Exorcism

[RobertAC]

It isn't a subject that comes up much, in my experience. My only personal experienced with something like it was in high school. One of my friends was tormented by the menacing spirit of his grandfather, who had murdered his grandmother in his presence years before.

As he was talking about the incident, I felt a cold chill in the room. Mike said, "He is here." I was a bit scared to tell the truth, but I told Mike to rebuke the spirit by the authority of the priesthood he held and in the name of Jesus Christ. Mike did so. Immediately, I felt the coldness leave the room.

I believe Joseph Smith wrote about an increase in demonic possessions and false spirits appearing among the saints around the time the Kirtland temple was being built. I don't remember the source for that. Maybe someone has a better recollection than I do.

Interesting! You know, situations like Mike experienced occur more often that people can imagine. Are they dealing with a ghost? A demon? Their own imaginations? I cannot tell, but it is astounding how similar these incidents are, and how they seem to respond to the power of faith.

[Thunderfire]

Is there a specific rite? Have you or anyone you know been involved in an exorcism?

I have a little experience with this (enough to speak about it and know how the Lord has led me through a few encounters). First an example and then some comments.

One night the Lord took me in the "night visions", showing me how a specific place had evil bound to it by the actions of someone. In the vision, the earth was literally calling out to me for deliverance from the evil one. It literally woke me up, causing me great anxiety. A couple hours later my phone rang. A prophet began telling me the dream in great detail (needless to say, this really got my attention) and said that I would get a call from someone and needed to respond. A few minutes later the phone rang again. A man was distraught and asked for my help.

I had never been to his place, but getting directions I went only to discover it was the EXACT place I was shown in the dream! I knew exactly what to do having been shown in the dream and through to prophets confirmation. There really wasn't a ritual to perform, rather very specific prayers were to be prayed which I offered.

I also know of a team of individuals who "specialize" in deliverance ministry. The first will go to the home or individual in need. The second will stay far away (sometimes a thousand miles away), having no clue where the other went. Once there, the first will call the second and ask what the Lord is showing them. After prayer, the second will begin telling the first (in great detail) where they are at and what they need to look for and then do. As example, the second will explain in great detail the layout of the house, even the items in the house, what was done in the house, and what they must do (having never been there or even know where the first one is at).

Deliverance ministry is more real than many imagine and it is nothing to dabble with. You must be prepared because we see in Acts 19 with the "Seven Sons of Skeva" what happens when you are not prepared!

I found that rituals often cause the deliverance minister to treat every encounter as being the same. Each encounter is unique and different. My counsel is never attempt to do this unless the Lord first asked you to do it and showed you what needs to be done. It is possible to bring this attack upon yourself and make a bad situation even worse. Just my thoughts...

[MormonMason]

I have difficulty believing such a story with this as its header.

This specific story has several "tells" that to me sound like an urban legend. Not to criticize MM personally. But the story just doesn't sound right.

I witnessed it happen with my own eyes. It happened as God lives. The person whom I know, however, doesn't want to be identified. Got a problem with that?

[Damien the Leper]

I've heard of using the Key of Solomon to trap the demon so that an exorcism could be performed to expell the demon from the meat sack (host) it posesses. I used to have the exorcism incantation as my signature.

[Carborendum]

I witnessed it happen with my own eyes. It happened as God lives. The person whom I know, however, doesn't want to be identified. Got a problem with that?

What's with the attitude?

I cannot deny your eyewitness testimony. I stated earlier that I was open to correction by you the author of that post. I consider myself corrected.

I did not have any attitude when Stargazer called me on my other post. I got up off my duff and gave him the link that I was too lazy to get earlier. Why do you feel the need to make it a problem now?

[rpn]

deleted

Edited September 21, 2012 by rpn

[SamIam]

I've heard of using the Key of Solomonto trap the demon so that an exorcism could be performed to expell the demon from the meat sack (host) it posesses. I used to have the exorcism incantation as my signature.

I remember looking up your signature message some while back - it was oddly fascinating, begging more questions than answers.

