Exorcism
Exorcism is mainly thought of as the rite involved in driving out the Devil and his demons, or other evil spirits, from persons, places, or things, which are believed to be possessed or infested by them, or are liable to become victims or instruments of their malice. The rite of exorcism is one which is not only practiced by the Roman Catholic Church. Many other religions and other Christian denominations practice it as well.
Technically, exorcism is not driving out the Devil or demon, but it is placing the Devil or demon on oath. The means employed for this purpose is the solemn and authoritative adjuration of the demon, in the name of God, or any of the higher powers in which he is subject. In the Christian sense this higher authority is often Jesus Christ, this being based on the belief that the Devil, his demons, and evil spirits are afraid of Christ.
The word “Exorcism" is derived from the Greek preposition "ek" with the
verb "horkizo" which means "I cause [someone] to swear" and refers to
"putting the spirit or demon on oath, "or invoking a higher authority to
bind the entity in order to control it and command it to act contrary to
its own will."
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BLAGRAVE, Joseph Astrological practice of physick ... directing how to cast forth the said evil spirits out of any one who is possessed ... London : Printed for Obadiah Blagrave, 1671 A text on astrological medicine and the uses of herbs but nevertheless a good portion of the book is made up of writing on witchcraft & sorcery. Blagrave had a talent for breaking spells & casting out devils, a talent that perhaps other astro-physicians did not. Hence, as he became better known, he got a large share of the business. |
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DARRELL, John A True narration of the strange and grievous vexation by the Devil, of 7 persons in Lancashire and William Somers of Nottingham ... London: printed 1600 Description |
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EYNATTEN, S. T. L., R.D. Maximiliani Ab Manuale exorcismorum: continens instructiones, & exorcismos ad eiiciendos e corporibus obsessis spiritus malignos, & ad quaeuis maleficia depellenda, & ad quascumque infestationes daemonum reprimendas. Antwerp: Ex Officina Plantiniana, 1619. Description |
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JOLLIE, Thomas, The Surey demoniack : or, An account of Satans strange and dreadful actings, in and about the body of Richard Dugdale of Surey, near Whalley in Lancashire... London, Printed for Jonathan Robinson, 1697. Description |
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MENGHI, Girolamo Flagellum daemonum, exorcismos terribiles, potentissimos, et efficaces ... accessit postremo pars secunda, quae fustis daemonum inscribitur. Venice: Apud Paulum Baleonium, 1663. Description |
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OLIVERIUS, Phillipus Coniuratio malignorum spirituum in corporibus hominii existentium … Venice: Apud Dominicum de Farris, 1567 Description |
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THYRAEUS, Petrus Loca infesta hoc est infestibus ob molestantes daemonorum … Lugudunum: Apud Iohannem Pillehotte, 1599 Description |
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