Cases of Conscience Concerning Evil Spirits

To the Christian Reader.

The name of a Witch is so odious and abominable to the civilized—and even more so to the religious—part of mankind, that it is likely to become a scandal for anyone to even offer some sober cautions against suspecting people too quickly or judging them too hastily on this account. But certainly, the more horrible the crime is, the more critical care must be used before exposing the names, liberties, and lives of men (especially those of a godly lifestyle original: "Godly Conversation," referring to their moral conduct and way of life) to such an accusation. The solemn hand of God is now upon us, in letting evil angels loose among us to commit such horrific mischief; and by allowing the instruments of Hell to do such fearful things as have rarely been heard of. This has put serious people into deep thought and led them to make careful inquiries about what should be done to detect and defeat this dreadful design of the great Enemy original: "grand Adversary," referring to Satan.

And, although all who fear God agree that no evil should be done so that good may come of it, yet the Devil has gained quite a lot for his cause through the internal divisions original: "divisions of Reuben," a biblical reference to Judges 5:15–16, signifying hesitation and debate among those who should be united in a time of crisis regarding the application of this rule.

    The Scripture asserts, and experience confirms, that there are Devils and Witches. That they are common—