Chapter II: Part 2

[Footnote cc: _Binfeldius de confessionibus maleficorum vnde
magorum operationes vim suam habent plenissimam. Aquinas Summa
contra gentes, lib. 3. cap. 105. & eius in eum locum commentator
Franciscus de siluestris._]

[Footnote dd: _Tritemius in libro responsionum ad qu[e,]stiones
Maximiliani Imperatoris qu[e,]stione. Cyrillus Catechismo 4 ad
illuminatos, Arbitrium incitare potest Diabolus cogere omnino
preter voluntatem non potest._]

[Footnote ee: _Tertul. de fuga in Persecutione._]

And as these euill spirits are in themselues different in power, vnderstanding, and subtiltie: so can their seruants do more or lesse through their meanes.

I conclude with that memorable speech of a most noble and learned man,[ff] The Diuell is the Author and principall of all that euill which the Witch or Wisard committeth, not thereby to make them more powerfull, but to deceiue them by credulity and ouer-light beliefe, and to get himselfe a companion of his impiety, cruelty, and hatred, which he beareth both to God and man; and also of eternall damnation: for indeed it is his worke, which the foolish and doating wisards coniecture is brought to passe by the words and inchantments which they vtter: and is very busie thus to colour his proceedings, which neuer come abroad in their owne likenesse, because he enuieth the blessed estate of man, and his eternall saluation purchased by the perfect obedience of Christ the Redeemer, and hateth that Image of God which hee beholdeth in him; much like the Panther,[gg] who when hee cannot get hold of the man himselfe, is so inflamed with rage, that he teareth his picture in peeces violently which is cast vpon the ground to hinder his pursuit of the hunter who hath carried away his whelpes. And [hh]so as _Lactantius_ speaketh, these vncleane spirits cast from heauen, wander vp and downe the earth, compasse land and sea, seeking to bring men to destruction as a consort of their owne desperate and irrecouerable estate.

[Footnote ff: _Iulius Scaliger de subtilitate, ad Cardanum,
exercitatione 349. an venefici credulitas vim addat malefice._]

[Footnote gg: _Basilius Homilia 21. in diuersos Scriptura locos
sermone habito in non procul a fine._]

[Footnote hh: _Lib. 2. qui est de origine erroris cap. 15._]

_The fourth Proposition._

Hauing shewed before, that the pracise of Witches receiueth the being and perfection from that[a] agreement which is made betweene them and Diuell, it now followeth necessarily, that we do enquire whether it bee possible that there may be any such agreement and league betweene them. The cause of doubt ariseth from the diuersity or disparity of their natures, the one being a corporall substance, the other spirituall, vpon which ground some[b] haue supposed that no such contract can passe: But we are to hold the contrary affirmatiue, both _de esse_, and _de posse_, that there may be, and is, notwithstanding this difference of essence, a mutuall contract of the one with the other: for we read of sundry leagues between God & his people, and some with great solemnitie of ceremonies vsed in the same, a[c] _Genesis 15. 9.17._ and _Deut. 5. 2._ and in many other like places, yet is hee a simple essence,[d] free from all diuision, multiplication, composition, accidents, incorporeall, spirituall, and inuisible. But in Angelicall creatures, though there be no Physicall composition of matter and forme, or a soule and a body; yet is there a metaphysicall, being substances consisting of an act and possibility, subiect and accidents. And furthcr, betweene a spirit and a man, there is communication of the vnderstanding and will, the faculties and actions whereof must concurre in euery couenant, which is nothing else but the consent of two or more persons about the thing.

[Footnote a: _Nauarrus in Manuali confessarior. cap. 11 in primum
decalogi præceptum._]

[Footnote b: _Ioh. Wierus, totum hoc fictitium putat & fondus
imaginarimum, & impossibile putat, idque passim in suis libris
præcipuè autem de Lamijs, cap. 7. 8. & 23. & de pr[e,]stigijs
Dæmon[~u], lib. 6. c. 27, & c. Hunc refutant eruditè. Binfeldo
confessionibus maleficorum, & Thomas Erastus de Lamijs._]

[Footnote c: _De his ceremonijs similiæ, Ier. cap. 34. 18. & multa
Cyrillus contra Iulianum & Procopius Gazæus in hunc locum &
Augustinus._]

[Footnote d: _Palanus Syntagmatis Theologie, l. 2. cap. 8._]

And when the Diuell durst in expresse tearmes tender a contract to our blessed Sauiour, tempting him in the wildernesse, shewing him the kingdomes of the world, and the glory thereof, offered them with this condition, _All these will I giue thee, if thou wilt fall downe and worship me_, _Mat. 4. 9_. How much more then will hee aduenture vpon man, weake, wicked, and easie to be seduced? And who[e] can doubt but that these bee the solemne and formall words of a bargaine, _Do vt des, do vt facias_, I giue this for to haue that giuen, I bestow this, to haue such, or such a thing done for me.

[Footnote e: _Brissonius de formulis, lib. 6. Solemnia pactorum
sine obligatione verba sunt: spondes? spondeo. promittis? promitto
dabis? dabo vt facias, faciam. Iustinianus in institutionibus,
lib. 3. titulo 16._]

Now this couenant is of two sorts, secret or manifest; secret, when one indeuoureth or intendeth to do any thing by such meanes, which neither in nature, nor by institution haue power to produce the purposed effects, or be conioyned as neccessary with other, which can bring the same to passe. Expresse, wherein consent is giuen either by writing, and words, or making such signes, whereby they renounce God, and deuote themselues slaues and vassals vnto the Diuell, hee promising, that vpon such condition they shall doe wonders, know future euents, helpe and hurt at their pleasure, and others like vnto these.

An example whereof wee may obserue in[f] _Siluester_ the second, one of the holy Fathers of _Rome_, who did homage to the Diuell his Lord, and made fidelity to liue at his will and appoyntment, vpon condition to obtaine what he desired, by which meanes he got first the Bishopricke of _Rhemes_, after of _Rauenna_, and at the last the Papacie of _Rome_. Which Sea, though it will yeeld good plenty of such like presidents, and we may finde them in authenticall records of Histories, yet I content my selfe with this one.