[SamIam]

No, this isn't me mischaracterizing anything she's said or done. I can't go into the full detail. But I feel like there isn't much I can do from several states away. So, I talk to her. I try to expose her to the Spirit of God as much as I can.

Just for reference, there is no limitation because of distance in this situation. Based on your story there may be other factors to consider but distance is definitely not one of them.

[inquiringmind]

As they were about to go downstairs the junior companion was lifted off the floor a few inches, turned 180 degrees, and was dropped back onto the floor. Totally freaked the junior companion out and he did not want to go downstairs (do you blame him?).

No, I wouldn't blame him.

Did you actually see the levitation?

Edited May 30, 2013 by inquiringmind

[thesometimesaint]

I know that the LDS church accepts demonic position (it would be hard for any church that accepts the NT to not), but I was wondering what role exorcism has in the LDS church today. Is there a specific rite? Have you or anyone you know been involved in an exorcism?

While exorcisms in the Catholic Church were much more common in the past, they still continue today. Here is an excellent book that reports on multiple contemporary exorcisms as well as providing the theological framework with which to understand them: Hostage to the Devil.

Yes we do exorcisms. It is a Priesthood Rite, but nothing like you'd see coming out of Hollywood. We really don't talk about it publicly.

[ERayR]

Would this be the same type of blessing one would receive if one were sick, with an anointing? Or is it a more simpler laying-on-of-hands blessing? Are there any guidelines for what to say or do?

It would be very similar to an anointing and blessing for healing. It most definitely would include the invoking of the Priesthood authority and power and a blessing.

[inquiringmind]

Yes we do exorcisms. It is a Priesthood Rite, but nothing like you'd see coming out of Hollywood. We really don't talk about it publicly.

How do LDS understand these scriptures?

And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils. And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house. (Mark 3:22-27.)

And

And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. (Mark 9:38-39.)

And what do you make of this?

Johann Joseph Gassner

A celebrated exorcist; b. 22 Aug., 1727, at Braz, Vorarlberg, Austria; d. 4 April, 1779, at Pondorf, on the Danube (Diocese of Ratisbon); studied at Prague and Innsbruck; ordained priest, 1750, and after serving various missions, became parish priest and dean of Pondorf May, 1776. A few years after his appointment to Klosterle in the Diocese of Chur, Switzerland (1758), his health began to fall, so that he was scarcely able to fulfil the duties of his ministry; he consulted various physicians in vain; suddenly he conceived the idea that his infirmities might be due to the influence of the evil spirit and might be cured by spiritual means. His experiment was successful. He applied this method also to others and soon thousands came to him to be healed. The fame of these cures spread far and wide; he was invited to the Diocese of Constance, to Ellwangen, Ratisbon, and other places; everywhere he had the same success.

He was convinced that the evil spirit could harm the body as well as the soul; and hence that some infirmities were not the result of natural agencies, but were caused by the Devil. Only cases of the latter kind were taken up; he applied the exorcisms of the Church, and commanded the evil one to depart from the afflicted, in the name of the Lord Jesus. To find out whether the disease was caused naturally or not, he applied the "probative exorcism", i.e. he commanded the spirit to indicate by some sign has presence in the body. And only then he made use of the "expulsive exorcism". His proceedings were not secret; anyone of good standing, Catholic or Protestant, was admitted. People of all classes, nobles, ecclesiastics, physicians, and others often gathered around him to see the marvels they had heard of. Official records were made, competent witnesses testified to the extraordinary happenings. The character of the work made many enemies for him, but also many stanch friends and supporters. One of his bitterest opponents was the rationalistic professor Johannes Semler of Halle. Also the physician Mesmer pretended that the cures were performed by the animal magnetism of his invention, but he was afraid of confronting Gassner. Among his friends were the Calvinistic minister, Lavater of Zurich, and especially Count Fugger, the Prince-Bishhop of Ratisbon.

