CHAPTER XI.
EXORCISM.
This superstitious practice, which consists in a prescribed formula of adjuration, accompanied by various menacing demonstrations, by the use of which the priest professes to expel the evil spirits from an individual, of whom they are supposed to have taken possession, was practised in the Romish Church, principally before the baptism of infants.

The rite was retained, with an altered interpretation, in various parts of the Lutheran Church in Europe, for several centuries.
In the American Lutheran Church, it was never received by the fathers of our church, and is regarded as unscriptural and highly objectionable, under the most favorable interpretation that can be given it.
As exorcism is not touched by the Augsburg Confession, it is also not discussed by the Rev.Mr.Mann, in his Plea.

But as others have objected to the Platform for representing it as in any degree a part of the Symbolic system, we will adduce evidence enough to satisfy every impartial and reasonable reader, that it was so regarded for several centuries, by a considerable portion of the Lutheran Church in Europe; and that the assertion of the Platform, "_that this rite was retained, with an altered interpretation, in various parts of the Lutheran Church in Europe, for several centuries_," (p.

23,) is even more than sustained.
As our church, in common with the other state churches of Europe, is controlled by the civil government, the ministers and members of the church were never invited or permitted to deliberate and decide on the question what books they will receive as symbolical or binding.

This work the political rulers or princes determined for them, in consultation with some leading divines.