The most wonderful and true story, of a certain Witch named also Gooderige of Stapen hill, who was arraigned and convicted at Derby at the Assizes there.  
As also a true report of the strange torments of Thomas Darling, a boy of thirteen years of age, that was possessed by the Devil, with his horrible fits and terrible Apparitions by him uttered at Burton upon Trent in the County of Stafford, and of his marvelous deliverance.  
Printed at London for I. O. 1597.   

To the Reader.  
TIme hath proved that by experience (Christian Reader) which S. john by the spirit of Prophecy foreshowed; The Devil (saith he) hath great wrath, knowing that he hath but a short time: for this Prophecy is fulfilled, not only in the outrageous fury that Satan useth in raising persecution against God's Saints, by his mischievous instruments, & corrupting men's minds by his wicked suggestions, but also in tyrannising, according to his limited power over them by torments. This first kind of cruelty the former Ages have felt when the third part of the Sun, and the Moon, and the Stars were smitten by the Roman Dragon, and stinged by the Turkish scorpions, and other locusts of the like stamp: the other manner of villainy hath showed her fruits too plentifully in this our age in the cooling of Charity, & quenching of the Spirit, that our saviours Prophecy (which cannot be far off) may be fulfilled, When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? And this last kind of tyranny is too apparent amongst other instances, in the pitiful vexing of this poor distressed child: And as the holyghost hath left such conflicts for the spiritual warfare of his children, so hath he not left them without weapons to withstand the fury of their enemies▪ for in temporal persecutions & afflictions they have Patience for their buckler, that they may learn to say of them with job, Blessed be the name of the Lord▪ and in all manner of temptations of Satan, they have the whole armour of God, yea and those weapons that are able to overthrow the devils strongest holds, as shall well appear even in this small Treatise. Concerning the strangeness thereof, it is left to thy consideration (gentle Reader) and for the truth of it, if it should be called in question, as not unlike▪ (for the abundance of false and frivolous devices, broached in these days, a thing much to be lamented, do oft times abridge truth of her credit) besides that for the particulars, a hundred more witnesses might be produced, than are here inserted, and divers of them of good worth and credit, the matter itself is well known to the right Honourable sir Edmund Anderson Knight, Lord chief justice of the common pleas, as being voluntarily confessed to him by the Witch, who was upon the same arraigned and convicted before his H. at Derby, and therefore is not lightly to be excepted against. Besides also, that it was compiled by a private Christian & man of trade, who being with the boy almost in all his fits, did both take notes at the present of all that was done and spoken, and conferred also afterward with the witnesses of best judgement and credit, that he might be sure of that which he had set down. In a word, I think there can scarcely be any instance showed (the holy Scriptures excepted) whereby both the peevish opinion, that there are no wiches, and the Popish assertion that only their priests can dispossess, may be better controlled than by this. The first kind of people, I rather think are to be pitied, than confuted, daily experience crying out against their folly. The other may hereby see their too peremptory conclusions overthrown, since he whose advise & help was used in this matter, is very well known to be a faithful preacher of the Gospel, and so consequently an enemy to Popery; wishing thee therefore so to regard it as for the truth and weight thereof it shall deserve, and to reap such fruit by it, as being well regarded it may yield, I bid thee farewell in Christ.  
I. D.   


AA   
A report of the torments and deliverance of Thomas Darling, (a Boy of thirteen years of age) that was possessed by Satan, at Burton upon Trent.  
Upon Saturday (being the xxvii. of February) Robert Toone (dwelling in Burton upon Trent in the County of Stafford, Uncle to this Thomas Darling) going to Winsell Wood (which is distant from Burton about half a mile) to hunt the hare, took the Boy with him; and being earnest in following his gain, lost him: who (after he had a while wandered up & down, and could not find his Uncle) returned home to his uncles house, where he sojourned. Being come home, he waxed heavy, and afterward grew to be very sick, vomiting & casting up what he had eaten at dinner: and so was got to bed. The next morning he had sore fits, with extreme vomitings, that all which saw him, judged it to be some strange ague. In the time of this extremity in these his fits, he would many times point with his hand, saying; Look where green Angels stand in the window, and not long after would often complain, that a green Cat troubled him: which thing was judged by his friends to proceed of lightness in his head; many other things fell out also in these times worthy the noting, whereof (in respect of the unexpected event) there was no note kept. His sickines waxing more vehement, his Aunt went to a Physician with his urine: who said he saw no signs of any natural disease in the Child, unless it were the worms. His sickness still increasing (notwithstanding any thing prescribed or ministered) she went again with his urine to the Physician; who judged as before, saying further, he doubted that the Child was be witched: which she (holding incredible) imparted it to no body; rather imagining it to be (though some strange, yet) a natural disease: as divers also judged it to be the Falling sickness, by reason that it was no continual distemperature, but came by fits, with sudden staring, striving and struggling very fiercely, and falling down with sore vomits; also it took away the use of his legs, so that he was feign to be carried up and down, save in his fits, for than he was nimble enough. How he spent the time between his fits, it is worth the observing; his exercises were such as might well have beseemed one of riper years; wherein he showed the fruits of his education, which was religious and godly. With those that were good Christians he took great pleasure to▪ confer; to whom he would siguiste his daily expectation of death, and his resolute readiness to leave the World, and to be with Christ: and all his love to the world, he said extended thus far, that (if God had so been pleased) he might have lived to be a preacher to thunder out the threatenings of God's word, against sin and all abominations, wherewith these days do abound. In these fits and such like speeches, he continued till Mid-lent Sunday, being the xxi. of March. That day (besides that his wont fit took him) he began in other and more strange manner to be vexed: for he sweyed downs as one in a swoon. Forth with they took him up, and laid him upon a bed: where (having lain some small space) he arose up suddenly, striving and struggling in such sort, that it was enough for two or three to hold him. Then fell he suddenly upon his back, and (lying in such manner) raised up his legs one after the other so stiffly, that the standers by could not ●●ow them in the ham: and thus continuing a while with grievous roaring, at last he raised himself up on his feet and his head, his belly standing up much above his head or feet, continuing so a little space he fell down upon his back groaning very pitifully. Then rising up, he ran round on his hands and his feet, keeping a certain compass: after that striving and struggling with groaning, he fell a vomiting, and then coming to himself, said, the lords name be praised. This was the first fit that he had; and after this manner was he ordinarily handled during the time of his possession (save that he did seldom run round in that manner that is aforesaid:) which being thus ended, he fell upon his knees suddenly to prayer, and that so pithily that the standers by wondered thereat, as much as they did at his strange visitation, being no less comforted by the one, than they were before grieved at the other.  
The next day be had many fits, in the which he would often point at a green Cat that troubled him, and still entreated his friends that were preitut to pray for him. Between his fits he requested them to read the scriptures, which when they could not do for weeping to behold his misery, they sent (at the boy's request) for one jesse Be that doth dwell in Burton upon Trent, who took the notes of the whole matter, and him the Boy after some speeches entreated to read where he would: who read the xi. Chapter according to Sa. john, till he came to the fourth verse, at which time the Boy was overthrown into a fit like the f●●●ntes in which has lasted commonly about half a quarter of an hour: jesse continued reading the xi. xii. and xiii. of john's Gospel, and the first & second of the Revelation. During which time, his fits continued one in the neck of another. Which ending with a vomit, he used to say The lords name be praised: and many times, Lord jesus receive my soul. When jesse either ceased to speak of any comfortable matter, or to read the scriptures, the Boy was quiet from his fits: but when he was so religiously occupied, they came thick upon him; which jesse Be considering and observing, told the Boy's Aunt he suspected that the Boy was be witched. Upon which occasion, (though she doubted of the matter) she told him as before, both her going to the Physician and the physicians judgement concerning the Boy's sickness, which he overhearing, yet said nothing. The next morning, he said unto the maid that made him ready, I heard my Aunt tell jesse Bee, that I was bewitched: the same Saturday that my sickness took me, I lost my Uncle in the Wood, and in the Coppice I met a little old woman; she had a grey gown with a black fringe about the cape, a broad thrumd hat, and three warts on her face: I have seen her begging at our door, as for her name I know it not, but by sight I can know her again. As I passed by her in the Coppice, I chanced (against my will) to let a scape; which she taking in anger said, Gyp with a mischief, and fart with a bell: I will go to heaven, and thou shalt go to hell; and forth with she stooped to the ground. I stood still and looked at her, viewing every part of her, marveling what she stooped for; so I came home, and she went to Winsell. Hereupon a more vehement suspicion arising some judged it to be the Witch of Stapenhill: others▪ because she was old and went little abroad, rather thought it to be Alice Gooderidge her daughter, who was had in great suspicion of many to be a doer in those devilish practices, as afterward it proved. Thus the boys fits continued daily from the 23 of March till the eight of April, to the great trouble of his Aunt in looking to him▪ and attending on such as came to see him, whereof many were of very good account. When in his fits he was deprived of the use of speech, he would make signs of praying, with folded hands, sometime lifting them up, and sometime striking them upon his breast: oft times also in these fits, he would suddenly and amazedly open his eyes, stating and shrieking most pitifully, clapping both his hands upon his face, not being able to endure the sight of such fearful objects as he beheld. On this manner was he tormented in the day, and had reasonable good rest in the night, except through some fearful dreams; whereunto he was much subject. Being asked if he could remember what he did when he made such signs? He answered, that sometimes he prayed, and sometimes the Cattossed him up & down in a string. And thus for a good space he could remember, & readily make relation of his troubles.  
