Scot's Discovery of vvitchcraft proving the common opinions of witches contracting with divels, spirits, or familiars ... to be but imaginary, erronious conceptions and novelties : wherein also, the lewde unchristian all written and published in anno 1584, by Reginald Scot, Esquire.

The second Book.

CHAP. I.

What testimonies and witnesses are allowed to give evidence against reputed witches, by the report and allowance of the inquisitors them∣selves, and such as are speciall writers herein.

EXcommunicate persons, partakers of the fault, infants, wicked servants, and run-a-waies are to be admitted to bear witnesse against their dames in this matter of witch-craft, because (saith Bodin the champion of witch-mongers) none that be honest are able to detect them. Hereticks also and witches shall be received to accuse, but not to excuse a witch. And finally, the testimony of all infamous persons in this case is good and allowed. Yea, one lewd person (saith Bodin) may be received to accuse and condemne a thousand suspected witches. And although by law, a capitall enemy may be challenged; yet Iames Sprenger, and Henry Institor, (from whom Bodin, and all the writers that ever I have read, do receive their light, authorities and arguments) say (upon this point of law) that the poor friendlesse old woman must prove, that her capitall enemy would have killed her, and that he hath both assaulted and wounded her; otherwise she pleadeth all in vain. If the judge ask her, whether she have any ca∣pitall enemies; and she rehearse other, and forget her accuser: or else answer that he was her capitall enemy, but now she hopeth he is not so; such a one is neverthelesse admitted for a witnesse. And though by law, single witnesses are not admittable; yet if one depose she hath bewitched her cow; another, her sow; and the third, her butter: these (saith M. Mal. and Bodin) are not single witnesses; because they agree that she is a with.

CHAP. II.

The order of examination witches of by the inquisitors.

WOmen suspected to be witches, after their apprehension may not be suffered to go home, or to other places, to seek sureties: for then (saith Bodin) the people would be worse willing to accuse them; for fear least at their returne home, they worke revenge upon them. In which respect Bodin commendeth much the Scottish custome and order in this behalfe: where (he saith) a hollow peece of wood or a chest is placed in the church, into the which any body may freely cast a little scroll of paper, wherein may be contained the name of the witch, the time, place, and fact, &c. And the same chest being locked with

three severall locks are opened every fifteenth day by three inquisitors or officers appointed for that purpose: which keepe three severall keyes. And thus the accuser need not be knowne, nor shamed with the reproch of slander or malice to his poor neighbour.

Item, there must be great perswasions used to all men, women, and and children, to accuse old women of witch-craft.

Item, there may alwaies be promised impunity and favour to witches, that confesse and detect others; and on the contrary, there may be threatnings and violence practised and used.

Item, the little children of witches, which will not confesse, must be attached, who (if they be craftily handled saith Bodin) will confesse against their own mothers.

Item, witches must be examined as suddenly, and as unawarres as is possible: the which will so amaze them, that they will confesse any thing, supposing the devill hath forsaken them; whereas if they should first be committed to prison, the devill would tamper with them, and informe them what to do.

Item, the inquisitor, judge, or examiner, must begin with small mat∣ters first.

Item, they must be examined, whether their parents were witches or no: for witches (as these Doctors suppose) come by propagation. And Bodin setteth downe this principle in witch-craft, to wit, Si saga sit ma∣ter, sic etiam est filia: howbeit the law forbiddeth it, Ob sanguinis rev••∣rentiam.

Item, the examiner must look steadfastly upon their eyes: for they cannot look directly upon a mans face (as Bodin affirmeth in one place, although in another he saith, that they kill and destroy both men and beasts with their lookes.)

Item, she must be examined of all accusations, presumptions, and faults, at one instant; least Satan should afterwards disswade her from confession.

Item, a witch may not be put in prison alone, least the devill disswade her from confession, through promises of her indemnity. For (saith Bo∣din some that have been in the goale have proved to fly away, as they were wont to do when they met with Diana and Minerva, &c. and so brake their own necks against the stone wales.

Item, if any deny her own confession made without torture, she 〈◊〉〈◊〉 neverthelesse by that confession to be condemned, as in any other crime▪

Item, the judges must seem to be in a pittifull countenance and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bemone them; saying, that It was not they, but the devill that commit∣ted the murther, and that he compelled them to do it; and must make them beleeve that they thinke them to be innocents.

Item, if they will confesse nothing▪ but upon the racke or torture their apparell must be changed; and every hair in their body must be shaven off with a sharpe razor.

