The mystery of witch-craft Discouering, the truth, nature, occasions, growth and power thereof. Together with the detection and punishment of the same. As also, the seuerall stratagems of Sathan, ensnaring the poore soule by this desperate practize of annoying the bodie: with the seuerall vses therof to the Church of Christ. Very necessary for the redeeming of these atheisticall and secure times. By Thomas Cooper.

THE MYSTERIE OF WITC. H-CRAFT. The second Booke. (Book 2)

CHAP. I.

Of the Power of Witches, what they are able to doe, and of Satans cun∣ning sleights and stratagems here∣in.

THe maine thing where∣by Sathan fetcheth o∣uer * 1.1 these monsters, and holdes them in his o∣beisance: is that great power which he deuolueth vnto thē. Whereby being able, in shew, to do

what they list, they are so transpor∣ted with Pride, and wholy blinded therewith, that either they are here∣by secured in their estates, seeing they can do such Feates, or else care∣lesse altogether thereof, for the in∣tending and prosecuting of wonder∣full things.

It shall not therefore be amisse in the next place, hauing proued

• 1 That there are Witches.
• 2 How they attayne to this high mysterie; and,
• 3 What seuerall kindes there are of them.

To adde now somewhat concer∣ning this their extraordinary power.

That so we may be rightly infor∣med how farre they are able to pre∣uaile: and withal, may discerne how notably they are abused by Satan ma∣king them beleeue that their power is farre greater then indeed it is.

To this purpose consider we these two things.

First, wherein this power of Witches is restrained: and,

Secondly, wherein it is enlarged, and particularly aduaunceth it selfe.

Concerning the first.

SECTIO I.

That the Witches Power is lesse then it seemeth, as appeareth;

FIrst, because she is restrained by * 1.2 the Lord, that shee can not hurt when she would.

As, not the children of God alwayes whom she maliceth.

Neyther these so farre as she would: as not at all to hurt their soules fi∣nally:

No not vsually to take away life.

Nor vpon each occasion, as shee is prouoked: The Lord restraining her in loue vnto his Children, and for the glorie of his great name: De∣fending his Seruants by the atten∣dance of his holie Angells, Psalme 91. That the euill one shall not doe them any violence.

Neither wicked men, so farre as she * 1.3 would, and intendeth.

As, not all, at all times, whom she maliceth: The Lord in his Iustice brideling her, 1 for the further con∣fusion of the Witch: 2 for the aduance∣ment of his patience to the wicked: 3 for the fatting of them vp heereby to the day of slaughter, and to harden them in their Atheisme, that there are no Witches, no Diuels, no Hell, no Heauen, but what is in this life.

Neyther to take life from those whom shee afflicteth, at all times: that so they may still enioy greater Patience, and thereby, eyther bee brought to repentance, by the distem∣per of the chasticement, or be made inexcusable.

And this, so is disposed:

1 Both for the encrease of her ma∣lice, and so ripening of her sinne, be∣ing disappoynted, and restrained, it raging more within, the more it is outwardly curbed, and so fretting against God, when she cannot haue her will of men: yea raging, and ma∣ny

times tearing her selfe, when she is brideled from hurting others.

2 As also for the confusion of her skill and conceited kingdome, as being now enthralled, and iustly brideled, that so horrour of conscience hereby increasing, she may haue her condē∣nation sealed vp, and hereby be pro∣uoked to renue her couenant with Satan to obtain a greter measure of power, to make him more seruiceable to hir.

3 And the Lord hath an especiall aime heerein, for the more orderly and comely gouernement of the world; which is thus graciously preserued and ad∣uaunced: whereas, if Witches might haue their wills to hurt whom and how far they list: neither good Magi∣strate nor Minister should stand, none should be mightier then they to con∣troule them, none holier to confound thē: their rage, enuy, & couetousnesse would make confusion & desolation euery where, and so the prouidence of God would be hardned, and the workes of his gouernment hindered and disgraced in the world.

SECTIO. II.

Her Power is lesse then it seemeth.

1 Because Satan doth many things by diuine dispēsatiō imediatly, which * 1.4 yet notwithstanding he fathereth on the Witch: and seemeth to doe at her sending, which yet he doth by his skill, in Naturall Temperatures of the bodies of Creatures, and their diseased estates; And so being able * 1.5 to guesse at the times, when they will come to their Crisis, and are like to speed: then speeds he to the witch, prouoks her to malice the parties, & so offers to be sent to execute that ma∣lice, which falling out at the time when the Witch sendeth, shee there∣upon conceiues, that shee is the Au∣thour of the hurt. Shee confesseth it a often on the gallowes; whereas all this is but Sathans immediate worke: and yet she iustly punished, for dealing * 1.6 with Sathan, who thus deceiues.

1 To hasten her to iudgement.

2 To satisfie the rage of the world a∣gainst her, & thereby either to make them guiltie of shedding innocent bloud, and so to increase their sinne.

3 To obtaine his prey of her soule more speedily.

4 And so to seeke a new maister, or dame, to increase his kingdome.

5 But his especiall policie herein is: by fathering it on the Witch, to make worke for the good Witch. Now they must runne to her; help must be had, and what more ready then the cun∣ning woman, especially seeing she doth it with so little cost? and doth it with so good prayers, at the least, procures ease, which Nature is satisfied with, though it is bought at a deare rate, e∣uen with horrible and blasphemous abuses of Gods name, cursed confi∣dence in Satan, &c.

6 And seeing we are many times conceited & suspitious of our neighbors, ready to iudge vncharitably & rash∣ly * 1.7 of them: doth not Sathan further the conceit by deluding the Witch, as to thinke that Sathan did such things

at her sending, which also Sathan in his policy must haue published, to con∣firme * 1.8 vs in our vncharitable and cru∣ell conceit, and so thereby prouoke vs further to shed innocent bloud.

Secondly, Sathan doth also many things by deluding her senses: making her to beleeue that which is not, and so deceiueth her in the conceit of her power: As that shee is transformed into a Cat and Hare, and so can enter into places the doores being fast, which is contrary to a naturall bodie, &c.

For though Peter came out of prison * 1.9 and the doores all locked, yet was this done; First, by the mightie power of God: Secondly, nothing was done, but what might stand with the conditi∣on of a naturall body. The doores by the power of God were opened, and so gaue place to the bodie. The bo∣die was not contracted and exininated to pierce the same: neyther could the qualitie of the bodie endure the paine, neyther the quantitie be dispoyled of it dimensions.

As for that Dreame of the spirites

transporting the bodie lying dead in the * 1.10 bed, and returning to it againe afterward. This being contrary to the diuine de∣cree, That the soule being separated from the bodie, should returne to it againe, till the Resurrection: it must needes be a delusion and forgerie of Sa∣than.

Thirdly, the Witches power is re∣strained * 1.11 by Composition and Couenant with the Diuell, as the Good Witch must onely helpe, and the Bad Witch she must onely hurt: the one must be accounted the binding Witch, that o∣ther the vnbinding: The Policie of Sa∣than heerein hath beene partly disco∣uered before. As also the iustice of God in confounding this couenant, and en∣larging this power is layd downe hereafter.

Fourthly, the power at least of the good Witch, is restrained to the faith * 1.12 of the party whom she intends to help: Either hee must beleeue, shee can help him, or else, he shall receiue no good from her; Of the reason and vse heereof elsewhere.

Fiftly, the power of all Witches is * 1.13 restrained by the authoritie of the Ma∣gistrate. For though, if a priuate per∣son detain them, they may either hurt or escape, yet if once the magistrate hath arrested them, Satans power cea∣seth, in being not now able to hinder and defraud the Iustice of the Al∣mightie: And lastly, it is also restrai∣ned to the good of the Church. To this end examine we

SECTIO III.

Whether seeing Sathan hath power from * 1.14 God, to afflict mā, that he doth the ra∣ther more hurt, by the means of witches

NO question, seeing wee are apt to distrust God, and depend vpon those, and to forsake Gods word; there∣fore it is iust with God, to giue vs vp to be deceiued by them: so that, it is not for the Witches sake, but for the wickednes of man, that Satans power is enlarged: both for the Witches fur∣ther condemnation, whose sinne is hereby increased,

And also, for the punishment of mans * 1.15 horrible and strange sinnes: by those strange and fearefull plagues, especi∣ally to condemne the infidelitie of men, in fearing or seeking to these.

Onely herein obserue the policie of Sa∣than, who though hee haue power * 1.16 from God, yet he will not execute it, but as sent from the Witch, or at least, seeming so; that so he may both di∣uert the mind of man from God, and so nourish him in ignorance and A∣theisme, as fearing and respecting the Witch more then God;

As also, that hee may carrie the mind from home, from the considera∣tion of our owne vilenes, and wic∣kednesse, to looke abroad to the Witch, to obserue her malice, and so to encrease our rage against her, and thereby encrease our sinne, and yeeld her more power ouer vs; and there∣by still to send the minde from God, and his true meanes of helpe, to the cunning woman, &c.

