“The term Magi is most probably derived from Majas (worshippers of fire) or from Moogh, almost synonymous to the former term. The founder of this religion in Persia was Zoroaster. He extended his doctrine in all the provinces of Persia, and some parts of India. He and almost all the celebrated Magi were supposed to have performed wonderful miracles. The Mantua (or text) implies certain passages of the Vedas, and also certain sentences, by means of which impostors pretend to heal diseases, to banish evil spirits, and bring lions, serpents, and other fierce and venomous animals to subjection. In fact, in India, Persia, and almost all the countries of Asia, the inhabitants are still deluded by pretended magicians, astrologers, etc. Almost all the celebrated kings, sages, and devotees are mentioned in every historical work as being possessed of supernatural power.
“Pari signifies a female
spirit in the human form, and is very nearly synonymous to the English term
fairy, signifying male and female spirits. Deeoo (or Dives) is synonymous to Demons, and Jin is an Arabic word, signifying a kind of superior being, morally
responsible for their actions, and possessed of almost all the powers that an
angel is possessed of. The difference between the Jins
| 326 | WILLIAM GODWIN |
