who so soone as he by birth b 1.2 entred the world, contrary to the vsuall condition of o∣ther men, laughed (whereas the beginning of our life is a sob, the end a sigh) and this was ominous to himselfe, no warrantise for the enioying of the pleasures of this life, ouercome in battell by Ni∣nus c 1.3 King of the Assirians, and ending his dayes by the stroake of a thunder-bolt, and could not, though a famous Sorcerer, either fore-see, or pre∣uent his owne destinie. And because he writ many bookes of this damnable Art, and left them to po∣sterity, may well be accounted a chiefe maister of the same But the Diuell d 1.4 must haue the prece∣dencie, whose schollers both he and the rest were, who followed treading in his steps. For he taught them South-saying, Auguration, Necromancie, and the rest, meere delusions, aiming therein at no other marke, then to with draw men from the true worshipping of God. And all those perniti∣ous practises are fast tied together by the tailes, though their faces looke sundry wayes; and there∣fore the Professors thereof are stiled by sundry names, as Magitians, Necromancers, Inchanters, Wisards, Hagges, Fortune-tellers, Diuiners, Witches, Cunning Men, and Women, &c. Whose Art is such a hidden mystery of e 1.5 wicked∣nesse, and so vnsearchable a depth of Sathan, that neither the secrets of the one can be discouered, nor the bottome of the other further sounded,

then either the practisers thereof themselues by their owne voluntary confessions made, or procu∣red by order of Iustice (according to the manner of that Countrey where they be questioned) haue acknowledged, or is manifested by the sundry mis∣chiefes done of them vnto others, proued by im∣partiall testimonies vpon oath, and by vehement presumptions confirmed, or else communicated vnto vs in the learned Treatises, and discourses of ancient and late Writers gathered from thé same grounds. And f 1.6 although this Hellish Art be not now so frequent as heretofore, since the Pagans haue beene conuerted vnto Christianity, and the thick sogges of Popery ouer-mantling the bright shining beames of the Gospel of Iesus Christ (who came to dissolue the workes of the Diuell. 1. Ioh. 3. 8.) and were by the sincere and powerfull prea∣ching therof dispersed; yet considering these bee the last times, dayes euill & dangerous, fore-told that should come, 2. Tim. 3. 1. in which iniquity must abound, Mat. 24. 12. and as a raging deluge ouer-runne all, so that Faith shall scarce be found vpon earth, Luk. 18. 8. and the Diuell loosed from his thousand yeares imprisonment, * 1.7 Reuel. 20. 3. enraged with great wrath walketh about, and see∣keth whom he may deuoure. 1. Pet. 5. 8. Because he knoweth hee hath but a short time, Rev. 12. 12. Before I enter into the particularity of the narra∣tion

intended, it shall be materiall to set downe some generall propositions, as a handfull of glea∣nings gathered in the plentifull haruest of such learned men, who haue written of this argument, whereby the erronious may be recalled, the weake strengthened, the ignorant informed, and such as iudge aright already, confirmed: and among ma∣ny other these as chiefe, all which you shall see exemplified in the following Discourse.

The first Proposition.

IT is a Quaere, though needlesse, whether there be any Witches: for they g 1.8 haue some Proctor•…•… who plead a nullitie in this case, perswade them∣selues, and would induce others to be of the same minde, that there be no Witches at all: but a sort of melancholique, aged, and ignorant Women, deluded in their imagination; and acknowledge such things to be effected by them, which are vn∣possible, vnlikely, and they neuer did; and there∣fore Magistrates who inflict any punishment vp∣on them, be vnmercifull and cruell Butchers. Yet by the way, and their good leaue, who take vpon them this Apology, all who are conuented vpon these vnlawfull action, are not strucken in yeares; but some euen in the flower of their youth be nuz∣led vp in the same, and convicted to be practisers thereof; neither be they ouerflowed with a blacke melancholique humor, dazeling the phantasie, but

haue their vnderstandings cleere, and wits as quicke as other: Neither yet be they all women, though for the most part that sexe be inclinable thereunto: (as shall afterward be shewed, and the causes thereof) but men also on whose behalfe no exception can be laid, why any should demurre either of their offence or punishment for the same. Wherefore for this point, and confirmati∣on of the affirmatiue, wee haue sundry pregnant and euident proofes.

First testimonies Diuine and Humane: Diuine of God himselfe in his word, h 1.9 left for our instructi∣on in all dogmaticall truth, reproofe and confu∣tation of falshood in opinions, correction for the reforming of misdemeaners in conuersation, do∣ctrine for the guidance of euery estate Politicall, Ecclesiasticall, Occonomicall. 2. Timoth. 3. 16. Therefore expressely, Thou shalt not suffer a witch to liue, Exod. 22. 18. i 1.10 but to bee executed in the same day wherein she is conuicted, and this was a custome obserued by the ancient Fathers.

And Deuteronomy 18. 10. 11. there is a blacke Bill set downe k 1.11, and registred of sundry kinds of these slaues of Sathan, all condemned, and God ad∣deth in the same place the reasons of this his se∣uere and sharpe iudgement against them. First, because they are an abhomination vnto him. Se∣condly, he determineth vtterly to destroy all such, and giueth his people the Israelites an exam∣ple thereof in the Canaanites, whom their Land spewed out. Thirdly, for that he requireth all who belong vnto him, to be pure, vndefiled and holy,

not stained with impieties, for they are bound vn∣to him by couenant in obedience. Fourthly, such were the Heathen, strangers from God, blinded in their dark vnderstanding, without sauing know∣ledge, with whom the Israelites, a chosen and pe∣culiar nation, enioying his lawes and statutes, must haue no familiarity. Further, the woman of En∣dor acknowledgeth herselfe to be one of the rank. 1. Sam. 28. 9. And Iesabel, mother of Iehoram, is in plaine tearmes stiled a Witch. 2. King. 9. 22. who l 1.12 is supposed to haue brought this Art, and the Professors thereof into Samaria, which there con∣tinued for the space of sixe hundred yeares. In∣somuch that it was rise in common speech, when any would reproach another, to doe the same in this forme; Thou art a Samaritan, and hast a Di∣uell (a familiar spirit) which the malicious Iewes, not abiding his heauenly and gracious doctrine, obiected to Christ Iesus our blessed Sauiour, Ioh. 8. 48. The holy Apostle reprouing the Galatbians for their sudden Apostasie and back-sliding from the Gospell so powerfully preached vnto them and with so great euidence of the spirit, as though Christ had bin crucified before their eyes, doth it in no other termes then these, Who hath bewitched you? Gal. 3. 1. And afterward, Cap. 5. 20. marshal∣leth Witch-craft among the workes of the flesh: In both which places the names are taken from the seducements and illusions of Inchanters, who astonish the mindes, and deceiue the senses of men, and all that by vertue of a contract passed betweene them and the Diuell. Other like proofes

may be added to these alledged, Leuit. 20. 6. Mi∣calo 5. 12. Nahum 3. 4. Now then when God affir∣meth there be such, whose words are truth, shall man dare once to open his mouth, and contradict the most righteous?

Concerning humane witnesses, they be almost infinite; and therefore it shall be sufficient to pro∣duce some few, choyce, and selected: m 1.13 The se∣cond Councell of Constantinople held and gathe∣red together in the Imperiall palace, of two hun∣dred seuen and twenty learned and reuerent Bi∣shops, nameth sundry sorts of such Sorcerers, and censureth their actions to be the damned practi∣ses of the Pagans, and decreeth all the Agents therein excommunicated from the Church and society of Christian people, adding the motiue reason of this their determined sentence, from the Apostle, 2. Cor. 6. 14. For righteousnesse hath no fellowship with vnrighteousnesse, neither is there communion of light with darknesse, nor concord with Christ and Belial, nor the beleeuer can haue part with an Infidell. And n 1.14 Chrysostome sharply reproueth all such, and those who aduise with them vpon any occasion, confuting the rea∣sons which they take to be sufficient warrantise of their doings. As among the rest they will pre∣tend, Shee was a Christian woman who doth thus charme or inchant; and taketh no other but the name of God in her mouth, vseth the words of sacred Scripture. To this that holy Father re∣plieth,

Therefore she is the more to be hated, be∣cause •…•…ee hath abused and taken in vaine that great and glorious name, and professing herselfe a Christian, yet practiseth the * 1.15 damnable Arts of miscreant and vnbeleeuing Heathen. For the D•…•…els could speake the name of God, and neuer∣thelesse were still Diuels; and when they said vn∣to Christ, they knew who he was, the holy one of God, &c. Mar. 1 24. 2•…•…. their mouthes were stop∣ped, he would no such witnesse, that wee should learne, not to beleeue them when they say the truth: for this is but a bait, that wee might after∣ward follow their lies. There is much mention made of these, both in the Ciuill and n 1.16 Canon Lawes, and diuersitie of punishment alotted out for them; so that none can doubt but that there hath beene, and are such. I might remember vnto you the authority of Clemens Romanus in his Re∣cognitions, and those Constitutions which are fathered vpon the Apostles; but their credit is not so great, that they may without exception be impannelled vpon this lury, for they haue long since been chalenged of o 1.17 insufficiencie.

Among the Gentiles, when th•…•…se so qualitied persons did swarme, and were accounted of high esteeme, there be reckoned vp whole troopes of this bl•…•…cke guard of the Diuell; As p 1.18 Circe whom Homer reporteth to haue turned V•…•…sses Compa∣nions into Wolues, Lyons, Swine, &c. by her Inchantments, insauaging and making them beast-l•…•…ke and furious. Medea q 1.19 famous in this kinde, for the murthered by Witch-craft Glauce

in the day of her marriage, who enioyed Iason her loue. And r 1.20 the Mortars of these two, wherein they stamped their Magicall drugges, were for a long time kept in a certaine mountaine, and she∣wed as strange monuments to those who desired a sight of them. For s 1.21 the Diuell furnisheth such with powders, oyntments, hearbes, and like re∣ceipts, whereby they procure sicknesse, death, health, or worke other supernaturall effects. Of the same profession were t 1.22 Simotha, u 1.23 Erictho, x 1.24 Ca∣nidia, and infinite others beside, whose damnable memory deserueth to be buried in euerlasting ob∣liuion.

But because the reports of these may seeme to carry small credit, for that they come from Poets, who are stained with the note of licentious y 1.25 fai∣ning, and so put off as vaine fictions; yet seeing they deliuer nothing herein but that which was well knowne and vsuall in those times wherein they liued, they are not slightly, and vpon an i∣magined conceit, to be reiected: for they affirme no more then is manifest in the records of most approued Histories, whose essence is and must be z 1.26 truth, a 1.27 as straightnesse of a rule, or else deserue not that title. In which wee reade of b 1.28 Martiana, c 1.29 L•…•…custa, d 1.30 Martha, e 1.31 Pamphilia, f 1.32 Aruna, &c. And not to insist vpon particulars, there bee infinite numbers ouerflowing euen in these our g 1.33 dayes,

since the sinceritie of Christian Profession hath decreased, and beene in a sort ecclipsed in the hearts of men: for the period of the continuance thereof (after it be once imbraced) in his first in∣tegrity, either for zeale of affection, or strict∣nesse of discipline, hath beene by some learned Diuines h 1.34 obserued, to bee confined within the compasse of twenty yeares; and then afterward by degrees, the one waxed cold, and the other dissolute: which being so, it is not to be maruel∣led though the Diuell now begin to shew him∣selfe in these his instruments, as heretofore, though he cannot in the same measure, in respect of those sparkes of light which yet shine amongst vs. But of this so much now, because I shall haue afterward occasion further to enlarge this poynt.

Againe, the policie of all States i 1.35 haue prouided for the rooting out of these poysonfull Weedes, and cutting of these rotten and infected mem∣bers; and therefore infallibly prouing their ex∣istence and being: for all k 1.36 penall lawes looke to matters of fact, and are made to punish for the present, and preuent in future, some wicked acti∣ons already committed. And therefore Solon the Athenian making statutes for the setling of that Common-wealth, when a defect was found, that he omitted to prouide a cautelous restraint, and appoint l 1.37 answerable punishmēt for such who had * 1.38 killed their parents, answered, He neuer suspe∣cted there were or would be any such. Wherefore to confirme the position set downe, God doth

notthreaten to cast away his people for murther, incest, tyranny, &c. But Sorcery, Leuit. 20. 6. And Samuel willing to shew Saul the grieuous∣nesse of his disobedience, compareth it to witch-craft, 1. Sam. 15. 23. The Holy Ghost also manife∣sting how highly God was displeased with Ma∣nasses, maketh this the reason, because hee gaue himselfe to Witch-craft, and to Charming, and to Sorcery, and vsed them who had familiar spi∣rits, and did much euill in the sight of the Lord to anger him, 2. Chro. 33. 6. And for this offence were the ten tribes of Israell led into captiuitie, 2. King. 17. 17. m 1.39 The twelue Tables of the Ro∣mans (the ancientest law they haue) by a solemne Embassage (sent for that purpose) obtained from Athens, & accounted as a Library of knowledge, do both make mention of such malefactors, & de∣cree a penaltie to be inflicted vpon them. n 1.40 Con∣stantius and Constanti•…•… thinke them worthy of some vnusuall death, as enemies of mankinde, strangers from nature: o 1.41 and Iulius Paulus distin∣guishing the punishment according to the diffe∣rent qualitie of the offenders, pronounceth out of the then receiued opinions, that the better sort found guilty, were to dye (not determining the manner) those of meaner condition either to bee crucified, or deuoured of wilde beasts.

Our ancient Saxon Kings before the p 1.42 Con∣quest, haue in their municipall Lawes apparantly demonstrated what they conceiued of these so dangerous and diuellish persons. Alucidus kee∣peth the expresse words of God: Foeminas sagas

ne sinito viuere. Suffer not women Witches to liue. Gunthrunus and Canutus will haue them, be∣ing once apprehended (that the rest of the peo∣ple might bee pure and vndefiled) sent into ba∣nishment, or if they abide in the kingdome (con∣tinuing their lewd practises) executed according to desert. So Athelstane, if they be conuicted to haue killed any, &c. And how the present estate standeth affected toward them, the sundry strict statutes in this case prouided, may giue any, not wedded to his owne stubbornenesse, sufficient and full satisfaction. Wherefore not to erect a Tabernacle, and dwell longer in perswading an vndeniable truth, that there bee Sorcerers and Witches, I leaue these Hellish Infidels, and proceede.

The second Proposition.

THe second Proposition: q 1.43 Who those be, and of what quality, that are thus ensnared of the Diuell, and vndermined by his fraudes. For re∣solution whereof, this may suffice. Those who ei∣ther maliciously reiect the Gospell offered vnto them: or receiuing and vnderstanding the same, do but coldly respect, and carelesly taste it, with∣out making any due estimation, or hauing any re∣uerent regard therof. In both which is a manifest and open contempt of God. For as he purposing to honour the first comming of his Sonne into

the World, cloathed in the cloud of our flesh, which he assumed then, suffered many to be real∣ly possessed of Diuels, to bee lunatique, deafe, dumbe, blinde, &c. whom he might deliuer from these torments, and so make apparant his glory, and shew by these his miracles wrought, that hee was the promised Messias, Esay 35. 5. 6. And ther∣fore Christ referreth those Disciples whom Iohn sent vnto him (doubting in respect of that base forme which he tooke, and demanding whether it was he that should come, or another to be loo∣ked for) vnto his Doctrine and Workes; and by them to bee instructed, whereof they were then both hearers and beholders, Math. 11. 3. 4. 5. So now comming in the dew of his grace, and ha∣uing restored the light of the Gospell, and besto∣wed that vpon mankinde, as an especiall and vn∣valuable blessing, in his iustice giueth ouer the de∣spisers thereof vnto the power of Sathan, where∣by both others who contemne the same, might by their dreadfull example bee terrified, and the faithfull stirred vp to a respectiue thankfulnesse, for so great a mercy vouchsafed vnto them, and acknowledge their happinesse in being made par∣takers thereof, and by especiall fauour deliuered out of the tyranny of the Diuell: For this is one of the fearefull iudgements of God, and hidden from vs (as all area great depth, Psal. 36. 6.) that those who receiued not the truth that they might be saued, should haue strong delusions sent vnto them, and bee giuen ouer to belieue Sathan and his lying signes, and false wonders, 2. Thess. 2. 10.

