Daemon PDF
Daemon PDF
Daemon PDF
by King James
I
Title: Daemonologie.
Language: English
[001]
First Booke.
ARGVMENT.
4 Daemonologie.
Chap. I.
ARGVMENT.
Proven by the Scripture, that these vnlawfull artes in genere,
haue bene and may be put in practise.
PHILOMATHES and EPISTEMON reason the matter.
PHILOMATHES.
I am surely verie glad to haue mette with you this daye, for
I am of opinion, that ye can better resolue me of some thing,
wherof I stand in great doubt, nor anie other whom-with I could
haue mette.
EPI. In what I can, that ye like to speir at me, I will willinglie
[002] and freelie tell my opinion, and if I proue it not sufficiently, I
am heartely content that a better reason carie it away then.
PHI. What thinke yee of these strange newes, which now onelie
furnishes purpose to al men at their meeting: I meane of these
Witches?
EPI. Surelie they are wonderfull: And I think so cleare and
plaine confessions in that purpose, haue neuer fallen out in anie
age or cuntrey.
PHI. No question if they be true, but thereof the Doctours
doubtes.
EPI. What part of it doubt ye of?
PHI. Even of all, for ought I can yet perceaue: and namelie, that
there is such a thing as Witch-craft or Witches, and I would pray
you to resolue me thereof if ye may: for I haue reasoned with
sundrie in that matter, and yet could never be satisfied therein.
EPI. I shall with good will doe the best I can: But I thinke it the
difficiller, since ye denie the thing it selfe in generall: for as it
is said in the logick schools, Contra negantem principia non est
Chap. I. 5
Samuel, which coulde not haue bene, by the hearing tell onely of
an olde man with an mantil, since there was many mo old men
dead in Israel nor Samuel: And the common weid of that whole
Cuntrey was mantils. As to the next, that it was not the spirit of
Samuel, I grant: In the proving whereof ye neede not to insist,
since all Christians of whatso-ever Religion agrees vpon that:
and none but either mere ignorants, or Necromanciers or Witches
doubtes thereof. And that the Diuel is permitted at som-times
to put himself in the liknes of the Saintes, it is plaine in the
Scriptures, where it is said, that Sathan can trans-forme himselfe
2. Cor. 11.14. into an Angell of light. Neither could that bring any inconvenient
with the visiones of the Prophets, since it is most certaine, that
God will not permit him so to deceiue his own: but only such, as
first wilfully deceiues them-selves, by running vnto him, whome
God then suffers to fall in their owne snares, and justlie permittes
them to be illuded with great efficacy of deceit, because they
would not beleeue the trueth (as Paul sayth). And as to the
diuelles foretelling of things to come, it is true that he knowes not
all things future, but yet that he knowes parte, the Tragicall event
of this historie declares it, (which the wit of woman could never
haue fore-spoken) not that he hath any prescience, which is only
[005] proper to God: or yet knows anie thing by loking vpon God, as
in a mirrour (as the good Angels doe) he being for euer debarred
from the fauorable presence & countenance of his creator, but
only by one of these two meanes, either as being worldlie wise,
and taught by an continuall experience, ever since the creation,
judges by likelie-hood of thinges to come, according to the like
that hath passed before, and the naturall causes, in respect of the
vicissitude of all thinges worldly: Or else by Gods employing of
him in a turne, and so foreseene thereof: as appeares to haue bin
in this, whereof we finde the verie like in Micheas propheticque
1. King. 22. discourse to King Achab. But to prooue this my first proposition,
that there can be such a thing as witch-craft, & witches, there are
manie mo places in the Scriptures then this (as I said before). As
Chap. II. 7
first in the law of God, it is plainely prohibited: But certaine it is, Exod. 22.
that the Law of God speakes nothing in vaine, nether doth it lay
curses, or injoyne punishmentes vpon shaddowes, condemning
that to be il, which is not in essence or being as we call it. Sec-
ondlie it is plaine, where wicked Pharaohs wise-men imitated
ane number of Moses miracles, to harden the tyrants heart there Exod. 7 & 8.
by. Thirdly, said not Samuell to Saull, that disobedience is as 1. Sam. 15.
the sinne of Witch-craft? To compare to a thing that were not, it
were too too absurd. Fourthlie, was not Simon Magus, a man of
that craft? And fiftlie, what was she that had the spirit of Python? Acts. 8.
beside innumerable other places that were irkesom to recite. Acts 16.
[006]
Chap. II.
ARGVMENT.
What kynde of sin the practizers of these vnlawfull artes com-
mittes. The division of these artes. And what are the meanes that
allures any to practize them.
PHILOMATHES.
Bvt I thinke it very strange, that God should permit anie
man-kynde (since they beare his owne Image) to fall in so grosse
and filthie a defection.
EPI. Although man in his Creation was made to the Image Gen. 1.
of the Creator, yet through his fall having once lost it, it is but
restored againe in a part by grace onelie to the elect: So all the
rest falling away from God, are given over in the handes of the
Devill that enemie, to beare his Image: and being once so given
over, the greatest and the grossest impietie, is the pleasantest,
and most delytefull vnto them.
8 Daemonologie.
PHI. But may it not suffice him to haue indirectly the rule,
and procure the perdition of so manie soules by alluring them
to vices, and to the following of their own appetites, suppose
he abuse not so many simple soules, in making them directlie
acknowledge him for their maister.
EPI. No surelie, for hee vses everie man, whom of he hath
the rule, according to their complexion and knowledge: And so
whome he findes most simple, he plaineliest discovers himselfe
vnto them. For hee beeing the enemie of mans Salvation, vses
[007] al the meanes he can to entrappe them so farre in his snares, as
it may be vnable to them thereafter (suppose they would) to rid
themselues out of the same.
PHI. Then this sinne is a sinne against the holie Ghost.
EPI. It is in some, but not in all.
