Hutchinson, a very careful writer, whose ‘Historical Essay concerning Witchcraft,’ etc., was first published in 1718, and the second edition in 1720, says, referring to a case we shall hear of anon: ‘_Susan Edwards_, _Mary Trembles_, and _Temperance Lloyd_, hanged at _Exeter_, confess’d themselves Witches, but died with good Prayers in their Mouths. I suppose these are the last Three that have been hanged in _England_. 1682.’ James I. was ruthless against witches, _vide_ the following: ‘PHILOMATHES. Then to make an ende of our conference, since I see it drawes late, what forme of punishment thinke yee merites these _Magicians_ and _Witches_? For I see that yee account them to be al alike guiltie. EPISTEMON. They ought to be put to death according to the Law of God, the civill and imperiall Law, and municipall Law of all Christian nations. PHI. But what kinde of death, I pray you? EPI. It is commonly used by fire, but that is an indifferent thing to be used in every countrey, according to the Law or custome thereof. PHI. But ought no sexe, age, nor ranke to bee exempted? EPI. None at al (being so used by the lawful magistrate) for it is the highest point of Idolatry, wherein no exception is admitted by the Law of God. PHI. Then bairnes may not be spared? EPI. Yea, not a haire the lesse of my conclusion. For they are not that capable of reason as to practise such things.’ Before quitting the subject of witches for cases of witchcraft, it occurs to me that I have omitted one or two peculiarities relating to them. First of all, one personal peculiarity they had, according to the infallible authority Bodin--an inability to weep, or, at all events, they could only screw out three tears. And this was a great test, so much so that a form of conjuration is given in the ‘Malleus Maleficarum,’ and translated by Scot, which bears strongly upon this point: ‘I coniure thee by the amorous teares, which Jesus Christ our Saviour shed upon the crosse for the saluation of the world; and by the most earnest and burning teares of his mother the most glorious virgine _Marie_, sprinkled upon his wounds late in the euening; and by all the teares which euerie saint and elect vessell of God hath poured out heere in the world, and from whose eies he hath wiped away all teares; that, if thou be without fault, thou maist poure downe teares abundantlie; and, if thou be guiltie, that thou weepe in no wise: In the name of the father, of the sonne, and of the holie ghost: Amen. And note (saith he) that the more you coniure, the lesse she wepeth.’