Official investigations were made by the ecclesiastical authorities; and all were favourable to Gassner, except that they recommended more privacy and decorum. The University of Ingolstadt appointed a commission, and so did the Imperial Government; they ended with the approval of Gassner's procedure. In fact, he never departed from the Church's teaching or instructions concerning exorcism, and always disclaimed the name of wonder-worker. He was an exemplary priest, full of faith and zeal, and altogether unselfish in his works of mercy.

http://www.newadvent...then/06392b.htm

As they were about to go downstairs the junior companion was lifted off the floor a few inches, turned 180 degrees, and was dropped back onto the floor. Totally freaked the junior companion out and he did not want to go downstairs (do you blame him?).

No, I wouldn't blame him.

Did you actually see the levitation?

Edited May 30, 2013 by inquiringmind

[Calm]

No, I wouldn't blame him.

Did you actually see the levitation?

MM hasn't posted since yesterday so he likely hasn't seen the post yet, be patient. His last post...

[inquiringmind]

MM hasn't posted since yesterday so he likely hasn't seen the post yet, be patient. His last post...

Most of what I asked in that last post was addressed to all of you.

I just reposted that last question (to MM) because I didn't want it to get burried.

Thank you.

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

I know that the LDS church accepts demonic position (it would be hard for any church that accepts the NT to not), but I was wondering what role exorcism has in the LDS church today. Is there a specific rite? Have you or anyone you know been involved in an exorcism?

While exorcisms in the Catholic Church were much more common in the past, they still continue today. Here is an excellent book that reports on multiple contemporary exorcisms as well as providing the theological framework with which to understand them: Hostage to the Devil.

We do not perform them and do not believe such things happen today to my knowledge. As Joseph taught "Satan has no power over except that which we give him"...Christ freed us from be "acting upon" we are all free to "act for ourselves". I do not fear Satan, I hate and pity him at the same time... Edited May 31, 2013 by Bill “Papa” Lee

[inquiringmind]

We do not perform them and do not believe such things happen today to my knowledge. As Joseph taught "Satan has no power over except that which we give him"...Christ freed us from be "acting upon" we are all free to "act for ourselves". I do not fear Satan, I hate and pity him at the same time...

Are you saying that Joseph Smith never performed any exorcisms?

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

Are you saying that Joseph Smith never performed any exorcisms?

I have no idea, I have read about 10 books about him and even more in Church history, as well as watched the Joseph Smith series put on by BYU, with Susan Black, Truman Madson and many more experts concerning his life and never read or heard of one. If he did and you know it you could just say it, instead on putting me on the spot. If you are just asking, forgive my comment. Also Bruce R wrote about it in Mormon Doctrine and had a very low opinion of the practice...and he never spoke against Joseph in his whole life. In fact he thought that if Joseph had said trees had spirits he would have said so...he viewed Joseph as flawless...serious hero worship, but keep in mind his Father-in-law was Joseph F Smith, nephew of Joseph Smith, or Joseph Fielding Smith, great nephew, can't remember with, Probably Joseph Fielding sine one of his boys had Fielding in his name. Edited May 31, 2013 by Bill “Papa” Lee

[inquiringmind]

I have no idea, I have read about 10 books about him and even more in Church history, as well as watched the Joseph Smith series put on by BYU, with Susan Black, Truman Madson and many more experts concerning his life and never read or heard of one. If he did and you know it you could just say it, instead on putting me on the spot. If you are just asking, forgive my comment. Also Bruce R wrote about it in Mormon Doctrine and had a very low opinion of the practice...and he never spoke against Joseph in his whole life. In fact he thought that if Joseph had said trees had spirits he would have said so...he viewed Joseph as flawless...serious hero worship, but keep in mind his Father-in-law was Joseph F Smith, nephew of Joseph Smith, or Joseph Fielding Smith, great nephew, can't remember with, Probably Joseph Fielding sine one of his boys had Fielding in his name.

You never herd of the June 1831 General Conferance?

I think Bushman wrote about it in "Rough Stone Rolling," and I think Joseph is reported to have performed more than one exorcism (one on Harvey Whitlock) at that meeting.

[SamIam]

We do not perform them and do not believe such things happen today to my knowledge. As Joseph taught "Satan has no power over except that which we give him"...Christ freed us from be "acting upon" we are all free to "act for ourselves". I do not fear Satan, I hate and pity him at the same time...

