A candle in the dark shewing the divine cause of the distractions of the whole nation of England and of the Christian world ... / by Thomas Ady ... Ady, Thomas. 1655 Approx. 362 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 86 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A26476 Wing A673 ESTC R17625 11739401 ocm 11739401 48483 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A26476) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 48483) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 3:47) A candle in the dark shewing the divine cause of the distractions of the whole nation of England and of the Christian world ... / by Thomas Ady ... Ady, Thomas. [6], 172 p. Printed for Robert Ibbitson ..., London : 1655. Reproduction of original in Bodleian Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Witchcraft -- England. 2003-09 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2003-10 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2003-11 Rina Kor Sampled and proofread 2003-11 Rina Kor Text and markup reviewed and edited 2003-12 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion A Candle in the Dark : SHEWING The Divine Cause of the distractions of the whole Nation of ENGLAND , and of the Christian WORLD . That is , the Lord doth Avenge the blood of the Innocent upon the Inhabitants of the Earth : Iustitia Thronam firmat . The King that faithfully judgeth the poor , his Throne shall be established , Prov. 29.14 . This Book is profitable to bee read by all Iudges of Assizes , before they passe the sentence of Condemnation against poor People , who are accused for Witchcraft ; It is also profitable for all sorts of people to read who desire Knowledge . By THOMAS ADY M. A. LONDON , Printed for Robert Ibb'tson dwelling in Smithfield neer Hosier Lane End. 1655. The Reason of the Book . THe Grand Errour of these latter Ages is ascribing power to Witches , and by foolish imagination of mens brains , without grounds in the Scriptures , wrongfull killing of the innocent under the name of Witches ; unto which Idolatry and bloud-guiltiness ( being as bad , or worse than the Idolatry of the ancient Heathen ) men are led as violently by fond imagination , as were the Ephesians to the worshipping of Diana , and of the Image which ( as they blindly thought ) fell down from Jupiter , Acts 19.35 . It is reported by Travellers , that some People in America do worship , for a day , the first living Creature they see in the morning , be it but a Bird , or a Worm ; this Idolatry is like the Idolatry of this part of the World , who when they are afflicted in Body , or Goods , by Gods hand , they have an eye to some Mouse , or Bugg , or Frog , or other living Creature , saying , . It is some Witches Impe that is sent to afflict them , ascribing the Work of God , to a Witch , or any mean Creature rather than to God. Mr. Scot published a Book , called his Discovery of Witchcraft , in the beginning of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth , for the instruction of all Iudges , and Iustices of those times ; which Book did for a time take great impression in the Magistracy , and also in the Clergy , but since that time England hath shamefully fallen from the Truth which they began to receive ; wherefore here is again a necessary and illustrious discourse for the Magistracy , and other People of this Age , where I intreat all to take notice , that many do falsly report of Mr. Scot , that he held an Opinion , that Witches are not , for it was neither his Tenent , neither is it mine ; but that Witches are not such as are commonly executed for Witches . A Candle in the Dark , The First Book , shewing what Witches are in the Scripture-sence , throughout the Old and New Testament . The Second Book , shewing how grosly the Scriptures have been mis-interpreted by Antichrist concerning Witches , by which interpretation he hath made the Nations go astray . With a confutation of those Errours . The Third Book , touching some erroneous English Writers , who have upheld the same Errours which Antichrist hath broa●hed to the world ; Also the Works of a Scotch-man , called , The VVorks of King Iames. With an addition of fifteen Causes ; also a reference to Scot , and also the opinion of Luther concerning Devils . Also an instruction to Lawyers . Errata . PAge 11. line 3. for Magnus , read Magus , p. 15. 1. 2● , for 6 Chron. r. 2 Chro. p 22. 1. 1. for Proph●ts , r. Prophet●ss , p 28. 1. 23 for magis r. magi , p. 30. 1. 11. for inch●ntation , r. incantation , p. 38 1. 15. for little r. li●he , 1. 19. for tax , r. tap , thrice in the same page , in p 48. 1. 8. for Charms ● . Charmer , p. 76. 1. 33. for equivoc●ely , r equivocally , p. 77. 1. 8. for Scopula , r. Scapula , over p 79. for Oracle giver , r. ●outh sayer , so over p. 87. Necromancer should not be . The Second Book . Pag. 92. 1. 5. for drew r. grew , p. 96. 1. 10 , for inquisitions r. inquisitors , p. 106. 1. 8. tor superstitions , r. suspicions , p. 122. 1. 35 , for quem , r. quum , p. 124. 1. 15. for an r. and , p 129 , 1. 15. or prete●natual r , preternatural , p. 136. 1. 28. for any sort , r. every other sort , p. 145 . 1. 30 , for discovered , r. discoursed , p. 146. 1. 36. for and by them cast on c●n cure , r. and by them can cast on , or inflict and cure diseases , p. 147. 1. 4. for send r. teach . p. 170. 1 17 , for endicat , r. indicat . Reader , take notice that most of these faults are mended with Pen and Inke already , TO THE Prince of the Kings of the Earth . IT is the manner of men , O heavenly King , to dedicate their Books to some great men , thereby to have their Works protected and countenanced among men ; but thou only art able by thy holy Spirit of Truth to defend thy Truth , and to make it take impression in the heart and understanding of men : Unto thee alone do I dedicate this Work , intreating thy most High Majesty to grant , That whoever shall open this Book , thy holy Spirit may so possess their understanding , as that the spirit of errour may depart from them , and that they may read , and try thy Truth by the touchstone of thy Truth , the holy Scriptures , and finding that Truth may embrace it , and forsake these darksome inventions of Antichrist , that have deluded and defiled the Nations now , and in former Ages . Enlighten the World , thou that art the Light of the World , and let Darkness be no more in the World now , or in any future Age ; but make all people to walk as Children of the Light for ever ; and destroy Antichrist that hath deceived the Nations , and save us the residue , by thy self alone , and let not Satan any more delude us ; for the Truth is thine for ever . To the Reader . SIR , IF you be a courteous Reader , I intreat you that what weaknesse and imperfections you shall think you espie in this Book from the Author thereof , you passe them by for the Truths sake whereupon this Book treateth . Secondly , if you be so discourteous as to carp and censure , then I intreat you to carp only at me , and not at the Truth , lest you resist the truth . Thirdly , I intreat you to Read my Book thorow before you cast it by , for otherwise , Sir , it may argue weaknesse in your self to slight the Book before you see the Argument . It is one of the vanities of the World to write many Books , and when a man hath taken pains to write , few men will take the pains to read ; which Solomon intimateth Eccle. 12.12 . but Sir , if you find no leasure to read and consider , then I pray find no leasure to gainsay , or to argue against . Fourthly , for all places of Scripture alledged in this Book , if you shall search our English Translations , and not find them to carry the sense which I drive at in my discourse , I intreat you either to search the Originall , or else to look upon the Latin Translations of Iunius and Tremellius , which carry the true sense of the Originall , as it was written by the Spirit of God. Your Friend T. A. Non quis , sed quid . To the more Iudicious and Wise , and Discreet part of the Clergie of ENGLAND . Ioshua 7.11 . THese words , Israel hath sinned , are not so to be understood , as if Israel had been free from all other sins but only that of Achan , and yet that sinne of Achan was the sinne that kindled the anger of God against Israel ; so likewise , 2 Sam. 21.1 . David had been an adulterer , Ioab was a murderer , Shimei a rayler , Sheba a wicked man of Belial , and many sins were in Israel at that time , and yet the sinne that kindled Gods wrath , and brought the famine , was the blood-guiltiness of Saul , as appeareth in the Chapter and verse aforesaid ; so likewise 1 Kings 16.30 . Ahab was more wicked than all that were before him , yet the sin that cost him his life , and his crown , was murthering of Naboth , Chapter 21.19 . so that it is easily gathered , that some one abominable sinne doth sometimes more provoke God to anger , against any particular man , or against a Nation , than all other sinnes that are commonly committed . Then you that should be as messengers from God , in that you cry against sinne in generall , yee do well , but in that yee seek not out this cursed Achans wedg that hath defiled England and the Christian world , look to it betimes , lest it be laid to your charge , if the Nations perish for lack of knowledg . Your Friend T. A. Non quis , sed quid . A PREFACE . SInce the time that I have tryed to bring truth upon the stage of the world , to be censured by all men , I being acquainted with but few in comparison of all , and some of them knowing my intent to put this discourse in Print , I have neerly guessed by common discourse amongst them , what the censure of this book will be , that is , it will be the same among many , that it is among few ; for among few , I find some so reasonable in their discourse , that when they find by argumentation , that there is reason and grounds in the Scripture for what I write , they upon second cogitations , and deliberate musings , have yeelded to this truth , ( and some of them very learned . ) Some again , after some serious argumentation , being fully convinced that this is the very truth , yet doe still suspend their censure , till they see how it will be approved of by others ; by which they shew they are ready at all times , to beleeve as the Church beleeves , and to pin their opinion upon the sleeve of other mens judgements . A third sort there are , who at the first onset of discourse , do think themselves so surely grounded , and this truth so groundlesse and vain an opinion , as that they cannot speak without disdain , as great Goliah spake to little David , and thus they beginne in fury , O grosse ! what madnesse is this ? what will you deny the Scriptures ? what answer you to this ? Thou shalt not suffer a Witch to live : but when they are so suddenly answered , and suddenly convinced , that this place of Scripture maketh nothing for them , and that this their great Champion-argument , hath so soon received a stone in the forehead , they either let their discourse fall to the ground like Goliah , and slight this as a new opinion ; or else they runne away cowardly , like the host of the Philistines , and forsake the Scriptures ( which they first pretended should be their only weapon to fight withall ) and betake themselves to their leggs , runing into some vain story taken out of Bodinus or Bat. Spineus , or some such popish vain writer , and report that it was done in Lancashier , or in Westmerland , or in some remote place farre off ; and that they heard it credibly reported from men of worth and quality , and so they ingage me to answer to a story , which they would compell me to beleeve , or else to goe see where it was done ; but if it happeneth ( as often it doth ) that I make it appear by Scripture , that it is absurd or impossible , not to be reported by a Christian , or that I shew them the story , in any of the aforesaid Authors , who have been the Authors of many vain fables , then they presently fly to another story , as vain and absurd as the former , and that being answered , they fly to another , saying , Sir , what do you answer to this ? in which manner of disputes I have heard sometimes such monstrous impossibilities reported and affirmed to be true , ( for they had it by credible report ) as would make the Angells in Heaven blush to hear them . Therefore setting aside all such unscholar-like way of arguing , I desire all to argue by the Scriptures , and I will answer , or to answer by the Scriptures , and I will argue by the Scriptures , as followeth in this Dilemma . A DILEMMA THAT Cannot bee answered by VVITCH-MONGERS . Luke 4.4 , 8 , 12. CHrist who is our forerunner , Heb. 6.20 . by whose holy Spirit the holy Scriptures were written , whose words were of equall truth and authority with the Scriptures ; Yet when he was to conquer the father of lies , the Prince of darknesse ( not for his own sake , but for our example ) although hee was able to have argued by common reason , beyond the wisedome of Solomon , yet being tempted , would not answer any one temptation without Scriptum est , it is written ( because the Scriptures are the only rule of righteousnesse ; ) whosoever then will take example by him , to try the Truth by Scriptures , and to argue by them , as he did in this place of Luke , ( and not by strange reports , which are the objects of vain credulity ) let them answer me by Scriptum est . 1 Where is it written in all the old and new Testament , that a Witch is a murtherer , or hath power to kill by Witchcraft , or to afflict with any disease or infirmity ? 2 Where is it written , that Witches have Imps sucking of their bodies ? 3 Where is it written , that Witches have biggs for Imps to suck on ? 4 Where is it written , that the Devill setteth privy marks upon Witches , whereby they should be known or searched out ? or that any man or woman hath any mark upon their body any more than natural , or by some disease or hurt , which is preternatural ? 5 Where is it written , that the tryall of a Witch should be by sinking or swimming in the water ? or by biggs or privy marks , or suspition of people , to be signes of a Witch ? 6 Where is it written , that Witches can hurt corn or cattell , or transport corn by Witchcraft , or can fly in the aire , and do many such strange wonders ? 7 Where is it written , that a Witch is such a man or woman that maketh a league with the Devill , written with his or her blood , and by vertue of that covenant to have the Devill at command ? 8 Where is it written , that any man or woman was called in the Scripture strix , or lamia , or where is any word of such signification or importance , either in the Hebrew text , or in the Latin translation , where is a Witch said in the Scriptures to be any such kind of person ? 9 What is a witch in the scripture sense , according to Deu. 18.10 , 11 where all sorts of witches are nominated by nine terms of description ? 10 Where is it written , that there are any other sorts of Witches than such as are there described ? Deut. 18.10 , 11. 11 Where do we read of a he devill , or a she devill , called incubus or succubus , that useth generation or copulation with Witches , or VVitches with them ? 12 It is written , Woe unto such as devour widdows houses , and in a pretence make long prayers , Matth. 23.14 . 13 It is written , the Lord hateth the hand that sheddeth innocent blood , and the fals witness that speaketh lies , and the feet that are swift to do mischeif , and a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations , Pro. 6.17 18 , 19. 14 It is written , shall there be evill in a City and the Lord hath not done it ? Amos. 3.6 . 15 It is written , there is no God with me , I kill and I make alive ; I wound , and heal , Deut. 32.39 . and again , the Lord killeth , and maketh alive ; hee bringeth down to the grave , and bringeth up ; the Lord maketh poore , and maketh rich , 1 Sam. 2.6 , 7. 16 It is written , If ye were blind yee had had no sinne , but now ye say ye see , therefore your sinne remaineth , Iohn 9.41 . 17 It is written , Because they received not the love of the Truth , that they might be saved ; therefore God shall send them strong delusions , that they should beleeve lies , that they might be damned that beleeved not the Truth , but had pleasure in unrighteousness , 2 Thes. 2.10 , 11 , 12. 18 It is written , Thou shalt not raise a false report : put not thy hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witnesse , Exodus 23.1 . 19 It is written , If ye any way afflict the widdow or the fatherlesse , and they cry at all unto me , I will surely hear their cry ; and my wrath shal wax hot , and I will kill you with the sword , and your wives shall be widdows , and your children fatherlesse , Exodus 22.23 , 24. 20 It is written , God saw that the imaginations of the thoughts of mens hearts were only evill continually ; & it repented the Lord that he had made man , & therefore he destroyed the old world , Gen. 6.5 , 6 , 7. Therefore you that are of the sacred order of the ministry ; that do use to cry to the people , give ear with fear and reverence to the word of God , as it is written in the text , how dare ye teach for doctrin , the traditions of Antichrist that are not written in the Book of God ? Whether do not some preferre the mad imaginations of Cornelius Agrippa and others , before the Scriptures , for the defending their opinions ? So much for my Dilemma , now for the Text. A Candle in the Dark : SHEVVING The Divine Cause of the distractions of the whole Nation of ENGLAND , and of the Christian World. Deuteronomy 18.10 , 11. LEt the Reader take notice that in all the Scriptures there is not any kind of Witch spoken of but such as are mentioned in these two verses ; which that every one may understand , I will expound punctually , not according to our English obscure translations , but according to the true meaning , and signification of the originall text , as it was written by Moses in the Hebrew tongue , and as it is truely translated ( for the better and easier satisfaction of many that have not knowledge in the Hebrew tongue ; ) by Iunius , and Tremellius , in their Latin Bible ; whether also I referre the Reader for all places of Scripture , alledged in this Book ; and here I do in Gods name , and in Zeal for his truth , desire and intreat him that thinketh himself the learnedst Clerk , to shew mee in all the Scriptures , such a word as Striges or lamiae , or any word of that signification , importing such doctrins , as have a long time defiled the Nations . Deut. 18.10 , 11. Let there not be found among you , any that maketh his sonne or his daughter to passe thorow the fire , a user of divinations , a planetarian , or a Conjecturer , or a Jugler . Also a user of charmes , or one that seeketh an Oracle , or a South-sayer , or one that asketh counsell of the dead . The Latin translation is this . Ne invenitor in te qui traducat filium suum , aut siliam suam per ignem , utens divinationibus , planetarius , aut conjector , aut praestigiator , Item utens incantatione , aut requirens pythonem , aut ariolus , aut necromantis ; The Hebrew Text. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And here is the Hebrew Text written in the Roman character , with the construction of every word . Lo jimatzae ne invenitor , beca in te , magnabir qui traducat , beno filium suum , uubitto aut filiam suam , baese per ignem , kosem kesamim divinans divinationes , megnonen , planetarius , uumenachese aut conjector , umechascscph aut praestigiator , vechobhir chabher incantans incantatione , vessoel ob requirens pythonem , vejiddegnoni , aut ariolus , vedhorese el hamethim aut consulens mortuos ; so much for the Text. Exodus 22.18 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mechascscepha lo thechajeh , praestigiatricem non sines vivere . There is also another word , Hartumim in Exodus 4.17 . Gen. 41 8. and in other places , which is taken in the generall sense for Magnus a Magician ; that hath one or all these crafts or impostures , yet by many it is restrained to the particular , and often translated Ariolus , being the most allowed signification , for Arioli , were called Magi , being counted wise men , and therefore the word is used for all sorts of Magicians ; these and all other words in the Scriptures concerning Witches are consonant to the words in the Text. The Text opened . THe Text is verbatim , according to the Originall as it was written by Moses in the Hebrew tongue , which I will expound orderly : and here is to be noted , that in these two verses , are nine sorts of Witches nominated by God , unto Moses , and the people , to this end and purpose ; that whereas God hath chosen the people of Israel , to be a peculiar church and people to himself , he would be their only Counsellor , to keep them in the way of wisdome and holinesse , and therefore commandeth them , in no wise to aske counsell of any but the true prophets and messengers of God , as appeareth in the 14. and 15. verses of this chapter , and because there were so many sorts of people in the world , that did commonly abuse and usurp the office of Gods Prophets : God describeth them , in the 10. and 11. verses of this chapter , by nine severall nominations or descriptions , commanding them to shun and avoyd them as false Prophets and deceivers of the people ; for it was the manner of the heathen ( to seek unto such for counsell , ) & the Lord having cast out those heathen people , for such abominable ways giveth his own people warning of all such ways to avoid them , & not to hearken to them namely , to those nine sorts of witches , or deceivers , or false prophets , or seducers of the people from God and his prophets , to lying Idolatrous waies , & giveth them warning in the three last verses of the same chapter of all false Prophets whatsoever , that should presumptuously take upon them to speak any thing in Gods name which God had not commanded , or to speak in the name of other Gods , that such should be slain , and these nine appellations in the tenth and eleventh verses , are not tearms of distinction , but several terms of description , whereby to discern false Prophets , or Witches , whom the Lord would have cut off from among his people ; and therefore the Lord describeth them in the tenth and eleventh verses , sheweth the destruction of the Nations that hearkened to them , in the 12 , 13 , & 14. verses ( where also he commandeth his people to be holy , and not like those Nations ) promiseth that his people should always have a true Prophet amongst them to hearken unto , in the 15 , 16 , 17 , & 18. verses ( which although it was fulfilled in Christ chiefly , Acts 3.23 . yet it is meant , and also verified of all the rest of the Prophets , that were successively Messengers of Christ from Moses , till the coming of Christ in the Flesh ) commandeth them to hearken to such a Prophet , in the nineteenth verse , but for all false Prophets , the Lord will have them cut off in the twentieth verse , and setteth down a trial , and a discerning rule between a true Prophet , and a false Prophet that speaketh in Gods Name , in the one and twentieth and two and twentieth verses , as appeareth orderly in the chapter , who so pleaseth to read it . And now to come to the Exposition , or Interpretation of these two verses , Deut. 18.10 , 11. and of the nine appellations or descriptions therein contained . And first , for the first . Let there not be found among you , any that maketh his Son or his Daughter to pass through the fire , this is the first description whereby God describeth a Witch , or a false Prophet ; and in what manner this should be a description of a Witch , or false Prophet , that we may the better understand , I must first define what a Witch is , and then come to the matter . The Definition of a Witch , or a certain Demonstration what a Witch is ( for the vulgar capacity . ) A Witch is a Man , or Woman , that practiseth Devillish crafts , of seducing the people for gain , from the knowledge and worship of God , and from the truth to vain credulity , ( or beleeving of lyes ) or to the Worshipping of Idols . So likewise for the definition of Witchcraft . WItchcraft is a Devillish craft of seducing the people for gain , from the knowledge and worship of God , and from his Truth to vain credulity ( or beleeving of lyes ) or to the worshipping of Idols . That it is a Craft truly so called , and likewise that it is for gain is proved , Acts 16.16 , 19. the Maid that followed Paul crying , brought in her Master much gain ; and that it is a craft of perverting the people , or seducing them from God and his Truth , is proved , Acts 13.6 , 7 , 8. ●limas the Sorcerer laboured to pervert the Deputy from the Faith. So likewise , Acts 8.9 , 10 , 11. verses , it doth more plainly prove all in these words , And there was a man before in the City called Simon , which used Witchcraft , and bewitched the people of Samaria , saying that he himself was some great man , to whom they gave heed from the least to the greatest , saying , This man is the great power of God , and gave heed unto him because that of long time he had bewitched them with Sorceries ; How bewitched them with Sorceries ? That is , seduced them with Devillish crafts ( as the Greek and also Tremelius Latine Translation do more plainly illustrate ) in this sense speaketh Paul to the Galathians 3.1 . O foolish Galathians who hath bewitched you , that you should not obey the truth ? and that a Witch , or Witchcraft is taken in no other sense in all the Scripture , it appeareth by the whole current of the Scriptures , as you may see in this Book . But now to return to the Text. De●● . 18.10 , 11. THe first description of a Witch in the Text is , Let there not bee found among you , any that maketh his Son or his Daughter to pass through the fire . Here we must uote that there was in those days a great Idol of great request among the Heathen , the name of which Idol was Molech , and was first set up by the Ammonites , 1 King. 11.5 . and by them called Milcom , and from thence grew in request , and defiled a great part of the world , who were generally led after it to Idolatry , insomuch that the Kings and Nobles of the earth did sometimes make their Sons and their Daughters pass through the fire in honour to that Idol , as Manasses did , 2 Chron. 33.6 . and how that passing through the fire , was , or in what manner , is questionable , Some think they burnt them in the fire , as Burnt-offerings to that Idol , because it is said , Deut. 12.31 . they burnt their Sons and their Daughters in the fire to their gods ; and also in Psal. 106.38 . But although that was one Grand Abomination amongst the Heathen , sometimes to burn their Children in Sacrifice to their Idols , upon some extraordinary request , or Petition made to their Idols for the obtaining of some great matter ( which was also forbidden the people of Israel in that place of Deuteronomy 12.31 . ) yet that is not the meaning of this place , in Deut. 18.10 . but only that they made them pass through the fire , as an Idolatrous Ceremony , whereby they dedicated them to their Idol Molech . And this is the most allowable Exposition , for otherwise they must have bereaved themselves of Children ; but we read that Manasses was not left childless , for Ammon his Son reigned in his stead , 2 Chron. 33.20 . but yet in what manner soever it was , that they made their Children to pass through the fire , the scope and meaning of the text , Deut. 18.10 , is , That they should not be Ring-leaders to Idolatry ; as in Levit. 20.5 . whosoever did give his Children to Molech was to be slain , with all that followed him in his Idolatry , they that followed him to Idolatry were to be slain as Idolaters , but he that gave his Children to Molech , to make them pass through the fire , is chiefly named here , to be slain , as a Ring-leader of other men to Idolatry , and is in Deut. 18.10 . reckoned amongst Witches , according to the definition of a Witch afore-shewed , Witches being in all the Scripture-sence only Seducers , or inticers of the people to Spiritual Whoredom , and here in the Text Moses speaketh , Per Synecdocen , of one Idol for all ; all one as if he had said , Let none be found among you that is an inticer or ring-leader of the people to Idolatry , in which sence all Idol Priests are Witches , and are stiled so in common Scripture phrase , 1 Sam. 6.2 . the Philistims called their Priests , and South-sayers together ; for the setting up or upholding of any Idol , is the Grand Witch-craft of all , and the very Mother of all other Witch-craft , and it is most probable the Priests of Molech were first devoted to that service , by using that Ceremony of passing through the fire ; and all that did in like manner pass through the fire did become Priests , or at least Servants to the Idol , for the work of the Burnt-offerings , in this sence is Iesabel , called a Witch , 2 King. 9.22 . Why was it said the Witch-crafts of Iesabel ? Because shee was an upholder of Baal , and his Prophets , who were jugling Seducers of the people to Idolatry : Why in the same verse is it said the Whoredoms of Iesabel ? Because Spiritual Whoredom ( or Idolatry ) and Witch-craft are inseparable companions , therefore it is said , Scortationes & praestigiae Iezebelae , the Whoredoms , and juglings , or Witch-crafts of Iesabel ; in this sence is Ma●asses truly said to use Witch-craft , ● Chron. 33. and the first eight verses , almost all that is spoken of in Deut. 18.10 , 11. Manasses is said to be guilty of in this place of Chronicles ; First , he set up several Idols , and immediatly follows the inseparable companions , that is the Witches , or Priests of Idols , called here South-sayers , with their several Witch-crafts , in the sixth verse of the same Chapter of the Chronicles . Why do Idols , and Witch-crafts , and Witches come in rolling together so thick in this place ? The first Reason is , because as the setting up of an Idol is Witch-craft , so where Idols are , there must needs bee Witches ; namely South-sayers , or Idol Priests , or else the Idol of it self can do nothing ; as when it is said in 2 King. 1 , 2. Ahaziah sent to inquire of the god of Ekron , it is not to be supposed that there could be an answer given by the bare Idol ( being but a stock ) but the answer or Divination must come from the Priests and South-sayers , that were there belonging to that Idol , and upholding it . The second Reason is , because as I have said before of the nine several appellations of Witches in Deut. 18.10 , 11. that they are not terms of distinction but of description ; so here in the 2 Chron. 33. all that is said of Manasses in the seven first Verses of the Chapter , is not to be understood as expressions of several distinct things done by Manasses , but a full expression of one thing by several terms of description , expressing fully that one act of Manasses , that is , first he set up several Idols , as in the third , fourth , and fifth , and the beginning of the sixt verse of the Chapter doth appear ; and then it followeth that he used those things that did necessarily belong to the Idol , without which the Idol could be of no force , or request among the people , and that was as appeareth in the sixth verse , he used Divinations , and Conjecturings , and Juglings , and set up an Oracle , and South-sayers , ( the Latine translation is ) Et divinationibus , & conjectationibus , & prestigiis usus est , instituitque pythonem & ariolos ) so all that Manasses did , was setting up of Idols with their adjuncts , and though the Idols indeed were several and various , yet all was one act , tending only to the making up of one compleat Idol-house , that was the House of God , verse the fourth , and seventh , he abusing it ; and making it an House of Idols , this one act produced one effect ; that was , he made Iudah and Ierusalem go astray to Idolatry , as appeareth verse nine , but Iosiah destroyed the Idols , with their Adjuncts , Oracles , and South-sayers , 2 King. 23 , 24. being Idol Priests . So much for the first and grand description of a Witch in the text , that is , a Ring-leader to Idolatry , intimated in these words , Let there not be found among you , any that maketh his Son or his Daughter to pass through the fire ; this first description being rightly understood , the other eight will bee the more easily expounded , being but appurtenances to the first , or rather Monsters in the belly of the first . Now followeth the second description , or appellation of a Witch , that is , Let there not be found among you , any that useth Divinations . To use Divinations was to take upon them to tell things to come , and things hidden , which things could not be done by any but by God , and his Prophets , as appeareth , Isa. 41.23 . Shew what is to come after , that we may know that yee are gods ; yet as Gods Prophets could tell things to come , so in the second of Kings , 6.12 . Elisha the Prophet could tell the King of Israel what was spoken in the secret Chamber of the King of Aram ; and although God would have his people know , that none could do these things truly but himself , by his Prophets , and therefore hee would have his people to hearken after none but his Prophets , in enquiring of things to come , or things hidden ; yet many false Prophets did take upon them to tell such things meerly to seduce the people for gain , pretending that they could do it , either by vertue of their Idol , and so led the people a whoring after them , as in 2 King. 1.2 . Ahaziah sent to enquire of the god of Ekron , and Ieremiah , 23.13 . they Prophesied by Baal , and seduced my people . Or else falsly pretending themselves to be Gods Prophets , and so in a fair pretence , to pervert the people from the truth to lyes , as Micha 3.11 . Quorum Prophetae , pecunia divinant , whose Prophets do give Divinations for money ; and Ier. 23.21 . I have not spoken to them , and yet they have Prophesied saith the Lord. In this sence Samuel said to Saul , Rebellio est sicut peccatum divinationis , Rebellion is as the sin of divination , or according to our English translations , is as the sin of Witch-craft , 1 Sam. 15.23 . and for these divinations , and false Prophesies they had this colour , That whereas God did usually speak to his Prophets in Dreams , and Visions of the night , as appeareth , Numb . 12.6 . these Witches , or false Prophets pretended that they had also Dreamed , and had seen Visions , that so they might bewitch and seduce the people from Gods way , Deut. 13.1.5 . and also Ier. 23.25 . They prophesie lyes in my name , saying , I have dreamed , I have dreamed ; and vers . 27. Think they to cause my people so to forget my Name by their Dreams , which they tell every one to his neighbour , as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal ? not but that Dreams were to be declared and regarded , if it were truly done without deceit , for it followeth in the twenty eighth verse , He that hath a Dream , let him tell a dream , and he that hath my Word , let him speak my Word faithfully ; but these Dreamers , or Witches , did falsly pretend Dreams and Visions , that they might seduce the people , vers . 32. these were the right Enthusiasts of the Heathen , this was one great practise of the Priests of the great Idol Apollo , that was called the Oracle of Apollo , they would lye down behind the Altar , and sleep for a time , and then make people beleeve they had seen a Vision , whereby they could determine their matters , and accordingly gave their Divinations , or Oracles ; many other colours , or pretences , had their Diviners , for their cheating Witch-craft , or Divinations , as they would make the people beleeve they could talk with the spirit departed of the dead , and so know things hidden , or things to come , but of that more in the ninth description , and indeed most of the following descriptions , or appellations in the text were linken to the second , to lying Divinations , as also linked to each other , yet because the manner of their actions were various , the Lord here describeth them according to the variety of their actions , all tending to one end , and that is to oppose the way of God , and the Prophets for gain . A Question resolved . SEeing it is manifest by the Scriptures , as appeareth in this second description of a Witch , that he that useth Divinations is a Witch , and one main pretence in giving Divinations , was Dreams and Visions of the night , then it may bee supposed that he that telleth a Dream to his neighbour , thereby fore-telling things to come , useth Divinations , and ought to bee censured as a Witch , or else must needs bee a Prophet . To this it is answered , That Dreams in the Scripture do appear to be of two sorts , the first sort were Prophetical , wherein men had a direct command from God to go and Prophesie to the people , and these Dreams came ordinarily to the Prophets , upon so many several occasions as were needful for the Prophets to admonish the people , to shew them their sins , and declare the truth to them , and for the declaring of future things to the people , either concerning Judgements of God that would come upon them for their sins if they did not amend , or concerning some great work , that God would do for his people that feared him , and these Dreams were proper to the Prophets only , Numb . 12.6 . and they that did falsly pretend such Dreams , and Inspirations , to dissemble the Prophets , to seduce the people to Idolatry were Witches , or false Prophets , according to this second description of using lying Divinations , and ought to bee slain , Deut. 13.1.5 . Secondly , the second sort of Dreams that we read of in the Scriptures were warning Dreams , whereby men were forewarned of things to come , but were not thereby sent to Prophesie to the people by special command from God , but were forewarned ; First , for the avoyding of danger that might come upon them , or others whom this Dream concerned , or at the least that they might know the danger before it came , and these Dreams were common to many as well as to the Prophets , both to the godly and ungodly , Mat. 2.12 , 13 and 27.19 . Gen. 40.8 . and Chap. 41. Dan. 2.1 . Secondly , these sort of warning Dreams fore-shewed a blessing upon the godly to encourage them , Gen. 37.5.9 . and for these sorts of Dreams , we read by these examples in the Scriptures , that they are common to all sorts of people , and useful either to hear , or to declare , but whosoever did declare a Prophetical Dream , was either a true Prophet indeed , or else a lying Enthusiast , or false Prophet ( such as were the Idol Priests of the Heathen ) to seduce the people , as is shewed in the Scriptures before mentioned in this second description , and also in Ieremiah 23.16.25 . And whereas some may question whether Dreams are now sent by God to forewarn , as in ancient times , so long as we have no Scripture to the contrary ( but rather for it ) wee may not deny it ; and do also finde by common experience that some have dreamed of their Childe falling into the fire , and some into the water , and of other several dangers concerning themselves , and others , of which some have come to pass that might have been prevented , by prayer and diligent care . I know a man that was fore-warned in a Dream of these Wars in England before they began , ( or were-like to bee ) but Prophetical Dreams are not usual in these days . Yet here it may further be noted , that in some case a man may also declare a Prophetical Dream , and yet be neither a true Prophet , nor a Witch , or false Prophet ; and that hath sometimes been seen by experience in such as have been troubled in their phantasies through distemper of body , or other distracting occasions hurting their phantasie , they imagine that God hath spoken to them by Dream , or Vision , or Voyce heard , or by an Angel , and hath bidden them go Prophesie such and such things , and these are to be charitably judged of , and not rashly censured ; this distemper of body may be discerned by the effects , that is , Death , or Sickness following within a short time after , if not prevented by the Phisitians ; also troubled phansie by outward distractions may be discerned by the fore-going occasions that have troubled them , and hurt their phansies ; and here is required great discretion in all that shall see , or hear a Man or Woman declare a Message from God ( as he thinketh ) for the intent of a false Prophet is only to deceive , or seduce for advantage of gain or preferment ; some have written concerning Dreams , that some Dreams are Diabolical , which are only Philosophical Notions , having no grounds in the Scripture . And whereas it is manifest in the Scriptures that God speaketh to men by Dreams , and interpretations of Dreams are only by the Spirit of God , Gen. 40.8 I think it presumption and Phantasie , to adde any such distinction of Dreams , except Enthusiasmes , which although they are of the Devil , yet are no real Dreams , but Lyes , for the Enthusiasts did falsly pretend that they had Dreamed , Ier. 23 , 25.27.32 . Natural Dreams I deny not , which come from the multitude of business , and from the natural disposition of the body , but none of these are any way concerning future events , but are only the objects of our Natural affections , and although some of these are lascivious Dreams , some Murtherous , some Covetous , and in that sence may be called Diabolical ; yet in these Dreams are nothing besides Nature , neither hath the Devil any further act in them than in our corrupt stragling affections in the day time ; and though our thoughts are sometimes worse in the night than in the day , it is because our affections are busied in the day with other objects preventing such thoughts . So much for the Second description of a Witch in the text , that is an user of Divinations or false Prophesies . The Third Description . THe Third description of a Witch in the text , Deut. 18.10 , 11. is Planetarius , let there not be found among you a Planetarian ; some have thought by a Planetarian here is meant such a one as did observe the course and influence of the Planets , and from thence gave predictions of future events , that these were unlawful Arts , and ought not to be practised , and therefore have absolutely condemned judiciall Astrology , but if they be right in this opinion , how then do they answer to Psal. 19.1 . The Firmament sheweth the works of his hands ; this is not to be understood only of the making of the Canopy of Heaven , for then it had been said the Firmament is the works of his hands ( he that liketh not this exposition , let him read Cornelius Gemma de natura Come●ae ) and God himself speaketh of the influence of the Heavens , Iob 38.31 . Canst thou restrain the sweet influence of the Pleiades , or canst thou loose the bonds of Orion ? &c. And whereas some have said , That the Star that shewed the birth of Christ , Mat. 2.2 . was Miraculous , and not any Natural Star , how then could the Wise men or Astrologians see the signification of that Star by their Science of Astrologie , whereas if it reacheth not to the knowledge of future contingensies , then much less to the knowledge of things supernatural or miraculous , and yet they saw that the Stars appearance did signifie the birth of that great King ( although I deny not , that the motion of the star in the ninth verse might bee miraculous . ) And to come farther , Iudg. 5.20 . the Stars in their Rampires fought against Sisera ; it is not spoken of any thing beyond nature , but the Prophets did observe that the stars in their natural places ●ought against Sisera , also Gen. 1.14 . God made the Lights of Heaven to be signs for seasons , and for days , and for years ; it seemeth then that judicial Astrology is not condemned in the Scripture , if it be not abused ; what then was a Planetarian in the sence of the text ? and why were they forbidden by God , and set in the Catalogue of Witches ? To this it is answered , That under the colour of Astrologie these Planetarians that are here forbidden did harbour themselves , that because there was somewhat in that Science for the knowledge of some future things , therefore in the pretence of their knowledge in that Science they did take upon them to compare themselves with the Prophets , and to draw the people after their uncertain Predictions , as if they had been equal with the Prophets , and many of them having no knowledge at all in that Science , yet did under the colour thereof harbour their deceitful Oracles , or Divinations , ascribing a Deity to the Planets , calling them gods , as Mars the god of Warre , Venus the goddess of Beauty , &c. and did also ascribe so much to their influence , as they beleeved no power above them , and so drew the people a whoring after them , to make them forget God the Author of all things , and to Deifie the Creature ; and these Planetarians being meer Naturalists , and beleeving no power above the Planets , would bear a breast against the Prophets , and undertake to do those things that were only proper to the Prophets to do , and could be done by no other power but by the Spirit of God , Dan. 2.2 , 3 , 4. they would undertake the interpretation of Dreams , if the dreams were related to them , nevertheless the expounding of dreams is of God only , vers . 