If we consider the strange Things done by Force of Words, so much extoll’d in Antiquity, it will be no wonder to see Letters, out of which Words are form’d, made the Rudiment and first Study of human Life: But as to the Mode of Operation by Words, the Learned are not agreed.
Some say, there is a natural Virtue and Efficacy in Words, and appeal to the notable Feats done by Force of Eloquence. This was the favourite Study and View of Orators; in this they triumph’d, and never wanted Acclamations and loud Applauses.
In Plutarch, we have, among others, one remarkable Instance, viz. Cæsar, upon the Accusations brought in by Tubero against Quintus Ligarius (Pompey’s Friend) he was resolved to sacrifice that Rebel, till he was charm’d by the Words of the Orator that pleaded in his favour—No sooner did Cicero begin his Oration in his defence, but Cæsar’s Countenance chang’d, and his Indignation begun to soften ... but when the Orator touch’d upon the Battle of Pharsalia (where Cæsar was Conqueror) Cæsar’s Heart tender’d, his Body trembled with Joy, and certain Papers in his Hands dropt to the ground.—And when Cicero had finish’d his Oration, Cæsar’s Wrath against his Enemy was intirely extinguish’d; and Ligarius was set at liberty[[127]]. The same Orator, by the Dint of Eloquence, overthrew the Constitution of the Decemviri.
[127]. Plutarch’s Life of Cicero.
Others say, there is a mighty Force in Words in such a Tone, and Talismanical Characters, rightly-adapted Figures, and Images under certain Constellations[[128]].
[128]. Paracelsus, C. Agrippa, Life of Mr. Duncan Campbell, A. D. 1720, page 256. Gaffarel.
Some affirm that Magick consists in the Spirit of Faith, for Faith is the Magnet of Magicians, by which they draw Spirits to them, and by which Spirits they do wonderful Things, that to vulgar Eyes appear like Miracles. No doubt but several extraordinary Effects have been ascrib’d to the Devil, that in reality were natural, and artfully disguised: The Story of Sieur Brioche, a famous Puppet-player, is well known, who in a Town in Switzerland, where that Show had never been seen before, he was apprehended as a Warlock or Magician, and ran the hazard of being punish’d as such[[129]].
[129]. De Saint Andre’s Letters.
Others affirm, that Charms by Words are but means to heighten the Imagination; and the strange Effects produced by ’em, flow’d only from the Activity of an exalted Thought, or Fancy of heated Brains. In proof of this ’tis said, that if a Woman at a certain Season, strongly fix her Imagination upon any particular Object, the Child will bear the Image thereof.
I think ’tis pretty obvious, that those extraordinary Impressions made by Pagan Sophists upon the Minds of their Audience by the Charms of Rhetorick, past for a divine Afflatus or Inspiration; and therefore in such Cases, we shall find this Formula (Aliquis nescio quis Deus) frequently used by Enthusiastical Orators, as well as their Poets: Thus Cicero, speaks of himself, that he was mov’d by a certain Impetus or Ardour[[130]]: Apollonius Tyanæus, who was looked upon by the Christians as a notorious Magician, being ask’d by the Governor of Rome under Nero, what was his Profession? he answer’d, θειασμος, an Enthusiast, q. d. Fanatic, Conjurer.