A detection of that sinnful, shamful, lying, and ridiculous discours, of Samuel Harshnet. entituled: A discouerie of the fravvdulent practises of Iohn Darrell wherein is manifestly and apparantly shewed in the eyes of the world. not only the vnlikelihoode, but the flate impossibilitie of the pretended counterfayting of William Somers, Thomas Darling, Kath. Wright, and Mary Couper, togeather with the other 7. in Lancashire, and the supposed teaching of them by the saide Iohn Darrell.

THE SECOND BOOKE

OF CHAP. 1.

Discouerer.

Of M. Dar. intercourse with So. by st••••ts at Ashby, from abou•• the yeare 1592 vntill 1597. for his instruction how to dis∣semble himself to be possessed.

Darrell

This my supposed guiltynes is prooued two wayes,* 1.1 first by Somers accusing me to haue taught him: Secondly, by circumstances arguing the same: deposed by diuers witnesses. In the accusation we are to ob¦serue first, the accuser: secondly the accusation it selfe, lastly the cir∣cumstances confirming the same (as is pretended) deposed by o∣thers.

The accuser is William Somers, a yong man about the age of 22. yeares: who first is knowne to be a notorious and infamous lyar: for

4. times hath he varyed with that double and false tongue of his: som¦times affirming, at other times denying all counterfeyting: and eue∣••y of these times openly, and to an infinite nomber of men. 2. By his owne confe••sion he hath counterfeyted a possession: and if that were so, prophaned the holy exercise of prayer and fasting: and is therfore most vile and abominable. 3. Yf he haue counterfeyted, he is most horrible blasphemer:* 1.2 hauing sometimes said there is no god: and some∣times vsed these wordes, I am * god: I am Christ, as is deposed. 4 He is a forsworne wretch: for he hath sworne both wayes, that hee hath counterfeyted, and that he hath not counterfeyted: yea with an exe∣cration, betaken himselfe to the diuell if euer he counterfeyted: he must needes therefore be forsworne. In regard heereof I answer that forasmuch as ther is only one witnessinge against me, I ought not therevpon without further proofe, neither by the

lawe of god, nor by the ciuill lawe, be held and adiudged as guilty.

2. I haue to all the articles framed against me out of his accusation, answered negatiuely and me thinketh were I a priuate man, in regarde of my educatyon, yeares, and life, I should be credited rather then Somers: much more being a minister of Christ Iesus and preacher of his gospell. 3. Besides my owne oath and protestation against this single accuser,* 1.3 * learned and graue deuines haue offered to be my compurgators:* 1.4 which by the ciuill lawe (according to which I am to be iudged) doth aboun∣dantly suffice for my purgation: seeing my owne without theires is sufficient.* 1.5 I take exception against his testimony in regard of his vnworthynes, which appeareth by the premises. And because of this I a••••irme,* 1.6 that there is no body testifying against me the crime layde to my charge: for there is none but Somers (as by that which follow∣eth is made euident,) and he in all lawe is nullus testis: no witnesse.

Discouerer.

The Disc. saith of him, that he hath dealt since his examynation at London much more sinceerly in this matter then I.

Darrell.

Admit then Som. were not such and so vile as we heare, but as the Disc. it may be will haue it, a yong man of good reporte admitt likewise that not only he but others also ioyned togither with him in the accusation, yet notwithstanding for-asmuch as the accusation it self is most false, as we shall heare, all will make nothinge to prooue my guiltynes. And so from the accuser let vs proceede to the accusa∣tion, and examyne it.

Discouerer.

About a quarter of a yeare before my departure (saith So.) from ••. Tho. Grayes, (with whome I then dwelt at Langl••y. Abb••ym l••y ••••••shire)

I was sent one day to Ashby de la Zouch (being 4. or 5. myles dis∣tant) vp••nsome occasion of busynes. At what time •• with other •• boyes, going into ana 1.7 alchouse,* 1.8 sound there M. Darrell, whome I litlle regard∣ing, butb 1.9 playing the wagg, and shrewd boy with my compannion▪ M. Darrell d••parted out of the house, and stayed at the dore vntit•• I came ••orth And then he tooke me apart, asked me my ••am••, where I was borne, with whome I dwelt, Alas (quoth he further) thou art a pretty boy, and my countreyman: I knewe thy father, and am sorrye to see th•• in ••o meane a case: for I was simply apparrelled, euen as meanly almost as could be. Hee also promised to bring me out of the towne, and to tell me somethings, wher∣in if I would be ruled by him, I should not be driuen to goe so dare as I did but be able to mainteyne my selfe as long as I liued. When I had dispatched my busynes, I ret••rned homeward, and found M. Darrell not, ••ar•• from the place where I left him, talking withc 1.10 two or three strangers, about one Katheryne Wright whome he said he had dispossessed of an vnclean•• spiryt. After he had ended his communication with them, he went with me along in the streete in my way homeward and as we were going togither, I ha∣uing ouer-heard some of his speaches with the saide stranger, asked hym what they ment: he answered me with a long speach concerning the possessiō of K. Wright, and tould me the manner of her fitts &c. as there ••••••ow∣eth: where is set downe at large our first (pretended meeting) or ac∣quaintance with the occasion thereof, the allurements I vsed to per∣swade him to counterfeyte, and the acting of certayne trickes by my selfe for his better instruction.

Darrell.

I answer before the Lord, and as I shall answer it at the dreade∣full day of iudgment, that I neuer (to my knowledge) sawe William Somers before the 5.* 1.11 of Nouember 97. which was but two dayes be¦fore his dispossession, an that was also vpon earnest intreaty made by the Me••r (then) o•• N••ttin••ham and by ••undry others: much lesse then had I for certaine yeares before 97. diuers and secret me∣tings with him, and confederated with him, as he accuseth me.

Secondly, I answer, that forasmuch as Somers was gone from M. Crayes before the ti••e he a••firmeth our first meeting or acquaintāce be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it cannot therefore possibly be, that this his said accuration is true. About M••d••o••mmer 1598. I being by the B. of London deposed and examyned, it was articulated against me, that about 4. yeares (then) ••ast, as I was talking with two or three strangers in Ashby cō¦cerning 〈…〉〈…〉 came to vs. and that leauing them, I went with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the way homewards perswadinge 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to counterfe••t a 〈…〉〈…〉 had done. 〈…〉〈…〉 and charged a∣gainst me in Michelmas tearme followinge at Lamb••th before my

Lord chief Iustice and some other of her Maiestyes moste honorable priuy counsell. And this was done in the presence of aboue an hun∣dred. Then or at that time (as we see) our first acquaintance began Anno 1594. now sixe yeares past: but So. accusation being synce by the Disc. refyned. and cast into a newe mould, because of an Apologie of mine made after this, he is now said to haue bene acquainted with me from ab••ut the yeare 1592. whereby the Disc. hath gayned two yeares, which standeth him in singuler steade. for take the accusation as it was at the first, and is in the article, and continued long charged against me, as in equity we ought, the Disc. and Som. are manifestly conuinced by the discouery it selfe. for by pages 94. and 95. it appea¦reth, that it is now about eight yeares since Som. went from Maister Grayes, and the accusations being in his first frame, it is little more then sixe yeares since Somers and I were first acquainted, as he affir∣meth: so that Som. should haue bene gone from M. Grayes, about 2. o 1.12 yeares after the Disc. accompt, before he and I were acquainted, and therefore the accusation false. Blame not then the Disc. for this alteration of the time, for had he let it goe as it was framed at the first, either he must haue set that point of my Apollogie alone, or els haue cleane ouerthrowne himselfe and all: now whether of them soeuer he had done, it had bene against himselfe, and the latter shamed him for euer. It was wisdome then (I trow) with a dash of his pen to preuēt all, which was by writing the figure of 2. instead of the figure of 4. & cha••nging 94. into 92. But let vs take the time of our first acquain∣tance to be, not as So. hath affirmed, but as the Disc. now reporteth it: (for I see no remedy) yet by the discouery it selfe it will appeare, that the accusation is false herein: for by page 94. it is playn (as forth with we shall heare) that So. went from M. Grayes aboue 7. yeares before the discouery came forth, and the Disc. himselfe confesseth. that it was then but 7. yeares synce wee were acquaynted, for from 9••. (which is said to be the first time of our acquaintance, if we were ac∣quavnted so soone) vntill 99. are but 7. yeares: and besides Somers saith that we met togither about a quarter of a yeare & pag 80. twelue or thirteene weekes before he went from M. Grayes. By the discou••ry it selfe therefore it is manifest, that he could not come to me at. Ashby from M. Thomas Grayes at Langley abb••y a quarter of a yeare before his departure thence, as both here and page 82. is by Somers in his accu¦sation affirmed▪ whereby it is euident that the Disc. in his discouery hath playnly discouered my inocency, togeather with So. & his own falshood and corruption. And this is the second time the Disc••uerer is conuinced by his discouery. And if heere by my innocency and the ••a••••hood of So. accusation appeare: How would it shine and be cleare

if vpon a commission graunted I should make proofe that it is aboue 10. yeares since his departure from ••angley abbey, whereof I am ve∣ry sure, and how or which way it will forthwith app••••e

It will not helpe him to say that he doth not dy••e the affirme that we became a••qua••ted 92. but about 92 for this worde about must haue relation to the time a••ter 92. vi••. 93 and not to the time before, beca••se he saith in the next wordes followinge, that I became a••qua••nted with 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Ast by about 5. or 6. yeares pa••, meaninge from 98. which is all one as if he had said from 92. or 93. whereas other∣wise he should haue said, about 6. or 7. yeares past.

Discouerer.

Against this the Dis••. obie••teth as followeth: Where M. Darrell saith (viz. in my Apollogy) that it is 9 yeares or thereabouts since ••om.* 1.13 went from M. Grayes, if that were true, he had said somewhat, for the clea ring therefore of this: First M. Gray and Mistresse Gray being interroga¦ted 23. Octob. 1598. how long it was since So. left their seruice: the one saith: more then sixe yeares past: and the other about sixe yeares as they re∣member. But there is some better certainty to bolt out the truth heerein. So. was bound prentise (as M. Dar. confesseth) with Thomas Porter, about a monneth or siue weekes after he was discharged of M. Brackenburyes ser∣uice: and So. saith that be remayned little above a quarter of a yeare (if so long) with M. Brackenbury: and it will be confessed, that he went from M. Grayes to dwell with M. Brackenbury: so as if we can fynde when Som. was bound pretice, it will appeare how long it is since be dwelte as M. Grayes, Now the Indenture it selfe whereby he was b••unde, beareth date the seauenth of May in the 35. yeare of her Maiesty: wherby it is mani¦fest the promises being true, that it is not yet s••auen yeares since Som. dwels with M. Gray, which coutr••wl••••h M. Dar. nyne yeares.

Darrell.

The pr••miss••s being true, that he saith is not therby manifest for if we add to the date of the Indenture, the monneth or 5. we••kes and quar∣ter of a yeare he speaketh of, it is likely to be full 7. yeares, and as well mo•••• les••e. yea the premisses being true, it is manifest that his not ye•• 7. y••are. (viz. at the time the discouery came forth) is false for if 〈…〉〈…〉 then 6. yeares in October 1598. since So. departure from M. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 must it not needes be more then 7. yeares in November 15•••• which was the time wherein the discou••ry first sawe the light? 〈…〉〈…〉 time the third Discouerer is conuiced by his owne 〈…〉〈…〉 the promisses, being true, 〈…〉〈…〉 9. 〈…〉〈…〉 notwithstanding deposed truly and so did 〈…〉〈…〉 for the present. They thought as it may 〈…〉〈…〉, that they would make sure to sweare truly,

and to keepe them within their boundes, and no maruaile seing nor∣withstanding that (as I was credibly informed) the B. of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 said to M. Gray when he thus deposed, that he had forsworne him∣selfe: offering to lay him a ••unched pounds that it was not 6. yeares su••ce S le••t his ser••ice, albert M. Gray being ready to lay with him, he a••ter refu••ed and not only this, but threatned him and Mistr••sse Gray likewise to send them to prison, what would he haue done, or at least said, if they had gone as far as truly they might? Had they de¦posed that it was not 7. yeares, or that it was not eight, or not 9. years past, their depositions being true, that I said of 9. yeares must needes haue bene false, but we see they haue deposed otherwise: and I trust if they should now be deposed thereof, after they haue better consi∣dered of the matter their depositions woulde not controu•• but con∣firme Darrells 9. yeares, But admit it were but 7. yeares. (yea some∣what lesse) from the time of So. departure from M. Grayes, vntill the time I writ my appollogy, which was in October 98. it had bene all one and as much for the clearing of mee, as if it had be••e 9. or 19. yeares from the time he went thence, because thereby it had ben•• e∣uident he was gone from ••angley Abbey before our pretended mee∣ting should begin: which is sufficient for me, yea although wee take the time of our first acquaintance to begin in the yeare 92. or as the Di••c. after affirmeth, about 5. or 6. yeares past from 98. much more if we take it as it was at the first layd out in writing against me: for if So. were gone from M. Grayes 7. yeares before the yeare 98. which was Anno 91. then was not he there 92. vhereby we may see had the Disc. controuled my 9. yeares: it would not auayle him for the proo••ing of my guiltinesse. And if the Disc. will heere in saye any thing to the purpose, (otherwise he may in this poynt be hereafter sylent) h••e must leaue my 9. yeares, and proue that So. was at M. Grayes at lang l••y. Abby in the yeare 92. as he and S••mers affirme: which I thinke he shall finde as vmpossible for him to doe, a•• to prooue So. a count••r feyt. And when he hath performed this (if it proue possible) yet is he neuer a whit tl••e nearer my teaching of him,

And where in this account of the Disc. he saith So, was bounde pren••ice as (M: Darrell con••essith) with Thomas 〈◊〉〈◊〉, about a moneth or syue week••s after he was discharged of M. Brackenbury••s 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ob∣serue I beseech you his cunning: for he pretendeth to the 〈…〉〈…〉 thou••h that ••ere graunted by me for a truth whereas 〈…〉〈…〉 I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is this, that 〈…〉〈…〉 very placing of my 〈…〉〈…〉 as much, a•• 〈…〉〈…〉

But to let that goe: the Disc. and Somers in these and the words fol∣lowing before mentioned haue vttered 3. vntruthes, euen as many as there be seuerall points denuered: For first besides that Som. was about ••. weekes with Porter before he was bound, as Porter and his wife are ready to witnesse, he was (as I offer a••••o to proue) after he came from M. Brack••bu••y at his mothers nouse in Nottingham first 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for certaine weekes, alter in health before he went to ••orter, In the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as I contec••ure by that which followeth, about half a yeare before he was bound prentise, 2. (as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 we ••ha•• neare) beinge M B••a••kenbu••yes boy, he remayned at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the County of Wy g••rn frō the feast of ••entic••st in the yeare 91. vnto the least of Michael the ••rchange•• & from thence he went to his mante. s••ouse at ••olme not far from Newark vppon Trent: where also ••e ••ema, ne•• for a sea¦son, besides the time he was M. Brack••••eno•• yes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 before ••e came to Bell hall, which as I thinke was about a yeare. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 little aboue a quarter, and because he had 〈◊〉〈◊〉, neere en 〈…〉〈…〉 addeth if so long. 3. Somers being taught by M. Gray••s 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and not able as it should seeme to 〈…〉〈…〉 was due vnto him, ran away from M. Grayes 〈…〉〈…〉 wher likewise he continued a season, before 〈…〉〈…〉, but how long I know not. It will not then 〈…〉〈…〉, ex¦cept it be by Samers and the Discouerer (who spa•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 any thinge for truth be it neuer to false) that he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (〈◊〉〈◊〉 a strayghte foote) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ma••ler Grayes to dweil with M. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••bury. we haue hear•• before, that the Disc. his premisses beyng true, yet that he infer∣reth vpon them is false, viz. that it is not yet 7. yeares since ••omers dwelt with M. Gray: how much more then the premises being false? so that both conclusion and premisses be false and deceitfull, ••ke to the authors an•• ••uentors of them.

Discouerer.

And where the Discouerer vpon occasion of these wordes of myne in my 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Somers was gone from M. Grays 5. yeares before 〈…〉〈…〉, hath these wordes: If M. Darrell meane theyr 〈…〉〈…〉 a palpathle vntruth, to say, that Somers was 〈…〉〈…〉 before that tim•• if he vnd••rstand theire 〈…〉〈…〉 indeede from M. Grayes ab••ue three yeares before that time, but not 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Darrell.

He must remember, that I vsed those wordes for the conuyn∣ci••g of the accusation then lay de ••ut in sundry articles against me, wherein our 〈…〉〈…〉 was saide to be about 6. yeares now past, and that I trust would proue no vntruth, if I should be put to my tri¦all:

and not of the accusation now in prynt, wherein our arquaintace is stretched about two yeares further, which is as much the Disc. as Som. accusation, and a miserable compound, as I may say•• 2. Admit I had bene mis-informed, it had bene a fault in them from whome I receaued that information, and an other in me to spread it abroade, (although with no purpose of printing it) yet nothing auayieable to proue me guilty of teaching So. to counterfeyt.

And whereas Somers saith in his accusation, that dwellinge at M. Craye•• at Langley abbey, he came from thence to me at Ashby de la zouch (being soure or fyue myles distant) vpon some occasyon, where I taught him to counterfeyt, and that sundry times as appeareth by page 82. wherevpon it is to be intended that I dwelt then at Asbby, as I haue for diuers yeares: this also (it is euident) is false, in that he was gone from M. Grayes before I came to dwell at Ashby. for from thence he went about 10. yeares past, and it was but 7. yeares vpon the feaste day of S. Mychaell the archaungell last (I meane Anno 99.) synce I went to Ashby: so he was gone about 3. yeares before I came thither or indeede euer sawe Ashby. This vrged by me heeretofore in my Apollogy, the Disc. semeth to conuince in these words following.

Discouerer.

Somers affirmeth (saith Darrell) that when he repayred to me to be taught,* 1.14 he came from one M. Grayes of Langley, with whome he saith he then dwelt, to Asbhy where I then dwelt, as he affirmeth: and in a parke there we met. In which wordes there are f••ure vntruthes. First, Som. doth not say that ever he repayred vnto him to be taught, but that beinge with hun he was taught by him.

Darrell.

VVhether Somers as is pretended came to me at A••bby with an intent to be taught and to that ende, or no, it mattereth not, for the question is, whither euer we met at Ash••y, S•• whither he was taught by me or no. Now and against this meeting and teaching at Ashby, both in my Apolog••e & here I bend my selfe, and teaching at Ashby, both in my Apolog••e & here I bend my selfe, and thus I reason ••e was gone from M. Graye•• before I came to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, & whiles I dwelt at Ashby he remayned not at M. Gray•••• It cannot therfore be that Som. dwelling with M. Gray came to me dwel••ing some foure or fyue myles distant at Ashby as he affirmeth. And where the Disco trifieth a••••ut the ende 〈◊〉〈◊〉 set before himselfe in comming vnto me, sure∣l•• if there were any such meeting at Ashby, and teaching there to cou¦nterfeyt, as S••mer•• and the Discou••rer pretend, considering it is sayde, that * after our acquaintance began and agreement about counterfey∣ting,* 1.15 he met me three or foure times in Ashby: one woulde thinke that he came to receaue some newe instruction from me, or to haue the

ould renewed: for wherefore else came he vnto me? It is not saide a∣ny where that I went to him, or sought him out at Langley abbye or els-where,* 1.16 or yet in Ashby, but that he * founde me in an alchouse in Ashby, and (a) met me three or foure times in Ashby. And againe (b) I went to Ashby, and enqu••ring for M. Darrell, found him in a house by the schoole were the Church-yard. Hauing met with him, he walked with me 〈…〉〈…〉.* 1.17 And againe (c) I tooke? shby in my way of purpose to see M. Darrell whome I found there: Is it now credible that he shoulde come thus of purpose to me at Ashby, being come inquire and seeke af∣ter me, when he hath found me and we met, I presently fall of teach∣ing him, and he of learning, and yet he come to no such ende? It he had sayde thus of our first meeting it had bene another matter, but to affirme that he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 repayred vnto me to be taught, had there bene any such repayring and teaching, must needes be in the iudgment of all men very vntrue. Yea it is contrary to pag. 84. with 85. Thus is the Discouerer conuinced the fourth tyme by his owne discouery: and pretending to shew my vntruthes is himselfe fallen into an vntruth, were there any truth in my teaching Somers to counterfeyt, which he contendeth for. But let vs proceede to his second vntruth.

