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Lactantius
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Introductory Notice To Lactantius.
[325] Blinding tricks, juggleries.
[326] They lavish. The word implies a profuse and excessive liberality.
[327] Thin, unsubstantial, as opposed to corporeal. The ancients inclined to the opinion that angels had a body, not like that of man, but of a slight and more subtle nature. Probably Lactantius refers to this idea in using the word tenuis. How opposed this view is to Scripture is manifest. [Not so manifest as our translator supposes. I do not assert what Lactantius says to be scripturally correct: but it certainly is not opposed to many facts as Scripture states them; whether figuratively or otherwise, I do not venture a suggestion.]
Chap. XVI.—That Demons Have No Power Over Those Who are Established in the Faith.
[328] Augustine gives an account of these deceits, De Civit. Dei, ix. 18.
[329] Thus the ancient Romans worshipped Fever, Fear, etc., to avoid injury from them.
[330] Sacramento
[331] See Acts of Apostles xvi. 18, and xix. 15, 16. In the Gospels the demons say to Jesus, “Art Thou come to torment us before the time?” [Suggestive of 2 Pet. ii. 4.]
[332] The practise of exorcism was used in the early ages of the Church, and the faithful were supposed to possess power over demons. See book iv. ch. 27. Justin, Tertullian and other writers attest the same. There were also exorcists in the Jewish synagogues. See Acts xix. 13.
[333] Sed. Other editions read et; but the one adopted in the text brings out the meaning more distinctly by contrast = they did not disgrace religion, but their own honour.
Chap. XVII.—That Astrology, Soothsaying, and Similar Arts are the Invention of Demons.
[334] By their presence.
[335] Malefici—evil doers. The word is specially used of enchanters.
[336] Book i. ch. vi.
[337] Apparitors. The word is especially applied to public servants, as lictors, etc.
[338] Surrounded, shut in.
[339] Prævaricatores. The word is properly applied to an advocate who is guilty of collusion with his antagonist, and thus betrays his client.
[340] Womanly Fortune.
[341] Unbelievers.
[342] Governments.
[343] At their nod, or suggestion.
[344] They presage.
[345] That which was necessary according to the purpose and arrangement of God.
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