put to death according to the Law of God, the ciuill
and imperial law, and municipall law of all Christian nations.
PHI. But what kinde of death I pray you?
EPI. It is commonly vsed by fire, but that is an indifferent thing to be
vsed in euery cuntrie, according to the Law or custome thereof.
PHI. But ought no sexe, age nor ranck to be exempted?
EPI. None at al (being so vsed by the lawful Magistrate) for it is the
highest poynt of Idolatrie, wherein no exception is admitted by the law of
God.
PHI. Then bairnes may not be spared?
EPI. Yea, not a haire the lesse of my conclusion. For they are not that
capable of reason as to practise such thinges. And for any being in
company and not reueiling thereof, their lesse 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, for as I said, speaking of _Magie_, the consulters,
trusters in, ouer-seers, interteiners or sturrers vp of these
craftes-folkes, are equallie guiltie with themselues that are the
practisers.
PHI. Whether may the Prince then, or supreame Magistrate, spare or
ouer-see any that are guiltie of that craft? vpon som great respects
knowen to him?
EPI. The Prince or Magistrate for further tryals cause, may continue the
punishing of them such a certaine space as he thinkes conuenient: But in
the end to spare the life, and not to strike when God bids strike, and so
seuerelie punish in so odious a fault & treason against God, it is not
only vnlawful, but doubtlesse no lesse sinne in that Magistrate, nor it
was in SAVLES sparing of AGAG. And so comparable (M32) 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 (M33) (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 a
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