De Nat. Dæmon. l. 3.
Lucan. lib. 6.
Nay, why not as well transported out of Asia or Europe, where were formerly many the like Tamperers, and those that dealt in such Diabolical Sciences? And why not from Salmantica, where, as Laurentius Ananias relates, Magick-Arts were publickly taught, and they commenc’d Doctors, and took their Degrees according to their Learning? The Devil also hath publick Worship amongst the Americans, and so he had with the Phenicians: yet not only they, but the whole World had dedicated Temples to him. Here began Humane and Infernal Sacrifices, supposing that Evil Spirits were delighted, and so feasted with the Steam of Humane Offerings, whose sweetness made them milder, and so intoxicating, lull’d them into less mischief.
Devil-worship formerly us’d in all the World, and now by the Americans.
Lev. 17. 6.
Idols in Ships.
How famous is Zoroaster, and the whole School of the Eastern Magicians? In Moses’s time this Wickedness had already took place: Nor can it be deny’d but that the Phenicians carry’d their Idols in their Ships, as Herodotus testifies, saying, “The Image of Vulcan much resembles the Phenicians Patacoioi, which they plac’d on the Fore-castle of their Ships.”
In like manner, the Americans when they go to Sea, carry their Idols with them; and the Ships took Name from the Image, which was either painted or carv’d on the Stern, or plac’d elsewhere upon the Deck.
The same Custom the Chineses observe to this present: Francis Xaverius relates, “That he sail’d in a Chinese Vessel from Goa to Japan, which bore an Idol in its Stern, before which the Master lighted Candles, perfum’d it with Aloe-wood, and offer’d Birds and other Food, inquiring of it the Event of his Voyage. Sometimes he judg’d from the Statues immovable Looks, that it would fall out successfully; and other times, not.”
De abstinent. Animal. l. 2.