The first Proposition .

IT is a Quaere , though needlesse , whether there be any Witches : for they g g Wierus de magor●… insomium poe●…s lib. 6. cap. 17. 18 19 20 21 22. 23. 24. &c. 27. & de Lamijs lib. 3. cap. 7. & de la ni●…rum impotentia . But this position commeth from another as dangerons , euen Infidelity denying that there be any Diuels , but in opinion ; which was the doctrine of Aristotle , and the Peripatetique Philosophers . Pompenatius de inca●…nationibus Binfeldius de confessionibus malesicorum haue some Proctor●… who plead a nullitie in this case , perswade themselues , and would induce others to be of the same minde , that there be no Witches at all : but a sort of melancholique , aged , and ignorant Women , deluded in their imagination ; and acknowledge such things to be effected by them , which are vnpossible , vnlikely , and they neuer did ; and therefore Magistrates who inflict any punishment vpon them , be vnmercifull and cruell Butchers . Yet by the way , and their good leaue , who take vpon them this Apology , all who are conuented vpon these vnlawfull action , are not strucken in yeares ; but some euen in the flower of their youth be nuzled vp in the same , and convicted to be practisers thereof ; neither be they ouerflowed with a blacke melancholique humor , dazeling the phantasie , but haue their vnderstandings cleere , and wits as quicke as other : Neither yet be they all women , though for the most part that sexe be inclinable thereunto : ( as shall afterward be shewed , and the causes thereof ) but men also on whose behalfe no exception can be laid , why any should demurre either of their offence or punishment for the same . Wherefore for this point , and confirmation of the affirmatiue , wee haue sundry pregnant and euident proofes .

First testimonies Diuine and Humane : Diuine of God himselfe in his word , h h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 left for our instruction in all dogmaticall truth , reproofe and confutation of falshood in opinions , correction for the reforming of misdemeaners in conuersation , doctrine for the guidance of euery estate Politicall , Ecclesiasticall , Occonomicall . 2. Timoth. 3. 16. Therefore expressely , Thou shalt not suffer a witch to liue , Exod. 22. 18. i i Philo in libro de legibus specialibus . but to bee executed in the same day wherein she is conuicted , and this was a custome obserued by the ancient Fathers .

And Deuteronomy 18. 10. 11. there is a blacke Bill set downe k k Vide Paulum Phagium in annotationibus , & Chaldaicam Paraphras●… in cap. 18. & 19. Leuitici . , and registred of sundry kinds of these slaues of Sathan , all condemned , and God addeth in the same place the reasons of this his seuere and sharpe iudgement against them . First , because they are an abhomination vnto him . Secondly , he determineth vtterly to destroy all such , and giueth his people the Israelites an example thereof in the Canaanites , whom their Land spewed out . Thirdly , for that he requireth all who belong vnto him , to be pure , vndefiled and holy , not stained with impieties , for they are bound vnto him by couenant in obedience . Fourthly , such were the Heathen , strangers from God , blinded in their dark vnderstanding , without sauing knowledge , with whom the Israelites , a chosen and peculiar nation , enioying his lawes and statutes , must haue no familiarity . Further , the woman of Endor acknowledgeth herselfe to be one of the rank . 1. Sam. 28. 9. And Iesabel , mother of Iehoram , is in plaine tearmes stiled a Witch . 2. King . 9. 22. who l l Rodinus in consulatione opinionum Wieri . is supposed to haue brought this Art , and the Professors thereof into Samaria , which there continued for the space of sixe hundred yeares . Insomuch that it was rise in common speech , when any would reproach another , to doe the same in this forme ; Thou art a Samaritan , and hast a Diuell ( a familiar spirit ) which the malicious Iewes , not abiding his heauenly and gracious doctrine , obiected to Christ Iesus our blessed Sauiour , Ioh. 8. 48. The holy Apostle reprouing the Galatbians for their sudden Apostasie and back-sliding from the Gospell so powerfully preached vnto them and with so great euidence of the spirit , as though Christ had bin crucified before their eyes , doth it in no other termes then these , Who hath bewitched you ? Gal. 3. 1. And afterward , Cap. 5. 20. marshalleth Witch-craft among the workes of the flesh : In both which places the names are taken from the seducements and illusions of Inchanters , who astonish the mindes , and deceiue the senses of men , and all that by vertue of a contract passed betweene them and the Diuell . Other like proofes may be added to these alledged , Leuit. 20. 6. Micalo 5. 12. Nahum 3. 4. Now then when God affirmeth there be such , whose words are truth , shall man dare once to open his mouth , and contradict the most righteous ?