SECTIO IIII.

Whether Witches may haue power o∣uer Gods children. * 1.17

NO doubt they may haue it, so farre as to afflict the body, because these outward crosses are common to all, Eccles. 9. 1.

And we are subiect to Infidelitie, * 1.18 and so to Sathans power.

Yea wee are ignorant who are Wit∣ches, and so many times are chasti∣zed for our foolish charity in relie∣uing them.

3 Yea, wee may rashly condemne and censure them: and therefore bee liable to the hand of Almighty God * 1.19 by them.

1 And so by sympathy with the bo∣die, the soule may be afflicted: yea Sathan 2 may further afflict the soule, by reason that it cannot brooke so well the bodily misery, by working vpon the impatiencie thereof, and so

forcing it to murmuring; yea to a kinde of despaire: the rather, because the children of God, through igno∣rance or extremitie of paines, may by themselues, or others vse such vnlaw∣full meanes, or though they vse Phi∣sicke, and some such subordinate law∣full helpes; yet the principall is negle∣cted, Repentance for sinne, and Prayer vnto God.

And seeing all things are alike to all * 1.20 men; may not Sathan worke so vpon the minde, as by such or the like dis∣position to bring it to many, and such like raging fittes, eyther tam∣pering with the complexion, as me∣lancholie, &c. or furthering those pas∣sions of discontent and despaire, by leading them heereto.

And the Prouidence of God in vsing * 1.21 Sathan as an instrument, to inflict by Witch-craft, these chast cements vpon his children, is manifold.

As first, to humble his children: that they shall not escape this scourge, as well as others: so I remember the Lady Hales complained; What could

I haue no other affliction but this, I could haue endured any, so it had not beene by this, &c.

2 To comfort his seruants, that seeing they shall in this greatest af∣fliction haue a comfortable issue to conquer Satan, therefore heerevpon they may build the certainety of their saluation: As also,

3 To instruct them, that seeing Sa∣tan may haue power to take away life, and yet not to hurt the soule fi∣nally, therefore heere is the triall of their Faith, though the Lord should kill them yet to trust in him; heere the * 1.22 triall of their obedience, to yeeld vp life into Gods hands; heere also their Wisedome tried, not to measure Gods * 1.23 fauour by outward things, not to set by this life, which Satan may pre∣uaile against.

And hath not the Lord in this af∣fliction of his Saints, some further vse for the stumbling blocke of an vnbelee∣uing * 1.24 Generation?

Yea surely, and that many waies:

1 Both to flatter them, that their

estate is good, seeing the godly fare as * 1.25 bad as they do.

2 And also to stagger them, that their estate is euill; seeing, if Gods children are thus afflicted, for al their knowledge, and holinesse in this life, what shall become of them, that haue no knowledge, hate holinesse, &c.

3 And heerein yet most dange∣rously to stumble them, that seeing the knowledge and holinesse of the Saints cannot free them from the power of Satan, therefore away with know∣ledge, wel-fare ignorance; what boots * 1.26 it to bee precise? Let vs liue as wee list.

Nay seeing these meanes, cannot preserue, Why may we not seeke to other? and so a gap is open to all vnlawfull meanes.

Especially, if wee obserue Satans policie heerein, who vsually being sent to afflict some holy one, * 1.27 returnes as confounded, he can∣not doe it, because they haue Faith, thereby intending, that none that haue Faith, are subiect to his

power: and so puffing vp euen the best with securitie, and thereby pre∣paring them through vaine confi∣dence to his malice: So perswading the world, that he can touch any that hath not faith, and so still robbing God of his glorie; as if the let were not in his free prouidence, but in the goodnesse of man: As if the Lord did not freely execute his prouidence, but was bounded therein by some∣what in man. And then he must be sent to the childe of the faithfull father, and preuaile there, as if the Faith of the Parents did not hold Gods protection ouer their tender Infants, aswell as ouer themselues: or the Childe, because he hath power ouer him, is excluded Gods protection, hath not Faith, is not of the faithfull seed.

And if now at the length it shall appeare, that Sathan, though hee haue returned as disappoynted by the Faith of the Saints, yet shall pre∣uaile ouer anie, to afflict and tor∣ment them: Beholde then the dan∣gerous delusions: Eyther this mat∣ter

of Faith is but a mockerie, seeing it cannot resist Sathan: why should it not repell him on the one side, as well as on the other, If there were any such thing, or it had anie such power?

Or else, the Saints may loose their Faith: and so, if Sathan preuayle a∣gainst life, he must then also preuaile against Faith, for the vtter abolishing of the power thereof.

And what difference then between the wicked and godlie?

Thus may the Saints be subiect to this affliction: and thus may the world stum∣ble thereat.

SECTIO V.

And yet in all these afflictions much differ from the wicked. * 1.28

• 1 AS both in the cause of the affli∣ction.
• 2 In the measure of it.
• 3 In the issue thereof,

For the cause, If the Lord afflict his children with this scourge, nei∣ther is it in anger, or simply as a pu∣nishment * 1.29 of sin, though the Lord may intend the chasticement of the sinner * 1.30 heereby: But especially, 1. To Try their faith: 2. To prouoke to repentance•• 3. And so to take them heereby out of this miserable world.

But in the wicked it is otherwise: The Lord is angry when hee leaues them to Satan, hee entends the discouerie of their Infidelitie, and vnmasking of their hypocrisie: By this sharpe afflicti∣on hee awakens heereby their drowsie conscience, and so in the horror there∣of, seales vp vnto them eternall ven∣geance, and leauing them to be relei∣ued by carnall meanes, subiects them thereby more surely to the power of Satan, by whom, making vp, in this * 1.31 renuing of their daies, the measure of their sin, they are ripened and hastened to the day of vengeance. * 1.32

Thus they differ in the cause.

2 As for the measure, the afflicti∣on either reacheth onely to touch

the bodie, or else if the soule beare a part, still the hand of the Lord is put vnder, Psal. 37. 24. comforts are sup∣plyed according to the affliction: or the sharper affliction, prepares to more sound and heauenly consola∣tion.

But for the wicked it is not so with them: The soule is especially aimed at by the malice of Satan, and there∣fore, either the body is so smitten to driue the soule to despaire, or else by sending it to vnlawfull meanes, the soule is more fearefully ensnared by confidence in Satan, and so hastened to it iust & vnauoidable confusion: And thus they differ in regard of the mea∣sure.

3 For the Issue, The Saints, If they * 1.33 escape out this affliction, 1 are more experienced in Satans subtiltie, 2 more enabled to comfort, and relieue others, 3 more purged of carnall confidence, 4 more humbled and cast vpon the mightie power of God, 5 more quickned in Faith, 6 more weaned from the loue of

the world, 7 more warie to keepe themselues within Gods protection, more patient vnder the crosse, 8 more prepared to death, 9 more readie for the Lord. And therefore,

If they are translated heereby, they make an happie exchange of sinne; for perfect holinesse, of miserie for eternitie, of transitorie for eternall happinesse, of deceitfull friends for the fellowship and eternall commu∣nion of the thrice blessed God, that in∣numerable company of heauenly spirites and soules of the righteous; the vnse∣parable vnion with Iesus Christ their Sauiour.

But for the wicked; if they escape, that which they seemed to haue, is taken away; they grow worse and worse, filled with all vnrighteousnesse, seuen worse spirits seising vpon them. And if they are taken away, then is the end of all their vaine happinesse, and a full powring out of Gods wrath vpon them.

SECTIO VI.

THus we haue heard wherein and by * 1.34 what meanes the Witches power is restrained.

Now let vs consider on the other side wherein it appeareth.

This may be discerned.

• 1. If we consider the Actions pro∣per to their owne persons.
• 2. As also in their Actions towards others.

Concerning their owne persons.

First, it cannot be denied, but that more speedily, then may stand with * 1.35 the ordinarie course of nature, they may assemble themselues to their meetings, or trudge to do any mis∣chiefe; as being carried by Satans po∣wer aboue the earth, or sea, speedily, for some short space, not being seene * 1.36 of any: which is not hard for Sathan to do, by thickning the Ayre vnder and about them.

As for any further means, whereby they may transport themselues in the likenes of an Hare, &c. this we haue

shewed before to be but a meere de∣lusion, notwithstanding any tokens they bring for the proofe thereof.

But that they may abuse the bodies * 1.37 of such, whom they malice to ride vp∣on them, in the night: this howsoe∣uer it bee not impossible, yet I take it, it may rather prooue a delusion of the parties sence that is thus preten∣ded to be abused, then any such re∣all taking vp of his body out of bed, and laying him there againe, because this may bee doone with lesse adoe, and yet deceiue more effectually.

