Book XL

CHAP, VI,
OF WITCHCRAFT,
LET a witch therefore be granted, who can fitrongly torment an abfent man by an image of wax, by imprecation or curbing, by enchantment, or alfo by a foregoing touch alone, (for here we fpeak nothing of Sorceries, becaufe they are thole which kill only by poifon, inafmuch as every common apothe- cary can imitate thofe things) that this a£t is diabolical, no man doubts : however, it is profitable to difcern how much Satan and how much the witch can contribute hereunto.
The Firjl Suppofition..
Firldof all, thou fhalt take notice, that Satan is the fworn and irreconcileable enemy of man, and to be fo accounted by all, unlefs any one had rather have him to be his friend^ and therefore he mold readily procures whatfoever mif- chief he is able to caufe or with unto us, and that without doubt and negledd.
The Second Suppojition.
And then although he be an enemy to witches themfelves, forafmuch as he is alfo a mold malicious enemy to all mankind in general ; yet, in regard they are his bond-flaves, and thofe of his kingdom, he never, unlefs againft his will, betrays them, or difcovers them to judges, &c.
From the former fuppofition I conclude, that if Satan were able of himfelf to kill a man who is guilty of deadly fin, he would never delay it f but he doth not kill him, therefore he cannot.
Notwithftanding, the witch doth oftentimes kill; hence alfo fhe can kill the fame man, no otherwife than as a privy murderer at the liberty of his own will, flays any one with a fword.
There