How the early priests came into possession of these secrets does not appear, and if there were ever any records of this kind the Church would hardly allow them to become public.

But then, so far as I know, I am the only performer who ever pledged his assistants to secrecy, honor and allegiance under a notarial oath.

Anyone who believes in magic is a fool.

I think that in a year I may retire. I cannot take my money with me when I die and I wish to enjoy it, with my family, while I live. I should prefer living in Germany to any other country, though I am an American, and am loyal to my country.

Disloyalty in trusted servants is one of the most disheartening things that can happen to a public performer.

No performer should attempt to bite off red-hot iron unless he has a good set of teeth.

The eating of burning brimstone is an entirely fake performance.