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Title: Daemonologie.

Author: King of England James I

Release date: June 29, 2008 [eBook #25929]
Most recently updated: May 21, 2023

Language: English

Other information and formats: www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/25929

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK
DAEMONOLOGIE. ***

Daemonologie

In Forme of a Dialogie

Diuided into three Bookes.

By James RX

Printed by Robert Walde-graue,

Printer to the Kings Majestie. An. 1597.

Cum Privilegio Regio.

Contents

The Preface. To The Reader.
First Booke.
Chap. I.
Chap. II.
Chap. III.
Chap. IIII.
Chap. V.
Chap. VI.
Chap. VII.
Seconde Booke.

Chap. I.
Chap. II.
Chap. III.
Chap. IIII.
Chap. V.
Chap. VI.
Chap. VII.
Thirde Booke.
Chap. I.
Chap. II.
Chap. III.
Chap. IIII.
Chap. V.
Chap. VI.
Newes from Scotland.
To the Reader.
Discourse.

The Preface. To The Reader.

The fearefull aboundinge at this time in this countrie, of these detestable
slaues of the Deuill, the Witches or enchaunters, hath moved me (beloued
reader) to dispatch in post, this following treatise of mine, not in any wise
(as I protest) to serue for a shew of my learning & ingine, but onely
(mooued of conscience) to preasse thereby, so farre as I can, to resolue the
doubting harts of many; both that such assaultes of Sathan are most
certainly practized, & that the instrumentes thereof, merits most severly to
be punished: against the damnable opinions of two principally in our age,
wherof the one called SCOT an Englishman, is not ashamed in publike print
to deny, that ther can be such a thing as Witch-craft: and so mainteines the

old error of the Sadducees, in denying of spirits. The other called
VVIERVS, a German Phisition, sets out a publick apologie for al these
craftes-folkes, whereby, procuring for their impunitie, he plainely bewrayes
himselfe to haue bene one of that profession. And for to make this treatise
the more pleasaunt and facill, I haue put it in forme of a Dialogue, which I
haue diuided into three bookes: The first speaking of Magie in general, and
Necromancie in special. The second of Sorcerie and Witch-craft: and the
thirde, conteines a discourse of all these kindes of spirits, & Spectres that
appeares & trobles persones: together with a conclusion of the whol work.
My intention in this labour, is only to proue two things, as I haue alreadie
said: the one, that such diuelish artes haue bene and are. The other, what
exact trial and seuere punishment they merite: & therefore reason I, what
kinde of things are possible to be performed in these arts, & by what
naturall causes they may be, not that I touch every particular thing of the
Deuils power, for that were infinite: but onelie, to speak scholasticklie,
(since this can not bee spoken in our language) I reason vpon genus leauing
species, and differentia to be comprehended therein. As for example,
speaking of the power of Magiciens, in the first book & sixt Chapter: I say,
that they can suddenly cause be brought vnto them, all kindes of daintie
disshes, by their familiar spirit: Since as a thiefe he delightes to steale, and
as a spirite, he can subtillie & suddenlie inough transport the same. Now
vnder this genus may be comprehended al particulars, depending thereupon;
Such as the bringing Wine out of a Wall, (as we haue heard oft to haue bene
practised] and such others; which particulars, are sufficientlie proved by the
reasons of the general. And such like in the second booke of Witch-craft in
speciall, and fift Chap. I say and proue by diuerse arguments, that Witches
can, by the power of their Master, cure or cast on disseases: Now by these
same reasones, that proues their power by the Deuil of disseases in
generally is aswell proued their power in speciall: as of weakening the
nature of some men, to make them vnable for women: and making it to
abound in others, more then the ordinary course of nature would permit.
And such like in all other particular sicknesses; But one thing I will pray
thee to obserue in all these places, where I reason upon the deuils power,
which is the different ends & scopes, that God as the first cause, and the
Devill as his instrument and second cause shootes at in all these actiones of
the Deuil, (as Gods hang-man:) For where the deuilles intention in them is
euer to perish, either the soule or the body, or both of them, that he is so

permitted to deale with: God by the contrarie, drawes euer out of that euill
glorie to himselfe, either by the wracke of the wicked in his justice, or by
the tryall of the patient, and amendment of the faithfull, being wakened vp
with that rod of correction. Hauing thus declared vnto thee then, my full
intention in this Treatise, thou wilt easelie excuse, I doubt not, aswel my
pretermitting, to declare the whole particular rites and secretes of these
vnlawfull artes: as also their infinite and wounderfull practises, as being
neither of them pertinent to my purpose: the reason whereof, is giuen in the
hinder ende of the first Chapter of the thirde booke: and who likes to be
curious in these thinges, he may reade, if he will here of their practises,
BODINVS Dæmonomanie, collected with greater diligence, then written
with judgement, together with their confessions, that haue bene at this time
apprehened. If he would know what hath bene the opinion of the
Auncientes, concerning their power: he shall see it wel described by
HYPERIVS, & HEMMINGIVS, two late Germaine writers: Besides
innumerable other neoterick Theologues, that writes largelie vpon that
subject: And if he woulde knowe what are the particuler rites, & curiosities
of these black arts (which is both vnnecessarie and perilous,) he will finde it
in the fourth book of CORNELIVS Agrippa, and in VVIERVS, whomof I
spak. And so wishing my pains in this Treatise (beloued Reader} to be
effectual, in arming al them that reades the same, against these aboue
mentioned erroures, and recommending my good will to thy friendly
acceptation, I bid thee hartely fare-well.

IAMES Rx.

First Booke.

ARGVMENT.

The exord of the whole. The description of Magie in speciall.

Chap. I.

ARGVMENT.

Proven by the Scripture, that these vnlawfull artes in genere, haue bene and
may be put in practise.

Philomathes and Epistemon reason the matter.

Philomathes.

I am surely verie glad to haue mette with you this daye, for I am of opinion,
that ye can better resolue me of some thing, wherof I stand in great doubt,
nor anie other whom-with I could haue mette.

Epi. In what I can, that ye like to speir at me, I will willinglie and freelie tell
my opinion, and if I proue it not sufficiently, I am heartely content that a
better reason carie it away then.

Phi. What thinke yee of these strange newes, which now onelie furnishes
purpose to al men at their meeting: I meane of these Witches?

Epi. Surelie they are wonderfull: And I think so cleare and plaine
confessions in that purpose, haue neuer fallen out in anie age or cuntrey.

Phi. No question if they be true, but thereof the Doctours doubtes.

Epi. What part of it doubt ye of?

Phi. Even of all, for ought I can yet perceaue: and namelie, that there is such
a thing as Witch-craft or Witches, and I would pray you to resolue me
thereof if ye may: for I haue reasoned with sundrie in that matter, and yet
could never be satisfied therein.

Epi. I shall with good will doe the best I can: But I thinke it the difficiller,
since ye denie the thing it selfe in generall: for as it is said in the logick
schools, Contra negantem principia non est disputandum. Alwaies for that
part, that witchcraft, and Witches haue bene, and are, the former part is
clearelie proved by the Scriptures, and the last by dailie experience and
confessions.

Phi. I know yee will alleadge me Saules Pythonisse: but that as appeares
will not make much for you.

Epi. Not onlie that place, but divers others: But I marvel why that should not
make much for me?

Phi. The reasones are these, first yee may consider, that Saul being troubled
in spirit,

and having fasted long before, as the text testifieth, and being come to a
woman that was bruted to have such knowledge, and that to inquire so
important news, he having so guiltie a conscience for his hainous offences,
and specially, for that same vnlawful curiositie, and horrible defection: and
then the woman crying out vpon the suddaine in great admiration, for the
vncouth sicht that she alledged to haue sene, discovering him to be the
King, thogh disguysed, & denied by him before: it was no wounder I say,
that his senses being thus distracted, he could not perceaue hir faining of hir
voice, hee being himselfe in an other chalmer, and seeing nothing. Next
what could be, or was raised? The spirit of Samuel? Prophane and against
all Theologie: the Diuell in his likenes? as vnappeirant, that either God
would permit him to come in the shape of his Saintes (for then could neuer
the Prophets in those daies haue bene sure, what Spirit spake to them in
their visiones) or then that he could fore-tell what was to come there after;
for Prophecie proceedeth onelie of GOD: and the Devill hath no knowledge
of things to come.

Epi. Yet if yee will marke the wordes of the text, ye will finde clearely, that
Saul saw that apparition: for giving you that Saul was in an other Chalmer,
at the making of the circles & conjurationes, needeful for that purpose (as
none of that craft will permit any vthers to behold at that time) yet it is
evident by the text, that how sone that once that vnclean spirit was fully

risen, shee called in vpon Saul. For it is saide in the text, that Saule knew
him to be Samuel, which coulde not haue bene, by the hearing tell onely of
an olde man with an mantil, since there was many mo old men dead in
Israel nor Samuel: And the common weid of that whole Cuntrey was
mantils. As to the next, that it was not the spirit of Samuel, I grant: In the
proving whereof ye neede not to insist, since all Christians of whatso-ever
Religion agrees vpon that: and none but either mere ignorants, or
Necromanciers or Witches doubtes thereof. And that the Diuel is permitted
at som-times to put himself in the liknes of the Saintes, it is plaine in the
Scriptures, where it is said, that Sathan can trans-forme himselfe into an
Angell of light.

Neither could that bring any inconvenient with the visiones of the Prophets,
since it is most certaine, that God will not permit him so to deceiue his own:
but only such, as first wilfully deceiues them-selves, by running vnto him,
whome God then suffers to fall in their owne snares, and justlie permittes
them to be illuded with great efficacy of deceit, because they would not
beleeue the trueth (as Paul sayth). And as to the diuelles foretelling of
things to come, it is true that he knowes not all things future, but yet that he
knowes parte, the Tragicall event of this historie declares it, (which the wit
of woman could never haue fore-spoken) not that he hath any prescience,
which is only proper to God: or yet knows anie thing by loking vpon God,
as in a mirrour (as the good Angels doe) he being for euer debarred from the
fauorable presence & countenance of his creator, but only by one of these
two meanes, either as being worldlie wise, and taught by an continuall
experience, ever since the creation, judges by likelie-hood of thinges to
come, according to the like that hath passed before, and the naturall causes,
in respect of the vicissitude of all thinges worldly: Or else by Gods
employing of him in a turne, and so foreseene thereof: as appeares to haue
bin in this, whereof we finde the verie like in Micheas propheticque
discourse to King Achab.

But to prooue this my first proposition, that there can be such a thing as
witch-craft, & witches, there are manie mo places in the Scriptures then this
(as I said before). As first in the law of God, it is plainely prohibited:

But certaine it is, that the Law of God speakes nothing in vaine, nether doth
it lay curses, or injoyne punishmentes vpon shaddowes, condemning that to
be il, which is not in essence or being as we call it. Secondlie it is plaine,
where wicked Pharaohs wise-men imitated ane number of Moses miracles,

to harden the tyrants heart there by. Thirdly, said not Samuell to Saull,

& that disobedience is as the sinne of Witch-craft? To compare to a thing that
were not, it were too too absurd. Fourthlie, was not Simon Magus, a man of
that craft?

And fiftlie, what was she that had the spirit of Python?

beside innumerable other places that were irkesom to recite.

Chap. II.

ARGVMENT.

What kynde of sin the practizers of these vnlawfull artes committes. The
division of these artes. And what are the meanes that allures any to practize
them.

Philomathes.

Bvt I thinke it very strange, that God should permit anie man-kynde (since
they beare his owne Image) to fall in so grosse and filthie a defection.

Epi. Although man in his Creation was

made to the Image of the Creator, yet through his fall having once lost it, it
is but restored againe in a part by grace onelie to the elect: So all the rest
falling away from God, are given over in the handes of the Devill that
enemie, to beare his Image: and being once so given over, the greatest and
the grossest impietie, is the pleasantest, and most delytefull vnto them.

Phi. But may it not suffice him to haue indirectly the rule, and procure the
perdition of so manie soules by alluring them to vices, and to the following
of their own appetites, suppose he abuse not so many simple soules, in
making them directlie acknowledge him for their maister.

Epi. No surelie, for hee vses everie man, whom of he hath the rule,
according to their complexion and knowledge: And so whome he findes
most simple, he plaineliest discovers himselfe vnto them. For hee beeing
the enemie of mans Salvation, vses al the meanes he can to entrappe them
so farre in his snares, as it may be vnable to them thereafter (suppose they
would) to rid themselues out of the same.

Phi. Then this sinne is a sinne against the holie Ghost.

Epi. It is in some, but not in all.

Phi. How that? Are not all these that runnes directlie to the Devill in one
Categorie.

Epi. God forbid, for the sin against the holie Ghost hath two branches: The
one a falling backe from the whole service of GOD, and a refusall of all his
preceptes. The other is the doing of the first with knowledge, knowing that
they doe wrong against their own conscience, and the testimonie of

the holie Spirit, having once had a tast of the sweetnes of Gods mercies.
Now in the first of these two, all sortes of Necromancers, Enchanters or
Witches, ar comprehended: but in the last, none but such as erres with this
knowledge that I haue spoken of.

Phi. Then it appeares that there are more sortes nor one, that are directlie
professors of his service: and if so be, I pray you tell me how manie, and
what are they?

Epi. There are principallie two sortes, wherevnto all the partes of that
vnhappie arte are redacted; whereof the one is called Magie or
Necromancie, the other Sorcerie or Witch-craft.

Phi. What I pray you? and how manie are the meanes, whereby the Devill
allures persones in anie of these snares?

Epi. Even by these three passiones that are within our selues: Curiositie in
great ingines: thrist of revenge, for some tortes deeply apprehended: or
greedie appetite of geare, caused through great pouerty. As to the first of
these, Curiosity, it is onelie the inticement of Magiciens, or Necromanciers:
and the other two are the allureres of the Sorcerers, or Witches, for that olde
and craftie Serpent, being a spirite, hee easilie spyes our affections, and so
conformes himselfe thereto, to deceaue vs to our wracke.

Chap. III.

ARGVMENT.

The significations and Etymologies of the words of Magie and
Necromancie. The difference betuixt Necromancie and Witch-craft: What
are the entressis, and beginninges, that brings anie to the knowledge
thereof.

Philomathes.

I Would gladlie first heare, what thing is it that ye call Magie or
Necromancie.

Epi. This worde Magie in the Persian toung, importes as muche as to be ane
contemplator or Interpretour of Divine and heavenlie sciences: which being
first vsed amongs the Chaldees, through their ignorance of the true
divinitie, was esteemed and reputed amongst them, as a principall vertue:
And therefore, was named vnjustlie with an honorable stile, which name the
Greekes imitated, generally importing all these kindes of vnlawfull artes.

And this word Necromancie is a Greek word, compounded of Νεκρων &
μαντεια, which is to say, the Prophecie by the dead. This last name is given,
to this black & vnlawfull science by the figure Synedoche, because it is a
principal part of that art, to serue them selues with dead carcages in their
diuinations.

Phi. What difference is there betwixt this arte, and Witch-craft.

Epi. Surelie, the difference vulgare put betwixt them, is verrie merrie, and in
a maner true; for they say, that the Witches ar servantes onelie, and slaues to
the Devil; but the Necromanciers are his maisters and commanders.

Phi. How can that be true, yt any men being specially adicted to his service,
can be his commanders?

Epi. Yea, they may be: but it is onelie secundum quid: For it is not by anie
power that they can haue over him, but ex pacto allanerlie: whereby he
oblices himself in some trifles to them, that he may on the other part obteine
the fruition of their body & soule, which is the onlie thing he huntes for.

Phi. An verie in-æquitable contract forsooth: But I pray you discourse vnto
mee, what is the effect and secreets of that arte?

