Anton Praetorius was a German religious person and writer . He was born 1560 in the town of Lippstadt -- he died 6 December 1613 near Heidelberg in Germany . Anton Praetorius ( 1560 -- 6 December 1613 ) was a German Calvinist pastor who spoke out against the persecution of witches ( witchhunts , witchcraft trials ) and against torture .