Magic Library

investigations, independent of the distracting impression of various outward appearances, so that it is able to pursue the pure historical goal of its research without aversion or annoyance.

III.

The first and, without comparison, most important document of the new era is — the New Testament, which, as a contrast to the old covenant that had outlived itself, expresses and announces the new view of time and the world even in its name.

What a difference between this divine book and other revelation writings of other nations and times! — The oldest Indian and Persian religious scriptures are full of the most desolate belief in spirits and demons; full of wild demon stories and sorcery matters *) Several of the oldest Indian religious scriptures occupy themselves almost exclusively with sorcery matters, spirit and demon exorcisms, etc. In the Code of Manu, there are specific laws regarding sorcery, where such is assumed to be something real. The same is the case with the oldest Persian revelation documents, etc.; a multitude of incantations and magic formulas appear in them, as well as prayers and spiritual means against lecherous and magic spirits, sorcery, etc. Indeed, in accordance with the generally widespread primordial notions on this point, even the specific subject of our investigation — a physical intercourse of various races of spirits with women and virgins — is mentioned expressly and confirmingly, both in