Epi. That is over large an fielde ye giue mee: yet I shall doe good-will, the
most summarlie that I can, to runne through the principal points thereof. As
there are two sorts of folkes, that may be entysed to this arte, to wit, learned
or vnlearned: so is there two meanes, which are the first steerers vp &
feeders of their curiositie, thereby to make them to giue themselves over to
the same: Which two meanes, I call the Divels schoole, and his rudimentes.
The learned haue their curiositie wakened vppe; and fedde by that which I
call his schoole: this is the Astrologie judiciar. For divers men having
attained to a great perfection in learning, & yet remaining overbare (alas) of
the spirit of regeneration and frutes thereof: finding all naturall thinges
common, aswell to the stupide pedants as vnto them, they assaie to
vendicate vnto them a greater name, by not onlie knowing the course of
things heavenlie, but likewise to cling to the knowledge of things to come
thereby. Which, at the first face appearing lawfull vnto them, in respect the
ground therof seemeth to proceed of naturall causes onelie: they are so
allured thereby, that finding their practize to prooue true in sundry things,
they studie to know the cause thereof: and so mounting from degree to
degree, vpon the slipperie and vncertaine scale of curiositie; they are at last
entised, that where lawfull artes or sciences failes, to satisfie their restles
mindes, even to seeke to that black and vnlawfull science of Magie. Where,
finding at the first, that such diuers formes of circles & conjurations rightlie
joyned thereunto, will raise such divers formes of spirites, to resolue them
of their doubts: and attributing the doing thereof, to the power inseparablie
tyed, or inherent in the circles: and manie words of God, confusedlie
wrapped in; they blindlie glorie of themselves, as if they had by their
quicknes of ingine, made a conquest of Plutoes dominion, and were become

Emperours over the Stygian habitacles. Where, in the meane time
(miserable wretches) they are become in verie deede, bond-slaues to their
mortall enemie: and their knowledge, for all that they presume thereof, is
nothing increased, except in knowing evill, and the horrors of Hell for
punishment thereof, as Adams was by the eating of the forbidden tree.

Chap. IIII.

ARGVMENT.

The Description of the Rudiments and Schoole, which are the entresses to
the arte of Magie: And in speciall the differences betwixt Astronomie and
Astrologie: Diuision of Astrologie in diuers partes.

Philomathes.

Bvt I pray you likewise forget not to tell what are the Deuilles rudimentes.

Epi. His rudimentes, I call first in generall, all that which is called vulgarly
the vertue of worde, herbe, & stone: which is vsed by vnlawful charmes,
without naturall causes. As likewise all kinde of practicques, freites, or
other like extraordinarie actiones, which cannot abide the true toutche of
naturall reason.

Phi. I would haue you to make that playner, by some particular examples;
for your proposition is verie generall.

Epi. I meane either by such kinde of Charmes as commonlie dafte wiues
vses, for healing of forspoken goodes, for preseruing them from euill eyes,
by knitting roun-trees, or sundriest kinde of herbes, to the haire or tailes of
the goodes: By curing the Worme, by stemming of blood, by healing of
Horse-crookes, by turning of the riddle, or doing of such like innumerable
things by wordes, without applying anie thing, meete to the part offended,
as Mediciners doe; Or else by staying maried folkes, to haue naturallie adoe
with other, (by knitting so manie knottes vpon a poynt at the time of their
mariage). And such-like things, which men vses to practise in their
merrinesse: For fra vnlearned men (being naturallie curious, and lacking the
true knowledge of God) findes these practises to prooue true, as sundrie of
them will doe, by the power of the Devill for deceauing men, and not by

anie inherent vertue in these vaine wordes and freites; & being desirous to
winne a reputation to themselues in such-like turnes, they either (if they be
of the shamefaster sorte) seeke to bee learned by some that are
experimented in that Arte, (not knowing it to be euill at the first) or else
being of the grosser sorte, runnes directlie to the Deuill for ambition or
desire of gaine, and plainelie contractes with him thereupon.

Phi. But me thinkes these meanes which yee call the Schoole and
rudimentes of the Deuill, are thinges lawfull, and haue bene approoued for
such in all times and ages: As in special, this science of Astrologie, which is
one of the speciall members of the Mathematicques.

Epi. There are two thinges which the learned haue obserued from the
beginning, in the science of the Heauenlie Creatures, the Planets, Starres,
and such like: The one is their course and ordinary motiones, which for that
cause is called Astronomia: Which word is a compound of νομος &
αστερων that is to say, the law of the Starres: And this arte indeed is one of
the members of the Mathematicques, & not onelie lawful, but most
necessarie and commendable. The other is called Astrologia, being
compounded of αστερων & λογος which is to say, the word, and preaching
of the starres: Which is deuided in two partes: The first by knowing thereby
the powers of simples, and sickenesses, the course of the seasons and the
weather, being ruled by their influence; which part depending vpon the
former, although it be not of it selfe a parte of Mathematicques: yet it is not
vnlawful, being moderatlie vsed, suppose not so necessarie and
commendable as the former. The second part is to truste so much to their
influences, as thereby to fore-tell what common-weales shall florish or
decay: what persones shall be fortunate or vnfortunate: what side shall
winne in anie battell: What man shall obteine victorie at singular combate:
What way, and of what age shall men die: What horse shall winne at
matche-running; and diuerse such like incredible things, wherein Cardanus,
Cornelius Agrippa, and diuerse others haue more curiouslie then profitably
written at large. Of this roote last spoken of, springs innumerable branches;
such as the knowledge by the natiuities; the Cheiromancie, Geomantie,
Hydromantie, Arithmantie, Physiognomie: & a thousand others: which were
much practised, & holden in great reuerence by the Gentles of olde. And
this last part of Astrologie whereof I haue spoken, which is the root of their

branches, was called by them pars fortunæ. This parte now is vtterlie
vnlawful to be trusted in, or practized amongst christians, as leaning to no
ground of natural reason: & it is this part which I called before the deuils
schole.

Phi. But yet manie of the learned are of the contrarie opinion.

Epi. I grant, yet I could giue my reasons to fortifie & maintaine my opinion,
if to enter into this disputation it wold not draw me quite off the ground of
our discours; besides the mis-spending of the whole daie thereupon: One
word onely I will answet to them, & that in the Scriptures (which must be
an infallible ground to all true Christians) That in the Prophet Ieremie

it is plainelie forbidden, to beleeue or hearken vnto them that Prophecies &
fore-speakes by the course of the Planets & Starres.

Chap. V.

ARGVMENT.

How farre the vsing of Charmes is lawfull or vnlawfull: The description of
the formes of Circkles and Coniurationes. And what causeth the Magicianes
themselues to wearie thereof.

Philomathes.

Wel, Ye haue said far inough in that argument. But how prooue ye now that
these charmes or vnnaturall practicques are vnlawfull: For so, many honest
& merrie men & women haue publicklie practized some of them, that I
thinke if ye would accuse them al of Witch-craft, ye would affirme more
nor ye will be beleeued in.

Epi. I see if you had taken good tent (to the nature of that word, whereby I
named it,) ye would not haue bene in this doubt, nor mistaken me, so farre
as ye haue done: For although, as none can be schollers in a schole, & not
be subject to the master thereof: so none can studie and put in practize (for
studie the alone, and knowledge, is more perilous nor offensiue; and it is the
practise only that makes the greatnes of the offence.) the cirkles and art of
Magie, without committing an horrible defection from God: And yet as they
that reades and learnes their rudiments, are not the more subject to anie
schoole-master, if it please not their parentes to put them to the schoole
thereafter; So they who ignorantly proues these practicques, which I cal the
deuilles rudiments, vnknowing them to be baites, casten out by him, for
trapping such as God will permit to fall in his hands: This kinde of folkes I
saie, no doubt, ar to be judged the best of, in respect they vse no invocation
nor help of him (by their knowledge at least) in these turnes, and so haue
neuer entred themselues in Sathans seruice; Yet to speake truely for my
owne part (I speake but for my selfe) I desire not to make so neere riding:
For in my opinion our enemie is ouer craftie, and we ouer weake (except

the greater grace of God) to assay such hazards, wherein he preases to trap
vs.

Phi. Ye haue reason forsooth; for as the common Prouerbe saith: They that
suppe keile with the Deuill, haue neede of long spoones. But now I praie
you goe forwarde in the describing of this arte of Magie.

Epi. Fra they bee come once vnto this perfection in euill, in hauing any
knowledge (whether learned or vnlearned) of this black art: they then
beginne to be wearie of the raising of their Maister, by conjured circkles;
being both so difficile and perilous, and so commeth plainelie to a contract
with him, wherein is speciallie conteined formes and effectes.

Phi. But I praye you or euer you goe further, discourse me some-what of
their circkles and conjurationes; And what should be the cause of their
wearying thereof: For it should seeme that that forme should be lesse
fearefull yet, than the direct haunting and societie, with that foule and
vncleane Spirite.

Epi. I thinke ye take me to be a Witch my selfe, or at the least would faine
sweare your selfe prentise to that craft: Alwaies as I may, I shall shortlie
satisfie you, in that kinde of conjurations, which are conteined in such
bookes, which I call the Deuilles Schoole: There are foure principall partes;
the persons of the conjurers; the action of the conjuration; the wordes and
rites vsed to that effect; and the Spirites that are conjured. Ye must first
remember to laye the ground, that I tould you before: which is, that it is no
power inherent in the circles, or in the holines of the names of God
blasphemouslie vsed: nor in whatsoeuer rites or ceremonies at that time
vsed, that either can raise any infernall spirit, or yet limitat him perforce
within or without these circles. For it is he onelie, the father of all lyes, who
hauing first of all prescribed that forme of doing, feining himselfe to be
commanded & restreined thereby, wil be loath to passe the boundes of these
injunctiones; aswell thereby to make them glory in the impiring ouer him
(as I saide before:) As likewise to make himselfe so to be trusted in these
little thinges, that he may haue the better commoditie thereafter, to deceiue
them in the end with a tricke once for all; I meane the euerlasting perdition
of their soul & body. Then laying this ground, as I haue said, these
conjurationes must haue few or mo in number of the persones conjurers

(alwaies passing the singuler number) according to the qualitie of the circle,
and forme of apparition. Two principall thinges cannot well in that errand
be wanted: holie-water (whereby the Deuill mockes the Papistes) and some
present of a liuing thing vnto him. There ar likewise certaine seasons, dayes
and houres, that they obserue in this purpose: These things being all readie,
and prepared, circles are made triangular, quadrangular, round, double or
single, according to the forme of apparition that they craue. But to speake of
the diuerse formes of the circles, of the innumerable characters and crosses
that are within and without, and out-through the same, of the diuers formes
of apparitiones, that that craftie spirit illudes them with, and or all such
particulars in that action, I remit it to ouer-manie that haue busied their
heades in describing of the same; as being but curious, and altogether
vnprofitable. And this farre onelie I touch, that when the conjured Spirit
appeares, which will not be while after manie circumstances, long praiers,
and much muttring and murmuring of the conjurers; like a Papist priest,
dispatching a hunting Masse: how sone I say, he appeares, if they haue
missed one iote of all their rites; or if any of their feete once slyd ouer the
circle through terror of his feareful apparition, he payes himselfe at that
time in his owne hande, of that due debt which they ought him; and other-
wise would haue delayed longer to haue payed him: I meane hee carries
them with him bodie and soule. If this be not now a just cause to make them
wearie of these formes of conjuration, I leaue it to you to judge vpon;
considering the long-somenesse of the labour, the precise keeping of dayes
and houres (as I haue said), the terriblenesse of apparition, and the present
perrell that they stande in, in missing the least circumstance or freite, that
they ought to obserue: And on the other parte, the Deuil is glad to mooue
them to a plaine and square dealing with him as I said before.

Chap. VI.

ARGVMENT.

The Deuilles contract with the Magicians: The diuision thereof in two
partes: What is the difference betwixt Gods miracles and the Deuils.

Philomathes.

Indeede there is cause inough, but rather to leaue him at all, then to runne
more plainlie to him, if they were wise he delt with. But goe forwards now I
pray you to these turnes, fra they become once deacons in this craft.

Epi. From time that they once plainelie begin to contract with him: The
effect of their contract consistes in two thinges; in formes and effectes, as I
began to tell alreadie, were it not yee interrupted me (for although the
contract be mutuall; I speake first of that part, wherein the Deuill oblishes
himselfe to them) by formes, I meane in what shape or fashion he shall
come vnto them, when they call vpon him. And by effectes, I vnderstand, in
what special sorts of seruices he bindes himselfe to be subject vnto them.
The qualitie of these formes and effectes, is lesse or greater, according to
the skil and art of the Magician. For as to the formes, to some of the baser
sorte of them he oblishes him selfe to appeare at their calling vpon him, by
such a proper name which he shewes vnto them, either in likenes of a dog, a
Catte, an Ape, or such-like other beast; or else to answere by a voyce onlie.
The effects are to answere to such demands, as concernes curing of
disseases, their own particular menagery: or such other base things as they
require of him.

But to the most curious sorte, in the formes he will oblish himselfe, to enter
in a dead bodie, and there out of to giue such answers, of the euent of
battels, of maters concerning the estate of commonwelths, and such like
other great questions: yea, to some he will be a continuall attender, in forme

of a Page: He will permit himselfe to be conjured, for the space of so many
yeres, ether in a tablet or a ring, or such like thing, which they may easely
carrie about with them: He giues them power to sel such wares to others,
whereof some will bee dearer, and some better cheape; according to the
lying or true speaking of the Spirit that is conjured therein. Not but that in
verie deede, all Devils must be lyars; but so they abuse the simplicitie of
these wretches, that becomes their schollers, that they make them beleeue,
that at the fall of Lucifer, some Spirites fell in the aire, some in the fire,
some in the water, some in the lande: In which Elementes they still remaine.
Whereupon they build, that such as fell in the fire, or in the aire, are truer
then they, who fell in the water or in the land, which is al but meare trattles,
& forged by the author of al deceit. For they fel not be weight, as a solide
substance, to stick in any one parte: But the principall part of their fal,
consisting in qualitie, by the falling from the grace of God wherein they
were created, they continued still thereafter, and shal do while the latter
daie, in wandring through the worlde, as Gods hang-men, to execute such
turnes as he employes them in. And when anie of them are not occupyed in
that, returne they must to their prison in hel (as it is plaine in the miracle
that Christ wrought at Gennezareth)

therein at the latter daie to be all enclosed for euer: and as they deceiue their
schollers in this, so do they, in imprinting in them the opinion that there are
so manie Princes, Dukes, and Kinges amongst them, euerie one
commanding fewer or mo Legions, and impyring in diuers artes, and
quarters of the earth. For though that I will not denie that there be a forme
of ordour amongst the Angels in Heauen, and consequentlie, was amongst
them before their fall; yet, either that they bruike the same sensine; or that
God will permit vs to know by damned Deuils, such heauenlie mysteries of
his, which he would not reueale to vs neither by Scripture nor Prophets, I
thinke no Christiane will once thinke it. But by the contrarie of all such
mysteries, as he hath closed vp with his seale of secrecie; it becommeth vs
to be contented with an humble ignorance, they being thinges not necessarie
for our saluation. But to returne to the purpose, as these formes, wherein
Sathan oblishes himselfe to the greatest of the Magicians, are wounderfull
curious; so are the effectes correspondent vnto the same: For he will oblish
himselfe to teach them artes and sciences, which he may easelie doe, being
so learned a knaue as he is: To carrie them newes from anie parte of the

worlde, which the agilitie of a Spirite may easelie performe: to reueale to
them the secretes of anie persons, so being they bee once spoken, for the
thought none knowes but GOD; except so far as yee may ghesse by their
countenance, as one who is doubtleslie learned, inough in the
Physiognomie: Yea, he will make his schollers to creepe in credite with
Princes, by fore-telling them manie greate thinges; parte true, parte false:
For if all were false, he would tyne credite at all handes; but alwaies
doubtsome, as his Oracles were. And he will also make them to please
Princes, by faire banquets and daintie dishes, carryed in short space fra the
farthest part of the worlde. For no man doubts but he is a thiefe, and his
agilitie (as I spake before) makes him to come suche speede. Such-like, he
will guard his schollers with faire armies of horse-men and foote-men in
appearance, castles and fortes: Which all are but impressiones in the aire,
easelie gathered by a spirite, drawing so neare to that substance himselfe:
As in like maner he will learne them manie juglarie trickes at Gardes, dice,
& such like, to deceiue mennes senses thereby: and such innumerable false
practicques; which are prouen by ouer-manie in this age: As they who ar
acquainted with that Italian called Scoto yet liuing, can reporte. And yet are
all these thinges but deluding of the senses, and no waies true in substance,
as were the false miracles wrought by King Pharaoes Magicians, for
counterfeiting Moyses: For that is the difference betuixt Gods myracles and
the Deuils, God is a creator, what he makes appeare in miracle, it is so in
effect. As Moyses rod being casten downe, was no doubt turned in a natural
Serpent: where as the Deuill (as Gods Ape) counterfetting that by his
Magicians, maid their wandes to appeare so, onelie to mennes outward
senses: as kythed in effect by their being deuoured by the other. For it is no
wonder, that the Deuill may delude our senses, since we see by common
proofe, that simple juglars will make an hundreth thinges seeme both to our
eies and eares otherwaies then they are. Now as to the Magicians parte of
the contract, it is in a word that thing, which I said before, the Deuill hunts
for in all men.

