Voetius's Syllabus of Theological Questions: All Questions Concerning Angels

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On Angels in General and in Particular

On Angels in General

To the question of whether angels exist

Whether angels exist? Affirmative contra Saudecces, David Joristas, etc.

Can angels be solidly proven from the light of natural reason? Distinguish.

Whether the study of angels belongs to physical science? Negative.

On their creation

Whether angels have a cause of their being? Affirmative.

Whether they are created by God or truly co-eternal with God? Affirmative to the prior.

Whether they were created before this world? Negative.

Whether an angel is produced by God from eternity? Negative.

On what day were they created? It is not clear.

Whether an angel was created before the corporeal creation? Distinguish.

Whether angels were created in the empyrean heaven? Inclined to the Affirmative.

Whether some were created in the air, in the starry heaven, or in the lower world? Negative.

Why did Moses omit angels in his description of the creatures? Learned ignorance.

Whether all angels were created good in the image of God? Affirmative.

Whether angels are a true substance or truly subsistent beings? Affirmative.

Whether angels are a spiritual substance? Affirmative.

Whether angels are merely spirits, or do they truly have proper (constitutive) bodies? Negative to the posterior.

Whether the Platonists correctly define them as animals? Negative.

Whether they have bodies naturally united to themselves? Negative.

Whether they possess spiritual and intellectual quantity? Negative, and question absurd.

Whether their essence is local or non-local, and whether they are in a place? Distinguish

Whether they move locally and how? Distinguish, and explain.

Whether they move in time or in an instant? Distinguish prior, negate posterior.

Whether many can be in the same place? Affirmative.

Whether they move from one place to another by passing through a medium? Affirmative.

Whether all angels differ in species? Not clear, and inclined to the negative.

Whether angels are an incomplete substance, such that they can constitute one per se with another entity? Negative.

What they are according to their properties.

Whether angels are simple, or truly composed, and how? Explain.

Whether they are composed of matter and form? Negative.

Whether they are immortal and incorruptible? Affirmative.

Whether they are mutable or immutable? Distinguish.

Whether in angels the same is supposed to be both supposition and nature? Negative, with a distinction.

Whether the essence of angels is finite and limited? Affirmative.

Whether angels exceed in number the material beings? Learned ignorance.

Whether they are of a great number, and whether it can be definitively known? Affirmative prior, negative posterior.

What are they according to the faculties, Intellect

Whether an angel has intellect? Affirmative.

Whether he is properly endowed with reason? Negative, with distinction.

Whether there is any cognitive power in angels besides intellect? Negative.

Whether in angels there is an agent and patient intellect? Negative.

The mode

Whether angels know through their own essence, or whether the essence of an angel is its intellectual power, and whether the being or substance of the angel is its way of understanding? Negative.

Whether angels understand through intelligible species and by abstraction? Affirmative.

If through species, whether only through connatural species, or also through species received from things? Let it be discussed.

Whether the intellect of an angel is sometimes in potentiality, sometimes in actuality? Let it be discussed.

Whether the angelic intellect is discursive? Not clear, and let it be discussed.

Whether they understand by composing and dividing? Not clear, and let it be discussed.

Whether angels understand singulars in a universal mode? Question inept.

Whether and how they understand many things simultaneously? Question curious.

Whether inferior angels know individually from themselves in particular through the vision of the difference of essence? Question absurd.

Whether they know by themselves and naturally the mysteries of salvation and divine councils? Negative.

How do they know themselves and other angels? Explain.

Whether the knowledge of angels is indefectible and immovable? Affirmative, with distinction.

How should it be understood that the nature of one angel does not impede the knowledge of others because of their affinity and proximity? Explain.

Whether an angel, by a single act of understanding, understands all things? Negative.

Whether the knowledge of an angel can be called morning and evening knowledge? Let it be discussed.

Whether these two types of knowledge are the same or different? Distinguish.

Whether they know God through their natural knowledge? Affirmative, with distinction.

Object

Whether angels know all things? Negative.

Whether they know themselves? Affirmative.

Whether one knows another? Affirmative.

Whether all know the speech of one to another? Negative.

Whether they know the natures of natural things? Affirmative.

Whether they know singulars? Affirmative.

Whether they know the future? Negative, with a distinction.

Whether they know the thoughts of the heart? Negative, with a distinction.

Whether they know the mysteries of grace? Affirmative, with a distinction.

Whether they know all the internal motions and desires of the affections, speeches, actions, and passions of men? Negative.

Of their will.

Whether the will and the appetitive faculty belong to angels? Affirmative.

Whether the will of angels, or the intellect, is their very nature itself? Negative.

Whether there is free will in angels; or whether angels have free will? Affirmative.