27 , 28. and Gen. 41.16 . and 40.8 . And whereas God did put into the heart of Nebuchadnezzar , to put them to difficult task , they said no man upon earth was able to do it , Dan. 2.10 . inferring that the Prophets themselves could do no more than they ; yea so did they deifie the Planets , that they ascribed to them to be the gods of the seven Days of the Week , and caused the people to worship them , and bring their daily oblations to them , and to keep Holy days to them , from the names of which Planets the days do take their nominations ; as Sunday from the Sun , Monday from the Moon , &c. and in other Tongues is more manifest for every day ; which if it be true that the Planets have their several influences upon the several days of the Week , yet their wickedness was in denying God that made the Heavens , and their Host , and in dei●ying the Creature ; and for this they are described among Witches , or seducers of the people to Idolatry , and this Idolatry God warneth his people to avoyd , Deut. 4.19 . Take heed when thou liftest up thine eyes to Heaven , and seest the Sun , and the Moon , and Stars , with all the Host of Heaven , shouldest be driven to worship them and serve them , which the Lord thy God hath distributed to all people under heaven . Although God had given and distributed their influence to all people under Heaven , yet men may not worship them , but worship God that madethem . So likewise Deut. 17.3 . also this Idolatry part of the Israelites were defiled with , Ier. 44 17. they burnt Incense , and poured Drink-offerings to the Queen of Heaven , or ( as it is in the Original ) to the works of Heaven , that is , to the Planets ; of this Idolatry Iob cleareth himself , Iob 31.26 . If I did behold the Sun when it shined , or the Moon walking in her brightness ( that is , if I did behold them with adoration ) this had been iniquity , for I had denied the God above , as followeth vers . 28. also 2 Chron. 33.5 . This was part of Manasses Witchcraft , he built Altars to all the Host of Heaven , and made the people go astray , vers . 9. And so for this Third description of a Witch in the text , a Planetarian , that is , that under the colour of Astrologie seduceth the people to lying vanities , or Divinations , and causeth them to deifie and Idolize the Planets , or that boasteth himself in his Predictions against the Prophets , crying peace when the Prophets Prophesie destruction , Isa. 47.13 . Let thy Astrologians stand up that do view the Stars , and do make known their monthly Predictions , and save thee from the things that shall come upon thee . I might quote also some prophane Writers of this sort , who are seducing Witches , because under pretence of Astrologie they teach things beyond the intent and scope of that , or any lawful Science . As Iulius Maternus hath devillishly written , That he that is born when Saturn is in Leone , shall live long , and go to Heaven when he dyeth ; and so Albumazar saith , Who so prayeth to God when the Moon is in Capite draconis , shall obtain his prayer . These Planetarians , for these and the like impious devices , in pretence of a lawful Science , are described in the text among Witches . Astrologians have also annexed to their Science of Astrologic , Palmistrie , and Physiognomie , the Caelestial Bodies , as they say , having fixed their Characters upon the inferiour Bodies of men ( as he that readeth their Books may see , with the reason thereof ) and therefore these Arts together with Astrologie do serve them to make their Prognosticks concerning the strength , health , disposition , and several events of any mans life ; which Prognosticks do often happen true , because Natures course may be probably conjectured by the course and character of the Planets ( although these Arts are much abused by wandring Gypsies , who under colour of such knowledge , do commonly cheat silly people , and also rob their pockets , when they are viewing their hands and face to tell them their Fortunes ; ) now herein was one difference between Planetarians , or Astrologians , lawful or unlawful in the Scripture sence , the lawful Astrologian foretelling probable events , fore-seen by Natural causes upon any person , or Nation ; as Deborah observed the Stars concerning Sicera and his Army ( although she knew what should come to pass more certainly by the Spirit of Prophesie than by the Stars . ) The unlawful Astrologian , or Planetarian foretelling things not only probably , but certain and necessarily to come to pass , as if there were such strong inclination , influence , and co-action in those Coelestial Bodies , as that our earthly bodies can no way avoyd them , and as if God hath no Decree but what may be fore-seen in the Stars . But the Scripture , and true Religion teacheth us otherwise , for as a man may not be so stupid as to deny the influence of the Stars , so no man may be so Atheistical as to deny that Divine Providence ruleth all inferiour bodies ; not only in that sense , that Astra regunt homines & regit astra Deus , ( which is the Astrologians Creed ) but beyond the influence of the Stars ; otherwise it were in vain to pray to God for recovery from sickness , or loss , or calamity , because haply the Stars threaten death , or ruine ; in vain it were then for the Elders of the Church to pray over the sick , with hope of their recovery , except the Stars say , Amen . In vain it were then for a Nation to fast , and pray for Peace when the Stars threaten War. In vain it were for a man to hope for prosperity in all his undertakings , by walking in Gods way ( as is taught in Deut. 29.9 . ) because the Stars in that mans Nativity threaten evil , and no prosperity to the whole course of that mans life . But as a skilful Physitian may by good Phisical applications of remedies lengthen the days of a man , upon whom the Stars have a bad influence , and threaten death ( which Astrologians themselves confess ) how much more may true Religion in a man obtain a blessing for health , and prosperity , and peace , beyond what the Stars do promise ? which is the whole discourse of Lev●t . chap. 26. therefore it must needs follow that Grace may turn away the bad influence , and Vice may hinder the good influence of the Stars from a Man , or a Nation ; and they that were such meer Naturalists , as that under colour of their science in Astrologie they taught the people otherwise , they were seducing Witches ; and they that did seek to such for Divinations , and did not regard Divine Providence to rule beyond the Stars influence , and so neglected seeking to God in time of trouble , they were Idolaters bewitched . Another way might Astrologians become Witches , that is , if an Astrologian finding that many of his Prognosticks happened true , and did thereby dissemble Prophesie , pretending that he did by Revelation , or prophetical Inspiration fore-tell those things which yet he did only conjecturally foresee by the Stars , that pretence or dissimulation made him a Witch , fit to seduce and mis-lead the people . So much for the Third description . The Fourth Description . THe Fourth description , or term of description ; of a Witch in the text is Con●e●tor , a Conjecturer ; that was such a one that had some particular pretence or colour whereupon he grounded his Divinations , making the people beleeve that thereby he could Divine or Prophesie unto the people ; whereas yet it was altogether a cousening imposture , or uncertain guessing , or conjecturing , and according to that he is here described by Moses as a Witch ; what that Imposture was , Expositors have given several glosses , one Exposition is , That they observed the flying of Fowls , and thence gave their uncertain Predictions , or Divinations , but for that we finde no example in the Scriptures in the Original sence , and therefore leave it , and do also think , that to observe the flying of Fowls for Predictions of weather , as also the postures of Beasts , and creeping things is no offence , nor is here forbidden . Another exposition is , That they observed the intralls of Beasts , from whence they pretended they did know the will of the gods ; and that was indeed of Beasts that were offered in Sacrifice to their Idols . By which pretence being but a meer cousening Imposture , they seduced the people to Idolatry , and therefore were reckoned and described among Witches in the text ; and for that exposition we have that example in the Scriptures , Ezek. 21.26 . ( which in Tremell●us translation is thus ) To use Divinations , he will furbush Knives , he will consult with Idols , he will look in the Liver , this is a plain demonstration of this Fourth description of a Witch in the text ; that is , such a one as pretended to the people that their Idol gods hiding their secrets in the intralls of the sacrificed Beasts , he being one of their Priests , could by searching the intralls , conjecture to the people the meaning of the gods . This exposition is agreeable to that , 2 Chron. 33.3 . when Manasses had built Idol-Altars in the House of God , it followeth immediatly in the sixt verse , Et Divinationibus , & conjectationibus & prestigiis usus est ; and he used Divinations , and Conjecturings , and Juglings , all tending to one end , to seduce the people to Idolatry , as followeth in the ninth verse , he made Iudah and Ierusalem to go astray , for God had appointed his people not to inquire after uncertain conjecturings , by any Idol Impostures of the Heathen , but to inquire after himself , by the Prophets , and by his Priests , by an Ephod , by Urim and Thummim , as appeareth , 1 Sam. 30.7 . Exod. 28.30 . Some report that the Roman South-sayers did take the anckle bone of ● Beast sacrificed , which bone was by them called talus in the Latine , the said bone is easie to be seen in the foot of any Oxe or Sheep , and hath four sides equally poysed , and being cast upon a Table it falleth contingently like a Dye ; and therefore are the Dyes called by the same name in latin tali , and when those Idol Priests , the Roman South-sayers , would enquire of their Idols for Divinations , or rather give Divinations in the name of their Idols , they would cast that bone upon the Table , and according to the several contingent falling of the bone like the cast of a Dye , so they gave several conjecturing Divinations , every side when it chanced upward being of a several signification , given by their Idol , as they pretended ; a meer cheating Imposture to seduce the people ; a lively demonstration of it may be seen among Boys , casting the bone in the same manner in certain childish Games called cock-up-all . It may be collected also , That the Idol Priests of the Heathen did sometimes use this imposture for one , ( they having divers ways to delude the people ) that was , for the Priest to be blinde-folded , and one or more to touch him , and he to conjecture or guess who it was that touched him ; which was easily done by the con●ederacy of some stander by , some Priest like himself , who gave him a private token which the people did not take notice of , but were thereby deluded , and thought him to have a Prophetical inspiration from the Idol gods , and this is collected from Matth. 26.68 . especially if that place be compared with Mark 14.65 . where it appeareth , That the corrupt Iews , who had been defiled by the manner of the Heathen , did blind-fold Christ and smite him , and said , Prophesie , who it is that smote thee ; they offering to try Christ by such ways as they had seen the Heathen try their Prophets by , who notwithstanding were Impostors and false Prophets . So much for the Fourth term , of description , of a Witch in the text , Conjector , a Conjecturer . The Fifth Description . The Fifth Appellation , or term of description of a Witch in the Text , is Prestigiator , that is , a Jugler . THe interpretation of this word is plain in the Scriptures , that is , one that worketh false or lying Wonders , or lying Miracles , in opposition of the true Miracles that were wrought by God , by his Prophets , such were Iannes , and Iambres , 2 Tim. 3.8 , 9. As Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses , so also do these resist the truth ; now how Iannes and Iambres withstood Moses it appeareth , Exod. 7.5.8.9 . God would have his Prophets , Moses , and Aaron to be known by their Miracles , that the people might beleeve that God had sent them , they wrought the Miracles that God had commanded them , Exod. 7.13 . but it appeareth in vers . 14. that these Juglers withstood them , and when the Messengers of God wrought true Miracles , those Witches wrought lying Miracles in opposition of them , Fecerunt similiter , they did the like . The Latin translation is thus ; Tum vocavit Pharo sapientes & Prestigiatores , ut facerent ipsi quoque magi Aegyptii suis incantation●bus similiter ; and Pharoah called the Wise men , and Juglers , that the Magicians of Aegypt might also do the like with their inchantments ; so likewise vers . 25. Fecerunt similtier magis suis incantationibus , the Magicians did the like with their Inchantments ; this word Similiter , the like , or in like manner , is of great importance , least some ignorant reader of the Scriptures should suppose , that the Magicians did the same Miracles that the Prophets did , whereas those acts of the Magicians were only delusions , ( although enough to blind Pharaohs eyes , because God would harden his heart . ) And as it appeareth in 2 Tim. 3.9 . their actions were only mad fooleries that came to light , and were proved ridiculous , as the words import , for the craft of Jugling , to them that are not acquainted with it , breedeth great admiration in the beholders , and seemeth , to silly people , to b● miraculous , and yet being known is but deceit and foolery ; so that the beholder himself cannot but blush , and be ashamed to think he was so easily cousened , and did so much admire a ridiculous Imposture , that craft of Jugling consisteth . First , In slight of hand , or cleanly conveyance . Secondly , In confederacy ; and Thirdly , In the abuse of Natural Magick . The first is profitably seen in our common Juglers , that go up and down to play their Tricks in Fayrs and Markets , I will speak of one man more excelling in that craft than others , that went about in King Iames his time , and long since , who called himself , The Kings Majesties most excellent Hocus Pocus , and so was he called , because that at the playing of every Trick , he used to say , Hoc●● pocus , tontus talontus , vade celeriter jubeo , a dark composure of words , to blinde the eyes of the beholders , to make his Trick pass the more currantly without discovery , because when the eye and the ear of the beholder are both earnestly busied , the Trick is not so easily discovered , nor the Imposture discerned ; the going about of this Fellow was very useful to the wise , to see how easily people among the ancient Heathen were deceived , in times and places of ignorance , for in these times many silly people ( yea and some also that think themselves wise ) will stand like Pharaoh and his Servants , and admire a Jugling Imposture ; or like the silly Samaritans , Acts 8.10 . who did so much admire a seducing Jugler , as they said , He was the great power of God , until they saw the true and real Miracles of Philip , vers . 6. And others again on the contrary will stand affrighted , or run out of the room scared like fools , saying , The Devil is in the room , and helpeth him to do such Tricks ; and some saying absolutely , He is a Witch , and ought to be hanged ; when as he did only act the part of a Witch to enlighten , and not to deceive , that people might see and discern the Impostures by which the Idols of the Heathen were made famous , by their jugling Priests , and might laugh at their vanities ( they that would see the manner of this part of Jugling , or cleanly conveyance more fully , may read Master Scots discovery of Witchcraft , where it is set down at large , to the satisfaction of all those that are not wilfully ignorant ; as also briefly afterward in this Fifth description , after pag. 34. And now for illustrating of the History of Pharaohs Magicians , I will parallel this Hocus Pocus , or English Jugler , a little with them ; they are called Prestigiatores , Juglers , Exod. 7.14 . and yet in the same verse , and also in vers . 25. it is said , they did in like manner by their inchantments ; Why with their Inchantments ? Not that Jugling and Inchanting are one and the same imposture , but the reason is , because when they wrought a Jugling Trick , or lying Miracle , they always spake a Charm , or Inchantation immediately before it , like to that of our English Jugler aforesaid , to make the delusion the stronger , by busying the senses of Hearing and Seeing in the Spectator both at once , for a Charm , or Inchantation was only a composure of words to delude people , who thought that words spoken in a strange manner had vertue and efficacy in them ( as may be seen more fully in the Sixth description following ) therefore are they said to work their false Miracles by their Inchantments , because they seemed to silly beholders to do them by their inchantations or words , when as indeed they did them only by slight of hand , or cleanly conveyance called Legerdemain ; and they that are well acquainted with this craft of Jugling , may easily conceive how these Magicians did their Feats without so much admiring them , when they read the History , as if they had done great Wonders , which were only delusions ; The second and third Miracle , that they dissembled , do plainly appear in the letter of the History , Exod. 7.2 . they seemed to 〈◊〉 water into bloud , Focerunt similiter , and yet mark well the History , and yee shall see there was no water in Aegypt , for Moses had turned it all into bloud before , vers . 20.21 . 24. 25. so then they could finde no River or Pond to do that feat in , it must needs follow then , that they sent for water where it was to be had , which was no nearer than Goshe● , and so shewed a petty Jugling Trick before Pharaoh in a room , with a Bowl or Tray of water , setting it upon the ground , and by slight of hand conveying bloud into it to colour it ; so likewise for the Third Miracle which they dissembled , Chap. 8.7 . it was necessarily done by a such vessel of water ; for they could not finde any other water free in all Aegypt , which were not already full of the abundance of Frogs , vers . 3.5 . and what common Jugler might not easily dissemble that Miracle , by setting a bowl of water down before Pharaoh and his Servants , and by slight of hand conveying in three or four Frogs ▪ and so holding up their staffe , and speaking certain words to make it seem to silly spectators that the waters brought forth those Frogs ; The first Miracle indeed seemeth more difficult to dissemble , and yet not so difficult if you saw it acted , for what is easier than for a cunning Jugler to hold up a staffe as if he would throw it down , and then to speak a lofty inchantation , to busie the intention of the Spectators , and then with slight of hand to throw down an artificial Serpent instead of his staffe , and convey away his staffe , that so they might think his staffe was turned into a Serpent , for these Histories are set down according to the apprehension of the deceived beholders , and not that the Magicians did them really , for then we must beleeve that they wrought real Miracles as the Prophets did , which were an ignorant and absurd tenent ; whereas the Scriptures do manifest that they were only mad fooleries , and were dis●overed and came to light , 2 Tim. 3.9 . yet many are so stupid , that rather then they will not have them really done , they say they were really done by the power of the Devil , and so ascribe power to the Devil for working Miracles , whereas we never read in the Scriptures that the Devil may have any supernatural power ascribed to him , but is only the Father of Lyes . The same kinde of Jugling Tricks were the Impostures of Simon Magus , in Acts 8.9 . which although the people did for a time behold with admiration , yet when they saw real Miracles wrought by Philip , vers . 6.12 . they beleeved him , and not the Impostor any longer , for they did easily see a difference between real Miracles , and cheating Impostures . Some again will have it , that these Acts of Pharaohs Juglers , and others in the Scriptures might be real as they seemed to be , and yet brought to pass by the profoundness of the Art of Magick , which Art is of greater force ( say they ) than Jugling , or else why were they called in the same verse , Exod. 7.11 . Juglers , Wise men , and Magicians all at once ? but let not any be so weak in understanding as to think , That any Art in the World could do that really that required a miraculous hand of power to do , for this is the essential or formal reason of a Mirac●e to be done by a power Supream , and beyond the power of Man or Devil , or the vertue of any Art ; and for this word , Magicians , in its own proper sence it is taken for Wise and Learned men , in Astrologie , and other Arts wherein Schollers are instituted ; and so there is no difference between 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the Greek , neither was it taken in any other sence among the ancient ▪ and such were they that came to Christ and offered gifts , Mat●h . 2. 1. 11. called Magi ; in this sence also it is said , That Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Aegyptians , Acts 7.22 . and here in Exod. 7.11 . these Juglers are called Magi , Wise men , and Learned , because they pretend so , and were so thought by the people , whereas they were indeed but cheating Impostors , but because they and many other cousening Mates mentioned in the Scriptures , have by usurpation obtained that appellation from the people , Magicians , or Wise men , therefore it is used and taken by some Writers for such as use all cousening Diabolical Impostures ; yet Moses here in this place of Exod. 7 ▪ 11. gave them not that manner of name or appellation , only Magicians , but withall describeth them by their peculier appellation , that is Juglers ; and so in all the Old Testament , where Magician is taken in the worst sence , it is not set alone , but conjoyned with some other terms of an Impostor for a more full description so that a Magician in the worst sence in the Scripture phrase is only an Impostor , or Deceiver ; in the best sence , a learned Wise man , therefore no real Miracle , but only delusions can bee wrought by Magick . I said a little before , That this craft of Jugling consisteth of three things ; the First is , Slight of Hand , or cleanly conveyance ; the Second is Confederacy , that is , when many or few agents do agree together in bringing to pass cheating impostures , contrary to the truth . An example of this wee have in the History of Bell , the Idol , in the Book of Daniel , which though it be called Apocripha , and doubtful whether it be a true History , yet this example whether it bee true or not , it doth plainly demonstrate the Witchcraft of Idol Priests by confederacy , which is one main arm of the craft of Jugling , Wisd. 14. 14. 20. it appeareth plain how they confederated together in extolling the Idol , to uphold it for their own delicious maintenance , and to seduce the King and people to Idolatry , by making them beleeve that Bell did eate up all the daily provision that was set before him , whereas they themselves , with their Wives and Children , came in at secret doors in the night , and did eate up and carry away all that was provided at the Kings charge , until Daniel discovered that their jugling imposture ; and although there be not so plain a demonstration of the Jugling Impostures of every Idol spoken of in the Scriptures , yet no Idol but had the like delusions ; for they built their Idol Houses on purpose with several slights , and secret conveyances to bring their Jugling Tricks to pass , and had daily new inventions of new Impostures whereby they deceived the World , and seduced them to Idolatry , therefore Elijah , 1 King. 18.19 . would not trust the Priests of Baal to remain in their own Idol House , when he would discover them to the people , but caused them all to come forth to Mount Carmel , and then he said , as in vers . 24. The God that answereth by fire , let him be God. Why did he cause the King to command them all to Mount Carmel ? The reason was , because if they might have acted their part in their Idol House , being built with secret conveyances for all deceit , they might have secretly fired the Oblation , and so might have deluded the people , still making them beleeve their Idol had answered them by fire , but being in Mount Carmel , remote from their Idol House , they could only act the part of Mad-men , cutting themselves that the people might have somewhat to gaze at , but could bring nothing to pass to save their credit , or their lives ; the deluding impostures of the Priests of Baal , are called Praestigiae Isabelae , 2 King. 9.22 the Juglings or Witchcraft of Iezabel , because she being an Idolatrous Woman maintained those Priests of Baal in their Witchcraft , or delusions , to seduce the people to Idolatry . The third Branch whereupon this craft of Jugling consisteth , is the abuse of Natural Magick , that is , the abuse of their knowledge in Natural causes , as for instance in some few ; take Woolfs dung , and carry it in your pocket that it may take the heat of your body , and it will make any mad Bull , or other Cattel of that kinde to fly from you , and to run very farre away from their pasture to the admiration of the beholders . Take a peece of paper and rub one part of it with fresh Lemmon peele , and dry it again a little , and then dip your Pen in Inke , that is made of stone blew , steeped two or three days in cold water , and write upon the place that had the tincture of the Lemmon peele , and it will write a pure bright red , and then with the same Pen and Inke write upon another place of the paper , and it writeth blew , whereby there is caused great admiration in the beholders , to see a man with one Pen , and one and the same Inke write red and blew . Albartius Magnus , and also Misaldus do write of many wonderful things that may be done by the knowledge of Natural causes , or the secrets of Nature , which although many of them be false , yet for such as are true , they may bee lawfully done ; and therein we may glorifie God , in beholding the wonderful Works of his hands , in the secret causes of things . But now for the abuse of these things , as namely by the doing of these things to seduce the people , by making silly people beleeve we do them by a miraculous power , thereby pretending our selves to be Prophets , as did Simon Magus in the Acts ; this is right Jugling Witchcraft , or to make the people beleeve that they are done by the power of some Idol , thereby to seduce the people , or any way to affront the Prophets , by comparing them with true Miracles , to withstand the truth , as Pharaohs Magicians did , were right Witchcraft . So likewise for the Oyntment called Unguentum armarium , or Weapon salve ( that is an Oyntment made of such ingredients , as by anointing the Weapon wherewith a man or beast is wounded , it healeth the Wound ( if it be true by certain experience , as many Phisitians and Chyrurgions do affirm ) it may lawfully be used , and we may glorifie God in the use of it , who hath given such excellent secret qualities to the Creatures , which are made for the use of man. Also Iacob used the peeled rods , which by their secret operation being set before the sheep in the heat of their Generation , caused them , by beholding them in their conceiving , to conceive and bring forth party coloured Lambs ; but if any man shall use these secrets to this end to make the people beleeve they are Prophets , and do them by a miraculous power , that so they may seduce the people to errour under a. colour of working Miracles , such men are seducing Witches . Thus a Planetarian abusing the lawful Science of Astrologie may become a Witch , not only under the notion of a Planetarian , but of a Jugler ; as for instance , Pedro Mexia , a Spanish Historian , writeth of one Columbus , who coming to an Island in the new-found World called Hispaniola , desired Traffick with the Natives for Victuals , which they denying , he told them they should all dye of the Plague , and for a sign hereof they should see the Moon as red as bloud at such a time , and contrary to her former condition ; afterward they beholding the Moon eclipsed at the same time fore-told by Columbus , and knowing no rules of Astrologie , they beleeved his words and craved pardon , and brought him supply of Victuals ; This was but a remiss degree of deceiving Witch-craft , or rather a Cheat , because it tended not to Idolatry , but yet in the act it self , pretending falsly a miraculous power , it was Jugling Witch-craft . It is now fully demonstrated what a Jugler is in the Scripture sence , but yet Moses mentioneth both Sexes in the Scriptures , 〈◊〉 it is written , Exod. 22.18 . Praestigiatricem● ne sinito vivere , suffer not a Jugling Woman to live . This is not any thing different in Nature from Praestigiator a Jugling man , but only in Sex , as if he had said , As you ought not to suffer Jugling seducing men to live , so likewise if there be a Woman found among you that useth this craft of working false Miracles , to delude and seduce the people to Idolatry , although she be the weaker Sex , to whom mercy might seem to be due , yet suffer her not to live ; all one in sence with that Levit. 20.27 where Witches of both Sexes are mentioned in one verse ; If a man or woman be a giver of Oracles , or Divinations , or a South-sayer , they shall be put to death ; yet whereas Moses , in all the Law , speaketh more fully of Witches in the Masculine , than in the female Sex ; it confuteth that common tradition of people that Witches are most of the female Sex. Here I am compelled ( for the satisfaction of some that are so weak in capacity that they will rather stand to cavil in a disputative way , than to understand things that are not in themselves disputative , but demonstrative ) to demonstrate some few of the most admired Tricks of common Jugling . First , A Jugler knowing the common tradition , and foolish opinion that a familiar Spirit in some bodily shape must be had for the doing of strange things , beyond the Vulgar capacity , he therefore carrieth about him the skin of a Mouse stopped with feathers , or some like Artificial thing , and in the hinder part thereof sticketh a small springing Wire of about a foot long , or longer , and when he begins to act his part in a Fayr , or a Market before Vulgar people , he bringeth forth his Impe , and maketh it spring from him once or twice upon the Table , and then catcheth it up , saying , would you be gone ? I will make you stay and play some Tricks for me before you go , and then he nimbly sticketh one end of the Wire upon his waste , and maketh his Impe spring up three or four times to his shoulder , and nimbly catcheth it , and pulleth it down again every time , saying , Would you be gone ? in troth if you be gone I can play no Tricks , or Feats of Activity to day , and then holdeth it fast in one hand , and beateth it with the other , and slily maketh a squeeking noyse with his lips , as if his Impe cried , and then putteth his Impe in his breeches , or in his pocket , saying , I will make you stay , would you be gone ? Then begin the silly people to wonder , and whisper , then he sheweth many slights of activity as if he did them by the help of his Familiar , which the silliest sort of beholders do verily beleeve ; amongst which he espyeth one or other young Boy or Wench , and layeth a tester or shilling in his hand wetted , and biddeth him hold it fast , but whilst the said Boy , or silly Wench thinketh to enclose the peece of silver fast in the hand , he nimbly taketh it away with his finger , and hasteneth the holder of it to close his hand , saying , Hold fast or it will be gone , and then mumbleth certain words , and crieth by the vertue of Hocus , Pocus , hay passe prestor , be gone ; now open your hand , and the silly Boy or Wench , and the beholders stand amazed to see that there is nothing left in the hand ; and then for the confirmation of the wonder , a Confederate with the Jugler , standeth up among the crowd ( in habit like some country-man or stranger that came in like the rest of the people ) saying , I will lay with you forty shillings you shall not convey a shilling out of my hand ; it is done saith the Jugler , take you this shilling in your hand , yea marry ( saith he ) and I will hold it so fast as if you get it from me by words speaking , I will say you speak in the Devils name , and with that he looketh in his hand in the sight of all the people , saying , I am sure I have it , and then claspeth his hand very close , and layeth his other hand to it also , pretending to hold it the faster , but withall slily conveyeth away the shilling into his glove , or into his pocket , and then the Jugler cryeth , Hay passe , presto vade , jubeo , by the vertue of Hocus Pocus , t is gone ; then the Confederate openeth his hand , and in a dissembling manner faineth himself much to wonder , that all that are present may likewise wonder ; then the Jugler calleth to his Boy , and biddeth him bring him a glass of Claret Wine , which hee taketh in his hand and drinketh , and then he taketh out of his bagge a tonnel made of Tin , or Latine double , in which double device he hath formerly put so much claret wine as will almost fill the glass again , and stopping this tonnel at the little end with his finger , turneth it up that all may behold it to be empty , and then setteth it to his fore-head , and taketh away his finger , and letteth the Wine run into the Glass , the silly Spectators thinking it to be the same wine which he drank to come again out of his fore-head ; then he saith , If this be not enough I will draw good Claret Wine out of a post , and then taketh out of his bagge a Wine-gimblet , and so he pierceth the Post quite thorow with his Gimblet ; and then is one of his boys on the other side of the wall with a Bladder and a Pipe ( like as when a Clister is administred by the Phisician ) and conveyeth the Wine to his Master thorow the Post , which his Master ( Vintner like ) draweth forth into a Pot , and filleth it into a Glass , and giveth the company to drink . Another way it is very craftily done by a Spanish Borachio , that is a Leather Bottle as thin and little as a Glove , the neck whereof is about a foot long , with a screw at the top instead of a stopple ; this Bottle the Jugler holdeth under his arm , and letteth the neck of it come along to his hand under the sleeve of his Coat , and with the same hand taketh the tax in the fasset that is in the post , and yet holdeth the tax half in and half out , and crusheth the Bottle with his arm , and with his other hand holdeth a Wine-pot to the tax , so that it seemeth to the beholders that the Wine cometh out of the tax , which yet cometh out of the Bottle , and then he giveth it among the company to drink ; and being all drunk up but one small glass at the last , he calleth to his Boy , saying , Come sirrah , you would faine have a cup , but his Boy makeeth answer in a disdainful manner , saying , No Master not I , if that be good Wine that is drawn out of a Post I will lose my head ; yea sirrah saith his Master , then your head you shall lose ; come sirrah , you shall go to pot for that word ; then he layeth his Boy down upon the Table upon a Carpet , with his face downward commanding him to lye still , then he taketh a linnen cloth , and spreadeth it upon the Boys head broad upon the table , and by slight of hand conveyeth under the cloth a Head with a face , limned so like his Boys Head and Face that it is not discerned from it ; then hee draweth forth his Sword or Falchion , and seemeth to cut off his Boys head ; but withall it is to be noted , That the confederating Boy putteth his head thorow a slit in the Carper , and thorow a hole in the Table made on purpose , yet unknown to the Spectators , and his Master also by slight of hand layeth to the Boys shoulder a peece of wood made concave at one end like a scuppit , and round at the other end like a mans neck with the head cut off , the concave end is hidden under the Boys shirt , and the other end appeareth to the company very dismal ( being limbned over by the cunning Limbner ) like a bloudy neck , so lively in shew that the very bone and marrow of the neck appeareth , insomuch that some Spectators have fainted at the sight hereof ; then he taketh up the false Head aforesaid by the hair , and layeth it in a Charger at the feet of the Boy , leaving the bare bloudy neck to the view of the deluded beholders , some gazing upon the neck , some upon the head , which looketh gashful , some beholding the Corps tremble like a body new slain ; then he walketh by the Table , saying to the head , and the seeming dead Corps , Ah ha , sirrah , you would rather lose your Head then drink your Drink , but presently he smiteth his hand upon his breast , saying , To speak the very truth in cool bloud , the fault did not deserve death , therefore I had best set on his Head again ; then he spreadeth his broad linnen cloth upon the Head and taketh it out of the Charger , and layeth it to the shoulders of the Corps , and by slight of hand conveyeth both the Head and the false neck into his Bagge , and the Boy raiseth up his Head from under the Table ; then his Master taketh away the linnen cloth that was spread upon him , and saith , By the vertue of Hocus pocus , and Fortunatus his Night-cap , I wish thou mayest live again ; then the Boy riseth up safe and well , to the admiration of the deluded beholders . These and the like Jugling Tricks ( some whereof are done meerly by slight of hand , some have a help from false Instruments , as false Knives , false Boxes , false Locks , false Wasecoats , and the like , are many of them demonstrated by Master Scot , and many are daily invented , which are all done by common reason , without the least compact with the Devil , ( unless they do them to seduce , and then the Devil is indeed in their heart , as he was in Simon Magus , in the Acts , and is in every wicked man. ) And yet sometimes it hapneth , that if here have been any University Schollars at the beholding , or at the acting of these common Tricks , they have gone out and fallen into a dispute upon the matter , some saying , Sensus nunquam fallitur circa proprium objectum , some have said that the Jugler by his Familiar doth thicken the Air , some again that he hurteth the Eye-sight , and so deceiveth the beholders ; and in all their discourse they shew themselves very Philosophical , but very little capacious . And Cooper writing upon that subject , hath pretended to shew himself Theological , but betrayeth himself to be very silly , blinde , and ignorant . It being fully demonstrated what a Jugler is in the Scripture sence , let every one consider seriously who be the Juglers , of this and former Ages , that ought to be put to death by the Law of Moses , we might think that no man were so silly and foolish to think that it is meant common Juglers , who play their Tricks in Fayers and Markets , nor Gentlemen who sometimes in imitation of them , do in sport , play Tricks of slight of hand , or legerdemain , with confederates or without , for it is most certain and true , that if it bee rightly understood , that these do a great deal of good , that recreation tending rightly to the illumination of people of all sorts , to shew them the vanity and ridiculousness of those delusions and lying Wonders , by which men were so easily deluded in old times by Pharaohs Magicians , by Simon Magus , and Elimas the Sorcerer , and now adays by our professed Wizzards , or Witches , commonly called Cunning Men , or good Witches , who will undertake to shew the face of the Thief in the Glass , or of any other that hath done his Neighbour wrong privily , when as they do all by Jugling delusions , and are themselves right Witches , that cause men to seek to the Devil for help , that will undertake and promise to unwitch people that are ( as fools commonly say ) bewitched ; these common sporting Juglers also may illuminate people to see the Jugling Witchcraft of Popish Priests , in causing Rhoods to move their eyes and hands in compassion to peoples prayers , of which you may read more fully afterward . Yet in Queen Elizabeths time , as appeareth in Mr. Scots Discovery of Witchcraft , in the fifteenth Book , Chap. 42. there was a Master of Arts condemned only for using himself to the study and practise of the Jugling craft , how justly I will not controvert ; but this I say , That if a man may not study and practise the discovery of Cheats without being a Cheater , nor the discovery of Witchcraft without being accounted a Witch , it is the way for Witches and Cheaters to play their pranks , and no man able to tax them , or accuse them , or to say who they are that are Witches ; and this foolish nice censuring , and ignorant condemning hath bred great and general ignorance of this subject of Witchcraft ; which God himself describeth so often in the Scriptures , for people to know and avoyd the practise of seducing , or being seduced by it , but for that Master of Arts before named , the Lord of Leicester having more wisdom in some things than some had , did protect him for a time after he was condemned , but what became of him is not mentioned , but yet if he had been a Jugler , or practiser of that Craft to this end , to withstand the Prophets when they wrought true Miracles , as Pharaohs Juglers withstood Moses , or if he were one that practised it to seduce the people after lying delusions , to magnifie himself as a false Prophet , like Simon Magus in the Acts , or to cause people to ascribe miraculous power to him , or to seek to the Devil as our common Deceivers , called good Witches , do , he was deservedly condemned ; but to study Witchcraft , and actually to demonstrate it by practise , to shew how easily people were and may be deluded by it ( seeing God hath commanded Witches to be put to death , and what they were or are , is not now adays fully understood ( no not by the Learned ) is no more deserving death than for Master Scot to write a book in the discovery of it , or for a Minister to discover to the people the danger of an Idol ; to which Witchcraft is necessarily joyned as an upholder and companion , or for a Minister to shew the secret and dangerous nature , and several windings of Sin and Satan ; for the essence of a Witch is not in doing false Miracles , or any other Witchcraft by demonstration or discovery , but in seducing people from God , and his Truth ; As for example , Pharaohs Magicians in that they did throw down their staffe , and made it seeme to be turned into a Serpent , to the end to withstand Moses , and to seduce the Aegyptians , they were absolute Witches , but if any man now do the very same , or had then done it to discover the Jugling deceit of it , hee is no Witch , but a teacher and instructer of the people . So again for another example , he that goeth behinde a Rhood , or other Popish Image , and draweth the secret Wiers that causeth the eyes and hands of the Image to move , to the end to delude and seduce the people to Idolatry , by admiration of it , as Popish Priests do ; he is an absolute Witch , but he that goes behind it , and acteth the same part , and then cometh out and sheweth people the Imposture , and sheweth them the Wyers and secret delusions , is not a Witch , but a discoverer of a Witch ( that did it to the end to seduce ) and a Teacher and illuminator of the people . See more in the Sixth description . But we must know that in Queen Elizabeths time the Protestant Religion being then in its minority , when as Popery was but only suppressed , and not worn out of the memory , nor out of the hearts and affections of men ( that yet in outward shew were Protestants ) it was a brief tenent in the Universities , that he that did but study and contemplate upon this subject of Witchcraft was a dealer with unlawful and vain Science , and ought to be censured for a Witch , and by this subtill tradition they feared all Students , that no man dared to search into the bowels and secrets of that Craft , least ( as they knew full well ) thereby he should discover to the World the secret Impostures of the Popish Religion , which is altogether upheld by Witchcraft , of which Religion , many stood daily in expectation to have it set on foot as brief as ever , when ( as they hoped ) the times would change . Hath God given nine several descriptions of Witchcraft at once ? Deut. 18.10 , 1● ▪ and reiterated them in many places of Scripture that we might take notice , who and what they are , with the Mystery of iniquity , and delusions that they practised ? and shall not we study and contemplate upon it ? by this vain tradition were many of their devillish Witchcrafts concealed , and came not to light , for many years , to the view of the world ; example of that Popish Idol , Cheapside Crosse , which stood for many years like the Golden Image of Nebuchadnezzar , few men knowing the jugling Witchcraft that was therein , untill at the command of the Parliament it being pulled down , there were found therein the severall slights to move the Arms , Eyes , and Heads of the Images , and the Pipes to convey the water to make the Images shed tears in compassion to the peoples prayers , and to convey Milk into the breasts of the Image of the Virgin Mary , that the poor deluded people ( seeing such lying Wonders , as Images of Gold , to move , to weep , and shed tears in abundance , and Milk to drop out of the Virgins breasts , through her earnest labouring with her Son to hear , and grant the prayers of the people ) went home , bewitched to that devillish Idolatry by that grand Witch , that Whore of Rome that hath deceived all Nations with her Witchcraft , Revel . 