Discouerer.

Secondly the tymes of So repayring to M. Darrell were not whilest h•• dwelt with M.* 1.18 Gray: but afterwardes when he was run away from his maister Thomas Porter of Nott. for Somers only layeth to M. Darr. charge that on a time when he dwelt at M. Gray he met him the said Darrell by chance at Ashby, & was then first instructed by him.

Darrell.

Contrary to this are these wordes page 82. Also the saide Somer•• affirmeth that after 〈◊〉〈◊〉 former acquaintance begun with M. Darrell and whilest he shall remayned with M, Gray he met M. Darrell three or foure times in Ashby And continuing his speach concerning our meetinge at Ashby, whiles Somers remayned with M. Gray at Langley abbey, h•• addeth this surthe•• at other times also the said M. Darrell did kindelye salute me: and so proceedeth the Discouerer (as there appeareth) to mē∣tion S••mers departure from M. Grayes to M. Brackenburyes, & how shortly after he was with him, he fell a counterfeyting and pracising these seyts of actiuity, which of me he had learned at. Ashby, whiles he was at M. Grayes VVhereby it is playne if the Discouerer say tru¦ly page 82. that we met more then one time at Ashby whilest Somers dwelt at M. Grayes, which is contrary to that is heere affirmed.

Thus the fift time the Discouerer is consuted by his owne discouerye,* 1.19 and if he speake the truth page 82. (otherwise he is to blame to pub∣lish a lye for a truth) he speaketh heere vntruly: and so in conuvn∣cing

me of an vntruth, he himselfe is found with an other vntruth.

Thirdly Som••rs doth not affirme that M. Darrell dwelt then at Ash∣by, when he dwelt at M.* 1.20 Grayes and mett him in Ashby they might meete there togither though M. Da••rell did not dwell there.

Be it that in the article layde out in writing against me, it is not expresly saide, that I dwelt then at Ashby, yet considering it is sayde that he came sundry times to me at Asby before he went from M. Grayes, we haue heard in reason it is to be so intended, and the same was to be vnderstood, which is all one as if it had bene expressed, for howsoeuer Somers might meete me by chance at Ashby the first time he was (as they say) instructed by me, (and yet this is very incredi¦ble that we should not only stumble one vpon an other in an alehouse but agree so quickly of our match, and fall so roundly to our worke euen at the first dash) yet that by chance thus he should meete me af∣ter at Ashby three or foure times and at other times also before he wente from M. Grayes, as is abouesaide, I not dwelling at Ashby but 20. myles of and aboue, he also dwelling foure or fyue myles of, and in subiection to an other, is (almost) as vnlikely, as that a blynde man shoulde catch an hare with a taber, as it is in the prouerbe: for it is not sayd either by Som. or the Disc. that I appoynted him to meete me at Ashby, we dwellinge both of vs elswhere: for that had bene as absurd, considering the places of our aboades, as presently will ap¦peare. VVe may therefore assure our selues that the reason why it is mentioned so carefully and purposely, first in So. accusation, then in the circumstances confirming the same,* 1.21 that Langley abbey and Ash∣by were foure or fyue myles distant, is because men might there-vppon coniecture that I dwelling in Ashby, and he no further of, might well in some probabillity and likelihood meete in Ashby. and that diuers times, and in the parke which standeth betwene them both: whereas had it bene confessed that I dwelt not there but twenty myles from the place, had I say the accusation bene so framed, and the place of my dwelling also named, it had bene made thereby in all indifferent mēs iudgements not only very vnlikely to be true, but also incre-dible, as may appeare by that which heere followeth.

I am able to proue by a multitude of witnesses that from the time I left the Vniuersity of Cambridge which is about eightene years past, vntill I went to Ashby, I dwelt either at Ma••sse••ld in Sheerw••d, or Bulwell a village three myles distant from Nott. saue that I was at London a student of the common lawes of this land, almoste a yeare, which was about fifteene yeares past, now Langley abbey with these two townes are north-wardes from Ashby and the groundes belong∣ing to the Abbey, M. Grayes demeanes lye very neare the ••igh way

〈◊〉〈◊〉 both the sayd townes to Ashby, the wayes meeting thirteene or fourteene myles before you come at Ashby, so that from which of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pla••es soeuer of my aboade I went, (as from the one of them I 〈…〉〈…〉 not at Ashby) I must needes passe by M. Grays hous where 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dwelling was, when I was short of Ashby 4. or 5. myles, which considere, who can be so grosse as once to ymagine that we would appoint and that sondry times, Ashby to be the place wherein to consult and doe our tr••cks: a man would thinke, that had So. and I met as he a firmet••, some parte of the grounds belonging to Langley abbey (there being especially trees & bushes, as well as in Ashby park) had bene sa••er and more for our case: for so much laboure bestowed in vayne might ••at least haue saued. Considering also it is saide that we met in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 towne, and so in the use of others and that often, wherein m••st neede; be great daunger least one day it should make to the deserying of vs and * b••ing 〈…〉〈…〉 hanging: Ashby was the most vnmeete place of a thousand we might haue agreed vpō and made choyce of. It is most true the Disc.* 1.22 saith, that I dwelt not at Ashby, (but indede at 〈◊〉〈◊〉) wh•••• S••. dwelt•• at M. Grayes, nea••er will any man den••, but that we might 〈◊〉〈◊〉 there togither though I did not then ••••w••ll 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but that the accu••ation was thus fra∣med against me at the first (according to which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 my Apology is as false, as this is true, what fault then was com 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by me herein in my 〈◊〉〈◊〉 yet if we will beleue the D••c. when he speaketh vn tru¦ly, by his ••aying it may be gathered that I did dwel at. Ap••••y whē S••n. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at M. Gray for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 reckoning page 94. & 95. how ring it was from the time that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 went from M. Grayes: hath these words: It is not yet 7. yeares sin••e 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dwelt with M. Gray: & reckoning on the o¦thersid in the pag 〈…〉〈…〉, how long I dwelt at Ashby, he vseth these words which 〈…〉〈…〉 amount 〈…〉〈…〉 yeares and a 〈…〉〈…〉* 1.23 Y•• those two speaches or accounts of his be true, (which vnder colour of truth he publisheth to the world) by the dis. his owne testimony when 〈…〉〈…〉 at M. Grayes, I dwelt at Ashby, and 〈…〉〈…〉 let this third vntruth of mine alone. And 〈…〉〈…〉 conuinced by his discouery. How∣soeuer 〈…〉〈…〉 dwelt th••re or not there (as it greatly mat cre•••• not) the Disc. is taken in an other vntruth and contra diction, yea in the verye same leafe, as by his discou••ry is further discouered 〈…〉〈…〉 and his owne.

Dis••••••.

Fourthly,* 1.24 whereas M. Dar sa••si (if he meane plainlie,) that So. affirm∣eth their meeting in the parke to haue bene whi••••e he dwelt at M. Grayes: he is therin greatly deceiued. For there saide meeting there was little aboue

a yeare before his pretended dispossession at Nottingham.

Darrell.

It is said page 80. that when we were first acquaynted and agree¦ed of this match, which is supposed to be diuers yeares before the lat¦ter meeting nere spoken of, I acted his tricks vnto him. Now this mee¦ting I euer tooke to be ment in Ashby parke. But seeing we mett not there then, as the truth is: and the Disc. himselfe con••esseth, and yet notwithstanding met then somewhere, as the Disc. and So. affirme, I des••re them both to bethinke them and agree of the place, where I taught and he learned at our first acquaintance, and to discouer that in the next discouery, for the better strengthening of their wreecthed & miserable accusation: for in Ashbyparke we heare it was not, and no other place of our meeting hath hitherto bene named, the Alehouse and Ashby streetes excepted, in neither of which places it is cleare by the••e owne wordes page 8. that I acted not his tricks vnto him.

VVhere I affirme in my apologye, that it is but 6. yeares since I went to. Ashbie, the Disc. indeuoreth to perswade the world that when he published his discouerie it was about 10. yeares: and this is an o∣ther untruth (forsooth) of mine. His words be these:

Discouerer.

If the information giuen be true,* 1.25 he doth therein forgett himselfe. For it is reported that he dw••lt in one Perrincs house in Ashby about one yeare Then ••u one Iohn Hollandes about 6. yeares, and lastly in William Swin∣sons about a yeare and a halfe: which being layd togither, doe amount to aboue eight yeares and a halfe. wherevnto (if M. Darrell doe not still con∣tinue his family there, but hath dwelt since a yeare or two at Nottingham) that tune also since he departed thence, may also be added.

Darrell.

It is reported (saith he) that I dwelt &c. but by whome Sir Disco∣uerer is this reported, or is it simply your owne forged deuise? That the report and information of my dwelling eight yeares & a halfe at Ash by (if there were any such) is vtterly 〈◊〉〈◊〉, yea in the Discouerers own con••cience, it may appeare by that which heere followeth.

I went to dwell at Ashby (as I can easily and sufficiently proue) vpon the feast day of Saint Mychaell tha•• changed 92. and my Apolo∣gy I made since my departure from ••shby about the same time of the yeare 99. How is it then possible, that I should dwell there 8. yeares and a halfe and that herein I said truly in my Apology and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 himselfe cannot be ignorant: for page 24. he mal••eth menti••n of a testimoniall from N••tting••am (he should haue added also from Ma••s field•• and Bulwell, for the inhabitants of these three to••nes ioyned to gether in one and the selfe same testimonyall) and of an other from

Ashby, hauing some 200. names of the cheif of these townes subscry∣bed, for the witnessing of my god be••auiour during, the space of my aboade with them,a 1.26 which was about 16. years, which with sundry other writings the B. of London * iniutiously tooke away from me, being prisoner in the Ga••••house, And in the Ashby testimonyall he knoweth are these wordes: Wee the Inhabitants of Ashby de la Zouch &c. ••••rtify that for the space almost of sixe yeares t••gether, during•• which time he hath dwelt heere in As••by, he hath liued among vs in very good re¦p••rte, behauing himselfe euery way as became his profession, and the gospel of Christ. And this they offer (being aboue 30. in non ber) to testi∣fy further, if it shall please authority to call them therevnto. Nowe if my dwelling in Ashby (as the Disc. vpon a false report insinuateth) had bene eight yeares and a halfe, is it credible, that so many honest inhabitants, purposing to giue a true testimony all of my behauioure during all the time of myne aboade with them, would haue diminish¦ed more then two yeares and a halfe of my continuance at Ashby? seing especially they voluntarily offer to testify that they haue sub∣scribed vnto, vpon their corporall oathes and that the thing I desired (as I can proue) was not a testimony all concerning my behauioure, but as touching the time of my aboade with them. Is not this Disco∣uerer then (his owne conscience witnessing the same) a Discouerer, a reporter, or an informer of a shamelesse vntruth? for is it not a sham¦lesse thing that he should publish and make shewe to the world, that •• dwelt at Ashby at least 8. yeares and a halfe, himselfe knowinge the same to be false? Is the information (trow we) where-vpon he affir∣meth this, to be compared for nomber and credit, with the aforesaide information to the contrary? But I desire to know of the Disc from whome he had his information. Surely from none in Ashby, for the inhabitants generally of that towne know that I neither dwelte sixe yeares nor sixe dayes in a house of Iohn Hollands: yea that he had no house (then) to let and spare me, and that I did not dwell halfe sixe yeares in any one house of any one particuler mans in Ashby. But it may be he had his information from William S••mers, who hath infor∣med him in many other worthy things, and whose testimony with him is of greate credit, such as he receaueth before the othes of aboue thirty. why should he not then beleiue him herein (if he be the infor∣mer) before the report of aboue 30. others? But let vs heare Somers speake in his owne person, and proceede in his accusation.

Discouerer.

Within 12.* 1.27 or 13. weekes (as I thinke) after my first acquaintance with M. Darrell. M. Gray placed me with one M. Anth••ny Brackenburie to keepe certaine siluer hayred con••eyes, with whome after I had rema••ned

abont 6. or 7. weekes, (as far as I remember) I began to put in practise sundry of these instructions that M. Darrell had giuen me. I fayned my selfe to be sicke: I foamed at the mouth: I did sometimes lie speachlesse as though I had bene dumbe: and so by the space almoste of a monneth I did counterfeyt as well as I could, such fits as M. Darrell had tould me that Katheryne Wright did practise. How be it I was not (as it seemeth) at that time my craftesmaister. For M. Backenburie and M. Randoll Barton his brother, being verily perswaded that I was but a counter••eyt, & that I had dissembled all that I had done, I was turned out of seruice, & wente home to Nottingham to my mother: with whome after I had remayned a∣bout a moneth, I was bound prentise for seauen yeares, to one Thomas Porter a musitian in that towne.

Darrell.

Before he hath tould vs how and what I taught him presentlye vpon our first greeting, and now he telleth how and where he putt in practise sundry of these instructions, with the ill successe which followed vpon that his forwardnes, in that he would be doing before he was his crafts maister: which made him I warrant you take time enough before he did his feyts the second time. That this is false and come out of the same shop with the former, and from the same author, the diuell I meane, the father of lyes, is hereby manifest, in that he was gone from M. Crayes in Leycester shire, and seruant with M. Bracken¦burie in Worcestershire, before the time that he and I are saide by the Discouerer himselfe to haue bene acquainted togither. For we haue heard before out of page 78. that we became acquanted abOute the yeare 1592. and out of page 79. about siue or sixe yeares past before 98. Now I can by oath proue that from the feast of Penticoast 1591 William Somers the M. Anthony Brackenburyes boy, remayned at the mannour house of Bell hall in the county of Wigorn, vntill the feaste of S. Mychaell tharchangell, and from thence went to his said maister his house at a towne called Holme. How long before this time he had bene M. Brackenburies boy I yet know not, but that he ran away frō M. Grays home to Nottingham and there continued a time before he went to M. Brackenbury is certaine. Yf then So was gonne from M. Gray 91. yea I take it in the yeare 90. if not before, which is 9. or 10. yeares past, how coulde he possibly be M. Grayes boy, and re∣mayning with him in his seruice at Langley abbey, come to mee from thence to Ashby for 12. or 13. weekes 92. and 7. or 8. yeares past, except he had retorned to M. Grayes seruice againe after he had bene with M. Brackenbury, which is manifest he did not by page 83 84. and neither So. nor the Discouerer euer affirmed that. And where he saith he foamed, I think it passeth his skill, and that he counterfeyte. &

was there••••ore turned out of seruice, and went home, the truth is, that be∣ing strangely handled, vexed indeede by sathan, and as I verily think then po••se••sed, and thereby a continuall trouble to M. Brackenbury•• he was from thence sent home to his mother on horsback, and that with two or three for his more safetye, and with monney also from Mi••••esse Brackenbury to his said mother, and this was the counterfey¦ting he vsed, and the manner of his turning out of seruice. Thus much for a••••wer to the first part of So••ners accusation, conteyninge oure first a••quayntance and agreement about counterfeyting: wherein as ther be diuers other absurd things (••hich for breuity sa••e & partli for that they are vnworthy the answering I omyt) •• this is one, that mē¦tioning my teaching of him, and acting of certaine tricks for his bet∣ter instruction, we heare not of any place where this ••hould be per∣formed: for the Discouerer telleth vs that our meetinge in Ashbye parke was not till aboue 3. yeares after this, and other place is neither heere nor elswhere named. This dealing is much like to his, that ac∣cusing one before the iudgment seat of robbery, na••neth not any plac where he should be robbed.* 1.28 But let vs proceede to our third preten∣ded meeting, for the second meeting which is saide to be vppon his first running from his maister and in his way going to Essex, conteinth only a few wordes betwixt vs concerning counterfeyting, without a∣ny teaching and acting on my part, and learning on his, and there∣fore I will omyt it. VVhere first I will set downe the Discouerer his wordes ser••••ing to make away therevnto, & then So. his owne.

Discouerer.

Vpon his s••cond running fr•••• h•••• mai••ter, and after he had remay∣ned in ••ss••x a good part of a yeare, till he was w••ary he re••urning home∣wards a••aine t••wards Notting ham with better h••pe then before, t•• buy out his yeares, th••ught it conuenient in his i••rney homewards to take Ashby in his way, of purpo••e t•• see M. Darrell, whome he sound there as he saith, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had d••aling w••th him as followeth.

Vp••n my co••rning at that time to M. Darrell, he asked me where I had bene wh••ther I was going••, and wh••ther I had attempted to practise a•••• of his in••••ructi••ns. To whome I answered ac••ordine to his questions! that I had no conu••nient time, otherwise then when I was alone to doe any of those things: th••n h•• tould mee many things of the b••y of Burton. whr•• vp••n I sh••wing my s••lfe to haue a desire to goe and see him. M. Dar, said I sh••ud doe well in so doing, because that seeing of him in his fitts, I might the bett••r l••arn•• to d••e them my selfe af••••rwar l••••b••ing thus incouraged, I w••••t t•• Burt••n, where I sawe•••• Da••ling: but ••erceyning that a ••reate n••••b•••• spe••ple came likewise to see him, and ••••aring that some of them might knowe me, I returned to Ashby, not staying to see Darling in any of

his fitts. At my comming back againe to M. Darrell he demaunded of me•• whether I had seene the boy many of his fitts: & I answered that I had no•• for th•• reason last mentioned: which M. Darrell not well approuing, said that I might well inough haue staid to haue seene some of them, because •• was not likely that any there could haue knowne me: Then vpon some fur∣ther occasion of speaches betwixt vs, M. Darrell deliuered vnto me in wri¦ting, the particuler fitts, which the said Thomas Darling lately had, and did act the most of them himselfe before me, we two being in the parke toge¦ther alone, by Ashby. At that time also M. Darrell deliuered vnto mee in writing, certaine signes and gestures, which were to be vsed, he said, to sig∣nify sondry kindes of sinnes: which gestures he did likewise act himselfe in the place before mentioned. Then followeth the acting of certayne feates on his part: and after that he thus procedeth. These things thus fi¦nished I tould M. Darrell that I ment to returne to see if I coulde gett my selfe released from my maister, and he approuing my purpose therin, sayde that when the time serued I might well put all the former things in practise there with good effect: and that in so doing he doubted not, to procure mee a releas from my maister. He also tould me, that he hauing a sister in law in Not. on Mistris Wallys I could no soner name her whē I should be thought to be possessed, but that presētly, & the rather by his sisters meāes he should be sent for to come vnto me. & so we departed. And thus far So. (quoth the Dis) for the profe of all the former particulers, wherwith Dar. is charged

Darrell.

As in the two former (pretended) meetings, so in this thirde, neither Som. nor the Disc. doe tell vs in what yeare of the Lorde, or of the Queene we met, which I desire the Reader to obserue. They knew not be like what yeare to name, least thereby they should dis∣aduantage themselues. Before we heard of no place where I shoulde giue these worthy instructions: neither then, nor now doe we heare of the certaine time wherin this should be done: which dealing is like to his that accusing one to haue robbed him, can neither name plac•• where he robbed him, nor the time when: which accusation if it ••ho∣••ld be receaued, as it is far from any Iudge, so it woulde peraduen∣ture trouble one were he neuer so innocent, to cleare himselfe there∣of. But as before out of the Disc. and So wordes, vttered elswhere and to an other ende, I haue, will they nill t••ey, founde out aboute what time our first pretended meeting and acquaintance shoulde be∣gin, though not the iust time, and thereby clea••ed my selfe, & shew¦••d the falshood of his accusation, euen so I trust to doe heere. In the page before, viz. 83. it is saide that the second time Some••rs rann from his maister, was about a y••are and a hal•••• before he fell to his practises at Nottingham: and heere it is saide, that vpon this his second running and

after he had remayned in Essex a good part of a yeare, we met in Ashb•• parke in his returne from Essex to Nottingham. Now to his said practises he fell at. Nott. in October Anno 97 so that by So. and the Disc. say∣ing, this our meeting in the parke was in the yeare ••••. ••nd this the Disc. page 94. (though to an other ende) con••esseth, saying: There meeting in th•• pa••ke was little ab••ue a y••are before his pretended disposses∣s••••n at Nattingham: but this his disposs••ssion pr••tended (as he tearmeth it) was vpon the 7. of Nouember 97. therefore this our meetinge must be (if there were any such) by the Discouerers owne confessyon in or about October 96. which possibly cannot be so: for that at this saide meeting So. saith that I tould him many things of the boy of Burton and aduised him to goe and see him, wherevppon he went to Burton, and sawe Thomas Darling &c. as is aforesaide: than I deliuered vnto him in writing the particuler fitts which the saide Darling lately had &c. nowe these things cannot possibly be true, (and so the accusation is notori¦ously false) because Darling was not at that time possessed, but dispos¦sessed, and deliuered from sathan and his vexation, aboute halfe a yeare before this time, and a yeare and a halfe before Somers disposs∣ession as in the begining of his fift booke is made manifest.

