A Treatise of Witchcraft.  
Wherein sundry Propositions are laid down, plainly discovering the wickedness of that damnable Art, with diverse other special points annexed, not impertinent to the same, such as ought diligently of every Christian to be considered.  
With a true Narration of the Witchcrafts which Mary Smith, wife of Henry Smith Glover, did practise: Other contract vocally made between the Devil and her, in solemn terms, by whose means she hurt sundry persons whom she envied: Which is confirmed by her own confession, and also from the public Records of the Examination of diverse upon their oaths: And Lastly, of her death and execution, for the same; which was on the twelfth day of januarie last passed.  
By ALEXANDER ROBERTS B. D. and Preacher of God's Word at Kings-Linne in Norfolk.  EXOD. 22. 18. Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. 
Impium est nos illis esse Remissos, quos coelestis Pietas  
Non Patitur impunitos: Alarus Rex apud Cassiodorum.  
LONDON, Printed by N. O. for SAMVEL MAN, and are to be sold at his Shop in Paul's Churchyard at the sign of the Ball.  
1616.   

¶ To the right Worshipful Master john Atkin Maior, the Recorder and Aldermen, and to the Common Counsel, Burgesses and Inhabitants of Kings Linne in Norfolk, Grace and Peace.  
Right Worshipful:  
IN these last days, and perilous times, among the rest of those dreadful evils, which are foretold should abound in them, a close & disguised 
2. Timoth. 3. 5.  contempt of religion may be justly accounted as chief, which causeth and bringeth upon men all disastrous effects, when although it be shadowed with a beautiful Mask of holiness, fair tongued: yet falsehearted, 
a Titus 1. 16.  professing they know God, but in works deny him. And among these there be two especial sorts; the one, who entertaining a stubborn, and curious rash boldness, strive by the judgement of reason, to search over-deeply into the knowledge of those things which are far above the reach of any human capacity. And so making shipwreck in this deep and unsoundable Sea, overwhelm themselves in the gulf thereof. The other kind is more sottish, dull, and of a slow wit, and therefore over-credulous, believing eueri●… thing, especially when they be carried by the violent tempest of their desires, and other ungoverned affections; and among these the devil usually spreadeth his nets, as assured of a prey, waiting closely if he can espy any, who either grow discontented and desperate, through want and poverty, or be exasperated with a wrathful and unruly passion of revenge, or transported by unsatiable love to obtain some thing they desire; and these he taking advantage, assaulteth with golden and glorious promises, to perform unto them the wishes of their own hearts; the drift whereof is (he being as at the first incased in a subtle Serpent's skin) only to enthrall and invassall them slaves to himself. The first of these mentioned, are sly and masked Atheists, who overshadow their secret impiety, loose and dissolute behaviour with some outward conformity and show of religion, snatching (as they think) a sufficient warrantise thereof from those disorders they observe among men, and therefore pass uncensured, having a civil, but dissembled carriage. The second be Sorcerers, Wizards, Witches, and the rest of that rank and kindred: no small multitude swarming now in the world, yet supposed of many, rather worthy pity then punishment, as deluded by fantasies, and misled, not effecting those harms wherewith they be charged, or themselves acknowledge. But considering they be joined and linked together with Satan in a league (the common and professed enemy of mankind) and by his help perform many subtle mischievous actions, and hurtful designs, it is strange that from so great a smoke arising, they neither descry nor fear some fire. And therefore, in respect of these, I have at your appointment and request (for whom I am most willing to bestow my best labours and ever shall be) penned this small Treatise, occasioned by the detection of a late witch among you, whose irreligious care, and unwearied industry, is not to be defrauded of deserved commendation, and by mature deliberation, and discreet search, found out her irreligious and impious demeanour, and also discovered sundry her unnatural and inhuman mischiefs done to others, whereof being convicted, she was accordingly sentenced, and did undergo the penalty justly appointed, and due by Law unto malefactors of that kind. After all which, you kindled with a holy zeal of the advancement of God's glory, and giving satisfaction to every one howsoever affected, intermitted no means, using therein the labour of your careful Ministers (willingly offering themselves in this holy service) whereby she might be brought (as one converted in the last hour) to the sight & acknowledgement of her heinous sins in general, & particularly of that of witchcraft, confessing the same, & by true repentance, and embracing of the tender mercies of God in Christ jesus save her soul (who refuseth no true and unfeigned convert at any time.) And he graciously blessing these religious endeavour, of yours, vouchsafed to second the same with a happy and wished for event, which (as I hope) shall appear manifestly in the following Treatise unto all those who are not fond, & without cause, too much wedded to their own conceits: And thus, desiring GOD most humbly to confirm and strengthen you in his truth, which ever you have loved, and is your due praise, and shall be at the last an honour unto you: I rest  
Your Worships in all Christian duty to be commanded, A. ROBERTS.   

To the Reader.  
CHristian Reader, I have upon occasion penned this short discourse, and that of such a subject wherewith not being well acquainted, am enforced to crave some direction from those, whose names you shall find remembered in the same: (that I be not unthankful unto those from whom I receive instruction) and have in former time, and latter days, taken pains in searching out, both the speculative, and practic parts of this damnable Art of Witchcraft, a dangerous and seducing invention of Satan, who from the Arcenals, and Magisins storehouses of his ancient and mischievous furniture, hath not spared to afford all help, and the best Engines for the subverting of souls, pliable to his allurements: and to this end, beside a plain narration of fact in this case committed and confessed, (lest the Treatise should be too bare and naked) I have added thereunto a few Propositions, agreeing to such a subject matter, manifesting some special points not altogether importinent in my opinion, nor unworthy of due consideration: I know mine own wants, and do as willingly acknowledge them: One more experienced, and of greater leisure, and better health, had been fitter for the opening and discovering of so deep a mystery, and hidden secret of Iniquity, as this is; and haply hereafter may be willing to take that task in hand: yet herein thou shalt find●… something not ●…all: A manifest contract made with the Devil, and by 〈◊〉 terms of a loague, which is the ground of all the per●…tious actions proceeding from those sorts of people, who are, have been, and shall be practitioners in that cursed and hellish Art. And yet no more than she, that Witch of whom in this relation we do speak, hath of her own accord, and voluntarily acknowledged after conference had withme, and sundry learned and reverend Divines, who both prayed for her conversion, carefully instructed her in the way to salvation, and hopefully rescued her from the Devil, (to whom she was devoted, and by him seduced) and regained her to God from whom she was departed by Apostac●…e. And in this so Christian and holy action were the continual pains of  
Master 


Thomas Howes.  
Thomas Hares.  
john Man.  
William Leedes.  
Robert Burward.  
William Armitage.     
And of these in the day of execution (which she in no wise would condescend unto should be deferred, though offered reprivall upon hope that more might have been acknowledged) being very distemperate, nevertheless some accompanied her to the place, and were both eye and care-witnesses of her behaviour there, seeing and hearing how she did then particularly confess her confederacy with the Devil, cursing, banning, and envy towards her neighbours, and hurts done to them, expressing every one by name, so many as be in the following discourse, nominated, and how she craved mercy of God, and pardon for her offences, with other more specialties afterward expressed. And thus I end, taking my leave, and commending thee to the gracious guidance and preservation of our good God in our blessed Saviour Christ jesus.  
Thine ever in the Lord, A. Ro●….   

A TREATISE OF THE CONFESSION AND EXECUTION OF MARY SMITH, CONVICTED OF WITCHCRAFT, and condemned for the same: of her contract vocally & in solemn terms made with the Devil; by whose means she hurt sundry persons whom she enured, with some necessary Propositions added thereunto, discovering the wickedness of that damnable Art, and divers other special points, not impertinent unto the same, such as ought diligently of every Christian to be considered.  
THERE is some diversity of judgement among the learned, who should be the first Author and Inventer of Magical and curious Arts. The most general occurrence of opinion is, that they fetch their pedigree from the 
a Augustinus de divinatione D●…monum: & de 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. lib. 7 cap 35. Pl●…us 〈◊〉 natura●… lib. 30. cap. 1.  Persians, who searching more deeply into the secrets of Nature than others, and not contented to bond themselves within the limits thereof, fell foul of the Devil, and were insuared in his nets. And among these, the publisher unto the world was Zoroaster, who so soon as he by birth 
b Augustinus de Ci●…tate Dei lib. 21. cap. 14.  entered the world, contrary to the usual condition of other men, laughed (whereas the beginning of our life is a sob, the end a sigh) and this was ominous to himself, no warrantise for the enjoying of the pleasures of this life, overcome in battle by Ninus 
c Iust●… 〈◊〉 Epito●…e Trogi Pomp●…y. lib 1.  King of the Assyrians, and ending his days by the stroke of a thunderbolt, and could not, though a famous Sorcerer, either foresee, or prevent his own destiny. And because he writ many books of this damnable Art, and left them to posterity, may well be accounted a chief master of the same But the Devil 
d La●…antius de origine error●…. lib. 2. cap. 17. And citeth the testimony of Sibilla 〈◊〉 for proof hereof. Gratianus Decretorum part. 2. causa 26 quest 2 Can●… sine saluatore, & 〈◊〉 esse has 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 affirmat Ced●…nus in historia compendio.  must have the precedency, whose scholars both he and the rest were, who followed treading in his steps. For he taught them soothsaying, Auguration, Necromancy, and the rest, mere delusions, aiming therein at no other mark, then to with draw men from the true worshipping of God. And all those pernicious practices are fast tied together by the tails, though their faces look sundry ways; and therefore the Professors thereof are styled by sundry names, as Magicians, Necromancers, Enchanters, Wizards, Hags, Fortune-tellers, Diviners, Witches, Cunning Men, and Women, etc. Whose Art is such a hidden mystery of 
e Probationes ex quibus legitim●… est judicia fieri, tres necessaria plant d●…ci & inda●… po●…nt 〈◊〉 veritas notory & per●…tis ●…ath. 2● confess●… voluntari●… ei●… qui reu●… 〈◊〉, atque 〈◊〉 3● certorum te●…um 〈◊〉 testimonium: his & 4● addipotest violent●… presumptiones de 〈◊〉 de 〈◊〉 lib. 4. cap. 2. 3 4.  wickedness, and so unsearchable a depth of Satan, that neither the secrets of the one can be discovered, nor the bottom of the other further sounded, then either the practisers thereof themselves by their own voluntary confessions made, or procured by order of justice (according to the manner of that Country where they be questioned) have acknowledged, or is manifested by the sundry mischiefs done of them unto others, proved by impartial testimonies upon oath, and by vehement presumptions confirmed, or else communicated unto us in the learned Treatises, and discourses of ancient and late Writers gathered from the same grounds. And 
f The Oracles of the Pagans, in all places of the world, when CHRIST was borne, were silenced, and the Devil became mute 〈◊〉 so that Augustus Cesar demanding of Apollo by his messengers, sent to Delphor, had this answer returned, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 etc. in sense thus much, An Hebrew Child commandeth me to leave this place, and return again to hell. From hence therefore you must depart from our Altars, without resolution of any questions propounded. Eusebius de preparatione evangelica. lib. 5. cap 8. Theodoretus de Gracorum affectionum curatione qui est de oraculis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Vide & Suidam in Augusto, & A●…um de incarnatione verbi.  although this Hellish Art be not now so frequent as heretofore, since the Pagans have been converted unto Christianity, and the thick sogges of Popery overmantling the bright shining beams of the Gospel of jesus Christ (who came to dissolve the works of the Devil. 1. joh. 3. 8.) and were by the sincere and powerful preaching thereof dispersed; yet considering these be the last times, days evil & dangerous, foretold that should come, 2. Tim. 3. 1. in which iniquity must abound, Mat. 24. 12. and as a raging deluge overrun all, so that Faith shall scarce be found upon earth, Luk. 18. 8. and the Devil loosed from his thousand years imprisonment, 
* De hac ligatione & solutione Di●…li ple●… August. de Civitate Dei, lib. 20. cap. 〈◊〉.  Revel. 20. 3. enraged with great wrath walketh about, and seeketh whom he may devour. 1. Pet. 5. 8. Because he knoweth he hath but a short time, Rev. 12. 12. Before I enter into the particularity of the narration intended, it shall be material to set down some general propositions, as a handful of glean gathered in the plentiful harvest of such learned men, who have written of this argument, whereby the erroneous may be recalled, the weak strengthened, the ignorant informed, and such as judge aright already, confirmed: and among many other these as chief, all which you shall see exemplified in the following Discourse.  