Whether the angels had free will in the first instant? Affirmative.

How did an angel have free will toward good and evil? Explain.

Concerning the affections.

Whether in them there is an irascible and concupiscible faculty? No, with distinction.

Whether in angels there is natural love? Distinguish.

Whether in angels there is elective love? Affirmative.

Whether an angel loves God more than himself with natural love? Question absurd and curious.

Whether an angel loves himself with natural love or elective love? Both.

Whether one loves another with natural love as himself? Distinguish.

Concerning power.

Whether the power of angels is finite or infinite? Affirmative to the prior.

Whether an angel can create? Negative.

Whether he can perform true miracles? Negative, with distinction.

Whether he can cure deadly diseases? Negative, with distinction.

Whether he can move bodies locally by his own power? Affirmative.

Whether he can receive what is offered to bodily instruments? Affirmative.

Whether he can change human sense? Affirmative.

Whether he can change the imagination of a man? Distinguish.

Whether he can influence or enter into the rational soul? Negative.

Whether an angel can illuminate the intellect of a man? Negative.

Whether he can change the will or affections of a man? Negative.

Whether he can exist in the concave of the empyrean heaven? Question inept, and absurd.

Whether they can assume bodies in which they appear? Affirmative.

Whether the bodies assumed by angels are true and solid, or rather fantastic or apparent? Distinguish.

Concerning actions and adjuncts.

Whether whatever an angel does, he does by the bare command of the will? Negative.

Whether one angel moves the intellect of another by illuminating? Negative.

Whether an inferior angel can illuminate a superior? Negative.

Whether a superior angel illuminates an inferior concerning all things he knows? Question. Absurd.

Whether one angel moves the will of another? Negative.

Whether one angel speaks to another? Affirmative, with distinction.

Whether an inferior speaks to a superior? Question inept.

Whether an angel speaks to God? Affirmative, with distinction.

Whether in the speech of angels anything is affected by local distance? Question curious.

Whether a bodily creature is administered by angels? Affirmative.

Whether bodily matter obeys angels at will? Negative.

Whether bodies obey them for local motion? Affirmative.

What bodies they assume, how they form them, and how those bodies are distinguished from other true bodies? Explain and let it be discussed.

Whether an angel is the cause of the rational soul? Negative.

Whether the motion of an angel is discrete in an instant? Negative.

Whether the motion of an angel can be continuous? Distinguish.

Whether angels are in a place only by external operation? Negative.

Concerning good angels in particular.

Whether the angels were created in grace? Affirmative.

Whether they were created in sanctifying grace? Negative, with distinction.

Whether they disposed themselves to grace by their own act? Negative.

Whether they needed grace for this, namely that they might be converted to God? Affirmative.

Whether they had only habitual grace? Negative.

Whether they received grace from the merits of Christ? Negative.

Whether with grace they also received supernatural faith? Affirmative, with distinction.

How did the angels need grace in order to be converted to God? Explain.

Whether they received grace and glory according to the capacity of their natural powers? Negative.

Whether the angels are so confirmed that they can no longer sin or fall from their blessedness? Affirmative.

What is the cause of their perseverance? Explain.

Whether for the preservation of their origin and integrity a mediator was needed for the angels? No, at least not clear.

Whether angels, by the absence of the Holy Spirit, are rightly not called holy? Question inept.

How and in what way are angels predestined to glory? Explain.

Whether the angels were beatified in their creation? Negative.

Whether they merited their beatitude? Distinguish.

Whether the angels received glory in the first instant of creation? Negative.

Whether the angels obtained glory immediately after the first instant? Not clear and question curious.

What precisely was the delay between the creation and glorification of the angels? Question curious, and it is learnedly unknown.

How much glory the angels attained? It is learnedly unknown.

Whether after attaining glory they can make progress? Question curious.

Whether they can progress in beatitude? Question curious.

Whether the angels are already blessed and certain of their election? Affirmative.

Whether they had beatitude immediately after one meritorious act? Question absurd and curious.

Whether they were at once wayfarers and comprehensors? Distinguish.

Their Intellect.

Whether after attaining beatitude, natural knowledge remained in them? Affirmative.

Whether the angels from the beginning of their beatitude recognized some mysteries of our salvation? Question curious.

Whether the good angels see and perfectly know God? Distinguish.

Whether they know some mysteries beyond the beatific vision? Question curious.

Whether their knowledge receives increase? Affirmative, with distinction.

Whether in them there is one or multiple kinds of knowledge? Affirmative to the posterior.

Whether the knowledge and intelligence of the good angels is more sublime and greater than that of the evil ones? Affirmative.

Whether, besides the three common types of knowledge, there is another mode peculiar to the good angels, namely supernatural? Affirmative.