Thus of the actions of the Witches to∣wards themselues.

Touching his Actions towards others.

Heere consider we these things. * 1.38

1 Their maner of consulting thereon, which is vsually in the Church, where they meet, to worship their maister:

Heere,

• 1 the Diuell enquireth what each would haue done.
• 2 They returne their particular occasions and businesses.
• 3 Their demaund by Sathan is graunted, and meanes propounded

• and tendred to the execution therof.

As giuing them powders and poysons, cōposed by his skill, in the secrets of Nature to take away life, to inflict diseases, & cure the same; and especi∣ally, * 1.39 to cloake his demnable conuei∣ance heerewith. Teaching them to make Pictures in Wax or Clay; that by the rosting therof, the persons wher∣of they beare the name, may conti∣nually melt & dry away by sickenes: And this, in a blasphemous imitation of the diuine power (who vsed such means to accomplish his miracles,) the bet∣ter to colour his diuelish coueiances, which vsually are these.

1 To make men and women loue and hate one another: a matter possible for him to doe, by perswading the cor∣rupt affections.

2 To lay the sickenesse of one vpon an t••er, as vpon Iob, yea to take away life, * 1.40 &c. by such Pictures, though they are no cause thereof. It being easie for Satan, being a spirit, to weaken and scatter the spirits of life, where∣by through faintnesse the party shall * 1.41

sweate out naturall moisture. And so also by weakening the spirits, the stomacke shalbe weakened: where∣by not being able to breed new nou∣rishment, the old must needs in short time be spent.

3 He can raise tempests, as hath beene proued before: and,

4 So to breed madnesse, and,

5 To haunt men and places with spirits, and so by a kinde of obsession to vexe and torment them.

6 Yea, he can hinder the opera∣tions of nature, and so may be a means to hinder copulation, and so procre∣ation, and that not onely in general: 1 As corrupting naturall heate, that the generating member may not exe∣cute accordingly.

2 That though it should pierce into the wombe, yet the seede being colde, may take no effect.

Or else, he may steale away the seed, that it shal not passe into the womb.

But particularly also, though the party may haue ability to others, yet to serue one, for the like reasons, he

may be impotent, not able to per∣forme the worke of Generation, and * 1.42 so deny that duety of marriage, and so happily produce a nullity thereof; vnlesse by Phisicke, or some spirituall means his power may be ouerruled, for which some time is to be graun∣ted, and meanes vsed.

7 Lastly, it cannot be denyed, * 1.43 howsoeuer the world wold obscure the worke of God herein: that euen by the meanes of witch-craft, Sathan may be sent euen into bodies of men, re∣ally to possesse them. As of olde it was vsuall in the Primitiue Church, and the like punishment continuing for sinne, the like meanes remayning to remoue the scourge. I see not but now it is vsuall in these later times; as hath appeared euidently by many instances: the Papists themselues ac∣knowledging as much, and the Go∣spel herein powerfull to confound Po∣perie, and to iustifie the truth hereof.

SECTIO VII.

Of Sathans Policies in the execution of this Power.

ANd first, that he vseth Naturall medicines, both for helping, and hurting, giuing the Badde Witches * 1.44 secret powders, and poysons to doe mischiefe withall, and directing his White Diuells (I meane the Blessers) to salues and such like medicines, to helpe their Patients withall.

This he doth,

Partly, to make the Blesser beleeue that it is not Sathans power, but ra∣ther * 1.45 some vertue in these things, that accomplish such rare euents, and that so they may be more secure, and forget the couenant, and thereby ac∣complish their mischiefes with more delight, and greedinesse.

Partly also, to deceiue such as seeke vnto the Witches. And that by securing them in the lawfulnesse of

this businesse, seeing they receiue nothing but lawfull meanes.

2 By causing them to put confi∣dence in the meanes: seeing through their infidelitie, they proue vsually effectuall.

3 Thereby to deiect them from lawfull meanes, as Phisicke, &c.

4 And so to nourish them in bla∣sphemie, contempt of God, and all diuine assistance, to abolish all trust in GOD, and dependancie vppon him.

SECTIO VIII.

He vseth also Prayers for the helping of diseases.

ANd this, as to colour the se∣cret * 1.46 compact more dangerously:

So,

To countenance the vaine bablings, and repetitions of profane and igno∣rant persons.

As also to shew his high malice,

and derision of these diuine ordinan∣ces: and so also,

To mocke and confound the lip-labor, and bodily seruice of the carnal chri∣stian.

And so, to inferre, that all second meanes, as Phisicke, &c. are needlesse, and vnprofitable, seeing it may bee done by good prayers: and this is a maine Ground in the ignorant peo∣ple, * 1.47 to reiect all lawfull helps: hence that speech of theirs; God hath sent it, and he can take it away. Wherein Satans meaning is, to aduaunce him∣selfe in their hearts, to draw them to his deuotiō, by the vse of such praiers, &c. as being pretended to be from God, are therefore, in this respect, more greedily intertained.

Especially heerein to coosin the Blesser the more desperately, eyther * 1.48 by prouoking her to robbe GOD of his glorie, and so to ascribe these Prayers vnto Sathan, conceiting heereby some Diuine power, not so much in Sathan, who instructs her, as, in her selfe, that by these

meanes is able to doe such wonder∣full things; especially seeing, to the doing thereof, a more strong and cer∣taine Faith is arrogated. As being yeelded for the reason, why the Bles∣ser can doe that by prayer, which ano∣ther, vsing the same prayer, cannot doe, because he cannot beleeue. And so by this presumption of Faith, deluding her in the safetie of her estate, that shee is at least in high fauour with God, in no danger of damnation, whereby she is confirmed in her Practise, and so makes sure her condemnation.

SECTIO. IX.

¶ Satan shrowds his power vnder naturall diseases.

ANd doth not Satan also shrowd his power sometimes verie cun∣ningly and dangerously vnder natu∣rall diseases. As both, being able to iudge of the nature and criseis of them, and so to adioine his power thereto,

to the hastening of death, by pre∣uenting the helpe of Physicke, or infa∣tuating the same.

As also hereby, being able to assimilate his malicious and desperate af∣flictions of the bodies and soules of * 1.49 men, to some such like naturall dis∣eases, that so his power may bee shrowded vnder Natures distem∣pers.

Certainely, Experience makes this manifest vnto vs, And the Policie of Sa∣tan herein is manifold.

And that first to hide his owne secret * 1.50 compact vnder such naturall infirmi∣tie, that so he may both deceiue the Witch, as imagining, that by her na∣turall medicines she cures only a na∣turall disease, and so, that her com∣pact with Satan was either concei∣ted onely, or else is now dissolued. But especially, that he may deceiue others hereby; and that both the parties af∣flicted; * 1.51 as detayning them by this meanes from the searching of their hearts, and yeelding themselues vn∣der the mightie hand of God, by vn∣fained

repentance, laboring to make peace with him, that so they may be soundly cured: and so sending onely to naturall meanes, as if it were but some ordinarie and common infirmitie, incident to nature: and so, if it be cured by such meanes, (as many times the Lord giues successe to the meanes to punish our security, and satisfie carnall wisedome) then Satans power is lesse feared, lesse re∣garded, whereby he preuailes yet fur∣ther on the soule, by nouzeling it in selfe-conceit of the goodnesse of it estate, and so the meanes are aduan∣ced, Gods holy, and ouer-ruling hand abased, and reiected; And the Witch set in the place of God, and so heereby she preuailes more feareful∣ly: not onely in the hearts of those that are holpen, to put confidence in her, but in others also, who are desirous to bee holpen at so easie a rate.

And so the skilfull Physition (That * 1.52 Ordinance of God appointed hereto) is neglected and despised; and so in

the issue, the whole glorie and Crowne redounds to the Diuell: His power is aduanced, his kingdome enlar∣ged, the Gospell and Scepter of Ie∣sus Christ condemned or neglected, and Atheisme, yea grosse Idolatrie, en∣creased and confirmed.

But if these seeming naturall dis∣eases * 1.53 be not cured by these meanes; yet the Credit of the Witch, and Sa∣tans in her, is yet notwithstanding saued.

1. Either, they sought too late.

2. Or, else they did not apply the medicine well.

3. Or, else they did not beleeue it could doe good.

4. Or, it hath holpen manie o∣thers.

5. Or, yet it may doe good: And therefore seeke for more: Goe to some other Blesser, that hath better skill: Make peace, with more confi∣dence.

6. Or now, goe to the Physitian at last, to consume their estate, and so breed discontent and despaire.

7. Or, languish in despaire, seeing God is forsaken, or sought too late vnto.

And so Satan triumphes in his * 1.54 spoyles, confounds the vnbeleeuing generation, that liues securely, notwithstanding such a Messenger from Hell, might rowse it out, thereof.