Item, if they have charmes for taciturnity, so as they feel not the com∣mon tortures, and thefore confesse nothing: then some sharpe instrument must be thrust betwixt every nail of their fingers and toes; which (a••

Bodin saith) was king Childeberts devise, and is to thia day of all others the most effectuall. For by meanes of that extreame paine, they will (saith he) confesse any thing.

Item, Paulus Grillandus, being an old doer in these matters; wisheth that when witches sleepe, and feel no pain upon the torture, Domine labia mea aperies should be said; and so (saith he) both the torments will be felt, and the truth will be uttered: Et sic ars deluditur arte.

Item, Bodin saith, that at the the time of examination, there should be a semblance of great a do, to the terrifying of the witch; and that a number of instruments, gives, manacles, ropes, halters, fetters, &c. be prepared, brought forth, and laid before the examinate: and also that some be procured to make a most horrible and lamentable cry, in the place of torture, as though he or she were upon the rack, or in the tormentors hands: so as the examinate may hear it whiles she is exami∣ned, before she her selfe be brought into the prison; and perhaps (saith he) she will by this meanes confesse the matter.

Item, there must be subborned some crafty spy, that may seem to be a prisoner with her in the like case; who perhaps may in conference un∣dermine her, and so bewraie and discover her.

Item, if she will not yet confesse, she must be told that she is detect∣ed, and accused by other of her companions; although in truth there be no such matter: and so perhaps she will confesse, the rather to be revenged upon her adversaries and accusers.

CHAP. III.

Matters of evidence against witches.

IF an old woman threaten or touch one being in health, who dieth shortly after; or else is infected with the leprosie, apoplexie, or any other strange disease: it is (saith Bodin) a permanent fact, and such an e∣vidence, as condemnation or death must insue, without further proofe: if any body have mistrusted her, or said before that she was a witch.

Item, if any come in, or depart out of the chamber or house, the doores being shut; it is an apparent and sufficient evidence to a witches condemnation, without further tryall: which thing Bodin never saw. If he can shew me that fea••, I will subscribe to his folly. For Christ af∣ter his resurrection used the same: not as a ridiculous toie, that every witch might accomplish; but as a speciall miracle, to strengthen the faith of the elect.

Item, if a woman bewitch any bodies eyes, she is to be executed with∣out further proofe.

Item, if any inchant or bewitch mens beasts, or corne, or fly in the air, or make a dog speak, or cut off any mans members, and unite them again to men or childrens bodyes; it is sufficient proofe to condemna∣tion.

Item, presumptions and conjectures are sufficient proofes against witches.

Item, if three witnesses do but say, Such a woman is a witch; then it is a clear case that she is to be executed with death. Which matter Bodin saith is not onely certain by the canon and civill lawes, but by the opinion of Pope Innocent, the wisest Pope (as he saith) that ever was.

Item, the complaint of any one man of credit is sufficient to bring a poor woman to the rack or pully.

Item, a condemned or infamous persons testimony is good and allow∣able in matters of witch-craft.

Item, a witch is not to be delivered, though she endure all the tor∣tures, and confesse nothing; as all other are in any criminall cases.

Item, though in other cases the epo••i••ions of many women at one instant are disabled, as sufficient in law; because of the imbecillity and frailty of their nature or sex, yet in this matter one woman, though she be a party, either accuser or accused, and be also infamous and impudent (for such are Bodins words) yea and already condemned; she may never∣thelesse serve to accuse and condemne a witch.

Item, a witnesse uncited, and offering himselfe in this case is to be heard, and in none other.

Item, a capitall enemy (if the enmity be pretended to growe by meanes of witch-craft) may object against a witch; and none exception is to be had or made against him.

Item, although the proofe of perjury may put back a witnesse in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 other causes; yet in this a perjured person is a good and lawfull witnesse.

Item, the proctors and advocates in this case are compelled to be wit∣nesses against their clients, as in none other case they are to be constrain∣ed thereunto.

Item, none can give evidence against witches, touching their assemb¦lies, but witches onely: because (as Bodin saith) none other can do 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Howbeit, Ri. Ga. writeth, that he came to the God-speed, and with his sword and buckler killed the devill; or at the least he wounded him sore, that he made him stinke of brimstone.

Item, Bodin saith, that because this is an extraordinary matter; the•• must herein be extraordinary dealing: and all manner of waies are to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 used, direct and indirect.

CHAP. IIII.

Confessions of witches, whereby they are condemned.

Some witches confesse (saith Bodin) that are desirous to dy; not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 glory, but for despair: because they are tormented in their life-time. But these may not be spared (saith he) although the law doth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them.