PHI. How that? Are not all these that runnes directlie to the
Devill in one Categorie.
EPI. God forbid, for the sin against the holie Ghost hath two
branches: The one a falling backe from the whole service of
GOD, and a refusall of all his preceptes. The other is the doing of
the first with knowledge, knowing that they doe wrong against
Heb. 6. 10. their own conscience, and the testimonie of the holie Spirit,
having once had a tast of the sweetnes of Gods mercies. Now in
the first of these two, all sortes of Necromancers, Enchanters or
Witches, ar comprehended: but in the last, none but such as erres
with this knowledge that I haue spoken of.
PHI. Then it appeares that there are more sortes nor one, that
are directlie professors of his service: and if so be, I pray you tell
me how manie, and what are they?
EPI. There are principallie two sortes, wherevnto all the partes
of that vnhappie arte are redacted; whereof the one is called
Magie or Necromancie, the other Sorcerie or Witch-craft.
PHI. What I pray you? and how manie are the meanes, whereby
[008] the Devill allures persones in anie of these snares?
Chap. III. 9
EPI. Even by these three passiones that are within our selues:
Curiositie in great ingines: thrist of revenge, for some tortes
deeply apprehended: or greedie appetite of geare, caused through
great pouerty. As to the first of these, Curiosity, it is onelie the
inticement of Magiciens, or Necromanciers: and the other two
are the allureres of the Sorcerers, or Witches, for that olde and
craftie Serpent, being a spirite, hee easilie spyes our affections,
and so conformes himselfe thereto, to deceaue vs to our wracke.
Chap. III.
ARGVMENT.
The significations and Etymologies of the words of Magie and
Necromancie. The difference betuixt Necromancie and Witch-
craft: What are the entressis, and beginninges, that brings anie
to the knowledge thereof.
PHILOMATHES.
I Would gladlie first heare, what thing is it that ye call Magie
or Necromancie.
EPI. This worde Magie in the Persian toung, importes as
muche as to be ane contemplator or Interpretour of Divine and
heavenlie sciences: which being first vsed amongs the Chaldees,
through their ignorance of the true divinitie, was esteemed and
reputed amongst them, as a principall vertue: And therefore, was
named vnjustlie with an honorable stile, which name the Greekes
imitated, generally importing all these kindes of vnlawfull artes. [009]
And this word Necromancie is a Greek word, compounded of
•µºÁɽ & ¼±½Äµ¹±, which is to say, the Prophecie by the dead.
This last name is given, to this black & vnlawfull science by
the figure Synedoche, because it is a principal part of that art, to
serue them selues with dead carcages in their diuinations.
Phi. What difference is there betwixt this arte, and Witch-craft.
10 Daemonologie.
Chap. IIII.
ARGVMENT.
The Description of the Rudiments and Schoole, which are the
entresses to the arte of Magie: And in speciall the differences
betwixt Astronomie and Astrologie: Diuision of Astrologie in
diuers partes.
PHILOMATHES.
Bvt I pray you likewise forget not to tell what are the Deuilles
rudimentes.
EPI. His rudimentes, I call first in generall, all that which is
called vulgarly the vertue of worde, herbe, & stone: which is vsed
by vnlawful charmes, without naturall causes. As likewise all
kinde of practicques, freites, or other like extraordinarie actiones,
which cannot abide the true toutche of naturall reason.
12 Daemonologie.
Chap. V.
ARGVMENT.
How farre the vsing of Charmes is lawfull or vnlawfull: The
description of the formes of Circkles and Coniurationes. And
what causeth the Magicianes themselues to wearie thereof.
PHILOMATHES.
Wel, Ye haue said far inough in that argument. But how
[015] prooue ye now that these charmes or vnnaturall practicques are
vnlawfull: For so, many honest & merrie men & women haue
publicklie practized some of them, that I thinke if ye would
accuse them al of Witch-craft, ye would affirme more nor ye will
be beleeued in.
EPI. I see if you had taken good tent (to the nature of that word,
whereby I named it,) ye would not haue bene in this doubt, nor
mistaken me, so farre as ye haue done: For although, as none can
be schollers in a schole, & not be subject to the master thereof:
so none can studie and put in practize (for studie the alone, and
knowledge, is more perilous nor offensiue; and it is the practise
only that makes the greatnes of the offence.) the cirkles and art of
Magie, without committing an horrible defection from God: And
yet as they that reades and learnes their rudiments, are not the
more subject to anie schoole-master, if it please not their parentes
to put them to the schoole thereafter; So they who ignorantly
proues these practicques, which I cal the deuilles rudiments,
vnknowing them to be baites, casten out by him, for trapping
such as God will permit to fall in his hands: This kinde of folkes
I saie, no doubt, ar to be judged the best of, in respect they vse
no invocation nor help of him (by their knowledge at least) in
these turnes, and so haue neuer entred themselues in Sathans
Chap. V. 15
seruice; Yet to speake truely for my owne part (I speake but for
my selfe) I desire not to make so neere riding: For in my opinion
our enemie is ouer craftie, and we ouer weake (except the greater
grace of God) to assay such hazards, wherein he preases to trap
vs. [016]
PHI. Ye haue reason forsooth; for as the common Prouerbe
saith: They that suppe keile with the Deuill, haue neede of long
spoones. But now I praie you goe forwarde in the describing of
this arte of Magie.
EPI. Fra they bee come once vnto this perfection in euill, in
hauing any knowledge (whether learned or vnlearned) of this
black art: they then beginne to be wearie of the raising of their
Maister, by conjured circkles; being both so difficile and per-
ilous, and so commeth plainelie to a contract with him, wherein
is speciallie conteined formes and effectes.
PHI. But I praye you or euer you goe further, discourse me
some-what of their circkles and conjurationes; And what should
be the cause of their wearying thereof: For it should seeme that
that forme should be lesse fearefull yet, than the direct haunting
and societie, with that foule and vncleane Spirite.