And thus consenting vnto sinne, and his sugge∣stions, they are depriued of the r 1.44 helpe and assi∣stance of God, and so disabled to resist all violent rushing temptations: for one offence, not being truely repented of, bringeth another, and at last throweth head-long downe into hell: and by this meanes man despising God his creator & redee∣mer, and obeying the Diuell a professed enemy, and irreconciliable aduersary, not easie to be con∣fronted, becommeth his seruant: for of whomso∣euer any is ouercome, euen of the same is hee brought into bondage, 2. Pet. 2. 19. And the Apo∣stle giueth as the reason why the heathen were so sottish Idolaters, and defiled themselues with ma∣ny detestable and loathsome sinnes, s 1.45 because when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankfull, therefore God gaue them ouer to a reprobate sence, and vile affecti∣ons to doe those things which were not conueni∣ent, full of all vnrighteousnesse, Rom 1. 24. 25. &. 29 So these being enthralled, and deuoting themselues to the Diuell by a mutuall league (ei∣ther expresse or secret) he brandeth with his mark for his t 1.46 owne, as in ancient time was an vse with Bondslaues and u 1.47 Captiues, and these bee 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, taken aliue in his snare, 2. Tim. 2. 26. and that in some part of the body, least either suspected or perceiued by vs (for hee is a cunning concealer) as vnder the eye-lids, or in the palat of the mouth,

or other secret places: Wherefore some Iudges cause them, once being called into question, and accused, to be shauen all the body x 1.48 ouer. And for the manner of impression, or branding, it is after this sort. The Diuell when hee hath once made the contract betweene himselfe and the Witch, and agreed vpon the conditions, what they shall doe, the one for the other, giueth her some scratch y 1.49, which remaineth ful of paine & anguish vntill his returne againe: at which time hee doth so benumme the same, that though it be pierced with any sharpe instrument, yet is without any sence of feeling, and will not yeeld one droppe of bloud at all: a matter knowne by iust, often, and due triall.

And for the most part, hee bringeth these his slaues and vassailes obliged to him as his owne, to some desperate, Tragicall, z 1.50 and disastrous end; and that either by the execution of Iustice for their demerits, or by laying violent hands vpon themselues, or else God powreth vpon them some strange and extraordinary vengeance, or their Grand-maister whom they haue serued, dis∣patcheth them in such manner, as they become dreadfull and terrible spectacles to the beholders, whereof Histories will furnish vs with a 1.51 varietie and plenty of examples: For the Diuell is a mur∣thering spirit, desirous to doe mischiefe, swelling in pride, malitious in hatred, spitefull in enuy, subtill in craft; and therefore it behoueth euery one resolutely to withstand his assaults, Ephes. 4. 27. and cautelously to decline his subtilties, and

cunning ambushments from whence he inuadeth * 1.52 vs, Eph. 6 11. ^b For this aduersary against whom * 1.53 we sight, is an old beaten enemy, sixe thousand yeares are fully compleat since the first time hee began to assault mankinde. But if any keepe the Commandements of God, and constantly, by a liuely faith, cleaue fast vnto Christ, he shall ouer∣come: for our Lord is inuincible. ^c The Diuels * 1.54 indeed doe willingly offer themselues to be seene of those who are not gouerned by the Holy Ghost; and that either to win themselues some e∣stimation, or to intangle and deceiue men, vai∣ling their treacheries vnder a f•…•…iling counte∣nance, whom they deadly hate, for if it lay in their possibilitie, they would ouerthrow and de∣stroy heauen it selfe. Now vnable to do this, they endeuour to worke vpon a more weake subiect and matter; and therefore hee that will not bee subdued of them, must auoid all occasions where∣by he may take any aduantage, and couered with the Breast-plate of Righteousnesse, and defended with the Shield of Faith, quench all his fiery Darts. Ephes. 6. 14.

The third Proposition.

EXcept God do by his especial grace and ouer∣ruling power, restraine the malice of these Witches, and preserue his Children, they are permissiuely able, d 1.55 through the helpe of the Di∣uell

their maister, to hurt Men and Beasts, and trouble the elements, by vertue of that contract & agreement which they haue made with him. For man they endamage both in body & mind: In bo∣dy, for e 1.56 Daneus reporteth of his owne knowledge, as an eye-witnesse thereof, that he hath seene the breasts of Nurces (onely touched by their hands) those sacred fountaines of humane nourishment so dried vp, that they could yeeld no milke; some suddenly tormented with extreame and intolera∣ble paine of the Cholicke, others f 1.57 oppressed with the Palsie, Leprosie, Gout, Apoplexie, &c. And thus disabled from the performance of any action, many tortured with lingring consumpti∣ons, g 1.58 and not a few afflicted with such diseases, which neither they themselues who wrought that euill, could afterward helpe; nor be cured thereof by the Art and diligent attendance of most skil∣full Physitians. I willingly let passe other mis∣chiefes wrought by them, of which many things are deliuered in the Canon and Ciuill Lawes, in the Schoole-men, and Diuines both ancient and moderne.

In minde, stirring vp men to Iust, to hatred, to loue, and the like h 1.59 passions, and that by altering the inward and outward sences, either in forming some new obiect, or offering the same to the eye

or eare, or stirring the humors: for there being a neere coniunction betweene the sensitiue and ra∣tionall faculties of the soule, if the one bee affe∣cted, the other (though indirectly) must of ne∣cessity be also moued. As for example, when they would prouoke any to loue or hatred, they pro∣pound an obiect vnder the shew and appearance of that which is good and beautifull, so that it may be desired and embraced: or else by represen∣tation of that which is euill & infamous, procure dislike and detestation. Neither is this any strange position, or improbable, but may bee warranted by sufficient authority; and therefore i 1.60 Constanti∣us the Emperour doth expressely determine, all those iustly punishable who sollicite by enchant∣ments chaste mindes to vncleannesse: And Saint k 1.61 Ierome attributeth vnto them this power, that they can enforce men to hate those things they should loue, and affect that which they ought to auoyd: and the ground hereof hath his strength from the holy Scriptures: for the Diuell is able to enslame wanton l 1.62 lust in the heart, and therfore is named, the Spirit of Fornication, Osea 4. 12. and vncleane, Math. 12. 43.

There is a very remarkeable example mentioned by Ierome m 1.63, of a maiden in Gaza, whom a yong man louing, and not obtaining, went to Memphis in Egypt, and at the yeares end in his returne, being there instructed by a Priest of Aesculapius, and furnished with Magicall Coniurations, gra∣ued in a plate of brasse, strange charming words, and pictures which he buried vnder the threshold

of the doore where the virgin dwelt: by which meanes she fell into a sury, pulled off the attire of her head, flung about her haire, gnashed with her teeth, and continually called vpon the name of her louer.

The like doth n 1.64 Nazianzene report of Cyprian before his conuersion (though some thinke it o 1.65 was not he whose learned and religious writings are extant, and for the profession of his faith and doctrine was crowned with Martyrdome) but a∣nother of that name, toward Iustina, whom hee lasciuiously p 1.66 courted, and vnlawfully lusted after. It were easie for me to instance this in many, and to adde more testimonies, but my intended pur∣pose was, to set downe onely some few propositi∣ons, whereby the iudicious reader might be stir∣red vp to a deeper search, and further considera∣tion of these things: for often they driue men to a madnesse, and other such desperate passions, that they become murtherers of themselues. But this alwayes must be kept in minde, as a granted and infallible truth, q 1.67 That whatsoeuer the Witch doth, it receiueth his force from that society which she hath with the Diuell, who serueth her turne in effecting what she purposeth, and so they worke together as r 1.68 associates.

Now concerning beasts they doe oftentimes kill them out-right, and that in sundry manner, or pine and waste them by little and little, till they be consumed.

For s 1.69 the Elements, it is an agreeing consent of all, that they can corrupt and infect them, procure

tempests, to stirre vp thunder & lightning, moue violent winds, destroy the fruits of the earth: for God hath a thousand wayes to chasten disobedi∣ent man, and whole treasures full of vengeance by his Angels, Diuels, Men, Beasts. For the whole nature of things is ready to reuenge the wrong done vnto the creator.

It were but fruitlesse labour, and ill spent, to bestow long time in confirming this so manifest a truth, and not much better then set vp a candle to giue the Sunne light when it shineth brightest in mid-heauen: yet to satisfie those who doubt here∣of, I will giue a small touch of an example or two.

t 1.70 Curius Sidius the Roman Generall in a battell a∣gainst Salebus, Captaine of the Moores, in want of water, obtained such abundance of raine from Heauen by Magicall inchantments, that it not onely sufficed the thirst of his dstiressed Souldi∣ers, but terrified the enemies in such sort, (suppo∣sing that God had sent helpe) as of their owne accord, they sought for conditions of peace, and left the field.

The narration of Olaus^• Magnus which he ma∣keth * 1.71 of his Northerne Wisards and Witches, would seeme to be meere fictious, and altogether incredible (as of Ericus, who had the winde at command, to blow alwayes from that quarter to which he would set his hat. Or Hagbert, who could shew herselfe in any shape, higher or lower, as she pleased, at one time so great as a Giant, at another as little as a Dwarfe: by whose Diabolicall practi∣ses

mighty Armies haue beene dicomfited, and sundry others, except the truth hereof were with∣out contradiction approued: by the experience of our owne Nauigators, who trade in Finland, Denmarke, Lapland, Ward-house, Norway, and o∣ther Countries of that Climate, and haue obtai∣ned of the inhabitants thereof, a certaine winde for twenty dayes together, or the like fixed peri∣od of time, according to the distance of place and strings tied with three knots, so that if one were loosed, they should haue a pleasant gale: if the se∣cond, a more vehement blast: if the third, such hi∣deous & raging tempests that the Mariners were not able once to looke out, to stand vpon the hat∣ches, to handle their tackle, or to guide the helme with all their strength; and are somtimes violently carried back to the place from whence they first loosed to sea; and many (more hardy then wise) haue bought their triall full deere, opening those knots, and neglecting admonition giuen to the contrary. Apuleius ascribeth to Pamphile, a Witch of Thessalia, little lesse then diuine power to effect strange wonders in heauen, in earth, in hell: to dar∣ken the starres, stay the course of riuers, dissolue mountains, and raise vp spirits, this opinion went for currant and vncontrouled. And without all question the Diuell x 1.72 can do this and much more, when God letteth him loose. For he is stiled, The Prince of the world, Ioh. 12. 31. A strong man armed, Luke 11. 21, Principality, a ruler of darknesse, spiri∣tuall wickednesse in high places, Ephes. 6. 12.

Thus he dismaied the heart of Saul (when he had

broken the Commandement of God) with dread∣full feare, and enraged his minde with bloudy fu∣ry, 1. Sam. 16 14. Entred into Iudas, prouoked him to betray his maister, dispaire and hang himselfe, Math. 27. 3. filled the heart of Ananias and Sa∣phira with dissimulation, Act. 5. 3. possessed the bodies of many really, as is manifest in the Histo∣ry of the Gospell. Our Sauiour Christ assureth * 1.73 vs, that a daughter of Abraham was bound for 18 yeares by Sathan, with such a spirit of infirmitie, as bowed together, shee could in no wise lift vp her selfe, Luk. 13. 11. 16. He spake out of the Pytho∣nesse, Acts 16. 17. brought downe fire from hea∣uen, and consumed Iobs sheepe 7000. and his ser∣uants, raised a storme, strooke the house wherein * 1.74 his sonnes and daughters feasted with their elder brother, smote the foure corners of it, with the ruine whereof they all were destroyed, and peri∣shed: and ouerspread the body of that holy Saint their father with botches^y and biles from the sole of his foot to the crowne of his head. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 And hee * 1.75

wil haue his seruants Wisards & Witches, coad∣iutors with him, and maketh them fit instruments to the performance of all wicked exploits, and this is when God pleaseth (of which I shall haue occasion to speake more afterward) to giue leaue, for his wil is the first supreme and principal cause of all things: and nothing can be done visibly in this Common-wealth here below of the crea∣tures, but is decreed and determined so to be first in the high Court of Heauen, according to his vnsearchable wisedome and iustice, disposing pu∣nishments and rewards as seemeth good vnto himselfe. So Pharaos a 1.76 Magitians could turne water into bloud, their roddes into serpents, pro∣duce frogges, &c. But when it came to the base vermine, to make lice, they were pusled, and ac∣knowledged their imbecillity, confessing, Digitus Dei est, b 1.77 Gods finger is here, Exod. 18. 19. For if they could effect and bring to passe all mischie∣uous designements without his sufferance, it would inferre a weakenesse, and conclude a de∣fect of c 1.78 power in him, as not sufficient to op∣pose their strength, supplant their force, and a∣uoid their stratagems. And we must not imagine that the practitioners of these damnable Arts of which sexe soeuer, be they men or women, do performe those mischifes which they effect, by their owne skill, or sucl•…•… meanes as they vse, of which sort bee the bones of dead mens skuls, Toades, Characters, Images, &c. But thorugh the cooperation of the Diuell, who is by nature subtile, by long experience instructed, swift to

produceth strange works, & to humane vnderstan∣ding admirable. Yet d 1.79 he will haue those his vassals perswaded of some great benefit bestowed vpon them, whereby they are inabled to helpe and hurt, whom, how, and when they list; and all to indeere them, & by making them partakers in his villany, being strongly bound in his seruice, & stedfastly continued in the same, might more grieuously of∣send * 1.80 God, and bring iust condemnation vpon themselues. And for the greater, and more force∣able inticing allurement hereunto, hee promiseth * 1.81 to giue and doe many things for their sakes, and reueale to them hidden secrets, and future euents, such ^e as he himselfe purposeth to doe, or know∣eth by naturall signes shall come to passe. So then to conclude, in ^f euery Magicall action, there must be a concurrence of these three. First, the permitting will of God. Secondly, the suggesti∣on of the Diuell, and his power cooperating. Thirdly, the desire and consent of the Sorcerer; and if ^• any of these be wanting, no trick of witch-craft can be performed. For if God did not suffer it, neither the Diuell, nor the Witch could pre∣uaile to do any thing, no not so much as to hurt one h 1.82 bristle of a Swine. And if the Diuell had not seduced the minde of the wicked woman, no such matter would haue beene attempted. And againe, if hee had not the Witch to bee his in∣strument, the Diuell were debarred of his pur∣pose.

And as these euill spirits are in themselues dif∣ferent in power, vnderstanding, and subtiltie: so

can their seruants do more or lesse through their meanes.

I conclude with that memorable speech of a most noble and learned man, i 1.83 The Diuell is the Author and principall of all that euill which the Witch or Wisard committeth, not thereby to make them more powerfull, but to deceiue them by credulity and ouer-light beliefe, and to get himselfe a companion of his impiety, cruelty, and hatred, which he beareth both to God and man; and also of eternall damnation: for indeed it is his worke, which the foolish and doating wi∣sards coniecture is brought to passe by the words and inchantments which they vtter: and is very busie thus to colour his proceedings, which ne∣uer come abroad in their owne likenesse, because he enuieth the blessed estate of man, and his eter∣nall saluation purchased by the perfect obedience of Christ the Redeemer, and hateth that Image of God which hee beholdeth in him; much like the Panther, k 1.84 who when hee cannot get hold of the man himselfe, is so inflamed with rage, that he teareth his picture in peeces violently which is cast vpon the ground to hinder his pursuit of the hunter who hath carried away his whelpes. And l 1.85 so as Lactantius speaketh, these vncleane sprits cast from heauen, wander vp and downe the earth, compasse land and sea, seeking to bring men to destruction as a con fort of their owne desperate and irrecouerable estate.

The fourth Proposition.

HAuing shewed before, that the practise of Witches receiueth the being and perfection from that m 1.86 agreement which is made betweene them and the Diuell, it now followeth necessari∣ly, that we do enquire whether it bee possible that there may be any such agreement and league be∣tweene them. The cause of doubt ariseth from the diuersity or disparity of their natures, the one be∣ing a corporall substance, the other spirituall, vp∣on which ground some n 1.87 haue sopposed that no such contract can passe: But we are to hold the contrary assirmatiue, both de esse, and de posse, that that there may be, and is, notwithstanding this difference of essence, a mutuall contract of the one with the other: for we read of undry leagues between God & his people, and some with great solemnitie of ceremonies vsed in the same, a o 1.88 Ge∣nesis 15. 9. 17. and Deut. 5. 2. and in many other like places, yet is hee a simple essence, p 1.89 free from all diuision, multiplication, composition, acci∣dents, incorporeall, spirituall, and inuisible. But in Angelicall creatures, though there be no Phy∣sicall composition of matter and forme, or a soule and a body; yet is there a metaphysicall, be∣ing substances consisting of an act and possibili∣ty, subiect and accidents. And further, betweene a spirit and a man, there is communication of the

vnderstanding and will, the faculties and actions where of must concurre in euery couenant, which is nothing else but the consent of two or more persons about the thing.

And when the Diuell durst in expresse tearmes tender a contract to our blessed Sauiour, temp∣ting him in the wildernesse, shewing him the kingdomes of the world, and the glory thereof, offered them with this condition, All these will I giue thee, if thou wilt fall downe and worship me, Mat. 4. 9. How much more then will hee aduen∣ture vpon man, weake, wicked, and easie to be se∣duced? An•…•…o q 1.90 can doubt but that these bee the solemne and formall words of a bargaine, D•…•… vt des, do vt facias, I giue this for to haue that gi∣uen, I bestow this, to haue such, or such a thing done for me.

