The discovery of witchcraft proving that the compacts and contracts of witches with devils and all infernal spirits or familiars are but erroneous novelties and imaginary conceptions : also discovering, how far their power extendeth in killing, tormenting, consuming, or curing the bodies of men, women, children, or animals by charms, philtres, periapts, pentacles, curses, and conjurations : wherein likewise the unchristian practices and inhumane dealings of searchers and witch-tryers upon aged, melancholly, and superstitious people, in extorting confessions by terrors and tortures, and in devising false marks and symptoms, are notably detected ... : in sixteen books / by Reginald Scot ... ; whereunto is added an excellent Discourse of the nature and substance of devils and spirits, in two books : the first by the aforesaid author, the second now added in this third edition ... conducing to the compleating of the whole work, with nine chapters at the beginning of the fifteenth [sic] book of The discovery.

CHAP. IV.

That there can no real league be made with the devil the first author of the league, and the weak proofs of the adversaries for the same.

IF the league be untrue, as are the residue of their confessions, the Witch∣mongers arguments fall to the ground: for all the writers herein hold this bargain for certain, good, and granted, and as their only maxim. But surely the indentures, containing those covenants, are sealed with butter; and the labels are but bables. What firm bargain can be made betwixt a car∣nal body and a spiritual? Let any wise or honest man tell me, that either hath been a party, or a witness; and I will believe him. But by what au∣thority, proof, or testimony; and upon what ground all this geer standeth, if

you read M. Mal. you shall find to the shame of the reporters (who do so va∣ry in their tales, and are at such contrariety:* 1.1) and to the reproach of the be∣lievers of such absurd lies.

For the beginning of the credit hereof, resteth upon the confession of a baggage young fellow, condemned to be burnt for Witchcraft;* 1.2 who said to the Inquisitors (of likelihood to prolong his life, if at leastwise the story be true, which is taken out of Nider;) If I wist (quoth he) that I might obtain pardon: I would discover all that I know of Witchcraft: The which condition being accepted, and pardon promised (partly in hope thereof, and partly to be rid of his wife) he said as followeth.

The novice or young disciple goeth to some Church, together with the mi∣stress of that profession; upon a Sunday morning, before the conjuration of holy water, and there the said novice renounceth the faith, promiseth obedi∣ence in observing, or rather omitting of ceremonies in meetings, and such other follies; and finally, that they do homage to their young master the Devil, as they covenanted.

But this is notable in that story; that this young Witch, doubting that his wives examination would bewray his knavery, told the Inquisitor: that in truth his wife was guilty as well as he, but she will never, I am sure (quoth he) though she should be burned a thousand times, confess any of these circumstances.

And this is in no wise to be forgotten, that notwithstanding his contrition, his confession, and his accusation of his own wife (contrary to the inquisitors pro∣mise and oath) he and his wife were both burned at a stake, being the first disco∣verers of this notable league, whereupon the fable of Witchcraft is maintained; and whereby such other confessions have been from the like persons, since that time, extorted and augmented.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Mal. Malef. part. 2. quae. 7. cap. 2.
• * 1.2

  Upon what ground this real league be∣gan to grow in credit.