EPI. I thinke ye take me to be a Witch my selfe, or at the least
would faine sweare your selfe prentise to that craft: Alwaies as
I may, I shall shortlie satisfie you, in that kinde of conjurations,
which are conteined in such bookes, which I call the Deuilles
Schoole: There are foure principall partes; the persons of the
conjurers; the action of the conjuration; the wordes and rites
vsed to that effect; and the Spirites that are conjured. Ye must
first remember to laye the ground, that I tould you before: which
is, that it is no power inherent in the circles, or in the holines [017]
of the names of God blasphemouslie vsed: nor in whatsoeuer
rites or ceremonies at that time vsed, that either can raise any
infernall spirit, or yet limitat him perforce within or without these
circles. For it is he onelie, the father of all lyes, who hauing
first of all prescribed that forme of doing, feining himselfe to
16 Daemonologie.
[019]
Chap. VI.
ARGVMENT.
The Deuilles contract with the Magicians: The diuision there-
of in two partes: What is the difference betwixt Gods miracles
and the Deuils.
PHILOMATHES.
Indeede there is cause inough, but rather to leaue him at all,
then to runne more plainlie to him, if they were wise he delt
with. But goe forwards now I pray you to these turnes, fra they
become once deacons in this craft.
EPI. From time that they once plainelie begin to contract with
him: The effect of their contract consistes in two thinges; in
formes and effectes, as I began to tell alreadie, were it not yee
interrupted me (for although the contract be mutuall; I speake
first of that part, wherein the Deuill oblishes himselfe to them)
by formes, I meane in what shape or fashion he shall come vnto
them, when they call vpon him. And by effectes, I vnderstand,
in what special sorts of seruices he bindes himselfe to be subject
vnto them. The qualitie of these formes and effectes, is lesse or
greater, according to the skil and art of the Magician. For as to
the formes, to some of the baser sorte of them he oblishes him
selfe to appeare at their calling vpon him, by such a proper name
18 Daemonologie.
[024]
Chap. VII. 21
Chap. VII.
ARGVMENT.
The reason why the art of Magie is unlawfull. What pun-
ishment they merite: And who may be accounted guiltie of that
crime.
PHILOMATHES.
Svrelie Ye haue made this arte to appeare verie monstruous &
detestable. But what I pray you shall be said to such as mainteines
this art to be lawfull, for as euill as you haue made it?
EPI. I say, they sauour of the panne them selues, or at least
little better, And yet I would be glad to heare their reasons.
PHI. There are two principallie, that euer I heard vsed; beside
that which is founded vpon the common Prouerb (that the Necro-
mancers commands the Deuill, which ye haue already refuted).
The one is grounded vpon a receiued custome: The other vpon an
authoritie, which some thinkes infallible. Vpon custome, we see
that diuerse Christian Princes and Magistrates seuere punishers
of Witches, will not onelie ouer-see Magicians to liue within
their dominions; but euen some-times delight to see them prooue
some of their practicques. The other reason is, that Moyses being
brought vp (as it is expreslie said in the Scriptures) in all the
sciences of the Ægyptians; whereof no doubt, this was one of the
principalles. And he notwithstanding of this arte, pleasing God,
as he did, consequentlie that art professed by so godlie a man,
coulde not be vnlawfull. [025]
EPI. As to the first of your reasones, grounded vpon custome:
I saie, an euill custome can neuer be accepted for a good law,
for the ouer great ignorance of the worde in some Princes and
Magistrates, and the contempt thereof in others, moues them to
sinne heavelie against their office in that poynt. As to the other
reasone, which seemes to be of greater weight, if it were formed
in a Syllogisme; it behooued to be in manie termes, and full
of fallacies (to speake in termes of Logicque) for first, that that
22 Daemonologie.
[027]
Seconde Booke.
ARGVMENT.
The description of Sorcerie and Witchcraft in speciall.
Chap. I.
ARGVMENT.
Proued by the Scripture, that such a thing can be: And the
reasones refuted of all such as would call it but an imagination
and Melancholicque humor.
PHILOMATHES.
Now since yee haue satisfied me nowe so fullie, concerning
Magie or Necromancie I will pray you to do the like in Sorcerie
or Witchcraft.
EPI. That fielde is likewise verie large: and althought in the
mouthes and pennes of manie, yet fewe knowes the trueth there-
of, so wel as they beleeue themselues, as I shall so shortely as I [028]
can, make you (God willing) as easelie to perceiue.
PHI. But I pray you before ye goe further, let mee interrupt you
here with a shorte digression: which is, that manie can scarcely
24 Daemonologie.
1. Pet. 5. saith) to that effect, but the limites of his power were set down
[031] before the foundations of the world were laid, which he hath
not power in the least jote to transgresse. But beside all this,
there is ouer greate a certainty to proue that they are, by the
daily experience of the harmes that they do, both to men, and
whatsoeuer thing men possesses, whome God will permit them
to be the instrumentes, so to trouble or visite, as in my discourse
of that arte, yee shall heare clearelie proued.
Chap. II.
ARGVMENT.
The Etymologie and signification of that word of Sorcerie. The
first entresse and prentishippe of them that giues themselues to
that craft.
PHILOMATHES.
Come on then I pray you, and returne where ye left.
