CHAP. XXXV.
Other gross absurdities of Witchmongers in this matter of Conjurations.
SUrely I cannot see what difference or distinction the Witchmongers do put between the knowledge and power of God and the Devil; but that they think, if they pray, or rather talk to God till their hearts ake, he ne∣ver heareth them; but that the Devil doth know every thought and imagination of their minds, and both can and also will do any thing for them. For if any that meaneth good faith with the Devil, read certain conjurations, he cometh up (they say) at a trice. Marry if another that hath no intent to raise him, read or pronounce the words,* 1.1 he will not stirr. And yet, J. Bodin confesseth, That he is afraid to read such Conjurations as John Wierus reciteth, lest (belike) the Devil would come up and scratch him with his foul long nails. In which sort, I wonder that the Devil dealeth with none other then Witches and Conjurors. I for my part have read a number of their Conjurations, but never could see any Devils of theirs,* 1.2 except it were in a Play. But the Devil (belike) knoweth my mind; to wit, that I would be loth to come within the compass of his claws. But lo, what reason such people have, Bodin, Bartholomeus, Spineus, Sprenger, and Institor, &c. do constantly affirm, that Witches are to be punished with more extremity than Conjurors, and sometimes with death, when the other are to be pardoned doing the same offence; because (say they) the Witches make a league with the Devil, and so do not Conjurors. Now if Conjurors make no league by their own confession, and Devils indeed know not our cogitations (as I have sufficiently proved) then would I weet of our