place those who are possessed just as they exist elsewhere, the devils who inhabit foreigners (of whom we have just spoken) have sometimes informed us how our own people have been possessed, very particularly explaining the methods used by witches to attain such a result, both as regards the seasons, and the food which they have caused them to eat; and of this fact we have already had several proofs and indications. For it is likely that God in His justice permits this, that such persons may be got rid of from the world, and punished according to their evil deserts.
As a further confirmation of my contention, I add that when witches are angry, they threaten those who have moved their anger that they will send devils into their bodies. Françoise Secretain acted in this manner towards several children whom she wished to take by force to the Sabbat, and namely towards a twelve-year-old girl named Christofle of the village of Aranthon. Loyse Maillat also stated that when this Françoise forced her to eat the piece of bread by means of which she was afterwards possessed, she threatened to wish evil spirits upon her.
And what is even stranger is that, if the witch has several devils under his control, he must find a lodging and employment for them all; for otherwise, according to Caron, he is in danger of his life.
Now the means usually employed by a witch to possess his victims with a devil is to offer them some sort of food; and I have remarked that he most often uses apples. In this Satan continually rehearses the means by which he tempted Adam and Eve in the earthly Paradise. And in this