Now this couenant is of two sorts, secret or manifest; secret, when one indeuoureth or inten∣deth to do any thing by such meanes, which nei∣ther in nature, nor by institution hauo power to produce the purposed effects, or be conioyned as necessary with other, which can bring the same to passe. Expresse, wherein consent is giuen either by writing, and words, or making such signes, whereby they renounce God, and deuote them∣selues slaues and vassals vnto the Diuell, hee pro∣mising, that vpon such condition they shall doe wonders, know future euents, helpe and hurt at their pleasure, and others like vnto these.

An example whereof wee may obserue in r 1.91 Sil∣uester the second, one of the holy Fathers of

Rome, who did homage to the Diuell his Lord, and made fidelity to liue at his will and appoynt∣ment, vpon condition to obtaine what he desi∣red, by which meanes he got first the Bishopricke of Rhemes, after of Rauenna, and at the last the Pa∣pacie of Rome. Which Sea, though it will yeeld good plenty of such like presidents, and we may finde them in authenticall records of Histories, yet I content my selfe with this one.

s 1.92 The formall tearmes of this couenant, as they bee set downe by some, are most dreadfull: and the seuerall poynts these.

To renounce God his Creato•…•… •…•…nd that pro∣mise made in Baptisme.

To deny Iesus Christ, and refuse the benefites of his obedience, yea to blaspheme his glorious and holy name.

To worship the Deuill, & repose all confidence and trust in him.

To execute his commaundements.

To vse things created of God for no end, but to the hurt and destruction of others.

And lastly, to giue himselfe soule and body to that deceitfull and infernall spirit, who on the o∣ther part appeareth to them in the shape of a man (which is most common) or some other creature, conferreth familiarly, and bindeth himselfe by many promises, that at all times called for, he will presently come, giue counsell, further their de∣sires, answer any demaund, deliuer from prison, and out of all dangers, bestow riches, wealth, plea∣sure, and what not? and all without any labour and

paines-taking, in a word to become seruiceable to their will, & accomplish all their requests. And this is that which the Prophet Esay speaketh, chap. 28. 15. to make a couenant with death, and an a∣greement with hell. The consent of the ancient Fathers, if there were any doubt, might be added to the further clearing of this conclusion. For t 1.93 Cyprian directly affirmeth, that all those who vse magicall Arts, make a couenant with the Diuell, yea he himselfe, while he practized the same (be∣fore his calling to the light and true knowledge of God) was bound vnto him by an especiall u 1.94 wri∣ting, whereunto some subscribe with their owne bloud, which was a vse among diuers nations, and a most sure bond of constant friendship, and x 1.95 in∣uiolable consociation. But herein these seduced wretches are deceiued: for these promises which he makes, are treacherous, and the obseruances whereunto he enioyneth and perswadeth them, as powerfull in producing such or such effects, meere deceipts, and haue no qualitie in them to that purpose, but respecteth his owne ends, which are one of these foure.

First, to the mouing of them to the breaking of Gods law.

Secondly, to adore him with diuine worship and sacred rites.

Thirdly, to weaken their hope and faith in God

Fourthly, to couer his owne fraud and treache∣ry, that it may not be perceiued.

And when they finde this Impostor failing in the performance of his vowed promises, then he

wanteth not his shifts: as that these defects are not to be imputed to him, or the weakenesse of the Art, but their owne negligence or ignorance, who haue not exactly obserued such directions, and in that manner they were deliuered: or mis∣tooke his meaning, which is commonly deliue∣red in y 1.96 ambiguous tearmes, such as will admit a double construction: and herein appeareth the lamentable and woefull blindnesse of man, who is contented to swallow vp, and excuse many of his lies by one truth fore-told, which hath casu∣ally come to passe, whereas in other matters they make light account of, yea cōtemne infinit truths, if they shall finde by long search and diligent in∣quiry, but one falshood. Wherefore it behoo∣ueth vs to be carefull Centinels ouer our selues, for that our grand z 1.97 aduersary, proud, enuious, and not standing in the truth, reposeth all his pos∣sibility of victory in lies, and out of this poysoned sinke, deuiseth all kinde of deceits, that so hee might depriue man of that happy and blessed e∣state which he lost by pride, and draw him into the society of his owne damnation: therefore it is a needfull caueat giuen by one of the ancient Fathers: Our enemy is old against whom wee

fight, sixe a 1.98 thousand yeares fully compleat are passed since he began to oppose himselfe against vs; but if wee obserue the commandements of God, and continue stedfast in faith, apprehen∣ding Iesus Christ, then shall we be able to with∣stand all his violent assaults, and ouer-come him because Christ in whom we trust, is inuincible.

The fifth Proposition.

THE Diuell can assume to himselfe b 1.99 a body, and frame a voyce to speake with, and further instruct and giue satisfaction to those who haue submitted themselues vnto him, and are bound to his seruice. For he lost not by his transgression and fall, his naturall c 1.100 endowments, but they con∣tinued in him whole d 1.101 and perfect, as in the good Angels, who abide in that obedience and holi∣nesse wherein they were created, from whence a reason confirmatiue may bee thus framed, Good Angels can take vnto themselues bodies, as Genes. 18. 2. Iudg. 13. 3. 6. therefore the euill also. Thus the Diuell hath appeared to some in the forme of a e 1.102 Man, cloathed in purple, & wearing a crowne vpon his head: to others in the likenesse of a f 1.103 Childe: sometime he sheweth himselfe in the

forme of foure-footed beastes, foules, creeping things, g 1.104 roaring as a Lyon, skipping like a Goat, barking after the manner of a dogge, and the like. But h 1.105 it is obserued by some, that he cannot take the shape of a Sheepe, or Doue, though of an Angell of light: 2. Cor. 11. 14. And further, i 1.106 most of the learned doe hold, that those bodies where∣in they doe appeare, are fashioned of the k 1.107 aire, (though it is not to be denied, but they can enter into other, as the Diuell did into the Serpent, de∣ceiuing Eue, Gen. 3. 1.) which if it continuing pure and in the owne nature l 1.108, hath neither colour nor figure, yet condensed receiueth both, as wee may behold in the clouds, which resemble sometime one, sometime another shape, and so in them is seene the representation of Armies fighting, of beasts and Birds, houses, Cities, and sundry other kinds of apparations.

Histories of all can witnesse of the Diuels ap∣pearance in human m 1.109 shape: thus a Pseudo, Moses, or Messias in Crete, perswaded the Iewes that it was he who brought their Fathers the Israelites out of Egypt, and led them through the Red Sea, and would conduct them also out of that land vp∣on the waters into Iudea. But many following his counsell, perished: the rest admonished by that destruction, turned back, accusing their folly; and when they made enquiry for this guide, to haue rewarded him according to his desert, was no where to be found, whereof they conceiued hee was a Diuell in Mans likenesse. And such an one n 1.110 was that merry (but malicious) spirit, who walked

for a long time in Saxony, and was very seruicea∣ble, clothed in country apparrell, with a cappe on his head, delighted to conuerse and talke with the people, to demaund questions, and answer what he was asked, hurting none, except iniured be∣fore, and then declared himselfe a right diuell in reuenge.

o 1.111 The late Discoueries and Nauigations made into the west Indies, can furnish vs with abundant testimonies hereof, in which the mindes of the Inhabitants are both terrified & their bodies mas∣sacred by his visible sight, and cruell tortures; yet (which is the opinion of many learned) he cannot so perfectly represent the fashion of a mans bo∣dy, but that there is some sensible deformity, by which hee bewrayeth himselfe; as his p 1.112 feete like those of an Ox, a Horse, or some other beasts, clouen houed, his hands crooked, armed with clawes, or talants like a vulture: or some one mis∣shapen part, wherein (though hee delight in the shape of man, as most fitting for company and conference) is demonstrated, the great and ten∣der loue of God toward vs, who hath so bran∣ded this deceiuer, that hee may bee discerned euen of those who are but of meane capacity, and so consequently auoyded. And as in his body assumed, so in his speech there is a de∣fect, for it is weake, small, whispering, imper∣fect.

And thus it is q 1.113 reported of Hermolaus Barba∣rus, who inquiring of a spirite, the signification and meaning of a difficult r 1.114 word in Aristotle,

he hard a low hissing, and murmuring voyce gi∣uing answere.

And this hee doth of set purpose, that so his sophisticall & doubtfull words might be the lesse perceiued.

Neither can this seeme strange to any, that the Diuell should speake, who brought a voyce from Trees to salute s 1.115 Apollonius, and inspired that talkatiue Oke in Dodona, famous for the O∣racles vttered there in Heroicall verse, to the Grecians, and to euery nation in his owne lan∣guage, Chaldeans, Egyptians, Armenians, and other people who were led by him, and depended vpon his resolution.

And thus the t 1.116 Image of Memnon, when the Sunne did shine vpon it, and his beames tou∣ched the lips thereof, (which was at the arising in the East) speake vnto them who were present.

And considering, as hath beene mentio∣ned before, that there passeth betweene the Witch and her Diuell, a compact, as with a Maister and a Seruant, it must therefore con∣sist vppon prescript tearmes of commaunding, and obeying; and then of necessity is required a conuersing together; and conference where∣by the same couenant may be ratified.

The sixt Proposition.

GOd giueth, both the diuell, and his seruants the witches, power sometimes to trouble his owne children; so u 1.117 Christ our blessed Sauiour, was by Sathan carryed from place to place, Math. 4. 5. Iob x 1.118 in strange manner afflicted, and his chil∣dren slaine, through his power, whom none can conceiue but were Gods seruants, religiously brought vp in his feare: and their father hath an honourable testimonie from the mouth of God himselfe, Iob 1. ver. 8. Dauid, a man according to Gods owne heart, Acts 13. 22. is by Sathan stir∣red vp to number the people, 1. Chron. 21. 1. and that incuriosity and the pride of his heart, onelie to know the multitude of his subiects, 2. Sam. 24. 2

Whereas the Law appoynteth another end, Exod. 30. 12. which hee had y 1.119 now forgotten, the maintenance of the Ministerie and worshippe of God. And a daughter of Abraham is bound of the diuell eighteene whole yeeres, had a spirit of In∣firmity, was bowed together, and could in no wise lift vp herselfe, Lu. 13. 11. 16. a grieuous ca∣lamity in respect of the author, the continuance, and the effect. But to handle this poynt a little more distinctly; It shall not be amisse to open first some reasons, why God doth giue this power to the diuel ouer the righteous his children some∣times, as also vpon the wicked and disobedient to

his will: And in the second place, why Witches haue the like leaue graunted vnto them. There∣fore for his children.

The first reason of his permission is his inscru∣table y 1.120 wisedome, who out of euill bringeth good; so Paul had a minister of Sathan to buffet him, to keepe him in humility, that hee might not waxe proude and high-minded, in regard of those great mysteries which were reuealed when hee was ta∣ken into the third heauen, 2. Corint. 12. 4. Thus his tentation was a medicine preseruatiue preuen∣ting the disease of his soule, which otherwise hee might haue falne into, z 1.121 for both himselfe, and the rest of the Apostles, though they were cho∣sen vessells, yet were they also fraile and brittle, wandring yet in the flesh vpon earth, not trium∣phing securely in heauen.

Second, It is a 1.122 proceeding from his mercy and goodnes, for the trial of faith, obedience and con∣stancy in such as belong to God: whereof there is an excellent patterne, and vnparaleld in Iob 1. 13. 14. &c. for by this triall is made a proofe to examine whether wee doe continue firme vpon our square, and vnshaken, or no; and be not re∣moued, eyther by the b 1.123 seeming wonders of the diuell, or of his seruants and associats. And there∣fore the Apostle pronounceth him blessed, who endureth temptation, for when hee is tryed hee shall receiue the crowne of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that loue him, Iames 1. 12. for he is faithfull, and wil not suffer vs to be temp∣ted aboue that we are able, but with the temptati∣on

also make away to escape, &c. 1. Cor 10. 13.

Third, Wee are admonished alwayes to stand in a readines, and be armed for to fight, prepared to withstand the diuell, knowing that God doth oftentimes giue him leaue to assault vs. Therefore we haue need to be furnished in all points, for we wrastle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkenesse of this world, against spirituall wickednesses in high places, Ephes. 6. 11. 12. And 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Pet. 5. 8. 9. be sober and vigilant, because your aduersary the diuell as a roaring Lyon walketh a∣bout, seeking whom he may deuoure. He d 1.124 is no weake assaylant, and therefore heere by the Apo∣stle are noted in him foure things: First, his power (a Lyon): Second, his hatred, and wrath in the word (roaring): Third, his subtilty (walking a∣bout) obseruing euery oportunity and occasion to hurt vs: Fourth, his cruelty (deuoure) no con∣tentment but in our ruine and vtter destruction.

Fourth, God would haue vs get the victorie a∣gainst Sathan, and take knowledge, that Christ on our side fighteth for vs, through whom we tri∣umph, and so are made more vndoubtedly assured of our saluation; and this is that which hee pro∣mised, The e 1.125 Seed of the woman shall bruise the head of the Serpent, Gen. 3. 15. And the Apostle confir∣meth, God shall tread downe Sathan vnder your feete, Rom. 16. 20.

God suffereth the diuell to preuaile against the wicked, yet in the most Holy there is no iniustice 2. Chron. 19. 7. But

First, f 1.126 Herein is the declaration of his iustice, whereby hee punisheth obstinate sinners, & those who prouoke him to wrath, and will not repent: And thus it is sayd of the Aegiptians, whom no plagues could soften, that hee cast vpon them the fiercenes of his anger, and indignation, and trou∣ble, by sending euill Angels among them, g 1.127 Psalm 78. 49. And when Saul had neglected the com∣mandement of God, an euill spirit from the Lord troubled him, 1. Sam. 16. 14. Thus Ahab seduced by his false prophets descendeth into the battaile, and is slaine (contemning the words of Michaiah) in h 1.128 whose mouthes the diuell was a lying spirit, who sent of the Lord, perswaded him and preual∣led, 1. Kin. 22. 22. 23. 24.

Second, By affiiction in the body or goodes, God would quicken them vp to seeke the salua∣tion * 1.129 of their soules. And so Paul gaue ouer a sean∣dalous and incestuous person vnto the diuell, that he might be induced to forsake his sin liue chaste∣ly heereafter, and be an edifying example to those whom he had offended: and this kinde of disci∣pline was more soueraigne, then any other could haue beene, because mans nature abhorreth Sa∣than, and trembleth with feare once to conceiue that he should fall into his power and hands, and this is that which he writeth, aduising the Corin∣thians to deliuer him vnto Sathan, for the destru∣ction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saued in the day of the Lord Iesus, 1. Cor. 5. 5. And in this sort he speaketh of two other deceiuers and blas∣phemers, Hymenaeus and Alexander, I haue deliue∣red

them vnto Sathan, that they may learne not to blaspheme, 1. Timothie 1. 20. therfore this giuing ouer, was not to destruction, but for correcti∣on.

The last poynt propounded, was, That witches haue power granted to vex Gods owne children aswell as others, and preuaile ouer them; and that we doe enquire (so farre as we may, and is iustifi∣able) of the causes thereof, which may be these.

First, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 This is permitted vnto them for the ex∣perience * 1.130 of their faith and integrity, so that by this meanes their loue towards God which lay hidden in the heart, is now made manifest. To be quiet and patient in prosperity, when we may enioy be∣nefites at our owne pleasure, is a matter easily to be performed: But to endure the fire of Tribula∣tion, that is the proofe of a stedfast Christian, and in losses and sickenesse procured by such to bee si∣lent, and submit our selues, this is the note of a faithfull man, & to choose rather obeying the law of God, to beare the infirmity of the body, then to ouer-flow in riches, and enioying health and strength offend the Lord.

Second, this maketh a difference betweene the wicked and the godly: for thus the holy Apostle speaketh of the righteous, that by many afflictions they must enter into the kingdome of heauen, Act. 14. 22. And all that will liue godly in Christ Iesus suffer tribulations, 2. Timoth. 3. 12. for whom the Lord loueth, he doth chasten, Prouer. 3. 12. It is a Christians glory to vndergoe for Gods cause, a∣ny vexation whatsoeuer, whether wrought by the

diuell, or brought to passe by wicked men his k 1.131 in∣struments; for when he is tryed, hee shall receiue the crowne of life, which God hath promised to those who loue him, Iames 1. 12. But wee reade contrary of the wicked, they become olde, yea, are mighty in power, their seede is established in their sight with them, and their of-spring before their eyes, their houses are safe from feare, ney∣ther is the rod of God vpon them, &c. they spend their dayes in wealth, and in a moment go downe into the graue, Iob 21. 7. 8. 9. &c. Yet surely they are set in slippery places, sodainely destroyed and perished, & horribly consumed as a dreame when one awaketh: O Lord, thou shalt make their I∣mage despised, &c. Psal. 73. 18. 19. 20.

The seuenth Proposition.

