when and where you are disposed to look for him. Paracelsus stiffly maintains that the air in summer is not so full of flies as it is with his presence. The odium which hangs most heavily upon him is the odium theologicum. We do not propose to take this view of him, except so far as it may throw light upon his literary uses. A theological view might include his abuses rather than his uses.
It may be more original, if not so interesting, to consider the devil as of some use in the world. That his unprepossessing features have often inoculated the young with wholesome fear will even yet be stoutly maintained. Ever since the days of Luther, the catechisms of Germany have been adorned with a frontispiece, representing him with the appendages of horn, hoof, and forked tail; and this was one of the modes employed for teaching youth correct theological notions. But the march of intellect, which is said to lick all the world into shape, has licked the devil out. His horns are no longer a dilemma to the sinner; his claws no longer reach out after the wicked; and his tail is no longer unfolded to harrow up the soul! Our Intellectual age has acted upon him as the crowing of the cock is said to act upon ghosts—the visible presence vanishes before daylight. But it is unphilosophical to affirm that he is not, because his visible form has vanished. He may make his tracks in other people's shoes, and in the multiplicity of his engagements he does not always cover them. We may tell, from the slime he leaves behind, that a serpent went that way, and not less certainly that the devil has been about by certain actions in human society. His horns are hid under many a judge's wig; his hoof is pinched by many a patent-leather boot; and his tail concealed by costliest broadcloth. And, my fine lady, he does not disdain to hide in your dimpled smile, to wanton with your ringlets, glitter in your ear-drops, nestle in your muff, and shoot his darts in your glances.
He has no particular profession or trade, though he can lend a hand to all. He preaches, though he has never taken orders. He is no lawyer, but who can sophisticate like him? He is no doctor, but he often kills. He is no mechanic, but he glories in a glowing forge, where implements of manifold deviltry are turned out. He is no broker, but none of your old, sleek, plump cent-per-cents has such