[Footnote f: _Hic Monachus Floriacensis Cænobij diabolo suadente,
& enormiter instigante si eius ob*quijs & arti magica obligauit
in tantum quod Diabolo fecit Homagium cum pacto vt ei omnia ad
nutum succederent, & c. Holcot. in cap. 17. lib. sapientiæ
lectione 190. Platina in illius vita. Vide & Balerum de Romanorum
pontificum actis in lib. 5. in Syluestro secundo, & Robertum
Barnes. de vitis pontificum Romanorum._]

[g]The formall tearmes of this couenant, as they bee set downe by some, are most dreadfull: and the seuerall poynts these.

[Footnote g: _Godelmannus de magia tacita & illicita, lib. 1. cap.
2. xº.8.9.10 &c._]

To renounce God his Creator, and that promise made in Baptisme.

To deny Iesus Christ, and refuse the benefites of his obedience, yea to blaspheme his glorious and holy name.

To worship the Deuill, & repose all confidence and trust in him.

To execute his commaundements.

To vse things created of God for no end, but to the hurt and destruction of others.

And lastly, to giue himselfe soule and body to that deceitfull and infernall spirit, who on the other part appeareth to them in the shape of a man (which is most common) or some other creature, conferreth familiarly, and bindeth himselfe by many promises, that at all times called for, he will presently come, giue counsell, further their desires, answer any demaund, deliuer from prison, and out of all dangers, bestow riches, wealth, pleasure, and what not? and all without any labour and paines-taking, in a word to become seruiceable to their will, & accomplish all their requests. And this is that which the Prophet _Esay_ speaketh, _chap. 28. 15._ to make a couenant with death, and an agreement with hell. The consent of the ancient Fathers, if there were any doubt, might be added to the further clearing of this conclusion. For [h]_Cyprian_ directly affirmeth, that all those who vse magicall Arts, make a couenant with the Diuell, yea he himselfe, while he practized the same (before his calling to the light and true knowledge of God) was bound vnto him by an especiall[i] writing, whereunto some subscribe with their owne bloud, which was a vse among diuers nations, and a most sure bond of constant friendship, and [k]inuiolable consociation. But herein these seduced wretches are deceiued: for these promises which he makes, are treacherous, and the obseruances whereunto he enioyneth and perswadeth them, as powerfull in producing such or such effects, meere deceipts, and haue no qualitie in them to that purpose, but respecteth his owne ends, which are one of these foure.

[Footnote h: _Siue illius sit, siue alterius esto liber. De
duplici Martyrio. Aquinas 2ª. 2a. quest. 96. Ioh. Gerson in
Trilogio astrologiæ Theologisatæ propositione 21. & de erroribus
circa artem magicam, Dicto 2._]

[Footnote i: _Camerarius meditationum historiarum, lib. 1. cap. 6.
Bodinus exampla ponit D[e,]monomanias. lib. 2. & 4. Binfeldius de
confessionibus maleficorum._]

[Footnote k: _Simile de Catilina refert Salustius. cum ad ius
iurandum populares scelerius sui adigeret, humani corporis
sanguinem vina permixtum in pateris circumtulisse, inde cum post
execration[~e] omnes degustauissent, sicut in solemnibus sacris
fieri consueuit aperuisse consili[~u] suum, atque eo dictitant
fecisse, quo inter se magis fidi forent._]

First, to the mouing of them to the breaking of Gods law.

Secondly, to adore him with diuine worship and sacred rites.

Thirdly, to weaken their hope and faith in God.

Fourthly, to couer his owne fraud and treachery, that it may not be perceiued.

And when they finde this Impostor failing in the performance of his vowed promises, then he wanteth not his shifts: as that these defects are not to be imputed to him, or the weakenesse of the Art, but their owne negligence or ignorance, who haue not exactly obserued such directions, and in that manner they were deliuered: or mistooke his meaning, which is commonly deliuered in[l] ambiguous tearmes, such as will admit a double construction: and herein appeareth the lamentable and woefull blindnesse of man, who is contented to swallow vp, and excuse many of his lies by one truth fore-told; which hath casually come to passe, whereas in other matters they make light account of, yea cõtemne infinit truths, if they shall finde by long search and diligent inquiry, but one falshood. Wherefore it behooueth vs to be carefull Centinels ouer our selues, for that our grand[m] aduersary, proud, enuious, and not standing in the truth, reposeth all his possibility of victory in lies, and out of this poysoned sinke, deuiseth all kinde of deceits, that so hee might depriue man of that happy and blessed estate which he lost by pride, and draw him into the society of his owne damnation: therefore it is a needfull caueat giuen by one of the ancient Fathers: Our enemy is old against whom wee fight, sixe [n]thousand yeares fully compleat are passed since he began to oppose himself against vs; but if wee obserue the commandements of God, and continue steadfast in faith, apprehending Iesus Christ, then shall we be able to withstand all his violent assaults, and ouer-come him because Christ in whom we trust, is inuincible.

[Footnote l: As that to Pope _Siluester_ the second, his demand;
who asked how long he should liue and enioy the _Popedome_?
answered, vntil hee should say masse in _Ierusalem_; and not long
after, celebrating the same in a _Chappell_ of the Church
dedicated to the holy Crosse in _Rome_, called _Ierusalem_, knew
how he was ouer-reached, for there hee dyed. And an other paralell
to this, may be that of a certaine Bishop, much addicted to these
vanities, hauing many enemies, and fearing them, asked the Diuell
whether he should fly or not: who answered, _Non, sta secure,
venient inimici tui suauiter, & subdentur tibi._ But being
surprized, and taken by his aduersaries, and his castle set on
fire, expostulating with him that hee had deceiued him in his
distresse, returned answere, that he said true, if his speech had
been rightly vnderstood: for he aduised, _Non sta secure_ [id est
_fugias_] _venient inimici tui suauiter, & subdentur_, [id est
_ignem tibi_]. Such were the Oracles which he gaue, and whereof
all histories do testifie. _Holcot_ vpon the booke of Wisedome,
and the rest before mentioned with him.]