MOre women in a farre different proportion prooue Witches then men, by a hundred to one; therefore the Lawe of God noteth that Sex, as more subiect to that sinne, Exodus 22. 18. It is a common speach amongst the Iewish Rab∣bins, l 1.132 many women, many Witches: And it should seeme that this was a generally receiued opinion, for so it is noted by Pliny, Quintilian, and others, neyther doth this proceede (as some haue thought) from their frailtie and imbecillity, for in many of them there is stronger resolution, to vndergoe any torment then can bee found in

man, as was made apparant in that conspiracy of Piso against Nero, m 1.133 who commannded that Epicharis, knowne to bee of the same fa∣ction, should first presently be set vpon the racke, imagining that being a woman, she would neuer * 1.134 bee able to òuercome the paine: But all the tor∣tures that he or his could deuise, were not able to draw from her the least confession of any thing that was then obiected against her. The first dayes question shee so vtterly contemned, that the very Chaire in which they conueied her from the place, did seeme as a Chariot wherein shee rid, triumphing ouer the barbarous vsage of their inhumane cruelty. The morrow following brought thither againe, after many rough in∣counters, remained so vnshaken, that wrath it selfe grew madde, to see the strokes of an obsti∣nate and relenting fury fall so in vaine vpon the softer temper of a Woman: and at the last tooke a scarfe from about her necke, and by it knits vp within her bosome the knowledge shee had of that fact, together with that little remainder of spirit, whereof by force and violence they la∣boured to depriue her.

n 1.135 Former ages haue likewise produced Leena an exemplary president of this sort, to all poste∣rity, who when Armodius and Aristogito•…•… ha∣uing failed of the execution of their enterprise against Hipparchus a tyrant, had beene put to death, she was brought to the torture to be en∣forced to declare what other complices there were of the conspiracie. But rather then shee

should bee compelled thereunto, bit her tongue asunder, and spit it in the face of the tyrant, that though she would, yet could not now disclose them. In remembrance whereof the Athenians caused a Lyon of Brasse to bee erected, shew∣ing her inuincible courage by the generosity of that beast, and her perseuerance in secrecie, in that they made it without a tongue. Therefore the learned haue searched out other causes there∣of, and among the rest, obserued these as the most probable.

First, they are by nature credulous, wanting ex∣perience, and therfore more easily deceiued.

Secondly, o 1.136 they harbour in their breast a curi∣ous and inquisitiue desire to know such things as be not fitting and couenient, and so are often∣times intangled with the bare shew and visard of goodnesse. As the Lady of Rome, who was im∣portune, and vehemently instant vpon her hus∣band, to know what was debated of that day at the Councell Table. And when he could not be at rest, answered, The Priests had seene a Larke flying in the aire with a golden Helmet on his head, and holding a speare in his foot. Scarce she had this, but presently she told it to one of her maids: she to another of her fellowes, so that re∣port was spread through the whole Citie, and went for currant vntill it receiued a checke: But all are not of this mould.

Thirdly, their complection is softer, and from hence more easily receiue the impressions offered by the Diuell; as when they be instructed and go∣uerned

by good Angels, they proue exceeding religious, and extraordinarily deuout: so consen∣ting to the suggestions of euill spirits, become no∣toriously wicked, so that there is no mischiefe a∣boue that of a woman, Eccles. 25. 13. &c.

Fourthly, in them is a greater facility to fall, and therefore the Diuell at the first tooke that ad∣uantage, and set vpon Eue in Adams absence, Genes. 3. 3.

Fifthly, this sex, when it conceiueth wrath or hatred against any, is vnplacable, possessed with vnsatiable desire of reuenge, and transported with appetite to right (as they thinke) the wrongs offered vnto them: and when their power herein answereth not their will, and are meditating with themselues how to effect their mischieuous pro∣iects and designes, the Diuell p 1.137 taketh the occasi∣on, who knoweth in what manner to content ex∣ulcerated mindes, windeth himselfe into their hearts, offereth to teach them the meanes by which they may bring to passe that rancor which was nourished in their breasts, and offereth his helpe and furtherance herein.

Sixthly, they are of a slippery tongue, and full of words: and therefore if they know any such wicked practises, are not able to hold them, but commnnicate the same with their husbands, chil∣dren, consorts, and inward acquaintance; who not consideratly weighing what the issue and end thereof may be, entertaine the same, and so the poyson is dispersed. Thus Dalilah discouered her husbands strength where it lay, vnto the Phili∣stines;

and procured his infamous and disastrou•…•… ouer-throw. Iudg. 16. 18.

Hitherto in some Popositions I haue set downe the originall of witch-craft, and other such curi∣ous and vnlawfull Arts, the quality of the persons agents in the same, the power of the Diuell, and his confederates, the league of association which enterchangeably passeth betweene them, his assu∣ming a body, and framing a voice for the perfor∣mance of that businesse; that women, and why, are most subiect to this hellish pra∣ctise. Now the truth of all these shall appeare by exemplary proofes in the Narration fol∣lowing.

A true Narration of some of those Witch-crafts which Marie wife of Henry Smith Glouer did practise, and of the hurts she hath done vnto sundry persons by the same: confirmed by her owne Confession, and from the pub∣like Records of the examination of diuers vpon their oaths: of her death, and execution for the same, which was on the twel•…•…th day of Ianu•…•… i•…•… last past.

MArie wife of Henrie Smith, Glouer, possessed with a wrathfull indignation a∣gainst some of her neigh∣bours, in regard that they made gaine of their buying and selling Cheese, which shee (vsing the same trade) could not doe, or they better (at the least in her opinion) then she did, often times cursed them, and became incensed with vnruly passions, armed with a setled resolution, to effect some mischie∣uous

proiects and designes against them. The di∣uell who is skilfull, and reioyceth of such an occa∣sion offered, and knoweth how to stirre vp the e∣uill affected humours of corrupt mindes (she be∣comming now a fitte subiect, through this her di∣stemper, to worke vpon, hauing the vnderstand∣ing darkened with a cloude of passionate, and re∣uengefull affections) appeared vnto her amiddes these discontentments, in the shape of a blacke * 1.138 man, and willed that she should continue in her malice, enuy, hatred, banning and cursing; and then he would be reuenged for her vpon all th•…•…se to whom she wished euill: and this promise was vttered in a lowe murmuring and hissing voyce: * 1.139 and at that present they entred tearmes of a com∣pact, he requiring that she should forsake God, and depend vpon him: to which she condescen∣ded in expresse tearmes, renouncing God, and betaking herselfe vnto him. I am sparing by anie amplification to enlarge this, but doe barely and nakedly rehearse the trueth, and number of her owne words vnto mee. After this hee presented himselfe againe at sundry times, and that to this purpose (as may probably bee coniectured) to hold her still in his possession, who was not able, eyther to looke further into these subtilties, then the superficiall barke thereof, or not discouer the depth of his designements, and in other formes, as of a mist, and of a ball of fire, with some disper∣sed spangles of blacke; and at the last in prison (af∣ter the doome of iudgement, and sentence of con∣demnation was passed against her) two seuerall

times, in that figure as at the first: only at the last he seemed to haue a paire of horns vpon his head, and these as shee c•…•…me downe from her chamber, being sent for to conferre with some learned and reuerend Diuiues, by whose prayers and instruc∣tions she might be brought to the sight and con∣fession of her grieuous offences, be regained and rescued out of his hands, brought to repentance, and the fauour of God, assured hope of mercie, and eternall life, and at these times he wished her to confesse nothing to any of them, but continue constant in her made promise, rely vpon him, and hee would saue her. This was too high a straine aboue his reach to haue made it good, and a note of his false descant, who hauing compassed this wretched woman, brought her to a shamefull and vntimely end; yet doing nothing herein contra∣ry to his malicious purposes, for hee was a mut∣therer from the beginning, Iohn 8. 44. Now then, to descend to particulars, and the effects of this hellish association mad•…•…. Being thus ioyned and linked together in a reciprocall league, he begin∣neth to worke for her, in procuring the mischiefe of those whom she maligned, whereof these few acknowledged by her selfe, may yeeld some taste of more, though concea∣led.

¶ Her wicked practise against Iohn Orkton.

THe first who tasted of the gall of her bitternes was Iohn Orkton a Sailer, and a man of strong constitution of body, who about some fiue yeares sithence, returning out of Holland in the Nether∣land, or low Countries beyond the Seas, happe∣ned, for some misdemeanors committed by him to strike the sonne of this Mary Smith (but in such sort as could not in reason bee offensiuely taken) who hearing his complaint, came foorth into the streete, cursing and banning him therefore, as of∣tentimès shee did, dwelling in the next adioyn∣ing house, and wished in a most earnest and bitter manner, that his fingers might rotte off; where∣vpon presently hee grew weake, distempered in stomacke, and could digest no meate, nor other nourishment receiued, and this discrasie or fee∣blenesse continued for the space of three quarters of a yeare; which time expired, the fore-menti∣oned griefe fel downe from the stomacke into his hands and feete, so that his fingers did corrupt, and were cut off; as also his toes putrisied & con∣sumed in a very strange and admirable manner. Neuerthelesse, notwithstanding these calamities, so long as hee was able, went still to Sea, in the goods and shippes of sundry Merchants (for it

was his onely meanes of liuing) but neuer could make any prosperous voyage (as then other men did) eyther beneficiall to the Owners, or profita∣ble to him selfe. Whereupon, not willing to bee hindrance to others, and procure no good for his owne maintenance by his labours, left that trade of life, and kept home, where his former griefe encreasing, sought to obtaine help and re∣medie by Chirurgery, and for this end went to Yarmouth, hoping to be cured by one there, who was accompted very skilfull: but no medicines applyed by the Rules of Arte and Experience, wrought any expected or hoped for effect: for both his hands and feete, which seemed in some measure euery euening to be healing, in the mor∣ning were found to haue gone backeward, and growne far worse then before: So that the Chi∣rurgian perceiuing his labour to bee wholly fru∣strate, gaue ouer the cure, and the diseased pati∣ent still continueth in a most distressed and mise∣rable estate, vnto the which hee was brought by the hellish practises of this malitious woman, who long before openly in the streetes, (whenas yet the neighbours knew of no such thing) reioy∣cing at the calamity, said, Orkton now lyeth a rot∣ting. And no maruell though she could tell that which herselfe had done, and her good maister would not suffer to be concealed, but that the te∣stimony of her owne tongue should remayne as a record towardes her further detection and con∣demnation, who sought meanes of her voluntary accord to be reconciled with the wofull distressed

party, but this was nothing else but to plaister o∣uer and disguise her former inhumane and barba∣rous actions, for no reliefe at all followed thereof: for oftentimes, as hath beene prooued, the a 1.140 di∣uells and witches his instruments doe cause such diseases, which neyther the one, nor the other can remoue againe. And this is not any vaporous imagination, but a most vndoubted trueth. For now this poore man continueth still in a lamen∣table estate, griefe, and paines encreasing, with∣out hope of helpe, except God in the abundance of his tender mercies vouchsafe to grant comfort and deliuerance.

¶ Her wicked practise against Eli∣zabeth Hancocke.

THe second person distressed, by this witch, was Elizabeth Hancocke, then widdow, now wife of Iames Scot: the maner, occasion, and pro∣ceeding of whose dealing against her was thus. She comming out of the towne from the shoppe of one Simon Browne a Silkeman, vnto whom she had carried home some worke, which was by him put out vnto her; Henry Smith, as shee passed by his doore, tooke her by the hand, and smilingly said, that his ducke (meaning his wife, this woman of whom we now speake) tolde him that shee had stolne her henne; which wordes shee then passed

ouer, as onely spoken in merriment, and denying the same: in the meane time, as they were inter∣changing these words, shee came herselfe, and directly charged her with the henne, and wished that the bones thereof might sticke in her throat, when she should eate the same: which speech also she made no great reckoning of, supposing them to be but words of course, and might bee vttered in jeast. Neuerthelesse, afterward better conside∣ring of the same, conceiued much griefe, to bee counted one of so euill quality and disposition, and espying that hen for which she was accused, to sit vpon the hatch of her shoppe doore, went to her, and mooued with the indignity of that slaunder, and vniust imputation, told her in some passion and angry manner, that it was a dishonest part thus to blemish the good name of her neigh∣bors with so vntrue aspersions: whereupon, brea∣king foorth in some violence, she wished the pox to light vpon her, and named her prowde •…•…inny, prowde flurts, and shaking the hand, bade her go in, for she should repent it; and the same night, within three or foure houres after these curses and imprecations vttered, she was taken and pinched at the heart, and felt a sodaine weaknesse in all the parts of her body; yet her appetite to meate no∣thing diminished, and so continued for the space of three weekes; in which time, when she was any thing well, would come to the doore, and leane vpon the stall, whom this Marie Smith seeing, did euerbanne, adding the former curse, the poxe light vpon you, can you yet come to the doore?

and at the end of these three weekes, beeing but very weake, came soorth as shee vsed to doe, to take the ayre, this mischieuous woman most bit∣terly cursed her againe, whereupon she went in∣to the house, fell into such a torturing fit, and nip∣ping at the heart, that she fainted, hardly recoue∣rable for the space of halfe an houre, and so grie∣uously racked and tormented through all parts of her body, as if the very flesh had beene torne from the bones, by the violent paine whereof she could not refraine, but tore the haire from off her head, and became as one distraught, bereaued of sence, and vnderstanding: And the same night the bed whereon she lay, was so tossed, and lifted vp and downe, both in her owne feeling, and in the sight of others then present beholders of her extreami∣ties, by the space of one houre or more, that she was therewith exceedingly terrified, & did thinke oftentimes in her sleepe, that she did see this Ma∣rie Smith standing before her. And this sit conti∣nued sixteene houres, during which passion Ed∣ward Drake her father came to the Towne, touch∣ed with griefe for this torture of his daughter (as parents hearts are relenting and tender, and natu∣rall compassion is soone stirred vp in them) tooke her vrine, went to one for his aduice (whose fact herein is no way instifiable, and argued but a small measure of religion, and the knowledge of God in him) who first tolde vnto him the cause of his comming, that is, to seeke help for his daughter, and then added, that she was so farre spent, that if hee had stayed but one day longer, the woman

who had wrongd her, would haue spent her heart, and so become vnrecouerable, and thereupon shewed him her face in a Glasse; and further, o∣pened the beginning cause of falling out, which was for a hen, which before this, Drake neyther knew nor heard of, and then gaue his counsell for remedy, which was the matter sought for & desi∣red, & that was in this order. To make a cake with flower from the Bakers, & to mix the same instead of other liquor, with her own water, and bake it on the harth, wherof the one halfe was to be applyed and laid to the region of the heart, the other halfe to the back directly opposit; & further, gaue a box of ointment like triacle, which must be spread vp∣on that cake, and a powder to be cast vpon the same, and certaine words written in a paper, to be layd on likewise with the other, adding this ca∣ueat, that if his daughter did not amend within six houres after the taking of these receits, then there was no health or recouery to be looked for: & further, wished silence to be kept herein, for the womā who had done this, would know any thing.

And being thus furnishing with instructions, and returning home, as hee alighted from his horse to enter into that house where his daughter lay (being the next vnto Mary Smiths) shee then stood leaning ouer her shop window, whom hee knew to be that person, which was shewed vnto him, and she cursed him passing by, and told his daughter that her Father had beene with a Wi∣sard. And the next day following after they had put in practise the directions giuen, she affirmed

to diuers of the neighbours, that Drake the affli∣cted womans father, had beene to aske counsell, and made a Witch Cake, but shee would learne how they came to haue that knowledge: yet for the present she found helpe, and was freed from the languishing and other conflicts wherewith she was assaulted by the space of sixe weekes.

After this, being married vnto Iames Scot, a great Cat which kept with this Witch (of whose infernall both purposes and practises wee now speake) frequented their house; and vpon doing some scathe, her husband moued therwith, thrust it twice through with his sword: which notwith∣standing those wounds receiued, ran away: then he stroke it with all his force vpon the head with a great pike staffe, yet could not kill her; but shee leapt after this vpward almost a yard from the boords of that chamber where she now was, and crept downe: which hee perceiuing, willed his lad (a boy of foureteene yeares) to dragge her to the muck-hill, but was not able; and therefore put her into a sacke, and being in the same, still moued and stirred. Whereupon they put her out againe, and cast her vnder a paire of staires, purposing in the morning, to get more helpe, and carry her a∣way; but then could not be found, though all the doores that night were locked, and neuer heard what afterward became thereof.

Not long after, this Witch came-forth with a Birchin broome, and threatned to lay it vpon the head of Elizabeth Scot, and defiled her cloathes therewith, as she swept the street before her shop

doore, and that in the sight of her husband, who not digesting this indignity offered vnto his wife, threatned that if she had any such fits, as she endu∣red being a Widow before marriage, hee would hang her. At this she clapped her hands, and said hee killed her Cat. And within two or three dayes after this enterchange of words betweene them, his wife was perplexed with the like paine and griefe at her heart, as formerly she had beene; and that for two dayes and a night: wherefore her husband went to this wrathfull and malicious per∣son, assuring that if his wife did not amend, hee would accuse her to the Magistrate, and cause the * 1.141 rigor of the law to be executed vpon her, which is due to such malefactors. These things were done some three yeares sithence. The party trou∣bled yet liueth, but in no confirmed health, nor perfect soundnesse of body.

Her wicked practises against Cicely Balye.