EPI. This word of Sorcerie is a Latine worde, which is taken
from casting of the lot, & therefore he that vseth it, is called
Sortiarius à sorte. As to the word of Witchcraft, it is nothing but
a proper name giuen in our language. The cause wherefore they
were called sortiarij, proceeded of their practicques seeming to
come of lot or chance: Such as the turning of the riddle: the
knowing of the forme of prayers, or such like tokens: If a person
diseased woulde liue or dye. And in generall, that name was
giuen them for vsing of such charmes, and freites, as that Crafte
teacheth them. Manie poynts of their craft and practicques are
[032] common betuixt the Magicians and them: for they serue both
one Master, althought in diuerse fashions. And as I deuided the
Necromancers, into two sorts, learned and vnlearned; so must
I denie them in other two, riche and of better accompt, poore
and of basser degree. These two degrees now of persones, that
Chap. II. 27
doing thereafter, must depende vpon him. And besides that, the
intollerable dolour that they feele in that place, where he hath
marked them, serues to waken them, and not to let them rest,
while their next meeting againe: fearing least otherwaies they
might either forget him, being as new Prentises, and not well
inough founded yet, in that fiendlie follie: or else remembring of
that horrible promise they made him, at their last meeting, they
might skunner at the same, and preasse to call it back. At their
thirde meeting, he makes a shew to be carefull to performe his
[034] promises, either by teaching them waies howe to get themselues
reuenged, if they be of that sort: Or els by teaching them lessons,
how by moste vilde and vnlawfull meanes, they may obtaine
gaine, and worldlie commoditie, if they be of the other sorte.
Chap. III.
ARGVMENT.
The Witches actiones diuided in two partes. The actiones
proper to their owne persones. Their actiones toward others.
The forme of their conuentiones, and adoring of their Master.
PHILOMATHES.
Ye haue said now inough of their initiating in that ordour.
It restes then that ye discourse vpon their practises, fra they be
passed Prentises: for I would faine heare what is possible to
them to performe in verie deede. Although they serue a common
Master with the Necromancers, (as I haue before saide) yet serue
they him in an other forme. For as the meanes are diuerse, which
allures them to these vnlawfull artes of seruing of the Deuill;
so by diuerse waies vse they their practises, answering to these
meanes, which first the Deuill, vsed as instrumentes in them;
though al tending to one end: To wit, the enlargeing of Sathans
tyrannie, and crossing of the propagation of the Kingdome of
Chap. III. 29
only his conueening in the Church with them, but his occupying
of the Pulpit: Yea, their forme of adoration, to be the kissing of
his hinder partes. Which though it seeme ridiculous, yet may it
likewise be true, seeing we reade that in Calicute, he appearing in
forme of a Goate-bucke, hath publicklie that vn-honest homage
done vnto him, by euerie one of the people: So ambitious is he,
and greedie of honour (which procured his fall) that he will euen
imitate God in that parte, where it is said, that Moyses could see Exo. 33.
but the hinder partes of God, for the brightnesse of his glorie:
And yet that speache is spoken but ±½¸ÁÉÀÉÀ±¸µ¹±½.
[038]
Chap. IIII.
ARGVMENT.
What are the waies possible, wherby the witches may transport
themselues to places far distant, And what ar impossible & mere
illusiones of Sathan. And the reasons therof.
PHILOMATHES.
Bvt by what way say they or think ye it possible that they can
com to these vnlawful cõuentiõs?
EPI. There is the thing which I esteeme their senses to be
deluded in, and though they lye not in confessing of it, because
they thinke it to be true, yet not to be so in substance or effect:
for they saie, that by diuerse meanes they may conueene, either
to the adoring of their Master, or to the putting in practise any
seruice of his, committed vnto their charge: one way is natural,
which is natural riding, going or sayling, at what houre their
Master comes and aduertises them. And this way may be easelie
beleued: an other way is some-what more strange: and yet is it
possible to be true: which is by being carryed by the force of the
32 Daemonologie.
Chap. V.
ARGVMENT.
Witches actiones towardes others. Why there are more women
of that craft nor men? What thinges are possible to them to
effectuate by the power of their master. The reasons thereof.
What is the surest remedie of the harmes done by them. [043]
PHILOMATHES.
Forsooth your opinion in this, seemes to carrie most reason
with it, and sence yee haue ended, then the actions belonging
properly to their owne persones: say forwarde now to their
actiones vsed towardes others.
EPI. In their actiones vsed towardes others, three thinges ought
to be considered: First the maner of their consulting thereupon:
Next their part as instrumentes: And last their masters parte, who
puts the same in execution. As to their consultationes thereupon,
they vse them oftest in the Churches, where they conveene for
adoring: at what time their master enquiring at them what they
would be at: euerie one of them propones vnto him, what wicked
turne they would haue done, either for obteining of riches, or
for reuenging them vpon anie whome they haue malice at: who
granting their demande, as no doubt willinglie he wil, since it is
to doe euill, he teacheth them the means, wherby they may do the
same. As for little trifling turnes that women haue ado with, he
causeth them to ioynt dead corpses, & to make powders thereof,
mixing such other thinges there amongst, as he giues vnto them.
PHI. But before yee goe further, permit mee I pray you to
interrupt you one worde, which yee haue put mee in memorie
of, by speaking of Women. What can be the cause that there are
twentie women giuen to that craft, where ther is one man?
EPI. The reason is easie, for as that sexe is frailer then man is, [044]
so is it easier to be intrapped in these grosse snares of the Deuill,
as was ouer well proued to be true, by the Serpents deceiuing of
36 Daemonologie.
Eua at the beginning, which makes him the homelier with that
sexe sensine.
PHI. Returne now where ye left.