We do perform them and these things do happen frequently in this day and age. We don't call them exorcisms and they are not the long involved rite of some other religions The first Miracle in the Church is when Joseph cast Satan out of Newel K. Knight. Use his link and scroll down to chapter 2.

http://www.boap.org/...ts/NKnight.html

When England was first opened at Preston England one of the most dramatic ever described:can be found at this link:

http://ldsbritain.bl...nic-attack.html

There are dozens of other stories.

Many missionaries who have served in Brazil and Argentina will sometimes have experiences - some very dramatic. I know of several MTC stories and Enzio Busch In his book Yearning for the Living God relates an experience he had while teaching missionaries in the mission field that is profound and remarkable for the inspired approach he took in dealing with the problem...

Edited May 31, 2013 by SamIam

[inquiringmind]

So how do LDS understand these scriptures?

And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils. And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house. (Mark 3:22-27.)

And

And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. (Mark 9:38-39.)

And what do you make of this?

Johann Joseph Gassner

A celebrated exorcist; b. 22 Aug., 1727, at Braz, Vorarlberg, Austria; d. 4 April, 1779, at Pondorf, on the Danube (Diocese of Ratisbon); studied at Prague and Innsbruck; ordained priest, 1750, and after serving various missions, became parish priest and dean of Pondorf May, 1776. A few years after his appointment to Klosterle in the Diocese of Chur, Switzerland (1758), his health began to fall, so that he was scarcely able to fulfil the duties of his ministry; he consulted various physicians in vain; suddenly he conceived the idea that his infirmities might be due to the influence of the evil spirit and might be cured by spiritual means. His experiment was successful. He applied this method also to others and soon thousands came to him to be healed. The fame of these cures spread far and wide; he was invited to the Diocese of Constance, to Ellwangen, Ratisbon, and other places; everywhere he had the same success.

He was convinced that the evil spirit could harm the body as well as the soul; and hence that some infirmities were not the result of natural agencies, but were caused by the Devil. Only cases of the latter kind were taken up; he applied the exorcisms of the Church, and commanded the evil one to depart from the afflicted, in the name of the Lord Jesus. To find out whether the disease was caused naturally or not, he applied the "probative exorcism", i.e. he commanded the spirit to indicate by some sign has presence in the body. And only then he made use of the "expulsive exorcism". His proceedings were not secret; anyone of good standing, Catholic or Protestant, was admitted. People of all classes, nobles, ecclesiastics, physicians, and others often gathered around him to see the marvels they had heard of. Official records were made, competent witnesses testified to the extraordinary happenings. The character of the work made many enemies for him, but also many stanch friends and supporters. One of his bitterest opponents was the rationalistic professor Johannes Semler of Halle. Also the physician Mesmer pretended that the cures were performed by the animal magnetism of his invention, but he was afraid of confronting Gassner. Among his friends were the Calvinistic minister, Lavater of Zurich, and especially Count Fugger, the Prince-Bishhop of Ratisbon.

Official investigations were made by the ecclesiastical authorities; and all were favourable to Gassner, except that they recommended more privacy and decorum. The University of Ingolstadt appointed a commission, and so did the Imperial Government; they ended with the approval of Gassner's procedure. In fact, he never departed from the Church's teaching or instructions concerning exorcism, and always disclaimed the name of wonder-worker. He was an exemplary priest, full of faith and zeal, and altogether unselfish in his works of mercy.

http://www.newadvent...then/06392b.htm

As they were about to go downstairs the junior companion was lifted off the floor a few inches, turned 180 degrees, and was dropped back onto the floor. Totally freaked the junior companion out and he did not want to go downstairs (do you blame him?).

No, I wouldn't blame him.

Especially if he were actually lifted off his feet.

I think that would shake anyone up.

Did you actually see the levitation?

Edited May 31, 2013 by inquiringmind

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

We do perform them and these things do happen frequently in this day and age. The first Miracle in the Church is when Joseph cast Satan out of Newel K. Knight. Use his link and scroll down to chapter 2.

http://www.boap.org/...ts/NKnight.html

When England was first opened at Preston England one of the most dramatic ever described:can be found at this link:

http://ldsbritain.bl...nic-attack.html

There are dozens of other stories.

