History of Witchcraft: the New England witch craze before Salem

Continuing our discussion on the witch and witch hunt throughout time by exploring the witch in colonial New England. What transformed the satanic witch as it existed in Europe into demonic witch conspiracy of Salem? What influences fanned the flame of a fire which had largely burnt itself out in Europe? Looking at Puritan theologian William Perkins on witchcraft, as well as the debate around spectral evidence as cause for conviction. This is part 1 of 2, 2 will be coming in the next week. :-)