18.23 . yet , to the grief of the hearts of this Popish crew , in the beginning of the reign of Queen Elizabeth , many of their devillish Witchcrafts were daily discovered , as in Master Lamberts Book of the Perambulation of Kent it appeareth , was discovered the Rhood of grace in Kent , who was always accompanied and helped by little St. Rumball , which Idol as Mr. Scot noteth in Lib. 7. Chap. 6. was not inferiour in all deluding Impostures to the great Idol Apollo ( or Apollos Oracle ) whose Priests were the grand Witches of the World in its time ) yet afterward the wires that made the eyes of the Images to goggle , and the Pins and Instruments for several delusions were discovered , with all the Witchcraft of the jugling Priests , with every circumstance thereof , which Image and Instruments were openly burnt together , by the authority and command of the Queen . And now it falleth in my way to speak of another grand Witch of the World , that is , Mahomet , the great Idol of the Turks , who by his Juglings and Divinations hath seduced a great part of the World to an Idolatrous worship , so absurd and silly , that his Disciples are ashamed to let any Christians come neer the place of his supposed Sepulchre at Mecha , lest they should laugh at their folly in worshipping an Iron Sepulchre , therefore all Christians are forbidden to come within five miles of that place upon pain of death ; and because various reports have been abroad by several Authors concerning this Deceiver of the world , I will only cite the most allowable reports confirmed by Lampadius in Meltificio Historico , and also by Gulielmus Biddulphus an English Travellor ( called , The Travels of certain English-men into farre Countries ) very agreeable to the foresaid Lampadius ; ) This devillish Impostor Mahomet desiring to magnifie himself among the people , did first of all delude his Wife , making her beleeve that he was a Prophet of God , for having the Falling-sickness , with which he fell often , and lay like a man in a trance , he told his Wife that Gabriel the Arch-angel did often appear to him , and reveal secrets from Heaven , and for the confirmation thereof Sergius a wicked Monck , who was his instructer , affirmed . That Gabriel did use to appear to all Prophets , and so both of them together did perswade the silly Woman that the reason of his falling in a Trance was , because the Angel was so glorious that he was not able to behold him without falling , and that all the time of his lying thus prostrate the Angel was talking with him ; this silly Woman rejoycing in this , That she was married to a Prophet , reported the thing among other Women , so that in time this fellow obtained among pratling Women , and common people , the name of a Prophet ; the Devil by this fellow taking occasion , and waiting his opportunity to deceive the World ( as also by Sergius the Monck who was his companion ) it hapned about the year of our Lord Christ , 591. about which time also began the Antichristian Popedome at Rome ) that Heraclius the Roman Emperour , makeing use of the Armies of the Sarazens against the Persians , ( and not giving them their daily pay , or stipend , which they expected and required of his Captains over them ) they revolted from him ; then this Mahomet , with his companion Sergius seconding him ) became the Head of the Rebellion , or at least desired so to be thought by the people , that so he might any way become great among them ; but the Souldiers not much regarding him , Sergius and he did so use their wits to perswade them , telling them , That he was ordained by God to that end , and sent by the Angel Gabriel to bring the people to the worship of God by the power of the Sword ( for said he , Christ came only by Miracles and Signs to perswade , but I am the next Prophet , and the last that shall come , and am to compel people by the Sword ) so that partly by subtilty , and partly by compulsion hee drew a mighty Army to him , to the overthrow of the Emperours power in those parts , from whence came that mightly Empire of the Turks ; and because that Sergius had counselled him , that the only way to increase in strength was to set up a New Religion , he gathered unto him besides Sergius , Iohn Presbyter an Arrian Heretick , and Selan a Jewish Astrologian , and another Barran , Persam Iacobitam ; who together , that they might draw all people after him , Coyned a Religion , partly of the Circumcision , that so he might win the Iews , and the Saracens ( who coming of Ishmael , do use the Circumcision of Abraham to this day ) and were called Saracens , because Hagar was Sarahs Maid , and Hagarens from their Mother Hagar ) and partly of Christianity , that so he might win Christians ( for the Turks do acknowledge Christ to have been a Prophet , but they deny his Divinity , and his satisfaction for the Sins of Man , for they say that God had no Wife , and therefore could have no Son ; and of this and the like silly conceits is composed the Turkish Alcoran ) and that he might distinguish his Sect from Iews and Christians , he hath instituted his Sabbath on the Friday , and for the inticing of all men to his Religion , he telleth them , That they that fight boldly for his Worship , shall ( if they bee slain ) enter directly into Paradice , where they shall injoy plenty of pleasures , meat , and drink , and pretty Wenches abundance , and with these hopes ( saith Lampadius ) his Souldiers are so bewitched that they are always furious and greedy of fighting , be their danger never so great . Much more is reported of this Impostor by several Historians , but I have only described him briefly by these his seducements , ( although he had many more ) wherein may be noted that he was a Jugling false Prophet , in faining himself to be in extasie of minde , in a miraculous manner talking with the Angel Gabriel ( according to this fifth term of description in the text ) whereas he was only visited with the fits of his Epileptick disease ; and in that he pretended these absurd Fantasies to be revealed to him by the Angel , he was a Diviner , and a lying Enthusiast ( according to the second term of description in the text ) in both which sense Sergius the Monck , and the rest of his Companions aforesaid , who joyned with him in his delusions , were Witches also ; and herein it is strange to see the world of people that are infatuated by so groundless a Religion , for were it not for the stupidity of mens mindes and understanding , God did enough discover this Mahomet ( the founder of this Turkish Religion ) to bee an Impostor ) at his death , for when hee boasted himself that at his death he would rise again the third day as Christ did , Albunar , one of his Disciples , to try the truth of his Doctrins and vaticiniations , gave him a cup of deadly poyson , which being drunk he swelled and dyed , and some hoping to see his Resurrection let him lye twelve days above ground , untill he stunk so intollerably that all men left him ; and upon the twelfth day Albunar coming to view his Corps found his bones almost bare , his flesh being eaten with Doggs ; wherefore he gathered his bones together and buried them in a pot , yet for the establishing of the Empire , to his Successors , they maintain still his Religion , and have made him an Iron Sepulchre at Mecha . So much for the Fifth description of a Witch in the text , Prestigiator , a Jugler . A Charmer : The Sixth Description . THe Sixth description of a Witch in the Text , is , In●antator , or Utens incantatione , that is , an Inchanter , or user of Charms , or a Charmer . A Charm ( as is said before in the Fifth description ) is only a strange composure of words to blinde the understandings of people , it pretending that by vertue of words great matters were brought to pass , and these Charms were used either before a Jugling Trick , to busie the mindes of the Spectators , to make the Trick pass the more currently without being perceived , as Pharaohs Juglers used them , who are said to do that which they did with their Inchantments , because they seemed to do things by vertue of words spoken , which were not done at all , but only dissembled by the jugling craft ; ( which demonstration of a Charm , or Incantation used in that kinde is also set down in the Fifth description ) or else otherwise these Charms were used or spoken alone without a Jugling slight , and thereby was pretended , that by vertue of such and such words spoken , such things should come to pass as the party desired , who inquired after Charmers for matters of concernment ; sometimes these Charms were given in writing for a man to wear about his neck , or to carry in his pocket , pretending that by vertue of those words his matters should be brought to pass , whereas words of themselves either spoken , or written , have no force to bring any thing to pass ; neither was it the word Ephatha , Mark 7.34 . that opened the ears of the deaf ( as some inchanting Wizards would make people beleeve it was ) but the power of him that spake it ; yet such was the manner of the Idol Priests and false Prophets , that whereas Gods Prophets spake words in the name of the Lord , and the things they spake came to pass by Gods power , those Idol Priests and false Prophets pretended , that by vertue of words they could bring to pass the like , and so they led the people a whoring after them , to regard more their foolish deluding Charms , than the power of God , that bringeth all things to pass . The Roman South-sayers gave their Charms in verse , from whence is derived the word Charm , from Carmen , signifying a Verse , or a Charm ; the manner of Charms sometimes consisted in blessing and cursing , the Inchanter pretending , That by vertue of a Charm he could bless , and that they were blessed that carried such words about them written in a paper , or that had such words spoken to them , or in their behalf by the Charms ; and that by vertue of an Incantation pronounced against any man , that man was cursed , and that he that carried such a Charm with him , his enemies were cursed , and should fall before him . Elisha indeed cursed two and forty Children in the name of the Lord , and they were accursed , because it was the wrath of God pronounced against them by his Prophet , 2 King. 2.23 . but hee that imputeth it to the vertue of a Curse , and useth such words as Elisha spake to bring such a thing to pass , against an enemy , with out warrant from God , hee is an inchanting Witch ; and he that trusteth to such words meerly for the vertue of words , either of blessing or cursing , is an Idolater , not discerning the power of God , the Curse without cause shall not come , Prov. 3.33 . neither shall blessing or cursing prevail any thing if it be not from the Lord ; if Micaiah had Prophesied good to the King of Israel , as he would have had him , it had not availed , but it had been a meer Charm , that is , a meer composure of unwarranted words , 1 King. 22.13 . and yet his false Prophets could please him well , making him beleeve that by vertue of their pretended Prophesie ( which was but a meer Charm ) all things should go well with him , 1 King. 22.10 , 11 , 12. A more plain demonstration of this Discourse is the History of Balaam , Numb . 22.6 . Balac sent to Balaam to Curse the people of Israel , but he concludeth , Numb . 23.27 . there is no inchanting against Israel , for had Balaam played the inchanting Witch , as Balac would have had him , it had availed nothing , because Charms are of no force , no more than Divinations , which are only given by deceiving Witches to cheat Idolatrous fools of their mony . And in Chap. 24. vers . 1. it is said , Balaam went not as formerly to fetch Inchantments , or Incantations , that is , groundless and unwarranted Execrations , which are but Charms of no force , but only to delude the Hearers ; for it is understood in the Chapter and Verse aforesaid , not that Balaam had formerly gone to fetch Incantations , for it is said in Chap. 22. vers . 19. and chap. 23.3 , 4 , 5. verses , he went to inquire of the Lord ; but here in Chap. 24. 1. it is spoken according to the intention of Balak and his Princes , for they desired that Balaam would but curse Israel , whether he had warrant or not , supposing the words being but spoken by him were sufficient , as is said in Chap. 22. vers . 6. and Chap 23. vers . 11. which intention of theirs is here in Chap. 24. vers . 1. called fetching of Incantations , for it implyeth the foolish supposition of Balak and his Princes , which they expressed in chap. 22. vers . 6. That whomsoever Balaam cursed were accursed , and whom he blessed were blessed ; for if a very Prophet should so farre transgress , and go without warrant from God in blessing and cursing , or Prophecying , that Prophet were no more a Prophet , but an inchanting deluding Witch , and his words would not be worth regarding ; and this is a sufficient demonstration of a Charmer , or Inchanter , or user of Incantations , being the Sixth term of description in the text , that is , that maketh any composure of words to delude the people , pretending to the people any vertue in words to bring things to pass , and so causeth people not to discern the power of God that bringeth all things to pass , but to impute things to the power of words , being but Charms , or Incantations . And indeed the fore-named History of Balaam , if it be rightly observed , is a large and a plain demonstration of the vanity of this sort of Witchcraft , whereby people were commonly seduced by false Prophets , or Witches , by listening only to the sound of words , and not to God the only disposer and bringer of all things to pass ; for it appeareth in the History , that when Balak had caused Balaam to try all the ways that could be to curse the people by Charms , and he could not ( because God gave him no warrant , and he knew it was in vain to do it without warrant ) yet Balaam transgressing the word and command of God , shewed to Balak the only way to bring a Curse upon Israel indeed , and that was by seducing them to Idolatry , and causing their God to bee angry with them , as appeareth , Numb . 24.14 . where it is to be marked , That although in that verse this counsel of Balaam to Balak is not set down at large , yet the effect thereof appeareth in the next Chapter , and also in Revel . 2.14 . and Iude , vers . 11. where we may see that Balaam for reward taught Balak to lay a stumbling-block before the people , to cause them to fall , that stumbling-block were the Idols of Moab , which they being defiled withall , brought down the frowns of God upon them , Numb . 25.3 . but to hurt them with Charms or Incantations , was a vain and Idolatrous superstition of Balak , and if Balaam had answered his expectation , he had been indeed a Jugling Witch . The manner of Heathen Kings was , to strengthen themselves in their Kingdom ( as they thought in their Idolatrous credulity ) by these Inchantments , supposing , that if their inchanting false Prophets , ( which were also Planetarians , and South-sayers , and Jugling deluders ) did but utter their Inchantments , ( being pretended Prophecies , and cursings artificially composed ) against their enemies , that then their enemies should fall before them ; and this is manifest in the Scriptures , not only of Balak , but of the King of Babel , and of the Chaldeans , Isa. 47.12 . Stand now with thy Inchantments wherewith thou halt laboured from thy youth , if perhaps thou maist profit , if perhaps thou shalt shew thy self strong . This also was Ahabs Idolatry , when he desired Micaiah to Prophesie good unto him against Ramoth Gilead , thinking by vertue of ungrounded Prophesie ( which had been but a meer composed Charm ) hee should prevail , 1 King. 22.13 . Here may arise a Question , Whether every one that curseth his Neighbour be a Witch or not ; according to this Sixth description in the text ? To this I answer , That all blessing and cursing is not the formal essence of an Inchanter , for every one ought to bless , Luke 6.28 . and he indeed that curseth his Neighbour , saying , A Plague take him , or I would be might break his neck , or never come home again , is a cursing railer like Shimes , and a wicked breaker of Gods Law , for we ought to pray for our enemies ; but all this kinde of passionate cursing doth not make an Inchanter , or Witch , but that blessing or cursing that maketh an Inchanter or Witch , or is of the essence of an Inchanter , is the professed craft of composing blessings and cursings , whereby they drew the people a whoring after them , making them beleeve , that by vertue of Charms , whomsoever they blessed were blessed , and whom they cursed were accursed , as Balak and his Princes being trained up in that kinde of Idolatry , thought , and said of Balaam ; and had Balaam answered them according to their expectations , he had been an Inchanter , or Witch , or false Prophet ; this description of a Charmer , as also all the nine terms of description of a Witch in the text , being only descriptions of false Prophets that seduced the people ; and whereas Gods Prophets blessed in the name of the Lord , as Isaac blessed Iacob , or cursed , or pronounced a Curse , as Elisha against the forty and two Children , 2 King. 2.24 . and in all this , and in all other Prophesyings they did nothing of themselves , nor could any whit transgress the Word of the Lord ; so on the contrary , false Prophets would give Divinations for rewards without any warrant or command from God ; as Balak supposing Balaam would doe , sent the reward of Divinations , Numb . 22.7 . ( that is there to be taken ) he sent the reward of Inchantments , or Incantations ; for Divinations against any man , that is unwarranted Prophesying against any man , is Inchantments ( Divinations properly pretending Predictions , and manifestation of things hidden , being the Second description ) but to use any composure of Divining words , thereby to cause any thing to come to pass , as Balak thought Balaam could do , and as Ahab thought Micaiah could doe , is Incantation , or Inchanting here . Here may arise another Question , Whether was Balaam a Witch or not , as some have supposed ? Answ. If he was a Witch , it must be according to some one term of description in Deut. 18.10 , 11. but which of these can we call him ? Inchanter he was none , for he refused to do it , although he was offered a reward . Surely Balaam was a Prophet of God , whom Balak thought could bring things to pass by his own power , he not discerning the power of God. All that we read of him in uttering of his Parables was to this end , That Israel was blessed , and Incantations or Cursing could not hurt them . 2 The History is a real Prophecie acted by Balaam by Gods appointment , concluding all in this one Doctrin , That the only way to bewitch Israel , was , to lay stumbling-blocks before them , to insnare them with sins , and to bring down Gods Judgements upon them , Numb : 24.14 . Revel . 2.14 . vet the calling of this a Prophecie seemeth to be contradicto●y to the Scriptures , for how could he be said to be a Prophet of God , that taught Balak how to bring a curse upon Israel ? ●ut if we mark well the History , it may seem to some to be ful of contradictions , as in Numb . 22.12 . God said to Balaam , Go not , and vers . 20. Rise up and go with them ; and vers . 22. The wrath of God was kindled because he went ; and vers . 34. Balaam said , If it displease thee , I will return home again ; and vers . 35. The Angel said , Go with the men ; what is the meaning of this , go not , and yet go so often repeated ? That is , go not according to the hire and request of Balak to play the Inchanter , but go to do the work of a Prophet , to shew the vanity of Balak his thoughts , who thinketh that words can prevail either to Bless or to Curse without warrant from God ; and so Balaam as a Prophet obeyed the Lord , and did as the Lord commanded him , as appeareth in all the History ; but yet it appeareth , Revel . 2.14 . hee taught Balak to lay a stumbling-block before the people , was that the part of a Prophet ? yea according to the fore-named seeming contradictions it was , and it was not ; for in the truth of the Doctrin that he delivered to Balak , that that was the only way to bring a Curse upon the people , to cause them to commit Idolatry , it was the part of a Prophet , but in that it became a snare to Israel , it was the part of a Witch , or a false Prophet , yet God would have such a thing come to pass by his Prophet for the full illustration of this Doctrin in the Scriptures ( for our sakes ) that no Inchantment can hurt us , but the only thing that can hurt any man is sinning against God , as God hath taught us elsewhere , Deut. 28. the fourteen first verses , the only way to be blest , is , to keep the Commandements of God , and from vers . 15. to the end of the Chapter , the only way to be accurst , is , to disobey God , and break his Commandements . And whereas Balaam was blamed , and afterward slain for teaching this Doctrin so plain to Balak , who abused it to insnare Israel , yet God hath taught us the same Doctrin , that we might know with Israel , and by Israels example , that nothing can hurt us but sin . So we may conclude of Balaam , that he was a Prophet , and yet acted the part of a Prophet and a Witch both at once ( at least ) a Prophet , in that his Doctrine was true , a Witch , in that hee taught Balak to play the Witch , that is , to draw the people to Idolatry , according to the First description , which is the very essence of Witchcraft ; and although God would have this thing come to pass for our instruction , yet this was the errour of Balaam , That hee had laid open to Balak the way to bewitch the people , and in this only he transgressed , he did that which God had not commanded him , as some other Prophets did besides him , 1 King. 13.18 , 19 , 22. To this Sixth description of a Witch in the text , is referred that place in Ierem. 23.10 . so commonly falsly interpreted as falsly translated , Because of Oathes the Land mourneth , as if it were meant of common Swearing , which although Swearing be a wicked thing , yet what room is there in that place for Swearing ? unless yee will bring it in abruptly by head and shoulders , what coherence is there ? Tremelius translateth it thus , The Land is full of Adulterers , and because of Execrations the Land mourneth ; Execrations is there taken for Incantations , being by a Synechdoche put for all kind of Witchcraft , being an inseparable companion of Idolatry , Adulterers are taken for Idolaters in a Spiritual sense , and the false Prophets that used these Incantations to seduce the people are spoken of , vers . 1 , 11 , 13. who being false Prophets , or Witches , had defiled the Land with their several seducing Witchcrafts , leading the people to Idolatry , and in this practice of Charming Execrations , they were seducers of the people to repose confidence in ungrounded , and unwarranted composures of words to bring things to pass , which words so composed are meer Incantations , or Charms . In this Sixth description of a Witch in the text , or under the term of a Charmer , is contained Conjurers , who are Witches only in this sense , That they pretend that by vertue of words they can do many things , and amongst the rest , that they can by vertue of words command the Devil , which yet is but a meer cheating delusion to deceive poor Idolatrous people , who do more credit the vertue of words than they credit the truth of Gods Word ; which foolish practice is sufficiently confuted , Acts 19.13 . certain Exorcists , or Conjurers , did take upon them to name over them that had evil Spirits , the name of the Lord Jesus , saying , I adjure you by Iesus whom Paul preacheth , and the Evil Spirits answered and said , Iesus I acknowledge , and Paul I know , but who are yee ? Paul and the rest of the Apostles did indeed cast out Devils in the Name of Jesus , but not by the bare naming of Jesus , but by the spirit and power of Jesus ; but if words could have done it , then those Conjurers might as well have done it , and then every one that could but imitate the Apostles , and the Prophets , and speak the same words , or the like , might work Miracles , but God will have it known otherwise , as appeareth in this place of the Acts aforesaid , That no words spoken , but the power of God bringeth things to pass . This was the manner of Idolatrous Heathen , to repose great confidence in Charms , and they that studied this practice of making and composing of Charms to seduce the people to this kinde of Idolatry , were Witches , according to this Sixth description in the text , Utens incantatione . If we do but read of the Heathen , we may see in many places how they Idolized Charms , or Incantations . Plutarch saith , That Aganice the Daughter of Hegetoris Thesali being skilful in the course of the Planets , fore-told to certain credulous people an Eclipse of the Moon , and they had such confidence in Charms , that when they saw it came to pass , they beleeved that Aganice had with Charms plucked the Moon from heaven . Like to that in Virgil , Eclog. 8. Carmina vel Coelo possunt deducere Lunam , Carminibus Circe socios mutavit Ulyssis , Frigidus in pratis cantando rumpitur anguis . Inchantments pluck out of the Skie The Moon , though she be placed high ; Dame Circes with her Charms so fine , Ulysses Mates did turn to Swine ; The Snake with Charms is burst in twain , In meadows where she doth remain . Notwithstanding the Prophet David telleth us , That the deaf Adder heareth not , or regardeth not the voyce of the most skilful user of Charms , Psal. 58.5 . where he alludeth ( with deriding ) to the vain conceit of the Heathen , who reposed such confidence in Charms , and imputed such power to words . This Heathenish Witchcraft to cause people thus to Idolize Charms , is still practised by the Pope and his Train , their whole form of Religion , both in publike worship and common practice , consisting of Charms of all sorts , and of that very specifical difference of Incantation or Charming , which is called Conjuring , and if we look in the Masse-book , and if you search Durandus , you may finde Charms abundance , and he that is loath to take so much paines , let him but look Mr. Scots discovery of Witchcraft , the twelfth Book , the ninth Chapter , and so forwards , where he hath neatly set forth the Witchcraft of the Pope , and his Train , in the manner of their several Charms ( though not exemplifying the tenth part of them ) I will also shew you three or four of them , which Master Scot hath also rehearsed , with many more . The first shall be the Amulet that Pope Leo said he had from an Angel , who did bid him take it to a certain King going to Battel , and the Angel said , that whosoever carried that Writing about him , and said every day three Pater nosters , three Avies , and one Creed , shall not that day bee conquered of his enemies , nor be in any other danger ghostly or bodily , but shall be protected by vertue of these holy Names of Jesus Christ written , with the four Evangelists , and the Crosses between them . ✚ Iesus ✚ Christus ✚ Messias ✚ Soter ✚ Emanuel ✚ Sabbaoth ✚ Adonai ✚ Unigenitus ✚ Majestas ✚ Paracletus ✚ Salvator noster ✚ Agiros Iskiros ✚ Agios ✚ Athanatos ✚ Gasper ✚ Melchior ✚ & Balthasar ✚ Mattheus ✚ Marcus ✚ Lucas ✚ Iohannes , Another Charm of Pope Leo sent to a King , having the like vertues in it , being read or carried about a man ( being in an Epistle written by St. Saviour in these words . ) The Cross of Christ is a wonderful defence ✚ The Cross of Christ be always with me ✚ The Cross is it which I do always worship ✚ The Cross of Christ is true health ✚ The Cross of Christ doth loose the bands of death ✚ The Cross of Christ is the truth and the way ✚ I take my journey upon the Cross of the Lord ✚ The Cross of Christ beateth down every evil ✚ The Cross of Christ giveth all good things ✚ The Cross of Christ taketh away pains everlasting ✚ The Cross of Christ save me ✚ O Cross of Christ be upon me before and behind me ✚ because the ancient enemy cannot abide the sight of thee ✚ The Cross of Christ save me , keep me , govern me , and direct me ✚ Thomas bearing the note of thy Divine Majesty ✚ Alpha ✚ Omega ✚ first and last ✚ midst ✚ and end ✚ beginning ✚ and first begotten ✚ Wisdome ✚ and Vertue ✚ This is still a common practice among the Pa●ists to carry Charms about them ( to make them Shot-free ) when they go to Warre , as also hath been found by experience in the late Irish Warres ( before the Cessation of Arms proclaimed by King Charls ) many of the poor Idolatrous Irish Rebels being found slain with Charms in their pockets , composed by the Popish Clergy , the Witches of these latter times . Another to be said in time of Sickness ; first , let the Party sprinckle himself with Holy Water , and then say this Charm following , Aqua benedicta sit mihi salus & vita . Let Holy Water be both life and health to me . Another to be said every day , and upon every occasion , as often as any danger or occasion shall be ; first , let the party that would be blest cross himself with his finger , making a sign of the Cross three or four times , and then say these words , and then without doubt he shall be safe . Signum sancta crucis defindat me à malis praesentibus , praeteritis , & futuris , interioribus & exterioribus . That is , The sign of the Holy Cross defend me from evils present , past , and to come , inward and outward . A Charm or Conjuration , or an Exorcism , whereby they make Holy Water in the Popish pontifical , In Ecclesiae dedicatione . I conjure thee thou Creature of Water , in the name of the Father , and the Son , and the Holy Ghost , that thou drive the Devil out of every corner of this Church and Altar , so that he remain not within our precincts , which are just and holy . After these words spoken , say they , that Water so Conjured hath power and vertue to drive away the Devil , and with this Holy Water they use many several Conjurations to keep the Devil in awe ; with it they Conjure him from their Churches and dwelling houses , from their meat and drink , and the very Salt upon the Table ; and if it were not for their continual Conjurations , they make people beleeve the Devil would walk every where , and kill , and devour , and carry away ; therefore they Charm and Conjure their Bells in the Steeple ( which they also Baptize and name by the name of some Saint or Angel , and after these Ceremonies , ( say they ) and after such holy names named over the Bells , and the name of some Saint or Angel given to each Bel , & written upon them , those Bells have vertue to drive away and clear the air from Devils every where within the sound of them , from whence was the first beginning of passing peals , that the Devils might not come near to carry away the Soul of the dying man ( although our Church use ( I confess ) to ring such peals only to give notice to their Neighbours , who desire to see them , and to pray for them before their departure . ) They also use Charms at Funerals , perswading people , that the Souls of the dead , and also their Bodies , would be carried away by the Devil , if it were not for their charming ( of which foppery Bucan a learned Theologian reproveth them , Loco 24. Quaestione 16. ) and so the poor Popish people are deluded , so long as they see not the Devil in an ugly shape , they think they are safe , and the Devil farre enough , whereas the Devil is no where more than in a Popish Charm or Conjuration ; and yet Master Scot hath collected in his twelfth Book so many Popish Charms , as it appeareth they had Conjurations , and other Charms for the Plague , the Quartain Feaver , the Consumption , the Tooth-ache , and all manner of Diseases in Men and Cattel ; and it appeareth still among common silly country people , how they had learned Charms by tradition from Popish times , for cufing Cattel , Men , Women , and Children ; for churning of Butter , for baking their Bread , and many other occasions ; one or two whereof I will rehearse only , for brevity . An old Woman in Essex who was living in my time , she had lived also in Queen Maries time , had learned thence many Popish Charms , one whereof was this ; every night when she lay down to sleep she charmed her Bed , saying ; Matthew , Mark , Luke , and Iohn , The Bed be blest that I lye on . And this would she repeat three times , reposing great confidence therein , because ( as she said ) she had been taught it , when she was a young Maid , by the Church-men of those times . Another old Woman came into an house at a time when as the Maid was churning of Butter , and having laboured long and could not make her Butter come , the old Woman told the Maid what was wont to be done when she was a Maid , and also in her Mothers young time , that if it happened their Butter would 〈◊〉 come readily , they used a Charm to be said over it , wh●● yet it was in beating , and it would come straight : ways , and that was this : Come Butter come , come Butter come , Peter stands at the Gate , waiting for a buttered Cake , come Butter come . This , said the old Woman , being said three times , will make your Butter come , for it was taught my Mother by a learned Church-man in Queen Maries days , when as Church-men had more cunning , and could teach people many a trick , that our Ministers now a days know not . Thus we may see still how the Witchcrafts of that grand Witch , that Whore of Rome , hath deceived all people ; yet I would not have any think that I accuse the old Wives for Witches , for they used these Charms not to seduce , but were seduced , and bewitched by them to repose confidence in them ; but the Popish Rout , the contrivers of these Charms , to delude the people , were the Witches ; those poor deluded old Wives were Idolaters , Idolizing of words . A Devillish practice of Conjuring Charms used by the Popish Clergy , discovered at Orleance in France , acted chiefly by two Popish Doctors ●● Divinity , Colimanus , and Stephanus Aterbatensis , and their Knavery found out . IN the place aforesaid , in the year of our Lord , 1534. it happened that a Maiors Wife dyed , and was buried in the Church of the Franciscans , her Husband giving the Popish Clergy only six Crowns at the Funeral , whereas they expected a greater Prey , and were much discontent ; it happened shortly after , that as they were mumbling their Prayers in a Popish manner , according to their usual custom , in the Church , there was heard in a secret Wainscot over the Arches of the Church a great rumbling noyse , the Moncks with the said Doctors presently began to Conjure , and to ask if it were not some spirit of some body lately dead , and if it wer , they conjured the same Spirit to rumble again by way of answer , which it did ; then they charged him by their Conjurations to answer by rumbling and knocking whose spirit it was , they named many that had formerly been dead and buried , and the Spirit would not answer by rumbling and knocking when they named them ; but at last to bring their purpose to pass , they named the Maiors Wife , and then the Spirit rumbled exceedingly , and made a fearful noyse , this they acted several times , that it might be known in the City , so that many people came to the hearing and witnessing of this strange Wonder ; but at the last they by their Conjurations had made the Spirit so tame , as it made them answer by knocking to any thing they desired it should answer ; always when it answered not by knocking , then they concluded the thing was not so as they asked , or demanded , but otherways when it knocked , then that was an affirmative to the thing asked ; at last they made the Spirit confess by that manner of answering , That it was the departed Soul of the Maiors Wife , and that she was damned for holding the Heresie of Luther , and that she desired that her Body might be taken up again and buried in some other place , for that place was not fit for the body of the Damned , being a Consecrated place . But the Maior being wise , and full of courage , so handled the matter , that he with the help of some of the City that loved him well , caused the place to bee searched where the noyse was ; the Moncks did take the matter grievously , and would have resisted , it being at a time of the holy Conjuring , but yet the Maior causing a search , found there a young Boy , placed there by these Popish Doctors , on purpose to act the part of a Spirit , as formerly related , and upon examination he confessed the whole imposture , to the shame and confusion of the Actors and Contrivers thereof , who were by the Laws ( which were then and there free notwithstanding the Popish Tyranny ) censured to be carried to the place of Execution , there to confess their deluding Witchcraft . Let the Reader take special notice , that the Actors , and Contrivers of this notable peece of Witchcraft were Witches in a three-fold sense . First , In their bringing to pass their cheating imposture , by consederating with a young Boy to act the part of a Spirit , they were Juglers , according to the first term of description . Secondly , In their Charms and Conjurations , whereby they charged the Spirit to answer them , they were Inchanters and Conjurers , according to this Sixth term of description . Thirdly , In their consulting with the spirit of the dead , the Maiors Wife , they were Necromancers , according to the Ninth term of description . This Imposture may be paralleled with that of the Witch of Endor ; from this cousening Witchcraft of the Popish crue , our common Wizards have learned their craft of cousening the people , making them beleeve they can Conjure up the Devil to give them Oracles according to the matter that they seek to the Wizard to be resolved of , and can conjure him down again at their pleasure . As for example , I will give you a true story , but whether you beleeve it or not , it will serve to illustrate the manner of their deceivings . A Butcher in Essex having lost Cattel , hee resolved hee would go to a Cunning man , to know what was become of his Cattel , and so went to a notable cousening Knave , that was ( as common people say ) skilful in the Black Art , and this deceiving Witch , seeing his opportunity of gaining a Fee , for the purpose in hand , used his Conjurations in a room contrived for his usual impostures , and presently came in a Confederate of his covered over with a Bulls Hide , and a pair of horns on his head , the poor Butcher sitting and looking in a Glass made for that purpose , in which hee was to behold the Object more terrible , and not so easily discovered as if he had looked right upon it , for he was charged by the Conjurer not to look behind him , for if he did , the Devil would be outragious ; this confederate , or counterfeit Devil , after the Conjurers many exorcising Charms , or Conjurations , willed the Butcher to look East and West , North and South to finde his Cattel ; the Butcher sought much to finde his Cattel according to the Devils counsel , but yet perceiving after much seeking and not finding , that it was a meer peece of Knavery , returned to the Conjurer again , and desired him to call up the Devil once again , which he did as formerly , but the Butcher had appointed his Boy to stand near hand without the house with a Mastiff Dogge , and at the Butchers whistle , the Boy as he was appointed , let go the Dogge , which came in presently to his Master , and seised upon the Knave in the Bulls hide ; the Conjurer cried out , as likewise the Devil , For the love of God take off your Dogge , Nay , said the Butcher , fight Dogge , fight Devil , if you will venture your Devil , I will venture my Dogge ; but yet after much intreaty he called off his Dogge , but wittily discovered the cheating craft of Conjuring . He that acteth the part as this Conjurer did , with the same intent to deceive , and to make silly people beleeve and repose confidence in words ( that is , in Charms and Conjurations to command the Devil , and to keep him in awe ) is a seducing Witch , as he was ; but he that acteth the same part , and causeth people to wonder at him , and to think that hee hath really conjured the Devil , to this intent only to shew to the world in a sporting way , how easily people are and have been deceived , is no Witch , but may be an instructer and inlightner of silly people , according to the Fifth description of Jugling delusions , in Pag. 42. And truly ( if people were not so much naturally given to vain credulity , or beleeving of Lyes ) that sort of Conjurers ( so commonly prated of by silly people ) had not been heard of in the world , had not these deluders learned this cousening craft from the Popish rout , whereby they delude silly people , making them beleeve they do things really by vertue of words , as by the naming of the Trinity , and the several names of God , and of Christ , and by naming of Angels , Arch-Angels , and the Apostles ( just the same with Popish Conjurations ) whereas their doings , as likewise the Popes , are all but cheating impostures , for if Conjuring Charms could keep the Devil in awe , why did hee not submit to the Conjurers , Acts 19.13 ? Another notable true Relation of what happened in a Town in England , wherein is plainly shewed how easily men are deceived by Iugling Confederacy in Conjuration . IT happened , that a Minister being remote from his dwelling , lodged in an Inne , and because he wanted company fit for him , he sent for a young Cambŕidge Schollar to keep him company , who being of his acquaintance , and dwelling in the Town , came to him , and after some discourse they fell into a dispute about Witches , and their Power , the Minister affirming , That Witches do truly conjure up the Devil in several shapes as they list , for said he , I know some that stood privately behind a Hedge when a Conjurer raised up the Devil in the shape of a Cock , and then again in the shape of a Horse , and heard the Cock crow , and the Horse neigh , but being very dark they could not see him ; but the Scholar holding the contrary opinion , said , I will undertake to demonstrate the same thing to you in this Chamber , so as you shall verily think that I Conjure up the Devil in such shapes ; Come on said the Minister , if you can do that , then also will I acknowledge these things to be but delusions . Now mark how strangely it happened , There was a Tapsters Boy in the Inne at that time , who had by wanton custom gotten a faculty of imitating the crowing of a Cock , the neighing of a Horse , the barking of a Dogge , the quacking of Ducks , and the noyse of many several Beasts , in a very wonderful manner ; the Scholar therefore , for the lively acting of the foresaid Delusion , went down , and instructed this Boy to bring up a Jugge of Beer , and to set it down by the fire , and then to convey himself under the Bed , and withall to act the part of all several Creatures as the Scholar should call for them by Conjuration ; now when this Boy had so conveyed himself under the Bed , the Scholar did put out the Candle , and left no light in the Chamber but the obscure light of a dim fire , the reliques of an Ostree Faggot , and said to the Minister , Now will I make you beleeve that I Conjure up the Devil , Come Pluto , I have a Letter to be sent with all speed to the Pope , therefore I conjure and command thee to come speedily to me from the lowest pit , in the shape of a swift running Horse , that may carry this Letter with speed , and bring me an answer ; then began the Boy to snort , and neigh , and stamp , very much resembling a wilde marwood Horse , in so lively a resemblance , as it made the Minister begin to look sad , and amazed ; then said the Scholar , Now I have well considered the matter , thou art not a Creature swift enough for this business , therefore I conjure thee down again , and I command Pluto to come to me in the shape of a Grey-hound , Praesto , vade , jubeo , celeriter ; then the Boy under the Bed barked , and howled so like a Dogge , as the Minister did more and more creep close to the corner of the Chimney , sighing very sadly . Then said the Scholar , I consider that thou art not swift enough for my purpose , therefore I command thee to return to thy place , and send me up a Cock ; then the Boy crowed so like a Cock , as no ear should distinguish it from a natural Cock ; then said the Scholar , Thou art not a Creature swift enough for my purpose , therefore I command Pluto to send me up a Duck ; at that command the Boy did so lively act the quacking of Ducks , as a man would have thought that many Ducks had been in the room . Then began the Minister seriously to exhort and admonish the Scholar , saying , Verily thou art farre gone , certainly thou art farre gone in this craft , and many more words ; at which so sad discourse , the Boy under the Bed burst out in laughter , and came forth and acted his part again openly , and made the Minister ashamed . Yet here it may be noted , that the Ministers phantasie was so farre deluded , that he would not be perswaded , but that he saw real Ducks squirming about the room , as he expressed . I say then , how little credit ought Ministers or other men to give to flying Reports , when they themselves may so easily be deluded ? The setting of Spels is referred to this description , and is done only by confederacy with him that is spelled ; who feigneth himself so Charmed , or spelled , that others who would be in like action of Theevery , might fear to come into that place to steal , because of the Spel. So much for the Sixth term of description in the text , Vtens incantatione , that is , an Inchanter , or Charmer . THe Seventh term of description of a Witch in the text , is Requirens Pythonem , that is , Pythonicus Sacerdos , according to the sense of Plutarch , De defect . Orac. one that seeketh out an Oracle , as did the Priests of the Idol Apollo , which was called the Oracle of Apollo ; the same practice was common to the Priests of all Idols , that were in request before the Idol Apollo ( although indeed Apollo being the most famous of the latest Idols , hath more Histories and reports still extant concerning their practice , than all former Idols have ) as Plutarch witnesseth , that in Boeotia there had been many Oracles , some whereof grew silent when their Priests dyed , and some grew out of request for want of subtilty in giving answers ( and because the impostures grew so common that people knew them , and would not be deluded by them any more . ) We read there of the Lebadian Oracle , and the Amphiaran Oracle , and also of an Oracle of Mopsi , and at Amphilochi , and many more ; these had their several terms of appellation , according to the Language of the people adjacent , as the Lebadian Oracle was given in the Aeolic Tongue , and had its peculiar appellation in that Language ; and to the Oracle at Delphos was called by such appellations as came from the Greek , and also from the Roman Language , as Pytho , and Python , and Oraculum , and Oracles used by the ancient Heathen , were by the Hebrews in their Language called Ob , which Oracles were only giving Divinations to the peoples inquiries , as when Ahasia sent to inquire of the god of Eckron , 2 King. 1.2 . save only this word Ob in the text , which is translated Python , implieth , the imposture whereupon these deceivers upheld their Divinations , as followeth by and by . This is not to be understood that they that did seek to such Witches as gave Oracles , that they also were Witches , for these were only bewitched Idolaters , but they only were Witches in this term of description , that being sought unto by these deluded Idolaters , used such deluding impostures , whereby they made the people beleeve they fought out an Oracle ( that is , an answer to the inquiry of those Idolaters ) either directly from their Idols , or else that they sought out an Oracle from the spirits of the dead , as did the Pythonist of Endor , in which sense also they were called Necromantists , that is such as asked counsel of the dead , being the Ninth term of description , 1 Chron. 10.13 . Saulus consulere Pythonem quaesusset , Saul had sought to ask counsel of the Oracle , there Saul was an Idolater , and not a Witch ; but she that sought out that Oracle for him from the dead , she was a deluding Witch . This description , or term of description of a Witch , hath a various manner of expression in the Scriptures , which is needful to be noted by the Reader , for in this text , Deut. 18. 1● , 11. such a Witch is called Pythonem requirens , one that seeketh out an Oracle ; and in Levit. 20.6 . there such ae Witch is called Python , an Oracle-giver , in these words , Anima quae converterit se ad Pythones & Arioles ut scortando sectetur eos , &c. That soul that turneth himself after Oracles and South-sayers , to commit Idolatry , in following them , shall be cut off ; and in vers . 27. of the same Chapter , Viri autem aut mulieres si erit ex eis ` Pytho , aut ariolus , omnina morte afficiuntor ; If there shall be found either man or woman that is an Oracler , or a South-sayer , they shall be put to death . There is also a Marginal note of Tremellius worth noting , in these words , Qui Diabolicis artibus reliquos à Dei cultu & sui sanctificatione avocant ; Those Oraclers and South-sayers , saith he , are such as by their Devilish deluding craft do lead others from the true Worship of God , and living holily . People so mis-led to Idolatry are spoken of in vers . 6. chap. 20. of Leviticus afore noted . And further , look 1 Sam. 28.7 . there such a Witch being of the female kinde , is called , Mulier Pythone praedita , A woman that hath the craft of Oracling , or seeking out an Oracle . And Acts 16.16 . there such a Witch is said to have 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the spirit of Oracling ; Where Beza in his Latine translation saith in his marginal notes , that that spirit of Oracling was only an expression , altnding to the Idol Apollo , which was called Python , and gave answers unto them that asked , namely , by the Priests that belonged unto it , of which Idol the Poets feigned many things ; so they that had the imposture of Divination , were said by the Heathen to be inspired by the spirit of Apollo , Plutarch de def . Orac. and in this place of the Acts St. Luke speaketh after the common phrase of the Heathen , because he delivereth the error of the common people , but not by what instinct the Maid gave Divinations , for it is certain that under the mask of that Idol , the Devil played his deluding pranks , and this spirit of Apollo was nothing , but as much as to say , an imposture , or deluding trick of the Devil , practised by the Priests of Apollo . So much saith Beza , who plainly expoundeth , that that spirit of Divination , or Oracling , was only a Devillish deluding imposture , and not a familiar Devil , as many do fondly imagine . And whereas it is said in the verse following , that Paul did cast that Spirit out of the Maid , it was , that he by the power of the Gospel of Iesus rebuked her wickedness , so that her Conscience being terrified , she was either converted , or else at the least dared not to follow that deluding craft of Divination any longer ; as when Christ did cast out seven Devils out of Mary Magdalen , it is to be understood that he did convert her from many Devillish sinful courses in which she had walked , Luke 8.2 . and 7.47 . ( But if any be still so obstinate as to follow the common fond tradition , that Python , or spiritus Pythonis , was a real familiar visible discoursing Devil , yet I hope none are so mad as to say upon serious consideration , that it was any thing but a spirit of lying Prophecie , or Divination , or Oracling in all the discourse of the Scripture , no man can shew in all the Scriptures , be they never so grosly expounded , that any man or woman had a killing , or a murdering Devil , whereby to bewitch any man to death , nor the least colour of any such Devillish exposition . ) This Seventh term in the text , namely , Requirens Pythonem , one that seeketh out an Oracle , differeth not from the second term of description , that is , Utens Divinationibus , one that useth Divinations , or false Prophecies , save only in this , that that second term of description implieth only bare Predictions of future things , and telling of hidden things , by which the Witch was described , but this Seventh term of description implieth some particular impostures , whereupon the Witches grounded their Predictions ; according to which impostures they are called Oraclers , or seekers out of Oracles ; the Hebrew word is Ob , and is translated Python ; Ob signifieth properly a Bottle , or any such like hollow thing ; and here in the text , and in all other Scripture-sense it implieth the imposture of speaking with their mouthes in a Bottle , from a hollow Cave in the earth , out of which came a voyce , spoken by some confederate with the Impostor , or Witch , which confederate was upon such occasion to go into a secret conveyance , and to make answer to the inquiry , with a hollow sounding voyce , caused by the Bottle , and so it seemed to the silly deluded people , that the voyce came out of the firm ground , as an answer sent by the gods , by the departed soul of some Prophet , or other man that had formerly died ( in which sense also they were called Necromantists , from asking counsel of the dead , being the Ninth term of description ) for which imposture all Idol houses , and houses of all such other Witches as practised the same imposture , that the Idol-Priests did practice , were built and contrived on purpose with a room called Manteum , in which the said Cave and hollow passage was , in which room some fond Writers do say , that the Devil spake , but had it been so , that a real familiar Devil had answered , as is fondly imagined , why then did he answer only in that room ? Surely if their Devil was so familiar , and at command , he might as well have answered in any room as in that , but a confederate man or woman could not bring to pass the imposture in any room but in that . This imposture is alluded unto by the Prophet Isaiah 29.4 . Sitque quasi Pythonis è terra vox tua , & è pulvere serma tuus pipiat , and thy voyce shall be as an Oracler out of the earth , and thy speech shall be whispering out of the dust : because they used cheating impostures to seduce the people , making them beleeve they could call the departed Ghosts of their friends to give them Oracles , or answers to their inquiry , out of the earth , this imposture the Prophet Isaiah warneth the people to avoyd the delusion of it , Isaiah 8.19 . in Tremellius translation , Quum enim edicum vobis , consulite Pythones & ariobos , qui pipiunt & mussitant ; nonne populus Deum suum consulturas est● pro viventibus mortuos consulat ? for when they say unto you , Ask counsel of Oraclers , and South-sayers , that whisper and mutter , should not a people ask counsel of their God ? Shall they ask counsel of the dead for them that are living ? And here in Isaiah 29.4 . the Prophet alludeth not to all the impostures of such Oracling Idols , which were many , but only to this one imposture , from whence they had their description , or term of appellation from speaking in a Bottle out of the earth . In this sense the Pythonist of Endor was called Mulier pythone praedita , a Woman indued with an Oracle , or with the imposture of Oracling , because she made it seem by the foresaid imposture , to silly , deluded , or bewitched people , that the dead spake out of the earth , by which imposture she deluded Saul , 1 Sam. 28. And because that History of the Witch of Endor hath been commonly mis-interpreted , and many unwary Readers do beleeve , that that which she did was somewhat more than a cousening imposture , and that she did either raise up Samuel , or the Devil in the likeness of Samuel , or assuming the body of Samuel , and speaking in it ( where by the way it is to be noted , that if any such things were , it maketh nothing to prove the common error , that a Witch is any where at all taken for a Murtherer ; for the scope of all that she did , was only at last to give an Oracle , or Divination to Saul ) yet let but such a Reader as thinketh she did any thing really ; examine well the Chapter , and he shall finde , it was only a deluding cheating imposture by a confederate in the ground , and he that will not beleeve this , let him but gather up his Objections , and I will lay down my Answers as followeth . The first Objection , or ground of mistake , is , the twelfth verse of the Chapter , 1 Sam. 28. And when the woman saw Samuel , &c. Here perhaps you wil say , it is plain she saw Samuel ? Ans. It is not here to be understood according to the letter of the History , neither did yet any Expositor so understand it , for it may not be supposed that any Devillish Craft can call a Saint from Heaven ; no , but you will say , It was the Devil in the likeness of Samuel ; I answer , If you hold to the letter of the History , you must say it was real Samuel , but if you vary from the letter , whence then can you gather that it was the Devil ? And why is not this Exposition true , that she only pretended that she saw Samuel , to bring about her cousening imposture ? for I have made it plain in all the discourse of this Book by the current of the Scriptures , that all Witchcraft was only a delusion , and to say that it was the body of Samuel raised up by the Devil , is to make the Devil able to work the same Miracle that was wrought by Christ upon the Cross , who by the power of his God-head raised up the Bodies of the Saints , for a time , who appeared unto many , from whence the Centurion concluded , that Christ was the Son of God , knowing that no other power was able to do it , Mat. 27. 52 , 53 , 54. The second Objection may be , the learned of Samuel that it was Saul , as in the twelfth verse , And when the woman saw Samuel she said unto Saul , why hast thou deceived me , for thou art Saul ? therefore she saw him . Answ. The seeing of Samuel could instruct her nothing , if living Samuel had been there , much less dead Samuel , nor seeing the Devil in Samuels likeness , for neither the body of Samuel , nor the Devil , was a Looking-glass to see Saul in , but it was her subtill pretence , and colour , that she had seen Samuel , and so found out Saul by her craft , whom she knew before ; think you that this subtill Wizard did not know the King ? when she dwelt nigh the Kings Court , as appeareth in the Chapter , for he went thither and stayed while she acted her part , and after a while she prepared meat , and he and his Servants did eat , and returned the same night . But you may say , he was disguised . Ans. He was taller than all the men in Israel by the head and shoulders , and without making himself so much the shorter , he could not but be known by a subtill Wizard . Also I answer ; That the Servants of Saul , that could so readily tell him where he should finde such a woman at Endor , could not but be intimate with her , and so warn her of Sauls coming , or give her some discovery of the present occasion , at their coming along with Saul , or else how could they have concealed her , and kept her counsel in the time a little before , when Saul had made strict proclamation that all Wizards should be banished the Land , as they were ; and doubtless had not those servants concealed her , she had also been banished . Again , Saul could not but discover himself to her , by his Oath that he sware to her immediately before , for who was able to save her from punishment but the King. Another Objection is , Saul himself saw Samuel , or the Devil in his likeness . Ans. It is plain in the History , he saw neither Samuel , nor his likeness , for he said to the woman in vers . 13 , 14. What sawest thou , and what form and fashion is he of ? where it is plain , he was only too credulous , and beleeved that she had seen some apparition , for if he had seen any thing himself , why did he say , What sawest thou ? She answered , I saw an old man cloathed in a mantle , making a true description of Samuel , because she knew that he was the man that Saul desired , then Saul acknowledged that it was Samuel , only from her describing of him , vers . 14. and therefore bowed himself with his face to the ground in honour to Samuel , whom he expected should answer him out of the earth . Another Objection is ; But Samuel talked with Saul ? Ans. It is proved before that Saul saw no body , therefore Saul only heard a voyce which he imagined came from Samuel , but was only the voyce of a Confederate under the ground . But you will say , that the Scripture saith , Samuel said unto Saul , Why hast thou disquieted me ? Ans. If you hold me to the letter of the History , why do you not hold your self to it , but say , it was the Devil in the likeness of Samuel , as that it was real Samuel you will not say , why not a Confederate then ? and here indeed the History is set down only according to the apprehension of Saul , not discovering the imposture . But how should she describe a man so like Samuel ? that is , an old man cloathed in a mantle ? Ans. The only noted Prophet in Israel was known to all , and could not be unknown to a subtil Wizard , whose practice was to be acquainted with all things of note , the better to help her craft of Oracling Divinations upon any occasion for gain . Another Objection , But if it were not Samuel , nor the Devil , what Confederate was able to tell Saul so right , and give so true an Oracle of what should betide Saul the next day in the battel ? Ans. All such Oraclers and Wizards did give Oracles two ways . First , In doubtful things , they gave doubtful answers . Secondly , Where were more certain probabilities , there they gave more certain answers . Now what was more certain than that the Kingdom should be rent from Saul ? Samuel had Prophesied of it , and all Israel knew it ; and what was more probable than that the time was at hand , when so mighty an Host of his enemies were come against him , when his heart and spirit failed him , and when God had forsaken him ? and if it had not come to pass , such Oraclers did use to have evasions , the fault might have been laid upon Samuels Ghost , and further cousenage might still have been wrought to blinde Sauls eyes ; and had it happened how it could , so that the Witch had come off blewly , and her imposture been afterward known to Saul , yet she had the Oath of the King to save her harmless . Further , it is the opinion of some learned men , that there was no certainty at all in the answer given to Saul , and that it was meerly conjectural , and though happening some way true , yet it failed in the day prefixed , for whereas it was said , Tomorrow shalt thou and thy Sons be with me , vers . 9. it was very false , for when the Philistims went up to Battel , David returning was three days marching back to Ziglag , 1 Sam. 30.1 . and one day pursuing his enemies , vers . 17. and the third day after that , tidings was brought to David from the Camp of Saul , that Saul and his Sons were dead , 2 Sam. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4. which made in all seven days , and therefore it was not likely that Saul and his Sons were slain upon the morrow , which was the scope of the Oracle , or answer that was given to Saul ; this I say , is the opinion of a learned Writer . So much by the way . Further , if it had not been a meer delusion to blinde the eyes of Saul , why must Samuel bee described an old man cloathed in a mantle ? That indeed was the fashion of living Samuel , but after he was dead and buried , had Samuel appeared as she pretended , or had the Devil appeared in his likeness , as some fond Readers suppose he did , it must have been like Samuel in a Winding-sheet ; but indeed had she described him by his Winding-sheet , that might have been any man else as well as Samuel , and Saul had not been so easily deluded in his fond credulity and Idolatrous way . If you think it an incredible thing that Saul should be so easily deluded , look Isaiah 8.20 . in the Latine translation ( which carrieth the true sense of the Original , how odly soev●r our English Translators run ) where the Prophet speaking of such as would counsel men to seek to Oraclers and Southsayers , he saith ( in Tremelius ) An non loquuntur in sententiam illam cuicunque nulla est lucis scintilla ; do they not give this counsel to such as have not the least spark of light or understanding ? and this was Sauls case , Saul indeed had been a wise man formerly , when the Spirit of God was upon him , when it was said , Is Saul also among the Prophets ? but then when God had forsaken him , his wisdom , his courage , and his victoriousness went all away together , and then , and never till then , was he deceived by a Witch . And however many erroneous Readers , when they read this History of the Witch of Endor , do suppose she did such things really as are set down , only according to the apprehension of the Spectators ( namely , Saul and his Servants ) yet let them but consider the nature of impostures , and they may easily conceive how such a cheating imposture might easily , and still may be brought to pass to delude fools , by an ordinary Jugling confederacy , according to the manner afore described , as well and as really as ever she did it , and that without a familiar Devil ( as is foolishly supposed she had ) only a Devil ruling in the heart of them that do it to the like end , to delude and lead people from God , as she did , the Devil being the Father of all lying delusions , and ruleth in the hearts of the children of disobedience . Such a Devil was in the heart of Ahabs Prophets , 1 King. 22.23 . ( But for such as will not allow of that exposition , that the Witch of Endor did all by a confederate , I say , she might do it also by the imposture of Hariolating , as may be seen in the latter end of the Eighth term of description following ) And truly , for such as will still beleeve the common foolish errour , that Python was such a Witch as had a familiar spirit ( except they mean such a lying spirit of Oracling Divination ) I wonder how farre they will stretch the sense and coherence of the Scriptures , to make any such interpretation ? Look but Tremelius Translation , 2 Chron , 33.6 . it is said of Manasseh , among the Witchcrafts which he used ( or rather that the Idolatrous Priests under him used ) Instituitque Pythonem ; What is that ? Did he set up a familiar Spirit ? one that had a familiar Spirit ; or did he set up an Oracle ? Which is best sense ? but the common conceit of Readers is , because their Dictionary saith Python signifieth a Devillish spirit of Divination , or one that hath such a Spirit , therefore that must needs be a familiar Spirit ( and indeed the common abuse of words may make words signifie any thing ) but let such as trust only to their Latine Dictionaries , or Greek Lexicon , shew me in them , or any authentique Writer , but especially in the Scriptures , where Python is taken in any such sense as a familiar Spirit , ( especially where it is taken for a killing spirit of a Witch ) according to the common doctrin of Devils , that hath defiled the Nations , but only for a spirit of lying Prophecie , or one that hath such a Spirit or Devil in his heart ; and in the text it is taken for the Oracle of the Devil ; and if any carp at words , yet they must examine as well the sense of the Original , and the sense and coherence of the Scriptures from place to place , as what words may by abuse and ill custom signifie ; yet I say , where do we read of a Familiar Spirit in all the Scriptures , if they be truly translated , especially where do we read of a killing spirit of a Witch ? So much for the Seventh term of description , Requirens Pythonem . The Eighth term of Description . THe Eighth term of Description of a Witch in the text , is , Ariolus , for the most part written Hariolus , and is by all men taken for a South-sayer , but a South-sayer differeth not from Utens Divinationibus , being the Second term of description , for what difference is there between South-saying , and using of Divinations , or lying Prophecies ? so then it might seem to be a Tautologie in the text ; but as it hath been said before , that these Nine terms of appellation in the text , are not terms of distinction , but several terms of description , so if Moses had set here down a hundred several terms of description , signifying one and the same thing , it had not been a tautologie in the worst sense , but a more full expression of the same thing for illustration of the matter in hand : but yet as most of the rest of the terms of description in the text did all tend to Divinations ( being the Second term of description ) only they do imply a several imposture , whereupon the self-same Witches grounded their Divinations , and yet being described by their several impostures were not so many several kinds of Witches , but still one and the same kinde , and all of them false Prophets , who by several impostures seduced the people ; so it may well bee understood , that under this Eighth term of description in the text , Hariolus , commonly called a South-sayer , is implied some particular imposture used in their Divinations , whereby to delude and seduce the people , which imposture , though it be not fully declared in the Scriptures , what it was , yet it may be collected by the several places in the Scriptures where the said expression is so often repeated , that it was some imposture used , together with the fore●aid imposture of Oracling , ( being the Seventh description ) because in most places of the Scripture , Pythones & arioli are named together as one and the same , although implying a several imposture . The Hebrew word in the text is Iiddegnoni , or as by some pronounced Iiddoni , and signifieth Hariolus , but the Hebrews borrowed a word from some other Language , which word is Ha●tumim , which in Gen. 41. 8. 24. and in several places of Scripture , is used as a general word for all sorts of Witches , and is by Tremelius translated Magus , a Magician , but by common use did signifie among the Hebrews , Hariolus , a South-sayer , and yet used equivocately to express the Genus , and the Species as one , because South-sayers were Magicians , and were counted the only wise men , and is by many Expositors expounded Hariolus . The Latines commonly used another word , Haruspex ; and here it may be noted , that these words , Hartumim , Hariolus , Haruspex , do imply the imposture of a hollow seigned voyce , which those Witches or Deceivers used in their Oracling Divinations , by harring in their throats , and these are they that are also otherwise called Pythones , according to another imposture of speaking in a Bottle , as in the Seventh term of description is before shewed Plutarch de defec . Orac. saith , They that used to draw a Prophesying voyce out of their belly are also called Pythones , that is , as Iohannes Scapula upon the place of Plutarch , saith , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 è ventre Hariolautes , and this was the imposture aimed at in the text under the Eighth term of description , Ariolus , namely , that they spake with a counterfeit voyce of harring in the throat , whereby to dissemble some other , and therefore changed their Natural voyce , and these were they that spake in the room of the Idol Houses , called in Greek and Latine Manteium ( as in the Seventh description ) and these were they that speaking in that room in a Cave under the ground , or some other hollow place , did therefore change their natural voyce , to counterfeit the voyce of some other ; such a one was he that being confederate with the Witch of Endor , feigned the voyce of Samuel talking to Saul ( as is more fully set down in the Seventh term of description ) or she her self might by this Imposture speak all that was spoken to Saul ; and these did rather har in their throats , that they might thereby the more terribly dissemble a voyce from the dead rising again , and therefore differed as much as they could from Human voyce ; such a one was also by the Graecians and Latines called Mantes , which some Writers that knew not the imposture , say it was the Devil ; but Mantes was such a Witch , or false Prophet , as had that devillish imposture of harring in their throats to deceive the people , called of some Ventriloquium , a speaking in the belly , and they that practised this imposture were so perfect in it , that they would speak so strangely , that many times they dared to practice their imposture above ground , whereby they made it seem to silly people that the spirit of Apollo , or some other Idol ( which they called gods ) spake within them , according to the expression of Saint Luke , who used the vulgar expression , Acts 16.16 . where it is said , the Maid had Spiritus Pythonis , the spirit of Oracling , or as Bezae expounds it , the spirit of Apollo , which he saith was only a devillish cousening imposture ( as is before noted at large in the Seventh description ) And this exposition of Ariolos is agreeable to the saying of the Prophet , Isa. 8.19 . Quum enim edicunt vobis consulite Pythones & ariolos , qui pipiunt & mussitant ; and when they say unto you , Ask counsel of Oraclers , and South-sayers , that peep , and that mutter , here Tremelius gives this Exposition ; The Prophet ( saith he ) aggravateth the heinous crime of those Witches from the vanity of those Divinations , which the very manner of them betrayeth , those Seducers have not so much wit that they dare speak to the people the thing they pretend to speak in plain and open terms , with an audible cleer voyce , as they that are Gods Prophets , who speak the Word of God as loud as may be , and as plain as they can to the people , but they chirp in their Bellies , and very low in their throats , like Chickens half out of the shels in the hatching . So much Tremelius . And further he saith , That many Historians do mention these their delusions , but especially Origenes advers . Celsum . This imposture of speaking in the Belly hath been often practised in these latter days in many places , and namely in this Island of England , and they that practise it do it commonly to this end , to draw many silly people to them , to stand wondring at them , that so by the concourse of people money may be given them , for they by this imposture do make the people beleeve that they are possessed by the Devil , speaking within them , and tormenting them , and so do by that pretence move the people to charity , to be liberal to them . Master Scot in his Discovery of Witchcraft , Lib. 7. Cap. 1. writeth of such a one at Westwel in Kent , that had so perfectly this imposture of speaking in the Belly , that many Ministers were deceived by her , and made no question but she had been possest by a tormenting Devil , and came and talked so long with that Devil , an● charged him in the name of God to go out of her , as tha● he said he would kill her , he would tear her it peeces , he would kill them all ; He also told them whom sent him in , and ●ccused some poor people for Witches . The words and testimony of this Devil were taken in writing , and how many they that sent him had Witched to death , and yet when this matter came to examination by two wise Justices of the Peace , Mr. Thomas Wotton , and Mr. George Darrel , the Maid being discreetly examined , confessed the whole imposture ; and for confirmation of the truth of the matter , so plain was the Maid in confession , that she acted the same thing over again before the said Magistrates , and many other Gentlemen and Gentlewomen , to the shame of those Ministers who had taken the testimony of the Devil against poor people in writing , and were credulous therein , beleeving and teaching such Doctrins , that a Witch can send a Devil to possesse and torment people , and another Witch can cast him out ; but if they and all Ministers were led by the Spirit of truth , they should know , that this deluding Hagge was the Witch , and not they whom she accused ; for what difference was there between her imposture and a spirit of Divination ? like the Maid , in Acts 16.16 . formerly mentioned , whose spirit of Divination or Oracling was only a Devillish cousening imposture , saith Beza ; and such ought to be put to death by the Law of Moses , because they use Divinations , pretending the discovery of Witches , it being manifest therein that they are the Witches , and because they by false accus●tion murther others ; such a Maid was lately at Brantree in Essex , who practised the same imposture to the astonishment of many , and gained mony from the deceived beholders , until the report thereof grew stale , and fools had done wondering , and the concourse of people ceased , and her gains came not in , and then the Devil did easily leave her , and the business almost forgotten , and yet no men so ready to put in execution the Law of God against her , or any such , as against poor people that are accused by such , and by fools , and hanged up without ground or warrant , or possibility of truth . This imposture hath wrought strange delusions among the ancient Heathen , and the actors thereof did by this imposture delude the people ; one way very notable was ( by their speaking in the Belly in the man●●r aforesaid ) they would make it seem to the standers by that a voyce came from afar off , or from some secret place , & that that voyce was the voyce of some of the gods , and then they would report abroad that in such a place a voyce was heard , declaring , or commanding such and such matters , and the poor deluded standers by would witness , and report the same to be true , whereas the voyce came only from the deluding Witch that was among them when they heard the voyce ; as we may read in Plutarch de defec . Orac. A certain ship sayling by the Island of Paxis ( in which ship were some Aegyptians , the manner of which Nation was to practise the several impostures of Witchcraft , for their advantage and fame among the people ) there was heard from the shore of Paxis a voyce , calling thrice to Thamus by name , ( he being an Aegyptian in the ship ) Thamus , when thou comest to Palos , report that great Pan is dead , which thing he did . When he came near Palos he looked toward the shore , and cryed aloud , Great Pan is dead ; then there was heard a terrible sighing and groaning , which much affrighted the people in the ship ; the report of this was speedily testified at Rome ; in so much that this Thamus was sent for by Tyberius Caesar , and so was much taken notice of in the Emperours Court ; and although many were deluded by that voyce , which was so heard by the men in the ship , and did much dispute about it what it should signifie , yet they that do rightly understand the imposture of Hariolating , or speaking in the belly , may easily conceive that Thamus himself was the man , or some confederate with him , that spake the voyce , and made that mighty groaning at the last , thereby to delude the people , and to make himself famous , as some great Man , to whom some of the gods had spoken ; and whereas it was about the time that Christ was Crucified , And some would have it that that voyce was really spoken by some strange Spirit , and might signifie Christ : I yeeld thus farre , that Thamus himself might have heard the fame of the passages of the Life , and Death , and Resurrection of Christ , and might speak of , and concerning Christ , not that he beleeved in Christ , but would tell some notable thing in his own deluding way , for the magnifying of himself among the people , implying , that he was the man to whom such a voyce should come from the gods ; and whereas he said , Great Pan is dead , it was because the Iews were the ●osterity of Shepherds , and the Heathen had feigned Pan to be the god of Sheph●●ds ; thus might he mean Christ , as the Maid in the Acts , ch . 16.16 . acknowledged Paul and his Doctrin , not by belief , but thereby to uphold and countenance her imposture among the people , for her own fame and gain ; so might this Impostor mean Christ ▪ although , nor he , nor any other , did ever conclude any thing fully concerning the meaning of that voyce , but lest it doubtful ( as all Oracles of the Heathen were ) insomuch that some told Tiberius , that it was spoken from the gods of one that was risen up between Mercury and Penelopa . Thus did Thamus by his imposture get himself fame at the Emperours Court ( which was the thing he aimed at ) and left superstitious fools disputing of an ambiguous Oracle . It hath been credibly reported , that there was a man in the Court , in King Iames his days , that could act this imposture so lively , that he could call the King by name , and cause the King to look round about him , wondring who it was that called him , whereas he that called him stood before him in his presence , with his face toward him ; but after this imposture was known , the King in his merriment would sometimes take occasion by this Impostor to make sport upon some of his Courtiers ; as for instance , There was a Knight belonging to the Court , whom the King caused to come before him in his private room ( where no man was but the King , and this Knight , and the Impostor ) and feigned some occasion of serious discourse with the Knight ; but when the King began to speak , and the Knight bending his attention to the King , suddenly there came a voyce as out of another room , calling the Knight by name , Sir Iohn , Sir Iohn , come away Sir Iohn ; at which the Knight began to frown , that any man should be so unmannerly as to molest the King and him ; and still listning to the Kings discourse , the voyce came again , Sir Iohn , Sir Iohn , come away and drink off your Sack ; at that Sir Iohn began to swell with anger , and looked into the next rooms to see who it was that dared to call him so importunately , and could not finde out who it was , and having chid 〈◊〉 whomsoever he found , he returned again to the King ; the King again had no sooner began to speak as formerly , but the voyce came again , Sir Iohn , come away , your Sack stayeth for you ; at that , Sir Iohn begun to stamp with madness , and looked out , and returned several times to the King , but could not be quiet in his discourse with the King , because of the voyce that so often troubled him , till the King had sported enough . So much for this Eighth term of description of a Witch in the text , Ariolus a South-sayer . The Ninth term of Description . THe Ninth term of Description , is , Necromantis , a Necromancer , that is in the sense of the Hebrew , Consulens mortuos , one that seeketh counsel of the dead , as Tremellius noteth in the margent . This is the last term set down by Moses in the text , describing a Witch , and this term implyeth the pretence in the impostures used by the foresaid Oraclers , and South-sayers , as in the Seventh and Eighth description ( is amply set down ) ; and that the world might fully understand the delusion of Witches , Moses here setteth down this last and more full expression , or term of description of a Witch , Necromantis , which is all one with the former , and in regard of Predictions was called in the Second description , Vtens Divinatione , a Diviner ; in regard of the imposture of giving Oracles from a hollow Cave in the earth , with a Bottle , was called Ob in the Hebrew ( translated Python by Tremellins ) that is , an Oracle , or an Oracler , according to the sense of Plutarch , de defect . orac . and in regard of the imposture of counterfeiting a voyce of another by harring in their throats , was called , Ariolus , or Hariolus ; in regard of the asking counsel of the dead was called , Necromantis , or consulens mortuos , one that asketh counsel of the dead ; and in regard of the Charms and Conjurations that they used , in calling up the souls and spirits of the dead , they were Charmers , or Conjurers . The Seventh and Eighth terms of description do imply the impostures which these deluding Witches used in their Oracling Divinations ; this Ninth term of description implieth their pretence which they had in those cousening impostures , that is , they pretended that they consulted with the souls of them that were departed this life , and thereby could tell things to come , or things hidden ; and this was one pretence of all that were Oraclers , or South-sayers , according to which pretence they were called Necromancers , according to that place in Isa. 8.19 . ( very fitly rehearsed again in this description ) in Tremellius translation ; For when they shall say unto you , Ask counsel of Oraclers and South-sayers , that whisper , and that mutter , should not a people ask counsel of their God ? shall they ask counsel of the dead for them that are living ? And this pretence of these Witches is manifest , not only in the Scriptures , but in common Wrlters , where we may read the Tenents , and the Opinions of the Heathen concerning this matter , Plutarch de defec . orac . sheweth their opinions and vain conceits , That the souls of men that were departed this life , were of more excellent perfection , than the souls of men in the prison of the body ; and these were by those vain Heathen called Genii , which Genii or departed souls ( say they ) being of such perfection , and having likewise familiarity with the gods , would ( when they were sought unto by men living here ) come and inspire them to give Divinations , which they could easily do , by reason of their perfect estate after this life . These were by some of the Heathen called , and esteemed gods , and were among the Romans called Manes , that is , Infernal gods , or souls of men , to whom they offered Sacrifices , called Inferiae . The Pythonist , or Witch of Endor did act her part so subtilly , that she did not only pretend inspiration from the Soul of Samuel , but ( to satisfie Sauls insatiable blindness in his demand ) that she could call him up , and make him appear to her , both Body and Soul united again , to prophesie again to Saul ; which thing indeed was acted by her according to the silliness of Sauls demand , as appeareth more fully in the Seventh description , who , after the Spirit of God had forsaken him , was given over to beleeve such foolish fancies of faithless and ignorant people , as silly Women , and Children , and fools are inclined to beleeve unto this day , that people after their death can walk , and frequent the Houses , and Gardens , and Orchards , where they have used to be in their life time , which thing is a meer fancy of faithless and ignorant people , and cannot be brought to pass by either Witch or Devil , either really , or in appearance ; for it was a Miracle once done by the power of Christ at his suffering upon the Cross , that many of the bodies of the Saints that were departed rose , and appeared unto many in the holy City , Mat. 27.52 , 53. from whence the Centurion acknowledged Christ to be the Son of God , knowing that such things could not be done but by the mighty power of God ; and he that readeth over the foresaid Book of Plutarch , shall easily finde , that one of the chief grounds of Oracles and Divinations , was this vain conceit of the Heathen , that wanted the light of the Scriptures , that the souls of dead men did give answers to them that had knowledge in the Art of seeking of Oracles ; which Art indeed was only a craft of working impostures to delude the people , as is set down more at large in the Seventh and Eighth descriptions ; and from this old conceit of the Heathen , and practice of these deluding Witches of ancient times , hath that grand Witch , that Whore of Rome ( the Pope and his train ) derived her notable Witchcraft , whereby she hath deluded the world , teaching people to invocate the souls of Saints departed , as likewise to conjure them . Let but the Reader look back to the Sixth term of description ( a Charmer ) and there he may read of a notable peece of Necromancy acted by two Popish Doctors at Orleance in France , with their devillish Conjurations . These Roman Witches are the Necromancers of these latter Ages , according to this Ninth description ; these are the Inchanters of these latter Ages , as is fully demonstrated in the Sixth description ; these are the Jugling Witches of these latter Ages in the Christian world , as is fully demonstrated in the Fifth description , and therefore it is said of this Purple Whore , Revel . 