On•• (saith he) Thomas Darling dwelling at Burton,* 1.29 vpon Trent, be¦ginning to be sick in February 1595. did afterwards take vpon him to dis∣semble certaine tricks: wherein continuing till the weeke before Whitson∣tyde following, he was deemed by M Darrell to be poss••ssed, and the next day after (as it is pretended) was disposs••ssed. From which time he conti∣nued well, by the space of about eight dayes, and then being at the schoole he fell againe to certaine tricks and perseuered in them by starts two dayes whilest it was pretended that sathan sought to repossesse him. But synce he hath left those practises. This appeareth also by the first and second pa∣ges of his booke.

If Darling were recouered and well, so continuing (or lefte his practises) at the time the Disc. mentioneth, as the truth is, and Som. dispossed vpon the 7. of Nouember 97. how can that which is heere reported be true? So that the Disc. hath againe in his Discouery disco¦uered my innocency, and the falshood of himselfe and So accusation. And this is the seauenth tyme the Discouerer is conuynced by his owne Dis••ouery.

Moreouer where the Disc. and Som. affirme, that ••n his returne to Nottin••ham, after his second running from his maister, & a little aboue a yeare before his pretended disposs••ssion, wee mett in Ashby parke and that there I taught him: I am able and offer to prooue by sundrye

witnesses, that So. after his second vagary or running away from his maister, was returned againe to Nott. to his sayd maister and there continued with him aboue two yeares and a quarter before his dispos¦session. How can the premisses then or accusation possibly be true.

And whereas he saith, that I deliuered unto him in writing the par∣ticuler sitts which Darling (then) had, and againe, that I d••l••uered vnto h••m in writing certaine signes and gestures, I demaund what is become of this writing, and why myne own hand is not brought forth against me. It may be that Som. tare it in peeces after first he had written the same in a S••ntentiae Pueriles,* 1.30 as he did by the writing he had at our first meeting, and hath loste this booke also with the other. O that these things be admodum puerilia, and must needes smell (& be laugh¦ed at) in the iudgment of the wise, yea it was well for some they wer no worse.

The Disc. addeth: And thus far Som. for the proofe of all the former particulars, wherewith M. Darrell is charged. Aworthy proof sure but sutable to the rest. I maruaile that the Disc. is not ashamed, to acco∣unt So.* 1.31 testimony a proofe, and much more to produce his testimony so oft, I thinke (a) 40. times at the least, and for the prouinge of so many seuerall things as he doth: he being a notorious lyar, a periured person, in a word as infamous and vile a youth as liueth I thinke this daye vpon the face of the earth, Notwithstandinge saith the Disco∣uere. (u) the confession of Som.* 1.32 is of greate moment. And is it so indeed? VVhy So. hath said there is no (r) god,* 1.33 & vsed these wordes, I am god and (a) Christ, as is deposed: Blush then and be ashamed (O thou man) of those speaches. Besides, Som. hath sai and sworne that ••e did not counterfeyt. If his wordes be of such credit with the Disc. & some few others (for with few or none that are wise and godly I hope they be not) why should not his wordes sealed at other tymes with oathes and execrations be of like vallew? And why doth the D〈◊〉〈◊〉. or any other rather beleeue So. affirming he counterfeyted, then ••e∣nying the same? seing especially he hath as oft denyed, as a••••rmed that he counterfeyted, and that he hath also varyed somuch with that double and false tongue of his, euen 4. times, and therefore is not to be beleeued in any thing he saith, nor his testimo••y to be admitted in any court of record. Yea but saith the Disc. Sem. con••••ssion is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 so hare as M. Darrell pretendeth, but is strengthened with many ••n 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (d••pos••d by many) as d••e argu th••ame••m all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be irue; yea in any of them togither with the b••y••s oath, are very 〈◊〉〈◊〉 part pr••••f••s 〈◊〉〈◊〉 page 106. And thusmuch concerning the accus•••• n•• now we will proceede to the circumstances con••yrnange (at is ••retended) the same.

Discouerer.

It it conf••ssed by M.* 1.34 Gray and Mistresse Gray, and by M. D•• himselfe, that So. dwelt with M. Gray at Langley, within 4. or 5. miles of ••reby de laz••ueh: and did run ••n crrands as Mary Houlden saith.

2.* 1.35 Al. Darre•• h••aring So. describe the scituation of Ashby, did thereby w•• perc••aue, that he had bene at Ashhy, So as there is no impediment in that r••spect why be might not meete M. Darreel there as is deposed.

3.* 1.36 It is also confessed to he true, that So. going to dwell with M. Brack enbury 〈◊〉〈◊〉 certaine bookes at M. Grayes.

Likewise that Som.* 1.37 was bound a prentise with Thom. Porter and that he ranne twise from him is acknowledged to be true by M. Dar. him∣selfe. and so the said So, had sufficient opportunity to goe to Ashby, and to talke with M. Dar. at such tunes, as vpon his oath he hath deliuered,

Darrell.

By these and such like circumstances, had Somers charged any other with teaching him, the same person might as well (and indeed as truly) be proued guilty thereof as I, For instance: Admit So. had accused S. Harsnet insteade of I. Dar. and that the accusation were thus: About eight yeares past I dwelling at Langley Abbey with M. Tho. Gray•• and going on errands now to Ashby a market town there by, now to Loughorrow an other, mett on a time one M. Harsnet at Ashby, and there the said M. Harsnet perswaded me to counterfeyte to be possessed with the diuell, which he said I mig•••• easily learne, & he would teach me: promising me that if therein I would be ruled by him he would take me into his owne seruice, a•••• ••aintain me while I liued. herevpon we went into Ashby parke, and ••eing there M. Ha¦rfuet the better to teach me did act diuers tricks, for gnashinge with his teeth, he knocked his own teeth togither diuers times, for fomīg, he rolled his tongue in his mouth, and then put out some little spittlē betwixt his lippes, and said that I might soone learne to doe it better, by rolling a stone in my mouth, but specially if I coulde gett a little loape to vse at such times: (&c. as followeth page 81.) and because we were to depart farr one from an other for my better remembrance he gaue me dire••tions in writing, c••arginge me to make away the writing, which I did after I had writ the same in a Sent••ntiae Pueriles, which booke I lest at ••. Grayes. Now about 12. or 13. weekes (as I thinke) after my first acquaintance with M. Ha••snet: M. Gray pla∣ced me with one M. Anthony Brackenbury to keepe certaine syluer hayred conves: with whom after I had remayned about six or seauē weekes, I began to put in pra••••ise sundry of those instructions that M. ••a••net had giuen me, &c. as before we haue heard out of page 83. Heerevpon being turned out of seruice I went home to Notting¦ham

〈◊〉〈◊〉 was bound prentice first to Tho. Porter of Nott. and after with a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in London: where beinge I repayred to M. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cha••ber in the B. of Londons hou••e, & made knowne to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 my ••lsuccene: who tould me that he must further instru••t ••e, and ••••••che he might the more ••a••ely and and conueniently doe it, hee said he would procure his Lord to agree with my manter for my yea∣res, and to receaue me into 〈◊〉〈◊〉 house, aand after I should be his man, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had be••ore promi••ed me, and then he woulde teach mee in his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and accordingly he did so.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 S. Ha••sne: shall deny this, and say that here is nothinge but ••o. beare accu••a••ion: I will out of his mouth returne against him. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the a••cusa••on is n••t so bare as he pretendeth, but is strengthened with such ••ircumstances, as the argu•• the same in all likelihood to be ••rue: yea lay le togither with some other that mi••••, be added, are pregnant proofer thereof: for first it is manifest that So. ••••welt with M. Gray, & did ru•• on errands as Mary Holden saith. 2. Som. hath bene at Ashby: So as there is no ympediment in this re••pe••t why he might not meete Sa. Harsnet there, as he chargeth him. 3. So. dwelt with M. Brackenbury 4. Som. going to dwell with M. Brackenbury left certaine bookes at M. Grayes. S. So. being at M, Brackenburyes did counterfeyt, & was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••efore turned out of seruice, as is sa••d page 81. 6. So. was bounde prentise with The Porter, and did goe after to London, 7. being there he was bound prentice with a barber in East-Smythseild. 8. He was from thence receaued b•• the B. of London into his house, agreeing with his maister for his yea, ••s, and it may well be this was by S. H. procure∣ment 9. being in the B. house So. was often in S. Harsnet his cham∣ber, and they two alone. 10 So. was S. Harsnets man, and had main∣tenance from him. The sixe first of these circumstances the Disc. tel∣seth vs is true, and the foure last he knoweth to be true: and yet the accusation I trust he will say is false. The circumstances then of an ac∣••usation (vayne and tryfling ones I meane as be the••e) may be true, and the accusati••n very fal••e. Notwithstanding then the truth o•• the Disc. circumstances precedent and subseuent, yet the accusation of my teaching of S. m••rs to counterf••yt, ma•• be (and indeede is) most no¦••oriously fa••se. And heereby is ••iscouered the vanitye and lightueile of the Dis••ouerers, filly & sottish ••••u••stance••, which may as••ell serue for the appea••••ng of himselfe or any other, as of me against whome they are brought. So t••at I shall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 neede to spend any more time in refuting that which refut••th it self in the iudgment of the wise.* 1.38

D••••couer••••.

6. Soners practised at M. ••rackenbury••s 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as he had as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Nottingham, where••••on M. Brackenbury did discharge him

from his seruice, as Som hath affirmed.

D••rr••ll.

This is answere ••before 2. So. fitts at Nott. were not counter∣feyted but done by the diuell ergo So. counterfeyted not at M. Bra∣••••burries, but was then poisessed, for it is saide, that his sitts at th••se t••o ••laces were a••••ke.

Discouerer.

7.* 1.39 So in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fitts at N••tt. and before M. Dar. comming thither, did name him the said Dardurtese tim••s.

Darrell.

I deny not but that be named me, before I was the second time sent for by the Maters letter: but the Disc. must proue that he named me before the first sending for me, when to one of the letters for my repa••re to Sa. Mistr••sse Wallys my sister in lawe subscribed her name, and that the said naming of me, was the occasion of my sending for. otherwise this naming me strengtheneth not So. accusation as is plain by page 86. ••n••entioned before in the very last words of So. accusatiō And this as hitherto the Disc. hath not done, so neither shall he be able to performe: as may appeare by that I heeretofore haue reported concerning the true occasion of my going to Som, which I can easilye proue.

But a••mit it were otherwise then I a••••rme, yet seing it was not Som. but the diuel. by his tongue that na••ed me, it argueth rather the ••ub••ety of the diuell at that time la••ing the foundation of that bu¦ilding ••e ••ince ha•••• erected, then my teaching him to counterfeyt.

Discouerer.

8. 〈…〉〈…〉* 1.40

Darrell.

〈…〉〈…〉

ans, but neither of them in the name of Somers but of the poore: The fir••t of them was at the priuate fast helde at Som disposse••sion. The second at a publique fast kept at Nott. These collections all me I trust will alow of. But was the monney at these times collected gyuen to S••mers? or not a penny: or yet was all or most of it giuen for his re∣le••fe to Cooper his father in lawe? nothing lesse. The monney recea∣ued at the first colle••ction vas part of it giuen to the poore of Notting∣ham, and part to Thomas Porter S••. master, because of the losse he ha•• su••••ered, and the charge he ha•• bene at through Somers aff••iction, for the space of aboue a moneth before. as M. Aldred M. William ••ang∣fo••d with some others can witnesse. That which was giuen at the se∣cond and publique fast was distributed by the Mai••r, where of some he gaue to the poore of that town, and some to Cooper, partly because of the charge and trouble he had bene at whiles S••mers remayned with him, partly for the cloathing of him, who scarcly had any to couer his nakednes. And how doth this confirme his accusation, & proue that I taught him to counterfeyt as the Dis••.* 1.41 affirmeth? The l••ing boy sa••th in his accusation that I promised him if he w••uld ••e rul••d by mee, h. ••••ould be able to maintayne him selfe as long as ••e hau•• and again that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 neuer want whalest he liued. If this were the principall ende of his counterfeyting as is pretended, why (wh••n he had counterscited and d••ne his seates) did neyther he den aunde, nor I giue him any thing? But let the Disc. and Som. say what they please, for there t••n∣gues are their owne, and they lordes ouer them: the deede s••eweth that ••e hath liued and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 better marytrened. sa••e be saide ••e ••••nterfeyted th••n whiles he did c••unterfe••t, as the D••••c tearmeth his possession,* 1.42 so as the diuell may seeme to lauel 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with him ••it••erto al••uing him thus: ••••ou ••ad b••••ty 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and liue like a man, thou to ••aue 〈…〉〈…〉 to a counterf••yt, and go•• into the d••••gyes ••and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 laue no∣thing.

Discouerer.

9.* 1.43 I bought ••ut the yeares of his a••prent 〈◊〉〈◊〉 proued ••y my own 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which is th••y I ••aue my word in 〈…〉〈…〉 13 〈◊〉〈◊〉 4. p••nce t••rl a, ••him of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 I did performe.

Darrell.

〈…〉〈…〉

maister was a fidier, which trade of life we all know is much abused.

3. Porter being besides a weauer, had kept him still in his seruice, so that he would naue ymployed him only to the trade of weauing. 4. all this was knowne to diuers, and to what ende it was done: whence it came that I paying the aforesaide 13. s. 4. d. the Maior sent mee at the next collection for the poore 6. s 8. d. of it, desiring me to take that vntill the next collection following, and that then I should haue the other moytie.* 1.44 And when that came I had of M. William Long∣sord though not all, yet 3. s. 4. d. the other 3. s. 4. d I went without, for that trouble about Somers grew then vpon mee. And this is all the buying I vsed. This also is said to be the other end of his counterfey∣ting: To be released (quoth So. from my maister according as M. Darell had pr••se••me, I did began the course that M. Darr. had wished me to 〈◊〉〈◊〉. A likely thing that he who knew so ready away, & of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••ch better, I meane to runne away from his maister, woulde to that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 end counterfeyt to be possest with the diuell, 2. It is to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cred, what I did f••r him in this behalfe, when he had perform∣e 〈◊〉〈◊〉 co••dition on his pa••t•• euen that ••s heere aforesaide, which 〈…〉〈…〉.

Disc••uerer.

10. M••i••ss•• Wallys a••cording to M. Darrells former wordes, did send for M. Dar. to come vnto him.

Darrell.

This is answered before:* 1.45 where we must obserue that this circum¦stance with the 4. next precedent, haue b••ne purposly inserted in th•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ther in part tru;, or seining so to be to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the accusation it sel••e might therby seeme to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, eaue sony confirmati••n. whereas were all 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the whole as they are n••t, yet 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (as t••uching the life of it, I meane my teachinge 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be must sa••e, as in deede it is: which but for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 here haue ma le very playn. And thus much 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a••••caldged by the D••••c. for the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 now followe ac other circumstances generally 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Dis••ur••r.

〈…〉〈…〉 b••••des set downe by the Disc.* 1.46 Certavne 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as first that I with ••om 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Tau••rne int••rteyned him with good.

Darrell.

Be••ng at supper with diuers preac••ers at the signe of the castle,

Somers came in, and one of the company, not my selfe, willed him to ••it downe and to take part with vs, which accordingly he did. As be∣fore the Disc. would haue the reader imagine that I was an alehouse haunter, so here a haunter of tauernes, but he hath two certificats cō c••••ng my life and conuersation, with about 200. handes subscribed, that te••••eth him it is otherwise, whereby his sinne herein is made the greater.* 1.47

Discouerer.

2. When So. was accused to haue bewitched one, M. Dar. dealt with the Maior of Nott that he might be bayled.

Darrell.

It shall be heereafter shewed, that this is false: But why might I not well haue done so, had I beene then at Nott. as I was absent•• seing it is manifest (as in his place will apeare) he was innocent of the mur¦ther for which he was imprisoned, and so hardlye intreated through t••e mallice of some? And how doth that conclud the compact of coun∣terfeyting betwixt vs two? or what lodgick call you this?

Discouerer.

3. Whilest M. Darrell was at Nottingham he had secrett conference with So. diuers times.* 1.48

Darrell.

I neuer had speach with him in priuate vntill about 9. weekes af∣ter his ••ispossession, neither is there any thing deposed to the contra¦ry, (no not by So. himselfe) and that was to my remembrance only once, as I haue deposed, the occasion whereof I can shew, & vpō his fa¦ther in lawe Robert Coopers request I did it. But be it, diuers times. why might I not lawfully speake with him apart? I thinke in some respect better then others both in regard of his former affliction, and the dan¦ger he was in aboue others, and that he was one ouer whose soule I was by my calling to watch. Yf this be a good circumstaunce against me, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 will likewise be of some strength against some others in Nott. whome I could name, who talked with him apart as well as I, and of∣ter too, especially meeting with the other circumstances: as, that they knew him, dwelt in the same towne with him, so as they might haue sufficient opportunity to meete togither, were o••t with him, with many cir∣cumstances more as strong as these obiected against me, But I will shew wherein this circumstance is defecliue, whereby the weaknes of it may yet better appeare. Yf they which haue deposed to our secret & diu••rs conferences had gone a little further, and said that they harkning heard 〈◊〉〈◊〉 commend him for doing such a trick well, and such a feate excellently well so as my selfe could not haue bettered it, or to some such purpose: then had there bine a circumstance indeede, euen a

〈…〉〈…〉 ••ed,* 1.49 & pro∣••ably 〈…〉〈…〉 ne no∣tion but that the 〈…〉〈…〉 take the circu••¦stance as it is, of my 〈…〉〈…〉 him, and it is of no validity at all.

Discouerer.

4. When 〈…〉〈…〉 him thus:* 1.50 all 〈…〉〈…〉 them 〈…〉〈…〉

Darrell.

The ••arr was this, He said that he had counterfeyted: I denyed ••nd gainsaide the same, Now in this letter ••athan by his instrument did goe about to perswade me to cease to contend against counter∣feyting, that is, for the Lorde and his worke: and thus the truth is, that I haue counterfeyted, and it is to your discredit that you haue bene de∣ceaued by mee, but much m••re discredit will it befor you, if you meddle further in it: giue ouer therefore your contending against my counterfeiting. But suppose that. So. ment as the Disc. pretendeth, that there had bene some packing betwixt 〈◊〉〈◊〉 concerning counterfeyting, and that he had ex¦pressed his meaninge in playne wordes: the same had not made mee guilty of teaching him, except Somers bare accusation did suffice ther¦to, and then had the matter bene long since ont of controuersy, and the Disc. might well haue saued a great deale of labour. And heere by the way note the wisdome of the Disc.* 1.51 that will strengthen So. accu∣sation, by Somers letter, that is (a) Somers by Somers, 2. Let vs heere obserue, how that notwithstandinge the extreame folly hee sheweth heerein and in the rest of his circumstances, yea generally in all that he saith throughout all the discouery, yet alas many by his lyes and very fables, haue bene drawne from beleeuing the workes of god, to giue eare to his slaunders and foolery, and to iustifye the wicked, and condemne the iust, which are haynous synnes beefore the Lord••.

