150 



" ciphers or arithmetical numbers, and explaining every word by 

 " tlie arithmetical value of the letters whereof it is composed." It 

 appears, that cabbalistic inscriptions were common upon amulets,; 

 and further, that our Saviour and his miracles were much con- 

 nected, in the minds of some visionaries, with the mysteries of tlie 

 Cabbala. We may then reasonably conclude, that this art, which 

 was chiefly employed in expressing or explaining hidden meanings 

 of a theological description, through the medium and connection 

 of fancied powers existing in numbers, was employed in the formation 

 of such an amulet as this. The Vice Provost's construction is thus. 



There are 2 words in each line — This number is the first of 

 the equal numbers. 



There are 3 meanings, or a triple one — This is the first of the 

 unequal numbers ; unity not being considered as number. 2 and 

 3 are lucky and unlucky numbers in conjuring. 



4 lines — 4 is the first of the square numbers, and represents a 

 surface. 



7 letters on each line — ^the number of days in the week. 



8 — the number of total words, and the first of the cube numbers. 



28 — the number of letters, and a perfect number. 



52 — the sum of all the foregoing, and the nimiber of weeks in 

 the Near. 



So there are 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 28, and 52. 



He construes the conjurations then in this manner : " May this 

 " amulet prove a perfect (28) preservation to its wearer ; in any si- 

 " tuation of life, whether prosperous or unlucky (2 and 3) ; in eveiy 

 " portion nf space (5 and 8), and part of time (7 and 52) ; by virtue 

 " of him, whoie name an J image it bears ; who reigns the 

 "Messiah, <Sfc." 



