Note and Comment

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 9, 1910

Modern Sorcery

THE practise of sorcery is by no means confined to bygone ages. It has many modern exponents, who may be found in nearly every community, preying upon the credulity of the people as did the sorcerers of old. Speaking of the modern form of this evil, the Christian Herald of May 25 says:—

To-day, the sorcerer has his antitypes in many American communities. We are living in a time that surpasses all others in the number and boldness of its spiritual impositions. On every side, we see or hear vulgar offers to impart “the gift of God” for money. . . . All over the country the Holy Spirit is made a subject of trade and barter like worldly merchandise, and the divine power of healing body and soul is trafficked in as one would sell meat and drink. Moreover, these spiritual traders have a tariff of their own, by means of which they undertake to sell salvation at fixed rates. There is sharp competition among them, and they do not scruple to cry down one another’s wares, after the manner of peddling tradesmen. Those who conduct these businesses, in advertisements that bear all the earmarks of the auctioneer, describe their power in the cure of blindness, deafness, deformities, etc., “just as the Master did.” This reference to the world’s Redeemer in a catchpenny advertisement is the last limit of impious mendacity. It is difficult to understand how any sane and well-balanced person could be deceived by such transparent quackery; yet the business is apparently profitable. Like Simon of Samaria, they prey upon the ignorant and the superstitious; but they fairly outclass “the sorcerer” at his own game in their wildly extravagant claims and their spiritual pretentions. . . . The worst feature of it is that good, simple, but overcredulous people are frequently found among the victims; and these have to pass through a bitter experience before their eyes are open, and they come back to their right bearings.

We are living in an age of great delusions. Satan will deceive all but the elect of God, those whose faith is founded on the sure Word of truth. Let us take heed to the counsel of God for these perilous times.