The first Proposition.  
IT is a Quaere, though needless, whether there be any Witches: for they 
g Wierus de magor●… insomium poe●…s lib. 6. cap. 17. 18 19 20 21 22. 23. 24. etc. 27. & de Lamijs lib. 3. cap. 7. & de la ni●…rum impotentia. But this position cometh from another as dangerons, even Infidelity denying that there be any Devils, but in opinion; which was the doctrine of Aristotle, and the Peripatetique Philosophers. Pompenatius de inca●…nationibus Binfeldius de confessionibus malesicorum  have some Proctor●… who plead a nullity in this case, persuade themselves, and would induce others to be of the same mind, that there be no Witches at all: but a sort of melancholic, aged, and ignorant Women, deluded in their imagination; and acknowledge such things to be effected by them, which are unpossible, unlikely, and they never did; and therefore Magistrates who inflict any punishment upon them, be unmerciful and cruel Butchers. Yet by the way, and their good leave, who take upon them this Apology, all who are convented upon these unlawful action, are not strucken in years; but some even in the flower of their youth be nuzzled up in the same, and convicted to be practisers thereof; neither be they overflowed with a black melancholic humour, dazzling the fantasy, but have their understandings clear, and wits as quick as other: Neither yet be they all women, though for the most part that sex be inclinable thereunto: (as shall afterward be showed, and the causes thereof) but men also on whose behalf no exception can be laid, why any should demur either of their offence or punishment for the same. Wherefore for this point, and confirmation of the affirmative, we have sundry pregnant and evident proofs.  
First testimonies Divine and human: Divine of God himself in his word, 
h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  left for our instruction in all dogmatical truth, reproof and confutation of falsehood in opinions, correction for the reforming of misdemeanours in conversation, doctrine for the guidance of every estate Political, Ecclesiastical, occonomical. 2. Timoth. 3. 16. Therefore expressly, Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live, Exod. 22. 18. 
i Philo in libro de legibus specialibus.  but to be executed in the same day wherein she is convicted, and this was a custom observed by the ancient Fathers.  
And Deuteronomy 18. 10. 11. there is a black Bill set down 
k Vide Paulum Phagium in annotationibus, & Chaldaicam Paraphras●… in cap. 18. & 19 Levitici. , and registered of sundry kinds of these slaves of Satan, all condemned, and God addeth in the same place the reasons of this his severe and sharp judgement against them. First, because they are an abomination unto him. Secondly, he determineth utterly to destroy all such, and giveth his people the Israelites an example thereof in the Canaanites, whom their Land spewed out. Thirdly, for that he requireth all who belong unto him, to be pure, undefiled and holy, not stained with impieties, for they are bound unto him by covenant in obedience. Fourthly, such were the Heathen, strangers from God, blinded in their dark understanding, without saving knowledge, with whom the Israelites, a chosen and peculiar nation, enjoying his laws and statutes, must have no familiarity. Further, the woman of Endor acknowledgeth herself to be one of the rank. 1. Sam. 28. 9 And jesabel, mother of jehoram, is in plain terms styled a Witch. 2. King. 9 22. who 
l Rodinus in consulatione opinionum Wieri.  is supposed to have brought this Art, and the Professors thereof into Samaria, which there continued for the space of six hundred years. Insomuch that it was rise in common speech, when any would reproach another, to do the same in this form; Thou art a Samaritan, and hast a Devil (a familiar spirit) which the malicious jews, not abiding his heavenly and gracious doctrine, objected to Christ jesus our blessed Saviour, joh. 8. 48. The holy Apostle reproving the Galatbians for their sudden Apostasy and backsliding from the Gospel so powerfully preached unto them and with so great evidence of the spirit, as though Christ had been crucified before their eyes, doth it in no other terms then these, Who hath bewitched you? Gal. 3. 1. And afterward, Cap. 5. 20. marshalleth Witchcraft among the works of the flesh: In both which places the names are taken from the seducements and illusions of Enchanters, who astonish the minds, and deceive the senses of men, and all that by virtue of a contract passed between them and the Devil. Other like proofs may be added to these alleged, Leuit. 20. 6. Micalo 5. 12. Nahum 3. 4. Now then when God affirmeth there be such, whose words are truth, shall man dare once to open his mouth, and contradict the most righteous?  
Concerning human witnesses, they be almost infinite; and therefore it shall be sufficient to produce some few, choice, and selected: 
m Cap 61. congregata est haec synodus sub Iustimano qui vocatus est 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, lafoy qu●… crant Epis api, 227. Balsamon in suis ad eum Commentarijs, & vocata est synodus in Trullo erat autem▪ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Secretarium palat●… quia in to fuit celebrata, eam auté 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vocat Balsamon quasi Qui ni sextam dicas quia quod quinta & sexta synodis deerat (septem enim recipiunt Graeci) haec explevit, Nomenclator Graecorum dictionum quae apud Harmenopulum●… occurrunt in s●…l 〈◊〉 Promptuario.  The second Council of Constantinople held and gathered together in the Imperial palace, of two hundred seven and twenty learned and reverent Bishops, nameth sundry sorts of such Sorcerers, and censureth their actions to be the damned practices of the Pagans, and decreeth all the Agents therein excommunicated from the Church and society of Christian people, adding the motive reason of this their determined sentence, from the Apostle, 2. Cor. 6. 14. For righteousness hath no fellowship with unrighteousness, neither is there communion of light with darkness, nor concord with Christ and Belial, nor the believer can have part with an Infidel. And 
n This testimony of Chrysostome●…cited ●…cited by Balsamon, in his exposition upon that Chapter of the Council before alleged, to which may be added others of the same holy Bishop in his 9 Homily upon the Epistle to the Colossians, & his 6 Sermon against the jews.  Chrysostome sharply reproveth all such, and those who advise with them upon any occasion, confuting the reasons which they take to be sufficient warrantise of their doings. As among the rest they will pretend, She was a Christian woman who doth thus charm or enchant; and taketh no other but the name of God in her mouth, useth the words of sacred Scripture. To this that holy Father replieth, Therefore she is the more to be hated, because ●…ee hath abused and taken in vain that great and glorious name, and professing herself a Christian, yet practiseth the 
* 〈…〉.  damnable Arts of miscreant and unbelieving Heathen. For the D●…els could speak the name of God, and nevertheless were still Devils; and when they said unto Christ, they knew who he was, the holy one of God, etc. Mar. 1 24. 2●…. their mouths were stopped, he would no such witness, that we should learn, not to believe them when they say the truth: for this is but a bait, that we might afterward follow their lies. There is much mention made of these, both in the Civil and 
n 〈…〉  Canon Laws, and diversity of punishment allotted out for them; so that none can doubt but that there hath been, and are such. I might remember unto you the authority of Clemens Romanus in his Recognitions, and those Constitutions which are fathered upon the Apostles; but their credit is not so great, that they may without exception be impanelled upon this jury, for they have long since been challenged of 
o 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 Apology against 〈◊〉. and●…bius ●…bius alloweth but one only Epistle of his Histor. 〈◊〉. 2 cap. 16. 〈◊〉 distinct ●…5 〈◊〉 contra 〈◊〉.  insufficiency.  
Among the Gentiles, when th●…se so qualitied persons did swarm, and were accounted of high esteem, there be reckoned up whole troops of this bl●…cke guard of the Devil; As 
p 〈…〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  Circe whom Homer reporteth to have turned V●…sses Companions into Wolves, Lions, Swine, etc. by her Enchantments, insavaging and making them beast-l●…ke and furious. Medea 
q 〈…〉  famous in this kind, for the murdered by Witchcraft Glauce in the day of her marriage, who enjoyed jason her love. And 
r Scholiastes Theocriti Idil 2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  the Mortars of these two, wherein they stamped their Magical drugs, were for a long time kept in a certain mountain, and showed as strange monuments to those who desired a sight of them. For 
s Remigius 〈◊〉 lib. 1. cap 2.  the Devil furnisheth such with powders, ointments, herbs, and like receipts, whereby they procure sickness, death, health, or work other supernatural effects. Of the same profession were 
t Theocritus in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Idil. 2.  Simotha, 
u Lucan. Pharsalibus lib. 6.  Erichtho, 
x Horatius' 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lib. 5.  Canidia, and infinite others beside, whose damnable memory deserveth to be buried in everlasting oblivion.  
But because the reports of these may seem to carry small credit, for that they come from Poets, who are stained with the note of licentious 
y Pictoribus atque Po●…is quidlibet audie●… semper suit aequa pote●….  feigning, and so put off as vain fictions; yet seeing they deliver nothing herein but that which was well known and usual in those times wherein they lived, they are not slightly, and upon an imagined conceit, to be rejected: for they affirm no more than is manifest in the records of most approved Histories, whose essence is and must be 
z 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Polib. historiarum lib. 12.  truth, 
a Ti●…aus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  as straightness of a rule, or else deserve not that title. In which we read of 
b T●…itus Annal. lib. 2.  Martiana, 
c Id●… a●…l. lib. 12. & 13. & Suetonius in Claudioc. 33.  L●…custa, 
d Plutarch in Mario.  Martha, 
e Apulcius.  Pamphilia, 
f Munsterus Cosmographiae lib. 2.  Aruna, etc. And not to insist upon particulars, there be infinite numbers overflowing even in these our 
g Remigius, a judge in these cases reporteth of 900 executed in Lorraine for this offence of Witch craft in the time of his government.  days, since the sincerity of Christian Profession hath decreased, and been in a sort eclipsed in the hearts of men: for the period of the continuance thereof (after it be once embraced) in his first integrity, either for zeal of affection, or strictness of discipline, hath been by some learned Divines 
h Lutherus in Genesin.  observed, to be confined within the compass of twenty years; and then afterward by degrees, the one waxed cold, and the other dissolute: which being so, it is not to be marveled though the Devil now begin to show himself in these his instruments, as heretofore, though he cannot in the same measure, in respect of those sparks of light which yet shine amongst us. But of this so much now, because I shall have afterward occasion further to enlarge this point.  
Again, the policy of all States 
i Binseldius de confessionibus maleficorum, calleth this reason a most strong & convincing argument.  have provided for the rooting out of these poisonful Weeds, and cutting of these rotten and infected members; and therefore infallibly proving their existence and being: for all 
k Ex malis ●…ribus bonae nascu●…tur leg●…s.  penal laws look to matters of fact, and are made to punish for the present, and prevent in future, some wicked actions already committed. And therefore Solon the Athenian making statutes for the settling of that Commonwealth, when a defect was found, that he omitted to provide a cautelous restraint, and appoint 
l Diog●…●…ertius lib 1. de vit●…s Philosophorum in Solone.  answerable punishment for such who had 
Cicero in Oratione pr●… Ros●…o Amerino.  killed their parents, answered, He never suspected there were or would be any such. Wherefore to confirm the position set down, God doth notthreaten to cast away his people for murder, incest, tyranny, etc. But Sorcery, Leuit. 20. 6. And Samuel willing to show Saul the grievousness of his disobedience, compareth it to witchcraft, 1. Sam. 15. 23. The Holy Ghost also manifesting how highly God was displeased with Manasses, maketh this the reason, because he gave himself to Witchcraft, and to Charming, and to Sorcery, and used them who had familiar spirits, and did much evil in the sight of the Lord to anger him, 2. Chro. 33. 6. And for this offence were the ten tribes of Israel led into captivity, 2. King. 17. 17. 
m Of these 12. Tables Livy in the 〈◊〉 book of his first Decad. Dionysius Halica●…us 10 Book of his History, & johannes Rosimus most fully in the 6 chapter of his 8 book of Roman antiquities. Livius. Plinius lib. 34. cap. 5. Cicero de legibus, lib. 2. & de de ●…rato primo.  The twelve Tables of the Romans (the ancientest law they have) by a solemn Embassage (sent for that purpose) obtained from Athens, & accounted as a Library of knowledge, do both make mention of such malefactors, & decree a penalty to be inflicted upon them. 
n Cod. lib. 9 titul. 18. lege multi magicis actibus.  Constantius and Constanti●… think them worthy of some unusual death, as enemies of mankind, strangers from nature: 
o Sententiarum receptarum lib. 5. cap. 25. ad lege●… Corneliam de sicarijs & maleficis. Paulus jurisconsultus.  and julius Paulus distinguishing the punishment according to the different quality of the offenders, pronounceth out of the then received opinions, that the better sort found guilty, were to die (not determining the manner) those of meaner condition either to be crucified, or devoured of wild beasts.  
Our ancient Saxon Kings before the 
p In 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sive de priscis Anglorum legibus Guiliel●… Lambertus.  Conquest, have in their municipal Laws apparently demonstrated what they conceived of these so dangerous and devilish persons. Alucidus keepeth the express words of God: Foeminas sagas ne sinito vivere. Suffer not women Witches to live. Gunthrunus and Canutus will have them, being once apprehended (that the rest of the people might be pure and undefiled) sent into banishment, or if they abide in the kingdom (continuing their lewd practices) executed according to desert. So Athelstane, if they be convicted to have killed any, etc. And how the present estate standeth affected toward them, the sundry strict statutes in this case provided, may give any, not wedded to his own stubbornness, sufficient and full satisfaction. Wherefore not to erect a Tabernacle, and dwell longer in persuading an undeniable truth, that there be Sorcerers and Witches, I leave these Hellish Infidels, and proceed.   

The second Proposition.  
THe second Proposition: 
q Danaeus de sortiar●…. cap. 20  Who those be, and of what quality, that are thus ensnared of the Devil, and undermined by his frauds. For resolution whereof, this may suffice. Those who either maliciously reject the Gospel offered unto them: or receiving and understanding the same, do but coldly respect, and carelessly taste it, without making any due estimation, or having any reverent regard thereof. In both which is a manifest and open contempt of God. For as he purposing to honour the first coming of his Son into the World, clothed in the cloud of our flesh, which he assumed then, suffered many to be really possessed of Devils, to be lunatic, deaf, dumb, blind, etc. whom he might deliver from these torments, and so make apparent his glory, and show by these his miracles wrought, that he was the promised Messias, Esay 35. 5. 6. And therefore Christ referreth those Disciples whom john sent unto him (doubting in respect of that base form which he took, and demanding whether it was he that should come, or another to be looked for) unto his Doctrine and Works; and by them to be instructed, whereof they were then both hearers and beholders, Math. 11. 3. 4. 5. So now coming in the dew of his grace, and having restored the light of the Gospel, and bestowed that upon mankind, as an especial and unvaluable blessing, in his justice giveth over the despisers thereof unto the power of Satan, whereby both others who contemn the same, might by their dreadful example be terrified, and the faithful stirred up to a respective thankfulness, for so great a mercy vouchsafed unto them, and acknowledge their happiness in being made partakers thereof, and by especial favour delivered out of the tyranny of the Devil: For this is one of the fearful judgements of God, and hidden from us (as all area great depth, Psal. 36. 6.) that those who received not the truth that they might be saved, should have strong delusions sent unto them, and be given over to believe Satan and his lying signs, and false wonders, 2. Thess. 2. 10. And thus consenting unto sin, and his suggestions, they are deprived of the 
r jaquerius in flagello Hereticorum, cap. 18.  help and assistance of God, and so disabled to resist all violent rushing temptations: for one offence, not being truly repent of, bringeth another, and at last throweth headlong down into hell: and by this means man despising God his creator & redeemer, and obeying the Devil a professed enemy, and irreconcilable adversary, not easy to be confronted, becometh his servant: for of whomsoever any is overcome, even of the same is he brought into bondage, 2. Pet. 2. 19 And the Apostle giveth as the reason why the heathen were so sottish Idolaters, and defiled themselves with many detestable and loathsome sins, 
s Peccatum si citius poenitendo non ●…gitur, justo judicio 〈◊〉 De●…s ●…atam peccan●… meatem, etiam in culpum alteram permittit cadere, ut qui ●…do & cerrigendo noluit mundare quod fecit, peccatum incipiat peccato cumulare, Greg. Hom. 11. in Ezech. Augustinus lib. 83. questionum questione 97. & Aquinas 1. 2. quaest 79. artic. 3 & quaest. 87. artic. 2  because when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful, therefore God gave them over to a reprobate sense, and vile affections to do those things which were not convenient, full of all unrighteousness, Rome 1. 24. 25. &. 29 So these being enthralled, and devoting themselves to the Devil by a mutual league (either express or secret) he brandeth with his mark for his 
t Zanchius de operibus creationis, part. 1 lib. 4. cap. 15. Danaeus de sortiar●… cap. 4. & Erastus de Lamijs.  own, as in ancient time was an use with Bondslaves and 
u De hoc more Alexander ab Alexandro. Dierum genialium lib. 5. cap. 18. Suetonius in Caligula, cap. 27. Cicero de officijs lib. 2. Coelius Rhodinginus Antiquarum lectionum lib. 7. cap. 31. & olim militiae Tyrones' 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 crant & in cute signati Vegetius lib. 1. cap. 8. & 2. cap. 5. Prudentius 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hymn●… 10. & huius moris meminit, Ambrofius in funebri oratione pro Valentiniano.  Captives, and these be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, taken alive in his snare, 2. Tim. 2. 26. and that in some part of the body, lest either suspected or perceived by us (for he is a cunning concealer) as under the eyelids, or in the palate of the mouth, or other secret places: Wherefore some judges cause them, once being called into question, and accused, to be shaven all the body 
x Et ensign exemplum apud Gildemannum de Lamijs lib. 3. cap. 10. sectione 38.  over. And for the manner of impression, or branding, it is after this sort. The Devil when he hath once made the contract between himself and the Witch, and agreed upon the conditions, what they shall do, the one for the other, giveth her some scratch 
y Remigius in Daemonolatria lib. 1. cap. 5. and citeth the confession of eight several persons, acknowledging both to have received the mark and in what part of the body. , which remaineth full of pain & anguish until his return again: at which time he doth so benumb the same, that though it be pierced with any sharp instrument, yet is without any sense of feeling, and will not yield one drop of blood at all: a matter known by just, often, and due trial.  
And for the most part, he bringeth these his slaves and vassals obliged to him as his own, to some desperate, Tragical, 
z Peucerus de praecipuis divinationum generi●…us titulo de Magia.  and disastrous end; and that either by the execution of justice for their demerits, or by laying violent hands upon themselves, or else God poureth upon them some strange and extraordinary vengeance, or their Grand-maister whom they have served, dispatcheth them in such manner, as they become dreadful and terrible spectacles to the beholders, whereof Histories will furnish us with 
a Philippus Caemerartus in Historicit medicationibus part. 1. cap. 70. & 7●….  variety and plenty of examples: For the Devil is a murdering spirit, desirous to do mischief, swelling in pride, malicious in hatred, spiteful in envy, subtle in craft; and therefore it behoveth every one resolutely to withstand his assaults, Ephes. 4. 27. and cautelously to decline his subtleties, and cunning ambushments from whence he invadeth 
〈◊〉  us, Eph. 6 11. ᵇ For this adversary against whom 
〈…〉  we sight, is an old beaten enemy, six thousand years are fully complete since the first time he began to assault mankind. But if any keep the Commandments of God, and constantly, by a lively faith, cleave fast unto Christ, he shall overcome: for our Lord is invincible. The Devils 
〈…〉.  indeed do willingly offer themselves to be seen of those who are not governed by the Holy Ghost; and that either to win themselves some estimation, or to entangle and deceive men, veiling their treacheries under a f●…iling countenance, whom they deadly hate, for if it lay in their possibility, they would overthrow and destroy heaven itself. Now unable to do this, they endeavour to work upon a more weak subject and matter; and therefore he that will not be subdued of them, must avoid all occasions whereby he may take any advantage, and covered with the Breastplate of Righteousness, and defended with the Shield of Faith, quench all his fiery Darts. Ephes. 6. 14.   

