New England's Place in the History of Witchcraft.

The article discusses how New England relates to the history of witchcraft. The author refutes the conclusions of author George Lyman in the article "Notes on Witchcraft," which was published in volume 18 of the journal, regarding how belief in witchcraft was universal. He discusses distinctions between magic and witchcraft as well as the perception of witchcraft by Christians. He suggests prosecution of heresy in England was greater than that of witchcraft and notes that though theologian John Calvin rejected religious superstition, he supported Biblical commandments regarding the execution of witches. The influence of Calvinist preacher William Perkins on New England religious life is noted.