EPI. To some others at these times hee teacheth how to make
Pictures of waxe or clay: That by the rosting thereof, the persones
that they beare the name of, may be continuallie melted or dryed
awaie by continuall sicknesse. To some hee giues such stones
or poulders, as will helpe to cure or cast on diseases: And to
some he teacheth kindes of vncouthe poysons, which Mediciners
vnderstandes not (for he is farre cunningner then man in the
knowledge of all the occult proprieties of nature) not that anie
of these meanes which hee teacheth them (except the poysons
which are composed of thinges naturall) can of them selues helpe
any thing to these turnes, that they are employed in, but onelie
being Gods Ape, as well in that, as in all other thinges. Even as
God by his Sacramentes which are earthlie of themselues workes
a heavenlie effect, though no waies by any cooperation in them:
Iohn. 9. And as CHRIST by clay & spettle wrought together, opened the
eies of the blynd man, suppose there was no vertue in that which
he outwardlie applyed, so the Deuill will haue his out-warde
meanes to be shewes as it were of his doing, which hath no part
of cooperation in his turnes with him, how farre that euer the
[045] ignorantes be abused in the contrarie. And as to the effectes
of these two former partes, to wit, the consultationes and the
outward meanes, they are so wounderfull as I dare not allege anie
of them, without ioyning a sufficient reason of the possibilitie
thereof. For leauing all the small trifles among wiues, and to
speake of the principall poyntes of their craft. For the common
trifles thereof, they can do without conuerting well inough by
themselues: These principall poyntes I say are these: They can
make men or women to loue or hate other, which may be verie
possible to the Deuil to effectual, seing he being a subtile spirite,
knowes well inough how to perswade the corrupted affection
of them whom God will permit him so to deale with: They
Chap. V. 37
Chap. VI.
ARGVMENT.
What sorte of folkes are least or most subiect to receiue harme
by Witchcraft. What power they haue to harme the Magistrate,
and vpon what respectes they haue any power in prison: And to
what end may or will the Deuill appeare to them therein. Vpon
40 Daemonologie.
they maie thereby be moued to feare and reuerence him the more:
And les monstrous and vncouthlike againe to the craftier sorte,
least otherwaies they might sturre and skunner at his vglinesse.
PHI. How can he then be felt, as they confesse they haue done
him, if his bodie be but of aire?
EPI. I heare little of that amongst their confessiones, yet may
he make himselfe palpable, either by assuming any dead bodie,
and vsing the ministrie thereof, or else by deluding as wel their
sence of feeling as seeing; which is not impossible to him to doe,
since all our senses, as we are so weake, and euen by ordinarie
sicknesses will be often times deluded.
PHI. But I would speere one worde further yet, concerning his
appearing to them in prison, which is this. May any other that
chances to be present at that time in the prison, see him as well
[053] as they.
EPI. Some-times they will, and some-times not, as it pleases
God.
Chap. VII.
ARGVMENT.
Two formes of the deuils visible conuersing in the earth, with
the reasones wherefore the one of them was communest in the
time of Papistrie: And the other sensine. Those that denies the
power of the Deuill, denies the power of God, and are guiltie of
the errour of the Sadduces.
PHILOMATHES.
Hath the Deuill then power to appeare to any other, except to
such as are his sworne disciples: especially since al Oracles, &
such like kinds of illusiones were taken awaie and abolished by
the cumming of CHRIST?
Chap. VII. 43
[055] EPI. Doubtleslie who denyeth the power of the Deuill, woulde
likewise denie the power of God, if they could for shame. For
since the Deuill is the verie contrarie opposite to God, there can
be no better way to know God, then by the contrarie; as by the
ones power (though a creature) to admire the power of the great
Creator: by the falshood of the one to considder the trueth of the
other, by the injustice of the one, to considder the Iustice of the
other: And by the cruelty of the one, to considder the merciful-
nesse of the other: And so foorth in all the rest of the essence
of God, and qualities of the Deuill. But I feare indeede, there
be ouer many Sadduces in this worlde, that denies all kindes of
spirites: For convicting of whose errour, there is cause inough if
there were no more, that God should permit at sometimes spirits
visiblie to kyith.
[056]
Thirde Booke.
ARGVMENT.
The description of all these kindes of Spirites that troubles
men or women. The conclusion of the whole Dialogue.
Chap. I.
ARGVMENT.
Chap. I. 45
wortes vppe the graues? The rest of them that the Scripture
speakes of, is not meaned by a locall remaining continuallie in
one place, but by their resting from their trauelles and miseries of
this worlde, while their latter conjunction againe with the soule
at that time to receaue full glorie in both. And that the Deuill
may vse aswell the ministrie of the bodies of the faithfull in
these cases, as of the vn-faithfull, there is no inconvenient; for
his haunting with their bodies after they are deade, can no-waies
defyle them: In respect of the soules absence. And for anie
dishonour it can be vnto them, by what reason can it be greater,
then the hanging, heading, or many such shameful deaths, that
good men will suffer? for there is nothing in the bodies of [060]
the faithfull, more worthie of honour, or freer from corruption
by nature, nor in these of the vnfaithful, while time they be
purged and glorified in the latter daie, as is dailie seene by the
vilde diseases and corruptions, that the bodies of the faythfull are
subject vnto, as yee will see clearelie proued, when I speake of
the possessed and Dæmoniacques.
PHI. Yet there are sundrie that affirmes to haue haunted such
places, where these spirites are alleaged to be: And coulde neuer
heare nor see anie thing.
EPI. I thinke well: For that is onelie reserued to the secreete
knowledge of God, whom he wil permit to see such thinges, and
whome not.
PHI. But where these spirites hauntes and troubles anie houses,
what is the best waie to banishe them?
EPI. By two meanes may onelie the remeid of such things be
procured: The one is ardent prayer to God, both of these persones
that are troubled with them, and of that Church whereof they are.
The other is the purging of themselues by amendement of life
from such sinnes, as haue procured that extraordinarie plague.
PHI. And what meanes then these kindes of spirites, when they
appeare in the shaddow of a person newlie dead, or to die, to his
friendes?
48 Daemonologie.
EPI. When they appeare vpon that occasion, they are called
Wraithes in our language. Amongst the Gentiles the Deuill vsed
[061] that much, to make them beleeue that it was some good spirite
that appeared to them then, ether to forewarne them of the death
of their friend; or else to discouer vnto them, the will of the
defunct, or what was the way of his slauchter, as is written in
the booke of the histories Prodigious. And this way hee easelie
deceiued the Gentiles, because they knew not God: And to that
same effect is it, that he now appeares in that maner to some
ignorant Christians. For he dare not so illude anie that knoweth
that, neither can the spirite of the defunct returne to his friend, or
yet an Angell vse such formes.