The third Proposition.  
EXcept God do by his especial grace and overruling power, restrain the malice of these Witches, and preserve his Children, they are permissively able, 
d .  through the help of the Devil their master, to hurt Men and Beasts, and trouble the elements, by virtue of that contract & agreement which they have made with him. For man they endamage both in body & mind: In body, for 
e Vbera matris ●…tes s●…ssimos hum●… gene●… educatores ●…ocal Pha●…rinas apud A Gell●…m no●…t. 〈◊〉 lib. 12. cap. 1. Arctius problema●… p●… 2. ●…oco 144. de Ma●…a.  Daneus reporteth of his own knowledge, as an eye-witness thereof, that he hath seen the breasts of Nurses (only touched by their hands) those sacred fountains of human nourishment so dried up, that they could yield no milk; some suddenly tormented with extreme and intolerable pain of the Colic, others 
f Godleman●… de 〈◊〉 lib. 1 cap. 7. 9 21 22. 23. 24 25. 26. etc.  oppressed with the Palsy, Leprosy, Gout, Apoplexy, etc. And thus disabled from the performance of any action, many tortured with lingering consumptions, 
g Exempla omnem sidem supe rantia Florentinae mul●…eris & ●…ici c●…usdam 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 epist. Med●…inalium lib. 2. Epist. 38. 〈◊〉 ven●…culo lignum tears & quatuor 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sunt: corum & fo●…m & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 poni●…. ●…ycosthenes lib. de prodi●… & ostentis quo modo huius●…odi in corporibus humanis inveniantur & qua ratione 〈◊〉, aut e●…antur & an tribuc●…da haec male 〈◊〉 & ●…abolica arti Binseldius in comme●… to ad titulum Codicis de malefi●…is & Mat●…is pag. 510.  and not a few afflicted with such diseases, which neither they themselves who wrought that evil, could afterward help; nor be cured thereof by the Art and diligent attendance of most skilful Physicians. I willingly let pass other mischiefs wrought by them, of which many things are delivered in the Canon and Civil Laws, in the Schoolmen, and Divines both ancient and modern.  
In mind, stirring up men to Just, to hatred, to love, and the like 
h Gratianus in decretis, Caietanus in summula titulo de mal●…io. Iaqueri●… 〈◊〉 slage●…o sascinariorum, cap. 11. 12. joh. Nider in praeceptorio, praecepto 1. ca p 11. Bod●… in Daemania, lib. 2. cap.  passions, and that by altering the inward and outward senses, either in forming some new object, or offering the same to the eye or ear, or stirring the humours: for there being a near conjunction between the sensitive and rational faculties of the soul, if the one be affected, the other (though indirectly) must of necessity be also moved. As for example, when they would provoke any to love or hatred, they propound an object under the show and appearance of that which is good and beautiful, so that it may be desired and embraced: or else by representation of that which is evil & infamous, procure dislike and detestation. Neither is this any strange position, or improbable, but may be warranted by sufficient authority; and therefore 
i Cod. lib. 9 titulo 18. Lege est ●…tia, 〈◊〉 legem 〈◊〉. W●…rus de praestig●… daemo●…um lib. 3. cap. 38.  Constantius the Emperor doth expressly determine, all those justly punishable who solicit by enchantments chaste minds to uncleanness: And Saint 
k In 3. Caput prophe●… Na●…, vide & Nazianzenum in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, sive de arcanis vel 〈◊〉 non procu●… fine, & eius parap●…slen N●…elam.  Jerome attributeth unto them this power, that they can enforce men to hate those things they should love, and affect that which they ought to avoid: and the ground hereof hath his strength from the holy Scriptures: for the Devil is able to enslame wanton 
l 〈◊〉 Col●…. 7. cap. 32.  lust in the heart, and therefore is named, the Spirit of Fornication, Osea 4. 12. and unclean, Math. 12. 43.  
There is a very remarkable example mentioned by Jerome 
m In vila 〈◊〉. , of a maiden in Gaza, whom a young man loving, and not obtaining, went to Memphis in Egypt, and at the years end in his return, being there instructed by a Priest of Aesculapius, and furnished with Magical Conjurations, graved in a plate of brass, strange charming words, and pictures which he buried under the threshold of the door where the virgin dwelled: by which means she fell into a fury, pulled off the attire of her head, flung about her hair, gnashed with her teeth, and continually called upon the name of her lover.  
The like doth 
n Oratione in laud Cypria ni eandem historiam resert Nicephorus Calustus lib. 5 cap. 27.  Nazianzen report of Cyprian before his conversion (though some think it 
o Prudentius 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 de passione Cypriani, vnu●… erat iu●…enum doctisartibus s●…istris, sraude puditit●… perstringere. etc.  was not he whose learned and religious writings are extant, and for the profession of his faith and doctrine was crowned with Martyrdom) but another of that name, toward justina, whom he lasciviously 
p ovid. lib. 2. de art. amand. philtra nocent animis, vimque favoris habent. Propertius lib 4 in lanam quandam consuluitque siriges nostro de sanguine & in me, hippomenes fata semin●… legit equ●…. Vide de his Aristotelem de natura animali●… lib. 6. cap. 22. Plinium l. 8. c. 42.  courted, and unlawfully lusted after. It were easy for me to instance this in many, and to add more testimonies, but my intended purpose was, to set down only some few propositions, whereby the judicious reader might be stirred up to a deeper search, and further consideration of these things: for often they drive men to a madness, and other such desperate passions, that they become murderers of themselves. But this always must be kept in mind, as a granted and infallible truth, 
q Aug. de doctr. Christ. l. 2. c. 22. & 23.  That whatsoever the Witch doth, it receiveth his force from that society which she hath with the Devil, who serveth her turn in effecting what she purposeth, and so they work together as 
r jaquerius in stagello heretic●…rum fascinariorum, cap. 6. Martinus de Arles, p. 43●….  associates.  
Now concerning beasts they do oftentimes kill them outright, and that in sundry manner, or pine and waste them by little and little, till they be consumed.  
For 
s joh. Gerson in Trialogio Astrologia Theologisatae propos 16. Palanus in Syntagmate, l. 5. c. 13  the Elements, it is an agreeing consent of all, that they can corrupt and infect them, procure tempests, to stir up thunder & lightning, move violent winds, destroy the fruits of the earth: for God hath a thousand ways to chasten disobedient man, and whole treasures full of vengeance by his Angels, Devils, Men, Beasts. For the whole nature of things is ready to revenge the wrong done unto the creator.  
It were but fruitless labour, and ill spent, to bestow long time in confirming this so manifest a truth, and not much better than set up a candle to give the Sun light when it shineth brightest in mid-heaven: yet to satisfy those who doubt hereof, I will give a small touch of an example or two.  

t 〈…〉  Curius Sidius the Roman General in a battle against Salebus, Captain of the Moors, in want of water, obtained such abundance of rain from Heaven by Magical enchantments, that it not only sufficed the thirst of his dstiressed Soldiers, but terrified the enemies in such sort, (supposing that God had sent help) as of their own accord, they sought for conditions of peace, and left the field.  
The narration of Olaus ● Magnus' which he maketh 
. 〈◊〉 13 14. 15. 16 17. 18. 1●… 〈◊〉  of his Northern Wizards and Witches, would seem to be mere fictious, and altogether incredible (as of Ericus, who had the wind at command, to blow always from that quarter to which he would set his hat. Or Hagbert, who could show herself in any shape, higher or lower, as she pleased, at one time so great as a Giant, at another as little as a Dwarf: by whose Diabolical practices mighty Armies have been discomfited, and sundry others, except the truth hereof were without contradiction approved: by the experience of our own Navigators, who trade in Finland, Denmark, Lapland, Ward-house, Norway, and other Countries of that Climate, and have obtained of the inhabitants thereof, a certain wind for twenty days together, or the like fixed period of time, according to the distance of place and strings tied with three knots, so that if one were loosed, they should have a pleasant gale: if the second, a more vehement blast: if the third, such hideous & raging tempests that the Mariners were not able once to look out, to stand upon the hatches, to handle their tackle, or to guide the helm with all their strength; and are sometimes violently carried back to the place from whence they first loosed to sea; and many (more hardy than wise) have bought their trial full dear, opening those knots, and neglecting admonition given to the contrary. Apuleius ascribeth to Pamphile, a Witch of Thessalia, little less than divine power to effect strange wonders in heaven, in earth, in hell: to darken the stars, stay the course of rivers, dissolve mountains, and raise up spirits, this opinion went for currant and uncontrolled. And without all question the Devil 
x De potestate D●…monum Aqu●… 〈◊〉 Sum. 〈…〉. quest 110.  can do this and much more, when God letteth him lose. For he is styled, The Prince of the world, joh. 12. 31. A strong man armed, Luke 11. 21, Principality, a ruler of darkness, spiritual wickedness in high places, Ephes. 6. 12.  
Thus he dismayed the heart of Saul (when he had broken the Commandment of God) with dreadful fear, and enraged his mind with bloody fury, 1. Sam. 16 14. Entered into judas, provoked him to betray his master, despair and hang himself, Math. 27. 3. filled the heart of Ananias and Saphira with dissimulation, Act. 5. 3. possessed the bodies of many really, as is manifest in the History of the Gospel. Our Saviour Christ assureth 
〈…〉  us, that a daughter of Abraham was bound for 18 years by Satan, with such a spirit of infirmity, as bowed together, she could in no wise lift up herself, Luk. 13. 11. 16. He spoke out of the Pythonesse, Acts 16. 17. brought down fire from heaven, and consumed jobs sheep 7000. and his servants, raised a storm, struck the house wherein 
〈…〉 
Carmina vel coelo possunt deducere Lunam:  
Carminibus Circe socios mutavit Vlyssis,  
F●…gidus in pratis cantando rumpitur Anguis, etc.  〈◊〉 de se jactans Me●…ca apud Ouidium lib. 7. Metamorphos●…. 
Cum volui ripis ipfis mirantibus; amnes  
In fontes rediere suos, concussaque ●…o,  
Stantia concutio eantu f●…era, nubila pello,  
Nubilaque judico.  Apud Virgilium Dido Aunms●…rorem allequitur. 
— Mihi Massilae gentis monstrata sacerdos,  
Haec se ca●…minibus pro●…ittit solvere mentes  
Sistere aquam fluvijs, & flumina verter●… 〈◊〉.   his sons and daughters feasted with their elder brother, smote the four corners of it, with the ruin whereof they all were destroyed, and perished: and overspread the body of that holy Saint their father with botches ʸ and biles from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. 〈◊〉 And he 
E●… Brachma●… No●…nus Dionys●…con, lib. 36. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. De Marco heretico & mago stupendae referunt 〈◊〉 contra herese. lib. cap. 9 & Epipha●… 3. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. 1.  will have his servants Wizards & Witches, coadjutors with him, and maketh them fit instruments to the performance of all wicked exploits, and this is when God pleaseth (of which I shall have occasion to speak more afterward) to give leave, for his will is the first supreme and principal cause of all things: and nothing can be done visibly in this Commonwealth here below of the creatures, but is decreed and determined so to be first in the high Court of Heaven, according to his unsearchable wisdom and justice, disposing punishments and rewards as seemeth good unto himself. So pharao's 
a jannes', jambres, 2. Ti●…ot. 3  Magicians could turn water into blood, their rods into serpents, produce frogs, etc. But when it came to the base vermin, to make louse, they were puzzled, and acknowledged their imbecility, confessing, Digitus Dei est, 
b Vide Nicola●…m Lyranum in & additionem Burgensis, & replicam corrector●… contra Burgensem.  God's finger is here, Exod. 18. 19 For if they could effect and bring to pass all mischievous designments without his sufferance, it would infer a weakness, and conclude a defect of 
c Diabolus Deo perpetuo adversatur voluntat●… & act●… non s●…mper effectu: id est, Intentio semper est mala, ●…si non semper exanimi sui sententia m●…lum per●…ere possit Deo illud ve●…tente in bonum. Aug. de Ci●…it. Dei, lib. cap. 35 & de trinitate lib. 3. cap. 8.  power in him, as not sufficient to oppose their strength, supplant their force, and avoid their stratagems. And we must not imagine that the practitioners of these damnable Arts of which sex soever, be they men or women, do perform those mischiefs which they effect, by their own skill, or sucl●… means as they use, of which sort be the bones of dead men's skulls, Toads, Characters, Images, etc. But thorough the cooperation of the Devil, who is by nature subtle, by long experience instructed, swift to produceth strange works, & to human understanding admirable. Yet 
d 〈…〉 cap. 15.  he will have those his vassals persuaded of some great benefit bestowed upon them, whereby they are enabled to help and hurt, whom, how, and when they list; and all to endear them, & by making them partakers in his villainy, being strongly bound in his service, & steadfastly continued in the same, might more grievously ofsend 
〈◊〉 de 〈◊〉 Da●….  God, and bring just condemnation upon themselves. And for the greater, and more forcible enticing allurement hereunto, he promiseth 
〈…〉  to give and do many things for their sakes, and reveal to them hidden secrets, and future events, such ᵉ as he himself purposeth to do, or knoweth by natural signs shall come to pass. So then to conclude, in ᶠ every Magical action, there must be a concurrence of these three. First, the permitting will of God. Secondly, the suggestion of the Devil, and his power cooperating. Thirdly, the desire and consent of the Sorcerer; and if ● any of these be wanting, no trick of witchcraft can be performed. For if God did not suffer it, neither the Devil, nor the Witch could prevail to do any thing, no not so much as to hurt one 
h 〈…〉.  bristle of a Swine. And if the Devil had not seduced the mind of the wicked woman, no such matter would have been attempted. And again, if he had not the Witch to be his instrument, the Devil were debarred of his purpose.  
And as these evil spirits are in themselves different in power, understanding, and subtlety: so can their servants do more or less through their means.  
I conclude with that memorable speech of a most noble and learned man, 
i Iu●…s Scaliger de ●…tate, ad Card●…, ex. crcitatione 349. an 〈◊〉 ●…redalitas vim a ddat male●…o.  The Devil is the Author and principal of all that evil which the Witch or Wizard committeth, not thereby to make them more powerful, but to deceive them by credulity and overlight belief, and to get himself a companion of his impiety, cruelty, and hatred, which he beareth both to God and man; and also of eternal damnation: for indeed it is his work, which the foolish and doting wizard's conjecture is brought to pass by the words and enchantments which they utter: and is very busy thus to colour his proceedings, which never come abroad in their own likeness, because he envieth the blessed estate of man, and his eternal salvation purchased by the perfect obedience of Christ the Redeemer, and hateth that Image of God which he beholdeth in him; much like the Panther, 
k Bafilias Homilia 21. in diversos Scrip●… locos sermone babito in non procula fine.  who when he cannot get hold of the man himself, is so inflamed with rage, that he teareth his picture in pieces violently which is cast upon the ground to hinder his pursuit of the hunter who hath carried away his whelps. And 
l Lib 2. qu●… e●… de origine err●…ris cap. 15.  so as Lactantius speaketh, these unclean spirits cast from heaven, wander up and down the earth, compass land and sea, seeking to bring men to destruction as a con fort of their own desperate and irrecoverable estate.   