Concerning humane witnesses , they be almost infinite ; and therefore it shall be sufficient to produce some few , choyce , and selected : m m Cap 61. congregata est haec synodus sub Iustimano qui vocatus est 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , la qu●… crant Epis api , 227. Balsamon in suis ad eum Commentarijs , & vocata est synodus in Trullo erat autem ▪ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Secretarium palat●… quia in to fuit celebrata , eam auté 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vocat Balsamon quasi Qui ni sextam dicas quia quod quinta & sexta synodis deerat ( septem enim recipiunt Graeci ) haec expleuit , Nomenclator Graecorum dictionum quae apud Harmenopulum●… occurrunt in s●…l 〈◊〉 Promptuario . The second Councell of Constantinople held and gathered together in the Imperiall palace , of two hundred seuen and twenty learned and reuerent Bishops , nameth sundry sorts of such Sorcerers , and censureth their actions to be the damned practises of the Pagans , and decreeth all the Agents therein excommunicated from the Church and society of Christian people , adding the motiue reason of this their determined sentence , from the Apostle , 2. Cor. 6. 14. For righteousnesse hath no fellowship with vnrighteousnesse , neither is there communion of light with darknesse , nor concord with Christ and Belial , nor the beleeuer can haue part with an Infidell . And n n This testimony of Chrysostome●…cited ●…cited by Balsamon , in his exposition vpon that Chapter of the Councell before alleaged , to which may be added others of the same holy Bishop in his 9 Homily vpon the Epistle to the Colossians , & his 6 Sermon against the Iewes . Chrysostome sharply reproueth all such , and those who aduise with them vpon any occasion , confuting the reasons which they take to be sufficient warrantise of their doings . As among the rest they will pretend , Shee was a Christian woman who doth thus charme or inchant ; and taketh no other but the name of God in her mouth , vseth the words of sacred Scripture . To this that holy Father replieth , Therefore she is the more to be hated , because ●…ee hath abused and taken in vaine that great and glorious name , and professing herselfe a Christian , yet practiseth the * * 〈…〉 . damnable Arts of miscreant and vnbeleeuing Heathen . For the D●…els could speake the name of God , and neuerthelesse were still Diuels ; and when they said vnto Christ , they knew who he was , the holy one of God , &c. Mar. 1 24. 2●… . their mouthes were stopped , he would no such witnesse , that wee should learne , not to beleeue them when they say the truth : for this is but a bait , that wee might afterward follow their lies . There is much mention made of these , both in the Ciuill and n n 〈…〉 Canon Lawes , and diuersitie of punishment alotted out for them ; so that none can doubt but that there hath beene , and are such . I might remember vnto you the authority of Clemens Romanus in his Recognitions , and those Constitutions which are fathered vpon the Apostles ; but their credit is not so great , that they may without exception be impannelled vpon this lury , for they haue long since been chalenged of o o 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 Apology against 〈◊〉 . and●…bius ●…bius aloweth but one only Epistle of his Histor. 〈◊〉 . 2 cap. 16. 〈◊〉 distinct ●…5 〈◊〉 contra 〈◊〉 . insufficiencie .

Among the Gentiles , when th●…se so qualitied persons did swarme , and were accounted of high esteeme , there be reckoned vp whole troopes of this bl●…cke guard of the Diuell ; As p p 〈…〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Circe whom Homer reporteth to haue turned V●…sses Companions into Wolues , Lyons , Swine , &c. by her Inchantments , insauaging and making them beast-l●…ke and furious . Medea q q 〈…〉 famous in this kinde , for the murthered by Witch-craft Glauce in the day of her marriage , who enioyed Iason her loue . And r r Scholiastes Theocriti Idil 2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Mortars of these two , wherein they stamped their Magicall drugges , were for a long time kept in a certaine mountaine , and shewed as strange monuments to those who desired a sight of them . For s s Remigius 〈◊〉 lib. 1. cap 2. the Diuell furnisheth such with powders , oyntments , hearbes , and like receipts , whereby they procure sicknesse , death , health , or worke other supernaturall effects . Of the same profession were t t Theocritus in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Idil . 2. Simotha , u u Lucan . Pharsalibus lib. 6. Erictho , x x Horatius 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lib. 5. Canidia , and infinite others beside , whose damnable memory deserueth to be buried in euerlasting obliuion .