The Thursday before Caster (being the 8. of April) there came to see the Boy Mistress Walkeden of Clifton his Grandmother, and Mistress Saunders his Aunt; to whom when it was told what the Boy said conterning the meeting of a woman in the wood, Mistress Walkeden (upon the Witches cursing, the Boys sudden sickness, his strange handling, & the physicians judgement) thought it more than probable that the Boy was bewitched: and by the marks that he had taken, perceived that it was Alice Gooderidge which had thus bewitched him; yet making conscience to accuse her till it appeared upon sure proof, sent for her into the Town to talk with her privately. When (with much ado) she was came, they brought her into the chamber where the Bay was; at which time, the Boy fell suddenly into a marvelous sore fit: which being ended, Mistress Walkeden asked her if she knew that boy? She answered she knew him not. Many other questions were asked; but in vain, for she would not confess any thing. Some of the standers by, persuaded the Boy to serateh her: which he did upon the face, and the back of the hands, so that the blood came out apace: she stroked the back of her hand upon the child, saying; take blood enough child, God help thee. To whom the Boy answered; pray for thyself, thy prayer can do me no good. Here by the way touching this use of scratching the witch: though it be commonly received as an approved means to descry the witch, and procure case to the bewitched; yet seeing that neither by any natural cause, or supernatural warrant of God's word it hath any such virtue given unto it; it is to be received amongst the witchcrafts, whereof there be great store used in our Land, to the great dishonour of God. But to our matter. When Robert Toone the Boy's Uncle and his Schoolmaster saw that mistress Walkeden could nothing prevail with this bad woman, they took her aside; to whom (after many questions) she granted, that she was in the Wood that Saturday which the Boy spoke of, and that she saw no boy but sherrat's boy. Further they demanded of her when she received the Communion? She said, a twelve month ago. And ask what she received? She answered, her damnation. They asked her whether she knew what she said? She answered again, what should I receive but my damnation? They caused her to say the Lords Prayer and the Creed, which she huddled up with much ado: but when she came to these words in the Lords Prayer, And lead us not into temptation; and in the Creed either to jesus Christ, The Holy Ghost, or The Catholic Church, she would not say any of those words. After these examinations, she departed to her own house. The next day he had many sore fits; in the which because he would clap his hands on his face, and shriek pitifully, they asked him the reason thereof at the end of his fit? He answered that the green Cat which he saw had eyes like flames of fire; and that caused him thus fearfully to hide his eyes: & that his pain (which he endured) was very grievous, like the pricking▪ with daggers or stinging of Bees, which caused his crying. As this his vexation moved many that came to see him to shed tears, so did it not a little grieve his Uncle Toone; who seeing these fits to increase, thought it good that the Witch were brought before a justice: and so went with jesse Bee (the 10. of April) before M. Tho: Graysley Esquire and justice of Peace, craving his Precept to that purpose: which he granted, & directed it to the Constable of Stapenhill, to bring both this Alice Gooderidge (which was almost 60. years of age) and old Elizabeth Wright also, mother to this, Alice; who had been 4 or 5. times before him on suspicion of many such crimes. The Precept thus granted forth, they were brought before Ma: Graysley; to whom she would confess nothing, save that she met a Boy (which she thought to be Sherats boy, who had broken her a basket full of eggs) in Abel's Close, and (said she) if my words did him any hurt, I am sorry: but that word Bell she did not remember that she used. The next morning when the Boy should rise, his shirt was knit on divers knots betwixt his legs: and being asked how that came? He said be could not tell. All that day he continued in senseless fits▪ with grievous groaning and fearful skreaming, crying out; look where the Witch standeth with three warts upon her face.  
The next morning (being Saturday) about six of the Clock (at which time, his Keepers thinking not the hour of his sits to be come, took no great care of looking to him) he was upon the sudden thrown under the bed, crying fearfully; Flames of fire flames of fire. Forthwith he got upon the bed, being fearful and amazed in his countenance. About four of the clock (at which time his fits were wont to leave him) they did now take him in wonderful fierce manner till midnight, with greater extremity than at any time before, having seldom more intermission than to vomit and say (as it was his usual manner in most extremities). The Lord be praised. In these fits he shrieked pitifully and fearfully, desiring them to take away the black Cat. Both now, and most times be made signs of prayer with folded hands, striking upon his breast.  
The 14. of April Sir Humphrey Ferrer and Master Graysley met at Robert Toones, who caused thither to be brought Elizabeth Wright and Alice Gooderidge, together with her husband and daughter. Master Graysley (after some questions concerning his fits) commanded that the Bible should be delivered into the boy's hands; who began to read the first Chap. of S. john's Gospel, till he came to the 4. verse: at which place (when he read) he was overthrown into a most cruel Fit. Presently after which, the old woman Eliza. Wright came into Robert Toones house; which so soon as M. Graysley understood, he caused her to be brought into the parlour where the Child was: but she was very unwilling to come in, crying, Alas that ever I was borne, what shall I do▪ M. Graysley spoke loud to her, ask if she could do the boy any good▪ She answered that her daughter had that at home, that she should do good with. He caused her (with much ado) to look upon the boy: which as soon as ever she did, he fell into a strange and cruel fit: Lying upon his back, his eyes standing staring open in fearful manner, his teeth set in his head, his arms clapped close to his sides, and all the parts of his body quaking very fearfully. M. Graysley bade her kneel down and pray for him; which she did, but so as no body could understand what she said. Whilst she prayed, the fit continued, and therefore they thrust her out of doors; which being done, the boys fit ended presently. S. Humphrey and M. Graysley agreed, that certain women should search the mother & the daughter severally, to see if they could find any such marks on them, as are usually found on witches. The old woman they stripped & found behind her right shoulder a thing much like the udder of an ewe that giveth suck with two teats, like unto two great warts, the one behind under her armeh●le, the other a handful off towards the top of her shoulder: which when they had found, they put on her clothes again, leaving the place bare, that it might be seen both of sir Humphrey, master Graisley, and divers others of good worth, as indeed it was. They bade her say the Lords prayer, which she huddled up after her manner leaving out these words still unsaide, And lead us not into temptation: being then demanded how long she had those teats, she answered she was borne so. Then did they search Alice Gooderige, and found upon her belly, a hole of the bigness of two pence, fresh and bloody, as though some great wart had been cut off the place. The justices examined her concerning the bewitching of the Boy, but she would confess nothing. Then sir Humphrey took her to the boy, and asked him whether this were she that thus bewitched him: he answered that it was surely she: then did sir Humphrey did him scratch her, which when the boy offered to do, his hand was presently benumbed and plucked to his side, and he tormented in every part: four several times he assayed to do this, but still with like success; he was bidden to lay his hand on the standers by, which he did without difficulty. Then proceeded they in examining her concerning her hurt: she said that she went to fetch a little meal on Easter even forth of the chamber, and coming down a ladder, her foot slipped, and she having a knife in her hand, thrust herself into the belly: they asked the judgement of a Surgeon, whose answer was, that it was like to have been so a long time, for it was not festered, and seemed to be sucken. Sir Humphrey charged her with Witchcraft about one Michael's Cow: which Cow when she broke all things that they tied her in, ran to this Alice Gooderige her house, scraping at the walls and windows to have come in: her old mother Elizabeth Wright, took upon her to help; upon condition that she might have a penny to bestow upon her god, and so she came to the man's house kneeled down before the Cow, crossed her with a stick in the forehead, and prayed to her god, since which time the Cow continued well. With this she was urged by the justices, and with the hurt upon her belly, how it could be so, and her clo●hes not cut, whereto she made shifting answers, to no purpose. Then put they her aside, and examined Oliver Gooderidge her husband, and her daughter also, who were found to disagree in their tales concerning that matter: whereupon sir Humphrey committed her to Derby jail, but dismissed her mother.  