Phi. Surelie ye haue said much to me in this arte, if all that ye haue said be
as true as wounderfull.

Epi. For the trueth in these actiones, it will be easelie confirmed, to anie that
pleases to take paine vpon the reading of diuerse authenticque histories, and

the inquiring of daily experiences. And as for the trueth of their possibilitie,
that they may be, and in what maner, I trust I haue alleaged nothing
whereunto I haue not joyned such probable reasons, as I leaue to your
discretion, to waie and consider: One word onlie I omitted; concerning the
forme of making of this contract, which is either written with the Magicians
owne bloud: or else being agreed vpon (in termes his schole-master)
touches him in some parte, though peraduenture no marke remaine: as it
doth with all Witches.

Chap. VII.

ARGVMENT.

The reason why the art of Magie is unlawfull. What punishment they merite:
And who may be accounted guiltie of that crime.

Philomathes.

Svrelie Ye haue made this arte to appeare verie monstruous & detestable.
But what I pray you shall be said to such as mainteines this art to be lawfull,
for as euill as you haue made it?

Epi. I say, they sauour of the panne them selues, or at least little better, And
yet I would be glad to heare their reasons.

Phi. There are two principallie, that euer I heard vsed; beside that which is
founded vpon the common Prouerb (that the Necromancers commands the
Deuill, which ye haue already refuted). The one is grounded vpon a
receiued custome: The other vpon an authoritie, which some thinkes
infallible. Vpon custome, we see that diuerse Christian Princes and
Magistrates seuere punishers of Witches, will not onelie ouer-see Magicians
to liue within their dominions; but euen some-times delight to see them
prooue some of their practicques. The other reason is, that Moyses being
brought vp (as it is expreslie said in the Scriptures) in all the sciences of the
Ægyptians; whereof no doubt, this was one of the principalles. And he
notwithstanding of this arte, pleasing God, as he did, consequentlie that art
professed by so godlie a man, coulde not be vnlawfull.

Epi. As to the first of your reasones, grounded vpon custome: I saie, an euill
custome can neuer be accepted for a good law, for the ouer great ignorance
of the worde in some Princes and Magistrates, and the contempt thereof in
others, moues them to sinne heavelie against their office in that poynt. As to

the other reasone, which seemes to be of greater weight, if it were formed in
a Syllogisme; it behooued to be in manie termes, and full of fallacies (to
speake in termes of Logicque) for first, that that generall proposition;
affirming Moyses to be taught in all the sciences of the Ægyptians, should
conclude that he was taught in Magie, I see no necessity. For we must
vnderstand that the spirit of God there, speaking of sciences, vnderstandes
them that are lawfull; for except they be lawfull, they are but abusiuè called
sciences, & are but ignorances indeede: Nam homo pictus, non est homo.
Secondlie, giuing that he had bene taught in it, there is great difference,
betwixt knowledge and practising of a thing (as I said before). For God
knoweth all thinges, being alwaies good, and of our sinne & our infirmitie
proceedeth our ignorance. Thirdlie, giuing that he had both studied and
practised the same (which is more nor monstruous to be beleeued by any
Christian) yet we know well inough, that before that euer the spirite of God
began to call Moyses, he was fled out of Ægypt, being fourtie yeares of age,
for the slaughter of an Ægyptian, and in his good-father Iethroes lande, first
called at the firie bushe, hauing remained there other fourtie yeares in exile:
so that suppose he had beene the wickeddest man in the worlde before, he
then became a changed and regenerat man, and very litle of olde Moyses
remained in him. Abraham was an Idolater in Vr of Chaldææa, before he
was called: And Paule being called Saule, was a most sharp persecutor of
the Saintes of God, while that name was changed.

Phi. What punishment then thinke ye merites these Magicians and
Necromancers?

Epi. The like no doubt, that Sorcerers and Witches merites; and rather so
much greater, as their error proceedes of the greater knowledge, and so
drawes nerer to the sin against the holy Ghost. And as I saye of them, so
saye I the like of all such as consults, enquires, entertaines, & ouersees
them, which is seene by the miserable endes of many that askes councell of
them: For the Deuill hath neuer better tydings to tell to any, then he tolde to
Saule: neither is it lawfull to vse so vnlawfull instrumentes, were it neuer
for so good a purpose: for that axiome in Theologie is most certaine and
infallible:

Nunquam faciendum est malum vt bonum inde eueniat.

Seconde Booke.

ARGVMENT.

The description of Sorcerie and Witchcraft in speciall.

Chap. I.

ARGVMENT.

Proued by the Scripture, that such a thing can be: And the reasones refuted
of all such as would call it but an imagination and Melancholicque humor.

Philomathes.

Now since yee haue satisfied me nowe so fullie, concerning Magie or
Necromancie I will pray you to do the like in Sorcerie or Witchcraft.

Epi. That fielde is likewise verie large: and althought in the mouthes and
pennes of manie, yet fewe knowes the trueth thereof, so wel as they beleeue
themselues, as I shall so shortely as I can, make you (God willing) as
easelie to perceiue.

Phi. But I pray you before ye goe further, let mee interrupt you here with a
shorte digression: which is, that manie can scarcely beleeue that there is
such a thing as Witch-craft. Whose reasons I wil shortely alleage vnto you,
that ye may satisfie me as well in that, as ye haue done in the rest. For first,
whereas the Scripture seemes to prooue Witchcraft to be, by diuerse
examples, and speciallie by sundrie of the same, which ye haue alleaged, it
is thought by some, that these places speakes of Magicians and
Necromancers onlie, & not of Witches. As in special, these wise men of
Pharaohs, that counterfeited Moyses miracles, were Magicians say they, &
not Witches: As likewise that Pythonisse that Saul consulted with: And so
was Simon Magus in the new Testament, as that very stile importes.
Secondlie, where ye would oppone the dailie practicque, & confession of so
manie, that is thought likewise to be but verie melancholicque imaginations
of simple rauing creatures. Thirdly, if Witches had such power of Witching
of folkes to death, (as they say they haue) there had bene none left aliue

long sence in the world, but they: at the least, no good or godlie person of
whatsoeuer estate, coulde haue escaped their deuilrie.

Epi. Your three reasons as I take, ar grounded the first of them negativè
vpon the Scripture: The second affirmativè vpon Physicke: And the thirde
vpon the certaine proofe of experience. As to your first, it is most true
indeede, that all these wise men of Pharaoh were Magicians of art: As
likewise it appeares wel that the Pythonisse, with whom Saul consulted,
was of that same profession: & so was Simon Magus. But yee omitted to
speake of the Lawe of God, wherein are all Magicians, Diuines, Enchanters,
Sorcerers, Witches, & whatsouer of that kinde that consultes with the
Deuill, plainelie prohibited, and alike threatned against. And besides that,
she who had the Spirite of Python, in the Actes,

whose Spirite was put to silence by the Apostle, coulde be no other thing
but a verie Sorcerer or Witch, if ye admit the vulgare distinction, to be in a
maner true, whereof I spake in the beginning of our conference. For that
spirit whereby she conquested such gaine to her Master, was not at her
raising or commanding, as she pleased to appoynt, but spake by her toung,
aswel publicklie, as priuatelie: Whereby she seemed to draw nearer to the
sort of Demoniakes or possessed, if that conjunction betwixt them, had not
bene of her owne consent: as it appeared by her, not being tormented
therewith: And by her conquesting of such gaine to her masters (as I haue
alreadie said.) As to your second reason grounded vpon Physick, in
attributing their confessiones or apprehensiones, to a naturall
melancholicque humour: Anie that pleases Physicallie to consider vpon the
naturall humour of melancholie, according to all the Physicians, that euer
writ thereupon, they shall finde that that will be ouer short a cloak to couer
their knauery with: For as the humor of Melancholie in the selfe is blacke,
heauie and terrene, so are the symptomes thereof, in any persones that are
subject therevnto, leannes, palenes, desire of solitude: and if they come to
the highest degree therof, mere folie and Manie: where as by the contrarie, a
great nomber of them that euer haue bene convict or confessors of
Witchcraft, as may be presently seene by manie that haue at this time
confessed: they are by the contrarie, I say, some of them rich and worldly-
wise, some of them fatte or corpulent in their bodies, and most part of them
altogether giuen ouer to the pleasures of the flesh, continual haunting of

companie, and all kind of merrines, both lawfull and vnlawfull, which are
thinges directly contrary to the symptomes of Melancholie, whereof I
spake, and further experience daylie proues how loath they are to confesse
without torture, which witnesseth their guiltines, where by the contrary, the
Melancholicques neuer spares to bewray themselues, by their continuall
discourses, feeding therby their humor in that which they thinke no crime.
As to your third reason, it scarselie merites an answere. For if the deuill
their master were not bridled, as the scriptures teacheth vs, suppose there
were no men nor women to be his instrumentes, he could finde waies
inough without anie helpe of others to wrack al mankinde: wherevnto he
employes his whole study, and goeth about like a roaring Lyon (as Peter
saith)

to that effect, but the limites of his power were set down before the
foundations of the world were laid, which he hath not power in the least jote
to transgresse. But beside all this, there is ouer greate a certainty to proue
that they are, by the daily experience of the harmes that they do, both to
men, and whatsoeuer thing men possesses, whome God will permit them to
be the instrumentes, so to trouble or visite, as in my discourse of that arte,
yee shall heare clearelie proued.

Chap. II.

ARGVMENT.

The Etymologie and signification of that word of Sorcerie. The first entresse
and prentishippe of them that giues themselues to that craft.

Philomathes.

Come on then I pray you, and returne where ye left.

Epi. This word of Sorcerie is a Latine worde, which is taken from casting of
the lot, & therefore he that vseth it, is called Sortiarius à sorte. As to the
word of Witchcraft, it is nothing but a proper name giuen in our language.
The cause wherefore they were called sortiarij, proceeded of their
practicques seeming to come of lot or chance: Such as the turning of the
riddle: the knowing of the forme of prayers, or such like tokens: If a person
diseased woulde liue or dye. And in generall, that name was giuen them for
vsing of such charmes, and freites, as that Crafte teacheth them. Manie
poynts of their craft and practicques are common betuixt the Magicians and
them: for they serue both one Master, althought in diuerse fashions. And as
I deuided the Necromancers, into two sorts, learned and vnlearned; so must
I denie them in other two, riche and of better accompt, poore and of basser
degree. These two degrees now of persones, that practises this craft,
answers to the passions in them, which (I told you before) the Deuil vsed as
meanes to intyse them to his seruice, for such of them as are in great
miserie and pouertie, he allures to follow him, by promising vnto them
greate riches, and worldlie commoditie. Such as though riche, yet burnes in
a desperat desire of reuenge, hee allures them by promises, to get their turne
satisfied to their hartes contentment. It is to be noted nowe, that that olde
and craftie enemie of ours, assailes none, though touched with any of these
two extremities, except he first finde an entresse reddy for him, either by
the great ignorance of the person he deales with, ioyned with an euill life, or

else by their carelesnes and contempt of God: And finding them in an vtter
despair, for one of these two former causes that I haue spoken of; he
prepares the way by feeding them craftely in their humour, and filling them
further and further with despaire, while he finde the time proper to discouer
himself vnto them. At which time, either vpon their walking solitarie in the
fieldes, or else lying pansing in their bed; but alwaies without the company
of any other, he either by a voyce, or in likenesse of a man inquires of them,
what troubles them: and promiseth them, a suddaine and certaine waie of
remedie, vpon condition on the other parte, that they follow his advise; and
do such thinges as he wil require of them: Their mindes being prepared
before hand, as I haue alreadie spoken, they easelie agreed vnto that
demande of his: And syne settes an other tryist, where they may meete
againe. At which time, before he proceede any further with them, he first
perswades them to addict themselues to his seruice: which being easely
obteined, he then discouers what he is vnto them: makes them to renunce
their God and Baptisme directlie, and giues them his marke vpon some
secreit place of their bodie, which remaines soare vnhealed, while his next
meeting with them, and thereafter euer insensible, how soeuer it be nipped
or pricked by any, as is dailie proued, to giue them a proofe thereby, that as
in that doing, hee could hurte and heale them; so all their ill and well doing
thereafter, must depende vpon him. And besides that, the intollerable dolour
that they feele in that place, where he hath marked them, serues to waken
them, and not to let them rest, while their next meeting againe: fearing least
otherwaies they might either forget him, being as new Prentises, and not
well inough founded yet, in that fiendlie follie: or else remembring of that
horrible promise they made him, at their last meeting, they might skunner at
the same, and preasse to call it back. At their thirde meeting, he makes a
shew to be carefull to performe his promises, either by teaching them waies
howe to get themselues reuenged, if they be of that sort: Or els by teaching
them lessons, how by moste vilde and vnlawfull meanes, they may obtaine
gaine, and worldlie commoditie, if they be of the other sorte.

Chap. III.

ARGVMENT.

The Witches actiones diuided in two partes. The actiones proper to their
owne persones. Their actiones toward others. The forme of their
conuentiones, and adoring of their Master.

Philomathes.

Ye haue said now inough of their initiating in that ordour. It restes then that
ye discourse vpon their practises, fra they be passed Prentises: for I would
faine heare what is possible to them to performe in verie deede. Although
they serue a common Master with the Necromancers, (as I haue before
saide) yet serue they him in an other forme. For as the meanes are diuerse,
which allures them to these vnlawfull artes of seruing of the Deuill; so by
diuerse waies vse they their practises, answering to these meanes, which
first the Deuill, vsed as instrumentes in them; though al tending to one end:
To wit, the enlargeing of Sathans tyrannie, and crossing of the propagation
of the Kingdome of Christ, so farre as lyeth in the possibilitie, either of the
one or other sorte, or of the Deuill their Master. For where the Magicians,
as allured by curiositie, in the most parte of their practises, seekes
principallie the satisfying of the same, and to winne to themselues a popular
honoure and estimation: These Witches on the other parte, being intised
ether for the desire of reuenge, or of worldly riches, their whole practises
are either to hurte men and their gudes, or what they possesse, for satisfying
of their cruell mindes in the former, or else by the wracke in whatsoeuer
sorte, of anie whome God will permitte them to haue power off, to satisfie
their greedie desire in the last poynt.

Epi. In two partes their actiones may be diuided; the actiones of their owne
persones, and the actiones proceeding from them towardes anie other. And
this diuision being wel vnderstood, will easilie resolue you, what is possible

to them to doe. For although all that they confesse is no lie vpon their parte,
yet doubtlesly in my opinion, a part of it is not indeede, according as they
take it to be: And in this I meane by the actiones of their owne persones. For
as I said before, speaking of Magie that the Deuill illudes the senses of
these schollers of his, in manie thinges, so saye I the like of these Witches.

Phi. Then I pray you, first to speake of that part of their owne persons, and
syne ye may come next to their actiones towardes others.