But because the reports of these may seeme to carry small credit , for that they come from Poets , who are stained with the note of licentious y y Pictoribus atque Po●…is quidlibet audie●… semper suit aequa pote●… . faining , and so put off as vaine fictions ; yet seeing they deliuer nothing herein but that which was well knowne and vsuall in those times wherein they liued , they are not slightly , and vpon an imagined conceit , to be reiected : for they affirme no more then is manifest in the records of most approued Histories , whose essence is and must be z z 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Polib . historiarum lib. 12. truth , a a Ti●…aus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as straightnesse of a rule , or else deserue not that title . In which wee reade of b b T●…itus Annal. lib. 2. Martiana , c c Id●… a●…l . lib. 12. & 13. & Suetonius in Claudioc . 33. L●…custa , d d Plutarchus in Mario . Martha , e e Apulcius . Pamphilia , f f Munsterus Cosmographiae lib. 2. Aruna , &c. And not to insist vpon particulars , there bee infinite numbers ouerflowing euen in these our g g Remigius , a iudge in these cases reporteth of 900 executed in Lorayne for this offence of Witch craft in the time of his gouernement . dayes , since the sinceritie of Christian Profession hath decreased , and beene in a sort ecclipsed in the hearts of men : for the period of the continuance thereof ( after it be once imbraced ) in his first integrity , either for zeale of affection , or strictnesse of discipline , hath beene by some learned Diuines h h Lutherus in Genesin . obserued , to bee confined within the compasse of twenty yeares ; and then afterward by degrees , the one waxed cold , and the other dissolute : which being so , it is not to be maruelled though the Diuell now begin to shew himselfe in these his instruments , as heretofore , though he cannot in the same measure , in respect of those sparkes of light which yet shine amongst vs . But of this so much now , because I shall haue afterward occasion further to enlarge this poynt .

Againe , the policie of all States i i Binseldius de confessionibus maleficorum , calleth this reason a most strong & conuincing argument . haue prouided for the rooting out of these poysonfull Weedes , and cutting of these rotten and infected members ; and therefore infallibly prouing their existence and being : for all k k Ex malis ●…ribus bonae nascu●…tur leg●…s . penall lawes looke to matters of fact , and are made to punish for the present , and preuent in future , some wicked actions already committed . And therefore Solon the Athenian making statutes for the setling of that Common-wealth , when a defect was found , that he omitted to prouide a cautelous restraint , and appoint l l Diog●…●…ertius lib 1. de vit●…s Philosophorum in Solone . answerable punishment for such who had Cicero in Oratione pr●… Ros●…o Amerino . killed their parents , answered , He neuer suspected there were or would be any such . Wherefore to confirme the position set downe , God doth notthreaten to cast away his people for murther , incest , tyranny , &c. But Sorcery , Leuit. 20. 6. And Samuel willing to shew Saul the grieuousnesse of his disobedience , compareth it to witch-craft , 1. Sam. 15. 23. The Holy Ghost also manifesting how highly God was displeased with Manasses , maketh this the reason , because hee gaue himselfe to Witch-craft , and to Charming , and to Sorcery , and vsed them who had familiar spirits , and did much euill in the sight of the Lord to anger him , 2. Chro. 33. 6. And for this offence were the ten tribes of Israell led into captiuitie , 2. King . 17. 17. m m Of these 12. Tables Liuie in the 〈◊〉 booke of his first Decad. Dionysius Halica●…us 10 Booke of his History , & Iohannes Rosimus most fully in the 6 chapter of his 8 booke of Roman antiquities . Liuius . Plinius lib. 34. cap. 5. Cicero de legibus , lib. 2. & de de ●…rato primo . The twelue Tables of the Romans ( the ancientest law they haue ) by a solemne Embassage ( sent for that purpose ) obtained from Athens , & accounted as a Library of knowledge , do both make mention of such malefactors , & decree a penaltie to be inflicted vpon them . n n Cod. lib. 9. titul. 18. lege multi magicis actibus . Constantius and Constanti●… thinke them worthy of some vnusuall death , as enemies of mankinde , strangers from nature : o o Sententiarum receptarum lib. 5. cap. 25. ad lege●… Corneliam de sicarijs & maleficis . Paulus Iurisconsultus . and Iulius Paulus distinguishing the punishment according to the different qualitie of the offenders , pronounceth out of the then receiued opinions , that the better sort found guilty , were to dye ( not determining the manner ) those of meaner condition either to bee crucified , or deuoured of wilde beasts .

