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Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—C

Cabala

The oral law of the Jews delivered down from father to son by word of mouth. Some of the rabbins say that the angel Raziel instructed Adam in it, the angel Japhiel instructed Shem, and the angel Zedekiel instructed Abraham; but the more usual belief is that God instructed Moses, and Moses his brother Aaron, and so on from age to age.

N.B.- The promises held out by the cabala are: the abolition of sin and sickness, abundant provision of all things needful for our well-being during life, familiar intercourse with deity and angels, the gift of languages and prophecy, the power of transmuting metals, and also of working miracles.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894

Cabalist

Cabal