Chapter III.

But when we say that there are demons—as though, in the simple fact that we alone expel them from the men’s bodies,2    [The existence of demoniacal possessions in heathen countries is said to be probable, even in our days. The Fathers unanimously assert the effectual exorcisms of their days.] we did not also prove their existence—some disciple of Chrysippus begins to curl the lip. Yet thy curses sufficiently attest that there are such beings, and that they are objects of thy strong dislike.3    [e.g. Horace, Epodes, Ode V.] As what comes to thee as a fit expression of thy strong hatred of him, thou callest the man a dæmon who annoys thee with his filthiness, or malice, or insolence, or any other vice which we ascribe to evil spirits. In expressing vexation, contempt, or abhorrence, thou hast Satan constantly upon thy lips;4    [Satanan, in omni vexatione…pronuntias. Does he mean that they used this word? Rather, he means the demon is none other than Satan.] the very same we hold to be the angel of evil, the source of error, the corrupter of the whole world, by whom in the beginning man was entrapped into breaking the commandment of God. And (the man) being given over to death on account of his sin, the entire human race, tainted in their descent from him, were made a channel for transmitting his condemnation. Thou seest, then, thy destroyer; and though he is fully known only to Christians, or to whatever sect5    [I have been obliged, somewhat, to simplify the translation here.] confesses the Lord, yet, even thou hast some acquaintance with him while yet thou abhorrest him!

CAP. III. Enimvero cur daemonia affirmamus 0612C esse? sane quasi non et probemus, qui ea soli de corporibus exigimus . Aliqui Chrysippi adsentator 0613A illudit ea , et esse, et abominationem sustinere, execrationes tuae respondent. Daemonium vocas, hominem aut immunditia, aut malitia, aut insolentia, aut quacunque macula, quam nos daemoniis deputamus, aut ad necessitatem odii opportunam. Satanam denique in omni aversatione et aspernatione et detestatione pronuntias, quem nos dicimus malitiae angelum, totius erroris artificem, totius saeculi interpolatorem, per quem homo a primordio circum ventus, ut praeceptum Dei excederet, et propterea in mortem datus, exinde totum genus de suo semine infectum, suae etiam damnationis traducem fecit. Sentis igitur perditorem tuum. Et licet soli illum noverint christiani, vel quaecunque apud Dominum secta, et tu tamen eum nosti, dum odisti.