Our ancient Saxon Kings before the p p In 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 siue de priscis Anglorum legibus Guiliel●… Lambertus . Conquest , haue in their municipall Lawes apparantly demonstrated what they conceiued of these so dangerous and diuellish persons . Alucidus keepeth the expresse words of God : Foeminas sagas ne sinito viuere . Suffer not women Witches to liue . Gunthrunus and Canutus will haue them , being once apprehended ( that the rest of the people might bee pure and vndefiled ) sent into banishment , or if they abide in the kingdome ( continuing their lewd practises ) executed according to desert . So Athelstane , if they be conuicted to haue killed any , &c. And how the present estate standeth affected toward them , the sundry strict statutes in this case prouided , may giue any , not wedded to his owne stubbornenesse , sufficient and full satisfaction . Wherefore not to erect a Tabernacle , and dwell longer in perswading an vndeniable truth , that there bee Sorcerers and Witches , I leaue these Hellish Infidels , and proceede .

The second Proposition .

THe second Proposition : q q Danaeus de sortiar●… . cap. 20 Who those be , and of what quality , that are thus ensnared of the Diuell , and vndermined by his fraudes . For resolution whereof , this may suffice . Those who either maliciously reiect the Gospell offered vnto them : or receiuing and vnderstanding the same , do but coldly respect , and carelesly taste it , without making any due estimation , or hauing any reuerent regard therof . In both which is a manifest and open contempt of God . For as he purposing to honour the first comming of his Sonne into the World , cloathed in the cloud of our flesh , which he assumed then , suffered many to be really possessed of Diuels , to bee lunatique , deafe , dumbe , blinde , &c. whom he might deliuer from these torments , and so make apparant his glory , and shew by these his miracles wrought , that hee was the promised Messias , Esay 35. 5. 6. And therfore Christ referreth those Disciples whom Iohn sent vnto him ( doubting in respect of that base forme which he tooke , and demanding whether it was he that should come , or another to be looked for ) vnto his Doctrine and Workes ; and by them to bee instructed , whereof they were then both hearers and beholders , Math. 11. 3. 4. 5. So now comming in the dew of his grace , and hauing restored the light of the Gospell , and bestowed that vpon mankinde , as an especiall and vnvaluable blessing , in his iustice giueth ouer the despisers thereof vnto the power of Sathan , whereby both others who contemne the same , might by their dreadfull example bee terrified , and the faithfull stirred vp to a respectiue thankfulnesse , for so great a mercy vouchsafed vnto them , and acknowledge their happinesse in being made partakers thereof , and by especiall fauour deliuered out of the tyranny of the Diuell : For this is one of the fearefull iudgements of God , and hidden from vs ( as all area great depth , Psal. 36. 6. ) that those who receiued not the truth that they might be saued , should haue strong delusions sent vnto them , and bee giuen ouer to belieue Sathan and his lying signes , and false wonders , 2. Thess. 2. 10. And thus consenting vnto sinne , and his suggestions , they are depriued of the r r Iaquerius in flagello Hereticorum , cap. 18. helpe and assistance of God , and so disabled to resist all violent rushing temptations : for one offence , not being truely repented of , bringeth another , and at last throweth head-long downe into hell : and by this meanes man despising God his creator & redeemer , and obeying the Diuell a professed enemy , and irreconciliable aduersary , not easie to be confronted , becommeth his seruant : for of whomsoeuer any is ouercome , euen of the same is hee brought into bondage , 2. Pet. 2. 19. And the Apostle giueth as the reason why the heathen were so sottish Idolaters , and defiled themselues with many detestable and loathsome sinnes , s s Peccatum si citius poenitendo non ●…gitur , iusto Iudicio 〈◊〉 De●…s ●…atam peccan●… meatem , etiam in culpum alteram permittit cadere , vt qui ●…do & cerrigendo noluit mundare quod fecit , peccatum incipiat peccato cumulare , Greg. Hom. 11. in Ezech. Augustinus lib. 83. questionum questione 97. & Aquinas 1. 2. quaest 79. artic. 3 & quaest. 87. artic. 2 because when they knew God , they glorified him not as God , neither were thankfull , therefore God gaue them ouer to a reprobate sence , and vile affections to doe those things which were not conuenient , full of all vnrighteousnesse , Rom 1. 24. 25. & . 29 So these being enthralled , and deuoting themselues to the Diuell by a mutuall league ( either expresse or secret ) he brandeth with his mark for his t t Zanchius de operibus creationis , part. 1 lib. 4. cap. 15. Danaeus de sortiar●… cap. 4. & Erastus de Lamijs . owne , as in ancient time was an vse with Bondslaues and u u De hoc more Alexander ab Alexandro . Dierum genialium lib. 5. cap. 18. Suetonius in Caligula , cap. 27. Cicero de officijs lib. 2. Coelius Rhodinginus Antiquarum lectionum lib. 7. cap. 31. & olim militiae Tyrones 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 crant & in cute signati Vegetius lib. 1. cap. 8. & 2. cap. 5. Prudentius 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hymn●… 10. & huius moris meminit , Ambrofius in funebri oratione pro Valentiniano . Captiues , and these bee 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , taken aliue in his snare , 2. Tim. 2. 26. and that in some part of the body , least either suspected or perceiued by vs ( for hee is a cunning concealer ) as vnder the eye-lids , or in the palat of the mouth , or other secret places : Wherefore some Iudges cause them , once being called into question , and accused , to be shauen all the body x x Et insigne exemplum apud Gildemannum de Lamijs lib. 3. cap. 10. sectione 38. ouer . And for the manner of impression , or branding , it is after this sort . The Diuell when hee hath once made the contract betweene himselfe and the Witch , and agreed vpon the conditions , what they shall doe , the one for the other , giueth her some scratch y y Remigius in Daemonolatria lib. 1. cap. 5. and citeth the confession of eight seuerall persons , acknowledging both to haue receiued the marke and in what part of the body . , which remaineth ful of paine & anguish vntill his returne againe : at which time hee doth so benumme the same , that though it be pierced with any sharpe instrument , yet is without any sence of feeling , and will not yeeld one droppe of bloud at all : a matter knowne by iust , often , and due triall .

