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CHAP. IX.
The fifteen crimes laid to the charge of Witches by Witchmongers; specially by Bodin in Daemonomania.
[unspec 1] THey deny God, and all Religion.
Answ. Then let them dye therefore, or at the least be used like In∣fidels, or Apostates.
[unspec 2] They curse, blaspheme, and provoke God with all despite.
Answ. Then let them have the Law expressed in Levit. 24. and Deut. 13. & 17.
They give their faith to the Devil, and they worship and offer sacrifice un∣to him.
Answ. Let such also be judged by the same law.
They do solemnly vow and promise all their progenie unto the Devil.
Answ. This promise proceedeth from an unsound mind, and is not to be re∣garded; because they cannot perform it, neither will it be proved true: How∣beit, if it be done by any that is sound of mind, let the curse of Jeremy, 32.36. light upon them, to wit, the Sword, Famine, and Pestilence.
They sacrifice their own children to the Devil before baptism, holding them up in the air unto him, and then thrust a needle into their brains.
Answ. If this be true, I maintain them not herein: but there is a law to judg them by. Howbeit, it is so contrary to sense and nature, that it were folly to be∣lieve it; either upon Bodins bare word, or else upon his presumptions; especi∣ally when so small commodity, and so great danger and inconvenience insueth to the Witches thereby.
They burn their Children when they have sacrificed them.
Answ. Then let them have such punishment, as they that offered their chil∣dren unto Moloch, Lev. 20. But these be meer devises of Witchmongers and Inquisitors, that with extream tortures have wrung such Confessions from them; or else with false reports have believed them; or by flattery and fair words and promises have won it at their hands, at the length.
They swear to the Devil to bring as many into that society as they can.
Answ. This is false, and so proved elsewhere.
They swear by the name of the Devil.
Answ. I never heard any such Oath, neither have we warrant to kill them that so do swear; though indeed it be very lewd and impious.
They use incestuous adultery with spirits.
Answ. This is a stale ridiculously, as is proved apparently hereafter.
They boil Infants, after they have murthered them unbaptized, until their flesh be made potable.
Answ. This is untrue, incredible, and impossible.
They eat the flesh and drink the bloud of men and children openly.
Answ. Then are they akin to the Anthropophagi and Canibals: But, I believe never an honest man in England nor in France, will affirm that he hath seen any of these persons, that are said to be Witches, do so; if they should, I believe it would poyson them.
They kill men with poyson.
Answ. Let them be hanged for their labour.
They kill mens Cattel.
Answ. Then let an action of trespass be brought against them for so doing.
They bewitch mens corn, and bring hunger and barrenness into the country; they ride and flie in the air, bring storms, make tempests, &c.
Answ. 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.