Communing with the Spirits
SIR OLIVER LODGE, in a recent speech in London, expressed his conviction that there was positive evidence of a future existence. A few sentences from his speech are the following: “I say this on definite scientific grounds. I say it because I know that certain friends of mine still exist, because I have talked to them. Communication is possible, but one must obey the laws to find out the conditions.” Sir Oliver Lodge is one of the world’s eminent scientists. He, with many other leading characters, has been devoting a great deal of time to “psychical research.” These men are endeavoring to find out, in a “scientific way,” that there is a future life; and instead of basing their evidence upon the word of the infinite God, they tell us that they are sure of a future life because they have conversed with the spirits of those who have died. Communing with the spirits is no new thing. Among the laws that Moses gave to the Israelites was this: “Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God.” Lev. 19: 31.
And through the prophet Isaiah is sent out this warning: “When they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits and unto the wizards, that chirp and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? on behalf of the living should they seek unto the dead?” Isa. 8: 19, A. R. V.
The same Bible that gives us these positive laws against experimenting with the supposed spirits of the dead, tells us that “the dead know not anything.” Eccl. 9: 5. The Bible teaches that there is utter unconsciousness between the death of the individual and his resurrection. The idea of an immortal soul that lives on after death, is a pure superstition. It has no scientific foundation under it whatever, and furthermore it has the most positive declarations of the Bible against it. But some of the worst delusions with which the closing days of time will be cursed will be brought about through the seducing spirits of the fallen angels, that will claim to be the spirits of the dead. The apostle says, “The Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” 1 Tim. 4: 1. Millions of people are seduced by these fallen spirits, just as the Bible said they would be; but those who actually believe and follow God’s word will not be entrapped in this matter.