The next day the boy had a very grievous fit, in which lying still a while, he began to throw up both his feet suddenly, beating them against the ground with great vehemency, and at length being in a trance, he spoke saying, Dost thou say thou art my god, and that I am thy son▪ Avoid Satan, there is no God save the Lord of hosts. Pawzing a while, at last he said again, And wouldst thou have me worship a molten calf? I will worship nothing but the Lord God, and him only will I serve. Again being silent awhile, he said; Wilt thou give me three towns if I will worship thee▪ Avoid Satan, it is written, I shall worship the Lord God only. And dost thou say▪ that if I will not worship thee, thou wilt torment me three times more; if thou torment me three hundred times, yet canst thou not touch my soul. After this he was tormented three several times over every part of his body, which being ended, he desired to go to the window, to refresh himself, being hot and faint: there he praised God for his mercies, telling them that stood by, If Satan came again, he would ask him many questions, and charge him with many things, for he remembered what he had spoken aswell as any that was present: having thus rested about a quarter of an hour, he was thrown into two several fits, matchable with the former in cruelty, and at the last spoke saying, I charge thee by the living God to tell me who sent thee. Dost thou tell me thy mistress sent thee? What is thy mistress name? Dost thou say thou wilt not tell me before to morrow? And why I pray thee wilt thou not? Dost thou say thou wilt torment me twice more? Do thy worst, my hope is in the living God, and he will deliver me out of thy hands: having spoken these words he was cast into two several fits like to the former; which being ended, he desired the standers by to join with him in humble and hearty prayer, and so fell upon his knees, praising God, for that he had somewhat revealed his enemy Satan unto him, and beseeching him to continue his goodness in manifesting him more plainly. The standers by asked him what he heard & saw in these sharp conflicts (for they neither saw nor heard any thing, but him replying & answering) he told them that the great Cat tossed him up and down in a string, and that a thing spoke to him with a voice small and shrill. The next day about nine of the clock he was cast into a grievous fit, and being cast upon his back, was bereft of all use of any part of his body, and at the length spoke saying: Dost thou say I am thy son? I am none of thine, I am the poor servant of the Lord of hosts: and pauzing a while, he said, Dost thou offer me a kingdom, if I will worship thee▪ I will none of thy kingdom, for it is but earthly. The Lord hath reserved for me a kingdom in heaven. I charge thee thou devil, In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the holy▪ ghost to tell me what is thy name. Dost thou tell me that thy name is writhe? I charge thee tell me, what is thy mistress name▪ Dost thou say anon? thou hast always been a liar, and the father of lies, and dost thou say, that unless I will ●●●ship thee thou wilt torment me three times more than thou didst before, if thou torment me 3000. times more, my faith is so strong, that I will worship none but the living God. These words being finished, he was cast into three several fits, with all the former torments, drawing together his joints and sinews, and writhing him, with tossing and turning him very round most pitifully; these fits and speeches continued about half an hour. After this, he was cast into another fit, his eyes closed up, his legs lifted up as stiff as stakes, and all his senses taken from him; which fit ceasing, he was well, till twelve of the clock at noon, and then was cast into another fit, lying flat upon his back, and lifting his feet up: at last he said, Dost thou say thou wilt give me a palace, and make me a king if I will worship thee? Avoid Satan, I will worship the Lord only. Dost thou say thou wilt mitigate my torments, if I will worship thee? Avoid Satan, I will worship none, save only the Lord God my Saviour, my sanctister and redeemer. Dost thou say, that if I will not worship thee, thou wilt torment me thrice? Do thy worst Satan, my faith standeth sure with my God, at whose hands I look for secure. Having uttered these and some other such words, he was cast into three several cruel fits; after the which he had rest till two of the clock, at which time there came divers worshipful personages, of purpose to behold the manner of the childes so strange vexing; they caused him to read upon the bible, which caused Satan to rage, so that he was cast into a fit terribly tormented and vexed, as that it did much humble the beholders, and move them to commiseration and pity, for the childes so distressed estate. While these things happened, it was reported, that the old witch Elizabeth Wright was in the town, a thing somewhat rare; for it is thought, that (except at the time of her former examination) she was not so far in half a year before: presently they sent for her.  
In the mean season came in master Bagot the younger of Blithfield, wishing to be an eye witness of these strange reports, requesting the boy to take the Bible and read, he being unwilling to read himself, wished jesse Be to do so much, which he did▪ and when he came to the 4. verse of the 1. chapter of S. john's gospel in these words, In it was life, and the life was the light of the world, the boy was overthrown into a fit. About the end of which it was said that the witch was come, whom before they had sent for, so that she was presently brought in, and stripped by certain women, that they might see her suspected place: whilst they stripped her, she cursed the day of her birth, making great outcries, and using bitter speeches against all that offered to accuse her. And being asked who brought her to Burton? she said, the devil: being asked divers questions she liked not, she would answer she did not hear. Much ado they had to get her to come near the boy, or to look on him: and it had been good for him if she had never come at him, for so soon as she kneeled down by him, and cast her eyes upon him, he was suddenly taken with such a vehement fit, as before he had upon the like occasion: This was more grievous than many other; he lay upon his back, altogether deprived of the use both of his members and senses; except his eyes, for they stood wide open very fearful to the beholders: and all the parts of his body did quake and shake like Aspen leaves. Whilst she was upon her knees at her devilish prayers, the child was grievously tormented, therefore they thrust her out of the doors. Which being done, he recovered himself, and his fit ended he said; The Lord be praised: Mistress Dethicke also of New-hall came in to behold with others these strange sights, at whose request, when jesse Be read the first chapter of the gospel after S. john▪ and came to the 4. verse, the boy was cast into a fit like to those which before he had upon the like occasion.  
In these his sits, as also in those that he had after, he could neither conceal what he said, or what Satan said to him. The next morning he had two fits betwixt 8. and 12. of the clock, at which time Master Graisly came again to see the child, and whilst he was there, there came in two men of Stapen hill, near neighbours to Alice Gooderige, who said they came from Derby, and were entreated by her to tell Robert Toone, that if he would be good to her, she would reveal the whole truth of the matter: and further, they offered him their company thither on monday, which was agreed upon by the advise of M. Graisly. But news came, that there was one which being skilful in discerning of witches had been with Alice Gooderidge at Derby, and affirmed flatly that she was a witch, offering to make open trial of it, and to cure the boy. This offer Rob. Toone accepting of very willingly, a time was appointed for this man's coming thither. But to return to the boy: about xi. of the clock, he had a sore fit, with the increase of torments groaning very grievously, and screeking very pitifully, and being cast upon his back with his legs thrown out (as commonly he was) at the last he vetered these words; Dost thou say that I am thy Champion? I will be none of thy champion, I am the servant of the Lord of hosts. What offerest thou me a bag of money, if I will worship thee? Avoid Satan, I will none of thy money, the Lord in heaven hath money enough in store for me. And dost thou say thou wilt torment me twice more grievously than before? Do thy worst Satan, my trust is in the Lord God. Dost thou say thy Mistress will have it so? I charge thee in the name of the father, etc. to tell me what thy mistress name is. Dost thou say thou wilt not reveal thy mistress? with that Satan tormented him again, the which going away with a vomit, his mother began to comfort him, exhorting him to put his trust in God: to whom he said, My whole trust is in him; for the Lord hath my enemy in a chain, and keepeth him in a compass, which he shall not pass. And having remained well about half an hour, he was again pitifully tormented, and at the last spoke these words: Dost thou say thou wilt give me whatsoever I will ask thee if I will be thy Champion? I defy thee, and all that thou offerest me, I will be none of thy champion. I charge thee in the name of the living God to tell me what thy Mistress name is. Sayest thou that thy Mistress hath given thee a drop of her blood to thy dinner, and that therefore thou wilt tell no tales of her? And dost thou say my faith is but weak? Satan, it is too strong for thee to overthrow. Dost thou say thou wilt torment me worse than ever thou hast done? Do thou thy worst, my trust is in the Lord my God. Forthwith he was pitifully tormented: after which being asked what he saw he answered, the green Cat (as he usually told them) ask angrily▪ did not you see her? Oh quoth he this hath been a grievous torment to me.▪ This ended, he desired being hot and faint with the extremity of his torments, to be carried to the window to take the air: where whilst he sat, there came in one, whose name I'll pass over in silence; and being a stranger, began to examine the boy concerning poetical and other school points; the boy was weary of his company and conference, (as indeed he had great reason, being unfit for such an occasion) and desired to be carried into another chamber, the which was immediately done. But this supposed friend followed him, and renewed his former speeches, uttering also an oath that grieved the boy exceedingly. The mother understanding it, came and asked what the stranger said to him that so troubled him? (for he wept pitifully) The party himself answered before the boy, I spoke no hurt to him. No (quod the child) you bade me I should not dissemble, saying that there was no witches: also you asked of me if I thought there were a god? God bless me fro such comforters: I pray you all pray for me that the Lord would deliver me from this temptation: at which words speaking he was overthrown into a cruel fit; which being ended, that man which thought there was no witches departed. But master Eccarshall the Pastor of Burton being present stays still comforting the boy and his sorrowful mother, persuading him that if Satan spoke to him again he should not answer him, because he was a liar, and endeavoured by his words to make the boy believe him; these things ended about two of the clock, he remained well till four: then was he overthrown into four several fits one presently after another; the last whereof was most intolerable, tossing and tormenting him very pitifully, it seemed by his looks and gestures that the evil spirit spoke; but because of master Eccarsalles advise, he kept a discontented silence, as he told afterward to his mother, but she advised him, that if it should speak again, he should not fear or forbear to answer it. About this time some meat was prepared for him, but before he could take it, he was overthrown into a cruel fit, wherein after that Satan had showed a while his rage, he spoke saying: Dost thou say that I shall worship thee? I will worship the Lord of hosts only, I charge thee▪ In the name of the