EPI.--Sometimes they will, and sometimes not, as it pleases God.
_Of the Tryall and Punishment of Witches--What sort of Accusation ought to be admitted against them--What is the cause of the increasing so farre of their number in this age._
PHI.--Then to make an end of our conference, since I see it drawes late, what forme of punishment thinke yee merit these witches?
EPI.--They ought to be put to death according to the law of God, the civill and imperial 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 be exempted?
EPI.--None at all, (being so used by the lawfull magistrate), for it is the highest point of idolatry wherein no exception is admitted by the law of God.
EPI.--Yea, not a haire the lesse of my conclusion, for they are not that capable of reason as to practise such things; and for any being in company, and not reveiling thereof, their less and ignorant age will no doubt excuse them.
PHI.--I see ye condemne them all that are of the counsell of such craftes.
EPI.--No doubt the consulters, trusters in, overseers, interteiners, or stirrers up of these craftes folkes, are equally guiltie with themselves that are the practisers.
PHI.--Whether may the prince then, or supreme magistrate, spare or oversee any that are guilty of that craft, upon some great respects knowen to him?
EPI.--The prince or magistrate, for further trials cause, may continue the punishing of them such a certaine space as he thinkes convenient, but in the end to spare the life, and not to strike when God bids strike, and so severely punish in so odious a fault and treason against God, it is not onely unlawfull, but doubtlesse no lesse sinne in that magistrate, nor it was in Saules sparing of Agag; and so comparable to the sinne of witchcraft itselfe, as Samuel alledged at that time.
PHI.--Surely then, I think since this crime ought to be so severely punished, judges ought to beware to condemne any but such as they are sure are guiltie, neither should the clattering report of a carling serve in so weightie a case.