And so God is glorified, in ma∣king * 1.55 the world without excuse, that still will liue in Ignorance, and des∣perate Atheisme, in horrible pro∣phanenesse, and workes of the Di∣uell, and hastening hereby the comming of his holy Sonne IESVS, with his reward with him, to recom∣pence to euerie one ac∣cording to his workes.

CHAP. II.

Of the detection of Witches, and meanes thereto.

OF the detection and punishment of Witches: That they are to bee punished with death, especially the Blesser and good Witch, as they terme her.

SECT. I.

Of vnlawfull meanes of detection.

HAuing discouered the power of W••tches, and so followed them to the vtmost of their glorie and ad∣uancement: Seeing now Pride goeth before destruction, and the glorie of the wicked is their shame: Let vs now consider of their Fall and confusion, and of such meanes as further the same.

Wherein we may behold the ad∣m••rable * 1.56 wisedome and power of God, who as hee leaues them to their owne lusts, to embrace Satan, and sub∣mit

vnto him, for the obtaining of their desires; so hath hee so disposed in his wonderfull Iustice, that the God whom they worship, when he hath them sure his owne, seeing he is greedy of his Prey, and would glad∣ly haue other imployment to doe more mischiefe, therefore he cares not how soone the bargaine be per∣formed, and rather then faile, though all other meanes of detection should cease, himselfe will bee the instrument to bring his Beare to the Stake: And this he doth,

By Being an instrument for the de∣tection * 1.57 of the Witch, and yet in such dangerous policie, as that heerein al∣so he hunts after vnstable soules, while he seekes to giue them content * 1.58 in the discouerie of the Witch which hath done them so much mischiefe.

To this is it, that he hath not one∣ly * 1.59 The Blesser readie to discouer and de∣tect the Bad Witch, that so he might thereby encrease the poore peoples rage against the Witch, whereas indeed they should be angry at their sins.

But whereas in their affliction they should seeke vnto the Lord that smites * 1.60 them, by this discouery of the Bad Witch, he encreaseth the reputation of the Blesser, and so prouoketh the people more eagerly to runne after her.

And now the Good Witch vttereth easily all her deceitfull wares, to the deluding of the parties that are thus inquisitiue, and many times to the con∣demning of innocent bloud.

And to this purpose, because peo∣ple will bee loath to credit her word, concerning the supposed harmer and Bad Witch, therefore she hath vsually either some glasse wherein to shew the partie offending: or else hath certaine deceitfull and Satanicall expe∣riments, to confirme her former de∣tection of the Witch; As namely, by casting her into the water, sticking of needles, or bodkins, vnder the stoole where she sits, burning of the thing be∣witched, &c. By which, either she con∣firmes the superstitious people in a wrong conceit, it being easie for Sa∣tan

to further these signes heereto; or if they conceiue aright, yet by vsing these indirect meanes for discoue∣rie, they shall yet deeplier engage their soules vnto the power and ma∣lice of Satan.

And therefore though the Bad Witch may bee detected by these meanes: yet neither is the wise Chri∣stian to vse these meanes for the dis∣couery of this Monster; neither is the Magistrate to admit of this detection, as a sufficient euidence for the certaine discerning and iudging of the Witch.

It will then be demanded, What detections and presumptions lawful wee may haue to discouer a Witch?

To which wee answere, That as the Lord hath ordained the Punishment of these offenders, so no doubt hee hath also disposed the meanes whereby they may be detected, that so they may be iustly punished.

SECTIO. II.

Of lawfull meanes of detection, And 1 of Presumptions.

THe meanes of these Detections are Principally Two. * 1.61

Examination, and Conuiction.

Touching Examination; This is, when the Magistrate makes enquiry concerning this crime, and that not vpon euery corrupt passion, o•• sleight occasion, but vpon weightie Presumptions, probably con••ecturing of the Witch.

These are:

1 Notorious defamation of this crime, by the most of neighbours which are of the best report.

2 The Accusation of a fellow Witch, either at examination, or at the day of death is not to bee neglected, be∣cause now Authoritie hauing seized on hi••, though she may lie before she be discouered, yet now hauing ••••n∣fessed herselfe, she is an Instrument of the Lords Iustice, to satisfie Authoritie, * 1.62 and cleare the innocent, by speaking

truth, &c. (though otherwise shee would not) to accuse the delinquent.

3 A third presumption is from the effect of cursing: For when a bad ton∣gued woman shall curse a partie, and death shortly follow, this is a shrewd token that shee is a Witch, because Witches are accustomed to execute their mischeuous practises by cursing and banning, & this may be sufficient for examinatiō, thogh not of cōuiction.

4 If after Enmity, quarreling, or threatning, a present mischief do follow.

5 If the partie suspected be anie kin, or of special acquaintance with a cō∣nicted Witch, because it is the manner of them to conuey their Trades and Spirits one to another, and especially to those that are nearest about, and most familiar with them.

6 It is obserued, that the Witch re∣ceiues som mark from Satan to owne her by, in some priuy place, which is vsually raw, whence the spirit draws bloud, &c. and this, if there be no o∣ther reason in Nature, is a shrewd presumption, to examine at least.

7 And so if in examination wee find the partie contrarie and in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Tales: not onely Fearefull, for this may be in a good case; but Doubtfull and Different, this may bee a Pres•…•…ption to argue a guiltie conscience:

Thus of Presumptions.

2 Of Examination.

Now concerning Examination, this may either be made by Question fro•• the Magistrate, by certaine wise and crosse Interrogations to this end:

Or else by Torture, when together with words, some violent meanes are vsed, by paine, to extort confessi∣on, which may haue necessarie place when the partie is obstinate.

3 Of Conuiction.

Hauing vsed the best meanes by Examination, the next is Conuiction, whereby after iust examination, the Witch is discouered; To this must concurre, not bare presumptions, but sufficient Proofes: Not such as heere∣tofore haue beene reckoned, or like to those; As scratching the suspected

party, &c. The confession of a partie dy∣ing, that such a one hath bewitched him. But for manifest conviction, these Proofes are to be esteemed sufficient.

1 The Free confession of the crime * 1.63 by the party suspected, after due exami∣nation, being found in diuers tales.

I but say the Partie will not confesse, Here then the testimonie of two suffici∣ent witnesses is currant, prouing one of these two things: either,

That the party accused hath made a league with Satan; or hath done some knowne practise of Witch-craft, producing likely arguments for the confirmation thereof: As

• 1 That the Witch hath called vpon the deuill for helpe.
• 2 That she entertaines a familiar spirit, and had conference with it in any Forme, or likenesse.
• 3 That she hath shewed ones face in a glasse being absent.
• 4 That they haue fore-told things to come.
• 5 Holpen to things lost, whereof they haue had no ordinary meanes

• of knowledge.
• 6 That they haue healed by Pray∣ers, Spells, Amulets.

And so, howsoeuer the Leag•••• with Satan be secret, and therefore not able to be discouered, yet is both Sa∣tan willing to haue it knowne by ef∣fects, for the increase of his kingdom, * 1.64 & hastning the cōfusion of his slaues, and so by such like effects hee doth discouer them: 1 To haue speedier possession of them, lest afterward by remorce they might bee brought to repentance, 2 as hating so detestably euen all mankinde, that he cannot en∣dure they should inioy the world, or the benefits thereof, no not an houre: 3 but especially, the Policie of Sa∣tan * 1.65 in this discouerie is, 1 to satisfie the rage of the people, who now hauing found the Witch, instead of being a∣uenged of their sinnes, doe intend nothing more then the satisfying of their malice in destruction of the Witch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and so therein to procure cre∣dite and estimation to the good Witch, to make more worke for her, by whose

meanes, this enemy to mankind, this badde Witch hath beene discouered.

And yet we may obserue the ouer∣ruling * 1.66 hand of God herein, that though Satan do hasten the speedie discoue∣rie of the Witch: yet the Lord in his holy wisedome, oft-times disposeth, that such shall liue long, yea die vn∣detected: Eyther because some of them, may belong to the Election, and therefore may repent of this great sinne by holy meanes, and so bee freed both from temporall and eter∣nall punishment.

Or some remaine longer vndis∣closed, to execute greater mischiefe in the world: as they are more cruelly bent thereto.

Or else, there may be some Co••e∣nant with Sathan by the Witch for some terme of yeares, which hee is conten∣ted to binde himselfe to, to haue her more sure, and secure thereby.

And thus of the proofes to disco∣uer the Witch, without which shee may not safely be condemned.

CHAP. III.

Of the True Remedies against Witch∣craft.

HItherto of the meanes to Dis∣couer Witch-craft: Now let vs consider of the meanes whereby we may preuent, and be deliuered from the same.

SECTIO I.