PHI. And are not our war-woolfes one sorte of these spirits
also, that hauntes and troubles some houses or dwelling places?
EPI. There hath indeede bene an old opinion of such like
thinges; For by the Greekes they were called »Åº±½¸ÁÉÀ¿¹
which signifieth men-woolfes. But to tell you simplie my opin-
ion in this, if anie such thing hath bene, I take it to haue proceeded
but of a naturall super-abundance of Melancholie, which as wee
reade, that it hath made some thinke themselues Pitchers, and
some horses, and some one kinde of beast or other: So suppose
I that it hath so viciat the imagination and memorie of some, as
per lucida interualla, it hath so highlie occupyed them, that they
haue thought themselues verrie Woolfes indeede at these times:
and so haue counterfeited their actiones in goeing on their handes
and feete, preassing to deuoure women and barnes, fighting and
[062] snatching with all the towne dogges, and in vsing such like
other bruitish actiones, and so to become beastes by a strong
Dan. 4. apprehension, as Nebucad-netzar was seuen yeares: but as to
their hauing and hyding of their hard & schellie sloughes, I take
that to be but eiked, by vncertaine report, the author of all lyes.
Chap. II. 49
Chap. II.
ARGVMENT.
The description of the next two kindes of Spirites, whereof the
one followes outwardlie, the other possesses inwardlie the per-
sones that they trouble. That since all Prophecies and visiones
are nowe ceased, all spirites that appeares in these formes are
euill.
PHILOMATHES.
Come forward now to the reste of these kindes of spirites.
EPI. As to the next two kindes, that is, either these that out-
wardlie troubles and followes some persones, or else inwardlie
possesses them: I will conjoyne them in one, because aswel the
causes ar alike in the persons that they are permitted to trouble:
as also the waies whereby they may be remedied and cured.
PHI. What kinde of persones are they that vses to be so
troubled?
EPI. Two kindes in speciall: Either such as being guiltie of
greeuous offences, God punishes by that horrible kinde of scour- [063]
dge, or else being persones of the beste nature peraduenture, that
yee shall finde in all the Countrie about them, GOD permittes
them to be troubled in that sort, for the tryall of their patience,
and wakening vp of their zeale, for admonishing of the beholders,
not to truste ouer much in themselues, since they are made of
no better stuffe, and peraduenture blotted with no smaller sinnes
(as CHRIST saide, speaking of them vppon whome the Towre in Luc. 13.
Siloam fell:) And for giuing likewise to the spectators, matter to
prayse GOD, that they meriting no better, are yet spared from
being corrected in that fearefull forme.
PHI. These are good reasones for the parte of GOD, which
apparantlie mooues him so to permit the Deuill to trouble such
persones. But since the Deuil hath euer a contrarie respecte in all
the actiones that GOD employes him in: which is I pray you the
end and mark he shoots at in this turne?
50 Daemonologie.
all the good he did: the other entised him to all the euill. But
praised be God we that are christians, & walks not amongst the
Cymmerian conjectures of man, knowes well inough, that it is the
good spirite of God onely, who is the fountain of all goodnes, that
perswads vs to the thinking or doing of any good: and that it is
our corrupted fleshe and Sathan, that intiseth vs to the contrarie.
And yet the Deuill for confirming in the heades of ignoraunt
Christians, that errour first mainteined among the Gentiles, he
whiles among the first kinde of spirits that I speak of, appeared
in time of Papistrie and blindnesse, and haunted diuers houses,
without doing any euill, but doing as it were necessarie turnes
vp and down the house: and this spirit they called Brownie in
our language, who appeared like a rough-man: yea, some were
so blinded, as to beleeue that their house was all the sonsier, as
they called it, that such spirites resorted there.
PHI. But since the Deuils intention in all his actions, is euer to
do euill, what euill was there in that forme of doing, since their
actions outwardly were good.
EPI. Was it not euill inough to deceiue simple ignorantes,
in making them to take him for an Angell of light, and so to
account of Gods enemie, as of their particular friend: where by
the contrarie, all we that are Christians, ought assuredly to know
that since the comming of Christ in the flesh, and establishing [066]
of his Church by the Apostles, all miracles, visions, prophecies,
& appearances of Angels or good spirites are ceased. Which
serued onely for the first sowing of faith, & planting of the
Church. Where now the Church being established, and the white
Horse whereof I spake before, hauing made his conqueste, the
Lawe and Prophets are thought sufficient to serue vs, or make
vs inexcusable, as Christ saith in his parable of Lazarus and the Luk. 16.
riche man.
52 Daemonologie.
Chap. III.
ARGVMENT.
The description of a particular sort of that kind of following
spirites, called Incubi and Succubi: And what is the reason
wherefore these kindes of spirites hauntes most the Northeme
and barbarous partes of the world.
PHILOMATHES.
The next question that I would speere, is likewise concerning
this first of these two kindes of spirites that ye haue conjoyned:
and it is this; ye knowe how it is commonly written and reported,
that amongst the rest of the sortes of spirites that followes certaine
persons, there is one more monstrous nor al the rest: in respect
as it is alleaged, they converse naturally with them whom they
trouble and hauntes with: and therefore I would knowe in two
thinges your opinion herein: First if suche a thing can be: and
next if it be: whether there be a difference of sexes amongst these
spirites or not.
[067] EPI. That abhominable kinde of the Deuils abusing of men or
women, was called of old, Incubi and Succubi, according to the
difference of the sexes that they conuersed with. By two meanes
this great kinde of abuse might possibly be performed: The one,
when the Deuill onelie as a spirite, and stealing out the sperme
of a dead bodie, abuses them that way, they not graithlie seeing
anie shape or feeling anie thing, but that which he so conuayes
in that part: As we reade of a Monasterie of Nunnes which were
burnt for their being that way abused. The other meane is when
he borrowes a dead bodie and so visiblie, and as it seemes vnto
them naturallie as a man converses with them. But it is to be
noted, that in whatsoeuer way he vseth it, that sperme seemes
intollerably cold to the person abused. For if he steale out the
nature of a quick person, it cannot be so quicklie carryed, but
it will both tine the strength and heate by the way, which it
could neuer haue had for lacke of agitation, which in the time of
Chap. III. 53
[070]
Chap. IIII.