The fourth Proposition.  
Having showed before, that the practice of Witches receiveth the being and perfection from that 
m Navarrus in Manuals confessarior. cap. 11 in primum decal●…gi praeceptum.  agreement which is made between them and the Devil, it now followeth necessarily, that we do inquire whether it be possible that there may be any such agreement and league between them. The cause of doubt ariseth from the diversity or disparity of their natures, the one being a corporal substance, the other spiritual, upon which ground some 
n joh. W●…rus, totum hoc si●…litium pulal & 〈◊〉 imaginarium, & impossibile p●…at, idque passim in 〈◊〉 pracipu●… autem de Lam●…, cap 7. 8. & 23 & de 〈◊〉 Daemon●…, lib. 6. c. 27, etc. Hun●… resutant erudit●…. ●…nselde consessiovibus mal●…sicorum, & T●… Erastus de Lamys.  have sopposed that no such contract can pass: But we are to hold the contrary affirmative, both de esse, and de posse, that that there may be, and is, notwithstanding this difference of essence, a mutual contract of the one with the other: for we read of undry leagues between God & his people, and some with great solemnity of ceremonies used in the same, a 
o De 〈◊〉 ceremonus 〈◊〉, jer. cap. 34. 18. & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 contra Iulia●…m & Procopius Gaz●…us 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 loc●…m & Aug●… 〈◊〉.  Genesis 15. 9 17. and Deut. 5. 2. and in many other like places, yet is he a simple essence, 
p 〈…〉, l. 2. cap. 8.  free from all division, multiplication, composition, accidents, incorporeal, spiritual, and invisible. But in Angelical creatures, though there be no Physical composition of matter and form, or a soul and a body; yet is there a metaphysical, being substances consisting of an act and possibility, subject and accidents. And further, between a spirit and a man, there is communication of the understanding and will, the faculties and actions where of must concur in every covenant, which is nothing else but the consent of two or more persons about the thing.  
And when the Devil durst in express terms tender a contract to our blessed Saviour, tempting him in the wilderness, showing him the kingdoms of the world, and the glory thereof, offered them with this condition, All these will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me, Mat. 4. 9 How much more than will he adventure upon man, weak, wicked, and easy to be seduced? An●…o 
q Brissonius de formulis, lib. 6. Solemnia pactorum sine obligatione verba sunt: spondes? spondeo. promittis'●… promitto dabis? dabo ut facias, faciam. justinianus in institution bus, lib. 3. titulo 16.  can doubt but that these be the solemn and formal words of a bargain, D●… ut des, do ut facias, I give this for to have that given, I bestow this, to have such, or such a thing done for me.  
Now this covenant is of two sorts, secret or manifest; secret, when one endeavoureth or intendeth to do any thing by such means, which neither in nature, nor by institution havo power to produce the purposed effects, or be conjoined as necessary with other, which can bring the same to pass. Express, wherein consent is given either by writing, and words, or making such signs, whereby they renounce God, and devote themselves slaves and vassals unto the Devil, he promising, that upon such condition they shall do wonders, know future events, help and hurt at their pleasure, and others like unto these.  
An example whereof we may observe in 
r His Monach●… Floriacensis C●…nobij diabolo suadente, & enormiter instigante sieius obquijs & arti magicae obligavit in tantum quod Diabolosecit Homagium cum pacto ut ei 〈◊〉 ad nutum succederent, etc. Holcot. in cap. 17. lib. sapientia lectione 190. Platina in illius vita. Vide & Balerum de Romanorum pontificum acts in lib. 9 in Syluestro secundo, & Robertum Barnes. de vitis pontificum Romanor●….  Silvester the second, one of the holy Fathers of Rome, who did homage to the Devil his Lord, and made fidelity to live at his will and appointment, upon condition to obtain what he desired, by which means he got first the Bishopric of Rheims, after of Ravenna, and at the last the Papacy of Rome. Which Sea, though it will yield good plenty of such like precedents, and we may find them in authentical records of Histories, yet I content myself with this one.  

s Godelmannus de magia tacita & ●…ca, lib. 1. cap. 2. 〈◊〉. 8. 9 10 etc.  The formal terms of this covenant, as they be set down by some, are most dreadful: and the several points these.  
To renounce God his Creato●…●…nd that promise made in Baptism.  
To deny jesus Christ, and refuse the benefits of his obedience, yea to blaspheme his glorious and holy name.  
To worship the Devil, & repose all confidence and trust in him.  
To execute his commandments.  
To use things created of God for no end, but to the hurt and destruction of others.  
And lastly, to give himself soul and body to that deceitful and infernal spirit, who on the other part appeareth to them in the shape of a man (which is most common) or some other creature, conferreth familiarly, and bindeth himself by many promises, that at all times called for, he will presently come, give counsel, further their desires, answer any demand, deliver from prison, and out of all dangers, bestow riches, wealth, pleasure, and what not? and all without any labour and pains-taking, in a word to become serviceable to their will, & accomplish all their requests. And this is that which the Prophet Esay speaketh, chap. 28. 15. to make a covenant with death, and an agreement with hell. The consent of the ancient Fathers, if there were any doubt, might be added to the further clearing of this conclusion. For 
t Sive illius sit, sive alterius ist●… liber. De duplici Martyrio. Aquinas 2●…. 2a. quest. 96 joh. Gerson in Trilogio astrologiae Theologisatae propositione 21. & de erroribus circa artem magicam, Dillo 2.  Cyprian directly affirmeth, that all those who use magical Arts, make a covenant with the Devil, yea he himself, while he practised the same (before his calling to the light and true knowledge of God) was bound unto him by an especial 
u Camerarius meditationum historiarum, lib. 1. cap. 6. Bodinus exemplae ponit Daemonomanias'. lib. 2. c. 4 Binseldius de confessionibus maleficorum.  writing, whereunto some subscribe with their own blood, which was a use among divers nations, and a most sure bond of constant friendship, and 
x Simile de Catili●… resert Salustius. cum adius iurandum populares sceleris sui adigeret, humani corporis sanguinem vino permixtum in pateris circumtulisse, inde cum post execration●… omnes degustavissent, sicut in s●…lemnibus sacris fieri consuc●… ap●…ruisse consilité suum, atque to dictitant sccisse, quo inter se magis ●…idi ●…orent.  inviolable consociation. But herein these seduced wretches are deceived: for these promises which he makes, are treacherous, and the observances whereunto he enjoineth and persuadeth them, as powerful in producing such or such effects, mere deceits, and have no quality in them to that purpose, but respecteth his own ends, which are one of these four.  
First, to the moving of them to the breaking of God's law.  
Secondly, to adore him with divine worship and sacred rites.  
Thirdly, to weaken their hope and faith in God  
Fourthly, to cover his own fraud and treachery, that it may not be perceived.  
And when they find this Impostor failing in the performance of his vowed promises, than he wanteth not his shifts: as that these defects are not to be imputed to him, or the weakness of the Art, but their own negligence or ignorance, who have not exactly observed such directions, and in that manner they were delivered: or mistook his meaning, which is commonly delivered in 
y As that to Pope Silvester the second, his demand; who asked how long he should live and enjoy the Popedom? answered, until he should say mass in jerusalem; and not long after, celebrating the same in a Chapel of the Church dedicated to the holy Cross in Rome, called jerusalem, knew how he was overreached, for there he died. And an other parallel to this, may be that of a certain Bishop, much addicted to these vanities, having many enemies, and fearing them, asked the Devil whether he should fly or not: who answered, Non, sta secure, venient in●…●…ui suau●…ter, & subdentur tibi. But being surprised, and taken by his adversaries, and his castle set on fire, expostulating with him, that he had deceived him in his distress, returned answer, that he said true, if his speech had been rightly understood: for he advised, Non sta secure [id est sugias] venient inimici tui suaviter, & subdentur, [id est ignem tibi]. Such were the Oracles which he gave, and whereof all histories do testify. Holcot upon the book of Wisdom, and the rest before mentioned with him.  ambiguous terms, such as will admit a double construction: and herein appeareth the lamentable and woeful blindness of man, who is contented to swallow up, and excuse many of his lies by one truth foretold, which hath casually come to pass, whereas in other matters they make light account of, yea contemn infinite truths, if they shall find by long search and diligent inquiry, but one falsehood. Wherefore it behoveth us to be careful Sentinels over ourselves, for that our grand 
z Leo de collectis Serm. 40. & nativitate Domini, 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  adversary, proud, envious, and not standing in the truth, reposeth all his possibility of victory in lies, and out of this poisoned sink, deviseth all kind of deceits, that so he might deprive man of that happy and blessed estate which he lost by pride, and draw him into the society of his own damnation: therefore it is a needful caveat given by one of the ancient Fathers: Our enemy is old against whom we fight, six 
a In proemio, lib de exbortatione ad Martyrium. Cyprianus.  thousand years fully complete are passed since he began to oppose himself against us; but if we observe the commandments of God, and continue steadfast in faith, apprehending jesus Christ, then shall we be able to withstand all his violent assaults, and overcome him because Christ in whom we trust, is invincible.   

The fifth Proposition.  
THE Devil can assume to himself 
b Augustinus in Enchiridio, cap. 59 & 60. & Lambertus Daneusin suis Commentarijs: ad eundem.  a body, and frame a voice to speak with, and further instruct and give satisfaction to those who have submitted themselves unto him, and are bound to his service. For he lost not by his transgression and fall, his natural 
c Binseldius de confessionibus maleficorum. Aquinas, Summa part. 1. quaest. 51. art. 3. & 4  endowments, but they continued in him whole 
d In Daemonibus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Diovisius Areopagita, de divinis nominibus cap 4. & si vacat liccbit consulere in eundem Pachemerae Paraphrasin & maximischolia. Isidorus Hispalensis de summo bono. lib. 1. cap. 12.  and perfect, as in the good Angels, who abide in that obedience and holiness wherein they were created, from whence a reason confirmative may be thus framed, Good Angels can take unto themselves bodies, as Genes. 18. 2. judg. 13. 3. 6. therefore the evil also. Thus the Devil hath appeared to some in the form of a 
e Sulpitius Severus in vita beat●… Martin●…. Multa exemplae habet Bodinus in praesatione ad Daemonomaniam.  Man, clothed in purple, & wearing a crown upon his head: to others in the likeness of a 
f Hieronimus in vita Hilarionis.  Child: sometime he showeth himself in the form of four-footed beasts, fowls, creeping things, 
g P●…llus de d●…monum natura.  roaring as a Lion, skipping like a Goat, barking after the manner of a dog, and the like. But 
h 〈◊〉 de conf●…bus 〈◊〉.  it is observed by some, that he cannot take the shape of a Sheep, or Dove, though of an Angel of light: 2. Cor. 11. 14. And further, 
i Petrus Martyr in 28. caput. lib. 〈…〉. lib.  most of the learned do hold, that those bodies wherein they do appear, are fashioned of the 
k 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sunt corpora ●…ca.  air, (though it is not to be denied, but they can enter into other, as the Devil did into the Serpent, deceiving Eve, Gen. 3. 1.) which if it continuing pure and in the own nature 
l 〈◊〉 Scaliger de ●…tate ad Card●…m exerci●…ione 359. 〈◊〉 13. , hath neither colour nor figure, yet condensed receiveth both, as we may behold in the clouds, which resemble sometime one, sometime another shape, and so in them is seen the representation of Armies fight, of beasts and Birds, houses, Cities, and sundry other kinds of apparitions.  
Histories of all can witness of the devils appearance in human 
m Socrates Histori●… 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. 7. cap. 38. & historia Triparlib. 〈◊〉. cap. 9  shape: thus a Pseudo, Moses, or Messias in Crete, persuaded the jews that it was he who brought their Fathers the Israelites out of Egypt, and led them through the Red Sea, and would conduct them also out of that land upon the waters into judea. But many following his counsel, perished: the rest admonished by that destruction, turned back, accusing their folly; and when they made inquiry for this guide, to have rewarded him according to his desert, was nowhere to be found, whereof they conceived he was a Devil in Man's likeness. And such an one 
n Chro●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  was that merry (but malicious) spirit, who walked for a long time in Saxony, and was very serviceable, clothed in country apparel, with a cap on his head, delighted to converse and talk with the people, to demand questions, and answer what he was asked, hurting none, except injured before, and then declared himself a right devil in revenge.  

o Vide nauigation●… Monsieur de Monts, ad 〈◊〉 Franci●…, lib. 2. cap. 5.  The late Discoveries and Navigations made into the west Indies, can furnish us with abundant testimonies hereof, in which the minds of the Inhabitants are both terrified & their bodies massacred by his visible sight, and cruel tortures; yet (which is the opinion of many learned) he cannot so perfectly represent the fashion of a man's body, but that there is some sensible deformity, by which he bewrayeth himself; as his 
p Binseldius de confessionibus maleficorum. Alexander ab Alexandro dierum Genialium, lib. 1. cap. 19 Remigius de D●…monolitria, lib. 1 cap 7 & apud Rbodingium antiquarum lectionum lib. 29. cap. 5. est exemplum 〈◊〉 admiratione.  feet like those of an Ox, a Horse, or some other beasts, cloven hoved, his hands crooked, armed with claws, or talons like a vulture: or some one misshapen part, wherein (though he delight in the shape of man, as most fitting for company and conference) is demonstrated, the great and tender love of God toward us, who hath so branded this deceiver, that he may be discerned even of those who are but of mean capacity, and so consequently avoided. And as in his body assumed, so in his speech there is a defect, for it is weak, small, whispering, imperfect.  
And thus it is 
q Remigius demo●…trias lib. 1 cap. 8 & simile co●…orat de Appione 〈◊〉 Pl●…ius naturalis histor. lib. 30. cap 2. 〈◊〉. lib. 5. sub si●…m.  reported of Hermolaus Barbarus, who enquiring of a spirit, the signification and meaning of a difficult 
r 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  word in Aristotle, he hard a low hissing, and murmuring voice giving answer.  
And this he doth of set purpose, that so his sophistical & doubtful words might be the less perceived.  
Neither can this seem strange to any, that the Devil should speak, who brought a voice from Trees to salute 
s Philostratus de vita Apollo●… lib. 6. cap. 13.  Apollonius, and inspired that talkative Oak in Dodona, famous for the Oracles uttered there in Heroical verse, to the Grecians, and to every nation in his own language, Chaldeans, Egyptians, Armenians, and other people who were led by him, and depended upon his resolution.  
And thus the 
t Sophocl in Tr●… vocal 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, quia ut 〈◊〉 Scholia●… interpretatur 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Et 〈◊〉 Argo Lycophron in Alexandra sua 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 no●…inat qua ex Dido●… quer●…u ●…lum ha●…sse traditur qu●… aliquoties locuta est ut apud Apollonium Argo●… quarto ideo & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Orpheus appellat, vide plura apud Strabonem lib. 17. & 〈◊〉 de hoc sono judicium perpe●…de. P●… in descrip●…one dec●…m regionum veteris Graeciae, libro primo in Att●…. Iuue●…lis S●…yro 15. Ps●…llus de D●…onum ●…ura. 〈◊〉 libro secu●… Annalium.  Image of Memnon, when the Sun did shine upon it, and his beams touched the lips thereof, (which was at the arising in the East) speak unto them who were present.  
And considering, as hath been mentioned before, that there passeth between the Witch and her Devil, a compact, as with a Master and a Servant, it must therefore consist upon prescript terms of commanding, and obeying; and then of necessity is required a conversing together; and conference whereby the same covenant may be ratified.   