The best and surest confession is at strife, to her ghostly father.

Item, if she confesse many things that are false, and one thing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 may be true; she is to be taken and executed upon that confession:

Item she is not so guilty that confesseth a falshood or ly, and d••enieth a ru••h; as she that answereth by ••ircumstance.

Item, an equivocall or doubtfull answer is taken for a confession a∣gainst a witch.

Item, Bodin reporteth, that one confessed that he went out, or rather up in the air, and was transported many miles to the fairies dance, only because he would spy unto what place his wife went to hagging, and how she behaved her selfe. Whereupon was much ado among the inquisi∣tors and lawyers, to discusse whether he should be executed with his wife or no. But it was concluded that he must die, because he bewrayed not his wife: the which he forbare to do, Propter reverentiam honoris & familiae.

Item, if a woman confesse freely herein, before question be made; and yet afterward deny it: she is neverthelesse to be burned.

Item, they affirme that this extremity is herein used, because not one among a thousand witches is detected. And yet it is affirmed by Sprenger in M. Mal. that there is not so little a parish, but there are many witches known to be there.

CHAP. V.

Presumptions, whereby witches are condemned.

IF any womans Child chance to dy at her hand, so as no body knoweth how, it may not be thought or presumed that the mother killed it, ex∣cept she be supposed a witch; and in that case it is otherwise: for she must upon that presumption be executed; except she can prove the negative or contrary.

Item, if the child of a woman that is suspected to be a witch, be lack∣ing or gone from her; it is to be presumed, that she hath sacrificed it to the devill: except she can prove the negative or contrary.

Item, though in other persons, certain points of their confessions may be thought erroneous, and imputed to error: yet (in witches cau••es) all oversights, imperfections, and escapes must be adjudged impious and malicious; and tend to her confusion and condemnation.

Item, though a theefe be not said in law to be infamous in any other matter than in the••t; yet a witch defamed of witch craft is said to be de∣filed with all manner of faults and infamies universally, though she were condemned; but (as I said) defamed with the name of a witch. For ru∣mors and reports are sufficient (saith Bodin) to condemne a witch

Item, if any man, woman, or child do say, that such a one is a witch; it is a most vehement suspicion (saith Bodin, and sufficient to bring her to the racke; though in all other cases it be directly against law.

Item, in presumptions and suspicions against a witch, the common brute or voice of the people cannot erre.

Item, if a woman, when she is apprehended, cry out, or say; I am undone; Save my life; I will tell you how the matter standeth &c. she is thereupon most vehemently to be suspected and condemned to dy.

Item, though a conjurer be not to be condemned for curing the diseas∣ed by vertue of his art: yet must a witch die for the like case.

Item, the behaviour, looks, becks, and countenance of a woman, are sufficient signes, whereby to presume she is a witch: for alwaies they looke downe to the ground, and dare not look a man full in the face.

Item, if their parents were thought to be witches, then is it certainly to be presumed that they are so: but it is not so to be thought of whores. Item, it is a vehement presumption if she cannot weep, at the time of her examination: and yet Bodin saith, that a witch may shed three drop out of her right eye.

Item, it is not only a vehement suspicion, and presumption, but an e∣vident proof of a witch; if any man or beast dy suddainly where she hath been seen lately; although her witching-stuffe be not found or espied.

Item, if any body use familiarity or company with a witch convicted it is a sufficient presumption against that person to be adjudged •• witch.

Item, that evidence that may serve to bring in any other person to exa∣mination, may serve to bring a witch to her condemnation.

Item, herein judgement must be pronounced and executed (as Bod•••• saith, without order, and not like to the orderly proceeding and form•••• judgement in other crimes.

Item a witch may not be brought to the torture suddenly; or before long examination, least she go away scotfree: for they feel no torment and therefore care not for the same, as Bodin affirmeth.,

Item, little children may be had to the torture at the first dash; but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 may it not be done with old women: as is aforesaid.

Item, if she have any privy marke under her arme-pits, under he•• haire, under her lip, or in her buttock, or in her privities: it is a pre∣sumption sufficient for the judge to proceed and give sentence of dea•••• upon her.

The onely pitty they shew to a poor woman in this case, is: that thoug•• she be accused to have slain any body with her inchantments; yet if 〈◊〉〈◊〉 can bring ••orth the party alive, she shall not be put to death. Whereas marvell, in as much as they can bring the devill in any bodies likenesse and representation.

Item, their law saith, that an uncertain presumption is sufficient, when a certain presumption faileth.

