ORIGINS OF MODERNITY

theology & witchcraft

Hutchinson, Francis (1661-1739)
An historical essay concerning witchcraft : with observations upon matters of fact tending to clear the texts of the sacred scriptures, and confute the vulgar errors about that point. And also two sermons: one in proof of the Christian religion, the other concerning the good and evil angels.
London : Printed for R. Knaplock ..., and D. Midwinter ..., 1718.

Francis Hutchinson was an Anglican cleric whose Historical essay concerning witchcraft is often regarded as providing the best sceptical analysis of the phenomena of witchcraft in the early modern period. However, it must be said that it is a rather cautious treatment compared to a work like John Wagstaffe's The question of witchcraft debated (1669).