Whether individual angels observe the actions of each of us individually? Negative.

Whether the superior angels understand through more universal species? Question absurd.

Will.

Whether confirmation in good takes away the free will of the good angels? Negative.

Whether the good angels now possess a more excellent liberty than they had before? Affirmative, with distinction.

Power, actions, and adjuncts.

Whether angels have dominion over evil demons, and whether their power is greater than the power of the demons? Affirmative the prior, distinguish the posterior..

Whether good angels can restore the dead to life? Negative.

What and how they can act upon other created things? Explain.

Whether and to what extent good angels act upon the souls of men, namely the intellect and will? Explain.

Whether they care for us? Affirmative.

Whether they console us? Affirmative, with distinction.

Whether and how they can exert force upon bodies, in both internal and external senses? Explain.

Whether some angels are sent into ministry, or rather whether all angels are sent to ministry?Affirmative to the posterior, contra the Pontificians.

Whether those who are sent assist? Question absurd.

Whether angels of all hierarchies are sent? Question absurd.

Whether the angels are ministers of divine justice? Affirmative.

Whether they are ever authors of apparitions and disturbances by night? Not clear, and inclined to the negative.

Whether the apparition of good angels is true? Affirmative.

For what causes do they appear in bodies? Explain.

By what ways and means do they appear? Explain.

What they do and how in assumed bodies? Explain.

Whether Christ was one of those three angels who appeared to Abraham? Affirmative.

If so, what kind of body did He assume, when He is said to have eaten? Learned ignorance and let it be discussed.

Whether each has its own name? Not clear.

Whether and how they speak? Explain.

Whether good angels disagree and dispute among themselves? Negative.

Whether they pray for us in heaven? Negative, with distinction.

Whether they themselves are to be adored by us? Negative.

On the Guardianship of Angels

Whether certain angels are appointed over individual things or kinds of things? Not clear, and question curious.

Whether the seven guardian angels are universal? Question absurd.

Whether men are guarded by angels? Affirmative.

Whether individual men, provinces, cities, etc., are each assigned to a guardian? Not clear, and inclined to the negative.

Whether every man has from birth his own good and evil angel? Negative, contra the Gentiles and the Pontificians.

Whether it is fitting for every man to have an angel as guardian? Question absurd and curious.

Whether Christ and the Blessed Virgin had [a guardian angel]? Question absurd.

Whether even the Antichrist [has one]? Question absurd.

Whether all the reprobate [had one]? Question absurd.

When does the guardianship of an angel begin around a man? Question absurd.

Whether there are twelve duties of guardians around a man? Question absurd.

Whether they grieve over the evils and rejoice over the goods of those whom they guard? Question absurd.

Whether he permits a man to fall? Question absurd.

Whether he always guards the man, even to the end of life? Question absurd.

Whether he ever entirely abandons [him]? Question absurd.

How and under what condition does he abandon the predestined? Question absurd.

Whether guardianship belongs only to the lowest order of angels? Question absurd.

What sort, and how great a cult is to be shown to this angel? Question absurd.

Whether the doctrine of the guardian angel is necessary or useful; or rather an occasion for magical and idolatrous superstition? Affirmative to the posterior.

On the Orders of Angels and the Celestial Hierarchy:Containing mostly absurd, inept, and curious questions.

Whether the inequality of angels in their natural dignity should be established?

Whether it ought to be investigated, and can be known theologically, whether angels are distinguished only by duties relative to men, or also by superiority among themselves?

Whether it can be determined as a dogma of faith that they are distinguished by degrees and offices among themselves?

Whether the theology of Lucifer, prince of the angels, from Isaiah 14 and Job 41 and Ezekiel 21 should be accepted?

Whether there are many intermediate kinds of angels, or only one proximate kind?

Whether all angels are of one hierarchy?

Whether they are distinguished into three classes or thirds?

Whether in one hierarchy there is only one order?

Whether in one order of heaven there are many angels?

Whether the distinction of hierarchies and orders is from nature?

Whether the nine choirs or orders can be proven from the Scriptures, especially from Ephesians 1 and Colossians 1?

Whether the nine orders are appropriately named?

Whether they endure after the day of judgment?

Whether there are also orders among the evil angels?

Whether the hierarchy is distinguished by offices and degrees?

Whether the first commands the second, and this the third?

Whether the highest enlightens the second and purifies and perfects it?

Whether an inferior can enlighten a superior?

Whether there are seven chief angels standing before God, from the highest hierarchy, from the order of Seraphim?

Whether a particular cult is to be shown to them?

Whether the first hierarchy does not minister?

Whether from the lowest hierarchy downward only the order of guardianship is assigned?