And for the most part , hee bringeth these his slaues and vassailes obliged to him as his owne , to some desperate , Tragicall , z z Peucerus de praecipuis diuinationum generi●…us titulo de Magia . and disastrous end ; and that either by the execution of Iustice for their demerits , or by laying violent hands vpon themselues , or else God powreth vpon them some strange and extraordinary vengeance , or their Grand-maister whom they haue serued , dispatcheth them in such manner , as they become dreadfull and terrible spectacles to the beholders , whereof Histories will furnish vs with a a Philippus Caemerartus in Historicit medicationibus part. 1. cap. 70. & 7●… . varietie and plenty of examples : For the Diuell is a murthering spirit , desirous to doe mischiefe , swelling in pride , malitious in hatred , spitefull in enuy , subtill in craft ; and therefore it behoueth euery one resolutely to withstand his assaults , Ephes. 4. 27. and cautelously to decline his subtilties , and cunning ambushments from whence he inuadeth 〈◊〉 vs , Eph. 6 11. ᵇ For this aduersary against whom 〈…〉 we sight , is an old beaten enemy , sixe thousand yeares are fully compleat since the first time hee began to assault mankinde . But if any keepe the Commandements of God , and constantly , by a liuely faith , cleaue fast vnto Christ , he shall ouercome : for our Lord is inuincible . The Diuels 〈…〉 . indeed doe willingly offer themselues to be seene of those who are not gouerned by the Holy Ghost ; and that either to win themselues some estimation , or to intangle and deceiue men , vailing their treacheries vnder a f●…iling countenance , whom they deadly hate , for if it lay in their possibilitie , they would ouerthrow and destroy heauen it selfe . Now vnable to do this , they endeuour to worke vpon a more weake subiect and matter ; and therefore hee that will not bee subdued of them , must auoid all occasions whereby he may take any aduantage , and couered with the Breast-plate of Righteousnesse , and defended with the Shield of Faith , quench all his fiery Darts . Ephes. 6. 14.

The third Proposition .

EXcept God do by his especial grace and ouer-ruling power , restraine the malice of these Witches , and preserue his Children , they are permissiuely able , d d . through the helpe of the Diuell their maister , to hurt Men and Beasts , and trouble the elements , by vertue of that contract & agreement which they haue made with him . For man they endamage both in body & mind : In body , for e e Vbera matris ●…tes s●…ssimos hum●… gene●… educatores ●…ocal Pha●…rinas apud A Gell●…m no●…t . 〈◊〉 lib. 12. cap. 1. Arctius problema●… p●… 2. ●…oco 144. de Ma●…a . Daneus reporteth of his owne knowledge , as an eye-witnesse thereof , that he hath seene the breasts of Nurces ( onely touched by their hands ) those sacred fountaines of humane nourishment so dried vp , that they could yeeld no milke ; some suddenly tormented with extreame and intolerable paine of the Cholicke , others f f Godleman●… de 〈◊〉 lib. 1 cap. 7. 9. 21 22. 23. 24 25. 26. &c. oppressed with the Palsie , Leprosie , Gout , Apoplexie , &c. And thus disabled from the performance of any action , many tortured with lingring consumptions , g g Exempla omnem sidem supe rantia Florentinae mul●…eris & ●…ici c●…usdam 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 epist. Med●…inalium lib. 2. Epist. 38. 〈◊〉 ven●…culo lignum teres & quatuor 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sunt : corum & fo●…m & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 poni●… . ●…ycosthenes lib. de prodi●… & ostentis quo modo huius●…odi in corporibus humanis inueniantur & qua ratione 〈◊〉 , aut e●…antur & an tribuc●…da haec male 〈◊〉 & ●…abolica arti Binseldius in comme●… to ad titulum Codicis de malefi●…is & Mat●…is pag. 510. and not a few afflicted with such diseases , which neither they themselues who wrought that euill , could afterward helpe ; nor be cured thereof by the Art and diligent attendance of most skilfull Physitians . I willingly let passe other mischiefes wrought by them , of which many things are deliuered in the Canon and Ciuill Lawes , in the Schoole-men , and Diuines both ancient and moderne .