VVell it must needes be that offenses come,* 1.52 but wo be to that man (sayth Christ) by whome the offence commeth, it were better for him that a mill∣stone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

The falshood and vanity of his fift circumstance of turning my cap¦py as touching the witch,* 1.53 pretended by me to haue sent her spirit into S••m. relying only vppon the Disc. bare report. I for breuity omit, referr∣ing the Reader for his satisfaction therein to the beginning of the sto¦ry concerning Somers.

OF CHAP. 2. & 3.

Discou

OF M. Darrells priuate directions to So. whilste he was at Not. with him,* 1.54 how he should from time t•• time be haue himselfe in his counterf••••ting

Disco.

In this 2. Chapter So. chargeth me that comming to Not. vpon the 5. of Nouember, the two next morninges beinge the 6 and 7. of Nouember, I came vnto him and had certaine speaches with him pri∣uatlye, as touchinge the a••ling of his sitts vpon the day of his dispos∣session, the said 7 day of Nouember: and also what he shoulde doe in his remouall (& vpon the very motion therof) from the house where he was,* 1.55 to the place where the fast appoynted was held for his dispos∣sing, which last part of his accusation is sett downe in these wordes af∣ter many other. And even so said M. Dar. (the second morning being the 7 of Nouember) the like order shal be taken with thee this morning. An••ne one shall be sent to see if thou be readie: at what time thou shalt shewethy selfe to be much troubled in thy fitts: vpon signification wherof, sixe or seuen shall come to bringe thee vpon there shoulders, whom thou maiste greatlye troubl•• in their carriag of thee, by strugling with them, as other, that were poss••ssed did: and a•• though the diuell had compelled thee so to doe, being ve∣ry loth to come to so godly an exercise. Shortly after M. Darrels departure, all thinges were done accordingly. One Langsord was sent to see if I were readie•• at whose comming I did make shewe of my greatest fits, in an vnqui∣et manner, Thervpon the saide Lan•• forde returning to M. Darr. by and by seuen came to carrie me, whom (I thinke) I did very much trouble & wher¦vpon it was giuen out, that I was so heavie in my sitts, as seuen was scarse able to carrie me.

Darrell.

If this accusation were indeede true, who se••th not, how easie a∣matter it were by sound and infallible testimonies to manifest the truth thereof. For as certaine nights and dayes, before my comminge to Nott. this pretended counterfeyte had diuers persons of honest re¦port abidinge with him, partly by reason of his greuous and lamen∣table affliction, and partly to preserue him from destroying himselfe, which by as manye wayes as he could, hee attempted to haue done, (which argueth also that he was no counterfeit, but indeed really poss¦essed, for what counterfeite, did euer seeke willingly by all meanes to murther himselfe) so after my comming to Nott. vntill his dispossessi∣on, he had much more company with him then before, both day & night, so that he neuer beinge by himselfe alone after my comminge, it is not possible that I should haue such, and so longe ••riuate conserēe with him as is here pretended. And if I could not be with him, & c••n∣ferr with him in an inuisible manner, how commeth it to passe that so

many eye witnesses being present, ther is not one produced to proue this conserence? or did I at my comminge put all forth of there place where he remained, and where we had conference? why then are not ••ome of the•• produced, sworne and examined to depos•• this theire thrustynge out? sythence by the rules and maximes of the ecclesiasti∣call lawe, by which I ought to haue bene ludged, onus probandi incum¦bit agentisuae accusanti, and that acbore siue accusatore non probante, ab∣soluendus est reus: I appeale to all the doctors of the Ciuill lawe, whe∣ther the testimonye of So. being as himselfe confesseth a counterfeyt, beinge socius crimmis obiecti, being a vagarant ruuagate from his M. should in this ease be a good testimonye to proue this priuat conserēe yea or no. But to let theire opinion passe touchinge this poynt: I am readie. and able by sundy credible and honest persons in whose com∣panye alltogether I remayned those two morninges, to make good proofe, that I was neither of these morninges with Som at all, neither alone,* 1.56 nor yet with others (a) If then Somers was neither of these two mornings priuatly by himselfe alone: If also as wel by such persons as were at that time with him beinge not a few, as by such persons with whom I remained in aplace far distant from Som. lodging, I be able to proue, my selfe not to haue bene present, but all to gether absent, frō the partie with whom this pretended priuate conference should be: Let the reader Iudge whether these two false witnesses Som. I meane & the Disc. the one principall the other accessary as graund confederat•• and conspirators against the good name of an Innocent, be not wor∣thely of all good men to be exploded and hissed at.

Discou.

Yea but quoth the is•• M. Dar: himselfe conseseth somwhat which tendeth to the confirmation of this his second conserence with Somers:* 1.57 For beinge deposed he acknowledged, that he sent William Langford that morning t•• take order for the presēt bringing of So. to Smales house, & that M. Lang sorde brought him word, that as soone as he speake of the boyes ••emouinge, he was presently cast into asore fit. And againe, in his historie be hath these words: The boy was brought by 6 or 7 strong men, who had all of them enough to doe, to bringe him to the next conuenient and seemlye roome, to th•• place of his aboade.

Darrell:

My confession tendeth nothing to the confirmation of any such pre¦tended conserence: For what though I sent W. Langford, that W. Lang ••ord did bring me word et: and that he was brought by 6 or 7 doth this proue that vpon the 6 and 7 of N••uember in the morning, I had speach priuatlye with Somer••? marke the Disc: argument.

Darrell dothe confesse that these and these thinges were done by

Lengs••d, et. therefore Darrell had priuate conference with Somers a∣bout counterfeiting which argument if it be good, why then not this followinge also?

W•…•… Langford confesseth these thinges to be true:

therefore W. Langf••rd had priuat conference with Somers the 6 and 7 of Nouember about counterfeyting.

Now if this argument hold not against W. Langsurd why should it holde against me•• Idenye not that it fell out as is here saide with So. vpon the motion to rem••ue him, and in the remouing of him, but that I vpon the 7 of Nouember 97, (or yet at any other time) directed or aduised him so to doe I deny. which fact beinge thus denyed the Dis. confirmeth or proueth thus. So. did thus and thus, (as appeareth by D. orels owne deposition, and his historie) ••rgo Dar. instructed him so to doe. If this be a good argumente, it is a verie easie matter to proue that I haue taught So. to counterfeyte: and had So. accused the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as he hath done me, and be but sent M. Langford or some other to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that he was remoued, lest that should be to doe when the people were assembled: I could with great facilitie proue him guiltie of teach¦ing him to counterfeite. And here we may see what the disc. proueth or confirmeth by this his worthy confirmation: and how herein (as of∣ten else where) be buisieth himselfe to proue that which is or will be graunted, and omiteth that which is by me denyed: 2. we must heere vnderstand, that the disc. knowing these things to be true, hath insert¦ed them among S••. lyes, therby hoping to dazel the eyes of men, and deceiue the simple, or over hastie and vnaduised reader: who seeing these thinges, being agreat part of his accusation to be true, may ther∣vpon imagine that the rest is likewise true. And this is the maine fall∣cie and deceit he vseth in setting downe S••. accusation.

For the preseruinge of some from beinge thus be guiled by this deceauour we must knowe, that when one is accused of a matter capi¦tall or criminall, to proue the accuse I guiltie, it is n••t sufficient that certaine circumst••nces or perticulers conta••ned in the accysation be true for it is an ea••e matter for him that careth not with the disc••. how foolish an•• ridiculous, besides, false, the accusation be, to frame such an accu••ation (a limit of high treason) is shalbe true in 19. cir••u••¦stances or se••erall pointes of the accu••a••ion, an•• very false in the 20. being the treasonable a••tor intent it selfe, as may ea••••ly be conie••iur∣ed by the instance giuen before concerninge S. Ha••net. Even so it is in S••. whole accusation, and this p••••te therof, wherin notwithstan••∣ing ••undrie circumstances (not materiall) are true, ••et that wherof I am accused, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of him to count••••teit••. is 〈…〉〈…〉 false and no∣thinge proued nor yet produced that probabile mi••ht consi••me the

same. And thus haue I answeared the accusation of Som. or principall points therof, concerning my teaching him to counterfeite and trust the falshood of it is made euidente to all men. Let vs ••ow proceed to the circumstances, that is, certaine speaches of myne, whereby also the disc. will proue that I haue scholed Somers. where by the way we must obserue, that the accusation beinge false, (wherof I thinke hardly any christiā that hath read the premises doth once doubt) no circumstāces can ever make it true. In this respect it is a thinge needles to vse any more wordes about them. Yet that my innocencie may be the more manifest, and lest in not answering them, some should imagine that I were not able to answere, I will say somthing to them, but with what breuitie I can, Leauing So. who hath so accustomed his tongue to ly∣ing, that he scarslye vttereth a true worde in all that followeth, to the disc. to beleiue his lyes: who calleth falshood truth, a••d truth falshod.

The first circumstance prouing (as is pretended) my instructing him, is set downe in these wordes.

Discouerer.

M. Dar.* 1.58 hauing neuer scene Som. (as he pretendeth) did affirme, that he was certainlye possessed by a wicked spirite, vpon the rude report of a simple man,* 1.59 one Hugh Wilson, and vpon a letter receaued by wilson from his sister in law mistris Wallis. This M. Dar. confesseth in these wordes. Being certifi∣ed in mysisters letter and by the messengers further speaches, of the manner of So. fits: I did send them worde, that those thinges being true he was poss∣essed, and this I did before I sawe Somers.

Darrell.

VVee must knowe that other proofe the Disc. hath not of this his circumstance, then this my confession: and it is apparant that my con¦fession proueth it not: for in the circumstance it is, that I saide So. was certainly possessed, and I write vncertainly and vndoubtedly therof, as appeareth by my wordes. And considering that in the letter (which is sett downe before) there are diuers signes of possession mentioned, and that Hugh Wilson tolde me further of So. foaming, of his extraor∣dinary strength, castinge into the fire, with other signes of sathan his possessinge man, mentioned in the gospell, as I can proue: and that where the proper signe or signes of a thing is, there is the thing signi∣fyed thereby: why might I not well write as I acknowledge heere I did? and what did I therin ill beseeming me? And how absurdly doth this conclude my instructinge of So. to counterfeite? Let the reader frame here the argument, and he will easilie grope and finde out the absurditie.

Discouerer

Darrell saide,* 1.60 that he purposed to haue a fast for Som. dispossession, &

that he doubted not of good successe, by that meanes to procure the boyes de∣liueraunce. Heerevpon the disc. collecteth as followeth. This M. Dar. confident bragging that he doubted not of good successe, as it argueth his ig¦norance: so the same being ioyned to his rash credulitie, doth make it proba∣ble that eyther he had layde his plotte with the boye before, or els that he kn••we very wll, h••w by his cunninge to drawe one the boy for the seruinge of his turne as he himselfe list.

Darrell.

VVhat and how great my confidence in this case is, and wherevp∣on the same is grounded, appeareth els where, where I treate of the meanes of dispossession. But marke how the Disc. argueth thervpon: Darrell doubted not of good successe, ergo it is probable that he had plot∣ted before with the body about counterfeiting, or else knewe very well et. By this reason had M. Ireton or M. Browne, who were writ vnto, and there counsell and paines desiered about So. as well as mine, hoped of good successe a fast being vsed for his dispossession, and so affirmed: they had eyther plotted with him about counterfeiting, or else et. Againe if this be a good circumstance, & that out of it one may probablie conclude as you heare, then can I tell and proue to the Disc. who taught the 7. in Lancashire, for I am sure he will haue them counterfeites too. Sure¦ly M. More, For when he went and came into Lancashire, he was ve∣ry coufident of good successe, a fast being vsed for there dispossession, and his ignorance and rash credulitie concerninge there deliuerance equal to mine as touching So. this also he did affirme to others, as I knowe he will confesse: therefore he either had layde his plotte with them before, or else he knewe very well how by his cunning to drawe them on for the seru∣ing of his turne, as he himselfe list. The absurditie of the Disc. first collecti¦on concerning my plotting with Somers to counterfeite, because vpon iust occasion I writ that he was possessed. with such a caution as you haue heard, euery child may espie•• and surelie his second collection is no less absurd. for how could I knowe & that very well that he woulde be drawne on by me to counterfeite, before I had speach with him or yet did see him? It might be for any thinge I knewe to the contrary, hauing then neuer seene him, that if the boy was not possessed, yet he was otherwise greuiouslye aflicted whervpon the letters & messen∣ger came vnto me) and so would haue smale list to serue my turne a∣gaine, were it not so, yet percase he was not apt to doe such rare feits as in that case are requisite. Moreouer, admittinge both these to fall out patte as he would haue it, yet how could I knowe before I sett eye of So. that he would be willing to counterfeite a possession with the diuil, and that he was altogether graceles, for otherwise he neither would nor durst commit such an abomination.

Discouerer.

The chiefest meanes whereby M. Dar. did seduce the people, and cun∣ninglye in fruct So.* 1.61 without suspition in any that beleiued him, were these two false gr••undes, (wherof in the first booke) vz. that those who are poss••ss∣ed, haue in there sitts no vse of there senses or saculties of there mindes, and that whatsoeuer they either d••e or say at such times, it is not they but Sa∣than that doth both say and doe it.

Darrell

Howsoeuer the Disc. doth not onely here but (I knowe not how oft) els where as pag. 30. 69. 111. 289. 306. prattle and florish with emptie words as though these were the two principall and false grounds wherby I am said to haue bewitched all the beholders: wee must first knowe that he proueth not the former of these (whereto I will first answere) no not so much as by a false witnes. For his 4 witnesses here following, and two pag 111. doe only depose that I saide So. was sen••¦lesse in his sits, and those two pag. 306. that I saide the same by Kat. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which ioyned together proue not that I said th••se who are p••ss••ss••d are sen••••less••,* 1.62 or as he saith else where and meaneth heere (a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is p••ss••ssed, is in his fitts altogether sen••lesse 2. I haue vpon my¦oath denyed,* 1.63 that I said this of So. vz. at the times articulated against me••at another tyme I deny,* 1.64 that affirmed Kath. Wright was sencles, and a thrid time being here about deposed, I answeared thus: (a) I b••leiue that Th••.* 1.65 Darlinge had not his sences or memorie in his fits: but I (c) thinks that Satan might so order the matt••r, as that he eith••r had or might 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had his sences in his said sitts. And surelye I must needs thinke so, except I were so grosse as to imagine, that sathan being entered in∣to man, is bound (as I may say) hand and fote to depriue euery such person of ther sences, and cannot otherwise doe: and secondly should mundi forget my selfe, who haue in experience seene the contrary in 〈…〉〈…〉 Ashton, and also in W. S••mers, as I haue shewed before, where I treate of the signes of possession. I or this reason con¦firmed by some experience, I am as far as any other from saying that the Disc.* 1.66 so oft inclucateth and fathereth upon me, vz. that wh••soeuer is p••ss••ssed is altogeth••r s••n••les in all there sits, yet notwithstandinge I hould that the possessed ordinarily are seneles in theire fitts, not on∣l•• because my selfe an•• others haue obserued this in experience, but specially because the same may be probabile colle red out of the scrip¦tures. For did not the deuill depriue them (at least) of some of theire sence,* 1.67 〈…〉〈…〉 blind and ••••ase? wherevpon the spirite was called by Christ Iesus (d) lease spirit? and may we not well thinke that the•• were without feeline, who sto••ke themselues with stones? and 〈…〉〈…〉 of there mindes,

both of their vnderstanding and memory (for it is playne by the context that they were (k) out of their right mynde) haue wee not then good cause to iudge that they were depryued of all their sences internall & ex¦ternall? And that thus it went not alwayes with them,* 1.68 but in theyre ••ytts, that is in the time of their vexation by Sathan, may be gathered out of the 8. Marke, where it is said of one of them, insteade of both that b••ing often bound with setters and chaynes he brake them: and then it was, that no man could tame him, and made his aboade (naked) in the mountaynes and graues, and stroke himselfe with stones, so as there were other times viz. when they were out of their fitts, when he liued and conuersed among men, cloathed & in his right mynd. And that not only these, but generally the possessed in Christs time were ordinari∣ly for the time of their fitts without their sences, we may probablye thinke, because it is euident that they had not their vnderstandynge: otherwise they would neuer haue cryed outm 1.69 what haue wee to doe with thee, O Iesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy vs? and that not only these but many possessed with diuells vsed these kynd of speach∣es, appeareth by Marke 1. 34. Thus we see that one of these which the Disc. calleth my false grounds wherewith he chargeth me to haue seduced the people, and (a) iugling sticks wherevppon my Legerdemayne (as he calleth it) did consist. is warranted by the holy scriptures. Bee∣sides, this hath bene obserued and reported of some, who it shoulde seeme were possessed.* 1.70 In an history printed 86. concerning the afflic¦tions of Margaret Herison of Burnham Vlpe in Norfolke, and the speach the spirit had with M Robinson minister at the same place, it is saide that she was of all sences both internall and externall, to the iudgment of those that were present, vtterly depryued, and in an other place, shee comming to her vnderstanding cryed &c. And in the booke printed of the bewitchinge of M. Robert Throckmortons 5. daughters, who as I take it were possessed, it is reported that they were depryued of all vse of their sences duringe their fitts, and that they could neither see, heare, nor seele any body: and to this effect there are scattered very many speaches throughout the saide booke: yea it is playne there that two of these gentleweomen, Mistris Ioane and Mistres Iane had not theire sences in theire fitts before the Iudge and Iustices.

And where the Disc. by way of preuention hath these wordes: The lunatick in the scriptures was in his sitts dombe,* 1.71 but it cannot be sh••re. that he wanted the rest of his sences:

Hee seeth now more may be shewed by other persons then posses∣sed: and truly it is an easye matter to shewe, that the lunatick ••anted one of the externall sences he speaketh not of,* 1.72 viz. hearing: for Christ in healing the lunatick sayd: Thou dombe and deafe spirit I charge thee

〈…〉〈…〉.

〈…〉〈…〉

〈…〉〈…〉 in their 〈◊〉〈◊〉, it is not th••y, but Sathan 〈…〉〈…〉 it.

Darrell

That the diuell v••eth the tongue of th••se he possesseth, & speak∣eth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it is an 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by these scriptures among others (u) what is thy 〈◊〉〈◊〉 I 〈…〉〈…〉 many.* 1.73 (a), And the 〈…〉〈…〉 me: If the 〈…〉〈…〉 out, suffer 〈…〉〈…〉 into the hearde of swyne. (p) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thy 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and come out of him. (h) 〈…〉〈…〉 many diuells, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not the diuell to say that they knew him. (••) And diuells came out of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 crying, and saying, thou art that Christ that sonne of God. Heerevpon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 affirmeth, Diab••••um e••us lingua vti, m••uues 〈…〉〈…〉 at the diuell vseth his tongue, into whose bodye he is entred. yea in the manifold speaches of the possessed mentioned in the gospell, we read•• not of any one which was not vttered by the diuell. It is cleare the that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 if not alwa••es in the fitts of the possessed, Sathan 〈◊〉〈◊〉. and not they. And as the vncleane spiritts vse the tongues of 〈…〉〈…〉 whome they are, and speake what they will by them, so doe 〈…〉〈…〉 vse the other parts or members of their bodyes to performe other ac∣tions: as their ••eete to goe with their hands, to smite with, &c. so the diuells ••ent with the ••eete of the man possessed with the 〈…〉〈…〉, carrve•• them into the mountaynes and granes, went with the sa••e seete (••) 〈…〉〈…〉, and with the means hands offered 〈…〉〈…〉 no doubt to diuers,* 1.74 so that N•• man might goe by that way: (I 〈…〉〈…〉 in peeces, wherwith the•• were 〈…〉〈…〉 with their owne 〈…〉〈…〉 And 〈…〉〈…〉 Pesides, the parties possessed we treat ••f 〈…〉〈…〉 time their sitts being ended, 〈…〉〈…〉 or did, 〈…〉〈…〉 you 〈…〉〈…〉 nights and 〈…〉〈…〉 euer, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as freel, as at other times, an •• yet 〈…〉〈…〉

of that they had said or d••ne all that time, nor of anythinge 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bene 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or done to them. And of M. 〈…〉〈…〉 it is written thus:* 1.75 when it pleas••dge••d 〈…〉〈…〉 〈…〉〈…〉 as this is reported of the 5 daughters generally and 〈…〉〈…〉 the same is said of 7. 〈…〉〈…〉 in these words: 〈…〉〈…〉 and a ••ions. 〈…〉〈…〉 in their 〈…〉〈…〉 and did come from the diuell, 〈…〉〈…〉 they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the same time otherwise vexed, and not from 〈…〉〈…〉 or 〈…〉〈…〉 iust came to beleue them thus affirming, w••en we see it 〈…〉〈…〉, that some things are vttered by them, which pa••••eth theire 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ledge, and reach, and done which are impossible to be done by then. And seeing it is euident that whatsoeuer these persons possess∣ed said and did in their sittes, the same was spoken and done not by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but by the d••uell, and that somuch is manifest by the scriptures in part, though not in the wh••le; why may not I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 owne parte 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or be of opyni••n, that whats••••uer the 〈…〉〈…〉 (••••ina 〈◊〉〈◊〉) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the time of their s••tts, it is not they, but Sathan that 〈…〉〈…〉 say and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, as the Disc. chargeth me (but falsly) peren••••t••tily to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 And yet the Disc. proueth not thus much as n••we voluntarily 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but onely that I haue said to this effect in particular, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 So. ••nd 〈…〉〈…〉. And thus much as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 my sec••nde 〈…〉〈…〉 sed false 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and iugding stick wherevpon 〈…〉〈…〉.