[Footnote m: _Leo de collectis Serm. 40. & natiuitate Domini,
Serm. 7._]

[Footnote n: _In proemio, lib de exhortaions ad Martyrium
Cyprianus._]

_The fifth Proposition._

The Diuell can assume to himself[a] a body, and frame a voyce to speake with, and further instruct and giue satisfaction to those who haue submitted themselues vnto him, and are bound to his seruice. For he lost not by his transgression and fall, his naturall[b] endowments, but they continued in him whole[c] and perfect, as in the good Angels, who abide in that obedience and holiness wherein they were created, from whence a reason confirmatiue may bee thus framed, Good Angels can take vnto themselues bodies, as _Genes. 18. 2._ _Iudg. 13. 3.6._ therefore the euill also. Thus the Diuell hath appeared to some in the forme of a [d]Man, cloathed in purple, & wearing a crowne vpon his head: to others in the likenesse of a [e]Childe: sometime he sheweth himselfe in the forme of foure-footed beastes, foules, creeping things, [f]roaring as a Lyon, skipping like a Goat, barking after the manner of a dogge, and the like. But[g] it is obserued by some, that he cannot take the shape of a Sheepe, or Doue, though of an Angell of light: _2. Cor. 11. 14_. And further, [h]most of the learned doe hold, that those bodies wherein they doe appeare, are fashioned of the[i] aire, (though it is not to be denied, but they can enter into other, as the Diuell did into the Serpent, deceiuing _Eue_, _Gen. 3. 1._) which if it continuing pure and in the owne nature,[k] hath neither colour nor figure, yet condensed receiueth both, as wee may behold in the clouds, which resemble sometime one, sometime another shape, and so in them is seene the representation of Armies fighting, of beasts and Birds, houses, Cities, and sundry other kinds of apparations.

[Footnote a: _Augustinus in Enchiridio, cap .59. & 60. & Lambertus
Daneusin suis comentarijs: ad eundem._]

[Footnote b: _Binfeldius de confessionibus maleficorum. Aquinas,
Summa part. 1. quest. 51, art. 3. & 4_]

[Footnote c: _In D[e,]monibus +angelikas dôreas ou mêpote alloi
ôsthas phamen, alloi eisi holoklêroi kai pamphaneis+, Dionisius
Areopagita, de diuinis nominibus cap. 4. & si vacat licebit
consulere in eundem Pachemeræ Paraphrasin & maximi scholia.
Isidorus Hispalensis de summo bono. lib. 1. cap. 12._]

[Footnote d: _Sulpitius Seuerus in vita beati Martini. Multa
exempl[e,] habet Bodinus in pr[e,]fatione ad D[e,]monomaniam._]

[Footnote e: _Hieronimus in vita Hilarianis._]

[Footnote f: _Psellus de d[e,]monum natura._]

[Footnote g: _Binfeldius de confessionibus maleficorum._]

[Footnote h: _Petrus Martyr in 28. caput. lib. 2. Samuelis.
Aquinas in Summa parte 1. quest 51. articul. 2. Hyperius locer[~u]
Theolog. lib._]

[Footnote i: _Hesiodus_ +ergôn kai hêmerôn+ _lib. 1. D[e,]monas
ait esse_ +aera essamenous+_. proclus interpretatur quia sunt
corpora aërea._]

[Footnote k: _Iulius Scaliger de subtilitate ad Cardanum
exercitatione 359. sectione 13._]

Histories of all can witnesse of the Diuels appearance in human[l] shape: thus a _Pseudo-Moses_, or _Messias_ in _Crete_, perswaded the Iewes that it was he who brought their Fathers the Israelites out of Egypt, and led them through the Red Sea, and would conduct them also out of that land vpon the waters into _Iudea_. But many following his counsell, perished: the rest admonished by that destruction, turned back, accusing their folly; and when they made enquiry for this guide, to haue rewarded him according to his desert, was no where to be found, whereof they conceiued hee was a Diuell in Mans likenesse. And such an one [m]was that merry (but malicious) spirit, who walked for a long time in Saxony, and was very seruiceable, clothed in country apparrell, with a cappe on his head, delighted to conuerse and talke with the people, to demaund questions, and answer what he was asked, hurting none, except iniured before, and then declared himselfe a right diuell in reuenge.

[Footnote l: _Socrates Histori[e,] ecclesiast. lib. 7. cap. 38. &
historia Tripar. lib. 12. cap. 9._]

[Footnote m: _Chronicon Hirsangiense._]

[n]The late Discoueries and Nauigations made into the west Indies, can furnish vs with abundant testimonies hereof, in which the mindes of the inhabitants are both terrified & their bodies massacred by his visible sight, and cruell tortures; yet (which is the opinion of many learned) he cannot so perfectly represent the fashion of a mans body, but that there is some sensible deformity, by which hee bewrayeth himselfe; as his [o]feete like those of an Ox, a Horse, or some other beasts, clouen houed, his hands crooked, armed with clawes, or talants like a vulture: or some one misshapen part, wherein (though hee delight in the shape of man, as most fitting for company and conference) is demonstrated, the great and tender loue of God toward vs, who hath so branded this deceiuer, that hee may bee discerned euen of those who are but of meane capacity, and so consequently auoyded. And as in his body assumed, so in his speech there is a defect, for it is weake, small, whispering, imperfect.

[Footnote n: _Vide nauigation[~e] Monsieur de Monts, ad nouam
Franciam, lib. 2. cap. 5._]

[Footnote o: _Binfeldius de confessionibus maleficorum. Alexander
ab Alexandro dierum Genialium, lib. 1. cap. 19. Remigius de
D[e,]monolatria, lib. 1. cap. 7. & apud Rhodingium antiquarum
lectionum lib. 29. cap. 5. est exemplum dignum admiratione._]

And thus it is [p]reported of _Hermolaus Barbarus_, who inquiring
of a
spirite, the signification and meaning of a difficult [q]word in
_Aristotle_, he hard a low hissing, and murmuring voyce giuing
answere.

[Footnote p: _Remigius d[e,]monolatrias lib. 1. cap. 8 & simile
commemorat de Appione Grammatico Plinius naturalis histor, lib.
30. cap. 2. Nicephorus lib. 5. sub finem._]

[Footnote q: +entelecheia+]

And this hee doth of set purpose, that so his sophisticall & doubtfull words might be the lesse perceiued.

Neither can this seeme strange to any, that the Diuell should speake, who brought a voyce from Trees to salute[r] _Apollonius_, and inspired that talkatiue Oke in _Dodona_, famous for the Oracles vttered there in Heroicall verse, to the Grecians, and to euery nation in his owne language, Chaldeans, Egyptians, Armenians, and other people who were led by him, and depended vpon his resolution.