The sixth Proposition.  
GOd giveth, both the devil, and his servants the witches, power sometimes to trouble his own children; so 
u jaquerius in flagello heretic●…rum fascinariorum, cap. 19 & 10.  Christ our blessed Saviour, was by Satan carried from place to place, Math. 4. 5. job 
x Binfeldius de confessionibus maleficorum.  in strange manner afflicted, and his children slain, through his power, whom none can conceive but were Gods servants, religiously brought up in his fear: and their father hath an honourable testimony from the mouth of God himself, job 1. ver. 8. David, a man according to Gods own heart, Acts 13. 22. is by Satan stirred up to number the people, 1. Chron. 21. 1. and that incuriosity and the pride of his heart, only to know the multitude of his subjects, 2. Sam. 24. 2  
Whereas the Law appointeth another end, Exod. 30. 12. which he had 
y 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lib. 7. sectione sive capite iuxt●… Gracam editionem 10.  now forgotten, the maintenance of the ministery and worship of God. And a daughter of Abraham is bound of the devil eighteen whole years, had a spirit of Infirmity, was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself, Lu. 13. 11. 16. a grievous calamity in respect of the author, the continuance, and the effect. But to handle this point a little more distinctly; It shall not be amiss to open first some reasons, why God doth give this power to the devil over the righteous his children sometimes, as also upon the wicked and disobedient to his will: And in the second place, why Witches have the like leave granted unto them. Therefore for his children.  
The first reason of his permission is his inscrutable 
y Zanchius de op●…s ●…tio n●… part 1. lib. 4 cap. 13. 〈…〉  wisdom, who out of evil bringeth good; so Paul had a minister of Satan to buffet him, to keep him in humility, that he might not wax proud and highminded, in regard of those great mysteries which were revealed when he was taken into the third heaven, 2. Corint. 12. 4. Thus his tentation was a medicine preservative preventing the disease of his soul, which otherwise he might have fallen into, 
z B●…n collectan●… ex Augu●…ino ad Epistolas Pauli.  for both himself, and the rest of the Apostles, though they were chosen vessels, yet were they also frail and brittle, wandering yet in the flesh upon earth, not triumphing securely in heaven.  
Second, It is 
a jaquerius in 〈◊〉 here●…rum 〈◊〉, cap. 20.  proceeding from his mercy and goodness, for the trial of faith, obedience and constancy in such as belong to God: whereof there is an excellent pattern, and unparaleld in job 1. 13. 14. etc. for by this trial is made a proof to examine whether we do continue firm upon our square, and unshaken, or no; and be not removed, either by the 
b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  seeming wonders of the devil, or of his servants and associates. And therefore the Apostle pronounceth him blessed, who endureth temptation, for when he is tried he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him, james 1. 12. for he is faithful, and will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able, but with the temptation also make away to escape, etc. 1. Cor 10. 13.  
Third, We are admonished always to stand in a readiness, and be armed for to fight, prepared to withstand the devil, knowing that God doth oftentimes give him leave to assault us. Therefore we have need to be furnished in all points, for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickednesses in high places, Ephes. 6. 11. 12. And 〈◊〉. Pet. 5. 8. 9 be sober and vigilant, because your adversary the devil as a roaring Lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. He 
d Strigelius in explicatione locoram Theologicorum Melant●… par●… 3. titulo de cruse & calamitatibus.  is no weak assailant, and therefore here by the Apostle are noted in him four things: First, his power (a Lion): Second, his hatred, and wrath in the word (roaring): Third, his subtlety (walking about) observing every opportunity and occasion to hurt us: Fourth, his cruelty (devour) no contentment but in our ruin and utter destruction.  
Fourth, God would have us get the victory against Satan, and take knowledge, that Christ on our side fighteth for us, through whom we triumph, and so are made more undoubtedly assured of our salvation; and this is that which he promised, The 
e Augustinus de Gen●…siad literam, l. 11. c. 22.  Seed of the woman shall bruise the head of the Serpent, Gen. 3. 15. And the Apostle confirmeth, God shall tread down Satan under your feet, Rom. 16. 20.  
God suffereth the devil to prevail against the wicked, yet in the most Holy there is no injustice 2. Chron. 19 7. But  
First, 
f 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. lib. 2  Herein is the declaration of his justice, whereby he punisheth obstinate sinners, & those who provoke him to wrath, and will not repent: And thus it is said of the Egyptians, whom no plagues could soften, that he cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil Angels among them, 
g 〈…〉  Psalm 78. 49. And when Saul had neglected the commandment of God, an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him, 1. Sam. 16. 14. Thus Ahab seduced by his false prophets descendeth into the battle, and is slain (contemning the words of Michaiah) in 
h 〈◊〉 Iaquer●…m in stag●… here●…orum 〈◊〉 ●…orum, cap. 23.  whose mouths the devil was a lying spirit, who sent of the Lord, persuaded him and prevalled, 1. Kin. 22. 22. 23. 24.  
Second, By affiiction in the body or goods, God would quicken them up to seek the salvation 
Idem cap. 21.  of their souls. And so Paul gave over a seandalous and incestuous person unto the devil, that he might be induced to forsake his sin live chastely hereafter, and be an edifying example to those whom he had offended: and this kind of discipline was more sovereign, than any other could have been, because man's nature abhorreth Satan, and trembleth with fear once to conceive that he should fall into his power and hands, and this is that which he writeth, advising the Corinthians to deliver him unto Satan, for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord jesus, 1. Cor. 5. 5. And in this sort he speaketh of two other deceivers and blasphemers, Hymenaeus and Alexander, I have delivered them unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme, 1. Timothy 1. 20. therefore this giving over, was not to destruction, but for correction.  
The last point propounded, was, That witches have power granted to vex Gods own children aswell as others, and prevail over them; and that we do inquire (so far as we may, and is justifiable) of the causes thereof, which may be these.  
First, 〈◊〉 This is permitted unto them for the experience 
Trithemius in libel. 〈◊〉 qu●…ionum quas illi dissoluendas proposuit Maximilianus Imperator, quest 7.  of their faith and integrity, so that by this means their love towards God which lay hidden in the heart, is now made manifest. To be quiet and patient in prosperity, when we may enjoy benefits at our own pleasure, is a matter easily to be performed: But to endure the fire of Tribulation, that is the proof of a steadfast Christian, and in losses and sickness procured by such to be silent, and submit ourselves, this is the note of a faithful man, & to choose rather obeying the law of God, to bear the infirmity of the body, then to overflow in riches, and enjoying health and strength offend the Lord.  
Second, this maketh a difference between the wicked and the godly: for thus the holy Apostle speaketh of the righteous, that by many afflictions they must enter into the kingdom of heaven, Act. 14. 22. And all that will live godly in Christ jesus suffer tribulations, 2. Timoth. 3. 12. for whom the Lord loveth, he doth chasten, prover. 3. 12. It is a Christians glory to undergo for God's cause, any vexation whatsoever, whether wrought by the devil, or brought to pass by wicked men his 
k 〈…〉  instruments; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which God hath promised to those who love him, james 1. 12. But we read contrary of the wicked, they become old, yea, are mighty in power, their seed is established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes, their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them, etc. they spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down into the grave, job 21. 7. 8. 9 etc. Yet surely they are set in slippery places, suddenly destroyed and perished, & horribly consumed as a dream when one awaketh: O Lord, thou shalt make their Image despised, etc. Psal. 73. 18. 19 20.   

The seventh Proposition.  
MOre women in a far different proportion prove Witches then men, by a hundred to one; therefore the Law of God noteth that Sex, as more subject to that sin, Exodus 22. 18. It is a common speech amongst the jewish Rabbins, 
l In Perk●…i ab●…both. 〈…〉 lib. 5. cap. 10.  many women, many Witches: And it should seem that this was a generally received opinion, for so it is noted by Pliny, Quintilian, and others, neither doth this proceed (as some have thought) from their frailty and imbecility, for in many of them there is stronger resolution, to undergo any torment than can be found in man, as was made apparent in that conspiracy of Piso against Nero, 
m Tacit. Annal. lib. 15.  who commanded that Epicharis, known to be of the same faction, should first presently be set upon the rack, imagining that being a woman, she would never 
Muliebre corp●… impar dolor●…  be able to òuercome the pain: But all the tortures that he or his could devise, were not able to draw from her the least confession of any thing that was then objected against her. The first days question she so utterly contemned, that the very Chair in which they conveyed her from the place, did seem as a Chariot wherein she rid, triumphing over the barbarous usage of their inhuman cruelty. The morrow following brought thither again, after many rough encounters, remained so unshaken, that wrath itself grew mad, to see the strokes of an obstinate and relenting fury fall so in vain upon the softer temper of a Woman: and at the last took a scarf from about her neck, and by it knits up within her bosom the knowledge she had of that fact, together with that little remainder of spirit, whereof by force and violence they laboured to deprive her.  

n Tertul in Apolog●…t. C●…initus de doctrina Christiana lib. 9 cap. 8.  Former ages have likewise produced Leena an exemplary precedent of this sort, to all posterity, who when Armodius and Aristogito●… having failed of the execution of their enterprise against Hipparchus a tyrant, had been put to death, she was brought to the torture to be enforced to declare what other complices there were of the conspiracy. But rather than she should be compelled thereunto, bit her tongue asunder, and spit it in the face of the tyrant, that though she would, yet could not now disclose them. In remembrance whereof the Athenians caused a Lion of Brass to be erected, showing her invincible courage by the generosity of that beast, and her perseverance in secrecy, in that they made it without a tongue. Therefore the learned have searched out other causes thereof, and among the rest, observed these as the most probable.  
First, they are by nature credulous, wanting experience, and therefore more easily deceived.  
Secondly, 
o Binfeldius de con●…lionibus 〈◊〉 l●…ficorum. 〈◊〉 de p●…ipuis divinationum generibus in titulo de 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Martinus de A●…los.  they harbour in their breast a curious and inquisitive desire to know such things as be not fitting and convenient, and so are oftentimes entangled with the bare show and vizard of goodness. As the Lady of Rome, who was importune, and vehemently instant upon her husband, to know what was debated of that day at the Council Table. And when he could not be at rest, answered, The Priests had seen a Lark flying in the air with a golden Helmet on his head, and holding a spear in his foot. Scarce she had this, but presently she told it to one of her maids: she to another of her fellows, so that report was spread through the whole City, and went for currant until it received a check: But all are not of this mould.  
Thirdly, their complexion is softer, and from hence more easily receive the impressions offered by the Devil; as when they be instructed and governed by good Angels, they prove exceeding religious, and extraordinarily devout: so consenting to the suggestions of evil spirits, become notoriously wicked, so that there is no mischief above that of a woman, Eccles. 25. 13. etc.  
Fourthly, in them is a greater facility to fall, and therefore the Devil at the first took that advantage, and set upon Eve in Adam's absence, Genes. 3. 3.  
Fifthly, this sex, when it conceiveth wrath or hatred against any, is unplacable, possessed with unsatiable desire of revenge, and transported with appetite to right (as they think) the wrongs offered unto them: and when their power herein answereth not their will, and are meditating with themselves how to effect their mischievous projects and designs, the Devil 
p Exemplum apud Binfeldium reperies de consessionibus maleficorum, pag. 32  taketh the occasion, who knoweth in what manner to content exulcerated minds, windeth himself into their hearts, offereth to teach them the means by which they may bring to pass that rancour which was nourished in their breasts, and offereth his help and furtherance herein.  
Sixthly, they are of a slippery tongue, and full of words: and therefore if they know any such wicked practices, are not able to hold them, but commnnicate the same with their husbands, children, consorts, and inward acquaintance; who not considerately weighing what the issue and end thereof may be, entertain the same, and so the poison is dispersed. Thus Dalilah discovered her husband's strength where it lay, unto the Philistines; and procured his infamous and disastrou●… overthrow. judg. 16. 18.  
Hitherto in some Popositions I have set down the original of witchcraft, and other such curious and unlawful Arts, the quality of the persons agents in the same, the power of the Devil, and his confederates, the league of association which interchangeably passeth between them, his assuming a body, and framing a voice for the performance of that business; that women, and why, are most subject to this hellish practice. Now the truth of all these shall appear by exemplary proofs in the Narration following.   

A true Narration of some of those Witchcrafts which Marie wife of Henry Smith Glover did practise, and of the hurts she hath done unto sundry persons by the same: confirmed by her own Confession, and from the public Records of the examination of divers upon their oaths: of her death, and execution for the same, which was on the twel●…th day of Ianu●… i●… last passed.  
Marry wife of Henry Smith, Glover, possessed with a wrathful indignation against some of her neighbours, in regard that they made gain of their buying and selling Cheese, which she (using the same trade) could not do, or they better (at the least in her opinion) than she did, often times cursed them, and became incensed with unruly passions, armed with a settled resolution, to effect some mischievous projects and designs against them. The devil who is skilful, and rejoiceth of such an occasion offered, and knoweth how to stir up the evil affected humours of corrupt minds (she becoming now a fit subject, through this her distemper, to work upon, having the understanding darkened with a cloud of passionate, and revengeful affections) appeared unto her amids these discontentments, in the shape of a black 
Proposition 4.  man, and willed that she should continue in her malice, envy, hatred, banning and cursing; and then he would be revenged for her upon all th●…se to whom she wished evil: and this promise was uttered in a low murmuring and hissing voice: 
Proposition 5.  and at that present they entered terms of a compact, he requiring that she should forsake God, and depend upon him: to which she condescended in express terms, renouncing God, and betaking herself unto him. I am sparing by any amplification to enlarge this, but do barely and nakedly rehearse the truth, and number of her own words unto me. After this he presented himself again at sundry times, and that to this purpose (as may probably be conjectured) to hold her still in his possession, who was not able, either to look further into these subtleties, than the superficial bark thereof, or not discover the depth of his designments, and in other forms, as of a mist, and of a ball of fire, with some dispersed spangles of black; and at the last in prison (after the doom of judgement, and sentence of condemnation was passed against her) two several times, in that figure as at the first: only at the last he seemed to have a pair of horns upon his head, and these as she c●…me down from her chamber, being sent for to confer with some learned and reverend divines, by whose prayers and instructions she might be brought to the sight and confession of her grievous offences, be regained and rescued out of his hands, brought to repentance, and the favour of God, assured hope of mercy, and eternal life, and at these times he wished her to confess nothing to any of them, but continue constant in her made promise, rely upon him, and he would save her. This was too high a strain above his reach to have made it good, and a note of his false descant, who having compassed this wretched woman, brought her to a shameful and untimely end; yet doing nothing herein contrary to his malicious purposes, for he was a muttherer from the beginning, john 8. 44. Now then, to descend to particulars, and the effects of this hellish association mad●…. Being thus joined and linked together in a reciprocal league, he beginneth to work for her, in procuring the mischief of those whom she maligned, whereof these few acknowledged by herself, may yield some taste of more, though concealed.  

