| << | Contents | >> |
Lactantius
Show All Footnotes & Jump to 338
Introductory Notice To Lactantius.
[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.
[346] Tensa; a carriage on which the images of the gods were carried to the circus at the Circensian games.
[347] Deserved nothing, had nothing worthy of punishment. Varro and Paulus Æmilius were the two consuls who commanded at Cannæ. Varro escaped, Paulus was slain.
[348] Virg., Æn., viii. 292.
Search Comments
This page has been visited 0404 times.
| << | Contents | >> |
10 per page