[Footnote r: _Philostratus de vita Apollonius lib. 6. cap. 13._]

And thus the [s]Image of _Memnon_, when the Sunne did shine vpon it, and his beames touched the lips thereof, (which was at the arising in the East) speake vnto them who were present.

[Footnote s: _Sophocles in Trachinijs vocat +drun poluglôsson+,
quia ut eius Scholiastes interpretatur +êtoi polla manteuomenos,
kai dia touto polla phthengomenos, ê tês diaphorais dialektais
chrêsmodêsês kai kata tên hekasta tôn manteuomenôn glôssan.+ Et
hinc Argo Lycophron in Alexandra sua +lalêtrin kissan+ nominat quæ
ex Didones quercu malum habuisse traditur quæ aliqoties locuta est
vt apud Apollonium Argonautic+ô+n quarto ideo & +eulalon Argos+
Orpheus appelat, vide plura apud Strabonem lib. 17. & eius de hoc
sono iudicium perpende. Pausanias in descriptione decem regionum
veteris Græciæ, libro primo in Atticis. Iuuenalis Satyro 15.
Psellus de Dæmonum natura. Tacitus libro secundo Annalium._]

And considering, as hath beene mentioned before, that there passeth betweene the Witch and her Diuell, a compact, as with a Maister and a Seruant, it must therefore consist vppon prescript tearmes of commaunding, and obeying; and then of necessity is required a conuersing together; and conference whereby the same couenant may be ratified.

_The sixt Proposition._

God giueth, both the diuell, and his seruants the witches, power sometimes to trouble his owne children; so [a]Christ our blessed Sauiour, was by Sathan carryed from place to place, _Math. 4. 5_. _Iob_[b] in strange manner afflicted, and his children slaine, through his power, whom none can conceiue but were Gods seruants, religiously brought vp in his feare: and their father hath an honourable testimonie from the mouth of God himselfe, _Iob 1. ver. 8_. _Dauid_, a man according to Gods owne heart, _Acts 13. 22._ is by Sathan stirred vp to number the people, _1. Chron. 21. 1._ and that incuriosity and the pride of his heart, onelie to know the multitude of his subiects, _2. Sam. 24. 2._

[Footnote a: _Iaquerius in flagello hereticorum fascinariorum,
cap. 19 & 20._]

[Footnote b: _Binfeldius de confessionibus maleficorum._]

Whereas the Law appoynteth another end, _Exod. 30. 12._ which hee had [c]now forgotten, the maintenance of the Ministerie and worshippe of God. And a daughter of _Abraham_ is bound of the diuell eighteene whole yeeres, had a spirit of Infirmity, was bowed together, and could in no wise lift vp herselfe, _Lu. 13. 11.16._ a grieuous calamity in respect of the author, the continuance, and the effect. But to handle this poynt a little more distinctly; It shall not be amisse to open first some reasons, why God doth giue this power to the diuel ouer the righteous his children sometimes, as also vpon the wicked and disobedient to his will: And in the second place, why Witches haue the like leaue graunted vnto them. Therefore for his children.

[Footnote c: _Iosephus +archaiologias+ lib. 7. sectione siue
capite iuxta Græcam editionem 10._]

The first reason of his permission is his inscrutable[d] wisedome, who out of euill bringeth good; so _Paul_ had a minister of Sathan to buffet him, to keepe him in humility, that hee might not waxe proude and high-minded, in regard of those great mysteries which were reuealed when hee was taken into the third heauen, _2. Corint. 12. 4_. Thus his tentation was a medicine preseruatiue preuenting the disease of his soule, which otherwise hee might haue falne into, [e]for both himselfe, and the rest of the Apostles, though they were chosen vessells, yet were they also fraile and brittle, wandring yet in the flesh vpon earth, not triumphing securely in heauen.

[Footnote d: _Zanchius de operibus creationis, part. 1. lib. 4.
cap. 13. apud quem etiam plura inuenies. Tertul. de fuga in
persecutione has causas ponit permissionis diuinæ, aut ex causa
probationis conceditur diabolo vis tentationis prouocato, vel
prouocanti, aut ex causa reprobationis traditur ei peccator aut ex
causa cohibitionis, vt Apostolus refert sibi datum angelum
Satanæ._]

[Footnote e: _Beda in collectaneis ex Augustino ad Epistolas
Pauli._]

Second, It is[f] proceeding from his mercy and goodnes, for the trial of faith, obedience and constancy in such as belong to God: whereof there is an excellent patterne, and vnparaleld in _Iob 1. 13.14._ _&c._ for by this triall is made a proofe to examine whether wee doe continue firme vpon our square, and vnshaken, or no; and be not remoued, eyther by the [g]seeming wonders of the diuell, or of his seruants and associats. And therefore the Apostle pronounceth him blessed, who endureth temptation, for when hee is tryed hee shall receiue the crowne of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that loue him, _Iames 1. 12._ for he is faithfull, and wil not suffer vs to be tempted aboue that we are able, but with the temptation also make a way to escape, &c. _1. Cor. 10. 13_.

[Footnote f: _Iaquerius in flagello hereticarum fascinariorum,
cap. 20._]

[Footnote g: _Ceolcenus_ +dokimazetai hê hêmetera orthodoxos
pistis ei hedraia esti kai pagê prosmenousa tô kuriô, kai mê
huposuromenê hupo tou echthrou, dia tôn phantasiôdôn teratôn kai
satanikôn ergôn, tôn prattomenôn hupo tôn doulôn kai huperetôn
kakias.+]

Third, Wee are admonished alwayes to stand in a readines, and be armed for to fight, prepared to withstand the diuell, knowing that God doth oftentimes giue him leaue to assault vs. Therefore we haue need to be furnished in all points, for we wrastle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkenesse of this world, against spirituall wickednesses in high places, _Ephes. 6. 11.12_. And _1. Pet. 5. 8.9._ be sober and vigilant, because your aduersary the diuell as a roaring Lyon walketh about, seeking whom he may deuoure. He [h]is no weake assaylant, and therefore heere by the Apostle are noted in him foure things: First, his power (a Lyon): Second, his hatred, and wrath in the word (roaring): Third, his subtilty (walking about) obseruing euery oportunity and occasion to hurt vs: Fourth, his cruelty (deuoure) no contentment but in our ruine and vtter destruction.