VVHEREVNTO, seeing the Lord hath gratiously * 1.67 afforded the blessing of Gouernement as a speciall means to discouer witchcraft: and so by cutting off the offender by the Law, very mercifully also to preuent the same: Therefore let vs acknowledge vnfainedly the good∣nesse of God heerein. Pray we for the Magistrate, that the Lord may giue him a discerning spirit herein: and yeeld we al conscionable obedience to him vnder God, that for our sins he may not be giuen vp to security &

such strong delusiós, as either to neg∣lect the prosecuting of this sin, or to iustifie the same.

Surely, as we haue great cause to be thankefull to our God for that which our Gracious Soueraigne hath commended for the perpetuall good of the Church to this end: so are we also to blesse his Maiestie for that further Courage and Conscience of * 1.68 our true Christian and renowned King, that hath also iustified the kingdome of Christ against that vsurped Hierar∣chie of the Roman A••tichrist, being that Arch-coni••••er, & deceiuer of the world: O how hath he bin display∣ed and liuely painted out by the Pen of a ready Writer! And shall not the Lord preserue his Anoynted to burne the whore with fire, and make her de∣solate? O that the Lord would make vs▪ worthy of such a blessing; that our eyes might beholde the falt of Anti∣christ! That the Kingdome of Iesus Christ may be set vp in full beautie, that the First-borne may come in, * 1.69 and Iesus Christ may come to iudge∣ment:

Euen so blessed Father, hasten this thine eternall Word, and let all the people say, Amen.

Now let vs further consider of the Remedies of Witch-craft.

These consist eyther in preuenting of the euils and dangers thereof, or,

In the Recouerie and Release from the same.

That these may be preuented, it is manifest:

First, because otherwise, All should * 1.70 be afflicted: For Sathan maliceth all, would haue none free, and therefore the Lord that hindereth his malice heerein, hath also ordayned meanes heereunto.

Secondly, the very Witches them∣selues haue confessed, that they could not preuayle against some: And we see (by Gods mercie) the most freed from them.

What may be the meanes heereto?

SECTIO. II.

Of the particular Remedies against Witch-craft.

These are either,

1 Deceitfull and dangerous.

And these are of two sorts.

1 Eyther such as seeme to helpe, and yet doe nothing in truth.

2 Or else, if they yeelde helpe to the bodie for the present.

1 They both leaue it hereafter to further mischiefe.

2 And especially do hurt the soule, both: first, for the present: but, 2 chiefly for the time to come.

2 These Remedies are sincere and safe. And these are Generall, or Par∣ticular.

Naturall or Spirituall. And these eyther, Preseruatiue or Restoratiue: Or, Priuate or Publike.

SECTIO III.

PReseruatiue Remedies, are such, whereby men are kept from the power & hurts of Witches: and these are such

• 1 As concerne the persons of men,
• 2 Or, the places of their abode.

1 To preserue the persons of men, the chiefe & onely soueraigne means * 1.71 is, that whereas by nature, wee are all the Diuells slaues, led captiue by him at his will, subiect to all sorts of his delusions and torments, vpon anie occasion: Therefore we would dis∣cerne this naturall condition out of the Word.

2 Discerning of it, wee would not * 1.72 rest therein: but rather be brought to a deniall thereof, to renounce the same by true sorrow and repentance, and so labour to attaine vnto the glorious libertie of the Sonnes of God.

And this, by embracing Iesus Christ, * 1.73 and so be partakers of the Couenant of Grace, in his bloud, 1 by receiuing

the Gospell, 2 beleeuing the pre∣cious promises therein contained, 3 applying the same to our particu∣lar conditions, 4 and so returning thankefulnesse vnto our GOD. For these ••his rich mercies in the pardon of our sinnes, by yeelding vp our soules and bodies as a liuing sacrifice vnto our God, in obedience to his blessed will, euen with all sinceritie, and readinesse of minde, and purpose of heart, together with conformitie of the outward man in our reasona∣ble seruice of God all the dayes of our life.

As heereby, hauing the promise, 1 to be kept by the mighty power of God to saluation, 2 to bee alwayes within the speciall protection of the Lord to bee kept in all our wayes: 3 To this end to haue the •…•…nistring of the blessed Angells, to p•…•…serue vs from the euill one, that there may no Witch-craft preuayle against Iacob, nor sorcery against Israel, otherwise then before hath beene layd downe: not that the Elect may be altogether

free from this affliction, but that it shall turne to their good, their soules shall be safe, and they are nothing so often subiect thereto as the wicked and reprobate.

And therefore, laboring to walke honestly as in the presence of God; remembring that his Angells attend for our protection and comfort, and so being carefull not to grieue those heauenly souldiers, but to encourage them in their watch and guard ouer vs, 1. Corinthians chap. 11. and verse 10.

This soueraigne Remedie subordi∣nates also many speciall, prouisoes and caueats, according to our seuerall occasions in the world: As next to renue our right in Christ daily by vn•…•…∣ned repentance. To arme our selues daily by conscionable meditation in the Word, and the prouidence of the Al∣mighty in the protection of his chil∣dren, Psal. 91. To feare our selues con∣tinually, in respect of our owne worth or sufficiencie, and so to renounce carnall confidence, and policie, &c.

wholy to resigne vp our selues into the sole protection of the Almighty. To maintaine our Christian libertie and humility with all wisedome, not be∣ing seruants vnto men, but to bring them to Christ, not to entangle our selues with the world, though wee must vse it: to auoide as much as may be euen lawfull pleasures, and recre∣ations, especially, if they be doubtfull & of euill report, as carding &c. wherin vsually Satan hath a cast. To be choise of our company, especially, of Papi••••s, profane persons, cursers, swearers, &c. be∣cause by these instruments God tries our sincerity, and Satan if we grow indifferent, eyther prepareth to the Trade, or preuayles to afflict vs by them.

To be wise in our Liberalitie, and Almesdeedes, not distributing to each sort of poore, because many times Witches go vnder this habite, as being left to this miserie, for the confusion of their conceited soue∣raignetie, and prouocation of their Enuie and Malice, to doe further

mischiefe: especially, to take 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 any such suspected 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bee straight-handed towards the••, not to entertaine them in our hou∣ses, not to relieue them with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 morsels: Especially, if wee dis•…•… them as their nature and neede is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be free mouthed, and light fingered, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 * 1.74 craue of the best, and not to be satis∣fied, and to be bold & impudent, &c.

And therefore heere it standeth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vpon to vse a Christian co••••age i•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 our▪ Actions, not to feare their c•…•…▪ nor seeke for their blessings, for after these things ••o the Gentiles seeke, &c. yet not with ratings or reuilings, * 1.75 but, The Lord rebuke thee Sathan. If wee do good to any, let it be especi∣ally to the houshold of Faith: and so to examine such of their beliefe, of their experiment all knowledge concerning s••••∣uation, * 1.76 and so we may by Gods mer∣cie, both preuent our selues from be∣ing * 1.77 hurt by them, and happily disco∣uer them, and hasten their confusion.

And therefore if we haue got any inkling of their leagues or spirites, or

prayers, &c. we are in no case to con∣ceale this, left wee bee confederate * 1.78 with Satan: or at least, for our infi∣delitie, and carnall wisedome, but in the name of God let vs manifest what wee know (if occasion se••ue) to the Magistrate: especially if there be any hurt done, wee are bound in conscience to iustifie God; to bring his Iudgements to light, to hasten his enemies to their confusion, and procure any lawful case to his poore afflicted seruants.

Thus may we preserue our persons from the malice of Sathans Instru∣ments.

SECTIO IIII.

Preseruatiues for houses.

COncerning our houses, because it is the policie of Sathan to worke by degrees, and so by shaking our faith, and distracting, or hindering vs in holy dueties, to disquiet or feare vs; and thereby to worke vpon our In∣fidelities,

and distempers, bringing vs thereby to neglect of holy means, and prouoking to impatiency, wher∣by wee may giue the Lord occasion to leaue vs to his snares: Therefore hath he vsed to haunt and molest our dwelling places, with Apparitions and strange annoyances of noise &c.

And therefore it is very fit to pre∣uent him heerein by holy meanes. * 1.79

And these are, First, the dedication of our houses: and this is done,

1 Not onely by conscionable pray∣er vnto God, when wee come vnto them: 2 but also by solemne vowing and consecrating them to the seruice of God, as in the first epistle of Paul to Timothy chap. 4. verse 5.

3 To make choice of our habitations where wee may enioy the powerfull ordinances of God. And,

4 If we come to any houses where any monuments of Idolatrie haue re∣mayned, thence to remoue them.

5 Yea, if (as the manner was in Poperie) for the verie building of their houses, to fashion them accor∣ding

to the Idolatrous temples: If in such cases we alter so much, as may take away the resemblance of Sathans Throne: I thinke it (sauing better Iudgements) though for the pub∣lique, in indifferent things, wee are to leaue things to the Magi∣strate, to bee ordered and disposed of by him: yet in our priuate af∣faires, where wee haue power in our hands, I say, I thinke it may stand with Christian wisedome and courage.