¶ Her wicked practice against john Orkton.  
THe first who tasted of the gall of her bitterness was john Orkton a sailor, and a man of strong constitution of body, who about some five years sithence, returning out of Holland in the netherlands, or low Countries beyond the Seas, happened, for some misdemeanours committed by him to strike the son of this Mary Smith (but in such sort as could not in reason be offensively taken) who hearing his complaint, came forth into the street, cursing and banning him therefore, as oftentimès she did, dwelling in the next adjoining house, and wished in a most earnest and bitter manner, that his fingers might rot off; whereupon presently he grew weak, distempered in stomach, and could digest no meat, nor other nourishment received, and this dyscrasy or feebleness continued for the space of three quarters of a year; which time expired, the forementioned grief fell down from the stomach into his hands and feet, so that his fingers did corrupt, and were cut off; as also his toes putrefied & consumed in a very strange and admirable manner. Nevertheless, notwithstanding these calamities, so long as he was able, went still to Sea, in the goods and ships of sundry Merchants (for it was his only means of living) but never could make any prosperous voyage (as then other men did) either beneficial to the Owners, or profitable to himself. Whereupon, not willing to be hindrance to others, and procure no good for his own maintenance by his labours, left that trade of life, and kept home, where his former grief increasing, sought to obtain help and remedy by Chirurgery, and for this end went to Yarmouth, hoping to be cured by one there, who was accounted very skilful: but no medicines applied by the Rules of Art and Experience, wrought any expected or hoped for effect: for both his hands and feet, which seemed in some measure every evening to be healing, in the morning were found to have gone backward, and grown far worse than before: So that the Chirurgeon perceiving his labour to be wholly frustrate, gave over the cure, and the diseased patient still continueth in a most distressed and miserable estate, unto the which he was brought by the hellish practices of this malicious woman, who long before openly in the streets, (whenas yet the neighbours knew of no such thing) rejoicing at the calamity, said, Orkton now lieth a rotting. And no marvel though she could tell that which herself had done, and her good master would not suffer to be concealed, but that the testimony of her own tongue should remain as a record towards her further detection and condemnation, who sought means of her voluntary accord to be reconciled with the woeful distressed party, but this was nothing else but to plaster over and disguise her former inhuman and barbarous actions, for no relief at all followed thereof: for oftentimes, as hath been proved, the 
a Proposition 3.  devils and witches his instruments do cause such diseases, which neither the one, nor the other can remove again. And this is not any vaporous imagination, but a most undoubted truth. For now this poor man continueth still in a lamentable estate, grief, and pains increasing, without hope of help, except God in the abundance of his tender mercies vouchsafe to grant comfort and deliverance.   

¶ Her wicked practice against Elizabeth Hancocke.  
THe second person distressed, by this witch, was Elizabeth Hancocke, than widow, now wife of james Scot: the manner, occasion, and proceeding of whose dealing against her was thus. She coming out of the town from the shop of one Simon Browne a Silkman, unto whom she had carried home some work, which was by him put out unto her; Henry Smith, as she passed by his door, took her by the hand, and smilingly said, that his duck (meaning his wife, this woman of whom we now speak) told him that she had stolen her hen; which words she then passed over, as only spoken in merriment, and denying the same: in the mean time, as they were interchanging these words, she came herself, and directly charged her with the hen, and wished that the bones thereof might stick in her throat, when she should eat the same: which speech also she made no great reckoning of, supposing them to be but words of course, and might be uttered in jest. Nevertheless, afterward better considering of the same, conceived much grief, to be counted one of so evil quality and disposition, and espying that hen for which she was accused, to sit upon the hatch of her shop door, went to her, and moved with the indignity of that slander, and unjust imputation, told her in some passion and angry manner, that it was a dishonest part thus to blemish the good name of her neighbours with so untrue aspersions: whereupon, breaking forth in some violence, she wished the pox to light upon her, and named her proud ●…inny, proud flurts, and shaking the hand, bade her go in, for she should repent it; and the same night, within three or four hours after these curses and imprecations uttered, she was taken and pinched at the heart, and felt a sudden weakness in all the parts of her body; yet her appetite to meat nothing diminished, and so continued for the space of three weeks; in which time, when she was any thing well, would come to the door, and lean upon the stall, whom this Marie Smith seeing, did everbanne, adding the former curse, the pox light upon you, can you yet come to the door? and at the end of these three weeks, being but very weak, came forth as she used to do, to take the air, this mischievous woman most bitterly cursed her again, whereupon she went into the house, fell into such a torturing fit, and nipping at the heart, that she fainted, hardly recoverable for the space of half an hour, and so grievously racked and tormented through all parts of her body, as if the very flesh had been torn from the bones, by the violent pain whereof she could not refrain, but tore the hair from off her head, and became as one distraught, bereaved of sense, and understanding: And the same night the bed whereon she lay, was so tossed, and lifted up and down, both in her own feeling, and in the sight of others then present beholders of her extremities, by the space of one hour or more, that she was therewith exceedingly terrified, & did think oftentimes in her sleep, that she did see this Marie Smith standing before her. And this sit continued sixteen hours, during which passion Edward Drake her father came to the Town, touched with grief for this torture of his daughter (as parents' hearts are relenting and tender, and natural compassion is soon stirred up in them) took her urine, went to one for his advice (whose fact herein is no way instifiable, and argued but a small measure of religion, and the knowledge of God in him) who first told unto him the cause of his coming, that is, to seek help for his daughter, and then added, that she was so far spent, that if he had stayed but one day longer, the woman who had wronged her, would have spent her heart, and so become unrecoverable, and thereupon showed him her face in a Glass; and further, opened the beginning cause of falling out, which was for a hen, which before this, Drake neither known nor heard of, and then gave his counsel for remedy, which was the matter sought for & desired, & that was in this order. To make a cake with flower from the Bakers, & to mix the same instead of other liquor, with her own water, and bake it on the hearth, whereof the one half was to be applied and laid to the region of the heart, the other half to the back directly opposite; & further, gave a box of ointment like treacle, which must be spread upon that cake, and a powder to be cast upon the same, and certain words written in a paper, to be laid on likewise with the other, adding this caveat, that if his daughter did not amend within six hours after the taking of these receipts, than there was no health or recovery to be looked for: & further, wished silence to be kept herein, for the woman who had done this, would know any thing.  
And being thus furnishing with instructions, and returning home, as he alighted from his horse to enter into that house where his daughter lay (being the next unto Mary smith's) she then stood leaning over her shop window, whom he knew to be that person, which was showed unto him, and she cursed him passing by, and told his daughter that her Father had been with a Wizard. And the next day following after they had put in practise the directions given, she affirmed to divers of the neighbours, that Drake the afflicted woman's father, had been to ask counsel, and made a Witch Cake, but she would learn how they came to have that knowledge: yet for the present she found help, and was freed from the languishing and other conflicts wherewith she was assaulted by the space of six weeks.  
After this, being married unto james Scot, a great Cat which kept with this Witch (of whose infernal both purposes and practices we now speak) frequented their house; and upon doing some scathe, her husband moved therewith, thrust it twice through with his sword: which notwithstanding those wounds received, ran away: then he struck it with all his force upon the head with a great pike staff, yet could not kill her; but she leapt after this upward almost a yard from the boards of that chamber where she now was, and crept down: which he perceiving, willed his lad (a boy of fourteen years) to drag her to the muckhill, but was not able; and therefore put her into a sack, and being in the same, still moved and stirred. Whereupon they put her out again, and cast her under a pair of stairs, purposing in the morning, to get more help, and carry her away; but then could not be found, though all the doors that night were locked, and never heard what afterward became thereof.  
Not long after, this Witch cameforth with a Birchin broom, and threatened to lay it upon the head of Elizabeth Scot, and defiled her clothes therewith, as she swept the street before her shop door, and that in the sight of her husband, who not digesting this indignity offered unto his wife, threatened that if she had any such fits, as she endured being a Widow before marriage, he would hang her. At this she clapped her hands, and said he killed her Cat. And within two or three days after this interchange of words between them, his wife was perplexed with the like pain and grief at her heart, as formerly she had been; and that for two days and a night: wherefore her husband went to this wrathful and malicious person, assuring that if his wife did not amend, he would accuse her to the Magistrate, and cause the 
* Witches can by no means be so easily brought to to recall the mischief they have done, as by threats and stripes. Remigius in Damonolatria, lib. 3. c. 3.  rigour of the law to be executed upon her, which is due to such malefactors. These things were done some three years sithence. The party troubled yet liveth, but in no confirmed health, nor perfect soundness of body.   

Her wicked practices against Cicely Balye.  
A Third subject whereupon this wrathful woman's anger wrought, was C●…eely Balye, than servant to Robert C●…ulton, now wife of William Vaux, who sweeping the street before her masters door upon a Saturday in the evening, Marry Smith began to pick a quarrel about the manner of sweeping, and said unto her she was a great fattailed sow, but that fatness should shortly be pulled down and abated. And the next night being Sunday immediately following, a Cat came unto her, sat upon her breast, with which she was grievously tormented, and so oppressed, that she could not without great difficulty draw her breath, and at the same instant did perfectly see the said Mary in the chamber where she lay, who (as she conceived) set that Cat upon her, and immediatl after fell sick, languished, and grew exceeding lean; and so continued for the space of half a year together, during the whole continuance in her masters service; until departing from him, she dwelled with one Mistress Garoway, and then began to be amended in her health, and recover of her former pining sickness: for this Witch had said, that so long as she dwelled near her, she should not be well, but grow from evil to worse.  
Thus every light trifle (for what can be less than sweeping of a little dust awry?) can minister matter to set on fire a wrathful indignation, and inflame it unto desired revenge, the Devil being willing to apprehend and take hold upon such an occasion, that so he might do some pleasing office his bondslave, whom she adored in submiss manner, upon her knees, with strange gestures, uttering many murmuring, broken, and imperfect speeches, as this Cicely did both hear and see, there being no other partition between the chamber wherein she performed these rites, and the house of her master with whom she then dwelled, but only a thin feeling of board, through a cranny or rift whereof she looked, listened attentively unto her words, and beheld (diligently her behaviour, and might have seen and heard much more, but that she was with the present spectacle so affrighted, that she hastened down in much fear and distemper.   

Her wicked practice against Edmund Newton.  
THe fourth on damaged by this Hag, was one Edmund Newton: the discontentment did arise from this ground; Because he had bought several bargains of Holland cheese, and sold them again, by which she thought her benef●… to be somewhat impaired, using the like kind of trading. The manner of her dealing with him was in this sort. At every several time of buying Cheese he was grievously afflicted, being thrice, and at the last, either she or a spirit in her likeness did appear unto him, and whisked about his face (as he lay in bed) a wet cloth of very loathsome savour; after which he did see one clothed in russet with a little bush beard, who told him he was sent to look upon his sore leg, and would heal it; but rising to show the same, perceiving he had cloven feet, refused that offer, who then (these being no vain conceits, or fantasies, but well advised and diligently considered ●…bseruances) suddenly vanished out of sight. After this she sent her Imps, a Toad, and Crabs crawling about the house, which was a shop planchered with boards, where his servants (he being a Shoemaker) did work: one of which took that toad, put it into the fire, where it made a groaning noise for one quarter of an hour before it was consumed; during which time Mary Smith who sent it, did endure, (as was reported) torturing pains, testifying the felt grief by her outcries then made.  
The sickness which he first sustained, was in manner of a madness or frenzy, yet with some interposed release of extremity: so that for thirteen or fourteen weeks together he would be of perfect memory, other times distracted and deprived of all sense. Also the joints and parts of his body were benumbed, besides other pains and griefs from which he is not yet freed, but continueth in great weakness, disabled to perform any labour, whereby he may get sufficient and competent maintenance. And by the council of some, sending for this woman by whom he was wronged, that he might scratch her (for this hath gone as currant, and may plead prescription for warrant a foul sin among Christians to think one Witchcraft can drive out another) his nails turned like feathers, having no strength to lay his hands upon her.  
And it is not improbable but that she had dealt no better with others than these above mentioned. For Mr Thomas Yonges of London, Fishmonger, reported unto me, that after the demand of a debt due unto Mr john Mason, Silkman of the same City, whose Widow he married, from Henry Smith Glover her husband, some execrations and curses being wished unto him, within three or four days (being then gone to Yarmouth in Norfolk upon necessary business) there fell sick, and was tortured with exceeding and massacring griefs, which by no means (having used the advise of sundry learned and experienced Physicians in Norwich) could in any part be mitigated, and so extraordinarily vexed thirteen months, was constrained to go on Crutches, not being able to feed himself, and amended not before this mischievous woman was committed to prison (accused for other wickednesses of the like kind) at which time (so near as he could conjecture) he then received some release of his former pains, though at the present when he made this relation, which was at Candlemas last passed, had not perfectly recovered his wont strength: for his left hand remained lame, and without use.  
But thus much by the way only, omitting how before this accident a great Water-dogge ran over his bed, the door of the chamber where he lay being shut, no such one known (for careful inquiry was made) either to have been in that house where he lodged, or in the whole Town at any time.  
I do not insist upon this, because she did not nominate him or any other unto us, but only those four already expressed: and for the wrongs done to them, she craved mercy at God's hands, as for all other her sins, and in particular for that of Witchcraft, renounced the Devil, embraced the mercies of God purchased by the obedience of jesus Christ, and professed that her hope was only by his suffering and passion to be saved. And all these, that is to say, her former grievous offences committed against God, and his people, her d●…fiance of the Devil, and reposing all confidence of salvation in Christ jesus alone, and his merits, she in particular manner confessed openly at the place of execution, in the audience of multitudes of people gathered together (as is usual at such times) to be beholders of her death. And made there also profession of her faith, and hope of a better life hereafter; and the means whereby she trusted to obtain the same, as before, hath been specified. And being asked, if she would be contented to have a Psalm sung, answered willingly that she desired the same, and appointed it herself, The Lamentation of a Sinner, whose beginning is, Lord turn not away thy face, etc. And after the ending thereof thus finished her life: So that in the judgement of charity we are to conceive the best, and think she resteth in peace, notwithstanding her heinous transgressions formerly committed: for there is no maladay incurable to the Almighty Physician, Esay 1. 18. Ezech. 33. 11. Therefore Cain did injury to God, when convicted of the barbarous and unnatural murder of his righteous brother, cried out that his sin was greater than could be forgiven, Gen. 4. 13 for God's mercy is greater than man's misery can be. And even for the like unto this very fact, we have a book case, already adjudged, and overruled in those Ephesians, who brought their conjuring books, sacrificed them in the sire, aestimated at the 
a Bud●…us de ass●… lib. 5.  value of nine hundred pounds of our money, repent of their 
b The Ephesians were infamous for their Magical practices, Appollonius professing the same in the Ci●…ie, so that it grew into a proveth, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the Ephesian letters, which were certain Characters and words, by virtue whereof they obtained good success in all business, victory against others, cuasion and escape from danger●…; and as we read in Suidas, a Milesian armed with these letters, overcame thi●…ty Champions in the games of Olympus, but being removed by the Magistrate, having intelligence thereof, himself was subdued. Of these see Athenaeus Deipn●…sophiston lib. 12. Hes●…cbius in his Lexicon. Plutarch quastionum convivalium, lib. 7. cap. 5.  sins, and obtained mercy, Acts 19 verse. 19    

