CHAP. I.
What testimonies and witnesses are allowed to give evidence against reputed Witches, by the report and allowance of the Inquisitors themselves, and such as are special wri∣ters herein.
EXcommunicate persons, partakers of the fault, infants,* 1.1 wicked servants, and run-awaies are to be admitted to bear witness 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 re∣ceived 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 condemn a thousand suspected Witches. And although by law, a capital enemy may be chal∣lenged; yet James 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 friendless old woman must prove that her capital 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, whe∣ther she have any capital enemies; and she rehearse other, and forget her ac∣cuser: or else answer, that he was her capital enemy, but now she hopeth he is not so; such a one is nevertheless admitted for a witness. And though by law,* 1.2 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 Witch.