Epi. To the effect that they may performe such seruices of their false Master,
as he employes them in, the deuill as Gods Ape, counterfeites in his
seruantes this seruice & forme of adoration, that God prescribed and made
his seruantes to practise. For as the seruants of GOD, publicklie vses to
conveene for seruing of him, so makes he them in great numbers to
conveene (though publickly they dare not) for his seruice. As none
conueenes to the adoration and worshipping of God, except they be marked
with his scale, the Sacrament of Baptisme: So none serues Sathan, and
conueenes to the adoring of him, that are not marked with that marke,
wherof I alredy spake. As the Minister sent by God, teacheth plainely at the
time of their publick conuentions, how to serue him in spirit & truth: so that
vncleane spirite, in his owne person teacheth his Disciples, at the time of
their conueening, how to worke all kinde of mischiefe: And craues compt of
all their horrible and detestable proceedinges passed, for aduancement of
his seruice. Yea, that he may the more viuelie counterfeit and scorne God,
he oft times makes his slaues to conveene in these verrie places, which are
destinat and ordeined for the conveening of the servantes of God (I meane
by Churches). But this farre, which I haue yet said, I not onelie take it to be
true in their opiniones, but euen so to be indeede. For the forme that he vsed
in counterfeiting God amongst the Gentiles, makes me so to thinke: As God
spake by his Oracles, spake he not so by his? As GOD had aswell bloudie
Sacrifices, as others without bloud, had not he the like? As God had
Churches sanctified to his seruice, with Altars, Priests, Sacrifices,
Ceremonies and Prayers; had he not the like polluted to his seruice? As God
gaue responses by Vrim and Thummim, gaue he not his responses by the
intralls of beastes, by the singing of Fowles, and by their actiones in the
aire? As God by visiones, dreames, and extases reueiled what was to come,
and what was his will vnto his seruantes; vsed he not the like meanes to

forwarne his slaues of things to come? Yea, euen as God loued cleannes,
hated vice, and impuritie, & appoynted punishmentes therefore: vsed he not
the like (though falselie I grant, and but in eschewing the lesse
inconuenient, to draw them upon a greater) yet dissimuled he not I say, so
farre as to appoynt his Priestes to keepe their bodies cleane and vndefiled,
before their asking responses of him? And feyned he not God to be a
protectour of euerie vertue, and a iust reuenger of the contrarie? This reason
then moues me, that as he is that same Deuill; and as craftie nowe as he was
then; so wil hee not spare a pertelie in these actiones that I haue spoken of,
concerning the witches persones: But further, Witches oft times confesses
not only his conueening in the Church with them, but his occupying of the
Pulpit: Yea, their forme of adoration, to be the kissing of his hinder partes.
Which though it seeme ridiculous, yet may it likewise be true, seeing we
reade that in Calicute, he appearing in forme of a Goate-bucke, hath
publicklie that vn-honest homage done vnto him, by euerie one of the
people: So ambitious is he, and greedie of honour (which procured his fall)
that he will euen imitate God in that parte,

where it is said, that Moyses could see but the hinder partes of God, for the
brightnesse of his glorie: And yet that speache is spoken but
ανθρωπωπαθειαν.

Chap. IIII.

ARGVMENT.

What are the waies possible, wherby the witches may transport themselues
to places far distant, And what ar impossible & mere illusiones of Sathan.
And the reasons therof.

Philomathes.

Bvt by what way say they or think ye it possible that they can com to these
vnlawful cõuentiõs?

Epi. There is the thing which I esteeme their senses to be deluded in, and
though they lye not in confessing of it, because they thinke it to be true, yet
not to be so in substance or effect: for they saie, that by diuerse meanes they
may conueene, either to the adoring of their Master, or to the putting in
practise any seruice of his, committed vnto their charge: one way is natural,
which is natural riding, going or sayling, at what houre their Master comes
and aduertises them. And this way may be easelie beleued: an other way is
some-what more strange: and yet is it possible to be true: which is by being
carryed by the force of the Spirite which is their conducter, either aboue the
earth or aboue the Sea swiftlie, to the place where they are to meet: which I
am perswaded to be likewaies possible, in respect that as Habakkuk was
carryed by the Angell in that forme, to the denne where Daniell laie;

so thinke I, the Deuill will be reddie to imitate God, as well in that as in
other thinges: which is much more possible to him to doe, being a Spirite,
then to a mighty winde, being but a naturall meteore, to transporte from one
d place to an other a solide bodie, as is commonlie and dailie seene in
practise: But in this violent forme they cannot be carryed, but a shorte
boundes, agreeing with the space that they may reteine their breath: for if it
were longer, their breath could not remaine vnextinguished, their bodie

being carryed in such a violent & forceable maner, as be example: If one
fall off an small height, his life is but in perrell, according to the harde or
soft lighting: But if one fall from an high and stay rocke, his breath wilbe
forceablie banished from the bodie, before he can win to the earth, as is oft
seen by experience. And in this transporting they say themselues, that they
are inuisible to anie other, except amongst themselues; which may also be
possible in my opinion. For if the deuil may forme what kinde of
impressiones he pleases in the aire, as I haue said before, speaking of
Magie, why may he not far easilier thicken & obscure so the air, that is next
about them by contracting it strait together, that the beames of any other
mans eyes, cannot pearce thorow the same, to see them? But the third way
of their comming to their conuentions, is, that where in I think them
deluded: for some of them sayeth, that being transformed in the likenesse of
a little beast or foule, they will come and pearce through whatsoeuer house
or Church, though all ordinarie passages be closed, by whatsoeuer open, the
aire may enter in at. And some sayeth, that their bodies lying stil as in an
extasy, their spirits wil be rauished out of their bodies, & caried to such
places. And for verefying therof, wil giue euident tokens, aswel by
witnesses that haue seene their body lying senseles in the meane time, as by
naming persones, whom-with they mette, and giuing tokens what purpose
was amongst them, whome otherwaies they could not haue knowen: for this
forme of journeing, they affirme to vse most, when they are transported
from one Countrie to another.

Phi. Surelie I long to heare your owne opinion of this: For they are like old
wiues trattles about the fire. The reasons that moues me to thinke that these
are meere illusiones, ar these. First for them that are transformed in likenes
of beastes or foules, can enter through so narrow passages, although I may
easelie beleeue that the Deuill coulde by his woorkemanshippe vpon the
aire, make them appeare to be in such formes, either to themselues or to
others: Yet how he can contract a solide bodie within so little roome, I
thinke it is directlie contrarie to it selfe, for to be made so little, and yet not
diminished: To be so straitlie drawen together, and yet feele no paine; I
thinke it is so contrarie to the qualitie of a naturall bodie, and so like to the
little transubstantiat god in the Papistes Masse, that I can neuer beleeue it.
So to haue a quantitie, is so proper to a solide bodie, that as all Philosophers

conclude, it cannot be any more without one, then a spirite can haue one.
For when Peter came out of the prison,

and the doores all locked: It was not by any contracting of his bodie in so
little roome: but by the giuing place of the dore, though vn-espyed by the
Gaylors. And yet is there no comparison, when this is done, betuixt the
power of God, and of the Deuill. As to their forme of extasie and spirituall
transporting, it is certaine the soules going out of the bodie, is the onely
difinition of naturall death: and who are once dead, God forbid wee should
thinke that it should lie in the power of all the Deuils in Hell, to restore
them to their life againe: Although he can put his owne spirite in a dead
bodie, which the Necromancers commonlie practise, as yee haue harde. For
that is the office properly belonging to God; and besides that, the soule once
parting from the bodie, cannot wander anie longer in the worlde, but to the
owne resting place must it goe immediatlie, abiding the conjunction of the
bodie againe, at the latter daie. And what Christ or the Prophets did
miraculouslie in this case, it cannot in no Christian mans opinion be maid
common with the Deuill. As for anie tokens that they giue for proouing of
this, it is verie possible to the Deuils craft, to perswade them to these
meanes. For he being a spirite, may hee not so rauishe their thoughtes, and
dull their sences, that their bodie lying as dead, hee may object to their
spirites as it were in a dreame, & (as the Poets write of Morpheus)
represente such formes of persones, of places, and other circumstances, as
he pleases to illude them with? Yea, that he maie deceiue them with the
greater efficacie, may hee not at that same instant, by fellow angelles of his,
illude such other persones so in that same fashion, whome with he makes
them to beleeue that they mette; that all their reportes and tokens, though
seuerallie examined, may euerie one agree with an other. And that
whatsoeuer actiones, either in hurting men or beasts: or whatsoeuer other
thing that they falselie imagine, at that time to haue done, may by himselfe
or his marrowes, at that same time be done indeede; so as if they would
giue for a token of their being rauished at the death of such a person within
so shorte space thereafter, whom they beleeue to haue poysoned, or witched
at that instante, might hee not at that same houre, haue smitten that same
person by the permission of GOD, to the farther deceiuing of them, and to
mooue others to beleeue them? And this is surelie the likeliest way, and
most according to reason, which my judgement can finde out in this, and

whatsoeuer vther vnnaturall poyntes of their confession. And by these
meanes shall we saill surelie, betuixt Charybdis and Scylla, in eschewing
the not beleeuing of them altogether on the one part, least that drawe vs to
the errour that there is no Witches: and on the other parte in beleeuing of it,
make vs to eschew the falling into innumerable absurdities, both
monstruouslie against all Theologie diuine, and Philosophie humaine.

Chap. V.

ARGVMENT.

Witches actiones towardes others. Why there are more women of that craft
nor men? What thinges are possible to them to effectuate by the power of
their master. The reasons thereof. What is the surest remedie of the harmes
done by them.

Philomathes.

Forsooth your opinion in this, seemes to carrie most reason with it, and
sence yee haue ended, then the actions belonging properly to their owne
persones: say forwarde now to their actiones vsed towardes others.

Epi. In their actiones vsed towardes others, three thinges ought to be
considered: First the maner of their consulting thereupon: Next their part as
instrumentes: And last their masters parte, who puts the same in execution.
As to their consultationes thereupon, they vse them oftest in the Churches,
where they conveene for adoring: at what time their master enquiring at
them what they would be at: euerie one of them propones vnto him, what
wicked turne they would haue done, either for obteining of riches, or for
reuenging them vpon anie whome they haue malice at: who granting their
demande, as no doubt willinglie he wil, since it is to doe euill, he teacheth
them the means, wherby they may do the same. As for little trifling turnes
that women haue ado with, he causeth them to ioynt dead corpses, & to
make powders thereof, mixing such other thinges there amongst, as he giues
vnto them.

Phi. But before yee goe further, permit mee I pray you to interrupt you one
worde, which yee haue put mee in memorie of, by speaking of Women.
What can be the cause that there are twentie women giuen to that craft,
where ther is one man?

Epi. The reason is easie, for as that sexe is frailer then man is, so is it easier
to be intrapped in these grosse snares of the Deuill, as was ouer well proued
to be true, by the Serpents deceiuing of Eua at the beginning, which makes
him the homelier with that sexe sensine.

Phi. Returne now where ye left.

Epi. To some others at these times hee teacheth how to make Pictures of
waxe or clay: That by the rosting thereof, the persones that they beare the
name of, may be continuallie melted or dryed awaie by continuall
sicknesse. To some hee giues such stones or poulders, as will helpe to cure
or cast on diseases: And to some he teacheth kindes of vncouthe poysons,
which Mediciners vnderstandes not (for he is farre cunningner then man in
the knowledge of all the occult proprieties of nature) not that anie of these
meanes which hee teacheth them (except the poysons which are composed
of thinges naturall) can of them selues helpe any thing to these turnes, that
they are employed in, but onelie being Gods Ape, as well in that, as in all
other thinges. Even as God by his Sacramentes which are earthlie of
themselues workes a heavenlie effect, though no waies by any cooperation
in them: And

as Christ by clay & spettle wrought together, opened the eies of the blynd
man, suppose there was no vertue in that which he outwardlie applyed, so
the Deuill will haue his out-warde meanes to be shewes as it were of his
doing, which hath no part of cooperation in his turnes with him, how farre
that euer the ignorantes be abused in the contrarie. And as to the effectes of
these two former partes, to wit, the consultationes and the outward meanes,
they are so wounderfull as I dare not allege anie of them, without ioyning a
sufficient reason of the possibilitie thereof. For leauing all the small trifles
among wiues, and to speake of the principall poyntes of their craft. For the
common trifles thereof, they can do without conuerting well inough by
themselues: These principall poyntes I say are these: They can make men or
women to loue or hate other, which may be verie possible to the Deuil to
effectual, seing he being a subtile spirite, knowes well inough how to
perswade the corrupted affection of them whom God will permit him so to
deale with: They can lay the siknesse of one vpon an other, which likewise
is verie possible vnto him: For since by Gods permission, he layed siknesse

vpon Iob, why may he not farre easilier lay it vpon any other: For as an old
practisian, he knowes well inough what humor domines most in anie of vs,
and as a spirite hee can subtillie walken vp the same, making it peccant, or
to abounde, as he thinkes meete for troubling of vs, when God will so
permit him. And for the taking off of it, no doubt he will be glad to reliue
such of present paine, as he may thinke by these meanes to perswade to bee
catched in his euerlasting snares and fetters. They can be-witch and take the
life of men or women, by rosting of the Pictures, as I spake of before, which
likewise is verie possible to their Master to performe, for although, (as I
saide before) that instrumente of waxe haue no vertue in that turne doing,
yet may hee not verie well euen by that same measure that his conjured
slaues meltes that waxe at the fire, may he not I say at these same times,
subtilie as a spirite so weaken and scatter the spirites of life of the patient,
as may make him on th'one part, for faintnesse to sweate out the humour of
his bodie: And on the other parte, for the not concurrence of these spirites,
which causes his digestion, so debilitat his stomak, that his humour radicall
continually, sweating out on the one parte, and no new good suck being put
in the place thereof, for lack of digestion on the other, hee at last shall
vanish awaie, euen as his picture will doe at the fire. And that knauish and
cunning woorkeman, by troubling him onely at some times, makes a
proportion so neare betuixt the woorking of the one and the other, that both
shall ende as it were at one time. They can rayse stormes and tempestes in
the aire, either vpon Sea or land, though not vniuersally, but in such a
particular place and prescribed boundes, as God will permitte them so to
trouble: Which likewise is verie easie to be discerned from anie other
naturall tempestes that are meteores, in respect of the suddaine and violent
raising thereof, together with the short induring of the same. And this is
likewise verie possible to their master to do, he hauing such affinitie with
the aire as being a spirite, and hauing such power of the forming and
moouing thereof, as ye haue heard me alreadie declare: For in the Scripture,
that stile of the Prince of the aire

is giuen vnto him. They can make folkes to becom phrenticque or
Maniacque, which likewise is very possible to their master to do, sence they
are but naturall sicknesses: and so he may lay on these kindes, aswell as
anie others. They can make spirites either to follow and trouble persones, or
haunt certaine houses, and affraie oftentimes the inhabitantes: as hath bene

knowen to be done by our Witches at this time. And likewise they can make
some to be possessed with spirites, & so to becom verie Dæmoniacques:
and this last sorte is verie possible likewise to the Deuill their Master to do,
since he may easilie send his owne angells to trouble in what forme he
pleases, any whom God wil permit him so to vse.

Phi. But will God permit these wicked instrumentes by the power of the
Deuill their master, to trouble by anie of these meanes, anie that beleeues in
him?

Epi. No doubt, for there are three kinde of folkes whom God will permit so
to be tempted or troubled; the wicked for their horrible sinnes, to punish
them in the like measure; The godlie that are sleeping in anie great sinnes or
infirmities and weakenesse in faith, to waken them vp the faster by such an
vncouth forme: and euen some of the best, that their patience may bee tryed
before the world, as Iobs was. For why may not God vse anie kinde of
extraordinarie punishment, when it pleases him; as well as the ordinarie
roddes of sicknesse or other aduersities.

Phi. Who then may be free from these Deuilish practises?

Epi. No man ought to presume so far as to promise anie impunitie to
himselfe: for God hath before all beginninges preordinated aswell the
particular sortes of Plagues as of benefites for euerie man, which in the
owne time he ordaines them to be visited with, & yet ought we not to be the
more affrayde for that, of any thing that the Deuill and his wicked
instrumentes can do against vs: For we dailie fight against the Deuill in a
hundreth other waies: And therefore as a valiant Captaine, affraies no more
being at the combat, nor stayes from his purpose for the rummishing shot of
a Cannon, nor the small clack of a Pistolet: suppose he be not certaine what
may light vpon him; Euen so ought we boldlie to goe forwarde in fighting
against the Deuill without anie greater terrour, for these his rarest weapons,
nor for the ordinarie whereof wee haue daily the proofe.

Phi. Is it not lawfull then by the helpe of some other Witche to cure the
disease that is casten on by that craft?

Epi. No waies lawfull: For I gaue you the reason thereof in that axiome of
Theologie, which was the last wordes I spake of Magie.