Whether men are assumed into the orders of angels?

Whether infants dying in grace [are assumed]?

Whether the ecclesiastical hierarchy ought to correspond in pattern with the heavenly?

Continued.

Cases concerning conversation with good angels.

What should be done so that someone may retain those faithful guardian holy angels with himself? Explain.

Whether it is pious and useful to seek conversations and visions of the holy angels? Negative.

Whence can one be certain that not only internal suggestions but also external operations are from a good or evil angel, especially since the devil can in this kind also transform himself into an angel of light? Explain.

Whether always this or that supposed angelic suggestion or communication or operation can be certainly discerned by its trace? Distinguish.

Whether it is lawful to suspend judgment or leave it undecided, when it is not clear to which side one should be inclined? Affirmative, with distinction.

Concerning evil angels.

Whether there are evil angels? Affirmative, contra Atheists, Sadducees, and the David-Jorists.

Whether the devil is an angel, and whether he is thus explicitly called in Scripture? Let it be discussed.

Whether devils were created in and with hell? Negative.

Whether devils are from Adam and his first wife, whom they call Lilith? Negative, contra the Jews.

Whether devils are bodily? Negative

.

Whether they are from the souls of the wicked? Negative.

Whether giants, by copulating with beasts, generated demons? Negative.

Whether demons are of both sexes? Negative, contra the Rabbis.

Whether fault and guilt can exist in angels? Affirmative.

What kinds of sins can be in them? Explain.

Whether any angel in the first instant of the time of his creation could be evil? Question curious.

Whether some angels are naturally evil, or whether all were created in the image of God? Negative to the prior; affirmative to the posterior.

Whether therefore they fell by their own fault? Affirmative.

How many and which ones fell? It is learnedly unknown.

Whether there was any delay between the creation and the fall of the angel and whether the angels sinned in the first instant, or later? Question curious.

Whether and how such a fall was possible? Explain, and partly not clear.

Who was the leader or instigator of the fall? Question curious.

Whether all fell together or successively? It is learnedly unknown and question curious.

Whether the sin of the first angel was the cause of others falling? Question absurd.

Whether the highest among the fallen was simply the highest among all the angels? Question absurd.

Whether from any order some apostatized? Question absurd.

Whether one angel sinned first, whom the others then followed, or whether all the wicked sinned at once? Question curious.

Whether the highest angel sinned? Question absurd.

Whether all sinned from determined malice, or some from error and lack of attention? Question curious.

Whether the sin of all was equal? Question curious.

What delay should be posited regarding the fall of the angels? Question curious.

At what time the angels fell? Not clear.

In what place that first sin was committed? Discuss. It is most probable it was in heaven.

How there was defect in the intellect when the angels sinned? Not clear and explain in part.

Whether thoughtlessness toward sin existed in the angel? Question curious.

What was the cause of thoughtlessness in the angel? It is learnedly unknown.

How the means of reason was neglected by the sinning angels? Not clear, and question curious.

Species and Object.

What was the kind of the first angelic sin — whether pride in envy, or rather a lustful love of women? The first: to be discussed. The latter: negative.

Whether the first sin was falsehood? Not clear.

Whether there was remissness and less attention to God? Not clear.

Whether the object of angelic pride was divinity in essence? Question curious.

Whether an angel could desire the absolute equality of God? Question inept and curious.

Whether an angel wished to regulate everything by himself and not have his will regulated by a superior? Not clear and question curious.

Whether the inferior angels desired the equality of God? Question absurd.

Whether the object of angelic pride was the hypostatic union? Question curious.

Whether the object was natural beatitude or supernatural beatitude? Question absurd and curious.

Whether the object was a gift or a prelation? Question inept and curious.

How was there injustice in the sinning angel? Explain.

Whether all the angels who sinned are damned? Affirmative.

Whether the angels who once sinned by their nature are inflexible, or whether the devil can no longer wish to repent? Affirmative.

Why is their sin irremissible? Explain.

Why can they not repent? Explain.

Why, grace having been given to men, not to devils? If anything beyond the mere pure good pleasure of God is asserted, it is inept and curious.

Whether the devil could perform repentance if God had granted him time and the aid of grace? Question curious.

Whether the air is the penal place of demons? Distinguish and not clear.

Whether and how, when left in the air, they are tormented by infernal fire? Question curious and absurd.

Whether the devil still desires the equality of God? It is learnedly unknown and question curious.

Whether the sin of demons was against the Holy Spirit? Question inept and absurd.

Where should those things that occur in Homer, Empedocles, and Plutarch concerning the fall of demons be placed? Explain.

Whether devils deserve a new punishment? Distinguish.

Whether they are tortured by corporal fire? Negative.