[Footnote h: _Strigelius in explicatione locorum Theologicorum
Melanthonis parte 3. titulo de cruce & calamitatibus._]

Fourth, God would haue vs get the victorie against Sathan, and take knowledge, that Christ on our side fighteth for vs, through whom we triumph, and so are made more vndoubtedly assured of our saluation; and this is that which hee promised, _The [i]Seed of the woman shall bruise the head of the Serpent_, _Gen. 3. 15_. And the Apostle confirmeth, God shall tread down Sathan vnder your feete, _Rom. 16. 20_.

[Footnote i: _Augustinus de Genesi ad literam, l. 11. c. 22_.]

God suffereth the diuell to preuaile against the wicked, yet in the most Holy there is no iniustice _2. Chron. 19. 7_. But First, [k]Herein is the declaration of his iustice, whereby hee punisheth obstinate sinners, & those who prouoke him to wrath, and will not repent: And thus it is sayd of the _Aegiptians_, whom no plagues could soften, that hee cast vpon them the fiercenes of his anger, and indignation, and trouble, by sending euill Angels among them, [l]_Psalm 78. 49_. And when _Saul_ had neglected the commandement of God, an euill spirit from the Lord troubled him, _1. Sam. 16. 14_. Thus _Ahab_ seduced by his false prophets descendeth into the battaile, and is slaine (contemning the words of _Michaiah_) in[m] whose mouthes the diuell was a lying spirit, who sent of the Lord, perswaded him and preuailed, _1. Kin. 22. 22.23.24_.

[Footnote k: _Hyperius in locis Theolog. lib. 2._]

[Footnote l: _Augustinus in locuus consulatur._]

[Footnote m: _Vide Iaquerium in flagello hereticorum
fascinariorum, cap. 23._]

Second, By affliction in the body or goodes, God[n] would quicken them vp to seeke the saluation of their soules. And so _Paul_ gaue ouer a scandalous and incestuous person vnto the diuell, that he might be induced to forsake his sin, liue chastely heereafter, and be an edifying example to those whom he had offended: and this kinde of discipline was more soueraigne, then any other could haue beene, because mans nature abhorreth Sathan, and trembleth with feare once to conceiue that he should fall into his power and hands, and this is that which he writeth, aduising the Corinthians to deliuer him vnto Sathan, for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saued in the day of the Lord Iesus, _1. Cor 5. 5_. And in this sort he speaketh of two other deceiuers and blasphemers, _Hymenaus_ and _Alexander_, I haue deliuered them vnto Sathan, that they may learne not to blaspheme, _1. Timothie 1. 20._ therfore this giuing ouer, was not to destruction, but for correction.

[Footnote n: _Idem cap. 21._]

The last poynt propounded, was, That witches haue power granted to vex Gods owne children aswell as others, and preuaile ouer them; and that we doe enquire (so farre as we may, and is iustifiable) of the causes thereof, which may be these.

First, [o]This is permitted vnto them for the experience of their faith and integrity, so that by this meanes their loue towards God which lay hidden in the heart, is now made manifest. To be quiet and patient in prosperity, when we may enioy benefites at our owne pleasure, is a matter easily to be performed: But to endure the fire of Tribulation, that is the proofe of a stedfast Christian, and in losses and sickenesse procured by such to bee silent, and submit our selues, this is the note of a faithfull man, & to choose rather obeying the law of God, to beare the infirmity of the body, then to ouer-flow in riches, and enioying health and strength offend the Lord.

[Footnote o: _Trithemius in libel. 8 qu[e,]stionum quas illi
dissoluendas proposuit Maximilianus Imperator, qu[e,]st 7._]

Second, this maketh a difference betweene the wicked and the godly: for thus the holy Apostle speaketh of the righteous, that by many afflictions they must enter into the kingdome of heauen, _Act. 14. 22_. And all that will liue godly in Christ Iesus suffer tribulations, _2. Timoth. 3. 12._ for whom the Lord loueth, he doth chasten, _Prouer. 3. 12_. It is a Christians glory to vndergoe for Gods cause, any vexation whatsoeuer, whether wrought by the diuell, or brought to passe by wicked men his [p]instruments; for when he is tryed, hee shall receiue the crowne of life, which God hath promised to those who loue him, _Iames 1. 12_. But wee reade contrary of the wicked, they become olde, yea, are mighty in power, their seede is established in their sight with them, and their of-spring before their eyes, their houses are safe from feare, neyther is the rod of God vpon them, &c. they spend their dayes in wealth, and in a moment go downe into the graue, _Iob 21. 7.8.9._ &c. Yet surely they are set in slippery places, sodainely destroyed and perished, & horribly consumed as a dreame when one awaketh: O Lord, thou shalt make their Image despised, &c. _Psal. 73. 18.19.20_.

[Footnote p: _Potestatis diabolo concess[e,] has causas ponit
Iohannes Gerson de erroribus circa artem magicam, in dicto
secundo._
_1º. Obstinatorum damnationem._
_2º. Peccatorum purgationem, & punitionem._
_3º. Ad fidelium probationem, & exercitationem._
_4º Ad gloriæ dei manifestationem_]

_The seuenth Proposition._

More women in a farre different proportion prooue Witches then men, by a hundred to one; therefore the Lawe of God noteth that Sex, as more subiect to that sinne, _Exodus 22. 18_. It is a common speach amongst the Iewish Rabbins, [a]many women, many Witches: And it should seeme that this was a generally receiued opinion, for so it is noted by _Pliny_, _Quintilian_, and others, neyther doth this proceede (as some haue thought) from their frailtie and imbecillity, for in many of them there is stronger resolution, to vndergoe any torment then can bee found in man, as was made apparant in that conspiracy of _Piso_ against _Nero_,[b] who commaunded that _Epicharis_, knowne to bee of the same faction, should first presently be set vpon the racke, [Sidenote: _Muliebre corpus impar dolori._] imagining that being a woman, she would neuer bee able to ouercome the paine: But all the tortures that he or his could deuise, were not able to draw from her the least confession of any thing that was then obiected against her. The first dayes question shee so vtterly contemned, that the very Chaire in which they conueied her from the place, did seeme as a Chariot wherein shee rid, triumphing ouer the barbarous vsage of their inhumane cruelty. The morrow following brought thither againe, after many rough incounters, remained so vnshaken, that wrath it selfe grew madde, to see the strokes of an obstinate and relenting fury fall so in vaine vpon the softer temper of a Woman: and at the last tooke a scarfe from about her necke, and by it knits vp within her bosome the knowledge shee had of that fact, together with that little remainder of spirit, whereof by force and violence they laboured to depriue her.

