The magical virtues which Christians came to ascribe to holy water are essentially identical with those which the pagans attributed to it. Mr. Seymore, whom we have already quoted, gives a catalogue of the uses and virtues of holy water, which he found in the chapel of St. Carlo Borromeo at Rome. Similar virtues are still attributed to it by modern Catholics.[136] The catalogue is as follows:
“Holy water possesses much usefulness when Christians sprinkle themselves with it with due reverence and devotion. The Holy Church proposes it as a remedy and assistant in many circumstances, both spiritual and corporeal, but especially in these following:
“Its spiritual usefulness.
“1. It drives away devils from places and persons.
“2. It affords great assistance against fears and diabolical illusions.
“3. It cancels venial sins.
“4. It imparts strength to resist temptation and occasions to sin.
“5. It drives away wicked thoughts.
“6. It preserves safely from the passing snares of the devil, both internally and externally.
“7. It obtains the favor and presence of the Holy Ghost by which the soul is consoled, rejoiced, excited to devotion, and disposed to prayer.