ARGVMENT.
The description of the Dæmoniackes & possessed. By what
reason the Papistes may haue power to cure them.
PHILOMATHES.
Chap. IIII. 55
Wel, I haue told you now all my doubts, and ye haue satisfied
me therein, concerning the first of these two kindes of spirites
that ye haue conjoyned. Now I am to inquire onely two thinges
at you concerning the last kinde, I meane the Dæmoniackes. The
first is, whereby shal these possessed folks be discerned fra them
that ar trubled with a natural Phrensie or Manie. The next is,
how can it be that they can be remedied by the Papistes Church,
whome wee counting as Hereticques, it should appeare that one Mat. 12. Mark. 3.
Deuil should not cast out an other, for then would his kingdome
be diuided in it selfe, as CHRIST said.
EPI. As to your first question; there are diuers symptomes,
whereby that heauie trouble may be discerned from a naturall
sickenesse, and speciallie three, omitting the diuers vaine signes
that the Papistes attributes vnto it: Such as the raging at holie
water, their fleeing a back from the Croce, their not abiding the
hearing of God named, and innumerable such like vaine thinges
that were alike fashious and feckles to recite. But to come to
these three symptomes then, whereof I spake, I account the one
of them to be the incredible strength of the possessed creature,
which will farre exceede the strength of six of the wightest and
wodest of any other men that are not so troubled. The next is
the boldning vp so far of the patients breast and bellie, with [071]
such an vnnaturall sturring and vehement agitation within them:
And such an ironie hardnes of his sinnowes so stiffelie bended
out, that it were not possible to prick out as it were the skinne
of anie other person so far: so mightely works the Deuil in all
the members and senses of his body, he being locallie within the
same, suppose of his soule and affectiones thereof, hee haue no
more power then of any other mans. The last is, the speaking
of sundrie languages, which the patient is knowen by them that
were acquainte with him neuer to haue learned, and that with an
vncouth and hollowe voice, and al the time of his speaking, a
greater motion being in his breast then in his mouth. But fra this
last symptome is excepted such, as are altogether in the time of
56 Daemonologie.
Chap. V.
ARGVMENT.
The description of the fourth kinde of Spirites called the
Phairie: What is possible therein, and what is but illusiones. How
far this Dialogue entreates of all these thinges, and to what end.
PHILOMATHES.
Now I pray you come on to that fourth kinde of spirites.
EPI. That fourth kinde of spirites, which by the Gentiles was
called Diana, and her wandring court, and amongst vs was called
the Phairie (as I tould you) or our good neighboures, was one [074]
of the sortes of illusiones that was rifest in the time of Papistrie:
for although it was holden odious to Prophesie by the deuill, yet
58 Daemonologie.
Chap. VI.
ARGVMENT.
Of the tryall and punishment of Witches. What sorte of accu-
sation ought to be admitted against them. What is the cause of
the increasing so far of their number in this age.
PHILOMATHES.
Then to make an ende of our conference, since I see it drawes
late, what forme of punishment thinke ye merites these Magi-
cians and Witches? For I see that ye account them to be all alike
guiltie?
EPI. They ought to be put to death according to the Law of God,
the ciuill and imperial law, and municipall law of all Christian
nations.
PHI. But what kinde of death I pray you?
EPI. It is commonly vsed by fire, but that is an indifferent thing
to be vsed in euery cuntrie, according to the Law or custome
thereof.
PHI. But ought no sexe, age nor ranck to be exempted?
Chap. VI. 61
guilty, & the most part of them confessing the same. And besides
that, I think it hath ben seldome harde tell of, that any whome
persones guiltie of that crime accused, as hauing knowen them to
be their marrowes by eye-sight, and not by hear-say, but such as
were so accused of Witch-craft, could not be clearely tryed vpon
them, were at the least publickly knowen to be of a very euil life
& reputation: so iealous is God I say, of the fame of them that
are innocent in such causes. And besides that; there are two other
good helpes that may be vsed for their trial: the one is the finding
of their marke, and the trying the insensiblenes thereof. The other
is their fleeting on the water: for as in a secret murther, if the
deade carcase be at any time thereafter handled by the murtherer,
it wil gush out of bloud, as if the blud wer crying to the heauen
for reuenge of the murtherer, God hauing appoynted that secret
super-naturall signe, for tryall of that secrete vnnaturall crime, [081]
so it appeares that God hath appoynted (for a super-naturall
signe of the monstruous impietie of the Witches) that the water
shal refuse to receiue them in her bosom, that haue shaken off
them the sacred Water of Baptisme, and wilfullie refused the
benefite thereof: No not so much as their eyes are able to shed
teares (thretten and torture them as ye please) while first they
repent (God not permitting them to dissemble their obstinacie in
so horrible a crime) albeit the women kinde especially, be able
other-waies to shed teares at euery light occasion when they will,
yea, although it were dissemblingly like the Crocodiles.
PHI. Well, wee haue made this conference to last as long as
leasure would permit: And to conclude then, since I am to take
my leaue of you, I pray God to purge this Cuntrie of these
diuellishe practises: for they were neuer so rife in these partes,
as they are now.
EPI. I pray God that so be to. But the causes ar ouer manifest,
that makes them to be so rife. For the greate wickednesse of the
people on the one parte, procures this horrible defection, whereby
God justlie punisheth sinne, by a greater iniquitie. And on the
64 Daemonologie.
[082]
[084]
To the Reader.