How are devils to be eternally tormented by fire? Question absurd.

On their intellect

Whether the intellect of the evil angel is entirely darkened? Distinguish.

Whether he retains in his mind natural habits and cognitions? Affirmative, with distinction.

Whether they have supernatural habits and cognitions, since they know many supernatural things? Negative.

Whether there is error, doubt, ignorance in the devil? Affirmative.

Whether deception concerning present things and oblivion concerning past things befalls him? Distinguish and let it be discussed.

Whether he knows certain things from singular revelation? Inclined to the affirmative.

Whether the devil is an atheist? Distinguish.

Whether he is ignorant of God through ignorance or depraved disposition or pure negation? Negative, with distinction.

Whether he foreknows or certainly predicts future contingencies? Negative, with distinction.

Whether the predictions of demons are to be trusted as certain? Negative.

Whether he knows the thoughts of men intuitively? Negative.

What are the causes of diabolical divination? Explain.

Whether they know all the forms and powers of natural things? Affirmative, with distinction.

On the will and affections.

Whether the will of the devil is habitually corrupted? Affirmative.

Whether he can ever have a good will? Negative.

When he acts, does he do nothing but evil? Affirmative.

Whether his will is obstinate in evil? Affirmative.

Whether God can infuse a good will into them? Question inept and curious.

If not, what is the impediment? Explain.

Whether his malice still increases? Affirmative, with distinction.

Whether his malice compared to that of men is the greatest? Affirmative.

Why, under the form of a serpent rather than another creature, did he wish to seduce Eve? Question curious and let it be discussed.

Whether anger and acedia fall upon the devil? Affirmative, with distinction.

Whether there can be pain in demons? Affirmative.

On power and actions.

Whether the power of devils is real and great? Affirmative.

Whether it is subject to the will of God and defined by its limits? Affirmative.

Whether the devil can create? Negative.

Whether he can annihilate creatures? Negative.

Whether he can destroy the world? Negative.

Whether he can invert the laws and order of the universe? Negative, with distinction.

Whether he can produce a new species? Negative.

Whether he can perform miracles? Negative.

Whether he can produce substantial creatures? Negative.

Whether he can raise the dead (for example Samuel)? Negative.

Whether he can effect local motion at a distance? Negative.

Whether he can move from terminus to terminus without passing through a medium? Negative.

Whether one can be in diverse non-contiguous places? Negative.

Whether the devil can be an instrument of human generation? Not clear but inclined to the negative.

Whether he can make a valley from a mountain, an island into a continent, and vice versa? Let it be discussed.

Whether he cannot appear in the body or species of a lamb or of a dove without manifest defect? Negative. [Rephrased positively: ”Whether he can appear in the body or species of a lamb or dove without manifest defect? Negative.”]

Whether they can perform natural, animal, and properly human actions? Negative.

Whether he can disturb the air, stir winds and storms? Affirmative, with distinction.

Whether he can substantially transform creatures? Negative, with distinction.

Whether he can produce in a patient a mobile impetus by which, being separated locally from him, it is moved to its terminus? Let it be discussed.

If he wills, can angels move him? Question inept and curious.

Whether he can make earth and water more fluid, dense, or soft? Distinguish.

Whether, concerning quantity in itself and absolutely, he can do anything? Let it be discussed.

Whether he can procure the substantial generation and corruption of the elements? Distinguish.

Whether he can appear under the species of the faithful or of living beings without dying? Affirmative.

Whether devils produce humans? Negative.

Whether they transform humans into dogs, cats, wolves? Negative.

Actions

Whether and to what extent the devil acts on the soul? Explain.

Whether it is proper to the devil to tempt? Distinguish.

Whether all sins proceed from the devil’s temptation? Negative.

Whether no evil thought is in man without the devil’s present instigation? Negative.

Whether the tempter devil, when repelled and cast back into hell, can tempt again, at least not the same man nor toward the same vice? Negative.

Whether devils receive joy and a relief of their suffering from the temptation of men? Distinguish.

Whether the temptations of devil and flesh, and again of devil and world, are mixed? Explain.

Whether there are temptations in which man is merely passive? Affirmative.

Reliqua require part. 2, sect. 2, tit. de Militia spirituali.

Whether he evokes the souls of the faithful from heaven? Negative.

Whether the souls of the impious are tormented by him in hell? Affirmative.

Whether he acts more on the whole composite, or on the soul and its faculties? Question curious.

Whether they restore from a lethal disease to health, from old age to youthful age, from mutilation of limbs to integrity? Negative.

Whether they restore from a total privation of external sense to the habitual state, from death to life? Negative.

Whether and how they transfer bodies from one place to another? Explain.