6 But howsoeuer, wee may not be ouer-curious in these things, I doe speake as a foole: I take it, nay, I dare auouch (by the grace of Al∣mightie God) that wee shall vn∣doubtedly much sanctifie them by ho∣lie order, and discipline in the Fami∣lie, by holie Exercises of Prayer and Meditation in the Word, cate∣chizing of the Families, purging out incarnate diuells thence, I meane prophane and rebellious seruants, Psalme 101. that hate to be reproo∣ued, not buying their seruice so

deare, as to giue them libertie to profane the Sabaoths, to let them liue in ignorance, profanenesse, &c. lest for these things the wrath of GOD come vppon vs, and the Lord leaue vs to be afflicted by euill Angells.

This in generall hath beene the practise of the Saints, and out of the particulars of their practise these par∣ticulars may be auouched, as Deuter. 20. 5. Wee haue runne for the dedi∣cation of the house, wherein was ac∣knowledged, that wee receiued it as the free gift of God: not that great Babel which we haue builded for the honour of our name, Dan. 4. Psalme 49. &c. But that which God of his mercie hath giuen vnto vs, 1. Chron. 29. and therefore we should giue it vnto him againe, in consecrating it to his seruice. Examples we haue of Abraham building an altar where hee dwelt, to worship God, Genes. 12. 8. of Noah when hee came out of the Arke to inhabite the earth, that great possession which then the Lord re∣stored, and enfranchised him witha∣all,

Genes. 8. 20. of Iacob, when hee came to Bethel, which he consecrates as an house vnto God, though other∣wise it was the house of his habitation.

So did Hezekiah sanctifie the peo∣ple, when they came to receiue the Passeouer, fearing lest they had not glorified him in their families and habitations, 2. Chron. 31.

So did Iacob purge his familie of Idolatrie, casting out all the Idolls of his wife Rebecca, &c. Genesis chap. 35. vers. 1. 2.

Thus of the remedies preseruatiue.

SECTIO. V.

Restoratiue Remedies generall.

NOw the Restoratiue means fol∣low, and these are either 1 Ge∣nerall concerning whole Countries.

Or else, Speciall, respecting parti∣cular persons.

The Generall remedies to dissolue the workes of Sathan are.

1 The free libertie of the Gospell, Luke 10. v. 18. Sathan like Lightning falles downe thereat: So doth Moses to this end commend the reuerend and obedient hearing of the Lords Prophets, Deut. 8. 18.

2 Conscionable execution of Iustice, against all other offenders, but e∣specially against these, and among these against the Good Witch: she is the meanes of encreasing the other: and▪ yet it is lamentable to obserue, that the Good Witch is spared, and ac∣cepted vsually of all, because shee helpeth at a pinch, holdeth life and present hopes, though the Badde Witch now and then, because wee would not loose our present happi∣nesse, we cannot endure afflictions, is haled to iudgement.

Thus of Generall Restoratiues.

SECTIO VI.

Particular follow for priuate per∣sons.

THough not absolute and neces∣sarily effectuall, as was the gift of casting out of Diuells which cea∣sed with the Apostles and Prime Churches: yet profitable and con∣uenient to be vsed, euen vnto the worlds end of all Christians, very comfortable in the issue and successe thereof.

These are,

1 To search out the true cause of this affliction, namely their sinnes, Lam. 3. 39. 40. 1. Sam. 5. 15.

2 To approoue our faith in the free mercie of God by heartie Pray∣er and Fasting, for pardon especial∣ly of sinne, and remouall of the affli∣ction, as may stand with Gods glo∣rie, submitting heerein to the will of God, 1. Sam. 16.

3 Submitting patiently to the af∣fliction, and comforting our selues with the speciall protection of our God, and faithfull promise that this shall turne to our good, assuring our selues that the Lord wil not suffer vs to bee tempted aboue our strength, but wil grant in his good time a ioy∣full issue: not measuring our estate in Gods fauor simply by the successe heerein, much lesse by the affliction it selfe, which is common to all, but resoluing, though hee kill vs, yet to trust in him, and trying our selues by the different bearing and quali∣fying of the affliction that it hath

• 1 More weaned vs from the world:
• 2 More humbled vs in a hatred of sinne.
• 3 More prouoked vs to hunger after heauen.
• 4 More purged and prepared vs thereunto.

And thus of the true Remedies.

CHAP. IIII.

Of False Remedies.

SHall wee now take some view of the False and superstitious Remedies, vsed by the Gentiles, and encreased by the Papists, to release and preuent these mischiefes?

Surely, neuer more need to dis∣play and confound these practises, and yet to name them, is sufficient to confute them: * 1.80

Which are they?

Examine we the Foundation.

First, in Imitation of Apostolike cal∣lings, there is also presumed Apostolike power, to worke miracles, to cast out diuels, and so by a miraculous gift, to heale such mischiefes as do proceede from Witches.

Vnto which we reply, that that ex∣traordinarie * 1.81 calling ceasing, the effect ceaseth withall:

As 1 being not necessary for these Times, seeing they were ordayned

onely for the Confirmation of the Do∣ctrine of the Gospel, newly planted and to bee rooted in the hearts of Infi∣dels, or to bee iustified thereby a∣gainst their forged miracles; which being now approoued and acknow∣ledged of the Christian Churches, and hauing a constant and ordinary Ordinance of the Word, to instruct the same sufficiently.

There is no neede of such extraor∣dinary Signes, so witnesseth the Spi∣rit, 1. Cor. 14. 22. That change of tongs, and some generall Miracles, are for a Signe not to them that beleeue, but to them which beleeue not: as if the holy Ghost should say, that the Gospel in the first preaching thereof, was accom∣pained with strange and miraculous o∣perations, as a Signe to manifest the power thereof to the confusion of all the fayned miracles of the Gentiles, wherein they vaunting, might bee detained from embracing the glori∣ous Gospel of Iesus Christ, as being offered to the world without Effi∣cacie, from base and contemptible

meanes: but that the power of the Lord being manifest in the weake∣nesse of his seruants by these mira∣culous operations, as it was suffici∣ent to make knowne vnto them, that the Gospel was nothing inferiour to the Oracles of the Deuil, seeing it was honoured with such excellent and supernaturall workes: so by the in∣ward working thereof in their con∣science, in discouering the secretes of their hearts, and meeting with their hidden, false and secret corruptions, which of all others was the greatest Miracle:

It might thereby gaine the true E∣steeme among them, that GOD was in, and with the meanes: 1. Cor. 14. 25. 26. and thereby might prooue effe∣ctuall to conuert the vnbeleeuing, as the Lord had ordained him vnto sal∣uation. Actes Chap. 13. Verse 46, 47, &c.

Secondly, As it is not necessarie * 1.82 that these giftes should nowe re∣maine: so if they did remaine, they might then challendge the effectual∣nesse

of the Apostles preaching, as if that the Gospel were not sufficiently con∣firmed by them, seeing still it needs to be confirmed by miracles.

3 And seeing the Promise and the Gift goe together, therefore, in that * 1.83 the Promise was onely made to the Apostles, concerning those times, to doe those things, and not to the ge∣nerations of the churches succeeding▪ therfore seeing the Promise was only in force vnto them, it followeth also * 1.84 necessarily, that the gift was limited accordingly.

And therefore, though it be pre∣tended, that the Church of the Ie••es * 1.85 had this power, and why not then the Church of the Gentils, vnder Christ, seeing Christ was nothing inferiou•• to Moses? yet seeing no certainetie can be gathered out of the Word, of a∣ny such Iewish power, but that rather they are condemned heerein, as doing it by the helpe of Sathan, and so our Sauiour in that reply, driues out one naile with another; and when they accused him to cast out Diuells, by * 1.86

helpe of Beelzebub, returnes it vpon them, By whom then doe your children cast them out? As if he had said, Cast the Beame out of your owne eyes. It is you that cast out diuells by the help of Beelzebub, and would you excuse your selues by condemning of me? or do you measure me by them? There∣fore they shall be your Iudges, they shall iustifie mee whom you condemne, * 1.87 their maister hath acknowledged me to be the Sonne of God, though they worke by Satan, and therefore shall rise vp in iudgement against you, that condemne me to worke by Sa∣than, who by them hath iustified me, to be the mightie power of God.