¶ The eight Proposition, and first consequent.  
NOw then from this premised narration, these two corrollaries or consequents do necessarily follow.  
It is not lawful for any Christian to consult with a witch or wizard, or go to them for help. God himself, whose commandment is and must be the rule of our life & direction hath forbidden it, Leuit. 19 31. and 20. 6. Deuter. 18. 10. 11. And the Imperial laws, have been in this case very respective. 
a Cod lib. 9 titulo 18. 1. 〈◊〉 & L. 〈◊〉  Therefore, Leo the Emperor straightly enjoineth, that none should resort unto them, and styleth their advice nothing but mere impostures and deceit; and in the 
b Gratianus decretorum part 2. caus. 26. qu. 7.  Decrees collected by Gratran, the teachers of the people are seriously exhorted to admonish them, that magical arts and enchantments cannot heal any infirmity: and that they be the dangerous snares, and subtleties of that ancient enemy of mankind, by which he endeavoureth to entangle them 
c Dan●… in dia●…o de 〈◊〉 cap. 6. : and these so straight and severe prohibitions are not without just and weighty cause. For,  
First, we must have no commerce or dealing with the devil, either directly and immediately, or mediately and indirectly; for we ought to have our recourse to God alone in all distresses, and this is that which Eliah spoke with great indignation unto the messengers of Ahaziah, who went to inquire of Beelzebub, for the recovery of their Lord's health, 2. King. 1. 3. 
d Martinus de Arles in trallatu de superstitionibus. johannes Gers●… de 〈◊〉 circa ar●…em m●…cam ●…ticulo 5.  So that we must not seek to Satan, or any of his ministers. For none can serve two masters, Matt. 6. 24. But as religious Ichosaphat, when we know not what to do, then lift up our eyes to heaven, 2. ●…hron. 20. 12.  
Secondly, that help which any receive from them bringeth destruction of our souls, for such as seek for relief this way, make a 
e In cu●…ing diseases the d●…uell ●…especteth t●… ends: the one, that he might seem to keep the promise he hath made with those his slaves, and retain them in their malicious practices and in●…delity: the other, that he might draw their faith and trust from God, who are thus healed by witches and wizards his instruments, and cast them down headlong into des●…uction of their souls: or if they miss of hoped relief which often times so cometh to pass, God withstanding their attempts, then to wound their conscien●…, and d●…iue them to despair.  separation & departing from God, which is the death of the soul. And though it may be objected, that some have received benefit hereby, yet these are not one of ten. And further, we are not to judge herein of the lawfulness of these actions by the success, but rest upon the commandment, for itfalleth out sometime, that a thy ease and common robber by the high way, may live i●… more abundance, than those who with a lawful and honest trade painfully maintain then selves, yet therefore he is not justified. And when we have recourse unto others beside God, we bewray herein our 
f Navarrus in Enchiridiosi●…e manuals con●…ssariorum cap 11  distrust, infidelity, contempt and rebellion against him, which grievous sins bring his wrath and eternal destruction. But let it be taken for granted, that we may receive good by them, yet this maxim is sure, & a truth unrepealeable, which no distinction can elude; we must not do evil that good may come thereof, Rom. 3. 8. 
g Chrys●…st. cont. Iud●…os ●…m. 6.  yea, it were better to end our days in any extremity whatsoever, then to use these for our helpers.  
Thirdly, they 
h Tatianus oratione tertia contra Gr●…cos.  cure not diseases but in show, except such as themselves have inflicted, otherwise those do return, as is reported of Adrianus the 
i X philinu●… ex D●… Adrian●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Emperor, who troubled with a dropsy, by magical charms did oftentimes empty the water thereof, but in a short space increased again; and perceiving the same to grow worse & worse, sought to dispatch and rid himself of life, by poison, or the sword, or some other desperate attempts. O●… a worse malady (the first being abated) followeth: as I have known one, who using the help of a wizard for the cure of a sore in his breast, ptescribed in this sort: crossed the place affected with his thumb, and mumbled to himself some words in secret, after gave the patient a powder like the ashes of wood, which was to be boiled in running water, and with it to wash the ulcer, after certain clouts were to be applied, with special care to lay that side of the clout unto the sore, which was by him cr●…ssed, and marked; and all these clothes must at once be bound upon it, and every day the lowest removed or taken away: thus in short time that anguish and grief ceased; but not long after the party fell into a more grievous infirmity, and still continueth therein. Or if the evil be taken from the 
k Bodine proveth this by many examples in his Daemonomania. lib. 3. cap. 2.  person presently afflicted, then is it laid upon his friends children or cattle, and sometime it falleth to the lot of the witch herself, so that always the devil is a devil, doing evil, and working mischief.  
Fourth, a 
l Binfeldius de confessionibus ●…sicorum. Cardinalis Ca●…etanus in summul●… titulo de male ficio. Tolet●…s in summa cas●… conscienti●…, siue instruction●… sacerdotum li. 4. c. 16.  wizard, witch, or sorcerer can not relieve any but by his or her invocation, and help of the devil, but this fact is absolutely, and without exception, wicked, and can by no limitation or circumstance be made tolerable: Therefore they who require this at their hands, which they cannot perform without committing of sin, be liable to the same vengeance and wrath of God to which they are; for not only the principal offenders, but the 
m Grati●… in Decret●… part 2. caus●… 26 q●…st. 2. se●…. Q●… sine saluatore, etc.  accessaries, and consenters to their evil, are worthy of death, Rom. 1. 32.  
Now before I conclude this point, because by these kind of creatures, many toys be used, to shadow and mask the devils suggestion and works, it shall not be amiss to mention some of them, and among the rest be 
n Of these characters and Images, john Gerson de ere ovibus circa art●… magicam dic●… 3. litera O. Marti●…us de Arles de superstitionibus. Binfeldius in commentar. ad titulu●… Codicis de 〈◊〉 et mathematicis; and examples Hector Boetius l. 2. histori●… Scoic●…, de rege Duffo, and Thuanus lately in the reign of Charles the ninth king of France in the 57 Book of the history of his times.  characters written or graven in plates of metal: and for these it is most certain that Quantities have no active quality; and therefore, if any expected success according to desire do follow in the use thereof, it proceedeth from the illusion of Satan, and is his work, that hereby he might win credit to his crafty sleights and conveyances, and procure to himself authority, establishing the kingdom of darkness, withdraw men from resting upon God, and reposing their trust in his almighty power, and boundless mercy, and solicit them to expect help from him. There are besides these, other idle trifles (for they des●…rue no better name which are appointed to be hung about the neck) for Annulets, as 
o Binfeldius in titulum codicis de mal●…cis & mathemati●…is. Martin●…s de Arles in 〈◊〉 de 〈◊〉 gionibus  powerful and effectual remedies against certain diseases, and pictures made of gold, brass, lead, wax, etc. which neither have nor can have any other virtue, then that which they do receive from the matter whereof they be framed, for the figure worketh not as a cause of alteration; but if it bring to pass any other effect that is from the power of the devil an old enemy, and crafty deluder of mankind, and therefore, presupposeth a contract made with him: wherefore 
p Spartianus in v●…ta Anto●…ni Caracall●….  Antoninus Caracall●… condemned those who used the same, for the help of Tertian and Quartan agues, and Constantius 
q Amm●…us 〈◊〉 lib. 19 non pro●… fine, & lib. 29.  decreeth such to be worthy capital punishment, and put to death. And that natural cover wherewith some children are borne, and is called by our women, the silly how, Midwives were wont to sell to credulou●… Advocates and Lawyers, as a●… especial meane●… to furnish them with eloquence 
r ●…mpridius in 〈◊〉 Di●…dumco.  and persuasive speech, and to stop the mouths of all, who should make any opposition against them: for which cause one 
s Balsamon in commen●… ad con●…. Constantinopolitanum in T●…llo cap. 61.  Prot●…s was accused by the Clergy of Constantinople to have offended in this matter. And Chrysostome often accuseth Midwives for reserving the same to Magical uses. And Clemens 
t Stromatcon libr. 1. gest●…it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Alexandrinus giveth us to understand of one Er●…stus, who had two enchanted rings, so framed, that by the sound thereof he had direction for the fit time and opoortunity in managing all the businesses he intended, and yet notwithstanding was privily murdered, though he had warning given by that sound which was his usual instructor. Thus, none can escape the revenging hand of God, which pursueth those who have enfeoffed themselves to such vanities, and are besotted with these unlawful curiosities. But among all other, charms and enchanting spells, have gotten the start of the rest, which some think absolutely lawful, and may upon warrantise be used, and plead prescription for their i●…stifiication; for we read in Homer 
u Odiff●… 19 vu●…s V●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cato de re ru●…ica. Pl●…. li. 28. c●…. 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 l. 2. c. 2  that Ulysses being wounded by words, stayed the flux of blood; and 
x De sub●… libr. 18.  Cardanus tells us, that himself cutting his lip, could by no means restrain the flowing blood, until he charmed it, and then presently staunched: but dare not affirm whether his own confidence, or the words did make this restraint. I might add to these, that infallible means (as is supposed) by finding out a thief with a Sieve and a pair of shears, with that conjunction 
y Georgius Pictorius in epitome de Magia. cap. 21.  Dies, mies, jescet, etc. and the rest of such senseless and monstrous terms, a Riddle that Oedipus himself could not unfold. But because this conceit of charming hath overspread itself in this Sunset of the world, and challengeth a lawful approbation from the authority and practice of ancient 
z Vide Ritherbusium in no●…is ad Malchum de vita Pythagor●…. Alexander Trallian. libr. 10. de colico ●…ffectu, in fine. Serenus Sammo●…cus de pr●…ceptis medici●… cap. de Hemitrit●… depellend●…. job. 〈◊〉 medici●…lium lib. 1 epist. 33. & 34.  Physicians, yea and found some 
a Aquinas 〈◊〉 summa secund●… secund●… quest. 96. ●…ticulo 4.  Divines to be their Patrons respectively, and with clauses of mitigation, I think it very necessary to show the unlawfulness thereof. Wherefore,  
First, they had their original and beginning from the devil, who abode not in the truth, john 8. 44. was cast down with the apostata angels to hell, and delivered into chains of darkness, 2. Pet. 2. 4. who envying man●… felicity received into grace after the 
b De differentia inter 〈◊〉 & homine●… pecc●…res Augustinus in Encbiridio cap. 28. & in suis ad illum commentarijs Lam▪ bertus Dan●…us.  fall, himself eternally rejected, omitted no occasion to weaken and overthrow the same, that the benefit thereof might come but to a few, and the greatest number perish with him for ever. Whereupon he endeavoured to inwrappe the weaker sort of that frail corporation in superstitions, beguile them with doubtful and false oracles, and bring to a form of worship contrary to that which God had commanded, 
c Peucerus de generibus Diui●…ationum & titul●… de incantationibus.  whereby the world began to abound with Idolatry, disobedience, contempt, murders, uncleanness, lusts, thefts, lying, and such like outrages: and that he might with his infections empoison them more dangerously, and sovereign in their hearts, he undertook to work wonders, imitating such miracles as God had done, and devised cunningly many subtle sleights and legerdemains, and for this end most blasphemously abused the glorious and holy name of God, and the word uttered by his mouth, and represented a false show of those effects, which he had wrought in nature: and herein leveled at two intentions, one to reproach God, and countercheck his works; the other to over-mask and cover his own secret traps and frauds, persuading men, that by the power of words these things were brought to pass, which must needs therefore be of great ●…fficacie: seeing that the world & all things therein were so made of nothing; for the spoke, and they were created, and thus practised to disgrace, and extenuate, that admirable and great work of Creation, and cause men to make lighter account of the Creator, seeing that they also (instructed by him) were enabled thorough the pronunciation of certain words contived into a special form, either to infuse new strength into things, or deprive them of that which formerly they had, or alter the course of Nature, in raising tempests, stirring up thunder and lightning; in 
d Frigidas in pratis cantand●… r●…pitur anguis Virg. ecloga 8.  taming serpents, and depriving them of their natural fierceness and venom, and cause wild beasts to become meek and tractable, yea in seeming to make sensible bodies; as clouds, wind, rain & the like. And thus the devil is that father who begot Charms, and brought them forth, not powerful in themselves, but by that inter league which he hath with those who are invassaled unto him.  
Secondly, God doth as straightly prohibit them, and severely punish the practisers thereof, as others offending in any exercise of unlawful arts, Deut. 18. 10. 11. There shall not be found among you (instructing the Israelites his people) a charmer, etc. for these are abomination unto the Lord, etc. And this is recorded in the Catalogue of those sins of Manasses, by which he sought to provoke God unto anger, 2. Kin. 21. 8. 2. Chronicles 33. 6.  
Thirdly, words have no virtue, 
e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉 Etym●…logicis dicitur quasi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 De hac materia ●…ru ●…itissine disput it Franciscus Valesius de sa●…ra Philosophia, cap. 3.  but either to signify and express the conceits of the mind, or to affect the ears of the Auditors, so that they can work nothing but in these two respects: first of the matter which is uttered by them, which understood of the heaters, affect the mind diversly, and that especially when there is joined with it a comeliness of action and pronunciation, as we we see oftentimes in the speeches of the Ministers of the Word, and in the plead of Orators. As when Paul reasoned before Foelix and Drusilla his wife, of Temperance, Righteousness, and judgement to come he trembled, Acts 24. 25. 
f Presectus Iude●… imp●…itus 〈…〉 sibi i●…pune ratus est, etc. Tacitus ●…lium lib. 12 & per omnem 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ac 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 regium s●…ruile ingen●… execuit  being guilty to himself of fraudulent and cruel dealing, of lasciviousness and a filthy life, and therefore might justly fear vengeance for the same.  
A like example to this is that in King Agrippa, though working upon a better subject, Act. 26. 28. And if I may conjoin Divine eloquence with human, it is memorable, that while 
g 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 C●…crone.  Tully pleaded before Caesar for Ligarius, accused by Tubero, to have been confederate with Pompey, purposing to put him to death, as an enemy, when the Orator altered, and in Rhetorical manner enforced his speech, the other changed accordingly his countenance, and bewrayed the piercing words to be so affecting, that the supplications, when he came once to urge and mention the battle of Pharsalia, (trembling and dismayed) did fall from his hands, having the passions of his mind extraordinarily moved, and absolved the offender. Or else when by their pleasantness, with delight they slide into the hearts of men, and ravish their affections: and thus it was with 
h Aug. confessinum lib 9 cap. 6 Quantum si●… in by 〈◊〉 & ●…tibus 〈◊〉 s●…ue 〈◊〉 Ecclesia tua vo●…bus comm●…us ●…ter? Voces ille instuebant auribus m●…, & lquebatur veritas tua in cor meam, & 〈◊〉 a●…bat affeectus pretatis, & currebant 〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉 mihi ●…rat cum 〈◊〉.  Augustine, as he acknowledgeth of himself, that being at Milan where he was baptised by S. Ambrose, when he heard the harmony which was in singing of the Psalms, the words pierced his ears, the truth melted his heart, his passions were moved, and showers of tears with delight fell from his eyes. 
i Vide Aquinatem egreg●… de hac mat●…●…isputante 〈◊〉 contra Gentes, lib. 43. cap. 105. & tuis Commentatorem Franciscum de Sylucstris.  But these effects are wrought only in such who understand that which is spoken, but neither of both these properties are to be found in the Charms of Wizards: besides, that they are conceived and expressed in monstrous and unknown terms, not intelligible, and without signification: and therefore the effects they produce being 
k Caietanus in summula in titulo: Incantatio. Toletus in ●…mms causuum cons●…ntia, sive instructione sacerdotum lib. 4. cap. 17.  supernatural must proceed from that secret compact, at the least made with the Devil.  
Fourthly, these charms are mere mockeries, and gross abuses, both of God, and Men his creatures, I will give you a taste of one or two, whereby you may judge of the rest, for they came all out of one shop, and are fashioned in one forge, and have the same workman or Artificer. 
l Godelmannus in tractatu de magis, Veneficis etc. lib. 1. cap. 8 〈◊〉 26 & 27. vide S●…em Matolum colloquiorum sive dicrum caniculorum part 2, colloquio 3.  An old woman craving help for blear eyes, had delivered a Billet of Paper to wear about her neck, in which was written, The Devil pull out thine eyes, and recovered. Another tied a scroll to a sick man, full of strange Characters, with which were intermingled a few names of Devils, as Lucifer, Satan, Belzebub, Oriens, Behal, Mammon, Beuflar, Narthin, Oleasar, etc. and other of this sort; but what manner of blessing this was, and how likely to be medicinable, a Christian truly instructed in God's word knoweth; and the Lord who is the father of mercies, and God of all comfort, preserve us from such blasphemies, which are the devils Sacrifices.  
Fifthly, the discreeter sort among the Heathen, by that small glimpse of natural reason which they had, misliked of these things: 
m Cato de re rustica, cap 5.  And therefore Cato among the rest of admonitions to the Bailiff of his husbandry, giveth this charge, to ask no advice of any Southsaier, Diviner, Wizard, or Nativity Calculator. 
n Columella lib. 1. cap 8.  And Columella utterly forbiddeth all acquaintance with Witches, whereby ignorant people are enforced to expense detestable Arts, and mischievous deeds. 
o Libro de morbo sacro (sive illius sit, sive alterius, nam de authore apud cruditos dubitatio est●…●…atem ab initio. & quaed●… huc pertinentia babet Theophrastus de plantis lib. 9 cap. 21.  Hypocrates doth almost like a Christian discourse of this point, and condemn the whole practice of this Art, as injurious unto God, who only purgeth sins, and is our preserver; and for these fellows who make profession of such wonderworking, brandeth them for Impostors and deceivers. I conclude with that remarkable saying of an ancient Divine; 
p 〈…〉.  These vanities do separate and with draw us from God, though they may seem to have something in them to allure and delight us; yet let no Christian entertain them, whose hope ought to be settled in God alone. And if thou be in distress, or afflicted with sickness of body, and feel no present release or comfort, what then? here is the trial of thy patience, have not recourse to superstitious and unlawful helpers, although they promise thee present remedy; and when they foretell thee of things which do truly according to the prediction so fall out, believe them not, follow the example of Christ, who rebuked the Devil, though he called him (as he was indeed) the Son of God. For under the vail of truth he shadoweth falsehood; even as if one should sweeten with honey or sugar the brim of the Cup wherein he bringeth poison: But some will say, they call upon the name of the Lord of Sabbaoth. Well, but this title they give not to God, but to the Devil: therefore betake thou thyself to God alone, crave health at his hand, and follow the Apostles direction; If any be sick among you, let him call for the Elders of the Church, and let him pray, james 5. 14.   