The Manifolde vntruthes which is spread abroade, concerning the
detestable actions and apprehension of those Witches wherof this
Historye following truely entreateth, hath caused me to publish
the same in print: and the rather for that sundrie written Copies
are lately dispersed therof, containing, that the said witches were
first discouered, by meanes of a poore Pedler trauailing to the
towne of Trenent, and that by a wonderfull manner he was in
a moment conuayed at midnight, from Scotland to Burdeux in
Fraunce (beeing places of no small distance between) into a
Marchants Seller there, & after, being sent from Burdeux into
Scotland by certaine Scottish Marchants to the Kinges Maiestie,
66 Daemonologie.
[086]
Discourse.
A true discourse, of the apprehension of sundrye Witches late-
ly taken in Scotland, some are executed, and some are yet
imprisoned.
With a particuler recitall of their examinations, taken in the
presence of the Kinges Maiestie.
God by his omnipotent power, hath at al times and daily doth
take such care, and is so vigillant, for the weale and preseruation
of his owne, that thereby he disapointeth the wicked practises
and euil intents of all such as by any meanes whatsoeuer, seeke
indirectly to conspire any thing contrary to his holy will: yea and
by the same power, he hath lately ouerthrown and hindered the
intentions and wicked dealinges of a great number of vngodly
Discourse. 67
the better trye and finde out the trueth of the same, did with the
helpe of others, torment her with the torture of the Pilliwinckes
vpon her fingers, which is a greeuous torture, and binding or
wrinching her head with a corde or roape, which is a most cruell
torment also, yet would she not confesse any thing, whereupon
they suspecting that she had beene marked by the Diuell (as
commonly witches are) made dilligent search about her, and
found the enemies marke to be in her fore crag or foreparte of her
throate: which being found, she confessed that all her dooings
was doone by the wicked allurements and inticements of the
Diuell, and that she did them by witchcraft.
confesse nothing.
Secondly, he was perswaded by faire means to confesse his
follies, but that would preuaile as little.
Lastly he was put to the most seuere and cruell paine in
[098] the world, called the bootes, who after he had receiued three
strokes, being enquired if he would confesse his damnable acts
and wicked life, his tung would not serue him to speak, in respect
wherof the rest of the witches willed to search his tung, vnder
which was found two pinnes thrust vp into the head, whereupon
the witches did laye, Now is the Charme stinted, and shewed that
those charmed Pinnes were the cause he could not confesse any
thing: then was he immediatly released of the bootes, brought
before the King, his confession was taken, and his owne hand
willingly set ther-vnto, which contained as followeth.
First, that at the generall meetinges of those witches, hee was
alwayes preasent: that he was Clarke to all those that were in
subiection to the Diuels seruice, bearing the name of witches,
that alwaye he did take their othes for their true seruice to the
Diuell, and that he wrot for them such matters as the Diuell still
pleased to commaund him.
Item, he confessed that by his witchcrafte he did bewitch a
Gentleman dwelling neere to the Saltpans, where the said Doctor
kept Schoole, onely for being enamoured of a Gentlewoman
[099] whome he loued himselfe: by meanes of which his Sorcerye,
witchcraft and diuelish practises, he caused the said Gentleman
that once in xxiiij. howres he fell into a lunacie and madnes,
and so continued one whole hower together, and for the veritie
of the same, he caused the Gentleman to be brought before the
Kinges Maiestie, which was vpon the xxiiij. day of December
[100] last, and being in his Maiesties Chamber, suddenly he gaue a
great scritch and fell into a madnes, sometime bending himselfe,
and sometime capring so directly vp, that his head did touch the
seeling of the Chamber, to the great admiration of his Maiestie
and others then present: so that all the Gentlemen in the Chamber
Discourse. 75
were not able to holde him, vntill they called in more helpe,
who together bound him hand and foot: and suffering the said
gentleman to lye still vntill his furye were past, he within an
hower came againe to himselfe, when being demaunded of the
Kings Maiestie what he saw or did all that while, answered that
he had been in a sound sleepe.
Item the said Doctor did also confesse that he had vsed means
sundry times to obtain his purpose and wicked intent of the same
Gentlewoman, and seeing himselfe disapointed of his intention,
he determined by all waies he might to obtaine the same, trusting
by coniuring, witchcraft and Sorcery to obtaine it in this manner.
It happened this gentlewoman being vnmaried, had a broth-
er who went to schoole with the said Doctor, and calling his
Scholler to him, demaunded if he did lye with his sister, who
answered he did, by meanes wherof he thought to obtaine his
purpose, and therefore secretlye promised to teach him without
stripes, so he would obtain for him three haires of his sisters
priuities, at such time as he should spye best occasion for it: [101]
which the youth promised faithfullye to perfourme, and vowed
speedily to put it in practise, taking a peece of coniured paper
of his maister to lappe them in when he had gotten them: and
therevpon the boye practised nightlye to obtaine his maisters
purpose, especially when his sister was a sleepe.
But God who knoweth the secrets of all harts, and reuealeth
all wicked and vngodlye practises, would not suffer the intents of
this diuilish Doctor to come to that purpose which he supposed
it would, and therefore to declare that he was heauilye offended
with his wicked entent, did so woorke by the Gentlewomans
owne meanes, that in the ende the same was discouered and
brought to light: for she being one night a sleepe, and her brother
in bed with her, suddenlye cryed out to her mother, declaring
that her Brother would not suffer her to sleepe, wherevpon her
mother hauing a quick capacitie, did vehemently suspect Doctor
Fians entention, by reason she was a witche of her selfe, and
76 Daemonologie.
[103] The reporte whereof made all men imagine that hee did
woorke it by the Diuell, without whom it could neuer haue beene
so sufficientlye effected: and thervpon, the name of the said
Doctor Fian (who was but a very yong man) began to grow so
common among the people of Scotland, that he was secretlye
nominated for a notable Cuniurer.
Discourse. 77
[104]
FINIS.
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