18.23 . with thy Witchcrafts all Nations were deceived . And he that will be zealous for God , in obeying the command given in Exod. 22.18 . Suffer not a Witch to live , must leave his fond ignorant course of teaching people to hang up poor , and widows , and aged , and lame helpless people , and must bend his devotion against that Whore of Rome ( as all the world ought to do ) as also against the Mahometan Witches among the Turks . Therefore it were a good Law in England , if duly kept , That no Jesuite , or Popish Priest should be suffered to live , in any part of these Dominions , because these Witches are they that bewitch the people ( where they be tollerated ) by their several deluding impostures , leading the people to Idolatry , and also to the undermining of Governments . So much for the Ninth term of description of a Witch in the text , a Necromantist , one that asketh counsel of the dead . The false Prophets of ancient times having their several impostures and pretences , whereby they seduced the people to vain Idolatry , which was abominable to Gods eyes , are here by the Spirit of God demonstrated to the world by the Nine several terms of description in the text , that the world might fully know the mystery of iniquity , and avoyd all such evil workers , as deceivers of his people , and learn to know God , and his Prophets , who teach people the right way of God ; and these are the terms of expressions that are used in the Old Testament to demonstrate false Prophets , according to which expressions wee use the general word Witch , or Sorcerer , in the English Tongue , and do finde no other sort of Witches spoken of in the Scriptures . What sort of Witches soever are spoken of in the New Testament , are all taken in the same sense that they are in the Old Testament , and are sufficiently glossed at the beginning of this Book , upon the Definition of a Witch , and Witchcraft ; but yet in Revel . 22.15 . there is found a word that is used as a general expression for all sorts of Witches , which word because it hath been abused by some Popish Expositors , and blinde interpreters , disputing upon the same word used by the Septuagint , it may not be omitted to speak somewhat of it , the word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , signifying by Etimology a Poysoner , or a compounder of Poysons , and is translated veneficus , signifying also a Poysoner , and yet both words both in Greek and Latine are used commonly for a Witch in general of all sorts , and is so taken in that place of the Revelations , and from hence some that are willing to uphold fond Opinions , do draw this fond conclusion , That a Witch is such a one as killeth people by Poysons , and can infect the Air , and bring many mortal Diseases by Witchcraft , and by the same craft can kill any particular Man or Beast with looks , by poysoning the Air in a direct line , as some feign of the Cockatrice . But what Logician will not say it is an absurdity to draw a Conclusion , and ground an opinion , from the bare signification of words ? and yet for the words , it is easily conceived , that a Witch was first called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek , and Veneficus in Latine , by a Metaphor taken from the deceitfulness of a Poysoner , that giveth a man Poysons by deceit to betray his life ; or from a deceitful Apothecary , or Mountebank , that selleth Poyson , sophisticated Medicines , instead of wholsome Physick , as a Witch is taken in no other sense in all the foregoing places of Scripture than for a Deceiver , or Impostor ; yet because ( as I have said before ) that bare significations of words do prove nothing directly , therefore let us but expound Scripture by Scripture , and we may easily finde that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Veneficus , is taken for a Deceiver , or Impostor , and not for a Poysoner or Murtherer , and for that look Revel . 18.23 . With thy Witchcrafts all Nations were deceived ; there the conjugal word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 veneficiis tuis , as much as to say , with thy poysoned Medicines , or Poysons , all Nations were deceived ; there is the same Metaphor used again , and such words as might signifie Poysons are used for deceiving Witchcrafts ; with thy Witchcrafts all Nations were deceived , not killed . So then , to conclude with Revelations , we read not in all the Old or New Testament of a Killing Witch , or Murthering Witch , but only of deceiving Witches , Impostors , or false Prophets , seducing people to Idolatry by their delusions and impostures . He that will have any further description of a Witch , let him take this description ; A Witch is as like a Prophet as can be , and yet a deceiving false Prophet , Dan. 2.13 . A Decree went forth from the King , that the Magicians should be slain , and they sought Daniel and his fellows to be slain ; there the Executioners knew no difference between the Magicians and Daniel , that was a Prophet , for the word Magician , or Wise men , being properly taken in a good sense , was equivocally given to South-sayers , and all sorts of deceiving Witches , as well as to those that were termed Wise men , and as to the Prophets themselves , and under that Decree Daniel himself had been slain , if it had not been stayed by Gods providence . The blasphemous Priests and Pharisees called Christ a Deceiver , or Impostor , or as Beza expoundeth , a Jugler , and a Seducer , Matth. 27.63 . when as he was the great Prophet of the world . Plutarch saith , De defect . Orac. That he which first began the Oracle of Apollo was Coreta , who set up the Oracle , in a pretence of being Divinely inspired with the spirit of Prophecie . Mr. Scot in his Discovery , who ( was a Student in the Laws , and learned in the Roman Laws ) sheweth , Lib. 11. Cap , 5. & 6. that certain Colleges were erected at Rome , in time of Heathenish ignorance , for Diviners and South-sayers to be instituted to expound the mindes and admonishments of the gods , and by their Law young Princes were to be sent to Hetruria to learn , and bring home the cunning of that Art ( it being the only Divinity the poor Heathen knew , to seek to such as pretended they could know the mindes and wills of the gods ) and in process of time these Colleges increased to a great University , in which were brought up such as learned the practice of Divination , or Augury , by several impostures described in the text ; who notwithstanding they were accounted Prophets among the Heathen , yet are all aimed at , and described in the text for Witches , and South-sayers , and such as the people of Israel ( being a chosen people , to be taught by God and his Prophets ) were commanded to destroy , that no such bewitching false Prophets should be found among them ; such a one was Elimas the Sorcerer , called both a Sorcerer , and a false Prophet , Acts 13. 6. and these were such as were sometimes great Scholars , yet abusing their learning . Some may object and say , If Witches were only false Prophets , then all false Teachers are Witches ? Answ. A Witch and a false Prophet are reciprocal terms , but not a Witch and a false Teacher , for all the Nine terms of description in the text are plainly describing Witches and false Prophets as one and the same , and having one of these two properties ; First , He setteth up an Idol , which is the first main Witchcraft , being the first description in the text ; or , Secondly , He useth some , or all of the eight following Witchcrafts described in the text , either to confirm and uphold his Idol by seducing the people , or else to make the people beleeve that he is a true Prophet of God , as did Simon Magus in the Acts , and as is rehearsed in the same Chapter in the text , Deut. 18.20 . for the more full and general description of a Witch , or false Prophet , which was described in the text , by Nine specifical descriptions , specifying the Nine Witchcrafts of such seducing false Prophets : but yet it doth not follow that all false Teachers are Witches ; for a man may be a false Teacher through weakness of understanding , and error of judgement ( as were the Scribes and Pharises in some things ) and yet not a Witch ; but he that is a wilful upholder of Horesies , or any vain unprofitable Doctrin , only to draw people to a head to uphold his own gain , and so for gain maketh the people to miss of the sincerity of Religion , although he be no Impostor , nor bringeth himself within the compass of the punishment due to a Witch from the Civil Magistrate , because he doth not use impostures , or any of the Nine Witchcrafts described in the text , yet in his intent he maketh gain his end , and perverteth souls in a smooth pretence of holiness . I know not how his final intention differeth from the final intention of a Witch ( that is , gain by seducing●the people ) nor whether he or a Witch shall have the greatest condemnation at the last day , Acts 20.30 . for it appeareth in vers . 20. following the text ▪ that a false Prophet considered distinctly from the foresaid impostors , is in the same Condemnation , and the same with a Witch , and ought to be censured by the Civil Magistrate to dye as a Witch , meerly quatenus a false Prophet ; for although he bee described by his several impostures before in the text , yet the bare using of impostures maketh not a Witch , unless by them he be a false Prophet ; ( as is demonstrated more fully in the Fifth description ) so then , the Formalis ratio of a Witch , or that which maketh him to be a Witch , is , because he is a false Prophet , so that it followeth , that as every wilful false teacher , or wilful upholder of Heresie , or any vain unprofitable Doctrin to seduce the people for gain , differeth not in his final intention from a false Prophet , so by the same reason he differeth not from a Witch ; and although he cannot always be convicted by the Magistrate , yet in Gods sight he is a very Witch . Our English Translators not knowing the difference of the terms of description in the text , by the several impostures therein implied , according to the intent and meaning of the Scriptures , have used words promiscuously one for another , without expressing the true and full meaning of the Original so well , as is exprest by Iunius and Tremelius in Latine , as in Deut. 18.10 , 11. they call a Diviner a Witch , and a South-sayer a Wizard , expressing specifical descriptions by general words , that may be as well given to any of the nine ; and in Exod. 22.18 . they call a Jugler a Witch , using the same general expression that they used before , for one that useth Divination , or a Diviner ; they call a Planetarian an observer of times , a phrase more obscure than can imply the original meaning of the Scriptures ; they call a Conjecturer an Inchanter , and they call an Inchanter a Charmer , whereas in the Original and Latine Translations , an Inchanter , and a Charmer is all one term of description ; they call an Oracler one that hath a familiar Spirit , and that may be as well given to any of the Nine terms in the text ( by the same reason that all Witches have a familiar spirit , according to the common tenent , though it cannot be proved that any had any , otherwise than the spirit of error ruling in their hearts . ) And 2 Chron. 33.6 . there they call using Divinations , observing of times , which phrase they used before for a Planetarian ; and if we compare several English Translations , wee may finde them much varying one from another in translating of those terms , not but that they were good and able Linguists , but not knowing the several impostures implyed in these original terms of description , could not express them in such apt words in English , as if they had known the mystery of iniquity according to the original sense and meaning , Gen. 44.5 . they translate it , Is not this ●he cup by which my Master divineth ? Here they would make Witchcraft lawful , ( for Divination is Witchcraft ) but the original sense is nothing so as they translate it ; look Tremeilius . All this argueth that these our ancient Bishops and great Clerks knew not what Witchcraft was in the Scripture sense . THE SECOND BOOK . IT is manifest , that the Scriptures were given by God , for a rule for man in this depraved nature to walk by , That whereas all Mankinde since the fall of Adam are naturally darkned in their understandings , and averse from the truth of God , the Scriptures might be a light unto us , to lead us in the righteous way of Gods truth . And now Christ Jesus the Light of the World ( in whom are fulfilled all the Divine Mysteries of the Scriptures ) is come into the world to enlighten the world ; and whereas before his coming the world sate in darkness , and were wholly given to run after Idols , and to be seduced by Idol-Priests , who practised the several Witchcrafts described in the text , Deut. 18.10 , 11. to seduce the people to Idolatry , yet then at the coming , and by the power of the coming of Christ , ( who was manifested by Miracles , and taught the people by his Spirit of Truth ) were all those ways of darkness discovered to the whole Word , to be lying delusions , tending to destruction , as is prophesied by the Prophet , Isa. Chap. 8. hee speaking of Witches , and their delusions , and the darksome errours and evils accompanying them , from the nineteenth Verse to the end of the Chapter , immediately in the two first Verses of the next Chapter , he prophesieth of Christ , the light of whose coming should destroy the ways of darkness , in these words , In the way of the Sea beyond Jordan , Galile of the Gentiles , the people that sate in darkness shall see great light , and upon them that dwell in the Land of the shadow of death shall light shine forth ; and thus it was fulfilled at his coming . The Nations that were given to Idolatry , and seduced by false Prophets ( being Idol-Priests , and deluding Witches ) were so enlightned , that all Idolatrous delusions were discovered , the Oracle of Apollo , and of all Idols , drew dumb , Simon Magus , and Elimas the Sorcerer , and all bewitching false Prophets were confounded , and all these Instruments of darkness grew out of request among the people , being clearly discovere● that they were all Lyars , and used lying delusions to deceive the Nations . And notwithstanding this perfect rule of righteousness in the Old and New Testament , written by the Prophets before the coming of Christ , and at his coming finished by him and his Apostles , yet such is the obstinacy of mans darksome nature , that men will carry a Candle of their own in their hands , even at Noon-day , imagining they can by their own wisdom finde out truths that are not written in the Scriptures , and that their Candle will enlighten them more than the beams of the Sun when it shineth forth in its full strength ; Like a silly Labourer , that counting the day by a Pocket Watch , whose Wheels being out of Kilter went too fast , he had such a conceit of his Watch , that he affirmed , That the Sun in the skie went too slow , for his Watch was known to be true . Thus do men play with the Scriptures , preferring Human traditions beyond the truth of God contained in the Scripture ; and this is the cause why men a long time have been deceived by the Man of Sin , who still prevaileth to lead the World in darkness , because they love not the truth , but have pleasure in unrighteousness , 2 T●es . 2.10 , 11 , 12. for this man of sin , that Whore of Rome , being the grand Witch of the Christian world , pointed at Revel . 18.23 . that hee might still have freedom to deceive the Nations , hath broached this Doctrin wherewith he hath defiled the world , that a Witch is not a false Prophet , or a Deceiver , but one that can send the Devil to kill men and women , and children , and to make the ground barren , and men and women barren in Generation , and kill the children in the Wombe , and can with looks kill Lambs and Cattel , and can fly in the Air , and can do many things by the help of the Devil ; which things are not possible to be done by any power , but by the mighty power of God. We may read of the Priests of the Idol Astaroth , that were indeed real Witches in the Scripture sense , who professed to do such things by the power of their Idol , but were discovered by Bartholomaeus the Apostle , to be deceivers of the people , by the Devils subtil delusions , who ruled in their hearts , so they with their Idol were destroyed , and many people converted to the Christian Faith. Hendorfius in the fifth page of his Theater of History ( his words are these , Bartholom●eus Idolum Astaroth evertit , fraudes Satanae qui miraculis homines effacinatos morbis jam premebat , jam pressos levabat , detexit . &c. ) And where do we read in Holy Writ ( or common History that saver of truth ) that men by Devils could do such things really ? and to uphold such errours contrary to Scripture , what is this but meer prevarication with the truth , and resisting Gods holy Spirit of truth ? Where do we finde any such thing in Scriptures , or any such description of a VVitch , or that a VVitch was such a one as hath made a League with the Devil , and sealed it with his bloud , or hath Imps sucking him , or Biggs , or privie Marks , or that lyeth with Incubus , or Succubus , or any such phrase or expression in all the Scriptures ? VVhat least inkling have we of these things in all the Scriptures ? VVhence received the Church of England this Doctrin ? O foolish England , who hath bewitched you , that you should not obey the truth ? Surely it was the Pope . This groundless , impious , and fantastical Doctrin was never taught by Gods Prophets , but that VVitch , the Pope , knowing in his Conscience that he is the very VVitch , the Deceiver of the Nations pointed at in the Revelations , and that the Scriptures were so plain , that by the light thereof his devillish delusions must needs come to light , if the VVorld should have true insight into the Scriptures , and so that by that means all Nations would rise up on him and destroy him , he not only laboured to hide the Scriptures from the common people , which he did for a long time , but also hath been so bold as to prevaricate with the Scriptures , and to publish through the Nations , that VVitches were to be understood no Deceivers , but such as practised such wonderful things , as the Scripture teacheth us that the doing thereof ought to be attributed to no Creature , but only to the Creator , as Pope Innocent the eighth to the Inquisitors of Almain , and Pope Iulius the second , to the Inquisitors of Bergoman sent those words ; It is come to our ears , that many lewd persons of both kinds , as well male as female , using the company of the Devils Incubus and Succubus , with Incantations , and Conjurations , do destroy the birth of VVomen with childe , the young of all Cattel , the Corn of the field , the Grapes of the Vine , the fruit of the Trees , Men and VVomen , and all kinde of Cattel , and beasts of the field , and with their said Inchantments do wholly extinguish , suffocate , and spoyl all Vine-yards , Orchyards , Meadows , Pastures , Grass , green Corn , ripe Corn , and all other provisions , men and women are by their imprecatio●s so afflicted , with external and inward pains and diseases , that men cannot beget , nor women bring forth , nor accomplish the duty of VVedlock , denying the faith which in Baptism they profess , to the destruction of their souls ; Our pleasure therefore is , That all inpediments that may hinder the Inquisitors Office be removed from among the people , lest this blot of Heresie proceed to defile them that be yet innocent , and therefore we do ordain by vertue of the Apostical authority , that our Inquisitors of high Almain may execute the Office of Inquisition , by all Tortures , and Afflictions , in all places , and upon all persons . VVhat Scripture had the Pope for this ? we read indeed of such Fictions in the Poets , as in Ovids Metamorph. 7. Cum volui ripis ipsis mirantibus amnes In fo●tes redire suos , concussaque sisto , Stantia concutio cantu freta , nubila pello , Nubilaque induco , ventos abigoque vocoque Vipereas rumpo verbis & carmine fauces , Vivaque saxa , sua convulsaque roboraterra , Et sylva●●ovea , ●ubeoque tremiscere montes , Et ●●ngire solum , manesque exire Sepulchris , Te quoque Luna trabo . The Rivers I can make retire into the Fountains whence they flow , Whereat the banks themselves admire , I can make stand●ng waters go ; With Charms I drive both Sea and Cloud , I make it calm , and blow aloud . The Vipers jaws , the rockie stone , with Word and Charm I break in twain , The force of earth congeal'd in one , I move the Woods , th' Hills tremble plain : I make the souls of men arise , I pluck the Moon out of the skies . Also Ovid , de Medea Epist. 4. Et miserum tenues in jecur urget acus , She sticketh also Needles fine , In livers , whereby men do pine . Also Virgil : Nescio quis teneros oculus mihi fascinat agnos . I know not whence some fierce bewitching eye With looks doth kill my Lambkins as they lye . These are the Popes Scriptures whereon he groundeth his groundless inventions to torment the Christian VVorld , and upon these grounds being inventions and pastimes of Poets , hath he sent out Inquisitors in all places to torment ; from thence is the Spanish Inquisition , which maketh search for Hereticks and VVitches all as one , and now lest the world should take notice that his daily practice is to torment and kill Reformists , and so his Villany ring the more in the ears of the world , he hath joyned as equivocal with the word Heretiques , VVitches , a more ignominious name , thereby to instigate people the more against them , and so by this means will not be seen to kill men for matter of Religion , for then men would resist and help one another , but under the name of VVitches he melteth away every one that hath but a smell of the reformed Religion , and the world perceiveth it not , this is that Grand Witch , the VVhore of Rome , the Pope and his train . And these Inquisitions before mentioned sent out by the Pope , have for the confirmation of their villanous Doctrins & Inventions , set forth great Volumes of horrible lyes and impossibilities , and also for the hiding of their unparalleled cruelty from the ears of the world , of which sort are Iames Sprenger , Henry Institor , in malleo maleficarum , also Nider and Cumanus , Daneus , Hyperius , Hemingius , but most of all Bod●nus and Bartholomae●● : Spineus ( I do not say that all these dyed Papists ) and lest their authority should fail in deceiving the world in this Doctrin of Devils , some great Scholars of the Popish rout have approved and affirmed the matter to be true in some causes writing of fascination , and of that sort are Thomas Aquinas , and Suares . In which Authors ( although they were learned men ) whosoever readeth their discourse of this subject , shall finde nothing at all proved , either by Scripture or Philosophical argument , but they take it for granted and undoubted truth confirmed by tradition , that Fascination or Witchcraft is an Art of killing and afflicting Men and Cattel , and upon this Hypothesis they take in hand to dispute upon it , not whether it be true or not , but how it may be done , as they conceive , for say they , E● si agens non potest diffundere actionem suam usque ad rem distantem , fit tamen ut aer proximus inficiatur & usque ad certam distantiam perveniat , & sic noceat alteri ; if this subject , the force of fascination had been first proved by them , then this their reason had had some seeming force in it , but because it can no way be proved by firm Argument , they quote History for it , and so pass on to their hypothetical disputes about the reason of it , and that they may make the matter seem true , one quotes anothers authority for it , and Suarez quoteth Thomas Aquinas and Pliny , and Pliny citeth Hogonus and Niphodorus , and Apollonides for his Authors , that among the Triballians , and Illyrians , and Scythians , there be certain Women that can kill with their eye-sight whom they look wishfully upon ; mark , but how first things are reported by Travellers who may lye by authority ; then Pliny gathereth their several reports into the Volume of his Natural History ( whom all men may see was abused by being too credulous of other mens reports ) and yet Suarez is forced to use Plinies Pen to prove that which cannot be proved or defended by reason , and having no better Argument , he saith further , Sunt qui negant illam vim fascinationis , sed non est cur experientiam à Philosophis & medicis comprobatam , & feré communi sensu receptam , negemus ; by which Argument a man may as well prove that Idols were gods , because they were approved in their time by men of all Arts and Sciences , Et ferè communi sensu recepta ; and further ( according to Plinies report ) he saith , that these women do kill but by some poysonous quality of their Natural complexion , and inward humours of their bodies , communicated to the vital spirits , and by the action of the minde brought to the eye-sight , and from thence infecting the party whom they look upon , and this ( he saith expresly ) cometh naturally to pass , and of inbred natural causes in the Witches bodies ; but mark how this fellow ( although notable for learning ) hath wildered himself in searching out the reason of a meer vain supposition , and erroneous tradition , that Witches can kill by looks ; for whereas he giveth this reason , that Witches have inward natural poyson , whereby they naturally kill others ; what an absurdity is this to say , that any Creature can by its natural quality be contrary or destructive to its own species ? for a Viper cannot poyson a Viper , nor a Toad cannot poyson a Toad ; for their nature is one , and not contrary to its own species . Secondly , whereas he reasoneth , that this poyson is communicated from the humours to the vital spirits , and by the action of the minde brought to the eye-sight . It is most absurd in Philosophy ; for what Physician or Philosopher doth not acknowledge that the vital spirits , once poysoned , do suffocate the Heart , the fountain of Life ( as is often seen in the Pestilence ) whereby the Witch her self must needs perish ; and is also often seen in those who having but the Natural humours of their own bodies corrupt , the vital spirits are debilitated , and cannot operate , but the party decayeth and soon perisheth , because the heart cannot abide any corrupt poyson , or contrary temperature to its own nature . Thirdly , whereas he saith , this poyson is sent from the Witch by the force of seeing , this also is an absurdity in Philosophy ; for all sound Philosophers do acknowledge , that Oculus non vidit emittendo vim suam videndi ad objectum visibile , sed recipiendo species visibiles ab objecto ; how then can the sight ( if it were poyson ) hurt any way the party upon whom it only looketh ? Fourthly , whereas he saith , that Witches do kill by their natural complexion and inward humour , being naturally poyson , what an absurdity ariseth from hence in Divinity ? To conceive that God should make men and women naturally poyson , and destructive to others , and yet should make a Law that such should be put to death , yea cruel death , for being such as God made them in their nature and complexion ? Surely if man had stood in the manner in which he was made , God had not punished him with death . Now after he hath thus intrapped himself in his Discourse , by seeking out a reason of that which is not ( but only conceived to be by credulous people ) he falleth off from his own weak reasons , to the reason that Thomas Aquinas giveth , and that is , That sometimes this Fascination is wrought by a secret compact with the Devil ; but how can these Reasons accord one with the other ? for if it be natural to the Witch to bewitch others , what needeth she then to seek help of the Devil to do that which she can do by nature ? For , Deus est author Naturae , and sure the Devil cannot make more perfect or forceable that which God hath made ; but such is the nature of all these Popish Writers , that when they cannot strongly enough maintain a Lye , they father their Lyes upon their Master the Father of Lyes , and are forced , after all their vain argumentation , to use his name to uphold a Lye , and ( although they were great Scholars ) have rather intangled themselves with folly in reasoning , and with so manifest errour ( whereby they have exposed themselves to the lash of common Censure ) than to forsake their Popish darkness , which they are ingaged to defend . What shall not be done to bring the Popes ends to pass ? what Lyes , what foolish Fictions , what impossibilities can the Heart of man devise , that these together have not affirmed for truth unto the World , to infect the Nations with Heresie , or Atheism , whereby to destroy the Christian Church ? And for further confirmation of the matter , they have devised , among other Tortures , to make people confess that they can do such impossibilities , one of the most devillish cruelties that hath been devised among men , and that is , to keep the poor accused party from sleep many nights and days , thereby to distemper their brains , and hurt their fancies , at length to extort confession from them , and then to bring their own confession as an evidence against them ; and if they cannot make them confess , they torture one of their little Children to make it accuse their Parents , and that they call confession ; this trick will tame any wilde Beast , and make it tractable , or any wilde Hawk , and make it tame , and come to your fist , how much more may it make men or women yeeld to confess Lyes , and impossibilities ? And if that device will not serve , then they shave them , and search narrowly all parts of their bodies , where they think modest men will not be forward to look , to see the truth of the matter , and there they report that they have found the Devils privie Marks , and Biggs , for the Devil to suck them ; a most devillish Lye and invention , unless they can shew me Scripture for it , but I can shew them Scripture against it , Iob. 1.3 . Without God was nothing made that was made ; who then made those Biggs , or Teats , and who made the bodies of those Devils called Imps ? Also what Scripture saith , that Biggs or privie Marks are signs or trials of Witches ? ( yet I deny not but sometimes are found fleshy Warts , and other preter-natural tumours written of by Physick Authors , as diseases of the body ) and among other devices ( as Master Scot in his discovery affirmeth ( who was zealous for Gods truth , and took more pains than ordinary to search and confute those impious Writers ) they have set down certain signs whereby to suspect and apprehend Witches , which are these ; First , If they will not fast on Fridays . Secondly , If they fast on Sundays . Thirdly , If they spettle at the time of Elevation . Fourthly , If they refuse Holy Water . Fifthly , If they despise Crosses . Sixthly , If they deny any of the seven Sacraments . These are great suspicions that they are Witches ; for the Devil ( say they ) chooseth them by these signs ( being steps to the reformed Religion ) apprehend them , bring them to the Tormentor ; but if they see any of these signs , they will easily finde other holes enough in their Coates to condemn them . Then they cast them into the water , to see whether they will sink or swim , a meer Jugling delusion to blinde peoples eyes , for he that hath been used to the Art of Swimming may know , that few men or women being tied hand and feet together can sink quite away till they be drowned , or if he lay them flat on their back , and hold up their feet with a string , their fore-part will not sink , and therein they can use Jugling to blinde the peoples eyes for difference sake ; for when they will save any man or woman , they will let loose the string which they hold in their hand , and let their feet sink first , and then all their body will sink , then they cry out to the people , Look you now , and see the difference betwixt an honest man or woman , and a Witch , take her out , she is an honest woman , yea verily , for sometimes she is one of their own confederates . Yet whereas some may object , that some of them that are cast fairly into the water , without holding up their feet with a string , do sink more than others , and some again do swim more than others ( although none do sink quite away without any part appearing above water ) The reason of this difference is easie to conceive to men of knowledge ; for , First ; There is difference of constitution in peoples bodies ; some are heavie of temper , and they sink most ; some again are more light of temper , fuller of vital spirits , and they sink not so much . Secondly , we must observe the Systole and Diastole of breathing ; some happen to fall into the water when their bodies are full of breath , and they swim most ; some happen to fall into the water when their breath is out of their bodies , before they can draw it up again , and they sink most . Some are kept long fasting in watching and torment , and then are cast into the water when their bowels and veins are empty of food and filled with Wind , and these swim more than those that are filled with nourishment ; or perhaps they are kept fasting so long that they have scarce any life left , and then they happen to sink most , but if they do , it must not serve their turn , for the cruel Inquisitor will still torment them till he extort confession , if the party live long enough for his cruelty to take place . Some again are Women cast into the water , with their Coates tied close toward their feet , and Men with their apparrel on ( and for this they pretend modesty ) but who knoweth not that their apparrel will carry them above water for a time ? Some again are Women , whose bodies are dilated with bearing of Children , and do always after remain spongiously hollow , more apt to swim than to sink , especially tied hands and feet together , to bring their bodies into a round and apt fashion to swim . They that are used to the Art of swimming in the water , might easily discover these to be but Delusions and Juglings , if they were not too credulous ; and yet with these hath poor England been bewitched and deceived , as also with the former , of keeping the accused from sleep till they confess ; and these delusions have been impiously acted here in England , of late in Essex , and Suffolk , by a wicked Inquisitor pretending authority for it , to the cutting off of fourteen innocent people at Chelm●ford Assizes , and about an hundred at Berry Assizes , whereof one was a Minister neer Fremingham , of about fourscore years age , wherein this Inquisitor hath laid such a president for the Popes Inquisition ( if times of Popish Tyranny should again come in , from which God in his mercy defend us ) as would not easily be removed , when although we have no Laws in England to try people upon Life and Death by any Inquisition , or Inquisitor , in that manner ; yet it may then bee said , was it Law then , when the Law was in your hands , and is it not Law now ? but if such times of tyrannous Inquisition come , do they that have had a hand in this president think they shall escape it , or their Posterity ? There is already a president for killing of Ministers for Witches . Also some credulous people hearing of the Condemnation of those people , have published a Book , wherein they report such impossibilities to be done by them , as I hope no wise man will beleeve ; wherein also Hoy , the Gaoler , is brought in for a Witness , a fellow , that is not fit to bear the Office of a Gaoler , nor any other Office in a Christian Common-wealth , who also wanted Vails , and thought the more Prisoners were executed , the more he should gain ; and yet it is reported , his Testimony was taken as an Evidence against them , although his testimony was partly of impossibilities , partly meer prevarications and lyes , to the dis-honour of Gods Majesty , and the shedding of innocent bloud . But seeing then this miserable Massacre of people throughout the Christian World hath been but a trick of Antichrist , to blinde the World , that thereby he might the more easily and quietly destroy the Church under the name of Witches , Surely if good Christians have been destroyed in this impious way , then thousands of the Souls of such are now under the Altar , Revel . 6.9 , 10. crying , How long Lord , holy and true , will it be ere thou avenge our bloud upon them that dwell upon the earth ? being some of them the very people that have been destroyed for the Word of God , and for the testimony of the truth ; and therefore have been brought into these murderous Inquisitors hands ; And although it may be said , These in England have not been slain for the testimony of the truth ; yet I answer , The Church standeth for the testimony of the truth , and this persecution was invented against the Church , and so they as Members of the Church have been slain by the enemies invention ; for had they been of that Popish crew , and fighters against the Church , those wrongful accusations had not been brought against them by them . But it may be said , Some of these were Scoulds and Brawlers , therefore their Souls are not under the Altar . I answer , yea , and many honest Livers that have been executed in that kinde lately , and in times past ; but whatsoever they were , if they were unjustly slain , know , that if God would avenge the bloud of Cain , will he not avenge the bloud of these ? Before the destruction of Germany , that Nation was so deluded by these Popish errours , that they put to death thousands in that kinde , of all sorts , and that Nation was so carried away with that darksome Idolatrous opinion of Witches power , that seldom came any thing cross , but some were accused to have occasioned it as Witches , and at last God sent destroying Plagues among them , and their hearts were so hardened , that they digged the dead out of the Graves to cut off their Heads to stay the Plague ; so blinde were they , and so given over ; that rather than they would acknowledge Gods hand in all things , they would say , the dead in their Graves , by the Devils help , brought the plague ; and some Physicians among them were so bold to affirm it for truth , who although they might be some way approved in Physick , yet besides their horrible Atheism , they shewed their silliness , and it may be said of them as of many ignorant Physicians , Inscitiae pallium maleficium & incantatio ; A Cloak for a Physicians ignorance , when he cannot finde the reason and the nature of the Disease , he saith , the Party is bewitched ; this hath indeed been written of by some worthy Authors , but how , and in what manner ? Senertus Lib. 4. de febribus , cap. 2. he being loath to defile his pen with such an impious opinion , saith , I had rather refer the Reader to the writing of another man , Hercul . Saxoniae , Lib. de plica . cap. 11. than bring my self upon the Stage for broaching of such an opinion ; where also you may read the words of Herc. Saxon. aforesaid , and hee shuffleth it off to Ioh. Vesino Leopoliensi , as an opinion of his , and he like an Atheist did indeed own that opinion , That in Pelonia and Germany , Witches , after their execution and burial , did commonly send destroying pestilence ; I think indeed the executing of so many innocent poor people did bring the Pestilence , and the Sword , and Famine , all against them , because they provoked God with their own inventions , tending not only to Idolatry , in imputing the Work of the Creator to a Creature , but also to the shedding of innocent bloud . Master Scot in his Discovery telleth us , That our English people in Ireland , whose posterity were lately barbarously cut off , were much given to this Idolatry in the Queens time , insomuch that there being a Disease amongst their Cattel that grew blinde , being a common Disease in that Country , they did commonly execute people for it , calling them eye-biting Witches ; Great Britain hath been much infected with that Atheism , and many people both in England and Scotland have been by foolish false accusations put to death , for doing such things as are not in the power of men , or of Devils to do , but only of the Creator ; And before these Wars began , what Atheistical reports were published of certain Lancashire people , that they could transform themselves into Grey-hounds , and into Men and Women again , and pull down Butter and other provision from the Air , ( or from whence any crack-brained accuser would imagine ? ) When King Chaerls went last to Scotland before these Wars , as he came back again sayling over the River Humber , the Vessel in which his Plate was carried , was reported to be cast away , and then was that Atheism so great , even at the very Court of England , that they reported Witches had done it , instead of observing Gods supream Providence , ( whereas Christ saith , A Sparrow shall not fall to the ground without Gods providence ) since which we have had bloudy Wars , and where is the Court now ? and now of late hath been in the year one thousand six hundred forty five , that great slaughter of Men and Women called Witches , at the Assizes at ●erry , and at Chelmsford , those poor accused people were watched day and night , and kept from sleep with much cruelty , till their Fancies being hurt , they would confess what their Inquisitors would have them , although it were a thing impossible , and flat contrary to sense and Christian understanding to beleeve ; ( where , for the removing of Objections , it is to be noted , That a Fancy so hurt with watching , cannot afterward of a long time recant , or deny that which they have confessed , no more than a Hawk throughly tamed by watching can grow speedily wilde again , although you give them their full sleep ; this manner of extorting confession , and seeming to convict them , being but ameer Jugling Trick invented by the Pope , and their Trial in that kinde being Jugling Witchcraft it self , that may make the wisest man confess any thing though never so false ) What troubles have followed this Slaughter , blinde men may see . A little before the Conquest of Scotland ( as is reported upon good intelligence ) the Presbytery of Scotland did , by their own pretended authority , take upon them to Summon , Convent , Censure , and Condemn people to cruel death for Witches and ( as is credibly reported ) they caused four thousand to be executed by Fire and Halter , and had as many in prison to be tried by them , when God sent his conquering Sword to suppress them , by occasion of which Wars there were many Ministers ( whereof many were Presbyters ) slain ; What is become of their Presbyterian Authority now ? Yet because there are some that slighting these observations will hardly be beaten from this conceit of Witches power , which they have so long beleeved , and will not yet think but that Witches have a familiar spirit , by whose help they kill , and act strange Wonders ; tell me , where is a place in all the Scripture that saith so ? shew me in all the Scriptures such a word , as Striges , lamiae , Incubus , and Succubus , or any word of such signification or importance ; what were Pharaoh his Magicians , but deluders of Pharaoh and the People ? could they by the help of Satan do any thing truly ? were they real Miracles ? did not their madness come to light ? 