A Third subiect whereupon this wrathfull wo∣mans anger wrought, was C•…•…eely Balye, then seruant to Robert C•…•…ulton, now wife of William Vaux, who sweeping the street before her maisters doore vpon a Saturday in the euening, Mary Smith began to pick a quarrell about the manner of sweeping, and said vnto her she was a great fat∣tail'd sow, but that fatnesse should shortly be pul∣led

downe and abated. And the next night being Sunday immediatly following, a Cat came vnto her, sate vpon her breast, with which she was grie∣uously tormented, and so oppressed, that she could not without great difficulty draw her breath, and at the same instant did perfectly see the said Mary in the chamber where she lay, who (as she concei∣ued) set that Cat vpon her, and immediatl after fell sicke, languished, and grew exceeding leane; and so continued for the space of halfe a yeare to∣gether, during the whole continuance in her mai∣sters seruice; vntill departing from him, she dwelt with one Mistres Garoway, and then began to bee amended in her health, and recouer of her for∣mer pining sicknesse: for this Witch had said, that so long as she dwelt neere her, she should not be well, but grow from euill to worse.

Thus euery light trifle (for what can bee lesse then sweeping of a little dust awry?) can minister matter to set on fire a wrathfull indignation, and inflame it vnto desired reuenge, the Diuell being willing to apprehend and take hold vpon such an occasiō, that so he might do some pleasing office his bond-slaue, whom she adored in submisse ma∣ner, vpon her knees, with strange gestures, vtte∣ring many murmuring, broken, and imperfect speeches, as this Cicely did both heare and see, there being no other partition between the cham∣ber wherein shee performed these rites, and the house of her maister with whom she then dwelt, but only a thin feeling of boord, through a cran∣ny or rift whereof she looked, listned attentiuely

vnto her words, and beheld (diligently her beha∣uiour, and might haue seene and heard much more, but that she was with the present spectacle so affrighted, that shee hastned downe in much feare and distemper.

Her wicked practise against Edmund Newton.

THe fourth on dammaged by this Hagge, was one Edmund Newton: the discontentment did arise from this ground; Because hee had bought seuerall bargaines of Holland cheese, and sold them againe, by which she thought her bene∣f•…•… to be somewhat impaired, vsing the like kinde of trading. The manner of her dealing with him was in this sort. At euery seuerall time of buying Cheese he was grieuously afflicted, being thrice, and at the last, either she or a spirit in her likenesse did appeare vnto him, and whisked about his face (as he lay in bed) a wet cloath of very loathsome sauour; after which hee did see one cloathed in russet with a little bush beard, who told him hee was sent to looke vpon his sore legge, and would heale it; but rising to shew the same, perceiuing hee had clouen feet, refused that offer, who then (these being no vaine conceits, or phantasies, but well aduised and diligently considered •…•…bseruan∣ces) suddenly vanished out of sight. After this she

sent her Impes, a Toad, and Crabs crawling about the house, which was a shoppe planchered with boords, where his seruants (hee being a Shooe∣maker) did worke: one of which tooke that toad, put it into the fire, where it made a groaning noyse for one quarter of an houre before it was consumed; during which time Mary Smith who sent it, did endure, (as was reported) torturing paines, testifying the felt griefe by her out-cryes then made.

The sicknesse which he first sustained, was in manner of a madnesse or phrensie, yet with some interposed release of extremity: so that for thir∣teene or foureteene weekes together hee would be of perfect memory, other times distracted and depriued of all sence. Also the ioynts and parts of his body were benummed, besides other pains and greifes from which hee is not yet freed, but continueth in great weakenesse, disabled to per∣forme any labour, whereby hee may get sufficient and competent maintenance. And by the councel of some, sending for this woman by whom hee was wronged, that he might scratch her (for this hath gone as currant, and may plead prescription for warrant a foule sinne among Christians to thinke one Witch-craft can driue out another) his nailes turned like feathers, hauing no strength to lay his hands vpon her.

And it is not improbable but that she had dealt no better with others then these aboue mentio∣ned. For M^r Thomas Yonges of London, Fishmon∣ger, reported vnto me, that after the demand of

a debt due vnto M^r Iohn Mason, Silkeman of the same Citie, whose Widow hee married, from Henry Smith Glouer her husband, some execrati∣ons and curses being wished vnto him, within three or foure dayes (being then gone to Yar∣mouth in Norfolke vpon necessary businesse) there fell sicke, and was tortured with exceeding and massacring griefes, which by no meanes (hauing vsed the aduise of sundry learned and experienced Physitians in Norwich) could in any part be mi∣tigated, and so extraordinarily vexed thirteene moneths, was constrained to go on Crutches, not being able to feed himselfe, and amended not be∣fore this mischieuous woman was committed to prison (accused for other wickednesses of the like kinde) at which time (so neere as he could con∣iecture) he then receiued some release of his for∣mer paines, though at the present when hee made this relation, which was at Candlemas last past, had not perfectly recouered his wonted strength: for his left hand remained lame, and without vse.

But thus much by the way onely, omitting how before this accident a great Water-dogge ranne ouer his bed, the doore of the chamber where he lay being shut, no such one knowne (for carefull enquiry was made) either to haue been in that house where hee lodged, or in the whole Towne at any time.

I doe not insist vpon this, because shee did not nominate him or any other vnto vs, but onely those foure already expressed: and for the wrongs

done to them, she craued mercy at Gods hands, as for all other her sins, and in particular for that of Witch-craft, renounced the Diuell, embraced the mercies of God purchased by the obedience of Iesus Christ, and professed that her hope was onely by his suffering and passion to bee saued. And all these, that is to say, her former grieuous offences committed against God, and his people, her d•…•…fiance of the Diuell, and reposing all con∣fidence of saluation in Christ Iesus alone, and his merits, she in particular maner confessed openly at the place of execution, in the audience of mul∣titudes of people gathered together (as is vsuall at such times) to be beholders of her death. And made there also profession of her faith, and hope of a better life hereafter; and the meanes where∣by she trusted to obtaine the same, as before, hath beene specified. And being asked, if she would be contented to haue a Psalme sung, answered wil∣lingly that she desired the same, and appointed it herselfe, The Lamentation of a Sinner, whose be∣ginning is, Lord turne not away thy face, &c. And after the ending thereof thus finished her life: So that in the iudgement of charity we are to con∣ceiue the best, and thinke shee resteth in peace, notwithstanding her heynous transgressions for∣merly committed: for there is no maladay incura∣ble to the Almighty Physitian, Esay 1. 18. Ezech. 33. 11. Therefore Caine did iniury to God, when conuicted of the barbarous and vnnaturall mur∣ther of his righteous brother, cryed out that his sinne was greater then could be forgiuen, Gen. 4. 13

for Gods mercy is greater then mans misery can be. And euen for the like vnto this very fact, we haue a booke case, already adiudged, and ouer-ruled in those Ephesians, who brought their coniuring bookes, sacrificed them in the sire, aestimated at the a 1.142 value of nine hundred pounds of our mo∣ney, repented of their b 1.143 sinnes, and obtained mer∣cy, Acts 19. vers. 19.

¶ The eight Proposition, and first consequent.

NOw then from this premised narration, these two corrollaries or consequents do necessa∣rily follow.

It is not lawfull for any Christian to consult with a witch or wisard, or goe to them for helpe. God himselfe, whose commandement is and must be the rule of our life & direction hath forbidden it, Leuit. 19. 31. and 20. 6. Deuter. 18. 10. 11. And the Imperiall lawes, haue beene in this case verie respectiue. a 1.144 Therefore, Leo the Emperour

straitly enioyneth, that none should resort vnto them, and stileth their aduice nothing but meere impostures and deceit; and in the b 1.145 Decrees col∣lected by Gratran, the teachers of the people are seriously exhorted to admonish them, that magi∣call arts and inchantments cannot heale any in∣firmity: and that they bee the dangerous snares, and subtilties of that ancient enemy of mankind, by which he indeuoureth to entangle them c 1.146: and these so streight and seuere prohibitions are not without iust and weighty cause. For,

First, wee must haue no commerce or dealing with the diuell, eyther directly and immediately, or mediately and indirectly; for we ought to haue our recourse to God alone in all distresses, and this is that which Eliah spake with great indignati∣on vnto the messengers of Ahaziah, who went to enquire of Baal-zebub, for the recouerie of their Lords health, 2. King. 1. 3. d 1.147 So that wee must not seeke to Sathan, or any of his ministers. For none can serue two maisters, Matt. 6. 24. But as religi∣ous Ichosaphat, when we know not what to doe, then lift vp our eyes to heauen, 2. •…•…hron. 20. 12.

Secondly, that help which any receiue from them bringeth destruction of our soules, for such as secke for reliefe this way, make a e 1.148 separation &

departing from God, which is the death of the soule. And though it may be obiected, that some haue receiued benefite hereby, yet these are not one of tenne. And further, wee are not to iudge heerein of the lawfulnesse of these actions by the successe, but rest vpon the commaundement, for itfalleth out sometime, that a thi ese and common robber by the high way, may liue i•…•… more aboun∣dance, then those who with a lawfull and honest trade painefully maintaine then selues, yet there∣fore hee is not iustified. And when wee haue re∣course vnto others beside God, we bewray here∣in our f 1.149 distrust, infidelitie, contempt and rebel∣lion against him, which grieuous sinnes bring his wrath and eternall destruction. But let it be taken for granted, that wee may receiue good by them, yet this maxime is sure, & a truth vnrepealeable, which no distinction can elude; we must not doe euill that good may come thereof, Rom. 3. 8. g 1.150 yea, it were better to end our dayes in any extremitie whatsoeuer, then to vse these for our helpers.

Thirdly, they h 1.151 cure not diseases but in shew, except such as themselues haue inflicted, other∣wise those doe returne, as is reported of Adrianus the i 1.152 Emperour, who troubled with a dropsie, by magicall charmes did oftentimes empty the wa∣ter thereof, but in a short space increased againe; and perceiuing the same to grow worse & worse, sought to dispatch and rid himselfe of life, by poy∣son, or the sword, or some other desperate attēpts. O•…•… a worse malady (the first being abated) follow∣eth: as I haue knowne one, who vsing the help of

a wisard for the cure of a sore in his breast, ptescri∣bed in this sort: crossed the place affected with his thumb, and mumbled to himselfe some words in secret, after gaue the patient a powder like the ashes of wood, which was to be boiled in running water, and with it to wash the vlcer, after certaine clouts were to be applyed, with speciall care to lay that side of the clout vnto the sore, which was by him cr•…•…ssed, and marked; and all these clothes must at once be bound vpon it, and euery day the lowest remoued or taken away: thus in short time that anguish and griefe ceased; but not long af∣ter the party fell into a more grieuous infirmity, and still continueth therein. Or if the euill be ta∣ken from the k 1.153 person presently afflicted, then is it layd vpon his friends children or cattell, and sometime it falleth to the lot of the witch herselfe, so that alwayes the diuell is a diuell, doing euill, and working mischiefe.

Fourth, a l 1.154 wisard, witch, or sorcerer can not releeue any but by his or her inuocation, and help of the diuell, but this fact is absolutely, and with∣out exception, wicked, and can by no limitation or circumstance bee made tolerable: Therefore they who require this at their hands, which they cannot performe without committing of sinne, be liable to the same vengeance and wrath of God to which they are; for not only the principall offen∣ders, but the m 1.155 accessaries, and consenters to their euill, are worthy of death, Rom. 1. 32.

Now before I conclude this poynt, because by these kinde of creatures, many toyes bee vsed, to

shaddow and maske the diuells suggestion and workes, it shall not be amisse to mention some of them, and among the rest be n 1.156 characters writ∣ten or grauen in plates of mettall: and for these it is most certayne that Quantities haue no actiue qualitie; and therefore, if any expected successe according to desire doe follow in the vse thereof, it proceedeth from the illusion of Sathan, and is his worke, that hereby he might winne credite to his crafty sleights and conueyances, and procure to himselfe authority, establishing the kingdome of darkenesse, withdraw men from resting vpon God, and reposing their trust in his almighty po∣wer, and boundlesse mercy, and sollicite them to expect helpe from him. There are besides these, other idle trifles (for they des•…•…rue no better name which are appoynted to be hung about the neck) for Amulets, as o 1.157 powerfull and effectuall reme∣dies against certayne diseases, and pictures made of gold, brasse, lead, wax, &c. which neyther haue nor can haue any other vertue, then that which they doe receiue from the matter wherof they be framed, for the sigure worketh not as a cause of alteration; but if it bring to passe any other effect that is from the power of the diuell an old enemy, and craftie deluder of mankinde, and therefore, presupposeth a contract made with him: where∣fore p 1.158 Antoninus Caracall•…•… condemned those who vsed the same, for the helpe of Tertian and Quar∣tan agues, and Constantius q 1.159 decreeth such to be woorthy capitall punishment, and put to death. And that naturall couer wherewith some children

are borne, and is called by our women, the sillie how, Midwiues were wont to sell to credulou•…•… Aduocates and Lawyers, as a•…•… especiall meane•…•… to furnish them with eloquence r 1.160 and perswasiue speech, and to stoppe the mouthes of all, who should make any opposition against them: for which cause one s 1.161 Prot•…•…s was accused by the Cler∣gie of Constantinople to haue offended in this matter. And Chrysostome often accuseth Midwiues for reseruing the same to Magicall vses. And Cle∣mens t 1.162 Alexandrinus giueth vs to vnderstand of one Er•…•…stus, who had two inchaunted rings, so framed, that by the sound thereof he had directi∣on for the fit time and opoortunity in mannaging all the businesses hee intended, and yet notwith∣standing was priuily murthered, though hee had warning giuen by that sound which was his vsuall instructer. Thus, none can escape the reuenging hand of God, which pursueth those who haue in∣feoffed themselues to such vanities, and are be∣sotted with these vnlawfull curiosities. But a∣mong all other, charmes and inchaunting spells, haue gotten the start of the rest, which some think absolutely lawfull, and may vpon warrantise bee vsed, and pleade prescription for their i•…•…stifiicati∣on; for wee reade in Homer u 1.163 that Vlysses being wounded by words, stayed the flux of blood; and x 1.164 Cardanus tells vs, that himselfe cutting his lip, could by no meanes restraine the flowing blood, vntill he charmed it, and then presently stanched: but dare not affirm whether his owne confidence, or the words did make this restraint. I might adde

to these, that infallible meanes (as is supposed) by finding out a thiefe with a Siue and a payre of Sheares, with that coniunction y 1.165 Dies, mies, Ies∣cet, &c. and the rest of such sencelesse and mon∣strous tearmes, a Riddle that Oedipus himselfe could not vnfolde. But because this conceit of charming hath ouer-spread it selfe in this Sunne∣set of the world, and challengeth a lawfull ap∣probation from the authority and practise of an∣cient z 1.166 Physitians, yea and found some a 1.167 Diuines to be their Patrons respectiuely, and with clauses of mitigation, I thinke it very necessarie to shew the vnlawfulnesse thereof. Wherefore,

First, they had their originall and beginning from the diuell, who abode not in the truth, Iohn 8. 44. was cast downe with the apostata angels to hell, and deliuered into chaines of darkenesse, 2. Pet. 2. 4. who enuying man•…•… felicity receiued into grace after the b 1.168 fall, himselfe eternally reiected, omitted no occasion to weaken and ouerthrow the same, that the benefite thereof might come but to a few, and the greatest number perish with him for euer. Whereupon he endeuoured to in∣wrappe the weaker sort of that fraile corporation in superstitions, beguile them with doubtfull and false oracles, and bring to a forme of worshippe contrary to that which God had commaunded, c 1.169 whereby the world beganne to abound with I∣dolatry, disobedience, contempt, murthers, vn∣cleanenesse, lusts, thefts, lying, and such like out∣rages: and that hee might with his infections im∣poyson them more dangerously, and soueraigne

in their hearts, he vndertooke to worke wonders, imitating such miracles as God had done, and deuised cunningly many subtile sleights and le∣gerdemaines, and for this end most blasphemou∣sly abused the glorious and holy name of God, and the word vttered by his mouth, and represen∣ted a false shew of those effects, which hee had wrought in nature: and heerein leuelled at two intentions, one to reproch God, and counter∣checke his works; the other to ouer-mask and co∣uer his owne secret traps and frauds, perswading men, that by the power of wordes these things were brought to passe, which must needes there∣fore be of great •…•…fficacie: seeing that the world & all things therein were so made of nothing; for the spake, and they were created, and thus practised to disgrace, and extenuate, that admirable and great worke of Creation, and cause men to make lighter account of the Creator, seeing that they also (instructed by him) were enabled thorow the pronunciation of certayne words contiued into a speciall forme, eyther to infuse new strength into things, or depriue them of that which for∣merly they had, or alter the course of Nature, in raysing tempests, stirring vp thunder and light∣ning; in d 1.170 taming serpents, and depriuing them of their naturall fiercenesse and venime, and cause wilde beasts to become meeke and tractable, yea in seeming to make sensible bodies; as cloudes, wind, raine & the like. And thus the diuell is that father who begot Charmes, and brought them foorth, not powerfull in themselues, but by that

inter league which hee hath with those who are invassaled vnto him.

