PREFACE EMONIC Possession in the New Testament is still DEMO an unsolved problem. That statement is at variance with a considerable body of opinion recently expressed on two Continents. Nevertheless, it is a correct representation of the present state of the case. Modern writers have attained a certain unanimity, only by approaching the subject from one point of view and confining attention to the more conspicuous phenomena. But any investigation which claims finality must explore the whole environment and scrutinise all residual facts. There is a comparative demonology to be studied; there are types of mental disease to be examined; there is a criterion of genuine possession to be discovered and applied. The inquiry thus broadens out and takes account of many points hitherto ignored or neglected. The whole subject thereby assumes a new complexion and has received restatement accordingly. This work is an original research; not a com pilation. Few authorities have therefore been directly quoted; but any one familiar with the vast literature concerned will readily perceive that previous writings are constantly in sight. The tactics of the controversialist have likewise been avoided as essentially unprofitable. The opinions of others have been combated where necessary; but by an array of facts rather than a war of words. This treatise is at most only a fragment. A large amount of material has been held in retentis, and many important questions have been left untouched. The conclusions attained have been reached independently, and are of a novel character. They confirm, in the highest degree, the claim of Christ to be considered the Good Physician and the Revealer of the Father. WM. MENZIES ALEXANDER. GLASGOW, January 1902. CONTENTS CHAPTER I INTRODUCTORY Composite relations of the subject. Views of Meyer, Farrar, PAGES 1-12 CHAPTER II HISTORIC DEMONOLOGY Demonology of the Old Testament. Shadow-figures. Degraded 13-60 CHAPTER III MEDICAL ASPECTS OF DEMONIC POSSESSION Data of the present inquiry. Uses of a correct diagnosis. of the demoniac state. The Syro-Phoenician girl. The dumb PAGES 61-102 CHAPTER IV MEDICAL ASPECTS OF DEMONIC POSSESSION-continued Numbers of the possessed in the time of our Lord. Regions 103-146 CHAPTER V THE EXISTENCE OF GENUINE DEMONIC POSSESSION The Principles of investigation. Historicity of the narratives. 147-173 |