The Discovery of Witches by Matthew Hopkins
page 13 of 18 (72%)
page 13 of 18 (72%)
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He is of a better conscience, and for your better understanding of
him, he doth thus uncase himselfe to all, add declares what confessions (though made by a Witch against her selfe) he allowes not of, and doth altogether account of no validity, or worthy of credence to be given to it, and ever did so account it, and ever likewise shall. 1. He utterly denyes that confession of a Witch to be of any validity, when it is drawn from her by any torture or violence whatsoever; although after watching, walking, or swimming, diverse have suffered, yet peradventure Magistrates with much care and diligence did solely and fully examine them after sleepe, and consideration sufficient. 2. He utterly denyes that confession of a Witch, which is drawn from her by flattery, viz. _if you will confess you shall go home, you shall not go to the Goale, nor be hanged, &c._ 3. He utterly denyes that confession of a Witch, when she confesseth any improbability, impossibility, as _flying in the ayre, riding on a broom, &c._ 4. He utterly denyes a confession of a Witch, when it is interrogated to her, and words put into her mouth, to be of any force or effect: as to say to a silly (yet Witch wicked enough) _you have foure Imps have you not_? She answers affirmatively, Yes: _did they not suck you_? Yes, saith she: _Are not their names so, and so_? Yes, saith shee; _Did not you send such an Impe to kill my child_? Yes saith she, this being all her confession after this manner, it is by him accompted nothing, and he earnestly doth desire that all Magistrates and Jurors would a little more then ever they did examine witnesses about the |
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