As for that they alleadge, That * 1.88 such tokens shall follow them that beleeue: In my name they shall cast out d••uels, &c. Marke 16. 17. This is to be vnder∣stood concerning the church immediat∣ly after Christ, to be fulfilled onelie vnto them, and their immediate Succes∣sours; for some short time, so long as the Church continued vnder Hea∣then Gouernors and▪ Persecutors, which

were to bee conuinced and bridled by these mightie workes. And there∣fore, * 1.89 though in all Ages of the Church, there haue appeared alwayes some, that haue cast out deuils; yet hath this beene, not by the Power of God, which ceased in the decay of zeale and syn∣ceritie, with the Primitiues; but by the Power of Delusion, through the effi∣cacy of Satan, whereby Antichrist then * 1.90 rising, and aduancing himselfe in the heartes of Gods people, as being giuen vp thereto for their disobedience to the Gospel, by meanes of these fained and diuellish wonders, confirmed in the hearts of the vnstable people, his vo∣luntary Worship, and Doctrine of Diuels; * 1.91 and so enabled himselfe thereby aboue all that is called God.

And that these are but lying won∣ders and deceiuable may appeare yet further by the meanes whereby they are wrought.

The first whereof, Is the Name of Iesus, by the vertue whereof the Di∣uell * 1.92 is pretended to giue place, and against his will to bee thrust out of

possession. Wherein, though wee denie not, that it is lawfull to call * 1.93 vpon The Name of Iesus in Prayer, for the deliuerance of any, that are possessed, and bewitched, yet that wee may presume, that our prayer shall take effect, otherwise then may stand with GODS glorie, and the good of the Church: this is contrarie to the Nature of the thing wee pray for, which being a Temporall, ought to be begged, but with Condition onely, if God will, as may stand with his glorie, as in the sixe and twentie chapter of Saint Mathews Gospell: and also, contrarie to our duetie and allegeance, which doe pray, That the will of GOD may bee done in all things, that our wills may be subiect vnto his.

And seeing the Papists wil haue this Name of Iesus effectuall, not so much, * 1.94 because it is inuocated by a Beleeuer, hauing Faith and vnderstanding to call on GOD aright; As onely, by the very Name vttered in so many

letters and syllables; though with•…•… Faith, yea without Vnderstanding, which by vertue heereof, shall bee able, being repeated, to cast out Sathan without exception or resi∣stance. This certainely can bee no Miracle, but a Satanicall delusion.

1 Because the Name of Christ, thus barely pronounced without faith and vnderstanding, hath no warrant from the Word.

2 Neither doth it allow vnto any ordinarie Christian any such speciall calling heereunto.

3 Nay, it is flat contrary to the na∣ture of the Word, which is onely effe∣ctuall, not when it is spoken, and barely pronounced, but when it is vnderstood and beleeued both of the Deliuerer, and the Receiuer also, as that and other like Scriptures are to be vnderstood, Philip. chap. 2. vers. 10. Hebr. 4. 2.

Much like may be answered con∣cerning the reliques of Saints: another * 1.95 Remedie which they haue, to cast out diuells. For howsoeuer they alledge,

that a dead man was raised at the Graue * 1.96 of Elizeus, that Peters shadow and Pauls handcherchiefs did many strange things: yet doth not this proue, that their Reliques may doe the like. * 1.97

First because the times are now dif∣ferent, there is no need of such meanes, as was in those dayes.

Secondly, The Gift is therefore cea∣sed, as seruing for necessary times, and the Reliques, are for the most part counterfait, and therefore they can produce but counterfait Miracles.

Touching the Signe of the Crosse, * 1.98 howsoeuer this bee applyed to cure in these cases;

Yet, this is blasphemous impietie, to ascribe to the Creature, what is pro∣per to the Creator. Namely to doe Miracles.

Neither the Apostles, nor the Sonne of Man himselfe, his Godhead being set apart, beeing able to doe these things, but onely the Finger of GOD. Exod. 8. Matth. 12.

As for the vse of Holy water, Graines, Salt, Images, Agnus Dei, &c. To this

purpose the Truth is, these are pro∣phane superstitions, because they are * 1.99 not sanctified by the Word, to that end: That which Elisha did by ca∣sting in Salt, being not from the vertue of the Salt, which was not hal∣lowed but by an extraordinary calling, and gift enabling there vnto.

Lastly, whereas also it was ordi∣nary among the Papists, to vse Ex••••∣cismes * 1.100 to this end; Namely, to ad••••re and command the Diuell in the Name of God, to goe from the Partis. This is now ceased, because the Gift of Mi∣racles, as also the promise annexed to the Gift is ceased withall.

For the better vnderstanding here∣of obserue wee farther herein; That howsoeuer by these deceitfull Re∣medies afflicted parties seeme to be relieued, and deliuered from Satans power: yet indeede it is nothing so.

This appeareth:

Because, though the torments may cease, yet the Diuell leaueth not the Parties, but onely ceaseth for a time willingly, to establish men in Errour,

and in worshipping of himselfe, and so entreth deeper into them.

And this is the Effect of all such Remedies as are procured by Coniura∣tion, and the Charmes and spels there∣of: wherby though the Diuel seeme to be bound from hurting, yet the par∣ty thereby indeed is more bound to his power & malice, & though he seeme by the vertue of such holy Names of Ie∣sus, &c. to be cast out, yet doth he only cease to afflict the bodie for a time, that so he may procure greater confidence in this his Trade: And thereby take possession both of body and soule.

It may bee heere then demaun∣ded, * 1.101 Whether seeking acquaintance with the Witch, and vsing of her to our houses bee daungerous, and whither (I say) It bee lawfull to re∣lieue them, or no: If wee suspect them to bee such, seeing it is concei∣ued that they haue power ouer vs by the same?

To which wee answere, that in our Beliefe we are first bound by the Law of GOD to doe good to the Houshold of

Faith, Gal. 6. 10. and so after these, to relieue where there is most corpo∣rall * 1.102 need, As for the releiuing of these Witches, seeing suspition may deceine; therefore we may not simply neglect these, If they be onely suspected; so wee doe it from a good ground: Namely, obedience to Gods Comman••∣ment; and a compassion to them, e∣specially to doe their soules good: Adioyning some spirituall Exhortatio•• withall, to instruct them if they bee ignorant, to dete••••e them from such damnable and odious courses. Auoi∣ding wisely

Vaine glory to bee seene of men, as Matth. 6. 5, 6, 7. Especially taking heed, that we relieue them not, as the Gentiles were woont to worshippe their gods; that they may not hurt vs, * 1.103 in carnal policy, seeking to bind thē to vs: as knowing that Feare in this case, as it may giue iust cause to the Lord, to leaue vs into their hands, for the pu∣nishment of our infidelitie: so if our bodyes escape, yet a worse thing may certainely follow; Namely, the

stealing away of your heartes from God by this meanes, and so the enthral∣ling of our soules vnder the power of Satan.

And being wise also, in the man∣ner of our reliefe, whereby we may happily try them:

1. Namely to giue them onely for necessitie, of the meanest, seeing these being puffed vp▪ with their con••or∣ted * 1.104 powers, thinke nothing to good for them. As I haue obserued, they must fare of the best, &c,

2. And to keepe our selues within the bounds of mans authoritie, to see them re∣leiued at their houses, and that by set∣ting them a worke, and so paying them an ouer-plus for it, that they may prouide for themselues: For hereby happily you may also discerne thē, As being an idle & vagrant ge∣neratiō, alwaies gadding: their own house is a Wild-cat, they must needs be stirring whom the Diuel driues.

3. And lastly, to relieue their bo∣dyes as vpon any iust occasion not to con∣ceale their wretchednesse, but to accuse

and draw them to the Iudgement Seates, for the saluation (if it may bee) of their poore soules.

And though Iudgement may sease vpon them: yet so long as they liue they may be relieued, onely with the coursest, and that for necessitie, es∣pecially heere an Interpreter, one of a thousand prooue their best Purueyo•• to minister a word in due season, for the comfort of the soule.

CHAP. V.

Of a Principall Remedie against Witch∣craft: Namely, the due Execution of Iustice vpon the Offenders.

THus haue we shewed both what deceitfull and daungerous Remedies haue and may be vsed, to case this af∣fliction.

As also what Lawfull Remedies are to be applyed hereto.

It now remaineth, that wee ad∣ioyne A speciall publicke Remedie, for the preuenting and rooting out of

this mischiefe; Namely, Execution of Iustice.

And here first, Let vs determine, what measure of punishment is due to this Sinne.

Secondly, we wil adde some Mo∣tiues to encourage the godly Magistrate, to the Execution of the Punish∣ment.

SECT. I.

Of the punishment of Witches with death.

What Punishment is due to Witch∣craft.

The Word of GOD doth clearely prooue, That thou shalt not suffer a Witch to liue. Exod. 21. 18.

And so the practise of Holy men, hath been agreeable thereunto in the due Execution of this sentence against them in all ages. As appeareth:

Not onely among the Heathen, who euen by the Light of Nature were endued for the very safety of Life, to punish this Sinne with Death.

But especially among Christions where generally such Malefactors are condignely punished.

And that this practice ought to stand * 1.105 in force, appeareth.