CHAP. VI.

Particular interrogatories used by the inquisitors against witches

I Need not stay to confute such partiall and horrible dealings, being apparently impious, and full of tyranny, which except I should 〈◊〉〈◊〉 so manifestly detected, even with their own writings and assertions, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or none would have beleeved. But for brevi••ies sake I will passe over th•• same; supposing that the citing of such absurdities may stand for a suffic••••ent

confutation thereof. Now therefore I will proceed to a more par∣ticular order and manner of examinations, &c. used by the inquisitors, and allowed for the most part throughout all nations.

First the witch must be demanded, why she touched such a child or such a cow, &c. and afterward the same child or cow fell sick or lame, &c.

Item, why her two kine give more milke than her neighbours. And the note before mentioned is here again set down, to be specially observed of all men: to wit; that though a witch cannot weep, yet she may speak with a crying voice. which assertion of weeping is false, and contrary to the saying of Seneca, Cato, and many others; which affirme, that a wo∣man weepeth when she meaneth most deceipt; and therefore saith M. Mal. she must be well looked unto, otherwise she will put spitle privily upon her cheeks, and seem to weep; which rule also Bodin saith is infallible. But alas that teares should be thought sufficient to excuse or condemne in so great a cause, and so weighty a triall! I am sure that the worst sort of the children of Israel wept bitterlly: yea, if there were any witches at all in I∣srael, they wept. For it is written, that all the children of Israel wept. Finally, if there be any witches in hell, I am sure they weep; for there is weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth.

But God knoweth many an honest marrone cannot sometimes in the heavinesse of her heart shed teares; the which oftentimes are m••re ready and common with crafty queanes and strumpets, than with sober women. For we read of two kinds of teares in a womans eye, the one of true grief, the other of deceipt. And it is written, that Dediscere flere foe∣minium est menda••ium: which argueth, that they ly which say, that wick∣ed women cannot weep. But let these tormentors take heed, that the teares in this case which runne down the widowes cheeks, with their cry spoken by ••esus Sirach, be not heard above. But lo what learned, godly, and lawfull meanes these popish inquisitors have invented for the triall of true or false teares.

CHAP. VII.

The inquisitors triall of weeping by conjuration.

I Conjure thee by the amorous teares, which Jesus Christ our Saviour shed upon the crosse for the salvation of the world; and by the most earnest and burning teares of his mother the most glorious Virgin Mary, sp••inkled upon his wounds late in the evening; and by all the teares, which every saint and elect vessell of God hath powred out here in the world, and from those eyes he hath wiped away all teares; that if thou be without fault, thou mayest powre down teares abundantly; and if thou be guilty, that thou weep in no wise: In the name of the Father, of the sonne, and of the Holy Ghost; Amen. And note, saith he, that the more you conjure, the lesse she weepeth.

CHAP. VIII.

Certain cautions against witches, and of their tortures to procure confession.

BUt to manifest their further follies, I will recite some of their cau∣tion, which are published by the ancient inquisitors, for perpetual les∣sons of their successors: as followeth.

The first caution is that, which was last rehearsed concerning weep∣ing; the which (say they) is an infallible note.

Secondly, the judge must beware she touch no Part of him, specially of his bare: and that he alwaies weare about his neck conjured salt, palme, herbes, and wax hallowed: which (say they) are not only approved to be good by the witches confessions; but also by the use of the Romish church, which halloweth them onely for that purpose.

Item, she must come to her arreignment backward, to wit, with her taile to the judges face, who must make many crosses, at the time of her approching to the barre. And least we should condemne that for superstition, they prevent us with a figure, and tell us, that the same superstition may not seem superstitious unto us. But this resembleth the perswasion of a theef, that disswadeth his sonne from stealing; and never thelesse telleth him that he may pick or cut a purse, and rob by the high way.

One other caution is, that she must be shaven, so as there remaine not one hair about her: for sometimes they keep secrets for ••aciturnity, and for other purposes also in their hair, in their privities, and between their skinne and their flesh. For which cause I marvell they flea them no•••• for one of their witches would not burne, being in the middest of the flame, as M. Mal. reporteth; untill a charme written in a little scroll was espied to be hidden between her skin and flesh, and taken away. And this is so gravely and faithfully set down by the inquisitors themselves, that one may beleeve it if he list, though indeed it be a verity. The like ci∣teth Bodin, of a witch that could not be strangled by the executioner, do what he could. But it is most true, that the inquisitor Cumanus in one year did shave one and fourty poor women, and burnt them all when he had done.