father, of the son etc. to tell me what thy name is. Dost thou say thou wile not tell me before to morrow? Thou art a liar, I have ever found thee so, and I will not believe thee. Dost thou say thou wilt torment me far more grievously than ever thou hast done? I care not for all that thou caused do unto me: In the Lord is my trust, who will deliver me when his good pleasure is: presently Satan tormented him according to his wont manner. After that fit was ended, and he had a while been quiet, jesse Be persuaded him to be courageous, to take unto him the shield of faith, and to offer Satan the combat. The child finding himself strong in the Lord (whose assistance he had before obtained in his former conflicts) condescended to his motion: so jesse read the first chapped. according to S. john till he came to the 9 ver. That light was the true light, etc. at which words he was overthrown into a marvelous sore Fit; which vexed and tormented him in every part of his body: which being ended, jesle asked him if he should read again? The boy answered cheerfully, read on in God's name: so he read till he came to the 13. verse Which were borne not of blood, etc. At these words he was thrown into grievous torments, like to the former: which ended, jesse asked if he should read still? The boy answered, proceed in the name of God. Then read he the 14 ver. The same Word became flesh▪ etc. At which words he was tormented the third time; yet not so vehemently as before. He proceeding forward read till be came to the 17 ver. The law was given by Moses, grace and truth came by jesus Christ▪ Forthwith he fell into the fourth fit, the feeblest of any he yet▪ had; sathan no doubt finding his force quatling, and his fiery darts quenched. So jest read on, the Child cheerfully & attentively hearkening till he had finished the chapter without any trouble to him. The next day (among other fits) he had one much more vehement than the rest, his torments being increased and his strength so great, that two strong men were not able to rule him. After this fit jesse Be said; Come Thomas, shall we provoke him to battle? To whom the child answered▪ yes very willingly. So they looked for the Bible, but the boy's Uncle had taken it to the Church. Then did the Boy desire jesse to resolve him in this doubt, whether it were hurtful for one to eat or drink before he receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper. Being satisfied concerning this Point, and casting down his head to call to remembrance some thing else whereof doubted doubted▪ he was on the sudden overthrown into a grievous fit, groaning and skreaming most pitifully, turning as round on all four, as a pig on a spit; and suddenly▪ (do what the keepers could) he leapt up to the top of the bed, catching hold on the testern with his hands & hanging by his arms notwithstanding his eyes were closed up: & being in this case, he said; dost then say I shall hear news within these 2. or 3. days? I pray God it be good news. He was at last cast into a trance, uttering divers such comfortable speeches, as in other his trances he did. This day there came one to them, having been (of her own accord) with widow Worthington the good Witch of Hoppers (as they call her) and told them, she said the Boy was bewitched; yet help him she could not, except his mother or some of his nearest friends came unto her. The same answer was given by a Witch about Couentrey to another, looking for some help in the boy's behalf. But the mother of the Child (detesting the devils help) thanked those two for their kindness towards her, but sharply reproved them for attempting a thing so unlawful. After these fits, he rested reasonable quiet till the next day: when as about one a clock (seeming very well) he rceived some meat. But Satan showed himself to be a right sathan, even a sore enemy to the Child, (envying the good of his body, when he saw himself unable to hurt his soul) did let his digesting of it (as many times he did) by casting him presently into divers fits; which as (usually all his fits did) lasting about half a quarter of an hour, ended with a vomit. Many that were Beholders of the Child's torments, little hoped that ever he could have lived or recovered. But God be praised, that Satan's power is limited by him who is Lord both of life and death.  
▪ When these Conflicts were ended, jesse Be said unto him, Thomas shall we take the Sword with two edges, and bid Satan the Battle? The Boy (being well acquainted with the phrase) answered; If you will read, I will gladly hear. So he read the first Chapter of S. john's Gospel▪ which whilst he was reading▪ the child was overthrown into three Fits. After these Fits, he was very cheerful, and desirous to have the Book, that he might read himself: which he did. And when he came at the fifth verse of the first Chapter of the Revelation (for that Chapter he read) he was overthrown into a cruel Fit: which being ended, he gave the Book to jesse Be, entreating him earnestly to read on forward. So jesse Be finished the Chapter, and read also the second and was never (in reading them▪ with any more of the Boys fits) interrupted.  
Upon the one and twentieth of April, though betwixt nine of the Clock in the Morning, and two in the Afternoon he had ten Fits, yet the last of them was most extreme; in the midst of it he would open his eyes amazedly, and presently clap both his hands upon them, being overthrown into most violent torments throughout all the parts of his body; and being cast upon his back, he threw forth his legs fiercely, beating them against the ground vehemently: and after that lying in a quiet trance, he opened his mouth, saying; Dost thou say that thou wilt give me a Crown, if I will worship thee? I regard thee not nor thy Crown; for the Lord hath reserved a Crown of righteousness for me in Heaven.  
Then (pausing awhile▪) he spoke again saying; Dost thou say thou wilt give me Towns and Countries, if I will worship thee? Away Satan away, thou art a liar, and the Father of lies; I will not believe thee: away. Forthwith his mouth was closed up, and his teeth set fast in his head, insomuch that he laboured to have opened them with his own hands, but he could not; yet when he had remained awhile thus, the Lord (by his almighty power) opened his mouth, and he boldly said; I charge thee (Satan) in the name of the Father and of the Son.  
At which word his mouth was fast closed again, yet was it not long before the Lord (by his power) opened it again. So he proceeded, saying; I charge thee tell me what is thy mistress name? sayst thou thou wilt not? and dost thou say thou wilt torment me ten times more? No sooner were these words spoken, but he was tormented above measure. Next day betwixt ten and one of the clock, he had two ordinary fits, and at the lose of those, one extraordinary; in the which being overthrown upon his back, with his accustomed torments, he uttered these words Wouldll thou have me worship thee, thou liar, thou wicked wretch? thou art the father of all lies. I charge thee get from me, away, away. These words he uttered disdainfully, shaking his hands at him. And after he had paused a while, he said, Dost thou promise me all my desire▪ If I will worship thee? Ah wicked tempter, I charge she in the name of the Father, etc. to tell me thy Mistress name? These words he uttered with an interrupted voice: but repeated them presently very courageously: saying also, And dost thou say thy Mistress hath given thee a draft of her blood? I am glad of it: for than shall I know her shortly. And dost thou say thou wilt torment me twice more? At these words he was cast into two sore fits; so that sathan kept promise with him. His torments caused him skreame very loud and groan pitifully, slinging out his hands as though he fought with sathan▪ and stamping fiercely, as if he trod him under foot. This combat ended, he lay still about a quarter of an hour, & then having been a while tormented, lying on his back, he said; Dost thou say because I vex thy mistress thou wilt torment me more? Which words being spoke, he was cast into such torments, as were grievous to the beholders. And having overcome the extremity of the same, he spoke (with his eyes shut) saying; What, dost thou say I shall worship thee▪ thou hast no faith sathan, I will fight with thee with the word of the everliving god, Avoid, avoid; I charge thee in god's name to get thee hence. Again after more fits he said; what, dost thou say thou wilt make me as strong as a Giant, and as rich as the greatest Potentate in the world, if I will worship thee? the Lord my God can make me strong, & give me all good things. Having paused a little, be spoke again, saying; dost thou say if I will not worship thee thou wilt make me a fourfooted beast? that lieth not in thy power, since God hath made me a reasonable creature: my faith sathan is strong. And, dost thou say thou wilt torment me grievously for thy mistress sake? Forthwith he was grievously tormented, crying out, A bear, a bear: his mouth was stretched out, and he roared fiercely like a bear, crying out, he teareth me, he teareth me. These torments ended, he lay amazedly, with the sweat running down his face. Being again tormented, he spoke saying; wilt thou give me a land full of all fruits if I will worship thee? the Lord in heaven hath goods enough for me: thou didst send a be are thy hellhound to torment me: thou didst tell me I should hear news within 2. or 3. days; dost thou say thy mistress hath commanded thee not to be an hour from tormenting me, because I vex her? is that thy news? At these words he was presently cast into grievous torments, starting amazedly and crying out; Flames of fire, flames of consuming fire: he threw away all things he could find by groping (for his eyes were shut) and wownd himself close in the bed clothes. Scarcely had these torments an end, but others begins; wherein being grievously afflicted, he cried out, A fiery dragon, a fiery dragon. These torments continuing, he said; now thou foul fiend, now thou showest thyself in thy likeness. Presently he struck both his hands upon his face, shrieking and crying fearfully, A fly, a fly. Being asked what he had seen in these conflicts? he answered, many & fearful things, but remembered them not; neither could tell he spoke, though he called to mind a thing spoke to him. The 24 day about 11▪ of the clock he fell in to an extreme fit, which stooke him pitifully in all parts of his body, making him to are like a bear. Being asked after the fit what he had seen? he answered a great bear came roaring upon him. Four fits more he had before 4. of the clock; at which time Ma. Edw: Cockin came into the house, and finding him well, bade him read the 12. of john: which he did, till he came to the 15. verse I am glad for your sakes, that etc. and then was he cast into a fit presently. Upon this there came in another, disiring to see the like trial: so the Boy read till he came to the 25▪ ve. I am the resurrection etc. at which words he was again overthrown. This desire that many had to have the boy read, that they might see him in his fits, sauou●d but of a tempting curiosity, and is not warrantable. But to go on. The Boys torments continuing, Rob: Toone being altogether without hope of his recovery; both because the Witch confessed nothing, and the man that promised help failed, whereat he grieved exceedingly. Many persuaded him to send to divers Witches, which he refused; but his wife purposed to attempt it, and sent for a messenger, who had before been employed by others in the like business. He found the Boy in a fit when he came; and thereupon uttered these words; who would suffer him to lie thus; & not seek any help he could get? Whereuntoo, an honest man (not acquainted with their purpose) answered; To seek help at a Witch, is wicked and dangerous. The messenger was pricked in conscience with his speech, and would not go. Ro: Toone was not a little glad they were stopped in so unlawful an enterprise. This day also another had been with widow Worthington the Witch of Hoppers, (unknown to the Boys Friends▪ and brought this answer; that unless the Boy and his Friends believed her, she could do him no good: which thing they detested.  