2 Tim. 3.9 . what spirit had the Maid that followed Paul ? Act. 16.16 . which is said to have the spirit of Python , was it more than a cousening spirit of Divination , for gain ? yet still you will say , the word Python hath been interpreted by many , one that had a familiar spirit ; imagine they had a familiar spirit ( although it is but a weak Argument to ground an opinion upon the bare signification of a word ( except you will have it a seducing lying spirit , such a one as was in Ahabs Prophets ) yet I say , answer me these Four Questions . First , Tell we where a Witch did , or could kill a man in Scripture ? What did Saul go to the Pythonist of Endor for ? was it that she might help him kill the Philistians , or meerly for Augury or Divination ? what did Pharaoh call his Witches the Magicians before him for ? was it to kill any Man or Beast by their cunning ? or meerly to work lying Wonders , and dissemble the Miracles that God wrought by Moses ? so that they might withstand Moses , and the truth , and blinde Pharaohs eyes , because God would harden his heart ; tell me where you finde in all the Scriptures , that a Witch did , or could kill a man by Witchcraft ; shew me in all the Law of Moses concerning the condemning of men or women for Murther , that a Murtherer was called a Witch , or a Witch a Murtherer , Deut. 19. and other places of Scripture ; are there not several Rules set down for the trying of Murther ? shew me one that intimateth the Witching of Men or Cattel to death ? Secondly , Shew me in all the Scriptures where Witches are spoken of , that a Witch was a secret person , or unknown to the World , that should need to be tried by blinde circumstances , and presumptions , and suspicious , or by privie Marks , or by Teats , or Biggs , by sinking or swimming , or by confessions ? were not Pharaohs Witches called Praestigiatores & magi , openly known ? did not Pharaoh call them together without privie search , or inquiry ? did not Saul banish all the Witches as people openly known , and professing the Art of Augury , and their several cousening practices ? when Saul inquired for a Witch , did not his servants presently tell him there was one at Endor , was she not known without privie search , or prime marks ? Did not the Maid in the Acts , that was said to have the spirit of Python , or to be a Pythonist , follow Paul , crying openly ? did not Simon Magus act his Delusions openly , to seduce the people ? as likewise Elimas the Sorcerer ? were not the Witchcrafts of Iezabel known to be her delusions that she wrought by the Priests of Baal , to seduce the people ? were not the Witchcrafts of Manasses open actions , that made Iuda and Ierusalem to go astray ? where then do we read of a Witch by suspicion , or to be tried by presumptions , or suspicions , or privie marks , or other signs that are mans invention ? whence came this darkness and blinde errour , but from the Pope , that grand Witch that hath bewitched all Nations ? we search for Witchcrafts and abominations in a poor womans wooden dish , and Christ telleth us , they are all in a cup of Gold , in the hand of the great Whore , Revel . 17.4 . Thirdly , Shew me in all the Scriptures where Witchcraft went without Idolatry , Isa. 19.3 . and had not a necessary dependance on Idolatry , Nahum 3.4 . Look again , Deut. 18.10 , 11. where all sorts of Witches are spoken of , why were they to be cut off and destroyed ? the reason is immediatly given , vers . 14. because they defiled the Nations , in seducing them unto Spiritual VVhoredom , and the Nations were destroyed for seeking , and making inquiry after their Divinations , or South-sayings , or Oracles , whereas inquiries ought to be to Gods Prophets , vers . 15. Was not this Sauls Idolatry , when he sought to the Witch of Endor ? 1 Chro. 10. 13 , 14. was not this the sin of Manasses , where he is blamed for using Witchcrafts , when he made Iuda and Ierusalem go astray to Idols ? 2 Chron. 33.9 . were not the Witchcrafts and VVhoredoms of Iesabel set down as two inseparable companions , her Witchcraft being the upholding of the Idol Priests of Baal , that by Witchcraft seduced the people to Idolatry ? were not Pharaohs Magicians seducers of Pharaoh , and the people , from God ? was not Simon Magus the like ? but alas , how , and where have those poor souls that are commonly hanged for Witches seduced the people to Idolatry ? who hath been led after them for Divinations , and Southsayings ? many indeed have been led after Southsayers , but they are termed good Witches , and whereas they as Witches ought to dye , many have been put to death by their devillish false accusations , and if the Witch of Endor were now living amongst us , we should call her a good VVitch , so blinde are the times . Fourthly , Shew me in all the Law of God against Adulterous uncleaneness ( where Moses writeth of several kindes of uncleaneness , as man with man , man with beast , woman with beast , and many more ) the least intimation of uncleanness , by Incubus , or Succubus ; what , did Moses forget this ? Yet because this opinion hath been so upheld by reports and imaginations , and by the extorted confession of people that have been condemned in that kinde , and sometime by the voluntary confession of despairing melancholly people that have been troubled in minde , and wish rather to dye than to live , although Volenti mori , non est adhibenda fides ; Yet I intreat you to run over these several places of Scripture with me a little , and see how his opinion of VVitches power agreeth with the Scriptures , yea how flat contrary it is to Gods Word , and the grounds of our Christian faith . Yet first , because some men will not understand the Scriptures in any other sense than as their own Expositors have done , be it right or wrong ; therefore I refer them that will seek farther than the Scriptures , to the words of a general Counsel , which Mr. Scot in his Discovery hath alleged as followeth , Concil . Acqui . in decret . 26. the words of the Council . It may not be omitted , that certain wicked VVomen following Satans provocations , being seduced by the illusion of the Devil , beleeve , and profess that in the night time they ride abroad with Diana the Goddess of the Pagans , or else with Herodias , with an innumerable multitude , upon certain Beasts , and pass over many Countries and Nations in the silence of the night , and do whatsoever these Ladies or Fairies command , &c. let all Ministers therefore in their several Cures preach to Gods people so , as they may know all those things to be false , and whosoever beleeveth that any Creature can be made by them , or changed into better or worse , or be any way transformed into any other kinde , or likeness , by any but by the Creator himself , is assuredly an Infidel , and worse than a Pagan . So much for the words of the Council . Yet here is to be noted , that this great general Council , that thought these people beleeved , and confessed such things to be true in their apprehension , did not then know the inhuman cruelty that was used upon those people by the cruel Inquisitors to compel , and extort confession for their own gain , they being maintained by the spoyl of such people being condemned . Now for the Scriptures , do but mark how those that maintain , and report the power of VVitches , have equalled their supernatural power , with the Miracles of the Prophets , of Christ , and his Apostles ; it was the Miracle of Miracles , that the Virgin Mary conceived with childe without a man ; they say , a VVitch may do the same by Incubus , as Bodin , and other Popish VVriters affirm , and that such a childe will naturally become a VVitch , such a one they say Merlin was ; no , but you say these were Atheists , we beleeve not so ; But some will say , the Devil can condense a body , and lye carnally with a woman in the shape of a man , but not beget ; yet it was a Miracle that Angels appeared to Abraham in the shape of men , Gen. 18.2 . yet they will say no , but we beleeve the Devil may assume and raise a dead body for a time , and so appear to a woman , and lye with her ; and yet it was a Miracle at the suffering of Christ upon the Cross , that dead bodies were raised for a time , and appeared to many , Matth. 27.52 . yet a poor VVench was executed at the Assizes at Chelmsford , who was compelled by the Inquisitor ( by keeping her from sleep , and with promises and threatnings ) to confess that she was married to the Devil , and that he lay with her six times in a mans shape ; no , but yet some will say , the Devil can take upon him an apparent Body , and so may talk with a woman , and seem to lye with her in shape of a man , and so she shall be hanged for things seeming so ; yet it was a Miracle that Moses and Elias appeared to the Apostles in a Vision , Matth. 17.3 . Further , Christ saith , A Spiri● hath not flesh and bones , Luke 24.39 . and yet some say , the Devil can condense a body , some say he can assume a body , some say he can have an apparent body ; thus do they make the Word of God of no validity by their groundless traditions ; for if the Devil can have so much as an apparent body , what validity was in the words of Christ , to take away the doubt of the Disciples , when they supposed they saw a Spirit ? Where also is that foolish Doctrin of Imps , sucking of men and women-Witches become ? Are those Imps bodies or spirits ? if bodies , then who made them ? Without God was nothing made , Joh. 1.3 . if spirits , then spirits can have bodily shape , and flesh , and bones ; and thus you make the words of Christ of none effect by your traditions . Christ dispensed Devils to enter into the Herd of Swine , and they went , Mark 5.12 . they say a Witch can do more ; she can send the Devil into men and women , and children , and cattel , to kill them , and to witch them to death . God said to Satan , All that Job hath is in thine hand , Job 1.12 . and Job himself , all but his life , Job 2.6 . they say , God permitteth a Witch to do more , to send Satan to destroy a mans goods , and cattel , and children , and life and all ; thus they deliver for Doctrin the traditions of men . Iob said , The Lord giveth , and the Lord taketh away , blessed be the name of the Lord , and acknowledged Gods hand in all things , neither tempted he God foolishly ; But if one should be so afflicted now adays , instead of acknowledging Gods sovereign hand , all the poor Wives and Widows in a Country must be called Coram nobis , as being accused to have done it . Christ saith , Revel . 1.18 . I have the keys of Hell and Death , but they say , God giveth the keys of Death likewise sometimes to an old Witch ( man or woman ) and permits them to witch men to death ; Christ saith , A Sparrow falleth not to the ground without Gods providence , Matth. 10 29. but they say , God layeth his providence sometimes at the feet of an old Witch , and permitteth her to send the Devil to destroy men and cattel ; some will say , A VVitch cannot hurt a godly man , but only a wicked man , and yet God saith , he is the Author of all affliction that cometh to the wicked , Levit. 26. from the fourteenth verse to the thirty fourth . Also the Scripture saith , The Lord killeth and maketh alive , 1 Sam. 2.6 . maketh poor , and maketh rich ; and in Deut. 32.39 . There is no God with me , I kill and give life , I wound and make whole ; but they say , God permitteth an old VVitch to send the Devil to kill , and make poor , and wound , and a good VVitch can heal again by unwitching . God did shut up every wombe of the House of Abimelech , that they bare no children , Gen. 20.18 . they say a VVitch can do the same ( God permits it ) and make men and women barren . Christ gave his Disciples power over Devils , to cast them out , Luke 9.1 . they say , a VVitch can send a Devil into men and cattel to afflict them ; and a good VVitch can cast them out by unwitching , notwithstanding , Christ saith , Matth. 12.25 . Every kingdom divided against it self is brought to desolation ; yet they say , that is done by consent of the Devil , when a good VVitch unwitcheth a man ; thus do they make the words of Christ of none effect by their traditions . Christ came and appeared unto his Disciples , and vanished away again invisible , Luke 24.31 . they say , a VVitch can go invisible by the help of the Devil , especially if one of the Ladies of the Fairies will but lend her Giges invisible ring , Christ was lifted up into the Air , and taken up out of their sight , Acts 1.9 . and Bodinus and other Popish VVriters affirm , that a VVitch can be lifted away in the Air by drinking the broth of a sodden Infant ; but poor Germany , that beleeved these Doctrins , and in that confidence executed many people for VVitches , was compelled afterward to boyl their children to quell their hunger , and found by sad experience that there was no such vertue in that woful Liquor . God said to Moses , Go up into the mountain and dye , Deut. 32.49,50 . and he did so , Chap. 34. vers . 5. they say a VVitch can do so at the word of the Devil , and dye when she lift , to escape hanging ; and what is a more common report when a poor woman is laid in prison , and there dyeth by grief and hard usage , than to report , the Devil promised her she should not be hanged , and was as good as his word , for she dyed in prison before the day of Execution came ; thus do they make the Devil able to determine , and limit the life of Man , as God did the life of Moses . It is said in Isa. 41.23 . Shew what is to come after , that we may know yee are gods ; They say , a Witch can truly foretel things to come by her spirit of Divination ( which they call a Familiar ) and can by the same familiar tell what is done in another Town , or House , or Country , and can tell a man where are his Goods that are lost , as well as Samuel could tell Saul of his Fathers Asses when they were lost , and such they call good Witches . Also in the same Verse , Esa. 41.23 . it followeth in the end of the verse , do good , or do evil , that we may be dismayed , and behold it together ; these words have relation to the former words , That we may know that ye are gods ; that is , shew what is to come hereafter , or do good , or do evil , that we may know ye are gods , and be dismayed at your doings ( even as when God sendeth the evil of punishment or affliction upon a people , then they are dismayed at the sight and apprehension of it , ) as in Iob 40.11 . And here when we read that God claimeth the doing thereof as his own Prerogative , inferring as much as to say , They are gods that can do this , I think that after the reading of this verse in Isaiah , and Iob , no man should be so grosly Idolatrous still , as to ascribe to a Witch the sending of any affliction ; those words also , Do good , or do evil , ( the whole verse having relation to the seventh verse ) were spoken to the Idol Priests of the Heathen , who were the Witches mentioned in the Scriptures , and had as great a share in the Devil , as any Witch can have , and yet God challengeth them to do either good or evil ; and yet when any evil of affliction cometh upon Men or Beast , these Idolaters will still ascribe it to a Witch , saying still , God permits it . God sent an evil spirit upon Saul to vexe him , 1 Sam. 16.14 . they say a Witch can send an evil spirit upon men or women to vex or torment them ; Elisha cursed two and forty children in the name of the Lord , and they were destroyed of Bears , 2 King. 2.24 . they say a Witch can curse men and women in the name of the Devil , and Death or some other Evil shall betide them . Pharaohs Magicians , though they were themselves Witches , yet when they saw Lice creeping upon Men and Beast , they acknowledged the finger of God. They , if they see a man smitten with a lousie disease as Herod was , say presently he is bewitched . It was a great Miracle that Christ made the Wind and the Sea obey him , Mark 4.41 . they say Witches can do the same , and raise Winds and Tempests , and make it calm at their pleasure . Was not this one accusation that was brought against Mr. Lewis a Minister executed at Berry Assizes , that he had raised a Tempest , and cast away two Ships at sea by Witchcraft ? Christ by his Almighty power walked upon the waters , Mat. 14.25 . they say , cast a Witch into the waters and she will not sink ; and what hath been more reported and beleeved than this Jugling delusion before spoken of ? God claimeth it as his own Prerogative to send Lightnings and Thunders , Iob 38.25 , 35. but they say , when it Thundereth or Lighteneth , that Witches do sometimes cause it , especially if it be at an Assize time , when many Witches are condemned ; and what hath been a more common report than this , when God hath sent thundring voyces from Heaven at an Assize time among the people , to warn them , instead of discerning that God was angry , they say , the Witches and the Devil was angry , and have caused that thunder ? God teacheth us in Levit. 26. that he himself sendeth Barrenness , and Famine , Sword , and Pestilence , and all Diseases , and all Adversities , as the punishment of Sin , but which of these have not been ascribed to Witches ? and if the several accusations of people that have been condemned for Witches , but only here in England , within the memory of man were Registred , we might read such a hotch potch of impossibilities , as he that beleeveth that they have been justly put to death , must not beleeve the Scriptures , nor ascribe any thing to Gods mighty Providence , but he may also ascribe it to the will and pleasure of a Witch ; when Christ did by the Spirit of God cast out Devils , and the Pharisees ascribed that work to Beelzebub , Christ chargeth them with the sin against the Holy Ghost , Matth. 12.28 , 31. but alas , how common a thing is it to ascribe to the Devil and Witches , the works that God telleth us in the holy Scriptures are his own Works , and cannot be done by any other power but by the Spirit of God ? me thinks this should scare all obstinate VVitchmongers . I heard a Suffolk Minister ( whose habit and garb might seem to claim the title of Rabbi , Rabbi ) affirm , that one of the poor women that was hanged for a VVitch at Berry Assizes , in the year 1645. did send her Imps into the Army , to kill the Parliaments Souldiers , and another sent her Imps into the Army to kill the Kings Souldiers , and another caused a mans crop of Corn to fail , and caused that Corn which he had to be blasted , and tipt , or crockt , and this Minister did verily affirm that those things were true , for the VVitches ( said he ) confessed those things ; but when I came to argue with him , and to tell him that these things in the Scripture-sense were Gods Prerogatives , he could answer nothing , he was not so well skilled in the Scriptures ; but he replied , Thou shalt not suffer a Witch to live . I demanded of him , what was the signification of the Hebrew text , or of the Latine translation , and what was meant by a VVitch in that place , he could not tell ; thus hath the salt of the earth lost its savour ; and whereas those should season people with wholsome Doctrin , some teach Doctrins of Devils , and the inven●ions of Antichrist , to defile the Nations . And people are now so infected with this damnable Heresie , of ascribing to the power of VVitches , that seldom hath a man the hand of God against him in his estate , or health of body , or any way , but presently he cryeth out of some poor innocent Neighbour , that he , or she hath bewitched him ; for saith he , such an old man or woman came lately to my door , and desired some relief , and I denied it , and God forgive me , my heart did rise against her at that time , my mind gave me she looked like a VVitch , and presently my Child , my VVite , my Self , my Horse , my Cow , my Sheep , my Sow , my Hogge , my Dogge , my Cat , or somewhat was thus and thus handled , in such a strange manner , as I dare swear she is a VVitch , or else how should those things be , or come to pass ? seldom goeth any man or woman to a Physician for cure of any Disease , but one question they ask the the Physician is , Sir , do you not think this Party is in ill handling , or under an ill tongue ? or more plainly , Sir , do you not think the party is bewitched ? and to this many an ignorant Physician will answer , Yes verily ; the reason is , Ignorantiae pallium maleficium & incantatio , a cloak for a Physicians ignorance , when he cannot finde the nature of the Disease , he saith , the Party is bewitched . But for all such as go on to defile the people with these Doctrins , that not only have no grounds in the Scriptures , but are flat contrary to the light of the Scriptures . I demand of them , at whose hands will Christ require at the latter day , not only the bloud of the innocent , but also the Souls of such as have perished by the practice of these Atheistical and bloud-guilty ways ? which are in every point so absurd and phantastical , that if many Ministers can say they never did teach any such Doctrin to the people , yet are they guilty , in that they have not preached against these devillish Doctrins , which do make against the true worship of God , and against the life of charity toward our Neighbour , and toward the poor and widows , and lame and aged people . Many Objections and evasions are daily brought against this my Discourse , which though they are weak and frivolous , yet would fill whole Volumes if I would stand to answer them . 1 The common evasion of every one when they can prove nothing , nor answer , but are fully convinced of their errours by the Scriptures , is , Say no more , we acknowledge that a Witch can do no more than God permits her , or permits him to do , but what God permits , that a Witch can do ; this is just as when God and his Prophets taught the people early and late , that they should not ascribe any power to Idols , as if the people had answered the Prophets , Say no more , we know these Idols can do no more than God permits them to do , but if God permit them to save , or destroy , they can do it . So when God claimeth it as his own Prerogative , to kill and make alive , make rich and make poor , wound and heal , ( and many other things , as I have already proved by Scripture ) and will not have his Prerogative ascribed to any Creature , yet still ye say , the Lord permits it , whereas yet yee have no more ground or warrant in the Scripture , that God permits any such power to Witches , than the Heathen had to say , the most high God permitted their Idols also to be gods , and to have power to kill , or to save alive . Further , Ye say , God permits one man to murther another , yet for this the murtherer ought to be slain ; that is true indeed , but for that yee have Scripture , where yee read in the Law , of Murther , how it was to be judged , that is , if one man did wilfully smite another with his hand , or any other material instrument , that he dyed , it was murther , Numb . 35.16 . and so forward , but where do you read that God permits any such thing to come to pass by a Witch , or that any man can kill another by Witchcraft , or without a material Instrument ? and when it is proved by many places of Scripture , that many such things as yee ascribe to Witches are Gods Prerogative , yet still yee cry , God permits it . 2 Another Objection is this , It is certain that there are some people in Germany , and Polonia , that do commonly sell Winds by the Devils help to Sea-men , to carry their ships whither they intend ; therefore a Witch can make a League with the Devil , and by his help can raise Winds . To this I answer , I do not deny but these are Witches , because they use Impostures to deceive the world , and seduce them to that damnable Idolatry of ascribing to the Devil and VVitches , and seeking to them for that which belongeth to God alone to give , namely VVinds for their Journey ; but that they do such things really without delusion is false , which I will first prove by Scripture , and then shew you the delusion ; for Scripture , first I prove , if they can by the Devils raise Winds , then they can also send fair weather , for the North-wind driveth away rain , as Iob 37.22 . fair weather cometh out of the North , and Iob. 38.24 . God speaking of his own mighty work saith , By what way is the light parted , which scattereth the East wind upon the earth ? and Ioh. 1.3 . Without God was nothing made , who then maketh these winds ? Psal. 148.8 . the Winds fulfill the Word of God , or blow at Gods decree . Also Solomon reckoneth the Winds among such things as keep a natural course , and describeth the natural course thereof , Eccles. 1.6 . Also things miraculous can be done by God only , but that was one of the Miracles by which Christ shewed himself to be God , he made the winds and the sea obey him , Mark 4.41 . Also it is an absurdity in Philosophy , to say that a Witch , or the Devil , can cause Winds , for Winds are exhalations drawn from the Earth , by the influence of the Sun and the Stars , and driven back by the coldness of the middle region of the Air , which causeth their several motions , and therefore he that saith a Witch or a Devil can cause Winds , must ascribe also to them that they can rule the Stars , and dispose the quality of the middle Region , by which it must follow that they can send what weather they list , and so by consequence cause the earth to bring forth , or to be barren , which were the height of Idolatry to beleeve . And now to come to the imposture it self , wherewith the foresaid Impostors do deceive fools , making them beleeve they sell them VVinds for their Journy . The poor Mariner who desireth to hasten his Journey homewards ( but withall considereth not that all men must wait upon Providence ) saith , I would give five pounds the VVinds would rise , or that they would turn fit for our Journey ; and being among strangers he is presently over-heard by some of the Factors of those Impostors , who presently take occasion to tell him , that they will undertake for half the money , to carry him to one that shall help him to a VVind according to his minde , then by degrees they draw him on till they bring him into the company of more of their Confederates , who do so cunningly combine to obscure his intellect by discourse , that at the last they lead him ( like poor Saul , when the Spirit of God had forsaken him ) to seek to a VVitch , then do they lead him to the Impostor , who being some skilful Astrologian in those Countries , can give a neer guess by the Stars , when such a VVind will arise , and accordingly prefixeth a day , saying , a week hence , or two days hence , or sometimes a fortnight hence you shall have a VVind , in which promise it often happeneth that the Impostor himsel● is deceived , when his Prognosticks fail him ; and then they prefixe another day , and do strongly perswade the silly man to stay till then , whereas they know till the VVinds rise he cannot but stay , and I my self have talked with Seamen , who confess that sometimes they have been driven to stay a week , sometimes longer , after the day prefixed , and after they parted with their money ; but if it happeneth that some man after he hath laid out his money upon those Impostors , hath speedily a VVind for his Journey ; then he rejoyceth , and then the Impostors are credited ; then he receiveth from the Impostor a bottom of Thread , which the Impostor saith he had from such an old VVoman ( because he will not seem to be the VVitch himself ) and this Thread is to be carried by the Mariner , or by the Merchant , into the Ship , and he must by degrees continually unwinde the bottom of Thread , so long as he would have that VVind blow ; but if all things happen well , then it is concluded , surely it is by vertue of the Thread ; but it VVinds prove by the way cross , then it is the fault of him that unwindeth the bottome too fast , or too slow , or with the wrong hand ; and thus are poor Idolatrous fools cheated by them that make a rich trade of their Imposture . I deny not but this delusion is variously acted in several Countries , and some Travellours report some one way , and some another way of the manner , and carriage of the Imposture ; but he that beleeveth that it is really done , and not a deceiving imposture , is an Idolater , and as bad as an Infidel , and for such Mariners as will buy Winds in that manner , the Mariners of Tarshish shall rise up in judgement against them , who when they saw the Wind rise , and the Sea tempestuous , and against their Voyage , they sought for whose sin that evil was come upon them , Ionah 1.7 . those poor Heathen knew that Winds and Tempests came not from a Witch , but from the hand of God. To conclude , stories reported by Travellours prove nothing , neither are they lawful Objections , and when we hear such a thing reported contrary to the Scriptures , and to human capacity , it must needs follow that it is a deluding imposture , although the story be true from him that reporteth it ; and some Travellours that report this thing , yet are perswaded in themselves that it is but deceit . And whereas some would confirm this Objection by Scripture , because it is said , Iob. 1.19 . after God had said to Satan , All that Job hath is in thy power , there came a strong Wind from the Wilderness , and smote the house that it fell upon the young men that they dyed . Hence they argue , that the Devil raised that wind ; but this is a false conclusion , for then they may as well argue that the Devil sent the fire from Heaven , as in vers . 16. which is yet called the fire of God ; and Iob himself ascribed all to God only , vers . 21. Secondly , If the Devil had by Gods peculiar dispensation raised that Wind , God permitting him to afflict Iob , yet it doth not follow that he can do it at the command of a Witch . Thirdly , Some to prove the power of Witches to afflict men , and women , and cattel , and to bring to pass strange things , do alledge Iob 2.7 . yet there is not a Witch mentioned in all the History of Iob , but how absurdly they do argue let wise men judge ; because God sent Satan to afflict Iob , therefore a Witch can send him to afflict man. God permitteth it , say they , by which Argument they still labour to maintain that God lendeth his Prerogatives to a Witch . What though God hath power over Satan , to command him to execute his Will , to torment and afflict the wicked for punishment , to afflict the righteous sometime for trial ? doth it therefore follow that a Witch can do it , because God did it ? and where do we read in Scripture that God permits it ? and if God should permit it , where do we read that a Witch hath any such power or command over the Devil , or any such league or covenant with the Devil ? or that God permits the Devil to be at the command of a Witch ? Fourthly , Some will allege the Witch of Endor , and yet we never read that the Witch of Endor could hurt , or send the Devil to hurt any man or woman , or childe , or cattel , or raise Winds , or the like ; neither did Saul go to her to desire her to kill the Philistines , but he went for Divinations ▪ to know what should become of the Battel the next day . And what Objections soever any man shall bring from the Witch of Endor , they themselves may answer , if they read but the Seventh description of a Witch , in the first Book of this Treatise , and he that was bewitched by the Witch of Endor was Saul , and such as sought to her as Saul did , because th●y were deluded by her . Fifthly , Some will allege , and object , That the Serpent tempted Eve , and from thence they will argue , that the Devil can assume the bodies of Creatures , and appear in bodily shape , and make a league with a Witch , and execute h●r will to kill and afflict people and cattel ; but this is a poor consequence , that because he can tempt , therefore he can kill at the command of a Witch ; and whereas they would prove from hence , that the Devil can assume a bodily shape , and appear to a Witch , if they bring that Argument from the literal sence of the History , they must search narrowly to prove the Devil was in the Serpent ; for it is said , The Serpent was more subtile than any beast of the field , inferring that the Serpent did tempt by its own natural subtilty , or else why was that expression of the subtilty thereof used by Moses ? and hence they must conclude , that it was the Serpent , and ●ot the Devil , which tempted Ev● , which were an absurd conclusion ; and yet if they run upon the letter of the Story , they cannot deny that conclusion to follow , for there is not any mention of the Devil in all the History ; but if they could prove thence that the Devil did assume the body of the Serpent , it maketh nothing to the purpose , to prove Witches power to kill , for the Devil did only beguile Eve , and not kill her . And although it hath been a common exposition of that place , that the Devil did enter into the body of the Serpent , and so appeared unto Eve in a bodily shape , and talked with her , and tempted her to eat the forbidden Fruit , yet if this exposition be well and wisely considered , it is most gross and erroneous ; for First , here ariseth an absurdily , according to their own fond tenents , for then they must conclude that Eve was a Witch , for say they , whosoever hath had any familiar discourse with the Devil is in some degree a Witch , and ought not to be trusted , although she hath made no compact with the Devi● , and I have known some hanged in my time for that c●n●ession , alt●ough they did absolutely deny that ever they ma●e compact with him , or did any murther by him ; but yet to speak the truth , if it were so , that any man or woman could ●ave familia● discourse with the Devil , this maketh not a Witch , for Christ himself was assaulted by the Devil , and answered his tentations by Scriptum est , Matth. 4. yea , I may further say , if any man could enter into an explicite c●venant with the Devil to kill by his help , this indeed woul● make him a Murtherer , but not a Witch in the Scripture s●nse , although indeed no man can prove by Scripture any such compact at all , or if there could be such a compact made with the Devil , yet that God would ever permit the Devil to per●orm his covenant with a man , to kill or hurt at his command , cannot be proved . So much by the way . Secondly , There ariseth another absurdity directly from that exposition , that the Devil did enter into the body of the Serpent , and so tempted Eve , for thence it must needs follow , that the Devil can open the mouth of a Serpent , and cause it to speak , and talk , and so that the Devil should have power to work a Miracle , equal with that great Miracle that w●s ●rought by the mighty power of God , when he opened the mouth of Balaams Asse , and caused him to speak to Balaam , which thing were most outragious Blasphemy to affirm ; we must needs conc●ude then , that it was neither the Serpent that by its own natural subtilty tempted Eve , as the letter of the Story importeth , nor the Devil abusing the body of the Serpent ; But whereas Moses was here to teach the people a great mystical Doctrin concerning the fall of Mankind by sin , unto which sin man was drawn by the temptations and allurements of the Devil ; Moses knowing that the capacity of weak people is naturally estranged from Spiritual matters , and if he should have taught in plain terms that the Devil tempted man to fall , they would not have understood his Doctrin , because they knew not what the Devil was , therefore he , by the Spirit of God guiding him , taught the people in a Parabolical way , in which Parable when he speaketh of the Serpent , and of his subtilty , he expresseth the subtilty and malice of the Devil that tempted Eve , and all Mankind to disobedience against God , and this Parable he followeth . Allegorically , when he saith , The Lord said unto the Serpent , upon thy belly shalt thou go , and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life ; whereas if we deny this to be a Parable , we must hold that the Serpent before that time had leggs , and did not creep upon his belly , and also that the Serpent sinned , and is punished for sin ; and yet if the Devil had power to abuse the body of the Serpent , the Serpent was compelled to do that which they say he did ; but for those that will take the Scriptures every where in a literal sence , they must also hold that the Trees of the Feild did speak , where it is said in a Parable , The trees said to the Olive-tree , be thou King over us , Iudg. 9.8 . But yet if they will not be beaten off from this , that the Devil can assume a bodily shape , it maketh nothing to prove that Witches are such people as can kill by Witchcraft , or send the Devil to kill , for there is no such expression of a VVitch in all the Scriptures , but only that a Witch is such a one as laboureth by Diabolical craft to seduce the people from God , and his Truth , to Idolatry , and beleeving of lyes . Sixthly , Some will object , and say , It is manifest that the Devil can help a Witch to fly in the Air , and be transported whither she listeth or else how had the Devil power to carry Christ , and set him upon the pinacle of the Temple ? Matth. 4. and Luke 4. I answer , This indeed seemeth to be a strong Argument , if we take the Scriptures at the second hand , as they are translated unto us in the English , but if we search the original meaning of the Greek text ( as it was written by the Spirit of God ) we shall finde there is no strength at all in that Argument , for St. Luke , 4.5 . saith only , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , qúem subdux sse●●eum , or subducens eum , and in the ninth verse is the same sense , and so translated by Tremellius and Beza , and no otherwise to be understood , but that he was led by the Devil from place to place to be tempted ( not that the Devil had power to lead him against his will ) but being full of the Holy Ghost , did by his own Divine counsel yeeld so farre to the Devil , as to be led into temptation , that so he might overcome temptation ; and whereas St. Matthew useth another phrase , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , assumpsit euns Diabolus , vers . 5.8 . this soundeth indeed ( especially in some of our Engl●sh translations ) as if the Devil had transported him in the Air from place to place , but it was nothing so ; if we compare Matthew and Luke together , and this phrase used by Matthew , saith Tremellius , is by a Metalepsis , so that it is plain this Objection is of no force , for Christ walked up to the Mountain , and likewise walked up the stayers of the Temple , and leaned upon , and looked over the Battlements of the Temple , which went round about the Temple to keep men from falling , of which we read , saith Beza , Deut. 22.8 . which we falsly translate , Pinacles , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and hee set him against the Battlements of the Temple . Seventhly , Another Objection ariseth from this Discourse , and that is this ; It seemeth the Devil can some way talk and discourse with a Witch , and therefore can make a League and Covenant with her : for he talked and discoursed with Christ himself , how much more easily can he talk with a sinfull man or woman ? I answer , In the same manner that he talked with Christ , he talketh with every man and woman ; he saith to a Thief , Steal ; to a Cut-purse , Cut a Purse ; to a Drunkard , Drink off your liquor ; to a Murtherer , Kill such a man , and these obey him ; he saith to a righteous man , Steal , and he answereth , It is written thou shalt not steal ; the Devil saith again , Go and lye with such a Whore ; he answereth , It is written , thou shalt not commit Adultery , and so likewise for all the Commandements ; neither is it to be understood otherwise of the temptations wherewith Christ was tempted ; as if the Devil could utter a human voyce without a tongue , or any organ of speaking , that were an absurdity in Philosophy , for Natura nihil fecit frustra ; and this were superfluous in Nature for a man to have a Tongue , and other Organs of speaking , if a verbal speaking could be ma●e without them ; and whereas it is written , that the Devil said unto Christ this and that , it was only a mental discourse between Christ and the Devil , and is expressed in Scripture , according to Human capacity by a prosopopoia , a Figure very frequent in Scripture , as in Psal. 98.8 . Micha 6.12 . there the Scrip●ure by this Figure bringeth in Hills and Flouds acting as a man ; and so in Mat. 4. Luke 4. the Devil tempting of Christ is introduced in the story , as speaking like a man , this is used sometimes in Parables , as in Iob , from the seventh verse of the first Chapter to the twelfth , also Chap. 2. the six first verses ; and in Gen. 3.1 . 