Another caution is, that at the time and place of torture, the hal∣lowed things aforesaid, with the seven words spoken on the crosse, he hang••ed about the witches neck; and the length of Christ in wax be knit a∣bout her bare naked body, with reliques of saints, &c. All which stuffe (say they) will so worke within and in them, as when they are racked and tortured, they can hardly stay or hold themselves from confession. In which case I doubt not but that Pope, which blasphemed Christ, and cursed his mother for a peacoke, and cursed God with great despigh•• for a peece of porke, with lesse compulsion would have renounced the trinity, and have worshipped the devill upon his knees.

Another caution is, that after she hath been racked, and hath passed over all tortures devised for that purpose; and after that she hath been compelled to drink holy water, she be conveied again to the place of torture: and that in the middest of her torments, her accusations be read unto her; and that the witnesses (if they will) be brought face to face unto her: and finally, that she be asked, whether for triall of her innocency she will have judgement, Candentis ferri, which is, To carry a certain weight of burning iron in her bare hand. But that may not (say they) in any wise be granted. For both M. Mal. and Bodin also affirm that many things may be promised, but nothing need be perform∣ed: for why, they have authority to promise, but no commission to per∣forme the same.

Another caution is, that the judge take heed, thar when she once be∣ginneth to confesse, he cut not of•• her examination, but continue it night and day. For many times, whiles they go to dinner, she return∣eth to her vomit.

Another caution is, that after the witch hath confessed the annoying of men and beasts, she be asked how long she hath had Incubus, when she renounced the faith, and made the reall league, and what that league is, &c. And this is indeed the cheef cause of all their incredible & impossible confessions: for upon the rack, when they have once begun to ly, they will say what the torment or list.

The last caution is, that if she will not confesse, she be had to some strong castle or goale. And after certain daies, the jayler must make her be∣leeve he goeth forth into some farre country: and then some of her friends must come in to her, and promise her, that if she will confesse to them, they will suffer her to escape out of prison: which they may well do, the keeper being from home. And this way (saith M. Mal.) hath served, when all other meanes have failed.

And in this place it may not be omitted, that above all other times, they confesse upon frydaies. Now saith Iames Sprenger, and Henry In∣stitor, we must say all, to wit: If she confesse nothing, she should be dismissed by law; and yet by order she may in no wise be bailed, but must be put into close prison, and there be talked withall by some crafty person, those are the words, and in the mean while there must be some eves-dropers with pen and inke behind the wall, to harken and note what she confesseth: or else some of her old companions and acquaintance may come in and talke with her of old matters, and so by eves-droppers be also bewraied; so as there shall be no end of torture before she have confessed what they will.

CHAP. IX.

The fifteen crimes laid to the charge of witches by witch-mongers; specially by Bodin in Daemonomania.

[ 1] THey deny God, and all religion.

Answer Then let them dy therefore, or at the least be used liked infi∣d••••s, or aposta••••'s.

They curse, blaspheme, and provoke God with all despite.

[ 2] Answer Then let them have the law expressed in Levit. 24. and Deut. 1•• & 17

They give their faith to the devill, and they worship and offer sacri∣fice [ 3] unto him.

Ans. Let such also be judged by the same law.

They do solemnely vow and promise all their progenie unto the [ 4] devill.

Ans. This promise proceedeth from an unsound mind, and is not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be regarded; because they cannot performe it, neither will it be pro∣ved true. Howbeit, if it be done by any that is sound of mind, let the cause of Ieremie 32.36. light upon them, to wit, the sword, famine and pestilence.

[ 5] They sacrifice their own children to the devill before baptisme, hold∣ing them up in the aire unto him, and then thrust a needle into their braines.

Ans. If this be true, I maintain them not herein: but there is a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to judge them by. Howbeit, it is so contrary to sense and nature, that were folly to beleeve it; either upon Bodins bare word, or else upon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 presumptions; especially when so small commodity and so great danger and inconvenience insueth to the witches thereby.

They burn their children when they have sacrificed them.

[ 6] Ans Then let them have such punishment, as they that offered th•••• children unto Moloch: Levit. 20. But these be meer devises of wit••••-mongers and inquisito's, that with extreame tortures have wrung such confessions f••om them; or else with false reports have belyed them; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by flattery and fair words and promises have won it at their hands, at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 length.

They swear to the devil to bring as many into that society as they 〈◊〉〈◊〉

[ 7] Ans. This is false, and so proved elsewhere.

They swear by the name of the devill.