[Footnote a: _In Perkei ababboth. Bodinus in confutatione
opinionis Wieri. Plinius in hist. natural. Quintilianus
Institutionum oratoriarium lib. 5. cap. 10._]

[Footnote b: _Tacit. Annal. lib. 15._]

[c]Former ages haue likewise produced _Leena_, an exemplary president of this sort, to all posterity, who when _Armodius_ and _Aristogiton_ hauing failed of the execution of their enterprise against _Hipparchus_ a tyrant, had beene put to death, she was brought to the torture to be enforced to declare what other complices there were of the conspiracie. But rather then shee should bee compelled thereunto, bit her tongue asunder, and spit it in the face of the tyrant, that though she would, yet could not now disclose them. In remembrance whereof the Athenians caused a Lyon of Brasse to bee erected, shewing her inuincible courage by the generosity of that beast, and her perseuerance in secrecie, in that they made it without a tongue. Therefore the learned haue searched out other causes thereof, and among the rest, obserued these as the most probable.

[Footnote c: _Tertul. in Apologet. Crinitus de doctrina Christiana
lib. 9. cap. 8._]

First, they are by nature credulous, wanting experience, and therfore more easily deceiued.

Secondly, [d]they harbour in their breast a curious and inquisitiue desire to know such things as be not fitting and conuenient, and so are oftentimes intangled with the bare shew and visard of goodnesse. As the Lady of Rome, who was importune, and vehemently instant vpon her husband, to know what was debated of that day at the Councell Table. And when he could not be at rest, answered, The Priests had seene a Larke flying in the aire with a golden Helmet on his head, and holding a speare in his foot. Scarce she had this, but presently she told it to one of her maids: she to another of her fellowes, so that report was spread through the whole Citie, and went for currant vntill it receiued a checke: But all are not of this mould.

[Footnote d: _Binfeldius de confessionibus maleficorum. Peucerus
de pr[e,]cipius diuinationum generibus in titulo de +theomanteia+
Martinus de Arles._]

Thirdly, their complection is softer, and from hence more easily receiue the impressions offered by the Diuell; as when they be instructed and gouerned by good Angels, they proue exceeding religious, and extraordinarily deuout; so consenting to the suggestions of euill spirits, become notoriously wicked, so that there is no mischiefe aboue that of a woman, _Eccles. 25. 13._ &c.

Fourthly, in them is a greater facility to fall, and therefore the Diuell at the first took that aduantage, and set vpon _Eue_ in _Adams_ absence, _Genes. 3. 3_.

Fifthly, this sex, when it conceiueth wrath or hatred against any, is vnplacable, possessed with vnsatiable desire of reuenge, and transported with appetite to right (as they thinke) the wrongs offered vnto them: and when their power herein answereth not their will, and are meditating with themselues how to effect their mischieuous proiects and designes, the Diuell[e] taketh the occasion, who knoweth in what manner to content exulcerated mindes, windeth himselfe into their hearts, offereth to teach them the meanes by which they may bring to passe that rancor which was nourished in their breasts, and offereth his helpe and furtherance herein.

[Footnote e: _Exemplum apud Binfeldium reperies de confessionibus
maleficorum, pag. 32._]

Sixthly, they are of a slippery tongue, and full of words: and therefore if they know any such wicked practises, are not able to hold them, but communicate the same with their husbands, children, consorts, and inward acquaintance; who not consideratly weighing what the issue and end thereof may be, entertaine the same, and so the poyson is dispersed. Thus _Dalilah_ discouered her husbands strength where it lay, vnto the Philistines; and procured his infamous and disastrous ouer-throw. _Judg. 16. 18._

Hitherto in some Propositions I haue set downe the originall of
witch-craft, and other such curious and vnlawfull Arts, the quality
of the persons agents in the same, the power of the Diuell, and his
confederates, the league of association which enterchangeably
passeth betweene them, his assuming a body, and framing a voice
for the performance of that businesse; that women, and why,
are most subiect to this hellish practice.
Now the truth of all these shall
appeare by exemplary proofes
in the Narration
following.

* * * * *

A true Narration of some of those
_Witch-crafts which _Marie_ wife of_
Henry Smith Glouer did practise, and of the
_hurts she hath done vnto sundry persons by the same:_
confirmed by her owne Confession, and from the publike
_Records of the examination of diuers vpon their oaths:
of her death, and execution for the same, which
_was on the twelfth day of Ianuarie_
_last past._

_Marie_ wife of _Henrie Smith_, Glouer, possessed with a wrathfull indignation against some of her neighbours, in regard that they made gaine of their buying and selling Cheese, which shee (vsing the same trade) could not doe, or they better (at the least in her opinion) then she did, often times cursed them, and became incensed with vnruly passions, armed with a setled resolution, to effect some mischieuous proiects and designes against them. The diuell who is skilfull, and reioyceth of such an occasion offered and knoweth how to stirre vp the euill affected humours of corrupt mindes (she becomming now a fitte subject, through this her distemper, to worke vpon, hauing the vnderstanding darkened with a cloude of passionate, and reuengefull affections) appeared vnto her amiddes these discontentments, [Sidenote: Proposition 4.] in the shape of a blacke man, and willed that the she should continue in her malice, enuy, hatred, banning and cursing; and then he would be reuenged for her vpon all those to whom she willed euill: [Sidenote: Proposition 5.] and this promise was vttered in a lowe murmuring and hissing voyce: and at that present they entred tearmes of a compact, he requiring that she should forsake God, and depend vpon him: to which she condescended in expresse tearmes, renouncing God, and betaking herselfe vnto him. I am sparing by anie amplification to enlarge this, but doe barely and nakedly rehearse the trueth, and number of her owne words vnto mee. After this hee presented himselfe againe at sundry times, and that to this purpose (as may probably bee coniectured) to hold her still in his possession, who was not able, eyther to looke further into these subtilties, then the superficiall barke thereof, or not discouer the depth of his designements, and in other formes, as of a mist, and of a ball of fire, with some dispersed spangles of blacke; and at the last in prison (after the doome of iudegement, and sentence of condemnation was passed against her) two seuerall times, in that figure as at the first: only at the last he seemed to haue a paire of horns vpon his head, and these as shee came downe from her chamber, being sent for to conferre with some learned and reuerend Diuines, by whose prayers and instructions she might be brought to the sight and confession of her grieuous offences, be regained and rescued out of his hands, brought to repentance, and the fauour of God, assured hope of mercie, and eternall life, and at these times he wished her to confesse nothing to any of them, but continue constant in her made promise, rely vpon him, and hee would saue her. This was too high a straine aboue his reach to haue made it good, and a note of his false descant, who hauing compassed this wretched woman, brought her to a shamefull and vntimely end; yet doing nothing herein contrary to his malicious purposes, for hee was a murtherer from the beginning, _Iohn 8. 44_. Now then, to descend to particulars, and the effects of this hellish association made. Being thus joyned and linked together in a reciprocall league, he beginneth to worke for her, in procuring the mischiefe of those whom she maligned, whereof these few acknowleged by her selfe, may yeeld some taste of more, though concealed.