1 King. 22.21 . in these and many places by this Figure , speaking and discoursing verbally , and Human action is ascribed to such as it doth not properly belong ; so that it appeareth to those that rightly understand , that this objection also is of no force ; but yet still for those that are obstinate , I say , let them prove a League or Covenant by the Scriptures , between the Devil and a Witch , or that the Devil hath power , or permission to perform such a Covenant if made . Eighthly , Some again will object and say , If Witches cannot kill , and do many strange things by Witchcraft , why have many confessed that they have done suc● Murth●rs , and other strange matters , whereof they have been accused ? To this I answer , If Adam and Eve in their innocency were so easily overcome , and tempted to sin , how much more may poor Creatures now after the Fail , by perswasions , promises , and threatnings , by keeping from sleep , and continual torture , be brought to confess that which is false and impossible , and contrary to the faith of a Christian to beleeve ? Some indeed have in a melancholly distraction of minde confessed voluntarily , yea and accused themselves to bee Witches , that could do , and had done such strange things , and wonders by the help of the Devil ; but mark well their distemper , and you shall finde that they are deeply gone by infirmity of body affecting the minde , whereby they conceit such things as never were , or can be , as is often proved by experience among Physicians , many of those dying in a very short time , ( although they be not put to death ) except they be cured by the Physician ; and truly if such Doctrins had not been taught to such people formerly , their melancholly distempers had not had any such objects to work upon , but who shall at last answer for their confession , but they that have infected the mindes of common people with such devillish doctrins , whereby some are instigated to accuse their poor Neighbours of impossibilities contrary to the Scriptures , and some drawn to confess lyes , and impossibilities contrary to Christian light ? And indeed vain and fickle are the mindes of such disputants , who do first of all father their vain opinions upon the Scriptures , pretending that they are undoubted truths grounded upon the Scriptures , saying , Thou shalt not suffer a Witch to live ; but being shewed their errours , how they wrest the Scriptures , will rather forsake the Scriptures , which are the rule of righteousness , then forsake their Opinions , and will beleeve confession against the Scriptures . Some men will yet yeeld thus farre , that these Confessions of poor accused people do many times extend to impossibilities , and that they verily beleeve that the Devil deludeth these people , making them beleeve that he bringeth to pass such things as they require him to do , which yet would come to pass by Divine providence . Some again do so Idolize the Devil , as that they affirm that these things are real , and do withall cry out , Great is the power of the Devil ; and yet for any of these Opinions can produce no Scriptures to prove them , but only Confessions ; and although those Confessions are sometimes ●xtorted , sometimes voluntary in poor melancholy , or distracted people ; sometimes in wicked people , who delight to make the world wonder at lyes , or impossibilities , though it be to their own confusion ( they being given over by God , and so the Devil seeing his opportunity , instigateth them to be his Instruments to uphold all lying Diabolical Doctrins , so that no true beleeving Christian but may discern that all the●e Confessions are from the Devil , the Father of lyes ) yet I say , Suppose with these Confession-mongers , that these Confessors are deluded by Satan , to think they do such things by the help of the Devil , yet where do we read in Scripture that such are Witches who are deluded by Satan , or that such should be slain , or put to death ? we read indeed , that Witches were all sorts of deluding false Prophets , but not such as were deluded by Satan . Secondly , If you will still affirm , that their Confessions are real truths , and not delusions , but that they do indeed bid the Devil do such things , which ( as yee say ) he doth ; yet how can yee prove it by Scripture ? where is any such description of a Witch in the Scripture ? but surely it is most horrible devillish forsaking of the Scriptures , to beleeve that there is any truth at all in these Confessions , and such people as are thus seduced by Satan to lying Confession , ought rather to be taught better knowledge , than to be slain in their ignorance , and perish altogether for lack of knowledge ; but it is , and hath been the manner of these latter Ages , for a Minister to go to such , and instead of instructing them , whereby they might become instruments of saving their souls , they urge them to lying Confessions , and so do as much as they can to send the spirit of errour into them to their confusion , yea and for the most part , these men who uphold their errours by the Confessions of these poor accused people , do altogether mis-interpret their Confessions for the upholding of such lyes , for the broaching whereof they have formerly mis-interpreted and belyed the Scriptures ; for let but any man that is wise , and free from prejudice , go and hear but the Confessions which are so commonly alleged , and he may see with what catching , and cavelling , what thwarting and lying , what flat and plain Knavery these Confessions are wrung from poor innocent people , and what monstrous additions and multiplications are afterward invented to make the matter seem true , which yet is most damnably false , and flat against Christian light , and human reason to beleeve . And for such as can hardly beleeve that Melancholy , or distemper of body , and troubled phantasie , can cause people to imagine things so really , as to confess them to their own destruction , though most false and impossible ; set them but consider the late example of a grave Minister about the Isle of Ely , who by a troubled phantasie was so deluded ( or rather did so delude himself by weakness of Phantasie and imagination ) as he reported that an Angel told him , that the Judgement Day should be upon the next Friday ; by which report many of the Inhabitants were much troubled till the day was over ; if then a grave Minister may be mis-led by Phantasie , and distempered minde ; how much more plain common people , who have such Accusations brought against them as are sufficient to break their brains ? Further I say , that if the man of sin spoken of in the second to the Thessalonians , chap. 2. had not broached these errours to the world these Confessors had had no such lying imaginations to confess , for their Confessions are not from themselves , but from the Devil , that so he might delude them that love not the truth , but do urge , and seek such Confessions against the truth , as it is said in the eleventh verse , For this cause God shall send them strong delusions that they should beleeve a lye , &c. Ninthly , Some will object , and say , They have helped search , and have found Biggs , and privie Marks upon such as have been accused to be Witches ; but I demand of them , Where doth the Scriptures teach us that a Witch is known by Biggs , or privie Marks ? I also answer , That very few people in the World are without privie Marks upon their bodies , as Moles or stains , even such as Witchmongers call The Devils privie Marks ; which Marks Astrologians do affirm to be the characters of the Stars , variously fixed upon men according to their Nativity , and many an honest man or woman have such excrescences growing upon their bodies , as these Witchmongers do call , the Devils Biggs ; as for example ; There is a Disease often found in men or women in the seat of people , called Hemorroids , or Piles , or the swelling of the Hemorroids veins , a Disease well known to Physicians , many times swelling forth in the seat of people that are ful of Melancholy bloud , and are often found in fashion like Biggs , and sometimes issuing forth bloud , and for this Disease many have been accused by ignorant people , and put to death for Witches ; this was part of the Evidence that was brought against Master Lewis a Minister , executed at Berry , in the year 1645. There are also found often times Excrescences upon the Bodies of men and women , called Verrucae pensiles by the Physicians , as we may read in Leonartus Fuchsius , in the third Book of his Institutions of Physick , chap. 26. where he reckoneth up the several preter-natural tumors of mens Bodies ; these are a certain kind of long fleshie Warts , in fashion of Biggs , or Teats , and do grow commonly on honest people , or any sort of people , and upon Beasts , and yet for these Excrescences being but outward tumors of the Body , many innocent people have been condemned and executed . Another Tumor is found by the Physicians , called Thymion both in Greek and Latine , rising on several parts of the body like Biggs , or Teats , these and other kindes of preternatural Tumors , of which we may read in Physick Authors , which sometimes being fell , and full of pain by reason of the rankness of bloud that feedeth them , and therefore issuing forth bloud , are called of ignorant Witchmongers , Devils Biggs . There be also some Natural parts of the Body called by a general name Glandulae , and by a particular name Tonsillae , in the jaws of people , and in some people do plainly appear under the Tongue like little Biggs , which some ignorant Witchmongers having found in people , have taken them as a great evidence against poor innocent people , and for these have many been executed ; but let any wise man consider , what body , of whatsoever constitution , especially of poor people that commonly want food , can spare a daily exhausting of bloud to nourish Imps sucking them , without an exhausting and over-throwing of their own Natural lives ? wh●reas few poor or old people , but through want of nourishment and weakness of nature , have rather want of bloud , than an overpluss of bloud . There be also often found in Women with Childe , and in Women that do Nurse children with their Breasts , and in Women that by any accidental cause do want their menstruous courses , certain spots black and blew , as if they were pinched or beaten , which some common ignorant people call Fairy-nips , which notwithstanding do come from the causes aforesaid ; and yet for these have many ignorant Searchers given Evidence against poor innocent people . But if any man will yet further cavil against Philosophy , and Physick Rules , then let him shew me any such description of a Witch in all the Scriptures , as Biggs , or Teats , or privie Marks , or Imps sucking them , or kept by them ; and further I say , that for any kinde of Biggs , or any things like Biggs , more than hath been found by Physicians to be preternatural Tumors , or Diseases of the Body , or else Natural parts , to beleeve , is folly and madness , and to affirm , is a phantastick Lye , invented by the Devil , and the Pope . Tenthly , Some men will Object , and say , If Witches have not power to afflict , and torment , and kill People and Cattel , how cometh it to pass that after the angring of such an old man or woman , or such a lam● man , or woman , that came to my House and desired relief , and I rated her away , and gave her no relief , or did not give her that which she desired ; such and such crosses and losses came upon me , or such a Childe was taken in such a manner , with such a Sickness , presently after , or within few days after his or her coming to my door ? To this I answer , They that make this Objection must dwell very remote from Neighbours , or else must be known to give very little , or no relief to the poor , if it can be said at any time when a cross cometh upon them , that one poor body or other hath not been at their door that day , or not many days before , let it happen at any time whatsoever ; shall this then be laid to the charge of him , or her that came last begging to their door ? then by that reason no man in England can at any time be afflicted but he must accuse some poor body or other to have bewitched him ; for Christ saith , The poor ye shall have always ; and I think no man of ability is long free from poor coming to his door . Secondly , I answer , God hath given it as a strict Command to all men to relieve the poor , Levit. 25.35 . and in the next Chapter it followeth ; vers . 14 , 15. Whosoever hearkneth not to all the Commandements of the Lord to do them , ( whereof relieving the poor is one ) the Lord will send several crosses and afflictions , and diseases upon them , as followeth in the Chapter , and therefore men should look into the Scriptures , and search what sins bring afflictions from Gods hand , and not say presently , what old man or woman was last at my door , that I may hang him or her for a Witch ; yea we should rather say , Because I did not relieve such a poor body that was lately at my door , but gave him harsh and bitter words , therefore God hath laid this affliction upon me , for God saith , Exod. 22.23.24 . If thou any way afflict widdows , and fatherless , and they at all cry unto me , I will surely hear their cry , and my wrath shall wax hot against thee . Thirdly , I answer , as Aesop saith in a Fable , Volunt homines ut plurimum quando suâ culpâ aliquid sibi acciderit adversi , infortunam vel daemonem culpam conferre , ut se crimine exuant ; and in his Moral he saith , Hom●nes min●me veniâ d●gni sunt qui cum liberè pe●cent fortunam vel d●emonem accusant . So may I say of the most part of the World , who if by their own folly and negligence they wrong themselves their Children , or their Cattel , they then accuse their Neighbour of Witchcraft , or if by their sins they bring down Gods Judgements , they then say they are bewitched , ascribing all to the Devil and Witches , never beholding Gods hand , or acknowledging that God is just , and themselves sinners . Eleventhly , Some wil stil object and say , What though there be no murther●ng , nor afflicting Witch m●nt●oned in the Scripture , nor any command given to put W●tches to death for Murthers , may not this common opinion of all men go for current , unless we can prove it by Scr●ptures ? what shall one or two mens op●nions be preferred before the common tenent of all men ? To this I answer , It was the common tenent of all the Heathen , that Idols were gods , and ought to be worshipped ; it was the common opinion of all the Scribes and Pharisees that it was a sin to eat with unwashen hands , and yet the Scripture telleth us that these things were false . Secondly I answer , God gave his Laws , that we should add nothing to them nor take any thing from them , Deut. 12.32 . why then should any man be so bold , contrary to the Commandement of God , to make it a Law to put poor people to death , upon foolish and feigned suppositions , or by the common tenent , and general blinde opinion of people without ground in the Scriptures ? Twelfthly , Some will yet object and say , If we may not conclude Murthers and trials of Witches from B●ggs and privie Marks , and sinking , and swimming in the water , because we have no warrant or mention of such trials in the Scriptures , then by the same consequence we may not try a Murtherer by any trial but such as is mentioned in the Scriptures ; but this is taken for granted , that if a murthered man bleedeth new and fresh , when the Murtherer is near the dead Carcase , it discovereth the Murtherer , and many Murtherers have been discovered by Gods providence in that manner , and have confessed the Murther , and yet there is no warrant for this trial of a Murtherer in Scripture . To this subtile Argument I answer , That a Judge may be too presumptuous in condemning a man upon any such evidence as that is ; for a dead body will for the most part bleed fresh and new , if it lyeth two or three days unburied ; as it is often seen in those that dye a natural death upon their Bed , and not Murthered , the bloud doth many times issue out of their mouthes in great abundance , at such times as the Humours of the body begin to putrifie ; and by the same reason a murthered Body will , when it hath lain two or three days , issue forth bloud , both at the mouth , and at the wound , whether the Murtherer be present or not . And what if God by his providence hath so brought it to pass sometimes , that the murthered body hath bled when the Murtherer hath been present , and so at the sight of the bloud the Murtherers Conscience hath so accused him that he hath been driven to confess the Murther ? we may not thence conclude , or argue , that this is a certain trial of a Murtherer , without his own Confession , or other manifest proofs , for by that means we may sometimes condemn a guiltless man that standeth by ●t the same time of issuing forth bloud from the dead body , which is a common and a natural thing . Secon●ly , I answer this subtile Objection thus , Murther by the hand is a certain thing , we know it by experience , and also the Scripture speaketh of it , and for the trial and finding out of Murther , when we finde a man murthered , wee have an ordinance in the Scriptures , Deut. 21. the seven first verses , They were to make diligent inquisition according to the Law of Moses , and in the seventh verse every man ought to clear himself that his hand hath not shed the bloud of him that was slain ; and if God blesseth his own ordinance of making such strict search and inquiry , by this wonderful and miraculous kinde of bleeding ( as you suppose it to be ) yet there is the ground of it , it is his own ordinance , and therefore God blesseth it , and discovereth the Murther ; But now to apply this to a Witch , there is no consequence at all , for when we finde a man dead , or when any party is diseased , we have not any ordinance in the Scripture to make search who hath bewitched such a man , or killed such a man by Witchcraft , but whose hand hath slain him . As also in Numb . 35.16 . who hath smitten him with an instrument of Iron , or any material instrument , or hand-weapon ; wee may not then expect that God should answer mens fancies , and vain imaginations of Murthering by Witchcraft , that have no ordinance in Scripture , as he doth his own Ordinances ; and for sinking , and swimming , Biggs and privie Marks , that may as well happen to one man as to another , to make them signs and trials of Witches , or Murtherers , is a groundless thing , and indeed at first invented by the Popes Inquisitors , who rather than they would not insnare whom they aimed at to put them to death , they would make any thing a sign or token of a Witch ; and if all these signs that these Popish tyrants have affirmed to be signs , were as they say , true signs of Witches , then all people under the Heavens might be by one sign or other proved to be Witches ; these signs may as well signifie a Thief , or a Cut-purse , as a Witch , being indeed no signs at all . Thirteenthly , Some will object and say , If we may not suppose that Witches can kill , or afflict people by Witchcraft , except we have ground and warrant for it in the Scriptures , then by the same reason we may not hang a Thief for Felony , for by the Scriptures he ought to have restored four-fold , and we finde no warrant in Scripture to put him to death ? To this it is answered , to put a Thief to death for Theft , is either lawful , or unlawful ; if it be not lawful by the Scriptures , though a thing commonly done , then we may not prove any thing lawful by instancing in a thing unlawful . Secondly , If it be lawful to put a Thief to death without warrant from the Scripture , as yee suppose it to be , yet therein we go beyond our warrant , only in the matter of punishment , which punishment yet falleth upon the guilty Thief , who is certainly convicted by infallible testimony , according to Gods ordinance ; but whosoever putteth man or woman to death for bewitching people to death , or for afflicting man or beast with diseases by Witchcraft , goeth beyond his warrant in matter of guilt , for the Scripture no where saith that a Witch was , or can be guilty of any such thing as killing by Witchcraft , or afflicting by Diseases , or any cross or adversity by Witchcraft upon men or cattel , and so in this we sin not , in inflicting greater punishment upon a Witch then is due by the Law of God ( for by Law we ought not to suffer a Witch to live ) but the sin is , in inflicting punishment upon the innocent , in Condemning them for Witches which are not Witches , for a Witch in the Scriptures is only a seducer of the people to Idolatry , and for killing without a stroak of the hand , or some material instrument , God claimeth it as his own Prerogative proper to himself only , Deut. 32.39 . 1 Sam. 2.6 so that imputing it to any other , is against the Scriptures . Fourteenthly , Some will object and say , Although there were no Murthe●ing Witches spoken of in the Scriptures , or any such d●scription of a Witch , as one that maketh a League with the Devil , or that lyeth with Incubus , or Succubus , or that hath Imps , or Biggs , or privie Marks by which they are known , yet such may be sprung up since the Scriptures were written , as new sins increase daily . To this I answer , If there be new sins it must be in reference to the Law , for that maketh sin to be sin , because it is a breach of the Law ; now , No man may adde any thing to the Law of God , Deut. 12.32 . and therefore we may not suppose that there be any sins that are not mentioned in the Law ; also such sins are not mentioned in the Gospel ; and Saint Paul saith , Whosoever preacheth any other Gospel than that we have received , let him be accursed , Gal. 1.9 . Fifteenthly , it hath been objected by some , That a Iudge , or a Iury-man , is not to question any truth of opinion concerning the power of Witches , or what Witches are , but to be guided by the Law of the Nation , and to go according to the evidence of Witnesses , and if any one will come and witness upon Oath against any men or woman , that he or she is a Witch , the Iury ought to cast her , and the Iudge ought to condemn her . To this Objection I answer , Deut. 17.6 . At the mouth of two or three witnesses shall he that is worthy of death be put to death , but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death . It is taken for granted , that a man or woman is sometimes given over to bear false witness , therefore God hath made it one of his Commandements , Thou shalt not bear false witness ; and here in Deut. 17.6 . God hath given us this rule to avoyd false witness , That one Witness shall not pass as a sufficient evidence upon Life and Death , and yet many have wrongfully suffered death at the mouth of one Witness , contrary to this Law , without examination of the condition of the Witness , whether Mad , or foolishly presumptuous , or malicious . Secondly I answer , Where two or three Witnesses are to pass for true evidence against any Person , it is to be understood only in matters prescribed by the Word of God , as Murther by an instrument smitten , or cast at a person , or by the hand , or by some apparent infallible way , Numb . 35. 16 , &c. but not in matters that are no way grounded upon the Word , but are flat contrary to the Word of God , and are only mens imaginations , for we have no warrant to put any person to death upon any imaginary offence ( if it were likely that two or three should agree together in such a testimony ) neither ought a Judge , or any Magistrate to administer an Oath , or take , or hear an Oath in any thing Moral that is not prescribed in Gods Word , but only imaginary ; and if two or three would swear point blank against any person to be a Witch , they ought not to be suffered to swear against any in that manner , except it be to swear against such Witches as the Scripture speaketh of , according the whole discourse of this Book , and therein also they ought to give a reason of their Oath , and the Judge and Jury to consider it . Thirdly I answer , That Oathes that have been usually taken against many persons in that kinde , are not to be regarded , though true ; as that such a one hath been seen to have a Rat or Mouse creep upon her , or under her Coats , or was heard talking to her Imps , these are not material testimonies , but are foolish and sensless arguments , not grounded in the Word of God. Further , if the Witnesses can swear that any person keepeth and feedeth Imps , it is not a material Oath , for it is as lawful to keep a Rat , or Mouse , or Dormouse , or any Creature tame , as to keep a tame Rabbit , or Bird ; and one may be an Imp as well as another , and so may a Flea or Louse bythe same reason ; and so the Devil need not go far for a bodily shape to appear in , or to suck mens or womens flesh in ; and if these were material Oathes , who then may not be proved a Witch ? and yet there was an honest woman ( so always formerly reputed ) executed at Cambridge in the year 1645. for keeping a tame Frogge in a Box for sport and Phantasie , which Phantasie of keeping things tame of several species is both lawful and common among very innocent harmless people , as Mice , Dormice , Grashoppers , Caterpillers , Snakes ; yea a Gentleman , to please his Phantasie in trying conclusions , did once keep in a Box a Maggot that came out of a Nut , till it grew to an incredible bigness ; all these are Arguments of no force ; yea I further say , if two or three would swear that they saw such a Creature suck any persons fl●sh , it doth not prove it to be a Devil , or that the Devil is in it , or therefore the Person a Witch . Lastly I answer , If a Judge , or a Jury be bound by the Law of the Nation to proceed according to that Law , yet they are bound more by the Law of God to proceed according to his Law , and if there be any Law of any Nation made to put to death people for any supposed imaginary Witchcraft , not spoken of in Gods Word , that Law ought to be abrogated , for we may not adde to Gods Law , Deut. 12.32 . and in the mean time , that Nation that maintaineth such a Law , that Judge , that Jury which prosecuteth such a Law ( being not grounded in , but contrary to the Law of God ) they all hazard themselves under the Curse of Gods Law , Exod. 22.23 , 24. Sixteenthly , The last and wisest Objection is this , It is maniest in the Scriptures that a Witch may kill by Witchcraft , for it appeareth Numb . 25.9 . that after Balaam had tried all ways to Curse the people , there dyed of the people twenty four thousand , and although he could not hurt them by Inchantment ( as he affirmeth chap. 23.23 . There is no Inchantment against Israel ) yet it appeareth , Revel . 23.14 . that he taught Balac to lay a stumbling-block before the people , in int●cing them to commit Idolatry , which brought down the anger of God upon them that they dyed , Numb . 25.9 . To this I answer , This indeed is the only Witchcraft that can kill or hurt any man ( according to the whole Discourse of the First Book , of this Treatise ) seducing the people to Idolatry , whereby they do cause them to provoke God to anger , and to strike them in his displeasure ; and this is the Doctrin we ought to learn by the History of Balaam , yea this is the only Witchcraft that is summarily included in all the Nine tearms of Description , Deut. 18.10 , 11. ( being the discourse of my first Book ) and to shew any proof of any sort of Witches in the Scriptures , I challengeall Witchmongers , yet some will forsake the Scriptures , and confute me strongly , with a repetition of some of Bodins lyes , or the like Stories , telling them for truth . But for all such as do still labour , by Objections , Cavils , Inventions , and Imaginations , to uphold the old Traditions and Errours of that grand Witch the Pope , and his Train , concerning Witches , and their Power , and not rather to cleanse the world from these Doctrins of Devils ; let them take heed that the saying belongeth not to them , that Stephen spake to the Jews , Acts 7.51 . Yee stif-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears , yee do always resist the Holy Ghost , as your fathers did , so do yee ; As it is written , 2 Thes. 2.10 , 11 , 12. because yee received not the love of the truth , that yee might be saved ; for this cause God hath sent you strong delusi●ns , that you should beleeve a lye , that they all might be damned who beleeved not the truth , but had pleasure in unrighteousness . A Conclusion . HE that groundeth his Opinion upon Phansie and Human traditions , and reports , without light , and rule of the Scriptures , is like a man groping in the dark , who for want of light rusheth his face against the door . But if any man will forsake blinde imaginations , and be guided by the light and rule of the Scriptures , he shall finde by them , that Witches are only false Prophets , who used several deluding impostures to deceive the people ( according to the whole Discourse of the first Book of this Treatise , and these were not poor men and women , such as are commonly executed for that falsly-imputed Crime of Witchcraft ) but were open practicers of their several Witchcrafts , to delude and seduce , and those had not their Craft from a Familiar , or by making a League with the Devil , as hath been commonly imagined , but were in a manner learned , and used Books written for that purpose , to teach them their manifold impostures , whereby to gain a maintenance among the people , by making them beleeve they were Prophets ; as wee may read , Acts 19.19 . many of them being converted by the powerfull preaching of the Gospel , brought their Books , and burnt them before the people ▪ these Books containing such subtile devices as were practised then by the false Prophets , or Witches of the time , to deceive the people , and now adays by the Popish Rout , and by our common Wizzards . But now for the thousands of people that have been executed for Witches in several parts of the World , by the common manner of fond , false accusations , at whose hands will God require their bloud , but at the hands of the Whore of Rome , and of those that have joyned with her in her abominations ? Revel . 18.24 . In her was found the bloud ( not only of Saints ) but of all that were slain upon the earth . This doubtless must be understood of those that are unjustly slain , and who are they , but such as are slain by wrongful accusations ? which wrongful accusations are occasioned by the devillish Doctrins wherewith she hath defiled the Nations . Further I say , That this Doctrin of Witches power is the main strength of Antichristian policy ; for whereas that Romish Whore knoweth , that in all Nations the Civil Magistrate will hold his power , and not resign it to her , to have absolute power to kill for Religion , she maintaineth this damnable Doctrin to this end , that under the name of Witches she may melt away all whom she feareth , or suspecteth will be opposers of her Antichristian pride , and herein she ingageth the Civil Magistrate , by her subtill Doctrin , to cut off whom she pleaseth : and how can that be said to be a Government for the defence of peoples Lives and Estates ? where contrary to all Law these Villains can steal away both life and estate from whom they please ( except from such as are in places of Dignity , or so well esteemed in Common-wealths , or have such friendship among the potent of the Land , that thereby they are able to withstand their Adversaries ) and these poor accused people have no redress , or help at the hands of the Magistrate ; but he who ought to be their Defender is bewitched , and ingaged against them ; he is taught indeed not to suffer a Witch to live , but never truly taught who , and what are Witches ; and that many times they that ingage him by their lying Doctrin , are the very Witches themselves , aimed at in the Scriptures , that ought not to be suffered to live . THE THIRD BOOK : SHEWING The vanity of some English VVriters concerning VVitches . BOdinus , Hyperius , Hemingius , and other Popish Bloud-suckers , mentioned before in the Second Book of this little Treatise , having defiled the World with their abominable inventions , contrary to the sense and truth of Gods Word , their devillish Doctrins being already declared sufficiently to be wholly dissonant to the Word of God ; yet some of our English Writers ( who otherwise might seem to have been wise and learned men ) have defiled their Pens with these groundless Phantastical Doctrins , which VVriters are briefly these . The first is Iames Bishop of Winton , setting forth three Books , called Daemonology , in the name and title of the Works of King Iames ( and whether the Bishop or the King were the Composer of that Work , I stand not to argue ) which VVorks are collected out of these Popish Writers before mentioned , which the Author acknowledgeth in the Preface to his Book , where he alledgeth Bodinus , Hyperius , and Hemingius for confirmation of the truth of the matter contained in his VVorks , but not a jot of Scripture is produced in all the VVork , if rightly interpreted , to prove it to be truth and yet the Author himself confesseth of Bodinus , that his Book of Daemonomanie is collected with greater diligence , than composed with judgement ; and truly I wish every wise man ( that desireth to be resolved in his judgement concerning these Opinions ) to observe that passage ; or if he be such a one as can read , and search the severall Writers of this subject of Witchcraft , let him observe the variety of their Opinions , how few of them do agree in one tenent , or in their manner of writing , by which it is easily concluded , that all their traditions are but Phantsies , contrary to the sound of Gods Word ; even as a wise Judge , examining several Witnesses of one thing , if he findeth not their testimony to agree , he concludeth , that they compacted together to witness a thing false ; and truly , although wise and learned men have been deluded by these lying inventions , yet compare but their Opinions one with another , and also with Holy Writ , and you shall finde , that all their Opinions are but one monstrous Devil , striving to get the mastery of the Spirit of truth ; and whether this Work was either composed by King Iames , or by the Bishop , may be very well suspected , or rather by some Scotish man , blinded by some Scotish Mist , who desired to set forth his own Tenents for the upholding of Popish errours , and Popish Writers , sufficiently confuted before by Scot , in his Discovery of Witchcraft , he not being able any whit to answer Scot in his Discourse , laboureth to uphold false Tenents and Doctrins , by the authority of a King , because he could not finde any thing in the Scriptures to uphold them , or to answer Scot , as wee may read in the Preface , that his whole aime is at Scot , whom he falsly chargeth with the Tenent , and Affirmation , That there is no such thing as Witchcraft ; whereas Scot in all his whole Book saith no such thing , but only that Witchcraft is a craft of deceiving , and seducing the people , and not of killing and making barren , and raising Winds , and such like Inventions ; he that readeth that Preface , and seeth how Scot is first and chiefly aimed at in the whole Work , might presently expect that in the Work he should finde Scot notably confuted , or at the least in some way answered , but reading over the VVork , he shall finde not one thing or other answered at all , but only a bare affirmation of such Tenents , without any ground , or warrant of the Scripture , which Tenents were confuted by Scot , by the Scriptures ; so that for any man to answer that Work of the Author at large , were only to do that which Scot hath already done , in confuting Bodinus and others ; and whereas this Author pretendeth a refutation of Scot , he hath done nothing else but written again the same Tenents that Bodinus and others had before written , and were by Scot confuted ; like an obstinate Disputant , that rather than he will not hold his Argument , though never so foolish , he will deny the Conclusion . One Disputant wisely and plainly proveth that a thing is , and the other foolishly saith still it is not ; or one proveth that a thing is not , and the other foolishly still saith it is ; by which way of arguing a childe may hold an Argument against a learned Doctor , though never so false . Yet for the answering of the Tenents of this Author in that Work , First , he saith in his first Book , as also in the Preface , That Witches can by the help of the Devil cause to be brought unto them all kindes of dainty Dishes for their delicious maintenance ; ( and yet say I , how many poor lean starved people have been executed in several places for Witches ) and for the truth of this Doctrin , he bringeth no place of Scripture to prove it , but only affirmeth it to bee true , for these reasons ; First , The Devil is a Thief , and delighteth to steal . Secondly , He is a Spirit , and therefore can subtilly , and suddenly transport the same from whence and whither hee will ; by which way of argument , rejecting the Scriptures , a man may affirm for truth any vain imagination , be it as absurd as this former ; as , that the Devil is a Thief , and therefore hath a Mountain of Gold , which he hath taken out of every mans . Purse , and heaped up in Hell , which he being a Spirit , hath easily transported from the earth , and therefore are so many men hastening to Hell , because there is abundance of Gold ; But if such foolish Arguments as these were of any force , what need then any Scripture to teach us the truth ? But if we examine the truth of this Doctrin by the Scriptures , it will prove for want of ground in Scripture very phantastical , and in opposition to the truth of the Scriptures very blasphemous ; for hereby we should yeeld still that what was done by the Angel of God in miraculous manner , bringing food to Elijah , 1 King. 19.6 . may be done by the Devil , bringing variety of food to them that serve him ; and whereas God by a Miraculous hand brought his people through a barren Wilderness , and fed them in that Wilderness ; the same thing might as well have been done by the Devil , who ( saith he ) can bring his servants all manner of dainty dishes . This that is already written were enough to disable , and make voyd all the three Books of Daemonologie written by this Author ; but yet for the satisfaction of such as will expect a Methodical answer , I will begin with his Works in order as they stand , and in brief shew the vanity of them ; as for example , he saith in his Epistle to the Reader , Sorcery and VVitchcraft are different from Magick , and Necromancy , and yet in the first Chapter of the Second Book , he saith , the Maid spoken of in the sixteenth of the Acts was a VVitch , because she had the spirit of Python , and yet we finde in the Scripture , that they that had the spirit of Python were also Necromancers ; how then can this distinction hold , that VVitchcraft differeth from Necromancy ? for by that distinction a Pythonist were a VVitch , and a Necromancer not a VVitch ; yet what was the Pythonist of Endor but a Necromancer , pretending to consult with the dead ? and Necromancy was the pretence of all that were said to have the spirit of Python ; that was , that they consulted with the Souls of the dead , as in Plutarch , and also in holy VVrit , as in Isa. 8.19 . ( it is manifest in any Tongue but our English ) which in Tremellius translation is to this sense ; for when they shall say unto you , Ask counsel of those that have the spirit of Python ( or the imposture of Oracling ) and of South-sayers , should not a people ask counsel of their God ? Shall they ask counsel of the dead for them that are living ? so then it is plain , this distinction is wholly dissonant from Scripture , and that this Author wrote not according to Scripture , but by phantasy and imagination . And now for his First Book , and the whole discourse of it , he layeth this foundation , he produceth these places of Scripture to prove that there is such a thing as Witchcraft and Witches , Exod. 22.18 . 