The ninth Proposition, and second Corrolary.  
THere hath always been some wanton, or perverse wits, who only to make trial of their skill, would take in hand to defend absurd positions, and commend both such things and persons, which were infamous, and contemptible as 
q Phavorinus apud Agellium. lib. 17. cap. 12.  Phavorinus writ the praise of the quartan Ague, one of the gout, blindness, and deafness: 
r Luciani encomion 〈◊〉.  Lucian of a fly, 
s Erasmus.  Erasmus of folly, 
t Synesius.  Synesius of baldness, 
u Lib. 1. de Republica.  Glaucus in Plato of injustice. And among the exercises of the 
x Ex●…at eius laudatio inter exempla exercitationum Rhetorum ab Henrico Stephan●… editarum cum Polemonis & Himer●… declamationibus.  ancient Orators, we find those who strained all their understanding to blaze the honour of that witless and deformed Coward Thersites. And this they have performed with great Art and eloquence, only to show their faculty, but never in good earnest took such a matter in hand. And therefore more deeply is he to b●… censured, who hath made himself an advocate to plead the cause of 
y Wi●…rus.  Witches, and defend then as innocent. And because this is a dangerous example, and doth draw those who are evil affected to offend, hoping for patronage of their impiety, I add for conclusion this last proposition: Wizards, Witches, and the whole rabble of Sorcerers (no kind excepted) are justly liable 
z Simlerus i●… 22 Exodi.  to extreme punishment. The arguments alleged for proof hereof, are many: I will make choice of a few (with reference to such authors in whose writings more may be found) and those which are most 
a Of these all the following reasons. 〈◊〉 de confessio●…, maleficorum, & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ad titulum legis de mal●… & mathematicis copio●…. Remigius de D●…onologia, lib. 3. cap. 〈◊〉. Pe●… de pr●…cipuis Divinationum generi●… Erastus de L●…s. Bodinus Daeomanias' lib. 4. cap. 5.  demonstrative.  
First, God himself hath enacted that penal statute, Thou shalt not suffer a Witch to live. Exod. 22 18. and nameth here a 
b Hironimus O●…ster in locum, & junius & Tremelius in e●…dem.  woman practising this damnable. Art for two reasons: First, they are more inclinable hereunto then man. Secondly, that though their fault may seem, as being the weaker, excusable, and is in this respect extenuated by some, yet is not therefore to be spared, whether of that sort which they call 
c Per●…s of Witchcraft.  good, or bad (for so are they distinguished) & there be some who never brought 
d Binfeldius in Commentarium ad titulum Codi●…s de Mathematicis & Ma●….  harm upon any in body, goods, or mind. The cause of this so sharp a doom, is their compacting with the Devil, openly or secretly, whereby they covenant to use his help, in fulfilling their desires, and by this means make themselves guilty of horrible impiety: for in this they renounce the Lord, who hath created them; make no account of his favour and protection, cut themselves off from the covenant made with him in baptism, from the communion of Saints, the true fellowship and service of God; and on the contrary yield themselves by this confederacy, to Satan, as their God (and therefore nothing more frequent and usual in their mouths, than my God will do this and that for me) him they continually fear and honour. And thus do at the last become professed enemies both to God and Man. You may add to this further law, that which is Leuit. 19 26 & cap. 6. You shall use no enchantment: the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and are Wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people, etc. Again, Deut. 18. 10. There shall not be found among you any that useth Divination, nor an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a Witch, or a Charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, a Wizard, or Necromancer. And that God might show how 
e God●… de, Magis & ve●…, l b. 3. cap. 11. 〈◊〉. 14 15. 16. & seq.  much Manasses had provoked him to wrath, through his transcendent and outrageous sins in the Catalogue thereof, his conspiring with Devils is 
Anonymus de Mosaicarum & Romanarum legum collatione titulo. 15.  mentioned 1. King. 21. 8. And therefore is deprived of his kingdom, bound in fetters, and carried captive unto Babel, 2. Chron. 33. 6. 11. and though he repent of these outrageous and enormous 
Constitutiones criminales Caroli 5●…. à Georgio Ramo edita cap. 44. 109. & 177 Such are exempted from all benefit of those pardons which Princes use to give to other mal●…f 〈◊〉 ctor●…. For●…rius ad legem 236. in Titulo de verborum signi●…atione, vide illu●… 〈◊〉 mu●…a erudite scribit, ad propositum nostrum 〈◊〉.  transgressions, yet God would not be appeased for them fifty years after he was dead, jerem. 15. 4.  
Secondly, the civil laws in this case are most strict, decreeing them to be burned, and their goods confiscate, though they were persons of quality, and honourable, seated in dignity, and place of authority: and there is a severe constitution made by Charles the fifth in late days against them, that though they shall not have done, or be convinced to have hurt any, yet because they attempted a thing unlawful, and abominable unto God, are extraordinarily to be punished. And concerning this particular, S. Augustin discourseth excellently, worthy to be read, the cin. dei. l. 8. c. 19  
Thirdly, God willeth those should be put to death, who by Diabolical and unlawful Arts, do endeavour to help or harm others, whether in act they perform the same, or purpose with intention, conceiving and thinking they can do it, with rank Witches must needs be marshaled; and therefore justly subject to deserved punishment.  
Fourthly, all Idolaters are to die by divine appointment, Deu. 17. 5. But I think no man's forehead is so brazen, that will stand Proctor, and plead guiltless for these sort of people, who devote themselves wholly to the Devil, though never so closely, and with great and cautelous secrecy: and no doubt God therefore was revenged of the Templars, and their detestable wickedness practised in darkness and obscurity, who all 
h A●…o Domini 1312. whose order began 1123. Thomas Walsi●…gham in the life of K. Edward the 2●, in his English 〈◊〉, and in his 〈◊〉 N●….  perished, as it were, in a moment for the same; of which at the full we may be informed in our own ancient histories.  
Fifthly, they do solicit others to be of their profession (which is one clause of that contract made between them and the Devil) and consecreate their children unto him: and against this, there is an especial caution put in Deteronomy 13. 6. 9 10.  
Sixtly, they deserve death as inhuman and barbarous tyrants, for lingeringly, ut sentiant se mor●…, that they may feel how they do decay by degrees, seek the utter overthrow of those whom they do malign: and as a further appendix to this, oftentimes by the help of their grand teacher, sow discord between husband and wife, solicit maidens, yea enforce both them, and married women to unclean, and unlawful lusts, and herein implore the help of the devil, to accomplish their malicious designs, which transgression is capital.  
Seventhly, the exercise of this act or vanity is punishable by death, although it be practised but only in sport and jest, which may appear thus, because God hath seriously forbidden (and under no less forfeiture then of life itself) to ask counsel of a Soothsayer or conjuror; if this than be a crime of such nature, in those, who it may be herein thought not to do evil, there is no reason to induce any to think that he will spare the wilful, and purposed authors thereof, and Magicians, who work only juggling tricks, and illusions, and foretell some future things, as yet unknown until they do so fall out, are not freed from the sentence condemnatory; much more than those who willingly, and upon premeditated malice, murder or impair the life and good estate of other, deserve to stand parallel with them. And there can no reason be yielded of this so sharp a c●…●…re, but only because they have learned, and accordingly exercise unlawful arts, for whosoever endeavoureth to bring that thing to pass, by pretending natural means, which exceedeth the power of Nature, and is not thereunto enabled either by God, or the ministry of good Angels at his appointment, he must of necessity have this faculty communicated by some combination and inter league with the devil.  
Eightly, the judge or civil Magistrate is bound by virtue of that office, and superiority he sustaineth in the commonwealth, to purge and free that place, in, and over which he hath command, of all malefactors, which if he do neglect, then is a double offender, against the Law both of justice and Charity; for he is obliged by duty to foresee (so much as in him lieth) that the public state should be secured, which it concerneth to have offenders punished, otherwise he maketh himself partner with them in their outrages and offences, and standeth answerable for those damages sustained by the whole body of the people in general, or undergone by any particular of the same, for sparing of the wicked 
i Pythagor●… apud Stobaum.  is hurting the good, and he that doth not repress and forbid evil (when it is in his power) doth countenance and maintain it.  
Much more might be added, and many examples produced, to manifest, how in all Nations these odious company of witches, and the like have ever been accounted detestable; and for their impious deeds requited with never dying shame, and utter confusion, and justly by law executed; for among the Romans, Mathematicians, 
k Tacitus annal●…um 〈◊〉 2 〈◊〉 consul●… L●…um 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ad●…um co●…ntarys.  and Magicians by the Decree of the Senate were expelled out of all Italy: and amongst these Pituanus was thrown down from the rock Tarpeius, and crushed apieces. Martius' by the Consuls put to death with the sound of a Trumpet without the gate Exquilina: Publicia and Licinia 
l Valerius Maximus li. 6 ca 3. Remigius Damonol●…g. l 3. c. 〈◊〉  women, and seventy more witches hanged. The 
m Demosthenes' oral. 1. contra Aristogitone●….  speedy judgement of the Athenians, witness of their hatred against these kind of malefactors, is much commended, who without any other solemnity of proceeding at the only accusation of a Maid, without delay put one Lemnia a witch to death: and it is memorable which Ammianus 
n Libr. 26. not far from the beginning.  Marcelli●…s hath left in record, that one Hilarius, because he committed his son young, and not of mature years, to be taught and instructed unto a conjuror, was adjudged to die, and escaping from the hands of the executioner, who had negligently bound him, drawn by force out of the next church of the Christians, to which he fled as unto a Sanctuary, and executed.  
The end of 
o Bonfinius rerum Hungaricaram decad●… 2. libr. 2.  Varasolo, a famous Enchantress in Hungary is dreadful, who for her sundry witcheries was cast into prison, and there constrained through extremity of hunger, to tear off and eat the flesh of her own legs and arms, and at the last, impatient of further delay, there murdered herself, and shortened the span of her life.  
But here I stay my hand, take it from the table, and the rather, because much hath already been spoken to this purpose. Wherefore, for conclusion, I shut up this whole Treatise with a remarkable speech of a noble 
p Allaricus apud Cassiodorum li. 9 epist 18. in qua edictum illius: and Corne●…ius Agripp●…, sometime more than well acquat●…ed with this Art, doth retract his own books written of secret philosophy, & in plain terms and expressly gives his judgement, that all these loud women (for this title may include the whole rabble of this black Guard) with jannes' and jambres, and Simon Magus, are to be tormented with endless pains in eter●…all fire. Cornelius Agrippa De vanitate Scientiarum ca 4●….  King; Let the straight rigour of law be inflicted upon all, both practisers and partakers with wizards, by putting any confidence in them; for it is ungodly for man to be remiss and favourable unto those whom divine piety, and our duty to God will not suffer unpunished. For what folly were it to forsake the Creator and Giver of life, and to follow the author of death? this dishonest fact, unbeseeming, and utterly repugnant to the credit and reputation of a judge, be far from him. Let none countenance that which the Laws do condemn, for all are by the Regal Edicts to be punished with death, who intermeddle with such forbidden and unlawful Artes.   
FINIS.