Moreover, as concerning their death, of which you speak: what was it that obliged the Oracle of Apollo, to say, that all those who speak Oracles, were mortal, as well as he; as Porphyrius reports? And, what think you, was the meaning of that voice which was heard on all the coast of Italy, and struck so great a terror into all those who were upon the sea? The Great Pan is Dead! They were the people of the air: who gave notice to the people of the water that the chiefest and most aged of all the Sylphs, was newly dead. At that time when this voice was heard (said I to him) I suppose that the world worshipped Pan and the Nymphs: and that these gentlemen, whose commerce you are preaching of to me, were the false gods of the heathen. 'Tis true, my son (replied he) the Sages have always been of that opinion, that the Devil never had the power to make himself worshipped. He is too unhappy, and too weak, ever to have had this pleasure, and this authority. But he has been able to persuade the elementary hosts to shew themselves to men, and make men erect temples to them; and by the natural dominion which every one has over the element which he inhabits, they trouble the air, and the sea, set the earth in combustion, and dispense the fire of heaven, according to their humour: insomuch that they had no great trouble to be taken for Deities, so long as the sovereign being dispensed the salvation of the world. But the devil never received all the advantage of his malice, which he hoped he should; for it has happened from thence, that Pan, the Nymphs, and the rest of the elementary people, having found the means of changing this commerce of worship, into a commerce of love; (for you may remember, that amongst the ancients, Pan was the king of those gods whom they called Incubuses, and who always earnestly sought the acquaintance of maids), many heathens have escaped the devil, and shall never burn in hell. I do not well understand you, sir (said I) You have not minded me, to understand me (continued he, smiling, and in a jeering tone). Behold what you pass over! and likewise what your doctors pass over, who know not what these excellent Physicks mean! Behold the great mystery of all this part of philosophy, which concerns the elements, and which will take away (if you have but never so little love for yourself), this repugnance to philosophy, which you have witnessed to me this day! Know then, my son; and go not about to divulge this great Arcanum to any unworthy ignorant. Know, that as the Sylphs acquire an immortal soul, by the alliance which they contract with the men who are predestinated; so also, the men who have no right to eternal glory: those miserable wretches, whose immortality is but a lamentable advantage, for whom the Messias was sent--