Reginald Scot, The Discoverie of Witchcraft (London: William Brome, 1584. Great Britain: John Rodker, 1930) 1.

THE

D I S C O V E R I E

OF

W I T C H C R A F T

*

BOOKE I.

*

CHAPTER I.

An impeachment of Witches power in meteors and elementarie bodies tending to the rebuke
of such as attribute too much unto them.

THE fables of Witchcraft have taken so fast hold and deepe root in 
the heart of man, that fewe or none can (nowadaies) with patience 
indure the hand and correction of God. For if any adversitie, greefe, 
sicknesse, losse of children, corne, cattell, or libertie happen unto them; by 
& by they exclaime uppon witches. As though there were no God in IsraelJob. 5.
that ordereth all things according to his will; punishing both just and unjust 
with greefs, plagues, and afflictions in maner and forme as he thinketh good: 
but that certeine old women heere on earth, called witches, must needs be the 
contrivers of all mens calamities, and as though they themselves were innocents, 
and had deserved no such punishments. Insomuch as they sticke not to ride 
and go to such, as either are injuriouslie tearmed witches, or else are willing so 
be accounted, seeking at their hands comfort and remedie in time of 
their tribulation, contrarie to Gods will and commandement in that behalfe,Matth. 11.
who bids us resort to him in all our necessities.
 
     Such faithlesse people (I saie) are also persuaded, that neither haile nor 
thunder nor lightening, raine nor tempestuous winds come from the 
heavens at the commandement of God: but are raised by the cunning and 
power of witches and conjurers; insomuch as a clap of thunder, or a gale of 
wind is no sooner heard, but either they run to ring bels, or crie out to burne 
witches; or else burne consecrated things, hoping by the smoke thereof, to drive 
the divell out of the aire, as though spirits could be fraied* awaie with such 
externall toies*: howbeit, these are right inchantments, as Brentius affirmeth.In concione.