Education in the Home by Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, Cal. · Dec 6, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 49.

Education in the Home

By Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle

EDUCATION IN THE HOME. No. 27.

BY MRS. L. D. AVERY-STUTTLE.

"AND I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty."

"That's a pretty long verse for Beth to read," said Mattie. "But don't you see, Josie, that this says plainly enough that devils and evil spirits do have power to work miracles?"

"Why, yes; I think it's ever so plain," replied Josie, as she cast a wondering glance toward her mother.

For some time Mr. Gray had been a silent listener. But this verse of scripture which little Beth had read, seemed to rouse him. Fixing his deep, earnest eyes upon Brother Hartman, he said:

"I have a dear brother who was converted to Spiritualism after the death of his son, only because the dead boy appeared to his father in response to the incantations of the medium;—of course I mean that which claimed to be the boy's spirit. My brother declared that the child looked perfectly natural, and that he mentioned a number of circumstances known only to those two. Now," continued Mr. Gray, "if we had known that it is entirely possible for Satanic agencies to perform miracles, I think he would have been on his guard. As it was, he attributed it all to the power of God manifested through the spirit of his child."

"We believe, Mr. Gray," rejoined Brother Hartman, "that these very phenomena are special signs of the last days, and that they will appear more and more wonderful as we near the coming of the Lord, and many who profess Christianity will be deceived,—even the 'very elect,' if it were possible. Walter, will you read a text found in 1 Tim. 4:1, which proves this assertion?"

"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils."

"Elsie, suppose you should sometime see that which purported to be the spirit of one of your dear friends,—perhaps the little sister who died several years ago,—do you think you would be deceived by it?"

"It would be a great trial of faith, father, but I hope I should be kept by the power of the Word."

Mrs. Gray and Mrs. Wilbur each watched the young speaker intently, and Mrs. Gray asked very earnestly:

"O Miss Elsie, pray tell me; what would you say?"

"Yes, yes," added Mrs. Wilbur, "and what would you do?"

"I hope," replied Elsie, "that God would give me courage to repeat Rev. 16:14: 'For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles.' This is about what I should say,—and—what would I do?—I trust that such close contact with the powers of darkness would drive me to my knees in earnest prayer for God to keep and protect me."

"Well said, my daughter!" exclaimed Brother Hartman, while a tear rolled down his cheek and fell on the open Bible in his hand.

Billy Black had been an interested listener all the evening, and grandma looked questioningly into the eager face, and asked:

"What is troubling you, Billy?"

"I was wondering if He'd do it," answered Billy anxiously, "Miss Elsie said she would ask the great God to protect her. I wonder if He'd do it always, if a fellow asked Him?"

"Shall I tell you what He says, Billy?" replied grandma, "'The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them,'" repeated the dear old lady reverently.

"What other miracle will Satan do, especially to deceive the people, Mr. Wilbur? 2 Cor. 11:14."

"I'll tell you frankly," replied Mr. Wilbur, as he turned to the reference, "I was brought up to believe that there was no real, personal devil, but in the light of these plain scriptures, I'm bound to alter my position. But I will read: 'And no marvel, for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.'"

"Well, then; not only may we expect him to personify our dead friends," interrupted John, "but we can look out for him even in the guise of an angel of light."

"Well," said Josie Wilbur despairingly, "I don't see how we are going to be able to know the good from the evil. O Mr. Hartman! how are we going to tell?"

"My dear young friend, right here is one place where the Ten Commandments of God serve us in good stead. Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus is the only Christ, and that the law of God—the entire Ten Commandments—are still binding, is of God. This is the unfailing test. My proof! O yes; please read Isa. 8:20." "'To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this Word, it is because there is no light in them.'" "One text more, Josie; just turn and read 1 John 4:2." "'Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God.'" "Now we are sure that the law of God and the faith of Jesus are not the foundation stones of Spiritualism," continued Brother Hartman.

"I see, I see! it's plain enough, isn't it, mother?" There was a new light—the light of intelligent faith—in Josie's eyes, as she turned to her mother. Mrs. Wilbur was about to reply, when Mr. Jones spoke earnestly:

"I'm not a believer in Spiritualism, Mr. Hartman. I trust you will not think that, because I have kept silent. I have always had a horror of it ever since my young nephew became a medium. Poor boy! he became insane shortly afterward,—as bright and intelligent a young man as one would wish to see;—yes, I have a horror of it, and believe with you that it is from the pit of darkness. But there's one thing that is not quite clear to me,—the experience of King Saul and the witch of Endor. Perhaps you would not mind giving us your idea upon it."

Brother Hartman did not reply for a moment. He seemed to be deeply absorbed in his own thoughts,—thoughts which the earnest words of his neighbor had awakened. Then he replied, as he rapidly turned the leaves of his Bible:

"My friend, you are not the first, by many, who has had trouble in understanding this most interesting Bible narrative. But I am sure it was given a place in God's Book for a noble purpose, and, as Paul says of all Scripture, it is profitable. It would be well, perhaps, to read it as it is recorded in 1 Samuel 28. "But first, suppose we sing something, and have a word of prayer, before we proceed with our study."

"What would you like to sing, Billy?" asked John. (To be continued.)