Now let vs consider what the Disc.* 1.76 gather••th or concludeth of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 two supposed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 groundes of myne. First, that 〈…〉〈…〉 the people, and draw them to thinke and say, that the, 〈…〉〈…〉 trouerte swere possessed. Alas poore sill•• ••••ules, whi••h w••re so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by these few wordes of myne se••uced & blynded. VVhy 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all were not hereby seduced, and drawne to think and giue 〈…〉〈…〉 these were possessed, for sundry weekes before I 〈…〉〈…〉 (a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 I did speake then,) 〈…〉〈…〉, many thought and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (as I can pro 〈…〉〈…〉 wherevpon there as a rumour thereof in th••se 〈…〉〈…〉?

〈…〉〈…〉

how can this be, seing all the counterfeytes, had their lessons at theire fyngers endes, some about a moneth, some a quarter of a yeare, some two yeare; before? and against this the Disc. saith not any thing saue about So. Besides if this be a good reason to proue my instructing of So. why doth he not vse the same to proue thereby my teachinge of the 7. in Lancashire? which howsoeuer he would haue the worlde to thinke is true, yet for shame he dare not publish it to the world. Last∣ly, this being a good argument of one his teaching to counterfeyte, the Dis••. shall doe well to inquire after him who said as much here∣tofore of M. Throckmortons children (and of others) as I concernynge So. Darling and Kath Wright yea the very same with me, that being found out he might be punished for such instruction as well as I. For albeit it be some yeares since such instructing, and counterfeyting was, I meane of M. Throckmortons children yet it is little more then half so ••ong as it is since Kath. Wrights counterfeyting and my teachinge of her, and therefore may mvch better be inquired into, then this other fact done su••dry yeares before. And thus the Disc. hauinge made a way to that which followeth, and layd this as his foundation, where∣vpon his whole Discouery resteth, as whosoeuer hath read & obser∣ued that worthy worke cannot but see, he proceedeth to build there∣vpon, proportionably to the rotten and worse then sandy yea ridicu∣lous foundation, to the ouerthrowing and casting downe whereof I also will procede, and so come to the rest of the Discouerers circumstan∣ces, whereby he procedeth to proue my teaching of Somers to coun∣terfeyt.

Discouerer.

Vpon the aforesaid hare relation of Hugh Wilson and before he had thē scene So.* 1.77 Dar. sent word by him to Nott. that Somers was in his fits sence lesse. It is vntrue.

M. Darrell at his comming to So.* 1.78 to Nott. said he was possessed before he had seene him in any sitt, especially such a fytt as might not easilye be counterfeyted. false.

M. Dar. vpon his first comming vnto Som.* 1.79 affirmed, that it was not So. that spake in his sitts, but the diuell by him. I graunt, what follo¦weth?

M. Dar. the first night of his comming vnto the b••y affirmed in the presence of the said b••y,* 1.80 that he was in his fitts sencelesse. false.

M. Dar. specifyed the same night in the presence of So. & diuers o∣thers, the manner of such fitts as the possessed had in the scriptures, and of those wh••••h were seen•• (as he said) in Kath•••• Wright, the boy of Burton, and th•• seauen in Lancashire. what of this?

M. Dar. then said to the persons present in the heareing of Som. that

be the said So. would doe the like. false.

M. Dar. tould them in So. hearing, that he the said So. was not so much noubled for his owne sinnes,* 1.81 as for the synnes of the people, or of the inhabi∣tants of Nott. false.

M. Dar. affirmed in the presence of the boy, that sathan did vse to shew by gestures in those that were possessed,* 1.82 the particuler sinnes that raig∣ned in those places where they dwelt. false.

M. Dar. affirmed in the hearing of So. and presence of many, that he ve∣rily thought the diuell would doe the like in So.* 1.83 and declare by signes & ges¦tures the sinnes of Nott. and of others. false.

So. acting those gestures, M. Dar. did expound them very learnedlye,* 1.84 to signify this or that sinne that raigned in Nott. false.

The next day (being Sonday) M. Dar. comming to So. vsed the like speaches then in the presence of others that he had done ouernight: viz. that So. was in his fitts sencelesse &c. false.

M. Dar. did take vpon him to foretell many things that woulde hap∣pen the day appoynted for the fast: as that they should see very strang thing, that Sathan would wonderfully torment-the boy, and that he doubted not but that they should perceaue by the signes of possession and dispossession, that the boy was possessed, and that then he shoulde be deliuered from Sathan. false.

M. Dar.* 1.85 the day of the fast affirmed in his sermon, that they should e∣uidently perceaue by the signes of possession, that So. was possessed, and by the signes of disposs••ssion that So. should be dispossessed, if god woulde: and comming to intreate of the particular signes of poss••ssion, and so of disposses∣sion, he vsed such pawses, as that the boy had leasure to act them in order as he named them. The latter part of this circumstance is false: It is pro¦ued by So. deposition only.

In the declaring of these speaches deposed by many, conteyninge in them so many circumstances, consisteth my instructing of So. by spea¦king to others in his hearing,* 1.86 those things which I mens that he should prac∣tise: wherein I dealt so cunningly as that albeit I had neuer seene him at Ashby, nor dealt with him priuatly at Nott. yet this saide course which I held with him there, and with those that cam•• to see him in his s••tts, was so contryued as might casily in forme So. what he had to doe, and did indeede blynde and misleade many of the people.

Darrell.

I answer generally to these and all the former circumstances first that all these circumstances with the rest of the depositions in the Disco¦uery.* 1.87 were taken by Commissioners chosen and appointed by them which are against me, I not being suffered to ioyne with them there∣in: neither haue I had nor possibly could gett any coppy of them, or

Commission graunted for me, to re-examyne these witnesses. Now these proceedings are contrary to the Queenes lawes, and the ordi∣nary practise of the high Commission court•• and for that cause (had I nothing else to say) these circums••ances (with the other depositions in the Dis••••uery) are of no force, neither prouing anything, nor yet proued against me.

2. These Commissioners were and are my mortall enemyes,* 1.88 & therefore very partiall, one of themselues also M. William Gregory by name, being their clarke or notary. And as it cannot (almost) other wise be, so I am able to proue, that they haue carr••e themselues ve∣ry corruptly in the execution of theire seuerall Commissions: And therefore in all equity and indifferency, the things heere and through out the Discouery deposed are to be more then suspected, euen to be reiected.

3. I affirme that many of these circumstances are false,* 1.89 and offer to bring at least an hundred witnesses (if so many were needefull) to de pose otherwise for the falsifying of them.

4. Admit that I had ioyned in these Commissions,* 1.90 and that all were true which is deposed: I affirme that these circumstances are to weake and insufficient to proue that I taught him to counterfeyt suppo∣sing he were a counterfeyt: for if we will proue a thing in controuersy or matter criminall by circumstances, as they must be diuers, so they must be strong, euery one probably concluding that whervnto they serue, bearing the name and nature of a presumption, as we very well call it: the etimology of which worde teacheth, that the presumption being true, it is thence to be presumed, and in all likelihood thought, that that is true whereof it is a presumption And thus diuers presump¦tions meeting togither, being so many probable arguments, (specially hauing respect to the other presumptions) they make among them a sound and substantia••l proofe, and necessarily conclude that whereof they are presumptions. As for example, and for the better vnderstan∣ding thereof: Let vs vmagine that in Grayes Inne feildes I S a gentle man of Grayes Inne is slayne, no body being eve witnesse thereof, so that I. S being deade, and none present at the murther, the murthe∣rer is to be founde out by circumstances, or not at all If against I. N. being apprehended vpon suspition, it should be obiected, that he was of Grayes Inne as well as I S. that he knew him well, and was a••quain¦ted with him, and the place also where I. S. was slayne that hee was seene walking with him the day before in the city, that he was ••nown to be of greate vallour, and therefore able to performe 〈…〉〈…〉, & that he was his owne, and to goe wher he would at his 〈…〉〈…〉 and so had suffi••ient opportunity to goo and sight with him and slay him: thes

circumstances (I say) and an hundred more such, are not auaileable to proue I. N. guilty of the said murther: for notwithstanding these cir∣cumstances were most true, and many more of this kinde, I. N. might be as innocent and free from the murther as the babe in the won be: yea by such like circumstances a thousand seuerall persons might be as well condemned as I. N. And if in this case vpon the aforesaide or no stronger circumstances, a Iustice of peace should commit I. N. to pri∣son, the Iury finde him guilty of murthering I. S the Iudge pronoun¦ce sentence of him, and he therevpon be (a) executed, woulde not all men that should heare thereof wonder at it•• and say with one con¦sent:* 1.91 Surely the gentleman was innocent for any thinge that appea∣red to the contrary. But if against I. N. it should be giuen in euidence, that the same morning I. S. was slayne, they two falling out, challen∣ged one the other, naming time and place, where and when, after I S. was killed, that shortly after the murther committed, ••e was seene comming from the saide place sprinkled with bloud, that ••is sw••rde was bloudy, and his dagger found where this murther was done: by these and such like circumstances or presumptions, it was as manifest he slew him as if there ••ad bene some present at the mutther. And marke I pray, how euery of these circumstances and such l••ke which we very aptly call presumptions, do probably conclude I N. to haue done this murther, yea the least and weakest of them the other pre∣sumptions considered therewith: which the former circumstances doe not at all. Euen so it is in the matter of teaching to counterf••yt, where∣of I being accused, the ••is••. would proue me guilty by circumstances•• but they being all of the same k••nde with the first of the aforesaid cir∣cums••ances alleadged against I. N. that is friuolous, vayne, and ridicu∣lous, not one of them deseruing the na••e of a presumption, d••e not proue me guilty of such instruction, no more then the first aboue na•• med circumstances prooue I. N. guilty of murthering I. S.

That these are such friuolous circumstances will appeare to him that standing in doubt thereof shall marke how hand••••ml•• the•• con∣clude my instructings of So. to counterf••yt, wherevnto they serue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••r∣cumstances, and otherwise doe their maister the Discouerer no seruice at ••ll. As thus for example•• Darrell before 〈…〉〈…〉, of the signes of ••oss••ssion were s••••ne in 〈…〉〈…〉 was 〈…〉〈…〉 bable therf••re that Dar. taught him to counterfeyt a p••ss••ss••on. A air••, ••ar. aff••••m••d that it was not So, that spake in his fitts, but the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him, it is therefore pr••bable that Dar. instructed So. 〈…〉〈…〉 Dar. aff••••med in the ••re••••nc•• of So that he was in his ••itts senc••l••ss••, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be pr••••um••d therefore that he saught ••im to ••••unterfeyt. Dar said (〈…〉〈…〉 the Disc. and his false witnesses tell vs) that So. was not somuch trou••••∣led

••••r his ow•••• sinnes, as for the sinnes of the people: ergo he taught him to c••u••terfey: If thus we should goe through the Disc. circumstances and weigh them in the ballance of reason, we shall fynde them as light or lighter then vanity it selfe Truly I thinke since the worlde was m••de, there were neuer more vaine, ydle, and sottish circumstaunces obiected against any m••n liuing.

My 5. and last answer is,* 1.92 that if there were a possibillity of coun¦terfeyting, as there is not, and these circumstances were a little stron¦ger in appearance then they are: yet in this case of teaching So. I can not be proued guilty by circumstaunces. for how can it possibly bee made true by any circumstances that I haue taught So. to counterfeyt, so long as he cannot tell where nor in what place I taught him, nor when? can any action be done, but there is a p••ace and time wherein and when the same is done? Euen so it is in this my schooling of Somers. Haue I taught So, to counterfeyt? I desire to know where and when. In A••bby parke (for other place as yet there is not any named) I haue shewed it cannot be, and it is as cleare as they day light at noone, where then•• It would be knowne: So. heereof can not be ignorant if there were any such thing performed. Let him then tell the place where, the weekes, monethes, or yeares wherein the same was doing with other circumstances therevnto apperteyning. If this So. cannot doe (as hitherto he hath not truly and men may well thinke he can∣not, for if he could he had done it before this) we may be most assu∣red it is becaus there was neuer any such instructing of him. It is not in this our case as it is in murther and such like offences, Som. is not deade, but aliue, he is not absent and to seeke, but at hand, neyther can he but know that which I desire he should make knowne, if any such thing be. And vntill this be done by So, the aforeseid circumstan¦ces and a thousand such more are not sufficient, or any whit at all auai¦leable to prooue me guilty of teachinge him to counterfeyt. yea to what purpos•• are my circumstances in this case of ours, except this I speake of be first performed•• truly to none at all: except it be to da∣zell mens eyes, and so to keepe them from seeing that which other∣wise they could not but see most clearly. If Som. had once done this I speake of, and so as I were not able to conuince him, then indeede there would be some vse of circumstances to strengthen his accusation. They had neede also to be very strong ones, considering the vnwor¦thynes of the accuser, and the rare and wondetfull feyts I shold teach him. But that being not done, I maruaile how any man of reason and iudgment, should hould me guilty vpon those aforesaid poore and empty circumstances.

For where the Dis••, saith that I did so cunningly instruct Som. by

speaking to others in his hearing those things that I meant be shoulde pract∣ise,* 1.93 as that albert I had neuer seene him at Asbby, nor dealt with him pri∣ua••ly at Nott. yet the course that I had held with him there was so contry∣ued a•• it might easily informe So. what he had to doc•• it is most absurde. For who can be so voyde of reason as to thinke, that I could no soo∣ner speake of the signes of possession mentioned in the gospell, as fo∣ming, casting into the fyer, extraordinary strength ect. and of othere very admirable feyts, as of a greate swelling in the body, and of a lit∣tle swelling to run along the body betwene the flesh and the skyn, of making the armes and legges heauy as yron, of retorting the tongue into the throat, so as no part of it could be seene in the mouth, of in∣during the pricking with pynnes, and keeping in the bloud so as none not a drop should issue at the places pricked, with many more such like but that So. presently could and did therevpon doe the same? was there euer so nimble a boy and so apt a scholler heard of beefore since the world began? It is no maruaile then though the Disc. terme him an apt scholler, So. saith he being an apt scholler for M. Darrell to practise vpon,* 1.94 hearing by M. Dar. speaches what was to be done at his han¦des did &c. wherewith all that were present were much amazed.

But admitt this were possible, as me thinketh none should say so besides the Disc. yet out of question it is impossible, that the speach∣es I vsed to others at Nott. in So hearing vpon the fift of Nouember & after, before which time my voyce was not hearde in the presence of So.: should instruct So, in those things he practised for the space of 4. a 1.95 weekes at the least before that time. which being so, and withall ma¦ni••est and notoriously knowne, confirmed also by the depositions of the 17. That So. or the diuell did the very same things before the 5. of Nouember and my comming to him at Nott. which he did after, wherevppon I was sent for and requested to come: it cannot be that So. was instructed of me by speaking to others in his hearing, those thinges that I ment be should practise. Beesides, it is againste common sence that I should instruct him after this manner, if that were true that the Disc. and So. affirme to be true, I meane that I had bene scholing of him beefore at Ashby, and pryuatly also instructed him at Nott. For he hauing bene (as they sav) foure or fyuo yeares learning his tricks and hauing had them also in writing from me, he coulde not (sure) be to learne them when he shoulde act them. Againe it had bene ex∣treame folly or rather madnes in vs both, that hauing so long time & opportunity to teach and learne in, could finde out none, but deferr it vn••••ll the very instant they were to be practised.

Thus the Discon. himselfe may see, that his circumstances albeit they be many, are too weake and insufficient to proue my teachinge

of his counterfeyt, and t••erefore S••. accusati••n must doe the deede, or else it will not be•• which (as appeareth by the premisses) is palpable false,* 1.96 hauing n••it••er face nor possibilli••y of truth in it. The best way then for the Di••couerer, I meane the B••sh. of London and Samuell Hars¦net is, to confesse the truth and publish it, and so giue glory to god: seeing the salshood of this Disc••u••ry is nowe made manifest in the eyes of the Sunne.

OF CHAP. 4.

Discouerer.

Of M. Dar. cunning ins••ructing Somers, by speaking to others in his hearing•• of Sathans secking to reposs••sse him:* 1.97 and of the acting of certayne trick•• under a couerlet.

In the former parte of this chapter the Disc. telleth vs of a sec∣ond or new ••••senage, viz. So. counterfeytinge of a repossession: and after what manner I instructed him we heare in the title of the chapter.* 1.98 This cosenage the Disc. pretendeth to proue by two speaches of mine the one is that I should affirme to my Auditory in the hearing of Som. that for a certainty Sathan would seeke to repossesse the said So. and pre∣uayle against him except he were mightely withstood by faith The other that I affirmed the night he was disp••ssessed in the hearing of So. & diuers others, that sathan returned the same night he was dispossessed out of cert∣aine in Lancashire, and that so returning he appeared vnto them in certayne somlitudes.

Darrell.

When the Disc. hath proued me guilty of the first cosenage, I my selfe will yeald the second: & vntill he haue performed that which yet he hath not, none that is wise, will regard what he saith, concer∣ning this new cosonage, as he termeth So repossession. 2. All or most of that I haue giuen before in answer to the afor••said circumstaunces, serueth also for answer vnto this. 3. Seeing betwene So. dispossession and repossession (which was about thirteene weekes) he and I had se••ret con••eren•••• togither diuers times, as the Disc. telleth vs, and that for the instructing of him to disseemble a repossession,* 1.99 it had bene suffici¦ent, to haue in a worde or two at one of these our secret con••••ren••es. to haue b••d him fall againe to his former tricks, and say with all that the divell did seeke to enter into ••im: so that this i•• structinge of ••im by 〈…〉〈…〉 in his ••earinge ne••e not.* 1.100 And one woulde think, that were there any such new ••••••nage, I would rather haue giuen him his dire 〈…〉〈…〉 the same apart, then before diuers others. 4. So. was then reposses••e as now at this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is.

