The magician
then demanded the demons to be faithful and obedient, which they
readily agreed to be. Valuable information was obtained from the
spirits, who gave the magician the powerful girdle of victory, which,
on being tied about him, enabled him to conquer armies, and all men,
however powerful. The spirits also were compelled to bring, at the
magician's bidding, the richest treasure earth could afford, and to
reveal the positions of hidden gold and silver mines.

The spirits could bestow the gift of invisibility, and the
foreknowledge of the change of the weather; they could teach the
exorcist how to raise storms and tempests, and how to calm them again;
they could bring news in an instant of the result of any battle or
other important event, wherever it took place. They could also teach
the language of birds, and how to fly unseen through the air.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

Josephus' Account of Astrology--Antediluvians
acquainted with Astrology--Astrology after the
Flood--Magicians in various Nations--The Spirit
Bokim--Compact and Confederation with Spirits--Long
Life and Magical Power--Feats of Magicians--A French
Priest in compact with the Devil--Married to
Venus--Turning Leather into Gold--A Novice in Magic
destroyed by a Spirit--Principles of
Magic--Implements, Materials, and Doings of
Magicians--Piercing Sight--Lilly the Astrologer--Lilly
consulted by Royalists--Astrological Predictions
concerning Fires, Plagues, Famine, War, and the
Fortunes of Great Persons.

Josephus says that the antediluvians were well acquainted with
astrology, and inscribed the principles thereof on pillars to preserve
them to posterity from the Flood; for it was by this art, he believes,
that they were enabled to foresee the coming Deluge. Subsequent to the
Flood, the Assyrians were the first people who turned their attention
to astrology. The Chaldeans, Egyptians, and Arabians soon became
acquainted with the art, and by perseverance brought it to perfection
and high estimation. In several nations none but those skilled in
astrology were admitted to the administration of sacred rites or to
the management of state affairs.

In China, by the sacrifice of blood and the repetitions of several
superstitious invocations to the sun and moon, devils were brought up
from their place of abode, if not repose. In Tartary the magicians
offered to the ocean, the