In minde , stirring vp men to Iust , to hatred , to loue , and the like h h Gratianus in decretis , Caietanus in summula titulo de mal●…io . Iaqueri●… 〈◊〉 slage●…o sascinariorum , cap. 11. 12. Ioh. Nider in praeceptorio , praecepto 1. ca. p 11. Bod●… in Daemania , lib. 2. cap. passions , and that by altering the inward and outward sences , either in forming some new obiect , or offering the same to the eye or eare , or stirring the humors : for there being a neere coniunction betweene the sensitiue and rationall faculties of the soule , if the one bee affected , the other ( though indirectly ) must of necessity be also moued . As for example , when they would prouoke any to loue or hatred , they propound an obiect vnder the shew and appearance of that which is good and beautifull , so that it may be desired and embraced : or else by representation of that which is euill & infamous , procure dislike and detestation . Neither is this any strange position , or improbable , but may bee warranted by sufficient authority ; and therefore i i Cod. lib. 9. titulo 18. Lege est ●…tia , 〈◊〉 legem 〈◊〉 . W●…rus de praestig●… daemo●…um lib. 3. cap. 38. Constantius the Emperour doth expressely determine , all those iustly punishable who sollicite by enchantments chaste mindes to vncleannesse : And Saint k k In 3. Caput prophe●… Na●… , vide & Nazianzenum in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , siue de arcanis vel 〈◊〉 non procu●… fine , & eius parap●…slen N●…elam . Ierome attributeth vnto them this power , that they can enforce men to hate those things they should loue , and affect that which they ought to auoyd : and the ground hereof hath his strength from the holy Scriptures : for the Diuell is able to enslame wanton l l 〈◊〉 Col●… . 7. cap. 32. lust in the heart , and therfore is named , the Spirit of Fornication , Osea 4. 12. and vncleane , Math. 12. 43.

There is a very remarkeable example mentioned by Ierome m m In vila 〈◊〉 . , of a maiden in Gaza , whom a yong man louing , and not obtaining , went to Memphis in Egypt , and at the yeares end in his returne , being there instructed by a Priest of Aesculapius , and furnished with Magicall Coniurations , graued in a plate of brasse , strange charming words , and pictures which he buried vnder the threshold of the doore where the virgin dwelt : by which meanes she fell into a fury , pulled off the attire of her head , flung about her haire , gnashed with her teeth , and continually called vpon the name of her louer .

The like doth n n Oratione in laude Cypria ni eandem historian resert Nicephorus Calustus lib. 5 cap. 27. Nazianzene report of Cyprian before his conuersion ( though some thinke it o o Prudentius 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 de passione Cypriani , vnu●… erat iu●…enum doctisartibus s●…istris , sraude puditit●… perstringere . &c was not he whose learned and religious writings are extant , and for the profession of his faith and doctrine was crowned with Martyrdome ) but another of that name , toward Iustina , whom hee lasciuiously p p Ouid. lib. 2. de art. amand . philtra nocent animis , vimque fauoris habent . Propertius lib 4 in lanam quandam consuluitque siriges nostro de sanguine & in me , hippomenes fata semin●… legit equ●… . Vide de his Aristotelem de natura animali●… lib. 6. cap. 22. Plinium l. 8. c. 42. courted , and vnlawfully lusted after . It were easie for me to instance this in many , and to adde more testimonies , but my intended purpose was , to set downe onely some few propositions , whereby the iudicious reader might be stirred vp to a deeper search , and further consideration of these things : for often they driue men to a madnesse , and other such desperate passions , that they become murtherers of themselues . But this alwayes must be kept in minde , as a granted and infallible truth , q q Aug. de doctr. Christ . l. 2. c. 22. & 23. That whatsoeuer the Witch doth , it receiueth his force from that society which she hath with the Diuell , who serueth her turne in effecting what she purposeth , and so they worke together as r r Iaquerius in stagello heretic●…rum fascinariorum , cap. 6. Martinus de Arles , p. 43●… . associates .