The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at moue me to thinke that 〈…〉〈…〉 sessed are these.* 1.101 1. because about 12. or 13. ••••eches a••ter 〈…〉〈…〉

session, I (among diuers others) sawe in him the signes of possession, euen all the same I did before, and beheld him handled after the very same manner he was the time of his first trouble:* 1.102 and therefore if the possessed, he is so now, and if euer he was possessed, then and for the same cause he is againe possessed. 2. The scripture telleth vs, that the rn••••ane spirite being gon out of a man, doth not only returne and secke to enter into his said house againe, but indeede enter and possesse the said party, if returning be finde him empty, swept, and garmshed, that is rea∣dy and prepared to interteyne his oulde gueast the diuell, which is when the party is vncleane and liueth in sinne, for an vncleane person is a fitt receptacle for the foule spirit: but So. out of whome the diuell was cast,* 1.103 is and hath bene such, as is manifest by his abominable lying in denying the worke of God wrought vpon him, his false accusinge of the innocent, ioyned with greate obstinacye and ympudencie, his periury, and other greuous and open svnnes of his: It must needes therefore be that So. is repossessed. 3. There is somethinge in reason to confirme vs herein:* 1.104 in that from time to time So hath bene doing in secrett, and offered sometimes openlye to doe his tricks, as some call them. After he had said the second time that he had countersey∣ted, and was as free from being vexed by sathan, and as farr from all appearance of possession as now he is, he, (as is notoriously knowne, and the Disc. himselfe confesseth,) showed his tricks before my 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••n∣derson, and diuers others, in some extraordinary sort. At one of my exa∣minations before the B. of London M. Barker register to the high co∣mission, and another gentleman being present, So. vppon occa••ion of some wordes vttered by me, would ••aue bene doinge his tricks, and had vndoubtedly but that the Bishop ••ebuked him for it, and pre••ent¦ly for feare thereof sent him away. It should seeme that the ••••sh••p ad seene him doe his tricks before that time, yea percase often, other•• if he would haue bene as glad for the further satiffyinge of himsel••e to haue seene his fevts, as some there present. At ••ombeth vppon ••••it∣son-eue, in open court So. offered to doe his tricks, and had not t••e B. of London said, it was to no purpose, because M. Mor•• and I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sav, it was not he, but the diuell that did them he had 〈…〉〈…〉 tion fallen to his worke Neither can we in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were bare offers or wordes, he not beinge a••le to 〈…〉〈…〉 thing, considering (to ••myt other times•• ••e or 〈…〉〈…〉 s••me o•• his trickes beefore my 〈…〉〈…〉 is ready to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them, when 〈…〉〈…〉 the eye-witnessses the c••f con••e••••e, 〈…〉〈…〉

and the cheife of them, that if the boy did not say he counterfeyted, and cease to doe the tricks when he is bidden, he should verily think that he did them by the diuell: may not this well after the premsises confirme vs in his possession? whether So. was packt beyond the seas by some that knew he was possessed, and feared least that woulde one day appeare, or went of his owne accord about some great busynes of his owne, let other men iudge: as also why it will not be graunted that the meanes may be vsed which the (u) worde of god directeth vs vn∣to for the discouery of Sathan, whome we are boulde to affirme lur∣keth in him.

And where some men can hardly with any patience indure to heareof this repossession,* 1.105 because no such thing appeareth: they must know that Sathan doth and hath long laboured to obscure the worke of god wrought vppon So. & to anninilate it, if it were possible, that so god might goe without the glory and prayse which would be gyuen him in the acknowledgment thereof, and man lose the profit he wolde make of such a rare worke of god. To this end and for the better brin¦ging of this to paise, the diuell (hauing recouered So. and entred into his house, the body of So. agayne) indeuored by himselfe and his in¦struments threatning and promising, to drawe him to deny the work of God, and affirme that he counterfeted, and therewithall couenan∣ted with So to helpe him to doe any thing that he would take in hand, mea¦ning those thinges that he had in the time of his possession done. The case being thus, and this being the worke that the diuell hath in had, it is not to be ymagined that Sathan beinge in So. shoulde torment him, and so make it appeare that he is there: for thus he shoulde be against himselfe, and ouerturne all he had done and hath in hande. Yf the diuell hauing drawne So. (after that he was againe entred in∣to him) to say he counterfeyted shoulde vexe him, and sent forth the same e••••ects he did before he thus affirmed, causing a verye greate swelling in his belly, an other and much lesse to run along his bodye betwene the flesh and the skyn, depryuing him of all sence, so as be∣ing prickt deepe with pynnes, he woulde not styrr, nor bloud issue, retorting his tongue into his throate, causing him to foame excessiu∣ly, to be (in appearance) of supernaturail strength, and knowledge, casting him into the fyre without being burnt &c. and that daylie: what would it aduantage the diuell for So. to say and sweare he coun∣terfeyted, when the deede euery houre done by himselfe shewed the contrary? and where had bene my teaching to counterfeyt? and the imprisoning the innocent? how would also the children of men haue bene generally kept from beeleeuing the worke of god and magnify∣inge him for it, and not only so, but insteade there of brought to re∣ceaue

a false and vile report against his seruant, and that which is far wone against the worke it selte. Howsoeuer then the diuell is natural¦ly carried to vexe and torment them in whose bodyes he is, and to sen••e forth such effects as we heare, and ordinarilye doth so: yet we may be assured that when he seeth it is more for his aduantage to re∣frayne, (as it is in this our case to draw thousands to synne, then to torment one sole body) he being in man will not shewe himselfe and make that knowne, but lurke and lye cloase (as I may say••) like a su•• tie serpont, and oulde foxe as he is.

We haue hearde before in the story, that for the space of a fort night or thereabouts sathan did withdrawe himselfe from vexing Iohn Starky, and Anne Starky for certaine dayes, insomuch as their parents with others did verilye thinke at the first when M. More and I came to Cleworth, that they had bene well, and no wicked spirites within them: yea we haue had experience thereof even in Somers: who after he had giuen it forth that he counterfeyted, and therewith continued as well and free from all appearance of possession, as at this present he doth, for the space of 4, or 5. weakes, was fearefully tormented by the diuell, before the Commissioners, and many other witnesses, and so continued about 12. dayes, (in the vew of all that came vnto him) vntill the aduersaries hauing gathered hart to themselues, did rise vp againe for counterfeyting, and tooke him the second time into their custody, in whose hāds he was no sooner, but presētly he was (as they thought) well, and no diuell (forsooth) in him: and so hath remay∣ned as they thinke vntill this day, which suddayne amendment, if I may so call it, with the cause or occasion thereof, might helpe vs to spi out the reason of Sathans not vexing of So. albeit he be in him styll if we were wise. Now I desire to know, why the diuell may not aswell by the space of some yeares abstayne from tormenting the man he pos¦sesseth, as for the space of some weekes. Thus we see that So. not be∣ing vexed by sathan, doth not let but that he may be possessed. We see also the reason why the diuell thus withdraweth himselfe, which well considered we may perceaue that it is not possible it should haue bene or yet be (so longe as all things continue as they are) that the vncleane spirit entred into So. with seauen worse then himselfe, shold vex him at all, otherwise then in corners, before such, and in such ma∣ner, as he thinketh good, and seeth it to make for the vphoulding & mainteyning of that euill name of counterfevting, which he for the ob¦scuring of the greate worke of god,* 1.106 hath raysed vp, and spread far & neate, for what saith the scripture? when the stronge man armed keepeth the b••use, the things that be possesseth are in pea••c•• This is first to be vnd∣erstood of corporall possession, as is playne by the occasion thereof.

Now did euer the strong armed man possesse a house more ••u••e the, then he doth 〈…〉〈…〉 or body? when no man resisteth t••at vsurp∣er, when So. himselfe and some such as are ru••ers in the ••••urch & co∣mon wealth, yea and too many ••ti••ers, are for this vniust possessor, for 〈…〉〈…〉 and 〈…〉〈…〉 no man almost in a ze••le of god and his gl••ry riseth vp against him. As then the reposses¦sion of So. is according to that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his foretoulde vs by the holy scrip¦tures. euen so in ••••is is lurl••ng of sat•• an 〈◊〉〈◊〉 being at peace with S••mer, we see the scripture likewise fulfiled Nit••er doe I doubt, but that if any zealous for the l••or••e of hoasts, shall procure such order to be ta¦ken, that the meanes may be vsed for the dispossessinge of this vsur∣per, and so Christ Iesus the stronger ••ane vppon this strong man, he shal¦be spoyled of ••as hou••e, that armoure wherein he trusted taken from him, and his spoyles deuided: and we therein also see the scripture ful¦filled beefore our eyes, we desire that a tr••all heere of may be made, that so happely if no other way an end may be put to this controuer∣sie. To deny this were very hard, and iniurious to the manifestation of the worke, and peace of those which contend abut it. If I had only knowne Som. possessed, and not to haue bene beesides dispossessed, I should haue bene lesse confident in this present possession, for why I should haue doubted least Sathan peraduenture had leaue from god, to possesse him only for a season, which time being expired he might remayne there no longer, albeit no meanes was vsed for his expulsion and against this I fynde nothing in holy scripture. But of the reposses¦sion of one, I am otherwise perswaded: because it is said & that of both the Tuangelists which spake of the conditiō of the repossessed,* 1.107 that the sp••rite hauinge entred in with seauen worse then himselfe, will dwell there, and take vp his habitation, as hauinge some right and interest in t••e house. In which respe••t it may be it is said that the last stat of that man is wo••s. th••n the first: meaning that the condition of the man repo¦sessed, is worse then it was when he was first possessed. For first Christ speaketh in both the ••uangelists in the pre••ent tense, not in the future, the last state of that man is worse, not shalbe worse, 2. The antithesis or opposition betwene first and last estate, confirmeth this expositio••, for by first estat•• we are to vnderstande the condition of the possessed from the time ••athan entreth into man. vntill the time of his eiection, and by last estat••, I thinke his like conditiō of being possessed, but after eie••tion wherby it may w••lbe distiguished frō the former, & rightly he called 〈…〉〈…〉 haung respe••t to the other and like estat going be∣f••re And this 〈…〉〈…〉 of one possessed, which is that we call repo¦fessi••n is saide to be the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 first, because into such the same spirit which ••as there be••••re is entred with s••auen worse then himselfe. 2. be∣cause they will dwe••l there that is, though they he cast ••ut, 〈…〉〈…〉

theire possession, And truly no n••arua••••e though the estate of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••••led be such as wel ca••e, and 〈…〉〈…〉 th••n on the estate of th••••e per∣sens possessed out of whome the vncleane spirit was neuer cast c••nsi¦••••ing theire great vnthankfullnes, for so singular and sen••lie, mer∣cy of god bestowe•• vppon them, and that notwithstanding the Lord ••••uing corre••ed them for their sinnes by the diuell. and after deliue∣red them out of ••is handes, yet they returne to theire sinnes agayne: ••••hout which one cannot be repossessed. This I say considered it is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with god, to deliuer th••m vpp to the full possession of the diuell, or diuells, or at least to some further possession and interest in them then beefore

As for the B. of Londons obiection, that So. hauing remayned a yeare in his house, hath gone to the Church all that time, and there carryed himselfe as orderly as any other of ••as samely, and likewise in his prayers at home a•• M. Harsu•• (quoth he) can witnesse: it is easilye answered, for we reade in the 1. of Marke, that at Cap••r••aum there was in t•••• Sy∣nago••ue a man in whome there was an vncleane spirit: and how est the same man had bene there who can tell•• and quietly (no doubt) hee carried himselfe there, otherwise that had bene no place for him. In∣deede he cryed out when he sawe Iesus, but this all that were pos••es∣sed did wheresoeuer they met him, so that said ex••lan atien was not because of his being in the Synagogue, but because of Christ his being there.

VVhere I say that So.* 1.108 is now possessed, I doe not meane that the diuell is for certa••nty at the very instant when I so speake in the body of Somers for as. he may be there, so at that present may hee be without him, as I suppose: but I mean that Sathan hath leaue from god ••••emer into that body of his, and t••rment it, which he is denyed to doe b•• others,* 1.109 which letteth not but that he may or doth goe forth some∣times, and come in againe at his pleasure, And this I c••nceanue g••ne rally of the possessed, and Sathan his being within them, for it is li••e ly that t••e diuell doth with those he entreth into as the father of the Lu••atick saith, concerrings his dealinge with his chylde, (a) And ••he (qu••th he) a spirit taketh him, and sud••enly he cryeth and he treareth him t••at he s••••ameth, and hardly departeth from him, when he hath 〈…〉〈…〉 These are saide in the ••criptures to be (b) possessed with the diuell, mea¦ting touching their bodyes, which in this case is called his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for concerning their s••••ules they are no more nor otherwi••e possessed thē others,* 1.110 now a man is possessed of his house, although he rema••ne not a••••a••es in it. Euen so it is (I thinke) bet••eene sathan and his house, that is the body he poss••sse••h. Indee••e 〈…〉〈…〉 to be p••ss••sse••, in whome there 〈…〉〈…〉 but it folloveth n••t therevpon that

the spirit is alwayes in the man, & neuer out of him. Yea except now one spirit, now an ot••er shoulde goe into the body of the possessed, after the diuen taketh once possession of the body of man, which is vul•••••• it must needes be that the spirit goeth out sometimes: for other wise it is not possible, that the spirit shoulde vtter these thinges he is by experience seene oft to doe by the tongue of the party poss∣essed, as the speaches and actions spoken and done else where, at or a∣bout the same instant they are spoken and done. And thus much con¦cerning Som. repossession.

Discouerer.

After this So.* 1.111 deuised new tricks vnder a euierlet, vp in this occasion. Lying vppon his bed with a cou••rlet cast ouer him, he moued by chance he knew 〈◊〉〈◊〉 how, some parte of his body, when he was supposed to be in a fit, and cheresore sencelesse. where vpon he the said M D••. gaue it out, that it was the diuell, that made that motion vnder the couerlett: which was such an instruction to Som a•• he ceased not to feede that error: Likewise (sayth So.) lying in my bed, I did sometimes knock and fillip with my fingers & toes, against th•• had sides and feete: and this also wa•• ascribed to M. Dar. as to haue bene loue by the diuell.

That which St. heere deposeth is confirmed by the depositions of diuers,* 1.112 The very ••nocking at that time I wa•• there, (saith M. Hallam) was ••ne of his ••es, slipping downe from the other: when the voyce of 4. or 5. knocks were heard togither in manner of a chyme, quoth M. Crauen, I founde one of the to be his singer thrust vnder his thigh, as he lay uppon his back, (••eorge Richardson thus, Touching the likenesses of kitlinges mo∣uing in So. bed, I haue hearde much wonder thereof, at one time when I was there, it was th•• bowes s••••nte. Edmun. l. Garland thus. Catching on a time at that which I saw moue the ••hathes, I gott ••••ilde of it and offering to cast vp the cloathe, t••••se what I had in my hand, it slipped from me, & I b••ele••ue was th•• h••uae priuym••mb••rs. Againe I hearing a knocking at the b•••••• feete, catched the boy by the toes, which I perceaued to haue made the former knocking. M. Aldred thus. the rapping in M. Hallams opinion w•••• thing else, but the rapping of me of his navles vpon in other. M. Par The rapping was the sillipoing of his syngers or ••one motion with his toes.

VVe heare what So.* 1.113 and his witnesses say, let vs now hear what was deposed before the 12. Commissioners.

M. Aldridge. This examinas saith that he standing in the hall hearde a greate knocking in the parlour where th•• b••y lay, and sudd••ly he ru••••ed in where he found the b••y al me in his bed,* 1.114 lying with his face vpward in his s••••t, with his in 〈…〉〈…〉 his in eyes, staring, at though they would 〈…〉〈…〉 h••ad. And kne••••ne downe to prayer he h••d the kno¦ke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 againe vnder he knees as he though•••• and in the bed vnder the c••u••r

lett, he sawe the forme, and shape as it were of fyue kitlings in quantity to the uiew of the eye. And againe this examinate sawe the bedcloathes at the seere to shake, moue, and leape, as the leaues of an aspen tree, shaken with the wynde.* 1.115

Loane Pye saith that diuers times shee had heard a clapping in his bed, as though it had bene the clapping of 3. handes, and that shee hath seene a maton in the bed, as though it had bene the creeping of 3. kitlings, which shee and diuers others haue inderuored to take houlde of, but neuer could, for when they attempted the same, it hath vanished, his handes and feete neuer sturring to their sights and that at other times, shee hath heard at his bedds feete a knocking, as though it were vnder the bed to their vnderstanding.

E••izabeth Milward saith,* 1.116 that shee hearde a thumping, or knocking in his bed, and shee putting her hand into his bed, felt the said knockinge (as shee: thought) at a hollow place aboue the chest of his body: which knowcking shee heard as shee went downe the slayres being so fearfull as shee durst not stay aboue with him.

M. Pare sayth,* 1.117 that he he hearde a thumping, or knocking in the boyes bed in three seuerall places at once, and he putting his hande into the bed felt it sensibly knock vnder his hand.

Thomas Gray Esquire saith,* 1.118 that he saw a mouing vnder the vpper∣most couering the bed (not far distant from the small of the said William Somers leg,) which lay in a round lumpe pantinge, which this Examynate perceuing, poynted at, and said to the standers by, what might this be••wh er vpon one of them said, it is his feet: then it was answered by those that sat vpon the beds feete, thus: we haue his feete heere, and doe holde them. Then this Deponent for the better vnderstanding thereof layd his hand vppon the said lump, and felt it moue, and clasping his hand togither, he felt that it yealded, as ayre, or wynd, and opening his hand againe it filled the same in very full manner, And this Examynat taking away his hand, saw the cloathes settle very softly downe, like as a bladder being blown ful of winde falleth togither after it is pricked and ymediatly the like mouing was on the other syde of the said William Somers, and this deponent seeing it said (lay¦ing his hand vppon the place, where before it was) heere it was euen now, and at that very instant this deponent (without mouing of his hands) sen∣sibly felt something vnder the cloathes patt very fast in the palm of his hand like the foote of a kitling, or such like thing.

Darrell.

The Disc. telleth vs, what his owne deponents, (of his owne culling, and of his own sifting and examynation, and some of them of his owne stampe and affection, whose depositions also are produced by his owne selfe, deposinge more or lesse as he pleasth) doe saye: but in his whole Discouery, we heare not of these other depositiones,

deposed and examyned by other manner of persons then himselfe, and fellowe Commissioners. The Discouerer belike thinketh thus to blynde the eyes of the worlde, but the must knowe that the produ∣cing of these absurd and ridiculous depositions of I know not whom, taken as it were behinde a cloath by such as are partyes, and no indif∣ferent Commissioners, are a slender conuiction of the depositions of these other fyue heere specifyed, so grauel••, iuditially and orderlye done, let the Disc. heereafter then conuince that which they haue de posed: for vntill that be done, and these 5. proued periured: It can∣not possiblie be (as euery childe may see) that that or those thinges which moued vnder the couerlett, seene and looked vppon as they mo¦ued or crept vp and downe the bed from place to place, stirringe and mouing vnder the handes of many, as if they had bene whelpes, kyt lings, ratts, or such like lyuing creatures, sometimes also vanishinge vnder mens handes, when feeling them they beegan to claspe theyre handes &c. as before, hearde likewise to make a thumping or knock∣ing, should be So. feete, or his toes, or fingers, or pryuie members: or this knocking be caused by his synger thrust vnder his thigh, or by the fillip∣ing of his fyngers, or by one of his toes, slyppinge downe from the other, or by the fillipping of one toe with an other vppon the bed, or yet by the tap∣ping of one of his nayles vpon an other. For (to omyt that which contey∣ned in these fyue last depositions offereth it selfe to the consideration of euery one,) it is notoriously knowne to the inhabitants of Notting ham that his mouing & knocking vnder the couerlett, continued tenne dayes and nights, by times or rather more, and that So. was vsuallye helde by some, armes & legs, his armes also (he being in his cloaths) on the day time aboue the coueringe, and seldome or neuer vnder it. And this is (in part) confirmed by M. Grayes deposition. I saw (saith he) So. lying opon a bed, being helde by sondry persons at his feete, and also at his heade &c. Agayne as before wee haue his feete heere and doe holde them. How could then this motion and knocking be made by his handes or feete? 2. Som. on the day time was alwayes in his cloathes: it came not then (surely) from the tapping of one of his two nayles one vpon an o¦ther 3. Neyther in the night when So. was in his naked bed could the knocking or rapping come either from the slipping downe of his toes from the other, or his finger thrust vnder his thigh, or the fillippinge of his toes or fingers, or tapping of one of his toe navles upon an o∣ther, because of the loudnes thereof: for saith Elizabeth Miswarde, I hearde the knocking as I went down the stayrs, being so fearefull. as I durst not stay aboue with him. And M. Aldridg, (speaking of an other time, and when he was in an other house) s••anding in the haule I heard a gr••¦ate knocking in the parlour wher the boy lay. And this which M. Al••rige

deposeth, there are a great number of witnesses ready to depose.

