Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 2.djvu/310

258 Now, the force of these objections, seems to consist in the different acceptation of the word, spirit; which, if it be understood for a supernatural assistance, approaching from without, the objectors have reason, and their assertions may be allowed; but the spirit we treat of here, proceeding entirely from within, the argument of these adversaries is wholly eluded. And upon the same account, our modern artificers, find it an expedient of absolute necessity, to cover their heads as close as they can, in order to prevent perspiration; than which, nothing is observed to be a greater spender of mechanick light, as we may perhaps farther show in a convenient place.

To proceed therefore upon the phenomenon of spiritual mechanism, it is here to be noted, that in forming and working up the spirit, the assembly has a considerable share, as well as the preacher. The method of this arcanum is as follows; they violently strain their eye-balls inward, half closing the lids; then, as they sit, they are in a perpetual motion of seesaw, making long hums at proper periods, and continuing the sound at equal height, choosing their time in those intermissions, while the preacher is at ebb. Neither is this practice, in any part of it, so singular and improbable, as not to be traced in distant regions, from reading and observation. For, first, the Jauguis, or enlightened saints of India, see all their visions, by help of an acquired straining and pressure of the eyes. Secondly, the