to the sin of Witch-craft it selfe, as Samvell alleaged at that time.
Phi. Surely then, I think since this crime ought to be so seuerely punished. Judges ought to beware to condemne any, but such as they are sure are guiltie, neither should the clattering reporte of a carling serue in so weightie a case.
Epi. Iudges ought indeede to beware whome they condemne: For it is as great a crime
Pro. 17.
(as Salomon sayeth,) To condemne the innocent, as to let the guiltie escape free; neither ought the report of any one infamous person, be admitted for a sufficient proofe, which can stand of no law.
Phi. And what may a number then of guilty persons confessions, woork against one that is accused?
Epi. The assise must serue for interpretour of our law in that respect. But in my opinion, since in a mater of treason against the Prince, barnes or wiues, or neuer so diffamed persons, may of our law serue for sufficient witnesses and proofes. I thinke surely that by a far greater reason, such witnesses may be sufficient in matters of high treason against God: For who but Witches can be prooues, and so witnesses of the doings of Witches.
Phi. Indeed, I trow they wil be loath to put any honest man vpon their counsell. But what if they accuse folke to haue bene present at their Imaginar conuentiones in the spirite, when their bodies lyes sencelesse, as ye haue said.
Epi. I think they are not a haire the lesse guiltie: For the Deuill durst neuer haue borrowed their shaddow or similitude to that turne, if their consent had not bene at it: And the consent in these turnes is death of the law.
Phi. Then Samvel was a Witch: For the Deuill resembled his shape, and played his person in giuing response to Savle.