The six and twentieth of April (after nine fits in the morning) about one of the clock he was overthrown into a very sore Fit, and in the same was grievously vexed and tormented. At the last he spoke thus; What dost thou say, if I will worship thee, thou wilt make me a God: but if I will not, thou wilt make me a toad? It lieth not in thy power sathan to make me what thou wilt; but in the power of my Creator. And dost thou say thou wilt torment me twice? do thy worst, the Lord is my trust, and I know he can and will deliver me. Being then suddenly tormented, he did struggle most fiercely, roaring fearfully like a bear, crying A bear, a bear; and by and by, A dragon, a dragon. After this, he was quiet about a quarter of an hour and then (upon the sudden) fell into the like torments, and spoke (as before) saying; dost thou say thou hast brought me good news? I pray God it be. And dost thou say if I will curse God, thou wilt releease me of all my pains and torments? What Satan, wouldst thou have me curse my Creator, which spared not to send his only begotten Son jesus Christ out of his bosom, to shed his most precious Blood for my Sins? Ah wicked Tempter, I charge thee in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, to tell me what is thy mistress name? Dost thou say, thy mistress hath rewarded thee, and therefore thou wilt torment me more than ever thou didst? I care not for thee a Straw: what sathan, seek not to insult in thy subtle cruelties: for the Lord will release me from thee when his god will and pleasure is; and so (with some more torments) this Fit ended.  
The next day he came that promised to cure the Boy, and to prove her plainly (which was had in suspicion) to be a Witch. He wished Robert Toone only to procure him a warrant to fetch her from the jail: promising, as he hated all Conjuration and Enchantment, so it should be manifest what course he took for effecting those matters. This day and both the next he had many sore fits. Upon the last of April, beeween 9 and 3 in the afternoon he had 14 fits At this time the witch's liberty being procured, she came to Town, and was brought to the Boy: to whom she said, God help thee my child; whereupon he was presently cast into most strange torments, differing both in manner and cruelty from the former. Three strong men could hardly hold him, he was so strong; he shrieked pitifully, blearing out the tongue, and having his neck so writhen, that his face seemed to stand backward. This pitiful spectacle did wring many tears from the beholders. So from 3. till 9 at night he had 27. of these torments; & then they left him quaking and marvelously dismayed. These fits being laid to the Witches charge: she answered, that she indeed did vex the child, but if they would forgive her, it should cease. Two or three went to Stapenhill to see what the old woman did this while; suspecting she had a hand herein: when they came thither, they found her on her knees; praying (no doubt) to the devil. Upon the first of May, about 7. in the morning, he was cast into a fit. This was the day wherein the Cunning man would make the Witch confess, and a seven-night after cure the Boy: so he sent for her from the Town Hal to Rob: Toones, where many worshipful Personages were ready to see proof of his skill. Being brought they laboured to make her confess voluntarily: to whom she answered, this was the first that ever she committed; and if they would procure her liberty, she offered to confess all the truth freely. Presently her speech was interrupted, so that she could not speak▪ but she prayed them to forgive her. Then the man seeing this would not prevail, fell to trial of his conclusion: he put a pair of new shoes on her feet, setting her close to the fire, till the shoes being extreme hot, might constrain her through increase of the pain to confess. This was his ridiculous practice, she being throughly heated desired a release and she would disclose all; which granted, she confessed nothing. Being therefore threatened more sharply, she offered to reveal all privately to mistress Dethicke, and going with her into a parlour; when she began to speak her wind was stopped, so as she could not say any thing, but, I pray you forgive me. By this it was xi. of the clock, and the boy had had 8. fits, and was brought into the parlour where she was, who said, Thomas, I pray you forgive me, and be good to me. At which words he fell into a marvelous sore fit. After which, the company continued threatening and persuading her, but all she would say▪ was, she was sorry for him, for she mistook him, thinking him to be sherrat's boy, thinking to have been revenged on him for breaking her eggs. When they saw they could prevail no more, they sent her again to the Hall, and the company departed: after which the boy had 8. fits.  
The next morning went Jerome Horabin, Edward Weightman, mistress Caldwall with other to hear what confession she would make. At whose coming she spoke thus; I met the boy in the wood, the first saturday in Lent, and passing by me, he called me witch of Stapen hill: unto whom I said, Every boy doth call me witch, but did I ever make thy arse to itch? Further she said, I pray you get help for the boy, for God's sake get help for the boy. Again she said, God give me grace to confess the truth. And when she would have spoken on, she said, I cannot, I cannot, my wind is stopped: Mistress Caldwall asked her if she would be prayed for? Yes (quoth she) I pray you desire M. Eccarsall to pray for me, that the Lord would open my heart, that I may speak the truth. The 3. of May in the morning, Rob. Toone, Edw. Weightman, Richardo▪ Teate and others, went again to examine the witch, who confessed to them saying: The first saturday in Leut toward evening I met the boy in the wood, and he called me witch of Stapen hill: and I said again, every boy doth call me witch, but did I ever make thy arse to itch? forthwith I stooped to the ground, and the Devil appeared to me in likeness of a little partie-colored dog red and white, and I called him Minny, seeing that every boy calleth me witch, therefore go thy ways and torment this boy in every part of his body at thine own pleasure, forthwith I strained every part of my body, enforcing myself to vomit, saying; After this sort, vex every part of him. Further (said she) the dog followed the boy to Burton, and as I returned from Winsell (whither I went to buy a groats worth of eggs) he met me again, telling me he had fulfilled my request, and at my yards end he departed from me; since when he hath been divers times with me at Derby jail, and these two nights at Burton Hall, and continually he scratcheth my head, & scrapeth in the straw. Again she said, the boy will not mend except you seek for help: you may have help enough: she would have spoken further, but something stopped her throat, and she said, come out thou foul serpent. From 8. till 2 the boy had 12 sore fits with pitiful groaning: at 3 came M. Hildersham of Ashby de la Zouch▪ with divers other godly ministers M. Hildersham after that by certain questions, he had made trial of the boys faith, said openly, that howsoever the Papists boasted much of the power their priests had to cast out devils, and the simple every where noted it as a great discredit to the Ministers of the Gospel, that they do want this power, yet did he profess there was no such gift in them, that though the Lord oft in these days, by the prayers of the faithful casts eut devils, yet could he not assure them to cure him. To hold this faith of miracles to remainestill in the church, is an opinion dangerous. That seeing to be passessed is but a temporal correction, & such as whereby both the glory of God and the salvation of the party may be furthered, it can not without sin be absolutely prayed against: all which notwithstanding, that there is a good use of prayer in such a case, and of fasting also, to procure that the judgement may be sanctified to the beholders, and the possessed himself; yea to obtain that he may be delivered also from it, if the Lord see it be best for his own glory. In which persuasion, he being the mouth of the rest, they all prayed, during which time the child was not interrupted.  
