[178] Mortimer's Dictionary, in voce _Sacred_. [179] Mortimer's Dictionary. HIS CATHOLIC MAJESTY. (SPAIN.) About the year 1493, Pope Alexander VI. gave to Ferdinand, King of Spain, the Title of _Catholick King_, in memory and acknowledgment of the many Victories he had obtained over the Moors[180]. [180] Platina. ON THE VIRTUES OF The Royal Touch. KINGS OF ENGLAND. As the following subject, which has exercised the faith and incredulity of mankind for so many ages, comes before me in the light of a religious ceremonial, I shall not attempt to defend or depreciate the validity of this gift; though it may be necessary to observe some circumstances as they occur, which may point different ways. Well-attested instances of the effect of this power of healing may be produced; though other examples are too ludicrous and futile to attract serious attention. We may, however, in these enlightened and unsuperstitious times, speak freely on a subject, which for many years, I may say centuries, absorbed the faith of whole Nations; _viz._ the Cure of the King's Evil by the Royal Touch. As Mr. Addison, in the quality of The Spectator, professed a modest veneration for a couple of sticks, if concealed under petticoats; so am I loyally and religiously induced to "honour the King," as a part of our excellent Constitution: but why Kings should have in themselves a preternatural gift above other men, by healing the most stubborn of all diseases, exceeds my comprehension. Every body is, at this time, I dare believe, of the same opinion; and this foolish affectation of a divine inherent power has wisely been laid aside, ever since the accession of the House of Hanover. If Kings really possessed such an uncommon, such a wonderful gift, why has it been taken away? The same legal rights remain in the Royal Person now that have adhered to it for ages--while this Divine Prerogative has fallen away; or rather let us say, that the incredulity of the world has increased. The cases brought forward by the advocates for this Gift are exceedingly strong and well attested; but yet there is something so palpably absurd in the mere supposition, that the evidence, when brought forward, will be found to destroy itself on a cross-examination. As to the subject, and all its wonderful consequences, I have just as much faith as I have in the two following circumstances: Lord Bolingbroke tells us, from Bodin, Amyot, and other writers, that Ferdinand King of Spain, and Alphonsus King of Naples, were cured of desperate distempers by reading Livy and Quintus Curtius[181]. Again, there was such astonishing virtue in Quintus Curtius, that we are further told, Alphonsus IX. King of Spain[182] was healed by reading his works, after having in vain read the Bible throughout fourteen times[183]. _Credat qui vult._ And yet I could as soon subscribe to these, as to the cures performed by the Royal Touch. [181] Bolingbroke, on the Study of History, p. 22.