Many missionaries who have served in Brazil and Argentina will sometimes have experiences - some very dramatic. I know of several MTC stories and Enzio Busch In his book Yearning for the Living God relates an experience he had while teaching missionaries in the mission field that is profound and remarkable for the inspired approach he took in dealing with the problem...

Over the years I have found many Melchizedek Priesthood Holders that have had experience with possessions and lacking understanding did not know how to deal with it or even recognize what was occurring. There is a pattern to how demons attempt a forced possession and when they are cast out how they depart the body of one possessed. Thus far the description has never deviated when I have been present.

When I was at a Bishops Council many years ago our stake president educated us on being aware and casting him from us, sometimes multiple times per day if required.

I can go on and on but will leave it at this.

I know there was much demonic activity during the restoration...odd that Elders need to bless people in large Catholic Countries, but they are raised on this....it is the stuff of legend. Other than a few problems that you note with Joseph, I am guessing much of that was because the Church was new and many still believed in such things. Elders should be giving just blessing to disturbed people, I know our handbooks for leadership do not have the right...now to bless a home filled with evil yes, but nothing like the movies. So the other poster was putting me on the spot, I guess he or she could not just say it...what do people needed got ya moments?

[inquiringmind]

I know there was much demonic activity during the restoration

Then why did you write

As Joseph taught "Satan has no power over except that which we give him"...Christ freed us from be "acting upon" we are all free to "act for ourselves"

And what do you mean when you now write

Other than a few problems that you note with Joseph, I am guessing much of that was because the Church was new and many still believed in such things.

Are you saying that Joseph didn't believe in such things, or that they weren't real?

And when he appeared to cast a demon out of Harvy Whitlock or John Murdock it wasn't really happening?

So the other poster was putting me on the spot, I guess he or she could not just say it...what do people needed got ya moments?

I wasn't playing got ya, I was giving you the opportunity to clarify what you were saying (and I don't think you used that opportunity very well here.)

Are you saying that Joseph never performed any real exorcisms?

Edited May 31, 2013 by inquiringmind

[morjam401]

I always read d&c 50:30-33 as refering to casting out devils?

30 But know this, it shall be given you what you shall ^aask; and as ye are appointed to the ^bhead, the spirits shall be subject unto you.

31 Wherefore, it shall come to pass, that if you behold a ^aspirit manifested that you cannot understand, and you receive not that spirit, ye shall ask of the Father in the name of Jesus; and if he give not unto you that spirit, then you may know that it is not of God.

32 And it shall be given unto you, ^apower over that spirit; and you shall proclaim against that spirit with a loud voice that it is ^bnot of God—

33 Not with ^arailing accusation, that ye be not overcome, neither with ^bboasting nor rejoicing, lest you be seized therewith.

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

Then why did you write

And what do you mean when you now write

Are you saying that Joseph didn't believe in such things, or that they weren't real?

And when he appeared to cast a demon out of Harvy Whitlock or John Murdock it wasn't really happening?

I wasn't playing got ya, I was giving you the opportunity to clarify what you were saying (and I don't think you used that opportunity very well here.)

Are you saying that Joseph never performed any real exorcisms?

Well I wrote a very long post, but what is the point ( the IPAD died) and I seem to have no creditablity with you. The first post was based on Joseph's quote, the second based on information I learned. But I am not trying to lie or deceive as you think. You may put me on ignore if you like. But I am not playing this game anymore via your threads and questions which you know the answer too, and just looking for the Mormons to lie. I know this is not your thread, but it is your MO. So no more "got ya" for me, I don't what need it. Have a good day, I will try I am 56 today. I am not angry, just just tired of playing games with those who just want to expose what they view as our flaws and lies.