Secondly, God doth as straitly prohibit them, and seuerely punish the practisers thereof, as o∣thers offending in any exercise of vnlawfull arts, Deut. 18. 10. 11. There shall not be found among you (instructing the Israelites his people) a char∣mer, &c. for these are abhomination vnto the Lord, &c. And this is recorded in the Catalogue of those sinnes of Manasses, by which hee sought to prouoke God vnto anger, 2. Kin. 21. 8. 2. Chro∣nicles 33. 6.

Thirdly, words haue no vertue, e 1.171 but either to signifie and expresse the conceits of the minde, or to affect the eares of the Auditors, so that they can worke nothing but in these two respects: first of the matter which is vttered by them, which vn∣derstood of the heaters, affect the mind diuersly, and that especially when there is ioyned with it a comelinesse of action and pronunciation, as wee we see oftentimes in the speeches of the Ministers of the Word, and in the pleadings of Orators. As when Paul reasoned before Foelix and Drusilla his wife, of Temperance, Righteousnesse, and Iudgement to come hee trembled, Acts 24. 25. f 1.172 being guilty to himselfe of fraudulent and cruell dealing, of lasciuiousnesse and a filthy life, and therefore might iustly feare vengeance for the same.

A like example to this is that in King Agrip∣pa, though working vpon a better subiect, Act. 26. 28. And if I may conioyne Diuine eloquence

with Humane, it is memorable, that while g 1.173 Tully pleaded before Caesar for Ligarius, accused by Tu∣bero, to haue beene confederate with Pompey, pur∣posing to put him to death, as an enemy, when the Orator altered, and in Rhetoricall manner in∣forced his speech, the other changed accordingly his countenance, and bewrayed the piercing words to be so affecting, that the supplications, when he came once to vrge and mention the bat∣tell of Pharsalia, (trembling and dismayed) did fall from his hands, hauing the passions of his minde extraordinarily moued, and absolued the offender. Or else when by their pleasantnesse, with delight they slide into the hearts of men, and ra∣uish their affections: and thus it was with h 1.174 Au∣gustine, as he acknowledgeth of himselfe, that be∣ing at Milaine where he was baptized by S. Am∣brose, when he heard the harmony which was in singing of the Psalmes, the words pierced his eares, the truth melted his heart, his passions were moued, and showers of teares with delight fell from his eyes. i 1.175 But these effects are wrought one∣ly in such who vnderstand that which is spoken, but neither of both these properties are to bee found in the Charmes of Wisards: besides, that they are conceiued and expressed in monstrous and vnknowne tearmes, not intelligible, and with∣out signification: and therefore the effects they produce being k 1.176 supernaturall must proceed from that secret compact, at the least made with the Diuell.

Fourthly, these charmes are meere mockeries,

and grosse abuses, both of God, and Men his creatures, I will giue you a taste of one or two, whereby you may iudge of the rest, for they came all out of one shoppe, and are fashioned in one forge, and haue the same workman or Artificer. l 1.177 An old woman crauing helpe for bleare eyes, had deliuered a Billet of Paper to weare about her necke, in which was written, The Diuell pull out thine eyes, and recouered. Another tied a scroule to a sicke man, full of strange Characters, with which were intermingled a few names of Diuels, as Lucifer, Sathan, Belzebub, Oriens, Behal, Mam∣mon, Beuflar, Narthin, Oleasar, &c. and other of this sort; but what manner of blessing this was, and how likely to be medicinable, a Christian truely instructed in Gods word knoweth; and the Lord who is the father of mercies, and God of all com∣fort, preserue vs from such blasphemies, which are the Diuels Sacrifices.

Fifthly, the discreeter sort among the Heathen, by that small glimpse of naturall reason which they had, misliked of these things: m 1.178 And there∣fore Cato among the rest of admonitions to the Bailiffe of his husbandry, giueth this charge, to aske no aduice of any Southsaier, Diuiner, Wi∣sard, or Natiuity Calculator. n 1.179 And Columella vt∣terly forbiddeth all acquaintance with Witches, wherby ignorant people are inforced to expence detestable Arts, and mischieuous deeds. o 1.180 Hippo∣crates doth almost like a Christian discourse of this poynt, and condemne the whole practise of this Art, as iniurious vnto God, who onely pur∣geth

sinnes, and is our preseruer; and for these fellowes who make profession of such wonder-working, brandeth them for Impostors and de∣ceiuers. I conclude with that remarkeable saying of an ancient Diuine; p 1.181 These vanities doe sepa∣rate and with draw vs from God, though they may seeme to haue something in them to allure and delight vs; yet let no Christian entertaine them, whose hope ought to be setled in God a∣lone. And if thou be in distresse, or afflicted with sicknesse of body, and feele no present release or comfort, what then? here is the tryall of thy pa∣tience, haue not recourse to superstitious and vn∣lawfull helpers, although they promise thee pre∣sent remedy; and when they fore-tell thee of things which doe truely according to the predi∣ction so fall out, beleeue them not, follow the example of Christ, who rebuked the Diuell, though he called him (as he was indeed) the Son of God. For vnder the vaile of truth he shadow∣eth falshood; euen as if one should sweeten with honey or sugar the brimme of the Cup wherein he bringeth poyson: But some will say, they call vpon the name of the Lord of Sabbaoth. Well, but this title they giue not to God, but to the Diuell: therefore betake thou thy selfe to God alone, craue health at his hand, and follow the A∣postles direction; If any bee sicke among you, let him call for the Elders of the Church, and let him pray, Iames 5. 14.

The ninth Proposition, and second Corrolary.

THere hath alwayes beene some wanton, or peruerse wits, who only to make triall of their skill, would take in hand to defend absurd positi∣ons, and commend both such things and persons, which were infamous, and contemptible as q 1.182 Pha∣uorinus writ the praise of the Quartane Ague, one of the gout, blindnesse, and deafnesse: r 1.183 Lucian of a flye, s 1.184 Erasmus of folly, t 1.185 Synesius of baldnesse, u 1.186 Glaucus in Plato of iniustice. And among the ex∣ercises of the x 1.187 ancient Orators, wee finde those who strained all their vnderstanding to blaze the honour of that witlesse and deformed Coward Thersites. And this they haue performed with great Art and eloquence, onely to shew their fa∣culty, but neuer in good earnest took such a mat∣ter in hand. And therefore more deeply is hee to b•…•… censured, who hath made himselfe an aduo∣cate to plead the cause of y 1.188 Witches, and defend thē as innocent. And because this is a dangerous example, and doth draw those who are euill affe∣cted to offend, hoping for patronage of their im∣piety, I adde for conclusion this last proposition: Wisards, Witches, and the whole rabble of Sor∣cerers (no kinde excepted) are iustly liable z 1.189 to ex∣treame punishment. The arguments alleaged for

proofe hereof, are many: I will make choyce of a few (with reference to such authors in whose writings more may bee found) and those which are most a 1.190 demonstratiue.

First, God himselfe hath enacted that poenall statute, Thou shalt not suffer a Witch to liue. Exod. 22 18. and nameth here a b 1.191 woman practising this damnable. Art for two reasons: First, they are more inclinable hereunto then man. Secondly, that though their fault may seeme, as being the weaker, excuseable, and is in this respect extenua∣ted by some, yet is not therefore to bee spared, whether of that sort which they call c 1.192 good, or bad (for so are they distinguished) & there be some who neuer brought d 1.193 harme vpon any in body, goods, or minde. The cause of this so sharpe a doome, is their compacting with the Diuell, o∣penly or secretly, whereby they couenant to vse his helpe, in fulfilling their desires, and by this meanes make themselues guilty of horrible impi∣ety: for in this they renounce the Lord, who hath created them; make no account of his fauour and protection, cut themselues off from the couenant made with him in baptisme, from the commu∣nion of Saints, the true fellowship and seruice of God; and on the contrary yeeld themselues by this confederacy, to Sathan, as their God (and therefore nothing more frequent and vsuall in their mouthes, then my God will do this and that for me) him they continually feare and honour. And thus do at the last become professed enemies both to God and Man. You may adde to this for∣ther

law, that which is Leuit. 19. 26 & cap. 6. You shall vse no inchantment: the soule that turneth af∣ter such as haue familiar spirits, and are Wisards, to goe a whooring after them, I will set my face against that soule, and will cut him off from among his people, &c. Againe, Deut. 18. 10. There shall not bee found among you any that vseth Diuination, nor an obseruer of times, or an inchanter, or a Witch, or a Charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, a Wisard, or Necro∣mancer. And that God might shew how e 1.194 much Manasses had prouoked him to wrath, through his transcendent and outragious sinnes in the Ca∣talogue thereof, his conspiring with Diuels is * 1.195 mentioned 1. King. 21. 8. And therefore is depri∣ued of his kingdome, bound in fetters, and carri∣ed captiue vnto Babel, 2. Chron. 33. 6. 11. and though he repented of these outragious and e∣normious * 1.196 transgressions, yet God would not bee appeased for them fiftie yeares after he was dead, Ierem. 15. 4.

Secondly, the ciuill lawes in this case are most strict, decreeing them to bee burned, and their goods confiscate, though they were persons of quality, and honourable, seated in dignity, and place of authority: and there is a seuere constituti∣on made by Charles the fift in late dayes against them, that though they shall not haue done, or be conuinced to haue hurt any, yet because they attempted a thing vnlawfull, and abhominable vn∣to God, are extraordinarily to be punished. And concerning this particular, S. Augustin discourseth excellently, worthy to be read, de cin. dei. l. 8. c. 19.

Thirdly, God willeth those should bee put to death, who by Diabolicall and vnlawfull Arts, do endeuour to helpe or harme others, whether in act they performe the same, or purpose with in∣tention, conceiuing and thinking they can do it, with ranke Witches must needes be marshalled; and therefore iustly subiect to deserued punish∣ment.

Fourthly, all Idolaters are to dye by diuine ap∣pointment, Deu. 17. 5. But I thinke no mans fore-head is so brasen, that will stand Proctor, and plead guiltlesse for these sort of people, who de∣uote themselues wholly to the Diuell, though ne∣uer so closely, and with great and cautelous secre∣sie: and no doubt God therefore was reuenged of the Templars, and their detestable wickednesse practised in darknesse and obscurity, who all h 1.197 pe∣rished, as it were, in a moment for the same; of which at the full we may be informed in our owne ancient histories.

Fifthly, they doe solicite others to be of their profession (which is one clause of that contract made betweene them and the Diuell) and conse∣crate their children vnto him: and against this, there is an especiall caution put in Deteronomy 13. 6. 9. 10.

Sixtly, they deserue death as inhumane and barbarous tyrants, for lingringly, vt sentiant se mor•…•…, that they may feele how they doe decay by degrees, seek the vtter ouerthrow of those whom they doe maligne: and as a further appendix to this, oftentimes by the helpe of their grand tea∣cher,

sowe discord betweene husband and wife, sollicite maydens, yea enforce both them, and married women to vncleane, and vnlawfull lusts, and heerein implore the helpe of the diuell, to ac∣complish their malicious designes, which trans∣gression is capitall.

Seuenthly, the exercise of this act or vanity is punishable by death, although it be practised but onely in sport and ieast, which may appeare thus, because God hath seriously forbidden (and vnder no lesse forfeiture then of life it self) to aske coun∣sell of a Soothsayer or Coniurer; if this then be a crime of such nature, in those, who it may bee heerein thought not to doe euill, there is no rea∣son to induce any to thinke that hee will spare the wilfull, and purposed authors thereof, and Magi∣tians, who worke onely iuggling trickes, and il∣lusions, and fore-tell some future things, as yet vn∣knowne vntill they doe so fall out, are not freed from the sentence condemnatorie; much more then those who willingly, and vpon premeditated malice, murther or impaire the life and good e∣state of other, deserue to stand paralell with them. And there can no reson be yielded of this so sharp a c•…•… •…•…re, but onely because they haue learned, and accordingly exercise vnlawfull arts, for who∣soeuer endeuoureth to bring that thing to passe, by pretending naturall meanes, which exceedeth the power of Nature, and is not thereunto en∣abled eyther by God, or the ministery of good Angells at his appoyntment, hee must of necessi∣ty haue this faculty communicated by some com∣bination

and inter league with the diuell.

Eightly, the Iudge or ciuil Magistrate is bound by vertue of that office, and superioritie he sustai∣neth in the common-wealth, to purge and free that place, in, and ouer which he hath command, of all malefactors, which if he doe neglect, then is a double offender, against the Law both of Iu∣stice and Charity; for hee is obliged by duety to foresee (so much as in him lyeth) that the publike state should be secured, which it concerneth to haue offenders punished, otherwise hee maketh himselfe partner with them in their outrages and offences, and standeth answerable for those dam∣mages sustained by the whole bodie of the people in generall, or vndergone by any particular of the same, for sparing of the wicked i 1.198 is hurting the good, and hee that doth not represse and forbid euill (when it is in his power) doth countenance and maintaine it.

Much more might be added, and many ex∣amples produced, to manifest, how in all Nati∣ons these odious company of witches, and the like haue euer beene accounted detestable; and for their impious deedes requited with neuer dy∣ing shame, and vtter confusion, and iustly by law executed; for among the Romans, Mathemati∣tians, k 1.199 and Magitians by the Decree of the Se∣nate were expelled out of all Italy: and amongst these Pituanus was throwne downe from the rock Tarpeius, and crushed apeeces. Martius by the Consuls put to death with the sound of a Trum∣pet without the gate Exquilina: Publicia and Li∣cinia

l 1.200 women, and seauenty more witches han∣ged. The m 1.201 speedy iudgement of the Athenians, witnesse of their hatred against these kinde of ma∣lefactors, is much commended, who without a∣ny other solemnity of proceeding at the onely ac∣cusation of a Maide, without delay put one Lem∣nia a witch to death: and it is memorable which Ammianus n 1.202 Marcelli•…•…s hath left in record, that one Hilarius, because hee committed his sonne yong, and not of mature yeares, to be taught and instructed vnto a Coniurer, was adiudged to die, and escaping from the hands of the executioner, who had negligently bound him, drawne by force out of the next church of the Christians, to which hee fled as vnto a Sanctuary, and executed.

The end of o 1.203 Varasolo, a famous Inchantresse in Hungarie is dreadfull, who for her sundry wit∣cheries was cast into prison, and there constray∣ned through extremity of hunger, to teare off and eate the flesh of her owne legges and armes, and at the last, impatient of further delay, there mur∣thered herselfe, and shortned the span of her life.

But here I stay my hand, take it from the table, and the rather, because much hath already beene spoken to this purpose. Wherefore, for conclusi∣on, I shut vp this whole Treatise with a remarke∣able speech of a noble p 1.204 King; Let the streight ri∣gor

of law bee inflicted vpon all, both practisers and partakers with wisards, by putting any confi∣dence in them; for it is vngodly for man to be re∣misse and fauourable vnto those whom diuine pi∣ety, and our duety to God will not suffer vnpuni∣shed. For what folly were it to forsake the Crea∣tor and Giuer of life, and to follow the author of death? this dishonest fact, vnbeseeming, and vt∣terly repugnant to the credite and reputation of a Iudge, be farre from him. Let none countenance that which the Lawes doe condemne, for all are by the Regall Edicts to bee punished with death, who intermeddle with such forbidden and vnlaw∣full Artes.

