Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft--Walter
Scott
At length, in 1562, a formal statute against sorcery, as penal in
itself, was actually passed; but as the penalty was limited to the
pillory for the first transgression, the legislature probably
regarded those who might be brought to trial as impostors rather
than wizards. There are instances of individuals tried and
convicted as impostors and cheats, and who acknowledged themselves
such before the court and people; but in their articles of
visitation the prelates directed enquiry to be made after those who
should use enchantments, witchcraft, sorcery, or any like craft,
invented by the devil.