Whether he can produce other qualities besides impulsive force in bodies immediately and by local motion alone? Negative.

Whether he moves either himself or natural bodies in an instant? Negative.

Whether the devil by local motion now even acts upon Christ? Question absurd and curious & blasphemous.

Whether only on earth could he act on him so as to impede the work of redemption? Negative.

Whether from the upper part of the air they form bodies for themselves? Question inept..

What, whence, and how they assume bodies, and how they are distinguished from other bodies? Explain.

Whether bodies of animals compacted by the devil from air can be distinguished from true ones? Discuss.

Whether incubi and succubi are made in these devil bodies? Affirmative.

Whether incubi and succubi truly copulate with humans? Distinguish.

Whether from this intercourse by seed brought from elsewhere true offspring are born?

Whether they truly eat? Negative.

Whether the colors and shapes by which he appears are real or rather intentional? Distinguish.

Whether and how he penetrates into closely shut rooms when assuming bodies? Explain.

Whether the devil fascinates the eyes? Affirmative.

Whether he also fascinates the ears and other senses? Affirmative.

How he alone, or together with magicians and by magic, fascinates—whether by imagination alone, or by external sense alone, or by the disturbance of both? Explain.

Whether by the mere sight of a sorcerer, or by touch, or by voice; or by breath; or by a sign; or by observing the heavens, etc.? On these things see the title on Magic.

On Ghosts

Whether ghosts exist? Affirmative, contra the ancient and modern Sadducees, Epicureans, etc.

Whether they are all mere phantoms of men, or tricks of impostors, or natural appearances, or natural deceptions of sight or hearing, or melancholic deliriums and other assaults of the imagination? Negative.

Whether conversations with them are to be held, or disputations prolonged? Negative, with distinction.

Whether to buy or rent haunted houses, or even to leave them, if it can be done conveniently, is in itself a sin? Negative.

Whether there are men who have the faculty of seeing ghosts at night? Negative.

Whether ghosts appear above the air? Not clear, and Distinguish.

Whether they disturb and impede the actions of men? Affirmative.

Whether they wound and beat men? Affirmative.

Whether they kindle fires or produce diseases? Affirmative.

Whether they kill men? Affirmative.

Whether they seduce men to superstitions and idolatry? Affirmative.

Whether all ghosts are idols exhibited by magic? Negative.

Whether the souls of the wicked are transformed into devils? Negative contra the Gentiles.

Whether they are spirits born of Adam? Negative.

Whether Lilith, according to the Jews Adam’s wife, is the mother of demons? Negative, contra the Jews.

Whether they are the separated souls of the just? Negative.

Whether the soul of Samuel appeared to Saul? Negative.

Whether to those rooted in the faith no ghosts appear? Negative.

Why among the ancient Gentiles, the modern Indians, Icelanders, Filipinos, and Papists ghosts are so

familiarly encountered, but not in England, Scotland, the United Provinces, etc.? Explain.

Antidotes.

Whether weapons of war, animals loyal to man, a multitude of people, drive away ghosts? Negative.

Whether burying the dead beneath the hearth? Negative.

Whether uncovering the buried from their flesh? Negative.

Whether curses and execrations? Negative.

Whether playful or obscene words, sarcasm? Negative.

Whether magical superstitions, consecrated objects, certain amulets, papal exorcisms, etc.? Negative.

Whether the superstitious purifications of the Gentiles? Negative.

Whether prayers? Affirmative. Ephesians 6.12-14.

On the possessed.

Whether demons enter men, and what power they exercise in them; or whether men are given over to possession by the devil? Affirmative & explain.

Through which part do they enter? Question inept and absurd.

In which part of men do they especially fix their seat? Not clear, and let it be discussed.

Whether they are also given so that it would become evident that the truths about spiritual substances are not absurd, as the Epicureans claim? Let it be discussed, and inclined to the affirmative.

Whether natural disposition, or melancholy, is possession? Negative.

Whether the souls of the departed possess bodies? Negative.

For what purposes are bodies entered? Explain.

Whether more than one demon can enter and possess a single human body? Affirmative.

Whether it can and must be determined by what part of the body the devil enters? Negative.

Whether a certain malignant power of the moon, or the time of human nativity, is the cause of lunatic epilepsy or demonic possession? Negative.

Whether this evil can also be sent on pious and truly faithful persons? Affirmative.

Whether the devil seizes the possessed so that no use of reason remains? Distinguish.

Whether the possessed person behaves purely passively in every seizure? Negative.

Whether lunacy is a mixed or composite evil from natural and supernatural causes, or one of the two, and whether formally? Explain.

Whether atheists, deists, Sadducees, and libertines can and ought to be convinced by demonic possession theoretically and practically? Affirmative.