Whereas Alice Gooderige said her familiar was like one William Gregory's dog of Stapenhill, there arose a rumour, his dog was her familiar: wherefore he with his neighbour master Cox went the next day to examine her concerning this report; and she said, my devil (I say) was like your dog. Now out upon thee (said Gregory) and departed: she being further examined, said she had her familiar of her mother. The sixth of May he had xii. fits in the forenoon, and x. in the afternoon; these last were as grievous as any before. After one of them taking the chamber pot, he started suddenly saying, look where a man cometh out of the chamber pot. In another fit he cried out, Flames of fire, flames of fire: and in another he said, I see the heavens open. In the most of these fits he bleared out his tongue very black, having his face writhen towards his back, groaning and shrieking lamentably; being asked if he remembered what was done; he said, it seemed to him he was wrong and tossed up and down▪ after these fits he remained well till next morning. On friday he was by 7 a clock cast into a fit; but about 8 he fell into marvelous strange torments, both for continuance and extraordinary cruelty, his tongue thrust out of his head, his mouth drawn awry, first toward one ear, then to another; his face very strangely disfigured. In his extremity he made signs to the standers by to pray; and himself by folded hands and other gestures, gave testimony that the spirit of God was mightily labouring against his infirmities.  
By and by his eyes opened, & what ever he catched he (as it seemed) threw it against sathan, and straight they being shut up again, so that he could not open them with his fingers, which he endeavoured, his mouth was opened, & he said, O pray pray, never more need to pray; so the company joined in humble & hearty prayer: but he hearing them not (though they prayed loud) said; why do you not pray? Presently his mouth being shut, and his teeth set fast in his head, he stamped (as it were) in triumph of Satan, and lifting his hands towards heaven, struck them with reverence on his breast. Satan's raging against him did increase in such manner as caused the beholders to shed tears abundantly, for they could no sooner imagine a ceasing, but straight his fit began again: and this conflict lasted long, in which space, he oft uttered these words; do what thou canst sathan, this shall do thee no good: Is it so? and such like. And after obtaining the use of his tongue, he proceeded saying, Avoid sathan, I have upon my head the helmet of salvation, and I am girded about with truth. jesus Christ hath shed water and blood for my sins, & I sweat but water. O Lord thy apostles were whipped & scourged for thy truth, & they departed, rejoicing that they were accounted worthy to suffer for thy name's sake. And now (O Lord) I rejoice that thou accountest me worthy to suffer these cruel torments. Presently he fell into torment again; at the last lying on his back quietly, he desired the standers by to sing the sixth psalm, and so they did, he singing with them very cheerfully. While they were singing, he oft was interrupted and joined with them again toward the end: having lain in a trance, so that they could scarcely perceive any motion, he said; I see the heavens open, hearken, I hear a heavenly noise, and lying still a while, he met with them at the 10. ver. And now my foes, that (qd he) is sathan and so continued singing till the psalm was ended: all the psalm through he sweat exceedingly, & dried his face as if he had not been in his fit. After this, he desired them to pray for him whilst he lay down & slept, and so fell into a trance; having lain still a while, he fell to quaking & starting fearfully saying: Dost thou say my sins are great▪ Satan? The Lamb of God hath taken them away: divers other interrupted speeches he uttered, and slumbered again. At length he cried out, Wild horses, wild horses; they tear me, they tear me; and then was he tormented over all the parts of his body. After that he slept somewhat slumberingly, having a most heavenly and joyful vision. When he awaked he looked cheerfully: and being asked what he saw in these trances, he could not call any thing to mind.  
This day he was cast into seven cruel fits exceeding all he had before: for besides that his mouth was drawn awry, and he in every part vexed, his shoulder bones were thrust out of joint, with other torments most lamentable: thus they ended, for he remained till xi. a clock grievously vexed, and almost without intermission. In these his torments, being (for the most part) senseless, he used to utter divers interrupted speeches, some fearful, others comfortable; the standers by being requested of him, to sing psalms and pray, be many times had his ears shut, and his mouth stopped, so that he could neither hear 〈◊〉 speak, yet he would join with them in prayer and singing so long as he could without interruption. When he was fully recovered, he looked very cheerfully, giving God thanks for his assistance: they asked him many questions concerning his trances, but he could remember nothing that was done. On the nineteenth day of May he fell into trances mixed with torments, in which as he suffered grievous pains, so did he utter many strange speeches, sometime he was so wrested, that no beholder thought it possible for him to live; sometime he lay so still, that there scarce appeared any sign of life in him. After he had lain a while in a trance he said; Mr▪ Saviour Christ jesus was tempted. and why then should not I be so? Pawzing a while he said, I hear a voice from heaven, the Lord speaketh to me: and pawzing again, he held up his hands (his eyes being fast closed) and said, Look where my brother job is. Then opened he his eyes, but his mouth was fast shut: he would have opened it with his hands, but could not: Then pawzing a little, he said, no, no, I will not. The Lord hath flatly forbidden it in his word: so lying a while he said, heaven openeth, heaven openeth, I must go thither: then clapping his hands for joy he said, I see Christ jesus my Saviour, his face shineth as the Sun in his strength, I will go salute him, and indeed he did rise going apace, with such strength, that his keepers could scarcely stay him: presently he fell a trembling and stamping, crying, a dog, a dog, for God's sake take away this dog▪ away with this filthy dog that came out of hell: and after a pitiful skreaming he said; Oh Master Hildersham. I thought he would have torn me in pieces, preach judgement against all sinners, flames of fire, flames of fire; See Master Hildersham, preach and teach, Oh fast and pray night and day. After these speeches, he clapped his hands, looking cheerfully, though his eyes were closed, saying: Christ jesus my Saviour cometh clothed in purple; then seemed he (by his gestures) to embrace him, saying: Holy is thy name; thy name (Lord jesus) is to be exalted for evermore, I have seen such sights, O Lord jesus bless me from them. Presently he was overtaken again with fear, saying: Dost thou say this is the bottomless pit where the damned be? Master Hildersham, we had need to pray, O preach and pray: straight after he looked cheerfully even with admiration, saying: Thy name O Lord jesus is to be exalted above all things, thy name is to be blessed for ever. Lying a while in a trance, he clapped his hands saying, Oh, oh, Christ jesus my saviour and his Apostles: Then seemed he to embrace the Apostles, and worship our Saviour saying, O Lord jesus thou suffered'st for my sake; thy name be praised, yea, I say from my heart, thy name be praised. By and by turning his head, he pointed saying, Look where judas is frying in torments. After this he fell again into a trance, and lay as he had been dead, but spoke fearfully thus; Ah look in this place of torments where drunkards are hanged by the throats, swearers and filthy talkers by their tongues: and having spoken of other torments for other sins, he said, O great judgements, great judgements, which words he uttered so woefully, as if he had been in the jaws of hell; and on the contrary, so comfortably, as if he had been in heaven. After this falling into a trance, he started suddenly and said, Yonder comes mother Red Cap, look how they beat her brains out, see what it is to be a witch: see how the toads gnaw the flesh from her bones. O pray, pray, look what wailing, and weeping, and gnashing of teeth yonder is: Lord show us thy mercy; take me by the hand Master Hildersham▪ and let us go to heaven: thus this fit ended after half an hour; being asked what he had been doing, he answered, he had been▪ sleeping, for he remembered nothing. Having been well about a quarter of an hour, be fell into a quiet trance, and at length said: O Master Hildersham, look where God's chariot is come to fetch you and me, see how God loveth us: by and by he began to quake, and cried; Lo, lo, the green Cat comes out of hell: then falling into a quiet trance, he said, look where the 7 churches be, and presently he skritched saying; Lo, lo, 7 ugly devils, look, they go down to the bottomless pit. Pauzing again he faith, See see how many kings and rich men go to hell, even they that were so brave, and fared so daintily, and were so stout. After this he fell into a trance, saying; come M. Hildersham, the Lord bids us come, let us go, and so he went on, and could hardly be stayed: but straightway his joy turned into heaviness, for he seemed to have bodily combats with his spiritual enemy▪ These fits ended he remained well a quarter of an hour: then falling into a sudden trance, he said with trembling; Ha, ha, ha, I told you of this before, that after joy commenth sorrow. Look you how I am tormented. O that I could see my saviour Christ jesus. Forthwith he arose clapping his hands with great joy, and said; Look where he cometh, thy name be praised, thy name be praised. Anon he had a comfortable vision of the day of judgement; crying▪ aloud, The trumpets sound, see fee, the graves open, the dead arise, and all men come to judgement; hark how the Angels cry, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabaoth. Then pauzing a little he said, Look look how the wicked sly away like a flock of doves, yet see a flame of fire overtaketh them. After much variety of fits he cried; a fiery Dragon, a fiery Dragon teareth me in pieces, oh he tears me, he tears me: and with these torments did this fit end between twelve and one. About three he fell into a trance and torments like the former: for after he had spoken fearfully of the torments of the damned, he burst into pitiful speeches quaking said; Look where seven devils are, look where a roaring lion is. Then he fell into a quiet trance, and forth with clapped his hands, saying; I see a milk white dove flying towards me▪ see where my Saviour cometh, his face shineth as the Sun. These words uttered, he was again terrified, and so with some more torments and trances this fit ended. The two days following he had many fits and some trances, uttering the like speeches