[ 8] Ans. I never heard any such oath, neither have we warrant to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them that so do swear; though indeed it be very lewd and impious.

They use incestuous adul••e••y with spirits.

[ 9] Ans. This is a stale ridiculously, as is proved apparently hereafter.

They boile infants, after they have murthured them unbaptised, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ 10] their flesh be made potable.

Ans. This is untrue, incredible, and impossible.

They eat the flesh and drink the bloud of men and children openly. [ 11]

Ans. Then are they kin to the Anthropophagi and Canibals. But, I be∣leeve never an honest man in England nor in France, will affirme that he hath seen any of these persons, that are said to be witches, do so; if they should, I beleeve it would poyson them.

They kill men with poyson. [ 12]

Ans. Let them be hanged for their labour.

They kill mens cattell.

Ans. Then let an action of trespasse be brought against them for so do∣ing. [ 13]

They bewitch mens corne, and bring hunger and barrennesse into the country; they ride and flie in the air, bring stormes, make tempests &c. [ 14]

Ans. Then will I worship them as Gods; for those be not the works of man, nor yet of a witch: as I have elsewhere proved at large.

They use venery with a devil call'd Incubus, even when they ly in bed with [ 15] their husbands, & have children by them, which become the best witches.

Ans. This is the last ly, very ridiculous, and confuted by me elsewhere.

CHAP. X.

A refutation of the former surmised crimes patched together by Bodin, and the onely way to escape the inquisitors hands.

IF more ridiculous or abhominable crimes could have been invented, these poor women (whose chief fault is that they are scolds) should have been charged with them.

In this libell you do see is contained all that witches are charged with; and all that also, which any witch-monger surmiseth, or in malice im∣puteth unto witches power and practise.

Some of these crimes may not onely be in the power and will of a witch, but may be accomplished by naturall meanes: and therefore by them the matter in question is not decided, to wit; whether a witch can work wonders supernaturally; For many a knave and whore doth more com∣monly put in execution those lewd actions, than such as are called witches and are handged for their labour.

Some of these crimes also laid unto witches charge, are by me denyed, and by them cannot be proved to be true, or committed by any one witch. Othersome of these crimes likewise are so absurd, supernaturall, and impossible, that they are derided almost of all men, and as false, fond, and fabulous reports condemned: insomuch as the very witch-mongers themselves are tashamed to hear of them.

If part be untrue, why may not the residue be thought false: For all these things are laid to their charge at one instant, even by the greatest doctors and patrones of the sect of witch-mongers, producing as many proofs for witches supernaturall and impossible actions, as for the other. So as, if one part of their accusation▪ be false, the other part deserveth no credit. If all be true that is alledged of their doings, why should we beleeve in Christ, because of his miracles, when a witch doth as great

wonders as ever he did?

But it will be said by some; As for those absurd and popish writers, they are not in all their allegations, touching these matters, to be credited. But I assure you, that even all sorts of writers herein (for the most part) the very doctors of the church to the school men, Protestants and Papists, learned and unlearned, Poets and historiographers, Jewes, Christians, or Gentiles agr••e in these impossible and ridiculous matters. Yea and these writers, out of whome I gather most absurdities, are of the best credit and authority of all writers in this matter. The reason is, be∣cause it was never throughly looked into; but every fable credited; and the word (Witch) named so often in Scripture.

They that have seen further of the inquisitors orders and customes, say also▪ that there is no way in the world f••r th••s•• poor women to escape the inquisitors hands, and so consequently burning: but to gild their hands with money, whereby oftentimes they take pitty upon them, and deliver them, as sufficiently purged For they have authority to ex∣change the punishment of the body with the punishment of the purse, applying the same to the office of their inquisition: whereby they reap such profit, as a number of these silly women pay them yearly pensions, to the end they may not be punished again.

CHAP▪ XI.

The opinion of Cornelius Agrippa concerning witches, of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 plead∣ing for a poor woman accused of witch craft, and how be convinced the inquisitors.

COrnelius Agrippa saith, that while he was in Italie, many inquisito•• in the dutchie of Millen troubled divers most honest and noble ma∣trones, privily wringing much money from them, untill their knavery was detected. Further he saith, that being an advocate 〈◊〉〈◊〉 councellor in the Common-wealth of Maestright in Brabant, he had sor•• contention with an inquisitor, who through unjust accusations drew •• poor woman of the country into his butchery, and to an unsit place•• not so much to examine her, as to torment her, Whom when C. A∣grippa had undertaken to defend, declaring that in the things done, these was no proof, no signe or token that could cause her to be tormented the inquisitor stoutly denying it, said; One thing there is, which is proof and matter sufficient: for her mother was in times past burned for a witch. Now when Agrippa replyed, affirming that this article was im∣pertinent, and ought to be refused by the judge, as being the deed of another; alledging to the inquisitor reasons and law for the same: he re∣plied again that this was true, because they used to sacrifice their chil∣dren to the devill, as soon as they were borne; and also because they usually conceived by spirits transformed into mans shape, and that thereby witch-craft was naturally ingraffed into this child, as a disease ••at commeth by inheritance.