Whether Pelagians, too, can be convinced of original sin by the possession of infants? Affirmative.

Whether the possession by a pythonic demon is purely involuntary and violent? Negative.

By what means can voluntary be distinguished from involuntary? Explain.

Whether the diabolical rapture or enthusiasm alone, without possession, is accompanied by pain? Negative.

Whether all those seized in the very paroxysm lose all use of internal and external senses? Distinguish.

Whether the actions performed in the seizure are animal and human? Distinguish.

Whether certain and present signs of the total departure of the possessing demon can be given? Negative.

Whether a demon inhabits the body according to essence? Affirmative.

Whether a demon usurps power over the soul? Distinguish.

Whether he falls into the soul or operates within it? Negative.

Whether he experiences joy and relief from punishments upon dispossession? Distinguish.

Whether there are demons of different orders who possess? Question absurd.

Practical Moral Problems

Whether all the speeches and actions of the possessed, formally performed by him, are to be imputed as sins? Negative.

What if internal raptures and diabolical enthusiasm are added? Affirmative, with distinction.

Which spiritual remedies are to be applied to this evil, and which not? Explain.

Whether Satan is to be cast out in the name of Jesus, and whether he is to be driven off and miserably afflicted by the sign of the cross? Negative.

Whether the formed figure of certain things can be bound, captured, or proscribed? Negative.

Whether by the use of sacred relics, consecrated objects, exorcisms, denunciations, etc.? Negative.

Whether it should be repelled by the powers of natural things? Negative.

Whether magicians can compel demons? Negative.

Whether by some virtue demons can be cast out? Affirmative, with distinction.

Whether those who yawn hold correctly in their mouth the words O Lord, O Lord, according to ancient custom? Negative.

Whether that universal method of the exorcists in the papacy—by which, first of all, adjuring the devil, they ask from him what was the special sin for which he entered a man—is to be approved? Negative.

Whether the rods of the possessed should be yielded, subjected to smoke, or at least their threats employed? Negative.

Whether it is permitted for others to approach the possessed for the sake of observing? Distinguish.

Whether it is permitted to question the besieging devil in order to learn something from him, whether by way of supplication, or by way of command, or by way of familiar conversation? Negative.

Whether one must answer everything that is said, or rather remain simply silent? Affirmative to the posterior, with distinction.

Whether the actions of the possessed—for example to leap upon men, wound them, and attack the truth of religion—are human actions and consequently morally good or bad? Distinguish.

Practical ascetical problems.

Whether it is permitted to ask God for this evil? Negative.

With what pain will the possessed one deplore the curses or deeds done in the seizure? Explain.

Whether it is expedient, as soon as the seizure ceases, for the possessed to recount all the absurd, ridiculous, blasphemous, terrible, harmful, and sad things that the devil marked out in the body or through his limbs during the paroxysm? Negative.

Whether during the seizure it is fitting to read the word of God, as some customarily do with loud voice, as if to intimidate the devil? Negative, with distinction.

Whether one should strive by prayers while the devil rages in the afflicted? Affirmative.

Whether reproaches, dire threats, denunciations, and imprecations should be hurled at the raging demon? Negative.

Ecclesiastical.

Whether the possessed should be brought into temples? Negative.

Whether they are to be admitted to the supper? Distinguish.

Whether an adult prepared before the seizure and offering himself for baptism is to be baptized in the seizure itself, since death seems imminent? Negative.

Whether they are to be promoted to sacred orders or ecclesiastical ministries? Negative.

Whether baptism or the Lord’s Supper is to be conferred on the possessed, so that by the virtue of that sacrament they may be defended against the incursion of demons or be purified? Negative.

Political.

Whether the fictions of this evil serve to palliate illicit begging or some other end, and whether these are to be coerced by the magistrate? Affirmative.

Whether such tortures, of the same kind and amount as are truly imposed on the possessed in order that they may be freed from the devil, are to be imposed on simulators or deceivers? Negative.

Whether an exorcist (whether of the ecclesiastical order, or of the extraordinary gift, or under the pretext of both selling that art) is to be tolerated in the republic? Negative.

Whether ordinary papal exorcists are to be coerced by the magistrate, notwithstanding that they protest they do this out of the persuasion of their religion and for its good and propagation? Affirmative.

Whether it is permitted to allow someone to compel a person suspected of possession by scourging and to bless him by exorcism? Negative.

Whether, if a wife is made demoniac, dissolution of the marriage should be granted to the husband? Negative, with distinction.

Whether the possessed may perform public offices? Distinguish.

Whether one should lead the possessed into solitude and have them confined to certain places; or rather should promiscuous access to places with people be permitted to them? Distinguish.