as before. The xii. of May he was removed from his uncle M. Saunders house at Caldwall being 3. miles distant, where he had six fits. From the 13. to the 23. he was handled after his accustomed manner. The 23 of May, he was cast into eighteen fits worse than the former; for his shoulder bones were thrust out of joint, his mouth drawn awry; and amongst other complaints, he cried out of his legs, saying they thrust pings into them. And this is worthy the observation, that commonly (upon the Sabbath) when the boy was remembered by prayer in godly Assemblies, Satan did show his extremest cruelty. The 24. and 25. he was tormented much like the day before. The 26. he was assaulted more fiercely, both in respect of the number and quality of his fits & torments, in which he did oftentimes cry out, saying; Look where sathan cometh from under the bed: & oftentimes Thunder, thunder; Lightning, lightning; Flames of fire, flames of consuming fire; A bear, a bear; A dragon, a dragon; look where sathan comes down the chunney, look, look; for God's sake take me from him. And thus in these terrible fits this day passed. The next day there came one john Dorell (a faithful Preacher of the Word) to him; who seeing him in divers of his fits, assured his Friends and him he was possessed with an unclean spirit: telling him (out of S. james 4 chapped. vers. 7.) that the only way for his deliverance was to resist sathan; in which if he failed, he should sin against God: because it was a breach of a Commandment, Resist the devil▪ etc. That for his further encouragement, he had a promise of victory, in that it is said, he will or shall flee; That by the devil is not to be understood only the temptations of the devil, but even satans very person. And proceeding to confirm the Child's faith in this Resistance, he afterwards exhorted his Parents and the whole Family to prepare themselves against the next day to that holy exercise of Prayer and Fasting; alleging (to put by all doubts) the words of Christ, This kind goeth not out but by Prayer & Fasting. whereto they being very willing importuned john Dorell for his presence and assistance. To which he answered, his assistance in Prayer and Fasting they should have, but not his presence, as well to avoid note of vainglory, as also for he saw no such necessity by reason of the Child's strme faith: nevertheless giving them order for their Exercise, and appointing them the help of a Book called The Enemy of Security, & putting them in good comfort, he foretold them what interruptions were likely to follow by the Euemies' rage: and (saith he) when you shall see these things come to pass (which indeed fell out accordingly) then know ye for certainty as he is possessed (which his Friends at Cawdwall stood in doubt of), so look that deliverance is at the door; and therefore fame not in the midway. Thus he departed. The next day, the Family with some others in the fear of God being together, the holy Exercise of Prayer and Fasting was taken in hand: and (after some Prayer used for the assistance of God's Spirit, and praying for the remission of sins) he was very grievously and often tormented; & (by means of his fits and torments) much interrupted therein, spending much time about the same. A Prayer against the temptations of Satan was used; and in the beginning thereof he was presently taken with a dumb fit: and coming to himself, he began to pray again; and his fits came again and again so oft as he came to any substantial Point. After a while he fell into a trance, and at length a small voite came from him saying; Brother Glassap, we cannot prevail, his faith is so strong, and they fast and pray, and a Preacher prayeth as fast as they. After these words, he fell into a fit, and so into a trance, a voice being heard from him (big & hollow) saying; Brother Radulphus, I will go unto my master Belzebub, and he shall double their tongues. Then beginning again to pray, he fell into a fit, and after into a trance: afterward coming to himself, he pointed towards the chimney, saying; Lo where Belzebub standeth, & the witch by him. I charge thee in the name of the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost, to tell me whether this he she that did be witch me or no? Dost thou say it was she? Now the Lord (I beseech him) forgive her, & I forgive her. Further he said; I charge thee in the name of the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost to get thee from me, & come no more at me: for it is written, Resist the devil, and he will fly from thee: and presently he said; He is gone, he is gone. Then prayed he again, and (at the third word) was thrown into a fit and a Trance: whenrein a voice was heard from him (his mouth being wide open, as still it was when these voices were uttered) saying; Radulphus, Belzebub can do no good, his head is strooken off with a word: but I will go fetch the flying Eagle and his flock. Presently after these words, he fell into another fit and a trance: and (lying so) said; I see an Angel in the window, like a milk white Dove, sent from the Lord to be with me to comfort and assist us: but that is nothing in respect of the Lord himself.  
Then (beginning to pray again) he fell into a Fit and a Trance: in the which one of the old voices was heard from him, saying; We cannot prevail, let us go out of him, and enter into some of these here. This voice came twice, and it made the Standards by afraid. Then (reading again) be fell into a Trance: and the former voice was heard from him, speaking very hollowly (as both those unnatural voices not uttered by himself were) and saying; I would they were all gone but one that is among them: and then we should do well enough.  
Then he read again, and (being cast into a trauce) one of those voices was heard, saying; There is a Woman earnest at prayer, get her away▪ One in the Company (called john Alsop) answered aloud and said; We cannot spare her: yet did none of them all that were there know that she was praying; till (looking back) they saw her earnestly at prayer in a corner being behind them.  
Beginning again to read, he was suddenly cast into a trance, and a voice was heard which said; He shall be tormented till to morrow at night, do God & you what you can: but Satan was proved a liar. Recovering, & reading again, he was again snatched into his trance, the voice being heard again, saying; We cannot prevail, we cannot prevail, their Church increaseth: at which time came in two to join in Prayer with that Company. After this, reading again, he fell into a trance, and a voice was heard from him saying; Here cometh one of my people: with that they looked back, and were ware of a man of bad life coming into the parlour; and albeit the Boy was in his fit, yet he made signs with his hand to the Company to get him away; which one of them perceiving did for Presently he awaked and read, and was interrupted by a trance, wherein a voice said; Tear the book, tear the book: and with that (although his eyes were closed) he snatched at the Book (which one had in his hand) and tore forth one leaf of it: which thing also from that time till two of the clock, he attempted in every of his fits; & being restrained (by reason that one held the Book, and another his hands) he would bite strike and spurn them with his feet at the beginning of his fits: wherein he was far stronger than he was wont, and his torments more exceeding in greatness & number. Between 8 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon his countenance was strangely disfigured, his mouth set wide open, & sometime drawn awry, his face turned backward, and his arms and shoulders thrust out of joint: in which time he had one fit and trance, wherein a voice said; We cannot prevail, for they will not be helped with Witches. Brother Radulphus we cannot prevail: let us go to our mistress and torment her, I have had a draft of her blood to day, Forthwith it ceased, and strait ways he was in a trance again, and a small voice was heard, saying; I will stop thy mouth▪ I will stop thy mouth: at which instaut he was so stopped in his throat, that the Company thought he had been strangled. In another fit, a voice said; Your prayers prevail not, they are not heard. Whereunto M. Rampam (Schoolmaster of Burton) replied; Thou art a liar sathan, for it is written: Wheresoever two or three are gathered together in my Name, there am I in the midst of them, etc. About two of the clock he had a marvelous strange fit, tormenting him most pitifully: in the end whereof he strained to cast with great vehemency, and got up some phlegm and choler; at which time, if he were possessed with two spirits, (as it is probable he was) one of them went out of him. So from 2. till 4. his fits continued but decreasing in strength, and being without speeches. About 3. the Company perceiving him to be faint, persuaded him to eat somewhat to refresh him: which he did (having touched neither meat nor drink of all the whole day before): but before & after his meat he said the Lords Prayer, and other Praiets in the Book (which he before had assayed to read and could not) without any interruption. About 6, a clock (being carried on his Keeper's back, for he had no use of his legs of three months before) his fit came upon him very suddenly, & he cried out like a bear. The standers by betook themselves to Prayer. During this fit he had many miserable torments, causing him to roar and shriek extremely. Many such senseless trances on this day of his deliverance he had, as yielded no sign of life, save that his heart might be discerned to pant a little. At last (being laid upon his bed) anon he began to heave and lift vehemently at his stomach, and getting up some phlegm and choler, (pointing with his finger and following with his eyes) he said; Look, look, see you not the Mouse that is gone out of my mouth: and so pointed after it unto the furthest part of the parlour. Then he fell into a quiet trance; which ended, he was well till 7. a clock: at which time he and 2. or 3. more went to supper: and as he sat at the table he fell into a trance, and was thence carried to bed; as he lay there, a Uoice was heard, saying; My Son arise up and walk, the evil spirit is gone from thee; arise and walk. Upon this accident his Keeper said; let us see if he can go betwixt us. But he answered no; I can go of myself. I thank God: and so (standing on his feet) went presently forward without any difficulty. And considering with himself this blessed change of his miserable estate, (of his own accord) he fell flat upon the ground, giving God thanks for his wonderful deliverance; and that in such excellent manner, as was to be admired in a child. But no doubt, the same Spirit which armed him with faith and patience in the time of his torments, instructed him how to give thanks and pray. Being thus fully recovered, he went presently into the town, that it might appear what jesus had done for him, to the praise of his glory, and admitation of those that had, been acquainted with his marvelous visitation.  
