The Spirits with Healing Power.
By T.
We are told of a young woman in London who had already lapsed into unconsciousness from consumption, and was expected to breathe her last any moment. But suddenly she revived, got up from her sick-bed, and went about the house a perfectly well person. It is said further that one peculiarity in connection with the case is that she seems to have gained an unwonted power and vigor of mind in connection with her bodily restoration to health. The story is told also that some wonderful manifestations of spirits attended her remarkable recovery. Because of this recovery in such a miraculous manner, many have the idea that the angels or spirits that visited her sick chamber were from God, and therefore they were good spirits. But a text of Scripture says, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1. There are false prophets, and therefore, so the text informs us, we are not to believe every spirit. And no matter if the spirit work a real miracle, that in itself is not positive evidence that the spirit is from God; for we have the following, among other texts of the same import: “Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is the Christ, or, Here; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Behold, I have told you beforehand. If therefore they shall say unto you, Behold, He is in the wilderness; go not forth: Behold, He is in the inner chambers; believe it not.” Matt. 24:23-26. This text states plainly that false Christs and false prophets shall arise, and that they will show great signs and wonders. But we are cautioned not to give heed to them, for it is their desire, if possible, to lead astray the very elect of God. Instead of going into ecstasies over the doings of the spirits in these times, it is well that we give careful heed that we are not deceived by them. The spirits of demons are doing their utmost to keep the people from seeing the strong, clear evidence that the coming of Christ is right at hand. One of their greatest devices is to keep men amused and entertained with the miracles, supposed and real, that they are exhibiting. T.