Page:A Key to the Lock. Or, A Treatise Proving, Beyond All Contradiction, the Dangerous Tendency of a Late Poem, Entituled, The Rape of the Lock, to Government and Religion - Pope (1715).djvu/33

Piece of Popish Superstition that hath been endeavoured to be exploded ever since the Reformation, he would here revive under this Disguise. Here are all the Particulars which they believe of those Beings, which I shall sum up in a few Heads.

 

1st. The Spirits are made to concern themselves with all human Acts in general.

2dly. A distinct Guardian Spirit or Patron is assigned to each Person in particular.

Of these am I, who thy Protection claim,
A watchful Sprite———

3dly. They are made directly to inspire Dreams, Visions, and Revelations.

Her Guardian Sylph prolong'd her balmy Rest,
'Twas he had summon'd to her silent Bed
The Morning Dream———

4thly. They are made to be subordinate, in different Degrees, some presiding over others. So Ariel hath his several Under-Officers at Command.

Superior by the Head was Ariel plac'd.

5thly. They are employed in various Offices, and each hath his Office assigned him.Some