Now concerning beasts they doe oftentimes kill them out-right , and that in sundry manner , or pine and waste them by little and little , till they be consumed .

For s s Ioh. Gerson in Trialogio Astrologia Theologisatae propos 16. Palanus in Syntagmate , l. 5. c. 13 the Elements , it is an agreeing consent of all , that they can corrupt and infect them , procure tempests , to stirre vp thunder & lightning , moue violent winds , destroy the fruits of the earth : for God hath a thousand wayes to chasten disobedient man , and whole treasures full of vengeance by his Angels , Diuels , Men , Beasts . For the whole nature of things is ready to reuenge the wrong done vnto the creator .

It were but fruitlesse labour , and ill spent , to bestow long time in confirming this so manifest a truth , and not much better then set vp a candle to giue the Sunne light when it shineth brightest in mid-heauen : yet to satisfie those who doubt hereof , I will giue a small touch of an example or two .

t t 〈…〉 Curius Sidius the Roman Generall in a battell against Salebus , Captaine of the Moores , in want of water , obtained such abundance of raine from Heauen by Magicall inchantments , that it not onely sufficed the thirst of his dstiressed Souldiers , but terrified the enemies in such sort , ( supposing that God had sent helpe ) as of their owne accord , they sought for conditions of peace , and left the field .

The narration of Olaus ● Magnus which he maketh . 〈◊〉 13 14. 15. 16 17. 18. 1●… 〈◊〉 of his Northerne Wisards and Witches , would seeme to be meere fictious , and altogether incredible ( as of Ericus , who had the winde at command , to blow alwayes from that quarter to which he would set his hat . Or Hagbert , who could shew herselfe in any shape , higher or lower , as she pleased , at one time so great as a Giant , at another as little as a Dwarfe : by whose Diabolicall practises mighty Armies haue beene dicomfited , and sundry others , except the truth hereof were without contradiction approued : by the experience of our owne Nauigators , who trade in Finland , Denmarke , Lapland , Ward-house , Norway , and other Countries of that Climate , and haue obtained of the inhabitants thereof , a certaine winde for twenty dayes together , or the like fixed period of time , according to the distance of place and strings tied with three knots , so that if one were loosed , they should haue a pleasant gale : if the second , a more vehement blast : if the third , such hideous & raging tempests that the Mariners were not able once to looke out , to stand vpon the hatches , to handle their tackle , or to guide the helme with all their strength ; and are somtimes violently carried back to the place from whence they first loosed to sea ; and many ( more hardy then wise ) haue bought their triall full deere , opening those knots , and neglecting admonition giuen to the contrary . Apuleius ascribeth to Pamphile , a Witch of Thessalia , little lesse then diuine power to effect strange wonders in heauen , in earth , in hell : to darken the starres , stay the course of riuers , dissolue mountains , and raise vp spirits , this opinion went for currant and vncontrouled . And without all question the Diuell x x De potestate D●…monum Aqu●… 〈◊〉 Sum. 〈…〉 . quest 110. can do this and much more , when God letteth him loose . For he is stiled , The Prince of the world , Ioh. 12. 31. A strong man armed , Luke 11. 21 , Principality , a ruler of darknesse , spirituall wickednesse in high places , Ephes. 6. 12.