Phi. How then may these diseases be lawfullie cured?

Epi. Onelie by earnest prayer to GOD, by amendement of their liues, and by
sharp persewing euerie one, according to his calling of these instrumentes
of Sathan, whose punishment to the death will be a salutarie sacrifice for
the patient. And this is not onely the lawfull way, but likewise the most
sure: For by the Deuils meanes, can neuer the Deuill be casten out,

as Christ sayeth. And when such a cure is vsed, it may wel serue for a
shorte time, but at the last, it will doubtleslie tend to the vtter perdition of
the patient, both in bodie and soule.

Chap. VI.

ARGVMENT.

What sorte of folkes are least or most subiect to receiue harme by
Witchcraft. What power they haue to harme the Magistrate, and vpon what
respectes they haue any power in prison: And to what end may or will the
Deuill appeare to them therein. Vpon what respectes the Deuill appeires in
sundry shapes to sundry of them at any time.

Philomathes.

Bvt who dare take vpon him to punish them, if no man can be sure to be
free from their vnnaturall inuasiones?

Epi. We ought not the more of that restraine from vertue, that the way
wherby we climbe thereunto be straight and perrilous. But besides that, as
there is no kinde of persones so subject to receiue harme of them, as these
that are of infirme and weake faith (which is the best buckler against such
inuasiones:) so haue they so smal power ouer none, as ouer such as
zealouslie and earnestlie persewes them, without sparing for anie worldlie
respect.

Phi. Then they are like the Pest, which smites these sickarest, that flies it
farthest, and apprehends deepliest the perrell thereof.

Epi. It is euen so with them: For neither is it able to them to vse anie false
cure vpon a patient, except the patient first beleeue in their power, and so
hazard the tinsell of his owne soule, nor yet can they haue lesse power to
hurte anie, nor such as contemnes most their doinges, so being it comes of
faith, and not of anie vaine arrogancie in themselues.

Phi. But what is their power against the Magistrate?

Epi. Lesse or greater, according as he deales with them. For if he be
slouthfull towardes them, God is verie able to make them instrumentes to
waken & punish his slouth. But if he be the contrarie, he according to the
iust law of God, and allowable law of all Nationes, will be diligent in
examining and punishing of them: GOD will not permit their master to
trouble or hinder so good a woorke.

Phi. But fra they be once in handes and firmance, haue they anie further
power in their craft?

Epi. That is according to the forme of their detention. If they be but
apprehended and deteined by anie priuate person, vpon other priuate
respectes, their power no doubt either in escaping, or in doing hurte, is no
lesse nor euer it was before. But if on the other parte, their apprehending
and detention be by the lawfull Magistrate, vpon the iust respectes of their
guiltinesse in that craft, their power is then no greater then before that euer
they medled with their master. For where God beginnes iustlie to strike by
his lawfull Lieutennentes, it is not in the Deuilles power to defraude or
bereaue him of the office, or effect of his powerfull and reuenging Scepter.

Phi. But will neuer their master come to visite them, fra they be once
apprehended and put in firmance?

Epi. That is according to the estaite that these miserable wretches are in: For
if they be obstinate in still denying, he will not spare, when he findes time
to speake with them, either if he finde them in anie comfort, to fill them
more and more with the vaine hope of some maner of reliefe: or else if hee
finde them in a deepe dispaire, by all meanes to augment the same, and to
perswade them by some extraordinarie meanes to put themselues downe,
which verie commonlie they doe. But if they be penitent and confesse, God
will not permit him to trouble them anie more with his presence and
allurementes.

Phi. It is not good vsing his counsell I see then. But I woulde earnestlie
know when he appeares to them in Prison, what formes vses he then to
take?

Epi. Diuers formes, euen as he vses to do at other times vnto them. For as I
told you, speking of Magie, he appeares to that kinde of craftes-men
ordinarily in an forme, according as they agree vpon it amongst themselues:
Or if they be but prentises, according to the qualitie of their circles or
conjurationes: Yet to these capped creatures, he appeares as he pleases, and
as he findes meetest for their humors. For euen at their publick
conuentiones, he appeares to diuers of them in diuers formes, as we haue
found by the difference of their confessiones in that point: For he deluding
them with vaine impressiones in the aire, makes himselfe to seeme more
terrible to the grosser sorte, that they maie thereby be moued to feare and
reuerence him the more: And les monstrous and vncouthlike againe to the
craftier sorte, least otherwaies they might sturre and skunner at his
vglinesse.

Phi. How can he then be felt, as they confesse they haue done him, if his
bodie be but of aire?

Epi. I heare little of that amongst their confessiones, yet may he make
himselfe palpable, either by assuming any dead bodie, and vsing the
ministrie thereof, or else by deluding as wel their sence of feeling as seeing;
which is not impossible to him to doe, since all our senses, as we are so
weake, and euen by ordinarie sicknesses will be often times deluded.

Phi. But I would speere one worde further yet, concerning his appearing to
them in prison, which is this. May any other that chances to be present at
that time in the prison, see him as well as they.

Epi. Some-times they will, and some-times not, as it pleases God.

Chap. VII.

ARGVMENT.

Two formes of the deuils visible conuersing in the earth, with the reasones
wherefore the one of them was communest in the time of Papistrie: And the
other sensine. Those that denies the power of the Deuill, denies the power
of God, and are guiltie of the errour of the Sadduces.

Philomathes.

Hath the Deuill then power to appeare to any other, except to such as are his
sworne disciples: especially since al Oracles, & such like kinds of illusiones
were taken awaie and abolished by the cumming of Christ?

Epi. Although it be true indeede, that the brightnesse of the Gospell at his
cumming, scaled the cloudes of all these grosse errors in the Gentilisme: yet
that these abusing spirites, ceases not sensine at sometimes to appeare,
dailie experience teaches vs. Indeede this difference is to be marked betwixt
the formes of Sathans conuersing visiblie in the world. For of two different
formes thereof, the one of them by the spreading of the Euangell, and
conquest of the white horse, in the sixt Chapter of the Reuelation, is much
hindred and become rarer there through. This his appearing to any
Christians, troubling of them outwardly, or possessing of them
constraynedly. The other of them is become communer and more vsed
sensine, I meane by their vnlawfull artes, whereupon our whole purpose
hath bene. This we finde by experience in this Ile to be true. For as we
know, moe Ghostes and spirites were seene, nor tongue can tell, in the time
of blinde Papistrie in these Countries, where now by the contrarie, a man
shall scarcely all his time here once of such things. And yet were these
vnlawfull artes farre rarer at that time: and neuer were so much harde of,
nor so rife as they are now.

Phi. What should be the cause of that?

Epi. The diuerse nature of our sinnes procures at the Iustice of God, diuerse
sortes of punishments answering thereunto. And therefore as in the time of
Papistrie, our fathers erring grosselie, & through ignorance, that mist of
errours ouershaddowed the Deuill to walke the more familiarlie amongst
them: And as it were by barnelie and affraying terroures, to mocke and
accuse their barnelie erroures. By the contrarie, we now being sounde of
Religion, and in our life rebelling to our profession, God iustlie by that
sinne of rebellion, as Samuel calleth it, accuseth our life so wilfullie
fighting against our profession.

Phi. Since yee are entred now to speake of the appearing of spirites: I would
be glad to heare your opinion in that matter. For manie denies that anie such
spirites can appeare in these daies as I haue said.

Epi. Doubtleslie who denyeth the power of the Deuill, woulde likewise
denie the power of God, if they could for shame. For since the Deuill is the
verie contrarie opposite to God, there can be no better way to know God,
then by the contrarie; as by the ones power (though a creature) to admire
the power of the great Creator: by the falshood of the one to considder the
trueth of the other, by the injustice of the one, to considder the Iustice of the
other: And by the cruelty of the one, to considder the mercifulnesse of the
other: And so foorth in all the rest of the essence of God, and qualities of
the Deuill. But I feare indeede, there be ouer many Sadduces in this worlde,
that denies all kindes of spirites: For convicting of whose errour, there is
cause inough if there were no more, that God should permit at sometimes
spirits visiblie to kyith.

Thirde Booke.

ARGVMENT.

The description of all these kindes of Spirites that troubles men or women.
The conclusion of the whole Dialogue.

Chap. I.

ARGVMENT.

The diuision of spirites in foure principall kindes. The description of the
first kinde of them, called Spectra & vmbræ mortuorum. What is the best
way to be free of their trouble.

Philomathes.

I pray you now then go forward in telling what ye thinke fabulous, or may
be trowed in that case.

Epi. That kinde of the Deuils conuersing in the earth, may be diuided in
foure different kindes, whereby he affrayeth and troubleth the bodies of
men: For of the abusing of the soule, I haue spoken alreadie. The first is,
where spirites troubles some houses or solitarie places: The second, where
spirites followes vpon certaine persones, and at diuers houres troubles them:
The thirde, when they enter within them and possesse them: The fourth is
these kinde of spirites that are called vulgarlie the Fayrie. Of the three
former kindes, ye harde alreadie, how they may artificiallie be made by
Witch-craft to trouble folke: Now it restes to speake of their naturall
comming as it were, and not raysed by Witch-craft. But generally I must
for-warne you of one thing before I enter in this purpose: that is, that
although in my discourseing of them, I deuyde them in diuers kindes, yee
must notwithstanding there of note my Phrase of speaking in that: For
doubtleslie they are in effect, but all one kinde of spirites, who for abusing
the more of mankinde, takes on these sundrie shapes, and vses diuerse
formes of out-ward actiones, as if some were of nature better then other.
Nowe I returne to my purpose: As to the first kinde of these spirites, that
were called by the auncients by diuers names, according as their actions
were. For if they were spirites that haunted some houses, by appearing in
diuers and horrible formes, and making greate dinne: they were called

Lemures or Spectra. If they appeared in likenesse of anie defunct to some
friends of his, they wer called vmbræ mortuorum: And so innumerable stiles
they got, according to their actiones, as I haue said alreadie. As we see by
experience, how manie stiles they haue given them in our language in the
like maner: Of the appearing of these spirites, wee are certified by the
Scriptures, where the Prophet Esay 13.

and 34. cap. threatning the destruction of Babell and Edom: declares, that it
shal not onlie be wracked, but shall become so greate a solitude, as it shall
be the habitackle of Howlettes, and of Ziim and Iim, which are the proper
Hebrewe names for these Spirites. The cause whie they haunte solitarie
places, it is by reason, that they may affraie and brangle the more the faith
of suche as them alone hauntes such places. For our nature is such, as in
companies wee are not so soone mooued to anie such kinde of feare, as
being solitare, which the Deuill knowing well inough, hee will not therefore
assaile vs but when we are weake: And besides that, GOD will not permit
him so to dishonour the societies and companies of Christians, as in
publicke times and places to walke visiblie amongst them. On the other
parte, when he troubles certaine houses that are dwelt in, it is a sure token
either of grosse ignorance, or of some grosse and slanderous sinnes
amongst the inhabitantes thereof: which God by that extraordinarie rod
punishes.

Phi. But by what way or passage can these Spirites enter in these houses,
seeing they alledge that they will enter, Doore and Window being steiked?

Epi. They will choose the passage for their entresse, according to the forme
that they are in at that time. For if they haue assumed a deade bodie,
whereinto they lodge themselues, they can easely inough open without
dinne anie Doore or Window, and enter in thereat. And if they enter as a
spirite onelie, anie place where the aire may come in at, is large inough an
entrie for them: For as I said before, a spirite can occupie no quantitie.

Phi. And will God then permit these wicked spirites to trouble the reste of a
dead bodie, before the resurrection thereof? Or if he will so, I thinke it
should be of the reprobate onely.

Epi. What more is the reste troubled of a dead bodie, when the Deuill
carryes it out of the Graue to serue his turne for a space, nor when the
Witches takes it vp and joyntes it, or when as Swine wortes vppe the
graues? The rest of them that the Scripture speakes of, is not meaned by a
locall remaining continuallie in one place, but by their resting from their
trauelles and miseries of this worlde, while their latter conjunction againe
with the soule at that time to receaue full glorie in both. And that the Deuill
may vse aswell the ministrie of the bodies of the faithfull in these cases, as
of the vn-faithfull, there is no inconvenient; for his haunting with their
bodies after they are deade, can no-waies defyle them: In respect of the
soules absence. And for anie dishonour it can be vnto them, by what reason
can it be greater, then the hanging, heading, or many such shameful deaths,
that good men will suffer? for there is nothing in the bodies of the faithfull,
more worthie of honour, or freer from corruption by nature, nor in these of
the vnfaithful, while time they be purged and glorified in the latter daie, as
is dailie seene by the vilde diseases and corruptions, that the bodies of the
faythfull are subject vnto, as yee will see clearelie proued, when I speake of
the possessed and Dæmoniacques.

Phi. Yet there are sundrie that affirmes to haue haunted such places, where
these spirites are alleaged to be: And coulde neuer heare nor see anie thing.

Epi. I thinke well: For that is onelie reserued to the secreete knowledge of
God, whom he wil permit to see such thinges, and whome not.

Phi. But where these spirites hauntes and troubles anie houses, what is the
best waie to banishe them?

Epi. By two meanes may onelie the remeid of such things be procured: The
one is ardent prayer to God, both of these persones that are troubled with
them, and of that Church whereof they are. The other is the purging of
themselues by amendement of life from such sinnes, as haue procured that
extraordinarie plague.

Phi. And what meanes then these kindes of spirites, when they appeare in
the shaddow of a person newlie dead, or to die, to his friendes?

Epi. When they appeare vpon that occasion, they are called Wraithes in our
language. Amongst the Gentiles the Deuill vsed that much, to make them
beleeue that it was some good spirite that appeared to them then, ether to
forewarne them of the death of their friend; or else to discouer vnto them,
the will of the defunct, or what was the way of his slauchter, as is written in
the booke of the histories Prodigious. And this way hee easelie deceiued the
Gentiles, because they knew not God: And to that same effect is it, that he
now appeares in that maner to some ignorant Christians. For he dare not so
illude anie that knoweth that, neither can the spirite of the defunct returne to
his friend, or yet an Angell vse such formes.

Phi. And are not our war-woolfes one sorte of these spirits also, that hauntes
and troubles some houses or dwelling places?

Epi. There hath indeede bene an old opinion of such like thinges; For by the
Greekes they were called λυκανθρωποι which signifieth men-woolfes. But
to tell you simplie my opinion in this, if anie such thing hath bene, I take it
to haue proceeded but of a naturall super-abundance of Melancholie, which
as wee reade, that it hath made some thinke themselues Pitchers, and some
horses, and some one kinde of beast or other: So suppose I that it hath so
viciat the imagination and memorie of some, as per lucida interualla, it
hath so highlie occupyed them, that they haue thought themselues verrie
Woolfes indeede at these times: and so haue counterfeited their actiones in
goeing on their handes and feete, preassing to deuoure women and barnes,
fighting and snatching with all the towne dogges, and in vsing such like
other bruitish actiones, and so to become beastes by a strong apprehension,

as Nebucad-netzar was seuen yeares: but as to their hauing and hyding of
their hard & schellie sloughes, I take that to be but eiked, by vncertaine
report, the author of all lyes.

Chap. II.

ARGVMENT.

The description of the next two kindes of Spirites, whereof the one followes
outwardlie, the other possesses inwardlie the persones that they trouble.
That since all Prophecies and visiones are nowe ceased, all spirites that
appeares in these formes are euill.

Philomathes.

Come forward now to the reste of these kindes of spirites.

Epi. As to the next two kindes, that is, either these that outwardlie troubles
and followes some persones, or else inwardlie possesses them: I will
conjoyne them in one, because aswel the causes ar alike in the persons that
they are permitted to trouble: as also the waies whereby they may be
remedied and cured.

Phi. What kinde of persones are they that vses to be so troubled?

Epi. Two kindes in speciall: Either such as being guiltie of greeuous
offences, God punishes by that horrible kinde of scourdge, or else being
persones of the beste nature peraduenture, that yee shall finde in all the
Countrie about them, GOD permittes them to be troubled in that sort, for
the tryall of their patience, and wakening vp of their zeale, for admonishing
of the beholders, not to truste ouer much in themselues, since they are made
of no better stuffe, and peraduenture blotted with no smaller sinnes (as
Christ saide,

speaking of them vppon whome the Towre in Siloam fell:) And for giuing
likewise to the spectators, matter to prayse GOD, that they meriting no
better, are yet spared from being corrected in that fearefull forme.

