Quote by Ambrose Bierce
As records of courts and justice are admissible, it can easily be proved that powerful and malevolent magicians once existed and were a scourge to mankind. The evidence (including confession) upon which certain women were convicted of witchcraft and executed was without a flaw; it is still unimpeachable. The judges' decisions based on it were sound in logic and in law. Nothing in any existing court was ever more thoroughly proved than the charges of witchcraft and sorcery for which so many suffered death. If there were no witches, human testimony and human reason are alike destitute of value.
Summary
This quote argues that the existence of powerful and malicious magicians can be proven through historical court records, particularly those related to witch trials. It suggests that the evidence, including confessions, used to convict and execute women for witchcraft was flawless and remains unquestionable. According to the quote, the judges made sound logical and legal decisions based on this evidence. The quote concludes that if witches did not exist, then both human testimony and human reason would hold no value.