C. Agrippa replying against the inquisitors folly and superstitious blind∣nesse, said; O thou wicked Priest! Is this thy divinity? Dost thou use to draw poor guiltlesse women to the rack by these forged devises? Dost thou with such sentences judge others to be heretikes, thou being a more heretike than either Faustus or Donatus? Be it as thou sayest, doest thou not frustrate the grace of Gods ordinance; namely baptisme? Are the words in baptisme spoken in vaine? Or shall the devill remaine in the child, or it in the power of the devill, being there and then consecra∣ted to Christ Jesus, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost? And if thou defend their false opinions, which affirme, that spi∣rits accompanying with women, can ingender; yet dotest thou more than any of them, which never beleeved that any of those devils, toge∣ther with their stolne seed, do put part of that their seed or nature into the creature. But though indeed we be borne the children of the devill and damnation, yet in baptisme, through grace in Christ, Satan is cast out, and we are made new creatures in the Lord, from whom none can be separated by another mans deed. The inquisitor being hereat of∣fended, threatned the advocate to proceed against him, as a supporter of hereticks or witches, yet neverthelesse he ceased not to defend the sil∣ly woman, and through the power of the law he delivered her from the clawes of the bloody monke, who with her accusers, were condemned in a great summe of money to the charter of the church of Meniz, and re∣mained infamous after that time almost to all men.

But by the way you must understand, that this was but a petty inquisi∣tor, and had not so large a commission as Cumanus, Sprenger, and such other had; nor yet as the Spanish inquisitors at this day have. For these will admit no advocate now unto the poor soules, except the tormen∣tor or hangman may be called an advocate. You may read the summe of this inquisition in few words set out by M. Iohn Fox in the acts and mo∣numents. For witches and hereticks are among the inquisitors of like reputation; saving that the extremity is greater against witches, because through their simplicity, they may the more boldly tyrannize upon them and triumph over them.

CHAP. XII.

What the fear of death and feeling of torments may force one to do, and that it is no marvell though witches condemne themselves by their own confessions so tyrannically extorted.

HE that readeth the ecclesiasticall histories, or remembreth the per∣secutions in Qeen Maries time, shall find, that many good men have fallen for fear of persecution, and returned unto the Lord again. What marvell then, though a poor woman, such a one as is described elsewhere, and tormented as is declared in these latter leaves, be made to confesse such absurd and false impossibilities; when flesh and bloud is unable to endure such triall? Or how can she in the middest of such horrible tortures

and torments, promise unto her selfe constancy; or forbeare to confesse any thing? Or what availeth it her, to persevere in the deniall of such matters, as are laid to her charge unjustly; when on the one side there is never any end of her torments; on the other side, if she continue in her assertion, they say she hath charmes for taciturnity or silence?

Peter the Apostle renounced, cursed, and forsware his master and our Saviour Jesus Christ, for fear of a wenches menaces; or rather at a question demanded by her, wherein he was not so circumvented, as these poor witches are, which be not examined by girles, but by cunning in∣quisitors, who having the spoile of their goods, and bringing with them into the place of judgement minds to maintain their bloody purpose spare no manner of allurements, threatnings, nor torments, untill they have wrung out of them all that, which either maketh to their own desire or serveth to the others destruction.

