EPI. Onelie by earnest prayer to GOD, by amendement of their liues, and by
sharp persewing euerie one, according to his calling of these instrumentes
of Sathan, whose punishment to the death will be a salutarie sacrifice for
the patient. And this is not onely the lawfull way, but likewise the most
sure: For by the Deuils meanes, _can neuer the Deuill be casten out_,
(M22) as Christ sayeth. And when such a cure is vsed, it may wel serue for
a shorte time, but at the last, it will doubtleslie tend to the vtter
perdition of the patient, both in bodie and soule.
Chap. VI.
ARGVMENT.
_What sorte of folkes are least or most subiect to receiue harme by
Witchcraft. What power they haue to harme the Magistrate, and vpon what
respectes they haue any power in prison: And to what end may or will the
Deuill appeare to them therein. Vpon what respectes the Deuill appeires in
sundry shapes to sundry of them at any time._
PHILOMATHES.
Bvt who dare take vpon him to punish them, if no man can be sure to be
free from their vnnaturall inuasiones?
EPI. We ought not the more of that restraine from vertue, that the way
wherby we climbe thereunto be straight and perrilous. But besides that, as
there is no kinde of persones so subject to receiue harme of them, as
these that are of infirme and weake faith (which is the best buckler
against such inuasiones:) so haue they so smal power ouer none, as ouer
such as zealouslie and earnestlie persewes them, without sparing for anie
worldlie respect.
PHI. Then they are like the Pest, which smites these sickarest, that flies
it farthest, and apprehends deepliest the perrell thereof.
EPI. It is euen so with them: For neither is it able to them to vse anie
false cure vpon a patient, except the patient first beleeue in their
power, and so hazard the tinsell of his owne soule, nor yet can they haue
lesse power to hurte anie, nor such as contemnes most their doinges, so
being it comes of faith, and not of anie vaine arrogancie in themselues.
PHI. But what is their power against the Magistrate?
EPI. Lesse or greater, according as he deales with them. For if he be
slouthfull towardes them, God is verie able to make them instrumentes to
waken & punish his slouth. But if he be the contrarie, he according to the
iust law of God, and allowable law of all Nationes, will be diligent in
examining and punishing of them: GOD will not permit their master to
trouble or hinder so good a woorke.
PHI. But fra they be once in handes and firmance, haue they anie further
power in their craft?
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