Note 477 — Chapter IX · WITCHCRAFT.

Mallei Malificar, P. I, Q. xiv; P. II, Q. i, C. 3, 16.—Prieriat. de Strigimagarum Lib. III, cap. 3.

The rule that the heretic or apostate who confessed and recanted was to be admitted to reconciliation was at the bottom of the anxiety of the secular magistrates to maintain their jurisdiction over witchcraft, and the relations between them and the Inquisition were the subject of much debate. Arn. Albertino argues that the Inquisition can make no distinction between witches who have and who have not committed murder; they must all be reconciled, but can again be accused of homicide before a competent judge; yet the inquisitor, to escape irregularity, must not transmit to the secular court the confessions and evidence, nor must he, in the sentences, mention these crimes, as that would be setting the judge on the track.—De agnosc. Assertionibus, Q. XXIV, n. 28, 66, 67, 68, 70, 72, 75.