FINIS.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Augustinus de diuinatione D•…•…∣monum: & de 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉. lib. 7 cap 35. Pl•…•…∣us 〈◊〉〈◊〉 natu∣ra•…•… lib. 30. cap. 1.
• b 1.2

  Augustinus de Ci•…•…tate Dei lib. 21. cap. 14.
• c 1.3

  Iust•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 E∣pito•…•…e Trogi Pomp•…•…y. lib 1.
• d 1.4

  La•…•…antius de origine error•…•…. lib. 2. cap. 17. And citeth the testimony of Sibilla 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for proofe hereof. Gratia∣nus Decretorum part. 2. causa 26 quest 2 Can•…•… sine saluatore, & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 esse has 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 affirmat Ced•…•…∣nus in historia compendio.
• e 1.5

  Probationes ex quibus legitim•…•… est Iudicia fieri, tres necessaria plant d•…•…ci & in∣da•…•… po•…•…nt 〈◊〉〈◊〉 veritas noto∣ry & per•…•…∣tis •…•…ath. 2^• con∣fess•…•… voluntari•…•… ei•…•… qui reu•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉, atque 〈◊〉〈◊〉 3^• cer∣torum te•…•…um 〈◊〉〈◊〉 testimonium: his & 4^• addipotest violent•…•… presumptiones de 〈◊〉〈◊〉 de 〈◊〉〈◊〉 lib. 4. cap. 2. 3 4.
• f 1.6

  The Oracles of the Pagans, in all places of the world, whē CHRIST was borne, were si∣lenced, and the Diuell became mute 〈◊〉〈◊〉 so that Augustus Cesar demanding of Apollo by his messengers, sent to Delphor, had this an∣swer returned, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 &c. in sence thus much, An Hebrue Childe commandeth me to leaue this place, and re∣turne againe to hell. From hence there∣fore you must depart from our Altars, without resolution of any questions propounded. Eusebius de preparati∣one Euangelica. lib. 5. cap 8. Theodoretus de Gracorum affectionum curatione qui est de o∣raculis 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Vide & Suidam in Augusto, & A•…•…um de incarnatione verbi.
• * 1.7

  De hac ligatione & solutione Di•…•…li ple•…•… August. de Ciuitate Dei, lib. 20. cap. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• g 1.8

  Wierus de ma∣gor•…•… insomium poe•…•…s lib. 6. cap. 17. 18 19 20 21 22. 23. 24. &c. 27. & de Lamijs lib. 3. cap. 7. & de la ni•…•…rum impotentia. But this position commeth from another as dangerons, euen Infidelity denying that there be any Diuels, but in opinion; which was the do∣ctrine of Ari∣stotle, and the Peripatetique Philosophers. Pompenatius de inca•…•…nationibus Binfeldius de confessionibus malesicorum
• h 1.9

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• i 1.10

  Philo in libro de legibus speci∣alibus.
• k 1.11

  Vide Paulum Phagium in an∣notationibus, & Chaldaicam Paraphras•…•… in cap. 18. & 19. Leuitici.
• l 1.12

  Rodinus in con∣sulatione opinio∣num Wieri.
• m 1.13

  Cap 61. con∣gregata est haec synodus sub Iu∣stimano qui vo∣catus est 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, la qu•…•… c∣rant Epis api, 227. Balsamon in suis ad eum Commentarijs, & vocata est sy∣nodus in Trullo erat autem▪ 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Secreta∣rium palat•…•… quia in to fuit cele∣brata, eam auté 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 vocat Balsamon quasi Qui ni sextā di∣cas quia quod quinta & sexta synodis deerat (septem enim re∣cipiunt Graeci) haec expleuit, Nomenclator Graecorum dicti∣onum quae apud Harmenopulum•…•… occurrunt in s•…•…l 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Promptua∣rio.
• n 1.14

  This testimo∣ny of Chryso∣stome •…•…cited by Balsamon, in his exposition vpon that Chapter of the Councell before alleaged, to which may be added others of the same holy Bishop in his 9 Homily vpon the Epistle to the Colossians, & his 6 Sermon against the Iewes.
• * 1.15

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• n 1.16

  〈…〉〈…〉
• o 1.17

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Apology a∣gainst 〈◊〉〈◊〉. and •…•…bius a∣loweth but one only Epistle of his Histor. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 2 cap. 16. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 d•…•… stinct •…•…5 〈◊〉〈◊〉 contra 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• p 1.18

  〈…〉〈…〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• q 1.19

  〈…〉〈…〉
• r 1.20

  Scholiastes Theocriti Idil 2 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• s 1.21

  Remigius 〈◊〉〈◊〉 lib. 1. cap 2.
• t 1.22

  Theocritus in 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Idil. 2.
• u 1.23

  Lucan. Phar∣salibus lib. 6.
• x 1.24

  Horatius 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 lib. 5.
• y 1.25

  Pictoribus at∣que Po•…•…is quid∣libet audie•…•… semper suit aequa pote•…•….
• z 1.26

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Polib. histo∣riarum lib. 12.
• a 1.27

  Ti•…•…aus 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• b 1.28

  T•…•…itus Annal. lib. 2.
• c 1.29

  Id•…•… a•…•…l. lib. 12. & 13. & Suetonius in Claudioc. 33.
• d 1.30

  Plutarchus in Mario.
• e 1.31

  Apulcius.
• f 1.32

  Mun∣sterus Cosmographiae lib. 2.
• g 1.33

  Remigius, a iudge in these cases reporteth of 900 exe∣cuted in Lorayne for this offence of Witch craft in the time of his gouernement.
• h 1.34

  Lutherus in Genesin.
• i 1.35

  Binseldius de confessionibus maleficorum, calleth this reason a most strong & con∣uincing argu∣ment.
• k 1.36

  Ex malis •…•…∣ribus bonae nas∣cu•…•…tur leg•…•…s.
• l 1.37

  Diog•…•… •…•…∣ertius lib 1. de vit•…•…s Philosopho∣rum in Solone.
• * 1.38

  Cicero in Orati∣one pr•…•… Ros•…•…o Amerino.
• m 1.39

  Of these 12. Tables Liuie in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 booke of his first Decad. Dionysius Hali∣ca•…•…us 10 Booke of his History, & Io∣hannes Rosimus most fully in the 6 chapter of his 8 booke of Roman an∣tiquities. Liuius. Plinius lib. 34. cap. 5. Cicero de legi∣bus, lib. 2. & de de •…•…rato primo.
• n 1.40

  Cod. lib. 9. titul. 18. lege multi magicis actibus.
• o 1.41

  Sententiarum receptarum lib. 5. cap. 25. ad le∣ge•…•… Corneliam de sicarijs & maleficis. Pau∣lus Iurisconsul∣tus.
• p 1.42

  In 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 siue de priscis Anglorum legi∣bus Guiliel•…•… Lambertus.
• q 1.43

  Danaeus de sortiar•…•…. cap. 20
• r 1.44

  Iaquerius in flagello Hereti∣corum, cap. 18.
• s 1.45

  Peccatum si citius poeniten∣do non •…•…gitur, iusto Iudicio 〈◊〉〈◊〉 De∣•…•…s •…•…atam peccan•…•… mea∣tem, etiam in culpum alteram permittit cade∣re, vt qui •…•…do & cerrigendo noluit mundare quod fecit, pec∣catum incipiat peccato cumula∣re, Greg. Hom. 11. in Ezech. Augustinus lib. 83. questionum questione 97. & Aquinas 1. 2. quaest 79. artic. 3 & quaest. 87. ar∣tic. 2
• t 1.46

  Zanchius de o∣peribus creatio∣nis, part. 1 lib. 4. cap. 15. Danaeus de sortiar•…•… cap. 4. & Erastus de Lamijs.
• u 1.47

  De hoc more Alexander ab Alexandro. Dierum genialium lib. 5. cap. 18. Suetonius in Caligula, cap. 27. Cicero de officijs lib. 2. Coelius Rhodinginus Antiquarum lectionum lib. 7. cap. 31. & olim militiae Tyrones 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 crant & in cute signati Vegetius lib. 1. cap. 8. & 2. cap. 5. Prudentius 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Hymn•…•… 10. & huius moris meminit, Ambrofius in funebri oratione pro Valentiniano.
• x 1.48

  Et insigne ex∣emplum apud Gildemannum de Lamijs lib. 3. cap. 10. sectione 38.
• y 1.49

  Remigius in Daemonolatria lib. 1. cap. 5. and citeth the con∣fession of eight seuerall per∣sons, acknow∣ledging both to haue recei∣ued the marke and in what part of the bo∣dy.
• z 1.50

  Peucerus de praecipuis diui∣nationum gene∣ri•…•…us titulo de Magia.
• a 1.51

  Philippus Cae∣merartus in Hi∣storicit medica∣tionibus part. 1. cap. 70. & 7•…•….
• * 1.52

  〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.53

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.54

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• d 1.55

  〈1 line〉〈1 line〉.
• e 1.56

  Vbera matris •…•…tes s•…•…ssi∣mos hum•…•… ge∣ne•…•… educatores •…•…ocal Pha•…•…ri∣nas apud A Gel∣l•…•…m no•…•…t. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 lib. 12. cap. 1. Arctius proble∣ma•…•… p•…•… 2. •…•…oco 144. de Ma•…•…a.
• f 1.57

  Godleman•…•… de 〈◊〉〈◊〉 lib. 1 cap. 7. 9. 21 22. 23. 24 25. 26. &c.
• g 1.58

  Exempla om∣nem sidem supe rantia Florenti∣nae mul•…•…eris & •…•…ici c•…•…usdam 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 epist. Med•…•…inalium lib. 2. Epist. 38. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ven•…•…∣culo lignum te∣res & quatuor 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 sunt: corum & fo•…•…m & 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 poni•…•…. •…•…ycosthenes lib. de prodi•…•… & ostentis quo modo huius•…•…odi in corporibus humanis inueniantur & qua ratione 〈◊〉〈◊〉, aut e•…•…antur & an tribuc•…•…da haec male 〈◊〉〈◊〉 & •…•…abolica arti Binseldius in comme•…•… to ad titulum Codicis de malefi•…•…is & Mat•…•…is pag. 510.
• h 1.59

  Gratianus in decretis, Caietanus in summula titulo de mal•…•…io. Iaqueri•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 slage•…•…o sascinariorum, cap. 11. 12. Ioh. Nider in praeceptorio, praecepto 1. ca. p 11. Bod•…•… in Daemania, lib. 2. cap.
• i 1.60

  Cod. lib. 9. titu∣lo 18. Lege est •…•…tia, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 le∣gem 〈◊〉〈◊〉. W•…•…rus de prae∣stig•…•… daemo•…•…um lib. 3. cap. 38.
• k 1.61

  In 3. Caput prophe•…•… Na•…•…, vide & Na∣zianzenum in 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, siue de arcanis vel 〈◊〉〈◊〉 non procu•…•… fine, & eius parap•…•…∣slen N•…•…elam.
• l 1.62

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 Col∣•…•…. 7. cap. 32.
• m 1.63

  In vila 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• n 1.64

  Oratione in laude Cypria ni eandem historiā resert Nicepho∣rus Calustus lib. 5 cap. 27.
• o 1.65

  Prudentius 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 de passione Cy∣priani, vnu•…•… erat iu•…•…enum doctis∣artibus s•…•…istris, sraude puditit•…•… perstringere. &c
• p 1.66

  Ouid. lib. 2. de art. amand. phil∣tra nocent ani∣mis, vim{que} fauo∣ris habent. Pro∣pertius lib 4 in lanam quandam consuluit{que} siri∣ges nostro de san∣guine & in me, hippomenes fata semin•…•… legit e∣qu•…•…. Vide de his Aristotelem de natura animali•…•… lib. 6. cap. 22. Pliniū l. 8. c. 42.
• q 1.67

  Aug. de doctr. Christ. l. 2. c. 22. & 23.
• r 1.68

  Iaquerius in stagello heretic•…•…∣rū fascinariorū, cap. 6. Martinus de Arles, p. 43•…•….
• s 1.69

  Ioh. Gerson in Trialogio Astro∣logia Theologi∣satae propos 16. Palanus in Syn∣tagmate, l. 5. c. 13
• t 1.70

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.71

  〈1 line〉〈1 line〉 〈1 line〉〈1 line〉 〈1 line〉〈1 line〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 13 14. 15. 16 17. 18. 1•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• x 1.72

  De potestate D•…•…monum A∣qu•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sum. 〈…〉〈…〉. quest 110.
• * 1.73

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.74

  〈…〉〈…〉

  Carmina vel coelo possunt deducere Lunam: Carminibus Circe socios mutauit Vlyssis, F•…•…gidus in pratis cantando rumpitur Anguis, &c.

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 de se Iactans Me•…•…ca apud Ouidium lib. 7. Metamorphos•…•….

  Cum volui ripis ipfis mirantibus; amnes In fontes rediere suos, concussaque •…•…o, Stantia concutio eantu f•…•…era, nubila pello, Nubilaque iudico.

  Apud Virgilium Dido Aunms•…•…rorem allequitur.

  —Mihi Massilae gentis monstrata sacerdos, Haec se ca•…•…minibus pro•…•…ittit soluere mentes Sistere aquam fluvijs, & flumina verter•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.75

  E•…•… Brachma•…•… No•…•…nus Dionys•…•…con, lib. 36. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. De Marco heretico & mago stupendae referunt 〈◊〉〈◊〉 contra hereses. lib. cap. 9. & Epipha∣•…•… 3. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 1.
• a 1.76

  Iannes, Iam∣bres, 2. Ti•…•…ot. 3
• b 1.77

  Vide Nicola∣•…•…m Lyranum in & additionem Burgensis, & re∣plicam correcto∣r•…•… contra Bur∣gensem.
• c 1.78

  Diabolus Deo perpetuo aduer∣satur voluntat•…•… & act•…•… non s•…•…mper effectu: id est, Intentio semper est mala, •…•…si non semper exanimi sui sen∣tentia m•…•…lum per•…•…ere possit Deo illud ve•…•…∣tente in bonum. Aug. de Ci•…•…it. Dei, lib. cap. 35 & de trinitate lib. 3. cap. 8.
• d 1.79

  〈…〉〈…〉cap. 15.
• * 1.80

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 de 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Da•…•….
• * 1.81

  〈…〉〈…〉
• h 1.82

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• i 1.83

  Iu•…•…s Scaliger de •…•…tate, ad Card•…•…, ex. crcitatione 349. an 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…re∣dalitas vim a d∣dat male•…•…o.
• k 1.84

  Bafilias Ho∣milia 21. in di∣uersos Scrip•…•… locos sermone babito in non procula fine.
• l 1.85

  Lib 2. qu•…•… e•…•… de origine err•…•…∣ris cap. 15.
• m 1.86

  Nauarrus in Manuals con∣fessarior. cap. 11 in primum de∣cal•…•…gi praecep∣tum.
• n 1.87

  Ioh. W•…•…rus, totum hoc si•…•…li∣tium pulal & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 imagina∣rium, & impos∣sibile p•…•…at, id∣que passim in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 praci∣pu•…•… autem de Lam•…•…, cap 7. 8. & 23 & de 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Daemon•…•…, lib. 6. c. 27, &c. Hun•…•… resutant erudit•…•…. •…•…nsel∣de consessiouibus mal•…•…sicorum, & T•…•… Erastus de Lamys.
• o 1.88

  De 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cere∣monus 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Ier. cap. 34. 18. & 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 contra Iuli∣a•…•…m & Proco∣pius Gaz•…•…us 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 loc•…•…m & Aug•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• p 1.89

  〈…〉〈…〉, l. 2. cap. 8.
• q 1.90

  Brissonius de formulis, lib. 6. Solemnia pacto∣rum sine obliga∣tione verba sunt: spondes? spondeo. promit∣tis'•…•… promitto dabis? dabo vt facias, fa∣ciam. Iustinia∣nus in institutio∣n bus, lib. 3. titu∣lo 16.
• r 1.91

  His Monach•…•… Floriacensis C•…•…∣nobij diabolo suadente, & e∣normiter insti∣gante sieius ob∣quijs & arti magicae obliga∣uit in tantum quod Diabolose∣cit Homagium cum pacto vt ei 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ad nutum succederent, &c Holcot. in cap. 17. lib. sapientia lectione 190. Platina in illius vita. Vide & Balerum de Ro∣manorum pon∣tificum actis in lib. 9. in Sylue∣stro secundo, & Robertum Bar∣nes. de vitis pontificum Ro∣manor•…•….
• s 1.92

  Godelmannus de magia tacita & •…•…ca, lib. 1. cap. 2. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 8. 9. 10 &c.
• t 1.93

  Siue illius sit, siue alterius ist•…•… liber. De dupli∣ci Martyrio. A∣quinas 2•…•…. 2a. quest. 96 Ioh. Gerson in Tri∣logio astrologiae Theologisatae propositione 21. & de erroribus circa artem ma∣gicam, Dillo 2.
• u 1.94

  Camerarius meditationum historiarum, lib. 1. cap. 6. Bodinus exemplae ponit Daemono∣manias. lib. 2. c. 4 Binseldius de confessionibus maleficorum.
• x 1.95

  Simile de Ca∣tili•…•… resert Salustius. cum adius iurandum populares scele∣ris sui adigeret, humani corporis sanguinem vino permixtum in pateris circum∣tulisse, inde cum post execration•…•… omnes degusta∣uissent, sicut in s•…•…lemnibus sacris fieri consuc•…•… a∣p•…•…ruisse consilité suum, atque to dictitant sccisse, quo inter se ma∣gis •…•…idi •…•…orent.
• y 1.96

  As that to Pope Siluester the second, his demand; who asked how long he should liue and enioy the Popedome? answered, vntil hee should say masse in Ierusa∣lem; and not long after, ce∣lebrating the same in a Chap∣pell of the Church dedi∣cated to the holy Crosse in Rome, called Ierusalem, knew how he was o∣uer-reached, for there hee dyed. And an other paralell to this, may be that of a cer∣taine Bishop, much addicted to these vani∣ties, hauing many ene∣mies, and fea∣ring them, asked the Diuell whether he should fly or not: who answered, Non, sta secure, venient in•…•… •…•…ui suau•…•…ter, & subdentur tibi. But being surprized, and taken by his aduersaries, and his castle set on fire, expostulating with him, that hee had deceiued him in his distresse, returned answere, that he said true, if his speech had been rightly vnderstood: for he aduised, Non sta secure [id est sugias] venient inimici tui suauiter, & subdentvr, [id est ignem tibi]. Such were the Oracles which he gaue, and whereof all histories do testifie. Holcot vpon the booke of Wisedome, and the rest before mentioned with him.
• z 1.97