4. It is to be obserued that M. Hallams deposition beginneth thus Hauing hearde of many wonders, of certain knockings in So. bedd, I was very desirous &c. And George Richardson after this manner: Touching the likenesses of kitlings mouning in So. bedd, I haue hearde much wonder thereof, and at one tyme &c. whereby it is playne that either there was some very rare accident, or seeming so to be, which we may be assu∣red did drawe many to behould him: And beesides at this time M. Hallam and M Freeman (because his kinswoman was now appeached to be a witch, for this accident, and the Discouery of certaine persons for witches, began, continued and ended togither) gaue it out that So. was a counterfeyt. VVhich two things considered, and that by rea¦son of the latter the most that came vnto him had an especiall eve to counterfeyting, how simple, and what silly soules must they needes be, that were thus deluded by the tipping and tapping. slipping, & fil¦lipping of a boyes toes and fingers? But as in other things so in this par¦ticular, the Disc. will not only put out their eyes who behelde Somers troubles, and depriue them of their sences I meane their feeling, and hearinge, but also of theire reason and vnderstanding, as if they had bene ••ooles or naturals, or more like vnto bruite beasts then men. And this I desire the Reader to consider of.

OF CHAP. 5.

Of M, Dar cunning instructing of Somers, by speaking to others in his hearing such things, as he ment he should practise in the detecting of witches.

After M. Dar.* 1.119 brought him on to an other matter concerning the de∣tecting of witches,* 1.120 affirming to diuers in the presence of Somers, that it was ordinary with those that were lately dispossed to detect witches, and that So. would doe the like. These things M. Dar. denyeth.

Darrell.

As before the Disc. hath tould vs that I instructed So. in his prac¦tises from the 5. of Nouember vntill the 7. 2. to dissemble a reposses¦sion. 3. certayne tricks vnder a couerlett, by speaking to others in Som. hearing: so heere he saith the same concerning the detecting of witches: that I instructed him therein, by speaking to others in his hearing. Hence it commeth that both in these seuerall instructiors a•…•…nages mē∣tioned by the Discouerer, and the depositions prouing the same and namely this touching witches, we haue ordinarily some of these clau¦ses, in the presence of Somers.* 1.121 in the boyes presence, the boy being present, Somers being present, in the presence of the boy, M. Dar•…•… affirmes t•• these that were with the boy, in the hearing of Somers, before Somer &c. And those with such like clauses are most materyall, and such as might not

be omitted, for then my cunning instructing, and depositions concer∣ning the same doe fall to the grounde. Did euer any since the worlde was made publish to the world for truth and in good earnest, so absurd and ridiculous stuff, as this is of my instructing So. by speaking to others in h•••• hearing, what I would haue him to doe? The Disc. speaketh of∣ten o•• wonders, he may well let this go among one o•• them, for I am sure it is a matter to be wondred at were it true, viz. that Darrell and Somers should agree togither about counterfeyting a possession, dupo¦fession &c. which are not very easy to be counterfeyted, meere toge¦ther thereabout for the space or 4. or 5. yeares, haue instuctions in writing paise betwene them, after comming to d••eii at the same to∣wne meete often in Dar. chamber alone, and euen then when t••••ele counterfeyt tricks were doing, and yet notwithstanding ••efer an••ther instructing and learning vntill the very time cameth the••. So. ••••id do his feytes before others. One woulde thinke t••••••men woulde ra••••r hi••se at these things then beleeue them. but by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ne••••cable experience we see it is otherwise: wherein the folly of ma••, a••d now easily hee is missed and seducep, doth euidently appeare.

George Richardson deposeth thus,* 1.122 One Mistrisse Wallis and others did talke in the roun•• where So. lay, of such persons as were suspected to he witche••, before be the said Somers did name them.

By this deposition of the Disc.* 1.123 owne witnesse as I may say, (& therefore not by him not to be denye•• for sure testimony) this last sup∣posed instruction of myne is very much weakened, for it is verye vn∣likely that I did instr••t him to dete••t witches, seeing I did not dy∣rect him what persons he shoulde name for witches, as appeareth by this deposition, which ymplyeth that he had such direction only from this speach of Mistresse Wallys and others, But what if Mistresse Wallys and the rest had not come in the nick, as I may say? or comminge had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 named these persons suspected to be witches? or if they had named them, yet had not so done in the roome where Somers lay, that is not in his hearing? I fall these things had not fallen out thus hand patt as the say, where had then bene this detecting of witches? For it must needs be that evther this cosenage had neuer bene, or Som. had at ••east na∣med other persons. But it may be that Mistresse Wallys at least if not the others had confederated with me about my teachinge So. to coun∣terfeyt, and there are these circumstances to strengthen it. 1. S••ee is my wifes sister. 2. when it was she was not t••ngur-ty•••• what a man her brother was. 3. Shee writ a letter vnto me to come ouer an•• see, ••om. 4. we heare what wordes shee vttered (if we may be••leue George Ri∣chardson swearing) and that in So. h••aring. Considering these circum∣stances surely the Disc. did greatly forgett himselfe, for el••e vndoubt∣edly

when it was, he woulde haue deposed and examyned Mistrisse Wallys about this matter.

Discou.

M. Dar.* 1.124 (saith Robert Cooper) desired the Maior to make inquirye through the towne, if any person could charge any of the pretended witches. The Maior did so accordingly, & nothing being sayd to diuers of their cha¦rges, they were all sett at liberty vpon bonds, saning two.

Darrell.

I said that the said detecting of certayne persons for witches was done by Sathan, and as he might therein speake truth to an euill end, so being the father of lyes, there was more cause to suspect him of ly∣ing: and therefore whosoeuer should there-vpon hold & report them (or any of them) to be witches without some proofe had therof from men, should iniure them in their good name, & sin against god. For whereas So. was very strangely and greuously handled at the bringing and carrying away of the detected persons, and so oft as that was don where-vpon percase some suspected them to be witches: we must re∣member that this also was done by the diuell (as by the manner of it it did appeare) therefore not to be regarded, who were they, or som of them, most free from witchcraft, yet might haue done so, thereby to haue drawne the innocent to punishment, and man to condemne & slaunder the righteous Heere-vpon I affirmed, that if any could testify any thing against them concerning witchcraft, it were wel they did it. And I hearde that witnessed against them yea almost all of thē, before they were had to the magistrate, that for my own part I did & still doe suspect them generally to be such as worke with spirits, and that Alice Freeman, Widdow Higgit, Widdow Boote, Groues, Millycent Horslay, and So. aunt (whose name I know not) are such I haue no doubt, and I thinke I could make proofe of those facts of theires, as would make it manifest to others. And heereby it is playne that it is vntrue the Disc.* 1.125 saith, that the parties brought vnto Somers. were there∣by reputed for witches: for thus it was: Presently vppon the detection, matters of fact came to light, first priuatly, then openly in the towne hall, which lay hid vntill then, and there-vpon were they reputed for witches. yea it is well knowne to the inhabitants of Nott that when these of the towne of Nott. were openly before the magistrates of the said towne for suspition of witchcraft, there was not a word vsed con∣cerning the detection: widdow Higgit was reputed a witch, for diuers fa••s wherein it must needes be that the diuell and she did conspire to gether, and especially for murthering the childe of one Bingham of Nott whereof he openly accused her in the towne hall. So Alice Fre¦man was reputed a witch for matter of fact, specially a little after the

dete••••ion, vpon suspition of murthering the childe of Mary Cooper sis∣ter vnto Somers, wherevpon she was condemned by (a) two Iuryes of w••lfull murther, and it is strange that any Iury should be founde to acquite her there o••. Thus might I proceede to the rest, saue that none of them were charged with taking away the life of any. Yea lett all men iudge of Milli••ent Horslayes owne confession: who beinge by M. Perkyn•• Iustice of peace examyned, and denyinge that euer shee hurt any body, acknowledged that she had helped divers, but it was (forsooth) by good prayers, whereof she then said one.

Discouerer.

But this deuise of Dar.* 1.126 concerning the detecting of witches is almoste laide asleepe. and againe This deceipt of Dar. is so dasht, as it is supposed wee shall heare no more of it.

Darrell.

It is a practise of Sathan and no deuise of myne to disclose the ac∣quaintance he hath with some of his familiars. This hath bene seene beesides in Tho. Darling and the 7. in Lancashire, in Margaret Hery∣son, (of whome beefore) M. Throckmortons children, & many others. And where the Disc. supposeth we shall heare no more of this, surely we had not if he had not giuen cause thereof: and before I ende, I must once againe tell him and all men, that it was not So. but the diuell by his tongue, that detected the witches. For first it is not likely that he coulde haue disclosed so many, 2. As Sathan was during this Discoue¦ry sensibly about So. body vnder the couering to our sight, hearing, and feeling, (as is aforesaid) so was he also sensibly vexing him in his bo••y, as was manifest to the great multitude that duringe that tyme beheld him: In probabillity therefore might not the diuell vse his ton¦gue and other instruments of speach, although that be very rare and extraordinary, as well as perform other things as rare, yea more rare about him. and also molest him in his body, & some other parts ther¦of? 3. He knew nothing more or lesse of the infinite speaches he then vttered, and namely of his calling for and naming certaine persons to be witches, as himselfe then affirmed, when there was some beleuing of him, and in reason to leade others to beleeue him, as wil appeare by the reason following. 4. whiles he was discouering these persons, he vttered those thinges which pass••d his knowledge and vnder∣standing: For now it was that he expounded the Creed by the space of an howre: when Alice Freeman and widdowe Higgit were searched by diuers weomen, a good way from his fathers hou••e, he tould ther¦of euen as they were searching, and that Alice Freeman ha••a mark of such a shoulder, and the other none found of her, which was euen so. VVhen Milicent Horslay was had before the abouenamed M. Perkins

4. or 5. myles distant from Nott. he tould the very time she was ex∣amyned, the words she then vsed for herselfe, and of the stripping & searching of her. In like sort he tould of the speaches and actions of her sister a myle of Nott. euen when the same fell out. And were it not to auoyde tedyousnes, much more of this kinde migh•• heere be said. Seeing then it is cleare, that these speaches were vttered by the diuell: why should we not thinke that the other speaches, which con¦cerned and accompanyed the same, & were vttered as it were with the same breath, came from the same spirit?

OF CHAP. 6.

Of M. Dar. course, from about the seauenth of December vntill the fourteenth of Ianuary, whilest Somers refused to dis∣semble any longer.

Discou.

M. Dar. bent his chiefe force to perswade his auditorye,* 1.127 that sathan would lurke sometimes about one (out of whome he had bene cast) suffering the party to be well for a good space, but that he was verily p••••swaded, that Sathan would not giue him ouer, vntill in the end he had reposs••ssed him.

About 8.* 1.128 weekes after the time the Discouerer. heere speaketh of, and after Somers had giuen it forth that he counterfeyted, I did open¦lye affirme, that Somers had not counterfeyted, and 2. that he was repossessed, and that it came from the subtlety of sathan then lurking in him, that he vexed him not, but I woulde haue b••ne ashamed, to haue saide, that Sathan would lurke sometimes about one, or that Sathan would not giue So. ouer vntil he had repossessed him, as the Disc. chargeth me to haue done: but proueth none of them not so ••uch as by a salfe witnes, no not by So. owne testimony, who stādeth him in great stead at other times for the proofe of many worthy things. But that which the Disc. saith heere, he thwarteth and ouerthroweth else-where. for heere from the 7. of December vntill the 14. of Ianuary, he will haue me pratling to my auditory that Sathan lurketh sometimes about one, & that sathan wold not giue ouer vntill in the end h•• had rep••ssessed Somers. in the whole Chapter following also affirming, that he began to be reposses∣sed about the 14. of Ianuary: and in page 127. he telleth vs that ••o. supposed repossession was about the 21. of Nouember. If I held and gaue it out about the 21. of N••uember, that So. was repossessed. it is not cre¦dible that I should from the 7. of December till the 14. of Ianu••r•• ia••g••e as the Disc. affirmeth. And this is the 9. tyme that the Discouerer is conuinced by his owne Discouery

Discou.

The author of the Narration writeth thus vpon So.* 1.129 disposs••ssi••n M. Dar. was retayned preacher in Nott. that populous towne, hauing h••d no

setled preacher there before this time, since the begining of her maiestyes rai¦gne. ••yther M. Aldridg or his companion are in danger of an hard impu∣tation: except it may be thus holpen. M. Aldridg is v••••ar of S Maryes in Nott. wheras this fellow peraduenture accounteth neyther persons nor vicars nor any that bear such popish names, for preachers: the Doctor to be chosen by the parrish, as M. Dar. was, is the preacher (forsooth) that must beare the beil.

Darrell.

The Narrator denyeth not, that they haue had a preacher, but no setled preacher, or standinge mynisterie, for that M. Aldridg hath flocks or congregations beesides to attend vppon as well as that, wh∣ereby it hath corne to passe, that his people of Nott. haue hearde his voyce oft times but once in a monneth, sometimes sildome: which many besides the Narrator account no setled ministery.

OF CHAP. 7.

How So. about the 14. of Ianuary fell again to the acting of cer∣tayn fitt••, wherein he continued at times, till about the 24. of Febauary, & how M. Dar. pretended that he was possessed.

Discouerr.

M.* 1.130 Dar. spent about 4. or 5. weekes (next going before the 14. of Ia∣nuary) in preaching, and reuiling those that helde So. for a counterfeyt.

Darrell.

Had I carryed my selfe in the pulpitt and worke of the ministe¦ry, a•• the Disc. beareth the world in hand, I had bene more fytt and worthy to haue sitt at the plow tayle, and guided it, then in the chair of Christ Iesus, and to haue bene a guide to his people. I published the worke of god, presently after the dispossession of Somers & then ••nd (as in duty I ought) make mention openly of So. and at other times I deny that eue•• I mentioned him, saue that about a quarter of a yeare after his dispossession, and after he sayd he counterfeyted, I ••a••e against that ••urs••d confession of his, and against them that wo∣uld ••aue him to be a counterfeyt. And this I did twise, once vppon the ••ordes day to my owne people, & an other time not long after to them and others come out of the coasts thereab ••uts met togither at a fast At this latter time also I remember, I vsed a few wor les con¦co••niuge his re••oss••ssion And whereas the Disc. saith in the chapter b••fore that I prea••hed at Nott. about that time, viz. from about the 7. ••f 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the 14.* 1.131 of Ianuary 6. or 7. s••rmons, v••pon the 43. 44. 4••. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••pon the 12. of ••ath••w, con••erning sathans returne to re••n••ter he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for they ••ere preached in Nouember, two of them 〈…〉〈…〉 of his moneth, and so on forwardes ••n t••e

Lordes dayes vntill I had finished that ••cripture. He bringeth mee in depo••ing this, but (as ••ull o••ten) he hath corrupted my deposityon t••e 〈◊〉〈◊〉 o•• ••••me being o•• his owne inserting. Beesides when I pr••ached these ••ermons more then 6. of the 7. sermons were of spi∣r••ua•• po••e••ion. and that in both these I spake as the truth is, the in∣habitants of Nott. can witnesse.

The Disc.* 1.132 ••aith further that with this argument of diuels I so troub∣led my audito••y, that they grew very weary of a, and some blamed me for •• to my ••ace.

Truly it is very vnlikely, seing whiles I was preachinge of this scripture, they generally made choyce of me for their teacher. It 〈…〉〈…〉 indeede that some two or three of the chief frendes to counter••ei ••ing, naturall men, not fauoring of the spirit, shewed some dislike to my preaching, and adui••ed me to preach of loue and charity, sayinge t••at they were euer in charity before I came there: but this was about a quarter of a yeare after the••e 7. sermons, wherin I had preached the ••aw (that ••o they might be drawne to hunger and thirst after the gos¦pell, and made fitt to receaue it) which was not sweete and pleasynge vnto them and therevppon they kicked with the heele against me pre••uning to instruct their teacher, and to direct their guide (like to the schosier, that should take vppon him to teach his schoolemaister) which is no new nor strange thing.

Discouerer.

My father in law (saith So.) receaued at two collections made by M.* 1.133 Dar. meanes the so••e of twenty nobles, or thereabouts, in respect of his trouble and charge, when I was in my pretended fits.

Darrell.

VVhat a shamelesse boy is this, seeing the contrary is notory∣ously knowne to the inhabitants of Nottingham. I haue shewed be∣fore that at the first collection made at his dispossession, his father in law had neuer a penny, and at the second but part thereof, as I gesse about 20. s. or 4. nobles, whereof part was to apparrell Somers And these collections were not by my meanes, otherwise then by spa¦kling to the people at the dissoluing of the congregation to be mind∣full of the poore, if so I did. Neyther doe I doubt but that the Discou. knoweth this to be very false, yea few better, & yet behold he publish¦eth it for truth to the world. For who can thinke but that he hath ex∣amyned the boy his father in law thereabouts: first in hope to haue it confirmed by his deposition, if any such thing happely had bene: 2. though it should proue otherwise, ••et hoping either by threats or by flattering speaches to draw him therevnto: for if Rob. Cooper the bo••s father 〈◊〉〈◊〉 lawe haue deposed as the Disc. affirmeth, he hath sundrye

times in other things deposed as falsly as So. himselfe hath heerein. Beesides it is very likely that the Disc. hath had some speach hereof, eyther with the Maior, or M. Freeman, or M. William Gregory, from whome he might learne the certayntye heerein. For the Maior giue So father in law that which he had of the collection, and if it were 20 nobles, from him he receaued it, who can witnesse that I neuer spake word to him concerning the same so that were that true which is fals and that So. father in lawe had 20. nobles, yet it made not against me. Seeing now we heare nothinge of this 20. nobles from none of these but only from Somers, not a deposition among the multitude of depo¦sitions confirminge this, we may be sure that it is not onlye false, but iustly suspest the Disc. himselfe to know the falshood of it.

Discouerer.

It is to be obserued:* 1.134 how some of M. Dar. chief frends haue left him after a sort in two of the chiefest poynts of this whole action. One of them hauing giuen his opinion, that So. did not dissemble those fitts which he act¦ed before the Commissioners, deputed from the Lord Archbishop of Yorke: but that it was the diuell in him, that played those prankes in his body, co¦uld (it seemeth) be content to acknowledg, that he was possessed: but a•• the time of his examynation, he would not affirme that the said So. had bene at any time dispossessed, although (saith he) I haue heard by depositions and o¦ther reports, that might induce me very probably to thinke that he was dis∣possessed. The other being a very rash and headstronge yonge man, one M. Brinsley a minister: he at the time of his examination doubteth asmuch of Som repossession as the former did of his dispossession. I am fully perswaded (saith he) that William So. was possessed with an euill spirit, and that he was dispossessed: but concerning his repossession I am not therein so fully per¦swaded: although I haue many reasons to induce me so to thinke.

Darrell.

