A Guide to Grand-Jury Men

favored witches, or shared Master Scot’s original: "Master Scots"; refers to Reginald Scot (c. 1538–1599), author of "The Discoverie of Witchcraft" (1584), a famous skeptical work arguing that witchcraft was often a misunderstanding of mental illness. erroneous opinion that witches were merely foolish, deceived melancholics original: "Melancholikes"; a historical term for those suffering from depression or mental illness, thought at the time to be an imbalance of "black bile.".

This work of mine will clear me of all these accusations. I am bold enough to present it to your Lordships as a simple country minister's testimony of his sincere joy that God has sent us such long-desired, upright, and religious judges.

I hope it will not be considered a fault original: "imputed as evil" in me that I have chosen such worthily honored patrons, who are so learned in our laws, possess such great authority in their execution, are so discerning in judging cases, so just in punishing sin, and so religiously inclined to advance virtue and religion.