¶ _Her wicked practise against Iohn Orkton._

The first who tasted of the gall of her bitternes was _Iohn Orkton_ a Sailer, and a man of strong constitution of body, who about some fiue yeares sithence, returning out of Holland in the Netherland, or low Countries beyond the Seas, hapened, for some misdemeanors committed by him to strike the sonne of this _Mary Smith_ (but in such sort as could not in reason bee offensiuely taken) who hearing his complaint, came forth into the streete, cursing and banning him therefore, as oftentimes shee did, dwelling in the next adioyning house, and wished in a most earnest and bitter manner, that his fingers might rotte off; wherevpon presently hee grew weake, distempered in stomacke, and could digest no meate, nor other nourishment receiued, and this discrasie or feeblenesse continued for the space of three quarters of a yeare; which time expired, the fore-mentioned griefe fel downe from the stomacke into his hands and feete, so that his fingers did corrupt, and were cut off; as also his toes putrified & consumed in a very strange and admirable manner. Neuerthelesse, notwithstanding these calamities, so long as hee was able, went still to Sea, in the goods and shippes of sundry Merchants (for it was his onely meanes of liuing) but neuer could make any prosperous voyage (as then other men did) eyther beneficiall to the Owners, or profitable to him selfe. Whereupon, not willing to bee hindrance to others, and procure no good for his owne maintenance by his labours, left that trade of life, and kept home, where his former griefe encreasing, sought to obtaine help and remedie by Chirurgery, and for this end went to Yarmouth, hoping to be cured by one there, who was accompted very skilfull: but no medicines applyed by the Rules of Arte and Experience, wrought any expected or hoped for effect: for both his hands and feete, which seemed in some measure euery euening to be healing, in the morning were found to haue gone backeward, and growne far worse then before: So that the Chirurgian perceiuing his labour to bee wholly frustrate, gaue ouer the cure, and the diseased patient still continueth in a most distressed and miserable estate, vnto the which hee was brought by the hellish practises of this malitious woman, who long before openly in the streetes, (whenas yet the neighbours knew of no such thing) reioycing at the calamity, said, _Orkton_ now lyeth a rotting. And no maruell though she could tell that which herselfe had done, and her good maister would not suffer to be concealed, but that the testimony of her owne tongue should remayne as a record towardes her further detection and condemnation, who sought meanes of her voluntary accord to be reconciled with the wofull distressed party, but this was nothing else but to plaister ouer and disguise her former inhumane and barbarous actions, for no reliefe at all followed thereof: for oftentimes, as hath beene prooued, the diuells and witches his [Sidenote: Propositiõ 3.] instruments doe cause such diseases, which neyther the one, nor the other can remoue againe. And this is not any vaporous imagination, but a most vndoubted trueth. For now this poore man continueth still in a lamentable estate, griefe, and paines encreasing, without hope of helpe, except God in the abundance of his tender mercies vouchsafe to grant comfort and deliuerance.

¶ _Her Wicked practise against Elizabeth Hancocke_

The second person distressed, by this witch, was _Elizabeth Hancocke_, then widdow, now wife of _Iames Scot_: the maner, occasion, and proceeding of whose dealing against her was thus. She comming out of the towne from the shoppe of one _Simon Browne_ a Silkeman, vnto whom she had carried home some worke, which was by him put out vnto her; _Henry Smith_, as shee passed by his doore, tooke her by the hand, and smilingly said, that his ducke (meaning his wife, this woman of whome we now speake) told him that shee had stolne her henne; which wordes she then passed ouer, as onely spoken in merriment, and denying the same: in the meane time, as they were interchanging these words, shee came herselfe, and directly charged her with the henne, and wished that the bones thereof might sticke in her throat, when she should eate the same: which speech also she made no great reckoning of, supposing them to be but words of course, and might bee vttered in jeast. Neuerthelesse, afterward better considering of the same, conceiued much griefe, to bee counted one of so euill quality and disposition, and espying that hen for which she was accused, to sit vpon the hatch of her shoppe doore, went to her, and mooued with the indignity of that slaunder, and vniust imputation, told her in some passion and angry manner, that it was a dishonest part thus to blemish the good name of her neighbors with so vntrue aspersions: whereupon, breaking foorth in some violence, she wished the pox to light vpon her, and named her prowde _Iinny_, prowde flurts, and shaking the hand, bade her go in, for she should repent it; and the same night, within three or foure houres after these curses and imprecations vttered, she was taken and pinched at the heart, and felt a sodaine weaknesse in all the parts of her body; yet her appetite to meare nothing diminished, and so continued for the space of three weekes; in which time, when she was any thing well, would come to the doore, and leane vpon the stall, whom this _Marie Smith_ seeing, did euer banne, adding the former curse, the poxe light vpon you, can you yet come to the doore? and at the end of these three weekes, beeing but very weake, came foorth as shee vsed to doe, to take the ayre, this mischieuous woman most bitterly cursed her againe, whereupon she went into the house, fell into such a torturing fit, and nipping at the heart, that she fainted, hardly recouerable for the space of halfe an houre, and so grieuously racked and tormented through all parts of her body, as if the very flesh had beene torne from the bones, by the violent paine whereof she could not refraine, but tore the haire from off her head, and became as one distraught, bereaued of sence, and vnderstanding: And the same night the bed whereon she lay, was so tossed, and lifted vp and downe, both in her owne feeling, and in the sight of others then present beholders of her extreamities, by the space of one houre or more, that she was therewith exceedingly terrified, & did thinke oftentimes in her sleepe, that she did see this _Marie Smith_ standing before her. And this fit continued sixteene houres, during which passion _Edward Drake_ her father came to the Towne, touched with griefe for this torture of his daughter (as parents hearts are relenting and tender, and naturall compassion is soone stirred vp in them) tooke her vrine, went to one for his aduice (whose fact herein is no way iustifiable, and argued but a small measure of religion, and the knowledge of God in him) who first tolde vnto him the cause of his comming, that is, to seeke help for his daughter, and then added, that she was so farre spent, that if hee had stayed but one day longer, the woman who had wronged her, would haue spent her heart, and so become vnrecouerable, and thereupon shewed him her face in a Glasse; and further, opened the beginning cause of falling out, which was for a hen, which before this, _Drake_ neyther knew nor heard of, and then gaue his counsell for remedy, which was the matter sought for & desired, & that was in this order. To make a cake with flower from the Bakers, & to mix the same instead of other liquor, with her own water, and bake it on the harth, wherof the one halfe was to be applyed and laid to the region of the heart, the other halfe to the back directly opposit; & further, gaue a box of ointment like triacle, which must be spread vpon that cake, and a powder to be cast vpon the same, and certaine words written in a paper, to be layd on the likewise with the other, adding this caueat, that if his daughter did not amend within six houres after the taking of these receits, then there was no health or recouery to be looked for: & further, wished silence to be kept herein, for the womã who had done this, would know any thing.