The next morning Robert Toone went to the jail, and demanded of the Witch how she did? O master quoth she, never worse i for I have had such an Ague this night, that I had thought my joints would have been torn in sunder. They that dwelled by the prison, could▪ not sleep for the noise that was there that night; so that it is like the devil was as good as his word, when he said he would torment her.  
After he was thus marvelously delivered, he stayed the next day at Cawdwall, & from thence went to his grandfathers M. Walkedens at Clifton; whether the aforesaid john Dorell repaired unto him, and counseled him to be now most heedful, lest the unclean spirit returning, and his heart empty of faith, bring 7 worse than himself with him, as our Saviour expresseth; assuring himself Satan would strive to repossess him.  
john Dorell departing, the Boy abode at Clifton till the 5. of june, which day he returned to Burton. There the 6. day (being the Sabaoth) and the 7. he spent in religious excrecise. The 8 the went to School, from whence sathan had long kept him. In the afternoon sitting at his book, he said unto his fellows; if you will go with me into the Churchyard, I will show you a strange thing. Whereupon they went into the School Porch, (which their Master disliked not, because they had their Books in their hands) where after he had walked a while, he sat down and said he was weary, and presently complained of one of his legs▪ even crying out: which his Master hearing, came to him; and remembering his former trials, prayed, moving the Child to say after him, O Lord for jesus Christ's sake have mercy upon me. But he most cried, O my legs, my legs. Here is to be noted, that how ever sathan grievously assaulted him, yet did he not once torment him, because he was not (as before) in him which also some of the Boys words confirmed.  
Being brought home to his Uncles, (many following and flocking after him) he groaned pitifully, crying also, Daggers, daggers: and at length he said (with a fearful countenance) I am afraid of Satan. The company did encourage and comfort him against such temptations, persuading him to prayer; which thing he performed with great difficulty, crying as before O my legs, O my legs. They being instant upon him to pray, he pointed with his finger saying; What woman is that which standeth there: Still they urged him with prayer: and while they expected it▪ he said; what a thundering is here? I cannot abide this thundering. Then fell he into a trance, and having lain a while, a voice was heard from him saying; He fell a little and I caught him. By and by awaking he rose up amazedly and said; Where am I▪ I was even now in the school? but they told him what had happened, so he came down from his bed; and feeling himself well, he prayed & read a chapter quietly, and so remained well all that night. The next morning the Boy's Uncle thought it very convenient to labour by Prayer to remove this heavy displeasure of God, and the danger of these temptations, wherewith the Boy began agains to be assaulted: & to that end sent for two of his neighbours, & spent an hour in prayer & reading the Scriptures. At last as the Boy was reading, be stopped, saying; what woman is that which stands there▪ They persuaded him to go on, and not regard the illusions of sathan. So he read on, and was presently cast into a trance: and after he had lain a while said; Behold I see a Lamb, hark what the Lamb saith; Thou didst fall & he caught thee: fear not, the Lord is thy buckler and defender. After this he read on, and within a little space fell again into a quiet trance, saying; Dost thou say if I will worship thee, thou wilt make me understand the secrets of all men's hearts? Annoyed Satan, it is hid from thee: the Lord only is the searcher of the hearts and reins. Then did he read again, and forthwith was cast into a trance, saying; What fair woman is this, that is so gorgeously appareled? Dost thou say thou wilt give her me if I will worship thee? Auyod Satan, I neither care for her nor thee: the Lord is my comfort, and him only will I worship: the Lamb and the Dove desire not to be worshipped, but thou alway desirest worship. Again he read & fell in a trance, saying; Dost thou say if I will swear an oath thou wilt give me a hundred pounds? Avoid sathan. wouldst thou have me take God's name in vain? I will not. He read again, and at the third word was snatched into his trance, saying; wouldst thou give me a bag full of gold and silver, if I will never read nor pray unto God any more? Avoid sathan, I neither regard thy gold nor silver; the Lord and his Word is better to me than all the gold and silver in the world.  
They offered him the book again, and he falls presently into a trance, saying; wouldst thou have me tear the book? I will not tear it do what thou caused: wilt thou tear him in pieces that continueth reading? (he meant Richard Teate, who read forward when the boy was interrupted.) Satan thou canst not touch him, the Lord will not suffer thee to hurt a hair of his head. He was straight after these words snatched into his trance, and said▪ Dost thou bid me open my mouth? what if I do open my mouth? dost thou say thou wilt enter into me? Avoid sathan, thou canst not enter into me, except the Lord give thee leave; and I trust he will not. Again after this he falleth into a trance saying, come master Hildersham, let us six go to heaven: at which time there were just six in the parlour. Then fell he again before he could read two words into a trance, and said; what Satan, wouldst thou have me become a traitor? God defend. These words proceeded from him with great vehemency and earnestness of spirit. Then pausing a while he saith again, Dost thou say, that when I am asleep thou wilt pluck out my throat? I care not for thee; thou canst not touch a hair of my head, except God give thee leave. Again, being in a trance he said; dost thou say thou wilt set the house on fire and burn us all? do thy worst, Satan, thou canst not touch our souls. Then he read again, and at the second word started amazedly, saying; look where the Bear cometh, look look, do you not see how he cometh against us with open mouth? hark how he roareth, than said he, Avoid Satan, and get thee hence: yea, I charge thee in the name of the everliving God to get thee hence. They offer him the book again, and he read not three words, but he was overtaken with a quiet trance; wherein lying a while, he said, Oh I see a milk white Dove: the Dove saith, Fear not, you shall have better news. Again he began to read, and again he was snatched into his trance, and said, Dost thou say the Lord hath given thee leave to enter into me. Avoid Satan thou art a liar, I know he will not suffer thee to enter into me. Again, after he offered to read, he was cast into a trance, and lying very quietly he saith: hark ho, look what a fair Dove is there: the Dove saith the devil useth enemies towards me: hark hark what the Dove saith, thou hast an enemy here upon earth, that saith thou art a dissembler, he shall fry in hell torments, thine eyes shall see his judgements, for his sins do smoke up into the elements, and do pierce the heavens. Then pawzing again a while he saith, hark what the Dove saith, wheresoever the glory of God is showed, there is always some enemies to resist it. He began to read again, but at the third word fell into a trance saying: what, dost thou say thou wilt torment me? dost thou say thou wilt carry me into a wood, and cast me out at the window? My Redeemer liveth, the Lord of hosts is his name, I fear thee not; remember that Satan; and pawzing a while he saith, M. Hildersham, see see how the world passeth away▪ yea it must pass away, it hasteth on apace. Then begins he to read again, and at the third word is cast into a trance, & at length he saith, See what a little of God's word doth, how it chaseth him away: see see how Satan flieth away. Again being about to read, he started suddenly, and said this book is a flame of fire, and presently he fell into a trance, saying, Wouldst thou have me tear the Book? Avoid Satan, I will not tear it. Then lying still and pawzing a while he said at length; Look where the dove cometh, hark what the dove saith, The Lord thy God hath tied thy enemy Satan fast in a chain, unless thou fall again, he shall never tempt thee, hold fast and forget not: the child continued his speech saying: O Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world, thy name be praised, thy name be magnified and extolled for evermore.  
Forthwith he opened his eyes, and taking the Book, he read very cheerfully a good space. Then did he and all the company joining with him humble themselves before the Lord God, glorifying and praising his holy name, for his comfortable presence, & gracious assistance in this miraculous work▪ and so having continued in prayer a good while, the boy at last arose, finding the doves words true, and himself very well, both in mind and body, and so (thanks be to God) he hath remained ever since, which the Lord continue to his own glory, the joy of the godly, and the child's comfort, Amen. Now the Witch is dead, had she lived, she should have been executed.  
FINIS.   

Shortly you shall have the true story come forth of those seven in Lancashire that were possessed with unclean spirits. and all seven delivered at one time by this man.   


LABOUR ET CONSTANTIA   printer's or publisher's device  
Printed at London for john Oxenbridge dwelling in Paul's Churchyard at the sign of the Parrot. 1597.