Phi. These are good reasones for the parte of GOD, which apparantlie
mooues him so to permit the Deuill to trouble such persones. But since the
Deuil hath euer a contrarie respecte in all the actiones that GOD employes
him in: which is I pray you the end and mark he shoots at in this turne?

Epi. It is to obtaine one of two thinges thereby, if he may: The one is the
tinsell of their life, by inducing them to such perrilous places at such time as
he either followes or possesses them, which may procure the same: And
such like, so farre as GOD will permit him, by tormenting them to weaken
their bodie, and caste them in incurable diseases. The other thinge that hee
preases to obteine by troubling of them, is the tinsell of their soule, by
intising them to mistruste and blaspheme God: Either for the
intollerablenesse of their tormentes, as he assayed to haue done with Iob;

or else for his promising vnto them to leaue the troubling of them, incase
they would so do, as is knowen by experience at this same time by the
confession of a young one that was so troubled.

Phi. Since ye haue spoken now of both these kindes of spirites
comprehending them in one: I must nowe goe backe againe in speering
some questions of euerie one of these kindes in speciall. And first for these
that followes certaine persones, yee know that there are two sortes of them:
One sorte that troubles and tormentes the persones that they haunt with: An
other sort that are seruiceable vnto them in all kinde of their necessaries,
and omittes neuer to forwarne them of anie suddaine perrell that they are to
be in. And so in this case, I would vnderstande whither both these sortes be
but wicked and damned spirites: Or if the last sorte be rather Angells, (as
should appeare by their actiones) sent by God to assist such as he speciallie
fauoures. For it is written in the Scriptures,

that God sendes Legions of Angels to guarde and watch ouer his elect.

Epi. I know well inough where fra that errour which ye alleage hath
proceeded: For it was the ignorant Gentiles that were the fountaine thereof.
Who for that they knew not God, they forged in their owne imaginationes,
euery man to be still accompanied with two spirites, whereof they called the
one genius bonus, the other genius malus: the Greekes called them
ευδαιμονα & κακοδαιμονα: wherof the former they saide, perswaded him to

all the good he did: the other entised him to all the euill. But praised be God
we that are christians, & walks not amongst the Cymmerian conjectures of
man, knowes well inough, that it is the good spirite of God onely, who is
the fountain of all goodnes, that perswads vs to the thinking or doing of any
good: and that it is our corrupted fleshe and Sathan, that intiseth vs to the
contrarie. And yet the Deuill for confirming in the heades of ignoraunt
Christians, that errour first mainteined among the Gentiles, he whiles
among the first kinde of spirits that I speak of, appeared in time of Papistrie
and blindnesse, and haunted diuers houses, without doing any euill, but
doing as it were necessarie turnes vp and down the house: and this spirit
they called Brownie in our language, who appeared like a rough-man: yea,
some were so blinded, as to beleeue that their house was all the sonsier, as
they called it, that such spirites resorted there.

Phi. But since the Deuils intention in all his actions, is euer to do euill, what
euill was there in that forme of doing, since their actions outwardly were
good.

Epi. Was it not euill inough to deceiue simple ignorantes, in making them to
take him for an Angell of light, and so to account of Gods enemie, as of
their particular friend: where by the contrarie, all we that are Christians,
ought assuredly to know that since the comming of Christ in the flesh, and
establishing of his Church by the Apostles, all miracles, visions, prophecies,
& appearances of Angels or good spirites are ceased. Which serued onely
for the first sowing of faith, & planting of the Church. Where now the
Church being established, and the white Horse whereof I spake before,
hauing made his conqueste, the Lawe and Prophets are thought sufficient to
serue vs, or make vs inexcusable,

as Christ saith in his parable of Lazarus and the riche man.

Chap. III.

ARGVMENT.

The description of a particular sort of that kind of following spirites, called
Incubi and Succubi: And what is the reason wherefore these kindes of
spirites hauntes most the Northeme and barbarous partes of the world.

Philomathes.

The next question that I would speere, is likewise concerning this first of
these two kindes of spirites that ye haue conjoyned: and it is this; ye knowe
how it is commonly written and reported, that amongst the rest of the sortes
of spirites that followes certaine persons, there is one more monstrous nor al
the rest: in respect as it is alleaged, they converse naturally with them
whom they trouble and hauntes with: and therefore I would knowe in two
thinges your opinion herein: First if suche a thing can be: and next if it be:
whether there be a difference of sexes amongst these spirites or not.

Epi. That abhominable kinde of the Deuils abusing of men or women, was
called of old, Incubi and Succubi, according to the difference of the sexes
that they conuersed with. By two meanes this great kinde of abuse might
possibly be performed: The one, when the Deuill onelie as a spirite, and
stealing out the sperme of a dead bodie, abuses them that way, they not
graithlie seeing anie shape or feeling anie thing, but that which he so
conuayes in that part: As we reade of a Monasterie of Nunnes which were
burnt for their being that way abused. The other meane is when he borrowes
a dead bodie and so visiblie, and as it seemes vnto them naturallie as a man
converses with them. But it is to be noted, that in whatsoeuer way he vseth
it, that sperme seemes intollerably cold to the person abused. For if he
steale out the nature of a quick person, it cannot be so quicklie carryed, but
it will both tine the strength and heate by the way, which it could neuer
haue had for lacke of agitation, which in the time of procreation is the

procurer & wakener vp of these two natural qualities. And if he occupying
the dead bodie as his lodging expell the same out thereof in the dewe time,
it must likewise be colde by the participation with the qualities of the dead
bodie whereout of it comes. And whereas yee inquire if these spirites be
diuided in sexes or not, I thinke the rules of Philosophie may easelie resolue
a man of the contrarie: For it is a sure principle of that arte, that nothing can
be diuided in sexes, except such liuing bodies as must haue a naturall seede
to genere by. But we know spirites hath no seede proper to themselues, nor
yet can they gender one with an other.

Phi. How is it then that they say sundrie monsters haue bene gotten by that
way.

Epi. These tales are nothing but Aniles fabulæ. For that they haue no nature
of their owne, I haue shewed you alreadie. And that the cold nature of a
dead bodie, can woorke nothing in generation, it is more nor plaine, as
being already dead of it selfe as well as the rest of the bodie is, wanting the
naturall heate, and such other naturall operation, as is necessarie for
woorking that effect, and incase such a thing were possible (which were all
utterly against all the rules of nature) it would breed no monster, but onely
such a naturall of-spring, as would haue cummed betuixt that man or
woman and that other abused person, in-case they both being aliue had had
a doe with other. For the Deuilles parte therein, is but the naked carrying or
expelling of that substance: And so it coulde not participate with no qualitie
of the same. Indeede, it is possible to the craft of the Deuill to make a
womans bellie to swel after he hath that way abused her, which he may do,
either by steiring vp her own humor, or by herbes, as we see beggars daily
doe. And when the time of her deliuery should come to make her thoil great
doloures, like vnto that naturall course, and then subtillie to slippe in the
Mid-wiues handes, stockes, stones, or some monstruous barne brought from
some other place, but this is more reported and gessed at by others, nor
beleeued by me.

Phi. But what is the cause that this kinde of abuse is thought to be most
common in such wild partes of the worlde, as Lap-land, and Fin-land, or in
our North Iles of Orknay and Schet-land.

Epi. Because where the Deuill findes greatest ignorance and barbaritie, there
assayles he grosseliest, as I gaue you the reason wherefore there was moe
Witches of women kinde nor men.

Phi. Can anie be so vnhappie as to giue their willing consent to the Deuilles
vilde abusing them in this forme.

Epi. Yea, some of the Witches haue confessed, that he hath perswaded them
to giue their willing consent thereunto, that he may thereby haue them
feltred the sikarer in his snares; But as the other compelled sorte is to be
pittied and prayed for, so is this most highlie to be punished and detested.

Phi. It is not the thing which we cal the Mare, which takes folkes sleeping
in their bedds, a kinde of these spirites, whereof ye are speaking?

Epi. No, that is but a naturall sicknes, which the Mediciners hath giuen that
name of Incubus vnto ab incubando, because it being a thicke fleume,
falling into our breast vpon the harte, while we are sleeping, intercludes so
our vitall spirites, and takes all power from vs, as maks vs think that there
were some vnnaturall burden or spirite, lying vpon vs and holding vs
downe.

Chap. IIII.

ARGVMENT.

The description of the Dæmoniackes & possessed. By what reason the
Papistes may haue power to cure them.

Philomathes.

Wel, I haue told you now all my doubts, and ye haue satisfied me therein,
concerning the first of these two kindes of spirites that ye haue conjoyned.
Now I am to inquire onely two thinges at you concerning the last kinde, I
meane the Dæmoniackes. The first is, whereby shal these possessed folks
be discerned fra them that ar trubled with a natural Phrensie or Manie. The
next is, how can it be that they can be remedied by the Papistes Church,
whome wee counting as Hereticques,

it should appeare that one Deuil should not cast out an other, for then would
his kingdome be diuided in it selfe, as Christ said.

Epi. As to your first question; there are diuers symptomes, whereby that
heauie trouble may be discerned from a naturall sickenesse, and speciallie
three, omitting the diuers vaine signes that the Papistes attributes vnto it:
Such as the raging at holie water, their fleeing a back from the Croce, their
not abiding the hearing of God named, and innumerable such like vaine
thinges that were alike fashious and feckles to recite. But to come to these
three symptomes then, whereof I spake, I account the one of them to be the
incredible strength of the possessed creature, which will farre exceede the
strength of six of the wightest and wodest of any other men that are not so
troubled. The next is the boldning vp so far of the patients breast and bellie,
with such an vnnaturall sturring and vehement agitation within them: And
such an ironie hardnes of his sinnowes so stiffelie bended out, that it were
not possible to prick out as it were the skinne of anie other person so far: so

mightely works the Deuil in all the members and senses of his body, he
being locallie within the same, suppose of his soule and affectiones thereof,
hee haue no more power then of any other mans. The last is, the speaking of
sundrie languages, which the patient is knowen by them that were acquainte
with him neuer to haue learned, and that with an vncouth and hollowe
voice, and al the time of his speaking, a greater motion being in his breast
then in his mouth. But fra this last symptome is excepted such, as are
altogether in the time of their possessing bereft of al their senses being
possessed with a dumme and blynde spirite, whereof Christ releiued one, in
the 12. of Mathew. And as to your next demande, it is first to be doubted if
the Papistes or anie not professing the the onelie true Religion, can relieue
anie of that trouble. And next, in-case they can, vpon what respectes it is
possible vnto them. As to the former vpon two reasons, it is grounded: first
that it is knowen so manie of them to bee counterfite, which wyle the
Clergie inuentes for confirming of their rotten Religion. The next is, that by
experience we finde that few, who are possessed indeede, are fullie cured by
them: but rather the Deuill is content to release the bodelie hurting of them,
for a shorte space, thereby to obteine the perpetual hurt of the soules of so
many that by these false miracles may be induced or confirmed in the
profession of that erroneous Religion: euen as I told you before that he doth
in the false cures, or casting off of diseases by Witches. As to the other part
of the argument in-case they can, which rather (with reuerence of the
learned thinking otherwaies) I am induced to beleeue, by reason of the
faithfull report that men sound of religion, haue made according to their
sight thereof, I think if so be, I say these may be the respectes, whereupon
the Papistes may haue that power. Christ gaue a commission and power to
his Apostles to cast out Deuilles, which they according thereunto put in
execution: The rules he bad them obserue in that action, was fasting and
praier: & the action it selfe to be done in his name. This power of theirs
proceeded not then of anie vertue in them, but onely in him who directed
them. As was clearly proued by Iudas his hauing as greate power in that
commission, as anie of the reste. It is easie then to be vnderstand that the
casting out of Deuilles, is by the vertue of fasting and prayer, and in-calling
of the name of God, suppose manie imperfectiones be in the person that is
the instrumente,

as Christ him selfe teacheth vs of the power that false Prophets sall haue to
caste out Devils. It is no wounder then, these respects of this action being
considered, that it may be possible to the Papistes, though erring in sundrie
points of Religion to accomplish this, if they vse the right forme prescribed
by Christ herein. For what the worse is that action that they erre in other
thinges, more then their Baptisme is the worse that they erre in the other
Sacrament, and haue eiked many vaine freittes to the Baptisme it selfe.

Phi. Surelie it is no little wonder that God should permit the bodies of anie
of the faithfull to be so dishonoured, as to be a dwelling place to that
vncleane spirite.

Epi. There is it which I told right now, would prooue and strengthen my
argument of the deuils entring in the dead bodies of the faithfull. For if he is
permitted to enter in their liuing bodies, euen when they are ioyned with the
soule: how much more will God permit him to enter in their dead carions,
which is no more man, but the filthie and corruptible caise of man. For as
Christ sayth,

It is not any thing that enters within man that defiles him, but onely that
which proccedes and commeth out of him.

Chap. V.

ARGVMENT.

The description of the fourth kinde of Spirites called the Phairie: What is
possible therein, and what is but illusiones. How far this Dialogue entreates
of all these thinges, and to what end.

Philomathes.

Now I pray you come on to that fourth kinde of spirites.

Epi. That fourth kinde of spirites, which by the Gentiles was called Diana,
and her wandring court, and amongst vs was called the Phairie (as I tould
you) or our good neighboures, was one of the sortes of illusiones that was
rifest in the time of Papistrie: for although it was holden odious to
Prophesie by the deuill, yet whome these kinde of Spirites carryed awaie,
and informed, they were thought to be sonsiest and of best life. To speake of
the many vaine trattles founded vpon that illusion: How there was a King
and Queene of Phairie, of such a iolly court & train as they had, how they
had a teynd, & dutie, as it were, of all goods: how they naturallie rode and
went, eate and drank, and did all other actiones like naturall men and
women: I thinke it liker Virgils Campi Elysij, nor anie thing that ought to
be beleeued by Christians, except in generall, that as I spake sundrie times
before, the deuil illuded the senses of sundry simple creatures, in making
them beleeue that they saw and harde such thinges as were nothing so
indeed.

Phi. But how can it be then, that sundrie Witches haue gone to death with
that confession, that they haue ben transported with the Phairie to such a
hill, which opening, they went in, and there saw a faire Queene, who being
now lighter, gaue them a stone that had sundrie vertues, which at sundrie
times hath bene produced in judgement?

Epi. I say that, euen as I said before of that imaginar rauishing of the spirite
foorth of the bodie. For may not the deuil object to their fantasie, their
senses being dulled, and as it were a sleepe, such hilles & houses within
them, such glistering courts and traines, and whatsoeuer such like
wherewith he pleaseth to delude them. And in the meane time their bodies
being senselesse, to conuay in their hande any stone or such like thing,
which he makes them to imagine to haue receiued in such a place.

Phi. But what say ye to their fore-telling the death of sundrie persones,
whome they alleage to haue scene in these places? That is, a sooth-dreame
(as they say) since they see it walking.

Epi. I thinke that either they haue not bene sharply inough examined, that
gaue so blunt a reason for their Prophesie, or otherwaies, I thinke it likewise
as possible that the Deuill may prophesie to them when he deceiues their
imaginationes in that sorte, as well as when he plainely speakes vnto them
at other times for their prophesying, is but by a kinde of vision, as it were,
wherein he commonly counterfeits God among the Ethnicks, as I told you
before.

Phi. I would know now whether these kindes of spirites may only appeare
to Witches, or if they may also appeare to anie other.

Epi. They may do to both, to the innocent sort, either to affraie them, or to
seeme to be a better sorte of folkes nor vncleane spirites are, and to the
Witches, to be a cullour of safetie for them, that ignorant Magistrates may
not punish them for it, as I told euen now. But as the one sorte, for being
perforce troubled with them ought to be pittied, so ought the other sorte
(who may bee discerned by their taking vppon them to Prophesie by them,)
That sorte I say, ought as seuerely to be punished as any other Witches, and
rather the more, that that they goe dissemblingly to woorke.

Phi. And what makes the spirites haue so different names from others.