I am man enough to admit when I am wrong...happens all the time, so whateven emotion you wanted to invoke, I am fine in my own skin. Well sometimes

Edited May 31, 2013 by Bill “Papa” Lee

[inquiringmind]

The first post was based on Joseph's quote

Yes, and taken out of context and inserted into this discussion here, it gave the false impression that Joseph didn't believe in demonic possession, and that neither he or the early latter day saints believed any exorcisms were needed in their days.

You also seemed to imply that Christ put a total end to all demonic possession two thousand years ago.

Any such view is contrary to Catholic, Protestant, and Mormon doctrine, and I simply asked you to clarify yourself.

Well I wrote a very long post, but what is the (the IPAD died) and I seem to have no creditablity with you. The first post was based on Joseph's quote, the second based on information I learned. But I am trying to lie or deceive as you think. You may put me on ignore if you like. But I am not playing this game anymore

I'm not playing any games with you, and I didn't think you were trying to lie or deceive.

I thought you ignored my question, were perhaps trying to bury it, and were simply ignorant of the events that reportedly surrounded the June 1831 conference.

So no more "got ya" for me, I don't what need it fills. Have a good day, I will try I am 56 today. I am not angry, just just tired of playing game

You sound angry to me.

I turned 54 last month, and I'm sorry if I offended you, but there was nothing personal in asking you to clarify your comments, and I'm not playing any games here.

Anyway, before you jumped in and said Mormons didn't believe in demonic possession, I asked everyone a question that relates to another topic heading someone else started here (having to do with whether the LDS Church is the only true church, and what that means.)

Here is my question.

So how do LDS understand these scriptures?

And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils. And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house. (Mark 3:22-27.)

And

And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. (Mark 9:38-39.)

And what do you make of this?

Johann Joseph Gassner

A celebrated exorcist; b. 22 Aug., 1727, at Braz, Vorarlberg, Austria; d. 4 April, 1779, at Pondorf, on the Danube (Diocese of Ratisbon); studied at Prague and Innsbruck; ordained priest, 1750, and after serving various missions, became parish priest and dean of Pondorf May, 1776. A few years after his appointment to Klosterle in the Diocese of Chur, Switzerland (1758), his health began to fall, so that he was scarcely able to fulfil the duties of his ministry; he consulted various physicians in vain; suddenly he conceived the idea that his infirmities might be due to the influence of the evil spirit and might be cured by spiritual means. His experiment was successful. He applied this method also to others and soon thousands came to him to be healed. The fame of these cures spread far and wide; he was invited to the Diocese of Constance, to Ellwangen, Ratisbon, and other places; everywhere he had the same success.

He was convinced that the evil spirit could harm the body as well as the soul; and hence that some infirmities were not the result of natural agencies, but were caused by the Devil. Only cases of the latter kind were taken up; he applied the exorcisms of the Church, and commanded the evil one to depart from the afflicted, in the name of the Lord Jesus. To find out whether the disease was caused naturally or not, he applied the "probative exorcism", i.e. he commanded the spirit to indicate by some sign has presence in the body. And only then he made use of the "expulsive exorcism". His proceedings were not secret; anyone of good standing, Catholic or Protestant, was admitted. People of all classes, nobles, ecclesiastics, physicians, and others often gathered around him to see the marvels they had heard of. Official records were made, competent witnesses testified to the extraordinary happenings. The character of the work made many enemies for him, but also many stanch friends and supporters. One of his bitterest opponents was the rationalistic professor Johannes Semler of Halle. Also the physician Mesmer pretended that the cures were performed by the animal magnetism of his invention, but he was afraid of confronting Gassner. Among his friends were the Calvinistic minister, Lavater of Zurich, and especially Count Fugger, the Prince-Bishhop of Ratisbon.

Official investigations were made by the ecclesiastical authorities; and all were favourable to Gassner, except that they recommended more privacy and decorum. The University of Ingolstadt appointed a commission, and so did the Imperial Government; they ended with the approval of Gassner's procedure. In fact, he never departed from the Church's teaching or instructions concerning exorcism, and always disclaimed the name of wonder-worker. He was an exemplary priest, full of faith and zeal, and altogether unselfish in his works of mercy.

http://www.newadvent...then/06392b.htm

Edited May 31, 2013 by inquiringmind