The Ghosts

learned, believed in that frightful production of ignorance, fear, and faith, called witchcraft. They believed that man was the sport and prey of devils. They really thought that the very air was thick with these enemies of man. With few exceptions, this hideous and infamous belief was universal. Under these conditions, progress was almost impossible.

Fear paralyzes the brain. Progress is born of courage. Fear believes--courage doubts. Fear falls upon the earth and prays--courage stands erect and thinks. Fear retreats--courage advances. Fear is barbarism--courage is civilization. Fear believes in witchcraft, in devils and in ghosts. Fear is religion--courage is science.

The facts, upon which this terrible belief rested, were proved over and oyer again in every court of Europe. Thousands confessed themselves guilty--admitted that they had sold themselves to the devil. They gave the particulars of the sale; told what they said and what the devil replied. They confessed this, when they knew that co