Epi. Euen the knauerie of that same deuil; who as hee illudes the
Necromancers with innumerable feyned names for him and his angels, as in
special, making Sathan, Beelzebub, & Lucifer, to be three sundry spirites,
where we finde the two former, but diuers names giuen to the Prince of all

the rebelling angels by the Scripture. As by Christ, the Prince of all the
Deuilles is called, Beelzebub in that place, which I alleaged against the
power of any hereticques to cast out Deuils. By Iohn in the Reuelation, the
old tempter is called, Sathan the Prince of all the euill angels. And the last,
to wit, Lucifer, is but by allegoric taken from the day Starre (so named in
diuers places of the Scriptures) because of his excellencie (I meane the
Prince of them) in his creation before his fall. Euen so I say he deceaues the
Witches, by attributing to himselfe diuers names: as if euery diuers shape
that he trans formes himselfe in, were a diuers kinde of spirit.

Phi. But I haue hard many moe strange tales of this Phairie, nor ye haue yet
told me.

Epi. As well I do in that, as I did in all the rest of my discourse. For because
the ground of this conference of ours, proceeded of your speering at me at
our meeting, if there was such a thing as Witches or spirites: And if they
had any power: I therefore haue framed my whole discours, only to proue
that such things are and may be, by such number of examples as I show to
be possible by reason: & keepes me from dipping any further in playing the
part of a Dictionarie, to tell what euer I haue read or harde in that purpose,
which both would exceede fayth, and rather would seeme to teach such
vnlawfull artes, nor to disallow and condemne them, as it is the duetie of all
Christians to do.

Chap. VI.

ARGVMENT.

Of the tryall and punishment of Witches. What sorte of accusation ought to
be admitted against them. What is the cause of the increasing so far of their
number in this age.

Philomathes.

Then to make an ende of our conference, since I see it drawes late, what
forme of punishment thinke ye merites these Magicians and Witches? For I
see that ye account them to be all alike guiltie?

Epi. They ought to be put to death according to the Law of God, the ciuill
and imperial law, and municipall law of all Christian nations.

Phi. But what kinde of death I pray you?

Epi. It is commonly vsed by fire, but that is an indifferent thing to be vsed in
euery cuntrie, according to the Law or custome thereof.

Phi. But ought no sexe, age nor ranck to be exempted?

Epi. None at al (being so vsed by the lawful Magistrate) for it is the highest
poynt of Idolatrie, wherein no exception is admitted by the law of God.

Phi. Then bairnes may not be spared?

Epi. Yea, not a haire the lesse of my conclusion. For they are not that
capable of reason as to practise such thinges. And for any being in company
and not reueiling thereof, their lesse and ignorant age will no doubt excuse
them.

Phi. I see ye condemne them all that are of the counsell of such craftes.

Epi. No doubt, for as I said, speaking of Magie, the consulters, trusters in,
ouer-seers, interteiners or sturrers vp of these craftes-folkes, are equallie
guiltie with themselues that are the practisers.

Phi. Whether may the Prince then, or supreame Magistrate, spare or ouer-
see any that are guiltie of that craft? vpon som great respects knowen to
him?

Epi. The Prince or Magistrate for further tryals cause, may continue the
punishing of them such a certaine space as he thinkes conuenient: But in the
end to spare the life, and not to strike when God bids strike, and so seuerelie
punish in so odious a fault & treason against God, it is not only vnlawful,
but doubtlesse no lesse sinne in that Magistrate, nor it was in Savles sparing
of Agag. And so comparable

to the sin of Witch-craft it selfe, as Samvell alleaged at that time.

Phi. Surely then, I think since this crime ought to be so seuerely punished.
Judges ought to beware to condemne any, but such as they are sure are
guiltie, neither should the clattering reporte of a carling serue in so weightie
a case.

Epi. Iudges ought indeede to beware whome they condemne: For it is as
great a crime

(as Salomon sayeth,) To condemne the innocent, as to let the guiltie escape
free; neither ought the report of any one infamous person, be admitted for a
sufficient proofe, which can stand of no law.

Phi. And what may a number then of guilty persons confessions, woork
against one that is accused?

Epi. The assise must serue for interpretour of our law in that respect. But in
my opinion, since in a mater of treason against the Prince, barnes or wiues,
or neuer so diffamed persons, may of our law serue for sufficient witnesses
and proofes. I thinke surely that by a far greater reason, such witnesses may

be sufficient in matters of high treason against God: For who but Witches
can be prooues, and so witnesses of the doings of Witches.

Phi. Indeed, I trow they wil be loath to put any honest man vpon their
counsell. But what if they accuse folke to haue bene present at their
Imaginar conuentiones in the spirite, when their bodies lyes sencelesse, as
ye haue said.

Epi. I think they are not a haire the lesse guiltie: For the Deuill durst neuer
haue borrowed their shaddow or similitude to that turne, if their consent had
not bene at it: And the consent in these turnes is death of the law.

Phi. Then Samvel was a Witch: For the Deuill resembled his shape, and
played his person in giuing response to Savle.

Epi. Samvel was dead aswell before that; and so none coulde slander him
with medling in that vnlawfull arte. For the cause why, as I take it, that God
will not permit Sathan to vse the shapes or similitudes of any innocent
persones at such vnlawful times, is that God wil not permit that any
innocent persons shalbe slandered with that vile defection: for then the deuil
would find waies anew, to calumniate the best. And this we haue in proofe
by them that are carryed with the Phairie, who neuer see the shaddowes of
any in that courte, but of them that thereafter are tryed to haue bene
brethren and sisters of that craft. And this was likewise proued by the
confession of a young Lasse, troubled with spirites, laide on her by
Witchcraft. That although shee saw the shapes of diuerse men & women
troubling her, and naming the persons whom these shaddowes represents:
yet neuer one of them are found to be innocent, but al clearely tried to be
most guilty, & the most part of them confessing the same. And besides that,
I think it hath ben seldome harde tell of, that any whome persones guiltie of
that crime accused, as hauing knowen them to be their marrowes by eye-
sight, and not by hear-say, but such as were so accused of Witch-craft, could
not be clearely tryed vpon them, were at the least publickly knowen to be of
a very euil life & reputation: so iealous is God I say, of the fame of them
that are innocent in such causes. And besides that; there are two other good
helpes that may be vsed for their trial: the one is the finding of their marke,
and the trying the insensiblenes thereof. The other is their fleeting on the
water: for as in a secret murther, if the deade carcase be at any time

thereafter handled by the murtherer, it wil gush out of bloud, as if the blud
wer crying to the heauen for reuenge of the murtherer, God hauing
appoynted that secret super-naturall signe, for tryall of that secrete
vnnaturall crime, so it appeares that God hath appoynted (for a super-
naturall signe of the monstruous impietie of the Witches) that the water shal
refuse to receiue them in her bosom, that haue shaken off them the sacred
Water of Baptisme, and wilfullie refused the benefite thereof: No not so
much as their eyes are able to shed teares (thretten and torture them as ye
please) while first they repent (God not permitting them to dissemble their
obstinacie in so horrible a crime) albeit the women kinde especially, be able
other-waies to shed teares at euery light occasion when they will, yea,
although it were dissemblingly like the Crocodiles.

Phi. Well, wee haue made this conference to last as long as leasure would
permit: And to conclude then, since I am to take my leaue of you, I pray
God to purge this Cuntrie of these diuellishe practises: for they were neuer
so rife in these partes, as they are now.

Epi. I pray God that so be to. But the causes ar ouer manifest, that makes
them to be so rife. For the greate wickednesse of the people on the one
parte, procures this horrible defection, whereby God justlie punisheth sinne,
by a greater iniquitie. And on the other part, the consummation of the
worlde, and our deliuerance drawing neare,

makes Sathan to rage the more in his instruments, knowing his kingdome to
be so neare an ende. And so fare-well for this time.

FINIS.

Newes from Scotland.

Declaring the Damnable life and death of Doctor Fian, a notable Sorcerer,
who was burned at Edenbrough in Ianuary last. 1591.

Which Doctor was regester to the Diuell that sundry times preached at
North Barrick Kirke, to a number of notorious Witches.

With the true examinations of the saide Doctor and Witches, as they vttered
them in the presence of the Scottish King.

Discouering how they pretended to bewitch and drowne his Maiestie in the
Sea comming from Denmark with such other wonderfull matters as the like
hath not been heard of at any time.

Published according to the Scottish Coppie.

AT LONDON
Printed for William Wright.

To the Reader.

The Manifolde vntruthes which is spread abroade, concerning the detestable
actions and apprehension of those Witches wherof this Historye following
truely entreateth, hath caused me to publish the same in print: and the rather
for that sundrie written Copies are lately dispersed therof, containing, that
the said witches were first discouered, by meanes of a poore Pedler
trauailing to the towne of Trenent, and that by a wonderfull manner he was
in a moment conuayed at midnight, from Scotland to Burdeux in Fraunce
(beeing places of no small distance between) into a Marchants Seller there,
& after, being sent from Burdeux into Scotland by certaine Scottish
Marchants to the Kinges Maiestie, that he discouered those Witches and
was the cause of their apprehension: with a number of matters miraculous
and incredible: All which in truthe are moste false. Neuertheles to satisfie a
number of honest mindes, who are desirous to be enformed of the veritie
and trueth of their confessions, which for certaintie is more stranger then
the common reporte runneth, and yet with more trueth I haue undertaken to
publish this short Treatise, which declareth the true discourse of all that hath
hapned, & aswell what was pretended by those wicked and detestable
Witches against the Kinges Maiestie, as also by what meanes they wrought
the same.

All which examinations (gentle Reader) I haue heere truelye published, as
they were taken and uttered in the presence of the Kings Maiestie, praying
thee to accept it for veritie, the same beeing so true as cannot be reproued.

Discourse.

A true discourse, of the apprehension of sundrye Witches lately taken in
Scotland, some are executed, and some are yet imprisoned.

With a particuler recitall of their examinations, taken in the presence of the
Kinges Maiestie.

God by his omnipotent power, hath at al times and daily doth take such
care, and is so vigillant, for the weale and preseruation of his owne, that
thereby he disapointeth the wicked practises and euil intents of all such as
by any meanes whatsoeuer, seeke indirectly to conspire any thing contrary
to his holy will: yea and by the same power, he hath lately ouerthrown and
hindered the intentions and wicked dealinges of a great number of vngodly
creatures, no better then Diuels: who suffering themselues to be allured and
inticed by the Diuell whom they serued, and to whome they were priuatelye
sworne: entered into the detestable Art of witchcraft, which they studied
and practised so long time, that in the end they had seduced by their sorcery
a number of other to be as bad as themselues: dwelling in the boundes of
Lowthian, which is a principall shire or parte of Scotland, where the Kings
Maiestie vseth to make his cheefest residence or abode: and to the end that
their detestable wickednes which they priuilye had pretended against the
Kings Maiestie, the Common-weale of that Country, with the Nobilitie and
subjects of the same, should come to light: God of his vnspeakeable
goodnes did reueale and lay it open in very strange sorte, therby to make
knowne vnto the worlde, that there actions were contrarye to the lawe of
God, and the naturall affection which we ought generallye to beare one to
another: the manner of the reuealing wherof was as followeth.

Within the towne of Trenent in the Kingdome of Scotland, there dwelleth
one Dauid Seaton, who being deputie Bailiffe in the saide Towne, had a
maide seruant called Geillis Duncane, who vsed secretly to be absent and to
lye foorth of her Maisters house euery other night: this Geillis Duncane

took in hand to help all such as were troubled or greeued with any kinde of
sicknes or infirmitie: and in short space did perfourme manye matters most
miraculous, which thinges forasmuch as she began to doe them vpon a
sodaine, hauing neuer doon the like before, made her Maister and others to
be in great admiracion, and wondred thereat: by meanes wherof the saide
Dauid Seaton had his maide in some great suspition, that she did not those
things by naturall and lawfull wayes, but rather supposed it to be doone by
some extraordinary and vnlawfull meanes.

Whervpon, her Maister began to growe very inquisitiue, and examined her
which way and by what meanes she were able to perfourme matters of so
great importance: whereat she gaue him no answere, neuerthelesse, her
Maister to the intent that he might the better trye and finde out the trueth of
the same, did with the helpe of others, torment her with the torture of the
Pilliwinckes vpon her fingers, which is a greeuous torture, and binding or
wrinching her head with a corde or roape, which is a most cruell torment
also, yet would she not confesse any thing, whereupon they suspecting that
she had beene marked by the Diuell (as commonly witches are) made
dilligent search about her, and found the enemies marke to be in her fore
crag or foreparte of her throate: which being found, she confessed that all
her dooings was doone by the wicked allurements and inticements of the
Diuell, and that she did them by witchcraft.

After this her confession, she was committed to prison, where she continued
for a season, where immediatly she accused these persons following to be
notorious witches, and caused them foorthwith to be apprehended one after
an other, vidz. Agnis Sampson the eldest Witch of them al, dwelling in
Haddington, Agnes Tompson of Edenbrough, Doctor Fian, alias Iohn
Cunningham, maister of the Schoole at Saltpans in Lowthian, of whose life
and strange actes, you shall heare more largely in the ende of this discourse:
these were by the saide Geillis Duncane accused, as also George Motts wife
dwelling in Saltpans, Robert Griersonn skipper, and Iennit Bandilandis,
with the Porters wife of Seaton, the Smith at the brigge Hallis with
innumerable others in that partes, and dwelling in those bounds aforesaide:
of whom some are alreadye executed, the rest remaine in prison, to receiue
the doome of Iudgement at the Kings maiesties will and pleasure.

The said Geillis Duncane also caused Ewphame Meealrean to be
apprehended, who conspired and perfourmed the death of her Godfather,
and who vsed her art vpon a gentleman being one of the Lords and Iustices
of the Session, for bearing good will to her Daughter: she also caused to be
apprehended one Barbara Naper, for bewitching to death Archibalde, last
Earle of Angus, who languished to death by witchcraft and yet the same
was not suspected, but that he died of so strange a disease, as the Phisition
knew not how to cure or remedy the same: but of all other the saide
witches, these two last before recited, were reputed for as ciuill honest
women as any that dwelled within the Citie of Edenbrough, before they
were apprehended. Many other besides were taken dwelling in Lieth, who
are detayned in prison, vntill his Maiesties further will and pleasure be
known: of whose wicked dooings you shall particularly heare, which was as
followeth.

This aforeaside Agnis Sampson which was the elder Witch, was taken and
brought to Haliciud house before the Kings Maiestie and sundry other of
the nobility of Scotland, where she was straitly examined, but all the
perswasions which the Kings maiestie vsed to her with the rest of his
counsell, might not prouoke or induce her to confesse any thing, but stood
stiffely in the deniall of all that was laide to her charge: whervpon they
caused her to be conueied awaye to prison, there to receiue such torture as
hath been lately prouided for witches in that country: and forasmuch as by
due examination of witchcraft and witches in Scotland, it hath latelye beene
found that the Deuill dooth generallye marke them with a priuie marke, by
reason the Witches haue confessed themselues, that the Diuell dooth lick
them with his tung in some priuy part of their bodie, before hee dooth
receiue them to be his seruants, which marke commonly is giuen them
vnder the haire in some part of their bodye, wherby it may not easily be
found out or scene, although they be searched: and generally so long as the
marke is not seene to those which search them, so long the parties that hath
the marke will neuer confesse any thing. Therfore by special
commaundement this Agnis Sampson had all her haire shauen of, in each
parte of her bodie, and her head thrawen with a rope according to the
custome of that Countrye, beeing a paine most greeuous, which she
continued almost an hower, during which time she would not confesse any
thing vntill the Diuels marke was found vpon her priuities, then she

immediatlye confessed whatsoeuer was demaunded of her, and iustifying
those persons aforesaid to be notorious witches.

Item, the saide Agnis Tompson was after brought againe before the Kings
Maiestie and his Counsell, and being examined of the meetings and
detestable dealings of those witches, she confessed that vpon the night of
Allhollon Euen last, she was accompanied aswell with the persons
aforesaide, as also with a great many other witches, to the number of two
hundreth: and that all they together went by Sea each one in a Riddle or
Ciue, and went in the same very substantially with Flaggons of wine
making merrie and drinking by the waye in the same Riddles or Ciues, to
the Kerke of North Barrick in Lowthian, and that after they had landed,
tooke handes on the land and daunced this reill or short daunce, singing all
with one voice.

