d at Gisborne in Crauen, neare Master
_Lister_: one thing more I shall adde to all these particular
Examinations, and euidence of witnesses, which I saw, and was present
in the Court at Lancaster, when it was done at the Assizes holden in
August following.
My Lord _Bromley_ being very suspicious of the accusation of _Iennet
Deuice_, the little Wench, commanded her to looke vpon the Prisoners
that were present, and declare which of them were present at _Malkin
Tower_, at the great assembly of Witches vpon Good-Friday last: shee
looked vpon and tooke many by the handes, and accused them to be
there, and when shee had accused all that were there present, shee
told his Lordship there was a Woman that came out of Crauen that was
amongst the Witches at that Feast, but shee saw her not amongst the
Prisoners at the Barre.
What a singular note was this of a Child, amongst many to misse her,
that before that time was hanged for her offence, which shee would
neuer confesse or declare at her death? here was present old _Preston_
her husband, who then cried out and went away: being fully satisfied
his wife had Iustice, and was worthie of death.
To conclude then this present discourse, I heartilie desire you, my
louing Friends and Countrie-men, for whose particular instructions
this is added to the former of the wonderfull discouerie of Witches in
the Countie of Lancaster: And for whose particular satisfaction this
is published; Awake in time, and suffer not your selues to be thus
assaulted.
Consider how barbarously this Gentleman hath been dealt withall; and
especially you that hereafter shall passe vpon any Iuries of Life and
Death, let not your conniuence, or rather foolish pittie, spare such
as these, to exequute farther mischiefe.
Remember that shee was no sooner set at libertie, but shee plotted the
ruine and ouerthrow of this Gentleman, and his whole Familie.
Expect not, as this reuerend and learned Iudge saith, such apparent
proofe against them, as against others, since all their workes, are
the workes of darkenesse: and vnlesse it please Almightie God to raise
witnesses to accuse them, who is able to condemne them?
Forget not the bloud that cries out vnto God for reuenge, bring it not
vpon your owne heads.
Neither doe I vrge this any farther, then with this, that I would
alwaies intreat you to remember, that it is as great a crime (as
_Salomon_ sayth, _Prov._ 17.) to condemne the innocent, as to let the
gu
|