1 Sam. 15.23 . Acts 8. Acts 16. and here he never searcheth the sense and meaning of these Scriptures , but proveth that Witches are , which thing no man denyeth ; and yet mark but his proofs , Exod. 22.18 . which is taken for a Jugler , or one that worketh false Miracles to deceive and seduce , in the same sense is to be understood , Acts 8.9 , 10. concerning Simon Magus who was a Jugler and Magician ( Jugling being one main part of Magick in the Scripture discourse ) such were Pharaohs Magicians , which Magicians this Author distinguisheth from Witches , and yet would prove by these places that there is such a thing as Witchcraft and Witches ; so likewise 1 Sam. 15.23 . Rebellion is as the sin of Divination , from hence hee would prove Witchcraft also , and yet his distinction denieth that Necromancers ( whose main drift was to give Divinations , by consulting with the dead ) are Witches ; and this is the sum of his first Chapter , where any wise man may see how he hath lost himself in proving , and not able to prove that which is easily proved , and that which no man denieth , That there is such a thing as Witches and Witchcraft ; for all the rest of his Discourse in his first Book , it is to prove that there are Magicians and Necromancers , which thing no man denieth according to the Scriptures ; but though this be a true Conclusion , yet it ariseth not from his proofs before mentioned , according to his own distinctions , for he produceth those proofs only to prove that there are Witches , which yet he distinguisheth from Magicians and Necromancers ; how vainly then doth he raise from these proofs a discourse of Magicians and Necromancers ? And furthe r , in all this Discourse , he writing only according to his own imaginations , without grounds in the Scriptures , or in Arts , and Sciences , he runneth into gross absurdities , as in the third Chapter , that Judicial Astrologie is attained by Circles and Conjurations , raising of Spirits to resolve their doubts , which sheweth how little reading he had in that Science ; and in the fourth Chapter he bringeth in healing by Charms , and Stones , and Herbs , as if by his method they were a part of Astrologie , and not only in that hath he shewed his weakness , but in reckoning Stones and Herbs among Magick Charms . In the Fifth Chapter he saith , Magicians conjure the Devil in a Circle , and if they miss the least circumstance , the Devil breaketh into the Circle , and carrieth quite away Body and Soul ; and yet saith , a little before , in the same Chapter , that the Devil having prescribed that form of doing , that he may seem to be commanded thereby , will not pass the bounds of those injunctions ( Circles ) . In the sixth Chapter he talketh , That they make a League with the Devil written with their bloud , and so learn of him to play Jugling Tricks , and Tricks upon the Cards and Dice ( in which also he sheweth himself but a silly Gamester , in thinking such Tricks cannot be played without a League with the Devil ) and yet by his distinctions , and by his whole Discourse , he saith , these Magicians ( though in league with the Devil ) are no Witches , which is contrary to the general Tenent that ever was of his own Sect ( that is , where such a League was made , it made a Witch ) but to speak the truth , the ill coherence of the Writings of his , and all other Writers of that sort , sheweth , that they have no ground but Phantsy , and Fiction , for any league or transaction with the Devil , either by Magician or Witch ( to use his own distinction ( though senceless ) either in Scripture , or Human reason guided by the Scripture , and this is the whole scope of his first Book . In the First Chapter of his Second Book he refuteth himself , and plainly confesseth ( though dully ) that all his former proofs of Scripture concerning Witches were to bee understood only of Magicians , and not of Witches ; but saith he , Though that be true , yet the Law of God speaketh of Magicians , Inchanters , Diviners , Sorcerers , and Witches , and whatsoever of that kinde that consult with the Devil , but doth not say where the Law speaketh so , nor where such are said to consult with the Devil , but letteth it pass for granted which yet I will grant ; thus farre the Law of God speaketh of Magicians , Inchanters , Diviners , and Sorcerers , but not of Witches distinct from these , for these were Witches in all the Scripture-sence , and Diviners were Magicians , and Magicians were Sorcerers , and Inchanters were Witches , and so were all the rest ; but still mark how he laboureth to produce some proofs beyond all this , whereby he would make a Witch somewhat ( he cannot tell what ) distinct from Magicians , Diviners , Inchanters , and Necromancers ; for saith he , the Maid that followed Paul crying , Acts 16. was a Witch , whose spirit of Divination was put to silence , saith he , and she was a Witch , because she did not raise the Devil , but hee spake by her tongue publickly , and privately , and that by her consent , and this is his ultimate proof of a Witch ; which I grant ; she was a Witch , but why distinct from the rest ? what was she more than a Diviner ? and the Scripture saith she had the spirit of Python , which was a spirit of lying Prophecie or Divination ; and saith he , she was a Witch , because the Devil spake by her tongue , and that by her consent , as if he spake not by the tongue of all Diviners , Inchanters , Pythonists , South-sayers , Necromancers , and all false Prophets , and that by their consent ; she was a Witch saith he , because she raised not the Devil , but yet say other Writers of his Sect , they are Witches that raise the Devil , and she had been a Witch if she had raised the Devil ; and he himself in his seventh Chapter saith , Devils are made commonly to appear by Witchcraft ; from these grounds in Scripture , ( which are all spoken of Deceivers , and false Prophets , according to the whole discourse of my first Book , which indeed were Witches in the Scripture-sense , though weakly discovered by this Author ) he goeth on presumptuously in the second and third Chapters , to say that Witches are such as do compact with the Devil , and in great number meet in Houses , and Churches , and adore the Devil in Pulpits , and learn of him to do mischief , and do render account at their several meetings , what mischief they have done for his service , and to kisse his hinder parts for adoration , and this is all the scope of his second and third Chapters , without any tittle of proof from Scripture , but only confession of Condemned people ( which is no proof ) being contrary to Scripture and reason , and ( all Circumstances considered ) is no Confession ; for as he dully argueth in his first Chapter , that because they are loath to confess without Torture , therefore they are guilty ; we may argue the contrary , they therefore are not guilty , their Confession being extorted , which Confession yet he would argue to be true , because saith he , the Devil was worshipped among the Heathen , and gave Oracles , and Responses , and was honoured with bloudy Sacrifice , and gave Divinations by the intrals of Beasts ; But although these things were done by Heathen people that worshipped Idols , and had Oracles , and Responses from their Idol Priests ( which were the Witches , and false Prophets of the times ) and in that sence might be said to worship the Devil , as in 1 Cor. 10.19 , 20. ( because the Devil was in the Idols , or rather in their Priests , and so by them wrought delusions under the mask of Idols ) yet what consequence is here , that because the Devil was in this sence worshipped publickly by Idolaters , that therefore he is now privately worshipped by the great Conventions and Assemblies of Witches ? or where do we read in Scripture , that Witches were such as did meet to worship the Devil ? they were indeed such as seduced people to worshipping of Idols , by the delusions of the Devil ruling in their hearts . And in the fourth Chapter he saith , that VVitches can be transported in the Air , by the Devils help , because Habbakkuk was transported by the Angel , in the History of Daniel Apocrypha , which if this were a true story Canonical , yet what absurdity is this , to equalize the Devils power with the power of God by his Angel ? And what consequence is here ? If the Angel did so transport , therefore the Devil doth transport ; and yet this is the whole scope of his fourth Chapter . In the fifth Chapter his whole scope is , That VVitches can make pictures of VVax , or Clay , and rost them , and so consume the party whom they intend , and can receive from the Devil stones and powders , and by them cast on can Cure diseases ; that they can raise Storms and Tempests , and do many strange things , and that no man is sure to escape their VVitchcraft , which as I have shewed in my second Book , are not only inventions and fictions of Antichrist , without groun● in Scripture , but flat against Scripture , and the faith o● Christians to beleeve . And whereas he saith further , The Devil can Witches to poyson people , I answer , so he may teach any man else that will undertake it ; for that is not any whit more essential to a VVitch than to any other murthering-minded man or woman , no more than stabbing with a Knife or Dagger . The scope of the sixth Chapter is , That the Devil appears to VVitches , and teacheth them to do mischief , but yet they have not power to hurt a Magistrate ; but sure if VVitchcraft consisted any whit in the Art of poysoning , why then is the Magistrate free ? for certainly many Magistrates , yea Judges , and Kings themselves , have been poysoned ; hath a VVitch then less faculty in poysoning Magistrates then other men have had ? why then is their Craft counted so dangerous ? The scope of his seventh and last Chapter is , that Spirits did more commonly appear in time of Popery than now , and the reason thereof he giveth before he proveth it to be true ; that is , that the Gospel hath dispelled those Spirits that were wont to appear . This reason hath a smooth pretence if it were given of a true thing , but the thing which he argueth upon is not true , for there were no more Spirits seen in time of Popery than now ( and that is just none at all ) but there were more lyes reported by papists , and in time of Popish ignorance , than now , and the Gospel indeed hath dispelled those Popish Errours which were wont to deceive the people more than now ; and who so denyeth that Spirits appear , he saith they are Sadduces , whereas yet there was never any such dispute among Sadduces , whether Spirits did appear visible or not ; neither were the Pharisees that opposed the Sadduces so silly as to affirm any such thing ; but if any such thing were , as visible apparition of Spirits , doubtless it had been no Controversie , for the Sadduces might have seen them as well as the Pharisees ; this is the scope of his First and Second Book . And here I am compelled to go back again to the third Chapter of the First Book , to answer one of his Tenents , which I think very material to be answered out of order , because if I had taken it in order it would have spoyled my method in answering so curtly as I have done , ( his writing being somewhat immethodical . ) Look in his first Book , the third Chapter , and see how he by the bare signification of a word , laboureth to ground an absurdity , saying , Necromancy is one that Prophesieth by the dead , and that is , saith he , one that consulteth with the Devil , assuming the body of the dead party ; but as I have said , what Logician doth not know that it is not a legal manner of arguing , but most absurd to draw a Conclusion from the bare signification of words , or from what words may signifie ? but he that argueth truly , must argue as the words are taken , and not as they may signifie , and also search the Original sence of the Hebrew , and yet for the word it self ▪ it hath not the least signification of the Devil , or that the Devil can assume a dead Body , or the least signification of Prophecying by the Devil , but only by the dead , according to the vain Tenent of the Heathen , that the Souls of the dead ( by reason of their perfect estate after this life ) could inspire men living upon the earth , with knowledge of things to come , in which pretence these Witches called Necromancers used Divinations , or lying Prophecies , as manifestly appeareth in Plutarch , de . defect . Orac. and by Scripture , as I have shewed more fully in the Ninth description in my first Book ; and as for that Tenent , that the Devil can assume and raise a dead Body , it is most absurd and blasphemous , for it was by the divine miraculous power of Christ upon the Cross , that the bodies of the dead were raised for a time , and appeared unto many , Matth. 27.52 , 53. from whence the Centurion acknowledged Christ to be the Son of God , knowing , that such things could not be done but by the mighty Power of God ; yet if this absurdity were true , That the Devil could assume the bodies of the dead , it makes nothing to prove their common main Tenent , that Witches are such people as can kill by Witchcraft , for a Necromancer is only one that taketh in hand to Prophesie by the dead , or to give divinations , and not one that kille●h , or witcheth people to death ; neither doth it agree with this Authors distinctions to hold any such Tenent , that a Necromancer is one that consulteth with the Devil assuming a dead body , for he saith in his Sixth Chapter of his Second Book , and also in the third Chapter of the Third Book , that the Devil appeareth to Witches , and they consult with him , having assumed a dead body ; why then doth he in his former distinctions make a difference betwixt a Necromancer and a Witch ? And now to proceed to the Third Book , as followeth , He laboureth to prove in his Third Book , That the Devil can appear bodily , and doth commonly haunt Houses and Fields in shape of men departed this life , and sometimes as Fairies , sometime in manner of Brown●ng ( as he calleth it ) that is it that by our old Wives Fables is called Robin Good-fellow ) and that these are true , and not false Fables , and for that in his first Chapter he allegeth , Isa. 13.21 . where it is said , That Zim and Ohim shall dwell in their houses , and Iim shall cry in their Palaces , which saith he , are in the Hebrew the proper names of Devils ; but ▪ how erroneous this exposition is , let them that can read the Hebrew text see , and for them that cannot read the Hebrew text , let them read the Latine translation of Iunius and Tremellius , which is thus ; Et recubabunt ferae illic , & implebunt domos eorum noxia animaliae ; hab●tabuntque illic ululae , & scopes saltabunt illic , clamitabitque terrificum an●mal in viduatis palatiis ipsius , & serpens in templis voluptariis : That is , Wilde Beasts shall lodge there , and hurtful Beasts shall fill their Houses , and Owls shall dwell there , and Night-birds shall hop there , and a Dragon shall cry in their desolate Palaces , and the Serpent in their pleasant· Temples ; ( Tremellius in his Marginal Notes saith , Terrisicum animal , id est draco ) Those were all only such Creatures as do commonly inhabit desolate places ; The Prophet speaking in the former verse of desolation that should come upon the Land ; and indeed the Devil hath least to do in desolate places , and is most busied where people are most ; but had Zim and Iim been the proper names of Devils , it had not made any thing to the purpose , to prove that the Devil walketh up and down in corporal appearance , for it is said , Revel . 2.13 . that the Devil dwelt at Pergamus , and yet it is not meant that he was there seen at all to appear in any shape , but was there in the hearts and works of wicked men ; but such is the manner of all that are tainted with Popish Tenents , that they would have people conceive of the Devil , that he is some ugly terrible Creature to look upon , some black man with a pair of Horns on his head , and a Cloven Foot , and a long Tayl , or some monstrous Beast that inhabiteth in Woods , and walketh about in the night to scare people , and this doctrin is maintained by Popish Writers , least people should discern that the Devil is in all their Popish Doctrins and actions , and in the hearts of all Popish seducers , and deceivers of the world . Further , in this his Third Book he talketh of Incubus , and Succubus , as if it were an undoubted truth that the Devil lyeth commonly with Witches of both Sexes , having copulation with them , but for this he hath not the least Scripture , nor the least seeming Argument , but only constrained , extorted , belyed , nullified Confession of poor condemned people , which is the only Argument for all the devillish Tenents of all Writers of this sort , and yet they begin with Scripture , saying , Thou shalt not suffer a Witch to live ; and upon this they raise a long discourse , contrary to all Scripture , and truth , and possibility , all which they will father upon the Scriptures , and yet when they are pinched by dispute to prove their Tenents by Scripture , they fly off to confession ; this confession I say is in all the discourse of this Author his only Argument ( which is no Argument ) and yet he pretendeth his discourse to be grounded on the Scriptures , and in that pretence in his last Chapter he concludeth his whole discourse with the Law of God , saying , Therefore these people ought to be put to death according to the Law of God , whereas yet in all his discourse he could not produce the least jot or tittle of the Law against any such kinde of supposed Witches as he talketh of , nor the least colour of argument to prove his supposals , in all the Law , or all the Scriptures , without misconstruing the Law of God , and the Scriptures . So much for this Author . Cooper answered . THe second English Writer upon this subject is one Thomas Cooper a Minister , who himself being infected with the common Popish tenent , sent forth by Pope Innocent the Eighth , and Pope Iulius the Second , and affirmed by Bodinus , and other bloudy Inquisitors mentioned in my Second Book , that Witches are Murtherers , and such as can raise Winds , and do things impossible , by the help of the Devil ; This Cooper , instead of being himself a Minister to instruct , and teach the people in Gods Truth , grounded in Scriptures , he became a bloudy Inquisitor to finde out Witches , that is a bloudy Persecutor of the poor , and an accuser of them to be Witches , who by his blinde zeal in this kinde did cause many to be executed for Witches , as he confesseth in his first Book , the first Chapter , and sixteenth Page , and after this he reading Mr. Scots Discovery of Witchcraft , which he was no way able to confute by Scripture , nor to answer him truly , hee being galled in his Conscience , and netled in his minde concerning his reputation in the World ( which he feared he should loose if his wickedness should be convicted and laid open ) instead of humbling his Soul before God , and begging pardon for his sin ; he wrot a Book in defence of his errours , called the mystey of Witchcraft , wherein he hath ( as others have done ) pretended to confute Scot , and to that end hath writ down many Popish inventions , adding thereunto many of his own foolish imaginations , without one jot of Scripture to prove or ground any of his Tenents , and after long discourse of meer lyes and imaginations , in a pretence of holy Zeal , yet quite contrary to Gods truth ( yea I may say , imaginations resisting Gods holy Spirit of Truth ) hath thought it a sufficient confutation of Scot , to fetch him over with an use of reproof , as appeareth in his first Book , the eighteenth page , just as if a man should preach contrary to the Scriptures that Idols are gods , and labour to prove it by experience ( as this Cooper laboureth to prove his Tenents concerning Witches ) or to prove it by the example of such as have been slain , because they would not fall down before an Idol , and worship it ( as this Cooper laboureth to prove his errours concerning Witches from the example of many that have been executed for Witches ) and then should fetch them over with an use of reproof , that say Idols are no gods ; and after this groundless use of reproof , this Cooper goeth on still in a frivolous discourse , without any Scripture to prove his Doctrin , and at last laboureth to shew that Juglers are Witches , which no man yet did ever deny ( if they were such as wrought false Miracles to seduce the people , as Iannes and Iambres , and Simon Magus , and Elimas the Sorcerer ) but he laboureth to prove that common Juglers are Witches , that do work their Tricks of Activity , saith he , by a Familiar , which yet ( saith he ) are no real Miracles , but they hurt the Eye , and thicken the Air , saith he , whereby they make things seem to be really done that are not done ; which thing for a Jugler to do , that is , to hurt the eye , and touch it not , and to thicken the Air were a Miracle it self ; but to clear these vain Fancies , who knoweth not that Juglers do play their Tricks only by the slight of hand , called Cleanly Conveyance , or Legerdemain ? and what common Jugler that hath gone about to Fairs , or Markets , to shew his Tricks of Activity to get Mony , will not in private for a shilling shew any Trick that he hath acted openly , and shew how it is done to the satisfaction of any man that desireth it , and that without a Familiar , or the least appearance of any such vain Phantsy as fools imagine ; But yet if I should take it for granted , that these common Juglers are Witches , and do work their Feats by a Familiar Devil , as he affirmeth , yet what doth that make towards the proving of these poor , and aged , and lame people to be Witches , that have so commonly been said to be Witches ? What Tricks of Activity have they shewed , either in Fayers or Markets , or in publick , or in private ? surely if they had been Condemned for Witches , for any such thing doing , they should not need to be found out by an Inquisitor , to be tried by Biggs , or privie Marks , or by sinking or swimming in the water , for their actions would declare them openly . Also if common Juglers were Witches , as he saith ; yet how doth this prove that a Witch is a Murtherer , which is the main drift of his Book ; and to that end he bringeth many places of Scripture to prove that there are VVitches , which thing no man doth deny . Afterward he affirmeth , that Witches do make a real League with the Devil , ( which hath been a common foolish tradition ) and for that he alledgeth Psal. 58.5 . where saith he the Original yeeldeth thus , Which heareth not the Charmer , or mutterer , joyning societies together , where ( saith he ) the Holy Ghost setteth down the effect of a Charm , namely , that it is able to stay the Adder from stinging those that shall touch him ; but mark how this fellow belyeth the Scriptures , for which ( because many understand not the Hebrew ) I referre them to the Translation of Iunius and Tremellius , which is this ; Quae non auscul●at voci mussitantium , utentis incantation bus peritissimi , which hearkeneth not to the voyce of mutterers , or of the most skilful user of Charms ; so that there is not a word of joyning Societies together , not a word of the Devil , nor of any league with the Devil ; yet if it had been so , and that he could have proved such a League or Covenant , it had made nothing to prove that a Witch is a Murtherer ( which is his drift ) for a League might be made for a Deceiver , as well as for a Murtherer ; And whereas he saith the place aforesaid proveth the effect of a Charm , that it can stay the Adder from stinging , it proveth the clean contrary ; for if the Prophet had said the Adder hearkneth to , or regardeth the voyce of a Charmer , it had proved that a Charm is effectual ; but in that he saith the Adder regardeth not , or hearkneth not to the voyce of the Charmer be he never so skilful , it proveth that a Charm is of no force ; and indeed the Prophet doth there allude deridingly to the vanity of that Idolatrous conceit of the Heathen , who thought that charms had vertue in them , and so were seduced by charms to put confidence in charms and conjurations , according to the Sixth term of description in the First Book of this Treatise , shewing the common conceit of the Heathen concerning charms , appearing in their Poets ; Frigidus in pratis , ●antando rumpitur anguis . This fellow doth further contradict himself sundry ways , one of his most manifest absurd contradictions is in page 85. where he confesseth that God only hath power to send Satan to torment the wicked , and afflict the godly , and yet he affirmeth in pag. 261. that Witches also can send Satan to possess men , and torment them . Who so pleaseth to read over this Author , shal find that he is bold to affirm , not only that the Devil doth at the command of a Witch raise storms , poyson the Air , blast Corn , kill Cattel , torment the bodies of men , but also cast out Devils , as in page 158. also that he sometimes enliveneth a dead childe , and bringeth it to a Witch in her travelling to bring forth childe , and telleth her that it is the childe born of her body , begotten by himself , and so saith he , she is deceived with her new darling , as in pag. 122. so that according to the Devilish doctrin of this Author , the Devil can raise the dead , as Christ raised Laezarus and Dorcas , and cast out Devils , as Christ did ; but to conclude , they that shall read his blasphemous and vain imaginations , and yet shall see therewithall the pretence of holy zeal in all his Discourse , may plainly behold in him the Devil turning himself into an Angel of Light to deceive the World. And so I leave this Cooper where I found him , namely , in a Stationers shop , dear of taking up . Master Perkins answered . THere is yet another Author writing upon this subject of Witchcraft , wel known to all , and that is M. Perkins , who because he was such a chosen instrument of preaching Gods Word in his life , I blush to name him , least some should think I go about to defame him so long after his death , whom I honour in his Grave ; but yet to take away all suspicions in that kinde , let every one know , that the Volume of Mr. Perkins his Works , in which is contained that Treatise of Witchcraft , was not put in print by himself , but were certain Writings found in his Study after his death , most of which were taught by him in the Pulpit in his Life-time , but , not all , and were put in presse for the benefit of his Wife , who had but small means for her maintenance in her widdowhood ; which thing being well considered , it may well bee questioned , whether that treatise of Witchcraft , was of his own writing or not , and if it was , yet it may well bee questioned , whether hee wrote it , with an intent to teach it for Truth openly , or only with an intent to confute such Heresies , as had formerly been delivered by Bodinus , Hiperius , and other popish writers , if hee had lived , for if it be well considered and compared with those Authors , it is only a collection of mingled notions out of them , put into another Method ; also it might bee foisted in among his writings , by some Ignorant or Popish Heretique , who desired to bolster his Errors under the name of so famous an Instrument in the Church as Mr. Perkins was ; also it might bee added to his works , by those that were appointed by his Wife to put his works in print , either for the bolstring of their own Errors , or for the inlarging of the Volume , to make the Book sell the better ; yea many wayes Mr. Perkins may bee clear from being the Author of that Treatise ; But yet if some will still beleeve that it is his work , let them but compare it with the Scriptures , and see how little consonant it is with the Scriptures ; hee delivereth the common Error , that Witches can kill by Witchcraft , have made a league with the Devill , have the Devill at their call , that the Devill is ready at a watch-word given him by the Witch to do mischief , and many such strange inventions , whereof there is not the least inckling in the Scriptures ; and therefore need no farther confutation . Mr. Gaule answered . SInce the finishing of my Book , there is come to my hand the works of a fourth English Writer , Mr. ●ohn Gaule , a Minister of Staughton in Hun●ington shire , whom I find ( in his zeal for God , & in his Religious hatred to the barbarous cruelty of this age , in persecuting the poor and innocent ) much inclining to the Truth , and I cannot say of him , but his intentions were godly ; but yet hath been so swayed by the common tradition of men , and the impetuousnesse of the times , and the authority of such Writers , as hee calleth the learned , as that although hee hath writen some Truths ( in preaching also whereof hee hath done much good in Gods Vineyard , in labouring to stay that bloody persecution on foot against the poor and Innocent ) yet he hath much swerved from the Truth of this subject of Witches and Witchcraft , in that hee yeildeth at all to the common contagion of Error that hath defiled the World , ( not that Witches are , for that were my Error to deny , seeing the Scriptures do manifestly condemn them ) but that Witches in the Scripture sence , are such as have made a familier compact with the Devill , and receive power from him to kill and the like ; I wonder ( but that the hour of darknesse is not yet fully past ) that so many Ministers should still wander in this darksome imagination ; what least intimation or description of such a kind of Witch hath God given us in the Scriptures ? or of Devills in the corporall shape of Imps , making a familier compact with any of mankind , or any ground for such imaginary whimses of mans brain , what consequence is there in Logicall dispute , or in Theologicall Principles , that hee that denieth these phantasies , denieth that there is a Devill , and so finally that there is a God ; the Scripture teacheth us that there is a God , and likewise a Devill , or Devills ; but what Scripture speaketh of a familiar Devill , or Jmp ? or that a Witch can kill by Witchcraft , or hurt either body or goods , by Witchcraft , by the Devills help , either by Gods permission or without ? I rather think that this forsaking of the Scriptures , and delivering for Doctrin the traditions of Antichristian Popish Writers , is a forsaking of God , and consequently a denying of God ; hee saith hee could instance from story , how many have had no Faith of Witches being , till their bewitched body or goods , hath served to unwitch them of their opinions and conceit ; is this a Theologicall way of Argument to ground a Doctrin upon vain reports , and phantasmes without Scriptures ? yea flat contrary to the Scriptures ? Deut. 32.39 , 1 Sam. 2.6 , 7. dare any man contrary to those and many places of Scripture ( when hee is afflicted in body or goods ) ascribe ● a Witch ( upon vain Phantasie , and carnal reason , ●●perstitious imaginations , and foolish traditions ) with●riptures , which by the Scriptures we are taught to 〈◊〉 only to God ? yes , men dare do so , and Ministers dare 〈◊〉 so , And this is the condemnation , that light is come into ●●rld , and men love darkness rather than light . But now to 〈◊〉 to the man himself , of whom I have written sparingly . 〈◊〉 Gaule , if this work of mine shall come to your hand , as 〈◊〉 hath come to mine , be not angry with me for writing 〈◊〉 Truth , I am sure you shall get more estimation among 〈◊〉 Beleevers , more favour with God , and do more good in ●rists Vine-yard by acknowledging your error , and by em●cing Gods Truth , than by being carried away with the ●ams of these f●ouds of iniquity that have over-flowed the ●istian world . You say in your second case , pag. 24. It is 〈◊〉 to observe any specifique difference of Witches , in 〈◊〉 you acknowledge the subject to be difficult to write 〈◊〉 ; Sir , I have given you full specifical descriptions of ●em according to the Scriptures , then although Sir , you be ●arned in other things , disdain not to learn of me the truth 〈◊〉 this subject , I doubt not , but if you had first read my Book , ●ur own Book had been more perfect , Suffer not a Witch to 〈◊〉 ; Prestigiatricem , a Jugling person , that worketh false Miracles to seduce the people to Idolatry , Exod. 22.18 . Io●is destroying of Witches , 2 King. 23 , 24. what was it but ●●lling down the Idols , with their Adjuncts , Oraclers , and ●uth-sayers , that were the Idol Priests that seduced the peo●●e ? Examine the places which are your own quotations , 〈◊〉 Sir , I intreat you , in Christs name , that as you have ●●en fervent for Gods Cause with Apollos , Act. 18.25 . so learn 〈◊〉 me the way of God more perfectly , as he did of the Di●iples , vers . 26. fare-well Sir , the Spirit of God be your fa●●iliar Spirit to guide you in the truth : Non qui● ? Sed quid ? Master Ciffard answered . THere is yet another Book come to my hand written by Mr. George Giffard , an able Minister of Gods Word in Maldon , which because the common way of some mans arguing is by questioning , what say you to this ? and what say you to that Author ? therefore I will give a brief description of his Tenents , which are chiefly three ; the first is , That a VVitch can not by a Familiar , or by any craft , any way hurt , or weaken the life , health , or estate of any man , by bewitching with disease , or infirmity , either Man or Beast , or hurting his Goods ; and this he proveth plainly by Scripture , and Reason . as I have also done in my Second Book of this Discourse . The second Tenent is , That VVitches have Imps and Familiars . The third Tenent is , That these Familiars do nothing really , but only do deceive the VVitch , by making her beleeve they do that which cometh to pass upon Man or Beast by Divine providence ; but for these two last Tenents he doth not prove by Scripture as he did the first , nor yet affirm for truth , but only being overcome by the strength of common report , grounded upon the Confession of such as have been executed , he only yeeldeth to those strong delusions which have deceived many , Hypothetically arguing , if Witches have such Imps or Familiars , they are only deceived by them ; but herein is he not confident , and therefore these two last Tenents being not confirmed by him do confirm nothing , and for the first of the two , That VVitches have Imps , is susficiently disproved in my Second Book , and that all their Confessions are no argument ; then for the last Tenent , having reference to the first , it is in like manner nullified , for if they have no Imps , nor no Familiar , then they are not deceived by them , nor do beleeve or confess any such thing , wherein they seem to him to be deceived , any further than Confession is wrung from them ▪ by them who are the deceivers of themselves and others , by the Deceiver of the VVorld , that dwelleth in them , except sometimes by the depth of Melancholly , or distem●ered brain , as I have formerly demonstrated in my Second Book , and therefore need no further answer . So much for this Author who I beleeve had more of the Spirit of truth in him than many of his profession . Now for all that have written in that kinde , I summon all VVitch-mongers to shew me in the Old or New Testament , which are given as a rule of truth , the least inference of any such Doctrin as is delivered by them . Also , I desire any man of right understanding , to compare them with the Scriptures , and so compare also this my Book with the Scriptures , and to see which of them is most consonant with the Scriptures , and which is most dissonant from the Scriptures , and so to try them by Gods touch-stone of truth . The Conclusion . TO conclude , you that are convicted of your Errors , and yet do make a light matter of it , and lay it not to heart , was Cain and Ahab accursed for murthering of each of them one man , and do yee make it a light matter to have murthered thousands by your ignorant doctrin ? VVhat will it avail at the latter day , that yee have preached , and prayed , and spread forth your hands , and made great stir in pretence of Religion ? If Christ shall say , Depart from me yee workers of iniquity , and sh●dders of innocent bloud ? if thousands that are wrongfully slain shall rise up in Judgement against you , if it shall be said to many Ministers , and Preachers of the VVord , in that yee have not taught against these abominations , yee are partakers in them . Causes of upholding the damnable Doctrin of Witches power . IF I did not aime at brevity , I might enlarge this Volume upon these particulars following , which I will only name and leave them , being the causes of upholding the opinion of Witches power . 1 Some Ministers for want of due examining of the Scriptures , have taught in the Pulpits unwarily , and inconsiderately , the Doctrin of Witches Power , as also some have published their Works in print . 2 Many Ministers although they are of the contrary opinion , yet have neglected to beat down the common phantastical conceit of people concerning Witches power . 3 The common hatred that all men do bear to a Witch , so that if any poor Creature hath the report of being a Witch , they joyn their hand with the rest in persecuting , blindly , without due consideration . 4 The false reports that are commonly raised in that kinde concerning Witches , whereby men lead one another like wandring lost Sheep , to beleeve lyes ; it is certain it was done in such a place , I have credibly heard it . 5 Vain credulity , which all men are naturally prone unto ever since Adams Fall , that is a Vice whereby men are subject to beleeve every lying report , being the ground of infidelity ; Credula mens hominis , & erectae fabulis aures . 6 Infidelity , or not beleeving the Scriptures to be the only perfect rule of righteousness , and touch-stone of truth . 7 Ignorance of the Scriptures , either by wresting them , or by neglecting to search them , or want of being able to read them , or wh●n they are read , want of ability to understand them ; all such men may be led away with any opinion . 8 Generality of opinion maketh weak people , and ignorant to argue , sure it is safest to say , and think as others do . 9 Obstinacy in opinion in such as have some weak knowledge , let such be beaten from one Argument they will fly to another , and beat them from all Arguments , yet at last th●y will still hold their opinion . 10 Melancholly , which frameth much representation in the minde of any terrible report or doctrin ( though it bee groundless and false ) and causeth it to take great impression in the deluded understanding . 11 Timerousness , whereby men like little Children , and Women especially , are afraid of every idle fantastical report that they hear of Witches power , especially if they be alone in the dark . 12 Crackt Phantasie , whereby many a man or woman , specially in Sickness have strange Apparitions either in bed , or abroad , which they report to silly people , and are beleeved , whereas it is nothing but their broken and hurt fancy , occasioned in some by sickness or distemper , in some by much Drunkenness , in some by a blow on the head , and in Scholars sometimes by over-much study , whereby they presently conceit , and are judged by others to be bewitched , or at least to be pursued by a Witch , or by a Witches Imps , and judge so themselves . 13 People that are handled by strange Diseases , as Children in Convulsion Fits , or Women in Fits of the Mother , and the like , are by ignorant beholders ; and sometimes by ignorant Physitians said to be bewitched , as were Frogmortens Children said to be falsely . 14 Old Wives Fables , who sit talking , and chatting of many false old Stories of Witches , and Fairies , and Robin Good-fellow , and walking Spirits , and the Dead walking again ; all which lying fancies people are more naturally inclined to listen after than to the Scriptures . 15 Another abominable cause is the suffering of Impostors to live , such as silly people call Cunning men , who will undertake to tell them who hath bewitched them , who , and which of their Neighbours it was , by the delusions of such Impostors , many poor innocent people are branded with a report of being Witches , by reason of which report coming first from a Witch , they are in process of time suspected , accused , arreigned , and hanged . A Reference to Mr. Scots Treatise of Spirits , and also the Opinion of Luther concerning Devils . I Might further enlarge this Volume with a Treatise of Spirits , or the nature of Devils , concerning which people have much abused themselves for want of knowledge in the Scriptures , but for brevity I refer the Reader to Mr. Scot , who hath excellently written in the latter end of his Discovery of Witchcraft , a Discourse called , A Treatise of Spirits ; also I thought good to adde in brief the words of Luther concerning Devils , which are these ; De phreneticis sic sentio , omnes moriones & qui usu rat●on●s privantur à daemonibus vexari , non quod ideo damnati sunt , sed quod variis modis Satan homines tentat , alios gravius , alios lenius , alios longius , quod medici multa ajusmodi tribuunt naturalibus causis , & remediis aliquando mitigant , fit quod ignorant quanta sit potentia & jus daemonum . Christ us non dubitat , curvam illam anum in Evangelio , vinctam a Satana dicere ; & Petrus Actorum decimo , oppressos a Diabolo dicit , quos Christ us sanarat , ita etiam multos surdos , claudos malitia Satanae tales esse , Deo tamen premittente ; denique pestes , febres , atque alios graves morbos opera daemoniorum esse , qui & tempestates incendia frugum calamitates operantur vere affirmamus ; Summa mali sunt Angeli , quid mi●um , si omnia faciunt mala humano generi noxia & pericula intentent , quatinus Deus premittit ; etiamsi plurima talia herbis , & aliis remediis naturalibus curari possunt , volente Deo , & miserente nostri , exemplum Iobi endicat , quae passus sit a Satana , quae medicus omnia naturaliter fieri , & curari assereret ; sciendum est igitur phreneticos a Satana tentari saltem temporaliter , an Satan non faceret phreneticos ? qui corda replet fornicatione , coede , rapinae , & omnibus pravis affectibus ; summa , Satan proprior nobis est quam ullus credere possit , cum sanctissimis sit propinquissimus adeo , ut ipsum Paulum colaphizare & Christum vehere possit quorsum libet . These are the words of Luther , and where he saith at the last , that the Devil could carry Christ whither he listed , it is his errour , for the Devil did not carry him at all , but led him by temptation , as appeareth , Luke 4. and as I have more at large written in my Second Book , in my answer to the Sixth Objection , if you look back to it ; yet from this brief Discourse of Luther may be observed , That the Devil may be said to be an instrument in all Diseases , crosses , and calamities , as Luther proveth by the Story of Iob , and the saying of Christ concerning the woman , Luke 13.11.16 . and as is expressed , 2 Thess. 2.18 . Luke 11.14 . but yet it must necessarily be true that the Devil is Gods Instrument in all these afflictions , as Iob acknowledgeth in all his afflictions , ascribing all to God , Chap. 1.22.2.10.9.34 . and God claimeth these things as his own Prerogatives , Lev. 26. Deut. 32.39 . From all which it is fully concluded , That the Devil is only Gods instrument to afflict and tempt the righteous , to afflict , tempt , and torment the wicked , and in all this doth nothing but by Gods peculiar dispensation , not by a bare permission , nor by the appointment of a VVitch ; whatsoever some have written more concerning the nature of Devils , as that there are Incubus , and Succubus , the He Devil , and the Shee Devil , that the Devil maketh a League with VVitches , and that the Devil is the VVitches Instrument as well as Gods , and that by Gods permission ; that the Devil walketh in Church-yards and near Sepulchers , and in desolate places ; that he is black , that he assumeth a Corporal shape , that hee hath a Cloven Foot , that he walketh in the dark Nights , that he sometime roareth , and maketh a fearful noyse , that he useth to scare people in VVoods and Fields , that there are fiery , aiery , earthy , and watery Devils , that there are degrees , orders , and supremacies among Devils , that some are greater in power than others ; these are all dissonant to Scripture , and are only the vain fancies of men , who delight to fill the world with Fables . And whereas some do argue from Matthew 12.24 that some Devils are greater in power than others , and also in degree and superiority , because Beelzebub is there called , The Prince of Devils , it is to be understood that the Pharisees called him the Prince of Devils , because Baal-zebub was the chief Idol by which the Israelites had been defiled sometimes , and was by them called therefore , the chief Devil , or the Prince of Devils , and was called by them Beelzebub , by an Antithisis , putting e for a , which Idol was spoken of , 1 Kings , 1.2 . and Beza and Tremellius do both agree in that Exposition , that it is meant of Baalzebub , if we look their Notes upon Matthew 10.25 . and Beelzebub may bee interpreted , The Prince of Flies , not because Devils are Flies ( as some imagine in the Story of Francis Spirah ) but because his Temple was pestered with Flies , through the smell of the abundance of Flesh that was there spent daily , and also because the Country being much troubled with Flies , the people used to seek to that Idol for help against that annoyance of Fries , saith Beza . Lucifer is also by some thought to be the chief among Devils , and that when he fell , all his Angels fell with him , from that place in Isa. 14.12 , 13 , 14 , 15. but that is only an Allegorical exposition of the fall and exile of Nebuchadnezzar , who is there Metaphorically called Lucifer , because of his pride , in exalting himself as farre above others in his own thought , as the bright Morning Star exceedeth other Stars . He that would read these things more at large handled , may read Mr. Scot aforesaid , as also a little Book , called , The Deacon of Spirits . An Instruction for Lawyers . YOu that are learned in the Laws of the Land , are commonly found to be the most able and worthy to be Judges of the people , and these Laws which are the rule of Justice , are concluded by you , all to be exceeding good Laws ; and therefore it must needs follow that such opinions as do make these Laws of no validity are absurd opinions , therefore I am bold to state two Questions , or Cases , and leave them to your Wisdoms . I. A man is found dead in the Fields , who a little before went out well ; another man being his Adversary is questioned for his Life , as being suspected to have murthered him ; this man proving that he was a hundred , or two hundred miles from the place where and when the man dyed , is quit by the Law. I demand then , what Justice is in that Law that quiteth him , if he might send the Devil , or leave order with the Devil or with his Imps , to Witch him to death at that time ? II. Two men strive together , one overcometh and beateth the other , who presently sickneth , and within three days dyeth ; the other is questioned by the Law for his Life ; what Justice were in this Law , if an old Witch hating one , or both of them , and seeing opportunity should have power to witch the one to death , that so she might cause the other to be Hanged for him ? FINIS .