The boy of Bilson: or, A true discouery of the late notorious impostures of certaine Romish priests in their pretended exorcisme, or expulsion of the Diuell out of a young boy, named William Perry, sonne of Thomas Perry of Bilson, in the county of Stafford, yeoman Vpon which occasion, hereunto is premitted a briefe theologicall discourse, by way of caution, for the more easie discerning of such Romish spirits; and iudging of their false pretences, both in this and the like practices.

THE EXAMINATION AND ANSWERE OF THOMAS NECHILS of Nechils, in the County of Stafford, Gentleman (a Recusant) taken vpon oath before the R. Reuerend Father in God THOMAS L. Bishop of Couentry and Lichfield, at Eccleshall Castle, the 17. of Octob. Anno 1620. touching the afore∣mentioned Relation of the Priests, of their proceedings with the Boy of Bilson.

BEing examined whether hee knew a written discourse then shewed vnto him, touching the Boy of Bilson, enti∣tuled and beginning thus; A faith∣full Relation of the proceedings of &c. and ending in these words, Yours in charity, loue, or any good office? Hee answereth, that hee doth very well know, and remember the same.

Being examined how hee came first by that dis∣course, or Relation, and from whom he had it? Hee answereth, that it was deliuered vnto him by a Gentleman, whom he met iourneying on the way towards Lichfield, whose name was Master Wheeler, as he told this Examinate. And, being further de∣manded, he saith that he was as a man of a reaso∣nable

stature, round faced, about fiftie yeeres old, and of a blackish complection.

Being examined what further discourse did at that time passe betwixt them two, touching the said Boy, called VVilliam Perry? He answereth that the said Master Wheeler then told this Examinate, that he would acquaint him with the whole busi∣nesse, concerning that Boy: whereupon hee gaue this Examinate a copie of the afore-named dis∣course or Relation (hauing two copies at the same time about him) and willed this Examinate to get it copied out, and to giue one copie thereof vnto one Philip Higgins of Westbromage Yeoman (as hee this Examinate remembers.) And further, that the said Master Wheeler said vnto this Examinate, that was no matter who should see it.

Being further examined what the said Master Wheeler did at the same time acquaint this Exami∣nate with, touching himselfe? Hee confesseth that he told him how that he did often vse to resort vnto the French Embassadour: that hee did know the Bishop of Couentry and Lichfield; and fur∣ther, that he was knowne to the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury.

Tho. Nechils.