Whether they can serve as witnesses, draw up wills, enter into contracts, and undertake guardianships? Distinguish.

Medico‐Theological.

Whether one ought to judge concerning the possessed and evil diseases? Explain & distinguish.

Whether diseases of witchcraft are naturally incurable, or are they symptoms of possession? Distinguish.

Whether possession‐diseases and witchcraft‐diseases differ in kind from their natural counterparts, without a possession intervening or a curse afflicting the body? Negative.

Whether possession‐diseases and demonic maladies differ in kind from other diabolical afflictions, and likewise from witchcraft diseases—for example, wasting (tabes) from ordinary wasting, contusion from ordinary bruising, etc.? Negative.

Whether possession and witchcraft evils are to be ascribed solely to the natural constitution of the body, and accordingly whether health can be restored by the mere expurgation of the noxious humor and correction of the temperament? Negative.

What are the symptoms of those diseases which devils most commonly inflict rather than others? Discuss.

Whether all those diseases are to be cured by the same method? Negative.

What are the most excellent antidotes, especially purgative, anodyne, and strengthening? Left to the physicians to discuss.

Textual.

What concerning the evil spirit of Saul and the music of David? Explain.

What concerning the lunatic in Matthew 17 and Mark 5? Explain.

What concerning the spirit of infirmity which the devil had bound to the woman Luke 13? Explain.

Whether from Psalm 78:49 one can certainly prove that diseases are sent by demons? Distinguish.

Whether Sirach 27:13 alludes to lunatics? Negative.

​​Historical.

Whether and why in Judea more were demonized at the time of Christ, and more among the Gentiles at the first propagation of the Gospel by the Apostles and their disciples and successors, than before and after? Discuss and explain.

Whether the ancient Church always and everywhere excluded the possessed from the communion of the Eucharist and ecclesiastical prayers? Negative.

Whether the said Sibyls were possessed? Discuss.

Whether epilepsy and maniacal deliriums, or the diabolical enthusiasms of Mohammed, were possessions? Discuss.

From ecclesiastical novelties, historical.

Whether diabolical enthusiasm cannot equally be ascribed to Francis of Assisi and the Anabaptist prophets of Münster as to Mohammed? Discuss.

Whether today there are more possessed among the Gentiles than among Christians, and again among the papists than among the orthodox? Affirmative.

Whether the enthusiasm of some Johanna of Lorraine is to be attributed? See below, treatise on signs, title on miracles.

What concerning Luther’s attempted exorcism is to be determined, which the Papists so unhappily claim failed? Fables.

What is to be judged of the histories of the indications which the demons of Louvain gave to all the possessed on the day they set out for Luther’s funeral? Fables.

On the partitions and orders of demons.

Whether there are orders among demons? Affirmative, with distinction.

How the orders and degrees of demons are constituted? Not clear.

Whether there is precedence among them? Affirmative.

Whether one demon illuminates another? Question absurd.

Whether they are distributed into orders according to hierarchies, that is, into three classes each consisting of three orders? Question absurd and curious.

Whether some are inferior to others according to their kind? Negative.

Whether they are distinguished into the masculine and feminine sexes? Negative.

Whether a distinction between harmful and harmless is to be admitted? Negative, contra the Magi.

Whether into celestial and elemental? Negative.

Whether into sly and foolish? Negative.

Whether into bad and worse? Affirmative.

Whether according to provinces, men, vices, and tasks over which they preside? Not clear.

Whether the division of demons into ruling and obedient is partly by divine institution, partly by their own nature, partly by their own choice of will? Not clear.

Whether the delegation of demons to attack men is made by God ordaining or by some commanding prince? Distinguish both.

In what order did the satanic prince assign offices to his satellites? Question absurd and curious.

How do the inferior willingly obey the superior, since they are extremely proud? Question absurd.

Whether any charity follows mutual agreement in evil? Negative.

Whether individual demons are distinguished by peculiar names, and what those are? It is learnedly unknown.

What of the Jews’ Asmodeus and Samael? Are they fables and occasions for magical superstitions?

What do Beelzebub, Belial, the devil in Matthew 25, Satan signify, and are these proper names? Explain.

Cases and counsels concerning the nature, qualities, and operations of evil angels.

What should be done lest we be deceived by diabolical miracles? Explain.

What should be done when devils, in assumed visible form, converse with us? Explain.

What are the chief pursuits and works of the devil by which we can recognize his presence when his visible form does not appear? Explain.

What should the pious man do so that he suffer no harm from these studies of the devil? Explain.

Compare with these the Pneumatological questions and the many others found in the commonplaces on Magic, Exorcism, Superstition, Blessings, Miracles, Prophecy, etc.