s, that are now
suffering by molestations from the invisible world, we apprehend so
deplorable, that we think their condition calls for the utmost help
of all persons in their several capacities.

"II. We cannot but, with all thankfulness, acknowledge the success
which the merciful God has given to the sedulous and assiduous
endeavours of our honorable rulers, to defeat the abominable
witchcrafts which have been committed in the country, humbly
praying, that the discovery of those mysterious and mischievous
wickednesses may be perfected.]

"III. We judge that, in the prosecution of these and all such
witchcrafts, there is need of a very critical and exquisite caution,
lest by too much credulity for things received only upon the Devil's
authority, there be a door opened for a long train of miserable
consequences, and Satan get an advantage over us; for we should not
be ignorant of his devices.

"IV. As in complaints upon witchcrafts there may be matters of
enquiry which do not amount unto matters of presumption, and there
may be matters of presumption which yet may not be reckoned matters
of conviction, so it is necessary, that all proceedings thereabout
be managed with an exceeding tenderness towards those that may be
complained of, especially if they have been persons formerly of an
unblemished reputation.

"V. When the first inquiry is made into the circumstances of such as
may lie under any just suspicion of witchcrafts, we could wish that
there may be admitted as little as possible of such noise, company,
and openness, as may too hastily expose them that are examined; and
that there may nothing be used as a test for the trial of the
suspected, the lawfulness whereof may be doubted among the people of
God; but that the directions given by such judicious writers as
Perkins and Bernard may be consulted in such a case.

"VI. Presumptions whereupon persons may be committed, and, much
more, convictions whereupon persons may be condemned as guilty of
witchcrafts, ought certainly to be more considerable than barely the
accused persons being represented by a spectre unto the afflicted;
[inasmuch as it is an undoubted and a notorious thing, that a Demon
may, by God's permission, appear, even to ill purposes, in the shape
of an innocent, yea, and a virtuous man.] Nor can we es