Commer goe ye before, commer goe ye,
If ye will not goe before, commer let me.

At which time she confessed, that this Geilles Duncane did goe before them
playing this reill or daunce vpon a small Trump, called a Iewes Trump,
vntill they entred into the Kerk of north Barrick.

These confessions made the King in a woderful admiration, and sent for the
said Geillis Duncane, who vpon the like Trump did playe the said daunce
before the Kings Maiestie, who in respect of the strangenes of these
matters, tooke great delight to bee present at their examinations.

Item, the said Agnis Tompson confessed that the Diuell being then at North
Barrick Kerke attending their comming in the habit or likenes of a man, and
seeing that they tarried ouer long, he at their comming enioyned them all to
a pennance, which was, that they should kisse his Buttockes, in signe of
duetye to him: which being put ouer the Pulpit barre, euerye one did as he
had enioyned them: and hauing made his vngodly exhortations, wherein he
did greatlye enveighe against the King of Scotland, he receiued their oathes
for their good and true seruice towards him, and departed: which doone,
they returned to Sea, and so home againe.

At which time the witches demaunded of the Diuel why he did beare such
hatred to the King, who answered, by reason the King is the greatest enemy
he hath in the worlde: all which their confessions and depositions are still
extant vpon record.

Item, the saide Agnis Sampson confessed before the Kings Maiestie sundrye
thinges which were so miraculous and strange, as that his Maiestie saide
they were all extreame lyars, wherat she answered, she would not wishe his
Maiestie to suppose her woords to be false, but rather to beleeue them, in
that she would discouer such matter vnto him as his maiestie should not any
way doubt off.

And therupon taking his Maiestie a little aside, she declared vnto him the
verye woordes which passed betweene the Kings Maiestie and his Queene
at Vpslo in Norway the first night of their mariage, with their answere eache
to other: whereat the Kinges Maiestie wondered greatlye, and swore by the
liuing God, that he beleeued that all the Diuels in hell could not haue
discouered the same: acknowledging her woords to be most true, and
therefore gaue the more credit to the rest which is before declared.

Touching this Agnis Tompson, she is the onlye woman, who by the Diuels
perswasion should haue entended and put in execution the Kings Maiesties
death in this manner.

She confessed that she tooke a blacke Toade, and did hang the same vp by
the heeles, three daies, and collected and gathered the venome as it dropped
and fell from it in an Oister shell, and kept the same venome close couered,
vntill she should obtaine any parte or peece of foule linnen cloth, that had
appertained to the Kings Maiestie, as shirt, handkercher, napkin or any
other thing which she practised to obtaine by meanes of one Iohn Kers, who
being attendant in his Maiesties Chamber, desired him for olde
acquaintance betweene them, to helpe her to one or a peece of such a cloth
as is aforesaide, which thing the said Iohn Kers denyed to helpe her too,
saying he could not help her too it.

And the said Agnis Tompson by her depositions since her apprehension
saith, that if she had obtained any one peece of linnen cloth which the King
had worne and fouled, she had bewitched him to death, and put him to such

extraordinary paines, as if he had beene lying vpon sharp thornes and endes
of Needles.

Moreouer she confessed that at the time when his Maiestie was in
Denmarke, she being accompanied with the parties before specially named,
tooke a Cat and christened it, and afterward bound to each parte of that Cat,
the cheefest partes of a dead man, and seuerall ioynts of his bodie, and that
in the night following the saide Cat was conueied into the midst of the sea
by all these witches sayling in their riddles or Ciues as is aforesaide, and so
left the saide Cat right before the Towne of Lieth in Scotland: this doone,
there did arise such a tempest in the Sea, as a greater hath not beene seene:
which tempest was the cause of the perrishing of a Boate or vessell
comming ouer from the towne of Brunt Iland to the towne of Lieth, wherein
was sundrye Iewelles and riche giftes, which should haue been presented to
the now Queen of Scotland, at her Maiesties comming to Lieth.

Againe it is confessed, that the said christened Cat was the cause that the
Kinges Maiesties Ship at his comming foorth of Denmarke, had a contrary
winde to the rest of his Ships, then being in his companye, which thing was
most strange and true, as the Kings Maiestie acknowledgeth, for when the
rest of the Shippes had a faire and good winde, then was the winde
contrarye and altogither against his Maiestie: and further the saide witche
declared, that his Maiestie had neuer come safelye from the Sea, if his faith
had not preuailed aboue their ententions.

Moreouer the said Witches being demaunded how the Diuell would vse
them when he was in their company, they confessed that when the Diuell
did receiue them for his seruants, and that they had vowed themselues vnto
him, then he would Carnallye vse them, albeit to their little pleasure, in
respect of his colde nature: and would doo the like at sundry other times.

As touching the aforesaide Doctor Fian, alias Iohn Cunningham, the
examination of his actes since his apprehension, declareth the great
subtiltye of the diuell, and therfore maketh thinges to appeere the more
miraculous: for being apprehended by the accusation of the saide Geillis
Duncane aforesaide, who confessed he was their Regester, and that there
was not one man suffered to come to the Diuels readinges but onlye he: the

saide Doctor was taken and imprisoned, and vsed with the accustomed
paine, prouided for those offences, inflicted vpon the rest as is aforesaide.

First by thrawing of his head with a roape, wherat he would confesse
nothing.

Secondly, he was perswaded by faire means to confesse his follies, but that
would preuaile as little.

Lastly he was put to the most seuere and cruell paine in the world, called
the bootes, who after he had receiued three strokes, being enquired if he
would confesse his damnable acts and wicked life, his tung would not serue
him to speak, in respect wherof the rest of the witches willed to search his
tung, vnder which was found two pinnes thrust vp into the head, whereupon
the witches did laye, Now is the Charme stinted, and shewed that those
charmed Pinnes were the cause he could not confesse any thing: then was
he immediatly released of the bootes, brought before the King, his
confession was taken, and his owne hand willingly set ther-vnto, which
contained as followeth.

First, that at the generall meetinges of those witches, hee was alwayes
preasent: that he was Clarke to all those that were in subiection to the
Diuels seruice, bearing the name of witches, that alwaye he did take their
othes for their true seruice to the Diuell, and that he wrot for them such
matters as the Diuell still pleased to commaund him.

Item, he confessed that by his witchcrafte he did bewitch a Gentleman
dwelling neere to the Saltpans, where the said Doctor kept Schoole, onely
for being enamoured of a Gentlewoman whome he loued himselfe: by
meanes of which his Sorcerye, witchcraft and diuelish practises, he caused
the said Gentleman that once in xxiiij. howres he fell into a lunacie and
madnes, and so continued one whole hower together, and for the veritie of
the same, he caused the Gentleman to be brought before the Kinges
Maiestie, which was vpon the xxiiij. day of December last, and being in his
Maiesties Chamber, suddenly he gaue a great scritch and fell into a madnes,
sometime bending himselfe, and sometime capring so directly vp, that his
head did touch the seeling of the Chamber, to the great admiration of his
Maiestie and others then present: so that all the Gentlemen in the Chamber

were not able to holde him, vntill they called in more helpe, who together
bound him hand and foot: and suffering the said gentleman to lye still vntill
his furye were past, he within an hower came againe to himselfe, when
being demaunded of the Kings Maiestie what he saw or did all that while,
answered that he had been in a sound sleepe.

Item the said Doctor did also confesse that he had vsed means sundry times
to obtain his purpose and wicked intent of the same Gentlewoman, and
seeing himselfe disapointed of his intention, he determined by all waies he
might to obtaine the same, trusting by coniuring, witchcraft and Sorcery to
obtaine it in this manner.

It happened this gentlewoman being vnmaried, had a brother who went to
schoole with the said Doctor, and calling his Scholler to him, demaunded if
he did lye with his sister, who answered he did, by meanes wherof he
thought to obtaine his purpose, and therefore secretlye promised to teach
him without stripes, so he would obtain for him three haires of his sisters
priuities, at such time as he should spye best occasion for it: which the
youth promised faithfullye to perfourme, and vowed speedily to put it in
practise, taking a peece of coniured paper of his maister to lappe them in
when he had gotten them: and therevpon the boye practised nightlye to
obtaine his maisters purpose, especially when his sister was a sleepe.

But God who knoweth the secrets of all harts, and reuealeth all wicked and
vngodlye practises, would not suffer the intents of this diuilish Doctor to
come to that purpose which he supposed it would, and therefore to declare
that he was heauilye offended with his wicked entent, did so woorke by the
Gentlewomans owne meanes, that in the ende the same was discouered and
brought to light: for she being one night a sleepe, and her brother in bed
with her, suddenlye cryed out to her mother, declaring that her Brother
would not suffer her to sleepe, wherevpon her mother hauing a quick
capacitie, did vehemently suspect Doctor Fians entention, by reason she
was a witche of her selfe, and therefore presently arose, and was very
inquisitiue of the boy to vnderstand his intent, and the better to know the
same, did beat him with sundry stripes, wherby he discouered the trueth
vnto her.

The Mother therefore being well practised in witchcrafte, did thinke it most
conuenient to meete with the Doctor in his owne Arte, and therevpon tooke
the paper from the boy, wherein hee should haue put the same haires, and
went to a young Heyfer which neuer had borne Calfe nor gone to the Bull,
and with a paire of sheeres, clipped off three haires from the vdder of the
Cow, and wrapt them in the same paper, which she againe deliuered to the
boy, then willing him to giue the same to his saide Maister, which he
immediatly did.

The Schoolemaister so soone as he had receiued them, thinking them
indeede to bee the Maides haires, went straight and wrought his arte vpon
them: But the Doctor had no sooner doone his intent to them, but presentlye
the Hayfer or Cow whose haires they were indeed, came vnto the doore of
the Church wherein the Schoolemaister was, into the which the Hayfer
went, and made towards the Schoolemaister, leaping and dauncing vpon
him, and following him foorth of the church and to what place so euer he
went, to the great admiration of all the townes men of Saltpans, and many
other who did beholde the same.

The reporte whereof made all men imagine that hee did woorke it by the
Diuell, without whom it could neuer haue beene so sufficientlye effected:
and thervpon, the name of the said Doctor Fian (who was but a very yong
man) began to grow so common among the people of Scotland, that he was
secretlye nominated for a notable Cuniurer.

All which although in the beginning he denied, and would not confesse, yet
hauing felt the pain of the bootes (and the charme stinted, as aforesayd) he
confessed all the aforesaid to be most true, without producing anie
witnesses to iustifie the same, & thervpon before the kings maiesty he
subscribed the sayd confessions with his owne hande, which for truth
remaineth vpon record in Scotland.

After that the depositions and examinations of the sayd doctor Fian Alias
Cuningham was taken, as alreadie is declared, with his owne hand willingly
set therevnto, hee was by the master of the prison committed to ward, and
appointed to a chamber by himselfe, where forsaking his wicked wayes,
acknowledging his most vngodly lyfe, shewing that he had too much
folowed the allurements and entisements of Sathan, and fondly practised his
conclusions by coniuring, witchcraft, inchantment, sorcerie, and such like,

hee renounced the deuill and all his wicked workes, vowed to leade the life
of a Christian, and seemed newly connected towards God.

The morrow after vpon conference had with him, he granted that the deuill
had appeared vnto him in the night before, appareled all in blacke, with a
white wand in his hande, and that the deuill demaunded of him if hee would
continue his faithfull seruice, according to his first oath and promise made
to that effect. Whome (as hee then sayd) he vtterly renounced to his face,
and sayde vnto him in this manner, Auoide Satan, auoide, for I haue listned
too much vnto thee, and by the same thou hast vndone mee, in respect
whereof I vtterly forsake thee. To whome the deuill answered, That once ere
thou die thou shall bee mine. And with that (as he sayde) the deuill brake
the white wande, and immediatly vanished foorth of his sight.

Thus all the daie this Doctor Fian continued verie solitarie, and seemed to
haue care of his owne soule, and would call vppon God, shewing himselfe
penitent for his wicked life, neuerthelesse the same night hee founde such
meanes, that hee stole the key of the prison doore and chamber in the which
he was, which in the night hee opened and fled awaie to the Salt pans,
where hee was alwayes resident, and first apprehended. Of whose sodaine
departure when the Kings maiestie had intelligence, hee presently
commanded diligent inquirie to bee made for his apprehension, and for the
better effecting thereof, hee sent publike proclamations into all partes of his
lande to the same effect. By meanes of whose hot and harde pursuite, he
was agayn taken and brought to prison, and then being called before the
kings highnes, hee was reexamined as well touching his departure, as also
touching all that had before happened.

But this Doctor, notwithstanding that his owne confession appeareth
remaining in recorde vnder his owne hande writing, and the same therevnto
fixed in the presence of the Kings maiestie and sundrie of his Councell, yet
did hee vtterly denie the same.

Wherevpon the kinges maiestie perceiuing his stubbourne wilfulnesse,
concerned and imagined that in the time of his absence hee had entered into
newe conference and league with the deuill his master, and that hee had
beene agayne newly marked, for the which hee was narrowly searched, but
it coulde not in anie wise bee founde, yet for more tryall of him to make

him confesse, hee was commaunded to haue a most straunge torment which
was done in this manner following.

His nailes vpon all his fingers were riuen and pulled off with an instrument
called in Scottish a Turkas, which in England wee call a payre of pincers,
and vnder euerie nayle there was thrust in two needels ouer euen up to the
heads. At all which tormentes notwithstanding the Doctor neuer shronke
anie whit, neither woulde he then confesse it the sooner for all the tortures
inflicted vpon him.

Then was hee with all conuenient speed, by commandement, conuaied
againe to the torment of the bootes, wherein hee continued a long time, and
did abide so many blowes in them, that his legges were crushte and beaten
togeather as small as might bee, and the bones and flesh so brused, that the
bloud and marrowe spouted forth in great abundance, whereby they were
made unseruiceable for euer. And notwithstanding al these grieuous paines
and cruell torments hee would not confesse anie thing, so deepely had the
deuill entered into his heart, that hee vtterly denied all that which he had
before auouched, and woulde saie nothing therevnto but this, that what hee
had done and sayde before, was onely done and sayde for feare of paynes
which he had endured.

Upon great consideration therefore taken by the Kings maiestie and his
Councell, as well for the due execution of iustice vppon such detestable
malefactors, as also for example sake, to remayne a terrour to all others
heereafter, that shall attempt to deale in the lyke wicked and vngodlye
actions, as witchcraft, sorcery, cuniuration, & such lyke, the sayde Doctor
Fian was soone after araigned, condemned, and adiudged by the law to die,
and then to bee burned according to the lawe of that lande, prouided in that
behalfe. Wherevpon hee was put into a carte, and beeing first strangled, hee
was immediatly put into a great fire, being readie prouided for that purpose,
and there burned in the Castle hill of Edenbrough on a saterdaie in the ende
of Ianuarie last past. 1591. The rest of the witches which are not yet
executed, remayne in prison till farther triall, and knowledge of his
maiesties pleasure.

This strange discourse before recited, may perhaps giue some occasion of
doubt to such as shall happen to reade the same, and thereby coniecture

that the Kings maiestie would not hazarde himselfe in the presence of such
notorious witches, least therby might haue insued great danger to his
person and the generall state of the land, which thing in truth might wel
haue bene feared. But to answer generally to such, let this suffice: that first
it is well knowen that the King is the child & seruant of God, and they but
seruants to the deuil, hee is the Lords annointed, and they but vesselles of
Gods wrath: he is a true Christian, and trusteth in God, they worse than
Infidels, for they onely trust in the deuill, who daily serue them, till he haue
brought them to vtter destruction. But heereby it seemeth that his Highnesse
carted a magnanimious and undanted mind, not feared with their
inchantmentes, but resolute in this, that so long as God is with him, hee
feareth not who is against him. And trulie the whole scope of this treatise
dooth so plainely laie open the wonderfull prouidence of the Almightie, that
if he had not bene defended by his omnipotencie and power, his Highnes
had neuer returned aliue in his voiage frõ Denmarke, so that there is no
doult but God woulde as well defend him on the land as on the sea, where
they pretended their damnable practise.

FINIS.

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