N00505:195
Some miscellany observations on our present debates respecting witchcrafts, in a dialogue between S.…
Some miscellany observations on our present debates respecting witchcrafts, in a dialogue between S. & B. / By P.E. and J.A.
printed by William Bradford for Hezekiah Usher, 1692
No title page in the transcription: set from the catalogue record.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
S. But what if they have openly renounced that Covenant, and testified repentance, why are they not now valid?
B. Less Crimes require a long probation of persons repentance: and their bare say so, is but a poor evidence for them; nay though they add tears and ask forgiveness. Furthermore, some things ought to be a perpetual infamy to persons, and for ever disable them for giving a Testimony in this World; to be sure, till they are restored plentifully to the Charity of all good men.
S. 'This seems harsh Doctrine?
B. But I think it good Doctrine. Yet Secondly, The things them selves when they Testify are liable to many Illusions. The Witches themselves do not know when they go in Spectre, and when in Body and how should they then tell, whether the other be the person bodily, or only in Spectre? instances enough may be produced of such as confidently averred they were carried away in Body, when many Witnesses knew the contrary.
B. But I think it good Doctrine. Yet Secondly, The things them selves when they Testifie are liable to many Illusions. The Witches themselves do not know when they go in Spectre, and when in Body and how should they then tell, whether the other be the person bodily, or only in Spectre? instances enough may be produced of such as confidently averred they were carried away in Body, when many Witnesses knew the contrary.