And being thus furnishing with instructions, and returning home, as shee alighted from his horse to enter into that house where his daughter lay (being the next vnto _Mary Smiths_) shee then stood leaning ouer her shop window, whom hee knew to be that person, which was shewed vnto him, and she cursed him passing by, and told his daughter that her Father had beene with a Wisard. And the next day following after they had put in practise the directions giuen, she affirmed to diuers of the neighbours, that _Drake_ the afflicted womans father, had beene to aske counsell, and made a Witch Cake, but shee would learne how they came to haue that knowledge: yet for the present she found helpe, and was freed from the languishing and other conflicts wherewith she was assaulted by the space of sixe weekes.

After this, being married vnto _Iames Scot_, a great Cat which kept with this Witch (of whose infernall both purposes and practises wee now speake) frequented their house; and vpon doing some scathe, her husband moued therwith, thrust it twice through with his sword: which notwithstanding those wounds receiued, ran away: then he stroke it with all his force vpon the head with a great pike staffe, yet could not kill her; but shee leapt after this vpward almost a yard from the boords of that chamber where she now was, and crept downe: which hee perceiuing, willed his lad (a boy of foureteene yeares) to dragge her to the muck-hill, but was not able; and therefore put her into a sacke, and being in the same, still moued and stirred. Whereupon they put her out againe, and cast her vnder a paire of staires, purposing in the morning, to get more helpe, and carry her away; but then could not be found, though all the doores that night were locked, and neuer heard what afterward became thereof.

Not long after, this Witch came forth with a Birchin broome, and threatned to lay it vpon the head of _Elizabeth Scot_, and defiled her cloathes therewith, as she swept the street before her shop doore, and that in the sight of her husband, who not digesting this indignity offered vnto his wife, threatned that if she had any such fits, as she endured being a Widow before marriage, hee would hang her. At this she clapped her hands, and said hee killed her Cat. And within two or three dayes after this enterchange of words betweene them, his wife was perplexed with the like paine and griefe at her heart, as formerly she had beene; and that for two dayes and a night: wherefore her husband went to this wrathfull and malicious person, assuring that if his wife did not amend, hee would accuse her to the Magistirate, and cause the [a]rigor of the law to be executed vpon her, which is due to such malefactors. These things were done some three yeares sithence. The party troubled yet liueth, but in no confirmed health, nor perfect soundnesse of body.

[Footnote a: _Witches can by no meanes bee so easily brought to
recall the mischiefe they haue done, as by threats and stripes.
Remigius in Dæmonolatria, lib 3. c. 3._]

_Her wicked practises against Cicely Balye._

A third subiect whereupon this wrathfull womans anger wrought, was _Cicely Balye_, then seruant to _Robert Coulton_, now wife of _William Vaux_, who sweeping the street before her maisters doore vpon a Saturday in the euening, _Mary Smith_ began to pick a quarrell about the manner of sweeping, and said vnto her she was a great fat-tail'd sow, but that fatnesse should shortly be pulled downe and abated. And the next night being Sunday immediatly following, a Cat came vnto her, sate vpon her breast, with which she was grieuously tormented, and so oppressed, that she could not without great difficulty draw her breath, and at the same instant did perfectly see the said _Mary_ in the chamber where she lay, who (as she conceiued) set that Cat vpon her, and immediatly after fell sicke, languished, and grew exceeding leane; and so continued for the space of halfe a yeare together, during the whole continuance in her maisters seruice; vntill departing from him, she dwelt with one Mistres _Garoway_, and then began to bee amended in her health, and recouer of her former pining sicknesse: for this Witch had said, that so long as she dwelt neere her, she should not be well, but grow from euill to worse.

Thus euery light trifle (for what can be lesse then sweeping of a lttle dust awry?) can minister matter to set on fire a wrathfull indignation, and inflame it vnto desired reuenge, the Diuell being willing to apprehend and take hold vpon such an occasion, that so he might do some pleasing office to his bond-slaue, whom she adored in submisse manner, vpon her knees, with strange gestures, vttering many mumuring, broken, and imperfect speeches, as this _Cicely_ did both heare and see, there being no other partition between the chamber wherein shee performed these rites, and the house of her maister with whom she then dwelt, but only a thin seeling of boord, through a cranny or rift of whereof she looked, listned attentiuely vnto her words, and beheld diligently her behauiour, and might haue seene and heard much more, but that she was with the present spectacle so affrighted, that she hastened downe in much feare and distemper.