  Leo de collectis Serm. 40. & natiuitate Domini, 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• a 1.98

  In proemio, lib de exbortatione ad Martyrium. Cyprianus.
• b 1.99

  Augustinus in Enchiridio, cap. 59. & 60. & Lambertus Da∣neusin suis Com∣mentarijs: ad eundem.
• c 1.100

  Binseldius de confessionibus maleficorum. Aquinas, Sum∣ma part. 1. quaest. 51. art. 3. & 4
• d 1.101

  In Daemonibus 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Diouisius Areo∣pagita, de diui∣nis nominibus cap 4. & si va∣cat liccbit consulere in eundem Pachemerae Paraphrasin & maximischolia. Isidorus His∣palensis de summo bono. lib. 1. cap. 12.
• e 1.102

  Sulpitius Seuerus in vita beat•…•… Martin•…•…. Mul∣ta exemplae habet Bodinus in praesatione ad Daemonomaniam.
• f 1.103

  Hieronimus in vita Hi∣larionis.
• g 1.104

  P•…•…llus de d•…•…∣monum natura.
• h 1.105

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 de conf•…•…bus 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• i 1.106

  Petrus Martyr in 28. caput. lib. 〈…〉〈…〉. lib.
• k 1.107

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈1 line〉〈1 line〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sunt corpo∣ra •…•…ca.
• l 1.108

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 Scaliger de •…•…tate ad Card•…•…m exer∣ci•…•…ione 359. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 13.
• m 1.109

  Socrates Hi∣stori•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 7. cap. 38. & historia Tripar∣lib. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. cap. 9.
• n 1.110

  Chro•…•… 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉.
• o 1.111

  Vide nauiga∣tion•…•… Monsieur de Monts, ad 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Franci∣•…•…, lib. 2. cap. 5.
• p 1.112

  Binseldius de confessionibus maleficorum. Alexander ab Alexandro die∣rum Genialium, lib. 1. cap. 19. Remigius de D•…•…∣monolitria, lib. 1 cap 7 & apud Rbodingium an∣tiquarum lectio∣num lib. 29. cap. 5. est exemplum 〈◊〉〈◊〉 admira∣tione.
• q 1.113

  Remigius de∣mo•…•…trias lib. 1 cap. 8 & simile co•…•…orat de Appione 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Pl•…•…ius naturalis histor. lib. 30. cap 2. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. lib. 5. sub si•…•…m.
• r 1.114

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• s 1.115

  Philostratus de vita Apollo∣•…•… lib. 6. cap. 13.
• t 1.116

  Sophocl in Tr•…•… vo∣cal 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, quia vt 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Scholia•…•… interpretatur 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Et 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Argo Lycophron in Alexandra sua 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 no•…•…inat qua ex Dido•…•… quer•…•…u •…•…lum ha•…•…sse traditur qu•…•… aliquoties locuta est vt apud Apol∣lonium Argo•…•… quarto ideo & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Orpheus appellat, vide plura apud Stra∣bonem lib. 17. & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 de hoc sono iudicium perpe•…•…de. P•…•… in descrip•…•…one dec•…•…m re∣gionum veteris Graeciae, libro primo in Att•…•…. Iuue•…•…lis S•…•…yro 15. Ps•…•…llus de D•…•…onum •…•…ura. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 libro secu•…•… Annalium.
• u 1.117

  Iaquerius in flagello heretic•…•…∣rum fascinario∣rum, cap. 19. & 10.
• x 1.118

  Binfeldius de confessionibus maleficorum.
• y 1.119

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 lib. 7. sectione siue capite iuxt•…•… Gracam editio∣nem 10.
• y 1.120

  Zanchius de o∣p•…•…s •…•…tio n•…•… part 1. lib. 4 cap. 13. 〈…〉〈…〉
• z 1.121

  B•…•…n colle∣ctan•…•… ex Au∣gu•…•…ino ad Epi∣stolas Pauli.
• a 1.122

  Iaquerius in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 here•…•…∣rum 〈◊〉〈◊〉, cap. 20.
• b 1.123

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• d 1.124

  Strigelius in explicatione lo∣coram Theologi∣corum Melan∣t•…•… par•…•… 3. titulo de cruce & calamitati∣bus.
• e 1.125

  Augustinus de Gen•…•…siad lite∣ram, l. 11. c. 22.
• f 1.126

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 in 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉. lib. 2
• g 1.127

  〈…〉〈…〉
• h 1.128

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 Iaque∣r•…•…m in stag•…•… here•…•…orum 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…orum, cap. 23.
• * 1.129

  Idem cap. 21.
• * 1.130

  ^k Trithemius in libel. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 qu•…•…io∣num quas illi dissoluendas proposuit Maximilianus Imperator, quest 7.
• k 1.131

  〈…〉〈…〉
• l 1.132

  In Perk•…•…i ab∣•…•…both. 〈…〉〈…〉 lib. 5. cap. 10.
• m 1.133

  Tacit. Annal. lib. 15.
• * 1.134

  Muliebre corp•…•… impar dolor•…•…
• n 1.135

  Tertul in Apo∣log•…•…t. C•…•…initus de doctrina Christiana lib. 9. cap. 8.
• o 1.136

  Binfeldius de con•…•…lionibus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 l•…•…ficorum. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 de p•…•…ipuis diui∣nationum gene∣ribus in titulo de 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Martinus de A•…•…los.
• p 1.137

  Exemplum a∣pud Binfeldium reperies de con∣sessionibus male∣ficorum, pag. 32
• * 1.138

  Proposition 4.
• * 1.139

  Proposition 5.
• a 1.140

  Propositiō 3.
• * 1.141

  Witches can by no meanes bee so easily brought to to recall the mis∣chiefe they haue done, as by threats and stripes. Remigi∣us in Damono∣latria, lib. 3. c. 3.
• a 1.142

  Bud•…•…us de ass•…•… lib. 5.
• b 1.143

  The Ephesi∣ans were infa∣mous for their Magicall pra∣ctises, Appollo∣nius professing the same in the Ci•…•…ie, so that it grewe into a proueth, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Ephesian letters, which were certaine Characters and wordes, by vertue whereof they obtained good successe in all businesse, victory against others, cuasion and escape from danger•…•…; and as we reade in Suidas, a Milesian armed with these letters, ouer-came thi•…•…ty Champions in the games of Olimpus, but being re∣moued by the Magistrate, hauing intelligence thereof, himselfe was subdued. Of these see Athenaeus Deipn•…•…sophiston lib. 12. Hes•…•…cbius in his Lexicon. Plutarchus quastio∣num conuiualium, lib. 7. cap. 5.
• a 1.144

  Cod lib. 9. ti∣tulo 18. 1. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 & L. 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• b 1.145

  Gratianus de∣cretorum parte 2. caus. 26. qu. 7.
• c 1.146

  Dan•…•… in di∣a•…•…o de 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cap. 6.
• d 1.147

  Martinus de Arles in tralla∣tu de superstitio∣nibus. Iohannes Gers•…•… de 〈◊〉〈◊〉 circa ar∣•…•…em m•…•…cam •…•…ticulo 5.
• e 1.148

  In cu•…•…ing diseases the d•…•…∣uell •…•…especteth t•…•… ends: the one, that he might seeme to keep the promise he hath made with those his slaues, and retaine them in their malicious practises and in•…•…delity: the other, that hee might draw their faith and trust from God, who are thus healed by witches and wisards his instruments, and cast them downe head∣long into des•…•…uction of their soules: or if they misse of hoped reliese which often times so commeth to passe, God withstanding their attempts, then to wound their conscien•…•…, and d•…•…iue them to despaire.
• f 1.149

  Nauarrus in Enchiridiosi•…•…e manuals con•…•…s∣sariorum cap 11
• g 1.150

  Chrys•…•…st. cont. Iud•…•…os •…•…m. 6.
• h 1.151

  Tatianus ora∣tione tertia con∣tra Gr•…•…cos.
• i 1.152

  X philinu•…•… ex D•…•… Adrian•…•… 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• k 1.153

  Bodine pro∣ueth this by many exam∣ples in his Dae∣monomania. lib. 3. cap. 2.
• l 1.154

  Binfeldius de confessionibus •…•…sicorum. Cardinalis Ca•…•…e∣tanus in summu∣l•…•… titulo de ma∣le ficio. Tolet•…•…s in sum∣ma cas•…•… con∣scienti•…•…, siue in∣struction•…•… sacer∣dotum li. 4. c. 16.
• m 1.155

  Grati•…•… in Decret•…•… parte 2. caus•…•… 26 q•…•…st. 2. se•…•…. Q•…•… sine saluatore, &c.
• n 1.156

  Of these cha∣racters and I∣mages, Iohn Gerson de err o∣vibus circa art•…•… magicam dic•…•… 3. litera O. Mar∣ti•…•…us de Arles de superstitioni∣bus. Binfeldius in cō∣mentar. ad titu∣lu•…•… Codicis de 〈◊〉〈◊〉 et ma∣thematicis; and examples He∣ctor Boetius l. 2. histori•…•… Scoic•…•…, de rege Duffo, and Thuanus lately in the reign of Charles the ninth king of France in the 57. Booke of the historie of his times.
• o 1.157

  Binfeldius in titulum codicis de mal•…•…cis & mathemati•…•…is. Martin•…•…s de Arles in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 de 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gio∣nibus
• p 1.158

  Spartianus in v•…•…ta Anto•…•…ni Caracall•…•….
• q 1.159

  Amm•…•…us 〈◊〉〈◊〉 lib. 19. non pro•…•… fine, & lib. 29.
• r 1.160

  •…•…mpridius in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Di•…•…∣dumco.
• s 1.161

  Balsamon in commen•…•… ad con•…•…. Constanti∣nopolitanum in T•…•…llo cap. 61.
• t 1.162

  Stromatcon libr. 1. gest•…•…it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• u 1.163

  Odiff•…•… 19. vu•…•…s V•…•… 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Cato de re ru∣•…•…ica. Pl•…•…. li. 28. c•…•…. 2. 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 l. 2. c. 2
• x 1.164

  De sub•…•… libr. 18.
• y 1.165

  Georgius Pi∣ctorius in epito∣me de Magia. cap. 21.
• z 1.166

  Vide Rither∣busium in no•…•…is ad Malchum de vita Pythagor•…•…. Alexander Tral∣lian. libr. 10. de colico •…•…ffectu, in fine. Serenus Sam∣mo•…•…cus de pr•…•…∣ceptis medici•…•… cap. de Hemitri∣t•…•… depellend•…•…. Iob. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 me∣dici•…•…lium lib. 1 epist. 33. & 34.
• a 1.167

  Aquinas 〈◊〉〈◊〉 summa secund•…•… secund•…•… quest. 96. •…•…ticulo 4.
• b 1.168

  De differentia inter 〈◊〉〈◊〉 & homine•…•… pec∣c•…•…res Augusti∣nus in Encbiri∣dio cap. 28. & in suis ad illum cō∣mentarijs Lam▪ bertus Dan•…•…us.
• c 1.169

  Peucerus de generibus Diui∣•…•…ationum & ti∣tul•…•… de incanta∣tionibus.
• d 1.170

  Frigidas in pratis cantand•…•… r•…•…pitur anguis Virg. ecloga 8.
• e 1.171

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Etym•…•…lo∣gicis dicitur quasi 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 De hac materia •…•…ru •…•…itissine dis∣put it Franciscus Valesius de sa•…•…ra Philosophia, cap. 3.
• f 1.172

  Presectus Iu∣de•…•… imp•…•…itus 〈…〉〈…〉 sibi i•…•…pune ratus est, &c. Tacitus •…•…li∣um lib. 12 & 〈1 line〉〈1 line〉 per omnem 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 ac 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 regi∣um s•…•…ruile inge∣n•…•… execuit
• g 1.173

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 C•…•…crone.
• h 1.174

  Aug. confessi∣num lib 9. cap. 6 Quantum si•…•… in by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 & •…•…∣tibus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 s•…•…ue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Eccle∣sia tua vo•…•…bus comm•…•…us •…•…∣ter? Voces ille instuebant auri∣bus m•…•…, & l∣quebatur veri∣tas tua in cor meam, & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a•…•…bat affeectus pretatis, & cur∣rebant 〈◊〉〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 mihi •…•…∣rat cum 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• i 1.175

  Vide Aquina∣tem egreg•…•… de hac mat•…•… •…•…is∣putante 〈◊〉〈◊〉 contra Gentes, lib. 43. cap. 105. & tuis Commen∣tatorem Fran∣ciscum de Syluc∣stris.
• k 1.176

  Caietanus in summula in ti∣tulo: Incanta∣tio. Toletus in •…•…mms causuum cons•…•…ntia, siue instructione sa∣cerdotum lib. 4. cap. 17.
• l 1.177

  Godelmannus in tractatu de magis, Veneficis &c. lib. 1. cap. 8 〈◊〉〈◊〉 26 & 27. vide S•…•…em Matolum collo∣quiorum siue di∣crum caniculo∣rum parte 2, colloquio 3.
• m 1.178

  Cato de re ru∣stica, cap 5.
• n 1.179

  Columella lib. 1. cap 8.
• o 1.180

  Libro de mor∣bo sacro (siue il∣lius sit, siue alte∣rius, nam de au∣thore apud cru∣ditos dubitatio est•…•… •…•…atem ab i∣nitio. & quaed•…•… huc pertinentia babet Theophra∣stus de plantis lib. 9. cap. 21.
• p 1.181

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• q 1.182

  Phauorinus a∣pud Agellium. lib. 17. cap. 12.
• r 1.183

  Luciani enco∣mion 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• s 1.184

  Erasmus.
• t 1.185

  Synesius.
• u 1.186

  Lib. 1. de Re∣publica.
• x 1.187

  Ex•…•…at eius laudatio inter exempla exerci∣tationum Rhe∣torum ab Hen∣rico Stephan•…•… e∣ditarum cum Polemonis & Himer•…•… decla∣mationibus.
• y 1.188

  Wi•…•…rus.
• z 1.189

  Simlerus i•…•… 22 Exodi.
• a 1.190

  Of these all the following reasons. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 de confessio∣•…•…, malefico∣rum, & 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 ad ti∣tulum legis de mal•…•… & ma∣thematicis copi∣o•…•…. Remigius de D•…•…onologia, lib. 3. cap. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Pe•…•… de pr•…•…cipuis Diui∣nationum gene∣ri•…•… Erastus de L•…•…s. Bodinus Daeomanias lib. 4. cap. 5.
• b 1.191

  Hironimus O∣•…•…ster in locum, & Iunius & Tremelius in e∣•…•…dem.
• c 1.192

  Per•…•…s of Witch-craft.
• d 1.193

  Binfeldius in Commentarium ad titulum Codi∣•…•…s de Mathe∣maticis & Ma∣•…•….
• e 1.194

  God•…•… de, Magis & ve∣•…•…, l b. 3. cap. 11. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 14 15. 16. & seq.
• * 1.195

  Anonymus de Mosaicarum & Romanarum le∣gum collatione titulo. 15.
• * 1.196

  Constitutiones criminales Caro∣li 5•…•…. à Georgio Ramo edita cap. 44. 109. & 177 Such are ex∣empted from all benefit of those pardons which Princes vse to giue to other mal•…•…f 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ctor•…•…. For•…•…rius ad le∣gem 236. in Ti∣tulo de verbo∣rum signi•…•…atio∣ne, vide illu•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 mu•…•…a eru∣dite scribit, ad propositum no∣strum 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• h 1.197

  A•…•…o Domini 1312. whose or∣der began 1123. Thomas Wal∣si•…•…gham in the life of K. Ed∣ward the 2^•, in his English 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and in his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 N•…•….
• i 1.198

  Pythagor•…•… a∣pud Stobaum.
• k 1.199

  Tacitus anna∣l•…•…um 〈◊〉〈◊〉 2 〈◊〉〈◊〉 con∣sul•…•… L•…•…um 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 ad•…•…um co∣•…•…ntarys.
• l 1.200

  Valerius Ma∣ximus li. 6 ca 3. Remigius Da∣monol•…•…g. l 3. c. 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• m 1.201

  Demosthenes oral. 1. contra Aristogitone•…•….
• n 1.202

  Libr. 26. not farre from the beginning.
• o 1.203

  Bonfinius re∣rum Hungarica∣ram decad•…•… 2. libr. 2.
• p 1.204

  Allaricus apud Cassiodorum li. 9 epist 18. in qua edictum illius: and Corne•…•…ius Agripp•…•…, sometime more then well acquat•…•…ed with this Art, doth retract his owne books written of secret philosophy, & in plaine tearms and expresly giues his iudge∣ment, that all these lowd women (for this title may include the whole rabble of this blacke Guard) with Iannes and Iambres, and Simon Magus, are to be tormented with endlesse paines in eter•…•…all fire. Cornelius Agrippa De vanitate Scientiarum ca. 4•…•….