CHAP. I.
A Conclusion, in manner of an Epilogue, repeating many of the former Absurdities of Witchmongers Conciets, Confutation thereof, and of the Authority of James Sprenger, and Henry Institor, Inquisitors and Compilers of M. Mal.
HItherto you have had delivered unto you, that which I have conceived and gathered of this matter. In the substance and principal parts whereof I can see no dif∣ference among the Writers hereupon, of what Coun∣trey, Condition, Estate, or Religion soever they be; but I find almost all of them to agree unconstancy, fab∣les, and impossibilities; scratching out of M. Mal. the substance of all their arguments: so as their Authors being disapproved, they must coin new stuffe, or go to their Grandams maids to learn more old wives Tales, whereof this Art of Witch∣craft is contrived. But you must know that James Sprenger, and Henry Insti∣tor, whom I have bad occasion to alledge many times, were co-partners in the composition of that profound and learned Book called Malleus Maleficarum,* 1.1 and were the greatest Doctors of that Art: out of whom I have gathered matter and absurdity enough, to confound the opinions conceived of Witchcraft; al∣though they were allowed Inquisitors, and assigned by the Pope, with the au∣thority and commendation of all the Doctors of the University of Collen, &c. to call before them, to imprison, to condemn, and to execute Witches; and finally to seize and confiscate their goods.
These two Doctors, to maintain their credit, and to cover their injuries, have published those same monstrous lyes, which have abused all Christendom, being spread abroad with such authority, as it will be hard to suppress the cre∣dit to their Writings, be they never so ridiculous and false. Which although they maintain and stir up with their own praises; yet men are so bewitched, as to give credit unto them. For proof whereof I remember they write in one place of their said Book,* 1.2 that by reason of their severe proceedings against Witches, they suffered intolerable assaults, specially in the night, many times finding Needles, sticking in their Biggens, which were thither conveyed by Witches charms: and through their innocency and holiness (they say) they were ever miraculously preserved from hurt. Howbeit they affirm that they will not tell all, that might make to the manifestation of their holiness: for then should their own praise stink in their own mouths. And yet God knoweth their whole Book containeth nothing but stinking lyes and Popery. Which ground-work and foundation how weak and wavering it is, how unlike to continue, and how slenderly laid, a child may soon discern and perceive.