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PDFstriue by the iudgem[e]t of reason, to search ouer-deeply
into the knowledge of those things which are farre
aboue the reach of any humane capacitie. And so
making shipwracke in this deep and vnfoundable Sea,
ouerwhelme themselues in the gulfe thereof. The
other kind is more sottish, dull, and of a slow wit,
and therefore ouer-credulous, beleeuing euerie thing,
especially when they be carried by the violent tempest
of their desires, and other vngouerned affections;
and among these the diuell vsually spreadeth his netts,
as assured of a prey, wayting closely if hee can espie
any, who either grow discontented and desperate, through
want and pouerty, or be exasperated with a wrathfull
and vnruly passion of reuenge, or transported by vnsatiable
loue to obtaine some thing they desire; and these
hee taking aduantage, assaulteth with golden and glorious
promises, to performe vnto them the wishes of their
owne hearts; the drift whereof is (hee being as at
the first incased in a subtile Serpents skinne) onely
to enthrall and invassall them slaues to himselfe.
The first of these mentioned, are slie and masked Atheists,
who ouer-shadow their secret impiety, loose and dissolute
behauiour with some outward conformitie and shew of
religion, snatching (as they thinke) a sufficient
warrantize thereof from those disorders they obserue
among men, and therfore passe vncensured, hauing a
ciuill, but dissembled carriage. The second be
Sorcerers, Wisards, Witches, and the rest of that
ranke and kindred: no small multitude swarming
now in the world, yet supposed of many, rather worthy
pitty then punishment, as deluded by fantasies, and
mis-led, not effecting those harmes wherewith they
bee charged, or themselues acknowledge. But considering
they be ioyned and linked together with Satan in a
league (the common and professed enemy of mankinde)
and by his helpe performe many subtile mischieuous
actions, and hurtfull designes, it is strange that
from so great a smoake arising, they neither descrie
nor feare some fire. And therefore, in respect
of these, I haue at your appointment and request (for
whom I am most willing to bestow my best labours and
euer shall be) penned this small Treatise, occasioned
by the detection of a late witch among you, whose
irreligious care, and vnwearied industry, is not to
be defrauded of deserued commendation, and by mature
deliberation, and descreete search, found out her
irreligious and impious demeanour, and also discouered
sundry her vnnaturall and inhumane mischiefes done
to others, whereof being conuicted, she was accordingly
sentenced, and did vndergoe the penalty iustly appointed,
and due by Law vnto malefactors of that kinde.
After all which, you kindled with a holy zeale of the
aduauncement of Gods glorie, and giuing satisfaction
to euery one howsoeuer affected, intermitted no meanes,
vsing therein the labour of your carefull Ministers
(willingly offering themselues in this holy seruice)
whereby she might be broght (as one conuerted in the
