Overtures anent Witch-craft, and Charming, &c.
THE abundance and increase of the sin of Witch-craft, in all the sorts and degrees of it in this time of Reformation, is to be taken to heart by this reverend Assembly, who would to that end consider,
I. Of the occasions thereof, which are found to be these especially, extremity of grief, malice, passion, and desire of revenge, pinching povertie, solicitation of other Witches and Charmers; for in such cases the devil assails them, offers aide, and much prevails.
II. Of the reasons and causes of Satans prevailing, which are grosse ignorance, great infidelitie, want of the love of the truth (which GOD hath made so long and clearly to shine in our Land) and profanenesse of life.
III. Of the means and wayes to bring them to a confession and censure, which we conceive to be, That a standing Commission for a certain time be had from the Lords of Secret Councel, or Justice Generall, to some understanding Gentlemen and Magistrates within the bounds of Presbyteries that shall crave it, giving them power to apprehend, try, and execute justice against such persons as are guilty of Witch-craft within these Presbyteries; For many Paroches want the concurrence of civill Magistrates.
IV. Of the grounds of apprehending them, Which may be a reigning brute of Witch-craft, backed with dilations of confessing Witches, being confronted with them; for it is found that the dilations of two or three confessing Witches, hath ordinarily proved true: also depositions of honest persons, anent malifices committed, or cures used by them, may be a ground of apprehending them.
V. Being apprehended, there would be honest and discreet persons appointed to watch them; for being left alone, they are in danger to be suborned and hardened by others, or of destroying themselves.
VI. Ministers would be carefull at all times, especially Morning and Evening, to deal with them by Prayer and Conference, whiles they are in prison or restraint.
VII. The means to prevent the grouth of this wickednesse, are,