Peter (I say) in the presence of his Lord and master Christ, who had instructed him in true knowledge many years, being forewarned, no•• passing four or five houres before, and having made a reall league and •• faithfull promise to the contrary, without any other compulsion than (as hath been said) by a question proposed by a girle; against his conscience, forsooke, thrice denyed, and abandoned his said Master: and yet he was a man illuminated, and placed in dignity aloft, and neerer to Christ by many degrees: than the witch, whose fall could not be so great as Pe∣ters; because she never ascended halfe so many steps. A pastors decli∣nation is much more abominable than the going astray of any of his sheep•• as an ambassadors conspiracy is more odious, than the falshood of a com∣mon person: or as a captains treason is more mischeevous, than a pri∣vate souldiers mutiny. If you say, Peter repented; I answer that the witch doth so likewise sometimes, and I see not in that case, but mercy may be imployed upon her. It were a mighty temptation to a silly old woman, that a visible devill (being in shape so ugly, as Danaeus and o∣thers say her is) should assault her in manner and forme as is supposed, o•• rather avowed; specially when there is promise made that none shall be tempted above their strength. The poor old witch is commonly u••••learned, unwarned, and unprovided of counsell and friend-ship, void 〈◊〉〈◊〉 judgement and discretion to moderate her life and communication, he•• kind and gender more weak and fraile than the masculine, and muc•• more subject to melancholy; her bringing up and company is so ba•••• that nothing is to be looked for in her, specially of these extraordinary qualities; her age also is commonly such, as maketh her decrepite, which is a disease that moveth them to these follyes.

Finally, Christ did cleerly remit Peter, though his offence were com∣mitted both against his divine and humane nature; yea afterwards he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 put him in trust to feed his sheep, and shewed great countenance, friend∣ship and love unto him. And therefore I see not, but we may shew compassion upon these poor soules, if they shew themselves; sorrowful for their mis••••ceipts and wicked imaginations.

Notes

• Mal. Malef. quaest. 5. pa. 3. ••. Bod, lib. 4. cap. 2. de dae∣mon.

  Arch. in C. al∣le. accusatus. in S. lz. super. verba.

  I. Bod. lib. 4. cap. 1. de daemon.

  Mal. Malef. quaest. 56. pa. 3. & quae. 5. part. 3. Ibidem.
• The Scot∣tish custome of accusing a witch.
• I. Bod. lib. de daemon. 4. cap. 4. L parentes de testibus.
• K. Childe∣berts cruel devise.
• P. Grillan∣dus.
• A subtill and devil∣ish devise.
• Bar. Spineus & I. Bod. de daemon. lib. 2. cap. 2.

  Alexander. L. ubi nume∣rus de testi∣bus.

  I. Bod. de dae∣mon. lib. 2. cap. 2.
• Par. in. L. post leno••um 9. bis, de iis quibus ut indig. Alex. cap. 72. L. 2. &c.
• In his fool∣ish pam∣phlet of the execution of Windsor-witches.

  I. Bod. lib. 4. cap. 3.

  Is there a∣ny proba∣bility that such would continue witches? Idem ibid. Ioan. An. ad speculat. tit de litis ••••ntest. part. 2. non alienem eodem.
• L. de aet at. 5. nihil eodem. &c.

  I. Bod. de dae∣mon. lib. 4. cap. 3.
• I. Bod de dae∣mon lib. 4. cap. 4.
• I. Bod de dae∣mon. lib. 4. cap. 4.

  L. decurionem de panis.

  Panorm. & Felin in C. venient. 1. de testibus par∣si. causa 15.4. Lib 4 nume∣ro 12. us{que} 18.
• L. 5. de adult. S. gl. & Bart. c. venerabilis de electio. &c. I. Bod. de dae∣mon. lib. 4. cap. 4.
• Idem Ibid.
• Cap. preterea cum glos. ex∣tra. de test. Panormit. in C. vener. col. 2. oedem, &c
• Mal. malef. super inter∣reg.
• Seneca in tragoed Mal. malef. part. 3. quaest
• 15. act. 10. Num. 11.4. 1 Sam 11 4. 2 Sam 15 23. Mar 8 & 13. & 22. & 24. & 25. Luke 3 &c.
• Seneca in tragoed.
• Eccl. 35.15.
• Tryall of teares.
• Mal. malef. quae. 15. pa. 3.
• Ia. Sprenger. H. Institor.
• Mal. malef. pa. 3. quae. 15.
• Prolepsis or Preoccupa∣tion.
• Mal. Malef.
• Iohn Bod. Anno. 1485. a knave in∣quisitor. Q. 16. de. tempore & modo ••er∣rog.

  Blasphe∣mous Pope July, of that name the third.
• Mal. Malef. par. 3. quae. 16.
• Mal. malef. par. 3. quae. 16. act. 11.
• The questi∣on or mat∣ter in con∣troversie: that is to say, the proposition or theme.
• A generall error.
• The onely way for wi••ch∣es to a∣void the in∣quisitors, hands.
• A bitter in∣vective a∣gainst a cruell in∣quisitor.
• John Fox in the acts and monu∣ments
• Peters a∣postasie & renoun∣cing of Christ.
• Danaeus in dialog.
• 2 Cor. 10.