Thus he dismaied the heart of Saul ( when he had broken the Commandement of God ) with dreadfull feare , and enraged his minde with bloudy fury , 1. Sam. 16 14. Entred into Iudas , prouoked him to betray his maister , dispaire and hang himselfe , Math. 27. 3. filled the heart of Ananias and Saphira with dissimulation , Act. 5. 3. possessed the bodies of many really , as is manifest in the History of the Gospell . Our Sauiour Christ assureth 〈…〉 vs , that a daughter of Abraham was bound for 18 yeares by Sathan , with such a spirit of infirmitie , as bowed together , shee could in no wise lift vp her selfe , Luk. 13. 11. 16. He spake out of the Pythonesse , Acts 16. 17. brought downe fire from heauen , and consumed Iobs sheepe 7000. and his seruants , raised a storme , strooke the house wherein 〈…〉 Carmina vel coelo possunt deducere Lunam : Carminibus Circe socios mutauit Vlyssis , F●…gidus in pratis cantando rumpitur Anguis , &c. 〈◊〉 de se Iactans Me●…ca apud Ouidium lib. 7. Metamorphos●… . Cum volui ripis ipfis mirantibus ; amnes In fontes rediere suos , concussaque ●…o , Stantia concutio eantu f●…era , nubila pello , Nubilaque iudico . Apud Virgilium Dido Aunms●…rorem allequitur . — Mihi Massilae gentis monstrata sacerdos , Haec se ca●…minibus pro●…ittit soluere mentes Sistere aquam fluvijs , & flumina verter●… 〈◊〉 . his sonnes and daughters feasted with their elder brother , smote the foure corners of it , with the ruine whereof they all were destroyed , and perished : and ouerspread the body of that holy Saint their father with botches ʸ and biles from the sole of his foot to the crowne of his head . 〈◊〉 And hee E●… Brachma●… No●…nus Dionys●…con , lib. 36. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . De Marco heretico & mago stupendae referunt 〈◊〉 contra hereses . lib. cap. 9. & Epipha●… 3. 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 . 1. wil haue his seruants Wisards & Witches , coadiutors with him , and maketh them fit instruments to the performance of all wicked exploits , and this is when God pleaseth ( of which I shall haue occasion to speake more afterward ) to giue leaue , for his wil is the first supreme and principal cause of all things : and nothing can be done visibly in this Common-wealth here below of the creatures , but is decreed and determined so to be first in the high Court of Heauen , according to his vnsearchable wisedome and iustice , disposing punishments and rewards as seemeth good vnto himselfe . So Pharaos a a Iannes , Iambres , 2. Ti●…ot . 3 Magitians could turne water into bloud , their roddes into serpents , produce frogges , &c. But when it came to the base vermine , to make lice , they were pusled , and acknowledged their imbecillity , confessing , Digitus Dei est , b b Vide Nicola●…m Lyranum in & additionem Burgensis , & replicam corrector●… contra Burgensem . Gods finger is here , Exod. 18. 19. For if they could effect and bring to passe all mischieuous designements without his sufferance , it would inferre a weakenesse , and conclude a defect of c c Diabolus Deo perpetuo aduersatur voluntat●… & act●… non s●…mper effectu : id est , Intentio semper est mala , ●…si non semper exanimi sui sententia m●…lum per●…ere possit Deo illud ve●…tente in bonum . Aug. de Ci●…it . Dei , lib. cap. 35 & de trinitate lib. 3. cap. 8. power in him , as not sufficient to oppose their strength , supplant their force , and auoid their stratagems . And we must not imagine that the practitioners of these damnable Arts of which sexe soeuer , be they men or women , do performe those mischifes which they effect , by their owne skill , or sucl●… meanes as they vse , of which sort bee the bones of dead mens skuls , Toades , Characters , Images , &c. But thorugh the cooperation of the Diuell , who is by nature subtile , by long experience instructed , swift to produceth strange works , & to humane vnderstanding admirable . Yet d d 〈…〉 cap. 15. he will haue those his vassals perswaded of some great benefit bestowed vpon them , whereby they are inabled to helpe and hurt , whom , how , and when they list ; and all to indeere them , & by making them partakers in his villany , being strongly bound in his seruice , & stedfastly continued in the same , might more grieuously ofsend 〈◊〉 de 〈◊〉 Da●… . God , and bring iust condemnation vpon themselues . And for the greater , and more forceable inticing allurement hereunto , hee promiseth 〈…〉 to giue and doe many things for their sakes , and reueale to them hidden secrets , and future euents , such ᵉ as he himselfe purposeth to doe , or knoweth by naturall signes shall come to passe . So then to conclude , in ᶠ euery Magicall action , there must be a concurrence of these three . First , the permitting will of God . Secondly , the suggestion of the Diuell , and his power cooperating . Thirdly , the desire and consent of the Sorcerer ; and if ● any of these be wanting , no trick of witch-craft can be performed . For if God did not suffer it , neither the Diuell , nor the Witch could preuaile to do any thing , no not so much as to hurt one h h 〈…〉 . bristle of a Swine . And if the Diuell had not seduced the minde of the wicked woman , no such matter would haue beene attempted . And againe , if hee had not the Witch to bee his instrument , the Diuell were debarred of his purpose .

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 , i i Iu●…s Scaliger de ●…tate , ad Card●… , ex . crcitatione 349. an 〈◊〉 ●…redalitas vim a ddat male●…o . 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 , k k Bafilias Homilia 21. in diuersos Scrip●… locos sermone babito in non procula fine . 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 l l Lib 2. qu●… e●… de origine err●…ris cap. 15. so as Lactantius speaketh , these vncleane sprits cast from heauen , wander vp and downe the earth , compasse land and sea , seeking to bring men to destruction as a con fort of their owne desperate and irrecouerable estate .