Page:Salem - a tale of the seventeenth century (IA taleseventeenth00derbrich).pdf/201

 to my apprehension, imply a belief in witchcraft."

"But where do you make the distinction?"

"It seems to me that it is a very plain one. It is this: If the devil hath power, which we dare not deny, surely the Lord God Almighty hath a greater power. I think a person may, by his own act, by means of his own sins, forsake God and be brought into bondage to the power of the devil. Such a one is bedeviled. But I do not believe the devil hath power to take possession of any innocent soul that trusts in God, and make use of it to torment others; and that, as far as I understand it, is witchcraft—being a witch, having power from the devil to torment and bewitch others."

There was silence for a moment, and then Justice Corwin rose, and grasping his sister's hand warmly, he said, "I think, Hannah, if you will allow me to change my mind, I will not dine here to-day. What you have said has given me much to reflect upon. I want the quiet of my own study."

"But, brother, my husband has just come home. I hear the footsteps of his horse at