1. Because, this being a Iudiciall Law whose penaltie is death, seeing they haue in them a perpetuall equi∣tic, and doe seeme to maintaine some morall precept, is Perpetuall: As ser∣uing to maintaine the Equitie of the three first Morall Precepts of the first Table; which cannot be kept, vnlesse this Law be put in execution.

2. This Iudiciall Lawe, hath in it the Equitie of the Lawe of Na∣ture, and therefore is perpetuall: It beeing naturall that an Enemie to the State, a Traitour, &c. Should die the death.

And such is a Witch, vnto God, the King of Kings.

3. The Witch is an Idolater, wil∣fully and in a most presumptuous maner, as renouncing God willingly, and chosing Satan to bee her Soue∣raigne Lord, therefore according to

that Lawe, shee is to be stoned to death, Deut. 17. 3. 4. 5.

4 The Witch is a seducer of others to Idolatrie, as appeareth by their com∣mon practise both vpon their friends to whom they vsually bequeath their spi∣rits, and vppon all whom they in∣struct, to rest in charmes, &c. And therefore to be put to death, Deuter. 13. 6. 9.

5 Nay, shee is a murtherer both of soules and bodies; and therefore, in this respect, doth also deserue death.

SECTIO. II.

Answer to Obiections against this Execution.

1 ANd therefore, though the di∣uell doe the mischiefe, yet is the Witch confederate and accessarie thereto: nay (in her owne conceit) Principall and Mistris: and therefore by the Lawe of Accessories, is to die the death.

2 Therefore, though they should repent, yet die they must, to iustifie God, and preuent further ensnaring: that though their body perish, yet the soule may be saued, 1. Cor. 5.

3 Though she repent not, yet seeing shee must haue some time of repen∣tance; though she do not, yet is Iu∣stice to proceede without respect of persons. In zeale to Gods glory, and loue of sinceritie, so Moses, Exo. 32. 28. and Phinehas, &c. Num. 25. 8.

And this sincerity of Iustice doth require: That though death and such hurts ensue not, yet for the offence done to God, in combining with Sa∣than, * 1.106 &c. the parties are to be execu∣ted accordingly. For so the word doth plainely imply: and heretofore the Law hath been defectiue in this case: yet blessed be God, for a further * 1.107 perfection heerein: and will not the Lord daily perfect his worke? If wee beleeue, shall wee not see greater things then these? Well,

1 Let this instruct the godly ma∣gistrate to haue an eie, especially to

the Blesser, that raigneth among vs: And to draw the people to the true and lawfull meanes of helping soule and bodie, by rooting out of these Good Witches, which are ri••e almost in euerie parish, and placing in stead thereof a conscionable Minister, as that the people may require the Lawe at his mouth, that he may pray to the Lord for them, that they may bee healed.

2 Let this teach him to punish sinne, of conscience, not for by re∣spects, meeting with the Witch, as an Idolator offending against God, not so much as a murtherer sinning a∣gainst man.

3 Let his owne safetie mooue him heereunto, who as hee hath beene, euen so still by the execution of Iu∣stice, may be free from these Mon∣sters.

4 And lastly, Let the glorie of God (in aduauncing the Gospel) especially heere preuayle, which is by no kind of thing more vndermined then by Witches.

Is glorious in nothing more then in rooting out Antichrist the great Coniurer and deceiuer of Gods peo∣ple, and banishing superstiti∣on the very bedde and nursery of witch∣craft.

The end of the second Booke.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Of the po∣wer of wit∣ches.
• * 1.2

  The po∣wer of wi∣ches re∣strained, 1 By the Lord. In regard of the E∣lect.
• * 1.3

  In respect of the wic ked.
• * 1.4

  Sathan doth ma∣ny things without the witch.
• * 1.5

  Note. Gifford by his skil.
• * 1.6

  Note.
• * 1.7

  Note.
• * 1.8

  Deluding the Wit∣ches sen∣ses.
• * 1.9

  How Pe∣ter came out of the prison, the doors be∣ing shut.
• * 1.10

  Refutatiō of that cō∣ceit, that the soule returnes to the dead body
• * 1.11

  3 restraint by compo sition.
• * 1.12

  4 restraint by the faith of the Pati∣ents.
• * 1.13

  Fiftly, restraint by the magistrat.
• * 1.14

  First quere
• * 1.15

  Note.
• * 1.16

  Sathans policie heerein.
• * 1.17

  Second quere.
• * 1.18

  Gods chi∣dren may be afflic∣ted by
• * 1.19

  witches 〈◊〉〈◊〉 In bodie. In soule.
• * 1.20

  Eccl. 9. 1. 2
• * 1.21

  Why gods children may be chastized by witches
• * 1.22

  Iob. 13. 15.
• * 1.23

  Actes 20.
• * 1.24

  The wic∣ked heere∣by stum∣bled.
• * 1.25

  Note.
• * 1.26

  Note.
• * 1.27

  Note Sa∣tans poli∣cie in the affliction of the Saints.
• * 1.28

  Diffrence betweene the godly & the wic∣ked in their af∣flictions. Math. 25.
• * 1.29

  Psal. 6. 1.
• * 1.30

  1 Diffe∣rence in the cause.
• * 1.31

  Note.
• * 1.32

  2 Diffe∣rence in the mea∣sure.
• * 1.33

  3 Diffe∣rence in the issue.
• * 1.34

  Wherein the wit∣ches po∣wer is en∣larged.
• * 1.35

  Actions cōcerning their per∣sons. Speedy motion.
• * 1.36

  Inuisible.
• * 1.37

  Note.
• * 1.38

  What the Witch can dotowards others.
• * 1.39

  Note.
• * 1.40

  Iob. 1.
• * 1.41

  Note.
• * 1.42

  Note.
• * 1.43

  Possession
• * 1.44

  Of natu∣rall medi∣cines.
• * 1.45

  Sathans policie heerein.
• * 1.46

  Of praiers
• * 1.47

  Note.
• * 1.48

  Note.
• * 1.49

  Note.
• * 1.50

  Note Sa∣anspolicy heerein.
• * 1.51

  Note.
• * 1.52

  Note.
• * 1.53

  Note this.
• * 1.54

  Vses. 1. Satans Triumph.
• * 1.55

  2. Gods glorie.
• * 1.56

  Gods wise∣dom here∣in.
• * 1.57

  Satan the Authour of disco∣uerie.
• * 1.58

  Note.
• * 1.59

  By vsing the Blesser to disco∣uerie.
• * 1.60

  Os. 6. 1.
• * 1.61

  Of lawfull meanes of detection: and first of presump∣tion.
• * 1.62

  Note.
• * 1.63

  Proofes hereunto.
• * 1.64

  Note.
• * 1.65

  Note Sa∣tans poli∣cie herein
• * 1.66

  Gods o∣uer-ruling hand here in.
• * 1.67

  Authoritie of the ma∣gistrate.
• * 1.68

  In Demo∣nologia.
• * 1.69

  Iew.
• * 1.70

  That Sor∣cery may bee pre∣uented.
• * 1.71

  Preserua∣tiues for persons.
• * 1.72

  How to re nounce nature.
• * 1.73

  How to be in Christ.
• * 1.74

  Note.
• * 1.75

  Iude 8.
• * 1.76

  Gala. 6. 10
• * 1.77

  Witches will not indurethi▪ vsually.
• * 1.78

  Be liable to his ma∣lice.
• * 1.79

  First by an holie de∣dication.
• * 1.80

  Apostolike power herein.
• * 1.81

  Refuted.
• * 1.82

  2 Reason.
• * 1.83

  3 Reason.
• * 1.84

  Marke 16.
• * 1.85

  1. Obiection from the Iewes an∣swered.
• * 1.86

  Mat. 12. 27
• * 1.87

  Acts 19. 13
• * 1.88

  Obiection from the Promise answered.
• * 1.89

  3 Obiecti∣on from experi∣ence an∣swered.
• * 1.90

  2. Thess. 2. 9.
• * 1.91

  Colloss. 2. ••3. 1. Tim. 4 2.
• * 1.92

  2 Proued false by the means imployed in them.
• * 1.93

  Note. An Obie∣ction an∣swered.
• * 1.94

  Note. The error of Papists.
• * 1.95

  Reliques of Saints reiected.
• * 1.96

  2. Reg. 13. 21.
• * 1.97

  Act. 19. 21. Act. 5. 15.
• * 1.98

  Signe of the Crosse disclaimed herein.
• * 1.99

  Other Re∣medies re∣iected, as Holy Water, Graines, &c.
• * 1.100

  Exorcisme refuted.
• * 1.101

  Quaere. Concer∣ning the releeuing of witches.
• * 1.102

  Esay. 58.
• * 1.103

  Tull. Ne noceant.
• * 1.104

  Note.
• * 1.105

  Prooued.
• * 1.106

  Note.
• * 1.107

  Mans Law reformed herein. Anno 1. Iacobi