At the time of his examination (meaning M. Iohn Browne one of the 12. Commissioners, a very reuerend and learned man) he woulde not affirme, that is, vpon his oath (for the booke was presently called for so soone as any appeared before the B. of London) that So. was dis¦possessd. Did M. Browne leaue me, or yet the cause and worke of God which he regardeth a little more then me because he would not swear that So. was dispossessed. Truly it had bene very strange if he shoulde haue so deposed. One woulde thinke that he hath shewed himselfe a frend to the cause, whatsoeuer he is to me, in saying that he did not dis¦semble. 2. in affirminge that he was possessed, and that it was the diuell in him that played those prancks in his body, as the Disc termeth them. 3 that he did think that he was dis••oss••ssed, or to this effect. And for M. Brinsley a preacher of the gospell, it appeareth by his deposition, that

he hath not left me nor yet the ca••. For he hath deposed that he is fully perswaded that So. was poss••ssed. 2. that he is fully perswaded he was dispossess••d. 3. that though he be not so fully perswaded of his repossession, yet he doth think so, meaning of the time present, because for any thing he knew, sathan after his repossessing of So. might percase be departed, Surely the Disc. was not wise in producing those depositions which e¦uery childe may see maketh not for him, but against him. And as vn∣wise was he to tell vs that M Ireton his credit wrought som•• inconvem∣ence, through his facillity in beleuing those things which were tould him: al¦beit his speaches still did rely vpon this supposition, that if those thing•• which he heard were true, then thus and thus. For M. Ireton is known as to be of singuler learning, so of great wisdome, and therefore (as it is said of svch in the prouerbes) will consider before he beleue as the things re¦ported, so the credit of the reporter,* 1.135 with other circumstaunces and none of those foolish ones which will beleue euery thing 2.* 1.136 M. Ireton was not only tould and heard of the strange and fearefull operations of sa∣than, in and vppon the body of Somers, but was also an eye witnesse thereof, the daye of the commission, he beinge one of the Commi∣ssioners, so that this silly euasion of the Disc. will not serue his turn. And hereby, as partly also in that M. Ireton being by the B. of London deposed, concerning So. counterfeyting, possession, dispossession, & repossession, as well as the two former, (for he came not (sure) to London, dwelling an hundred myles of for nothinge, neither bein••e come was he kept by the Bishop sundry dayes, deposed, and often ex∣amyned, about nothinge, but in all likelihood the very same that M. Browne & M. Brinsley were,) & that of the said depositions or answers of his to the same articles, we heare nothing in this volume of depo∣sitions, it is a very easy thing for men to conie••ture, what M. Ireton thinketh of Som. For had there bene but a lyne for the Disc. purpose, all the world should haue heard of it. The same may be sayd by M. E¦uington a great scholler likewise & Commissioner, who togither with M. Browne and M. Brinsley was deposed and examyned: of whose an¦swers also and what he an eye witnesse hath said to So. counterfeiting or not, his possession, dispossession, and repossession we heare not a worde. The secret testimony of these 4. so reuerent deuines, and o∣pen also by theire speaches from time to time, the wise and discreetr will regarde more then all the depositions the Discouerer to the con∣trary produceth.

Discou.

Vpon M.* 1.137 Dar. report & preaching that So. was reposs••ssed, there was then greater resort vnto him then before. M. Dar. still perswa••ing euery on that came (as (a) So. saith) that he the said So. was reposs••ssed: & that he

remayned in all his sits vtterly senceiesse.

Darrell.

This is a manifest vntruth, for the next day after I first saide he was rep••••eded, an•• ••efore I preached ••o, I wen•• to Ashby, wher•• my 〈◊〉〈◊〉 remayned, and before I returned (being the ••ater day ••o••∣lo••ing) ••e was had to S. Ioanes, and said he councerte, ted, whether al••o I neither did no•• might repayre vnto him, one only time excep∣ted when the Maior was present. And after the Discouery of sathan be¦fore the 12. Commisioners, I was ••it•• him only the next morninge with diuers ministers at Edmund Garlands house, departing presently home to Ashby, from whose house he was departed, & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the dog turned to his vomyt, I meane his former confe••sion of counterfeyt∣ing, which he had disclaymed for a season, before I returned to Nott. and both these I can dyrectly proue. But now doth the Disc. proou•• t••at be affirmeth? why thus So. saith it: and then the Reader may be su••e it is a lye.

Discouerer.

It might gr••atly be maruayled what estimation & credit M. D ar. got by thos new sorgery of So. pretended repossess••on.* 1.138 Howbeit many of the wiser s••rt, that wer•• not poss••ssed, with the giddy humoure of nouel••yes (couered forsooth with zeale & sighings) did laugh this to scorne, as they did the rest.

Darrell.

The wiser sort the Disc. calleth those which did laugh to scorne the worke of god. Of such scorners the world was neuer without some when a far greater worke then this we treate of, and more wonderfull was wrought, and that ymediatly by the Lorde himselfe, whereof we reade in the 2.* 1.139 of the Acts, it is said some mocked. There is a genera∣tion and euer will be, that sitteth in the seate of the scornfull. But who are those wis••men he speaketh of? forsooth M. Walton Arch-deacon of Darbyshire, and M. Sales officiall: both nonresydents, and the lat∣ter a man of no learning, and as l••ttle wisdome and gouernment: He woulde neuer else (as I haue credibly hearde) haue bene the ryng∣leader in the setting vp of a may-pole the last sommer, with pypinge, and dancing, and that vppon the Lordes day. Out of the ministery are of these wise men, M. Peter Clarke Maior then of Nott. M. Freman and the other Nott. Commissioners. For beesides these there were s••arslye any (some papists only excepte••) which were knowne to wag the tongue against the worke of god, the multitude not only ackno∣wleding it but reioycinge in it, and magnifyinge the name of god. And in the ministery none were knowne to be for counterfeyting, & a••ainst the possession and dispossession of Somers but the two former: vpon occa••yon that M. Walton did rise vp and that openly against the

manifest worke of god, after one publique meeting about Som. there was an other at the same time agreed vpon. VVhen the appoynted day was come, there were mett togither many ministers and learned men, all which were for possessio, & no mā heard to speake a word for counterfeyting, this arch deacon and officiall excepted. Now all thes the Disc. accounteth to be men poss••ssed though not with diuells, yett with the giddy humour of noueltyes. VVell my brethren, it is farr better to be one of the foolish of this world, and for that folly to be laughed at and scorned, then of the wise, &

princes of this world, & for the same to be laughed at by him that dwelleth in heauen, and of the lord to be had in derisyon.

* 1.140 But I desire to know of the Disc. (who can so well discern of spirits) with what spirit M. Walton was possessed, when beefore the Commissioners after all this contention, he renounced counter∣feyting, and confessed it to be the finger of god, as both M. Euington & M. Iohn Strelley with others can witnesse: and whether at that time he also were not possessed with the giddy humour of noueltyes, couered with zeale and sighings.

Discou.

So. grew weary of this his said relapse, after he had continued therein a∣bout sixe weekes,* 1.141 & said to Iohn Cooper that he should be quyet if he might get out of M. Darrell fingers, and be at S. Ioanes. And againe in the next leafe: Cooper signified to some of the Aldermen, what So. had said vnto him touching his desire that he might remayne with him, that so at the l••ngth he might be in quyet.

Darrell.

In these wordes the Disc. telleth vs how So. by the meanes of Iohn Cooper, got himselfe from his father in lawes house to S. Ioanes. The reason mouiug him there-vnto was, that being weary of coun∣terfeyting through is long continuance therein, viz. for 6. weekes togither, he could not tell how to giue ouer his dissembling, because of me. To helpe himselfe therefore in this straight, he bethought hī of this course we heare of. For answer herevnto: first the Disc. doth not proue that So. was the cause of his going to S. Ioanes, no not by So. deposition, but onlye saith so him selfe. 2. By the deposition of Iohn Cooper page 177. the contrary doth appeare, as we shall present∣ly heare. 3. we may hereby coniecture how false this is, in that S. Ioa∣nes is a house in Nott. whether vagrant and ydle persons are sent and kept ver•• straight to worke, beinge seuerely corrected if they fayle therein. Now who can thinke that So. who had runn away, first from M. Grayes, and after twise from Tho. Porter, was a yong fydler & sing¦ing boy, had also playd the counterfeit boy as the Disc. saith, first at M. Brackenburyes, then at Nott. should offer voluntarily his neck to

the y••ake, (I meane of toy••esome labour) and his back to the rod of correction. And wherefore shoul•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this? ••ecause (forsooth) otherwise he coulde not be q••y••t. & ••••tt himselfe ••ut of my f••ngers, but must neades will he ••••ntinue ••is c••unt••rfeyting, whereof ala•• he gr••w w••ary. An ••st riduculous 〈◊〉〈◊〉, all 〈…〉〈…〉 ••ell consy∣dered, which I leaue to t••e 〈…〉〈…〉 him of. Yea but the Disc. is of an other mynde: for marke what he telleth vs, and that ve¦ry solemnly in an other place.

If any saith be do•• surmise these practis••s to be improbable, as beinge much subiect to danger,* 1.142 in that the said parties that are so ••unningly drawn on in those courses, may vpon many occasions detect them: they must know that these fellowes are well enough furnished in that behalfe. For first am∣ong••st the Papistes, it were sufficient to bringe a suspition of ••eresye, that should but doubt that one w••re not p••ss••ss••d, if their preists affirmed the con¦trary. And we see amongst our selues, how hardly it is ind••red, that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pret••nded Exorcists are called into question, but be it that the worst should fall out: yet they haue such rules, as if you will allow th••m, they are safe enough. For if any doe once fall into their handes, or yealde th••ms••lues vnto their practises, they can neuer be ridd from them by any meanes, so lo••g as they are pleased to worke vpon them.

Considering these wordes of the Disc. and that he saith that c••u¦nterfeytes can neuer be rid by any meanes from their teachers so long•• a•• they are pleased to worke v••on them: it is no maruaile though Som. we••e glad to get himselfe euen to S. Ioaues (the worst place for his case of a thousand) that so he might 〈◊〉〈◊〉 himselfe of me: but rather a maruell that he could so berid of me, ••eeing the Disc. saith that such schollers can neuer be rid of then mais••••rs, no not by any meanes. If ••i is be true S. H. how came it to passe that So. rid himselfe out of my ••andes on••e before wh••n he was weary of counterfeyting, as now he is sai••e to be? So. (quoth the Disc.) beginning to be werie of counterfeyting, for ought that M. Dar. could doe, altogither refused to continue his dissembling cours any longer: and so made no shew of any of his pranks for the space of S. wee¦kes. And agayne: So. growing weary of his dis••mulation, contrary to Dar relis perswasions gaue ouer all his tricks & practises. And this he pr••••th substantially by So. testimony Hereof (saith ••e So. in this s••rt. About the beginning of December,* 1.143 I did grow very weary of all my former practi∣ses, and there vpon did wholly leaue them, contrary to M. Dar. good liking who end••u••red to perswad me still to continue 〈…〉〈…〉 could not pre∣uayl•• with me so farr.* 1.144 Here by the way we 〈…〉〈…〉 is cō∣trary to himselfe, And this is the 10. 〈…〉〈…〉 ••inced by his owne Discouery. But I w••uld 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (I say) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Disc. why So, could not as well gett himself•••• is latter tin cout 〈…〉〈…〉

without the conueying of himselfe to S, Ioanes, as well as before. O∣thers will thinke though the Disc. be of an other minde, that were it so that I had taught S••. to counterfeyt, as he will haue it, and he had but in secret tould me, that being weary of counterfeyting, he wolde counterfeyt no more, and rather then so he would discouer all, I wo∣ulde haue bene willing enough to haue rid my selfe of him, & if nedes I must busy my selfe in this worthy art, ••aue ••ather sought out a newe scholler, then haue trouble•• my s••lfe with ••ne so lazy, so way war••e, wauering, and p••ruerse, wherein also was such da••ger. For how 〈◊〉〈◊〉 e∣uer amongst the papists there is no danger to the pr••st tea••••t ge one to counterfeyt, though the counterfeyt bewray all, so long as the priest affirmes the contrary, if we may beleeue the I••scouerer: yet I trust he will not say the same of the ministers of Christ Iesus amonge vs, and yet he doth say somthing bending that way. Moreouer, if S. m. saide thus to Cooper and went by his owne pro••urement to this said ••nd to S. Ioanes: why when he was come thither di•• Cooper ••••reat••n to whip him, if he would not leaue his ••ricks, as Cooper ••imselfe con••esse•• vp∣pon his oath to t••e 12. Commissioners? but more for the c••nuincing of this followeth forthwith. And where the Disc. pretendeth that So. grew weary of his relapse meaning counterfeyting to be reposses••e••, be¦cause he had continu•••• th••r•• about sixe weeke•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is therein greatly de¦ceaued, for it was but two wee••es. So. Le••an to be repo••••essed at or about the time of his yn pris••••n••ent, as appeareth by the beginninge of t••is chapter page 49. but that was ••ot about the 14. of 〈…〉〈…〉 as the Disc. saith in the argument of this c••apter and So. also a little af¦ter, ••ut t••e 14. of ••••ruary as I ca•• pr••••e by many witnesse. & the 24. of I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••e went to S. I••an••s, as is 〈◊〉〈◊〉, where ••ee was pr••••ntly quyet and confessed his dissi••••ulati••n. By t••is that hath here said we may partly see, that So. remoued not ••imselfe for t••e ca∣use heere alledged, to S. Ioanes, but they in••eed cau••ed ••••is r••m••uall wh••me Sathan vsed as his instr••••ents to get from t••e boy that ••ur∣sed confession of counterfeyting which soone after he was there ••ee made, the meanes first being vsed, which serued there vnto: viz. pro¦mises and threats, as ••eereafter will appear. And those were our Not∣tingham Commissioners, who caused him to be carried thither greatly against the boyes and his parents will, vnder coul∣lour to fynde out some counterfeytinge, where it was as manifest as the daye-light at noon, that there was no possibillity of co••nterfeytinge.

The end of the second Book.

Notes

• * 1.1

  pag. 7••
• * 1.2

  Yf that wretch∣ed & notorious Blaspheamous H••ck••t••, were mistly & worthe¦ly condemned & executed, for such like blas∣phemie & in∣dignities as this may it not seme strange that this lewde per••ned boy should be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cherished and much made of, by the Bish. & his C••aplen.
• * 1.3

  Ans.
• * 1.4

  •• Deut. 19. 15. Iohn, 8. 17. 2 cor. 13. 1. 2
• * 1.5

  1 tim. 5. 19,
• * 1.6

  M. Iohn I••eton. M Iohn Brown•• M. Robert Ev••••∣gton, M. Tho. Boulto•• pag. 244.
• a 1.7

  About 100. of the cheife of them amonge whom I n••ne liue •• haue all∣••eadie (in effect) witne••sed, that I vsed to goe in to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, as little as other preachers of the gospell.
• * 1.8

  what these boy∣••s were & there ••a n••s it would be knowne. also wa••. Al••house.
• b 1.9

  buyes vsual∣lie playe in the sendes or stretes
• c 1.10

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 me•• haue neither names nor sur∣names, no more then the boyes. But no maruel for they were to ••••strangers.
• * 1.11

  Ans. 1.
• o 1.12

  op orre•• mend ••cem 〈◊〉〈◊〉 memo••em.
• * 1.13

  pag. ••.
• * 1.14

  pag. 95.
• * 1.15

  pag. 8••
• * 1.16

  pag 80. pa•• 82. pag, 83,
• * 1.17

  pag 84.
• * 1.18

  pag. 93.
• * 1.19

  pag 9••.
• * 1.20

  pag 93.
• * 1.21

  pag. 80. & 87.
• * 1.22

  pag 86.
• * 1.23

  pag 96.
• * 1.24

  pag 9••
• * 1.25

  pag. 96. It 〈◊〉〈◊〉 por••d (saith he) your owne forg••d d•• ••se at Ash by (if there were an•• such) is vtterlie false, yea in the Disc•••• own conscience. It may appeare by that watch thu•• followeth.
• a 1.26

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.27

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.28

  pag. 81.
• * 1.29

  pag. 265.
• * 1.30

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 82,
• * 1.31

  This ar••••••h a∣desperat 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.32

  pag. 87.
• * 1.33

  what then? yet why should not his tell•••• ••y 〈…〉〈…〉 gaiult 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.34

  pag. 17. The fi••st circum 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.35

  the 2 ci••cum∣•••• c pag. 67.
• * 1.36

  the 3 ci••cum∣•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pag 87.
• * 1.37

  the 4 & 5. cir∣cum 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pag. 88.
• * 1.38

  pag ••8. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉¦stance.
• * 1.39

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.40

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.41

  pag. 80. pag. 81.
• * 1.42

  pag, 89. ••c. to 6. 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.43

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.44

  pag. 97. 86.
• * 1.45

  pag 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.46

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.47

  pag 89. the 2 generall 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.48

  pag. 90, th 3 general 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.49

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.50

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 90 the 4 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.51

  And euidente ••gne that the 〈…〉〈…〉 plentifull in 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.52

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 18. 6 ••
• * 1.53

  pag. 9••. ths 5 circu••∣stanc••.
• * 1.54

  pag. 9••.
• * 1.55

  pag. 100.
• * 1.56

  that 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.57

  pag 10••.
• * 1.58

  the 1. circum¦stance. pag 107.
• * 1.59

  ••art 9. p••g. 16
• * 1.60

  〈…〉〈…〉 pag 108.
• * 1.61

  p••g 102.
• * 1.62

  p. 41. 30.
• * 1.63

  pag ••06.
• * 1.64

  p••g 289.
• * 1.65

  This is the eight 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.66

  pag 50.
• * 1.67

  ma••h 12 12. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 5. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 5. 5.
• * 1.68

  mark 5. 15. Luk 8. 35.
• m 1.69

  mark 1. 24,
• * 1.70

  pag 30.
• * 1.71

  page 30.
• * 1.72

  mark 9. 25.
• * 1.73

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.74

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.75

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.76

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.77

  The 3. circum¦stance pag 108.
• * 1.78

  The 4 circ••m 〈◊〉〈◊〉 p••g ••. 9.
• * 1.79

  The s••en 〈…〉〈…〉 pag 11••.
• * 1.80

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 um∣stance p••g 111. ••••7. cu••cum∣sta••••e. pag 113. the 8 circum∣st••••nce. Pag 113.
• * 1.81

  The 9. ••circu••••¦stance pag 114.
• * 1.82

  The 10 circum••¦stance pag 115.
• * 1.83

  The 11. circ••••¦stance.
• * 1.84

  The 12. circu••••¦stance pag 116. the 13 circum∣stance. pag 120. the 14 circum∣stance. Pag 122.
• * 1.85

  the 15. circu••••∣stance. pag. 124.
• * 1.86

  pag 126.
• * 1.87

  my p••st peneral∣an•• 〈…〉〈…〉 the circumstances.
• * 1.88

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 answere
• * 1.89

  ••y 〈◊〉〈◊〉 answeare.
• * 1.90

  my 4. answeare.
• * 1.91

  This 〈◊〉〈◊〉 my case, 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.92

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.93

  pag 106. This is the argu¦ment of the 3•• chapter.
• * 1.94

  pag 11••
• a 1.95

  how can the Dis•• avoyde this without blush∣inge.
• * 1.96

  The 2. ••hap. co•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 parte of the former 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.97

  pag 127.
• * 1.98

  pag. 128.
• * 1.99

  pag•• 90.
• * 1.100

  4.
• * 1.101

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.102

  2 mark. 9. 25. ma••h. 12. 43.
• * 1.103

  ••
• * 1.104

  pag. 205.
• * 1.105

  Luke 11. 22.
• * 1.106

  ma••h. 12 2••. Luk 11. 21.
• * 1.107

  m••••h 12. 45. Lul. 11. 26.
• * 1.108

  what 〈◊〉〈◊〉 lo possessed
• * 1.109

  ••uk 9 39. 〈…〉〈…〉 ••l••p. 8 16 4. math. 12. 29 44.
• * 1.110

  mark 123
• * 1.111

  pag. 134.
• * 1.112

  pag 239
• * 1.113

  ••arrell
• * 1.114

  Nu ••••on 〈◊〉〈◊〉 2.
• * 1.115

  dep. 6.
• * 1.116

  dep. 14.
• * 1.117

  dep. 15.
• * 1.118

  dep. 10.
• * 1.119

  Disouery.
• * 1.120

  pag. 137.
• * 1.121

  see for a •…•…t ••et 〈…〉〈…〉 113.
• * 1.122

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.123

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.124

  pag 142.
• * 1.125

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.126

  pag 142. pag 143.
• * 1.127

  pag 145
• * 1.128

  Darrell.
• * 1.129

  pag 147
• * 1.130

  pag ••48.
• * 1.131

  pag 145.
• * 1.132

  Pag 145.
• * 1.133

  pag 148.
• * 1.134

  pag. 150.
• * 1.135

  prou. 14. 15.
• * 1.136

  prou. 14. 15.
• * 1.137

  pag. 151 or rather as the Disco. saith
• * 1.138

  pag ••••
• * 1.139

  p••lm•• ••1.
• * 1.140

  1 cor. 1 2••. 1 cor. 2. 6. psa. 2. 4.
• * 1.141

  pag 15••
• * 1.142

  pag 7.
• * 1.143

  pag 144. pag 11••.
• * 1.144

  ••us. 1.