Exorcists

From a Greek word signifying to conjure, to use the name of God or certain magical ceremonies with design to expel devils from places or bodies which they possess. The apostles were enabled to cast out evil spirits in Christ’s name, Mt 10:1Mr 16:17Lu 10:17; and designing men, both before and after the Savior’s death, pretended to exercise the same power, Mt 12:27Mr 9:38Lu 9:49,50Ac 19:13-17. Exorcists were thought to have gained this power by secret studies respecting the nature of demons, and the powers of certain herbs, drugs, and stones, and were accustomed to use various forms of adjuration and incantation in their unlawful art; but the whole was delusion and imposture, and strictly forbidden. SeeDIVINATION.